Page 15 of Slay Me

The moment the circus comes into view, everyone’s moods darken. Their frustration is my hope, though. Because while the circus might have its own problems, I’m safe here. At least, until the Ringmaster tires of me or my contract wears out. Whichever comes first.

But before we can step out of the alley and into the full view of the buildings, a dozen supernaturals rush in front of us, blocking our way.

My heart pounds. I don’t recognize them, but that doesn’t mean anything. Ernesto is always bringing in fresh meat as he calls it.

“Look here, boys, the pretty performers are out and about.”

“Get out of our way, or I’ll cut your cock off and feed it to you.”

The man’s grin spreads, showing off blackened teeth that have been filed to points. “Go ahead and try, pretty thing.”

Fiona pulls out a dagger and tosses it in the air, her warning. Meanwhile, Apollo clenches his fists, likely preparing to shift.

Valentina, however, takes to the sky and zips off toward the circus, leaving Harriss and me standing just behind the only two of us who stand a chance at fighting back.

But even Fiona and Apollo cannot take on a dozen men.

The gaze of the blonde man in front of us shifts to me. “I don’t recognize you, pretty thing,” he says, licking his lips. “Are you the little bird that flies up in the air?”

I stiffen, my blood running cold.Little bird.

“Take her,” he orders.

They lunge forward. Harriss grabs me and throws me behind him, backing all the way up until I’m cornered. He withdraws a small blade from his robes and holds it out in front of him as Apollo shifts into a massive burst of feathers and fur.

He roars and fights, though the three men surrounding him are faster than I expected.

“Easy, Liv,” Harriss says. He glances back at me, eyes swirling with power. “All will be well.”

Before I can even begin to unpack what it is he means, a man lunges for him. “Harriss! Look out!” He brings the blade up and stops him, but the distraction is enough that a woman I hadn’t seen before grabs my arm and yanks me from behind the djinn.

“Let’s go, pretty. Someone wants to see you.”

I reach for my magic, but once again, it’s completely and utterly useless. So, I move to plan B. I slam my fist into her face, and she releases me for a split second. Using it to my advantage, I turn and sprint down the alley.

I glance behind me once then slam into a hard body and fall backward. My head hits the pavement with a crack, and pain explodes behind my eyes.

“Easy.” The voice is familiar, safe, so I open my eyes and stare up at the Ringmaster.

Something roars behind me, so he shifts his gaze and nods. Then he reaches down with a gloved hand and pulls me to my feet. I turn just in time to see three lion shifters finish off the group.

By the time they’ve finished, everyone is covered in blood—Harriss included.

And once again, I was useless.

* * *

The Ringmaster ushersme into his apartment and slams the door before turning to face me. His cheeks are flush with anger, his glare one that would have frightened me if I weren’t already terrified.

Iknewit was stupid to venture out without him. And I fucking did it anyway. My muscles quiver, though I try to remain standing. Try to appear as though I’m not completely and utterly petrified of the nightmare that very nearly came true.

“Are you all right?” he questions, tone unreadable.

“Yes,” I reply.

“Lie.”

Swallowing hard, I cross my arms. “Fine. No. I’m not all right. I go out yesterday, and everything is fine. Then, I try to step outside of my comfort zone today. Try to live just a little, and he’s there. He’s always there.” Tears spill down my cheeks.

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