Page 2

I swallow hard, realizing what he wants. "Yes... sir."

A grunt of approval rumbles from his chest. "That's better. Now, you're gonna behave and get in the truck like a good little lady, or do I need to teach you some manners first?"

The threat in his voice is unmistakable. I shake my head frantically, as much as his grip allows. "N-no, sir. I'll behave."

"Smart girl," Koda drawls, finally releasing my chin. He keeps a firm hold on my arm as he practically lifts me into the passenger seat of his truck. "Remember, darlin', I wasn't kiddin' about that hogtie’in. You try anything stupid, and you'll find out just how serious I am. And I might even enjoy it."

As he slams the door and rounds the truck, I rub my sore chin, the reality of my situation sinking in. I've escaped one danger only to land in the clutches of something far more terrifying. This orc, this Koda, he may have saved me from those men, but at what cost?

The engine roars to life, and as we peel away from the curb, I can't help but wonder if I've just made the biggest mistake of my life. God help me, what have I gotten myself into?

The engine roars to life, and Koda peels away from the curb with a screech of tires. I clutch at the seat, my heart pounding as he weaves through traffic with reckless abandon.

"Where are we going?" I ask again, hating how small and scared my voice sounds.

Koda doesn't even glance my way. "You'll know when we get there."

I fall silent, too terrified to push further. The streets of New Orleans blur past the window, familiar landmarks disappearing as we head out of the city. With each mile, I feel my old life slipping further away.

After what feels like hours, Koda finally speaks again. "Gonna lay down some ground rules, sugar. You don't speak unless spoken to. You don't ask questions. You do exactlywhat I say, when I say it. Break any of these, and there'll be consequences. Understood?"

I nod mutely, then remember his earlier command. "Yes," I whisper.

"Can't hear you," he growls.

"Yes!" I say louder, hating the tremor in my voice.

"Yes, what?" he presses, a dangerous edge to his tone.

I swallow hard, realizing what he wants. "Yes... sir."

A grunt of approval is his only response. We lapse back into silence, the only sound the rumble of the engine and my own ragged breathing.

As the city lights fade behind us and we plunge into the darkness of the bayou, I can't help but wonder if I've just traded one death sentence for another.

Two

Koda

I haul her up the stairs to my apartment, my hand clamped over her mouth to keep her quiet. Last thing I need is her squawkin' and wakin' up the whole damn Quarter. I kick the door open and toss her inside like a sack of potatoes, slamming it shut behind us.

"Sit," I growl, pointing at the worn leather couch. It ain't a request.

The little sugar plum– Pamela, was it? –stumbles to the couch, her eyes wide with fear. Good. Fear'll keep her alive.

"I... what's happening?" she whimpers, shrinking back as I loom over her.

I bare my teeth in what might pass for a smile on a human. To me, it's all predator. "What's happenin' is you're in a world of trouble, darlin'. And I'm the only thing standing between you and a shallow grave."

I stalk to the window, peeking through the blinds. No sign of those scumbags. Yet.

"Those men you saw? They own this city's underbelly. And now they own you too, unless you do exactly what I say." I don't wait for her response.

Time's wastin'. I yank open my closet, grabbing my go-bag. Cash, phones, clothes all go in. My hand closes around the cold metal of my gun. No hesitation this time. It goes in the bag.

"Up," I command, snapping my fingers at her. "We're movin' out. Now."

"But... where? I don't understand-"