Juliet
The previous night, after Damian hit me, I must have fallen asleep, deciding against taking a bath with a perv in the vicinity. My eyes darted toward the door between our rooms; it stood open. I jumped up and hurried over the little bridge, hoping he'd be there, only to stop halfway, suddenly nervous. What if he were here? After, I didn't even want to talk to him. Slowly, I walked on, mustering up some courage. I was in such a tiff before he left. Why would he want to come? He was probably mad at me… The room was empty. I regretted not talking to him. Frustrated with myself, I went over to the bed to sit down, noticing creases in the linen as if someone was sitting on Marcus's bed. No! Lying down on it. My head snapped to the door. Damian's face staring at me the whole night grossed me out. Does he even know what Marcus would do to him? Would Marcus do anything?
I got dressed, put on my veil, and opened the door. Damian was right outside waiting… It was going to be a great day; the guy was going to follow me everywhere, like at that moment. "We want breakfast." Twelve sarcastic things I could say came to mind. My cheek was a constant reminder of the knock I got, so I kept my mouth shut, went to the kitchen, and made them some food. When will I get human blood? How did feeding at the compound even work? After Marcus's interview on TV, would it even be an option? I couldn't ask unless I bent down, put my head on the floor, and waited for Damian to give me permission to speak. Not happening. If I could only have a beer or a cigarette to take the edge off. Not knowing what time of day it was didn't help my equilibrium.
Standing outside the kitchen, I stared out over the yard; how was I going to shake you today? Didn't they ever change shifts? Would Damian never get tired? Oh man, I was so bored. No TV. No phone. No books. Argh, I was gonna go insane. What was I supposed to do?
A car stopped outside the gate. Who could it be? Weird. The sun was high in the sky. It had to be lunchtime because I was in the kitchen again. The last place I wanted to be.
My mom and dad walked up the corridor, eyeing Damian, who was watching me from his chair. They headed into the kitchen to put some groceries on the counter. "I need to eat soon. I'm getting edgy," I said as I hugged both of them, wincing when my mom pressed her cheek a little too hard on mine. Irritated and angry, my dad closed the door on Damian.
"What was that?" my mom gestured to my cheek.
I shook my head, "Nothing."
Both of them knowingly stared at me. "Louis is beside himself because you didn't come."
"You will have to tell him that my guards are more vigilant today. I don't know when I'll see him again, " I sighed, "When is Marcus coming back?"
"He is so busy, Julie… There were more TV broadcasts today. He is on every channel the whole day… I don't think it will be this week. They had a whole schedule mapped out for him. He is to visit every continent."
"What happened?"
"They released Qadir. There was nothing else anyone could do. The negotiations have begun. So, no more eating humans. Marcus said they were waiting on supplies from En-gannim to support Qadir's efforts."
"They needed the attack to stop. The body count was getting too high. Qadir had released it worldwide," My mom added. "Qadir has them right where he wants them. He is indulging them at this stage, waiting to see what his father will allow."
My parents left, promising me to come again the next day. It was at least something.
***
Louis
I wasn't coping as well as I thought I would. Juliet had not surfaced today. Why had I encouraged her? Stupid! Nervously, I paced the hall, waiting for Liam and Cindy. Every time Marcus was on TV, it was a reminder that she was all alone and how very long and tiring our time at the compound would be for us. It became worse when Liam and Cindy came into the house fighting. He immediately sat at the dining room table, calling Marcus.
"Yes," Marcus answered curtly with a bit of irritation. Already too busy to take a call; in the background, a commotion of people trying to speak over one another, and others who wanted his attention.
"Marcus, the guard watching Juliet hit her last night."
For a painstaking moment there was silence on the other end, "She has to learn to keep her mouth shut, Liam. Juliet is the one who wanted to come for her treatment… I can't talk now," he hung up.
Liam drew in a breath, covering his mouth with his hand. His gaze fell across the room, peering wide-eyed out in front of him. My head slumped in defeat. Indignation filled all of us. "Did that just happen?" Liam asked. Cindy slowly got up and went to their bedroom, softly closing the door. Liam pushed the chair out, grabbing a drink from the fridge. He opened the patio door to go sit outside.
What was I supposed to do? It had only been a few days! Marcus was already not choosing her. She would be heartbroken. I had put some of my faith in him… Did I make a mistake? Without him there, she would have to suffer for much longer than necessary. Marcus always wanted Juliet at the compound. Now she was. This… Is this really what he had planned for her? Invisioned his life to be like. How would we get out of this mess? Charlene was the dominating factor… Alone at the f—ing house in the middle of nowhere. I followed Liam outside, "We need to talk about the brandings."
"Yeah. We need to get out of here. Qadir got what he wanted. Marcus is back. It doesn't seem like he will step up after all… The thing is, I can't get a hold of Samuel. Now that Chris is gone… It's like all the rules are out the window."
"I'm scared for her, Liam. She didn't say anything, but she thinks the guard is getting off on her."
Liam's foot jumped up and down. The drink went flying, crashing into the mountain that surrounded and caged us in. "Why the hell did we do this?! We can't even begin with the treatment because Marcus is not here. It's not like she can walk to Rodrigo's office." Liam sat forward, his head in his hands. "And if we leave now… she'll die."
I was quiet… Would now be a good time to tell them everything? Juliet and I could walk out—hand in hand. "What is it, Louis. Spit it out." This guy knew me. He had been alive longer and could help me.
"I… I did something, Liam." His eyes met mine.
***
Juliet
Around lunchtime the next day, my parents made another visit. When would Damian tell them to stop?
"Julie… Louis told us everything." I was stunned. Was he so worried?
"We want the two of you to go." I didn't know what to say. My eyes darted to the kitchen door. Would Damian hear us? My dad took me by the arm and walked to the back door. "I can open for you… You take his hand and never look back," his voice was low. My mind was racing with all the implications. Selfishness was pushing me to take the gap, grab the door handle, and leave.
"What about Charlene and Miné?"
"Marcus is back, Juliet. Qadir got what he wanted… If you're in the wind. What can Marcus do but stay? They got the last cub. Qadir won't bother, and Sita is gone."
"Michael?"
"Julie… you have to think about the possibility—"
"No! Not until I see a freaking body." I didn't even want to think about Michael with a bullet through his head. "What about you guys?"
"We'll walk out with you," my mom said.
"What about Caleb and Chris?"
My father's hand slowly dropped from my arm. "Oh, Juliet. I don't know what to do. Did he hit you again?"
I dropped my gaze to his shirt, "You didn't tell Louis, did you?"
If I were to ever see Chris and Caleb again. The compound was the only place to be. "I… can't," I said finally. "I was prepared for this." My parents hugged me together.
There was nothing else to do but be patient. It was one of my weaknesses. So I practiced. I sat on my bed for the next seven excruciating days, checking Damian's every move so he couldn't watch me. It was weird. They never changed shifts. Even their breaks were taken there… If I wanted to sneak out again, I would have to be clever about it… Of course, I also tested the boundaries a bit. First, I tried reading. If I could only read, I could actually do it… Damian opened the door and hit me. Twice. Harder every time. "Women don't read, Juliet. The library is on his side for a reason."
They didn't mind me in the kitchen—obviously… So I spent most days there. I tried asking in the usual way when I would be fed. That got me a hard knock. Not supposed to ask like that. I have to say it was terrible. Only Louis could hit me, and it was fine. I was thankful, too. He taught me how to be knocked around a bit and keep sane. It was like practice in the ring, with only a bigger guy and a lot older, fully manifested. It kept me from thinking about Caleb.
Although my mind went back and forth. I should've taken Miné, Charlene, and Louis—made us all disappear and walk to the end of Canada. The four of us could have been happy. We all could've run in different directions and figured out another way to get to Caleb. Then I'd be right back to staying.
My parents didn't come again. It wasn't a coincidence. Either Damian heard us talking or didn't like us talking at all.
One thing I could do was exercise. Pushups. Planks. Stomach. Arms. Legs. Staying fit and active was important. Unfortunately, the exercise, coupled with not having showered in a few days, was a problem... I lifted my arm to smell my pits. I stank. It wasn't very hygienic either. I didn't care—I was scared.
With the build-up of time, boredom, dirty hair, and the abuse, I couldn't anymore. I double-checked both doors and put on both the room lights with the one in the bathroom so I could see everything. I took a long bath. My eyes darted to the two rooms a few times. Lying in the tub was almost the only relaxing thing there was to do. I submerged myself in the water for a few minutes, trying to quiet my mind from the constant noise of Damian's voice or the chirping of the irritating grasshopper I would eat as soon as I found it.
I sat up, feeling more like myself, and wiped my hair back, draining the water with both hands. Marcus's room light had gone out. "F—." I wished Damian would get it over with and kill Louis and me already. He couldn't… Marcus would die. They were playing another game. Drawing in a breath, I reached out the tub to grab my towel, covering myself quickly before I got up. I slowly walked to the door. Again, I just needed to turn off the light in the bathroom, and I'd be able to see into Marcus's room. Nervously, I slapped the switch for effect, waiting for the lighting to even out. Nothing. I opened the door to check the room. Could my life be any worse? My bad luck had turned into a full-blown nightmare.
Getting dressed, I was so angry; almost sure Damian had watched me. Put out the light. The idea of whatever he was doing on the other side repulsed me. Yes, I was sexual, but really, did it give any guy the right to use me as a spectator sport? I paced the room. My brain switched to stupid Juliet. I called it the seventh stage of grief—going crazy.
I walked to the door without my veil and slid it open; Damian smirked, and the leer in his eye confirmed it. "Where is your veil pretty?" he asked with suggestion in his tone… My teeth crushed together. Crazy, full speed ahead. "Put your freaking veil on before you open the door." I flipped him off. Indignantly, his eyes darted from my hand to my eyes. He came at me. I disappeared, making him fumble forward into the room. He was not expecting it. How could they not tell him… Qadir knew… Was Damian not one of his guys?
I made a run for it. Damian, anticipating where I was going, was hard on my heels. If he got to the door, I would be stuck. I turned around, tripping him like I did Marcus at the cages. I scoffed, watching him fall flat on the floor and quickly open the kitchen door, disappearing again before he could get up. "Don't you dare! You won't survive. You better not come back!" he spat out.
I kept running—my heart beating out of my chest. Our house was too far, and I didn't feel like walking all the way. The market was just down the road, and hiding behind the counter in the bookstore was the safest place. I quickly made my way there, hoping and praying Soren was still managing the place.
I had to wait for someone to lift the tarp and sighed when Soren eventually pushed through. I headed to the little wooden counter. Was it always so small? I went down on my haunches, hiding like I always did. It wasn't long before he came around the corner. "F—!" he paused.
I waited as he stood frozen. "Can you please call Liam?"
Soren cursed some more, fumbled, grabbed the phone, and called my dad. At one time, the guy who was my only friend crouched next to me. My hair still wet against my back. "Hi, Julie," he rubbed over the bruises. "What did you get yourself into today? You got out… Did Marcus really find you? I haven't seen him in a year."
Marcus! In the end, everyone thought he'd be the bad guy. A tear rolled over my cheek. Soren took my face in his hands and wiped them away with his thumbs. Wounded eyes stared into mine. I fell forward onto his chest, sobbing.
The backdoor eventually opened. My dad held out his hand while Soren helped me up. I glanced back at him before we left, "Thank you."
At the house, I got out of the car and ran for the door. Louis and my mom were waiting. Louis swore and rested his hands on the table, collecting himself. I forgot I had a fresh bruise on my eye from that morning. What did I do again? Oh yeah, I tried writing something in the kitchen to see if they would let me. The three people in my life weren't happy, and neither was I. My hand involuntarily jumped up to my face.
Louis slowly walked towards me, stroking his hand on my cheek, cupping my neck to pull me into an embrace. I needed more to forget about everything. He picked me up and turned away from my parents, "I'm going to please you, baby. Love you till all this goes away."
Louis let me receive without any effort and didn't mind the waterworks afterward. He lay on top of me, our breathing evening out, his forehead pressed against mine, slowly rolling from side to side… "I'm sorry we have to stay, baby."
"I'm sorry I dragged you into this."
Car engines roared in the distance, coming toward the house; Louis opened his eyes when they stopped in the street—many doors slamming. "They've found me… You're the only one who can give me my cookie and have yours so quickly," I tried to lighten the mood.
He shrugged, pleased with his ability. "Do not show yourself. Stay here and let them scramble to find you. Even if it's only for a few days." He softly planted a kiss on my bruise. Loud banging came from the other side of the door. My dad waited a moment before opening. Louis was already dressed, watching TV next to me.
The room door was opened without question. They made a sweep through the house. Everybody said a lot but also nothing while they were being questioned. The guards had no choice but to leave.
Damian wasn't there. He wasn't coming within a mile of Louis because he had secrets. Did Qadir still want Louis dead? Did he still not know Michael and Rodrigo lied? Were they waiting for a reason? For Louis to do something stupid so they would be able to get away with it… With Marcus, anyway… I shook myself, having so many doubts about him. I still didn't want to believe he would forget about me.
All the cars left. Louis closed the window and curtains. My mom came in and sat on the bed. I reappeared when the front door locked. "You guys haven't maybe spoken to Marcus yet?" All three shook their heads. My mouth pulled unhappily in the corner. "So that's how it's going to be."
"Nothing we can do tonight. Let's all get some rest," my mom said and left.
I got into bed, wiped, and slept as soon as my head hit the pillow.
It was four days of bliss: smoking, drinking, and reading. Although we were all stuck in the house, no one was complaining…
Louis wanted to do something fun, so I put on my veil, and we went walking in the market. "Come and show me the bookstore and the couch." I could do with a novel. It wasn't a bad idea. Although Marcus had every book imaginable. He didn't have the latest fantasy romance, nor could I read any of the books at his house.
We walked into the supermarket. Louis pretended to be browsing. Everyone was staring at the new face. Handsome and friendly. He kept them busy while I stepped through the tarp in the back.
Soren's eyes shot up quickly, "NO WOMEN!" His long hair hung in his face, still so young, closest to my age. He swept it back, only for it to fall again. He muttered some or other swear word. I chuckled, walking past him. Our couches were still there. A little worn. I went to lie in my corner. Despite everything… I missed Marcus, hoping we were all wrong about him. Soren came over and held out a novel for me to scrutinize. I scanned the cover, "Yuk. You're going to have to do better." I played with my hair, bouncing my foot up and down. He wanted to turn; I couldn't keep it in anymore and jumped up, throwing my arms around his neck. He laughed, keeping his arms wide, like that was the proper response for a guy getting hugged by a girl.
"You all better?" I shook my head and pressed harder into him. Louis came in, leaning on the door frame, watching us. Soren was bright red, blushing. "I thought I'd never see you again," he said.
I sat and patted the seat next to me. Soren wanted to sit down. Louis pulled him up at his collar, "She didn't mean you, handsome."
Louis made himself comfortable and laid his head on my lap. He took out his phone, making us pose for a picture. We were fake reading. I was raking my fingers through Louis's hair. Soren was next to me on the armrest of the couch, showing a peace sign. Louis sent it to Marcus.
I got up, standing in front of Soren, and dug underneath my veil to pull my hair tie out of my hair. I slowly raked my fingers through his unruly strands, gathering them on top of his head and tying them so he wouldn't be irritated anymore.
"Did Marcus reply?" I asked.
"We got nothing back."
Soren sat on his haunches next to the couch, staring up at me. "He thinks you're beautiful."
"I have a veil on. And with all these bruises? I think not."
Soren nodded, "Still really pretty… Who's this guy?" he pointed to Louis. I lifted my hand. At least they never took my ring. Soren's eyes widened, "What about Marcus?"
"Undecided…" Louis said.
"Take it for you to go against everything and reverse it."
Louis laughed, "You never said Soren was this witty." I giggled.
"I missed you, Juliet. You were my only friend here," Soren confessed. "Life has been dull. No one to debate with. No one who has two brain cells to rub together."
"Well, that's the saddest thing I've ever heard," Louis commented.
"Any wives, Soren?" I asked.
"Uh, no. If I can't marry you, why bother? You need another one?"
Louis cleared his throat. "You'll have to ask the boss." I threw my thumb towards Louis.
"Undecided," Louis said again.
"Well, you'll be my first option if I ever do. Oh, and maybe Mateo." Soren's eyes stared dreamily into mine. I was nervously twirling my hair around my finger.
Louis sat up and cast a skeptical eye at me, "You're actually thinking about it."
I giggled, "He's cute… Don't you think?"
"You know—" Louis wanted to say something but cut himself off, "Quickly." He didn't have to ask; trouble was coming. I disappeared, and Soren didn't say anything. The door opened. Louis pretended to be reading the novel I had thrown in his lap. His eyebrow quirked at the title. He cleared his throat again. Soren kept his cool—used to problems following me.
A guard walked in and hovered over to Louis, "Where is she?"
He shook his head, the perfect liar. Detecting and thwarting every thought.
"We got a tip; you were here." Louis and Soren's eyes met in mutual understanding. We were all thinking it—Marcus.
"She left already…" Louis's countenance fell with every second. Somber Louis was almost back. Soren got up and walked to the counter.
The guard checked the book in Louis's hand. His face hardened, "She is making it more difficult on herself… Marcus wants her home. I will report this, and the next step would be to force her out of hiding," the guard's eyes shot to Soren, "If you get my drift."
Oh, hell no! They understood me so well. I appeared. Louis's hand rubbed his forehead. He couldn't protect me and was struggling. I just didn't want him to burst. "Sorry, baby," I said while being dragged out and pushed into a car.
I was relieved when we stopped outside Marcus's gates and not at the main house, where I would've ended up on the chopping block. The two guards picked me up; their arms hooked my armpits, and my feet dragged on the ground. They tossed me into my room, closing the door. I pressed my ear to the door, waiting for Damian to make his way to my room. He was talking on the phone when he slowly opened the door… "We have her. What do you want us to do?" He actually handed me the phone, walked away, and stood right outside.
There was that silence again between us—both stubborn to a fault. Did he not kiss me and show me how much he wanted me? Promise me he would never stop fighting. I closed my eyes tightly; why was he doing this?
"Juliet." My chin quivered. He wasn't calling me Julie... "Can you please behave?" A louder sob escaped me. I killed the call and threw the phone at the wall. It smashed and fell on the floor in front of Damian.
His eyes studied me with a predator's attention. I needed the pain, or else I wouldn't have been able to calm down. He unclasped his belt, smiling disgustingly. Damian was too big to fight. Where was my monster when I needed him... I regretted my actions. The jingling sound was too familiar. I fell to my knees as he struck down wherever he could. Caleb's little face was the only thing keeping me on the floor.