Free Bound in Blood 1 Clandestine by Nicole Rae Page B

like it was being pulled. As she ran, the
remaining moisture on her cheeks mingled with the wind and
stung like needles. Her heart was violently hammering inside
her. She couldn’t stop. Emily had a long way to go and couldn’t
get passed the fear that now gripped her whole body.
    I’m not going to
let anything hurt you , the voice in her head
assured her. Through her steady pace, she could recall this voice
from the bus and back at Blake’s. With all the memories intact
now, she connected the most recent ones with the one from that
terrifying night. Instead of feeling crazy this time, Emily allowed
herself to be comforted, no matter how irrational that comfort
might be. Somehow, it made her feel less alone.
    Emily was running too fast that she
didn’t see the lip in the
sidewalk and her body went down, like a ton of bricks.
Surprisingly, she reacted quickly, catching herself with her
outreached hands. She grunted in pain, as she hit the ground with
a skidding thump. Agony followed; a sharp burning sensation
ripped at her palms and knees, they were on fire. For a second,
she stilled, trying to collect herself. She was grateful that cars
were scarce, since she didn't intend to become the latest speed
bump.
    Emily willed her breathing to relax, knowing that it
wouldn’t do her any good to hyperventilate. Getting to the safety
of home was still the top priority and the urgency of that need
could not be ignored. Her mind worked frantically, as she began
pulling herself up from the ground.
    A strong hand gripped her arm and hauled her to her feet.
Startled, Emily automatically jumped back, but the grip stayed
firm. She could have sworn she had been the only one on the
darkened street and she hadn't heard footsteps approach. One
minute she was staring at the sidewalk and the next at clusters of
stars in the night sky. Ordinarily, the sight would have comforted
her, but the torrent of memories had left her in a fog.
    An unfamiliar voice spoke, with an accent she didn't
recognize,“Don’t be frightened child,” He spoke slow and
careful in an eerie sort of way.
    The hairs on the back of her neck rose and goose bumps
formed on her forearms. That awful nagging stomach clenching
was taking over her midsection again. Instinctively, her mind
screamed for her to move, only the call went unanswered. It was
as though her feet were cemented to where she stood. She shook
her head against the unwillingness to move to no avail. The next
course of action was putting on a brave face. The problem with
that was thathe probably wouldn’t buy it.
    Emily swallowed. “Um
, thanks.” She hurried, slinging her
fallen backpack over her shoulder. “Have a good night.” She
said, rushing to move pass him.
    His hand found purchase on her arm again, clenching a bit
tighter than before. “No need to hurry. I’d be happy to offer a
lovely girl, such as yourself, a ride to anywhere your heart
desired.”
    What a creepy guy; his friendly voice was a mocking
contrast, compared to the clutch, cutting off her circulation. A
hand shaped bruise would surely follow. “Oh,that’s okay. I like
the walk.” Emily shrugged off his touch and started towards the
next street light. She tried to act oblivious to Mr. Creepy’s
terrifying charm, even though her normal disposition was
wearing thin.
    She sprinted to the corner in a flash, had to stop and wait for
the cars to pass. The bright sight of their headlights was
soothing, because it meant she was in plain sight of several
witnesses. Hopefully, they would come to her aid if the situation
became threatening. His words carried an ominous undertone
and made her skin crawl. She was just about to flag someone
down, dramatically flailing her arms and screaming, when she
was stopped short.
    The guy caught up to her and forcefully spun her around to
face him. “You’re being very rude. I just want to get to know
you. I’m new in town that’s all.” He said, with mock pain