Free Friction (The Frenzy Series Book 4) by Casey L. Bond

he’s your best runner,” I parroted. Lydia’s claws scratched pathways across my cheek. I launched myself at her, forgetting the belt, overwhelmed by rage. It was only when I knocked her down and bent toward her, that the metal teeth reminded me of their presence.
    Lydia screeched, “He was my favorite!”
    “That’s enough!” Elise said from behind me. Something sharp pierced my neck and I clasped my hand over it as things became fuzzy. I knew immediately what she’d done.
    “Belladonna.” I could smell it and feel the poison begin to filter into my blood. My heart pumped it faster through my body, spreading the poison evenly.
    “Word on the street is that it has quite an effect on you. Right, Pierce?”
    As Elise helped me stand, Pierce stepped into the room. His hair had been cut short, making him look too much like his brother. My vision swam and my head bobbed, too heavy for me to lift for long.
    “Remove the belt,” someone said, to which Pierce pushed something on the side and it unclamped. He eased each metal tooth from my waist, one by one. I could feel blood pour from each wound, soaking into my dress—the dress Maggie made for me.
    “You ruined my dress,” I slurred. “You’ll pay for this.”
    He smirked. “I highly doubt it.”

 
     

     

    I could sense her distress. She wanted me to leave, but didn’t want to go with them. The asshole chasing me was a cocky bastard, but so was I. I led him through the woods, blurring through trees, up and down hills and across streams and outcroppings of rock, and that was where I got him – near the den of the coyotes Saul and I hunted for the people of Mountainside.
    Dropping down over the hill onto the rocks, I ducked back into the den and waited as he jumped down after me. Then I pounced. I drained him as he kicked and thrashed, fighting to squeeze my hands, throat, and head tighter and tighter until he lost strength and stopped fighting. I kept drinking until I was beyond full, until there was nothing left of him but an empty husk.
    I had to go back for her, but I knew I needed help. The vamps of The Manor were nothing to toy with. They wiped The Glen off the map, along with almost every creature in the entire area. Having depleted their food source, it wouldn’t be long until the residents of The Manor ventured farther to find food. I couldn’t take them on alone and had no idea how many we were up against to begin with, but Roman might.
    Pumping my arms, gut full of fresh blood, I ran toward Mountainside. I knew Roman would have the answers I needed, and we had to get her back.
    Her emotions ranged from angry to worried, but at least she was okay. I just hoped the guy I just drained had no blood bond with anyone, or else they would quickly realize he was gone and Porschia would pay the price.
    The guards didn’t have time to oppose me. The gate had already been opened up for a man pushing a small cart of wood, and I ran inside past them and straight to the rocky dwelling where Roman lay. Saul and Mercedes were outside but followed me in.
    “Where’s Porschia?” Saul yelled.
    “What happened?” Mercedes asked.
    Roman sat up. He still looked awful but was awake and alert. I crouched low in front of him. “Did you know about The Glen?”
    He ticked his head back. “What about it?”
    “It’s empty. All of the people are gone and the only thing there besides some stray animals—which I’m surprised they haven’t already eaten—were two of your lovely friends from The Manor.”
    “Oh, no,” he cursed, holding his hand out for me to help him up. He groaned as I picked him up and sat him on his feet.
    “You need to tell me everything you know about them. Now.”
    He shrugged a sweater on and quickly pulled it down before beginning, “After Pierce fell to the Infection, a woman approached me...”
    “We know the story,” I snapped.
    “Not all of it!” he yelled back.
    “The note gave me directions to Blackwater and I took Pierce