Chapter 1

Branches slapped at my face as I sprinted through the woods. The dim moonlight permeated the dense canopy above, sending patches of silvery light streaming through the leaves. Twigs cut into my feet as I ran, but the pain barely registered.

I wasn't sure the last time I'd seen the outside world. Weeks? Maybe months? My lungs burned as I dragged in breath after breath, forcing myself to keep going. I couldn't slow down. Not now.

Briars tugged at the flesh of my legs, tearing open the barely-healed wounds that covered my flesh. Agony ripped through my side, and I grimaced, a low growl welling up my throat. I pressed one hand to my side in an attempt to alleviate the pain but quickly jerked back. My hand came away stained blood, almost black in the dim light.

Distracted, I didn't see the fallen branch until it was too late. My limbs were sluggish, my mind more so, and my foot caught on the rough wood, knocking me off balance. My feet slid on the slippery carpet of damp leaves and pine needles, and I went down hard on my hands and knees.

My teeth gnashed together, sending stars dancing before my eyes. I dropped my chin to my chest, closing my eyes and willing away the pain. It was so damn tempting to stay like that, to indulge in a moment to catch my breath and let my weary muscles take a break. But I couldn't.

The world around me spun as I clambered awkwardly to my feet again and jolted into a fast stride. Everything hurt, and I could feel the blood slowly seeping from the open wounds. I felt lightheaded from exhaustion and loss of blood, but I couldn't give up now. It was truly amazing what the human body was capable of when faced with the threat of death. And I knew the men hunting me wouldn't stop until I drew my last breath.

Guilt clutched at me. In the past I'd failed to recognize them for the evil they were, and I'd compromised a young woman's life. It seemed unfair that I should live while she hadn't. If only for her, I had to keep going. I couldn't give up now; I refused to give them the satisfaction.

A cool breeze whipped through the trees, and goosebumps exploded across my bare flesh. I could only imagine what I looked like: naked, trails of blood running from the lacerations that riddled my body as I tore through the woods like a crazed maniac.

Maybe I was crazy. Any sane person would have given up by now. But any shred of sanity I'd harbored had been extinguished years ago.

My foot splashed through something cold and wet, and it stopped me in my tracks. In the dim light I hadn't noticed the small stream that cut through the woods. Not even a stream really—barely more than a trickle, the water was maybe only two inches deep. But beggars couldn't be choosers.

I glanced around, watching and listening for any sign of predators, both human and animal alike. Soft buzzes and chirps filled the night air as insects and birds resumed their calls to one other. Far off, brush rustled quietly as some small animal made its way through the woods. Though I couldn't linger too long, it was safe enough for now.

I dropped to the ground and lapped greedily at the water, the cool moisture exploding over my tongue. My mouth was parched; it felt like forever since I'd had something to drink. One of my captor's favorite interrogation methods was water deprivation. I'd been on the brink of death more times than I could count, yet I never spoke a word. I'd failed Eva; I would never betray Fox.

My stomach roiled from the sudden ingestion of water, and I forced myself to pull away. Too much and it would make me sick. Or kill me. Maybe that was the better option. I had no idea where I was, or how long I'd been running.

I dipped my hands into the shallow creek, relishing the feeling of the liquid as it washed over my fingers. I wasn't sure the last time I'd been clean. Personal hygiene wasn't exactly high on my captors' list of concerns.

Cupping my hands I scooped up the water and splashed it over my body. The chill set my teeth chattering, but it felt so damn good at the same time. I cleaned my wounds as best I could, wiping away the blood and grime. Once I was finished, I took another long drink. Who knew when I would have access to water again?

Once I'd had my fill, I rested on my knees, staring up at the sky. Branches crisscrossed overhead, blocking out most of the light. I just needed some kind of sign, some indication that I was headed in the right direction.

Daylight had bled into full dark now, yet I refused to slow. I wasn't certain how far I'd traveled. All I knew was, I hadn't encountered a single car or home all day. The area was incredibly remote and, if I didn't find something soon, I would have to spend the night in the woods.

After my time in captivity, it was still a blessing to be free. But the temperature was rapidly dropping. Already weary and weak, I wasn't entirely certain I'd survive the night.

I took another drink of water, splashed some on my face, then climbed wearily to my feet. I stumbled against a nearby tree as my muscles tried—and failed—to cooperate. I drew in a deep breath and rested my head against the rough bark, taking a moment to close my eyes. I'd managed to outwit the men who'd held me captive and tortured me. This was a minor trial. I would persevere. I had to keep going.

Summoning every ounce of energy I possessed, I pushed off the tree and started through the forest once more. I walked for another fifteen minutes or so when a soft yellow glow up ahead caught my attention. I ducked behind a tree, heart racing. I dared a wary peek around the trunk, and blinked to clear my vision.

Were those... lights?

Hope swelled in my chest as I practically threw myself the remaining distance to the edge of the woods. The trees suddenly ended, opening into a small backyard that surrounded a quaint ranch. The lights burning in the windows of the yellow house were the most wonderful thing I'd ever seen.

Dragging one foot in front of the other, I trudged up to the back door. I peeked inside and found a petite brunette moving around a small but tidy kitchen. Melting into the shadows, I checked the windows for any sign of the man who resided here. The rest of the house appeared to be empty. Either the woman's husband wasn't home, or she lived here all by herself.

This was best case scenario. I could overpower the young woman if it came to it. In my current condition, I seriously hoped it didn't.

On unsteady feet I climbed the steps of the porch and knocked on the door. My fist felt heavy, my mind oddly disconnected as the thumps resonated in the still air.

"Who is it?" The woman's voice was wary but filled with concern.

I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I scratched at the door, and a moment later the lock disengaged. The door swung open, revealing the beautiful young woman.

Our gazes locked, then everything went black.