Chapter 23: Cat and Mouse

It had taken a while to fall asleep, mind spinning with everything trying to think of ways to get out. Then as she realized her best option was to stay alive and well. David would find her. That comforting thought and the silence helped her slip into a restful slumber.

The loud sound of the metal door wakes them from their rest. They both stood up as quickly as they could. It had been almost a day since either had fed and they were feeling weak even if they didn't say it out loud.

Coraline steps in dressed in her usual high end fashion looking crisp and well rested. "I see you too haven't been very chatty. You know I was trying to be nice. Ryan you had her to yourself…and nothing not even a thank you for my efforts."

Ryan doesn't say anything. Candice bites her tongue wanting to say something in return but not wanting to give her the satisfaction. People like her need acknowledgement for their actions, they need the attention.

"You two are no fun. Maybe you're just hungry." Both lick their lips unconsciously making Coraline grin. "I see. Yes it has been a while since you've fed."

"Is that your master plan? Starve us to death?" Ryan asked looking her square in the eye. This is a woman for years he thought he understood. He had truly believed that she only wanted to get away from the disaster her life had become.

With a sickly sweet laugh Coraline shakes her head, "No silly that wasn't part of my plan. Honestly, you two weren't a part of my plan…well not like this anyways."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Candice crossed her arms but stayed where she was. "I never did anything to you. Why would you have plans for me? Because I'm Beth's friend?" She had to ask. She'd spent so much time telling everyone she wasn't on the map but the way she was speaking she had been.

Coraline looks Candice over then looks at Ryan. "I had no problem with you personally. You have questionable taste in friends obviously but aside from that I like your style. My plans worked best if Ryan here wasn't in my way. I got your lover out of town hoping Ryan here would finally take charge and stay out of my way but it seems he still hasn't grown the balls the do what is needed."

"You broke into Ashton's office?"

"You are clever," Coraline rewarded. "I did my homework. Given Josef's legal troubles you couldn't leave but David would feel obligated to help his sire. I banked that you were the type of woman to tell him to go and do his business. I didn't think you were as insecure and needy as Mick's pet."

"Now you have us what are you going to do with us?" Ryan knew her well enough to know she loved the sound of her own voice. She'd tell them her plan if they played it right and then maybe they could work a plan of their own.

"I have to say you two finding me has put a damper in my original plans. Don't worry they will continue just pushed back a tad. Your unexpected detainment is going to be used to my advantage and while I have you my entertainment."

"We won't play your games Coraline," Candice said firmly.

Coraline moves closer to Candice and looks her body over again. "Ryan I can see why you feel for her. She has a lot of fire."

Moving over to Ryan she runs her hand down his chest, "You'll play with me won't you Ryan? You know how much fun I can be."

Ryan doesn't react to her. He stays stone still until she shrugs and moves back. "Don't worry I have plenty of others more than equipped to handle those needs until I have Mick back. But I think you'll enjoy my games Ryan." Turning her eyes on Candice she grins, "You might even have some fun with them."

"I told you I'm not playing."

"You're so cute acting like you have a choice in the matter. Did you miss the part where you are my prisoner?"

Neither said anything but Ryan angled his body in a way that if something were to happen he could jump between them and try and protect Candice. Coraline moved to the door and sighed, "Look I'm even willing to play nice. You do what I say and I'll give you a bag of blood. How about that? That sounds like a fair trade to me."

Candice knew she was hungry. She'd never been this long without a feeding. David had always been very adiment about her eating regularly. She didn't know how long she could go without blood. She was already having a mild headache and the ache in her gums. Could she last long enough for David to find her?

"You know feeding us would be in your best interest." She needed to keep her talking. Maybe she could lawyer her way out of it, as David would say. "If you plan to use us as hostages then you should keep us in good health. Damaged product is worth less."

"Who said I was going to trade you?" Coraline leaned against the door frame.

Candice thought quickly, "Then for your own safety. If we get too thirsty we might just attack you. Sure you have men but it could get messy."

"Nice try at manipulating me but you have a lot to learn sweetie." Turning her back to them she ordered her in the hallway. "Bring her."

Men came in to grab Candice. Ryan tried to stop them but the first guards had anticipated this and took him on as the others grabbed Candice. She put up a good fight before she was dragged from the door and he was left on the floor with another splitting headache.

To Be Continued…

Evilous