Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie

Quinn. “I think me and my boys are hungry. Get your ass in the kitchen and fix us something.”
    Amanda turned, feeling more defeated than she’d ever felt in her life. How had this happened? When would the hurt stop? She and Quinn couldn’t bear it any more.
    They dragged Samuel in and tied him to a chair.
    Quinn stayed in front of her. He had a swollen cheek and another split lip. Amanda was so proud of him.
    She placed food on the table and the men devoured the meat and bread like rabid dogs.
    When they finished, George rose and wandered to the tree. “Awe, look guys. They thought they’d have a nice Christmas together. “Isn’t that fucking sweet. I have my own plans for Christmas. You’re gonna be Mrs. Ellis a night from now.” He sauntered back to the kitchen and toward Amanda. He flipped his knife to one of the men who held it at Samuel’s neck.
    Amanda backed up until she ran into the counter. Quinn started for her, but George cut him off. “That knife is awfully sharp, Quinn, and I have no use for Samuel. Think twice before you move.”
    Quinn halted and Amanda closed her mouth with a strangled cry. George pinned her to the counter pressing his body into hers. “I can’t wait, darling. I’m sure you can’t either. Mrs. George Ellis you will be.” His tongue jutted out licking the side of her neck. “You are delicious.”
    Amanda felt sick to her stomach. She twisted her head away from him.
    “Get dressed, Amanda. We travel in fifteen minutes.”
    “But it’s dark. Quinn and Samuel are hurt.”
    He shoved her away from him. She stumbled and fell. “He won’t be attending the wedding.” He stated pointing at Samuel. “But Quinn, he’s coming. Billy’s looking forward to having him as a brother, and Quinn’s my insurance that you’ll behave your pretty self.”
    Soon Amanda had Quinn bundled up and ready to go. “Be brave, Quinn. We’ll be okay.” She placed a kiss on his cheek.
    Samuel remained unmoving, staring at the men with hatred. Tears streaked her face and she mouthed the words “I love you” to him. His eyes closed, and Amanda turned away.
    Ellis’s followers securely tied Samuel. “He won’t be going anywhere. He certainly won’t interrupt our marriage, if he lives at all.”
    They left the cabin and mounted horses, following the trail back down Crow Mountain.

    Jazira watched them head down the mountain without Samuel. Once they were out of sight she ran to the cabin and stood on her hind legs looking in the window. Sure enough she could see Samuel fighting a hopeless battle with the ropes, trying to free himself. She yelled his name. “Samuel!”
    He looked up and tried to yell, but he couldn’t with the rag in his mouth.
    She jumped down and ran to the door, pushing at the wood. It wouldn’t open. Time flew by while she desperately tried to get in, scratching, chewing and pushing. It was no use. Then she remembered the back door. Running to the back she tried the same thing. Nothing worked. She wandered back to the front of the cabin feeling helpless then looked into the window.
    She had to free him. There was no other way. Spying the window, Jazira backed up and stared at him. “It’s the only way Samuel,” she whispered.
    She took off at a full run, leaping through the air over the porch railing and into the window. She closed her eyes as glass shattered and she rolled onto the floor. For a moment she didn’t move, wondering if she might have hurt herself. To her surprise, she seemed to be okay with the exception of a small cut on her paw.
    Once upright she made her way to Samuel. His eyes spoke volumes.
    The rope was wound tightly around his feet and hands. She tugged at the ropes, realizing that wouldn’t help, she began chewing them. Her large canines sliced the rope piece by piece. Time seemed to pass slowly.
    Eventually the rope gave and Samuel freed his hands. He removed he gag. Then reached for Jazira’s large head, “You’ve done it again! You’ve