Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1. Chapter 1

This is the sequal to Family is Family. This is rated M for graphic scenes of all kinds. I do not own any of the original Texas Chainsaw characters. Please review I enjoy reading them.

The sound of baby Will crying woke Mary from her sleep. Her body was sore and ached while she attempted to sit up. She might've recovered faster if she had given birth in a hospital with all the medical help it would have provided but she had anything but. How did women do it years ago. No hospital or modern medicine it was no wonder some mothers died along with some babies. So far she and William were doing fine. He was healthy and strong and she was recovering well enough.

She lifted to a sitting position and sighed. Her abdomen still cramped every so often. Just as she was about to get up she felt Thomas touch her shoulder to stop her and instead he rose and went to William's handmade crib and lifted the crying infant from it. Mary was amazed at how small William looked against Thomas. A large baby but a very large father who cradled him. He was always so gentle with the baby. Thomas returned to Mary's side and handed her William. She took him gently into her arms.

He was two weeks old now. He seemed to be born an expert nurser. Most of the time it was easy and if only for that time she forgot where she was and they were the only two people in the world. When he had finished eating she went to stand but Thomas took William from her and laid him back in his crib. He had been waiting on her ever since she had given birth.

Thomas laid back down in the bed and laid out his arm under Mary's pillow. When she laid down she was on her back but he curled his arm so it moved her body to lay on his chest. There was rarely a night he didn't have a hold on her in some way. Laying on his chest she could hear the steady thump of his heart. Slow and rhythmic it lulled her to sleep not that she required much help being up most nights with the baby.

The morning light sent a glow into the room through the dark curtains. Luda Mae had made them to keep light from shinning so brightly in and waking Mary or the baby if they didn't need to be. Mary laid on her back for a moment and rubbed her eyes. She would admit that the bed was more comfortable than the one at the farmhouse and that the room had a warmer feeling with the log or possibly cedar interior. She had always liked the idea of a cabin but this was far from how she wanted to live in one.

Slowly she sat up and looked towards William's crib. He laid there sound asleep. He woke every three hours or so to eat. Given his larger size he started sleeping for longer stretches of time sooner and Mary was thankful for that. Mary swung her feet off the bed and they landed on the wood floor. When she stood up she stretched her arms above her head and made her way to the bathroom. Technically there wasn't true running water in the house. If the generator was on then the well pump was running. Otherwise there were two manual well pumps, one at the kitchen sink and in the bathroom for the tub. Faucets at everything but obviously they didn't work unless the generator was turned on.

Mary lifted the large pitcher and poured water into the basin then washed her face. The towel hung from the wash stand rod and she used it to dry her face quickly before replacing it. She hated that there was usually no running water most of the time. Once washed as best she could do she slid a dress over her head. It was April so the weather was warming up quickly. The winter had been abnormally cold for Texas but it was getting warm fast. Mary took out what looked like a baby carrier only it was different from what she had used. It looked more like a cloth lined shopping basket with handles. She lifted William from his wooden crib and placed him in the carrier without waking him. Mary lifted the carrier and made her way downstairs to the bathroom.

One bathroom for everyone and well water had to be used from the pump at the tub to fill the toilet to flush it. It was better than an outhouse. When she was finished she washed her hands at the basin in the bathroom. She left the bathroom

but before she reached the kitchen she heard voices. "We can't go back to the station. It's to dangerous and without it we loose our supply." Hoyt had an aggravated tone in his voice. "All because of that...that fucking bitch upstairs. She's caused more trouble than she's worth. They aren't jus' gonna let her go and they sure as shit ain't gonna give up looking for us." Luda Mae's voice was calm "They ain't looking for nobody anymore. They'll assumed we died in the fire. Lyle and Emma made sure it looked like the cop takin' Mary had a accident. Set fire ta his car and there won't be 'nough left ta say he was shot and Mary they may look for but they'll give up and assume she made it home or leave it in their unsolved cases."

That explanation didn't seem to calm Hoyt. Mary heard him scoff "What're we supposed to do about meat? We ain't got the station no more." there was a pause in the conversation "There's the lake campground not far from here with plenty of campers. Teenagers getting stoned outta their minds doing God knows what evil that we can git." Mary heard Hoyt laugh "Yeah, it'll be jus' like huntin'." there was another couple laughs and she realized it was Clem and Lyle. The nightmare would never end. They would always find a way to take whatever revenge they felt they were due. Mary didn't know what their issue was with this world or why they felt the need to torment others so much. Maybe they were just crazy.

William cooed gently which made Luda Mae look towards the hall and notice Mary "Good morning dear! How's William?" she asked and approached them. Mary came forward until she was at the kitchen table where she sat William down. Luda Mae immediately went to him and scooped him up "Oh how sweet you are child." she cuddled him to her. Mary might've protested but she was staring at Hoyt who was whispering with Lyle and Clem. Her heart hurt for those poor people that might find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. There wasn't much she could do.

The kitchen door swung open and Thomas stood there holding his chain saw and wearing his thick leather apron. The mask he wore was getting old and tattered. Mary jumped at the sight of him. She would never get used to him especially if he wore his full murdering garb. He came into the kitchen with heavy steps and sat his chain saw down on the counter next to the door. He rarely spoke if ever. He took William from his mother and cradled him against his own chest. Mary was thankful the apron didn't show signs of blood even if it was still dirty it wasn't blood. Thomas kissed William's cheek before he handed him to Mary. He leaned down and took his right hand to her chin and tilted her head up to kiss him on the lips. It still made her heart thump so loudly in her chest it was all she could hear.

Thomas stroked her cheek "Mine." he whispered and turned to leave. His chain saw drug the counter when he lifted it. "Lets go huntin' boys!" Hoyt hooted while the other two followed him and Thomas outside. Mary shook her head and closed her eyes. Luda Mae patted her on the shoulder "Thomas'll be alright." as if that was what Mary was worried about. No, she felt sorry for whoever they found out there camping in the woods.

It wasn't until much later in the evening that Mary heard them return. She was sitting in the living room next to the fireplace. It had a very small fire just enough to see and heat water for tea. William was in the cradle next to her. She paused for a moment and listened. She didn't have to wait long there was a distinct scream of a woman and a few shouts of vulgarity from a man possibly more than one. From what she could hear there were two women and two men. She had learned to discern voices and...screams.

"Take them to the barn not in the house." Luda Mae shouted there wasn't a basement anymore so the barn it was. "I like this'n." Hoyt yelled which was followed by a slap and a scream. William stirred and started to whimper. Mary calmly stood up with her needlework in her hand. Once at the kitchen door she could see Lyle had hold of a man, Clem a woman and Hoyt the other woman then there was Thomas clutching another man just as she had thought. She pushed open the screen door slowly and calmly stepped out of the house. The chain rattled behind her. Her odd demeanour and eyes made all of them look at her. The women and men began to fanatically struggle.

Mary clutched her needles in her hand the fabric she had been sewing in the other. "Go on inside dear ya don't need ta be upsetting yourself." Luda Mae cooed. "Upset myself? Upset MYSELF!?" Mary laughed "There isn't much that can be done anymore that would upset me. I've seen the worst evil in this house that now I doubt there is anything that could upset me!" Luda Mae sighed and approached Mary who grasped the needles so tightly her knuckles turned white "I told them ta not bring them in tha house." she smiled reassuringly. Mary let out a huff of a laugh. The old woman was so demented she thought Mary was referring to the captives being the evil brought in the house. Mary swallowed hard staring at the captives who had begun struggling again having only been momentarily confused by the scene. "The only thing that could upset me...would be for my baby to be woke up by the screams of people being murdered..." with that she spun on her heel and ran to the living room to flop down in the couch next to William's cradle. He was awake and looking around without a care in the world. How long? How long would it take before dear old uncle Hoyt was showing him the ropes with women in more ways than one. Or Thomas..his father showing him how to saw through flesh and not flinch.

When she finally took herself and William to bed she couldn't sleep. She simply listened to him breath. She didn't know how long she had been awake but she must have fallen asleep at some point since she now opened her eyes to find a new day. She sat up from the bed and quickly washed in the basin before she headed downstairs. At the table sat Luda Mae, Hoyt and Thomas. Next to Thomas was William. He was no older than eight. He had dark blond hair and crystal blue eyes. "Morning mama." he chimed and Mary smiled as she slowly approached the table. There was breakfast laid out. Mary turned to get a plate from the cabinet and when she turned back around the plate dropped and shattered when it hit the ground. Hoyt had a woman on the kitchen table laying on her back. He was holding her arms above her head while Clem and Lyle each held a leg. Her eyes drifted back to the woman and she saw Thomas standing behind William both their hands on the hilt of a sputtering chain saw. Thomas guided William so the saw blade lowered towards the screaming woman's abdomen. "Noooo!" Mary screamed and lunged forward just in time to be sprayed with the woman's blood on her face as Thomas and William cut into her guts.

Mary woke up screaming and flailing her limbs. Her hands wiping at blood on her face that wasn't there. Thomas grabbed her wrists and attempted to calm her. Mary opened her eyes and saw him she screamed and kicked hard against his stomach which startled him since she hadn't lashed out in some time. He was surprised enough that he released her the instant she kicked him and the force of her own kick sent her out of the bed and onto the floor. Thomas stood from the bed and slowly came towards her with concern on his unmasked face. Mary only screamed more and scrambled on the floor to get away. When William started crying and Thomas turned his attention to him Mary was up in a flash and snatched the baby from the crib and clutched him to her. Thomas simply stared at her with confusion. "I..." she began but was nearly out of breath and couldn't find words. All she could do was kiss William's head and cheeks.

Thomas had a frown on his face and look very upset but Mary couldn't shake the vivid image of her dream. "I...had a bad dream..that's all." she began. Was that all? Was it a premonition of what was to come? Her eyes darted to Thomas and locked on him "William won't hurt people. He won't kill or..." she swallowed hard "...eat them, hunt them...none of it!" Thomas tilted his head. He was so brain washed by his family. Mary went on "It..it isn't right. You're not supposed to hurt others and you don't eat them!" she began crying and Thomas started towards her. Mary watched him close the distance between them. "He won't...if you...or the family tries to make him I'll run away and take him with me...you hear me...I sear it!" she was frantic and the image of her son being guided by Thomas into cutting a person in half was seared into her brain.

The distance was closed and Thomas circled his arms around Mary with the baby between them. "Promise me...please...promise me he won't. He will never hurt anyone or.." her stomach turned "eat anyone...never ask him to and never let him. Please." she sobbed a bit. Thomas just hugged her while his hand stroked her hair. To her surprise he whispered softly "Mine...Promise." and for a moment it was just them. The three of them alone in the world.


	2. Chapter 2

Mary stood at the kitchen sink with her hand in dishwater. William in the cradle in the living room sleeping soundly. Luda Mae was sitting next to him humming softly. Normally Mary didn't leave Wiliam in the care of Luda Mae. She wanted the baby to have little to do with other members of Thomas' family. However, Mary had completely forgotten what she was doing. How much time had she lost here? It had been four weeks since William was born. It went by much faster than she had realized. Her body was recovering quickly, more so than it had with each child before. Maybe because her body was so well versed in the art of birth. She hadn't been bleeding for at least a week now. Thomas was understanding enough. He liked to hold her and hadn't once tried to push her into anything and she was thankful for that.

Her mind drifted and she wondered if he would keep his promise to her. His family would no doubt object to it. Hoyt and Luda Mae already spoke about all they would teach him when he was old enough. Mary hoped they wouldn't be here that long. Although it seemed the universe worked against her in every escape she had tried to make before William was born. Since his birth she hadn't tried.

A scream pierced the air and it came from the barn. It caused Mary to jump and she was sucked from her thoughts. Two weeks and she was still alive. The poor woman Hoyt had decided was worth keeping. The other three they had already killed and butchered. Mary felt so sorry for the woman and knew her screaming was likely because Hoyt was tormenting her in some way. She couldn't stand it anymore. Two weeks of nothing but that woman screaming. The barn was a short distance from the house and even with the doors shut the screaming still woke William at times.

Mary shoved herself from the sink and stormed out the door. The chain rattled behind her and was just long enough for her to reach the center of the barn but she wasn't even going that far. She stared at the doors of the barn for a long moment before she jerked it open and the two doors slammed against the outside wall. Hoyt jumped and spun around to face her. The scene was appalling. The woman was tied to the rafters with her toes barely touching. There was blood over every inch of her. Mary could hardly make out the woman beneath the mess. "I can hear her from the house what the hell are you doing?!" she demanded.

She moved a bit more into the barn and Hoyt glared at her but had a smug grin on his face "Well now we jus' havin' a bit a fun." Mary's eyes like daggers stared at him "This needs to stop, now." she said in a stern voice that was unwavering which surprised even herself. Hoyt scoffed and put his hands on his hips "You got no pull 'round here ta be tellin' me what ta do." he turned towards the girl who was attempting to talk and scream from beneath a gag. Mary looked at her and felt a rush of sorrow wash over her.

Without hesitation Mary went to the girl and removed the gag and the woman immediately began to plead "You have to help me, please...make him stop...please." the woman began crying and Hoyt laughed "Screamin', beggin' or bitchin' is all you'll hear from 'er without that gag...put it back I ain't listening to this shit." he commanded and Mary shot her eyes at him "No." then she looked back at the woman. Her lips were chapped and there were bruises all over her body and face. Her hair was matted to her head with blood and dirt. Her brown eyes barely visible beneath her blond hair.

Mary went to the bucket on the nearby table and saw Hoyt's instruments of fun and she felt her blood boil. Inside the bucket was water and it looked clean, it was most likely for Hoyt to clean his 'tools' when he was done for the day. Mary took the ladle out and sipped the water, it was fresh and clean. She took the ladle to the woman and helped her drink from it. The woman coughed some then Mary gave her the water again. Hoyt scowled at her and jerked the ladle from her hands "This ain't none a yer business! Git outta here!" Mary took in a breath and turned to him "If you want to keep her here then I'm helping her." Mary knew if she let the woman go she would run and they'd kill her. Mary could only try and make her time here, however much of it there would be, better. "This, what you're doing, it's over. That shit on the table, get rid of it." her gesture went towards the various metal objects of torture he had on the table.

Hoyt closed the distance between them until they were face to face. He wasn't near as intimidating as Thomas so Mary wasn't nearly as phased as she might have once been. "You ain't tellin' me what ta do, bitch. You jus' Thomas' little pet whore." Mary sighed softly before she spoke "That may be the way you see it but it's not the way Thomas sees it. I'd say your rank on the totum pole dropped a notch when I came and yet another when William arrived." she smiled and saw him ball up his fists his right looking like he might try and hit her. "Before you do anything stupid you might want to remember something. I haven't told Thomas or Luda Mae what happened. First you assaulted me then you hit me. What do you think Thomas would do if he knew?" Hoyt laughed and threw his hands up "Nothin' we're still family regardless. I doubt he'd believe you anyway." Mary nodded "He might not but do you really want to take the chance on him tearing your head off?" she asked. "We'll see about this!" Hoyt stormed from the barn.

With that she snatched the ladle back from him and filled it with water once more and let the woman drink. Mary looked at the rope then over to the pole it was tied to. She slackened it enough so the girl could relax. Mary pulled hay bale over to her and the woman sat down. Her hands had enough slack to sit but were still above her head. Mary knew Hoyt was going to whine to Luda Mae or Thomas if they'd listen. He wouldn't hurt William to get back at her, he knew that would bring Thomas down on him with the furies of Hell. Luda Mae wouldn't let him. As crazy as the old woman was she loved William and protected him.

When the woman sat down she groaned in relief. Her eyes went to Mary with questions and confusion. Mary took the water bucket from the table and dipped out some water into another bowl. An old piece of shirt worked as a rag. She brought it to the woman and knelt down. "Why are you helping me?" the woman asked. Mary knew the woman could probably fight with Mary and maybe use her to gain her freedom but the family would kill her in the end. "Because I'm tired of seeing people mistreated...or worse." she dipped the rag into the water and rang it out a bit before she began washing the woman's legs. The blood and dirt wiped away. Every so often the woman would flinch when Mary might brush over a bruise that hadn't been visible with all the muck. Mary noticed the woman bleeding more from between her legs and rear than anywhere else. It made her sick to her stomach to think about what Hoyt had done.

Mary sighed "I'm sorry." she dipped the rag again and continued washing the woman. "They're going to kill me...aren't they?" she asked and Mary nodded "Eventually." she answered. The woman swallowed hard "Are you...part of their family?" she stared at Mary who hadn't looked up "No, I'm not. Not by my own free will. I was captured by them and forced to be with Thomas...the...the one with the chain saw." she hesitated. The woman's eyes were wide and her mouth gaped open "The huge guy with the mask? And...William is.." Mary nodded "My son...with Thomas." saying it all out loud she was embarrassed.

The woman's legs were clean as they could get given the supplies available. Mary moved to the woman's arms. "What's your name?" the woman asked. Mary didn't look at her but continued to wash her arms "Mary." she said softly and paused for a moment to look at the woman "Yours?" she said with genuine interest. "Sara." Mary nodded and went back to cleaning Sara's arms. For the most part Sara was clean but without a tub there were bits that wouldn't get done since Mary wasn't so comfortable to wash everything. "That's as good as it gets." Mary said and dumped the now dirty water from the bowl. Sara choked out "Thank you." Mary nodded "You're welcome." she was happy that Sara had said they instead of you all or some other form of wording that might include Mary in the murdering bunch.

Mary turned to leave the barn and Sara spoke softly "Will you come back?" she asked hopeful. Mary smiled and nodded "Yes." she answered and went to the house. When she stepped into the kitchen she saw Hoyt waving his arms around yelling to Luda Mae. Clem and Lyle must've arrived while she was out at the barn. "Now see here I ain't gonna have her tellin' me what I can't do." Hoyt argued. Luda Mae had her hands on her hips "Hoyt ya jus' need ta learn ta get along with Mary, she ain't going nowhere." Hoyt scoffed "Yeah, that's fer damn sure. Thomas got his head so far up 'er ass." Clem and Lyle both laughed.

Luda Mae cleared her throat when she saw Mary and the talking stopped. "I'm not letting you treat Sara like you did the others. I'm done watching it, hearing it and doing nothing. Thomas doesn't treat me like that." Hoyt clapped his hands "Wooo so you're on first names with the meat sack whore in the barn." Mary took several more steps so she stood part as part of the circle the others made "Yes, I am. I don't know why you want or need to keep her but I won't allow her to be tortured." Hoyt let out a loud "Ha!" "You won't allow it? Did I hear ya right?" Mary nodded "Yes, you did." Luda Mae was near laughing "Well lookie here boys she done stepped up as a matriarch now. Gotch ya on yer heals." apparently Luda Mae thought it was funny how Mary was telling Hoyt how it was going to be.

It wasn't long before Hoyt threw his hands in the air "I can't git a break here. To many women thinkin' they know how to run things. I'm going to git ready for the barbecue." Mary felt her heart lurch and she looked at Luda Mae who answered her unspoken question "Oh, we're having the family here for a cook out. We do it every month or so and it's our month to host." Mary hadn't heard about this before except when Hoyt and Thomas were gone for a bit. Other family members must've hosted. That meant the meat was coming from Sara's friends. Mary felt her heart sink into her stomach but she had little time to linger on the thoughts when Thomas was standing at the screen door to the kitchen.

He was wearing his apron and it was covered in blochain sawchainsaw in his hand was dripping blood and had flesh in its teeth. Mary turned away quickly and shut her eyes tightly. Luda Mae had already made her way with Clem, Lyle and Hoyt to the door. "You git them ready barbecue barbque, boy?" Hoyt asked Thomas who grunted in reply. Mary hadn't looked back she just shifted her body to the living room and sat down next to William's cradle. How could she let herself forget what he was. It wasn't his fault but damn it she didn't think he could change. A lifetime of horror didn't just go away.


	3. Chapter 3

The day of the barbecue came a week later and Luda Mae was beaming with pride. Mary was shucking corn outside. William was tied in a sling on her back. The past week has been filled with preparations for the family barbecue. Sara was still in the barn and although Mary helped her daily with food water a bath and had gotten rid of Hoyts torturing, he still raped Sara frequently. Yesterday was the hardest. Sara had asked Mary to kill her.

Mary wasn't able to do it. She didn't know why. It might've been mercy to do it but Mary couldn't bring herself to do it. When she recalled the event she could still hear Sara's pleading voice in her ears. "Please Mary...I can't do this anymore..I can't take it. They'll kill me anyway." deep down Mary knew they would eventually kill Sara when Hoyt tired of her. Yet Mary held on to the idea that if Sara stayed alive that Mary would save her. Mary remembered the vivid image of Sara lifted up again by Hoyt so only her feet touched the ground. This particular day when Sara had begged for death Hoyt had been so rough with her that fresh blood ran down her legs. It was coming from vaginal and anal tearing. Mary had pushed away her reserves and cleaned Sara that day. Using a bucket back and forth from the pump she dumped water over Sara and used a rag. The more she took care of Sara the madder she got.

"Moving slow today are ya?" she heard Luda Mae speak and Mary realized she was clutching an ear of corn hard enough to turn her knuckles white. "The woman in the barn, Sara, Hoyt shouldn't treat her so badly. She's a good person." Luda Mae seemed surprised by Mary speaking out for Sara. "Hoyt does what he wants. Can't tell him no different." Luda Mae reasoned and Mary shook her head "I just think he shouldn't be so cruel." she wanted to say more. To scream at the top of her lungs to let Sara go or at least treat her humanely. Sara was treated worse than an unwanted dog.

A few hours later people began to arrive and Luda Mae made sure they all knew that the baby strapped to Mary was Thomas' and how much he loved Mary and they were going to have a big loving family. It made Mary want to take Luda Mae's head off. However, Mary remained quiet and allowed family members to coo after William but not hold him. She met several that seemed obviously inbred and some more normal. There were a lot of them and that made her realize they must be murdering people from all over the state or even country. How does one family get so screwed up.

There was a little boy who caught her attention. He didn't look much like the rest of them and seemed out of place. Mary approached him with a smile "Hi.." she said tentatively. She didn't know the mental capacity of some of the members of the family. The little boy looked at her "Hi..." he answered with an awkward smile. "I'm Mary and this is William." she pointed to her back were he was in the sling on her. He grinned "I'm Jedidiah...that your baby? He's cute. Grandma Mae says he's Thomas' baby? He my nephew." Mary was confused by his logic but it was hard to know with the family. Many were married to first cousins or had children with siblings. So she just nodded.

Over the course of the day Jedidiah stayed close to Mary and she told him stories about her family before and how she was helping Sara in the barn and it was good to be nice to people. Obviously this would be one lesson in one day that would probably not stick and he'd end up as crazed as the rest of his family but maybe it would help. He asked "Why you got that chain on?" Mary frowned a bit before she answered "Well, I'm not used to this." she said gesturing around "Kind of scary for me...and I run away." Jedidiah nodded "Yeah...scares me to sometimes." he grinned and ran after some children who taunted him before they took off.

Mary was left sitting by herself with several people staring at her. Her lips pressed together and she couldn't help but be nervous. Thomas appeared behind her and was clean and was what could be considered dressed up for the family. Mary felt the presence and turned to see him standing there. He had a new mask on and it made her cringe a bit. He offered his hand and she took it to stand. There was music and she was surprised to find him leading her to a small dancing area. The band was mostly banjos, an accordion and some other handmade instruments. Thomas pulled her to him and began to sway. This was probably the most surprising thing she had seen. When the song finished she was smiling and quickly caught herself and shook it away.

Luda Mae approached her and smiled "I hate ta ask but can ya git the laundry off the line. I'd rather the family not see our delicates out there flapping in the wind." she laughed. Mary nodded and Thomas leaned down and kissed her on the lips. Slowly his hand cupped her face and his lips demanded that hers open. He didn't seem to care that there were others watching. Slowly her own lips opened if only to appease him so she could be free to her chore. His tongue slid into her mouth and mixed with her own. He pulled her to him and kissed her more deeply than he had in weeks. Pressed against him she felt his erection pressing on her flesh through their clothing and she felt a spark of anxiety. When he broke the kiss he gave her a small one on her forehead before he released her and she went to the clothesline.

While she removed clothing and ignored the barbecue music and sounds she was in her own world. For a moment she could pretend that it was just she and William and that there was no one else. While she worked she sang softly for William and herself. It was Brahms Lullaby and she sang it in versus of English, French and German. Mary didn't speak any other languages and only knew the lullaby from her grandmother.

When she was in mid verse she heard a squeal behind her and it made her jump. "Oh my gosh that is beautiful!" it was Emma. Mary turned to her and shook her head "Its just a lullaby for William. My grandma and mom used to sing it." Emma clapped her hands "I didn't know you could sing!" she took the basket from Mary's hands and took hold of her hand and drug her off towards the center of everyone. "Hey! I want Mary to sing for us!" everyone clapped and hooted but Mary withdrew her hand "No...I don't sing in front of anyone." Emma put her hands on her hips "Oh come on." Mary shook her head no. She had trouble not hating Emma since she had been key in capturing Mary again.

Luda Mae clapped her hands "Please. I want to hear you." Mary frowned and sighed a bit. She took William from her back and a rare occasion where she let Luda Mae hold him. "I don't..." Mary began "I hate singing in front of people." she sucked in a breath and started. The melody was soft and maybe a bit sad. The song involving someone who wanted to get away but couldn't. No wings, not a boat to carry or a horse to ride. It had a meaning for Mary and some of the family might have noticed her situation being what it was. There was more than once she wished she had wings.

While she was singing she looked at the crowd who stared at her amazed. She had never thought she sang that well but they seemed captivated. Her eyes caught Hoyt who was staring at her and she didn't stop singing or even grant him a glare. He soon vanished and a few versus later the song was over and the family hooted yelled approval. Mary had a small smile but said nothing. Just as she was walking to Luda Mae to retrieve Will she saw Jedidiah running towards her in a panic. He pulled her aside and made her lean down "That..that...that girl in the barn." he gasped for air as if he'd been running for days "She tied up and Hoyt and them others are hurting her." Mary sucked in a breath.

Without thinking she ran towards the barn. When she went for the doors she found them unlocked which was unexpected. She swung them open and the scene before her nearly made her vomit. Sara was tied up but now on her knees with Clem beneath her grinding himself up into her center. Hoyt was behind her his pants at his knees while he pounded himself into her rear. There was a thick gag which explained why no one had heard her not that it would have mattered to anyone other than Mary.

Strangely enough no one stopped what they were doing. Some were watching while others just stood on the side talking and laughing. Hoyt hadn't seen her yet but Clem had and he didn't stop. "Enough!" she screamed so loud that it caused those closest to her voice to flinch and duck. Hoyt paused and looked towards her. Mary was trembling inside but wouldn't let it show. Slowly Hoyt withdrew his length from Sara's rear and Mary averted her eyes until he had recovered his pants and was buckling them. Likewise Clem started to but Hoyt waved his hand "No...no need to stop yer good time." Clem looked somewhat confused but continued driving himself up and into Sara.

Mary moved with speed that caught Hoyt off guard. In no time she held a large bat that had been leaned up against the wall no doubt intended for victims in the barn. She held it like a pro player might. "I swear if you don't stop." she glared at Clem who looked at Hoyt for possible guidance. Others just gawked at Mary most likely dumbfounded at her defiance of Hoyt. When she went for Clem her intentions were clear and driven she was going to kill him. She was grabbed by a man Hoyt called Cal and Lyle. They restrained her and Hoyt jerked the bat from her hand. "You need ta learn yer place. Ya ain't family yet." Clem had gotten up and put his pants back on if only to join in the fun of tormenting Mary.

They all stared at her as if she was foreign. Cal and Lyle held tightly to her while Hoyt taunted her with the bat "Bet you'd like'ta crack me in tha head with this, huh?" he grinned. "Let me hold it a second and I'll show you." Mary retorted and Hoyt laughed "Well now. You're gettin' a lil' spriley now days. Kinda hot." Mary spit at him but missed. He laughed once more and put the end of the bat at her chest "This.." he gestured to Sara with his other hand "ain't for you ta worry about." he waved Cal "Gett'er outta here." he ordered and Cal started dragging Mary away.

Mary wasn't even thinking she saw red. With one motion she kicked her feet off the ground which brought the back of her head to Cal's nose and he let out a wail and released her. No hesitation from her when she picked up a two by four and swung it at Hoyt. It hit him in the shoulder and stumbled him back. Mary ran for Sara and stood between her and the rest of them. Five now staring at her which included one man she didn't know his name not that it mattered. Hoyt, Cal, Lyle and Clem she did know and was ready to dish out what she could.

Without warning Mary was lifted into the air. It was Thomas, he had came through the back door after Jedidiah had went and gotten him. Mary struggled and squimed but he didn't let go. Instead he removed the large piece of wood from her grip and tossed it aside. No one made a sound or moved. Thomas carried Mary into the house and sat her down on their bed. When he left he locked the door and when he returned he held William in his arms. He kissed the baby lightly before he placed him in his crib. "Why didn't you help me?! They were...to Sara and you just carried me off! Why?! I'm tired of this! I'm tired of watching people be hurt, killed and eaten for what?!" Thomas stomped towards her and she retreatd. When he was close he put a finger to her lips. "Promise." he pointed to William and she nodded "but..." he pressed his lips to hers.

He had never promised anything aside from William. Mary leaned into the kiss a bit and when Thomas broke it he was breathing heavy. "Stay." he commanded and hugged her before he left the room once more. When the door opened it wasn't him but Emma standing there. "Hey girl." she said with a smile on her lips. Mary stared at her with contempt and said nothing from her seat on the bed. Emma trotted in and sat down on the bed next to her "Thomas asked me to talk to you...well not in so many words he just said your name and Luda Mae filled in the blanks." Mary nodded "Okay." she was distant and cold. Emma sighed and looked around "Could be worse." was she referring to Sara. "You know I wasn't born into the family, wasn't even aware the family exhisted until they took me and my friends." Mary tilted her head. Emma continued "Yeah I know. I was with two friends of mine, guys and when they took us I dunno Lyle just took a shine to me and decided I was worth keeping. I was so strung out on drugs and my life was headed nowhere so I guess he saved me. I know the killing is bad and the canibalism is worse but the family is loyal to its own." Mary shook her head "I wasn't some head case or going nowhere. I had a life...maybe not a family but a job, friends."

Emma stood up and shrugged "You can get used to about anything in life. Maybe you should just give them a chance." Mary shook her head in disapproval "They have a girl tied up in the barn they were gang banging...and you say give them a chance...no." Emma took in a breath "I know about her. Hoyt's an asshole and the rest just join in but things could be worse for you be thankful they're not." with that she left Mary in the room by herself. Mary couldn't just accept her situation and just go along with things or pretend like she didn't see what happened. She had to help Sara if it was the only good she could do she would do it.


	4. Chapter 4

Since the barbecue the week before Mary had continued to check on Sara. It was never easy as Hoyt was always in the way. Mary made her way to the barn and found Sara once more tied up with her feet being the only part touching the ground. "Mary.." Sara was able to choke out. Mary lowered her some so she could be on her knees. "I'm sorry..I couldn't, protect you." Mary was near crying and Sara coughed a couple times before she spoke "What could you have done...you were outnumbered." Mary pressed her lips together to keep herself from crying. Sara was only a few years younger than Mary but she looked so much older in her beaten state. Mary tried to wash her as best she could and fed her some. Meat from an animal she killed herself. Each time Mary left it became harder for her to leave. She hated leaving Sara out there.

When she was back inside she slowly made her way upstairs where William was cooing in his crib. Having just ate and been changed he was content to just stare up at a homemade mobile with carved figures on it. Mary sat on the bed and stared at her hands. Should she have killed Sara and ended her suffering. Was she being selfish? Mary hadn't thought of it before but was she trying to turn Sara into a normal friend she could have in the Hell she was in. Each passing week they talked more and became closer. Mary missed normal people and Sara had once been.

Her thoughts were intrupted when Thomas came into the room. He removed his mask and sat it on the dresser. Mary didn't look up right away until he was standing next to her on the bed. He was undoing his buttons and that made her heart jump. Once he removed his shirt he started on his belt. Mary couldn't get used to his size, he was so tall and broad shouldered it made her feel so small. "I..." she began. Mary didn't feel much up to 'it' since seeing Sara. This would be the first since the birth of William. Thomas put his finger to her lips to quiet her. He crawled towards her on the bed which caused her to retreat onto her back and he hovered over her.

Her dress was light work for him when he glided it up her thigh with his right hand. His left hand holding his weight above her. Tenderly he pulled her panties down the length of her thighs and legs until he tossed them aside. Her naked sex exposed he gently rubbed her folds with his fingers paying special attention to that sensitive nub of nerves at her clit. Mary started to protest with her hands pushing at his arm but she could barely sway his strength. It didn't take long for her to become wet and aroused. A small moan escaped her lips and it made him smile. His missing facial features and flesh in some areas didn't scare her. What did scare her was how easily she was giving in.

Thomas found her wet enough so he slid in a single digit and Mary arched her back. He teased her with just barely the tip of his middle finger. It brought on a ache in her lower stomach that needed to be relieved. Toment how slow he moved a second digit along side his other but only pushed in to the first join of his index and middle finger. Mary found herself groaning in frustration. Her mouth agape and her body twitching with want as he teased her. Her breath caught in her throat. One quick motion he shoved his fingers in and Mary moaned loudly with relief.

At a leisurely pace he brought his fingers in and out of her. Mary couldn't stop herself from riding them. She moved her hips up and down faster and faster her desire building. Thomas withdrew his fingers and pushed her dress up more. He made quick work of his garments until he was naked and she could see how erect he was. There was both fear and anticipation within her. Possibly a hint of shame as she was so willing to have her needs met. Soon he was settled between her thighs and pressed his tip against her opening. Thomas carefully pressed himself into her and Mary let out a long moan. Her eyes rolled back in her head and her mouth remained open.

Like a piston he moved in and out at a steady even pace and made sure not to go to fast or deep. Mary felt herself nearing the edge so quickly. In no time she felt her body shudder and she soaked his length with her juices. Another few minutes past and she came again. Her walls tightened around him and her body trembled from head to toe. Soft moans escaped her open mouth. Her nails dug into the flesh of his shoulders and back. His mouth fell on hers. He had to lean down a bit to reach her from his height. Mary filled his mouth with moans from the pleasure radiating around her body.

Thomas grunted heavily with his effort. Gradually he increased speed and how deep he pushed himself in. Each time he made that piston motion Mary moaned and often arched her back. Some moans muffled through his deep kisses on her mouth. She felt his member twitch and his body rolled with a tremor through it as he released his seed spraying the interior of her womb wave after wave until he had spent himself. He rolled over onto his side next to her both breathless and tired. They didn't speak a word and found themselves drifting to sleep.

It was afternoon when Mary approached Luda Mae "Would it be alright if I went swimming?" she asked. Mary did like to swim but she wanted to get an idea of where they were. If there was a lake nearby as Mary thought she had an idea of where. Luda Mae put aside her book and looked at Mary carefully "How you gonna swim wit that on?" she gestured to the chain and Mary frowned. "I'm not going to run. Where would I go? I don't know where we are and there are to many woods to get lost in." Luda Mae thought for a long moment before she leaned back and yelled "Hoyt! Thomas! Git out here." with that Hoyt emerged from the barn and Thomas from the woods. When they were near she spoke "Mary wants to have a swim. Take the chain off." both men looked at each other then back at Luda Mae. Hoyt shook his head "She'll run first chance she gits." but Luda Mae waved her hand "Na she'll be alright. Where she gonna go? Middle of the woods she'll get lost. She knows better." Luda Mae winked at Mary and she half smiled.

Hoyt looked at Thomas who stared at Mary. She knew what his fear was. How much he loved her and would be crushed if she somehow got away. Mary approached him and looked up at his face "I promise I won't run. I just want to swim. Be a little cleaner than a rag and water bath." she nodded and Thomas took in a deep breath and let it out before he took the key from his pocket. Mary was shocked to realize he was the one that had it all along. She wanted to be mad at him for not letting her loose but she knew why he didn't. The chain released her leg and she rubbed it lightly. "Thank you." Mary said to Thomas. Luda Mae gestured "Right there is tha path to the lake. Don't be long. It ain't far." Mary nodded and started into the house but Thomas seized her wrist and pulled her back to him. With his hands on either side of her face he pulled her into a long kiss where their tongues mingled. "I'll come back...I promise." she said and went into the house for a towel.

The lake wasn't far but more than just a stroll. When she got there she didn't see anything or anyone on it or in the surrounding area. She didn't have a suit so instead she stripped down until she was naked. Nothing but a wet rag for a bath and occasional tub bath when the generator ran she wanted to swim. The water was cool but felt good compared to the hot day. It enveloped her and before she knew it she was forgetting where she was or her situation. It was so distracting. Mary had forgotten how much she loved to swim.

When she realized the sun moving further down she knew it was time to go. They'd be worried if she didn't come back soon. Mary withdrew herself from the water letting it drip down her on her way to get her towel. It hung from a low tree branch along with her cloths. Mary reached for it and began drying her legs arms and then her face. Horror and shock filled her when she lowered the towel from her face to find Hoyt standing there staring at her. How long had he been there? Had he been watching her? She backed away and ran into...someone. She spun around and it was Cal. His nose had healed but it was still somewhat bruised "You broke my nose." he said in a dark tone that sent chills up her spine.

Hoyt stepped forward and around the branch that had Mary's cloths on it. She looked back and forth between the two of them. She darted for the path and Hoyt caught her "Let go of me you old fuck!" she screamed. "I'll tell Thomas! He'll kill you!" The two struggled with her and tied a gag in her mouth. "No..you won't. If you do I'll make sure I get to William before Thomas gits to me." Mary kicked at him while Cal held her in a bear hug. Mary struggled and kicked which caused her towel to fall on the ground. Hoyt and Cal both stared at her and Hoyt laughed "Well, I'd say that's a open invitation. You look good I'll giv ya that." He nodded to Cal who spun her around to face him "See, I kind of have a thing for asses and Cal he likes just about anything." Mary screamed beneath the gag and it made them laugh.

Mary's arms behind her back so tightly by Hoyt it hurt and she let out a scream. "On yer knees." he commanded and used her arms and twisted them so she had no choice but to get on her knees. When Cal moved himself to the ground and started to slide between her legs she began kicking which brought searing pain to her shoulders at the angle Hoyt held them "Nough a that you gonna dislocate your shoulder." she didn't care she kept kicking until Hoyt tugged her arms back enough to distract her with pain and Cal was between her legs with his pants still on but he was quickly removing them.

Soon Hoyt planted his hand on her back making her lean forward on her knees. Mary shook her head while Hoyt laughed "You know I figur' Thomas can't kill both me and Cal and if you tell that means one of us will git ta William. I kinda figured I'd need some help with ya and Cal's wanted a piece a you since the barn." he laughed and she could hear him undoing his belt. Cal was exposing his length when Hoyt shouted "Hey, wait for me first damn it man." Impatiently Cal waited for Hoyt to fumble with his belt and trousers. "There we are." he said and Mary felt the tip of him press against the center of her rear. Cal was maneuvering himself to start when he was drug away causing him to scream.

There stood Thomas. He was in a rage that had matched nothing the world was likely to see. He landed several kicks to Cal's face until the man stopped screaming and moving then focused his attention on Hoyt who was pulling up his pants and had buttoned them. "Now see here." he began and Mary fell off to one side. Her arms ached as she brought them around the pull the gag from her mouth. Neither of them had gotten far.

Thomas' footsteps were thundering with each he took towards Hoyt. Without a word he lifted Hoyt from the ground by his shirt and threw him down the path. Hoyt scrambled and ran towards the house screaming for Luda Mae. Thomas came back to Mary and lifted her in his arms and carried her back to the house. When they got there not long after Hoyt he was giving excuses to Luda Mae who had her hands on her hips. Thomas sat Mary down who was still naked until Thomas removed his shirt and draped it around her. "What's all this then?" Luda Mae asked and Thomas pointed to Mary then to Hoyt. Mary answered "Hoyt and Cal were going to rape me..they would've if Thomas hadn't found them." Luda Mae shook her head at Hoyt "Why can't you just let things be? I knew you's jealous of them but damn it boy." Thomas stepped forward more or less chest to chest with Hoyt even though he dwarfed him. "Now boys." Luda Mae began.

The large man was in no mood to hear it. His large hand sought Hoyt's throat and began squeezing. Luda Mae frantically slapped at Thomas' hand "Now stop it ya hear...right now Thomas." he eventually let go when Hoyt started to turn blue. "Now Hoyt you go stay with Lyle and Clem for a bit til you git yourself right." Hoyt turned to Luda Mae like a grounded child might "But mama!" Luda Mae wagged her finger at him "No buts. Git." she commanded and he glared at Mary until Thomas stepped between them. He was still letting Luda Mae boss him. Mary had wished he had torn Hoyt's head off.

Thomas carried Mary upstairs where William was waving his arms at his mobile and cooing a bit. He began to investigate her body for injuries. Running his hands up and down her every inch. If he found something he growled. "I wish you'd killed him." she finally said and Thomas shook his head no "Mama." of course she would be devastated to loose such a great son, Mary thought sarcastically. "I'm alright." Mary said when she placed her hand over Thomas' that was resting on her leg. "I.." she began but paused "We can't stay here...it's no place for William to grow up. I know..you may not understand but...what your family does...what you do isn't right..." Thomas nodded. He understood. "You won't leave though?" she asked and he shook his head no and she sighed with a bit of sadness.

Mary pressed her lips together "We could go...have our own family." she was half serious as she intended to keep William but didn't know what she'd do with Thomas. She found herself torn between wanting to escape to a civilized world and knowing she couldn't bring him there and the backwoods were the best place for him. Could she give up a modern life to live somewhere with Thomas away from his family? The answer alluded her now. "Do you..love me?" she asked and Thomas rushed in and kissed her. Mary kissed him back her arms wrapped around his neck. There wasn't a man in the world that both made her feel so safe yet scared her so much.


	5. Chapter 5

It had been weeks since Hoyt had been ordered by Luda Mae to spend time at Lyle and Clem's until Thomas no longer felt the urge to kill him. That was a relief to Mary. If she had to know he was alive at least he was somewhere else, most of the time. Every couple of days he would return when he knew Thomas wasn't there and check in with Luda Mae and bring supplies. Mary avoided him but he had taken Sara with him and usually brought her with him when he came back. Mary could only imagine the horrors what Sara was enduring at the hands of those three.

Each time he returned with Sara he tied her up in the barn where Mary found her and would attempt to clean her up. "I don't know why he doesn't just kill me." she said in a weak and tired voice. Mary pressed her lips together and she knew the answer. He used her to torment Mary. He knew that Mary would clean her up and see what Hoyt had done and it would break her heart. "I..I'm sorry." Mary listened intently to their surroundings and assumed that Hoyt was in the house grabbing some homemade casseroles from Luda Mae he could just heat up and eat. The man obviously wasn't used to cooking for himself.

Her eyes went to Sara who hung limply from the ropes tied around her wrists. Although she was clean once more Mary could see the amount of bruises that covered her body. "If I let you go do you think you can run?" Mary finally asked with a small amount of hope. Sara huffed and shook her head "I can't even hold myself up when I stand." Mary's heart sank. "What if I help you?" Mary asked and Sara shook her head "No, you have your baby here. How would you carry him and me?" She had a point and Mary knew it. "I can't just.." she started and was interrupted when Hoyt flung the door open "Tha Hell ya two doing? Shush the chatter we gotta go." of course he did, Thomas would be back soon.

Hoyt came to Sara and untied her from the rafters but left her wrists bound and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes "Dun't know why you clean 'er up I'm just gonna get'er dirty again." he slapped Sara's rear and she flinched but didn't make a sound. Mary heard the slap and flinched. He left Mary in the barn staring at his back while he carried Sara away.

At the dinner table Luda Mae poked at her food a bit before she spoke "Hoyt misses seeing ya Thomas." she said in a sweet voice. A growl was all she received as an answer. "Now come on...you know how Hoyt is and you're always there to protect Mary." she reasoned. Mary shot her eyes up "Do you know what they would've done if Thomas hadn't been there?" she stabbed at her food before taking a bite. Never had she eaten meat again since the first time she had unwittingly done so. "I know very well what they was gonna do...he wouldn't try it again, Hoyt ain't that stupid." Luda Mae shifted in her seat. "You don't know how hard it was explaining ta family what happened to Cal and why Hoyt ain't around." Mary laughed "Yeah...because Thomas kicked Cal's brains in." the man was dead but Mary still held a grudge. Luda Mae stared at Mary "Now Mary that idn't very nice. Cal wasn't a bad man most times." Mary scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Days passed and Mary hardly noticed. She stuck close to William and when Thomas was there she felt somewhat safer. He still intimidated her when they were intimate and that was very frequently it seemed. Thomas had a hunger for her that was never satisfied. William was nine weeks old now and Mary had gotten back to normal rather quickly. Although she knew it wouldn't be long before she was pregnant again and that is what Luda Mae and Thomas wanted.

A week later Hoyt returned with Sara. As usually Mary went out to the barn but what she found made her want to faint. Sara was the worst she had ever been. Her ribs were badly bruised. All of her body was bruised but parts were worse than others. Mary slowly approached her. Sara hung limply with her head down and eyes closed. "Sara?" she questioned. Mary was afraid Sara was dead. "Ye..yeah." she answered and Mary sighed. Carefully Mary began to check Sara's ribs and as she thought two were broken and one dislocated. "I can hardly breath." Sara confessed and Mary nodded "I think..one might be pressing on your lung." Mary wasn't a nurse but her mother had been and she picked up a few things.

Mary washed Sara carefully and was surprised when Sara asked softly "Could you sing...?" Mary tilted her head "What?" Sara laughed but stopped quickly because it hurt so much "I heard you...at least a little..that day." Mary pressed her lips together and nodded "Yeah..I uh..sure." she stopped and thought and started to sing 'Over the Rainbow' Sara smiled "One...of..my favorites." Mary sang while she ran the wet rag over Sara's body. There was a small comfort Sara found in Mary's voice. As if they weren't here they were just friends spending time together.

The moment didn't last. As soon as Mary was finished she heard Hoyt's voice "Damn what a voice." he laughed and came forward "You about done we gotta git." Mary resisted the urge to jam the rag down his throat and shut him up. "Yes...in a minute." Hoyt stared at them for a minute before he went and kissed Sara roughly biting her lip. "Stop it!" Mary screamed and jumped to her feet. "I'll be back fer 'er." he left them and slammed the door.

Sara was spitting blood and Mary wiped her mouth clean. "I'm sorry..." she said and Sara shook her head "Why are you sorry? You don't need to be." Mary nodded "I should've...saved you earlier..before you got so weak." Sara sighed "It...wouldn't have...mattered...they'd have caught me..and done worse." Mary pressed her lips together in thought. Her legs were shaky when she stood up and went to the table that had once held Hoyt's torture devices. He had put them away but there on the barn floor hidden among the hay was a sharp hunting knife. Mary leaned and picked it up into her right hand.

Mary turned and showed it to Sara "I can cut you loose.." she offered and Sara looked at herself then Mary "I can't run...everything...hurts.." Mary clutched the knife and went to the rope and cut it from Sara's wrists. It was better than simply loosening the slack at the rafters. Sara rubbed her wrists but groaned at the new position of her body and the pressure it put on her ribs. "I can't...it hurts to breath." she gasped and Mary felt her heart skip. "I'm sorry..." she began and Sara stopped her "No more appol...apologizing." she held onto Mary's hand that had the knife "You...were the only...light in this dark...Hell." Mary covered her mouth with her hand trying to keep from crying.

There was a silence for a moment before Sara spoke "Sing it again..." she asked. Her hand clutched Mary's that was on the hilt of the knife. "I..." she started but stopped and began singing again. Sara leaned in and hugged Mary resting her head on her shoulder. Mary's free hand went around Sara to support her body. The knife was pressed to Sara's chest right at her heart. With one small thrust forward the knife pierce into Sara's chest and her heart. Mary began sobbing while she sang and she heard Sara whisper "Thank you..." before she went limp in Mary's arms. She withdrew the knife and hugged Sara's lifeless body to her. The knife still gripped tightly in her hand.

Uncontrollably she sobbed before she heard Hoyt "What tha fuck you do?" he demanded. Mary felt herself snap inside. Hoyt stomped towards them and Mary laid Sara's body on the barn floor. Just as Hoyt was closing in she spun and the knife caught the flesh of his chest and left a large slash across it. He let out a curse. Mary wasted no time to lunge at him again and the knife dug into his shoulder until it was at the hilt. Luda Mae heard the commotion and came out to see Mary lifting herself from Hoyt who was squirming in pain. The knife dripped blood in her hand.

"What in God's name is going on?!" Luda Mae screamed. Hoyt grabbed at his shoulder "Fuckin' bitch stabbed me!" he was hunched over clutching the wound. "I'll do worse!" Mary lunged for him again and Luda Mae screamed. Thomas appeared behind Mary and caught her in her lunge. "No, let me go! I'll kill him! I'll kill him!" she was tired of it. Hoyt with his smug grins, his abuse to her and everyone else. "Thomas take her in the house." the large man glared at her and grumbled. "Don't sass me boy." she said and waved her hand at the house. Thomas picked up Mary bridal style and started to walk away.

Like usual Hoyt couldn't leave it alone and had to have one last word. "Ya need ta git rid a that bitch." and Thomas spun on him with Mary in his arms he gave Hoyt a quick and hard right hook. Hoyt's head snapped to the side and he hit the ground hard. "Oh heaven's!" Luda Mae gasped and knelt by Hoyt "Are you alright?" she asked and he didn't answer for some time. A cough that produced blood from his lip and Luda Mae whipped it away "You'll be alright." his jaw was broken and his lip split wider than anything Mary had seen. Without another word Thomas took Mary into the house.

Hoyt had left again. Luda Mae had advised he stay away and not come back for some time. He had his objections saying that it wasn't fair that Mary stay and he had to stay away. Mary knew it was only temporary and he would be back again. For now she stayed passive but each day she brought up leaving to Thomas in some form or another. He seemed intent on staying with Luda Mae and where the rest of the family could find them.

It was august again before she realized that she had missed a period. It was bound to happen sooner rather than later considering Thomas was always on her and they used no protection. By her estimate she was just about six weeks along. She sat in Thomas' room in the rocker. William was in her arms and nursing contently. How was she going to manage it? She would never escape on her own with two children or even with one and pregnant. Her only hope was to convince Thomas.

The door of the room swung open and Thomas stood there wearing a white button up shirt and slacks. She rarely saw him in nice cloths but he tried to make sure she never saw the bloody apron. When he entered he closed the door softly. The large man immediately went to his knees in front of her and kissed William while he suckled. Mary stared at the man and as usual her emotions were mixed. He could never live in normal society and she didn't know if she could live like this forever. Maybe, they could find their own home, one where none of the family knew where they were.

Thomas stroked Williams cheek with his large finger. Mary took in a breath and let it out slowly. "I'm.." she began but stopped. Thomas looked up at her. He didn't have to look up much. Even on his knees he was tall. "I'm...pregnant..again." she didn't like the idea of being pregnant so quickly after her last but there was no way of stopping it. The family wanted more members and they'd want her to have children until she wasn't able to. She felt like some prized bitch they bred each season.

His eyes lit up and he hugged her with William between them. "We need to leave...before the baby comes. Luda Mae isn't going to make Hoyt stay away forever and he'll try to hurt me." Thomas growled a bit at Hoyt's name. Mary took in a breath and let it out slowly "I don't want to raise William here any longer and I don't want this one born here." there was an urgency in her voice. Thomas looked confused for a moment and then shook his head "Stay with family." he rarely spoke more than two or three words at a time. Mary shook her head "We can't..they won't change..but I know you can. We can have our own home and family. You don't have to hurt anyone anymore." she tried to convince him. She asked herself is she would really stay with him or run the first chance she got.

There was a long silence between them while he seemed to be thinking about what she had said. "Family." he said as he put a hand on William and one on her waist using his thumb to rub her stomach. Mary nodded "Yes.." she whispered but she wanted him to understand "We can be...just not with Luda Mae or Hoyt or any of them. They are cruel and evil but you're not Thomas I know you're not. They tricked you but you can be good...I've seen it. We can leave...be together and forget all about them.

It was asking a lot. Thomas was fiercely loyal to his family that had raised him. As corrupt as they had been about it, it was all he knew. Mary stared at him waiting for an answer. His eyes locked with her's "Love...me ?" he asked and Mary's mouth gaped open without an answer.

Really appreciate the reviews. Thanks for letting me know about missing text. Didn't want to bombard with chapters but I just couldn't stop. They'll be more soon!


	6. Still a Monster

Sorry for the looong delay on this. I've had some things going on so it was hard to find time to sit down and write but here it is. I will hopefully be able to update more frequently now.

Mary had never given Thomas an answer. She needed time to think about her answer. _'I could've just lied and told him I love him'_ but was it a lie. Had she fallen for the man who held her captive?_ It's just a case Stockholm syndrome_, she told herself. She couldn't imagine herself actually in love in Thomas but at the same time she didn't want to hurt his feelings. _"Mary are you all right?"_ she heard Emma's voice echo in her head and bring her from her thoughts. They were sitting next to the fireplace in the living room. It was November and the family was preparing for Thanksgiving. That was enough to turn her stomach. Mary couldn't remember if they had a turkey last year or not she avoided any meat put on the table. "Yes, I'm fine just thinking." Mary answered and leaned over to see William investigating his fingers in his crib next to her. She smiled softly and went back to her needlework. The chain was still firmly clasped around her ankle but it was padded so it didn't dig into her flesh. None of the family didn't trust her not to run.

Luda Mae came into the living room _"Would you mind helping me in the kitchen, Mary?"_ she asked and Mary stood up. She was around five months but showing a bit already. When she got to the kitchen she was surprised to see a raw turkey in a pan sitting on the counter next to Luda Mae _"I could use some help with this."_ she said with a smile and Mary approached the turkey slowly. It was a turkey she was sure of it but why did they have it? _"It's a..turkey. I didn't think..." _she began and Luda Mae smiled again _"Hoyt bought it for you."_ Hoyt, that name just immediately made her mad. He had been gone for a few months only visiting every so often. _"He thinks that will make up for what he did"_ Mary snapped her words. Luda Mae sighed and shook her head _"Nothin' happ'n and I know he feels bad about it."_ Mary nearly laughed _"The only reason nothing happen was because Thomas showed up and he feels bad because he got caught."_ her face was flushed with anger and her words tense. Luda Mae shook her head _"Now now calm down ya don' need ta git yerself all worked up in yer condition."_ Mary nodded in agreement but she wasn't about to let Hoyt off the hook just because he bought some bird for Thanksgiving.

The turkey cooked to a beautiful gold color. While it cooked Mary threw together some flower, eggs and water to form dough. She kneaded it until it was elastic and started rolling it out and flouring it then cut it into strips for noodles. The broth on the oven was made from a chicken which they only had because Mary had convinced them to raise the chickens. Slowly she added the noodles to the chicken stock. She pulled the chicken apart removing the meat and dropping it back into the pot. It didn't need to simmer long then it was done. Mashed potatoes, rolls, vegetables and several other dishes. Mary began setting all the food out and putting plates on the table.

Soon the table was filled with people. Hoyt sat at one head of the table with Thomas at the other. Down both sides was Lyle, Emma, Clem and at Mary's request, Jedidiah. Mary had asked Emma about the boy and learned that it was possible that he was Hoyt's son but she didn't know who the mother was. Most likely a family member. "This all looks good!" Lyle clapped his hands together and rubbed them. Luda Mae smiled "Most of it you would have to thank Mary for." Hoyt looked at the turkey and the chicken and noodles "Those turned out good. You're welcome for the ingredients." he said in a tone that was not sharp enough to merit Mary to snap at him yet. Perhaps he was fishing for her to say thank you but he wasn't getting it.

Everyone was seated and Hoyt stood up to speak "God blesses our family with loyalty. We are blessed with new life. May we always remain, together." he lifted his glass as did everyone else and then took drinks. William cooed from his cradle near Mary and Thomas. Everyone began to eat and compliment Mary on the food. Luda Mae took credit for the desserts. "I think its time for Hoyt ta come home, don't you Thomas?" she asked looking at Thomas who didn't stop eating. Hoyt nodded "I think I've been away long 'nough." he said and continued eating. Mary kept her silence for the moment. Luda Mae nodded again "Well, I think that you'll start tonight. Jus' stay here." she smiled sweetly at him and took another bite of food. Mary finally spoke "Do I get a vote?" she asked in a low and angered tone. Hoyt stopped eating "Ya got nothin' ta fear from me Mary. Ima changed man." Mary smiled and looked up from her plate at Hoyt "I didn't say I was afraid. I don't have a reason to be." she emphasized 'I' in her words as if Hoyt might have something to fear from her. Luda Mae made a tsk sound "None that now you to. We goin' get along. Now eat up." she waved her hand and all fell silent.

When Mary and Thomas were preparing for bed she wanted to talk "Hoyt shouldn't ever come back." she said. Thomas grunted softly as he peeled away his clothing to sleep. "Family." is all he said and Mary scoffed "Yeah I know he's family but there is only so much you can let them get away with." Thomas finished undressing and laid in the bed "Protect mine." he said and patted the bed beside him. Mary put William down in his crib. He was asleep and his eyes darted beneath his lids. Sometimes Mary wondered what he dreamed about. She joined Thomas in the bed and he immediately pulled her into his arms "Protect." he said again. Mary nodded "I know." soon she fell asleep.

It only took a matter of days for Hoyt to be back in his old ways. He left Mary alone but he was acting as if nothing had ever happened and he was in charge once more. Mary was preparing breakfast when he came in "There's a group camping out by tha lake. Four of 'em I think." he said and Mary realized he was talking to Lyle and Clem who were walking in behind him. "So ya think tonight?" Lyle asked with a grin on his face. Mary shook her head but said nothing she just prepared her own plate. She fixed Thomas a plate just as he entered the room and Hoyt spoke "There he is. Ya ready ta go huntin'" Mary took in a breath and sat Thomas' plate down at the table. The large man sat down and started eating. It never occurred to her that she could poison them all. They ate what she cooked without hesitation.

When they finished eating Hoyt, Lyle and Clem left. Thomas followed after he kissed Mary. She couldn't help but be reminded of what he was, of what his family made him. Reminded of what her own children would become if she didn't get them out. Luda Mae and Emma came in and filled their own plates and ate as well. The poison crossed Mary's mind again and she smiled. Luda Mae spoke "Ya in a good mood today? Ya seem to be gettin' on with Hoyt okay." Mary nodded "So long as he stays away from me." she replied. Luda Mae nodded "I think he will. He ain't stupid enough ta cross Thomas again." she laughed and was joined by Emma in her laughter but Mary didn't.

It wasn't long before night fall and Mary head the distinct sound of Hoyt yelling. It was followed by a man she didn't recognize screaming profanities. Mary knew they had caught someone. Luda Mae stood up from the chair in the kitchen and went outside. Mary could barely hear her but she heard Luda Mae "Take them ta tha barn." she ordered. Mary muttered "I hoped they wouldn't find anyone. Thought maybe it was to cold to camp." she was surprised to hear Emma answer since she had more or less been talking to herself "People camp there even in winter, not as much but they do." Mary nodded and lifted William in her arms to put him to bed.

The chain on Mary's ankle gave her enough slack to get to the barn. When she reached the barn she remained on the outside and found a hole to peak inside. Why did she want to see? In her heart she wanted to believe that Thomas wouldn't do anything.

There were four of them. One was already dead, a man hanging from his wrists by ropes in the rafters. Two were girls and another man. The man was also tied to the rafters with his toes barely touching the ground. One of the girls, a blonde, was tied up with her hands behind her back on the ground. Her ankles were also tied together. The other girl with red hair was tied up much like the man was but her feet were flat footed on the ground and her knees bent. They were all gagged. The man kicked and squirmed yelling under his gag. Lyle removed the gag from the blonde woman on the ground "Was..was you tryin' ta say somethin' sweetheart? He asked sarcastically and the woman began screaming. This made them laugh all except Thomas.

Hoyt approached the red head that was tied up to the rafters. She was naked from the waist down. "Keep an eye on 'em." Hoyt said as he tugged the rope that held the girl which caused her to scream under the gag. Lyle stroked the blondes hair and grinned. Hoyt undid his belt and pants and let both his pants and underwear drop to his ankles. Mary turned away and didn't need to look to know what he was doing. She soon heard him grunt and the screams of the woman. Hoyt drove himself up into his captive and Mary couldn't look. The blonde began to scream frantically without the gag since Lyle had removed it "You bastard. Sick fuck! Get away from her!" Hoyt didn't stop but laughed. The blonde continued "You have to rape someone cause no one wants your disgusting ass!"

Lyle laughed and Hoyt didn't stop his motions. Mary could hear him grunt in between his words "Thomas, shut that bitch up. She's gonna upset mama if she hears her." he ordered and Mary spun quickly around to peek through the hole again. It turned her stomach to see Hoyt with his hands firmly gripping the poor girl's rear and she was forced to straddle him while he pounded into her. Mary searched for Thomas and saw him approaching the blonde who began kicking her tied legs but Lyle held her just as he shoved the gag back in. Mary whispered to herself "Thomas don't." but to her horror Thomas' chainsaw sputtered to life and he let out a roar and severed the woman in half. The saw teeth bit into flesh and tore ripping it away from the surrounding tissue. Blood sprayed over Thomas' apron and onto the ground. Intestines spilled out and the girl barely had time to scream or cough before she died.

Mary let out a scream which surprisingly enough startled those inside. She ran back towards the house. She was shocked when she felt a hand grab her wrist and spin her around. Mary now faced Thomas his apron was covered in blood and he had his mask on. "Let go of me!" she demanded. He removed his mask with his opposite hand and he had a look of concern on his face. The pieces of flesh and smears of blood on his apron made her want to vomit "No, let go, let go!" she screamed and pulled on her arm so much it hurt her. "You're a monster! Just like them! Why can't you just stop!" she jerked her arm again and he released her. Mary rubbed her wrist "One day something bad will happen because of what your family does...then it will be to late." His face was sad "Mine?" he questioned and she just shook her head and ran inside.


	7. Time Goes By

p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"It had been weeks since the girls in the barn and Mary had said no more than two words to Thomas. It wasn't the first time he had killed someone so violently since being with her but she hoped she was influencing him to stop but it looked like she wasn't. He was mechanical about it as if it was just something done. It wasn't that he enjoyed it or didn't like it he just...did it. em"Filling out now ain't ya."/em she heard Hoyt's voice from the doorway of the kitchen. Mary rolled her eyes and spoke harsly em"Thats supposed to happen." /emHoyt laughed and flopped down at the kitchen table. Mary had her back to him and her hands in dishwater./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas came in and went directly to Mary and embraced her from behind. Mary went stiff and closed her eyes. He had been trying to reach out to her since the barn but she had been cold and distant. If they were intimate she barely participated. Not that she did before but now it was as little as possible. Mary sucked in a breath and Thomas petted her large stomach that was seven months now. Thomas released her and went to William who was in a high chair that cradled him nicely. The boy wiggled his fingers at Thomas who kissed them. Mary stared at them. William who only knew Thomas as his father, smiled when he came in and those little fingers that would seek out Thomas./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Luda Mae entered the kitchen em"Oh sweet William you look even more beautiful than yesterday!"/em she came forward next to Thomas and smothered William's face with kisses much like any other grandmother would do to their grandchild. Mary felt herself tense and she wanted to rip the old woman away from William by her gray hair but she held herself back. em"and look at you dear just a vision of beauty."/em Luda Mae smiled at Mary and approached her taking the liberty of rubbing her growing belly. Mary nodded but bit her tongue./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"At supper there were more places than usual set out. It meant that more family would be joining them. Mary began bringing the food in from the kitchen. Lyle, Emma and others filed in and sat down em"I just love your cooking Mary."/em Lyle commented. Mary simply nodded. She still would never forgive him for foiling one of her escape attempts if not more than that she couldn't even remember now. Once the food was out Hoyt sat at the head of the table and Luda Mae at his right hand. Thomas was to his left and Mary beside him. It was after the blessing that Hoyt offered before Lyle smarted off em"Maybe Hoyt should sit at the head of the table, being the man of the family and all. Pretty wife, good looking boy and another on the way..."/em of course it was to piss off Hoyt and it did./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Hoyt glared at Lyle who grinned from ear to ear and took a big bite of a roll. Emma was snickering behind her glass. Mary didn't look up but could see Hoyt from the corner of her eye and he was seething mad. Finally he spoke em"That may be but I'M still the man of this family. Never mind what he has."/em the jealousy was evident on his face and he was staring at Mary and she could feel it. Lyle raised his hands up and nodded em"Alright then just making a suggestion..."/em Emma laughed em"No, you're just startin' shit."/em Lyle kissed her quickly. Mary stared at her plate and ate everything except the meat she didn't know what it was before it was cooked./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"After supper Luda Mae was helping Mary clean and she spoke softly em"I think Hoyt needs someone...start some sort of family of his own."/em Mary shook her head no em"He can't. He tires to quickly of the girls he finds and the ones he does like he doesn't treat well."/em Luda Mae nodded em"Oh I know. Maybe you could pick someone out. Make friends with some campers and bring back one you think might be good for him." /emWas she honestly suggesting that Mary hunt down Hoyt a girlfriend, wife or whatever. Mary shook her head em"No, I think he does enough damage on his own."/em with that she finished the dishes and left the kitchen./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Mary was finished dressing for bed when a knock came at the door. Thomas didn't know and it was to light to be Hoyt. She opened the door and it was Luda Mae em"Thomas and Hoyt went hunting...for deer."/em she sounded a bit surprised by her own words and Mary didn't know if she believed it. Although Thomas often hunted to bring back Mary something to eat that wasn't human flesh. em"Okay. Thank you for telling me."/em Luda Mae smiled and patted Mary's belly before she left. Mary shut the door and rolled her eyes. The chain around her ankle always rattled when she walked but the family and Mary herself had gotten used to it./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"It was just a short time later Thomas came into the room. He was much more light footed than normal and maybe that was because he didn't want to wake Mary. She was already up having just checked on William sleeping only a bit before. She laid there and ignored his entrance and assumed he would leave her alone. He climes into bed and soon Mary felt his hand on her hip. She was laying with her back to the door and towards him. Slowly his hand lifted her gown. It wasn't until his hand was against bare skin that she felt her heart panic./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Sorry for the delay. I've been working two jobs and more so it is hard to find the time but here it is I hope it lives up to expectation given it is a bit rushed./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"All this time she spent in bed with Thomas. The number of times he had touched her and walked across the floor she knew that things didn't add up now. Mary spun around to face Hoyt. Mary began to scream but before she could his hand clamped over her mouth. Mary struggled against him, kicking her legs wily as she could given her condition. Hoyt used his free hand to shove her gown up. Wasting no time he tore away her underwear from her body and it left red marks where the fabric had been tougher./p  
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Mary couldn't get free of him. Her arms flailed but he ignored it and stayed focused. He didn't go for his pants as he had gotten into the bed without them and she realized he planned this. His free hand that was not covering her mouth went to the opening of her and he plunged two fingers in and pumped them fast between the fold. When her body had responded enough he positioned himself and to her horror drove his hard length into her. Mary screamed from behind his hand but he continued to ignore her and plunge himself into her./p 


	8. A New End

Again this one is a bit rushed and I hope it is good for you all. Let me know what you think.

Mary woke up screaming. Her stomach turned and she felt sick. Her body was shaking and sweaty. Thomas sat up next to her and stared intently at her. Mary was panting and holding her chest but she nodded _"I'm fine...I'm fine."_ Thomas touched her chin with his fingetips and turned her face towards his. His way of asking if she was sure and she answered _"I'm alright."_ she swallowed hard and started to get up out of bed and get ready for breakfast.

She was ready to pop or so it felt like and she would be due anyday now. This meant Thomas watched her like a hawk most of the time. It also meant that she wasn't any closer to convincing Thomas to leave his family behind. Each day seemed to drag her further away from freedom and seal the fate of herself and William along with the unborn she carried.

Breakfast was much chatter between everyone else except Mary. She stared blankly at her plate of food and relived the nightmare she had some time ago. It had seemed to real and it unerved her. Ever time she caught Hoyt staring at her she felt a cold chill run down her spine. It didn't get better when she herad Hoyt talk _"We got some campers up the way by the lake. Four of them I think maybe five."_ Lyle laughed and slapped the table _"Hot Damn finally lets do it!"_ Mary had no idea why they killed and ate people. At first it was because everyone left the area and there weren't any animals but living here she had seen animals but they didn't seem interested in them.

Soon Thomas, Hoyt and the others left leaving Emma, Luda and Mary home by themselves. They sat by the fireplace to wait. Mary picked up her sewing and started working on a gown for the baby. The chain had been switched on her ankle with the padding beneath it. Changed every so often to keep it from chaffing. When Emma flopped down in a chair she huffed _"Lyle never lets me go._" Mary turned her eyes to Emma _"Why would you want to?"_ she asked and went back to her sewing. Emma shrugged _"Sounds fun."_ Mary didn't know how someone from the outside world could be so accepting of this life but then again Emma was convinced that they saved her.

It wasn't long before they returned and the screaming began in the barn. Mary couldn't drown it out this time. It was to close to the house and the chainsaw. The sound of the chainsaw just made her want to vomit. She knew Thomas was doing his family duty by hacking someone up and ignoring everything she said. Eventually the screaming died down and Mary fell to sleep but Thomas didn't return until long after dark. Although she hated what he did when he came into the bedroom and snuggled against her she knew he had showered and cleaned himself before coming to bed. It was his way of showing his respect to her. Mary turned to face him and smiled _"Thomas...I do love you...but I..we can't stay here."_ Thomas nodded and kissed her gently.

It was two weeks later and somehow two of those they had found were still alive in the barn. Hoyt was plowing one and the other was a man they weren't sure his relation to the girl and most of the time no one was concerned with it. Mary wasn't allowed to go to the barn at least not inside and she never looked inside since the night she had seen Thomas kill the girl.

Hoyt came in and his pants were unzipped and Lyle made a gesture and laughed to which Hoyt zipped his pants up. Mary closed her eyes slowly showing her aggrivation but no one paid much mind to her as they knew that most of what they did offended her. _"I hope you tied them up good."_ Lyle commented and Hoyt nodded _"Yeah, yeah she ain't going no where and I think he's dead."_ Mary sighed and shook her head and Hoyt scoffed.

At dinner Hoyt sat at the head of the table once more and said the blessing before everyone ate. Hoyt ate quickly and excused himself and Lyle laughed _"Can't wait to go play with his toy."_ Mary just stared at her food and kept her mind elsewhere.

Ten minutes later the door of the kitchen swung open and banged against the wall. _"How many times have I told him not to slam that damn door."_ Luda Mae stood up and walked to the kitchen but froze at the doorway. Suddenly she was struck by a large two by four and fell to the floor unconcious. _"Catch that bitch!"_ could be heard from outside. Lyle jumped up and ran foor the kitchen drawing his gun but was tackled by a man. The gun skidded across the dining floor and that's when the woman Hoyt had been keeping came into view. She was brandishing a bat and was assited by the other man they had captive.

Hoyt ran into the room and grabbed the woman while Lyle and the man struggled back and forth. Things happened fast which gave no time for Emma to get out of the way when a shot rang out. The man was on bottom of Lyle but had managed to fire the gun. Everyone flinched when it went off save for Lyle who punched the man in the face and he went unconcious again. Hoyt held tightly to the girl and Lyle looked back _"Everyone alright?"_ he asked and Emma nodded _"Yeah...damn..."_ she replied.

Thomas let out a roar that shook the very Earth itself. Emma turned and screamed. It was then they realized Mary had been shot. A red stain on her dress pooling from her chest. Mary was looking down, shocked for a moment but soon she crumpled a bit before Thomas caught her. He lowered her to the floor until he was on his knees cradling her. Mary gasped for breath _"Thom..thom.."_ another gasp. A small trail of blood began to leak from the corner of her mouth. _"Thom..please...I..can't."_ Her mind raced with thoughts of William and of the child she carried. Thomas stroked her hair. Mary raised her hand to his cheek and held it there. Her blood smeared along his cheek _"I...love you...please...take.."_ she couldn't catch her breath it hurt every time she tried. _"William...and...Adalind...they can't..."_ she didn't have to finish because he nodded and knew what she wanted.

A few chokes of air and her hand slid away from his cheek and dropped to her side. Her last breath left her, her vision narrowed and she closed her eyes finding herself giving in to the darkness she felt creeping over her.


	9. Hang On

Sorry for the long delay. Busy with work and various other things but I will try to keep up with the story. Honestly I spent a lot of time going over how I wanted things to go with Mary's life or death. Enjoy this short chapter.

The room was buzzing with voices. No longer in the old farmhouse. The room was white and sterile. Emma could be heard screaming for help "Please! You have to help her!" Mary laid lifeless on a gurny, her eyes barely open, with bodies hovering over her. The doctor spoke first "What's her name?" he asked and Emma answered "Mary...her name is Mary!" Emma was bitting her lip, pulling her hair and pacing all in her panic. The doctor opened Mary's eyes and shown his flashlight in them. Her pupils barely responded to the light. "We need O negative and have the NICU on call." they wheeled her into an emergency room and began assessing the damage the bullet had caused.

It had went into her chest and everyone in the room when she was shot had assumed she was dead. The nurse cut away Mary's shirt. Blood had stained her chest, shoulders and some of her stomach. Mary drifted in and out of consciousness. The doctor looked the wound over. They turned her on her side and Mary let out a groan which was the first genuine sign of life they had seen. "It went through." Mary's eyes drifted closed and the doctor screamed "Mary! Stay awake! You fall asleep you're not waking up!" The doctor and nurses began working.

In the waiting room Emma paced back and forth. Of course they had sent her with Mary since no one would identify Emma as having anything to do with the kidnapping or any of the murders. She sat down a minute but immediately stood up. She kept looking towards the room where she knew Mary was but they wouldn't let her in. Soon a nurse came out and approached "Miss? You came in with the pregnant gunshot victim?" Emma spun to face her "Yes! What's wrong." she asked her nerves in a bunch. The nurse put her hand on Emma's shoulder and she feared the worst but the nurse spoke gently "Mary's lost a good amount of blood and they're working on stopping the bleeding. Do you need anything sweetheart? A drink..something to.." her words cut off when a page went off overhead *Code Blue. Code Blue. ER 4. ER4.* The nurse looked at Emma quickly then was gone down the hall.

In Mary's room a voice screaming "She's flat-lining!" and a scramble within the room. A nurse came with a defibrillator unit. "Turn her on her left side." the doctor placed the paddles on Mary's body. "Clear!" he yelled and was only able to use a small jolt. A blip on the heart monitor but then a flat line again. "Doctor the baby.." a nurse said and the doctor shook his head "It will be fine." He placed the paddles again "Clear!" again he jolted her. This time the heart monitor showed a few blips before it went again. A nurse put a small hand-held device to Mary's stomach and there was a steady thump of the baby's heart but it was slower than they liked. "Again!" the doctor demanded and set the paddles to Mary again "Clear!" another jolt and the heart monitor sprung to life with Mary's rhythmic beat.

The doctor shoved the paddles towards a nurse ready to take them. He kept Mary on her side and screamed "Where is the goddamned blood I ordered!" he felt Mary's pulse and it was barely there. "The bleeding's stopped but she needs the blood." as if they heard him a nurse ran into rolling an iv of blood bags. The nurse at Mary's left tied her arm and began an iv in Mary's arm. They ran the line of blood to Mary. A nurse brushed Mary's hair from her face "Come on sweety you can do it." They checked her vitals again "She's improving." the doctor said and everyone in the room felt a bit of relief.

Emma was still in the waiting room when the nurse came out and smiled "She's stable. We will have to keep an eye on her for a few days." Emma let out a sigh of relief. Then thought for a moment "I'll be staying with her." what if Mary woke up and immediately revealed everything that had happened. Emma bit her lip and the nurse touched her shoulder again "Are you alright?" and Emma nodded "I'm good." she answered and the nurse nodded before excusing herself.

Mary was asleep when Emma came into her room. They had finally allowed her in after several hours. Emma looked over the machines attached to Mary. Emma sat down in the chair next to Mary and took her hand in her own "Please stay with us. Thomas can't loose you." Emma began to tear up "If you say anything or if they find out who you are they'll take you from us. The baby and William." Emma squeezed Mary's hand. "We have to get you home."


	10. Home

When Mary woke up it was nearly two days later. Emma was asleep sitting in the chair next to the bed with her head resting on the bed. Her fingers were laced in Mary's. Slowly Mary moved her body. She was still carrying her baby which was good as it was not yet time for her to make her debut. Mary groaned and felt her body sore all over. Emma stirred feeling Mary's movement. Her sleepy eyes batted before she clutched Mary's hand and spoke softly "I thought we'd lost you." she had tears in her eyes. Mary groaned again as she was able to sit all the way up. "What happened?" she asked. Emma brushed a few strands of Mary's hair away from her face "You were shot. I brought you here. I thought the worst but they saved you and the baby." she rubbed Mary's stomach and smiled.

Several thoughts raced through Mary's mind. Did the hospital know who she was. Had her family been told she was here? William was still in the woods at that house. As if reading Mary's thoughts Emma spoke "Mary...you have to tell them I'm your sister. That's what I told them. They'll let you leave with me. We have to go before they figure out who you are." Mary just stared at Emma. Was anyone still looking for her? How long had she been gone? Mary lost track of all time living with them. It had been over two years. "I.." Mary began. What did she want? Going back meant she would be at their mercy again. They wouldn't stop killing and torturing people. Telling the hospital who she was meant loosing William. There was no way of finding the house in those woods. It was like a needle in a haystack and it was unlikely Emma would lead them there.

A doctor knocked lightly on the door then entered. "How are you feeling?" he asked with a smile. Mary nodded "Good." the doctor nodded and looked at the clipboard of papers in his hand "Well you were very lucky. The bullet didn't hit anything major. Your blood loss was a result of time getting you here." he looked at Emma who let out a small huff of air before speaking "We don't exactly live close." she squeezed Mary's hand. The doctor nodded again "I see. Well, if you feel you are able I can discharge you but I would advise staying a few more days." Mary stared at the wall in her thoughts. "I..." the finality of what she might say weighed heavy on her.

Seconds passed like hours while Emma and the doctor stared at Mary for an answer. Finally she spoke in a small and cracking voice "I'd like to go home." a crushing decision either way. If she told them everything there was little chance of seeing William again. The doctor seemed disappointed but nodded "Alright then." he exited the room and later a nurse arrived with discharge instructions.

When they exited the hospital Lyle was waiting in a car for them. Mary glared at him but said nothing. Emma was pushing Mary's wheelchair like she had won a prize at the fair. When they were all in and headed down the road Lyle asked "How did you pay? Or keep them from asking questions." Emma laughed "I gave them some misinformation. One of those bitches ya'll got awhile back had all her info in her purse. Social and everything." Lyle laughed "Damn I love you." he patted her leg and they kissed.

They stopped once they were far enough away from town. Lyle exited the car and opened the back were Mary sat down. Emma frowned "Sorry about this Mary." before she could object Lyle was gripping her arms and tying them behind her back. Once secure he tied a blindfold around her head keeping her from seeing anything. Emma spoke gently "We just don't want you to be able to lead anyone to the house." there was nothing but silence from Mary.

The car moved again and Mary tried to count miles, turns and remember. When the car stopped she could hear Luda Mae from a distance "They're back. Oh heavens, they're back. Mary's with them!" Without much of a warning the car door jerked open and familiar arms circled Mary and lifted her from the car. "Mine." she heard in her ear as Thomas snuggled her close to him. Luda Mae removed the blind fold and untied Mary's hands. "Oh we were so worried about you. We thought for sure..." she waved her hands as if to shoo away the thoughts she had. "Never mind, you're here now." The first words from Mary's lips "Where is William?" she asked and Luda Mae nodded. Thomas continued to carry Mary into the house and sat he down in the living room on the large arm chair next to William who was surrounded by pillows and laying on his back. His small arms stretched upwards and cooing. Mary went to him and lifted him to her chest. Thomas immediately took him from her and put a hand on her wound. It was implying she shouldn't be lifting him in her condition.

Over the next several weeks Mary wrote to her children in various letters. She told them the whole story and left nothing out. If they read them or not it didn't matter she wanted the truth to be on paper. Thomas took care of her and made sure she didn't have to lift or even get up much which she objected to but arguing with him was no use. She hoped that he would never get the capacity to read the letters to her children...their children nor would he had anyone read them to him. She still wrote how she dreamed of escaping with the children.

In the middle of the night her pains began. It was time and she wasn't ready. Inside of her she could protect the baby but outside it was a different story. William was still little and unaffected by everything but how long could he be exposed to it and it do no harm. She lifted from the bed and began to pace the room. Thomas woke easily when she moved as he often did. Her palms were against the wall and her body bent at the waist while she waited out a contraction. Thomas kissed her head and went to get Luda Mae and the midwife. As if they were needed Emma, Lyle, Luda Mae and the midwife appeared in the room. Emma looked like she might explode. She had since discovered herself to be pregnant.

Mary groaned and doubled over a bit. Thomas rubbed her back gently and turned her from the wall so she would be instead using him as a wall to lean against as support. Another contraction and Mary groaned while she pivoted back and forth on her feet. The midwife nodded and checked Mary's pulse "Good girl, you're doing fine." she said and then lifted Mary's nightgown. She checked Mary's readiness. "She's so close. Little more dilatation and she can push." Mary groaned again "I want to push now." the pressure was intense and demanded her to push but she waited.

Given another thirty minutes and the midwife checked once more. "She's ready. Move her to her knees." Thomas lowered himself to the floor on the blankets that had been piled there. Mary got onto her knees with her thighs apart as far as she could. Her body was supported by Thomas who intently stared at her. The midwife spoke "Okay sweety push as hard as you can." Mary was happy to do so. She clutched Thomas' shirt and groaned. Every muscle in her body wanted to flex but she tried not to. Focusing all her energy on her abdominal muscles. "Again." the midwife said and Mary once more bore down. It took only four times before the baby's head was out. The midwife smiled "Thomas, get ready to catch your baby." she moved his hands down. His arms length was long enough so Mary was still able to support herself on him while he waited for the baby.

The midwife rubbed Mary's back "On last time, big one." Mary cried out for the first time in labor and bore down as hard as she could. The baby slipped from her and into Thomas' waiting hands. Immediately Mary felt exhausted. The midwife took the baby from Thomas "A girl." she began to clean her off and the baby let out a few coughs and a healthy cry. Once she was clean she handed her to Thomas while the midwife cut the cord. Thomas handed the baby to Luda Mae who began cooing and fawning over her. "Oh my heavens she is beautiful. Look at those bright green eyes." Emma came behind Luda Mae and they both investigated every inch of the baby who was perfect. "What's this?" Emma asked pointing to a mark on the baby girl's inner thigh. The midwife was helping Mary deliver the placenta and cleaning her up. "Give me a moment, ladies."

When Mary was clean and redressed she had never felt so tired before. Perhaps the last time she delivered. Thomas carried her and laid her down on the bed. His hand stroked her hair and he did nothing but stare at her face. The midwife smiled and went to Luda Mae who pointed out the mark. The midwife smiled "Its a birthmark. They call it a cafe au lait spot." Emma giggled "It looks like a heart." the skin was darkened and in the perfect shape of a heart on the baby's inner thigh fairly close to the crease of her leg. Luda Mae kissed the baby's hands "She will be sweet. That's what that means." Emma ran to Lyle and hugged him "I can't wait to have ours!" she exclaimed with excitement.

The midwife took the baby from Luda Mae "Baby girl needs to eat." she said and brought the baby to Mary. Thomas stood and was gone for a moment but returned with William. They brought the two together and William cooed at his baby sister. "William, meet your baby sister, Adalind." Luda Mae spoke softly "They make a beautiful family." just when it seemed like a picture perfect Hoyt entered "Let's celebrate. Come on Thomas, lets get some barbecue on to celebrate." Mary felt her heart sink. Her moment of happiness turned to stone in the realization of where she still was and the fate of her children to be raised in such a place. She still needed to get out.


	11. Lost Love

It had been two months since Adalind had been born. She was beautiful and looked just like Mary. Things had been peaceful for awhile. Spring had been lush and summer was coming. The crops were growing and wildlife seemed abundant and Mary actually hoped that the family would no longer hunt people. They didn't need to anymore.

Mary sat outside with William playing on a blanket next to her and Adalind in a small crib that sat on the ground. The breeze was nice even though it made her fabric toss a bit that she was trying to sew. Thomas nearby cleaning an animal and it was still gross but there was relief that it wasn't a person. For a time she had forgotten about escaping.

How short lived it would be. Just as things seem to have calmed and the family had adjusted to hunting wild game instead of people things changed. In the distance Mary could see a man running. His face covered in blood and he was screaming. Mary closed her eyes thinking maybe it was a dream or some waking nightmare. No, the man was closer now and screaming for help. Thomas stood up and Mary looked towards him "Thomas, no." she pleaded. He was trained and she still couldn't get to him. Hoyt and everyone had him convinced he was protecting his family.

Mary covered her ears when she heard the sputter of the chainsaw coming to life. She stood up and screamed over its roar "Thomas don't!" but either he didn't hear her or he wasn't listening. He took long strides which closed the distance fast. The man began panicking where to go and he ran towards Mary and the children. This would not due for Thomas. He cut the man off and with one swift motion brought the chainsaw into the man's stomach. He impaled him on it and as it run it sprayed blood everywhere. Thomas lifted him up and the man gurgled until he died.

To Mary's horror the blood had splattered back and sprayed a good deal on herself and the children. She stood there with a look of horror on her face. It wasn't because it was on her. When she saw William his face was and hands were covered and he was just playing in it as if it didn't matter. "Oh my god!" she picked him up and started to wipe him off with her apron. Adalind began crying and Mary turned to her and she had blood spread across her face.

Without a word Mary picked them up and carried them inside and began washing them off. Thomas came in and had a look of concern on his face. Mary just scowled. "You have to stop! Look what happened! Do you want this for them?" she was in tears now trying to wash them. Thomas approached her with his arms stretched out. "No!" she screamed and he took a step back.

The children were changed and clean when Mary sat them down in the living room. She was no longer wearing a chain which meant it was easier to get around and now she had a new found desire to escape. Which had presented itself when she saw Lyle driving their latest victims car up the yard. There were two more tied up in the back seat. Emma got out who was now showing signs of her pregnancy "We got 'em wooo!" she laughed and slammed the door behind her.

Mary watched carefully as to where Lyle put the keys and since they all believed her to be one of them now she wasn't watched nearly as closely. Carelessly he tossed them in the basket near the kitchen door. Hoyt and Lyle drug out the other two which were girls. Hoyt shook his head "What's thi' world coming to. They were out 'ere just fuck' each other in some big orgy. Takin' turns. What happened to everyone's morals." he was one to talk.

They drug them to the barn and Mary knew what they were doing. Either stringing them up or worse. She went inside and stared at the keys memorizing which ones they were. At dinner she said little and most knew it was because of earlier that day. Mary put the children down to sleep and then laid down herself. She knew Thomas wouldn't be joining her since they caught people today he would be joining Hoyt and Lyle in some fun.

When it had been a couple hours, that seemed to drag on, Mary got up and snuck downstairs. First she needed to make sure they were still entertained in the barn. She slowly made her way to the side she knew had a whole large enough to see into. She could hear their voices and grunting. It wasn't a surprise when she saw one of the girls bent over an old table. She had no bottoms on. Lyle was behind her with his pants to his ankles. Obvious what he was doing by his thrusting motion and grunting. His hands gripped the poor girls hips as he drove into her.

Laughter from the corner was coming from Emma. She moved around to the girls face "I thinks he likes it." to which the girl responded by screaming. Lyle smacked the girls rear as hard as he could and Emma laughed. There was Hoyt with the other girl and Mary couldn't bring herself to look. Thomas had the man strung up on a hook and was peeling away layers of flesh. Mary felt her heart sink into her stomach. Her hand pressed against the side of the barn and she closed her eyes "I'm sorry." she whispered before returning inside and gathering the children and the letters she had written for them. There was one she left for Thomas.

When the children were loaded into the car she carefully and quietly got in. She knew the engine would be loud. Finally she started it. She could hear shouting from the barn and she quickly put the car in drive and began turning around in the driveway. In their hurry they must've left one of the girls undone because she was running towards the car. Mary, for a moment, thought of leaving her. She stopped and let the girl jump in but she didn't get far. Lyle had her ankles. Emma was getting in the passenger side were the children were "Mary! What are you doing!" she screamed and tried to get into the car. Mary grabbed William who was closest to the door and hit the gas. It was enough to pull Lyle loose but he dragged the girl out with him.

While Mary was distracted the other girl who had gotten loose by now opened the drivers side door and was attempting to push Mary over so she could drive. Mary let her so she could reach both children. A moment to late as Emma grabbed William and pulled him out. Mary screamed "NO!" and held on to Adalind. Mary grabbed the wheel "We have to get William!" the girl screamed and pulled the wheel back "What the fuck are you talking about?" The girl slammed on the breaks when Thomas was in front of them. Mary flew forward with her arms around Adalind which protected her but Mary hit her head and immediately lost consciousness.

When she woke up she was in a hospital. It looked unfamiliar. When her eyes fluttered open she heard shouting "Mom! Mom she's awake!" It took Mary a moment to realize who the woman shouting was. Her cousin, Rose at her side was quickly joined by her aunt, Maggie. Rose was kissing Mary's hand. Maggie leaned in and hugged Mary so tightly she could barely breath. Mary spoke "Where's...my children." the two women looked at each other confused "They found her. The doctors are checking her over." Mary shook her head "William, where is William?" she asked. Their expressions worried her and she began to panic as she remembered what happen.

Mary began screaming "Where is William!? He was...he was with me! Where is he!" nurses came into the room and one used a needle to inject a substance into Mary's IV. Maggie spoke softly "She's been through a lot...she's been missing for more than two years." When Mary had calmed and felt the effects of the drugs dulling her senses Maggie spoke softly "You were brought in with another young woman. She said she found you there and that they were...cannibals and murderers? You're safe now." there were many questions Maggie had but she wouldn't ask them just yet. "They found some letters you wrote and brought those in. Your baby is fine." she smiled and caressed Mary's forehead. "You'll be home soon..." Mary drifted to sleep.


End file.
