Another shape appeared from the shadows, moving faster than I thought possible. In a heartbeat, it was on us, colliding with the beast at my back.
Isaac!He was here, keeping his promise, so I was going to keep mine.
Somehow, I was back on my feet. The fight continued behind me, and I didn’t stop. Eyes filled the shadows, peering at me around every tree. Howls split the air. One, then another.
More and more voices answered, filling the night with a chilling song.
How many were there?
I tried to recall the faces of the men Jay worked with. They were always here, loitering at the edge of the property, leaning on trucks, watching.
All this time, they were watching me.
The further I pushed, the more defeat crept in. I was lost, turned around in the dark, and more figures were closing in. I could see them from the corners of my vision, moving swiftly between trees. Too many for Isaac to fight on his own.
Then it appeared before me, and I found a second wind. The long gravel driveway, winding toward the main road. The ground was smoother here—easier to run.
I was almost up the hill when twin lights flashed in front of me, blinding me. I lifted a hand, covering my face as a truck sped down the driveway, dust swirling in its wake.
They were coming up the road. Of course, they were.
I could feel another at my back, moving closer with every gasping breath I took. The truck was moving closer too, so fast I barely had time to jump out of the way.
I was trapped, caught between two roaring beasts. No matter which way I ran, they would catch me.
Chapter 25
Worse for Wear
Tara
Abluetruckscreechedtoa halt in front of me. My legs quaked beneath me, my lungs burning.
I couldn’t run anymore.
A figure leaped from the passenger side, ponytail swinging as she screamed, “Down!”
I dropped to my stomach seconds before the rifle in Cady’s hand went off. Once, twice, three times. I covered my ears, muffling the ringing.
I didn’t want to get up—didn’t want to see what was so close behind me that she fired at that range.
“Got ‘em!” Eli hurried around the side of the truck, handgun raised high.
“Don’t hurt your shoulder!”
Eli grinned at her, like this was just another Tuesday for him. “What shoulder?”
Cady lowered the rifle, extending a hand to help me up. I accepted it, surprised by the strength of her grip as she heaved me from the ground.
“How are you here?”
“You gave Saul the address. We carpooled.” She wasn’t looking at me, staring ahead where Eli was approaching a panting beast on the ground.
It wasn’t Isaac. I don’t know how I could tell, but I could.
“This him, darlin’?” Eli asked, his gun pointed directly at the beast.
He whined, trying to rise. Eli planted a boot on his chest, his friendly face twisting into an inhuman snarl.