Time slowed to a crawl as the animal and I raced to the group. I spotted a stone at the last minute and used it to propel me into the air. The animal arced over the fire, his massive body glowing like butterscotch.
Carol’s scream pierced the silence. Though it looked like the lion was going for her, he was targeting Claude, who had his back turned. I harnessed my energy and slammed into the animal with all my strength.
Before we even hit the ground, Claude ripped Carol from her seat to safety. Energy blasted through my palms as I gripped whatever body part I could on the beast. We tumbled to the ground, and he flipped over before I could blast him again.
Christian grabbed him by the haunches and dragged him away from me. The lion roared, and the sound made every living thing in the woods tremble with fear. When it kicked its hind legs, Christian lost his grip. The lion took off in a flash with my partner hot on its heels.
Claude held Carol tightly to him, his eyes as black as coal. She blanched, and I couldn’t tell if she was more afraid of the near-death experience or Claude flipping his switch.
“The lions want the kids,” I said, quickly filling everyone in.
The twins stood with their backs to the fire, Adam holding a big stick and Eve clutching his jacket.
Viktor pulled a gun out of his bag. “How many?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you should shift.”
He loaded a clip into the gun. “I’m a better shot than my wolf is a lion killer. Children, stay close.”
I turned my back to the fire so I could scan the woods. “Where’s Blue?”
Viktor looked around. “She was just here.”
I steered my gaze upward. These trees weren’t suitable for climbing, and the kids needed a safe place. If the lions lured us out…
I held my breath. “Shhh.”
Leaves rustled in the distance.
“Another one!” Eve shrieked.
I spun in the direction she was pointing and braced myself, but instead of a lion, Matteo appeared. Blood speckled his cheeks and nose, and it coated his right hand.
“Oh shit,” I muttered.
Claude was still in beast mode.
“He won’t be a concern,” Matteo informed me, barely casting a glance Claude’s way.
“His switch is flipped. You need to get out of here.”
“As long as the child is near him, he won’t separate himself from her. He’ll shield her from harm. That is the Chitah way.”
Viktor delivered a scrutinizing gaze to our guest. The grip on his gun was tight, and I reached for his arm.
“This is Matteo. He brought me here.”
In that moment, I suddenly realized how careless that looked. Viktor could have burned holes through my head with his fiery stare.
Matteo drew in a breath. “I’m not the threat.”
“I have no reason to trust you.”
Matteo straightened his shoulders. “Do you think I don’t know who comes and goes in my woods? Your secret’s safe with me. You must know that a Chitah’s word is his bond. Gather your things and come with me. The lions will return soon.”
I snapped my fingers at the twins. “Come on. Get your stuff together. Hurry up!”
Matteo must have scented their fear and approached. “I know these woods better than anyone. You’re safe as long as you’re with me. If you stay here, you’ll die.”
