CHAPTER 56
The sound camefrom behind her.
Not the creak of settling wood or the pop of cooling metal. A breath. Too close.
She turned.
Dana came at her from the side. There was no warning, no hesitation, just impact.
Mia slammed back against the counter. Pain flared up her spine as Dana’s weight drove the air from her lungs.
“You did this,” Dana hissed. “Why can’t you just die?”
Mia screamed and shoved hard. She grabbed the first thing within reach and swung. A dull thud as the pan connected with Dana’s shoulder. Dana grunted but didn’t stop.
Her hand closed around Mia’s wrist, twisting hard. White-hot pain shot up her arm. Panic surged as she dropped the pan.
No.
Mia charged forward and bit down hard on Dana’s shoulder.
Dana screamed, recoiling in shock.
Mia wrenched free and stumbled back, heart pounding, lungs burning. She grabbed blindly and came up with a wooden rolling pin.
Dana lunged again.
Mia swung.
The crack was sickening. Dana cried out, stumbling sideways. Blood spilled along her temple.
Ranger exploded forward with a savage bark. His jaws snapped shut inches from Dana’s leg as she twisted away.
Then Dana bolted.
She ran out the door, crashing through it and into the trees.
Mia slid down against the counter, her legs folding beneath her. Her body shook, uncontrollable. Her ears rang. Her vision narrowed until the edges went dark. The smell of blood made her gag.
Ranger lunged forward with a sharp bark.
“Ranger…” Mia tried to call, but her voice broke.
He didn’t stop.
He hit the doorway at full speed and disappeared. A split second later, a scream cut through the trees.
Mia’s breath hitched.
Then another sound. A snarl. A thud.
Silence.
Her heart hammered so hard, she thought she might pass out.
Ranger reappeared in the doorway, chest heaving, jaw flecked with blood. He crossed the room and pressed himself against her legs, body vibrating with tension, his eyes locked on the open door.
Guarding.
