And then I see it.A train of wolves and leopards racing from trees to bushes.They are heading back the way I’ve just come.There is a flash of white, a polar bear, and beside it a dark shadow I presume is a panther.I spot a leopard and more wolves.
“Oh, my goodness.”I press my hand to my chest.What is going on?Are Elias and Branson okay?Did they finish the job I’d started with the fevered coyote?What about Harvey?Poor Harvey was ambushed.
I run my hand over Princess’s muzzle and she lets out a small nicker.She is calming, thank goodness, and I hope we are not sprung on again as we stand here in the dead of night waiting to find out what is going on.
Chapter Eleven
Elias
I watch in horror as the huge coyote drops from the tree onto the carriage.He moves quickly and with menacing intent.
“Branson!”I yell, my wolf heart thudding dangerously fast.
He’s right behind me, he’s seen it too.
“Hurry.Fuck.Go!”he shouts.
We leave the cover of the shadows and burst onto the path no longer caring who sees us.Our woman is in danger.Mortal danger.
She screams then, “Elias.Branson.Help!”
Maisey’s voice reaches us and the panic in it sickens me.I speed up even though I didn’t think I could go any faster.I’m at full stretch with each stride, my back long and straight, tail flying out behind me.Branson is just as fast and we approach the carriage from behind.Our advance grimly determined.
Suddenly the carriage tips to the left, one wheel lifting, and a figure falls off.Harvey.He lands hard and rolls, shifting as he goes.Wow, that had to hurt.
“She’s alone on there.With that thing!”Branson leaps over Harvey.Harvey appears okay, wolf now, and shaking his big furry head as though figuring out what has just happened.
But the carriage is taking off faster.The horse is bolting and taking a crazy route over path and grass.
“We can’t let anything happen to her!”I snarl as adrenaline and fury take over.
I reach the carriage and leap up onto it.So does Branson.
But I land first and the feral coyote is pressed over her, about to bite, tear at her with its huge jaws.And she’s just staring at it.Eyes wide.A strange calmness coming from her.
Then I see it.She has something in her hand.It’s the knife handle.The sharp end is buried deep in a heart-piercing strike.
