The Watcher had sent an immortal after the woman, all right. The tall figure loping after them was the equivalent of an immortal pit bull, one of the Watchers' own elite personal guards.
Jule eased out of the garage and closed the door behind him. The woman was far enough ahead she should be able to escape while he distracted the creature.
"Step aside, mortal," the guardsman ordered.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Jule replied. "You'll have to kill me to get to her."
"You won't last beyond my first punch," came the scoff. "I warn you again, step aside."
Jule stretched his neck back and shook out his arms in the cold night. He lowered himself into a fighting stance. The guardsman drew a sword. They circled each other, and Jule waited to hear the sound of a car staring in the garage. The sound didn't come.
The guardsman struck with nonchalance that told Jule just how much he was being underestimated. Jule moved away from the slicing sword and caught the guardsman's wrist. He twisted it and unleashed a kick that knocked his opponent off his feet and sent the sword flying.
Jule retrieved it, satisfied to find it light and well balanced. When the guardsman rose, the arrogance was gone from his face, replaced by anger. Jule looked again towards the garage, growing concerned he hadn't heard a car or garage door motor yet.
The guardsman attacked with a knife in each hand, his movements a flurry of motion. Jule's instincts took over, and he allowed them to guide his sword and punches. He couldn't remember ever feeling so … off. His sword defended him as if possessed, yet when he went to strike, he found his blows ill timed and clumsy.
"What are you?" the guardsman demanded, withdrawing.
"Damned if I know," Jule replied.
The garage door behind him opened, and he whirled. The woman emerged carrying a crossbow. Jule threw himself down as she leveled it and fired. The arrow went over his head and was followed by two more.
"You need to get out of here, sweetheart!" he yelled and rolled to face the guardsman. "You'll just piss him off."
"I can take care of myself. My aim is perfect!" Despite her defiance, her voice shook.
The guardsman was on his back, but Jule knew he wouldn't be down for long.
"Look, girl," Jule said, rising. "You've got about two minutes before this creature tears through me and kills you."