The Survivors: Book One

Angela studied her conscience for a brief second, knowing he was right, but she had lived by the old rules for a long time. "Let's just go."

Dillan was in pain, mangled wrist screaming with pain, and he was horrified to find himself relieved by her decision. For the first time since they were teenagers, they had underestimated their prey, might even need help. It was humbling for men who had engaged whole military units alone, but especially for Dillan, who was the more aggressive of the twins. It was a humiliation he would never forget.

Angela opened the door, but hesitated to leave Marc alone with the two killers, despite this very thing being why she needed him.

"Now. Take Dog, if he'll go." Marc's words held a tone of command that she recognized and responded to, even as she frowned. Angela motioned to the wolf and was a bit surprised by how clear the mental answer was from the beautiful animal.

"Man is your guardian. I am his," the wolf pushed against her leg, able to sense his master's impatience.

Angela climbed into the Blazer, closing the door. The powerful engine fired up and she slid the window down, locked eyes with the mad man on the ground. "That should be a fatal injury now. Will you die?"

"Who are you?" Dillan demanded. His dark face was full of hatred.

The Witch smiled back, red eyes glinting. "You've called enough of my names. Stay clear of me and mine." She already knew they wouldn't. Their kind never did.

The Blazer was out of sight a few seconds later, and when both man and beast started to retreat, the twins hurled insults, hoping to lure him in, use him to draw her back and make her surrender.

"Look at the railbird run!"

"Coward! Can't you finish the job?" Dean yelled, gun now in hand.

Dillan was furious enough not to care that he was an easy target if the man chose to fight. Just as long as Dean killed that white, dog-tag-wearing mother fucker!

"Hell won't be far enough for you to run!" He shouted, standing awkwardly as his brother came to his side.

"We will have her!" Dean confirmed ruthlessly. "You can't protect her forever."

Marc stayed silent, aware of their tactics (hadn't Warren thought to do the same thing?), but also sure they meant every word they screamed. Unlike the scarred man from her hallway, these two could back it up.

Out of sight now, Marc wound through tall oaks and high bushes, leaving muddy prints in the grass. The wolf kept pace, and the big animal was inside the second he opened the door of the Blazer. Dog headed for his place in the backseat.