“Let’s just go straight to the car,” Andrew said. “Watch my back while I get Kate inside. Nikki, you go in next to her while I start the car. Ryker, the second you jump in, I’m punching the gas whether you have the door closed or not.”

Ryker nodded. “I’ll ride on the roof if I have to.”

Andrew’s muscles tensed and he took a deep, warm breath. He nodded at Nikki. She ripped open the door.

They peered into a darkness thicker than lead.

Ryker sprang onto the porch, rifle raised, the light from the phone giving him several feet of visibility. Andrew scanned the night, sure he’d see those saffron eyes rushing toward them. He followed his brother-in-law, the door slamming behind them, Nikki bumping into his back as they descended the two steps to the walkway.

He couldn’t even see the car.

But he could hear the pounding rush of footsteps getting closer.

Closer.

Closer.

He ran in the direction of the car, Kate clutched tightly to his chest.

“Where is it?” Nikki shouted.

Ryker twirled in circles as he shuffled to the car, pointing the rifle at Andrew and Nikki over and over as he searched for the source of the footsteps. It sounded like they were coming from every direction.

Andrew spotted the car as Andrew’s light flashed across it and sped past his brother-in-law. With a flick of his wrist, the key fob flipped up so he could depress the door button with his thumb. The car’s lights flashed twice as it beeped, the locks opening with a loud click.

Nikki grabbed his collar, her nails raking the back of his neck.

He could hear the creature’s labored breathing as it pounded the uneven terrain. It was heading straight for them.

“To your right! To your right!” he shouted.

Ryker turned.

There was a sharp and terrifying growl.

The rifle cracked, a brief flash of light blinding Andrew.

Ryker screamed.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nikki pulled on Andrew’s collar with such force, he was yanked back from the car door, his fingers grazing the handle. His ankle rolled and he staggered, hip smacking the front fender. Kate started to slip from his embrace, at least until his elbow struck the hood of the car. He used the hood to rest for just a second, giving him time to readjust his hold on his unconscious wife.

Nikki’s unsteady light wavered on Ryker. He was on his knees, the rifle hanging limply from one hand. His phone was nowhere to be seen.

Ryker sobbed in obvious pain. When he looked up at them, Andrew saw why.

Three long, ragged gouges ran from the top of his forehead down to his chin. It looked as if he’d been clawed by a lion.

“Ryker!” Nikki bleated, rushing for him.

“Get him in the car!”