Benny leaned around the rear of the SUV and fired as more bullets impacted the vehicle, shredding glass and metal in every direction. The tires popped with loud hisses, and the engine blew with the sound of metal shrieking. The smell of gasoline and other liquids morphed together into a warning that they should flee and now.

Adare grasped Grace’s arm. “We need to run for the house.” He had to cover Grace and fire, and he’d be faster carrying her than dragging her. “Just hold on to me.” He looked toward Benny. “Provide cover until I hit the porch, and then I’ll do the same for the two of you once I get Grace inside.”

“I can shoot,” Grace said, her voice harsh.

“Once we’re inside the home,” Adare said. The female had trouble healing an injured wrist; who knew what a series of immortals’ bullets would do to her. “Get ready.”

The first SUV rolled to a stop, and three Cyst jumped out. The elite soldiers and so-called spiritual leaders of the Kurjan nation rarely engaged in small skirmishes. In the eerie darkness, their creepy white hair and red eyes made it look as if evil had decided to join the fight.

“Shit,” Benny muttered, firing rapidly.

A whoosh of sound penetrated the storm, an explosion cracked, and the entire area was lit by fire. Wood and debris flew in every direction through the snowstorm, falling fast. Adare grasped Grace and folded his body over hers, grunting as a coffee pot slammed into his back. Even though his torso was protected by his Seven shield, the impact still jolted his body. Heat flashed toward them.

Adare waited a beat to make sure nothing else was falling before turning to see what remained of the flaming cabin. The Kurjans had blown up the entire structure.

Benny ducked low as a multitude of shots slammed into the SUV and the trees behind them. “New plan?”

Adare pulled Grace up, keeping her pinned against the rear tire and safe from fiery falling debris. A hill, thick with snow and trees, rose behind them, leading to a mountain. If they went that way, they’d be easy to track, and the going would be too slow to find safety.

The second SUV came up on the other side, and three more Kurjans, their black hair visible against the snow, jumped out of the car. They were fully armed.

“Think we can get out of here with two tires blown?” Jacqueline twisted back to the sedan, her gun in hand.

“Not far,” Adare said. “Ben? Can you get to the explosives in the rear of the SUV?”

Benny, blood flowing down from a cut above his eyebrow, nodded. “Might as well give it a try. They’re gonna blow anyway.”