With a show of great reluctance, Church sighed, nodded, and then walked toward the open gates, curtly waving for the Pack to follow. Dahlia hurried to fall into step beside him.

“You played the entitled white asshole card pretty well,” she said quietly.

“I’ve met more than my share of them,” said Church. Then he added, “Stay sharp and play your role, too. I don’t like this set up at all. Keep your eyes open and your emotions in check.”

“Yes, Obi Wan.”

“Hush now.”

The Pack entered the town of Happy Valley. Dahlia turned to see the doors being swung shut and a heavy crossbar being fitted into place. It spoke of security, but it also scared her.

Outside the whistles rose in volume and one of the guards on the wall cried: “They’re coming.”

— 35 —: THE WARRIOR WOMAN

— 35 —

THE WARRIOR WOMAN

Rachael screamed and backed away, but her back slammed into the crossbar, and before she could twist away Glory clamped one iron hand around her throat. The bloody knife rose and then plunged downward.

Rachael twisted and slammed her leather bracers at the madwoman’s wrist, deflecting the knife and causing the point to drive two inches into the crossbar. Then Rachael kneed the woman in the crotch and tried to head-butt her, but Glory twisted her waist and took the knee against her own thigh, changed angle and slammed her own forehead into Rachael’s face. The savage blow missed her nose and instead mashed an eyebrow, which split and spurted blood.

Then Glory seemed to jerk backward and Rachael saw that Jason had somehow managed to free an arm and caught the killer’s sleeve. Glory staggered and went down to one knee, but was up in an instant, slashing with her weapon. Bright rubies filled the air and Jason screamed and sagged back, his inner arm, shoulder, and throat opening with a terrible wound.

“No!” screamed Rachael and launched herself at the woman. Glory snarled and spun back to Rachael just in time to parry a kick. Her blade whipped out and drew a burning line across Rachael’s abdomen. The T-shirt parted like a gaping mouth and blood welled as Rachael backpedaled, not knowing how seriously she was injured. Jason sagged down against the restraints as Claudia began screaming and thrashing.

Then a hand clamped around Rachael’s ankle and she looked down in horror to see that Kyle—dead Kyle—had grabbed her. The newly awakened creature struggled to rise as he snapped his teeth in her direction. Glory backed up a step, uncertain of her next move, though she was still smiling.

She’s enjoying this, thought Rachael. She’s worse than the orcs.

Rachael kicked at Kyle, but he caught her foot with his other hand and she fell hard on her butt, her head snapping back against the upright post. Claudia kept screaming and everywhere there was blood and death.