Page 77 of Blood of a Huntsman

Some.

Not nearly enough.

Bash winced, expecting an imminent impact, but just as they were about to reach the first row of enemies, the sky darkened, and clouds formed, shedding the sun of what had been a nice afternoon.

The next time, a lightning bolt didn’t get in the way. A storm did. And hail. A precise, wrathful tornado forcing the vampires to move.

Bash lifted his foot from the accelerator.

"No! Keep going."

"Are you insane?"

He might love the girl, but there was an actual hurricane out there.

Shit. He loved the girl. He actually loved the crazy, beautiful ice queen. And he might die right alongside her. A little storm wouldn't have hurt two vampires, but this? Rocks the size of the convertible were being lifted off the ground, dammit. Being crushed by one of those would kill them. The car was vibrating as if being shaken by a giant.

"Keep going," she repeated. "This won’t hurt us."

She was certain. So certain he punched the accelerator hard and closed his eyes.

And then, the storm stopped. No more vibration. He opened his eyes.

They were in Oldcrest, in front of Levi, Chloe, Mikar, Luke, Ruby, Greer, Jack, Tris, Blair, Gwen, Bat, Chris, and everyone else. Some faces he didn't even recognize. All wearing gear. All ready to fight if—when—the enemy advanced.

"I can't believe you made it through!" Greer exclaimed, eyes wide with shock, as they got out of the poor car.

It was in serious need of a paint job now.

"We thought they'd intercept you. Damn, that was some storm, lady."

Cat shook her head.

"That wasn't me," she said.

Levi tilted his head.

"What then?"

She looked back to the border, searching the crowd with a frown.

"Seth," she mouthed. "My brother. But he isn't here."

Greer's head snapped north to Night Hill, eyes narrowed. "Someone just broke the wards." They all stiffened. "From the sky. It won't affect the borders elsewhere. The breach was right over the hill."

Catherine circled the car, heading to the driver's side.

"I have to go."

"Wait, I'll come with you," Bash said.

"You're needed here. Seth either wants to speak to me or is taking the hill for my family's benefit. Either way, anyone else stepping in would be fried chicken."

Dammit. He hated that she was right.

Bash's gaze followed the car as she drove back to the hill, half wondering why she wasn't just running.

But she'd used her power. Depleting her energy any more would be unwise.

When she reached the third house, he redirected his gaze to the enemies still waiting in front of the shield. For what? A signal? Seth?

"What are we dealing with?" he asked.

"The Stormhales. The Beauforts. All foot soldiers, not one member of either family." Levi grimaced. "This is the first wave. They're testing our defenses."

Two hundred seasoned vampire soldiers against the Institute.

Bash dropped to a crouch to rest while they waited. The shit would hit the fan, and soon. If his math was right, they might just win this round, but not without losses.

And if Levi was right, and it was just the start? They were screwed.

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