Page 7 of Mountain Defender

Looming over me like this, his weight holding me captive, I don’t know how I can get away.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

I thought I knew what fear was. But this?—

“Leave me alone,” I wheeze. “Just go. There’s nothing here for you.”

His teeth flash amid the expanse of black. “Butyou’rewhat I’m here for.”

Oh, no. No no no no no.

I have to dosomething.

But what?

Then I remember.

The flashlight in my hand.

Before I can second guess myself, I snap my hand out, smashing the metal cylinder into his face.

It hits something soft.

He grunts in pain.

I’ve never felt more satisfied about hurting someone until now.

There’s a moment when his grip on my wrist falters.

When he rears back, clapping a hand over his eye.

That’s when I wriggle out from under him.

And I run.

First towards the house; the lights in the windows a beacon of safety.

But he’s right behind me.

Wait. Not behind me. His long strides are catching up to my smaller ones. He’s coming around to my side.

Oh, no.

He’s herding me. Blocking me from the house.

Veering left, I look into the thick swathe of trees ahead of me.

I don’t want to go into them. Not like this.

But I’m not sure I have another choice.

My breath comes in rough gasps. My pulse thunders in my head, echoing with every step.

The trees grow closer, lit by a sliver of moon overhead.

If I can make it there, I can hide.

“You won’t get away,” the man snarls. I can tell he’s only feet behind me.

---