Page 336 of Castings & Curses

But damn…it was a really big dog and it didn’t look friendly. Not in the least.

What the hell was it?

A Great Dane?

No.

Squinting, she tried to figure it out, but the shadows were too deep. She took a step forward, her nerves jumping around in her stomach.

Something didn’t feel right.

A low growl came out of the darkness.

“Jeez boy. Are you okay?” Kendall took a step back as the dog started toward her.

This wasn’t good.

She stumbled backward, nearly tripping on the uneven terrain between her and her car. Then, the beast leapt at her. Holding her keys between her fingers, she clawed at the creature, nailing it in the forearm.

It didn’t stop it, even for a moment.

“Holy shit, dog. Getoff.” She shoved at him, but he was too strong.

This was anything but a dog.

Her footing unbalanced, she struggled to distance herself.

“Oh, my gawd!” Hot breath tinged with spittle hit her neck and a strangled yelp rang from her lips.

Why weren’t her legs working?

She needed to run.

Shit!

“Stop!Stooooppp!Noooooo!” The wolfen face was twisted, the eyes manic as the jaws opened and snapped against her cheek. This wasn’t a werewolf. They were sentient. She’d hung out with some in this very spot. This…this thing was in a blood rage.

Kendall stumbled, and the creature knocked her against the car. The fetid breath blew warm into her face. Kendall reached for her spell bag, but she was too slow. Grabbing a hold of the strap, the beast tore it from her. A bottle of potion burst, letting loose a spell of confusion.

Shit!

The creature slipped and fell to the side, shaking its head, allowing her a brief window of escape. Kendall darted off beneath the canopy of moss and half dead trees, running like the hounds of Hell were after her.

Branches and twigs snapped as she burst through the brush. She strained to see in the inky darkness. Clouds covered the moon, snuffing out what little light she had.

There.

Something in the distance.

A soft light glowed through the trees and she gave a sob of relief. She ran toward it.

Someone was there.

Maybe they could help.

Her feet pounded against the ground, her breath hard and fast in her ears. Behind her she heard the beast making progress.

The source of the illumination came from a small clearing.

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