Page 85 of Blood of a Huntsman

The ground underneath his feet shook, and without even thinking, he stomped his foot deep into the ground. The first line of enemies, the smirking Antoine and fangy Gretchen, along with a dozen of their pals, fell down as the earth shattered beneath them. He'd created a ravine, just like that.

Luke and Ruby were both wise enough to let go then. And he started running.

He only stopped to see Cat's brother swing the sword at his side, beheading the woman who'd threatened her.

Then he breathed and kept going, because nothing would be right until he was beside her.

Bash's steps punched the ground, making it tremble and crumble under all those who dared approach him, until they were smart enough to run. He reached the two vampires surrounded by a storm, and took one more step. Finally, she was there. Bash wrapped his arms around her shoulder.

"Never again, you hear? Next time, I fucking come with you."

She let him hold her until the guy behind her cleared his throat.

"That's my sister. This is way too much physical contact for my taste."

"Shut it, Seth," Catherine said. "And in case you haven't noticed, we still have a problem here."

Beyond the brother's storm, the ancients were zeroing in. Levi, Luke, and Ruby were being kept busy by the hundreds of others crawling out of Bash's pit.

"I can take one Beaufort," Cat said. "Maybe. Or keep him busy, at least."

"Point me to whoever I should bash. Let's see if I can live up to my name."

"Wonderful, a savage. You have excellent taste, sister. Try to keep the thin one busy. He packs a punch. I have to take out Julia before she destroys your borders. If she does, your little haven is doomed."

Bash didn't doubt that. The shields around Oldcrest were the only reason why the queen and her ferals, and whoever else wanted to get rid of Chloe, hadn't managed to complete their task yet.

Bash nodded, turning to Catherine one last time.

"Stay by my side."

She smirked. "Well, someone ought to watch your six, I suppose."

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