Page 15 of Blood and Hexes

Instead of deflecting her flying kick as she expected him to, he let it hit his head, and grabbed her leg, to throw her hard, before pinning her shoulders to the ground. She wrapped her legs around his torso and flipped him over her head. Diana just had time to rise to a crouch when he kicked low, his feet brushing the grass under her feet.

"Guys?" Belial's interjection barely registered. She dismissed it, jumping just in time to avoid being tripped over. All of a sudden, the vampire was right behind her, his powerful hand grabbing her throat.

He bared his teeth at her. "I will bite you if you don't submit," he promised.

What a barbarian!She hissed, and kicked him hard in the stomach.

"Guys!" Belial called, a little louder.

The guardian shot him one look. Taking advantage of his distraction, Diana attempted to move, but his grip tightened around her throat. He growled at her, pissed.

"Can you stop for one minute? I have something to say."

"I'll deal with you after," the guardian promised.

He knew Belial, Diana realized. He knew him, and didn't like him one bit.

"Mikar!" someone shouted behind him.Diana's entire body stiffened, recognizing that voice more than she knew her own.

"Not now, Alexius," Mikar growled.

"Yes, now. Let her go."

Mikar's silver eyes looked past her, to the border.

To her brother.

"She's trying to break into Oldcrest."

"She isn't breaking in, you Neanderthal. It's my sister. This is her home."