Karl swung toward them. "Get her out of here," he said to Hope.
Hope didn't move. Robyn looked over to see her staring into the forest, her eyes gleaming, unseeing, her face blank.
"Hope," Karl snapped.
"She's scared," Robyn snapped back. "I'll get her out. Which way - ?"
"Hope," Karl said, getting her attention. "Control it."
"Sorry. I'm fine." Hope shivered.
"Asshole," Robyn muttered.
Karl's gaze swung her way, as if he'd heard. She imagined Damon'
s chuckle. I don't think he expects insults after rescuing you, Bobby.
"Come on." Hope tugged her arm.
Robyn glanced at Karl, who'd turned away, dismissing them as he scanned the forest.
"He'll be fine," Hope said. "We need to go."
Um, Bobby, if the dude wants to play he-man, that's his problem. Get the hell out of there.
Robyn unlocked her knees and let Hope lead her through the undergrowth. After a few steps, Hope slowed, her chin lifting, that same blank look crossing her face. Robyn took her elbow, but Hope yelled "Karl!" grabbed Robyn and yanked her back.
"Damn, she's good," said a voice in front of them.
Robyn froze and squinted into the darkness. It was another moment before the man stepped out of the trees, right in their path. Clutching a gun, Hope stood between Robyn and the man.
Where the hell did Hope get a gun?
"Guess I can't sneak up on you, can I, demon-girl? So how does that work? You catch a vision, right?" He lifted his foot, easing forward. "You see me coming."
"Stop," Hope said.
"Have you got silver in that gun? Because if you don't - "
"I don't need silver bull - " Hope glanced over at Robyn, then back at the man. "Just stop."
Karl stood a dozen feet behind Robyn. He seemed to be measuring the distance between himself and the man, gauging whether he could get to the guy before he pounced on Hope. His jaw tightened, as if he didn't like the answer.
"Hope?" Karl said. "Back up toward me."
Hope didn't move. Robyn couldn't see why she had to - she was holding a gun on an unarmed man.
"Hope?" Karl's voice sharpened to a razor edge.
Robyn shot a glare at him.
"I don't think she wants your help, old man," the other guy said. "She's having too much fun. You like a little danger, don't you, babe? Gets your motor revving."
Hope's eyes were glittering again. Sweat sparkled across her cheeks and forehead. She breathed fast through her mouth. Not fear, Robyn realized. Excitement.
"Got a real lust for trouble, don't you, babe? How hot are you right now? I bet you're so wet - "
Karl snarled, an inhuman sound that sent Robyn spinning to look at him. He strained forward, face twisted with rage.