Living With the Dead (Otherworld 9)

"Karl." It was Hope's turn to snap a sharp warning.

Robyn tensed for Karl's reaction, but he only murmured, "I know, I know," then rolled back on his heels. "Just back up. I'll be okay if you back up."

"Am I making you nervous, old man? Why? Just because I could break her neck before she fired that gun? Don't worry, babe. Killing you isn't what I have in mind. How about a deal? You come along with me. See how much more fun you could have with someone your own age. We'll leave the old dog with blondie. She's more his speed."

"Do you want him, Karl?" Hope asked.

"Yes, please." Karl's words were a growl.

"Robyn, step back. I've got you covered, Karl."

The younger man just stood there, smirking, like a wolf listening to the foolish little rabbits plotting to overthrow him.

"Be careful," Robyn said. "He's fast and he's a lot stronger than he looks."

That made the man laugh. "Really? Fancy that. What the hell are you teaching these girls about werewolves, Marsten?"

Hope's gaze shunted to Robyn.

"Or maybe at your age 'strong' is relative, huh, old man?"

"Karl?" Hope said.

"I'm right behind - "

The man lunged. Hope did the same - diving off to the side as she fired. The bullet caught the man in the side and he spun. Before he could recover, Karl tackled him and the two men went down.

"Robyn!" Hope scrambled up, gun trained on the fighting men. "Get back to the path."

The man wriggled out from under Karl. He sprang to his feet. Karl twisted out of the way. He grabbed the man on the rebound and threw him.

The man sailed through the air and crashed into the undergrowth fifteen feet away.

Robyn stared.

He threw him. Just picked him up and hurled him, like the guy did to me.

"Robyn!" Hope yelled. "The path."

Robyn couldn't move. As the man wobbled to his feet, Karl glanced over, blood streaming from his lip. He swiped at it.

"Hope? Get her out of here."

Hope looked from Karl to Robyn, clearly reluctant to leave him.

"N-no," Robyn said. "I-I'm okay. I'll - "

The man ran at Karl. They hit with a smack that echoed through the trees. Karl's fist connected with the man's jaw with an even louder thwack. The man howled in rage. His face - His face changed. Rippling. Contorting.

Robyn was wrenched backward, almost off her feet. She looked to see Hope clutching her arm, dragging her.

"Come on."

"No, Karl needs - "

"He doesn't need us."

When Robyn resisted, Hope heaved hard enough to make her stumble.