Page 52 of Bite Back

ASHER

The night air stings my lungs and burns my throat. The scent of salt fills my nostrils. Breaths come in ragged gasps. Heaviness weighs down my legs. Maybe I should have gone for my bike. Made this easier.

But this is what I’ve trained for. Years of training tell me what to do. To pump my arms faster. To pick my knees up higher. To keep going.

I just need to close the gap. My fists tighten as Luka tries to buck Delilah, sending her rearing back. But she maintains her posture.

It hits me.

I don’t need to reach them.

She needs a weapon.

My hand goes to my side, fingers sliding around cool wood. I unsheathe the stake and draw back my arm, her name on my lips.

This is what we trained for.