He jerked back, whacking his head against the wall.
The man leaned closer. An exotic, spicy odor tainted the scent of male musk staining his skin.
“My wallet and keys for the truck are in the bowl on the table by the door. Take them. Just take them and go.” Luca tried to shove the man off.
The man blinked several times, and some confusion left his expression. “You can’t stay here.”
“Just take the truck, my wallet, and go.”
He took hold of Luca’s arm. “We need to go. You’re in danger.” He planted a hand on the wall and pulled Luca to his feet as he stood.
Luca twisted in his grip. “Let go of me.”
“I don’t know how far behind they are.”
Luca swung again. The man caught his wrist and pinned his arm behind his back. “Get your hands off me.”
“They know where you are.”
“Who the fuck isthey?”
“I need clothes. Are there any upstairs?”
Nothing Luca wore would fit him, but his father had been a bigger man. Not like the stranger in front of him. But did it matter? If it put some distance between them, he might have a chance to get away.
“Yeah. Second room on the left. There are probably some old sweats in the dresser.” Clothes Luca hadn’t touched since the day his parents died in the car wreck a year ago.
The stranger released Luca and headed up the stairs. He waited until there was the muffled thump of the closet door sliding open—then he shot across the living room.
Luca snatched the keys to his truck from the bowl and stumbled down the steps. He ran across the yard to where his truck sat in the driveway.
The sky opened up, dumping sheets of frigid rain. Wind howled, tearing leaves from tree limbs, turning them into confetti.
Luca skidded to a halt.
The stranger’s silhouette filled the doorway into the house. “Luca!”
Luca fought to open the truck door.
A heavy thump rocked the truck. The screech of metal made Luca look up.
It resembled a wolf, only it was twice as big as a man, and the paws were more like fingers. Black fur covered its body, the color so flawless it became devoid of light. High shoulders and a lower rear allowed it to spread its stance. And the very space around it held weight.
The wolf’s growl vibrated the air, echoing in Luca’s chest. It rolled up its lips, flashing finger-long sharp teeth. Saliva slid in strings from its gaping jaws.
The creature lunged, and Luca was pushed out of the way. He hit the ground, and a barrage of snarls and grunts joined the thunder. The wolf slid past on its side, throwing up mud as it merged with the shadows under the large oak tree.
“C’mon.” The stranger pulled Luca up and followed him as he shoved him inside the truck. Just as he shut the door, the wolf landed on the hood. Gouges formed under its long claws. “Keys!”
Luca handed them over. “Third one, the gold one.” The wolf’s green-gold eyes narrowed at Luca. “Oh, god.”
The man crammed the key into the ignition. He hit the gas, the truck engine roared, and the vehicle lurched forward, fishtailing over the wet gravel, tossing Luca into the passenger door. The wolf on the hood lost its footing and slid off.
Another thump shook the truck and a second wolf rammed its head through the back window. Glass exploded, sending water and fragments into the cab. The width of its body stopped its entry. It swung its head in Luca’s direction, snapping its jaws. Teeth grazed his shoulder, tearing away part of his shirt sleeve.
The stranger smashed his elbow into the wolf’s muzzle, hitting the brakes at the same time. The rear end of the truck traded places with the front with enough momentum to sling the wolf over the edge of the bed.
A wave of sloppy earth shot up from the tires as the stranger regained control of the vehicle, and the truck bounced across the acres of front yard.