I hissed, flexing my fingers to make sure they all still worked, blood dribbling out of my thumb where the bullet had nicked me.
Motherfucker.
Though a gun could cause serious damage to a human body—even death—I was a skilled fighter. My body was a weapon that I knew how to use to inflict damage. If I could get this creep to venture close enough so I could attack him, then I could try to disarm him. Hopefully injure or kill him.
And then get Annika to the cabin to wait for help to arrive.
An eerie laugh echoed around the forest.
Then he approached, keeping the red laser focused on my chest.
I spotted him as he neared us, creeping forward cautiously.
Come closer, asshole. You’re going down.
I wouldnotlet him hurt her. He would have to get through me first.
Dressed all in black, his face hidden underneath a balaclava, the man finally reached us, armed with a rifle.
I kept my body tense, coiled, and ready to strike. My good leg was underneath me, so I could spring upright and attack him if the moment presented itself.
I was ready.
He glanced behind me where Annika hid behind the tree. Smirking, he pulled his gaze back to mine. “I was expecting this hunt to be more of a challenge. Thought I’d have to pursue you through the woods for a few hours or more.” He sighed and shook his head. “Such a disappointment. You’re pathetic. I thought you’d put up more of a fight. You call yourself a Volkov? You’re not a wolf. You’re just a pig. Get ready to squeal.” He let out a menacing chuckle that made my skin crawl.
He moved swiftly, rearing back and raising the gun to slam it into my head.
Anticipating the move, I dodged out of the way, then sprang at him, wrapping my hand around the muzzle of the gun and twisting it hard.
With a curse, he dropped the weapon.
But he was fast too.
As the gun slipped from his grasp, he tackled me. We fell onto the cold ground with him on top of me, the rifle flying from my grip and bouncing out of reach.
He pummeled my face furiously, viciously, and even in the dark forest, I was able to see the look of pure venom in his eyes. Hehatedme for some reason. And I knew with a sinking heart that he could only be my brother.
I didn’t want to kill him.
I lifted my arms to block the blows, then rolled sideways, taking him with me and using my fighting skills to take control. He grunted in outrage to discover I now had the upper hand.
With an animal-like growl, he squirmed underneath me, trying to wiggle free before I could get him in a chokehold. Approximately the same size as me, he appeared to be in good physical shape. A worthy opponent.
I finally managed to get my arm around his neck, but then he jammed his finger in my bullet wound.
“Fuuuck!” My breath hissing out, I fell back.
He lunged for the fallen rifle, his fingers closing around the barrel.
Annika rose from behind the tree trunk with the gun in her hand. Lifting it toward him, she fired.
He jerked and grunted as the bullet struck his arm, then leaped at her, snatching her gun away and shoving her backward.
With a gasp, she tumbled to the ground.
Motherfucker.
I threw myself at him, ramming into his legs and knocking him down. We grappled across the frozen ground for several moments. Then a flash of movement and a low growl had me tensing instinctively.