CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Renee drew a sharp breath and tensed. “Karina,” she said through gritted teeth.
She felt a smidgen of pity for Karina. It was painful to love someone who didn’t love you back. She understood Karina’s hurt and anger, but she never thought that Karina would be capable of murder.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Renee’s eyes widened when she felt the blade pressing deeper into her neck, drawing blood.
Karina was really going to kill her. It wasn’t an empty threat. She would slit Renee’s throat without pity, without mercy.
Her survival instinct kicked in. It was fight or flight. And Renee wasn’t going to run this time.
She was going to fight for her life, her mate and her future. She wasn’t going to just lie down and die.
Not when she had so much to live for.
Renee’s hand jerked up and she closed her fist around Karina’s slender wrist. Swiftly and forcefully, she twisted the knife out of Karina’s hand.
Karina cried out and kicked Renee in the ribs. As Renee fell back, Karina scrambled for the knife and snatched it up before Renee could reach it.
With a snarl, Karina flew at Renee, her knife poised to plunge into Renee’s heart. Renee rolled away just in time, and Karina slammed into a tree.
Zack turned and roared when he saw that Renee was in danger. But Trafford used the distraction to launch his attack. He lunged at Zack and his claws narrowly missed Zack’s eye. Blood dripped down Zack’s face. As he shook away the blood, Trafford bit hard into his hind leg.
Zack roared. It was impossible to reach Renee. He had to focus on the fight, or Trafford would kill him.
Dean was surrounded by three hyenas. He fought tirelessly but the hyenas’ attack was well-synchronized. It was clear that they had a strategy for fighting and defeating larger opponents. The hyenas were fast and unpredictable. They kept changing tactics, making it almost impossible to predict their moves.
“Die, you slut!” Karina screamed as she threw herself at Renee. There was murder in her eyes, and her face was contorted with hate and rage.
Renee blocked her blows as they wrestled on the ground. Karina grabbed a fistful of Renee’s hair and yanked her head back. The knife glinted as Karina raised it high above her head.
Renee reached up and grabbed Karina’s arm. Swearing, Karina used all her strength to push the knife down.
The shivering blade descended inch by inch even as Renee struggled to push it away. Karina’s fury lent her superhuman strength. Renee tried to hold the crazed woman back but she was losing the fight.
Karina’s lips curved in a cold, victorious smile. The blade was so close to Renee’s throat.
Renee closed her eyes to block out the chilling vision.
If she was going to die, she didn’t want her murderer’s face to be the last thing she saw.
The sounds around her grew muted and muffled. She could still hear the sounds of the brutal battle between the two grizzly bears and the hyenas. She could hear Zack’s ferocious roars as he tore into his enemy. She could feel his love, his pride and faith in her. He believed that she wouldn’t give up.
Renee snapped her eyes open and with a final burst of strength, shoved the blade away just before it plunged into her neck.
Swiftly, she kicked Karina’s legs out from under her. Karina screamed like a banshee and thrust the knife forward, trying to stab into her side. Renee caught Karina’s wrist and managed to turn the blade away from her.
With an angry, anguished scream, Renee grabbed the hilt of the knife and shoved forcefully.
The violent thrust sent Karina stumbling backwards. Karina was still gripping the hilt tightly in her fist as she stared at Renee in shock.
Slowly, she looked down and saw the knife buried in her own chest.
“No...”
Renee backed away, panting.
With a gurgle, Karina crashed to the ground, still gripping the knife in her chest.