Chapter 3: Chased
Together, they left the creature's nest. Their steps were fast, but the beast's were faster. It was closing in.
Dylan and Maggie ran like hell, their heels nearly hitting the back of their heads. Even without looking back, they could hear it — its wails, its inhuman, terrifying screams echoing closer and closer.
Dylan's big toe caught on an exposed root. He nearly tripped but bit down on his lower lip and kept running despite the sharp, throbbing pain.
"Not now..." he muttered through clenched teeth.
"We need to lose it!" Maggie shouted as the distance between them and the creature dwindled dangerously.
"I get it, Captain, but how?!" he shot back, panic thick in his voice.
Suddenly, Maggie skidded to a stop, clicked off the safety on her rifle, and unleashed a hail of bullets. The rounds bounced off the beast's thick hide but slowed its charge. Dylan, confused, stopped as well.
"Why the hell did you stop, idiot?!" Maggie roared, her voice raw.
"And what the hell are you trying to do?! No way I'm letting you sacrifice yourself for me!" he shouted, breath ragged.
She shot him a glare that could cut steel.
"Sacrifice myself? For a piece of shit like you?"