He was a born psychopath. Dec knew there was no negotiating with him. The man would never see reason.
“You’re just fucked up,” Dec said. “Born that way. So what happens now?”
“Now, Dr. Rush walks over to me—”
Dec’s hands tightened on her. “No.”
Anders’ smile was downright ugly. “I didn’t say it was a choice.” He looked at her. “You walk over here, Dr. Rush, and my men won’t kill Declan. They’ll unload another bullet in his legs and leave him out by the water.”
“Then he’ll die anyway.” She was trembling, but her chin was up, her eyes defiant.
Anders raised his weapon, pointed straight at Dec’s chest. “But he won’t be as dead as if I shoot him right now through the heart.”
She pulled away from Dec.
“No.” His hands tightened on her.
“Yes.” Her gaze clung to his, so much in her eyes. She let go of his hand.
Anders smiled. “Excellent.” He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her toward him. She made a small cry.
“We are going to have some fun.” He stroked her cheek. “This skin. It will look so beautiful with your blood painting it.”
Dec’s jaw locked. He couldn’t think of a single solution. There was no backup plan. No way to get her away from this sick fuck. He had to stay conscious long enough to see if an opportunity presented itself.
“I think the god Seth would be happy I’m here,” Anders said. “I think I’m his kind of guy.”
“You don’t know anything about him,” she said. “Seth was a protector, not a soulless killer. You think his followers built this place because he was mean and evil and cruel?”
Anders’ smile soured. “I’m going to enjoy hurting you, Dr. Rush. And I think I might make Declan, here, watch.”
She spat at him.
He jerked his head back. “Bitch.”
Dec saw a movement behind Anders. Deep in the shadows. He forced himself not to tense or look directly at it. Had Cal and Logan found them?
But the movement was down low. He kept his head pointed at Layne, but his gaze on the shadows.
There.
Another movement and something skulked out of the darkness.
Another movement to the left. Another to the right.
Everything inside Declan went cold.
They looked like giant dogs. Long, sleek, black bodies, that would come as high as his waist. Pointed ears and long, stiff tails that were forked on the ends.
Impossible. His chest was so tight he couldn’t breathe. They were set-animals.
There was a low, menacing growl. The sound raised the hairs on Dec’s arms.
Anders’ men startled and Anders spun. He opened his mouth to say something…
But the lead dogs leaped forward, attacking.
Chapter Sixteen
Layne jerked away from Anders and stumbled to the ground. She scrambled forward on her hands and knees.
She could hear the animals’ growling and snarling. She heard Anders’ men screaming. A gun went off, and the bullet hit the ground near her face, sending rock chips flying up. She cried out, covering her face.
A hand grabbed her arm and a scream built in her throat.
She saw Dec’s tense face.
“Declan—”
“Let’s go.”
They sprinted away, and behind her, she could hear Anders and his men shouting and fighting. She glanced over her shoulder, just in time to see a huge dog jump on top of one of Anders’ men, taking him to the ground. Then the creature attacked the man’s throat. Blood sprayed.
God.
They sprinted down a row of columns and Declan yanked her to the left.
A huge dog blocked their way.
Her eyes widened. She hadn’t gotten a good look at the dogs before, but now she had a clear view.
“Oh, my God, a set-animal.”
A mythical beast. It was standing there, watching them intently with dark eyes.
“This way.” Declan darted between two columns.
She heard the click of claws on rock and a loud growl. She could still hear screams, but they were weaker now.
Then they cut off. Silence filled the temple.
Declan cursed. They’d reached the back wall and there was no escape. They turned.
Three set-animals were moving in on them.
“Please, we mean no harm.” She held out a hand.
“Don’t think they speak English, Rush.”
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s all in the tone of voice.”
“You ever had a dog?”
“No. Do you have a better idea?”
“Hell, no.”
There was the roar of a gun. The lead dog fell, writhing.
Anders appeared, moving toward them. He was rumpled, his left arm covered in blood and hanging loosely by his side.
“I am going to be the one to kill you both, not these bloody dogs.” Anders aimed at another creature. “Get lost you, mutt.” The dog jumped away, pulling back.