Reluctant Psychic

Chapter 4

Chapter FourMy shoes slide on the tiles as I rush past the sinks.

I grab the germ-infested doorknob, yank the door open, and dart through, then slam it shut behind me—right into Ashley/Maddie’s smug face.

Not looking back, I sprint for the nearby escalator.

In the reflective surface of a column I pass, I confirm that they’re chasing me in their human form.

Was running a miscalculation? Are they like dogs who chase whatever runs because the mere act of running marks one as their prey?

Well, I always have the option of pulling a cat on them—standing my ground in a scary enough way where they start wondering why they chased me at all.

If only I had a gun.

No matter.

I’ll save the cat strategy for the same situation as the felines do—in case I’m cornered.

A half-baked plan forms in my head, and I run down the escalator, dodging people on the way as I exit toward Battery Park.

The b-hive follows me, and is actually catching up, despite both girls running in high heels.

I get onto a jogging path and run toward my destination—a secluded gazebo that is Rose’s favorite spot.

The hope is that she and Vlad are there and can help me out.

A bicyclist nearly rams into me but swerves just in time.

I speed up and almost knock over a little girl on a skateboard.

I glance back. The b-hive have tossed their high heels aside and are gaining on me faster.

Making a sharp turn through the perfectly manicured shrubs, I sprint down the grassy patch that leads to my destination.

For a second, I wonder if they didn’t see me get off the road, but then a rustle of the shrubs behind me bursts that bubble.

At no point do I see any hint of Rose and Vlad—which is bad. But they may be inside. Or, since the gazebo has two entrances, they might’ve just come out of the side opposite me.

As I approach the gazebo, I push my muscles to the max.

My heart is hammering in my chest.

I dive for the entrance.

Rose and Vlad are not here.

Crap. Hopefully, I can catch them on the other side.

I sprint there, but hear panting right behind me.

I turn and see Ashley/Maddie about to catch me.

She sneers and looks behind me.

I follow her gaze.

Roxy is entering the gazebo on the other side—sandwiching me between the two of them.

Sounds like it’s time for that cat strategy now.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I give Roxy a scathing glare. “Did you not learn your lesson the last time?”

I reach into the back of my pants—as though for a gun.

They follow the movement of my hands with their eyes but don’t back away.

When I don’t produce an actual gun, Roxy’s mouth curves in a predatory smile, and she starts to strip at an impressive speed.

I pivot toward Ashley/Maddie and find her already naked.

This is my chance.

Is tackling a naked teen easier than a dressed one?

If I were in their shoes, I’d feel vulnerable—but they look anything but that.

A flash of energy tells me it’s too late.

They’ve both turned into wolves.

With a sinking feeling, I back away.

Both beasts show me their teeth, and Roxy leaps at me.