Page 81 of Unseen Danger

“On it!” She dropped his leash, pulled Bear behind her legs, and gripped the boy’s arm with her left hand as she drew her Sig. She didn’t want to shoot someone in front of Bear, but she’d do it to save his life.

Alvarez launched himself at the closest man, gripping his wrist in powerful jaws and thrashing.

The man screamed, and his gun dropped.

The other one tried to aim at Alvarez, but he’d probably hit his pal with how much Al was moving.

“Don’t try it.” She leveled her Sig at him. “Drop the weapon.”

Brakes screeching jerked her head to the right.

A black van pulled to a halt six feet from Sam and Destiny.

“Kids! Run to me!” She holstered her Sig, scooped Bear into her arms, and sprinted for the other kids as they ran her way.

They met midway, the kids grabbing hold of her jacket and leg.

Alvarez had taken his target to the ground, the guy trying to grab his mangled arm from the dog.

“Al, to me!”

He instantly dropped his hold and dashed to her, too fast to catch the other guy’s bullet, she hoped.

But he didn’t try to shoot, just stalked toward them. Maybe because the kids he wanted to kidnap stood too close to her now.

A sliding sound signaled the van door opening. She spun to check.

Two more men in black clothing and masks dropped out.

She set Bear on his feet. “Hold on to him, Sam.” She shot the older boy a look she hoped would scare him into action. “Protect your family.”

She looked toward the building. The survivor continued her way, gun in hand. He wouldn’t use it if he wanted the kids alive. And she couldn’t risk drawing his fire by shooting with them so close.

“Al, stay. On guard.” He launched a warning growl as she whirled to face the kidnappers from the van.

She jumped out in front of the kids, distancing from them to push the kidnappers back.

The smaller guy lunged at her.

She dodged, but her head suddenly yanked sideways.

He had her hair in his grip.

She reached above her head and grabbed his wrists. She locked her grip as she turned in and down, slamming his arm beneath her as she took him to the ground.

He didn’t let go, so she braced her leg against the blacktop and forced his forearm into an awkward angle. He still held on.

She yanked.

He shrieked as the elbow broke. And so did his grip.

Nevaeh pushed up, landing in base, a ready stance.

But something heavy and strong engulfed her from behind.

Walter.

She smelled him, heard his breath. His sickening laugh.