The Paranormal Side

Chapter 32

**(Taylor's POV)**

I've never run this fast in my life.

That's my first thought as I run, jumping over roots and dodging branches like some person from an action movie. The adrenaline must be the reason for my enhanced speed and reflexes, because normally I'd be tripping flat on my ass.

My second thought is, oh my god how could I be so stupid? I had one thing to do, one thing Katie needed me to do because she believed I could do it. And what had I done?

Lost the damn dagger.

I don't know if perhaps it had fallen out of my pocket in the midst of our earlier running, or maybe slid out when I bent to make the tourniquet for Katie, but either way I had screwed us, and now we were probably doomed unless we could make it to the cellar.

At least I had thought to use the wolfsbane powder, however much it helped. Liam said it could slow them down, but not kill them. Maybe only a little extra time is all we need, and we can just hide out in the cellar until all this is over.

Zach.

Shit. Oh, shit. I had almost forgotten. He's lying there, dying, and I can't get to him because I lost the damn knife. Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid.

Maybe once we get to the bunker, Katie can heal herself and take down the wolf, and then we could -

Katie.

When was the last time I looked to see if she was following me? Why wasn't I with her?

A coldness like no other fills my stomach, spreading slowly outwards as I slow and finally stop. I turn slowly, already knowing what I would see.

Nothing.

"God dammit." My fear had gotten the best of me. The knowledge that the wolf was right behind me, chasing me in order to kill me, had driven everything but the simple flight instinct from my head. I had forgotten that my best friend was injured, by my own doing, and barely able to stand, let alone run. I had left her to fend for herself, and now she wasn't behind me.

She's not behind me. That means she's... no. No, not Katie. She's too strong to die. She can't die.

She can't be dead.

I'm running back the way I came before I even realize it, my legs pumping even faster than they were a few seconds ago.

"Katie! Katie!"

I scream her name so loud that my throat goes raw, and tears are already streaming down my cheeks, mixing with the rain. I should have found her by now, she should be right behind me, alive.

She has to be alive.

My tears blur my vision to the point where everything becomes a hazy dream and I finally trip, slamming face first into a puddle of cold rainwater.

The shock sends tingles zapping through my body, and I let out a sob as I push myself up onto my elbows, blinking water from my eyes.

Please, God, no.

Then my vision clears, and I see what is in front of me.

Shaking from more than the cold, I crawl forward on my hands and knees, getting mud all over me. A fierce hope springs up in my chest, and I struggle to contain it, not allowing myself to hope for such things, since all that ever happens these days is the worst.

I stop inches away from the wolf's body, trembling violently as I reach a hand out to its thickly furred neck. Please let it be dead please let it be dead please let it be dead.