The Hunter Beside Me

14: Underestimated

Owen

I rounded the corner as the hot chick from the bar pressed herself against the brick building, trying to get space from the two men threatening her.

The urge to beat the shit out of them, mimics or humans, rushed through me. The one closest to her extended his claws. Perfect—no reason to hold back.

Bash caught up to me just as I shouted to get their attention off of her, and it worked. As soon as they spotted us and our weapons, recognition flashed across their faces, and the monster standing farther back took off toward the woods.

"I got him!" Bash shot into the trees after the mimic, disappearing into the darkness.

I wished he wouldn't run off like that, but I was glad I didn't need to leave the girl. Shadows hid her face, but she had to be scared shitless. The mimic had his body inclined toward her as he glared at me over his shoulder.

"Get away from her," I said. If he'd back up a step, I could take him out without a chance of hurting her.

The monster leered. "We're just talking.  You should go check on your buddy."

"He can take care of himself. You should be more concerned about your friend." I moved a few steps closer until only about ten feet separated us.

A wide grin cracked his face. His arm pulled backward, ready to drive his claws into her chest. "I'll find him after supper."

I charged forward, tackling him and taking us both to the pavement. As we fell, my blade sank through his back, into his heart, and I breathed a sigh of relief as he stilled.

I left my knife sticking out of his rapidly deteriorating body and jumped to my feet. The woman watched the mimic become dust, bone, and clothes. Her beautiful face twisted into what looked more like annoyance than the disgust I expected.

She stood tall and composed, and I hoped she wasn't about to lose it. Unless she freaked out like Vidisha, that'd be fine with me. I could use a hug from someone like her.

I scanned the trees, wondering what was taking Bash so long. Should I check on him? No, he'd be okay. I wouldn't leave her here alone, anyway. She'd need to talk to Lilla before we let her go, and if we hurried, she'd only have to forget a few minutes.

When there was nothing left but a pile of mimic waste with my weapon on top, there was still no sign of an impending freakout. "You don't seem surprised," she said.

"Neither do you."

I stooped to retrieve my knife and wiped it off on the mimic's shirt. After hiding it in its place in my boot, I took a step back. Sensing her eyes on me, I tried not to appear threatening.

Did she already know about mimics? Was she a mimic? No. She didn't move like one in the bar. With the way I examined those long legs, I'd have noticed for sure.

"You don't have to be afraid," I told her, but she didn't respond. Was she scared or angry? "I got this guy, and my friend will get the other one. You'll be fine. No one's going to hurt you."

She huffed and stepped closer to the pile of mimic dust. Using the toe of her boot, she moved the mimic's shirt. There, where the heart used to be, a blade reflected in the moonlight.

My mouth fell open as she bent and took the knife from the mess. After wiping it clean, she lifted her top enough to slide it into the sheath on the front of her belt.

"I don't scare that easily, and I've never needed saving." She cocked her hip. "I killed this mimic, and if you and your friend hadn't got in the way, I would've got the other one too."