Loving the Devil Dog

Chapter Six: Hellhound

SABRINA

Hours have passed, and the scorching sun has replaced the cold chill of the desert night.

I had shivered all night, but now I sweat and pant as I wander aimlessly until, finally, I find a highway.

"Oh, thank Christ!" I scream in relief.

I let out a small cry of joy as I rush toward it and look both ways. Hopefully, a car will come by, eventually.

After all, there's going to be a festival on the other side of the Sonoran, and it's not a completely isolated area, so...maybe someone will come.

I don't know which way to go. I have no idea where I am, so I shrug and turn away from the sun. At least, I think that means I am heading west-ish.

I felt the faint sting of sunburn yesterday, but now, in this burning heat, I feel my skin crisping.

I itch my sweat-slick skin, and it hurts. My lips are dry and cracking, and I wish I had some water and my lip balm to soothe my dry mouth.

"What are you doing, Sabrina?" I ask myself as I yawn.

I'm alone in the desert trying to find...something.

Anything at all, a small town, somewhere I can find some help. Maddox did say that there was a village a few hours ride from the safe house where we'd order the alternator for my van.

If he was telling the truth, those people might be able to help me.

The day wears on and still no cars. I groan as I keep walking, wiping sweat off my brow.

"Jesus, someone please drive down this fucking road," I cry out, but there's no one around to hear me.

A terrible howling startles me, and I stop on the spot, looking in every direction.

It's an awful, hellish sounding howl.

It sounds far away, but it's still startling. I put my hand to my chest, trying to steady my heart. It howls again, and my eyes dart around, but there is nothing for as far as my eyes can see.

"It's just a coyote," I try to convince myself.

But I've never heard a coyote sound like that before. I decide I need to pick up the pace. The sound is coming from behind me, and I should probably put some distance between me and whatever animal that is.

If it is an animal.

A tremble runs over my body as I try to tell myself everything will be all right, but I'm scared.

Frustration at my situation sinks in, and I feel the sting of tears threaten to spill from my eyes when I realize I have no idea where I'm going.

I haven't seen a car or building all day. What if I'm only getting more lost?

What if I'm getting further away from civilization.

"Fuck! What do I do? What do I do?" I practically sob as I shuffle along the side of the highway.

I stop on the spot and look behind me. I can't exactly go back now, though, can I?

I can't just show up at the Devil Dog's door like, "Sorry, I escaped! Please let me back inside!"

That would not go over well.

Especially with that Vicki woman. She clearly hates me, and if the Devil Dogs are murderers, I don't think Maddox's initial hesitation to hurt me would hold her back for too long, even if she does respect him.