Madison turned to face him. "Gee! If you want to confess, you’re out of luck." She drew satisfaction from seeing him squirm. "I’ve seen the predator, I shot it, and it’s not you. A freaky big animal, maybe, but not a man."
"Don’t be so sure." He gazed up the moonlit slope of a distant hill. "The one you seek is about a mile away, watching us."
The comment made Madison shiver despite the heat. By instinct, she could feel when she was being watched, and she felt it now, all the way through her bones. "How would you know that?"
"I can feel these things." No hint of a smile.
For some unexplained reason, Madison trusted him. Did he know something she didn’t? While in his serious mode, would he give her a logical explanation for being so distant? "If you have something to tell me, go ahead."
"Time is short." Yet, Kal paused. "It will be here soon."
"It?" Madison hated guessing games.
"It is not human, it is not beast, yet it is both." Kal glanced at her, as if expecting a protest.
Madison kept quiet.
"It is a skinwalker of pure evil."
"An evil skinwalker?" Her attempt at sarcasm fell flat. That old legend again. Now that she had seen an unknown beast, Madison was more inclined to believe. "Is there any other kind?"
His eyes glinted in the blue glow of the moon. "As a matter of fact, there is."
He’d piqued her curiosity. "Where are you going with this?"
"Think about it. You shot the beast and it didn’t die. Maybe it’s immune to human weapons."
"That animal is not immune. I saw it drop. I hurt him bad." Yet the possibility puzzled Madison. She patted the M-14 hanging over her arm. "I trust my weapon. This baby does a lot of damage."
Kal looked away and massaged his left shoulder as if it ached. "Not completely immune, but it survived. So, maybe it’s not an animal, but something supernatural."
Explained like that, it almost made sense. Only one problem. Skinwalkers didn’t exist. Or did they? The face of the monster she shot a month ago flashed in Madison’s mind. "I don’t believe in legends."
"I do..." His voice trailed off. "I know first-hand. I saw the monster last night."
"You saw it?" Hope filled her chest. Now, maybe Madison would have a better witness than Pablo to corroborate her report. "What did it look like?"
"It’s big and black." Kal sighed. "But it saw me, too, and it’s after me. That’s why you are not safe here."
"You mean you are bait to that monster?" A terrifying thought, but skinwalker or not, this could work to Madison’s advantage. If the beast came for Kal, she could kill it.
"I’m not exactly bait." He fell silent again, jaw clenched.
"Then what are you trying to say?" Madison’s patience started to erode. "Get it out. It’s like pulling worms out of soggy ground."
That glint in his eyes again. "Remember when I told you the meaning of my name?"
"Kaletaka? Guardian of the people?" Madison wracked her brain to find a connection. "Guardian against what?"
He nodded with satisfaction, as if proud of her. "Skinwalkers."
"So, if the beast is a skinwalker, what are you? Some kind of superhero?" Her sarcastic tone met with a stony face.
"No time to explain. Listen." Motionless, he stared at the hillside.
Madison couldn’t hear anything. The night had grown perfectly still. The small hairs at her nape rose. "The monster is here, isn’t it?"
Kal nodded gravely. "Whatever happens now, I beg you to trust me. And don’t be afraid of what I become. I will protect you."
As he dropped from the boulder, he looked much taller, darker of skin, and more muscular than she remembered. Then, in front of her eyes, Kal’s body stretched into the shape of the beast she had glimpsed a month ago. The coyote head grew fangs and tall pointed ears.
Heart pounding, Madison took two steps back and raised her rifle. In an instant, she recognized Kal’s favorite statue. The Great Coyote. Kaletaka had become his art.
Frozen, Madison wondered what to do. Was he the killer? He looked like the beast she had shot. But he said the predator was coming from the hills. Madison could see nothing on the slopes. Had he lied?
No. The half-man half-beast in front of her didn’t make any threatening moves, as if waiting for her to make up her mind, shoot him, or accept him at his word. Could he even be killed? Cold, snaking fear wrapped around Madison’s heart. She aimed the M-14 at his chest. He still didn’t move.
Felix the bobcat snarled at the rifle aimed at his master, but Kaletaka-the-coyote appeased the cat with a soft groan.
"Okay, okay." More confused than scared, against all logic, Madison wanted to trust this strange Kaletaka beast. Her finger relaxed on the trigger. This was the man who’d come to warn and protect her, a guardian of the people, not a killer. She lowered the rifle.
Dropping his shoulders in relief, Kaletaka-the-coyote nodded then turned his back on her and sniffed the night, like an animal. A growl escaped his throat. Then another growl answered up the slope. Good God. There was the evil one. What a nightmare. But Madison was wide awake, adrenalin pumping through her veins.
Squinting through moonlight, she saw the other beast rise on hind legs, emerge from the slope in the distance, black and furry, twice as large, and more powerful than what Kaletaka had become. It looked like a giant black panther on steroids, with powerful arms and claws, and it came straight toward them.
Kaletaka-the-coyote stepped in front of Madison protectively, but did he stand a chance against a monster twice his size? The memory of the mangled animals brought up images of Kal, killed in the same manner. Madison couldn’t let that happen, no matter what her friend had become.
Next to her, Felix roared a challenge at the intruder.
Raising the M-14, Madison gazed through the night scope and aimed.
Chapter Seven
Madison’s muffled shot popped like a wet firecracker. Through the night scope of the M-14, she saw the bullet impact the black panther creature. A throaty roar pierced the desert night in response. No time to rejoice, though. The panther did not stumble or even flinch. Damn!
Kaletaka-the-coyote all lean muscles and speed, rushed after the giant black panther, Felix loping in his wake.
Madison aimed at the panther again. Not fast enough. The evil creature ducked behind a boulder with lightning speed. Could she have taken up an impossible endeavor? What if, as Kal suggested, that evil couldn’t be killed?
Adrenalin rushed down Madison’s spine. In a state of total focus, she couldn’t feel her body anymore. Rifle in hand, she followed Kal across the moonlit desert landscape, but as hard as she pumped her legs, she could not keep up. Her breath came in rasps. What had she gotten herself into?
She should go back to the truck, radio in for backup, but there was no time. If she left Kal to fight this thing alone, he could get eviscerated in an instant. With such a lethal foe, the outcome would be decided before the rangers could respond. Still, she must try. No time for pride. While running, she pulled out her cell and pushed Jake’s personal number still on automatic dial.
"This is Jake’s phone. Leave a message."
"Jake, I need all the help I can get here, at the house on Cave Creek between the two farms that were attacked." Without missing a step, she returned the phone to her belt.
Tendrils of fear crawled through Madison’s mind. Even in coyote shape, even with her help, how could Kal possibly overcome a bulletproof creature twice his size? But this situation defied logic, and she could not allow logic to get in the way of victory. They had to succeed. If she allowed that evil to run loose, it would kill anything alive, just for the thrill of it, starting with Kal. Her heart lurched at the thought. Unacceptable.
Two hundred feet ahead of her, the monster stopped and spun around to face Kal. They eyed each other on the bare slope, silhouetted against a field of stars. Felix reached his master’s heel as Madison ran, closing the distance, a death grip on the ri
fle. Would she get there in time?
Her mother had died a hero in the Middle East. Madison could be just as brave, no matter what her father and brother said. She’d read somewhere that an assailant willing to sacrifice his own life to prevail couldn’t be defeated, and Madison was determined to do whatever it took.
But what would it take to kill this beast? If a bullet in the chest didn’t slow it down, maybe a shot through the head? It had to have a central nerve somewhere. Madison stopped to catch her breath, holding the stitch in her side, not daring to get any closer. Panting, she stabilized herself and aimed for one eye with unwavering resolve. "Let’s see if you mind being blind."
The shot rang softly and the black creature roared again, shaking its head. But instead of retreating, it faced Kaletaka and pounced. She’d infuriated it. "Damn!"
Kaletaka-the-coyote side-stepped. With incredible speed and agility, he avoided the claws and fangs of the evil black panther. How long could he dodge such attacks? It didn’t seem likely that Kal could hurt the creature at all. "How would you like multiple shots, Blackie?"
Kaletaka sprung at the panther’s head, but the evil black cat absorbed the impact then slung him in a wide arc. Kal landed on gravelly dirt. Still alive? He didn’t move at all but Madison dared to hope his coyote form could withstand more punishment than a simple human.
Taking advantage of a clear glimpse of the adversary in the moonlight, Madison shot in quick succession, hoping at least to weaken the monster, stop it from finishing off Kaletaka. She emptied her rifle, and the upright panther turned away from Kal to face her.
As if understanding, Felix the bobcat rushed the evil creature, leapt at the head and sank his fangs into the throat in a death grip, hanging by the jaw. Shaking its head, the creature slapped the bobcat like a kitten, razor claws slashing deep. Felix screamed and loosened his jaw then flew through the air, blood spurting from deep gashes in his flank.
Enraged, Madison slammed a new clip into the rifle, locked it, but as she loaded the chamber, a sound of running steps behind her made her jump. A quick glance revealed Jake in a state of disarray.
"How did you get here this fast?"
"I was in the area." His voice sounded strained. "I called for reinforcements."
"Thanks..." Then she remembered the feeling of being watched. "Were you spying on me?"
"I didn’t trust you with this guy, but never mind. We have a bigger problem. Let’s get this thing, whatever it is." Jake stopped next to her and aimed.
So did Madison. Together, they emptied a clip on the beast. It simply rose higher on hind feet and rushed toward them.
Jake’s rifle jammed and the beast pounced on him. Jake fought it with the butt of his rifle.
"No!" Madison reloaded and kept firing.
Barely acknowledging her bullets, the black monster bit off Jake’s head and kicked his body aside, then turned upon Madison, a few feet away and pounced.
Too late to run. In that instant, Madison knew she would die in the most horrible way. But if she sacrificed her life, at least she’d make it count. As the huge shadow obscured the moon, she shot straight up through the soft part of the throat. Still, the gleaming fangs descended upon her, as if in slow motion.
Madison shot into the mouth, again, and again. At such close range, the M-14 had to be devastating.
The black creature engulfed Madison. Slashing pain seared her back and legs. She dangled in the air, each shake of the evil jaws sending sharp raw pain through her whole body. The rifle, wrenched from her grip, clattered against a boulder. Lightning flashed, and thunder rolled in the cloudless sky. The hills shuddered. The monster flung her aside, and she hit the ground with the force of a cement block.
Then, as if in a dream, white light surrounded her, washing away the pain, and she floated just above the ground on a soft cloud. Below her lay her mangled body. She hated to die like this. Mostly, she hated leaving Kal, who now seemed to regain consciousness. Even in Coyote shape, he couldn’t win. Would he follow her in death?
*****
Madison!
Kaletaka couldn’t let his grief blind him. Not now. Despite the pain wracking his body, he leapt upon the creature’s back, to distract it from the prostrate form of Madison. Great Coyote, please let her live! Why had she intervened, risking her life when she couldn’t win? Yet she had weakened the creature somewhat. But was it enough?
Kaletaka embedded his clawed feet into the black, furry hide. Then he buried his fangs into the evil cat’s nape in an effort to sever the spine, and slashed at his opponent’s throat. The creature jerked its shoulders and neck, trying to shake him loose.
The weakened monster swatted at Kaletaka, who ignored its futile attempts to dislodge him. But could he hold on long enough to kill the evil creature?
Great Coyote, if I’m doing your work, please help!
Distant thunder answered his call. A warm whirlwind blew across the desert. Kaletaka’s acute vision discerned swirling dust devils. His victim howled at the manifestation of the divine presence. Did it sense its own death coming?
Strengthened by the presence of the Great Coyote, Kaletaka renewed his efforts. His fangs lengthened and clenched deeper into flesh and bone. His claws grew sharper and slashed into the black panther’s throat, eliciting a river of dark blood that reeked of evil. He felt sullied by the unholy, viscous blood drenching him. Slowly, the beast folded upon itself as it collapsed, then lay in a heap, lifeless.
Or was it?
Kaletaka didn’t dare release his hold. What if the creature could regenerate, even revive itself after nearing death?
A resounding roll of thunder told Kaletaka the Great Coyote still watched over him. As Kal retracted his claws and unclenched his jaw, the monster seemed to shrink. What lay beneath him now wasn’t a beast at all, but a woman.
Mrs. Esteban? Horror and pity mixed in the pit of his stomach.
In an instant, Kaletaka himself turned back to human shape. Nearby lay a headless ranger in uniform. Kaletaka didn’t care. His concern was for Madison. He rushed to her side. "Madison!"
Her eyes remained closed. Kneeling beside her, he felt for a pulse at her bloody throat but could only feel a very faint flutter. So much blood! She only had seconds to live, and Kaletaka didn’t have the power to bring her back from the brink of death. He couldn’t bear to lose her.
Turning to the heavens, Kaletaka implored. "Great Coyote, Grandfather, Creator of the universe, I am grateful for your help. But I still need you." Would the Great One agree to heal a stranger to the chosen tribe?
A whimper escaped Madison’s parted lips. A good sign? Or was she dying?
At a loss, Kaletaka now begged. "Great Coyote, Grandfather, I implore you, take my life, but save the woman I love."
To help the process along, Kaletaka laid his hands on both of Madison’s frail shoulders and screwed his eyes shut, focusing on giving her all his life force. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks. "Great Coyote, I implore you. Let this woman live."
When he felt a slight movement under his hands, Kaletaka opened his eyes. There, in the moonlight, lying on the desert floor, Madison stared at him in alarm.
Kaletaka’s heart jumped in his chest. Did he dare to hope the Great Coyote had done it? Madison was conscious. His chest bubbled with joy as he realized the gashes in her skin had mended. She was whole, breathing! Filled with gratitude, he raised both arms toward the sky. His voice trembled with fervor. "Thank you, Great Coyote!"
A howl answered in the distance. A coyote.
"Great Coyote?" Madison sat up and frowned. "Are you all right?"
He threw his arms around her and held her tight. Salty tears ran down his cheeks. Realizing how he must look, bloody from the fight, Kaletaka chuckled nervously. "I’m okay. It’s not my blood, mostly."
He loosened his hold to bask in the look of her, alive.
Her face relaxed and she smiled with relief. "What happened? You killed the beast?"
"I had help." And what
help! He still shook from the experience.
Madison didn’t seem aware of the miracle that brought her back to life, and Kaletaka kept silent about it. There would be time later. He simply moved aside, revealing to Madison the headless ranger. "Do you know who that is?"
Madison paled under the moon and struggled to get up. Kaletaka helped her stand and gave her some space, amazed at the wonder of seeing her alive. She approached the dead ranger. When Madison faltered, Kal rushed to support her and held her steady.
"Who is it?"
Madison looked so pale and shaky. "He is my boss. Was my boyfriend once. His name is Jake."
Kaletaka sighed and shook his head. "I’m so sorry."
Madison turned toward the body of Mrs. Esteban. "Is this?"
Kaletaka nodded. "Our skinwalker."
At that moment, a flash of lightning rooted itself into the dead body of Mrs. Esteban. Kaletaka grabbed Madison and jumped back. Within seconds, the lightning charred the body into a black, unrecognizable mess that looked like a large dead animal. The acrid smell of singed flesh filled the air.
A refreshing breeze swept away the stench, then peace fell on the desert night. The birds and insects chirped again, as if nothing had happened.
A whimper nearby brought Kaletaka down from his euphoria. He’d almost forgotten. "Felix!"
Madison ran to the bobcat’s side. "I’ll call emergency animal rescue."
Kaletaka nodded. Without the Great Coyote, he couldn’t heal anyone, not even Felix. But Madison would know what to do.
She pulled her cell phone from her belt and punched a number. "I have a severely wounded bobcat. About forty pounds." After giving directions, she dialed another number. "Officer down..."
*****
In the cacophony of sirens and the flashing of red and blue emergency lights from Animal Rescue, Rangers, and the Coroner’s vehicles, officers and medics carried the bodies down the hillside.
Madison huddled against Kal. "I thought I was dead, but I’m not even hurt. How did that happen?"
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