Chapter 475

Lightning sliced across the sky and threw the valley into sharp relief. Long shadows twisted off into the misty grass. The house's broken windows glinted. Thunder followed in a low rumble. Katelina's heart raced and she tightened her hold on her makeshift club.

They paused at what was left of the first building. Jamie kicked through the rubble and motioned it clear. Jorick did the same at the next. Wolfe ducked into what was left of a barn only to come back a moment later and signal them onward.

They crouched behind a rusty gas tank and surveyed the area a final time. Katelina waited for someone to come bursting out of the house, fangs gleaming.

When nothing happened, Wolfe slunk across the yard to the back door. He leaned against the side of the house, as if listening, then signaled the others to join him. They skirted a pile of firewood and huddled under the dripping eaves for a tense moment.