Maikoda: Power of the Moon (Blue Moon Trilogy Book 2) by Adrianna Morgan Page B

snorted, mustering up false bravado. “Yeah right. I bet you say that to all the ladies.”
                  Kuruk laughed. “I must admit, I am surprised at your tenacity. You were really ready to take on three of my best.” He looked around at the Were holding the stump of his arm. “Well, two of my best.” 
                  He flicked a hand and the Weres surrounding him pounced on their injured friend. Layla kept her eyes on Kuruk even as she listened to the snarl, snap and crunch of the Weres as they disposed of the inferior warrior. She flinched and closed her eyes briefly as his howl was cut short with a gurgle when his throat was ripped out. 
                  Kuruk waved a hand absently toward Layla. “Come on,” he said with a grin. “He deserved it. I cannot have someone in my organization so obviously…impaired.” 
                  The harsh breathing of the girl near the ravine changed her focus and panic and fear clouded the girl’s eyes. She looked back at Kuruk and raised her head defiantly as one of the Weres dragged the girl kicking and screaming towards the group, her fingers clawing at the werewolf who pulled her along the cold ground. 
                  Subconsciously, Layla moved toward her, only to stop when Kuruk wagged a finger.
                  “Now, Layla. You don’t want to get involved in this messy business. She knew the risks when she agreed to help us.” He waved a hand towards the pair.
                  Layla clenched her fists as the Were pushed the girl to Kuruk. He grabbed the struggling human by the hair and lowered his lips to her neck, transforming impossibly fast and dragged his fangs across her throat. She was dead before the scream could leave her lips, the arterial spray shooting across the open space. 
                  He transformed back just as quickly and Layla weighed her options. Kuruk was fast, but she was fighting for her life. She could take him even if it meant her death.  Of course, she wouldn’t be able to take on all of them, but she could take that asshole out with her. She curled her lips as her fangs descended. 
                  Kuruk chuckled. “Think you could take me, Layla?” he asked, smiling through the blood staining his teeth. 
                  “That would be fun. But unfortunately, you can’t beat me.” He laughed again, mania in his eyes. “You’re not strong enough.”
                  She looked around her quickly. He was right; she couldn’t beat him, not alone. He had also been thorough and had blocked off every possible means of escape, which confirmed that they had been scouting.  Even as fear flooded her heart, she prayed they had been near the house.  If they had, then it was a possibility that Martin may have picked up on their scent and followed them here. 
                  It was a long shot, but Martin was just as thorough as Kuruk was. He would follow up on every lead—and he knew Layla was on her way home. Her cellphone vibrated. Already her aunt was calling. It was just a matter of time before Martin showed up looking for her. 
                  Kuruk stared at her purse on the ground. She could see it in his eyes; time was running out. He could still kill her outright, but he said she had something he wanted. She had no idea what, but that information could keep her alive.
                  He could take her with him. He had enough men to do so, but she would fight hard to avoid it and could die in the process or fight long enough for reinforcements to show up. Or he could let her go. Letting her go would irk Kuruk beyond belief. But if he truly needed her alive, it was the only course of action he had.
                  Her phone vibrated again. Her aunt was starting to panic. Good. Reinforcements would be here soon. She looked at Kuruk and smiled.