Before he could pull the trigger, she was off the bed in a single swift movement, her inhumane speed a blur in the dark room.
Grabbing a random shirt from the floor, she leapt through the window of the duplex, shattering the glass as she hit the ground with catlike precision.
She threw the shirt over her head while running, her feet pounding against the earth. Her breath came fast and ragged, but so did the footsteps behind her. He was chasing her.
How was he running so fast?
The thought clawed at her mind as she glanced over her shoulder. His silhouette moved unnaturally quickly, closing the gap between them. Was he like her?
No. He couldn't be. If he were, he wouldn't be chasing her with a gun.
"Run, you sexy little thing," his voice taunted, low and mocking, cutting through the cold night air.
"If I catch you, you're dead."
Her pulse roared in her ears as she pushed her body harder, sprinting with all her might through the backyard.
She vaulted over the fence, her hands gripping the top edge just long enough to launch herself forward. Landing in a crouch, she didn't stop to breathe.
She hit the open road and nearly collided with the blinding glare of truck headlights.
The horn blasted, deafening and close, and she froze in terror. The truck skidded to a halt just in time, its engine rumbling like a growl in the still night.
The driver's door slammed open, and Benny stepped out, his face a mix of anger and relief.
"REXAN? Jesus Christ, I've been looking everywhere for you!"
She staggered toward him, her chest heaving with sobs she couldn't suppress.
Her trembling hands clung to him as she broke down, her entire body shaking against his warmth.
"Are you okay? What happened to you, girl?" His voice was soft, his hands gently cupping her face as he searched her eyes for answers.
But she couldn't speak. She could only cry harder, the fear and adrenaline crashing over her in waves as he held her tightly, his touch steady and protective.
He guided her to the truck, helping her into the passenger seat with care. "It's okay. I'm here. You're safe now," he murmured, his tone soothing as he climbed in beside her and started the engine.
Her sobs quieted, though her chest still rose and fell with uneven breaths. She turned her head to look out the window, seeking reassurance in the familiarity of the night.
That's when she saw him.
Reg stood in the shadows, the dim light casting an eerie glow across his face. His gaze locked onto hers, his eyes dark and piercing.
His lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk, a silent promise of death.