A sharp whimper of despair rose in my throat. Losing focus could mean death for all of us. I still didn’t fully understand why, but I was absolutely certain the creature would kill me if it managed to get close enough again. That it would kill my children. That it would kill anyone who happened to be with us the moment it found us.
I couldn’t go to anyone.
I didn’t know anyone in Anchorage well enough to trust them. My wife and I had friends, but I couldn’t turn to them. I needed shelter and time to think calmly. I needed a safe place.
“I ate her. And I’m going to eat your babies too.”
Remembering those words sent a shiver of terror through me. Of course that monster would follow us.
“Dad…”
Andre’s careful little voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“What is it, champ?” I asked in th
