It took the blue tiger seconds to close the gap. In three lunges, it pushed through the trees and jumped with claws outstretched.

Justin, frozen in shock, would have been killed if not for Ahlund. The tall Guardian planted his boot against Justin's hip and kicked hard at the same moment, simultaneously pushing Justin forward and himself backward. Justin tumbled headlong into the ground as the tiger crashed through the foliage.

Before he even stopped rolling, Ahlund drew his ...