With a roar, Jorick knocked into Katelina's attacker. They fell in a heap of twisting limbs and snapping teeth. Katelina started to stand when pain tore through her. She pressed her hand against her wound and thought again of Micah. "Pain is for pussies!" he'd shouted. "Get off your ass!"

She gritted her teeth and grabbed a log from the pile. With a cry of fury she cracked the vampiress in the head. The woman went momentarily limp. Jorick pulled himself loose and grabbed her ...