“What the…” Claus muttered, spinning just as a black blur lunged at him.

The dog’s teeth snapped inches from his forearm. Claus twisted, his instincts firing on pure survival. He rolled sideways in the mud, feeling the wet earth splash against his face. The animal landed where he’d stood, growling, its eyes wild yet… measured.

Another sound. Heavy paws pounding. Two more shadows broke from the trees.

Three of them.

“What the actual fuck!” Claus exclaimed, this time very loud, ...