On their way keep moving if you can and try to stay in well-lit areas Nia's grip on Max's leash tightened as she veered onto. A busier path hoping to find someone anyone who might intervene but the park seemed emptier with each passing second as if the world had conspired to leave. Her alone in this nightmare hey Jared's voice boomed louder and closer you think the cops will save you they won't do a damn thing. His taunts sent a fresh jolt of fear through Nia's veins but she refused to stop she glanced over her shoulder once more. The sight of his Furious expression propelling her forward please hurry she begged into the phone he's getting closer her legs burned her lungs screamed for air.
But she didn't dare slow down Max stumbled slightly letting out a soft wine and Nia's heart achd at the sound almost there. Max she whispered though she wasn't sure where there even was Nia's lungs burned as she sprinted her feet pounding against the pavement Max whimpered slightly. But kept moving his loyal determination pulling him forward even with the limp in his stride she couldn't slow down not now every Instinct screamed. For her to get away to put as much distance as possible between them and the maniac chasing them but the pounding of Jared's footsteps grew louder. His taunts cutting through the Mark's Eerie quiet like a blade you think you can run from me Jared roared his voice echoing around them you can't hide.
And no one's coming for you Nia glanced back dread rising in her throat Jared was closing the Gap his face flushed with rage. His strides long and deliberate her fingers fumbled for her phone again the operator's Voice still faintly audible in her ear ma'am stay on the line. The operator instructed calmly officers are on Route he's catching up Nia panted her words sharp and frantic please tell them to hurry we've dispatched officers to your location. The operator reassured her stay as calm as you can calm the word felt meaningless as she turned her head to see Jared just a few strides behind. Max let out another strained bark his limp worsening with every step Nia's heart Twisted at the sight of him struggling she couldn't let him get hurt again.
Jared lunged and Instinct took over Nia spun around yanking Max's leash to pull him behind her she stood her ground her chest heaving as she faced. Jared the sheer hatred in his eyes sent a chill down her spine but she didn't move Max growled low at her side bearing his teeth. As he huddled close you really thought you could outrun me Jared sneered stopping just a few feet away his chest heaved with exertion. But his voice carried the same cruel arrogance as before look at you pathetic you should have just handed over the wallet now you're making. This harder on yourself I don't have anything for you Nia shot back her voice trembling but defiant leave us alone the police are coming.
Jared laughed a harsh mocking sound that made her stomach churn the police he gestured around the deserted path where are they do you see. Anyone coming to save you it's just you me and that useless mut Max barked sharply his growl Rising as he shifted protectively. In front of Nia Jared's face Twisted into a sneer as he pointed at the dog that thing you really think it's going to protect you. One good kick and it's done don't you dare touch him Nia snapped her voice Rising with anger her hands clenched into fists and she felt. The leash bite into her Palm you've done enough Jared took a step forward his eyes glinting with malice oh I'm just getting started you.
Don't get to walk around like you own the place people like you think you can take whatever you want but not here not today stay back. Nia warned her voice low and firm her whole body trembled but she held her ground she knew running wasn't an option anymore. Jared wasn't going to stop and she wasn't about to let him hurt Max or her again Jared smirked taking another step closer what are. You going to do huh swing that leash at me scream for help go ahead let's see who's really in charge here. Max barked again louder this time the sound echoing with Defiance Jared flinched slightly his bravado faltering for a split second before his sneer returned.
He curled his hands into fists his posture coiled and ready Nia's breath steadied as she prepared herself her mind raced weighing her options. But one thing was clear she wasn't backing down not this time the air between them felt electric charged with unspoken threats and sheer willpower neither moved locked. In a tense standoff as Max's growls filled the silence Jared's smirk widened as he stood just a step away from Nia his eyes darting between. Her and Max the tension in the air was suffocating and Nia's heart thudded wildly in her chest she tightened her grip on Max's leash. Her voice trembling as she spoke don't do this just walk away Jared scoffed his expression hardening walk away nah you're going to give me.
What I want hand over that wallet or I'll make sure your little mut doesn't walk again Nia's eyes darted down to Max who stood firm. At her side despite his limp his growls deepened his body rigid with protective energy she hesitated for a moment her mind racing maybe giving him. The wallet would end this maybe it would keep Max safe her fingers shook as she reached into her jacket pocket pulling out her wallet take. It she said her voice strained just leave us alone Jared snatched the wallet from her hand his movements rough and triumphant he flipped it open. And rifled through it his sneer growing as he pulled out the few bills she had inside this it pathetic he tossed the empty wallet to the ground.
And stepped forward again his eyes dark with malice maybe I'll teach you a lesson anyway that was the moment Max moved with a sudden lunge. Max leaped at Jared his teeth flashing as he went for Jared's leg Jared cursed stumbling backward as the dog's jaws clamped onto his jeans get. This stupid dog off me he yelled shaking his leg violently to break free Max no Nea cried her voice cracking with panic she pulled. On the leash trying to get Max to release but her loyal companion refused to back down his growls were feral his determination unyielding Jared's. Rage boiled over with a brutal motion he raised his Boot and kicked Max hard in the side the dog yelped in pain his body crumpling.
As he hit the ground that's what you get Jared spat his face contorted with Fury Max Nia screamed dropping to her knees beside him. Her hands shook as she cradled his trembling body tears streaming down her face it's okay buddy stay with me Jared loomed over her his chest heaving. As if he was ready to lash out again but before he could move the distant whale of sirens pierced the air his expression shifted Panic flickering. Behind his eyes as he glanced around the empty Park damn it he muttered under his breath without another word he turned and bolted disappearing into the Shadows of the trees. Nia didn't move her entire Focus was on Max whose eyes were open but clouded with pain she whispered softly to him her tears falling onto.
His golden fur you're going to be okay Max I promise the sound of sirens grew closer a bitter sweet relief washing over her as help. Finally arrived Nia knelt on the hard pavement her hands trembling as they hovered over Max's still body The Familiar warmth of his golden fur beneath. Her fingers was a stark contrast to the cold brutal reality of the situation his chest Rose and fell unevenly each shallow breath pulling. At her heartstrings tears spilled from her eyes unbidden and Unstoppable as the enormity of the moment crashed down on her Max she choked out. Her voice cracking as she stroked his head his soft ears twitched slightly at her touch but his eyes remained half closed clouded with pain.