But she’d dared too much and come too far to give up without a fight. Leaping up, she tore through the bushes, trying to duck through brambles where he might not follow. But he plunged after her, and he was faster. Behind her, she could hear him puffing behind her and the sound of his friend keeping pace. The one in the lead caught up with her, grabbing her by the shoulder. When her head whipped around, the cap came off. As her hair fell loose, he made a startled sound. “What’s this? A girl!” She tried to take advantage of his surprise to wiggle free, but his fingers clamped on her arm, holding fast. When she pounded her fists against him, he smacked her across the face so hard that she saw stars. His mate came running up, grabbing her other arm. One of them had a length of rope around his waist. He untied it and pulled her hands behind her back, securing her wrists. Next he pulled the free end down to her ankles and tied them as well. When she struggled, the rope cut into her flesh.
