She ignored the words, refusing to engage with him or be baited. Instead, she watched him carefully. Searched for weaknesses. Watched how he carried himself, what side he favored. Registered how much taller he was than her. How much heavier he was. Estimated his physical strength and agility. Sadly, there was no denying that he outmatched her. But there were ways to use his strength against him.
As the jackal holding her let out a malicious chuckle and licked her cheek, she barely resisted shuddering in revulsion. Only once since the attack had she been in a chokehold. She and Eli had been practicing combat moves, and she’d asked him to restrain her this way until the panic abated and she could learn exactly how to get out of the hold if it ever happened again.