Page 17 of Marc
“So, how is it being shacked up with a hot guy like North?” I asked, reappearing from behind the bush.
Jess’ smile was wide and happy as she handed me some hand sanitizer from the pouch on her belt. “Thebest. Falling in love was the last thing I expected when I moved here. He’s thoughtful, respectful, smart?—”
“Not to mention hot and handsome,” I added, rubbing my hands together.
She laughed. “He’s those as well, and he’s good with his hands.” A look crossed her face. “And he loves me. Just for me.”
I felt a pang of envy. “You’re a lucky woman.”
“I am.”
Resolve hardened inside me. I wanted that. I deserved that.
Not someone who looked horrified when I kissed him.
I’d find it one day.
How about you survive the monster-infested forest first, Colbie?
Suddenly, the whine of carbine fire ripped through the night.
Jess’ head snapped up and she lifted her weapon. “Come on. Stay behind me.”
We hurried back to the clearing. As we approached, I heard the sound of branches snapping. We arrived just in time to see a tree falling to the ground.
Jameson and Kai sprinted into the clearing, a large monster chasing them. It charged into another tree, branches crumpling.
Marc, Zeke, and North opened fire and shouted.
I had absolutely no idea what had gone into making this monster. It was almost the size of a car, and had four powerful legs and a wide body that went from sharp jaws, curved up along its strong back, and then ended at a strong tail that raised upbehind it like a scorpion. It had a hard black shell covering it. It made some deep grunting noises, and it appeared the laser fire was making no impact. The tail shifted, flaring open at the end, then fired projectiles.
“Watch out!” Marc yelled.
I watched the soldiers dive and roll. I ducked down, watching the bony projectiles slam into a tree trunk nearby.
Jess fired on the creature.
“I need a weapon,” I cried.
“Take my blaster,” she called back. “Left side holster.”
I quickly pulled the weapon free of the holster on her hip.
The monster scuttled our way. The others fired again, but they weren’t having any effect, except to make it angrier.
“Jess, any weakness?” Jameson yelled.
“Not that I can see. This one is new to me.”
“Sasha says there’s a waterfall close by,” Jameson yelled. “We can lure it there, and try and get it over the edge.”
“Sounds like that’s my cue.” Marc leaped in front of the monster and waved his arms. “Come on, you ugly fuck. Time for a little trip. Hope you can’t swim.”
My heart lodged in my throat. He was always the first to throw himself in the line of fire and act as bait. The last time, he’d been dangling under my Talon and had almost been eaten by a deadly kraken-like monster.
He waved his arms, yelling some more, and the monster darted toward him.
“That’s it,” Marc cajoled. “Come to papa.”
