Page 19 of Marc
I could feel blood soaking into my shirt under my armor.
But I had bigger problems. The monster was wading across the damn river, coming straight for me.
The squad sprang into action, Zeke leading the way. My brother was firing on the monster, trying to turn it away from me. Jameson was bellowing, trying to get its attention.
I splashed through the water and made it to the opposite riverbank. I dropped onto the rocky ground, heaving in some air.
Looking down, I stared at the ugly piece of bone protruding from my stomach. I gripped it, dragged in a deep breath, then yanked it out.
Fuck.
My vision wavered, and I fought the urge to vomit. I dropped the bone on the ground.
There was splashing close to me, and I jerked my head up. Colbie was making her way over.
“Get back,” I growled. “You’re supposed to stay with Jess.” She’d circled around the monster and crossed the river.
She dropped to her knees beside me. “She’s a little busy.”
The monster let out a loud, angry grunt. I saw Kai dive out of the way of more projectiles.
“You’re bleeding.” She touched my stomach.
“Pull the small first aid kit off my belt.” I watched as she did. “I need the sealant bandages.”
She fished out the adhesive bandage and ripped it open. I pulled my chest armor plate off and dropped it beside me.
I had a large tear in my khaki T-shirt and the bottom half of it was soaked in blood.
Colbie’s face paled and she hissed out a breath.
“I’ll do it.” I took the sealer and shoved the bandage through the hole in my shirt. I didn’t want to see just how bad the wound was. I felt the adhesive stick to my skin and plug the wound.
“Injector,” I gritted out.
She fished it out of the pouch and held it up.
“Dial up a painkiller and a stimulant.”
She did, then I took it and jabbed it against my neck.
Instantly, the pain melted away and energy filled my veins. The stimulant would pump adrenaline into my system and help me get out of here. Help me get Colbie to safety.
The monster thrashed around in the water.
I rose, Colbie hovering close by. I knew I’d hurt her earlier, but she hadn’t hesitated to rush to help me.
That was Colbie. Loyal and fierce.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.
I gave her a chin lift. “I’m not dying today, birdie.”
She rolled her eyes. “Unless I kill you because of your lame nicknames.”
“Come on, let’s?—”
“Marc, watch out!”
