Page 37 of Marc
Suddenly, lights flared to life on the panel.
“You did it.” She grinned at me, then her fingers started flying. “No audio, but it looks like I can send a text message.”
As she worked, I checked the rest of the room, but didn’t find anything useful. I moved back to peer out of the doorway, wanting to make sure we hadn’t attracted any unwelcome visitors.
“There, message sent.” She closed her eyes for a second. “I hope it made it.”
I did, as well. If we couldn’t get a message out, the journey out of the base, through the Blue Mountains, and all the way back home would be incredibly dangerous.
There was a low chime, and she spun back to the console. “We got a reply!” She tapped. “Thank God.Squad Command got the message. Sasha responded.” Colbie grinned. “She’s pretty happy we’re alive.”
My lips quirked. Sasha was never shy about sharing her feelings.
“Hunter Squad had reluctantly returned to base. But they’re on standby to come and get us.” She gasped. “They were attacked by a flock of the avian monsters that brought my Talon down.”
Hell. “They’re okay?”
She nodded. “They’re doing repairs on Gavin’s Talon.” She groaned. “And there’s more. There’s a bad storm brewing over the mountains. Sasha asked if we’re safe enough to stay put until it clears.” Colbie wrinkled her nose. “That will be tomorrow morning.”
Shit. I knew flying and trying to evacuate us in a storm would be risky, especially if these avian monsters were in the area. “The infirmary is safe enough. We can last until tomorrow.”
She nodded and tapped back a reply. “Yeah. I don’t want another Talon damaged, or Hunter Squad taking a huge risk.” The console chimed again. “Okay, Sash says they’re going to plan a pickup. She’s sent evac coordinates. They’ll pick us up tomorrow, as soon as it’s daylight.”
I nodded and glanced at my watch. We had roughly twenty-four hours.
Colbie rose. “Now what?”
“We head back to the infirmary. It’s not safe to wander around this place too much.”
“We need more food.”
I jerked my chin up. “I’ll take a look around for the kitchen.”
She shook her head. “We stick together.We’lltake a look around for the kitchen.”
I frowned. God, she was stubborn. I just wanted her somewhere safe. “We don’t need to put both of us at risk.”
“We’re better together. Have each other’s backs. What if I get attacked while I’m alone?”
Crap, I hated the idea of her being out of my sight.
“It won’t be much of a detour on the way back to the infirmary,” she added.
“Fine.” I gritted my teeth.
She flashed me a smile that told me just how much she liked pushing my damn buttons.
She was right. If she was with me, I’d be able to protect her.
We moved silently down the corridor. The walls were covered with old scorch marks from laser fire. It could’ve come from my dad’s carbine as he’d fought off the Gizzida.
I glanced at Colbie. She was wearing a tank top that showed off her slim arms and clung to her chest. I let my gaze run over her.
That kiss…
I tried to stuff the desire I felt back into its box, but now it was out. Now that I’d had a taste of her, it seemed impossible to ignore.
She could’ve died. I swallowed and my throat was as dry as dust. I could’ve died. We were still in a dangerous situation, living in a dangerous world.
