Page 70 of Marc

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I deactivated the electric charge, and watched Hunter Squad leap out, their carbines aimed and ready.

They circled the monster and finished it off quickly.

Once it was safe, I leaped out to check the damage on the Talon. I studiously avoided the body of the monster.

“Will she fly?” Zeke asked.

I jolted. I hadn’t even sensed him, he’d moved that quietly.

I nodded. “Just a little dinged up.”

“Don’t give up on him.”

I cocked my head. “What?”

“Marc. Don’t give up on him.”

My chest squeezed. “Zeke?—”

“He’s the best guy I know, but he’s afraid. Help him.”

In usual Zeke fashion, he didn’t say anything else, just stalked back to join the others.

“Colbie.” Jameson appeared. “Talon good?”

I dragged my gaze off Zeke. “Yes. There’s no structural damage, but the security system needs to recharge. I used all the juice.”

The squad leader nodded. “Then grab your blaster and let’s move.”

I blinked. “What?”

“What?” Marc also demanded.

“It’s too dangerous for Colbie to stay here undefended.” Jameson hefted his carbine. “The security system will take time to charge.”

Damn.

That meant I had to go back to inside Blue Mountain Base.

I glanced at Marc. He looked conflicted.

“Zeke, Marc, and Jess will carry the flamethrowers. North and Kai, you get the net launchers. Colbie, stay close.” A grim smile crossed Jameson’s face. “Let’s go get ourselves a threader.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Marc

Fuck, I wanted to punch something.

Unfortunately, no monster jumped out to give me a target.

I stomped through the grass with the squad, my gaze locked on Colbie’s back. She had to go back in there. Back into Blue Mountain Base.

Back into danger.

I blew out a breath. I wanted her safe. With every fiber of my being, I wanted her safe, happy, and smiling.

Swallowing, I realized I wanted that more than anything.

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