Page 14 of Marc
Marc
CarryingColbie reinforced how small she was. I kept a hold on her as I negotiated the rocky ground.
She rested her head on my shoulder, snuggling in. Her red hair spilled over my arm.
My gut tightened.
“I love that you’re so strong,” she mumbled.
The nano-meds were definitely affecting her. Another time, I’d find it funny. But not now. Not in the middle of monster-ridden territory when she had bloodstains on her clothes.
I was well aware this could have turned out differently. She could’ve died in the crash, or been killed by monsters on the ground.
Suddenly, my chest felt like it was filled with bricks.
If I’d lost her…
Yeah, it would hurt like hell.
She shifted in my arms, and a strand of her red hair caught on my cheek. Too many fucking feelings were bubbling up inside me.
Far too many things involving her.
I needed to nip them in the bud. Caring too much was a big fucking risk. It led to getting your heart ripped out when you lost that person.
I had a vivid memory of being a kid and sneaking out of bed one night. I’d heard the low rumble of my dad’s voice and spotted him sitting in the dark, drinking whiskey and talking about Uncle Zeke. I remember the way his body shook as my mom held him.
That had been years after he’d lost his twin, but it had still hurt him like it had just happened the day before.
“Hey?”
I blinked and looked at Colbie.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I forced a smile. “Before you know it, we’ll be back home.”
She let out a little moan. “I need a hot shower and a cheeseburger.”
Those sounded good. “Add a beer, and I’d be in heaven.”
“Sorry I ruined your barbecue.”
“There’ll be other barbecues. It’s always a good time for a party.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Stop.” Kai paused, holding a hand up.
Hunter Squad all paused, looking around.
“What is it?” Jameson murmured.
“I’m not sure. I sensed…” With a shake of his head, Kai focused on the trees in front of the group. “Stay here, I’ll scout up ahead.”
Jameson nodded. “I’ll come with you.”
The men were swallowed by the darkness.
