Page 17 of Red Zone Awakened

“To cover the jagged frame on the other window, so you don’t rip your ass open getting through it.”The opening in front of them was big enough to step through without getting cut on the sharp edges, but they wouldn’t be so lucky with the next window.

As she handed him the covers, she put a hand on his arm.The first time she’d voluntarily touched him since their cab ride.Mace stilled, the heat of her delicate touch like a manacle keeping him in place.His complete attention was focused on her earnest face.

“Mace,” she said.“I really don’t want to go out on that ledge.”

His heart clenched tight.“I know you don’t, princess.And, honestly, I don’t want to either.I wish there was another way.I really do.But this is our only option.It’s this or take our chances with the Freedom soldiers coming our way right this minute.Believe me when I tell you, they aren’t your friends.You are worth far too much for them not to use you for their cause.”

She paled, and he covered her hand with his in a gesture meant to reassure.Her hand was so slender and dainty that it made his look like a bear’s paw.It was a shock to be reminded of just how much smaller Keiko was than him.Her personality and presence made it seem as though she were bigger, physically stronger, but really, she was tiny.Breakable, that’s what she was.Tiny and fragile.

Like me,a voice whispered in his mind.

Mace froze, his hand clasping Keiko’s tightly.This time, there was no denying what he’d heard.The voice wasn’t a faint murmur in the back of his mind.It was strong and confident, and it wasn’t his.

No!Mace bellowed inside his head.

Mine, the voice said with finality.

Mace felt the blood drain from his face as he looked at Keiko.

Things had just gotten a whole lot worse for both of them.