Page 50 of Red Marked
It takes his eyes a second to climb to mine.
I fold my arms and glare at him.
He has the good grace to look sheepish.
“Can you blame me?” He squeaks out the words.
I can’t, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t piss me the fuck off.
“Have a little respect, will you?” I growl under my breath, even though Star will be able to hear me.
He rubs a hand over his face. “Sorry, boss. I um…I…”
“We’ll talk about this tomorrow,” I snarl as softly as I can.
His eyes go wide. “I was just—”
“I know exactly what you were doing, and I don’t approve. We need to go.” I turn and face Star. “I’ll tell you where to drop off into the jungle, Star. You need to wait there until I can get to you and smuggle you into the center.”
She nods once. “Thanks again.”
“Don’t thank me yet. This could still go sideways. Let’s go.”
We all shift. It doesn’t take long for Brian to secure the rig. Then we’re airborne and making for the center.
We make a formation around the Draig females. I stay close to Koa, noting that Star does the same.
We fly back slowly.
When we’re in sight of the clinic, I drop low, putting the jungle right at our bellies, making it hard for the guards to count how many of us there are. When we’re just short of the fence surrounding the center, I chuff twice, and Star drops into the jungle at the next opening in the canopy seconds later.
Feral males tend to stay clear of the center, but the odd one wanders in. I pray she can take care of herself until I can get to her. I have no idea how long that will take.
We ascend a little, and as soon as we arrive back at the clinic, we land and shift. By then, several guards have spotted us. They must spot the Draig females too because they make for us. Some on foot and others in their scales.
“Say nothing,” I warn the females, who nod. “Does everyone have their stories straight?”
I’m met with sounds of affirmation.
“Let’s do this,” I tell them. “Stick close to us. I’ll keep you safe.”
They huddle together, looking scared. I don’t think they’re acting.
“I’ve got you.”
Pryce can go to hell if he thinks he’s putting them in one of his rooms or drilling them for answers.
He can fuck right off.
19
Flint
Half an hour later…
The three females stand in the middle of the room.
“It’s weird being inside a building,” Caldera says.
