Page 99 of Jude

Chapter 20

Jude hated waking Octavia. They were at the bunker, and it was time to see how effective their mission had been.

He eased himself to the edge of the seat in the Foxhound and felt Octavia stir against him.

“Are we back already?” Her voice sounded sleepy.

“We are,” said Jude. “You go straight to see Sophia.”

“No. I kind of missed the last bit of the attack thanks to being buried under a wall. I want to see how badly we’ve fucked with the State.”

“You need to get to medical,” said Jude. “Don’t forget, your heart stopped.”

“You got it going again,” said Octavia. “You always will.”

Of course he would. She was his. He’d do anything to keep her safe. “Even so, I want Sophia to check you out.”

Tobias stood beside the Foxhound with the others, his expression blank.

“You too, Tobias,” said Jude. “I want you to get to medical to make sure nothing is broken.” He wasn’t worried about any physical injuries Tobias had. Tobias’s mind had been fragile ever since his rescue from the buried building over two years ago. This could set him back months in his recovery.

He shook his head, a grimace crossing his face. “I don’t need to see Sophia.”

“Yes, you do.” Sophia strode into the vehicle bay, a medical bag in her hand. “I want everyone who is injured and can walk to go straight to medical. We’re ready for you.”

“I’m fine.” Tobias staggered away.

Sophia grabbed his arm and turned him toward her. Her normally stern expression softened. “I heard what happened. You’re not going anywhere until I’ve given you a thorough check over. You don’t get buried under a wall and get away without any injuries.”

“It’s not as if it was my first rodeo,” said Tobias. “I’ve been there and done that. I’ll survive this just like the last time.”

“You’ll survive better with me taking care of you.” Sophia glared at Tobias until he shrugged and looked away. “Excellent. I’ll take that as a yes. Get yourself to medical. I’ll follow shortly.”

Tobias slumped away, his hands clenched by his sides.

Sophia turned to look at Octavia, who was still in Jude’s arms. “How about the two of you?”

“Octavia was buried under the same wall as Tobias,” said Jude.

“Take her to the medical bay.” Sophia’s sharp gaze darted to Jude’s blood-stained pants. “What’s wrong with your leg?”

“It’s nothing serious.” In truth, Jude’s leg was burning. He hadn’t had a chance to patch-up the wound and could feel blood leaking down his leg and pooling in his boot.

“I’ll see exactly what’s wrong with it when I get your pants off,” said Sophia. “Set Octavia down. I don’t want you collapsing on your way to medical.”

“She’s not going anywhere.” Jude tightened his grip on Octavia.

“Stubborn Ember men,” grumbled Sophia. “Fine. Collapse, and it’s on your own head. Where’s Lincoln?”

“I need immediate tender loving care,” said Lincoln, who hadn’t moved from the bench.

Sophia sighed. “I’ll send for Anastasia. Can you walk?”

“I can hobble.”

“Good enough.” She looked around at the dirt- and blood-covered squad. “Does anyone else have serious injuries?”

“If you’re offering to take my pants off and give me a thorough physical exam as well, I’m always game.” Holden grinned at her.