This time it was Captain Mills, Chloe’s mate, who stepped between us. “All right, assholes. Knock it off and get to medical. We have an op to run.”
* * *
Willow
Thankgod Chloe let me sit next to her in the control room. She had full access to everyone’s helmet vids, vitals, and comms as we watched the ReCon team move closer to the Hive base’s entrance.
That was her mate down there. How did she stand it?
Oberon was on the Atlans’ stolen Hive ship, flying straight into the heart of the base like they belonged.
Zarren’s focus was complete, over on his side of the small operations room. He was monitoring everything. Both teams. This ship. His ship. All communications, drone positions, and scanning for enemy combatants. He was the puppet master, watching the drama unfold on the stage below. Making minute adjustments. Noticing things no one else did.
“ReCon, hold your position. Drone will be clear in sixty seconds.”
“Roger that. Sixty seconds.” Captain Mills responded. I knew because I saw the comm indicator on his data screen light up.
I looked at Chloe, who appeared to be calm, cool, and collected.
Life goals.
“I thought there were a lot more drones.” Based on the plans I’d seen them argue over for the last few hours, the place had been crawling with them, literally, everywhere, like ants protecting their anthill.
“There were.”
“Where did they all go?”
“Excellent question.” Zarren sounded suspicious.
I still felt like something was wrong. Nothing I could explain, just a cold knowing that wouldn’t go away.
Since I had no idea what I was going to do about my two Prillon warriors, Oberon insisted they check the base for survivors—even if his sister wasn’t among them—and Zarren frowned at everyone, told them it was a bad idea, and agreed to help anyway. Well, how the hell was I supposed to feel about all that? Warm and fuzzy?
I knew Zarren was doing this for me. Only for me. Because he’d told me.
Oberon was flying into my worst nightmare, hoping against all odds that he’d find Amalia there, alive, and somehow manage to get her out.
The Atlans were out for blood. Only their need for payback was eclipsed by the Hyperion’s. Rukzi had gone full claw, still no clothes, and been first onto the invading ship.
They were all out of their god damn minds.
At least Zarren and Oberon hadn’t tried to kill each other again. Yet. I didn’t know what was going to happen once the mission was over. No matter which one I chose, I’d be leaving half of my heart behind.
How the hell had I managed to screw things up this badly?
It’s a gift, that’s for sure.
Now is not the time, woman.
Now is all you’ve got. They’re not going to give you a lot of time to think it over.
I know.
“We’re in. Level five. Corridor clear.” Seth again.
Chloe activated her comm. “Remember, if you find a Nexus unit, we need him alive.”
“Worried I’ll get trigger happy?”
