A hail of gunfire forces us to move deeper into the town, towards where we stashed our truck.
A bullet hits Viper in the stomach, ripping clean through his insides and tearing muscle. He roars in pain, but heals almost instantly.
We share a look of acknowledgement.'You seeing this, Prime?'
'Yeah, LT. I'm seein' it.'
We don't have time to contemplate why we're suddenly stronger and healing faster, or why I thought I smelled lavender. The town is overrun and I have a squad to get out alive.
More heavy gunfire peppers nearby, ricocheting off buildings with a spray of stone and wood.
We make it to the main square, and I curse as my stomach turns. There is a mob of civilians gathered around the town hall.
They’re not running for their lives as they should.
Idiots. Bumbling fucking cockwombles.
I push down the frustration and order Viper to handle the crowd. These Betas don't know they're moments away from death.
And then I hear the impossible.
A voice.
Hervoice.
Feminine. Clear.
I skid to a halt. So do the others. The link between us goes still. No words, just a collective gasp of disbelief that hums like static in the back of my skull.
I whip around, scanning the chaos until my eyes land on her.
She’s standing in front of the town hall.
Alive.
Real.
‘No. It can’t be—’
It might be just another vivid memory.
But fuck, she looks gorgeous.
Her wavy brown hair tucked beneath a combat helmet, and her curvaceous body undeniable even under loose-fitting fatigues. Her purple orbs are bright and clear, sparking with determination. It's been months since I've seen those eyes, and the sight of her punches the breath from my lungs.
'Am I dreaming?'Viper asks through the link.
Her scent hits me like a slap. Lavender. Lightning. Real.
It’s her. Not memory. Not a dream.
My knees almost give out.
'It's her!'My voice rings out in our link, and the others echo the sentiment, the shock bouncing between us.
'What is she doing here?'
'She's not safe.'
