All business again, he moves to the barrels and pries off a lid. A horrible smell fills the bunker.
“Jesus,” Ryker mutters, screwing up his face as he pushes the collars into the muck with a broom handle. “That smell alone could kill someone.”
It’s horrid. Like someone died in that thing.
I’m still pinching my nose when he scoops up the backpack I’ve loaded with first-aid supplies, protein bars, and some small bottles of water. Effortlessly he hoists it onto the expanse of his shoulders.
I take a second to appreciate the sight of him.
The mud he used to camouflage himself makes every hard angle look meaner. Primal almost.
If he was hunting me, I’d be terrified. If we were alone without bets being placed on how long we’d live, I’d tackle him.
Thankfully before he catches me staring like a deranged person, he kills the light.
I can barely see him as he climbs out, surveying the terrain, listening in that way he does with his whole body.
Once he’s sure it’s clear, he calls me toward him with an extended hand.
My night vision is ruined again.
But I know what to expect now. A few moments, and I’ll start to adjust.
Ryker closes the lid carefully, and together we cover it with dirt, him showing me how to rough it up to look natural.
My energy is renewed, the camera and tracking collar being gone makes me feel as light as a bird.
But he swivels his head away from me, holding a hand up.
Stop.
Every nerve in my body fires at once. I swivel my head too, not breathing.
I don’t see what he sees, but a twig snaps. Really close.
CHAPTER 19
The movement is human. Nothing moves the way a person does.
I lift my hand without looking back. Signaling,stop.
The hunter takes another step. Closer this time, not moving away.
Jade’s fear spikes. The shallow pull of her breath behind me is enough for me to know.
I press the shotgun into her hands, adjusting her grip. “Hold it tight,” I murmur, barely a breath against her ear. “They’re coming.”
I take her thumb, guide it to the safety. Press.
“Here. That’s off. You feel it?”
A tiny nod.
“Listen to me.” My mouth is right at her ear now. “If anyone comes through that dark that isn’t me, you shoot. Don’t wait. Don’t second guess it. You understand?”
Another nod.
I shift back just enough to look at her. I can barely see her face, just the outline, the shine of her eyes catching what little light there is.
