Flames spewed from the top of the vehicle. Nera dived and rolled across the ground. The beast’s heads caught fire and the sound it made was ear-splitting.
She raced back to the front of the Centurion. She reached for the damaged cable and slapped the spare repair patch over the one that didn’t seem to be working. She shot a quick glance at Niklas. Her throat tightened. He looked incredibly fierce, wielding a flamethrower. Beside him, Solomon was manning the laser rifle.
She connected the patch.Come on.Come on.It turned green.Yes!
She turned…just in time to see the heavy bulk of the flaming, mutant beast smash into her.
Nera slid across the hood and landed flat on her back on the ground on the other side of the vehicle. The cat leaped upward, landing on top of her. Three of its paws hit the ground oneither side of her body, but the claws of one sank into her side, shredding her armor like it was made of paper.
She winced at the pain. The horrid stench of burning skin engulfed her and those dual jaws snapped close to her face. She shoved her arm up and managed to toss the multi-tool into one of the creature’s mouths. It reared back, making a choking noise and she felt its claws dig deeper.Damn, that hurt.
Biting her tongue to keep from crying out, she fumbled for her sword. It was awkward, but she managed to reach behind her and yank it out of its scabbard. She jabbed it into the creature’s soft belly. It howled, the stench of its breath making Nera’s eyes water.
As it leaped off her, she rolled. She staggered to her feet and realized the weight of the animal landing on her had broken something. Just a few ribs, she hoped. Worst of all, it had really made a mess of her side. Blood was seeping into her trousers. She stumbled her way around the back of the Centurion.
And saw a mob of zombies rushing out of the jungle.
Someone was firing at them. She hoped that kept them off her. She took another step and her leg went out from under her. Her knee sank into the mud and she willed herself to ignore the pain and move. But her body didn’t seem to be obeying her.
Hands slipped under her arms and jerked her up. She got a glimpse of Niklas’ set face.
No. He shouldn’t be out here. “You shouldn’t have left the vehicle.”
“Shut up.” He hauled her up the side of the Centurion. Zombie hands reached for them and Niklas paused to kick out at them, catching the closest one in the face.
Then Solomon was there, hauling her in. Her chest was tight as she waited for Niklas. A second later, he slid inside and slammed the hatch closed. “I suggest you get us the hell out of here,” he yelled at the driver.
“On it.” The engine flared to life and the driver accelerated. Fast. They were all thrown against the seats.
Nera blinked. She was feeling a little dizzy.
Hands tore at her armor and clothing. She stared at Niklas’ big hands and realized they were shaking a little.
“How bad?” he asked quietly, his voice ruthlessly tight.
“Not…sure.”
“Liar.” He lifted up her shirt and hissed. “Solomon, I need a med kit.”
Seconds later, the young treasure hunter set the kit down beside her. With a grim face, Nik bent over her and started tending her wounds. “Dammit, Nera, this is deep.”
Her wounds were bleeding all over the place. She watched impassively as he pressed some sealers down on her injuries and they sucked into place. She was feeling a little nauseated now.
When he lifted the pressure injector, she shook her head. “No painkillers.”
“You need it?—”
“Hate drugs.”
He pushed her hand away, and hesitated for a second. “I’m sorry.” He jabbed the injector against her neck. She cursed him as she felt the chems hit her. Ugh, she hated this feeling.
He leaned down, his lips at her ear. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be in control here. I’ll take care of you.”
She glared at him, but couldn’t maintain it for long. The drugs were kicking in, making her feel high. “It burns.”
“I know.” He paused and brushed strands of hair off her face. “You are so damn brave it scares me to death.”
“Wanted…you safe.”
