Page 66

The beast staggered back, and the camouflage vanished, revealing a huge, scaled horror. The thing was over eight feet high, with a huge tail, clawed feet, and a head like a crocodile.

Hunter grabbed his furry buddy off the tail and staggered away.

The crocodile beast lurched from side-to-side, blood freely flowing from its injuries.

The rodent hopped back inside Hunter’s uniform and snuggled down, its face just peeking out at the beast.

“You did a great job,” Hunter said. “We showed that thing who’s in charge.”

The rodent hissed as it stared at the dying beast.

The beast sank to the floor, its breathing labored as its eyes flickered closed.

Hunter walked over and pressed the gun against the beast’s temple. “You don’t have to suffer any more.” He pressed the trigger.

The dying beast let out its final breath and stopped moving.

Hunter put his gun away and looked around. There was no way he could hide the evidence of their fight. Once the Siblet found this mess, they’d know their base had been discovered. He had to act fast and get out of here, so he could make contact with the Apocalypse and tell them what he’d found.

Hunter climbed over the body of the beast, wincing as his ribs protested.

He’d get out of here, get to his barracks, tell them what happened, and insist they contacted Cleo.

A lightness filled Hunter’s chest. He’d get to speak to her again. She might even visit to check out the discovery. The Apocalypse wasn’t far away, only half a day’s travel. The thought of that made the pain from his injuries fade.

Hunter limped along the corridor as fast as he could, one hand wrapped around his ribs to stop them protesting too badly.

He slowed as he saw the main entrance, and his stomach dropped. There was a row of Siblet military in front of his only way out.

Oh, crap.

Hunter glanced over his shoulder. Going back was suicide, and he was too injured to run fast. They’d shoot him in the back if he tried.

The Siblet advanced on him, their long, wooden weapons held out, the blast end facing him.

“Hey, fellas. I wonder if you can help me. I’ve lost my way.” Hunter raised a hand and tried for a smile. “I’m based at the nearby barracks and just came for a look around. I don’t know what I’ve stumbled into, but I want to get out.”

Two of the Siblet spoke quietly to each other.

“You know the barracks? There’s a war going on out there, and I’m fighting the bad guys, which I’m sure isn’t you.”

“Put your hands in the air,” one of the Siblet said.

“I’m not doing anything wrong. I need to get back to my barracks before they notice I’m gone.”

“On your knees, soldier. This is private property, and you’re trespassing.”

“No, not trespassing, just taking a look around. What are you doing in these caves, anyway? I didn’t think the Siblet were involved in this war.”

“That’s none of your business.” The Siblet soldier gestured his weapon at the ground.

“You need to get out of here,” Hunter whispered to the rodent tucked in his jacket. “They won’t think twice about killing you.”

“Who are you talking to?” the Siblet soldier said.

Hunter turned away as the creature trembled and clung to his chest.

“Go hide.” He’d grown attached to this awesome little fighter. If it wasn’t for its frenzied attack on the mutant beast’s tail, Hunter wouldn’t have made it. But he had to let it go. The Siblet would kill it or take it back and experiment on it. The bone spurs that had shot out of nowhere were an excellent weapon to add to their mutant beast army.