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Chapter 17
Every step felt liketorture as Hunter staggered along toward freedom.
Ash appeared at the end of the corridor. “Hurry! A huge troop of Siblet are approaching and we’re on a countdown to ka-boom.”
Hunter grinned at him. “Let’s tear this place down.”
Ash’s gaze grew concerned as he grabbed the other side of Hunter. “You must have taken a bad hit.”
“I guess so. And my healing ability has gone into hibernation.”
“Less gossiping, more running.” Georgia pushed past them. “Let’s move.”
Cleo was tucked tight against Hunter, and he had no plans to let her go. “Where are Rexx and Daisy?”
“Right outside,” Ash said. “I couldn’t get a damn signal until we got out of the cave. We’ll be out of here in a couple of minutes.”
Hunter’s thoughts dulled as pain jabbed into his guts. He focused on putting one foot in front of the other. That was all he could manage.
It seemed to take an eternity, but finally he felt fresh air, and the sight of the waiting ship outside the cave was a welcome balm. He staggered up the ramp with Cleo beside him.
The second they were on board with Ash and Georgia, the ship took off and sped away. Thirty seconds after that, the ground lit up with Ash’s explosives.
“That should keep them busy.” Ash turned to Georgia. “Let’s go check on your injuries.”
She grumbled, but allowed him to lead her away.
“And I need to get you lying down so I can take a good look at you,” Cleo said to Hunter.
“That’s the best offer I’ve had in a long time.”
Cleo arched an eyebrow. “Maybe later, when you’re not struggling to breathe.”
“Definitely later. You’ve got to give me something to live for.”
She pressed a lingering kiss on his lips, firing heat through him. “Trust me, you don’t want to die. Not with the plans I have for you once we’re healed and alone.”
He moaned softly as her tongue traced across his lips, but then she was gone, easing him down on the bench.
Rexx strode in a moment later, just as Cleo was peeling off Hunter’s bloody clothing. “Ash said his energy transfer didn’t have much effect on you. You want me to try?”
“Yes! Thanks, Rexx,” Cleo said.
He hunkered down next to Hunter. “You look like crap.”
“You say the sweetest things.” His gaze cut to Cleo. “You need to rest, too. The cuts on your face are deep. And you have an injury to your side. How bad is that?”
“It’s nothing compared to your injuries.”
Rexx glanced over at her. “I can help you, too.”
Hunter suppressed a swirl of jealousy. Cleo was his, and he wanted to be the one to heal her. The trouble was, he couldn’t see straight, and every nerve was screaming at him to quit fighting. He was no good to her.
“Treat Cleo first,” Hunter whispered.
“Not a chance, buddy. Your eyes are rolling in your head. Let’s see what I can do to stop that.” Rexx connected their energies before he had a chance to protest.
Warmth pulsed through Hunter and he relaxed as the pain eased, but his gaze remained on Cleo. She was doing a good job of hiding it, but he knew her too well, and the lines of pain on her forehead showed she was suffering.
