AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Splinter
I dive down the steps. Before I can get near Jinx, the dog the size of a horse is standing over her, snarling at anyone who approaches. Ignoring everyone else around me, I raise my hands out to the dog and keep my voice calm and low.
“Easy, buddy. I just want to make sure your mama is okay.”
The dog continues to snarl as someone from the crowd yells out to shoot it.
I look up and reply with a growl of my own. “If anyone shoots this dog, I’ll kill you myself.”
“Settle.” A choked whisper has my head snapping down to see Jinx staring up at the sky, dazed, as the dog lies down beside her with his large head pressed against her stomach. She lifts her hand and places it on his head as I slowly kneel beside her.
When the dog doesn’t react, I lean closer. Reaching out with my hand, I turn her head a little to look at me. Her face is pale, but her eyes are focused.
“I need to check you over. Keep breathing for me. Nice and steady. Kaz!” I yell.
“I’m fine. It hit the vest. Just winded me.”
“I’m glad you’re fine, Jinx, but I’m not. So I’m going to need you to let Kaz and me look you over before I lose my fucking mind.”
“No time.”
“Jinx, so help me God—”
“Backup team is waiting. If I don’t call it in, the place will be swarming with people who aren’t nearly as friendly as me.”
I snort at that. She’s about as friendly as a piranha. “I don’t give a fuck.”
Kaz drops down beside us with his medical bag. He reaches for Jinx, but the dog growls.
“Help me up. Let me hand Scooter over to the B-team, and you can check me over to your heart’s content and ask me whatever you want.”
When I open my mouth to argue, she shakes her head. “I do not want to deal with those assholes on top of your guys. Please.”
It’s the please that makes me give in. I might not know Jinx well, but I do know she’s not the kind of person who would ever let anyone see her vulnerable.
“Fuck, don’t make me regret this. Call your dog off.”
“Sit, Toto.”
“Toto? Seriously, your dog is the size of a fucking house,” Kaz complains as Toto moves off Jinx and sits proudly watching us.
“Shh… You’ll hurt his feelings.”
I move around one side of her as Kaz slides his hand under her arm. He looks down at her legs, or lack thereof, and whistles. “That’s some serious hardware you’ve got there. How long have you had them?” He waits until I’m in position on Jinx’s other side before nodding.
“The blades, or when did I lose my legs?” she asks with a groan as we gently lift her and make sure she’s stable.
Kaz lets her go, but I keep my arm around her. My heart is still beating out of control from watching that bullet hit her.
“The second one, though the medic in me has a million other follow-up questions.”
“Can they wait until I’m done with this?”
He nods before stepping back when Knight and Eightball move closer. She looks up at them and waits for whatever it is they’re going to say. Her body is tense, but outwardly, she looks calm as fuck.
Remind me never to play poker with the girl.
“I’m going to spank the absolute shit out of you,” Eightball erupts, making her jolt in surprise.
