Page 65 of Jude

“That’s her!”

Octavia turned, and horror raced through her veins. Commander West was with two guards, and he looked pissed.

She turned toward the door she’d reached, the security pass in her hand. A searing pain slammed into her right shoulder. She fell against the door. The smell of burnt flesh drifted up her nose.

“You’re not going anywhere,” yelled Commander West.

Gritting her teeth against the pain, Octavia got the door open. She pulled it shut behind her, fighting against the sick feeling in her stomach. Her shoulder throbbed, but was going numb as the adrenaline kicked in.

She staggered along the corridor, black dots in front of her eyes. “Keep it together. You need to get out of here.”

The door behind her opened, and she froze.

“Octavia, there’s nowhere to go.” It was Commander West.

She shoved herself in between two closets, one hand gripping her injured shoulder. There had to be a way out. She couldn’t let this sick bastard get hold of her again. If she did, there’d be no getting away. He’d take pleasure in ensuring that.

“Give yourself up,” said Commander West. “You’re only making this harder on yourself. And, don’t forget, you need to have your mind wiped.”

Octavia took a slow, deep breath, fighting against the pain in her shoulder. She risked looking out from her hiding place. There was no one in sight. Commander West and the guards hadn’t passed her. They must be checking the rows of boxes and cleaning equipment stacked on the other side of the room.

She slid out from the space, listening for any sounds. Where the hell were they?

She’d made it a dozen steps before an arm slid around her waist. “I’ve got you now.”

Octavia kicked back, but fingers dug into her injured shoulder, and she screamed.

“No more fighting,” said Commander West. “It’s time for your treatment.” He dragged her around and shoved her toward the door she’d come through.

“You’re not mind wiping me.” Octavia fought against tears of frustration.

“Would you like to be killed, instead?”

Octavia hesitated. Maybe she would. Being dead was better than living a false life under the control of these monsters.

“Enough with the heroics. You cannot beat us. How many times do I need to tell you that?”

“We will beat you,” hissed Octavia.

A blast of pulse laser slammed Commander West forward. He fell into Octavia, and she staggered into the wall.

She stared past Commander West, whose weight pinned her against the wall. It was Jude, racing toward her, his weapon raised and fury in his eyes.

Her breath hitched. How could he be here?

“Look out,” yelled Octavia, seeing Jude was totally focused on her. “He’s not alone.”

Icy terror flooded her veins as she realized she was too late. She could do nothing but watch as a guard emerged and fired at Jude.