Page 86 of Jude

I’ll be with you in two shakes of a kitten’s tail, replied Hell Cat.

We’re not far behind, said the Gray Fairy. I’m with Ozone.

Octavia was glad to have them both along for the ride. Gray Fairy often talked about her time in the military. She’d be a huge asset. Ozone was more reserved, but from the way she talked, she’d served in the Forces.

I’m five minutes out, responded Mad Dog.

It sounds hot out there, said Hell Cat. My kind of fight.

Stay safe, replied Octavia. I’ll see you all soon.

Looking forward to it, gorgeous.

Octavia loaded a music file. That would keep the listeners entertained while she was helping to smash the hell out of this site. She patted the van door as she closed it behind her. “You stay safe as well, old girl. You’ve done me proud.”

She ran through the darkness, getting closer to the building. Octavia could smell the acrid smoke in the air from where the copter had been shot down. She kept to the shadows and away from the flames of the wreckage, skirting the building and keeping a close eye out for any guards or patrols.

She passed through a row of trees, slowing as she heard movement. A smile slid across her lips. She saw Jude. He was with Lincoln and Tobias.

“I’m approaching now,” she said through the comm link.

Jude’s head shot up and he looked around. His gaze locked onto her. She saw his shoulders slide down. She felt the same. She hated not being near him when they were in so much danger. She couldn’t look out for him when they were apart.

He pulled her into a swift embrace before stepping back. “Everything okay?”

“I’m fine. I got as close as I could and then left the van.”

“Good idea.” Jude kneeled next to Lincoln, who was laid out on the ground.

“How you doing?” asked Octavia, noting the soot on his face and blood on his hands.

“Nothing a couple of weeks lying flat on my back and being pampered won’t cure.”

“I’ll see if we can arrange that for you.” She placed a hand on Jude’s shoulder. He must be as worried as hell about Lincoln. You didn’t slam a copter into the ground and walk away without a few serious injuries.

Three guys Octavia had never met before stood close by. They were all tall and muscular, wearing pulse protection vests and carrying pulse lasers.

She caught the eye of the tallest guy, and he nodded at her.

“I’m Colton. This is Evan and Holden. We run Hive Two.”

Octavia nodded. “Good to meet you all. Thanks for lending a hand.”

“It’s what we do best,” said Colton. “That’s when we’re not covering people’s butts. You lot sure like getting yourselves into some interesting situations.”

“It’s what we do best.” Jude’s attention remained on Lincoln.

Tobias handed him a medical kit. “There are dragon serum syringes in here. Sophia sent them to the hives just last month.”

Jude nodded thanks. He pulled open the bag and pulled out a syringe. “This won’t get you on your feet straightaway, but will get rid of some of the pain.”

“I told you, I’ll be fine.” Lincoln hissed in pain as Jude prodded his side. “But I wouldn’t mind pain relief.”

“This shit is so much better than pain relief,” said Jude.

“No kidding. Give me that, and I’ll be able to take on everyone inside that building single-handed.”

“No chance. You’re staying right here.” Jude injected the serum into Lincoln’s arm. “You won’t be able to go anywhere with a broken arm and concussion.”