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“I’m right here, hot lips.” Mad Dog appeared over her. “We did it. The bombs went off.”
She coughed, wincing as her lungs burned. “So I noticed. And the guards?”
“Died in the explosion.” Jude’s fingers tightened around hers.
Hell Cat kneeled on the other side of Octavia. She pressed a warm hand to her cheek. “You gave us quite a fright.”
“I didn’t mean to.” Octavia tried to sit up, but the room spun.
“We have to get out of here,” said Mad Dog. “If we stay any longer, we’ll have the whole dragon damned roof on our heads.”
Octavia looked at Jude. “I might need help with the whole moving part.”
He didn’t hesitate and scooped her into his arms, holding her close against his chest. “I’ve got you.”
She resisted the urge to slip back into unconsciousness as pain lanced through her side.
Jude led the way, Tobias running alongside him, his own face pale and tight. Mad Dog and Hell Cat followed along behind.
The group emerged through the hole in the wall and out into the cool night air.
“My comm isn’t working,” said Jude. “Someone check on the others.”
“Mine is okay,” said Hell Cat. “Ozone and Gray Fairy have already left. They don’t like goodbyes.”
“We leave no one behind,” said Jude.
“No problem. I’ll run a check for you.” She activated her earbud. “How many heroes have we still got out there?”
“Everything worked my end,” said Colton. “I’m heading back to the Foxhound.”
“I’m five minutes from you,” said Holden. “We’re fine.”
“If anyone cares, I’m doing good lying on my back doing sod all,” said Lincoln.
Hell Cat chuckled and touched Jude’s arm. “Everyone is good.”
Octavia rested her head on Jude’s shoulder as he continued to stride through the night. Everything was a blur of fire and pain. She couldn’t get her thoughts straight. “Have we really done it?”
He looked down at her, and his stern features softened. “We have. The building is ruined. The vaccine destroyed.”
Relief shot through Octavia. It had all been worth it.
The group met by Colton’s Foxhound.
Colton’s eyes widened as he saw Octavia in Jude’s arms. “Is everything okay?”
“It will be,” said Jude. “Lincoln, move your ass over.”
Lincoln struggled off the floor and lurched onto a bench. “Don’t mind me, I’m just silently dying in here.”
“You’re fine.” Jude placed Octavia in the back of the Foxhound. He looked at Tobias. “Are you still with me?”
Tobias nodded, his face set in a grim, pale mask. “I’m still here. Let’s get the hell out of this place.”
Octavia looked at Mad Dog and Hell Cat. “You’re welcome to join us. There’s room at the bunker.”
Hell Cat tilted her head to one side and smiled. “I’m not ready for a life underground just yet. But keep in touch. I want a girls’ night out with you real soon. I want to hear all about your honey.” She winked at Octavia and then grinned at Jude.
