Page 36 of Hell Breaks Loose

6

GAVIN

“Lights out for big bear,” Ora’s voice sings from so far away. How is she annoying even in my dreams?

“Careful, he might bite if you get too close.” Another annoying voice.

Can’t a guy just take a nap in peace?

Not sure how long we’ve been stopped when I finally open my eyes.

Or how long those two utter annoyances have been staring at me. They’re like two sides of the same irritating coin.

“Will both of you shut the fuck up? I’m awake,” I growl, my voice dry, cracked. Need water.

“Whoa. Grumpy bear.” Ora makes a face.

She tosses me a canteen as she hops to her feet, the top of the van a few inches above her head. Wonder what it’s like to be so short?

“Looks half dead, too. Maybe I should put it out of its misery.” Alaya grimaces, crinkling her nose at me.

“Quit staring. You look like a pile of dead junkie ass yourself,” I grumble.

“You liiike?” Alaya snickers, hoping out of the van and wiggling her butt. Always taunting, that one.

“I do. Maybe once you clean up, shower.” Ora smacks her butt, pulling her hand away and sniffing her palm. She makes a gagging face. “Good lord! Did you roll around in a dumpster?”

Alaya licks her bloody, cracked lips. “Yeah. I had to get the ‘authentique’ aroma of low-life-scum.”

“Is that by Kelvin Clein? I’d be happy to help you wash it off…”

“Ora Clive, are you propositioning me?”

“Only all the time.” Ora chuckles, shoving the other woman away as Alaya tries to hug her. “Stop it! You smell like cheese!”

Their voices fade, and I’m left to drag my sorry ass up and out of the back of the van myself. Better than their help, probably.

I barely remember taking the first corner after we hauled ass out of there.

Knowing I was safe with all of those allies around…

Total coma.

Still, my body is fucking pissed. So is my sense of paranoia.

Letting my guard down is going to take days.

Sitting on the bumper, I let my head clear before looking up or standing.

When I do, they’re all waiting for me, Ora with her beaming smile, Alaya with a smug grimace.

Classic.

It’s annoying how much I missed them. How good it is to see them.

“I could sit here and tan your ass all day for going rogue for two weeks, you know?” Ora crosses her arms, giving me time to get up.

“You could.”

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