Page 108 of Becoming Super

He wasn’t a weak political figure. Drake was a warrior, just as I was, his skills were battle-honed, and he had the edge of knowing that if captured he would be tried for treason and put to death. But I had a greater advantage; there was no possible way that I would allow Choe or myself to be taken by the Stavainians.

I sent my fist flying, I went for the weaker points, the eyes, groin, kidneys, while he did the same. We were well matched, and I knew the first moment he drew blood. The ring on his finger cut deep into my skin. There was a gash under my left eye, but I didn’t care.

As Drake had a split-second hesitation, I went in low and was able to hoist him up. A dagger sank into my back and I gasped from the sudden pain. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe. With all my strength, I threw Drake down the stairs. He landed with a sickening crunch, his head bent at an unnatural angle.

I slumped down, not able to stand any longer on my own two feet.

“Zack!” Chloe’s anguished cry came from somewhere far away.

I wanted to go to her. I didn’t know how she had faired with Tantar. But I couldn’t do anything but fight the blackness.

A sudden warmth enveloped me, and I felt the air return to my body. I was floating, or at least seemed to be. The burning in my chest subsided and I felt myself returning to the present. My eyes flashed open and there, with her arms wrapped tightly around me, was Chloe.

Her hands were glowing, and her face was covered with tears.

“Don’t die, Zack, don’t die!”

I felt strength returning to my body and I moved to take her into my arms.

“You were dead, I saw you,” she sobbed against my shoulder.

“Not dead, just badly hurt.” I looked down and saw Tantar glaring at me behind a makeshift gag. His hands and ankles were tied with strips of fabric that were torn off Chloe’s already revealing dress.

Wiping her eyes, she looked up at me. “Don’t ever die again!”

I loved this woman so much.

“I won’t, I promise.”

There was another slam of the door above and Rafe, Rylee, and Heath came running down.

“You are bloody hard to find!” Rafe growled.

“Does nobody listen to their comms unit?” Rylee huffed.

I hauled Chloe closer to my chest and then stood. She tried to complain, saying I didn’t need to carry her. She was worried about the wound reopening, but there was nothing that would take her from my arms.

I said to the three of them, “Tie up the Stavainian behind you. Drake is dead, Tantar and Mart were in cahoots with him. We did the hard work, so I am leaving the clean-up to all of you. By the way, Rafe, Tantar was bragging about stealing your money, you may want to look into that. I am taking my life mate to our room.”

“Life mate?” Chloe blinked. “What is that?”

Rylee grinned. “I have a feeling you are about to find that out.”

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