Page 74 of Warrior's Purpose

She cast him a saccharine sweet smile, though she really wanted to shake off the weird armor that adhered to her skin. Abby took a deep breath and pressed the knotty ridge on her wrist.

Oh, mother of hell, she cursed as the armor came alive and climbed up her arms and legs, like she was being overtaken by the blob. Don’t freak or Ash will leave your ass behind, she told herself when the bony shell crept over her mouth and eyes. Thank heaven she discovered she could breathe easily. This gives a new meaning to seeing red, she blinked, adjusting to the creepy lenses.

Ash huffed and stalked off. She quickly followed him to the belly of the ship. It was odd how the armor moved with her, making her steps feel lighter than normal. It was actually kind of cool.

“Go back to the control room.” Ash opened the hatch.

Fuck me. Abby gaped at the opening and the ground far below. Well, if Pro can jump out of a plane, I can, too. Of course, she usually had a parachute.

“Nope. After you.” She gestured to the opening.

“Abby,” he snarled vehemently.

She cringed. Somehow the man made her hate her actual name. She far preferred it when he called her Peanut.

“Ash,” she growled back with just as much frustration.

“When you land, tuck and roll,” he grumbled and leapt out of the cruiser.

“I need to have my head examined.” Abby moved to the edge of the hatch, took a deep breath then stepped off the edge.

The wind whipped past her as the ground came up fast. It was quite a rush. Surprisingly she was able to identify her Nana’s house before she had to concentrate on landing in the park below.

This is so fucking crazy. Abby bent her knees as she hit the grass. She straightened up rather than roll, and the momentum sent her leaping into the air. It was shocking at first, but she giggled as she vaulted over the top of the palms and came back down on the opposite side of the small park. She stopped laughing when she saw a stunned little old man walking his yorkie. He clutched his chest like he was about to have a heart attack.

“We’re filming for a movie.” Abby pointed to nonexistent cameras in the bushes. “Aren’t the special effects great?”

The bald guy nodded and hustled off, dragging his micro mutt.

“What was that?” Ash stormed up to her. “I knew you should’ve stayed on the cruiser.” He took her hand and headed out of the park.

“It’s a good thing I came. Nana’s house is that way.” She pointed the opposite direction.

Ash spun and started jogging with her. Abby ran beside him. The bony suit made it easier. It was early enough that not too many people were up and about, but it wouldn’t be long before the retirement community would fill with seniors cruising in their golf carts. Abby tugged Ash into the tall fountain grass as they reached Nana’s house.

“That’s my mom,” she pointed to Carol drinking coffee on the lanai. “Give me a minute. Hey, Mom,” she hollered.

“Peanut?” Her mom glanced toward the stand of grass. “What are you doing over there?”

“Where’s Nana?”

“At breakfast with the blue-hairs from bingo.” Carol stood and approached.

“Don’t come any further. Just go inside, Mom, and I’ll follow you.”

“All right, Peanut.” Carol frowned but went inside and she followed her into the kitchen. “What’s this all about?” Her mother paused.

“Don’t turn around just yet.” Abby pressed the spot on her wrist and the armor receded.

“Abby, I had no idea you were coming today. I’ve been trying to reach you, Hope and your dad.” Carol turned, and her eyes widened. “What the hell are you doing naked?”

“I don’t have time to explain. Get a small bag with your contacts and meds.”

“You don’t have time to tell me why you’re running around wearing nothing but some weird shin and wrist guards? I’m just supposed to pack.”

“Yes, please,” she replied, exasperated.

“Fine!” Carol threw up her hands and stalked off.

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