Page 30 of Game on Askole

“Let’s see them,” Jake ordered in his best cop voice.

Kaylee bared her fangs and allowed everyone to examine them. “Happy?”

“Get to use them yet?” Hey, we all wanted to know that.

“Yeah, took a big chunk out of a Rodan that wanted to eat me.”

“Way to go!” Everyone yelled and clapped loudly.

Aunt Tess did a little jig. “Oorah. Mess with the best and die like the rest.”

Please God, don’t let her do that Irish jig again.

Kaylee glanced around. “Where’s Uncle Saul?”

“Back on Earth, he’s the Overlord’s go-to guy,” Ethan responded.

At Kaylee’s frown, I quickly reassured her. “Uncle Saul can take care of himself.”

“I know he can, but none of this would have happened if I hadn’t linked with Talree.”

I enunciated slowly, “Not. Your. Fault.”

“Sarah’s right. You were just doing your job,” Aunt Tess inserted.

Caleb picked up Kaylee’s arm and examined the tattoo Tihar had gifted her with and the Coletti warrior’s bracelet. “The Battle Commander told us no female has ever received such honors.”

“In the right place at the right time,” Kaylee said modestly.

I handed her a beer. “How much stronger are you?”

She pointed the beer at her brothers. “Strong enough to kick their asses.”

“Tough girl, huh? Bring it,” Quinn challenged, always ready for a fight.

Uncle Derek quickly stepped between them. “Give an old man a hug.”

“Love you too, Uncle Derek,” Kaylee said, holding him tightly. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you guys. I’m so glad you’re all safe.”

“Safe? We are on a fucking alien planet dealing with a bunch of bloodsucking vampires. If you had obeyed orders and come to the bunker, none of this would have happened,” Quinn groused.

Sam punched him in the arm. “Don’t listen to Quinn. He got his ass handed to him, and he’s still sulking.”

“Detja? Right?”

“Yep.” I grinned. “She’s one tough lady.”

“Good thing Quinn didn’t pull that crap with Talree or Zarek,” Kaylee said.

Quinn snarled. “If they can bleed, they can die.”

“Do you have a death wish? They can kill you with a thought. I’ve been in their minds. I know what they can do. How powerful they are. If you don’t believe me, ask Aunt Tess,” Kaylee shot back.

“She right, hon. The Overlord’s power is off the charts.”

Unimpressed, Quinn crossed his arms and glared at Kaylee. “You’ve all been brainwashed. I know I can defeat the Coletti. I just need to find their weakness.”

I felt Kaylee’s flare of temper as she grabbed Quinn’s mind and took him on a mental tour of Talree’s and Zarek’s powers.

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