Page 92 of Defying the Relic Hunter

“We did.” He teleported away.

“That’s good. Now we just have ghosts, ghoulies and hungry aliens to deal with.”

Xenia just grunted.

Obviously, she wasn’t a morning person.

After a five-minute shower, we engaged our battle suits and hit the mess hall for a poor excuse of a breakfast burrito. “Thank God, we made those chocolate runs last night.”

An evil smile lit up Xenia’s face. “Isn’t it.” She held out her hand. “Ready?”

“To close a portal to hell. Not a chance, but Granny and I do what we must.” I took her hand and poof! We were at the airfield.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ethan set the shuttle down in the parking lot of the Lost Dutchman’s Park. The rising sun spilled over the jagged edge of the Superstition Mountains revealing majestic saguaro cactus.

One look at the sensors and I knew it was going to be another scorcher today. “Are we hiking in?”

“No, we’re teleporting.” Ethan released his harness and lowered the access ramp. “Quinn’s shuttle is bringing the backpacks with the holy water grenades, blessed weapons, silver and salt bullets.”

Xenia cocked an inquiring eyebrow. “When can we expect Adan and Raj?”

“Any time now.” Ethan opened the safe and removed an armored bag.

“Is that the map and stuff I’ll need to close the portal?”

Ethan handed it to me. “It is. Guard it with your life.”

“Yes, sir.” I opened it and took out the vial of Lucifer’s blood. The fine hairs on my neck stood up. The sensation of evil was overpowering. I carefully put the vial and map in my armored lined pocket.

Another shuttle landed next to us.

“That’s Quinn and Uncle Saul. I’m going to help them unload our supplies.” Poof! Ethan vanished.

“Is Uncle Saul coming with us?”

“With the Gorum and Katanic involved he probably had no choice. I’m surprised Zarek and Voss haven’t decided to tag along too,” Xenia responded.

“Gotcha. Uncle Saul’s here to keep it from becoming a clusterfuck.”

“Exactly.” Xenia glanced around. “Where’s your grandmother?”

“There are too many aliens for Granny’s peace of mind. She’s hanging out on the esoteric plane.”

“Too bad we can’t join her.”

The guys made short work of unloading the supplies and three large weapons crates.

“Guess we better join them.” Picking up the armored bag, I walked down the ramp. “You know what I like the best about my battle suit?”

“It can be 110 degrees outside, and it keeps you cool,” Xenia replied as she followed me out.

“Nope. It’s all these nifty pockets. Do you know how much chocolate I can carry in them?”

Xenia patted her legs. “A lot.”

“Yep, and the best thing is, the suit keeps them from melting.” I noticed the stink eye Ethan was giving me and smiled brightly.

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