Page 43 of Monstrous Hunt
“Worst case, humans have already been contaminated, and they’re carrying the aliens along the train’s route down to the coast or further into Mexico, and then back to their homes in new cities. Could people be infected now and not know it?”
“It’s possible, but given the lack of viral surge in media, I think it’s unlikely,” Rizan replied.
“We need to act quickly, then. Before they can spread more than they already have. A cross-country trip that far would take too long, even if I could deal with exposure and weariness from travel.”
“You’re not going with us.” Kroktl’s tone vibrated with the deep weight of command. Like an alpha. He didn’t rise from the bed or take up a dominant stance, but the force of his will surprised me.
But not as much as her nod in agreement. “You’re right. I don’t want to be a distraction if you have to fight, let alone a dumb human in the way that has to be rescued yet again.”
She gave me a look, eyebrow arched. A challenge in her eyes, daring me to agree—or contradict her. I wasn’t sure which.
“So half the squad jumps—” Kroktl began.
Shaking her head, she raised a hand, stilling his words. “The squad needs to be intact. Half can’t jump ahead while leaving a bull’s eye for any other squad in the area to attack here. Splitting up the squad will only weaken you.”
Kroktl stood, slowly stretching up to his full height. Shoulders squared, eyes flashing, muscles bulging, he stared at her. Eyes narrowed, braced for the rest of her response.
Un-intimidated, she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her body soft and beguiling. She held his gaze, just as assured as he was. Just as secure in her place with him. With the squad.
“We jump together, as long as Axxol can guarantee our destination isn’t tracked. Though I can’t go through so many transitions as last time.”
I let out a low grunt of acknowledgement. Again, a miscalculation on my part. I’d thought only of distance and difficulty, taking the most convoluted and complex series of jumps as possible. While completely failing to ensure there would be oxygen for her to breathe or allowing time for her body to adjust to such alien technology.
“Jump where?” Kroktl’s voice dropped to a deep, bone-rattling bass.
“The squad can jump to Creel.”
I didn’t like the faint quaver in her voice. Evidently, neither did Kroktl. He closed his hands around her face, leaning down as if he could read her intent in her eyes.
“And Axxol can drop me off in the cave.”
* * *
NATALIE
Staringup into Kroktl’s eyes, I watched the furious flare of symbols. The flex of muscle over his jaws and the tightening of his lips. I knew he wouldn’t like my suggestion. Hell, I didn’t like it either. But I didn’t see any other way.
“The thought of being alone in that dark little cave scares the pee out of me,” I admitted. “But no one will be able to find me there. I won’t slow you down. I won’t be in danger out in the open. So you can do what needs to be done and then come for me as quickly as possible.”
He still didn’t say a word, though I had a feeling he was shouting and bellowing on the grid. I waited, barely breathing, knowing that I was right. This was the best solution.
Without looking away from my face, he finally asked, “How long do we have until the youngling is born?”
“It’s impossible to know for sure—” Snryx began.
“How long?” Kroktl retorted, his voice ragged.
“Our best guess is another week to ten days,” Snryx said. “The youngling’s lungs aren’t completely developed yet.”
I reached up and curled my palm around Kroktl’s nape, draping myself against him. “The medbot is constantly monitoring us, right? Snryx will know immediately if something’s wrong.”
He dropped his forehead to mine, clutching my face desperately. “You won’t be able to call us for help. It’s too deep. Too much stone. No cell phone signal would get through.”
Damn. I’d planned to ask Rizan about that but evidently, they’d already eliminated that as a possibility on the grid. “It’s too deep, you’re right. Which makes it safer. No one will know that I’m there except you.”
“I can’t bear the thought of you alone and scared in the dark.” His voice cracked, and my mighty raptor quivered like he was breaking into a thousand pieces.
“I won’t be scared this time. Do you know why? Because I know that you can find me. You know exactly where I’ll be and come get me as soon as possible. I won’t be lost and alone in the dark this time. I’ll be hiding, just for a while. Maybe Snryx can give me something to knock me out and I’ll just sleep until you’re back.”
