Zion stumbled back once more, and Bane tossed the dagger, nailing him between the eyes. The other male dropped, and Bane raced over to stomp on his face.

He faced Nola. As he approached, she shook her head. “We can’t stay together, Bane.”

“We can. We will.” Needing a hand free, just in case, he hefted her over his shoulder. Then, he launched down the street, her breasts bouncing against his back.

“You don’t understand,” she said, beating at his back.

“Make me understand, then.” Behind him, footsteps sounded. Damn it! Zion had already healed and now gave chase. “Make me understand in a minute.” He set Nola on down and turned. Shit! The bastard was closer than he’d realized.

They collided, Zion throwing a punch. His fist shattered Bane’s sternum.

Breathing? Nothing but a pipe dream. In seconds, his level of pain reached new heights.

When the male threw another punch, Bane was ready. He ducked, then slammed his knee into Zion’s testicles. A low blow, both literally and figuratively. No regrets.

Zion retaliated quickly, crouching to knock his ankles together. Bane hit the ground, rolled backward and popped up, slashing his claws over Zion’s thigh. Leather pants and flesh tore, his opponent grunting.

Next, a ballet of movement ensued. Punching, ducking, kicking. They moved from the road to the sidewalk, crashing into frozen mortals and brick walls. With only one working hand and a single usable lung, Bane fought from a massive disadvantage. The smart thing to do? Retreat and heal. Will die before I willingly abandon Nola.

Zion’s fist crashed into his temple. Stars winked through his vision, and he lost track of the world. Just for a second. Or so he thought. When he blinked, his opponent and his princess were halfway down the road.

Once again, Bane gave chase. He made it three steps when a loud honk rang out, a vehicle clipping his side. He took flight and smacked into the ground, new waves of pain racking his body.

By the time he made it to his feet, Zion and Nola were gone, the mortals no longer frozen. Other vehicles sped down the road.

The beast roared, and a blistering curse burst from Bane.

He had to change Nola’s mind. Somehow. Nothing would stop Bane’s quest for vengeance. Nothing.

CHAPTER NINE

Breaking up is hard to do

HAD NOLA MADE the right decision? The look Bane had given her...such betrayal.

With the golden god at her side, she could endure opioid withdrawal without actually going through opioid withdrawal. For her, Bane equaled pure, perfect strength. With Zion, she merely maintained the status quo, pounding back pills to survive. Addiction equaled weakness, and she was so danged tired of being weak. Especially now.

Aliens existed, and they warred for the right to rule Earth.