A clink sounded, and then a larger explosion annihilated the stormy day. Shaking violently, Grace lifted and fired the gun again, sending green lasers that turned into steel bullets toward a burning SUV that had smoke and fire billowing out of its interior.

At least six soldiers were still standing, spread out and approaching from three directions.

Benny grunted. “I’ll get another box.”

A Cyst soldier threw something into the SUV, and it glowed in the back seat.

“Fuck,” Adare shouted, manacling Grace around the waist and turning them toward the trees, running full bore through the snow.

The blast threw them into the air, and he tucked himself around her, holding tight. She screamed, her eyes shutting as they were propelled through the trees and landed in the snow, sinking several feet. Faster than she could blink, Adare was on his feet and shoving her behind a large spruce tree with icicles hanging from its branches.

She coughed snow out of her mouth.

Several more explosions detonated as the devices in the rear of the SUV all caught fire. He ducked as a wave of heat washed over the snowy land.

Grace tightened her hold on her gun. “There’s only one solution,” she whispered, the wind nearly stealing her voice. “I have to go with them.” He’d saved her once, and she had to do the same for him. Even if she had to shoot him to do it.

Benny leaned up from a tree to the left, half of his face burning. “Not a good idea.”

Jacqueline crouched to the right behind a spruce, her arm bleeding red onto the snow. “It’s our only chance.”

Unfortunately, it was a true statement. The wind blasted into the forest with the smell of burning metal and flesh. The enemy were advancing and fast, their heavy footsteps on ice echoing through the storm. “What the hell do you think I’ve been doing for five years?” she hissed.

Adare frowned.

“I’ve been training.” Well, as much as she could with her schedule. “Yeah, I’ve taken pictures and worked, but I’ve learned to fight and shoot, just for this kind of situation. I’ll go, stay alive, and you’ll come for me.” It was the only option.

“No,” Adare said.

Grace lifted her gun. Adare’s chest had been sealed with an impenetrable shield in the Seven ritual, but his head was another matter. He’d be out of commission for a while, but he’d survive a bullet.

“I’m not giving you a choice.” She aimed right between his eyes.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7