Enzo caught my eye and grinned as they all filed out. “Had to fit in the elevator.”

14

Abby

I ran to Cormac and wrapped my arms around his waist. He was covered in muck and gross things I didn’t want to think about, but I didn’t care. The only thing I cared about was that he was alive.

Standing in Cormac’s embrace, I glanced over at Ruk, who was watching us as if fascinated. He was literally drenched in blood. His mouth and chin looked like he hadn’t just been killing, but eating the enemy as well. Which was just gross. I must have made a face because he opened his mouth to bare his fangs at me. Then he smiled as if everything was right in the world.

“That’s a good look on you, Ruk,” I teased.

“Indeed. I believe so as well.”

“Comfort your mate later, Rogue. They are nearly upon us.” Enzo bent to pick up one of the blasters. Cormac cleared his throat.

“Those won’t do any damage. They have modified armor.”

Enzo looked Ruk over as I had and then turned to look at something outside on the ground. I craned to see, but Cromac turned his body away and took me with him.

“You do not want to see that, Abby.”

“But—”

Enzo’s voice was loud enough for me to hear. “He is right. No female should see this.” His voice had a tone to it that made me think he was smiling. “Excellent work. Perhaps you are not a complete loss, Rogue.”

“Do not praise the pirate. I am winning. I have destroyed six of our enemy. Cormac only three.” I heard that rumbling, loud laughter again and couldn’t hold back my smile. Ruk was big and scary, but he was growing on me.

“The battle is not over, Ruk.” Cormac squeezed me gently as he bantered with his friend.

“It’s not?” Oh shit. Glancing down at the floor, I studied the bodies of two of what must be the Hive I’d heard so much about. They looked like normal men, maybe even from Earth or a planet just like ours. But they had even more of the metal in their bodies than the Atlans did, each piece somehow sticking out of the armor. Maybe their armor was designed that way. I didn’t know, but their blood was red. The metallic smell of it filled my head and lungs until I struggled to breathe. The bodies were twisted, sliced and torn to pieces. Instinctively, I knew those were Ruk’s kills. If there was more of the same outside, the guys were right. I did not want to see it.