I’d rather be going with you for this first Jump.Marcus’s mindvoice was stronger, but laced with worry.
Don’t stress. I’ll be back before you can blink,I promised, and rolled my eyes to the three lethal warriors coming with us.Not like I’ll lack for protection.I ripped my eyes away from him, to see Rafael staring at me.
Their mission was so much more dangerous than what I was embarking on. I would be Jumping them straight into the tiger’s jaws.
What the fucking hell is a tiger?Havoc sounded tense even in my mind.
Big stripy cat with nasty claws,I answered.
Like a Sabre?Marcus asked.
Smaller,I admitted.
Doesn’t sound that impressive,Havoc judged.
I have to upgrade my comparisons,I said with some exasperation. I needed a clear mind for this Jump, without distractions. So I tried pushing them both out of it, by visualizing building a wall, and shoving them back.
The first sign that it worked was when Marcus protested aloud, “Hey.”
I was saved from a response when Rafael approached us. “Can I have a word?” he asked of me.
I followed him as he walked a little ways away from the others.
When he turned back, I said, “We’ll come for you guys.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think you should.”
Confused, I scanned his expression. My heart slammed to a halt. “You think you’re going to die up there, don’t you?”
His mouth straightened. “Isobel is very powerful. She has the entire coven with her, along with the crystals—I don’t know if we’ll be able to channel enough of Nikolai’s power to take her out. Even if we do—it isn’t likely there will be anything left of us to bring back.”
I remembered Ash, and what he’d said.And of the futures I’ve seen—not all end well if you do go in early.
He reached out, ever so slowly, and touched my cheek with trembling fingers. “You were all I’ve ever wanted,” he said. “And I want you to know, I’m sorry.”
My chest hurt, as though my heart was tearing into pieces. “I’m coming to get you,” I whispered. “And Havoc, too.”
His smile was tinged with sadness as his hand started to drop away. I grabbed it, and held it against my cheek, blinking away tears.
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything fucking dumb.” The deep voice rumbled from over my shoulder.
Rafael gently withdrew his hand and barked a harsh laugh. “What are you planning to do to stop me?”
“I’ll smack you one, that’s what.” Havoc’s eyes gleamed metallic copper.
“Okay, then. I won’t do anything dumb.”
“Fucking dumb,” Marcus corrected. “I believe there is a difference.”
“Okay, you guys.” Lucas moved up on us. “I know you have stuff to sort out, but it’s go time.”
Havoc’s gleaming copper eyes slid to me. I sensed the violence in him that he held leashed. Turning it loose in an enclosed area wasn’t going to be pretty.
Make sure you kill the right ones,I told him.
No promises,he growled.
I took a deep breath. “Strike team, form up on me. Everyone take hold.”
