Lincoln laughs; Adair doesn’t. Surprisingly, she’s acting more shocked than arrogant, which is a nice change of pace. Gripping her elbows, she speaks through chattering teeth. “How’d you know how to fight like that?”
Wow. A question that doesn’t involve Scala Heir-related whining. Adair needs to almost die more often. I jog in place, cracking my neck from side to side. “Lincoln broke the baculum in two, so obviously he’s going for the demon’s arms. And if he’s taking out the arms, then I need to get the legs. That’s the only way to kill a Tinea.”
The Prince wraps his hands about my waist. “Nicely done.”
I kiss the tip of his nose. “Back at ya.” Suddenly, I’m very aware that I’m wearing a skin-tight cat-suit and Lincoln looks yummy in his body armor. The air around us pulses with energy. If Adair weren’t staring at me like I was another Tinea, I’d totally kiss Lincoln right now.
The Prince reads my mind. “Later, Myla.”
I purse my lips, half frowning. “Got anything more specific for me on that?”
Lincoln frames my face with his fingertips. “There will be time for us. I swear it.” He’s talking about more than a kiss. Desire blasts through me. Oh, yeah. My eyes flare bright red.
The Prince leans in closer, his mouth outside my ear. “I think that’s a record for fastest time from zero to sparkling.”
My mouth curves into a semi-snarky grin. “You’re such a competitive little creep.” And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stepping back, I exhale a long breath. We can’t afford to stand around cracking jokes. “I need to find Walker. I’m late to the bunker as it is.”
Lincoln’s brows arch. “I need? Do you think you’re going alone?”
I mock-frown. “I thought that was the plan.” Lincoln’s staying with me? Wow. A bright spot in an otherwise bleak day. My heart lightens.
“When Armageddon invaded Purgatory, the plans changed. I’m not going anywhere until I’m certain you’re safe.”
I kick the ground with my heel. “I’d tell you to join your people, but you won’t listen to me anyway.”
Lincoln shoots me a sly grin. “And secretly, you totally want me around.”
My cheeks turn pink. Am I that obvious? “That too.”
“Knew it.” With a wink in my direction, Lincoln turns to Adair, offering his arm. “Can you walk?”
She keeps her hands to herself, for once. “I’m fine.”
“Very good.” The Prince tilts his head. “I’m afraid you must travel with us until we can get you home.”
“That’s okay.” Adair’s voice is barely above a whisper. I eye her for a long moment, my forehead creased in thought. Our fight with the Tinea demon changed her somehow, but I can’t put my finger on it. I shrug. Whatever it is, she’s certainly less irritating.
“Hello, there!” Walker limps toward us, his arm raised in welcome. I’m happy to see that his skin’s a healthier shade of pale. Around him, the stadium looks pretty much deserted. “I can portal everyone to the bunker now, if you’re ready.”
My gaze shifts between Walker and Lincoln. With my two favorite guys along for the ride? I’m more than ready.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Exiting the portal, I step into the dim light of the bunker’s main chamber. Walker, Adair, and Lincoln follow behind me. The space is huge, square, and made of poured concrete. Industrial lanterns dangle from long ceiling cords, casting halos of light on the floor. Steel shelves line the walls, each one overflowing with supplies. Metal folding chairs lie unopened in stacks. Mom, Tim, Cissy, and Zeke wait along the opposite wall.
I wave to them. “Hey, guys.”
No one speaks. That’s odd. “Don’t all say hello at once.” I grin.
Still no reply. The hairs on my neck stand on end. Alarm rattles through my body. Twisting about, I glance at the communications console. The monitors are still dark. My forehead creases. Everything was supposed to be turned on by now.
I gesture to Cissy and Zeke. “What are you two still doing here?”
No one says a word. Tim and Cissy huddle closer, taking a few steps away from the others. Adair scuttles off to a corner and skulks, sitting with her arms wrapped about her knees. At least she isn’t screaming.
My forehead creases a little more. Why is Cissy anywhere near Tim? This is off, way off. The alarm bells in my body ring louder, setting my teeth on edge.
Walker frowns, pointing his long arm toward Tim. “Why haven’t you transported the young quasis?”
Tim’s black eyes flare red, his mouth twists into an evil grin. “Why? You have to ask why?”
A bolt of chilly fear runs down my spine. I never liked that Tim.