I stand behind Lincoln, my body on high alert. Adair sits nearby, watching us with her jaw hanging open. My mind clicks back into battle mode, but this time with a difference. Now I calculate more than my own moves and counter-moves. I smile. Fighting as a team feels beyond awesome.
The ground before Lincoln rises. Rotor-like hands break through the surface.
My body tenses, a coiled spring ready to break free. Shifting my weight to the balls of my feet, I speak in a whisper. “Now?”
Lincoln’s voice is calm and low. “Not yet.”
The Tinea’s greasy head-lump breaks through the Arena floor. I want to move so badly; it takes all my focus to wait. Next, the demon’s wormy torso follows out of the hole. I shake out my fingertips, trying to release some of the tension. Finally, ropy legs pop out of the dirt and lock onto the ground.
“Now, Myla!” Lincoln bends over at the waist. Setting my foot onto his back, I launch myself into the air, somersault-twist over the Tinea’s head, and land behind the demon in a crouch. Lincoln raises his short-swords high.
That’s my cue.
As Lincoln brings his blades down through the demon’s arms, I swipe my tail through the monster’s legs. The creature pauses, shivers, then disintegrates into a puddle of brownish goop.
Sweet. Taking down a Tinea’s one for the record books.
Adair sits nearby, her face colorless. “You killed it. Together.”
Lincoln and I bump fists. “That’s right.” I wiggle my bottom. “We are a lean, mean demon killing machine.”
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.”