Page 287 of The Reluctant Hero

“I’m ok,” I protest weakly. “Ace, it’s ok.”

Mikael comes in behind him, panting. I’ve never seen him so out of control. His hands are bruised and swollen, no weapon in sight. He bare-knuckled his way through this place. That’s concerning.

“It’s ok,” I repeat and reach for him too.

When his arms come around me and Ace, I feel like I’m home.

62

Stranded

Amanda

Talking wakes me up. My brain feels dopey with the pain medication I was given before I fell asleep.

Silk sheets and softness surround me. Where am I?

The conversation in a room nearby won’t let me fall back asleep. If they would shut up, that would be great.

“Everything is set up.”

Hurray. Hang up, strange voice.

“And the arrests?” Gabriel’s cold voice asks, prolonging this torture.

“Arrests? There won’t be any, Junior,” the stranger scoffs.

“I will deal with the stragglers, and our side of the bargain will be complete,” a deadened voice adds from the phone.

“Nice work in the manor, Heretic,” Jake pipes in happily.

“Did you find the other people involved?” The first voice asks tightly. “I’d like to know who fucked up my computer, and I’m pretty sure that whoever it was joined you at the manor.”

Uh oh. Someone else is cranky.

“No,” Shade’s deadly tone cuts the guy off. “And you’re dropping it. I’ll buy you a new one.”

“It got so overloaded it practically melted,” the guy grinds out through clenched teeth.

“The hard life of sitting on the bench,” Cade teases with a laugh.

“Fuck off. After this, we’re done with petty errands and bullshit.”

“Sounds good for you,” Jakes chimes in again. “Enjoy your retirement.”

“Yeah, yeah,” the voice grumbles.

A silence follows, broken up by Mikael.

“Was it Tera?”

“Of course, it was that little nerd,” Shade scoffs. “And none of you are going to say shit about it. She’s convinced Amanda is a superhero and she just fulfilled her lifelong dream of being the best sidekick on Earth. Besides, Asher is pissed, and she’s basically been grounded until this whole thing is wrapped up.”

She melted a guy’s computer for me? I love that woman. Sight unseen, she's the best person I’ve ever known. I’m not telling her about that computer either. Whatever that asshole did, he doesn’t deserve an apology letter.

“Well, this kind of ties up all the loose ends,” Ace mutters. He doesn’t sound happy about it.

“Everyone is on an enemy list and about to be executed. The population will replenish in no time. Plus, the sun is out,” Jake sighs happily.

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