Page 9 of Stealing Jia

“Merda!” I wiped the blood off my face and took a step back. “What kind of magic is that?”

“Navajo.” CeeCee frowned. “Rodan soldiers are in the catacombs.”

“Can’t the all-powerful Overlord deal with them?”

Boom! Boom!The walls shuddered and bits of rocky debris rained down on us.

Adam suddenly linked with me. “Help me. I don’t want to die.”

His pain rolled over me and I caught fleeting glimpse of a Rodan injecting him again. I took off running. “They’re hurting Adam.”

“Wait! It could be a trap.” CeeCee ran after me.

The bear jumped on me, pinning me to the floor. I pulled my dagger.

CeeCee kicked it out of my hand. “Do not stab my uncle.”

“Let me up! I have to help Adam,” I cried.

“You won’t do your brother any good dead. You’re an assassin. Think like one.”

I stopped struggling and gave CeeCee the evil eye. “If anything happens to Adam…”

“You’ll gut me like a fish?”

“You will die a slow, agonizing death and the old man too,” I promised darkly.

The bear bared his awesome fangs and growled menacingly.

“Please. I need to help my brother.” Desperation and anger warred in my voice.

“We’re going to free all the captives and if you do anything stupid, I’ll let Uncle Jesse eat you. Understand?”

The bear licked my face like it was a lollipop. I grimaced in disgust and spat, “I understand.”

CeeCee patted the bear’s furry shoulder. “Let her up.”

The minute the bear climbed off me, I shot to my feet and gave him the one-finger-salute.

The bear nipped my butt.

“Touch me again you old, pervert and I’ll…”I yelped as Jesse’s massive jaws closed around the top of my head. Not only was I getting a closeup view of his fangs, he also needed a breath mint. My stomach rolled as hot saliva dripped on my face.

“Apologize or he’ll eat you.”

I’d do anything to get him to release me. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

CeeCee cocked her head. “What? I didn’t quite hear you.”

“I said, I’m sorry. Okay? Can we please go rescue Adam now?”

The bear opened his mouth and I fell to the floor. I tried to ignore the noticeable tremor in my hand as I wiped the slobber off my face. My nerves were shot. Who knew people could turn into bears, throw lightning bolts or that Giovanni, the mad scientist, was changing men into alien beasts?

A mystified frown crossed CeeCee’s face. It was like I was a puzzle she couldn’t quite figure out.

That mournful howl sounded again.

“We’re freeing whatever that is too,” I announced and marched down the corridor.

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