Red Zone (Red Zone 1)

“It’s okay, bébé. You’re gonna be fine.”

A hand clasped on his shoulder, and he looked up to see understanding in his best friend’s eyes. “Her feet are facing the open door. If I get her legs out, you can support the rest of her while we ease her out of the car. You want to hand your snake to me first, before we move Friday?”

“To hell with him. He can damn well crawl out of there on his own steam.”

There was furious rattling in reply. He ignored the reptile and reached for the woman. She groaned as he took her weight in his arms and they maneuvered her out of the car. Pain, she was in pain. His stomach roiled at the sound.

“I’ve got you,” he soothed, hoping like hell he wasn’t causing more damage by moving her.

“Striker?” The whispered word sent relief flooding through his system.

“Who else, bébé? Don’t you worry none, we got you.”

He cradled her head. Bruises marred her pale skin. He hated the sight of them and wanted them gone before she felt the effect of them. His diamondback slithered around until it was curled on Friday’s stomach, hitching a ride out of the car. He fought the urge to knock the damn snake from his perch.

Slowly, carefully, the two men lifted her out of the upturned car. Mace cradled her in his arms while Striker got to his feet. As soon as he did, he took the fragile bundle from his friend. If she was going to be in anyone’s arms, it would be his. The urge to lock her away and ensure she never hurt again was almost overwhelming.

“Striker?” She sounded less disorientated this time. “The car crashed.”

He kissed her hair. “I know. But we’ve got you now.”

“My head hurts.” It was barely a whisper.

“We’re taking you to the jet. We’ll get it sorted as soon as we’re on board.” He looked at his partner. “Is there a medic nearby we can use if we need one?”

“I’ll make some calls, see who we can trust.” Mace fished his satellite phone out of his pocket and did just that.

“Your snake saved me,” Friday said softly.

Yeah, he wasn’t so sure about that. In fact, he suspected the rattler had done more harm than good. He glared at the reptile, who was completely unfazed by his anger. I’m gonna deal with you later, he promised it. The snake closed his eyes and went to sleep.

“I’m tired.” Friday slurred the words, already falling asleep.

Her system was overloaded and shutting down. Even without the poison, the physical traumas of the Red Zone and the kidnapping were enough to send her into shock.

“Close your eyes, chère. I’ll watch over you.”

She gave a little sigh as she relaxed into him. A second later, she was asleep. As they walked over the field to their van, the diamondback decided it should merge with him again. It slithered over his shoulder, under his shirt, and fused with his skin. And it didn’t do it gently.

“Hell!” Striker stumbled, clutching at Friday to make sure she didn’t fall.

“What is it?” Mace had his gun out, scanning the area for threats.

“The scaly bastard just shared his pain with me.”

Told you. Sore.

“I’m really beginning to hate that forked-tongued asshole.” He heard the diamondback scoff at him before it fell back asleep. “Now I feel like I’ve been in a crash. This is another side effect of our new genetics that I didn’t need to know. Your animal gets hurt, he merges with you, you get the pain, and he gets to sleep.” He grimaced at his friend. “When are we gonna get to the upside of this new existence? ’Cause, so far, it sucks to be us.”

“Amen, brother.” Mace slapped him on the back, making Striker wince.

“Sore, damn it!”

“Sorry.” The asshole laughed, making it clear he really wasn’t.

Once the door to the van was open, he placed Friday gently on the bench seat. “Turn around. I’m gonna check her.”

Mace gave him his back as he kept an eye on approaching traffic. Friday’s captors might be dead, but that didn’t mean the threat had been eliminated. They now knew there were two separate factions after her. And one of them wanted her dead.