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We watched the spinning quadcopter. It was going to crash.

But a second before it hit the trees, the aircraft evened out.

“I’ve got it,” Colbie said. “I’m okay.” The Talon moved away from the monster.

Nearby, I saw Marc’s chin drop to his chest as he sucked in a breath. “Shit, lark, don’t worry us like that.”

“I have a warning light. I need to land.” The Talon passed overhead and out of view.

The monster roared.

“Retreat,” Jameson ordered.

We all turned and ran through the orchard. But Zeke couldn’t move very fast, and he was heavy.

The guards ran ahead of us.

I heard crashing behind us and glanced back.

The monster was mowing through the orchard, trampling and ripping up trees.

“Faster,” I cried out.

Jameson and Kai stopped, firing back on the monster. They both tossed grenades.

I heard the explosions, but it barely slowed the creature down. The monster roared again. It was gaining on us.

“Shit.” Jameson glanced around.

There was nowhere to go. No shelter. No way to hide.

My throat tightened.

I looked up and met North’s gaze.

I wanted to fall in love with him. I wanted to live, I wanted a life with this man.

“You guys need a little help?” a gravelly voice said over the comm.

A second Talon came into view.

Two men stood in the open doorway.

My chest hitched. It was Marcus Steele and Uncle Cruz.

Both men fired carbines down on the monster. A second later, the Talon swung around, and the large turret on the quadcopter opened fire.

“Get clear, everyone,” Sasha said. “Now.”

We kept hobbling out of the orchard. Marcus and Cruz rained down hell on the beast. Heavy laser fire ripped into the monster.

Its enraged roar turned to pained screeches.

Then, the laser fire hit the poison on the creature’s back.

“Fuck,” Cruz said. “Dios mio.”

Green-yellow goo exploded into the air, then rained down.