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We were out of range. The goo splattered over the monster.

The creature jerked and spun, its hard shell burning. I heard the sizzling from where we stood.

A moment later, the creature collapsed.

“Take that, you ugly fucker,” Marc said, blowing out a breath.

Kai and Jameson gave each other a fist bump.

Behind Zeke’s back, I felt North’s fingers reach out and touch me.

“You guys do this for a living?” Kitt’s face was pale.

“Not always this…” Jameson shook his head. “Yes, it’s pretty much always like this. We do it because someone has to.”

Kitt nodded. “Thank you. For doing that and for coming for us.”

Behind Kitt, Marina and Harry both nodded.

“Always,” Jameson said. “Working together is how we stay strong. It keeps us safe.” He jerked his head. “Now, let’s get you guys home.”

We walked out of the orchard and onto a road. I saw Colbie’s Talon nearby. The pilot was out, circling the quadcopter and checking the damage.

“Let’s sit Zeke down,” North said. “I need to check him.”

We lowered Zeke to the ground. North crouched in front of the man and pulled his medical backpack off.

A second later, the other Talon came in to land, air washing over us.

Marcus and Cruz leaped out of the quadcopter and walked over to us. They were both wearing older-style, battered armor. They were both also smiling.

“We’ve still got it,” Cruz said.

“Hell, yeah,” Marcus replied.

“Good timing, Dad.” Jameson and his father slapped each other on the back.

Cruz came to me and hugged me. “You okay?”

“Yes.” I glanced back at the ruined warehouse in the distance. “I do want to get some more samples of the cocoons and compare them with the earlier ones.”

He shook his head. “I dramatically save the day, and all you can think about is studying the monsters.”

I grinned at him. “Yes, but thanks.”

“You can make me your enchiladas as a thank you.”

“You bet.”

North flashed a small light in Zeke’s eye, then pressed an injector to his neck. “He’ll be fine. He just needs to be monitored.”

“Luckily you’ve got a hard head, bro,” Marc said.

Zeke just grunted.

Colbie headed over. “I missed the party.”

Marc stepped toward the pilot, then stopped. “You okay, lark?”