Manu (Hell Squad #16) Page 13

  She looked down and saw that the blanket on his lower left side lay flat. Her heart lodged in her throat. His prosthetic leg was gone and if she wasn’t mistaken, some more of his thigh had been amputated. She stroked his chest. Once again, he had to face the hardship of rehab. She hugged him tighter. This time, she was going to be by his side every minute. She’d go out there herself and find him a new prosthetic, if she had to.

  “A-hem.”

  Kate lifted her head and saw Emerson standing at the end of the bed, looking equal parts annoyed and amused.

  “We frown on sharing beds in this infirmary,” the doctor said.

  Kate didn’t move. “You’ll have to drag me out.”

  Emerson just shook her head.

  “She’s not going anywhere,” Manu rumbled.

  Kate quickly looked back at him. “Manu.” She touched his face, stroking his stubbled cheek. “How are you feeling?”

  “Whenever I wake up with you, I feel pretty damn good.”

  God, he melted her. She pressed her lips to his.

  When she pulled back, Emerson was grinning at them. “Well, you two went through the wringer, but you both have a clean bill of health now.”

  Kate clutched the sheet. “And Manu’s leg?”

  “I’m sorry.” There was sympathy in Emerson’s voice. “Your prosthetic was completely destroyed and I was forced to amputate some more of your thigh.”

  Kate swallowed, and beneath her, she felt Manu pull in a deep breath.

  She tightened her hold on him. “We’ll find you a new one. A better one—”

  He gripped her chin. “Kate.”

  She didn’t stop to listen. “Whatever it takes, I’ll—”

  “Hey, look at me.”

  She looked into velvet-brown eyes. He was so strong and steady.

  “I don’t give a fuck about my leg.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

  He shrugged. “You’re alive. I’m alive. That’s all I care about.” He kissed her, and it wasn’t a sweet, quick kiss. He deepened it, mastering her mouth, tongue delving deep.

  “I see you’re both feeling better,” a dry, masculine voice said.

  Kate let out a squeak of surprise. God, General Holmes had just caught her and Manu making out in the infirmary.

  When she looked up, she swallowed a groan. It wasn’t just Holmes. Alongside him stood Niko, Tane, Hemi, and Marcus. Great. She dropped her head to Manu’s chest.

  “I’m feeling pretty fucking great,” Manu said.

  There were deep chuckles in response.

  “We wanted a quick debrief, and to give you an update,” Holmes said.

  Kate forced her head up.

  “We cleaned out the abandoned mine,” Marcus said. “No more raptors or their damn landmines.”

  “Fuckers,” Hemi said. “We had fun running the last of them down.”

  “They’d been here, right under our noses for some time.” Holmes face was composed, but Kate knew him well enough to know he was clearly pissed.

  “It won’t happen again,” Niko added darkly.

  “Manu, you now have a collection of alien landmines to study,” Tane added. “We left them with your team.”

  Manu nodded. “I’ll get to them, as soon as I’m back on my feet…or foot.” He winked.

  Kate made a choked sound. How the hell could he joke about this?

  His lips quirked. “Too soon?”

  Hemi roared with laughter, while the other men smiled.

  Niko cleared his throat. “We’re storing the landmines in a cordoned-off area in the old part of the Enclave that’s been sectioned off the main base.”

  Kate knew they couldn’t risk storing them in the heart of the Enclave. With Manu studying the functioning mines, they could learn a lot. Find a way to stop the damn things affecting their laser weapons, and maybe even use the tech against the aliens.

  Emerson stepped forward. “There’s something else. Manu, there was alien organic matter on your prosthetic.”

  “The scales,” Kate said.

  Emerson nodded. “It had started to embed into your skin as well, that’s the main reason for the extra amputation. We’re still studying it, but it was the same material we removed from Kendra’s injuries.”

  “What?” Kate frowned. “This stuff is in the landmines?”

  “Like a dirty biological bomb,” Tane said. “The damn mines aren’t just for blowing stuff up.”

  “Like I said, I’m still analyzing,” the doc said. “But the landmines appear to spread alien DNA that searches for a host to infect.”

  Holmes ran a hand through his hair. “It appears the Gizzida aren’t slowing down on their quest to turn us all into raptors.”

  “I’ll keep working until I know more,” Emerson added.

  “Gabe happy about that?” Tane’s dark gaze dropped to her belly.

  Emerson pulled a face. “I’m pregnant, Tane. I don’t need to be wrapped in cotton wool and locked away. I can still do my job.”

  “But it could be risky,” the squad leader said. “Remember Chrissy nearly blew herself up studying that alien tech she removed from the Hunter engine.”

  “We have protocols in place,” Emerson said. “We have to find out what the hell the aliens have cooked up now.” Pain rippled over her face. “Or none of us, including my babies, will have a safe place to live.”

  “Keep us posted, Emerson,” Holmes said.

  Kate straightened, wishing like hell she wasn’t wearing this stupid skimpy gown. “We used a cineole grenade. It caused the raptors to bleed.”

  All the men straightened.

  “Really?” Marcus rasped.

  Manu nodded. “Blood running out their eyes, noses, and mouths.”

  Emerson’s face sharpened. “I’ll let Noah know.” She grinned. “We could be on to something.”

  “And the octagon?” Manu asked.

  Niko shook his head and let out a frustrated breath. “Nothing.”

  Kate looked at him and then Holmes. “Permission to leave the Enclave for a scavenging mission. Manu needs a new prosthetic.”

  “No,” Manu said.

  “Manu—”

  “I don’t want you out there.”

  “And we need you back up and running.”

  A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Do you care if I have no leg?”

  She gasped. “What? I don’t care if you have no legs and no arms, Manu Rahia—”

  He yanked her down and she slammed against his chest. His kiss was hard and unforgiving. More masculine chuckles rippled around them. Oh, she was entertaining everybody today.

  She shifted off Manu. “Foolish man.”

  “No need for scavenging,” Tane said. “When we got Manu’s original prosthetic, we nabbed a few extras. We figured it couldn’t hurt to have some backups or extras around.”

  Kate felt a burst of relief.

  “We left them with Noah,” Hemi said with a smile. “They’ll probably be rocket-powered by now.”

  “Well, tell Noah to get a replacement to me,” Emerson said, turning to look at Manu. “We can get you back up and running in no time.”

  Manu’s arms tightened around Kate. “Actually, I’m not in a rush. I’m quite comfy here.”

  There were more chuckles, and Kate rolled her eyes as her chest filled with warmth.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Okay, extend.”

  Manu followed Emerson’s order, testing out his new prosthetic.

  This one was racier than his old one. Noah had added quite a few enhancements.

  “Good.” The doc nodded and smiled. “The scans look great, and the function is good. It’s successfully been embedded into your nerves. You’ll need some rehab to get used to it, but I think it’ll function even better than your previous one.” She patted his shoulder. “You’re cleared.”

  Manu stood, eager to get out of the infirmary. He’d been stuck in here for two days. Kate visited and sat with him, but he wanted h
is woman to himself.

  “Thanks, Doc.”

  She dusted her hands together. “All in a day’s work around here.”

  “When you say all clear, you mean all clear, right?” he asked.

  She waggled her eyebrows. “Yes, all clear.” Then her face turned white.

  “Emerson?” Manu stepped closer.

  She waved him off. “If you don’t want to see my breakfast make a reappearance, I suggest you go. Darn morning sickness.”

  He backed up a step. “Right. Thanks again.”

  Manu walked out of the infirmary with measured steps. He was moving a little slower than normal because he still needed to get used to the new prosthetic. His balance felt slightly different. He knew he had to get into the gym and work on his rehab. He figured he’d touch base with Kendra and see if she wanted to join him. The security officer had also had a new prosthetic attached yesterday.

  But right now, Manu had other plans.

  He nodded to a few people on the way, and finally made it to the Command Center. He passed through the big glass doors and headed straight for Kate’s office. As he passed through the security room, he lifted his hand when a few people called out hellos to him.

  He spotted Miles and nodded at her office. “She in there?”

  Miles grinned. “Yep. Been acting damn jumpy all morning. Keeps threatening to call the infirmary for an update.” The man’s gaze dropped to Manu’s legs. “Looks like it went well.”

  “Yeah. Kate’s on a break for a bit.”

  Miles’ grin widened and he tossed Manu a salute. “Roger that.”

  Manu stopped in the doorway and looked at her. She was on a call.

  “Check it again.” She paused. “I don’t care, Dwayne. Check it three times if you have to. I want a full report on my desk by tonight.” Pause. “Yes, by tonight. You think I care about your dinner plans? Good.” She ended the call and looked up.

  When she spotted him, she stood. She took her time scanning Manu’s body and smiled. “Hey.”

  He held his arms out to his sides. “I’m up and mobile.”

  “Emerson cleared you?” Kate skirted her desk.

  He shut the door behind him. Then he locked it.

  Kate paused. “Manu—”

  He strode toward her, and as soon as he was in reach, he gripped her hips and pressed his mouth to hers. She leaned into him, kissing him back. There was so much emotion in her embrace, and he wondered how anyone could ever think she was cool and unemotional.

  He slid his hands under her ass and lifted her up onto her desk.

  “We’d better check everything is in working order,” he told her.

  She slid her hands under his T-shirt. “Your leg got hurt, Rahia, not your—”

  He pushed her back on the desk and she let out a small moan. He returned the favor, sliding his hands under her shirt and molding her breasts.

  Manu set to work, so hungry for her. He plumped her breasts, tugged on her nipples, then leaned down, drawing one into his mouth. She was writhing beneath him.

  “You’re so hot, babe.”

  “Only for you.”

  Desire was a rough, edgy need pounding inside him. He quickly unbuttoned her trousers and yanked them off, along with her panties. Then he had his hands between her legs. Of course, she was wet for him. He pumped two fingers inside her, and she made small, husky cries. He thumbed her clit.

  “You’re all mine,” he ground out.

  “Yes.”

  “I color your world.”

  Her hot gaze met his. “Yes.”

  “So damn gorgeous, Kate.”

  He pushed her legs apart, loving that she had no inhibitions with him. Quickly, he unbuckled his belt and shoved his trousers down. He took his cock in hand and a second later, he thrust inside her.

  She moaned, arching on her desk.

  Manu had no finesse, no patience to make this last very long. He picked up his pace. This was a claiming. This was satisfying a savage need born in the desperate moments deep underground, when they’d fought together to survive.

  “Give me your eyes, Kate.”

  She opened her eyes and their gazes met.

  “There’s nothing better than being inside you,” he said.

  “Faster.” She reared up to grip his arms.

  He grabbed her hands and pushed them above her head on the desk. His hips kept hammering, his cock driving inside her. “Get there, babe.”

  He heard the change in her breathing, felt her sweet body tighten on his cock. She cried out, and he leaned down and pressed his mouth on hers, swallowing her cry.

  Two more thrusts, and pleasure rushed through him. “Kate.” A guttural cry as he poured himself inside her.

  “Love you, Manu.”

  When he could function again, he was lying sprawled on top of her on the desk, panting.

  Kate kissed the side of his neck. “I think your leg works just fine.”

  He laughed. Then he lifted his head and looked down at her flushed face.

  “Marry me.” The words came out of him unexpectedly.

  “What?” She froze, looking like a deer in headlights.

  “Marry me.” It felt so right, those words echoing through him. “You’re mine, I love you, and I’m too old for games. I want everyone to know that you’re mine and I’m yours.”

  Her gaze moved over his face and then her expression softened. “You don’t mess around, do you, Rahia?”

  “Hell, no.” He pulled her close. “I know when I’m onto a good thing.”

  “Me, too.” She smiled. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Manu.”

  “Still no sign of the octagon,” Elle said. “It’s driving Marcus crazy.”

  Kate smoothed her hands down her dress, watching Elle and several other ladies sitting on chairs inside the small marquee set up in the Garden.

  The women were all dressed up and sipping champagne. Outside, Kate could hear the murmur of voices and smelled the rich scent of grass and flowers.

  From beside Elle, Liberty nodded, her coiffed blonde hair bobbing. “Adam, as well.”

  “We’ll find it.” This came from Mac. The tiny Squad Nine soldier was dolled up in a short blue dress. “The Gizzida can’t hide it forever.”

  “I don’t care what the aliens are doing.” Kate pressed a hand to her churning belly. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “Not on the dress.” Cam stepped up beside her, smoothing Kate’s dress down. It was a simple column of ivory silk. When Kate had first looked in the mirror, she could hardly believe she looked so beautiful.

  “Elle,” Liberty said. “Adam said you found new references in raptor data to the Gizzida queen.”

  Everyone went quiet.

  Elle nodded. “Nothing much. It doesn’t say anything detailed about her, but she exists.”

  Cam stepped forward. “Well, I say fuck the Gizzida today. We have a wedding to enjoy.”

  Instantly, Kate’s nerves surged. “I’m forty. I’m the head of security of a base filled with the survivors of an alien attack. I have no business getting married.”

  She heard giggles and looked at the gaggle of women watching her. They were sipping champagne—someone had raided the Enclave’s supplies—and eating the canapés, all dressed in pretty dresses, like they didn’t have a care in the world. Most of them were soldiers, for God’s sake. They knew what was out there.

  Cam gripped Kate’s shoulder. “Are you in love with Manu Rahia?”

  Kate’s insides warmed. “Yes.”

  “Is he your badass?”

  He sure was a badass and he was hers. “Yes.”

  “Are you his woman?”

  Kate raised a brow. “I’m not sure I love that term, but yes.”

  “So, go out there and grab your happiness.” Cam waved at the women. “We all know the sucky side of life, but when the good is right there in front of you, you hold on to it, and enjoy it every second you can. It carries you through the shitty times.”

 
Kate nodded, feeling choked up.

  Suddenly, Miles appeared in the marquee doorway. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”

  The man was dressed in a sharp suit, his sandy hair styled.

  “Thanks,” Kate said.

  “When Manu sees you, he’ll swallow his tongue.”

  Well, she had plans for his tongue, so she hoped not.

  “It’s time,” Miles said.

  From outside, Kate heard music start. The sweet sound of strings.

  Oh, God. Her knees felt weak. She’d faced raptors in battle, but this reduced her to jelly.

  Another figure ducked inside. Tane was wearing dark trousers, a crisp, white shirt, and no tie. His dreadlocks were pulled back and tied at the base of his neck. It was the most relaxed Kate had ever seen the Squad Three leader. Damn, he was incredibly handsome.

  The women behind her let out some sighs.

  “Don’t you scrub up nicely,” Cam called out.

  Tane shot her a small smile. “I’m the good-looking brother.”

  Cam snorted. “Hemi might argue with you.”

  Tane looked at Kate. “Ready?”

  Everything inside her steadied. She was committing herself to the man she loved. The bravest, strongest, most honorable man she’d ever met. “I’m ready.”

  Tane held out an arm, and she slipped hers through it. The women filed past her, giving her quick kisses.

  The music swelled, and Kate let Tane lead her outside to the Garden, to walk her down the aisle. White chairs had been set out under the trees, with a red carpet running between them. Overhead, the retractable doors were open, letting sunshine spill down into the garden.

  She saw the sea of faces—all the members of Hell Squad and their partners. Squad Nine. She saw Selena wearing a jewel-colored dress the same color as her eyes. Noah sat with his arm around his red-headed partner, Laura. Finn was grinning, holding Lia’s hand. The berserkers were at the front, all of them looking handsome and dangerous.

  “Thank you,” Tane said quietly.

  She looked up at him. “For what?”

  “For making my brother happy. And helping him find the piece of himself that the aliens had stolen.”