Page 79 of Covert Mission

“Just a minor blip. A piece of metal in my leg.”

The medic kneels beside Truck. “He’s very brave. When this man cut away the excess metal, this wonderful SEAL didn’t even flinch,” she coos and pats his shoulder.

I catch Truck’s look of alarm.

You did this to yourself, buddy.

Evan leans over and mutters, “Stage five clinger?”

“Yep.”

He chuckles. But our guy, Scout, leaps into action to save Truck. He motions Justice over to help him. “Thanks, everyone. We’ve got it from here. Beast, you need to get that arm looked at. I’m sure this very helpful young woman can take care of all your needs.”

If glares had a volume, mine would be ear-splitting.

“I’m fine.”

Everyone grumbles at me at the same time. Tough shit. “I’m going to find Camile.”

With that, my men shut up and I stride off. Not that their opinions mattered.

Behind me, the medic says, “Sir! Let me help you, you need stitches.”

Justice laughs. “Honey, you couldn’t stop him with a grenade.”

Damn right.

People look at my bloody arm in horror as I stride through the encampment. The sun is just coming over the top of the mountain, so it’s easy to see the bright red covering my arm and shirt.

Someone scurries up to me. “Sir! Are you okay?”

“Fine.”

They don’t follow. Smart move. I’m in no mood for bullshit.

But when I arrive at the area where I left Camile, my mood turns into a building thunderstorm.

She’s nowhere to be seen.

And who the hell are all these people?

“Come on. Seriously?” I’m tired. I’m filthy. I’m bleeding like I’ve been shot. But all I can think about is seeing Camile.

Maybe I do need medical intervention. For my head.

Jaw locked tight, arm throbbing, heart beating too hard, I push through the crowd.

It shouldn’t be hard to spot Camile. She’s tall. Her coppery red hair would be catching the early morning light.

The truly alarming part is that I don’t feel her.

I scan from right to left, working a grid pattern with my eyes.

Fucking hell. Nothing.

I circle the crowd, my irritation growing with every stride.

Why does the stubborn woman always ignore what I say?