Chapter 18 · I found a better doctor

"I found a better doctor," I said, stepping toward him.

He didn't wait. He turned and bolted, dragging his wounded comrade with him. I didn't chase them. Not yet. I stood there in the rain, breathing hard, feeling my heart beat with a strength I hadn't known since the day I was betrayed.

But the rush didn't last. The Devouring Bone was already restless again, scratching at the inside of my ribs, demanding more. It wasn't enough. I needed more marrow. I needed Victor's marrow.

I looked down at the dead man's gear. I stripped the tactical vest and took the communication device. It was still humming.

"Report in," a voice crackled through the earbud. "Squad Four, do you have the target?"

I didn't answer. I just listened.

"Four? This is Command. We're seeing a biological spike in your sector. What's the status?"

I smiled, though there was no joy in it. I pressed the transmit button and spoke into the mic, my voice cold and steady.

"Target is dead," I said.

"Confirmed. Moving to extraction. Do you have the marrow sample?"

"I have it," I replied. "But I think you're going to want to send more men.