Specters: A Monster Squad Novel - 8 Read Online Free

high helical orbit. I want eyes and ears on that facility.”
    “Roger that, sir.”
    Mitchell glanced at this watch again and cursed under his breath. “Where are you, Mark?”
     
    *****
     
    Jack watched as Azrael fell back through the skylight and landed deftly next to him. “I couldn’t catch him. He is much faster than he appears.” He shook his head and his shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, Chief Jack.”
    “You did your best. That’s all anybody can ask.”
    “Be grateful you didn’t catch him, gargoyle. He would have killed you,” the Guardian spoke softly, but his voice expressed his belief.
    Azrael stiffened slightly and cocked his head. “Do not be so quick to discount—”
    “He is an angel, my large friend,” the Guardian they all called Phil interrupted. “I mean no disrespect to you. I only speak truly.”
    “It’s going to be daylight soon. We need to wrap this up and get my team back home.” Jack cut them both off. He turned to Viktor. “Are you coming back to the base with us?”
    Viktor looked to Thorn who gave him a surprised look. “I think…” he paused and turned to Foster who shook his head slightly. “I think that we shall retire to the island. I have much planning to do in order to coordinate our next attack against Lilith.”
    “As do we.” Jack approached him slowly. “The Wyldwood assembled this team for the express purpose of defeating her and sending her back to hell.” He lowered his voice and turned away from the others, “If you’re serious about fighting her, then come with us. Help us come up with a proper plan of attack.”
    Thorn inhaled deeply and squared his shoulders. “And what of your intent to enact revenge for my supposed betrayal?”
    Jack lowered his eyes and shook his head. “You know, it wasn’t that long ago that if you were this close, I’d have just ripped your damned head off and been done with it.” He raised his eyes and met Thorn’s gaze. “But I’ve come to realize that everybody makes mistakes. Even you. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. It doesn’t mean I have to accept it. And it damn sure doesn’t mean I have to come back to work for you.”
    Thorn nodded slowly. “But…”
    “But it does mean that I realize that even good people can screw up once in a while. Especially if they think they’re doing it for the right reasons.”
    Thorn gave a crooked smile. “I won’t hope for forgiveness. I will accept understanding .”
    “Good. Because you aren’t getting the other.” He turned and motioned to Kalen. “Find us a portal out of here. I’m ready to go home.” He turned to Rufus. “You can come with us and help us figure out a way to kick this bitch’s ass, or you can go and do your own thing. The choice is yours.”
     
    *****
     
    “Answer me, Dad. What did you do with the rest of it?” Laura shook the empty vial at him. “You didn’t inject Crystal with it, did you?” Her face paled at the very thought.
    Jim shook his head. “No, Punkin. I can’t believe you’d even think such a thing.”
    “What am I supposed to think? I find this thing empty and…” She stared at him and her eyes shot wider. “You didn’t…”
    He nodded slightly. “I thought if a little would help, then more…” He gave her a sheepish grin.
    “Oh no!” She fumbled in her bag and dug out her cell phone. “I can’t believe you’d do that.” She flipped open her phone and began punching through her call list.
    “What are you doing, Punk?” He reached for her phone and she jerked it clear of his grasp.
    “I have to call Evan. I need to know what that can do to you.” She found his number and punched the call button.
    “Like hell!” Jim snatched the phone and pushed the top closed, hanging up mid-call. “It’s none of his business.”
    “Daddy, you don’t understand. He told me to give you a specific dose. No more than 15CCs per dose. You took the whole vial. I need to know what sort of side effects that could