Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

KObrIK

I double check the address Kenzie wrote on my palm. 3572 Birch Avenue. The four-story structure with graffiti all over the door lies in an unsafe area of the city. Only one of four street lights works and several males hide in the shadows of the garbage-filled alleys.

Kenzie is missing and time is not on my side.

I need backup I can trust, not the incompetent military of this world. Galactic Intelligence has marshals stationed in Los Angeles, including a fellow warrior I trained alongside on Zyan. I need only ask for Zirkov's help, and he'll give it.

Before I pull him away from his duties, I must verify Kenzie did not merely give up waiting for me and return home.

The security panel on her apartment building won't allow me to enter. I draw my blaster and shoot it. Problem solved. I'll replace the unit later, after I find Kenzie.

I race up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

When I reach the third floor, a sense of impending doom threatens to steal my focus. I press my ear to the door marked 3A. No sound comes from inside.

I pound on her door.

No answer.

No sign of life.

With a single kick, the door shatters beneath my boot. My heart races, fearing what I might find as I enter Kenzie's apartment.

Inside, I barely detect her scent. She hasn't been here for hours.

I tap my comm and search for Zirkov's code as I fly down the two flights and leave the building, forgetting the very basic rule of being in a hostile environment. Always remain vigilant.

With my focus on my comm, I never see my attacker, but I recognize that putrid odor.

Grud.

Out of reflex, my left arm goes up, blocking a knife from stabbing me in the chest. The move saves my life, but the blade slices across my forearm.

With my right hand, I drive a knife into the grud's shoulder as he throws his weight into me, knocking me to the ground. His power is incredible, but grud scouts are trained to stay hidden and gather intel, not fight.

I wasn't followed. The grud knew to find me at Kenzie's apartment which means he has her.

Razor-sharp claws swipe at my face. I kick and catch him in the chest. Like I've practiced a thousand times in warrior training, I hurl him over me then scramble to my feet. On instinct, my claws emerge, but I force them back.

I need this grud alive. Yes, I need to learn what his mission is, but that's no longer my primary goal. Finding Kenzie is.