Death Valley (Desert Children Series #2)

Safe and Sound

Rocket POV

 

I had just hung up on Phoenix after hearing the sound of someone intruding the bomb shelter. I was ducking behind some supply boxes. I hoped I could possibly sneak my way out… But I had to see who -- or what -- I was up against.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly peered my head over the edge of one of the boxes. Two Dracs wander inside. I think I could handle this. Then I’d have to find the other Killjoys; I didn’t know where they were hiding since I bolted towards the radio to tell Phoenix about the attack.

I carefully crouched down beneath the boxes, out of sight from the Dracs. I kept a slow, steady pace, making sure to keep quiet. I was almost near the door when I saw the shadow of one looming behind me. I whipped my head around in time to see his arms grab me.

 

“Let go of me!” I screamed, struggling to break free of his grip. However, it was no use.

 

They both dragged me outside, pushing me down on the ground as I landed hard on my arm. I heard footsteps running toward me as I saw Kobra crouch next to me, holding me in his arms.

 

“Rocket!” he cried, pulling me close. “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine,” I reassured him, fighting off the soreness in my arm. I glanced up and saw the other Killjoys, all being held at gunpoint by two Dracs. The Killjoys looked down at me, relieved to see I was okay. Kobra helped me up to my feet as I noticed more Dracs heading into the motel.

 

“What are they doing?” I asked worriedly.

 

“Trying to find our weapons,” Jet Star answered.

 

“Too bad they’ll be coming out empty handed,” Poison added, venom in his voice.

 

The Dracs kept us all in a group at gunpoint while they were looking through all our stuff. The thought of Dracs in my room made me extremely angry. I did not want them trashing my room, or taking anything. Especially my photos.

 

We sat in the small circle together. None of us talking; but the silence was enough to know that we were all worried.

In the distance, a puff of smoke came barreling down the desert road. The Dracs looked over, lowering their guns. None of us made a move on them yet; we had to see what was going on before we tried to take them down.

 

I looked over at Poison. His confused face soon turned into a smile.

 

“It’s Ghoul!” He cheered. Then the color drained from his face. “Oh God, it’s Ghoul. He better not do anything stupid.”

 

The Dracs that were holding us captive now had their guns drawn towards the truck, ready to fire. Without a second thought, I lunged towards one of them, knocking the ray gun out of his hands. He struck back with a punch to my face, knocking me off him. Next to me, I noticed Jet Star taking down the second one.