Chapter 48: Safe for the moment.
AFTER A SHORT while, Nigel slipped his tentacle out of Pete’s death grip, the sensation of Pete’s fear still lingering. He grabbed one of his knives and eyed the bloke.
“Don’t disturb the tent.” Nigel got the blade free of his belt, the sharp blade glinting faintly in the gloom. “On your belly, Pete.”
Pete did as Nigel commanded, flattening himself, but the alien still glanced frantically at the tent. The royal shook as if waiting for his demise at any moment, every muscle coiled.
“I reckon you’ll be all right, cobber.” Nigel moved until he sat next to Pete’s thigh. He used the tip of his knife to pop the first needle out of the chap’s rounded arse. Impressive. The royal didn’t make a sound, only a faint intake of breath. “Of course, if you’re scared, you can always go home. Go home, Pete.”
Nigel got the second one out, with only Pete wincing, a tight grimace.