The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 573

Chapter 573

Ryker’s hand froze midair.

He stared at Trina like he didn’t recognize her.

She kept backing up until there were nearly ten feet between them, finger pointed at him like he was already infected.

The girl he had loved for years was looking at him with pure disgust.

“Don’t touch me!” she shrieked.

“Ryker, are you okay?” Marvin rushed over.

“Mr. Ortega, he got scratched! Be careful!” Trina shouted. “He’s dangerous! Restrain him first!”

Something inside Ryker went cold. His expression emptied.

Griffin’s words from earlier flashed through his mind.

He called him a loyal dog. He said Trina wouldn’t appreciate him, that she would just think he was stupid.

Now, Ryker understood.

He felt ridiculous.

“Ryker, it’s okay,” Marvin said steadily. “I’m not going to hurt you. Let me check.”

They were all layered up in thick jackets and sweaters. It was impossible to tell whether the claws had broken skin with just glance.

“You’re wearing a lot. You’re probably fine,” Marvin added calmly.

Ryker pulled away. “I’m not scratched.”

He began pulling off his clothes, one piece at a time.

His eyes stayed locked on Trina in front of him. He stripped down to his bare upper body, revealing his smooth back.

Sure enough, there wasn’t a single scratch.

Only then did everyone finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Thank God.”

“That scared me. I’m glad you’re fine.”

“Put your clothes back on before you freeze.”

Ryker dressed slowly, eyes locked on Tvina the whole time Only after he was fully covered again did she shift her tone

“I was just nervous,” she said lightly “Don’t take it personally”

He gave a short laugh Then, he walked away and sat alone in the cornet

“Ryker! What’s that supposed to mean?” Trina snapped “Everyone was checking for injuries! If you were scratched, I had to say something! What if you infected us?”

“Trina, just stop,” Sydney said quietly “He jumped in front of you”

“Oh, please! Don’t start,” Trina shot back “If you hadn’t caused trouble earlier. Ewouldn’t have been in danger in the first place He wouldn’t have had to save me You’re the reason for all this

Sydney almost choked.

+15 Ba

Around the room, people avoided eye contact and drifted a little farther away from Trina. Noticing this, she grew angrier.

She kicked a desk hard.

“Whatever!”

Everyone here was useless, especially Ryker, who didn’t know his place! She was determined to see how long he would last

without her attention.

Hayley watched the whole thing without comment.

In the corner, one of the quieter girls raised her hand timidly. “Mr. Ortega… I need to use the bathroom.”

Marvin nodded. “Just use the corner. We’ll block it off.”

“But it’s number two,” the girl whispered.

“You still have to do it in the corner.”

“I need to go, too,” Trina announced. “I’m not doing it in here. The restroom is right next door. I’m going there.”

“There are zombies outside,” Marvin reminded her.

“Then you all can come with me,” she said, like it was obvious.

The room fell silent.

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