“Of course not. But it’s your own fault you lost your place at the university and ended up here. You should have kept your mouth shut and kept your head down. Done dragon research on the side.”
“Like you, you mean,” said Heath. “You keep so far below the radar because you’re scared of the State doing something to you. Messing with your easy life. Your deluded life.”
“My life isn’t a delusion. And State rules are harsh, but they keep order.” Annie felt her cheeks flush. Her life might not be an adventure ride like Heath’s, but she liked it. It was interesting and ordered. Heath’s behavior and beliefs were illogical and got people killed.
“Remember what it was like before they arrived.” Heath grabbed hold of Annie’s shoulders. “You must have memories of the time before the State.”
Annie tried to shrug off Heath’s hands, but his grip remained tight. “I remember the monarchy. I remember how easy it was for the State to get rid of them. Everyone supported it.”
“No, they didn’t,” said Heath. “And no one deposes a monarchy overnight and sets up a whole new infrastructure in less than a day. It’s impossible.”
“That’s not what happened.” Annie twisted out of Heath’s grip and strode through the first door she saw on her right. Several people were sitting in what looked like a canteen, with a large serving area and long tables set out, with chairs around them.
Heath sighed. “That’s what I remember happening. The monarchy had been ruling for generations. They weren’t great at it, but people did okay. And the dragons kept everything stable. It’s how things used to be.”
“You’re wrong,” said Annie, ignoring the curious stares of the other people.
“One of us is.” Heath headed to the counter and took two mugs of tea before gesturing at Annie to sit.
Despite being tempted to abandon their argument, Annie sat and accepted the hot drink. Heath must see sense in this madness. “I understand how frustrating this must be. I’ve had this same conversation with my dad. He told me the State arrived unannounced one day, killed the monarchy and took their place, rewriting society’s rules in an instant. But that’s not possible.”
“It is if they’ve done something to us all.” Heath tapped the side of his head. “Why are some people’s memories different?”
Annie took a sip of tea. “Because you’re crazy?”
Heath shook his head but then smiled. “I’m saner than most people.”
Curiosity burned through Annie. “Do your brothers have the same beliefs?”
“Jude did from the start,” said Heath. “The others needed a little convincing. Arlo was the worst. He’s our resident bomb genius. Took him weeks to get back to us. Now, he’s always looking for an excuse to blow up the State for what they did.”
Annie’s gaze shot around the room. “You should be careful what you say.”
“There are no spies here,” said Heath. “Everyone can talk freely.”
“What about people in the other bunkers?” asked Annie. “What do they remember?”
“The same as me,” said Heath. “That’s why they’re here. They were at risk of being taken by the State, so they needed a safe place to go. We’ve got a mix of people, including former Army and Air Corps. My brothers served in various regiments of the armed forces, so they come with their own skills. But we’ve also got a cook, and a vet who doubles as our medic. We’re well-provided-for; and everyone here is determined to prove the State wrong and open everyone else’s eyes.”
“Including mine,” said Annie, as she gently shook her head. “You’re going to prove I’m the one who’s got the problem.”
“It’s not a problem if you didn’t cause it,” said Heath. “This is the fault of the State.”
Annie sighed. “All I want is my dad back safe. I don’t care what the State does to us.”
“You’d care if you were one of us,” said Heath. “If you had to abandon your old life and create a life underground out of nothing, not knowing who to trust and who will hunt you down for what you stand for.”
Annie narrowed her eyes. “You’re planning on treating me like an outsider while I’m here? Not trust me with any information, in case I pass it back to the State?”
“It’s a risk I’ve considered,” said Heath. “You’re loyal to them. And you do technically work for them. They pay your wages and gave you that nice apartment.”
Annie’s brow furrowed. “How do you know where I live?”
Heath sat back in his seat and ran a hand through his hair. “I did a background check before you came here. Needed to be sure you weren’t working as a double agent.”
“Thanks for the trust.”
“You have to be careful down here,” said Heath. “Try not to take it personally.”
“I am taking it personally.” Annie slammed her cup down and stood. “It’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t waste my breath going to the State and telling them what you’re doing here. The dragon myths are just that. And you’re a bigger fool than I thought, if you believe them.”
Chapter 5
Heath’s sleep had been scant and light. He was up early and had just finished his fourth cup of strong coffee. His argument with Annie kept playing over and over in his head. She was stubborn and needed to be more open-minded, if they were to work together. If she kept resisting him, this wouldn’t end well. And he wanted things to end well between them. Something in him vibrated when he was around her, like she stirred to life a feeling he’d forgotten about. It was a longing similar to his passion for dragons, but this was different; more primal and sparked a desire in him he had to extinguish before it got out of hand.
Heath shook his head. He wouldn’t let Annie down and go back on his word to help her find Dmitri, no matter how angry she’d made him.
Annie’s parting words grated, though. The dragons weren’t myths. And he would prove that to her. Once she opened her eyes to what they were doing, it would change everything.
“Transport’s ready.” Lincoln walked into the canteen, dressed in faded fatigues, a weapons belt strapped around his waist. “Where’s your hot friend?”
“Shut it,” said Heath.
“The two of you already fighting?” Lincoln grinned, as he grabbed a plate of food and sat opposite Heath.
“She’s not into the whole dragon thing,” muttered Heath. “It’s making this difficult.”
“Most of us found it weird at first,” said Lincoln. “Well, I did, until you helped me remember.” He rubbed a faded scar on the side of his head.
“Oh, I get it, you stay here so you can get your hands on the free booze and easy women.”
“Not fair,” said Lincoln. “Sometimes I pay for my booze.”
“And the women? I must be getting you mixed up with someone else. You weren’t the one to sleep with the General’s daughter and get kicked out of your regiment?”
“That happened once,” said Lincoln. “And I did apologize.”
“While dodging plasma blasts the General shot at you as you ran buck-naked out the door.”
“I’m glad he had such lousy aim,” said Lincoln. “Can’t believe he made General.”
Heath smiled at his brother. “Expect he bribed his way to the top.”
“Most likely.” Lincoln swallowed his mouthful of food. “You know I’m here because I believe in you. Everything else is a bonus.”
Heath nodded. The six of them were close. He’d taken a gamble getting them to join him, but couldn’t face the possibility of someday coming face-to-face with one of his brothers as his enemy. “Are the others ready?”
“Willing and able,” said Lincoln. “Jude will stay on comms. Arlo’s our backup. Kade had an urgent computer program to pull apart, so he’s staying here, instead.”
“We only need a small team. Keep it low-key. And where’s Arlo been hiding?” asked Heath. “I’ve hardly seen him since I got back.”
“He’s trying out a new, retro-fitted bomb casing. It’s got him all ho
t and bothered.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t heard the explosions.”
“They’re coming, trust me.” Lincoln grinned, downed his mug of coffee, and pushed his empty plate away. “The crew will be by the roadster when you’re ready.”
“Five minutes.” Heath stood and was just about to leave the room when Annie entered.
She didn’t see him at first, which gave Heath an opportunity to admire the way her fitted black jumpsuit clung to her curves. She was petite, but everything was perfect, from her nipped-in waist to the swell of her breasts.
He blinked, as what he was seeing finally reached his brain. What was Annie doing in a jumpsuit? He dumped his mug on the table and strode over to her.
ANNIE FELT HEATH’S presence before spotting him. It was as if he emitted a heat that alerted her he was nearby and made her insides warm. When she caught sight of the angry glare in his green eyes, she gave a soft sigh. This encounter wasn’t going to be good.
“How did you sleep?” Heath’s gaze ran over the jumpsuit she’d borrowed.
“Fine.” Annie had barely slept. She’d been going over their frustrating argument and admonishing herself for walking out on the fight. Heath always knew how to press her buttons. She’d forgotten that about him. With the added pressure of her father missing, she wasn’t handling stress well. And just seeing Heath so close and so angry made her heart race.
“I see you’ve changed.”
“Because I’m coming with you.” Annie tilted her chin, expecting an argument. Heath had recently showered. His hair was damp. He was close enough that she could smell the hint of lime and cloves on his skin. She resisted taking a deep breath. Despite the anger radiating off him, the alluring scent made her want to step closer. “My clothes weren’t suitable.”
“No way,” said Heath. “We don’t take civilians on missions.”
“I’m not a civilian. And it’s my dad you’re searching for. I can’t wait here.”
“That’s exactly what you’ll do,” said Heath, his hands clenching. “You don’t have the right expertise for this.”
“I’ve gone on enough field expeditions to know not to trip over my own feet or get in your way,” said Annie.
“This isn’t a fun road trip to go look at a pile of bones,” said Heath. “There’s the very real possibility we’ll get killed in the Badlands. You’re not coming.”
“He’s my father,” said Annie, refusing to back down.
“Makes no difference.”
“I can tell you the places he likes to stay,” said Annie. “And I remember him showing me a map of the sites he wanted to visit.”
“Why didn’t you share this information last night?” asked Heath. “We could have investigated the locations remotely, before heading out.”
“Because I knew you’d try to keep me here if I had nothing useful to offer,” said Annie. “And I will not be left behind.”
Heath whistled air through his teeth. “You’ll get yourself killed.”
“I won’t if you’re looking out for me.” Annie took hold of Heath’s hand and felt him stiffen.
“I can’t guarantee that. The State figure out you’re with us and you’re dead. We can give you a new comms, hide your face from drones and cameras, but it might not be enough.”
“Please. I have to make sure he’s safe. I’m coming with you. I’m prepared to take that risk.”
Heath scrubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “Give the site information to Jude before we leave. It could be extremely useful.”
Annie nodded. She could see Heath wavering and tightened her hold on his hand. “I’ll do everything you tell me to.”
“You’ll obey my every order?” Heath stepped closer.
Annie’s breath hitched in her chest. This man was so hot, and he had no idea. “Every one. Whatever you want me to do.”
Heath leaned closer until his breath tickled her ear. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
“I won’t let you down.” Her words came out husky.
“Don’t leave my side,” said Heath, as he stepped back. “We can’t waste any time when we’re in the Badlands.”
“Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.” Annie let out a breath. “I can help.”
Heath kept hold of her hand and she felt her skin grow warmer. “Keep out of harm’s way. That’s all I need you to do.”
“I can do that. But make use of my skills. I know how to use tracking software. I’m not going to just sit there and watch while you do the hard work.”
Heath shook his head, a wry smile on his face. “Dammit. I’d forgotten how stubborn you are.”
Annie smiled up at Heath. “We have that trait in common. It’s why we get along.”
Heath’s shoulders eased down. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“Grab yourself something now.” Heath dropped his hold on Annie’s hand. “We leave in five minutes. I didn’t have time to pack a picnic.”
“What about you?”
“I’m fine.”
“If you faint on me, I won’t be happy.”
Heath’s eyes narrowed. “I never faint.”
Annie grinned at him, not resisting the urge to tease. “I know what you’re like. You’ll have double-checked everything already and made sure your team is good, but you’ll have forgotten about yourself. You’ve got time for breakfast with me.”
“We’ll get something to go.” Heath strode to the counter and grabbed two foil-wrapped packages. He handed one to Annie as they left the canteen and headed toward the surface.
Her stomach clenched with nerves and excitement as she followed Heath. She’d gone on several expeditions with him when they’d worked at Helstone and knew he was thorough and professional. But this was different. They couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong.
“Lincoln and Arlo are coming with us,” said Heath. “Lincoln’s time in the Signal Regiment means he’s good to have around when you need to locate someone.”
“And Arlo?”
“He’s good when you need something blown up.”
The nerves Annie felt ratcheted up. “How do we get into the Badlands?”
“We need to go aboveground,” said Heath. “We’ll take the Cobra. It’s one of our modified vehicles. Solid, reliable, and easy to hide.”
They climbed a ramp. Heath punched numbers into an access key pad before the double doors slid open.
Annie couldn’t help but be impressed by the number of military vehicles in front of her. All looked like they’d seen service, with numerous scuffs and scars on the metalwork.
“This way.” Heath led Annie to a dark-green, armored truck with a gun mounted on the top. The front end was pointed, suggesting it could act as a battering ram. Lincoln and Arlo stood next to the vehicle, dressed in faded fatigues covered by protective vests. Both had belts full of weapons. Arlo had a bag slung over one shoulder.
Arlo’s grin was expansive when he saw her, but Annie thought she saw a dangerous gleam in his eyes. He was shorter than Heath, and solid-looking, with muscular arms and cropped hair. He had a scar on his face and a nose that had seen too many fists.
“Isn’t it risky traveling to the Badlands in a vehicle like this?” asked Annie. “Travel’s monitored. We’ll be picked up straightaway.”
Lincoln tapped the side of the vehicle. “This is adapted with a hydrogen fuel cell, so it won’t give out unusual heat signatures. And it comes with its own camouflage.”
Annie’s gaze ran over the side of the vehicle. It was covered in small, honeycomb-shaped pieces of metal. “Invis-Tech?” She’d seen this before. The metal on the truck could cool or heat quickly, mimicking its surroundings, or copying objects around it and projecting images onto the panels. It was just like a metal chameleon.
“The girl knows her technology.” Arlo grinned. “Let’s just say we borrowed some of the early designs from a military contact. With a few tweaks, this works on our vehicles. The State won’t hav
e a clue we’re on the roads.”
“They won’t if they’re not looking for us,” said Heath. “But if they’re aware we’ve got this, they’ll be able to detect movement, even if they can’t see us. So this mission needs to stay low-key.” His gaze swept around the group. “Everybody knows what they need to do.”
“Grab the old guy and get out quickly,” said Arlo.
“That old guy’s my father,” said Annie sharply.
Arlo nodded, his expression growing serious. “We’ll do our best for him. We’ll find your old man and get him back to safety.”
Annie nodded, surprised by the lump in her throat. “That’s all I want.”
“Let’s move,” said Heath.
Chapter 6
They’d been cruising through the pre-dawn dark, quiet streets for two hours, leaving behind Old London and sticking to the smaller roads to avoid meeting other vehicles or State patrols. Few people could afford their own cars. And those who could never ventured out after curfew, so the roads were whisper-quiet.
Lincoln drove and Arlo sat next to him, monitoring radio chatter and checking movements of State vehicles. He flipped occasionally to Flame Radio, bobbing his head to the rock music that blasted out. Heath and Annie were in the back, wedged between equipment stacked on the benches.
“Cut the music,” said Heath to Arlo.
“Octavia might have something of interest,” said Arlo.
“You only listen because you get off on her voice,” said Lincoln.
“What man wouldn’t? I’m willing to bet the women love her, too.”
“Change the station,” grunted Heath.
Arlo sighed before flipping back to the State radio chatter.
“I miss the old tunes,” said Annie. “Live music can’t be beaten.”
“Haven’t seen a live gig in years.” Heath’s leg kept knocking against Annie’s every time Lincoln hit a bump. He loved the fact she didn’t shift away when they touched. If anything, she moved closer. He’d be able to reach around her and squeeze her to his chest with ease. But right now, this was all business.
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