by Angela White
“I won’t see her?”
Doug delivered the rest of the truth without any malice. “It all depends on what choice you make right now. She doesn’t need you to rouse these people against Seth or Adrian. That won’t help her and she’s smart enough to know it. She needs you to be her mother.”
Chapter Sixteen
Rookie Rule: Six D
June 19th
10 miles south of Muskogee, Oklahoma
1
“Convoy halt. Emergency plan A.”
There was pause of fear and then the entire camp began yanking on steering wheels and searching the apocalyptic landscape through dusty windows. The heavy winds that Sam had warned them of were gone, leaving fresh debris to be cleared or avoided. It also added huge trees that hadn’t been able to withstand another storm, which made driving tense as limbs cracked and popped above them.
Adrian waited, thinking Kyle would be staring at Jennifer right now. The hum of raw power had to be filling his truck.
One minute, moving slow.
Adrian waved the scheduled guards forward as his camp fled for the mess that was going up in record time. The canopy over it was now lined in lead, and three full teams struggled to erect it as camp members ran into them and each other, shoving.
I don’t feel a direct threat, but...
“But it’s dark when you look.”
How do you know that? Jennifer asked, shocked.
Adrian got out of the semi without answering, heading for Marc’s Blazer.
Marc was on guard outside it, Charlie and Dog nearby with Jennifer as Kyle patrolled the stopped refugee camp with his team and a group of female rookies.
Adrian waited impatiently, ready to reveal all sorts of secrets to save lives this time. He was tired of letting people die because the herd couldn’t handle the things they could do. He wasn’t sure how much more of that he could take.
Thirty seconds.
“Which direction?”
Ahead.
Adrian waved two teams to their flank and sent three to the front.
Angela got out of the Blazer with the witch’s red eyes in plain view for anyone to see. “Be careful of these...”
Marc started to step in front of her, but Adrian was already there. He grabbed her arm, meaning to turn her back to the vehicle.
Lightning flashed overhead, thick and hungry.
Angela moaned at the feel of Adrian’s hands on her skin. Yes!
His instant wave of need in response washed over her as if they were alone and allowed.
Adrian jerked backward, but too late. The witch lunged forward, drawing what he’d been denying even in their dreams.
Marc blocked the view from the overloaded mess, simmering. He knew she occasionally took energy from other men, but to see it! He instinctively knew that Angie didn’t crave him that way.
May I? the inner Marine begged.
Marc growled. “No.”
The sound of it snapped Angela and Adrian out of the intense power-lock and they stared in horror. There was no one to blame, no scene to cover up and no crime committed, but the line had been crossed.
They’re here!
Adrian turned from Marc’s fury, now more determined than ever to stay back. When she and Marc failed, it had to be because of them.
Marc didn’t care about the approaching threat or the asshole that had just walked away. What he cared about were the dangerous realizations he saw in Angela’s eyes. She had all of the truth now–Adrian wanted her in his bed–and her reaction, that moan! said she felt the same on some level.
Angela scowled cruelly, full of shame and anger at the unfairness of paying for not having done anything wrong. “I’ve always known, but you just couldn’t leave it alone.”
She grimaced, confirming Marc’s suspicions. “And neither could he.”
Angela left him there, moving toward the front of the convoy to join Kyle.
Now, may I?
Marc moved to Angela’s flank, not bothering to stand between her and Adrian as they waited for the slowly approaching vehicles. He’d already thought of trying to keep them apart. That was a waste of time, and Marc still hadn’t found a better solution than the one he was already employing.
“Because there isn’t a solution to be found,” Adrian forced the words out. “Feed her more and shit like that won’t happen.”
Marc wanted to snarl, but the man inside asked when she’d drawn from him last.
“It’s no excuse,” Angela protested. “I’m sorry for the disrespect I’ve shown you.”
Marc’s inner man almost came forward anyway when Adrian didn’t tell her the truth, that his need was pulling, not hers.
“Not true.” Adrian moved forward as the five vehicles got closer. “She’ll always have to draw from someone else. Her needs are more than you can satisfy.”
Any hope Angela had for peace between them vanished with that one statement. Now that Marc knew, he would always suspect, always search her with those concerned blue eyes. His jealousy wouldn’t give him any peace and Adrian knew it. He’d made certain Marc would hurt, too.
Not like what Adrian is suffering, the witch reminded her. How does he continue to function while being eaten up that way?
Angela shoved the demon back in fury. You caused this with your dream-walking, promising him what he can’t have!
The witch cackled ruthlessly. And who says he can’t, my pet? Keep the shields of the past up if you must, but there is no denying what we saw–what you felt.
Angela’s frustration boiled. There had to be some way to change that future. She didn’t want to be Adrian’s. She wanted Brady!
Marc turned suddenly, waving Neil over to take his place. Angela and Adrian weren’t acting as if the approaching cars were a threat and at the moment, Marc didn’t think he could stand to see even a single look pass between them. It wasn’t just Angela’s fragile emotions that Marc worried over. This time, his competition wasn’t a sullen, powerless wife-beater or a group of rookies who didn’t know what they were doing. It was Adrian, and that extremely manipulative man was none of those things. He was dangerous.
Angela motioned Jennifer toward Adrian. Keep helping him.
It was the first silent order she’d given to any of the females, and Jennifer gaped for a few seconds before reluctantly moving that way. Dog and Charlie were her escorts.
Angela followed Marc’s stiffly marching steps. When he got in his Blazer and immediately began to dig in his kit, her footsteps quickened. His rifle was in there.
Marc had considered it, but only briefly. Not only would it make her hate him, it wouldn’t change what had happened. He would have to find a way to live with it.
Not just you, Angela sent, hesitating by his door.
Marc grunted, hitting the window button. “Need a few minutes.”
Angela got into the passenger seat instead, and Marc growled, not lighting the smoke he’d taken from his kit.
“This isn’t like last time, Angie, where a quickie in the training tent will fix me.”
Angela recoiled in surprise.
“Damn.” Marc leaned his head back against the seat. “I’m sorry for saying that.”
Angela tried to meet him halfway. “I’m sorry, too. I’ve tried very hard to control the hunger. That’s the first...”
Angela paused, unable to finish. It had gotten away from her once before, back in South Dakota. “Second time.”
Marc’s face tightened as he understood, but Adrian’s words were currently rendering him incapable of thinking about anything else.
“Is it true?”
Angela wasn’t in any shape to lie to him. “Yes.”
Marc’s grip on the wheel tightened. “But, with him?”
Angela forced the words out. If she didn’t tell him, Adrian would. “His energy is like mine, it refills the power.”
Marc’s pain was on his face as he looked at her. “I’ll step aside.”
Angela forgot about th
e edge he was dangling over. She grabbed his jacket and dragged him toward her. “No, you won’t!”
Angela stopped them inches apart. “I’ve wanted you since we were kids, Marc. That hasn’t changed!”
May I?!
Marc nodded and stepped back. The usual consideration she got from him would be absent with the Marine.
Angela moaned softly when he kissed her, but quickly felt the difference. Marc’s hands were rough, pulling her closer with no care for her fear. His free hand went behind her neck, and he pulled her onto his lap before she could protest. His hands went to her head, bringing her to him for an intense kiss.
Angela was swept away. This was the old Brady, but all grown up. He didn’t hold back or worry over mental issues. He was wild and hers!
Angela kissed him back, and Marc began to understand that all the holding back he was doing had backfired.
Marc pushed her sweet lips away, eyes blazing. “I need you!”
Angela nodded shakily. “Whenever you want.”
Marc hissed. He’d been waiting for her to be ready, but it was clear that he shouldn’t have. She needed to be bonded with him on every level.
Marc was watching her emotions flash across her flushed face. He wasn’t hot and bothered like he had been in the training tent–this was a different type of heat–but if she kept looking at him that way, she might get a reminder of why vehicles had back seats.
Angela leaned forward, smiling a bit at the thought. “I’d prefer a bed.”
Marc grinned, eager to get her into one. “What the lady wants, she gets.”
Marc saw the first trace of apprehension enter her eyes.
“Soon?”
Marc sighed. He’d figured on three more weeks of barely satisfying necking, but that was no longer necessary. Except, it was. He wouldn’t change his plans because of what had happened. That would be letting Adrian come between them and the man inside refused to allow that.
“Will you kiss–”
Marc lunged forward to claim her mouth.
3
After a few minutes of talking, the five vehicles continued on their way, and the camp watched them in uneasy surprise. They weren’t joining? Didn’t they understand they’d just found safety?
Adrian climbed into his semi and lit a smoke. His hand shook as he keyed the mike. “They’re passing through. Let’s get things loaded up and passenger lists checked.”
The small caravan was seven cars and trucks, each with a glittery name on the windows or doors. There was a tool truck, a heavily barred mail truck announcing currency exchanges, a clothing jeep covered in poles and plastic, and even a book wagon. Each store was lined in shelves and baskets that were woefully lacking in what they claimed to have.
The vendors were all female, as were the passengers, and it gave Adrian concern, even as he understood the need for it. The females running that show, Carol and Marsha, weren’t about to give up their independence and join Safe Haven, where they had to live side-by-side with those who’d destroyed the world. Adrian was sure these wouldn’t be the only all-female group they met in these new apocalyptic times.
Adrian didn’t watch the group leave, confident his Eagles would be. Right now, he needed a few minutes to get back in control.
Adrian’s eyes went to the mirror. He would have to fix this when they made camp, and he had a good idea of what would help, but it was hard. Her reaction!
Adrian drew in a thick lungful of smoke and blew it back out in a furious stream. Tracy had better be available. The heat would have to be released this time.
Adrian watched Angela kiss Marc, saw Marc’s hands tighten on her shoulders.
Fuck!
Adrian started his rig and then ground the cigarette out on the back of his hand in a frustrated attempt at distraction.
His teary eyes went to the mirror. Her head was on Marc’s chest, a small smile on those cherry lips.
Adrian grimaced in misery. Seeing them together hurt more than any burn. It was the worst pain he’d ever felt.
4
Marc was aware of Angela’s lingering tension as they climbed from their vehicle. Instead of words, they chose to watch Kyle get the camp set up.
Things had changed for Kyle here, no longer as admired or respected, but there was little anyone could say about his actions now. He was polite to Jennifer, treating her like a ward, and everyone was getting used to them being together. The camp and Eagles weren’t taking it easy on him, but he did have a bit of backup. If he hadn’t, Angela was sure Adrian would have helped the couple. Ten minutes around with them said the same thing Seth and Becky had already given up trying to explain to offended people. Right or wrong, they were going to have their way. The easiest thing to do was let it run its course and protect the females if they ever needed it.
Angela doubted it would become a problem. Both of those males were smitten, unable to think straight at the slightest brush of their mate’s hand, and the females were wearing grins and secure cloaks of contentment. Those pairs were here to stay, and Safe Haven would have to get used to it. It appeared that some members were trying. There hadn’t been a request for a moral vote yet in either case. As long as Peggy didn’t protest and Kyle waited until Jennifer was older to touch her, they all might end up very happy. It was a perfect setup, guided into place by fate and their perfect leader.
“I’m nobody’s perfect anything.”
Angela winced. Hadn’t she shut that door, not wanting Adrian to sense that she and Marc were about to…get closer?
“Too late for that.” Adrian, on his way to the parking area to supervise, pointed toward the small farmhouse. “Enjoy your clean bill of health in a real bed.”
Flushing, Angela went to unload her things and get set for tonight’s meeting. She didn’t like the camp thinking she was getting special treatment, but Marc wasn’t above taking advantage of Adrian’s need to keep her safe.
And you, as well, the witch reminded. You’ve more than enjoyed being alone with him.
She was cleared for full duty now. Angela didn’t plan to mention it. She was sure that Adrian hadn’t gotten Marc’s okay, only John’s.
Angela let go of her annoyance, waiting to enter the house until Daryl said it was clear. She marched by the recon team with red cheeks at the knowing looks and comments being exchanged, but she didn’t insist on a tent. She wanted any private time with Marc that she could get, that hadn’t changed since their first meeting all those years ago. In a few days, she would have to give up their late nights in place of her duty, though. She was going into Little Rock. Marc wasn’t.
Kyle caught up with Angela before she made it inside the house. “Do they die? Is that why you’re looking her over for your team?”
He’d tried hard to resist asking the question, but failed.
Angela stopped, wanting to tell the truth, but also to keep hiding it. What was the right thing?
“Please,” Kyle begged. “I have to help her.”
The witch wouldn’t look for Kyle, but it was a question that Adrian had already asked. “What would you give to prevent it?”
Kyle was crushed. That meant they died. He’d expected to be upset, but this pain! He wanted Jenny’s babies. “What do I have to do?”
Angela pushed the witch back, preferring to handle this one herself. “Adrian already made that deal for you. If it can be done, he’ll see to it.”
Kyle’s face relaxed as much as he was capable of. “Thank you.”
“I see darkness when I look, Eagle.” Angela delivered the short warning as she headed inside the house to drop her gear and get cleaned up before the tryout. “Brace for it.”
5
“It’s good that everyone brought their guns. My Eagles don’t go anywhere without one.”
Angela swept the slightly crowded tent, almost shocked by how many women had shown up to try for her team. She’d been optimistic when she directed Sam and Cynthia to set up one of the common tents that would hold forty,
but it had been a good choice. She had nearly that many waiting patiently for her to begin, eager to fight for her right hand. The honor, the sense of power was enough to make her laugh aloud. But she didn’t.
“We’re going to talk, and I’ll take notes. If I need you to do something that the others have already done, they’ll instruct you, so holster those competitive attitudes. I want women who will work together, no matter who directs them. If you already know you can’t do that, bow out now.”
Samantha forced herself to her feet. “I should go, then. So should Cyn. We’ll kill each other for that slot.”
Angela motioned them both forward. “One minute. Tell me why you should get it.”
The females had only been prepared for battle, and neither of them spoke.
Angela didn’t mock them but made her dissatisfaction clear. “Both of you deserve the place, but neither of you can give me what I need from it. You’re too full of yourselves, still, to fit the role.”
Before they could protest, Angela held up a hand. “It’s not a bad thing, ladies. Every soul in this camp is going through hard adjustments, learning to adapt to the challenges that are thrown our way. You two are no different.”
“Does that mean we’re excluded?”
“Only from XO. You’ll both have a place on my team, if you can handle the pecking order when I post it.”
They left cloaked in a feeling of disappointment and failure that they weren’t sure what to do with.
As they exited the well-guarded area, Samantha and Cynthia stayed together. Doing rounds had become a routine to them both, as well as taking the late shift.
“Do you think it was the drama with our personal lives or the fact that we don’t get along?”
Sam shrugged, stinging. “Both, I’d guess. Probably more, too.”
“But, you’re like them. I don’t understand why she passed you by.”
Sam let the truth out, no longer wary of the reporter. “A lot of people like them are here now. Adrian’s been gathering our kind.”
