The Life After War Collection

by Angela White

“You owe a debt to me.”

  “Yes,” Kenn agreed slowly. He’d known it would come to this if Marc survived. “But I still stand by my choice.”

  “Yeah, you would,” Marc sneered. “To pay off the debt you now owe, you’ll take care of someone and personally make sure that she’s put into place.” Marc shoved into Kenn’s mind and found the shocked Marine on his knees there, too.

  As it should be, Marc sent.

  Kenn lowered his head further in submission.

  Marc withdrew. “She’s in the QZ. You’ll know what I want as soon as you see her.”

  Kenn went that way without looking back. He suddenly found himself wishing for the pranks to start up again. Marc’s payback might make them seem fun.

  5

  Marc’s homecoming spread through camp and drew hundreds of people to where he was standing by the center fire. One arm around Angela’s waist, the other over Charlie’s shoulders, he appeared like a man who was happy to be home. He also looked more like their other leaders than any of the camp or Eagles had noticed before. Maybe it was the new strengths in his tones or the power lurking in his stance that had nothing to do with his Colts for a change. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what had changed, but they were all aware that something had.

  The mystery was solved for most of the Eagles as soon as Marc began talking to the chain of command and delivering his own type of updates.

  Marc glanced at Neil and Samantha, then Jeremy who stood behind and to the right. “Boys.”

  Samantha flushed.

  Marc gave her a wink and then gazed at Crista. “Not sure. Ask me in a week.”

  Crista gave a curt nod, not at all happy to have Jeff find out this way.

  Marc delivered a hard tone in response. “It’s time we flooded ourselves with hope. Would you deny them that?”

  Scolded, Crista shook her head. “No. I’m sorry.”

  Marc moved away from Angela and Charlie. They were both reading his thoughts as he had them, one surprised, the other grateful.

  “Girl, maybe two. Hard to tell with the way your heart’s thumping so hard.”

  Candy’s face was even more shocked than the people around her.

  Marc raised a brow at Angela and she gave her approval silently. They’re as much yours as mine now. As you would.

  Marc glowed for her, sending heat into her heart. She moaned at the sensation. Thank you for giving him back to me!

  Marc glanced around. “Would all of the pregnant woman please report to the mess?”

  At the last camp meeting, they’d had six. Jennifer had given birth, and one of the others had also lost her child to a premature delivery. The camp expected the numbers to be worse now, sure Marc was about to tell them they needed to lower the age limit again.

  Tonya was the first one to react.

  Samantha and Crista followed.

  Jeff continued to gape, as Neil and Jeremy exchanged suddenly challenging looks. When Becky went toward the mess, Seth’s heart dropped. It’s too soon!

  Angela gave Marc a soft glance of happiness and took her place.

  The camp liked that. It sent a swirl of crimson-killing green and blue through their shield.

  Candy’s pregnancy was known by a few and didn’t cause much stir when she went. Cynthia joining them did.

  Kevin instantly guessed who the father was and glowered hatefully.

  Cynthia read it, but the response she sent was a shock. Fuck you.

  Marc viewed Jennifer. “You belong there.”

  Gathering her courage, Jennifer came to his side. “Does she?”

  Marc didn’t need his demon to scan the infant. “As much as her mother.”

  Jennifer grinned happily and went to the join the others.

  Tracy was the only member of Angela’s team that didn’t go to the mess. She flushed under the expectant stares. “I’m not.”

  Eyes went to Charlie and the teenager chuckled regretfully. “Sorry, but you guys were cramping my style a lot. There wasn’t time for me to knock her up. Wait for it, will ya?”

  Laughter exploded across the area.

  Marc began searching the crowd. “There are a few more.”

  Other parts of Safe Haven’s population began joining Angela’s team, people that didn’t usually draw much notice otherwise. Four more females went to the mess.

  Marc waved at the small group. “We’ve already begun to heal. Now, we’ll get a chance at recovery.”

  Marc walked toward the twelve females, voice ringing with a leader’s command. “This is our future, what we’ll be fighting for. They belong to us. They cannot be taken or our country ceases to exist. Remember how they look right now.”

  Marc lifted his hand and a thick bolt of blue light shot into the air above the mess. It faded into a small shield that came down and settled over the females. Each one of them closed their eyes as his energy sank in. It was eerie, the way they arched in tandem, some of them groaning. Marc drove in the point by using the other hand to hit Angela directly with his light.

  Angela felt the heat all over her, but it concentrated mostly on her stomach. Starving for him, she drank greedily.

  The camp watched her hair become solid black again, her lines and weary face tightening in the smooth beauty that she’d come to them with. Health glowed from her like a flame as Marc slowly let go of both connections.

  Every one of the women flinched or groaned in protest, including his soulmate.

  Kendle watched from a distance, escorted by Quinn. Her face was emotionless.

  “They need your energy. Laughter is the best way to give it to them,” Marc explained. “Tell a joke and offer them a snack. Help them provide the next generation.”

  Adrian used the moment to take two of the expectant fathers aside. His words to Seth were short.

  “You saw how to keep her healthy.”

  Seth’s face was hard. He would shove her full.

  “Good. Go do a round. We’re vulnerable right now with so many of us in one place.”

  Adrian turned to Kevin. “FND.”

  Kevin was furious. “I won’t do it!”

  Adrian grew angry. “You weren’t even in the picture and she just found out. Shut up and listen.”

  Kevin glared, and Adrian shoved into his mind. This is the only chance you’ll get to have a child.

  The reminder was a harsh blow and Kevin didn’t know how to react. When John had confirmed it, he’d been glad. Cynthia hadn’t wanted kids. He had, a little, but it had been okay because he got to concentrate on his place in camp.

  “She’ll be alone for about two minutes,” Adrian warned. “You’re not the only one who picked up too much radiation since the war.”

  Adrian left him with that thought. The couple would work the rest of it out on their own and he would only interfere if he had to. It wasn’t the first time he’d gifted someone this way, but it would probably be the easiest. Never being around those children, not knowing if they’d lived, had hurt him over and over.

  Adrian spotted Neil and Jeremy exchanging nasty glares, but before he could do anything, Marc handled it.

  “Samantha?”

  Neil and Jeremy turned that way as soon as Marc said her name, hoping to learn who the father was.

  Marc locked eyes with the happy blonde. “You know what’s coming.”

  “I’ve been hoping for that.”

  Sam’s face was flushed in satisfaction. Marc tasted good!

  Marc glanced at Neil, then Jeremy. “One each. Sons. Congratulations.”

  “Superfecundation is the medical term,” Angela stated, gravitating to Marc’s side. “I believe it happened because you secretly longed for it and so did they.”

  Samantha went to her shocked men, confused. “You wanted this? She can’t be right.”

  Jeremy cleared his throat, embarrassed and uneasy to admit it in front of so many people. “I hoped if you were carrying my baby, you’d keep me around.”

  Neil snorted angrily. “What a c
heap trick!”

  “What about you?” Jeremy accused. “I didn’t hear you telling her no.”

  Neil had to grin. “I’m not stupid. I had the same thought, I just didn’t wish for it.”

  “Liar,” Sam let it fly gently. “You were hoping I would pick you, instead of only securing a place with me.”

  Neil had the grace to flush.

  Samantha gave them both the lay of things. “I wanted this to happen. Now, you’ll both be equal and I’ll be happy with our family. I…I love you guys. Please don’t rip us apart.”

  Neil caved first. Besides his obsession with her, he’d longed for a child of his own before the war and hadn’t thought it would ever happen now. “Whatever you need, Sammi.”

  She looked to Jeremy and the Eagle surrendered. “Sure, Sam.”

  She heard his thought and let him know it wasn’t true. “I don’t feel sorry for you, didn’t do this out of pity.” She ran a loving hand over his cheek. “I need you.”

  Jeremy tried to allow himself to believe it. He took her into his arms and rested his head on hers. “I don’t know why, but I’m here as long as you feel that way.”

  Sam reached out and Neil’s hand was there. “We’re going to be together for a very long time,” she vowed, pulling Neil closer.

  When Neil’s hand went around her waist to rest on her stomach, Jeremy slid his own hand over to make room.

  Samantha showered both men in her love. This was what she’d needed before the war, what would have been so wrong. Thank you.

  It was my honor.

  Sam gasped, making both men recoil in concern. It was the first time she’d heard that voice inside and it was a moment she wouldn’t forget.

  “Are you all right?”

  Samantha gave a slightly embarrassed smile. “I’m hungry.”

  Both males chuckled and led her toward the crowded mess.

  6

  Marc spent his first hour back in camp on rounds. Everyone was eager to bring him up to speed, but he also knew they wanted to be close to him. Some of them were friends he’d missed. Some were camp members who were hoping for details on someone who hadn’t returned, and even more wanted battle details. However, the bulk of them simply felt his new openness, his light, and couldn’t stay away.

  It’s like I’m Adrian, Marc thought, sending that man an ugly glower as he walked by.

  “Go to hell!” Adrian swore, not stopping.

  Marc smirked violently. “Just got back. Reserved you a slot.”

  Adrian stifled the amusement and the rage in favor of truth. “Then you know it isn’t over.”

  Marc did and didn’t toss another barb. The battles that were coming were going to make this long fight feel like a rehearsal. Jax had called again to tell them the planes were still coming, dropping troops, and leaving. Marc assumed the base would hold another full battalion when it was all said and done. He also thought they would keep the base as a command center. There were enough undamaged bunks and buildings on the property to house most of the troops, but command would want them to toughen up anyway before the final battles. They’d be given standard equipment and told to rough it until they got the base in working order. Once that happened, the plans to conquer Safe Haven would restart.

  “Welcome back!”

  Marc turned to find himself caught up in a massive bear hug.

  Doug shook him happily. “Hiya!”

  Marc chortled as Doug set him down. “Same to you. How are you, man?”

  Doug’s quick flinch said more than Marc needed.

  “Good, really. What about you?”

  Marc understood that Doug didn’t want Angela to know, but those days were over.

  “If you don’t tell her, I will.”

  Doug’s happy face twisted into fear and guilt as Marc placed a hand on his wrist. “We all have things that hold us back. She won’t take your place over it.”

  Doug had to be satisfied with that. As he left, he had to admit that not having a choice certainly made it easier.

  Doug detoured to the mess, where Peggy was helping Li Sing serve the mothers-to-be. She had to know first. After that, he’d go visit the doctor and get the confirmation he’d been dreading.

  Marc approved the choice and kept quiet as Kevin came to him. Their radioman/personal assistant was in total confusion and Marc let him gather himself, figuring out what he needed the most.

  “Does she love me?”

  “Of course,” Marc replied confidently.

  “But…”

  Marc gestured toward the lone female doing cooldown laps on the gate course. “She’s scared you don’t want her now. Do you?”

  “I don’t know about caring for another man’s child,” Kevin protested.

  “Especially while he’s around,” Marc guessed.

  Kevin’s face turned cold. “I’m not convinced it isn’t Matt’s.”

  “Why does it matter?”

  “Respect,” Kevin swore under his breath.

  Marc understood that, but he couldn’t ease Kevin’s fears without him missing the lesson he had to learn here.

  “What if you had adopted? His words of your condition weren’t a lie, right?”

  Kevin was stung again by the pain of it. “No. I can’t have children because of the war.”

  “What if you adopted?”

  “Not the same.”

  “It could be,” Marc pointed out. “You determine those lines, Eagle. If you want a family, you now have one. There are men here who would kill for that.”

  “But not his!” Kevin argued in frustration. “He was a traitor and the other one will be here watching everything we do! How can I be a father like that?”

  Marc had a moment where he began to understand what his new role in camp would be, and embraced it fully. “With love. The baby isn’t to blame. No one is for this one, except maybe fate. Neither of them expected it. He was as surprised as you when she joined the others.”

  Kevin couldn’t argue that. Adrian’s voice had been as if he’d taken a blow.

  “Does he want it…her?”

  Marc nearly growled. “No!”

  Kevin understood. “He’s got his sights on only one woman now and he’ll give up anything to get her.”

  Marc gave a curt glare. “He already has been. You have nothing to worry about.” Marc put a hand on Kevin’s wrist and sent a blast of light into his soul. “She wants this. Deep down, so have you. Don’t let the circumstances ruin your future.”

  Kevin didn’t follow when Marc moved away and the crowd slowly left him alone as they trailed their Ghost.

  Was that all true? If Adrian wasn’t planning on interfering at all, it could work.

  Cynthia gawked at him as she went around the nearest part of the gate and Kevin reluctantly took in her worry and her glow of happiness. She was having Adrian’s child. Could he handle that?

  Cynthia flinched at the mental question and turned away. She wasn’t sure she could handle it yet, but her choice had been made when she’d begun to change. The pregnancy was only the next part of it all. She was one of them now and this would cement it. If Kevin couldn’t get on board, others here really would look at it as an honor.

  Cynthia began to jog again. When a small group of single Eagles joined her, she allowed them to stay close and talk. She didn’t want any of them. She didn’t even want Adrian and that was a shock. She wanted Kevin, but if she couldn’t have him, one of these men would do. They were all good for the job of father.

  Kevin watched the males gravitate toward Cynthia. She was one of only two pregnant females without a mate and Kevin scowled as some of the younger men even began surrounding Candy. Adrian hadn’t been far off. It had been half an hour, not two minutes, but the men were already understanding Kevin was about to pass on that duty. None of them would care that it was Adrian’s child. In fact, that was a bonus. Caring for the boss’s baby would be considered an honor to many people here, male and female.

  “What am I doi
ng?” Kevin groaned.

  “Picking the choice that’s best for you,” Charlie stated, coming to his side. Tracy was still arm-in-arm with him.

  Kevin studied the young couple openly. She’d been a whore and Angela’s son thought she was worthy. Would he still have felt that way if Tracy had come up pregnant by one of her... friends?

  Charlie’s eyes blazed crimson for an instant before he pulled it in. “It would be hard,” the teenager admitted. “But it would have been before me, so how could I blame her?”

  Kevin got the point again, but it didn’t change anything. He wasn’t sure he could do this. He left them standing there, going to the QZ. Maybe it was time to split.

  7

  “I’m sorry I hadn’t already told you.”

  Jeff glanced up from the kit he was working on. “How long?”

  Crista flushed.

  “About a week. I haven’t…wasn’t…”

  Jeff understood she hadn’t known how he would react and wasn’t angry about that. “When?”

  Her voice came easier. “Around May. I haven’t seen the doctor yet.”

  “He’ll be busy today. I’ll set you up an appointment over the next week or so.”

  Crista wasn’t sure what that meant. “Thank you.”

  Jeff heard her confusion, but his own was louder. He chose to be honest. “I’m not sure how I feel yet. I’m not pissed or anything, but I need to work it out in my mind.”

  “Don’t you think we should work it out together?” Crista asked sharply.

  “No. You’ve had a week to run it through. I need to do the same.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek and she turned away without saying anything else. It wasn’t the reaction that she’d hoped for. Marc had ruined it.

  Jeff watched her vanish under the canopy of the mess and sighed. He didn’t want her to be upset, but she had to know this was a shock.

  Why? You didn’t pull out.

  Jeff forgot to breathe. Where had that come from?

  Laughter rolled through his mind, the kind that said life was beautiful and he was crazy to deny it.

  Jeff’s revelation came at the same time as Seth’s.

  8

  Seth was enjoying the sight of Becky smiling and eating with the other women, her quick looks at his face the only sign she was worried. Was it for herself? Seth didn’t think so. She was worried that he was angry, but how could he be? This child was his and they both wanted it…didn’t they?