by Angela White
Sonja hoped it was true. That was why she’d chosen to make contact so late at night. “Good.”
“Coffee or chocolate?” Bryson asked. He was her personal assistant.
Sonja ran a sore hand through short, bottle-given red locks. Yesterday had been spent training in hand-to-hand combat and she was tired. They rarely fought enemies who could get that close. “A drink.”
Bryson poured the tonic without commenting. Her headaches were ugly, often coming with stress. A shot would calm her nerves. He would have to get some food into her afterwards so that she didn’t get sick.
Sonja downed the shot. She liked that brief second of being on life’s edge as the whiskey made it impossible to breathe. Fascinated by death’s mysteries, Sonja missed Missy more than she missed her sister. The little girl had been a wealth of knowledge that Sonja hadn’t wanted to use in their plans. She also hadn’t wanted her sister to go, but Tara had insisted that her man-filled team could handle Safe Haven.
Sonja glanced at her two shields, hating their tougher bodies at the same time that she was glad of them. Ross, with his natural red curls, and Bobby, with his dark dreads, were lethal. They were the only guys on her personal team and on her private patrol. She’d brought them in at first as a decoy for her town, back when she’d had an image to maintain, but their skills had proven invaluable since the war. Finding out they’d once served under those in charge of Safe Haven had made them perfect for this trip.
The sound of an alarm clock in the next car was quickly silenced. Sonja’s chain of command was sleeping off a late evening of relaxation that she hadn’t joined. Her top individuals were loyal enough, but she’d learned not to bond with subordinates. It made the battles harder when there were pieces that she didn’t want to lose. Now, thanks to Safe Haven, Sonja no longer had that weakness. The only person she needed to return from this run was herself, and even she was expendable if it meant the end of Safe Haven’s rule. The future was open right now. Anyone could inherit the earth and Sonja couldn’t stand the image of it falling to the weak, greedy humans that the descendants had been forced to hide from for their entire existence. Descendants would shape the future now. Equality and justice were myths of the weaker species. The apocalypse had freed every magic user to follow their rightful destinies. In time, the few remaining humans would be slaves who knew their place.
Sonja leaned against the soft cushions, heart filled with bitterness and waves of violent fury that she managed to keep locked in this time. Her companions knew how unstable she was, but her gifts were too strong for them to challenge. As long as she continued to reward their skills or dominate them mentally, they would obey. Her worries came from the infiltrators and the assassins. Her life had been in danger countless times since the war and two governments had caused most of it. After she’d gone to Canada to collect her populace, the government there had recognized her strength and decided she needed to be dead or serving them. They’d almost succeeded. If not for Tara’s relationship with Donner, all of their clan would have been killed when he was brought in to round them up. Then Safe Haven had popped up out of nowhere and destroyed the US government, which had given them unofficial control over the entire country. Sonja still didn’t understand exactly how that had happened, but she was going to reverse it as quickly as she could. This upcoming meeting would give her a timeline for the fight. If the shepherds were as weak as those they were trying to protect, the meeting place would become the battlefield. They–
“Do you want–”
“Get out!” Sonja hissed, unable to take Bryson’s groveling right now. She had several plans in action. It was a bad time to interrupt her concentration.
Bryson slid from the car with glares from Bobby and Ross as they snapped awake again. It was a normal life for them, but they were surlier than usual because Sonja hadn’t gone to the party, which meant they hadn’t been able to either. Being laid was their biggest goal in life, it seemed, and again Sonja wished she could have their skills in female fighters. She hated men–all men, any age. In her town, male births required the parents to place a black shawl of mourning over their egresses and they paid double tariffs on their apartment, got less supplies. Having a son was taboo, which, in Sonja’s mind, finally made things even. How many female babies had been drowned simply for having a slit instead of a pole when they emerged? It was the dawn of reckoning for men and every age, race, and nationality would fall under her knife in time. The idea to have women rule the world wasn’t a new thing. Many courageous females had tried in the past. A few of them had even been descendants, but they hadn’t had the freedom of armageddon to support their ruthlessness. That wasn’t the case here. Sonja intended to push her power to the limit to ensure that 500 years from now, men were in chains and women ruled the world. The beginning of it was in her town and the next step was being taken with this run. Safe Haven was the only thing that stood between her and the beautiful, bittersweet dream that had killed Tara.
“It won’t be in vain,” Sonja murmured, drifting. “Send me your strength, sister, and we’ll still accomplish our goals.”
In the next car, wrist alarms got them up. Just as spacious and nice as the first car, this second area was home to five inhabitants, all of them in leadership. Their dozen strong defenders took up car number three, with the middle of the train full of supplies and the caboose for their slaves. The other three trains held fighters and other useful subjects. They were seven hundred strong for this run and the mood was confident. They were also bored from being stopped by snow for two days, after already spending four days rolling here from Altoona. They hadn’t counted on this extra time and they were going through their supplies too fast. Boredom was dangerous.
Bryson slid into the car, scanning to be positive the attitudes were safe. He didn’t have a strong gift, but he was able to read moods–something Sonja had once found useful. Now, she could do that herself and he’d been reduced to lackey. Because of his weaknesses, she considered him barely above the humans. Bryson didn’t care. He’d loved her before she became their tyrannical boss and he would adore her even after Safe Haven piked her bloody skull on their front gate.
Every descendant in the car turned toward him, easily catching the prediction.
Bryson flushed but didn’t offer an excuse. He’d been against challenging Safe Haven before and he still was. They didn’t know the folks in that mountain fortress the way he did. When pushed, Mitchel had been merciless in the past and Bryson was certain the man had passed that trait on to any successors. This wouldn’t be the quick, easy trip that Sonja had promised. It would be a bloodbath that Bryson wanted no part of.
Chapter Three
All Souls Matter
1
“This is Safe Haven. Go ahead with your message for the boss.”
“Exactly an hour. Interesting. I’m Sonja. You are?”
“The Ghost.”
“Ah. I know who I’m dealing with. Tell me, Marcus Brady. Is the boss listening? Perhaps standing over your shoulder whispering instructions?”
“No and no. She’s still sedated from your ambush. They’re all dead. Hired thugs.”
“That is my sister you’re speaking ill of.”
“Your sister, Donner’s wife, Jack’s lover. She was also a killer and a kidnapper. We sentenced her to death. There is no appeal process for that.”
“Hmm… It’s so hard to read you through that stone. It almost sounds like you’re mocking me to draw a reaction, but I can sense the fear. It is unfortunate that your ruler cannot answer for herself, but an explanation must still be provided.”
“What do you suggest?”
“A peaceful meeting, a hearing, to determine if we want to pursue further action. Perhaps all of this can be explained? Will Safe Haven stand by their own code?”
Listening while traveling, Adrian grimaced at the cleverly worded trap. Marc couldn’t say the code only applied to Safe Haven or they would lose authority over everyone not inside thei
r gate.
“We have nothing to hide, but we won’t be drawn into an ambush. We’re known for keeping our word. We know you from people like Tara and Jayson.”
“We will bring the same amount of soldiers as you to the meeting. You may pick the location. We need those answers. The war has spilled enough blood of descendants. I prefer to collect them whenever possible.”
“Safe Haven can agree to those terms. It’ll be a while for us to dig out. The avalanche Vlad caused buried our remaining tunnel. Then we’ll have to get through the refugees at the bottom of the hill.”
“Very well. We will expect the location soon. Unless you already have a place in mind?”
“No. I couldn’t pick it until I knew how much space we’d need.”
“Perhaps large tents? I’m told your camp can teach us how to heat them with solar power even now, when the sun hides its warmth.”
“Great idea. Maybe you can help us with the station you’ll be coming into shortly. We tried to get the outgoing tracks usable, but we have no switch function.”
“Yes, we can assist there.”
The conversation continued that way up to the end, with even the parting cooperative. Adrian didn’t buy it for a minute. He thought Marc wouldn’t have either. Sonja was in charge of four trains of fighters chugging their way, many of them descendants, and likely just as many people were still in the town that she ran. She sounded dangerously smart. He hadn’t been able to spot any mistakes or even a slip of her true emotions, though Marc had pushed that button hard for a first conversation. Adrian admitted Marc had done well, but he still wished Angela had been the one to handle it. Marc’s boy scout nature might allow him to overlook a weakness or rule it out for moral or ethical reasons.
Busy exploring that thought, Adrian missed the sound of steps carefully crunching toward the tunnel entrance that he was about to exit.
“Nice. I was hoping I’d run into you without the bosses around.”
Adrian only had time to hit his belt as he ducked the punch. “Jeff’s home!”
Kevin gave them space as Jeff dove at their former boss, taking them both to the rocky ground. Furious swings punctuated by nasty comments and accusations filled the drafty tunnel.
“Are you positive it’s him?” the radio crackled.
Kevin flipped on his set as if he hadn’t been gone at all. He and Jeff had wired up after dropping Sally and the wolves off nearby. “Yeah, we’re back, but the reunion isn’t going so well. Hell of a time climbing in through that snow. Be awhile before a group can get out,” Kevin added in case the enemy was able to listen to them. He and Jeff had listened to the contact from the train people while driving up the road to this tunnel.
Kevin observed the fight nervously. He hadn’t expected Jeff to attack Adrian, but he understood the sentiment by now. Jeff hated Adrian for his betrayals and for Crista’s death. Kevin didn’t know how the two were connected, but he didn’t doubt Jeff’s word.
The sounds of the fight grew louder as Adrian refused to submit to the beating that Jeff wanted to deliver. Kevin kept watch over the entrance, contemplating the refugees stacked up half a mile down the snow-packed paths. If the sounds carried, those desperate folks would come up here. After hearing the call, Kevin knew there were enough problems already waiting inside. They didn’t need to bring more. Their arrival would already put a kink in whatever schemes were ongoing.
“Stop it! Right now!”
Marc’s alpha command came through the air and radio, dowsing the fuse that had been lit.
Adrian shoved Jeff off and climbed to his feet. Spitting blood, heart pounding, skin swelling–it was a bit like past training sessions. Welcome.
Jeff also felt it, but he refused to admit that he’d missed it. He swept Adrian angrily, noting the asshole was dressed for a long run.
Adrian wiped at the bloody cuts on his face, not letting his thoughts run as Jeff tried to scan his mind. He’d known the man was special, but he hadn’t considered him a descendant. However, Jeff’s demon was strong and being used accurately. It would be a big surprise for some people.
Adrian nodded to Kevin and got the same in return. Adrian didn’t think Daryl or Cynthia would be glad to see them, but the Eagles would. Two more fighters with morals, ethics, and the ability to follow the chain of command were always welcome in Safe Haven.
Boot steps crunched toward them, from the camp this time.
Adrian retrieved the gear that he’d dropped during the fight, then strode toward the opening. No one spoke. Words weren’t needed. Jeff blamed him for Crista’s death. Adrian also hated himself for it, but not in the same way. If he’d been a better man, he would have been there to lead the fight, with Angela assisting. Between the two of them, they might have caught the mistakes that had cost them so many lives.
Behind Adrian, a happier reunion began. He absorbed the good waves to carry with him. He had a job to do and an offer to pick over from every angle. Marc wasn’t a bad person. He didn’t have the callousness for it. Adrian was willing to bet that the man had overlooked something. Marc wasn’t used to oozing himself out of unpleasant situations the way Adrian was. He excelled at it, clearly. If not, someone would have been able to kill him by now. Marc wasn’t the first man who’d hunted him and come up short. Adrian doubted that he would be the last.
2
Angela listened to the excited voices going by the tunnel that led to the medical bay. Jeff and Kevin would be put in quarantine. Neither she nor Marc had counted those two men in their plans. That would have to happen now. She hoped Marc would take care of it. All she could concentrate on was gathering the strength to make the trip down the mountain. She didn’t know what Marc had planned for it, but anything would be unpleasant. She’d had Hilda dress her in warm, loose layers and these boots were made for walkin’, but other than that, there wasn’t much she could do gear-wise. She couldn’t even carry her kit, though her gun was back on her hip. She welcomed that pain. She’d felt too vulnerable without it.
“I want to see her!” Jeff’s loud demand came through the tunnel.
Angela braced for company. She had to put on a good act here.
Jeff appeared much the same, a bit leaner maybe. Angela was glad the time away had been good for him. She tried to force a welcoming smile that came out as a grimace. The ring of purple fingerprints around her neck glared in the dim lights of the medical bay.
Jeff’s mouth vanished into a line of anger. He didn’t speak or yell, but Angela wished that he would. The silence didn’t tell her who he was condemning.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
Angela’s heart broke all over again as she realized he was blaming himself. She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying. As blood flowed over her tongue, she concentrated on the taste to keep from breaking. “There wasn’t anything you could have done to stop it.”
“I’m here now. How can I help?”
Angela looked to the tense male who’d just come into the medical bay. “That’s up to our leader.”
Jeff’s face almost collapsed in on itself as he fought not to demand answers as to why that was happening. If it wasn’t temporary, then there better have been a vote.
“Did you enjoy your adventures?” Angela asked, making herself stay standing without support as Marc began to evaluate her condition.
“It was interesting,” Jeff replied, feeling tension that he didn’t understand. “Met a crazy woman, found Dog’s soulmate, fought a panther.”
Angela chuckled as if her guts weren’t on fire. “Sally, right?”
“Yeah. She’s at a warehouse down the hill, with the wolves.”
Angela saw that Marc was instantly distracted and encouraged Jeff with, “How is Dog? We’ve missed him.”
“Not that great. The panther left its marks on all of us. Sally was stitching him up again when we pulled out.”
“Again?”
“Dog’s mate keeps licking them and they come untied.”
Ma
rc wanted more information on the wolf, but he also knew Angela was shaming them. She looked tense, sore, normal, but her dilated pupils and nails clenched into her palms under her shirtsleeves were a giveaway to anyone who was searching for the signs. She wasn’t ready for this.
“No,” Angela admitted in weariness and determination. “But I’ll survive it. Tell me how we’re going.”
“No.” Marc motioned Jeff to follow Nathan to the QZ that was in a deep cavity on the first floor. They’d placed it there after deciding unvetted inhabitants wouldn’t be brought in through these lower tunnels. So much for that rule, Marc thought. “I’m not telling anyone anything. We still have traitors here.”
Jeff approved. Marc’s diligence allowed him to do as he’d been instructed without arguing. He would get settled in the QZ and then demand answers from the guards there. It seemed like a lot more had happened than just an attack by a new, clever enemy.
Marc lingered on Angela, taking in the flushed cheeks, the walking boots. “You won’t need those. Pick something lighter.”
Hilda hurried off to do that.
Angela sank against the stone. Marc already knew and she didn’t want to keep wasting strength that she suspected she would need. Marc’s arms went around her an instant later.
Angela groaned lowly at the heat of his body around her chilly frame.
Marc didn’t say anything that might spark a fight or make her upset. He held her loosely and wished they’d never come to Safe Haven. This refugee camp had shattered every dream he’d had for them.
“We have three inner quarantine zones, just like we had topside until the avalanche,” Nathan informed Jeff and Kevin as he took them into a narrow stone room with a low ceiling. A row of empty cots waited for them, set into the far corner of the den-like cavity. There were small shelves anchored to the wall and two large mirrors near the door. Kevin realized that was so the guards in the hall could view into the room without actually coming in. Jeff and Kevin were impressed with the bundled cords and pipe-work, both feeling guilty that they hadn’t been there to help with all of it.
