by Angela White
“They have rare gifts. They’ll need a strong family to help them follow the light.”
“And that family has to include Adrian?”
“No. I’ll give that love to the children and make it work. I no longer believe we’ll fall without him.”
“I never did.”
Angela also refused to trigger that fight. “It’s your call. Hold a vote, talk to your friends. I won’t have anything to do with that decision anymore. Fate controls both your lives now, not me.”
Marc was a bit worried to hear her say that. He assumed she really did mean to give her attention to the kids. It should have made him happy, but it didn’t. He wasn’t noticing sadness in her or concern. It was as if she didn’t care.
“I just can’t be hurt that way anymore. You’ve kept us apart for so long that I’ve adjusted to hurting in that place now. I locked it in my crypt with the other horrors of this miserable existence we call a life. All I care about is getting to that island. Your love comes with too many strings and confinements. I gave up.”
Angela walked away, cooing to the babies.
Marc scanned her thoughts, but he found nothing to imply she was bluffing. Adrian’s life was in his hands now. I can reinstate Adrian’s banishment right this minute. Marc wanted to. He also wanted the fighting to end. Angie was offering him a second chance at a life together and all he had to do was give her the personal freedoms that he’d always enjoyed. Despite how hard it sounded, Marc was positive he could do it–anything to keep from being out of her light.
He hurried to catch up, decision made.
“We need a door crew, asap.”
Marc was on her heels, scanning for trouble. “I’ll handle it.”
Angela took the babies toward the corridor. “The Mountaineers are coming. Do you want to handle that too or should I?”
Marc was fed up with the doctor and his group. “You should do it. I’ll kill them all right now.”
Angela walked faster, ignoring everything going on around her as she stared at the twins. “Kendle will help you clear the road.”
Now Marc frowned. It felt like she was pushing him toward a woman who desired him.
“It’s free will, Marc. And she’s more than earned a reward. Be nice. She can’t help wanting you. None of us can.”
Appeased, Marc motioned toward Kendle and then headed for the road into the valley that was blocked by destroyed vehicles and huge rocks.
Kendle swallowed her apprehension and followed. She wasn’t sure if she was being banished now that she’d delivered the babies to the boss.
Behind her, Kendle’s team also followed, not giving much space. Kendle had earned their loyalty and that extended to defending her against leadership if necessary.
Marc was pleased by their thoughts of the run. It was good that she’d bonded with her team, but after scanning the babies, Marc understood Kendle’s mission hadn’t been to locate a boat.
Marc stopped by a crushed car, letting Kendle catch up. It would have taken them two days to remove this blockage with manual labor, but he knew what gifts Kendle had now.
Kendle stared at Angela. Are you sure?
Angela ignored the woman’s doubts to address a more important problem. If he wants to spend time with you, I won’t stop it.
Marc and Kendle both gaped at Angela as she carried the twins into the shelter of the tunnel.
Angela didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The jealousy was trying to come up her throat and spew out in a burst of fury. Doing the right thing was hard.
Kendle stopped by Marc, unable to control her emotions. She stared at him with all the pent up desire that she’d hidden on her trip.
“Nothing has changed for me. I want her.”
Kendle didn’t get mad. She was amused. “That must be some pussy.”
Marc laughed in surprised amusement. “You have no idea.”
Kendle scanned Adrian and then the vet who was slipping out of the passage as Angela entered. “I have an idea. If I were a guy, maybe I’d feel the same.” Kendle shrugged. “We’ll all survive our emotions. Let’s be certain we can survive the conditions.” Kendle lifted her hand.
Across the calming battlefield, descendants turned, drawn by the wave of power that swept across the scene and stole the remaining energy from the wounded. Bodies collapsed as Kendle’s hand began to glow. She took in a deep breath and swung her fist as if she were punching her enemy.
The hit created a clearing force that ran ahead and knocked the crushed trucks and rocks farther into the gap. Her second hit blasted them into the open countryside, clearing most of the road. It was impossible, like everything else that had happened here today.
Marc put a hand on her shoulder. “I was told you deserve a reward.”
Kendle locked down on her first request, not wanting to restart the old fighting by begging to have his puppies and share his every waking moment. She asked for the thing she wanted the most after his love. “Let Conner in. He’s a good kid deep down, just horny.” She grinned at his surprise. “And who isn’t horny these days?”
Marc’s laughter rolled across the battlefield. “We’ll reevaluate his punishment after we leave here.”
“Thank you.” Kendle turned away from him, road unblocked and heart sealed up. “Tommy asked me to be his woman last night. I’ve agreed.”
“Congratulations. He’s a good person.”
“He’s better than good.” Kendle smirked, hips swinging as she walked away. “He practiced on the camp women. I’ve got the broken-in model and it’s perfect.”
Marc sensed no sarcasm or bitterness, just the satisfaction that came from a lover who had taken care of her. Marc grinned. That’s Tommy. Making men proud everywhere.
Adrian snickered. “Yeah, he’s always been a favorite with the older women. Wonder how they’ll react to him being off the auction block.”
Marc and Adrian didn’t fight the bonding that came with the laughter. It felt too good after all their months of spewing vile at each other. Needing to come to terms with all of it, Marc gestured toward the tunnel. “I’m labor. Give her your information.”
Adrian watched Marc join Kendle’s team, pointing at the crew who was gathering vehicles. Heart thudding, Adrian allowed his joy to burst free over the scene, drenching his army with happiness that bathed them in crimson-killing golden glows.
Angela felt Adrian and Marc’s truce. She was relieved and proud of them, but it didn’t matter anymore. Only the survival of her children did.
Angela walked into the corridor with the babies in her arms, content that the Eagles on the battlefield would handle the aftermath. As she walked toward the inner cave, people parted to let her through.
At first, Angela thought it was because they were scared of her. That was what she had expected after the fight. As she walked into the middle of them, attention on the babies, their thoughts came to her.
The Alpha.
She saved us again.
More people will come with Safe Haven now.
That’s what the UN gets!
Angela was gratified to know that the descendants were with her, but the opinions of the other folks held more value. She loved them for not hating her for what she’d done to save them.
Eagles followed on Angela’s heels as she strode toward the doctor. Those residents were arguing with some of her camp members, but Angela didn’t stop. As she reached the shouting, her camp stopped to let her handle it–including Charlie. Their expressions implied Jimmy was in trouble, but they didn’t believe he was smart enough to know it.
Jimmy knew exactly what he was doing. He didn’t want descendants back in the cave. Now that the fight was over, there was a chance that Angela might stay here and try to rebuild their settlement.
Angela hadn’t stopped walking. As she neared the point of impact with Jimmy, she finally looked up. The witch’s red orbs glared out at him eagerly. If I were you, I would move.
Jimmy wanted to stand strong, but un
derneath his hatred of the descendants, was fear. He retreated, motioning for the rest of his group to do the same.
Angela kept walking, striding through the middle of his rebels without acknowledging their presence or their stolen weapons.
Behind her, the rest of Safe Haven also entered the passage.
Jimmy’s inhabitants wanted to protest. It was in their expressions and their body language, but under that was the same motivation that drove the doctor. Fear.
Angela didn’t care. If they pushed it, she would kill them too.
I’m already damned. There isn’t anything I won’t do now.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Butterflies and Unicorns
October 26th, 2013
1
Jeff and Kevin were surrounded by Eagles as they entered the cave. Jeff was hoping for a warm drink and to sit down to catch his breath. I sledded down a mountain during an avalanche! It was the height of his adventures so far. Unlike Kevin, who was already disappointed that they were sharing the glory, Jeff didn’t care. He only had to impress himself and he’d done that.
As the fighters walked and talked, Kevin spotted Cynthia by the tunnel entrance, but he couldn’t break away from the chattering group without drawing attention. Kevin wasn’t sure what he wanted from being here again, but he was almost certain that he would stay for a while.
Jeff was having the opposite thoughts. Each time they got near Safe Haven, people had to be killed. He understood there was evil in the world that had to be eliminated, but Jeff was tired of the constant pattern with Angela. If she were the leader, he didn’t think he could stay.
“You’d both be dead without her.”
Jeff and Kevin stopped at the cold warning.
Cynthia ignored Kevin to glare at Jeff. “It’s funny that you believe we needed help at all.” She disappeared into the shadows.
Icy wind swarmed into the tunnel, bringing the smell of smoke and blood, along with precious freedom. The floors and passages of Safe Haven would become slippery paths that sent citizens to their knees and hands when they misjudged.
Jeff shook his head. “She’s crazy.”
“Actually, she’s right.” Morgan gestured for Jeff to go first up the ladder. “You two aren’t the heroes today.”
Jeff didn’t care about their opinions. He’d made up his mind on Angela after the government battle, after losing his heart.
Morgan understood, but there was nothing he could do about Jeff’s pain. All he could do was hope the rebel Eagle understood that their survival came at a high price.
“I know the cost.” Jeff climbed the ladder. “I’m not okay paying it unless it’s my idea.”
“You’re a lot like Charlie. He hates her for Tracy’s suffering, but neither of you had to make those choices, so it’s unfair to blame her.” Morgan waved for the rest of the guards to go on. “Watch those two. We don’t know who they are anymore–not really.”
The two men scowled, but the Eagles knew Morgan was right. Jeff and Kevin had been gone long enough that they weren’t going to get trustworthy status right away even though they’d returned in time for the fight. As far as the men here were concerned, Jeff and Kevin had left when they were needed most. That would have to be forgiven and it would only happen if they stayed this time and did their share.
Kevin was eager for it. He wanted his place back.
Jeff was eager for daylight so he could bugout alone.
The guard on the top ladder, Daryl, grimaced at the voices coming. He didn’t want Kevin here. Cynthia was getting better, but Kevin would remind her of Matt and all that had happened. Daryl met Jeff’s eye as he reached the level. “When are you two leaving?”
Jeff ignored the insulting tone. “Whenever we want. You don’t make the rules here.”
“But I do.”
Jeff spun around to discover Jennifer and Kyle standing behind him. He lifted a brow as he added up the clues. “She named you heir to Safe Haven? I’m glad I left.”
Jennifer glared. “I’ll protect it with everything I have, like she has.” Jennifer raked Kevin with a contemptuous glance and then studied Jeff. “When are you two leaving?”
“Now, Jenny, be nice.” Kyle patted her tense arm. “I’m sure they don’t mean to cause trouble.”
“Yeah.” Jennifer grunted, scanning the two tense men. “I don’t see any caring for the herd or for the greater good. One wants a woman and the other wants to forget a woman.”
Jeff blanched as Kevin flushed.
Jennifer walked by them, tone scornful. “You’re either with us or you’re against us, gentlemen. If you can’t be with us, you need to go. Make your choice by dawn.”
“She can’t do that!”
Kevin’s protest was lost in Angela’s rough chuckle floating through the top level.
Yes, she can. We’ve had enough of men who won’t commit because it’s hard. Make your choice by dawn, like everyone else in this cursed mountain.
Jennifer went to stand by Angela’s door, relieving Ivan on duty. “Boss wants dinner set up, said for you to handle it. Now.”
Ivan scowled at Kyle. “Can you tell her she doesn’t have to be a hard-ass to get stuff done?”
Kyle smiled at her. “Says who?”
Ivan rolled his eyes. “Another one who likes a mean woman. What is it with you guys?”
“She’s not mean.” Kyle stroked a thumb down Jennifer’s cold cheek. “She’s bitter. There’s a difference.”
Jennifer blushed at the heat in Kyle’s gaze. “I can be mean.”
Kyle resisted the urge to hug her. “I have no doubt about that. She wouldn’t have chosen you if it was all butterflies and unicorns in your heart.”
“I have a lot of hatred in here.”
“We all do, honey. After what we’ve been through, how can there not be?”
Jeff moved by them and picked a spot in the corridor near Angela’s location. Once he rested, they would talk. If she gave the right answers, he would leave here in peace or maybe even stay with them. If she told him what he feared the most, Jeff planned to ask her to remove his gift. He didn’t need it and he didn’t want it. After that, he would return to the wilderness where life made sense to him.
Pretending that her arm wasn’t aching, Jennifer stood up straight until Jeff was out of sight. As soon as he was, she slumped against the wall, letting out a grunt.
Ivan didn’t comment. He didn’t want problems with her man, but he was also leery of Jennifer. He knew she was like Angela and he knew that she was trustworthy, but he didn’t know what she thought about him and he wasn’t going to push it until he’d earned a higher place.
Wondering where Kevin had disappeared to, Jennifer didn’t initiate a conversation with Ivan even though this was a prime moment for one. Leery was a great vibe for a chat. Too tired to even do a scan, she concentrated on getting her energy back. The fight wasn’t over yet.
2
Cynthia breathed in as deep as she could, relishing the air coming through the open tunnel. It was so cold that it was almost painful and she’d never felt anything as wonderful. She’d been positive she wouldn’t make it out of this cave.
Lingering in the shadows, Kevin took a moment to study her, not caring who noticed or got offended by it. She was skinnier than he remembered and the bags under her eyes implied she hadn’t been sleeping well. That was satisfying to him.
Cynthia was having the same thoughts about Kevin. He looked scruffy and worn out, as if the trip had been exhausting.
Around them, people coming into the passage gave them a wide berth, but stared in curiosity. Had their time apart softened the bad blood between them?
Kevin saw her wistful gaze and pushed, trying to figure out how she felt about him now. “You can leave right now, if you want to...”
“Yes.” Cynthia didn’t face Kevin, but she did nod to her sentry in the shadows to let the soldier know she was okay. She and Peter had been put together for the battle because the former
soldier wouldn’t hesitate to kill her if she tried to betray Angela. Cynthia hadn’t even considered it. She had chosen to reform.
Kevin needed more information. “You could come with us.”
Cynthia sniggered. “Yeah, Jeff would love having two burdens along.”
Kevin flushed. He’d been hoping she wouldn’t notice Jeff’s dissatisfaction with his company.
Thanks to the baby, she caught the thought. “Why do you care? You walked away from all of this.”
Kevin lowered his tone to a seductive whisper. “I’m here now, baby.”
“Just like that, huh?” Cynthia got mean. “You didn’t fight for a place before, but you’ll do it now that the hard part is over.”
Kevin’s red cheeks went a deep scarlet that brought Peter a few steps closer. He was aware of Cynthia’s reputation for stirring the pot, but he didn’t know Kevin and therefore, the former Eagle was a threat.
Cynthia felt the anger and waited for a denial, but there wasn’t one. She grunted. “It’s up to Angela, not me.”
Kevin pouted. “So until she makes a choice on me, I need to stay away from you, right?”
“You need to stay away from me because I say so.” Cynthia glared at him. “I told you I was in danger and you blew me off. You can’t be trusted and I won’t ever forget that.” She left him standing there, dumbfounded, to join the packing islanders. She’d made her choice. In time, Kevin would also make his, but their chance at a relationship, of any kind, was gone.
3
“Hey!”
Adrian spun around at the shout, not drawing his gun but coming close to it. He paused when he saw who it was, noting Kendle’s confident stride. Before she and her team had gone south to find the boat, or whatever their true mission had been, she had tiptoed around everyone in Safe Haven as if she wasn’t worthy to be here. Now, she walked close to people, laughing and grinning at their comments before returning her own. She’s not afraid of us now. She’s not afraid of herself.
Kendle had the opposite observation about Adrian. He acted as if he were uncomfortable in public and couldn’t wait to be back in the cave. As soon as she had the thought, Kendle realized Adrian wanted to be inside because that’s where Angela was. She understood that because she was happy even though the wind was stinging the skin off her cheeks and clogging snot into her nose. Marc was out here.
