by KD Jones
“Yes. We’ve decided to take a subcar to test the tunnel, but we’ll attach the floating carts to the back in case of any issues. If it’s clear, you’ll be able to start using it to travel to the nearest dome for supplies.”
“Great! The sooner we can establish a trade with the dome dwellers, the better. Will it just be...the two of us?”
“No, I have one of my warriors coming along with us for security reasons. He’ll also handle the steering of the subcar in case we need to come to a sudden stop.”
“Okay.” That would leave the two of them kind of on their own. Images of them together in her subcar popped into her head, and she couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Shall we?” He offered a hand to her.
She stared at it for a few seconds before putting her hand in his. The skin-on-skin contact sent electric currents up her arm. Glancing up, she noticed his eyes darken with desire. He was feeling the same way about her. What the hell were they going to do when he finally left?
Heather pushed those depressing thoughts aside as she let him lead her to the waiting subcar that had been renovated by the Drastans. It had new lighting, a solar-powered engine, a new interior, and comfy seating. Boy, if she could have this thing for her living space it would feel like a fancy hotel room. There were steering cabins on both ends of the subcar so that it could go in either direction.
The idea of them traveling tribe-to-tribe and dome-to-dome was exciting. What they wouldn’t have given to have this capability a year ago. No more having to send out scavenging teams through the tunnels to find canned food and other supplies. They would be able to trade with other tribes in ways they couldn’t do before. Until they had the gardens up and running, though, they wouldn’t have much to trade with the domes.
They sat down next to each other and the subcar lurched forward gently as it began the journey.
“What’s put that frown on your face?” Devlon asked, rubbing his thumb over her forehead.
“I was just trying to think of things other than the vegetables that our tribe could trade with the domes.”
“You’ll be able to help rebuild other tribes, and the domes may want to expand their area. Maybe you could offer them your services?”
“That’s true, except that the domes have engineers, scientists, and such. They would be able to do the same.”
“My people could issue the building tech only to the tribes, and stockpile your tribes with more food and supplies than what we’ve been giving the domes.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Why would you do that?”
“It would ensure that the domes are willing to trade with you.”
“Won’t you get in trouble or have the dome leaders claim you are being unfair?”
“I could care less what the dome leaders think. They purposely turned their own people away in a time of need. Millions and millions died. You and the other tribes fought to survive having been exposed to radiation. While they lived in clean facilities, you had to live out of a subcar and take communal showers in dark, dingy areas.”
He sounded truly upset on her behalf. “I don’t want to cause trouble for you.”
Devlon caressed her cheek gently. “You are no trouble... I mean, your people are no trouble.”
Heather licked her dry lips, and his eyes tracked the movement. His heat seemed to cover her like a warm blanket, making her feel relaxed and a little drowsy. She leaned into his side and laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. It was the first time since she was a child that she felt safe and comforted.
They simply sat together, enjoying the ride and the closeness. She lost track of time, and before long they felt the subcar begin to slow down. She looked out the windows.
“We’re here. That was quick.”
“Yes, no problems with the tunnel or the power. I think this will be a successful improvement for your people.”
As they departed the subcar she looked around at the newly made stop area. It wasn’t a usual subway station, but one that was specially built to lead to the dome without going aboveground. That was really convenient, because it allowed them to have access at any time regardless of the weather and would help protect them from radiation exposure. She knew they were building something like this, but this was the first time she’d seen the changes.
Two uniformed military men were guarding the entrance. They recognized Devlon right away.
“Commander Devlon, welcome back.” They looked at her and obviously had no idea who she was. Devlon introduced her.
“This is Tribe Leader Heather Bates.”
She smiled at the two young men. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
The two soldiers went to introduce themselves, but Devlon cut them off.
“This way, Heather.” He motioned for them to open the large round metal door, and they entered the newly made concrete tunnel. It was probably twenty-five or thirty feet, before there was another door. Devlon pressed a button on the wall.
“This is Commander Devlon of the Drastan fleet with Tribe Leader Heather Bates here to see Lt. Colonel James.”
The door was opened outward. As soon as they stepped out of the tunnel they entered the core ground level of the large dome. Heather was still amazed at the size of the thing. It was shaped like a ten-level circular mall with several clear elevators. On each level there were markets, medical facilities, schools, and housing. Hallways on each level led away from the center of the dome. Most of the hallways led to housing areas.
She’d been jealous over the ease of which these dome dwellers had lived while her people suffered. Now with the building of the apartments and the market potential, her people had a better life in store for them. All thanks to Devlon and his people.
One of the soldiers took them up on the elevator to another level and down a corridor. It opened up to two-story apartments similar to what they were building for the tribes. This was the first time she’d been this far in the domes. Usually she met the dome leaders aboveground or in a conference room.
Lt. Colonel James was standing outside of the complex, talking to two tall men whom she recognized as two of Devlon’s sons: Mediko Jared, the eldest, and the lieutenant, Kyle, who was the youngest. The three men turned to greet them as they approached.
“Good to see you, Commander,” Lt. Colonel James said as he reached out to shake hands.
“We’re all family here, so there’s no need for us to be formal today.”
Devlon smiled as he nodded. “David.”
“Devlon. And welcome, Mrs. Bates.”
“Call me Heather.” She shook his hand.
“Come inside, the girls were finishing getting the food ready.”
“I hope they made those little tiny sandwiches. I like those,” Devlon commented, making everyone laugh.
She felt Devlon’s hand at her back guiding her inside the apartment building. They took the elevator up to the next level and down the hallway to an open doorway. Heather was a little nervous about being around Devlon’s family. They were a tight bunch. She stood to the side as everyone else in the room greeted Devlon.
Kyle’s mate Rachel was very round with child, lounging on a couch with her legs up. “It’s about time you got here.”
Devlon bent down to kiss Rachel on her head and patted her round belly. “We are here exactly on time.”
Rachel looked over the back of the couch and waved at Heather. “Thanks for coming.”
Heather smiled, feeling awkward. “No problem, thanks for having me.” She heard female laughter and turned to watch as several women came out of what was probably the kitchen, carrying trays of food. One of the women was Mediko Jared’s mate, Lily, and the other was the wife of Lt. Colonel James, Rachel’s mother. They had made the little sandwiches, and had fruit and vegetables on the dining table, which had been pushed to the side to make more room for chairs.
Mrs. James hugged Devlon, and Heather had to hide her smile when the Lt. Colonel
pulled his wife out of the embrace. Those two were obviously still very much in love, even after all these years and two daughters. Speaking of daughters, their eldest daughter Maggie came out of the back bedroom, smiling.
“Milly finally went to sleep. She was fighting it, but after feeding and rocking, she gave in. Where’s the food? I’m starving!”
Her mother pointed to the table while warning her, “Don’t eat it all, we have to save some for those coming later.”
“Aw man, how many people are coming?” Maggie asked, groaning and rolling her eyes.
Heather smiled in amazement. Maggie had been separated from her family the day the nukes hit, and she lived in the subway tunnels for years. Only within the past year was she reunited with her family, but they acted like there had been no separation at all.
It looked like the whole family was there, almost. There were two Estros missing: Captain Liam Estro, Maggie’s mate; and Lt. Quinn Estro, their cousin. Also, Quinn’s mate Squirrel, who was called Hali now.
Thank God, because Heather had hated calling her that ridiculous name. Evidently Hali had gotten injured during the nuclear disaster and lost her memory. She couldn’t even recall her own name. Some asshole started calling her Squirrel, and it stuck. She’d finally gained confidence to pick a new name for herself.
Heather had known Hali for a long time. Hali had been a loner in the tunnels, trading among the tribes. She didn’t trust people easily ,and Heather could understand that. She was curious why the rest weren’t there. “Where’s everyone else?”
Mrs. James came over to stand next to her. “Liam had command of the fleet and needed to remain behind. Quinn is working as his second while Kyle is here, and Hali remained behind to look after Mrs. Gordon, who received another round of treatments.”
Heather looked around for Lily’s little boy but didn’t see him. “Did Thomas come?”
Mrs. James smiled. “He got bored so we sent him next door to play with our neighbor’s kids.”
The baby shower was for several hours where people could come and go whenever they wanted..She watched as people from the dome who knew the James family came to celebrate with them. Rachel and Kyle sat side by side opening presents. They really loved the quilt, and so did the other people there. Many asked if that was one of the items that would be available for trade, and Heather told them she would check with her people about it.
The sound of tinkling laughter made her frown as she glanced over to the corner of the room. Devlon stood there, talking to several women who were openly flirting with him. She had to fight her urge to go over there and tell them to back off.
“The Estro men have some strong mojo,” Maggie commented, coming up beside her.
She glanced at the younger woman, who glowed with health and happiness. She remembered Maggie from before the Drastans came, and the difference was like night and day.
“What?”
Maggie pointed over at Devlon and the women. “The Estro men are a pretty hot commodity. You might want to go over there and let the ladies know that Devlon is taken.”
Heather shook her head, “We’re not... I mean, we barely know each other.”
“Come on. I see the way you two look at each other. There’s a smouldering vibe going on.”
“I’m technically still married.” Why was she mentioning that? She hadn’t considered herself married to Mark in years.
“Why not end it officially?”
“How would I do that?”
Maggie shrugged. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” A shrill baby cry had Maggie sprinting off to the back bedroom.
Heather looked once more at Devlon before turning away. She walked over to Lt. Colonel James. “Sir, may I speak with you in private?”
“Of course, come with me out into the hallway.” David opened the door and let her exit first.
Chapter 14
Devlon tried to excuse himself from the two women who’d cornered him by the food. He’d been quite busy trying to fight off the grabby hands of one woman while purposely ignoring the sexual innuendos the other constantly whispered to him. Movement by the door caught his attention. He watched Heather leave the apartment with David, and he couldn’t help but wonder where they were going. He also didn’t like the idea of her being alone with another man.
“So, Commander, have you had a chance to check out the public pool areas? They have saunas that you can rent for private occasions.”
Distractedly he responded, “No, what is a sauna?”
“It’s this room that fills with heat and steam. You put these little logs on which can increase the heat.”
He looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “Why would I want to confine myself to a room full of steam and heat?”
“Health wise, it makes your body sweat. It can also be very sexy if you go in naked.”
“Being locked in a small hot steamy room sweating does not sound sexy to me.” With that he left the women standing there gaping at him as he headed for the door. He might have offended them, but he couldn’t care about it. They weren’t important.
Exiting the apartment, he looked around the hallway but didn’t see Heather or the colonel. He took the elevator down to the lower level. Several humans passed him, but he paid no attention to them. His only thoughts were of finding Heather.
He stopped as he passed the threshold to the apartment complex. Standing about fifteen feet away were Heather and David. Their heads were bent close and they were in deep discussion but he was too far away to hear what they said. She had a sad expression on her face. Heather nodded at something David said and then David squeezed her hand as he turned to leave her there. He stopped David as he tried to re-enter the apartment.
“What did you say to her?”
“I won’t disclose something told to me in confidence. You’ll have to ask her if you want to know. Here…”
David handed something to him, which Drastan took out of his hand. It was a key. He looked at the other man questioningly. “What is this for?”
“It’s getting late. I keep the bottom apartment rooms 1A and 1B open for visitors. You and your traveling party are welcome to use them. This key will open both for you.”
“Thank you.”
“Word of advice: human women, especially those independent and strong, tend to resist when a man tries to impose on their independence. If you want to be part of their lives, you have to give them the space they need to continue doing what they feel they need to, but at the same time make sure they know you aren’t going anywhere. Consistency and reassurance is the trick to winning them over.”
“Who said anything about me trying to win over Heather?”
David chuckled. “Who said I was talking about you and Heather? I’ll let the others know that you two were needing to rest from your trip. Have a good night.”
Devlon didn’t watch the other male as he walked away. He kept his focus on Heather, who had her arms wrapped around her waist and was staring off into the distance. When she turned and glanced in his direction, he saw her fight to school her expression to blankness. It bothered him that she would try to hide from him. He wanted to know what she was thinking, feeling, and most importantly wanted to know what had been said between her and David.
*****
Heather had so many emotions running through her. She’d pulled David aside to ask him about how to finalize her divorce. David said he would contact their legal team, but felt confident that since she’d already filed the case and the judgement had been pending, all that was needed was a forty-eight-hour notification sent to her ex that the divorce would be finalized.
She was frustrated to hear that she had to wait. David claimed that they had to give her ex an opportunity to deny it, but mostly all his denial would do was extend the waiting time. David knew a judge in one of the other domes who traveled in the district for legal matters, and he reassured her that the divorce would happen, it was a matter of time.
It was what
she wanted, but she couldn’t help but feel sad that it was finally going to be over. She’d been so young and naive, believing all the lies that Mark had told her to convince her to go off with him.
The divorce process had been long and painful. All the worst parts of herself were revealed publicly, and by the one person in the world she thought she could trust. Through that dark time she discovered that she was much stronger than even she knew. Mark tried to tear her down, but when she was at her lowest, she stood up to him and walked away.
She already felt like she was divorced from Mark, at least physically and emotionally. Now all that remained was an official decree on a piece of paper that meant nothing to anyone else, but meant the world to her. It would be tangible proof of how she’d survived despite having someone try to destroy her.
She turned to go back inside the apartment complex and found Devlon standing there silently watching her. Approaching him, she asked, “Are we heading back now?”
“Lt. Colonel offered us use of two of his apartments for the night.”
“Oh...well, that was nice of him.”
“I think we should take him up on it. We’ll have good night’s sleep and be ready to leave first thing in the morning.”
“Do you need to call in your guy from the subcar?”
“No, I want Lt. Vadar to remain where he is. I called him while you were talking with the lieutenant colonel and told him that we’ll leave in the morning. He’ll make camp to guard the subcar.”
“I don’t get it. Why does the subcar need guarding?”
“The rebels might sabotage it.”
She had a hard time believing anyone would want to attack her or her people. They were no threat and held no power. The ones that seemed to be at more risk were Devlon and his people. Every time they brought supplies down to her people they risked exposure to radiation and being targeted by a group of humans that feared them. She had come to know the Drastans and admired them. They were just trying to help those in need. To think that humans had attacked the Drastans for their humanitarian efforts made her feel ashamed to be a human sometimes.
