Where We Stand

by Angela White

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, and 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, and 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 Dr. Brooke and get the confirmation he’d been dreading.

  Marc approved the choice and kept quiet as Kevin came to him. Their radio man/personal assistant was in total confusion and Brady 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 cool-down laps on the gate course. “She’s scared you don’t want her now. Do you?”

  “But 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 had 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 panning 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, there were others here who would look at it as an honor.

  Cynthia began to jog again and when a small group of 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.

  Kevin watched the males gravitate toward her. She was one of only two pregnant female without a mate and Kevin scowled. Adrian hadn’t been far off. It had been half an hour, not two minutes, but the men were already understanding that he 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 a lot of people here, male and female.

  “What am I doing?” Kevin groaned.

  “Picking the choice that’s best for you,” Charlie stated, coming to his side. Tracy was still arm-in-arm with him, and 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 and 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, and 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 she’d hoped for. Marc had ruined that.

  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 others 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?

  Seth left the Mess.

  “You need to talk to him,” Jennifer stated, observing Seth going straight to Marc.

  “He needs time to be sure he wants this. I won’t push him,” Becky told her.

  Jennifer snorted out amusement. “Really? Cause he’s thinking the same thing about you.”

  Instead of going to him like Jennifer expected, Becky leaned closer. “How much does it hurt?”

  Jennifer denied the delay. “Go talk to him, will ya? We’ve got plenty of time to scare everyone.”

  Becky went to her mate.

  Jennifer felt Kyle staring at her and understood her time for picking and easing fears had also come.

  She went to the tent area and began speaking with the guard on duty. When she left, Kyle gradually made his way over.

  Zack didn’t make Kyle suffer. “Congratulations. She asked for a couple’s tent.”

  Kyle’s stunned happiness sent calming blue through the shield and he immediately went to get one and erect it. His world had healed itself and the emotions we
re infectious as he crossed camp. He clapped shoulders and tossed jokes, his happiness spreading through the people.

  It wasn’t hard to guess what had caused it when they saw Jennifer’s matching glow. Another of Safe Haven’s problems were over with and it was a good day for the camp. Marc’s return had given them new life in more ways than just the obvious.

  9

  Angela observed the peace and contentment flowing over her camp in gratitude. It had been a hard first battle, but they’d survived it, and now, were stronger. Marc’s powers had grown into the equal of Adrian’s and he would continue to evolve, as would she.

  Her hand slid down to caress the small bump she imagined was there. “Momma loves you,” she cooed, unable to help herself. This was all she’d ever longed for and more.

  Marc placed warm hands on her shoulders and Angela leaned against his heat, lids closing. “Nice, Brady.”

  Marc sent the energy into her in a thick stream, heart settling into a rhythm of need and respect. “I love you.”

  Angela tuned in his embrace and made him demonstrate how much.

  Across the camp, Adrian slid to his knees at the pain of their love on display. Some of it was in his heart, but most of it was in his arm and chest, and he took shallow breaths as it increased.

  Unable to feel his need, Angela led Marc to their tent.

  Adrian slumped to the ground.

  Angie!

  Silence.

  The pain tightened around his heart and Adrian drifted into the darkness alone.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  1

  Kenn ducked into the medical tent and went straight to Adrian’s side.

  “You awake, Boss?”

  Adrian didn’t open his eyes. What was the point?

  Kenn came through the flap and Adrian heard the other, lighter steps, but didn’t feel like meeting any of their new arrivals.

  Kenn led her to the chair by Adrian’s cot, then took the other side.

  “Marc has awol soldiers out there. He’s getting ready to bring them in.”

  Adrian didn’t care. That wasn’t a great idea, but he was sure Marc knew what he was doing.

  Kenn tried again. “The Indians want to come in, too, since he’s here. They’ve grown attached.”

  Adrian felt his heart tightening and looked around.

  Kendle stared at Adrian in surprise.

  “This is Kendle. Marc wants you to see to her, blend her in and…”

  “No.”

  Adrian turned his head, understanding now what awful plan Marc had created.

  “He said do it or get out.”

  Adrian opened his mouth to say he’d leave, and Kendle shifted in embarrassment. It sent her smell over the cot and Adrian froze in pain.

  “Even the smell, huh? Bastard.”

  Kendle flushed. Marc had told her everything this morning, including his plan to give her to Adrian, and she hadn’t had the strength to fight. She was so lost, so confused!

  Adrian read it all and it was impossible not to feel her pain. Here was another warrior who would dream of Brady at night.

  “It’s what Kevin will think, too,” Kenn stated, reading it on Adrian’s face. “Not true in either case, though.”

  Kenn stood up, giving Kendle a polite nod. “I’ll come for you in a bit. Don’t let him go to sleep yet. Doctor’s orders.”

  Kendle agreed reluctantly. She didn’t want this. Being handed around to men who didn’t need her was humiliating and she gave Adrian a sharp glare.

  “He’s gone. Tell me what the hell I’m supposed to do here!”

  Adrian blinked at the rage in her tone, picking up the need and the fear. “What are you?”

  Kendle’s sigh sank into Adrian’s heart against his will.

  “A danger to the herd. I’m a Rage Walker.”

  Adrian saw how that could be true, but it wasn’t until she let her crimson show that he fully understood how devious Marc was.

  “You’re a descendant.”

  “So are you,” Kendle sneered defensively.

  Adrian was startled into awareness at her fire. She had heat pouring off of her in waves.

  “I haven’t… killed in a while,” she explained, hearing his thoughts much clearer than she ever had Marc’s. “It strains my control.”

  Adrian carefully pushed himself up, but stayed quiet as he read her thoughts.

  She didn’t try to keep him out, but Adrian didn’t go into her crypt. That was too personal for a first meeting.

  Kendle sneered hatefully. “You might as well have it all!”

  She shoved the images at him, not afraid of his displeasure, and Adrian felt something shift inside. She did need to be cared for and he needed a reason to stay. Was this enough?

  Kendle shrugged hatefully. “I don’t think so. You’re not him.”

  “And you’re not her!” Adrian fired back, stung.

  They stared for another minute in defiance of the plans made for them, but it was an act and they both knew it. The comfort they had to have to survive was here and able, if not entirely willing.

  “We could help each other,” Adrian suggested finally.

  Kendle crossed her arms over her chest. “Maybe.”

  Adrian liked her stubbornness. “You’ll let Kenn know?”

  Kendle stood up. “If I choose to be your toy, I’ll tell you first.”

  The bitterness in those words had Adrian grabbing her wrist. He started to say he’d be as good to her as he could and was silenced by the power of the connection.

  Kendle contemplated his hand, unable to fight the light of his touch. It reminded her so strongly of Luke that tears welled and she jerked her arm away.

  “Never without permission!”

  Adrian’s heart squeezed inside his chest again. “Not at all, if you’d rather. I can help without it going that far. I’ve done it for most of the women here and only a few have of them have shared my bed.”

  That wasn’t what she’d expected and Kendle lingered, not sure what to say.

  Adrian carefully took her hand again. He didn’t speak with his mouth, but shot with his mind, and Kendle flinched at the power held in tight control.

  “Friends to start.”

  Kendle was so lonely that she couldn’t fight that inviting tone. She gave a quick nod and left the tent.

  Adrian lay down, plans in a spin. Marc had given him a substitute. Would he take it?

  That answer was already written in the stars, he suspected. Even now, the scent of vanilla that she’d left was easing his pain. Angela hadn’t come to see him, only to check in with the doctor on his condition. She hadn’t even glanced at him, like he didn’t exist for her now.

  “You don’t,” that inner voice stated. “But this one needs you.”

  Adrian knew that to be true, but the choice to take her in Angela’s place was one he couldn’t make.

  “I’ll help her, but I won’t love,” he stated lowly. “I can’t give her what I don’t feel.”

  “You might... in time.”

  Adrian’s pain slammed back into them with the force of a tornado and the demon fell silent. His host was busy locking himself off from all emotions, trying to become immune. The demon would help with that, but the door would never fully shut. That image of being with Angie and caring for her and Marc’s daughter would remain pristine in his memory.

  2

  Jeremy jerked out of the light doze he’s fallen into after the second hour. He was waiting with everyone else for the doctor’s checkup, and Samantha had long since crashed against his arm.

  Jeremy shivered, noticing they were almost alone. Cynthia was the only other one still here now, and she appeared so lonely that it was almost enough to pull Jeremy from his nightmare.

  Then his training kicked in and he gently shifted Samantha’s head to the chair and got up.

  He motioned to the reporter. “Hold her, will ya?”

  Cynthia moved that way and Jeremy went to find Neil. He’d
had a dream from hell that was probably nothing, but they couldn’t take chances.

  Neil listened closely, gut tightening with each sentence. If that happened, any of it, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

  “You have to help me,” Jeremy stated under his breath. “Convince her to give me the last two numbers. We’ll be able to see what they’re planning for us.”

  Neil hated the idea of anyone having access to the internet again. He considered it to have played a large role in their downfall, but duty spoke louder than personal feelings.

  “You think we can do some hacking?”

  Jeremy grinned a bit. “I thought I’d try my hand at it and you could take my shifts with Sam while I work.”

  Neil realized how serious Jeremy was then and let out a sigh. “Just stay with us and we’ll work on her together. It’s what she wants anyway.”

  Jeremy didn’t hesitate, though he expected it to be painful. “I’ll get my gear. You’ll tell her?”

  Neil snorted. “No. She doesn’t tell us everything. Let’s surprise her with this one.”

  The image made Jeremy laugh, and the two men felt it at the same time, the sense of coming together.

  It hadn’t been like that since before Samantha had come into their lives and they’d missed the friendship.

  “Wanna get a beer later? She’ll graze for a while, right?”

  Neil was still chuckling. “I hope so. If we don’t keep her weight up, one of the other men will try to move in.”

  Jeremy didn’t think that was funny at all. “Have you noticed the way they’re treating them?”

  “Yes. Marc’s a genius.”

  “I believe so, too,” Jeremy stated. “He’s changed.”

  “You think?” Neil asked, but there wasn’t any real sarcasm. They were now locked into their destiny, and it was something of a comfort to have each other still. Neither man had thought that would be possible.

  “Twins.”

  Neil chuckled again. “We’ll be busy. It’s probably for the best she wants us both.”

  Jeremy hadn’t thought to ever hear that, but he found he agreed. Everything had changed.

  “Come on, let’s go talk to Brady about your idea. If he says no, we’ll let it go. Agreed?”

  “Yes.” Jeremy trusted Marc more than he ever had Adrian.