Southern Regions (Southern Desires Book 4)

by Jeannette Winters

  As you said, my love. Whatever we face, we face it together. Marina locked the cabinets and left the lab unseen. Now we both wait.

  Chapter Seventeen

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  Kevin and Mark scanned the perimeter and found no sign of anyone else there. Neither of them trusted that. The rain was so heavy it easily could’ve washed away tracks and traces of activity.

  “I say we get the hell out of here now,” Kevin said. He looked around one more time, trying to catch a glimpse of anything lurking in the dark.

  “Fuck. Kev, we don’t see them, but they’re out there,” Mark said very softly as he backed up with his hand on his gun.

  “What do you see that I don’t?” Kevin asked as he took the safety off his Glock.

  “Nothing. But when we came out, the Jeep was fine. Now, the tires have been slashed.”

  Fuck is an understatement. He wanted Marina out of there and someplace they could actually protect her. Getting reinforcements here quickly wasn’t going to be easy in this weather. The closest men were covering their parents, Hannah, and Casey. No way could they even pull half of them away.

  “How long before you can get a chopper here to lift us off this fucking hill?” Kevin asked, already fearing the answer. Even the best pilots would have issues with these winds. Even if they made it in, taking off with additional weight was too risky.

  “I’d rather take my chances in a gunfight than slamming into one of these hillsides. If we get caught in these gale-force winds, no one will survive.”

  You ain’t joking. “We’d better let the others know. We’re going to need to lock this place down as much as possible.”

  “I don’t need to tell you, this place is far from secure. As far as training goes, it’s just you and me. Maggie can more than hold her own with a weapon, but hand-to-hand combat? I’m not so sure. Derrick will do whatever he needs to. I wish to hell I hadn’t agreed to let him come.”

  Kevin knew why. Casey was expecting their first child. Neither of them wanted to think of her raising the baby without a father. They’d seen it too often and attended way too many military funerals with widows holding their newborn babies in their arms. Derrick was a businessman, but he had the heart of a soldier. Or maybe it’s just the heart of a man in love. God knows I’d do anything for Marina.

  “Can’t worry about that now. Besides, we need him.” What we really need is Johnson. Fuck. I might not have been a fan of his sense of humor, but man, that guy was one of the best soldiers I’ve ever known. He and Mark still hadn’t discussed what happened out in that park. He knew it needed to be soon, but right now Mark wanted to focus on the here and now. Kevin understood Mark was dealing with some heavy shit right now and was without his second-in-command. Sorry Bro, hope I’ll do. Johnson left me some big shoes to fill in your eyes. I’m not sure you’ll ever think me or anyone else can do what he did. We’re about to find out because we’re all we got.

  As they made it back inside and secured the door, Mark’s phone buzzed. He took the call, and for the first time he saw Mark’s face twitch with pain. “No. I’ll deliver the message to the Johnsons in person, when this is over.”

  When Mark disconnected the call, Kevin knew it was time for them to talk. He needed to know in case anything happened to him. Hell, I don’t even know what the fuck this vaccine is going to do to me.

  He grabbed Mark’s arm and stopped him in the hallway before they went to meet the others. “I’m genuinely sorry about Johnson. He was . . . more than just a good soldier. I know that.”

  Mark had a blank look on his face as though he was miles away. “Tell me what happened, Kev.” Mark’s voice was flat.

  “We changed the location of the pickup to a park so we wouldn’t draw too much attention to both choppers. Those bastards weren’t following us, which means they were waiting for us at the park. When we turned down the last bend before getting to the choppers, we were ambushed. Their SUV was right on us. We were barely able to get Marina and Maggie out in time. Johnson had been driving, so he was more vulnerable when he cut the vehicle for cover. I knew he was hit once before we even got out. When Marina’s chopper was up in the air, one of the bastards was trying to take it down. Johnson got him first, but that left him wide open. I didn’t have an angle on the man that shot him until after that. It was bad. I’m telling you, Mark, if Johnson hadn’t . . . drawn their fire . . . Marina and Maggie wouldn’t be here now.”

  He was shocked that his voice choked at the end and his eyes welled up. He’d never be able to repay Johnson for what he’d done.

  “Then we need to make sure his family knows that. Lionel’s sacrifice may have just saved this country.” Kevin looked at Mark who also was fighting back tears.

  In all those years, Kevin never heard Mark call him anything except Johnson. It was using his first name that said just how hard this was for Mark. The man was dead, and Kevin needed to push away his nagging gut feelings. Doing anything else would make Mark second-guess everything that had transpired. They didn’t have the luxury of time. If Johnson was not on the up and up, that secret might just end up being buried with him. Kevin wasn’t going to open that box. Besides, Kevin knew his opinion was clouded by his overall dislike for the guy. None of that meant he was anything but loyal to Mark and to his country.

  Kevin reached his hand out and placed it on Mark’s shoulder. “Do you want me to go with you when you tell the family?” Kevin never had to do that himself, but he knew Mark had to many times. This one was going to be different from the rest. Personal. Like you’re burying a brother.

  “It’d mean a lot to his family,” Mark said, and then in a voice less controlled he added, “It’d mean a lot to me, too.”

  The jealousy Kevin felt over those years about how close Johnson and Mark were, no longer existed. If anything, Kevin wished he’d taken time to get to know him better. Mark didn’t let many people that close to him, so it said a lot about Johnson’s character. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t stand him.

  There was only one thing left, they had to survive this shit they were in now, or Johnson’s sacrifice wasn’t going to matter.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Mark asked.

  He didn’t feel right for many reasons, but now that Mark mentioned it he had a pounding headache, and his body was sore. That wasn’t like him. Shit. Don’t tell me the vaccine doesn’t work. Kevin didn’t want Mark to know. Not yet at least. He had enough to worry about, and if he thought Kevin wasn’t up to par, he’d pull him and put Derrick or Maggie in the line of fire. I can’t let that happen. Too many people have already died.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Let’s go to the others and tell them what’s going on.” Cause the shit’s about to hit the fan.

  Marina was changing Maggie’s bandage and cleaning out the wound again. “You really need to have this looked at. I know the bullet is inside and needs to come out.”

  “If we make it out, I’ll have it looked at.”

  She shot Maggie a look but saw Maggie was dead serious. Marina was trying not to focus on what could be coming as she was still trying to remain calm about Kevin injecting himself with the vaccine.

  “We got out of the park in one piece. I’m sure they’ll pull it off again.”

  “Not everyone.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Maggie winced as the alcohol hit her open wound on her arm. “Johnson.”

  Marina hadn’t asked. She knew what the answer was. The picture of his body jolting from the bullets before he fell backward was something she’d never forget. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.”

  “No, I understand. We block out things that are too painful to think about. Trust me, if we didn’t, no one would be able to do this job.”

  “Were he and Kevin close?”

  Maggie shrugged. “I don’t know. The only other time I met them was in West Virginia when they took back control of The Mountain.”

  “I thought you knew them for years by the way you all inte
ract.”

  “In some ways, we all work together like one machine. In other ways, we’re as different as night and day.”

  Marina liked her analogy. “I think I understand what you’re saying. I’ve never been close enough to anyone that we could anticipate each other’s thoughts or needs.”

  “Yeah. It comes in handy during combat, but gets annoying as hell any other time.” Maggie laughed. “It’s like having our brain wiretapped all the time. Trust me. There are things we don’t want these men to know.”

  “You’ve got that right.” Marina thought back to the day Kevin touched the wrong remote. It seemed like it happened so long ago, but it hadn’t been that long. So much had transpired since Kevin showed up on her porch.

  “You and Kevin seem like a perfect fit. I’m glad. He’s a good guy, and he needed someone to appreciate him for who he is,” Maggie said.

  She wasn’t sure what that meant, but as far as Marina was concerned, she was the lucky one. How Kevin could ever love her was beyond any reasoning. Even after all he knows about me, my past and my father, he still loved me enough to inject himself to save me. I never thought I’d find that kind of love. I don’t deserve it.

  Marina felt a bit woozy for a minute and grabbed onto the table.

  “Are you all right?” Maggie asked.

  “I think all this excitement is getting to me,” Marina lied as she tried to steady herself. “Maybe I should lie down for a while.”

  “That’s a good idea. There’s nothing more you can do but wait it out and see what happens to Kevin.”

  And to me. “You’re right. When they get back, come and wake me, okay?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Marina left the lab and headed for where she’d seen cots before. It was far from the comforts of home, but right now even the floor looked appealing. As she lay down, she closed her eyes and felt her pulse. It was racing slightly. That could be the vaccine or just stress. God knows I’ve been under enough lately. I won’t know until Kevin tells me what he’s feeling. If he tells me. God, that man can be stubborn.

  “May I join you?” Kevin asked from the doorway.

  “I don’t think these cots are built for two,” she teased.

  Kevin pushed a second cot up against hers then lay down beside her. He turned to face her and put an arm over her. Cuddling wasn’t possible on these things, but having him hold her, even like this, was pure heaven. She wished she felt better so she could enjoy it.

  She needed to know how he felt. “Kevin, how are you feeling? Are you all right?”

  He didn’t open his eyes as he answered, “Just tired.”

  Marina knew it was affecting him as well. All she could do was hope the symptoms didn’t get worse. She placed her hand on his and closed her eyes. Tomorrow would be the day they’d know if the vaccine was a grave mistake or not. Even now, their exhausted state concerned her. Telling Kevin wasn’t going to do anything. All it would do is cause him to panic. So she’d keep it to herself until it was unavoidable. Hopefully, tomorrow would be a better day. Her body was drifting into a deep sleep she couldn’t fight. Bringing his hand to her heart, she felt her breathing become shallow. I’m not even sure we’ll wake in the morning. Either way my love, we do this together.

  Chapter Eighteen

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  Kevin might have slept for hours, but he could barely find the strength to open his eyes. His body felt stiff, and his joints truly hurt. The vaccine was kicking his ass. He looked at Marina, sound asleep in the cot next to him.

  She wanted to test this on herself? I’d inject myself a million times over again as long as she never had to suffer like I am. Gently slipping his hand from beneath hers, he touched her cheek. She stirred slightly, moaning. You’ve shown me what I never knew existed within me. Something I never thought I was capable of. Love.

  He could look at her all day and never get bored. Although Mark hadn’t come to tell him it was his turn at guard duty, he knew there were only so many hours anyone could, or should, cover. Especially Derrick, who has no clue what’s about to come our way.

  Kevin reluctantly removed his hand from Marina. He knew each touch could be their last. He would do everything in his power to make it so they had a long life ahead of them, but there was only so much four people could do if those bastards showed up, ready to hit hard.

  He rolled himself up so he rested on an elbow, looking down at her. I want more than holding you, kissing you. I want all of you, for all time. He tenderly bent and placed a kiss on her lips, trying not to wake her. He imagined her dreaming of their future, a happier time than what they were facing now. Dream, my love. One of us has to hold on to that hope. I know too much, see too much, and I’m not sure I can have anything more than nightmares anymore.

  Kevin swung his legs off the cot. He felt like he wore cement shoes instead of boots. Then he cocked his neck, hoping that cracking it would relieve some of the stiffness. It didn’t. No matter how horrible he felt, it was nothing compared to what he’d feel if the enemy got inside. We know how it’ll end if they do get in. It won’t be fucking pretty.

  He couldn’t bring himself to turn back. If he did, he might never be able to tear himself away. His leaving wasn’t about choosing duty over love. In fact, it was love that drove everything he’d done since meeting her.

  He found Maggie sitting in the kitchenette drinking coffee. “You look like hell.”

  Trust me. I feel worse. “How’s your arm?” Kevin asked, deflecting the topic from anything that might say the vaccine wasn’t working.

  Maggie shrugged. “Could be worse.”

  Kevin knew she was thinking of Johnson. It was the ultimate price one paid. Maggie knew that better than most. He’d lost men in battle, but never a sibling as she had.

  “I figured I’d get up early for my shift.”

  Maggie laughed. “You missed morning long ago. You’ve been asleep almost fourteen hours.”

  Kevin looked at his watch. The last thing he remembered was going to lie with Marina a little after midnight. “Why the hell didn’t you try to wake me?” he barked.

  “Like we didn’t try. I think my poking you several times after calling your name would’ve woken you. When it didn’t, and you were still breathing, I suggested flipping your cot, but your brother didn’t find that humorous at all. Instead, he volunteered me to cover your detail. Thanks.”

  He was a light sleeper, and he remembered none of what Maggie was saying. Hell, it was like being in a short coma, but my body feels like it hasn’t moved in weeks, never mind hours. I can’t let Marina know. Fuck I can’t let Mark know, or I’ll find my ass back where it just left. Kevin needed to be useful. Lying down, waiting to see if the vaccine turned out to be fatal wasn’t the best use of whatever time he might have.

  “I’m up now, so let’s go relieve those two.”

  Maggie handed him a cup of coffee. “I think you need this first.”

  “I don’t have time.”

  “Kevin, it’s my butt out there too. I need you awake, alert. Drink up or go back to bed.”

  He wished going back to bed was an option. Kevin grabbed the cup from her hand and downed the hot contents. “Quit stalling and gear up, Master Sargent.” He left her alone in the kitchen while he rushed to the head. His stomach was killing him, and that coffee wasn’t going to taste any better on the way back up.

  I hate it, but I need to tell Marina it’s not working. Or at least, I don’t think this is what a vaccine is supposed to do. Who the hell is going to take it if these are the side effects?

  As he left the head, Maggie was standing outside, leaning against the door. “Are you going to tell her?”

  Kevin nodded. “After our shift is over.”

  “If you live that long.”

  Yeah. I’m thinking the same damn thing.

  Marina could barely think, never mind move, but she was happy that they’d made it through the night. She couldn’t lie to herself. There was a moment when she wasn�
�t sure if she would wake up or not. Now she had to force herself to get up and go over the formula again. Even if it did work, she needed to reduce the side effects. Kevin and I are strong, healthy adults. Someone sick, young, or old would never be able to handle this. I need something that works for everyone.

  She made her way to the lab. Before she got inside, she was met by Mark. “I’d like to talk to you.”

  Without looking at him, she said, “I have a lot of work to do. Can we talk later?” The truth was she needed to sit down. Her legs were shaking.

  Mark followed her inside and shut the door behind them. “This can’t wait.”

  Marina sat down before she found herself needing to crawl. “What is it that can’t wait?”

  “Kevin is out on patrol right now. So I thought we should talk before he returns.” He didn’t sit. Instead, he stood legs apart and his arms crossed, glaring at her. “Let’s not play any games. I don’t think my brother has the flu, but his symptoms say he’s sick. Is it the vaccine?”

  Although he hadn’t told her, she knew there was no way he wasn’t going through the same reactions as she was. Marina nodded.

  “Is this the worst of it?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Mark finally sat down, and his voice softened a bit as he asked, “How are you feeling?”

  She shot him a look of amazement. Was there no keeping anything from him? How was it Kevin hadn’t noticed if Mark could easily tell? Probably the same reason as me. We feel like shit, and it’s hard enough to stay upright, never mind be aware of what’s going on around us. Then she remembered Kevin was on patrol. Anything could happen out there, and his reaction time was going to be drastically lacking. “Mark, you can’t leave him out there. He’s—”

  “Leaning up against the building guarding the main entrance. Derrick and Maggie are walking the perimeter until it gets dark. Then it becomes a whole new ballgame. I need to be able to count on you to do what you need to do.”