by Stone, Piper
Talyn growled when he returned. “Three colonies have been hit within seconds of each other. One in Colorado, one in New York, and one only several miles from here.”
I thought about what Talyn had told me earlier. “Your father’s colony?”
He only nodded, but I could see utter despair in his eyes. “Yes, but there’s more.”
Shifting closer, I could read his eyes. “More human villages have also been attacked.”
“Unfortunately. They were firebombed,” Talyn said quietly.
Zacon muttered in his own language. “The war has begun.”
I shivered from simply hearing the tone of his voice, but he was right. Everyone had fallen into Jonas’ tyranny.
We remained silent, taking in the damning information.
“We need to go,” Talyn stated. “Killer is not responding.”
“We can’t leave him alone to die.” I was exasperated, close to tears and I wanted nothing more than to shove a shank deep inside Damen’s throat.
“Killer can hold his own for now. He’s dangerous in his own right.” Zacon’s words did little to calm my nerves.
“You made a promise!” I snapped.
“And I intend on keeping it,” Zacon retorted.
I looked from one to the other. Killer had amazing instincts, but without knowing where to look. “Would he know where to find Damen?”
Zacon hesitated. “I certainly didn’t give him any coordinates.”
“We’ve been ordered to return to the Comstar for our mission, but we will return, and we will find Killer.” Talyn’s smile was meant to be reassuring.
Nothing was going to reassure me at this point. Nothing. “You’re crazy if you think I’m not coming with you. Your king needs to know he’s missing.”
“And we’re going to tell him, Kristina. This won’t take us long,” Talyn said with a smile.
“You’re needed here, little human,” Zacon directed. “Do not defy me on this. The majority of Cenzan soldiers are being transported to the Comstar, you need to be our eyes and ears in case this colony is attacked. Will you do that?”
Talyn quickly removed his communication device, taking my wrist into his hand and attaching it. “If anything happens, just press your hand over the screen to activate.”
I glared at the watch-like contraption, my throat bone dry.
Zacon removed one of his weapons, holding it out. “Do you know how to use one of these?”
Grabbing the gun out of his hand, I shifted the ammunition chamber, adjusted the heat scan unit, and swung the weapon around, pointing the long barrel directly at Talyn. “Locked and loaded. Do you want a test run?”
“Our little human is quite resourceful,” Zacon said under his breath.
“You have no idea,” I retorted. I followed them out to the porch, gazing at the now nearly deserted street. The rain continued to fall, albeit the storm was moving out. Strings of water dripped down from the eaves, plopping into the puddles that had formed given the instant burst of rain. The sound matched the beating of my heart—a constricted muscle that had changed over the course of just a few days. Maybe there was hope for me yet. “If you don’t return, I’m finding Killer. Then I’m going to take out Damen with one. Single. Shot.”
I could tell the respect Talyn had for me in his eyes.
“Be safe, little human,” Zacon managed, before heading for the transport unit.
After they were out of sight, I moved back into the house. I’d managed to find Killer’s stash of both human and Cenzan weapons, more by accident than anything. After selecting and arming a few, and finding a bag large enough to carry them, I went to glare at the photograph one last time. I pointed my index finger at the picture, twisting my hand then giving the asshole my middle finger.
“There’s nowhere you can hide, fucker.”
I walked to the middle of the street, peering down at the pretty little houses, as if someone had actually taken the time to put life back into the colony. Maybe they had, longing for the orange-tinted waters and lush foliage that seemed to be one of the few things that sparked emotion from Zacon.
Then maybe all this was a nightmare.
The hefty bag on my shoulder and the weapon firmly planted in my hands, I stormed through the streets, scanning both sides. There was no sign that the humans living in the colony had been placed on high alert, even though some children called this place home. I headed for the building where the people I once trusted with my life had been housed.
There were still two Cenzan soldiers walking the perimeter, as if they would be able to stop an attack. Still, at least that gave credibility to the fact that King Drateq wanted to protect human life. They paid me no attention when I walked inside. I found several of them inside some sort of communal space. As soon as I walked in, they all stood, concern riding their faces.
The tension was thick, no doubt given the massive weapon in my hand.
Only Ginger approached, her expression just as pensive. “I was worried about you,” she said quietly, fiddling with her hands and her eyes darting down to the weapon.
I dropped the bag, shooting them all a look. “Whether or not you feel that Cenzans deserve the right to be here no longer matters. Our entire civilization is under attack or will be likely by the end of the day.”
“The election?” Ginger asked.
I nodded. “Jonas Bradford has already declared himself the winner. Subsequently, three additional Cenzan colonies have been attacked and several of our villages. I assure you, there will be more. This is war, people, but we are responsible for starting it. Inside you’ll find weapons. Keep yourself armed and protected until the return of the Cenzan soldiers; however, do not dare harm them.” My voice echoed in the space.
Several others walked into the room, listening intently.
“Do you understand?” I barked.
“You were always our leader. We follow your leadership. Period.” Ginger offered a smile.
I glanced around the room, locking eyes with as many as dared to meet my gaze. “I was wrong about the Cenzans and about Damen. Make no mistake, Damen is a treacherous monster. He will kill you just as soon as look you in the eye.” With that, I turned, heading for the door.
“Wait. Where are you going?” Ginger asked.
I stopped briefly, not bothering to turn around. “I have something to do.” I walked out, my purpose set and no one was going to stop me. Not a single soul.
I knew exactly where to look for Damen and my guess was that Killer’s instinct alone told him the same thing. Time to go hunting.
I’d grabbed the keys to the Jeep, a perfect vehicle to travel the difficult terrain. With a few additional weapons placed in the seat beside me, I knew I was ready.
Or so I prayed—for the first time in my life.
* * *
Many of the military bases had been purposely targeted during the Great War, left in rubble and kept for some insane reason as a reminder. This particular base had been rumored to have held certain powerful people during the crisis, abandoned after tests determined it was safe to come out of hiding. My father had told me war stories, detailed accounts of his older brother’s work on one particular Marine base.
Coincidences didn’t seem possible at this moment. I felt like karma was swirling around me, waiting to bite me in the ass, but this was something I had to do. I’d allowed Damen to infiltrate what had been a safe and somewhat nurturing environment, even with our hatred of the Cenzans. Then I’d allowed my anger to cloud my instincts. How many would need to pay for my ugly brand of sins?
The terrain was rocky, the once pristine roads cracked and caved in, fallen trees covering various areas. I stopped several times, finding moss-covered placards pointing me in the right direction. The closer I came, the more signs that several other vehicles had been through the area fairly recently. They’d attempted to hide their tracks, which would indicate that Killer hadn’t decided to look in the same area. He wouldn’t bother.
Had Damen and his followers been the ones to attack the other colony? I could have no way of knowing but there was only one way to find out.
I was less than two miles out and at this point, daylight wasn’t necessarily my friend. At least there were trees to hide my approach. I hopped back into the Jeep, moving forward carefully. The further I drove, the worse the surrounding area became until finally I knew I’d have to make the last mile or so on foot.
I hid the Jeep far from the road, now little more than a natural trail, grabbing a second weapon, another Cenzan weapon to be exact. There was one good thing about using alien firepower. Their ammunition lasted one hell of a long time.
As I prepared to leave, I made one last decision. I knew Damen had one too many capabilities of tracking people and my guess was that Cenzans were no different. After taking a deep breath, I pulled off the communication device, sliding it under the seat for safety.
Now, I was on my own.
All I’d need was a single clear shot and given Damen’s fondness for showing off, if he was responsible for the attack, he’d return and celebrate. Then again, maybe Killer would have the opportunity to get to the bastard first.
The thought kept me going as the briars became thicker, the entire area almost completely overgrown. I knew I was close the trail just off to my left, but everything looked the same.
Hearing the single cracking of a twig behind me, I rushed behind a tree, crouching down. Hearing nothing else, I peered around the trunk, controlling my breathing as I searched for the cause. I could see no signs of any type of creatures, human or otherwise.
I took a few tentative steps, keeping low to the ground. Seconds later, I could see what appeared to be a series of buildings through the trees. Every step laced with caution, I moved closer until I was able to tell I was right. However, the place looked absolutely deserted. There was no sign that anyone had been here for decades, let alone within two days. Something was off.
I took another few cautious steps, making certain the weapon was in firing mode. Everything was so quiet, far too quiet.
Until I heard his voice.
“Hello, Kristina. I knew you’d be the one to find me. We’re going to have a little fun, you and I.”
Swinging the weapon, I was prepared to fire. “Damen. You bastard. What in the hell do you want?”
“Salvation for all of us. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. It’s unfortunate that you decided to betray your own race.” Damen inched closer, the weapon in his hand primitive. I almost laughed at the realization he was holding a gun from decades before. What was he trying to prove?
“You’re the one who’s betrayed the human race. You lied about everything.”
Another cracking noise behind me.
We weren’t the only ones here. I sensed there were several others, all surrounding me. Ready for me to try to escape. Damn all of them. I was petrified, but only because of my own stupidity. I should never have attempted this alone.
Damen walked closer, chuckling in a knowing fashion. He held some secret, the real reason he was doing this. “You’re pathetic. You sicken me. Fucking the enemy is beneath you, or so I thought, lovely Kristina.”
“Fuck you, Damen. I’ve learned a hell of a lot in a few days, including the fact you’re a killer, a murderer of innocent lives, including human lives.” I shot my head from right to left, laughing in an exaggerated fashion. “Did you know this piece of shit enjoys killing innocent women, ones who are pregnant?” I was honestly surprised when his eye had a slight twitch. “What, you didn’t know that when you were ordered to murder Lieutenant Drake Michaelson’s wife that you also killed the very precious baby she carried?”
I could be wrong, but I thought I heard a grunt of disgust coming from behind me.
He lifted his head, snorting. “Even if that was true, Drake didn’t deserve happiness. He betrayed his unit and the entire Marine Corp.”
“Because he realized that someone was treating every single special op Marine as nothing more than a puppet?” Now, I was winging it, but what the hell. I had nothing to lose at this point.
“You’re a fucking liar!” he shouted, the bellow strangled.
I was getting to him.
I offered another smile, my gaze much more heated than his. “I’m going to venture a guess that you’re really working for the weakest man on Earth, Jonas Bradford. Are you his lackey? Are you planning on bombing every Cenzan colony? For what? Money? Glory? Fame? My guess would be all of the above. What you don’t know is that he has a target on his head and trust me, the Cenzan race will hunt you down like the murderer you are.”
He closed the distance, sliding the barrel of the gun under my chin. “I suggest you shut the hell up, little girl, or you’re going to be hurt. I will have great pleasure in using and abusing your body.”
The threat was real, but the man was unhinged. Just a little more pushing. I remained defiant, wishing more than anything that my three brave and strong men were here to protect me. A shiver curled around my spine, a reminder that I was in immediate danger. Play the game. Pretend. I decided to listen to my little voice. “I’m sorry.”
Damen kept the gun in position for a few seconds. After lowering the weapon, he turned briefly, but long enough for me to make a dash for the trees. If I could make it there, maybe...
Bang. Bang.
“No. No, Damen!” The voice I recognized. Female. Luci.
I shifted, jerking all the way around, gasping as she fell against a tree, blood seeping from a gaping wound.
“What did you do? You fucking bastard!” Screaming, I lifted my weapon, taking aim.
A flash of movement.
A hard sting directly in the middle of my back.
A scream erupting from my throat.
Then silence.
And.
And...
Chapter Fifteen
Killer
My instincts had been wrong.
Dead wrong.
What the fuck had I been thinking, going after Damen by myself? I hadn’t been thinking. The taste and lure of revenge had been far too sweet, but I knew I was right about the bastard. The eyes were the same, cold and heartless, the very ones I’d locked onto seconds before the asshole had disappeared into the forest surrounding what I’d thought had been a safe place to raise my family.
I’d been wrong then too.
And this time? I knew every military base within four hundred miles. Damen needed to hide, regrouping and lying in wait until Jonas won the election. My plans? Move onto the next one until I found her. Sadly, my instincts had shut down, blanketed by my increasing rage.
The truth was I’d been tricked. The man I knew as Nicolas Damen Solomon was a rogue soldier, or so I’d heard, the telling of the man turning into a savage killer legendary within the ranks of the Marines.
I’d fallen for his bullshit.
He was the kind of man who wanted to finish what he’d started, and I knew I was on that list. His training had made him more man than machine, much like what I’d almost become before learning the truth. Damen had a taste for blood, where I had a taste for life. At least since Kristina. Now, I could only imagine what he would do with her given our... mating. She’d fight him, refusing to back down. She had no idea who she was really dealing with.
Another mistake.
I should have awakened her, confiding everything I knew. Only then would we have been able to formulate a plan that mattered.
Huffing, I rolled my hand through my still damp hair, longing for a shot of whiskey to drown my sorrows. I chuckled at the thought. There wasn’t enough liquor in the world to do that.
I sat on the Harley, allowing the engine to idle, my mind reeling.
Damen had to be working with Jonas in some manner, perhaps considered his assassin, taking out particular individuals. That would mean he had an ultimate goal.
The trail I’d sniffed out turned out to be cold long before I even reached the site. Then I’d been forced
to make a difficult decision. Continue on, hoping that my instincts were on the money or fall back to the colony, protecting Kristina and the others while the real war took place. I heard Talyn’s communication but had kept going, at least for another thirty minutes.
Then another round of guilt had forced me to abandon my goal.
I glared at the sky, daring another storm to roll through. I was drenched, perhaps shaken to the core, but the need for vengeance remained strong in my mind. My need to protect the woman I’d somehow managed to fall in love with even stronger.
And so, the decision became easy.
I headed down the lonely street, keeping a watchful eye for marauders. If the attack was a violent as Talyn had suggested in his message, every marauder was on high alert, preparing for the second apocalypse.
I could barely stomach the thought.
I kicked the bike into a higher gear, hunkering over the handlebars as I headed toward the colony. My thoughts continued to shift to Kristina, the frank words she’d said and the caring way she’d said them. She had no idea how important she’d become, to all three of us. Even Zacon; whatever his story was had to be the reason for his surly attitude.
Maybe he and I would come to terms.
There were far too many maybes.
I rolled down the various roads, passing several smaller villages where nothing seemed amiss. When I headed into the colony, my hackles were raised. There were no Cenzan guards as required, no soldiers walking the perimeter. While there was also no sign of an attack, I skidded the bike in my effort to stop, jumping off the second I was able and racing into the house. I also noticed something else.
The damn Jeep was gone.
“Kristina. Are you here?” My call was met with silence. Shaking, I checked every room in the house. Noticing the closet door in my bedroom ajar, I took a deep breath before opening it. Several weapons were missing as well as a large duffle. “What the hell did you do?”
Lifting my arm, I almost tapped the communication device, opting instead to head to the transport area. The soldiers had been called to the Comstar, planning for their attack. I was certain of it.
