by Cheree Alsop
About the time Kyla got out of school, I found myself either on the abandoned grocery store roof or in the shadows behind the second parking lot, watching to make sure she reached her car safely. I was glad to see there was no sign of the AWOL soldiers who gave her trouble. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Tarnick and his gang had moved their territory to include the school, and they kept the junkies from hawking their wares to the students. The parking lot at the grocery story was eventually taken over by students and the halos of smoke and red-eyed users eventually left.
I shadowed Kyla to the clinic, and let Whisper and the wolf Shifters play at the playground a block away so I could hear her car and know that she was headed safely home. I lost myself in the children, in teaching them the things they missed by not going to school, and adding the lessons of the street to their education. Shadow and Flint took easily to Phoenix’s weapons’ training, and though I never touched a gun after losing May, I still felt relieved at the thought that they could defend themselves if the Den was ever attacked.
I struggled at night, and with a reluctance to go out into the darkness alone. I told myself I wasn’t a coward, but I had to fight surges of adrenaline that sent me rushing for cover at the sound of a footstep or the glint of light on metal.
I despised my fear, but didn’t know how to get over it. I didn’t dare let down my vigil, but at the same time I couldn’t look at a Falconan across a street or in a busy mall without a shard of fear racing down my spine. I tried to hide it from the others, and if they suspected, they didn’t say anything.
Chapter 45- Kyla
I attended school and watched Kip play hockey, pitching in once in a while to even out the teams. Phoenix, Whisper, and Raven came by to visit, but Marek’s absence was painfully obvious. I caught the exchanged worried looks between Mom and Dad when they asked the pack members about him. Their answers were always short and vague. Mom cooked extra meals to send home to the others.
I helped out at the clinic, went dress shopping with my friends, and picked out a soft purple gown on a sales rack. I doubted I would ever wear it, but Mom insisted that I get something. I studied in the tree, played with Rosie, and babysat so that my parents could go out.
Everything had returned to normal until the day Kip didn’t come home from school.
“Did he say he was going to Bobby’s house tonight?” Mom asked anxiously.
Dad shook his head, his newspaper lying untouched on the table.
“Kippy,” Rosie said from under the table. She giggled, proud of the new word she had learned that week with Kip’s attentive coaching. “Fewow,” she said, tossing a block at the little dog. He moved grudgingly from his place at Dad’s feet where he waited for scraps from the untouched meal.
“He probably lost track of time playing hockey,” I commented without hope. I’d left the parking lot over two hours ago and they had already been wrapping up the game in order to beat the cold home.
Dad rose. “I’m calling the police. If he comes home soon, great. At least they can keep an eye out for him.” He took the phone into the living room. I heard him dial, then talk to the dispatcher. Mom stared at the back door. I knew they were thinking the same thing. Was Kip lost or Lost?
I couldn’t take it anymore. I rose from the table, my chair sliding back with an overloud screech. Mom looked up, alarmed. “Where are you going?”
“To Marek,” I said. “He’ll know what to do.” I could feel the necklace I had worn under my shirt since the day Marek gave it to me. He had to know what to do.
Dad came back into the room looking haggard. “They said to wait twenty-four hours in case he returns; then if we still haven’t heard from him, they’ll start looking.”
That made up my mind. “I’m going.”
“Where?” Dad asked in surprise.
“She’s going to tell Marek to see if he can do anything,” Mom replied. She looked suddenly years older as she picked up Rosie and hugged her. The toddler struggled, anxious to go back to throwing blocks at Fellow.
Dad surprised me. “Don’t worry. I’ll take her if you’ll be alright here.”
Mom nodded. “I know where you keep the shotgun. No one will bother us.
“Mom!” I said, shocked.
Mom gave me a grim smile. “Nobody messes with my family.”
Dad followed me into the dark warehouse. I could see my breath by the faint light of the moon that drifted in through the broken windows. The machine giants seemed watchful tonight, as if they were waiting for something. A shiver ran through my body that wasn’t brought on by the cold.
Phoenix took one look at our expressions and pointed at the door to Marek’s room. Dad stayed behind with the cougar Shifter while I made my way down the hall. The kids were asleep; snoring rose from Shadow’s room.
I was surprised to hear thumps coming from behind the makeshift door at the late hour. I pulled the blanket aside and stepped in. Marek was punching the bag. He wore loose white pants and his bare chest shone with a layer of sweat. He had tied a dark blue bandanna around his head to keep the hair out of his eyes. I could see the white scar from the bullet wound in his shoulder. He didn’t favor his left arm; he worked it harder.
“Marek.”
He spun in a half-crouch, his gloves up and ready for an attack. Spotting me, he dropped them again and stood in surprise. “Sorry, I, well . . . .” Embarrassed, he pulled the gloves off and tossed them onto the nearby chair, then picked up a towel. “I haven’t been able to find the labs. I’ve searched every lead.” I could hear the frustration in his voice, and how he hated himself for it. “I don’t know where else to look. I’ve been trying to concentrate on the pack, to improve the quality of the life we live here. I shouldn’t have avoided you. I just know they’re out there and-”
“They’ve got Kip,” I said. As soon as it left my mouth, I knew it was true.
“-I can’t let it go.” Marek finished. He froze, then cocked his head at me wolf-like, his eyes flashing gold. “What did you say?”
“Kip didn’t come home. Dad’s called the cops, but they won’t do anything until tomorrow at the soonest.” The reality of what I was saying hit me. Tears filled my eyes.
Marek dropped his towel and touched my shoulder. “Kyla, I’m so sorry.”
I shook off his hand, finding a vent for my emotions in anger. That he had abandoned us had never crossed my mind before, but I felt it now. “Will you find him? He looked up to you,” I asked with a cold fury that hid how badly his absence had hurt.
“I don’t know where. . .” Marek met my eyes and the anger there stopped him. He gave a short nod. “I’ll find him, don’t worry.”
I turned and left the room without another word, my heart pounding. Dad and Phoenix, along with Flint, Raven, and Shadow, waited for me. I walked past them to the pile of charts on the table, unable to look at them through the hot tears that spilled down my cheeks.
I turned when I heard Marek’s footsteps coming down the hall. “Find me the closest Falconan.”
No one asked his plan. We took the motorcycles, leaving Dad’s car in the parking garage. At Marek’s command, Shadow and Raven stayed behind with Whisper. Marek seemed to be preparing for what would happen if he didn’t return. I rode behind Dad, my eyes on the black-clothed rider we followed. He was intent now, focused. He didn’t speak to anyone, but we followed him into the mall without question.
It was Friday night and the mall was full of shoppers, store owners, and guards. It didn’t take long for our solemn gang to attract the attention of one of the patrolling Falconans, then it took only a flash of Marek’s golden eyes to keep it.
The Falconan picked up his pace, following us down a side hall toward the men’s bathroom. At Marek’s signal, I grabbed Flint’s hand and ducked into a nearby store. The Falconan ignored us, intent on Marek. They entered the bathroom just ahead of him. Two seconds later, four other men left the restroom in a hurry.
Flint and I roamed the store pretendi
ng to shop, but our eyes were on the bathroom door. It took longer than I had expected, or else the tension turned the minutes into hours. Phoenix came out first. He was covered in sweat and his shirt was ripped, but he seemed to be in a very good mood. Dad and then Marek followed, looking grim but victorious. Dad glanced up, met my eyes, and gave a barely perceptible nod.
Flint and I joined them for the walk back to the bikes. I wondered if Flint was also staring at their red knuckles, the sternly clenched jaws, and exchanged glances. I couldn’t bring myself to ask if they had killed the Falconan; if Kip’s life hung in the balance, I really didn’t care.
“Leave it to Galbran to be cocky enough to stay in Charlton,” Phoenix said, his voice muffled through his helmet as he climbed on his motorcycle. “Lucky for us, some Falconans still have enough sense to value their lives above protecting him.” He paused, “Though I wouldn’t have minded questioning a few more just to be sure.”
“One’s enough,” Marek’s voice was quiet but firm. “Let’s go.” He put on his helmet, the tinted visor shading his face from view. He looked back at me for a second; everyone turned to follow his gaze.
I felt my cheeks turn red and was glad the helmet hid my face from view. “I’m ready,” I said. “Let’s bring Kip home.”
Chapter 46- Marek
We stopped by the Den to pick up supplies.
“Call Officer Brayton and the others. Have them meet us as soon as they can get there,” I told Raven. His eyes widened, but he nodded and grabbed the binder off one of the tables.
“Get Tarnick, Jeston, and the other older Shifters and have them meet us there as well,” I told Shadow. “Tell them to come armed.”
The young Shifter went to work next to Raven. I left them knowing they would rally whoever was in range; I could only hope they would arrive in time.
Mr. March, Flint, Phoenix, and Kyla followed me to the parking lot of an old school in downtown Charlton. The irony of Galbran’s lab being built in a place where children used to learn and play wasn’t lost on any of us. A steel tension ran through my muscles and determination settled in a cold fury where the fear had been. The guns in the harness across my chest and back strengthened my resolve to a whip-tight fire.
“Maybe you should stay with the bikes,” I heard Mr. March say behind me, his voice toned for only Kyla to hear.
I glanced at her and she shook her head. “We’ve been through this together. I want Kip back as badly as you do, and if I can help, I will.”
Her dad hesitated, saw that he had no choice in the matter, and nodded. “Just be careful.”
Kyla checked her Beretta.
“You know what you’re doing?” The concern in Mr. March’s voice contradicted his light tone.
Kyla nodded. “I’ve had practice.” She didn’t alarm him by expounding.
She glanced at me and I fought back a small smile. I checked her vest and my hands lingered on her arms for a second longer than necessary. She met my eyes, her own searching. “We have some things to talk about when we’re done here,” I said quietly.
Expectation along with another emotion I didn’t recognition flashed across her face and she nodded.
I turned back to the school, ready to let Galbran know what I thought of his new plan. “Let’s go quietly. Watch each other’s backs.”
We stayed outside the edge of Galbran’s cameras and circled to the back of the school where dark shadows hid us so we could get close enough to shoot out the two above a small janitor’s entrance. Phoenix forced the lock with his crowbar and we slipped inside.
I followed the scent of Falconans down the hallway; neon lights flickered above and I wondered what was draining their power. Flint led Kyla and Mr. March behind us, his pace slow and expression grim. I had debated whether it was smart to take the young wolf Shifter, but his knowledge of computers and electrical systems might give us an edge. I planned to deal with his father myself.
I could feel the others loosen up as danger remained only a threat. I kept them slow and quiet as I followed the sterile smell that made my stomach turn. Galbran wasn’t a fool. He knew we would look for him, especially after taking Kip. If he knew Kip was Kyla’s brother, I reminded myself. It was possible that Kip was kidnapped randomly, like the other Lost. I hoped that was the case, for we would have the element of surprise on our side.
Movement cut through the silence ahead. I held up a hand. The others stopped without a word. I crept forward soundlessly to the corner. I could smell them. Falconans. At least a dozen of them lined the doorways ahead of us. The quiet hum of computers and lab equipment came from the doors behind them. I needed to force an advantage and protect the others.
Turning silently, I made my way back. “We need to shut off the power,” I whispered. “And knowing Galbran, there’s a backup generator.”
“I’ll go,” Mr. March said.
“Good. Flint, go with him.” At Mr. March’s questioning look, I said, “You might need the help. They’re bound to be guarding the power supply. Also, Flint can see in the dark.” A wry smile touched Mr. March’s lips and he nodded. He and Flint fell back and disappeared around a corner we had passed.
Kyla, Phoenix, and I crept slowly forward. I kept Kyla at the rear and slid a knife into her free hand in case she was attacked where she couldn’t shoot. A minute later, the lights turned off. The questioning murmur of the Falconans came down the hall.
I paused at the corner, pulled a flash grenade from my vest, and tossed it down the hall. The Falconans turned at the sound. I pulled Kyla back and Phoenix followed. Kyla turned to look, but I put a hand over her eyes and shielded her with my body. A loud bang sounded and a flash of light still bright enough to show around the corner followed. Shouts and groans rose from the hall. “Stay here,” I said to Kyla. She crouched against the wall and nodded.
I ran back up the hall with Phoenix on my right. He paused at the sight of the first Falconan, but I drew a gun and shot him in the forehead as we passed. Phoenix swore quietly and drew his own gun. We took out as many Falconans as we could before the effects of the flash grenade wore off.
They recovered quicker than I expected, and a backup troop charged down the hallway drawn by the sound of battle. I took down two more with bullets, shoved another clip into my gun and brought it back up, but it was knocked away by a bat that hit my arm with a resounding crack. I grabbed my wrist, but didn’t have time to feel the pain. I elbowed a Falconan in the chin, then spun and chopped a second in the throat. I drew another gun and shot two more in the chest.
Phoenix took down three others to my right, then turned just as another Falconan threw a knife. It sunk deep into his thigh. He stumbled back and pulled it out, then used the knife to cut the Falconan’s throat. Two more attacked and I dove at them, taking them down with the force of my fury. We rolled on the unforgiving floor.
A Falconan landed on top of me and held me down. I tried to bring my gun around to his face, but he pulled out a knife and drove it through my right hand, pinning it to the floor. My gun slid away from my useless grip.
I clutched at the knife, trying to pull it free. The Falconan gave a wicked grin and slammed me in the chest with both fists. The air left me in a rush. I kicked out and he fell back; the motion pulled my hand from the floor. I tried to force my lungs to fill and climbed to my feet. I held my hand close to my body, careful not to jar the knife. The Falconan ran back at me, but I pushed off the wall behind me and hit him with a straight left jab hard enough to snap his head back. He stumbled, then fell to the floor.
Another Falconan rushed forward. I jumped off the body of the first one and elbowed him on the top of the head hard enough to send pain shooting up my arm. The Falconan collapsed to the ground with a groan.
“They’re leaving,” Phoenix said with a snort of disgust. He held his leg with one hand and glared down the hallway at the fleeing Falconans.
“They’ll regroup and be back with weapons,” I said. “Galbran will regret not giving them g
uns even if these are tight quarters.”
I backed down the hall toward Kyla and found her still crouched against the wall where we had left her. Her eyes strained against the darkness and she froze at the sound of our approach.
“Kyla, it’s alright; it’s us,” I said gently.
Relief washed through her face and she rose with a hand held out in our direction. I laced my fingers through hers and led her to an empty room. After a quick check to make sure it was truly vacant, I shut the door behind us and flipped on a flashlight. Everyone blinked in the sudden brightness.
“Marek, what-” Kyla’s eyes widened and she stared from Phoenix to me.
The cougar Shifter was already bandaging his wounded leg. I tested the knife, but couldn’t bring myself to pull it from my hand. I held it out to her. “I need you to remove this,” I said, ignoring a rise of nausea that filled my stomach.
Her mouth opened as she looked from my face to my palm. A trickle of blood ran down my hand, and I knew once the knife was removed there would be much more.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” she said, her voice tight. “We should bandage around it and let Dad deal with it.”
I shook my head. “We don’t have time, and we have to get back out there before they realize we split up and go after your dad and Flint.”
Her gaze warred between worry and determination when she took my damaged hand gently in hers. A tingle ran up my arm at her touch. I had sorely missed the feeling of her fingers on my skin. “You’re sure about this?” she asked quietly.
Before she could move, Phoenix leaned over and pulled the knife from my hand with a quick jerk. The wound began to bleed freely and I gritted my teeth against the rising pain. “Thanks,” I said tightly.
