Chapter One
We’re Here
September 5th

1
In the last vehicle of the miles-long convoy, Samantha’s shoulders stayed tense. The woman and her child were trouble.
Neil shook his head when Jeremy, who had come to stand by her door during the stop, started to tap on the window.
A moment later, Samantha let out a sigh of relief.
“She said no. We’re okay for… Wait.” Samantha paused. “Damn. She scanned the kid and found something.”
“What does that mean?” Neil finally asked, flashing gestures to fill Jeremy in. He also subtly lowered the heat level. Sam was roasting him.
“Angela’s going to ask us to do something,” Samantha answered vaguely. “It’s as hard as what we’ve left behind.”
Samantha regarded him with the determination that he’d come to respect more than her courage. After listening to her tale of facing down Donner, both he and Jeremy had reevaluated their views of her as weaker. Their woman was an Eagle, a hunter, a sniper, and pregnant with twins. It was humbling.
“Is it worth it?” Neil asked.
“Only if you kill them all,” Samantha replied, a bit dazed from the clear connection to the future. Angela was usually the one to experience this and it was terrifying. “If you miss a single target, we’ll be at war again, only with my kind this time.”
“What are you talking about?”
Samantha knew Angela wouldn’t like it if she told all of the truth, so she settled for somewhere between. “It’s a future problem that you’ll either be asked to handle or overlook. I can’t tell which way she’ll go yet.”
“Can you start from the beginning and speak slowly?” Neil asked, not meaning to be snarky. He’d just had enough secret plans to last a lifetime. They’d lost a lot of friends during the war with the government. Thanks to Angela’s plans, they didn’t have any missing members, but everyone was feeling the losses they’d taken–like Crista.
“The woman we picked up has asked for sanctuary with Safe Haven. She also asked Angela to send out descendants to do battle with her former captors, who are chasing them. When these other descendants come, they’ll detect all our power and we’ll end up at war again. Only this time, it’ll be with magic instead of guns. The herd will have to run or they’ll be crushed between the two sides. If the new descendants come here, you have to disobey orders, Neil. Don’t let them go and gather their people. I don’t think we can win against that.”
“They’ve sent a scouting team,” Neil guessed, hating the barren land around them. Where was all the life, the colors?
“Yes, but don’t be fooled. The group Tara is currently describing to the boss is gifted beyond what we have in Safe Haven. Angela can’t stand alone against that type of power.”
“Alone?”
“These are trained fighters, Neil. The rest of us won’t even be able to damage them with magic.”
“If we kill their scouts, won’t they come after us anyway?” he asked reasonably.
“Angela didn’t search that far ahead, so I don’t have an answer.”
“But you’re confident enough to ask me to go against my orders, my training, and my honor?”
Samantha realized she wasn’t giving him enough details and said, “They’ll be too far from their own camp to call out. If you take them quickly, their people may never know we were even involved.”
“We do know how to make it appear like someone else did it…” Neil snapped his mouth shut. He loved Samantha and he trusted her, but he wouldn’t make this choice in mere minutes.
“Jeremy needs to know,” Samantha stated. “I’ll talk to Angela.”
That made Neil feel better and he reached over to hold her hand. He loved having someone to do this with, to share the warm emotions that she’d had woken in him.
Samantha swallowed a moan. She couldn’t get enough physical pleasure right now. Hunger and sleep were second to sex. Sam assumed it was a hormone thing, but she wasn’t about to dig into that. She wanted to enjoy herself. She had earned it.
“Shower?” Neil asked knowingly. The heat in the cabin was intense.
“Yes, please,” Samantha purred.
Neil laughed, gesturing to Jeremy. “I’ll set it up.”
 
2
“She wants me to stay with you,” Shawn stated in the silent truck.
Marc swung the big rig gently onto the final road that they needed to take to reach Pigeon Mountain. He understood Angela wanted him to make peace with Shawn (and Greg) for letting her sacrifice herself. Marc was still cold about it, but she had lived and come back to him, so forgiveness was possible. If she had died, the two men would have also.
Marc sighed, tossing his rage into that strong mental cage he’d built for moments like this. He hadn’t used it upon first joining Safe Haven, but it was as necessary now as it had been on missions. Not paying attention was likely to get people killed.
“What’s on her list, besides you and me?” Marc asked finally.
Shawn had known, had been waiting for Marc’s quiet hatred, and he was relieved it wasn’t coming. There hadn’t been another choice. Stopping Angela wasn’t something mortal men could do, and Shawn was glad Marc had recognized that fact. “You have Point, evenings.”
“Already figured that one,” Marc replied stiffly to let the man know that forgiveness hadn’t actually set in yet. “Next?”
“I need to know your preferences for coffee and food, so I can get your trays right,” Shawn told him. “And what time for your wake up calls?”
Marc looked over in wary confusion. “I get my own food and I use my own alarm. What’s going on?”
“They didn’t tell you.” Shawn’s brows drew together “Figures I’d be hazed on my first time. Feel like one of the boys, now.”
“Shawn?” Marc drew patience and Shawn’s attention simultaneously. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh!” Shawn reddened a little. “I’m your new personal assistant. You get one when you’re the leader or XO.”
“Kenn didn’t have one,” Marc reminded him distractedly. I didn’t expect a lackey. I’m forever underestimating her. That has to stop.
“He had Zack,” Shawn answered, readjusting his Colt. “And good thing, cause no one else was going to volunteer.”
Both men snickered. Kenn had regained a lot of the respect he’d lost, but his mistakes would always follow him. Safe Haven gave a second chance, a pass on most sins of the past, but the effects of transgressions committed in camp lasted a long time.
“Black and strong for my coffee,” Marc stated. “The wake up time depends on Angie’s schedules.”
“Cool.” Shawn was relieved that Marc hadn’t argued and quickly wrote it down. He’d thought Marc would pick Jax or Quinn for his Man Friday.
“What else?”
“She wants you to supervise the setup with Kenn,” Shawn informed him. “Said no one else will catch the small details.”
Marc liked that feeling. “Okay.”
“Great. We have a couple more items and then we can get into the Eagle training she wants outlined.”
Marc was realizing that being Angie’s XO would be a lot of work and responsibility and was pleased. After witnessing how gifted she had become, he’d been having doubts about how much she actually needed him. If she had a list this size for him now, that meant there was a lot more waiting.
“We need to gather all the numbers on food, water, fuel, and all the other items on the list. She wants that one by morning if possible. I’ll get people on it as soon as security is in place.”
“Security’s already up,” Marc informed him, increasing speed a bit as the dust cleared. “She sent a crew last night.”
Shawn mentally scrolled through the people in their convoy, and came up with, “Kevin’s team?”
“And the ants,” Marc confirmed.
“That’s great!” Shawn exclaimed. “Camp will be up quick.”
“I want mess two hours after we land and lights out by midnight,” Marc instructed, ending Shawn’s thoughts of an easy shift followed by a night of drinking and bullshitting. “All patrols are the dual setup that Kenn and I agreed on–half rotating, half stationary.”
“And that was the final thing on her list,” Shawn replied, closing his glossy new notebook. “Sweet.”
Marc went over it a bit mentally, but kept most of his attention on the road. Now that the wind had settled down and the grit wasn’t blowing, the drop-offs and narrow, winding roads were too obvious. He reduced their speed, not wanting the twitchier drivers to fall behind.
“I want breakfast with her as much as you can arrange it,” Marc said evenly, testing. Was Shawn actually his or one of Angie’s endless stooges? “I need to keep track of her eating habits.”
“I’ll try to cover that even when you can’t be there,” Shawn agreed quietly. “But I won’t put it in the book.”
“Good,” Marc approved. Time would tell if Shawn could be his or not, but that was a good start. “I’m used to government food, so give me whatever we have the most of each day. Save the best stuff for the camp.”
“Got it.” Shawn understood Marc didn’t want any preferential treatment and liked that. “All set on her list. We can get into Eagle training now.”
Since claiming best gun in camp, Shawn had been anticipating the next level tests. He had a lot of ideas.
“Actually, I’d like you to talk to Kenn about it first, then come to me,” Marc instructed. “He’ll chop it apart and leave you with what we can use.”
Shawn wasn’t offended. He knew they’d served together before the war and were used to coming up with plans like these. “No problem.”
Marc steered around the decaying top of a tree that had collapsed over part of the lane. He wasn’t spotting signs of people, nothing fresh that said there was human life here, but he felt them and was suddenly anxious to be camped so that he could concentrate on his grid. If he sent it out now, his driving might suffer.
“From now on, I want someone else behind the wheel for me,” Marc said suddenly. “For at least a few months.”
“We’re camping for the winter,” Shawn reminded him. “Why would you have to leave?”
“I’ll still be going out on supply runs and such,” Marc answered.
There was an awkward silence and Marc realized Shawn was holding something back. “Won’t I?”
“Uh, maybe you’d better talk to the boss,” Shawn stated uneasily.
“Just tell me,” Marc ordered.
Shawn unconsciously leaned away as he said, “She doesn’t want any of the descendants out of camp, but she especially mentioned leadership. The Chain of Command has been grounded.”
 
3
“We came from Canada,” Tara said. “We were held there before the war.”
“Where are you from?” Angela asked politely, thinking her blue robe appeared very clean for people who’d been on the road with not even a bag of gear. The black gym shoes on the woman’s small feet did have wear-and-tear, however. Angela was betting her skin also looked that way. Gym shoes were not good for hiking.
“Maine,” Missy blurted before her mother could answer. “We’s from Maine.”
Tara was gaping at Missy and Angela pushed harder mentally. Missy seemed almost feral, but with time among her own kind and soft care, she might recover. “Why did you leave?”
Tara was still stunned, but none of Angela’s people were surprised when Missy began answering questions while drawing on the van seat with a red crayon she had taken from the stuffed pocket of her red and blue jumper.
“They took me when the loud bells came. We rode a train!” The little girl dug the crayon into a small tear in the fabric. “They hurt momma.”
Angela gently eased the crayon from the child’s tight, filthy grip. “Eat this.”
The girl grabbed the apple and chomped it into bits that were gobbled as if they were pudding. As she crunched, the pointed ends of her teeth were visible and creepy.
“What’s up with her?” Jennifer asked rudely. She didn’t trust these new people. They were hard to read. She was laboring for every glimpse into their minds.
“She’s been in and out of labs since she was born,” Tara stated painfully, twisting her hand into the corner of the robe that covered clean jeans. “She’s wild. That’s all I ever seem to know.”
“Tell us your story, from start to now,” Angela instructed coolly. I’m already tired of this, she thought.
“I was born in the lab,” Tara answered quickly. “So, I didn’t have parents.”
Before any of her passengers could interrupt with corrections or questions, Angela sent a glare around the vehicle and mouths snapped shut.
“I’m sorry.”
Tara’s meek words drew disapproval and anger, but not from Angela. “Go on.”
Angela settled back to listen, confident Marc had the convoy covered.
And if he doesn’t, we know who’s bringing up the rear, don’t we? the witch remarked snidely. Adrian’s betrayals were an open wound to the demon.
Yes! Angela flung. One in front, one in the rear, and my team in the middle. Now will you please shut up?!
Stung, the witch vanished.
Angela swept the uneasy witnesses in resignation. “It was a long nine days, for all of us.”
Tensions eased a bit, replaced by sympathy. All the fighters in Safe Haven were feeling the effects.
Attention gradually shifted back to Tara, who had clearly picked up a lot of it. Her face stayed red as she explained how she and Missy had come to be here.
“I was created from donors. Descendants created that way don’t have a bond with their biological hosts and are considered not to have parents.”
“In order to break the ethical lines?” Angela confirmed one of Adrian’s endless theories while the others muttered in disapproval.
“Yes. Descendants who have contact with free parents often have to be forced into corruption. Those who have corrupt parents also swing toward the light, but cannot resist the temptations.”
“And those who have both?” Angela asked, knowing if she didn’t, Jennifer would. “One of each?”
Tara’s gaze went to Missy, who was finished with the apple and staring longingly at the hole she’d widened with her crayon. The child was humming softly.
“Most of them go bad,” Tara admitted. “It’s hard not to in the labs, especially if they get them young, but some kids resist. It changes them.”
“And if they were already…damaged?” Angela pushed.
“They become like Missy,” Tara said shamefully. “They hurt her!”
She dissolved into tears and Angela gave her full attention to the child. “I’m Angie. Will you tell me what really happened?”
“They made me do things.” Missy’s young countenance glazed over with hatred and an evil rose to the surface, demonstrating dangerous intelligence. “When I wouldn’t, they hurt my mommy!”
“Are they coming for you?” Angela demanded, leaning forward. “Tell me when!”
Missy arched, power flooding the cabin, and Jennifer grabbed Tara’s arm before she could interfere.
“Let them be,” Jennifer ordered. “She’ll get the truth from your kid.”
Missy’s eyes turned solid black and she took a clawed grip on Angela’s wrist. “A week is all you have. My daddy rides his death train even now.”
Angela’s mind shuddered at the thought of her time on the train, of being below ground and dependent on Donner.
“You killed him,” Missy stated, reading the gruesome scene in her mind.
“Yes.” Angela patted the child’s cold hand. “And I’ll do the same to your demons.”
“For what price?” the child asked angrily, flames twining around her hand to sear Angela’s finger fuzz.
“You must be good!” Angela intoned, using her alpha gift to be certain she got through. The child’s physical magic was weak compared to her own and didn’t hurt. They were the same type of descendant, though. “Corruption isn’t allowed, not even in children.”
“Being good is easy,” Missy agreed. The flames receded until they were gone. “I am good.”
Angela smiled and lifted the little girl onto her lap, where they snuggled for a hug that filled the cabin with relief and serenity. None of them had been sure if Missy was corrupt. Her wild mind was too hard to read. Even Jennifer couldn’t make sense of the images she saw in the girl’s mind.
“Missy’s father is an alpha,” Tara told them nervously in the silence. “He took us from the complex after the war and went to Canada. There were others like us there. Her father wanted us to help lead, but everyone was scared of Missy’s predictions. She told them a big fire was coming. We didn’t realize Major Donner was the one supposed to deliver it. He showed up a few months after we got there. The others were thrilled to be getting help from any government, but I hate soldiers and we didn’t go to the final meeting.”
Tara’s eyes glazed over as she recalled the nightmare. “We almost didn’t escape the flames when Donner’s men came for Missy. I killed them and took a truck. It’s hidden not far from where you found us.”
“How many others escaped?” Angela asked as the child played with the necklace that Marc had given her. The ‘A’ shaped pendant was being twirled and spun, twirled and spun.
“Half a dozen? Her father was with them. We got separated by the river.”
“Did he see you?”
“Yes,” Tara answered fearfully. “He’s not far away. We can feel him.”
“He wants me,” Missy said suddenly. “He has questions.”
“Questions?” Greg parroted. He’d only been observing until now, storing thoughts and information as Angela had mentally instructed.
“He wants to know about death,” the little girl answered gravely, tucking Angela’s necklace inside her Eagle Jacket. “He wants to talk to my angel.”
“The angel of death?” Jennifer asked, horrified. Surely, she was misunderstanding. This child couldn’t communicate with death… Right?
“Why does he want to talk to your angel?” Angela asked.
“I told him his death date and he wants to negotiate,” Missy replied. “He hopes to find a way in.”
“To control the angel?” Jennifer asked, wondering if the matching clothes of the people in this van–jeans and jackets–wasn’t allowed where Tara came from. The woman kept eyeing their patches with tiny frowns.
“He thinks he should be the one who decides life and death for the world. He has stolen more life forces than any other descendant.” Missy regarded Angela reproachfully. “More than you.”
Angela shuddered again. The images Missy was replaying were as bad as the carnage Safe Haven had left in its wake–maybe worse, because the Canadian corpses included elderly and children. Missy’s father appeared evil and capable of killing without remorse. Angela wouldn’t know for sure until the man arrived, but as of right now, the tall, sandy blond man in Missy’s memories was on her new list as a priority target.
“What’s your father’s name?” Angela needed to know.
“Jack, but he gets mad when people call him Jackie,” Missy spilled, ignoring her mother’s flinch. “He likes it when they call him Big Jack Devine.”
There was instant recognition for Angela and Greg, and Jennifer drew the reason from their thoughts. Jack Devine was a name they’d both heard from Adrian. Before Adrian’s banishment, he’d given all the top Eagles a list of people to watch out for. Devine had been at the top of it.
“What about Kranten, Stevens, and Vlad?” Angela asked, easily remembering that the names that had brought a sense of dread to Adrian.
“They’re with him,” Tara muttered. “Always. If not, I might have been able to kill him by now. They’re his personal defenders and they’re sick. They actually want to die for him, for the honor.”
Tara stopped talking as coldness permeated the air.
Angela was communicating, walls up to keep the others out, and the temperature in the van continued to drop.
 
4
“We’re pulling up now. Prepare to stop and slowly make your way into the assigned areas. The map is in the glove box or with your front passenger. I repeat, drive to your assigned place. Vehicles left without drivers will be shoved off the side of this cliff.”
Angela snorted at Kenn’s radio call. He was a bit testy. The com truck was right behind the lead semi and Kenn was scheduled to hand the radio over to Tonya as soon as he parked it in the proper spot. After that, Kenn would stay with Marc and finish his training for these setups. Marc hadn’t dealt with this many people in such a limited space yet, but Kenn had at a bowling alley and a few other locations. Marc needed that knowledge under his belt and Kenn needed a better role model than Adrian, even if it was someone he hated.
“The area is already secured, but it will take a few minutes to get the bathrooms set up. Stay out of the way and it’ll happen faster,” Kenn instructed.
The new people needed these lessons on procedure and Kenn’s attitude said to pay attention. It would also remind the soldiers of their old world and let them relax a bit. The soldiers who had chosen to stay in Safe Haven were mostly draftees, but they had spent enough time in awful military care to need a firm hand.
Angela made two gestures and immediately received a disbelieving glare. She didn’t change her expectant expression.
Jennifer let out a grunt. “Fine.”
“You’ll tell Kendle?” Angela confirmed.
“Yes,” Jennifer muttered. “You know how much I adore chatting with the survival queen.”
Angela grinned. “Yes, I do.”
“When?”
“Now would be best.”
Jennifer concentrated on the woman she was coming to consider a rival and future enemy. She didn’t like Kendle one bit.
Hey, killer! Boss wants you on the new arrival.
Jennifer braced for a nasty response, but didn’t get one at all. She narrowed in on her prey and found the scarred island woman asleep in a rear passenger vehicle.
Jennifer wondered what Kendle was dreaming about so deeply that she’d missed Kenn’s arrival announcement. She pried, aware of the dangers and possible bonds that could come from such contact. She entered Kendle’s dream carefully.
Oh, God!
Jennifer immediately hit the button on her belt. She had to interrupt that. “Kendle to the boss. Report ASAP!”
“Copy,” Kendle answered groggily a few seconds later. She’d clearly been nudged awake.
Jennifer thought she also detected a note of gratitude and tried to harden her heart. Kendle’s nightmares matched her own and then surpassed them. Cesar had been a cakewalk compared to what Kendle had suffered, but Jennifer didn’t want to feel sympathy for the island woman–mainly because of Adrian. As long as that former leader had a way in, he would always be able to cause problems and Jennifer resented that. Kyle should have received orders to kill him. Jennifer had voted for it and she wasn’t sorry, though she did understand Angela’s reason for not doing it. Adrian was a library of knowledge, but he was also a traitor and they couldn’t forget that, or worse, actually forgive it.
Jennifer peered at her newest duty and found the little girl staring at her fearfully.
“What?” Jennifer snapped, suddenly cold to her bones.
“She lied.”
Jennifer felt her stomach drop. “Excuse me?”
Missy opened her mouth to reveal more, but the van became icy and Missy’s head snapped toward Angela.
“I mean that,” Angela stated evenly. “In time, it’ll be proven, but you have to control yourself. If you’re not sure, ask me.”
Missy’s stubborn expression held for only a moment, and then her head dropped and she returned to picking threads from the hole in the seat.
Angela glared at Tara before Jennifer could form the next logical question. “Why doesn’t she know the rules yet? How can she communicate so easily if she’s wild? What are you lying about?”
“She’s not hiding anything!” Tara insisted. “Her gifts are frightening and she’s never been around people who needed her to act normal. In the labs, they kept her wild to promote her powers.”
“What gift?” Angela demanded, though she knew already. Little Missy was currently predicting the fates of people in this van, and Angela noted each one. Missy had all of the same gifts that she did, and then a few more, it appeared.
“She sees…events.”
“Lots of descendants do. Your group didn’t have a witch?” Greg asked. Like Angela, he was confident there was more to this story than what they were being told.
“Not like Missy,” Tara confided lowly. “She predicts endings, based on shifting choices and changes.”
Tara heard the silence and didn’t think they understood. “She detects your exact death, based on each choice you make.”
Angela gave Jennifer a pointed glance.
Jennifer sighed. “Yes. As soon as we’re set up? Marc won’t like us roaming yet.”
“Now, would be better,” Angela repeated.
Jennifer obediently left the vehicle that was already surrounded by the Eagles on Angela’s protection detail. Kyle’s team appeared tense and Jennifer approved. They were only safe as long as they remembered there was danger everywhere.
The Eagles on duty around the waiting convoy understood Jennifer was on orders from the boss, and didn’t comment. They were all Angela’s rules now, and if she was breaking them, there was a good reason. It did make them nervous, though.
Jennifer smiled at Kyle as she passed by him and got a leer in return. She blushed and continued, aware of the snickering and approving murmurs. The camp had flipped completely since Angela’s rescue. Jennifer suspected her request for another son had traveled throughout the herd, but mostly, it was Kyle and Autumn who were changing minds. Watching him care for a newborn was enough to soften anyone.
Jennifer tapped on the door before entering the noisy living area for the youngest kids. She spent a moment with the happy children, but didn’t linger to help Peggy get the gum out of the hair of two of them. Both of those kids were sporting vivid red orbs as they sat with their coloring books, and Jennifer wondered if Angela had this issue covered yet. Descendant kids were powerful.
Stepping over toys and pieces of food that the kids had scattered, Jennifer made her way to the rear of the camper, where Cynthia was on duty.
“Hey.”
The reporter’s shirt was stained, short, dark hair wild, and posture defeated. She didn’t respond.
Jennifer slid into the sticky booth across from Cynthia, wiping her hand down her jeans. “You okay?”
Cynthia’s attention was on Hilda, who was trying to change a diaper on a squirming mass of hands and hair. “Earlier, we hit a bump while she was doing that and a pile of shit actually floated through the air.” Cynthia glanced down. “I caught it with my hands. Ever had a shit shower? It’s lovely.”
That explains the smell, Jennifer thought, frowning. “You don’t sound okay.”
“I’m not.” Cynthia’s tone sharpened. “What does the boss want this time?”
“Babysitting,” Jennifer answered, noting the tone that said Cynthia had been pushed over the line and then a bit further.
“I’m doing that,” Cynthia replied tonelessly. “Did you know that kids this age never shut up? I swear, the one in the red sweater doesn’t even breathe between babbles.”
Jennifer didn’t snicker. She had great sympathy for Cynthia, and didn’t want to make things worse, even accidentally.
“Who is it?” Cynthia asked suddenly. She had hoped to work on the outline for the first edition of her newspaper, but that idea had been given up hours ago. “And why me?”
“New people we picked up on the way. Mother and daughter,” Jennifer informed her. “You have duty over the daughter.”
“Great,” Cynthia cracked sarcastically. “Who has the mother?”
Jennifer’s voice lowered. “Kendle.”
“Must be trouble.” Cynthia’s face darkened as she swept the kids. “Thank God. Let’s go.”
 
“I was summoned?”
Kendle was near the door as Cynthia and Jennifer came from the noisy camper.
“Boss wants you on the new arrival,” Jennifer stated, refusing to stare at Kendle’s scars. She now knew the source of them and thought Kendle was incredibly strong to have survived. It didn’t make her like the island woman, however. It would take more than pity to accomplish that.
“They must be special,” Kendle tried to confirm subtly. She couldn’t find many other reasons for Angela assigning her to monitor someone. She was dangerous. So must her ward be.
“Her and the daughter are descendants,” Jennifer revealed. “Cyn here, has the kid.”
“Sweet,” Kendle smirked. She felt no sympathy for the reporter’s pregnancy problems. “Where are they?”
“With the boss.” Jennifer led the way. “She doesn’t believe most of their story. Store details, both of you. She’ll ask for them later.”
It should have felt odd to be taking orders from someone so young, but Jennifer had proven herself deadly and it showed, even in her stride. She was no longer scared of the world or those in it. Only the people she loved could be used against her now and she guarded them fiercely.
“Got a short note here, folks. Some good news,” Kenn’s voice echoed across the stopped convoy. “The Eagles need new rookies. Everyone who fought in the last month is eligible! The signup sheet is at the com truck. Stop by at any point today, after we’re set up.”
The van door slid open as the trio of women arrived and the little girl barreled out of Angela’s arms with a wild shout. She leapt straight at Kendle, who was forced to catch the sweaty child or fall.
Kendle staggered, but kept them upright, and Missy cackled happily at the juggling. “Like you! Fun!”
Kendle’s heart melted despite her cold exterior. The scars usually drew the opposite reaction from children. It was another part of her life that Ethan had stolen. She couldn’t imagine ever having her own now.
“You’re gonna watch over me?”
Kendle smiled at the girl, thinking they had the exact same shade of black hair. “Yeah. I could kill for you, if I had to.”
Becoming aware of the silence, Kendle shifted the now humming girl to her hip and growled at the gawking members around them. She hadn’t readjusted to the fame yet.
Jennifer and Cynthia cackled.
“Guess we’re doing a switch,” Angela stated casually, glad the more observant, experienced members weren’t around. Marc would see through this in about ten seconds. She would have to keep him busier than she’d planned. “Kendle and Cynthia will be Missy’s settling partners for now. Kendle has nights.”
“What the hell did I do to you?” Cynthia barked in annoyance. She didn’t like Kendle anymore than she did kids.
“Jennifer will assist Tara until this evening, and then someone else will take over that post,” Angela stated.
All the females swallowed their protests as Angela left.
Angela strode to Shane next and he took his notebook out as she joined him. The expression she wore said there was work waiting.
“Take Jax to the lumber yard we rolled by. Bring everything on this list. We’ll have a dumpsite cleared for it. Keep good records of what you collect.”
Shane took the paper and peered at the trees around them, then their tops and the jagged cliffs above. “Lumber?”
“We’re not lumberjacks,” Angela explained. “We’ll use the piles of sorted, precut wood in the stores that are waiting on an industrious person to gather them. It leaves the trees around our base for winter if we need them.”
“Which means we won’t have to travel as far in the snow,” Shane realized. “Good idea!”
“It also gives us time to figure out how to harvest these trees without getting hurt or taking too many,” Marc pointed out as he joined them. He pressed a quick kiss to Angela’s warm cheek. “It was a terrific idea.”
“When should we go?” Shane asked, thinking Angela was tired. The bags under her eyes hadn’t faded from her time with Donner yet and many of the Eagles were watching for signs that she needed a break. Everyone knew her losing the baby would have bad effects on Safe Haven.
“By dawn,” Angela answered. “Get rolling on it now. You don’t need to wait for Kenn’s clearance call.”
Shane was gone an instant later, suddenly excited. A lumberyard would have more than lumber. This was an opportunity for their team to make a big score and add early points.
Shane spotted Nancy going the way he’d come from and found himself hoping she joined the Eagles soon. If she could be one of them, he would show his interest. Until then, it was expected that the male Eagles would take strong partners who could fight alongside them. Shane agreed. When Nancy joined, he would make his move, but not a minute before that. He refused to carry anyone, including his woman.
“They’re switching shifts without Dog here to tell them it’s time,” Angela commented once they were alone.
Marc followed her line of sight to the ants on the perimeter. They were neatly changing positions, and then patiently waiting around for the feeding that now came after mess. The ants were still getting scraps, and a portion of actual supplies as well. Angela had promised them protection and care, and she was honoring her deal.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m good,” she responded too brightly. “You?”
Marc pinned her with a dark glare. “Liar.”
“I’m a little tired, a little hungry, and distracted,” she said resignedly. She put a hand on his big arm and let her wall down.
In her mind was the huge construction project he’d glimpsed in Jennifer’s thoughts. Only this was ten times the size, with shiny gold threads stacking into a starless night. It was a massive undertaking.
“What is it?” he asked, surveying the rafters and beams of light.
“The future,” Angela answered gravely. “Ours, theirs, and those not yet born to us.”
“When will it be finished?” Marc didn’t understand whatever it was she wanted him to.
“It’s complete when we run out of branches,” Angela told him, aware of his confusion, but also aware that he wouldn’t like the detailed explanation of death and the end of humanity. “When nothing else fits, then we’re done.”
Marc was afraid to ask how many years that might take.
Angela didn’t tell him it was more like centuries. These plans would be inherited and added to for generations to come. If we survive, she thought, remembering the last dream of being overrun by victims of a disaster. She assumed it was from Yellowstone, but there had been a clear sense of missing pieces.
Angela pressed a soft peck to his cheek, mindful of his sore mouth. His chipped tooth would be their student dentist’s first challenge, but not until after they were in the caves and had the medical bay set up. Marc had insisted on waiting, and Angela was positive he just didn’t want to be the student’s first live patient.
“Can I ask you something, boss lady?”
Uh-oh, Angela thought. Marc’s tone said he wasn’t happy. “What’s up?”
“Do you know how old I am?”
Angela pretended to have to count it. “Uh, let’s see now. You were born before me.”
“Angela.”
She rotated slowly to discover him standing with his hands resting on his guns, with the afternoon sun melting over him like a honey topping. Angela blinked. Hungry again, are you?
Yes, momma.
Angela gasped at the clear communication, a bit stunned. What am I?
Marc caught enough of the exchange to be concerned, but Angela’s expression said she wasn’t ready to deal with this newest horror yet. Neither was he.
“Do you know how long it’s been since I was grounded?” he asked, steering them toward his truck, where he had a bag of snacks.
Angela forced a snicker, suddenly terrified. “A week or so?”
“I’d like to know why the chain of command is grounded,” he stated. “What new hell am I preparing us for, that you don’t want me out of camp?”
Angela hid the wince. “I’m ensuring the future, Marc. Like I’m always doing these days. The people here need to know how strong they are.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’d rather not go into details right now,” Angela answered, spotting too many people who might pick up on the conversation.
Marc shoved into her thoughts. Tell me.
Angela fought her first reaction to vomit and let him remain despite the upset stomach and the migraine. In here, they were alone. We have to let the rest of the herd have a chance to be shepherds, but especially the ones who are pregnant or fathering a child now. We need them to step up while they can because in a few months, most of them won’t be able to and it will make them feel helpless. Adrian made an amazing amount of progress with the stronger people here, but the weaker people have just as much to contribute.
And they won’t?
Not if they don’t have a taste of the glory that goes with the gore. Let backburner people handle some of these things, so when they’re laid up or on minor duties again, they don’t forget how powerful they are. We can’t survive if the herd backslides into letting us care for them. They have to be able to care for themselves.
Marc agreed with that, positive there was more to it by the way her answers were so vague. Angela was a detail-oriented leader and she usually had plans already made by the time she shared even a hint of what was coming. Which meant she needed him to be caught off guard by whatever it was. Otherwise, she would tell him.
“Yes, I would,” she stated happily. “You’re so smart. I love that.”
Marc grinned. “Right back at ya, baby-cakes.”
Marc continued his rounds of the stopped convoy, not worried about missing the lesson on setups as he sent his mental grid out to search around them. Kenn had it covered and Marc wanted to know something that he wasn’t comfortable asking anyone about, including the Indians who had chosen to stay. He wanted to know if their traitor was following and who was on duty in the rear. He had to make sure those sentries knew how close Adrian could come before they were required to shoot him. Anyone who failed to pull the trigger would wish that they hadn’t hesitated.
 
5
Angela waved at the vet as he came from the livestock truck to complain about the wait, dingy white coat fluttering out behind him. “We’re clearing the pet store in town. Go along?”
Completely distracted, Chris was elated to be given work and he gazed adoringly. “Yes!”
“Good,” Angela rewarded. She hadn’t forgotten that he’d tracked her down and helped with the rescue. “Turn the animals over to someone you trust and meet a team by the livestock trailers at dawn.”
Chris rushed off before he could do or say anything stupid, mind eased. This is the start of her using me! My gifts aren’t being overlooked.
“You have plans for him?” Greg asked, sticking close as they traveled toward the front gates. One of the Eagles would drive her vehicle when the line finally advanced. Right now, the supply trucks were being guided into place. Angela had given them a new map for Safe Haven and while Kevin’s team had outlined it with red tape, the ease of setups had been lost. Not that it mattered. They were here for a lengthy stay and few of them were concerned over the delay.
“I have plans for everyone,” she finally answered.
Angela swept the site, approving of the QZ going up first. The new people hadn’t all been cleared yet, but she didn’t want them out at the same time anyway.
Angela stopped near the gate, where a small jam was blocking the next rig from coming through. She gestured for Logan, the driver of the stuck truck, to switch with Ray, who was on gate duty.
Logan flushed but didn’t argue. He hadn’t learned to handle the big rigs yet.
Speaking to Greg, Angela pointed toward the distant shape of buildings that were a part of the Pigeon Mountain resort. “I need that area reconned and then the pet store stripped. Tell Billy I’m sending him people at dawn, and to pay special attention to pools and aquariums for fish or plants. Jerry Jones appears to be our resident fisherman. Take him along and have him put his knowledge where his mouth is. We’ll have a dumpsite waiting, but tell Billy to keep good records of what they collect.”
Greg wrote it down and then signaled for a rookie to come over and carry the order, instead of going himself. She had snipers and men within reach, but Marc wanted someone at her side at all times.
Quinn saw Angela’s expression as she approached and got his notebook out expectantly. He would much rather be on a run than taking notes, but at least he would be working. He’d been XO on Marc’s team, but now, no one knew what was going on with the tests or the teams. Many of them had lost someone.
“Take Scott and Josh, and get up on this mountain. You’re searching for a clear or at least flat area to set a snow gathering operation. Gear for it is in trucks four and ten. When you find it, mark it, leave three sniper kits, and then get home for a hot meal and a good night’s rest.”
Quinn regarded the jagged peaks and winding road that traveled to a nauseating ledge over a hundred feet up. After that, it disappeared from view. Excitement flared. “You got it!”
Quinn left his post to his partner and went to get the other men.
 
“You have too many irons in the fire,” Peggy stated as Angela and Greg entered the gates. “You need to rest.”
“Tell Hilda I’ll knock out six a day, no matter what, once we’re inside,” Angela retorted.
Peggy left it alone, recognizing a short temper. “I came because Doug said Adrian knows how to help the cancer patients. I want to go find out if that’s true.”
“Permission granted,” Angela gave easily. She’d been expecting it. “Report directly to me.”
Peggy left and two other members hurried forward for instructions and information. As Angela walked, a small group of followers formed, all wanting a minute with the boss that was given as patiently as she could. These people needed this. It reminded them of the beginning, of Adrian leading them. Angela also needed it. These moments were a reminder of a time when she’d almost felt like a whole person. With Adrian gone, so was some of her joy at being here.
 
6
“Rookie Eagle signups are still open, with about a quarter of the slots already filled. Don’t forget to stop by and add your name to the list. We need you,” Kenn’s voice echoed steadily across the settling camp.
Approving of Angela providing new meat for the Eagles, Marc settled onto the bed of the rear truck in the convoy, happy with the responses he’d received from these guards. None of them had forgiven their traitor.
Behind the convoy was a thinning trail of dust that Marc concentrated on. He sent his mental grid out and found his target within a mile. Adrian and his new, tiny faction of soldiers were settling in on a nearby ridge that had a clear view of Safe Haven. He would be able to use his binoculars to spy on them, on Angela.
Marc had other plans. He’d been busy diving through the muck for the old scrolls and he’d discovered several things he didn’t care for. One of them was that he’d been lied to–again–about the bond Angie and Adrian now shared. He’d also learned how to access a new hall of doors, but hadn’t had time to explore them yet. With Safe Haven camping for a while, that would change.
Marc made a quick note in his book and went back to studying. The road going through Safe Haven had two branch-offs, one of which Adrian had taken to get to his site.
Marc made another note.
The sky was gritty. Samantha had already warned them of a coming storm. They would have to check out the cliffs for a flood path.
Marc stayed in his position, making observations until he felt Adrian glaring at him. That sensation of hatred was unmistakable now, equaling his own loathing and bitterness.
While Adrian glowered, Marc gestured to a nearby guard, using Adrian’s Eagle code.
I want a shooting area set up here. Have them aim where he’s standing. Marc pointed at Adrian.
Whitney chuckled and wrote it down. People would line up all day to take turns, especially his own guys. With Kevin gone, no one knew if they even had a team anymore and the consensus was that Adrian was to blame.
 
On the cliff, Adrian also copied the order, as he was meant to, and resignedly stormed to his vehicle to pick a new location. Staying close wasn’t going to be easy.
 
Marc waited for the trail of dust that said Adrian was moving his site, gloating a bit as the man pulled out with annoyed gestures.
Satisfied, Marc lit a stale smoke and made his way back to the front of the long convoy to resume his setup lesson.


Chapter Two
Settlement
 
1
The ugliness has seeped into my soul.
For a small while, I thought I would be able to tolerate this level of guilt and regret, but I will carry it forever and that’s a long time. Only death may provide a relief, and even that isn’t certain. The only thing I do know is that I have to find a way to shore up my soul. I have to find the light again. If I don’t, I can’t lead.
Angela didn’t reread her notes as she used to do with her entries in Adrian’s notebooks, closing the cover instead. She had wondered about his state of mind in some places as she had gone through them after taking over leadership. Now, she understood completely how Adrian’s pain could feel so real from mere words. He bled onto the paper, so that his people wouldn’t discern his weaknesses. She was now doing the same emotional control, and she dreaded the day she would hand these books to a successor. Knowing someone else would read her entries and be horrified was ugly, but it had to happen. Without those important notes, the newcomer would have no idea how hard and serious this job was. They had to respect it, to be able to do it.
Angela left her tent and stayed there for a moment, chin tilted in concentration.
Those around to witness it assumed she was communicating with someone, but Angela was scouring the land around them for trouble. She didn’t send her witch very far; confident the problems were waiting, as they had been all along. She just needed to be positive that none of those coming battles had advanced further than anticipated during the night.
“Things okay?”
Angela ignored Tonya.
The redhead waited without resentment, still missing being able to twirl her curls while she was idling. She was still working on body language and figuring out timing. It was a struggle for her some days, and part of why she’d been lurking in the dawn fog to have a moment alone with the boss.
Angela slowly tugged the witch in, aware that her demon needed to sleep longer. The witch had expended an enormous amount of energy over the last ten days. You’ve earned it. Rest.
The witch settled obediently into her place and fell into a thin slumber.
Angela regarded Tonya. “Are you sure? You can’t go back on this.”
“Yes.” Dreading the disappointment, Tonya made eye contact, positive that it was required. “Please take me off your team.”
“I could never be disappointed in you. You’ve come a long way.” Angela smiled softly, shoving out a blast of light that enveloped the former gold-digger. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
“Figures you’d say something like that.” Tonya wiped at her sudden tears in annoyance. “Didn’t you see my makeup?”
Angela chuckled. “Cute.”
Tonya’s shoulders slumped and her hands dropped to her sides. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Cute and a bit lost?” Angela guessed.
“You could say that,” Tonya lamented. “I know I can’t do what you guys do. I panicked in the final chaos, and I hate the blood and dirt. But I’m an Eagle and I…” Tonya stopped, becoming aware of the whine in her tone. She didn’t want the boss to know that part of her still existed. She was working daily to kill it. “I’m still adjusting.”
Angela pointed to where people were slowly staggering toward the mess that would have coffee and toast going, even though the bell hadn’t rung yet. “Go have some breakfast and then draft a few hands to put the pharmacy tent in the front row that Kenn will be marking off. After that, you’re on call for the pharmacy and radio during the dayshift.”
Tonya knew from Kenn’s words that the front row was reserved for the important tents and felt her stomach flip. “Because we’re going to need it, right?”
Angela stared, impressed at Tonya’s intelligence. She’d honestly expected gushing gratitude, not eerie insight.
Tonya snorted, reading it and then let it go in favor of the answer. “Well?”
“Yes,” Angela answered, not having to force the approval this time. “Stock it heavy out of each supply load that comes in. I’m giving you and the doctor first dibs.”
Angela evaluated the woman again and came up with a better summary than she’d hoped for when she’d suggested Kenn try to reform her. “I have work for you. Quiet work.”
It was a magic moment for Tonya. She had always been on the outs with authority, no matter the location, but now, she was one of them.
“I can give that gushing gratitude now, if you still want it,” Tonya quipped, honored to be on the inside of Angela’s deeper plans. That was part of why she’d hesitated to resign. She liked being in on things and loved being an Eagle.
Not letting Tonya know that she had just shown signs of an advancing gift, Angela chortled. “Thanks, but no.”
“Adrian loved it.”
Angela’s countenance twisted into something Tonya assumed was pain.
“I actually hate it,” Angela confessed. “But it’s what Adrian trained you guys to give and I have to make that type of change slowly. Old habits are hard to break.”
“Don’t I know it,” Tonya muttered. “But it is possible. Kenn and I are living proof of that.”
“Yes, you are, and I love you for it. Walk with me. We’ll go over some things.”
Tonya stayed close as Angela listed the items she wanted available at the pharmacy at all times, not needing to write it down. The issues Angela wanted covered came with an outbreak. Of what, didn’t matter. People needed fluids, vitamins, fever remedies, and stomach calmatives. Along with toilet paper, Tonya added. Her mind switched into list mode and she took her notebook out. The items were going to be too important to take the chance on missing anything.
Angela finally left Tonya in line for a tray, still scribbling. She would indeed be removing Tonya from her team, but everyone would know it was only because she’d been asked to. Tonya hadn’t done anything wrong this time. In fact, the choice she had made would ease more suffering than her gun could have reached, and Angela intended to reward her for it.
 
2
Marc sensed the Indian behind him and didn’t react, though he wasn’t sure of the intent. Most of the natives were gone now, with only one full group still here and another mixed handful who had chosen to stay. Most of the braves had been eager to return to their camps and proclaim victory. Others had been concerned over the ash storms and tremors. Marc was confident all of those people would go south. It was another sign of his connection with Angela and of his gifts working for him, but Marc’s brain took it further than either of them had, and his heart sank.
“Everyone we’ve found is fleeing! Why didn’t I see that?” Marc exclaimed. “The traveling store people said west, then south. The deer herds were moving south. Max and Lenore had come south.  If we found them on the road, they were leaving.”
“As are we, my friend,” Natoli said evenly from behind him. “Our stories did not end with the arrival of the Ghost and his final battle.”
Marc slowly turned around, dreading it. “Tell me.”
“It is the end of days,” Natoli stated gravely. “We must go south, to the jungles, where there is safe hunting and good ground to farm. This earth is splitting, shifting, and only the south is safe.”
Natoli held out a small hide pouch. “Take this, my friend, as our pledge of peace with the white man.”
Marc took the intricately carved pipe, recognizing some of the symbols. “This is powerful.”
“Yes. It calls to those far away.” Natoli extended his arm. “Until we meet again, my friend, my brother.”
Marc clasped arms with him and then the Indian vanished into the trees as if he’d never been there.
I want to go with him, Marc realized, and swallowed that pain.
“You can.”
Marc found Angela nearby. Her tone was even, but her eyes were showing more emotions than Marc had thought one personal capable of feeling.
“What?” he asked, stalling.
“Go with them.”
“No.”
“I know you’d be hap–”
“Stop.”
Angela did. She knew he would go with her to the ends of the earth, but she needed his light and he had to be happy to provide that.
“I am, baby-cakes,” he tried to soothe. “I’ll adjust.”
“You’ll loathe every second you’re away,” she intoned, falling into that mental state he hated listening to. “And you may not return at all.”
That was a blow he wasn’t prepared for and Angela went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “If you stay here, you will survive. I’ve seen it.”
“I love you.” Marc held her tightly and allowed his mind to shut that terrifying door. “I’ll never leave you.”
Angela swallowed her tears. They would take the time fate gave them and be grateful for it. “Thank you.”
Marc sealed their lips, and then tugged her toward the mess. “Come on, let’s get you fed so my stomach will settle down.”
 
3
“What do you feel like doing this evening?”
Tracy scowled at Charlie’s cheerful tone. “Nothing.”
Charlie knew she was having her period and he held out the chocolate bar he’d traded Doug for.
Tracy accepted it with the first smile since before the chaos. He took a seat next to her and waited for the candy to vanish.
Tracy enjoyed the treat and felt some of her emotions come under control. It was amazing how chocolate could do that.
“I’d like to shoot better.”
Tracy looked over at him, still licking the gooey sweet from her fingers. “What?”
Charlie had frozen at the sight of her with a finger in her mouth and she giggled. His innocence was refreshing.
“Huh…Hi’d….” Charlie shut his lids and took a deep breath. “I’d like to be better with my gun. Feel like helping?”
Tracy considered it. Shooting something didn’t sound bad.
“Sweet!” Charlie answered her thought, not giving her time to change her mind. “Hot chocolate and a steak sandwich at the mess on the way?”
“Okay,” Tracy agreed reluctantly. She wanted to hide in her tent and try to find the peace she’d known before, but even she knew that couldn’t be found inside these canvas walls.
“Here.” Charlie handed her the Eagle jacket she hadn’t worn in days. “It’s chilly.”
Tracy slid into the leather with a blast of pain and a wave of determination. “I can do this.”
Charlie gently tossed an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll do it together. When you’ve had enough, I’ll get you back here in less than a minute.”
“You promise?” she demanded, suddenly terrified of being out there around people.
“You know it,” Charlie responded, steering them for the flap. “Let’s live a little and see how it goes, huh?”
Tracy allowed him to lead her from her den, hoping he would always be as considerate as he was being right now. A woman wouldn’t even glance at another guy after this type of attention. It showed a soul that was deep enough to drown in and to Tracy, that was ideal. Shallow men were the ones who hurt people. Deep men built and created. They had respect for their power and didn’t use it against those weaker.
And when the real man inside him emerges? she asked herself.
“This is the real me,” Charlie murmured as they stepped under the mess canopy. “I could have gone that other way, but I wanted you more than I wanted to be wild. You saved me.”
Tracy gasped at the pain of that honor.
“Come on.” Charlie tugged her into his arms. “Let’s get you more chocolate.”
Tracy snickered through her tears and leaned her head against his. “Thank you.”
Charlie wasn’t certain on the correct reply, so he went with what felt right. He kissed her softly and hugged her. “It’s my honor.”
 
“Well, isn’t that sweet.”
The center table gaped in surprise at Candy’s bitter sneer.
“Are you okay?” Theo asked. He and Candy had come by to drop off some papers, but Angela wasn’t here yet.
“No,” Candy answered, staring at the couple. “I’m not sure why they can touch and kiss in public. We have age rules here.”
Charlie heard her and glowered over Tracy’s shoulder. “Just because you’ve been thinking about Conner, that doesn’t mean we’re all bad, you know.”
“I have not!” Candy refuted hotly, proving Charlie right.
Theo gaped at her red face, a bit disappointed. He’d thought maybe Candy had a thing for him, but if she was daydreaming about Adrian’s demon seed, then that wasn’t the case.
Theo spun away from the table and vanished into the crowd forming around Li Sing’s grill.
“Why did you do that?” Candy asked angrily. “You know I wasn’t thinking about Conner in a good way!”
Charlie shrugged, aware that Tracy had tensed under his arm, as if she was about to flee. “You should have minded your own business and then I could have done the same.”
“Asshole!” Candy flung at him as she stormed off to track Theo down and explain.
“Maybe I am,” Charlie admitted as the eating people snickered. “But I won, so who cares.”
He steered Tracy straight for that center table and settled her between Becky and Samantha.
Samantha understood Tracy wasn’t out and about of her own free will. “I have some new magazines and a bit of snacks stashed,” she stated, observing the females around the double table. “Who’s up for a pot luck, gab-fest, poker game tonight?”
Conversation stayed on that topic for a while and allowed them all time to observe Tracy and a few of the other rookies who’d had rough missions. Most of them appeared to be doing okay, but Tracy had clearly gotten the worst of it. Her flinches came often and everyone approved of Charlie getting her out of her comfort zone. As long as she didn’t hide, they could all help her. It was what Safe Haven had been created for.
 
4
“There are a few things I need to tell you while we enjoy this wonderful meal. You can go on eating, but keep track of the update I’m giving.”
Alerting those on duty to Angela’s coming words, the radio crackled when Kenn let off his button.
 
Not far enough away for Marc’s peace of mind, Adrian flipped his radio on, and told David to shut his off. The Safe Haven setup Kenn had given him would deliver Angela’s voice as clear as an angel’s bell.
“You’ve noticed Doug working on the board, I’m sure, maybe picked out your name and wondered what new hell I’m assigning you to. You’ve also probably noticed there are teams getting set to roll out. A lot of us have hard labor waiting. I’ll explain that as soon as Doug is finished and please remember not to touch the board or you’ll smear the liquid chalk.”
Adrian settled on the uncomfortable rock, perfectly content to let their dinner burn while he listened to Angela update his herd.
Conner and David shared a confused, slightly concerned glance, but didn’t comment.
Conner took over roasting the wild turkey that Adrian had stalked right after they arrived. Conner was still a bit disturbed at the memory of his father leaping off the side of a cliff. He hadn’t known there was a ledge below at the time, or that the ledge had been a nesting site.
They had eggs for breakfast now, but Conner didn’t think he could eat those without suggesting they grab a few turkeys to raise for food. It was on his mind now, but the smell of the meat was distracting him. In the morning, when he wasn’t starving, conversations would have to happen.
“That’s better.” Angela’s voice was clearly amused. “Stained another shirt, but hey, barbeque sauce does that right? Supposed to be messy. Where was I…? Oh, okay. Tomorrow, we start getting the caves ready.”
A loud cheer echoed to Adrian twice. Once from the radio and then again, from the sound of the large camp below. There was an empty landing directly to their left and Adrian’s eyes swung to it repeatedly as Angela updated Doug’s work.
“There are two large teams of people, a mix of Eagles and members. They are the builders and gatherers. Each team is broken into two shifts of twelve hours each. We have ten hard days ahead of us folks, but nothing like the last ten in comparison, right?”
Even David nodded to that. The last ten days had been a nightmare that none of them ever wanted to experience again, no matter what side of the battle they were on.
“After you locate your name and shift, remember it. Be at the assigned place by the time on the board, no excuses. There wasn’t time for me to let you pick the crew or shift you’d prefer. I chose it by where I need you the most, based on the strengths you have. Please don’t ask to switch shifts or crews unless you’re confident that I’ve put you in the wrong slot. In ten days, we will be in the cave and then every team will receive a full week off all chores!”
Another double cheer came and Adrian’s heart filled with pride. She had learned even faster than his own children had–certainly faster than Conner would. That son needed what he’d been unable to give the other one. This time, he would save the boy and himself.
“Builders, you will go in, determine what has to be done, then clean and prepare that area. You will camp outside the entrance to help secure our men, our work, our supplies, and to be right there to get rolling each shift change. Large common tents and bathrooms will be provided for each crew. At the same time, gathering teams will be out rolling. As they bring in each load, they will get your new lists and go right back out, with only a short stop for sleep and food between each run. And when I say short, you know I mean that. Prepping and gathering is the start. This is stage one.”
Adrian ignored the plate of steaming meat Conner sat by him, content to listen for as long as Angela was talking.
“As you gather, you have to stay organized. Each building crew will be sending gophers to the dump areas, kids who don’t know what these items are for or what harm they can cause. It is part of your duty to help the gophers get the correct materials safely to the cave entrance, in the amounts asked for. If we bring too much up, we clog our work area. If we don’t bring enough, we slow down. You get the idea. To organize this a bit, gathering crews will camp next to their dumpsite. You will assist the gophers and provide extra security for our materials.”
Adrian could almost see her standing with a plate, picking off bits of food to show a calm composure. His longing to be by her side was overwhelming.
“As for patrols, there will be five per crew–senior Eagles who can assist in labor, provide security, and attempt rescues if there are any problems. For gatherers, there must be a sixth and seventh man to provide sniper rotations that will work when your team sleeps, sleep where your team works. Each crew is being given a copy of a map we’ve made which shows the best and worst places to search for the items we need. Any area shaded in red is too dangerous without multiple teams of Eagles. Don’t try those. Remember the Safe Haven code when you go into towns and neighborhoods: We don’t steal from people and we don’t tolerate people stealing from us. Help those who need it, but don’t be caught up in drama. We have enough of our own right here for you to work on.”
Adrian dutifully snickered like the rest of her Eagles were likely doing, and then quieted so he wouldn’t miss her next words.
“As each shift ends, drop off notice of your next run, tally your numbers, and deliver it to the contest box in the mess. Once a day, Doug will go through that box–he has the only key–and update totals on the board. To add protection and help even out the contest, descendants will also help. The builders get two and the gatherers get two, split between the day and night shifts to keep things fair. Use them wisely. And to spice that up, there will be another contest for the descendant who helps their crew the most. Betting is encouraged!”
Laughter rolled across the mountain, but it didn’t carry far enough to lighten Adrian’s camp. His son and new soldiers were sharing glances and staring at him in disappointment. Adrian’s soul decayed a bit further as he realized Angela had set it up this way so he couldn’t wallow in his grief.
“Everyone else has work. The older folks have lighter chores, like sewing curtains, rugs, and quilts. The teenagers are on duty with their Eagle teachers, learning to take their place. Pregnant women, non-Eagles, are helping with mess, babysitting, delivering meals and messages, and caring for our weaker members.”
She’d obviously considered every angle in his notebook and sorted through to discover a solution. Adrian couldn’t have been prouder.
“All rookies and fifteen senior Eagles will cover our main camp during this stage. I need everyone else out there. This is a level test for many of you. You have to listen, follow orders, and enforce all rules. You also have to keep our Safe Haven running, as in water, waste removal, and food. Follow the lead of the Eagles with you, and hurry. We’re fighting nature here and we all know how she feels about us. Let’s pull together and get inside that mountain before winter comes.”
There was a pause and then Angela’s voice came again, ringing with confidence.
“Yes, we can take a real break here, if we can get inside. Will we do that?”
Cheers echoed again.
Adrian’s faction felt left out of that safety, but Adrian knew it was a false promise anyway–which was why she hadn’t actually said they would be safe here or given them an amount of time for that break.
“I’ve offered rewards for us doing this quickly and I’ll honor them. I’d like to give out some of that now. Kenn and Shawn are drawing up plans for the Eagles. They’ll also be implementing my new teams list. Be patient while you’re hounding them for your slot, but know that every fighter here earned the next level, as of now.”
This time, the cheering and yelling was enough to startle a small colony of bats from their roost above Adrian.
“I miss my team,” Conner whined suddenly. “Will she still have the Jr. Eagles?”
“How would I know?” Adrian responded, trying to listen to the rest of her speech.
“Because she’s just following your notebooks,” the teen answered sullenly. “We all know that.”
“You don’t know shit,” Adrian growled. “Stop underestimating her intelligence.”
“I have a couple of reminders next and then we can relax for the rest of our evening. First, please don’t bother the ants. We have a deal in place. I promised to protect them for their help with the government and for future assistance. Make friends with them. They’re not the enemy anymore.”
Adrian sighed in obvious awed approval.
Conner was confused and disappointed. This wasn’t what he’d envisioned.
“And what was it you envisioned, boy?” Adrian rasped out sharply, annoyed with his new crew and their expectations of a fallen idol. “That we would roam through the wastelands, killing evil and being heroes?”
Conner flushed. That was exactly what he’d hoped.
“Your sister has that honor. You’re still a pup,” Adrian sneered harshly. “Now shut up and let me listen. It’s almost all I have left now.”
“You have your son!” Conner retorted loudly, drowning out Angela’s last words.
The radio fell silent and Adrian pinned the teenager with a resentful glower. “Yes, let’s talk about that. I have a rebellious, know-it-all, banished, peeping-tom, untrained child to care for. Great trade-off there.”
Crushed, Conner left the light of their small fire.
“Was that right?” David questioned from the other side of the short flames. “He needs guidance.”
“Was it guidance you needed while you were hunting your fellow man?” Adrian shot back. “Was that right?”
David’s profile changed to stone.
“That’s what I thought,” Adrian grunted. “Mind your own business until you understand what I’m doing.”
“What are you doing?” David insisted, anger lacing his tone. “All I see is a disgraced leader following his old camp, like he’s waiting for a chance to steal it back.”
“That’s because he is.”
Peggy emerged from the darkness, flanked by
Allan, and saved Adrian an explanation that he would have had to lie through.
“That’s why I voted for Marc,” Peggy stated ruthlessly. “Angela can’t recognize this traitor for what he really is.”
Adrian stiffened, switched off the radio. This won’t be pleasant.
“Get lost, rookie,” Peggy snapped at David, gingerly taking a seat on the rock near Adrian.
David opened his mouth to argue and Adrian jerked a thumb over his shoulder. He didn’t need direct witnesses to the coming, well-deserved humiliation.
Also a bit crushed, David vanished into the shadows after Conner.
Peggy regarded her former leader, her one-time hero. In the beginning, she’d been among Adrian’s staunchest believers. But he had quickly fallen short and then disappointed her, and now, he was a traitor. He even looked the part with his unshaven face and bloodshot eyes.
“When did I lose you?”
Adrian’s sudden question surprised Peggy, but it wasn’t hard to answer. She just hadn’t thought he cared. “Your game with Tonya. You punished her for killing Joe, who was a useless drunk, instead of helping her change. Angela did that for her, made her an Eagle and returned her self-worth. The others think you did it, but I know better and so does Tonya.”
Adrian’s countenance darkened further, but he didn’t respond.
“Doug told me he’d make me come, but he didn’t have to,” Peggy stated, switching topics. “I don’t want to die.”
Adrian winced. “I’m sorry. I can’t stop that.”
“Can you slow it?” she asked in a dreading rush.
Adrian understood she had permission to be here because she had an Eagle escort. He was filled with bitterness as he realized who had given that permission and what she expected from him.
“For a while,” Adrian finally confirmed. “But it will fade faster each time, like when she helped John.”
“How long?” Peggy asked in a whisper. The new doctor hadn’t been willing to give her an estimate, but Hilda was sure it was weeks.
Adrian didn’t want to do it and he hesitated, trying to find a way out.
“Tell me!” Peggy insisted. “You owe me that!”
“A few months more,” Adrian ground out. Angela had trapped him with this one. He had expected her to tell Doug no.
“I want them!” Peggy swore furiously. “I want every second you can give me!”
Adrian sighed, suddenly weary. “There are prices for deals such as this.”
Peggy hesitated for only an instant, and then said, “I agree.”
“Don’t you even want to know the cost?” Adrian asked snidely. “I could be betraying you again.”
“You wouldn’t do that,” Peggy stated firmly. “She’d never forgive you for hurting the herd or the dream while they’re in her hands.”
She had thought hard about this visit before coming.
“Got me all figured out, do ya? Be careful, Ms. Kelly. I’m not as harmless as you seem to think I am.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she whispered, still angry and even more upset that she had to barter with him. “What do you want in exchange for helping me?”
“You’ll have to bring Doug,” Adrian informed her, standing up. “It’ll take a few hours and you’ll need a day off. Kenn will help you arrange it when I tell him to.”
Already suffering a great deal, Peggy had been hoping for something immediate and her expression grew dark with fear. What if the cancer did too much damage before Adrian helped her?
Unable to feel her terror and ignore it, Adrian let guilt force his hand. He grabbed her by the arms, jerking her up as he stood, and slanted his mouth over hers.
Too shocked to react at first, Peggy quickly realized it wasn’t a kiss. He was sending a heat down her throat, warming her insides and connecting their minds in awful flashes that made her stiffen and try to pull away.
The life he was giving her had been taken, through deception!
Adrian held on until the entire life had been delivered, not letting her revulsion or her ugly words in his mind break the hold.
The last of it rushed from him like a bullet and Adrian shoved her, not caring when she tripped and landed on her ass. He stumbled to his knees, vision blurring, stomach clenching. He’d forgotten what this felt like, why he had stopped doing it and began using others to do it for him.
Peggy rose to her feet, ready to blast him with her annoyance and froze at the sight of his body glowing with dull blue light. As she stared in surprise at the beautiful hue, it faded and Adrian shut his eyes.
“I’ll need a couple weeks,” he ground out through the pain in his chest. He controlled his breathing and the squeezing fire gradually subsided. “Get lost, will ya?”
Peggy slowly did as he bid, casting worried looks over her shoulder. In her concern, it took her a moment to realize she wasn’t in pain anymore.
She strolled faster as the tall gates of Safe Haven came into view and she dismissed her shadow as soon as she was inside. She was positive Doug had requested a full report since he hadn’t been free to come with her.
Following the bell that signaled a meal being served, Peggy veered toward the mess. She assumed Angela would still be there, but she hadn’t even gotten under the canopy before Angela’s cool voice echoed in her mind.
He can only do that once more for you. Don’t waste such a precious gift.
Peggy got in line for a tray and tried to act normal as Adrian’s light continued to work on her body and Angela pulled every second of the meeting from her mind.
 
5
“I’d like to talk to you…about the new people.”
Storing Peggy’s memory of Adrian, Angela motioned to the bench across from her, glad that Samantha had a full plate. She wanted everyone well fed and with a good night’s sleep under their belts come dawn.
“I caught something while you were feeling them out. I think we should eliminate the first group that comes, and maybe we can avoid another war.”
Angela sliced off a small chunk of the rare beef and dipped it into the steak sauce. “Samantha, for a little while, can you please just concentrate on the weather, the garden, and hunting? Those three things will save more lives than you’re worried about sacrificing.”
Scolded, Samantha wanted to argue, but was interrupted by the arrival of the ants.
Every person in the mess, including sentries and leadership, stopped eating and talking to gawk at the colony.
The line of ants held roughly one hundred workers, led by a huge red Captain who inspected the scrap boxes lining one side of the mess. He then swiveled toward his crew and squealed.
The people winced and cringed from the high-pitched noise, but it only lasted for a brief blast and then the worker ants came forward to create five lines that led from each box to the edge of the mess. From there, a single line of ants completed the assembly. This meal was full of proteins and fats that the ants also needed if they were to survive. Later, there would be other, less palatable food options, but Angela intended to honor their deal and even extend it. For now. Safe Haven would get a second, smaller harvest from the garden and the new seedlings she was having them plant would be a source of mega-vitamins in about a month. By then, the snow would be here and growing topside wouldn’t be feasible.
Samantha shifted restlessly, waiting for Angela to focus on her. She had a lot to say.
“Samantha?”
“Yeah?”
“I already have plans running. Do you want to be a part of them? I always need hands, especially ones as good with a rifle as yours are.”
Samantha considered the question, understanding she was being given an option to skip the gardening and hunting, if she was ready for action.
“I can do things for you, if you need them, but I’d rather not yet,” Samantha chose, not mad or sad. “I’ve thought about resigning, to find out if I like it on the other side.”
“A few people are considering that option. Some have already chosen it,” Angela confided without rancor. “Each person has to do whatever is best for them. I’d be sad to lose you, happy to hold a place if you go that way,” Angela told her, leaning in. “But you don’t want that, do you?”
“No,” Samantha answered slowly. “I still want the glory. I just need the peace too.”
“I understand,” Angela comforted. “When you find your name under the gatherers instead of security, don’t stress over it. Enjoy what peace you can get for a few weeks.”
“And then?”
Angela sighed. “Be ready to do whatever you need to.”
“I’ll stay that way forever, I think,” Samantha confessed, letting a bit of her inner turmoil show. “Once you kill someone, you really can’t go back. Ever. You know?”
Angela flashed to Little Rock and her grip tightened on the fork. “Yes, Sam. I do.”
“Good,” the storm tracker stated. “I’d hate to think I’m the only one who’s damned.”
Suddenly eager to examine the board and see who she was teamed with, Samantha stood up. “You need anything?”
“I’m all good,” Angela forced out.
Samantha left to join the crowd around Doug.
Angela took a moment to inspect the rest of the camp mentally, even though she knew Marc was on rounds.
And your pet killer is outside on duty, the witch reminded.
Angela ignored the jab, closing her grid. It was amazing how she saw a gift, or thought of one she didn’t have yet, and then the ability appeared in the form of a new door. Her hall of choices was long, but unfortunately, it was all fueled by the same amount of energy. She felt like a gamer with new spells available, but no extra power to run them.
She had asked the witch how to increase her energy levels, but that answer was one neither of them had cared for. Taking more lives wasn’t an option for Angela and the witch understood the problems that could come from her host accepting her corruption and pursuing it to gain more power. Greed was a fault of many descendants and had cost too many lives to count over the centuries.
Angela felt worry and intense concern flood the area, not from inside, and realized she was still tied to the emotions of their former leader. Something was happening outside the gates.
“Hey!”
“It’s snowing!”
Angela shivered, snapping into replay mode to determine what she had misjudged. She wanted to be relieved that it wasn’t something more dangerous, but the snow wasn’t supposed to be here for weeks. Enough of it would be extremely dangerous.
“It’s not cold.”
“It’s ash!”
“Get under cover!”
“It’s more ash! Get under cover!”
Around the center table, Angela’s guards and leadership stood, each with a specific job to do. The glove boxes had contained new instructions for handling the Yellowstone fallout.
Across the mess, Kenn and Tonya marched to the com truck, hitting their radios alternately to spread the word.
“This is an ash storm. Go to your tents. Zip flaps and windows, and hang the blankets like we’ve been discussing,” Tonya instructed calmly. “Eagles will make rounds to assist you and if you haven’t signed up for the rookies yet, let them know and they’ll add your name to the lists right then!”
“People on duty or outside should have their masks and respirators on,” Kenn droned. “Full coverage gear is mandatory. Get suited up or get under cover–now.”
Angela felt Greg’s hand on her arm as he led her into the mess truck–the nearest shelter–instead of trying to get her across camp during the storm.
Angela stared out the truck door as the people vanished and the ash lightly coated everything. She considered ordering leadership to bring up the bubble, but the storm stopped, leaving only a faint coating. The winds didn’t abate though, and it blew the ash away from her herd.
Greg called for a mask and escorted her to her tent a bit later, aware of the sparks running up his arm from the innocent contact. She was clearly in the groove and he stepped inside with her to make sure she at least sat down and took off her boots.
Angela stopped in the center of the tent, swaying a bit as she searched for something Greg didn’t think he wanted to know about. The Eagle carefully removed her jacket and led her to the rocking chair that Marc had carried in earlier. Greg tugged off her boots, thinking that now would be a bad time for that man to walk in.
He quickly retreated when he finished, but didn’t feel right leaving her while she wasn’t aware. He grabbed a blanket from the cot to wrap around her.
Satisfied he’d done enough for her comfort, Greg took a second blanket, tossed it on the floor and lay down. That meal had worn him out. He hadn’t been so full in a long time.
 
Greg snapped awake a bit later to find Angela sitting on her cot, surrounded by notebooks. Her wild hair and dazed expression said she was still in her own mind, and he put his head back down. If she needed him, he was here.
 
6
Marc removed his mask as he entered the QZ and the light rain began to fall. Thankfully, people wouldn’t breathe in as much of the ash while it was wet. Marc noted the alert QZ guards and fastened, dark tents, but wasn’t worried. Angela was being cautious. She would release their new members soon.
Marc nodded to Wade and Morgan, who had Point together over the QZ for the first time. He strode toward the center, where the newest people had been stashed. Kendle and Daryl were outside the large tent, backs to each other and not speaking.
Marc wasn’t surprised. The camp might consider Kendle a former star to be admired, but the Eagles knew she wasn’t all there somehow. They also felt the tension she caused, like now, with her hot gaze locked onto him and not letting go.
“Things okay?” Marc asked.
“5-by,” Daryl answered. They were the first words he’d spoken since this shift started. He had little to say to the mean island woman and he wasn’t pleased with Angela for putting him here.
Marc swept the shadows on the canvas wall, showing a sleeping child and her mother next to her, reading a book. What bothers me about that? Marc hadn’t met Tara yet, but the woman was clearly a threat or Angela wouldn’t have two killers outside her tent.
“Got a minute?” Marc called.
Tara emerged from the tent slowly, pale and obviously scared.
“I’m Marc Brady.” Marc introduced himself, but didn’t declare his title. If she didn’t know who he was yet, she would.
He held out a hand.
“Tara.”
Her hand touched his for a brief second and Marc got a strong flash of Angela, before she’d changed. Another abused female. Great. Hadn’t anyone made it through life unscarred?
“Do you have everything you need?” Marc asked, observing her sickly pallor and her quick peeks toward her sleeping child.
“We’re fine now. Thank you.”
Tara’s meek tone had Marc resting his hand on his holster. “If you have trouble here, I’ll handle it.”
Tara paled further at the double meaning, swallowing nervously. “Okay.”
Marc nodded again at her guards and headed for the next row of tents. He wasn’t sure why he didn’t like the new woman, but he was aware that he didn’t. Once again, his instincts were screaming and he continued to dwell on her as he patrolled the soldiers’ area in the QZ.
 
“He’s second in command here, right?” Tara asked, speaking to Daryl.
Kendle instantly assumed the new woman had already heard the Eagles talking and had decided to ignore her, too.
“That’s our XO and the mate of our boss,” Daryl stated pointedly. Kendle was still staring at Marc like a lovesick teenager.
“He seems…edgy,” Tara commented carefully.
“He is,” Daryl confirmed. “And you’re the reason why. He knows trouble will follow you guys.”
“I’m sorry,” Tara apologized shaky. “There’s no one else who can help us.”
Guilt swamped Daryl, but before he could reply, Tara ducked into the tent and blew out the lantern.
Daryl glanced at Kendle, expecting empathy, and found her smirking.
“Was that funny?” he demanded.
“You swallowing your own boot? Sure. It’s what you get for being mean to someone weaker than you.”
“Me? Do you know we call you the Queen of Cruel around here?”
“Why? Because I kill on command? Because I enjoy it like you and your team leader?” Kendle accused scornfully. “I’m not afraid of the truth.”
Daryl’s face was scarlet and he fired ruthlessly, “You’re cruel in every way, even to Marc. Do you think it’s fair for him to watch your misery and carry that guilt? It’s already eating at him. Angela may not care about your presence here, but Marc does and so do I!”
Kendle thought about leaving her post and also about pulling her knife, but chose instead to accept the nickname she’d been given. If they thought she was cruel, she would prove it. “Your sloppy-second is carrying the bastard of a traitor and you beat on people as punishment for their supposed crime. You’re not better than me. You’re not better than any of us.”
“Why you snarky little bitch!” Daryl exclaimed. “How dare you!”
“You gave me the nickname,” Kendle smirked. “I will now be the Queen of Cruel every time you speak to me. I suggest shutting up.”
Daryl’s mouth opened.
“Goodie!” Kendle cackled, rubbing her hands together eagerly. “Another man who doesn’t know when to quit.”
Daryl snapped his mouth shut and resigned himself to glowering. This bitch has to go.
 
Marc heard their raised voices behind him, but didn’t stop. Kendle was much better now, and Daryl was an Eagle in good standing with everyone. They would learn to work together.
Happy to find security cameras going up around their front gate, Marc strolled through the Indian area next. He noted that the natives had a guard posted even though they were inside the QZ, with Eagles on duty. The soldiers didn’t. Marc understood both actions, but only approved of one. The soldiers felt safe here because the leadership style was familiar to them, but only the Indians were truly wise. In Marc’s opinion, the soldiers were too trusting.
As Marc re-entered the main gate, Shawn fell in step. “We’re all calm and clear. You have Point.”
“Yeah, until four, then Kenn has it,” Marc confirmed that he’d seen the board as he went to their rear gate to check-in.
“Well, I’m yours until then,” Shawn stated. “What do you want me on?”
Marc considered the sizable list in his mind and gave Shawn the top few things, thinking there was no need to rush on most of it. They would have a lot of nights to bring his to-do list under control. Thanks to the apocalypse, disasters and wildcards were now a way of life, and they had to prepare for as many of them as they could. Marc didn’t know what was coming next, but he was tired of being caught off-guard and he was fed up with running.
Shawn stopped suddenly, turning with a concerned expression. “Is she okay? The new woman, Tara. Can we trust her?”
Marc understood instantly, but only said, “It’s too soon to tell about any of the new arrivals. Watch your six.”
Shawn’s happiness burst and he nodded, sighing. “I always do.”
 
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