Dangerous Deals

 
All We Have
 
We made it home,
But we’re not the same.
We flinch at noises,
And loathe the rain.
 
We have no faith;
We’ve lost all trust.
We’re filled with fury,
At what happened to us.
 
Surrounded by water,
This island is another cage.
We try to adjust,
And not give in to the rage.
 
Fake smiles during the day,
bête noires at night.
replaying the horror,
While trying to find the light.
 
Every scar is an unwelcome reminder;
We doubt we’ll ever recover.
We came back alive, but we didn’t really survive.
All we have now is each other.

 
Chapter OneWelcome Home
 
1
“It’s time for all friends and family to wait outside while we get the medical exams started.” Tonya began pointing at the kids. “Do a round on beach duty, or run and get whatever they need that we didn’t bring.”
The tent was full of neatly lined up cots covered in bags, boxes, and blankets. More kits and supplies sat along the walls, covering nearly all the empty space. Tonya doubted they could hold much more in here, but she needed that excuse to get the kids to go.
Amy didn’t want to leave Wade.
Wade picked her up and settled her onto his hip so she didn’t have to. He could tell how badly the little girl needed attention.
Missy left without arguing. She wanted Shawn to get checked out. His injuries were ugly to view and his mind was a dark, dangerous place. She had faith that Tonya would help him.
Many of the others also left, but Wade shook his head at Neil and Samantha. “Stay.”
Samantha immediately sat down and took his hand. She could tell how scared he was.
Wade took in her baggy, nervous eyes and the body that was too thin. He wasn’t underweight, but he was baggy-eyed, nervous, and scarred. The sound of the ocean was a reminder that wouldn’t stop. Another bond flew between them. It didn’t matter that Samantha’s was voluntary starvation; fear was driving it and Wade now knew more about fear than he ever wanted to. I’ll help us both somehow.
Neil was encouraged that Samantha had initiated contact with a male. He stayed next to her and enjoyed the relief that Angela was home. It had been a rough month without the real boss here.
Wade was also worried about Neil. He was thinner under his Eagle gear and more somber. I shouldn’t have gone on that run. My family needed me here.
Tobias opened the medical curtain all the way. “Are we ready?”
Tonya picked up her clipboard. “Yes. Remember what I said on the way down here. We’re not pushing them at all. If they don’t want to do it, they don’t have to.”
Tobias gave her a charming grin, eyeing her curved body inside the faded jeans and hoodie she was wearing beneath her white coat. “You’re the boss.”
Tonya snorted. “Not for all the gems in the world.”
She stepped out of the small medical tent they’d erected inside the large one that was now housing all of the mission men and the rescue team.
Everyone looked toward her.
Tonya saw their apprehension and tried to soothe it with a calm tone. Most people hated to get a medical check; it was part of the job to deal with their fears. “I’m taking the most serious cases first.”
Half of the tent relaxed and resumed what they’d been doing.
Angela pointed. “Dace, Thomas, Greg. We have head injuries, shark bites, broken bones, burns, infections, impalements, splinters, and bruises.”
Tonya began clearing a path for Dace’s stretcher. “It sounds like you had a hell of a trip.”
Men and women glanced away, not wanting to share their pain. So did Kenn. He was covered in new scars, but the worst damage was in his mind.
Angela rubbed her aching spine through her jacket. “Hell is spot on.”
Tonya noticed Greg’s eyepatch again and winced. Nearly every inch of Greg’s exposed skin was scarred from being burnt. Tonya recognized it from the explosions on the cruise ship. “I’ll do the best I can.”
“I believe in you.”
Tonya felt her own unease settle down a level. She was grateful. “Thank you.”
“It’s my honor. Now get your skinny ass to work.”
“Aww. That’s so sweet!” Tonya got to work. “Terry and Morgan will be supervising any procedures. The medical team I’ve picked all have minor experience in most of what you listed.”
Tonya motioned to Lisa, who was fussing over Dace. “Help us get him into the medical tent. He can stay in small area on the other side after we’re done with him.”
Lisa snapped at Tobias as he quickly lifted one side of the stretcher. “Be careful!”
Tobias smiled again, but it wasn’t as warm. He tried to be nice to the big breasted brunette. “We will. You can stay with him.”
“Damn straight I’ll stay with him!” Lisa didn’t care about the disapproval of some of their witnesses. She marched next to Dace’s stretcher, keeping a firm hand on it.
Tonya looked at Angela. “Wasn’t she with Greg when you left?”
“Yes.”
“I’m confused.”
Angela chuckled dryly. “Get used to that feeling.”
“Okay, I will.” Tonya scanned the others in the huge tent. “I’ll handle you two at a time, with Lisa and Dace first, then Thomas and Greg. When I say next two, pick yourselves and we’ll roll right through this part.”
Tonya saw relief at them doing it together, but only a few of them liked doing it fast. “Or maybe I’ll take my time and release you together in a couple of days?”
Relief filled the tent.
Angela nodded. “For most of them. Not me.”
“Good. The camp needs you back in charge as soon as possible.” Tonya entered the medical area.
Thomas and Greg exchanged concerned glances. Both men turned toward Shawn with a silent request.
Shawn assumed he needed permission. “Boss?”
Angela was proud of him. Shawn was scared of any medical treatment now. Just seeing the medical staff had made him twitchy, but he was still willing to help his teammates. “Go on.”
Shawn followed the white-coated medics into the tent, trying not to react to the sights and smells. He hadn’t done much medical work since Harry’s death. It took him straight back to waking up in the lab with Isabel’s sister about to castrate him.
Tonya felt his unease. She handed him the clipboard. “You can tell me what happened to each person as I do the exam.”
Lisa scowled. “I’ll tell you what happened to–”
“Hush now.” Shawn didn’t give Lisa time to argue. “Dace was hit in the back of the head and knocked out. He hasn’t woken at all. No other injuries that I know of.”
Lisa made a face but obeyed because it came from one of the mission men.
Tonya tugged the curtain shut.
As soon as she turned around, Shawn opened it back up a few inches.
Tonya heard it. She assumed closed spaces were also a problem and didn’t argue.
Tobias stayed glued to Tonya’s hip, handing her the stethoscope so she could listen to Dace’s breathing.
Kenn watched through the small crack, keeping his mind blank so no one would know Shawn had opened the curtain to let him observe how Tobias interacted with Tonya.
Angela didn’t expose him. She wanted to see that, too. “Let’s settle in. You’re all on downtime until the medical checks are finished.”
Everyone went to their cot to unpack the gear they thought they would need.
Isabel stayed quiet, like Selina was doing. They didn’t know the medics or the people who were coming in and out with supplies. They kept a close eye on Angela.
Marc noticed it. He trusted both of those women. He didn’t like it that they were nervous. It quickly rubbed off.
In the opposite corner of the crowded tent, Tim stood up and put his multitool back into his pocket. “Radio’s ready.”
Tim had been asked to handle that because everyone else who knew how to wire it was busy. This tent had a full setup instead of just a handheld system. Tim retreated as Gus came over.
Gus decided keeping a good attitude would make this easiest on all of them. He keyed the mic with a grin. “This is Gus, reporting for drama.”
People snickered but shied away from the bruises, healing burns, and stitches on Gus’s big body.
Brittani’s weak voice came through the waves. “Gus! I’m so glad you’re okay!”
Gus’s free hand twitched and slid into his jean pocket. “Yeah. Me, too. How are you?”
“I’m fine. They’re making a fuss over nothing.”
Gus could tell that wasn’t true. He knew when she was lying, but even if he hadn’t, she sounded on the edge of death. “I hope you’re resting and stuff.”
People tuned out the call now that it had reached the boring part.
Nearby, Marc directed the two teenage boys toward a rear row of cots. They were Kendle’s relatives, though they’d never met. He didn’t know the exact connection yet, but he would figure it out.
Nearby, Adrian got the two new men from the sailboat to start unpacking their bedrolls.
Their Golden Retriever wanted to sniff the cats lying across Dog’s back while bathing him. The Retriever was pulling hard on the lead in Dario’s hand.
Greg suppressed a shudder. “Always keep him on a leash around us.”
Mission men throughout the tent agreed. None of them were comfortable with any canine but Dog. Even the yapping puppy out on the beach was a worry.
“We will.” Dario was happy to be among people who seemed good. “His name is Duke.”
The mission men didn’t care.
Amy waved at the big dog over Wade’s shoulder. “Hi, Duke.”
The Retriever kept sniffing the cats. His hot breath drew hisses.
Duke pulled harder on the leash, trying to get closer. They smell good!
The bunker cat lashed out with full claws and took a layer of skin from Duke’s nose.
Duke yelped and dove beneath the cot. Make it stop!
“Damn it, Buster. Be nice!”
The bunker cat cringed at Tonya’s shout. Then it stood up on Dog’s back and leapt under the cot. Here, doggy-doggy!
Duke yelped again as the cat dug claws into his fur and started cleaning him.
“That’s not what I meant!”
Marc lifted the confused cat off the whimpering Retriever while everyone laughed. He put it back on Dog. “As you were.”
The cat began hacking up a hairball.
Marc jumped out of the way so it didn’t get on his boots. “Duke’s right. That’s disgusting.”
Chuckling, Angela motioned toward Theo. “You’re with me.”
Theo blanched. He wasn’t ready for a therapy session. His sweatpants and ripped t-shirt didn’t seem appropriate for spilling his guts to the boss.
“Can we hold on that for a minute?” Daryl came over to Angela. “I have some updates.”
Angela wondered why he was in full Eagle gear. It looked like all the guards were, even down to the vests. She decided to ask later. “Jennifer will handle it.”
“Yeah, she will and that’s why I want to talk to you now.” Daryl regarded Kyle; he didn’t have sympathy for the man’s new scars, the cast on his arm, or his haunted expression. “Go stand watch for an Eagle privacy moment.”
Kyle knew he was already being tested to see if he was an Eagle first and a husband second. He went to the flap without protesting. He needed to know what had happened so he could figure out how to help his wife.
Kyle saw a large group of musclebound brawlers come down the beach in what was obviously a patrol. He assumed they were doing the entire island. He’d already spotted jungle foliage on their black pants and sand on their boots.
Angela didn’t want to make things worse before she’d had a chance to assess the situation. “Are you sure Jennifer can’t handle it?”
“Yes.” Daryl wasn’t going to take no for her answer. “It’s important, Boss.”
Angela stopped stalling. “Tell me.”
Daryl kept his voice down. “Jennifer used her enforcer gift.”
Angela wasn’t surprised by that. “Was it warranted?”
“The first one was. Two camp members were fighting, knocking stuff over and bumping into people. The Eagles would have covered it their usual way, but Jennifer did a fast zap tap and both men stopped. They even helped clean things up.”
“But?”
“But she did it openly! It was right in front of the normals, against two normals. It stirred things back up. We’ve been doing damage control for weeks and it’s not enough.”
Angela sighed. “Because she did it again.”
“Yes. One was against an Eagle. I don’t have to tell you the fighters here aren’t used to being treated that way by anyone except you and even then it only happens when it’s really needed.”
“Why was it done?”
“Stanley talked back to her.”
Silence fell through those listening.
Angela was shocked. “She zapped Stanley?”
“Yes.” Daryl finished his report. “The last one was against a teenager, Boss. And he’s a good kid.”
Fury flashed out in a thick wave, raising the tent’s temperature in seconds. Angela smothered the inner fire. “Go on.”
“That’s all I have…on that front.”
“Put everything else in your nightly report for me?”
“Jennifer said the nightly reports still come to her until you’re out of quarantine.” Daryl didn’t want to stir up more problems, but Jennifer had been very specific.
“They do. That doesn’t mean I can’t have a copy.”
Daryl tried to smile. It wasn’t successful. “Welcome home.”
“Yeah.” Angela motioned toward Gus. “We need that radio clear and she needs to rest. Get Gus off the call.” Angela could tell how uncomfortable Gus was as Brittani rambled on about things that didn’t matter.
“You got it.” Daryl headed that way.
Angela turned and found Grant standing right behind her. She realized he was also in full Eagle gear. Angela sighed again. “Let’s hear it.”
“She shut down my wedding plans and then said I have to do equal time as a sailor. I’ve had to miss Eagle training sets.”
“Why not trade days?”
“She stopped all shift trading.”
“Why?”
Daryl spoke over his shoulder. “We’ve had a few no-shows from the rookies.”
Angela waved it off. “We always have that.”
“Exactly. She’s taking control too far and micromanaging everything.” Daryl motioned at Gus in Eagle code. Take your time.
Gus grimaced. He understood Daryl wanted Brittani to talk as long as it took to make her happy, but Gus wanted to be done.
Angela lifted a brow at Grant. “Anything else?”
Grant grinned. “Welcome home, Boss!”
The gophers entered the warming tent in time to hear that. They echoed the sentiment, making Angela smile.
Ritchie and a few rookies carried supplies to the medical tent or sat boxes next to Angela’s table. Once again, they were in all full Eagle gear. It felt like Jennifer was reminding her that the Eagles were always ready to fight.
Angela regarded the church people, who were listening while distributing supplies.
Tim brushed his hand down his sweater to remove the dust. “I have no complaints. Jennifer has kept tight control over a population of sinners.”
Ralph reluctantly disagreed. “She caused a lot of tension by forcing the normals to sit with the descendants for every meal.”
Tim scowled at the gray-haired man. “Angela did the same thing in the mountain.”
“Yeah, but it was with the kids.” Ralph glanced toward the tent flap and continued when he saw only the guards and not Jennifer. “Adults can’t be pushed that way. Every meal is now quiet, tense, and over fast. It’s not good for the camp.”
“People will adjust.” Tim faced Angela. “But I can’t. I’m not breaking our deal, but I refuse to be your spy anymore.”
Another shocked silence went through the tent. Most of them had known; no one had expected him to give it up.
Angela gave Tim a cool stare. “As long as you don’t break our deal or our laws, we’ll work through the rest.”
Tim wasn’t happy with that answer, but there was nothing he could say to make her happy now. “We’ll bring in more blankets. It gets cold on the beach at night.”
Mission men grimaced at his comment, all flashed to the tiny island where they’d met Mel.
Dog whined. I want my cat back!
His pain hit the other animals and the people.
Marc rubbed the wolf’s scarred ear, trying to offer comfort but not get scratched by the cats. Dog was very upset over Mr. Sneaky; his cats were upset that he’d been gone for so long.
Ralph dropped an envelope onto Angela’s table and then left.
The sound of the ocean roared outside the tent, bringing more tension.
Zack waved at Ritchie with his burnt hand. “Can I borrow your headphones?”
Ritchie handed them over. “Keep them for now. Welcome back.”
“Thanks.” Fighting with his cast, Zack carefully slid the headphones around his neck but not onto his ears. He barely noticed the Native America chanting Ritchie had been listening to. He just needed a static noise to drown out the angry ocean while still letting him hear what was being said.
Wade saw that and wished he also had a pair. He chose to distract himself with conversation instead. He smiled at Samantha. “Tell me about the boys. I’ll bet they’re getting big.”
Waves crashed onto the shore again.
Wade and Samantha flinched in tandem.
Amy took Samantha’s hand and then Wade’s. “I’ll protect you both.”
Both adults almost cried.
Neil breathed a sigh of relief. It had been hard to be alone dealing with the trauma and misery. He was beyond glad that Wade was home.
Angela looked around. “Who else?”
Neil nudged Samantha’s arm, gently. “Take your turn.”
Samantha started to shake. She quickly shook her head and tugged on her short curls.
Angela waddled over to the terrified woman. “Tell me.”
Samantha was able to speak through her fear because Angela was the one who had rescued her. “She limits my time with the boys. She said I’m not safe around them.” A thick tear rolled down Samantha’s cheek.
Angela wiped it away. “Why did Neil allow it?”
Samantha shivered. “He wants me to fight back, but I’m scared she’ll hurt them to hurt me!”
Angela held Samantha while she cried. She scanned Neil’s thoughts and found his fear of the same thing. The kidnapping had also scarred him.
Neil wrapped an arm around Samantha when Angela stepped back. “I’ve been spending that time with the babies and Samantha’s been alone. That’s why she isn’t more recovered.”
Angela wasn’t sure that was the full reason, but she didn’t say so.
Kyle was shocked. “Why would Jenny do those things?” He could tell they weren’t lying.
Tonya spoke up. “She’s trying to keep control of everything and live up to the boss’s reputation. It’s not an easy job.”
Angela heard the anger in Tonya’s voice. She went to the curtain of the medical area, ignoring Lisa’s scowl and Shawn’s fresh tension. “Any trouble you’d like to tell me about?”
“Yes, but not openly.”
Angela connected to Tonya, but not alone. She was already connected with the mission men. All of them saw Jennifer zap Timmy and take him to his knees.
Zack stiffened. “It was my kid.” He clicked the music off.
Eric glared at his father, upset about Zack’s retirement announcement. “That’s why he didn’t come down to meet you yet. He’s scared and avoiding her.”
Allison shushed Eric, not wanting the boy to get in trouble. She and Eric had refused to leave the QZ tent.
Eric’s voice rose. “If she hurts Timmy again, I’m going to fight her and die!”
Everyone looked at Angela, not sure how she would handle it.
Angela gestured in Eagle code.
Kyle keyed his radio. “Jenny, the boss want you in the QZ.”
Jennifer’s defensive, snotty voice came right back. “Already? I thought they’d all want more time to tattle on me and sway her emotions.”
“Damn.” Tonya dropped the stethoscope and made everyone jump.
Samantha began to cry.
Eric’s eyes lit up bright red.
“I’ll be there when I finish what I’m doing!”
“Copy.”
The gophers finished unloading the supplies and then hurried out, eager to start spreading what they’d overheard and desperate to get out of Jennifer’s path.
Angela went to the chair they’d brought in for her and sat down, ankles throbbing. “It’s great to be home.”
 
 
2
Theo went to the chair across from Angela for the private session that wasn’t going to be private. He was almost relieved now. His secrets weren’t great and his burns hurt as they healed, but his issues weren’t anywhere near as bad as everyone else’s.
Angela studied his unshaven face and his restless mind. “How are you feeling about being home?”
Theo made a face.
Angela chuckled. “Yeah, I get that.”
Theo knew she also wanted a real answer. He didn’t hold back so she wouldn’t feel the need to dig. “It’s uncomfortable. It’s also nice, but I’m worried about being alone now. I might fall back into bad habits.”
The mission men understood completely.
“I also believe I’m strong enough to do it. I just need to avoid the triggers.”
“What do you think will trigger it for you?”
Theo let his loneliness show. “I’ve never been like anyone else in this camp. I’m not bonded to anyone. I need to change that and then it will be easier to fight my addiction.”
“I agree. But it won’t be with Debra or Bernice.”
Theo was glad that Bernice and Crissy had left the tent. “You don’t know that.”
Snorts went through the canvas.
Theo flushed.
Angela shrugged. “I’ve been wrong a few times, but I’m telling you to look outside the narrow circle you’ve surrounded yourself with. You’re a single man with a great deal of respect in this camp. Keep that in mind when you go out searching for someone to ease that loneliness.”
“I will.” Theo smiled genuinely for the first time in a while. “Thank you.”
“I mean every word of it. Don’t let the mistakes outshine the good. You’re a vital part of Safe Haven no matter what role you play or who you share your life with.” She gestured.
Theo stared. “That’s it?”
“Is there something else you’d like to cover?”
A dozen topics went through his mind, but none of them seemed as important after her words. “I’m good.”
“Yes, you are. Go spend some time with your son. I’m sure the other two will be along shortly.”
Zack wasn’t sure why Timmy hadn’t been here to welcome him home, but Mike had left to do his shift on gopher duty.
Angela glanced toward the medical area, not liking how quiet it had gotten. Before she could ask, Lisa’s annoyed voice broke the silence.
 
 
3
“Do you know what’s wrong with him yet?”
Tonya let go of Dace’s wrist and wrote on the clipboard that Shawn held out. “No, but Morgan and Terry will check him over, too. Just give us time. We’ll help him if we can.”
Lisa was disappointed. She’d been hoping for a magic cure. “Can’t you just zap him awake or something?”
Tonya frowned. “I don’t do that. Perhaps you should ask Jennifer.”
Lisa’s face tightened. “No, thank you.” She’d already heard enough to know that wasn’t a good idea.
Tonya started to push the stretcher to the rear, private area.
Tobias quickly stepped around her, brushing her arm as he took over the job.
Out in the big tent, Kenn’s anger grew.
Angela saw it, too. She didn’t distract Kenn like she might have done for the other men. “Once Gus is off the radio, everyone else can have five minutes to contact their friends and family. I’m certain they’re waiting for word.”
Daryl caught her pointed tone as he stood by Gus, but there wasn’t anything he would deny Brittani right now. He was just standing here listening to her have a good moment.
Gus also caught the hint. He waited for a clear moment and then used that excuse. “I have to let the rest of the team use the radio now, Brit.”
“Oh. Okay. You’ll come see me when you’re out of the QZ?”
Gus didn’t want to agree, but like Daryl, he wasn’t going to deny Brittani something simple and stress her out. “Sure. Get some rest.”
Gus handed the handset to Daryl and then went to the empty chair across from Angela without being called. He could feel Angela worrying about him now that he’d spoken to his ex.
Angela eyed his burns. “How are you feeling about being home?”
Gus was honest. “When do we leave?”
Instead of laughing, Angela sympathized. “We’re all feeling like that.”
“You, too?” Gus rolled his eyes at himself as memories of their trip flashed. “Sorry.”
“No worries.” Angela was used to having her needs and feelings overlooked unless it was anger. She wasn’t upset over it. “Tell me how you feel about that call.”
Gus didn’t look at Daryl. “I’m pissed off. If she’d just stayed with me, this wouldn’t be happening to her!”
Daryl headed for the flap. “I’m sorry. You have no idea how much I wish I could go back and change things.”
Every mission man in the tent tensed as hard memories and painful images ran through their minds.
Angela leaned back in her chair. “This is going to be harder than we thought.”
“You’ll get us through it.” Adrian ignored everyone else. “You’re the boss.”
Angela grunted. “Jennifer’s the boss until I’m out of quarantine.”
“I’m working on it!”
Everyone laughed at Tonya’s joking shout.
Grant hated to break up the good moment right when they needed it, but he didn’t have a choice. “Here she comes.”
Tonya waved Thomas and Greg into the medical area and jerked the curtain shut as soon as they were inside.
Grant hurried down the beach, away from the main path.
Even the church people tensed despite not having bad things to report about Jennifer.
Angela rubbed her belly and tried to find a comfortable position. “Let the guards know we need some music in here. Bring a variety of genres we can pick through to drown out the sound of that damn water.” The waves were crashing against the rocks, getting to her.
Mission men were grateful that she understood. It bonded them to her strongly.
Kyle passed the message, but his eyes never left the pregnant teenager marching down the clover covered path. Wearing a loose blue jean jumper with flat black boots and a low-necked white silk shirt from the ship’s gift shop, Jennifer was like a supermodel coming down a runway. She’s still the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen.
For one instant, the girl he loved shined through, blushing under his appreciation. She loathed his injuries and wanted to heal every inch of his broken, scarred body.
Then the witch took back over, glaring at him and everyone else.
Kyle held the flap for her without trying to talk. There would be time for that when she finished with the boss. But I’m never leaving her alone again. That’s a deal breaker for me. I’ll never take this risk again. From now on, we’ll go together or we won’t go at all.

 
Chapter TwoUnstable
 
1
Jennifer entered the crowded tent.
A wave of menace came with her.
Dog growled.
The cats on his back spotted Jennifer. All of them hissed, ears lying flat. The cats took off to the rear of the large tent away from her.
Jennifer glared at them and everyone else. Her mood was ugly.
Zack used his good hand to pull Eric back when he would have approached Jennifer. Eric was feeling emboldened now that Angela was home, but Zack didn’t want him to get in hot water.
Wade didn’t care about being in trouble. He glared at Jennifer. “You’re not keeping Samantha from her babies anymore!”
Neil tugged on Wade’s big arm. “Let it go for now.” He didn’t want Wade to be a target for Jennifer’s wrath; he wanted Angela to handle it.
Samantha stepped behind Wade when Jennifer’s eyes landed on her.
Drawn, Wade turned and wrapped Samantha up in his free arm. “It’s okay, Sammie. Things will be better now.”
Wade glared at Neil. He was shocked that the man had allowed Jennifer to treat Samantha this way.
Neil wasn’t offended. You don’t understand.
“No, I don’t.”
“You will.” Neil didn’t look at Jennifer. He didn’t want her to see the rebellion growing in his eyes. Now that Angela was home, everything would be different.
Jennifer went to the chair across from Angela and sat down. She hated being on this side of the desk. “Where do you want to start?”
“The camp, please.”
Jennifer wasn’t in the mood to pretend things were fine. “I know you called me in here to chew me out. Just get it over with!”
Angela kept an even tone. “Give me the updates and we’ll go from there.”
Jennifer glared around the tent again. “They’ve been telling you stories. I heard it all!”
Samantha’s tears restarted, quickly soaking Wade’s shirt.
Angela shrugged. “So?”
“So, why aren’t you jumping on me?”
“Is there a reason why I should?”
“No!”
“Then give me your updates and we’ll go from there.”
During the distraction, Kyle eased closer.
Jennifer brought up a shield around herself, eyes lighting up bright red.
Angela shook her head.
Kyle stopped and retreated.
Jennifer sneered at both of them.
Angela was losing patience. “If you don’t want to update me, I can have Tonya clear me first and I’ll go get them myself.”
“No!” Jennifer heard herself and tried to calm down. “There are a lot of updates. Do you want them in any particular order?”
“Start at one end and go all the way through. Finish right here, with yourself.”
Jennifer forced herself to obey. “We have double the food that we had before you left. We’ve fished every day and the orchards are doing much better now that Samantha has taken over care of our crops.” Jennifer smiled toward Samantha.
Samantha quickly wiped her face and smiled back around Wade’s arm, but everyone saw it was forced.
“We have six months’ worth of water stored on the island. The tanks on the cruise ship are full.”
“That’s great. Power?”
“We’ve run power cords to all the main buildings. Half of them are being powered during the day by the solar panels, but we haven’t solved the battery storage puzzle yet, so we’re still using a lot of candles at night.”
“Kenn will help with that.”
Kenn nodded from his cot, where he was still watching the medics. He didn’t mind that type of work.
Angela subtly studied Jennifer as she made notes on the updates. “Shelter?”
“We finished the first bunkhouse in town. Daryl did an amazing job on it.”
Daryl stared back coolly. He couldn’t be bought off with nice words.
“The work crew moved in the basic furniture a week ago. We’re still adjusting as we go on that one. We keep having to move things around to maximize the space.”
“We knew it would be cramped. Are at least a few people living in it yet?”
Jennifer lifted her chin proudly. “Everyone is.”
“How did you manage that?”
“I insisted.”
A cold breeze went through the tent.
Angela made another short note in her book. “Defense?”
“We have four towers around the island with a locked gun cabinet in each. There’s also a kit with a radio, rations, and a medical box.”
“Good.” Angela braced for the bad news she knew was coming. “Health?”
Jennifer started with the good news. “All of the people who were wounded in our last fights have recovered. Not all of them fully, of course. We can’t regrow fingers and toes.”
Mission men winced at her brutal words. Greg shut his eye and relived losing the other one.
Jennifer paled as she caught their memories, their scars. Her gaze went to Greg’s eyepatch and flinched away. The mission team had been so quiet that she’d overlooked their pain. “Sorry.”
Angela moved on. “What about the other people who have issues?”
“Candy and Brittani are hanging on, but it’s not good for either of them. We’ve been doing daily healing sessions.” Jennifer didn’t let anyone see the images in her thoughts of the two women or anything else. She didn’t trust anyone in her mind now.
“You’ve tried transfusions?”
“Yes, from Adrian’s frozen blood and from Conner, straight from the tap. It helps for a few hours and then they start sinking again. Brittani has been on bedrest the whole time. Conner does healing sessions with her, as well as Tobias and a few others. He was right about the communal living setup. Always having people around sounds awful, but for her, it’s helping. She’s a little stronger now.”
Daryl was thrilled about that, but it hadn’t come from Jennifer and it wasn’t enough to keep Brittani going until the birth.
Jennifer tried to inject something good. “The babies are doing well. Candy has still been able to breastfeed. Tonya said the infants are growing like they’re supposed to be.”
“That is good news.” Angela scanned her notes. “What about the garbage?”
“We started doing the weekly garbage trips to Henderson Island.”
“Burying or dumping?”
“Just dumping for now. Even I couldn’t scare up a crew for that job.”
People winced again.
Angela wanted to comfort them, but it might be dangerous to get distracted right now. “Once we can transport some big machines out there, we’ll start burying it.”
Jennifer had already considered that. “We may not get to it. The currents are pulling trash from all over the world. It seems like a losing battle.”
“If we find a way to direct it onto the beach, and then move it to the middle, it can stay there until society recovers. Then we’ll need a trash facility set up to handle it. How are the new island setups coming?”
Jennifer was starting to thaw. She lowered her shield and leaned forward, eager to talk about how much they’d achieved. “All the setups you wanted have been started or finished, except for the medical building. We’ve upgraded where we could, but we needed the engineer here.”
Her slightly accusing tone was ignored by Angela.
Theo thought about what he’d gone through on the run and agreed with Jennifer. I should have stayed here and kept working.
“Our ships?”
“All of them got some repairs, concentrating on the cruise ship. Grant drew up a ship bay for repairs, but we don’t have enough supplies to build it.”
“I’ll see what I can do about that. How are the other ships?”
“Trash covered and getting rusty. Grant says that’s normal.”
Angela kept getting updates and searching for weaknesses. “Contaminated areas?”
“We’ve cleared the areas in and around the gardens. We only have one other place still testing positive for contamination. It should be dug up over the next two days. The land area beneath the cave has doubled from dumping there; we’re keeping everyone away from it while the ocean and sun do their thing. We did get the guard post set up in the cave above it like you wanted. We have personal dosimeters ready for the Eagles who do that shift.”
“Good. Bathrooms?”
“The septic system hasn’t progressed at all. We’re using the outhouses and the ships. So far it’s holding.” Jennifer wasn’t sure if she felt disapproval over that one. She got defensive again. “If I’d had the engineer here, I might have made more progress.”
“Theo’s on a month long break that just started when we landed.” Angela only had so much patience herself. She wasn’t going to take shit from anyone. “We’ll get by. Update me on the kids and animals.”
Jennifer didn’t push the issue. “The kids are fine. They hate the school sessions. None of the animals are reproducing; the gators stay by the creek. The puppy and the horse have become friends and like to raid the orchards together. The cats are good mousers, but they eat too much. I cut their rations.”
And that explains Tonya’s displeasure. “Down to?”
“Every other day on scraps from the mess. The rest of the time, they get sent to the fishing area during gutting time. They seem healthy so far.”
“Crime?”
“We removed three rookies from the Eagles over theft. They were given warnings and put under watch. Tim took all of them into the church bunkhouse so it wasn’t a drain on manpower.”
“And the others?”
Jennifer’s shoulders went up again. “We’ve had no problems other than the fights you’ve already been told about. I handled them quickly and fairly and moved on. Ralph and Pam are still on conditional release.”
Jennifer didn’t mention Tim. The outcome of the vote on privacy was still upsetting to some people and Tim had forced that by not revealing Courtney’s plan to blow up the ship. Jennifer thought he should have been punished with more than just an Eagle beating, but it was too late now.
“Events?”
“The monthly party was put on hold while you were gone, like you wanted.”
Daryl and the others hadn’t known Angela ordered that.
“I also paused all weddings and parties because we’re going through supplies too fast. We have to switch to group events or there won’t be anything left for anyone else.”
“I agree.” Angela looked up from her notes so she could watch Jennifer’s expressions. “The normals?”
Jennifer sighed. “It’s tense again. I handled a problem openly. I thought it was better than trying to hide it like we’ve always done. I take full blame for that. I’ve tried to talk to people about it, but they don’t trust me now; they’re scared.”
Angela stared at her. “That doesn’t bother you.”
“No. Like I said, we didn’t have any big problems. You told me to keep the peace and I’ve done that.” Jennifer went on, now in full defense mode. “I zapped Timmy because he asked me to. He’s having a hard time sticking to the diet and exercise program. He got frustrated with himself and asked me to help. I didn’t like doing it.”
Angela understood how that felt. She also heard the lie.
Their witnesses hadn’t known Timmy asked for it. A few of them made mental notes to verify it with Timmy before offering Jennifer an apology.
“And Samantha?”
Jennifer gestured toward the upset family. “They’re not letting the babies out of her sight at all. And she won’t go out around people, so the boys aren’t getting any socialization. It’s not good for the twins or for her. And Neil knows it. He’s just agreeing with everything she says or thinks because he feels guilty that she got hurt.”
The truth rolled through the tent, not calming the tension but explaining things in a different light.
“I know it’s a hard job. Tell me about Stanley.” That was the one Angela couldn’t find a reason for.
Jennifer grew cold. “He didn’t like the new Eagle rules, the bunkhouse living, the corrections, the changes. He mouthed off and then he wouldn’t stop. I made him quit before the brawlers got involved. He would have gotten worse from them. They don’t like it when I’m disrespected.”
Angela realized Jennifer now had the brawlers in her pocket. “I see you’ve lined up an army if you need it.”
Jennifer glared. “Do I?”
Angela slowly nodded. “Yes. I’m going to do what you fear the most.”
Jennifer shoved up from the table. “I won’t take it back! I don’t want to be that other Jennifer again!”
Angela stayed calm. “Have you been tested for the rage illness?”
“Of course.”
“And?”
“I’m infected. We all are. You knew that before you left!”
“Any progress on the vaccine?”
“No. I put the medics to work on the cancer people. Anger can wait!”
Angela regarded her pointedly. “No, it can’t, Jenny.”
Jennifer barely got control of herself. “Anything else? I have rounds waiting.”
Angela smiled sincerely. “Thank you for keeping them together and safe.”
Jennifer grunted unhappily. “It’s my honor. And my curse.”
Jennifer stomped to the exit.
Kyle stepped in front of her.
Jennifer glared. She felt bad about his new injuries, but she wasn’t going to budge on her choice.
Kyle steeled his tone. “I want to see my kids.”
Jennifer went around him. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Jenny…”
“No!” Jennifer left.
Kyle was distraught. “Can you help her?”
Angela shook her head. “Not while she’s so angry and defensive. We have to let this play out.”
“You could insist that she take it back.”
“No, I can’t.” Angela resumed making notes in her book without explaining. If she insisted, it would push Jennifer into doing something drastic. She had to come around to it on her own and that would take time. “Personal sessions are resuming in five minutes. If you’re not seeing the medic, you’re seeing me.”
Angela’s face settled into an expression the mission men knew too well.
People started talking and muttering.
Kyle begged. “Please don’t hurt her.”
“I won’t. She’ll do that to herself.”
“No!”
“You’re the only one who might be able to reach her, Kyle.”
“Then clear me first.”
Angela signaled Tonya, who was watching through the open curtain. “Clear Kyle last and then keep him away from her.”
“What?!”
“She doesn’t want to deal with you yet, Eagle. She’s afraid we’ll force her into removing your gifts.”
“We will!”
“Exactly. Let her calm down. That much stress isn’t good for the baby.”
Kyle stared, scared. “You’ve made another plan.”
“Not completely. I need help with parts of it.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Make her want you more than leadership.”
“How do I do that?!”
“Have an affair with me.”
Silence went through the tent and the guards outside.
Kyle scowled. “Say that again.”
Angela grimaced. “No. Once was too much.”
“Then you don’t mean it.”
“But I do. By this time tomorrow, everyone outside this tent will think you cheated on her during our run.”
Kyle scoffed. “No one’s going to believe that. Look at the size of you!”
People chuckled or groaned at his insensitive comment.
Angela waddled over to him while sending out a wave of desire.
Kyle was struck. He froze, trying to fight it.
Angela kissed him softly in front of everyone.
The guard outside the tent saw it; so did the brawlers as they came by.
Angela stepped back. “There. That’s not hard at all.”
Kyle shifted uncomfortably. “Says you.”
Angela laughed as she went back to the chair. “Let’s get some more personal therapy sessions done. I want all the kids and Marc next.”
In the medical area, Cate lowered her shield.
Tonya jumped. “Where did you come from?!”
“My mom.” Cate giggled as she left Lisa’s side to attend the therapy session. Her longer hair bounced against her neck in cute curls that reminded everyone of Angela even though Cate wasn’t her biological daughter.
Cody joined his sister, still appearing very much the same as the boy who’d left with them. But I’m not the same and they all know it. That’s why they don’t look at me for long.
Angela nodded at him. People had treated her the same way after she’d taken over Adrian’s job. Some of them still didn’t like to make eye contact with her because she was the leader. Cody was adjusting well to being treated differently.
In the corner of the tent, Megan casually picked up a CD that one of the kids had set down. She slid it into her pocket as she went to the exit.
The six month old puppy rushed into the tent, getting under Megan’s feet.
Megan let herself fall, kicking the puppy in the process. I hate dogs!
People hurried over to help her up.
About to enter the tent with the rest of the church group, Ed glared at Megan. He’d seen it all. The pretty brunette thought she could do whatever she wanted because she had pouty lips and curvy hips, but Ed wasn’t impressed.
Megan acted like she hadn’t noticed his anger. She accepted the kindness from the men who helped her up and then left with a small smirk.
Angela made another note in her book. “I need my hourly weather update.”
Mission men glanced toward Ray.
Ray shrugged. “I’m quarantined.”
Grant had come back as soon as Jennifer left. He spoke up from the flap. “I’ll go do a round of the sub and check on it for you.”
As he left, Samantha caught Angela’s attention. “I can try to look…if Grant will let me.”
Angela pinned her with a hard look. “You already know Grant doesn’t own you, but you’re clinging to it.”
“He’s good.” Samantha shivered. “I can’t be captured again if he owns me.”
The mission men all felt bad for her.
“Get her ready for freedom, Neil.” Angela already couldn’t take Samantha’s attitude.
Neil held up a hand defensively. “She hasn’t gotten mad yet. I’ve been waiting on the signs you laid out for her.”
“It’s coming shortly. Get ready for it.”
“Does that mean you’re going to piss her off?” Neil wasn’t sure if he wanted that or not.
“I’m going to help her accept freedom, like I’ve done with Reicher’s subjects.”
Mission men winced.
Neil wasn’t comforted by that. He followed Kyle’s lead and begged. “Please don’t hurt her, Boss.”
Angela smiled at Samantha, but her eyes were cold. “No pain, no gain.”
Samantha ignored her protesting men this time. She slowly agreed. “If it gives me my life back, I’m willing.”
“Good girl.” Angela turned her attention to the kids and the one sullen Marine gathering in front of her. “We’ll start with the youngest and go to the oldest. Tell me how you feel about being home.”
 
 
2
Thomas carefully climbed onto the table without betraying his fear. He’d loathed the medical exams in the lab, and he didn’t know Tonya or her team. He kept his focus on Shawn as Tonya came over to him.
Tonya eyed his wrist cast and the healing gash on his arm, then paused at the ugly red stitch lines on both of his legs. Compassion filled her mind. “You must be Thomas! Welcome to Safe Haven!”
Greg rolled his eyes at her too-friendly tone. “You’re pushing.”
Tonya let the cheerful tone drop. “It’s not me, I know, but people say I need to work on being more open during these moments.”
Greg lifted the brow over his missing eye.
Tonya stared at it, horrified. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Greg waved his cast at her. “Much better.”
Tonya laughed while inwardly cringing at his healing burns and bruises. “You mission men are gonna be a handful.”
Thomas was encouraged by the banter. He finally looked at Tonya.
Tonya felt his fear. She connected to him mentally and let him see her mind. She hated the heavily scarred man’s terror, but she did admire his strength. He’d walked in here on his own, without crutches. After wounds like his, that took an enormous amount of determination.
Thomas relaxed. He laid down on the table and pulled up the shorts on one of his horribly scared legs. “Jaws tried to eat me. The boss made him eat a pineapple instead.”
“Sounds tasty.” Tonya began checking the wounds for infections or areas that weren’t healing. She could tell he was lucky to be alive as she examined the scarring lines.
Tobias stared at Tonya in longing. She wasn’t open to most people, but she would do anything to put a patient at ease once they were in an exam. I want her so much!
Greg glared at Tobias. “Be very careful.”
Tobias ignored it. He wasn’t worried about the mission men or the strange bonds they’d come back with. He only cared about convincing Tonya to give him a chance.
Thomas caught Tonya’s eye. “Don’t trust him.”
Tobias flinched.
Tonya ran a finger over the healing wounds, still marveling that Thomas had survived. “I assume you mean Rico.”
“Yes. I knew him in the lab before we were rescued. He’s unstable.”
Tonya didn’t want Rico’s second chance to be ruined. Many of their people had come from bad pasts, including herself. “He only had a guard here because he’s new.”
“Just watch out for him, okay? You seem nice. I don’t want you to get hurt like others have been.”
Tonya tried to search his mind for the reason.
Thomas gently shut the connection between them from his side. “It’s not my place to fill in that story.”
Tonya shrugged. “I have a man I’m happy with. Rico is nice to me and he looks out for me, but that’s as far as it goes.”
Thomas glanced over at the other medic. “What about him?”
Tobias stiffened.
Tonya frowned. “We work together.”
“Not even friends?”
Tonya didn’t want to talk about this at all and certainly not with a stranger. She gently shut that connection from her end. “Do you have a lot of pain from the scarring tissue?”
Thomas immediately backed off. “A bit. The painkillers are helping.”
“How much are you taking?”
“One pill every four hours.”
“Since it happened?”
“Yes.” Thomas understood where she was going. He didn’t want to become an addict. “Cut me off of them. I’ll be fine without the drugs.”
“We’ll ease you off so you have fewer withdrawals.” Tonya made notes on his chart. “We’ll take your blood now.”
Thomas jerked as Tobias approached him with the needle.
Greg put his good hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “I’ve got you.”
Thomas shut his eyes and let them finish. It helped to have someone here who understood.
Tonya was furious beneath her calm demeanor. “I hope he’s dead.”
Greg nodded. “Marc’s father died a horrible death before we blew up his lab.”
Gophers and guards stored that juicy nugget to spread later.
Marc glared toward the medical area, but he didn’t yell at Greg. His parentage would have come out at some point anyway. Now it would be out there quicker and hopefully die down faster among all the other drama.
He still couldn’t meet the eyes of the guards as they did a sweep of the tent. Finding out Reicher was his father had changed him forever.
Cate came over and climbed into Marc’s lap, mindful of his cast and stitches.
Marc held her and let their bond heal some of his pain. “Love you, kid.”
Cate snuggled against his neck. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Cate Brady. And I always will.” Their therapy session hadn’t been easy, but it also hadn’t been awful. Angela had forced him to talk about keeping busy while he was back. She’d suggested he help prep the trip to go find Jayda’s family.
Cate’s arms tightened around him, but she didn’t ask him to stay.
Marc distracted her before she could ask to come along. “I think your brother needs a hug, too.”
Cate immediately grabbed Cody’s arm and pulled him over.
Marc started tickling the kids. They forgot to ask if they could go on the trip.
Angela was glad he’d stopped it, but the twins weren’t going to forget when they saw people packing and heard them talking about it. He would have to get an answer ready.
She didn’t want them to go, but Marc’s kids were a big asset and they needed to be with him as much as he could stand. If he decided to take them along, she wasn’t going to protest. It will also give them more real world experience; they need that, too.
Angela couldn’t help her next thought. If he takes his kids along, he doesn’t have any reason to ever come back.
Marc caught that. He refused to look at her.
 
 
3
Angela bobbed her head toward the man coming from the medical area. “Let’s chat.”
Thomas nervously limped over to the chair. He didn’t want to do this in front of everyone, but he knew better than to ask for special treatment.
“And that’s the real problem, right?”
Thomas nodded. “I don’t want to be treated differently because of my injuries. I’m a rookie, learning how to be an Eagle.”
“There will be some things you can’t do. I’ll have to switch you out at times and give you less hours. I don’t want to hear you bitching about that. If you don’t want to be treated differently at all, concentrate on fully healing and then I won’t have to make those choices.”
“I’ll try hard.” The medic had told him it would be a month before his cast could come off. She’d also told him to use the crutches even when he didn’t want to. Thomas assumed all of them would be on light duty for the next month. Most of the mission men had a broken bone that needed time to heal.
Angela smiled at him. “I believe you.”
Thomas sensed she wasn’t going to let him go so fast. He copied a method he’d seen her mate use. “What about you, Boss? How are you feeling about being home?”
Conversations around them paused as everyone waited to see if she was going to follow her own rules about the therapy sessions.
Angela laughed. “You’re good.”
“Yep.” He waited.
Angela let her misery show. She made sure they all felt her fear, her hatred of the sound of the ocean, her slight concern about being back on land. Then she closed it up. “I’m working through it just like all of you.”
Thomas frowned at her, like she was always doing to them. “And you’ll talk to one of us if it gets too bad?”
Angela’s eyes went straight to Kyle. “Yes.”
Kyle tensed, realizing she was sending out a wave of need for his understanding. He nodded. “I’ve got you covered.”
The gophers and helpers stared in surprise at more evidence of the bond between them.
Marc ignored it again and kept playing with his kids, but he felt it this time. I can’t take too much of that. She’s right. I have to find something to keep me busy or the old tiger will definitely come out of his cage.
Angela didn’t tell him she wanted that. Marc needed time to figure out if he could deal with her in leadership. Until he finally faced that, their relationship was on hold.

 
Chapter ThreeSooner Would Be Better

1
“Timmy’s coming down.” Kyle was still at the tent flap. He couldn’t look away from the boy. Timmy had gained a lot of weight. He was carrying it in his face, his neck, and in the stomach that hung over the waistband of his tan cargo pants. The white coat he had over his clothes flapped in the wind, drawing attention to it. Kyle felt bad for the boy.
Tonya came out of the medical area. She swiped her hair from her face and met Timmy as he came in with a notebook.
Tonya read the results while everyone in the tent stared at the boy or waited nervously. These were the results for half of the people she’d now gotten through their exams over the last three hours. “It’s good. Every rage test is negative so far and the infections are already starting to respond to the stronger antibiotics.”
People relaxed and returned to napping, reading, and chatting with the teammates next to them in the crowded, smelly tent. Tonya had called a break in the medical exams a short time ago so she could clean the medical area and restock. She’d gotten through all of the serious injuries and was now set to resume working on the people who had minor wounds.
Timmy used Eagle code to welcome Zack home, but he didn’t go over to chat. He was still working right now.
Zack stared in concern.
Timmy went to Angela and handed her a stack of papers and envelopes.
Angela smiled at the boy and didn’t stare at his fat rolls, but it was hard not to. She now understood why Jennifer had insisted on a strict diet and exercise plan for Timmy. If he kept going, he would become obese and endanger his life. It would also encourage more of their population to do the same and their food supply couldn’t take that. “Anything important?”
“They’re all from camp and Eagles. Most are welcoming you home. A few are issues that can wait.”
“Thanks.” She studied his chubby face. “How are you?”
Timmy forced a smile. “Okay.”
“Uh-huh.” Angela could feel how much he hated to be the center of attention. “When you go back, jog the entire way.”
“I will.” Timmy gave her a real smile this time. “Welcome home.”
Angela and the others understood Jennifer had been telling the truth. Timmy wanted to get healthier; he just needed help with it.
“We sent some vials of the rage vaccine to the lab. Make sure no one knows they’re there.”
Timmy saw crumbs on his shirt and quickly wiped them off. “Why?”
“So they don’t destroy it.” Angela thought about Jennifer. “Some of our people enjoy being mad.”
“I’ll handle it.” Timmy glanced at Adrian, noticing his burns weren’t as bad as everyone else’s. “Sadie’s coming down.”
Everyone got set to watch the show.
Timmy left to go secure those vials. He thought about Jennifer and wondered if he could help her. She’s been great about helping me when I need it.
Timmy forced his heavy body into a jog.  She won’t take it willingly. Maybe I can cook it and slip it into her food somehow. Governments used to do that. Why not me?
Timmy got out of the way as Sadie came by. He didn’t want to watch or listen to what was sure to be an ugly scene.
Sadie marched into the QZ tent in full Eagle gear, with her spiked blue hair standing straight up. She scanned the eager witnesses and spotted Adrian. She swept the females around him as she stomped over. Sadie didn’t care about his injuries. “Where is she?”
Adrian didn’t want to do this in front of everyone. “Who?”
“The whore! I’ve heard the stories!”
“Damn Safe Haven’s gossip vine.” Adrian had been hoping Sadie would wait until he was out of the QZ.
Sadie studied his bruised face. “It’s true.”
“Yes. I’m sorry. You deserve better.”
“Yes, I do!” Sadie glared. “I waited for you to get home. You could have done the same for me!”
Adrian shook his head. “No, I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
Sadie didn’t want his apology. “Whatever. We’re done.”
Adrian tried to keep things calm. “I understand. I’ll get my stuff out of Kendle’s bunker as soon as I’m out of quarantine.”
“I already moved your stuff to your shack weeks ago. I’ve been in the bunkhouse since the rule changed.” Sadie glared again. “I know how to follow the rules!”
Adrian smiled at her. “I’m proud of you.” He really was.
“Slam your pride! You cheated on me.”
Adrian was already tired of the drama. He fired back. “You’re not as upset about it as you want the boss to believe. Why is that?”
Sadie blushed. “I found someone who can love me the way I deserve. But I waited for you! I didn’t cheat.”
Adrian decided a clean break would be best at this point. “I did.”
“Asshole!” Sadie stomped toward the tent flap. “Mitchels can’t be trusted. They have no honor!”
Adrian’s control broke. “You knew that all along, so stop blaming me for your stupid choices!”
“Why you conceited, selfish…” Sadie turned and fired her strongest pain spell.
Adrian fell to the ground, screaming as agony took over his mind. Sadie’s burn spell was strong, though it was only mental.
Even the people who wanted to see Adrian punished were furious. It sent them all back to the lab and listening to the screams of a teammate without being able to stop it. Mission men moved toward the girl with clenched fists and angry intent.
Jennifer appeared on the beach path.
Sadie felt it coming. She held her arms open. “It was worth it!”
Jennifer zapped Sadie, using a strong version so the girl wouldn’t do this again.
Sadie screamed as she fell to the sand in front of everyone.
Angela saw how much Jennifer enjoyed it.
Jennifer’s eyes lit up bright red in open challenge.
Even the birds went quiet this time.
Fear went through some of the mission team. Biff couldn’t control it. He brought out his stone defender and moved it toward the pregnant teenager.
Guards and people on the beach gasped and retreated.
“What the hell is that?!”
Jennifer’s anger grew. She didn’t understand their reaction to a simple correction.
Angela glared at Biff. “Control your reaction!”
Biff shut his eyes and forced the stone warrior to vanish. He trembled as soon as it was gone, feeling defenseless under his burnt skin.
Gus also had trouble with control. Can I punish her, Boss?
Angela turned her glare on the big man. “If you ever ask that again, your second chance is gone.”
Gus’s shoulders dropped.
Angela turned toward the flap in time to see more pleasure cross Jennifer’s face. Then it was gone and she stared back emotionlessly, waiting for Angela’s reaction.
Angela sighed. “Get me cleared, Tonya. I can’t fix things from in here.”
Tonya had observed it all in concern. “I can have you out by morning, Boss. Lot of tests ahead of you now.”
Angela rubbed her aching spine. “Sooner would be better.”
 
 
2
Jennifer marched back toward town, muttering angrily.
Hannah quickly retreated from Jennifer as she went up the clover path. Hannah didn’t meet her eye, hand dropping to cover her sore stomach.
Jennifer glared at Morgan’s girlfriend as she went by, but there was no fun in an easy target. Jennifer went into the jungle.
Hannah was glad Jennifer kept going. She rubbed the bruise on her swollen stomach again and resumed her post along the path.
Sadie got to her feet. She sent a last glare toward Adrian and hurried off, taking a different path than Jennifer had. Tears streamed over her red cheeks.
She went by a group of normals standing on the hill. They were all staring at her in sympathy and concern even though she was a descendant. They knew Sadie as a warm, funny rookie who followed the rules. They didn’t know what she could have done to deserve that punishment.
Standing on the beach, Ralph turned toward the other church members. “Did you see that?!”
Parker, who’d been with Safe Haven since Adrian’s leadership, pointed at Ralph. “Stop it right now.”
Ralph stiffened. “It was a monster!”
“Lower your voice!” Parker saw the normals were coming toward the beach. “Don’t make things worse.”
“But we’re in danger again!” Ralph’s scared voice came out in a fast whisper. “And only a couple of normals made it home. She brought back all of her people!”
Parker walked away. “No, she didn’t. You miscounted.”
Ralph began trying to figure out who he’d missed.
Near the edge of the yellow QZ tape, Pam fingered her fluffy pink scarf and watched while hoping for a chance to slip by the guards so she could talk to Shawn. “You can’t avoid me forever.”
Missy came down the clover path with Shawn’s favorite bedroll in her arms. She lifted her chin as she went by Pam. She entered the tent and went straight to the guard. “Drop the flap.”
Kyle did it without asking why. He was ready for some privacy; everyone was tired of being gawked at.
Pam’s eyes narrowed as the flap dropped, cutting off her limited view. “I hate that kid. Someday, she’s going to find out just how much.”
 
 
3
In the tent, Missy started fixing Shawn’s bed while trying not to think about how much she hated Pam.
Isabel and Selina went over to stand guard near Angela. Their medical visits were over. Stitches had been taken out of both women, though Isabel had to keep the cast on her wrist for at least another month. Their injuries were minor compared to the men. They both expected to be put to work soon.
Angela let them stay close.
Marc frowned. “Are you in danger from Jennifer?”
“Yes. We all are.”
Wade started to get up and do his job as Angela’s right hand.
Angela refused. “Spend time with your family for now. When you’re really ready, we’ll all know it.”
Angela regarded Neil “How many of the camp did you unlock?”
Neil had been ready for that question for hours. “There were thirty more of us. I suspect another 11 Invisibles in the mix. Jennifer already connected them all to the hive.”
“How many of those were against their will?”
Neil didn’t back down from her disapproving tone. “Only a few. Most of them were thrilled to be like us.”
“How did Jennifer take it?”
Neil shrugged. “She was there when I unlocked them. She scared a couple of the more aggressive people by tugging on their gifts so they understood not to go crazy. That’s been peaceful so far.”
“Any name I need to watch out for?”
Neil gave the truth as he saw it. “Candy. She’s terrified of dying. She might not obey the rules as she gets worse. Morgan set her surgery date for two weeks from now.”
“That soon?”
“Yes. She’s not doing well.”
Angela winced at the images of Candy from his mind. Jennifer had been closed to them all, preventing images.
“Conner’s draining himself at her healing sessions, but it isn’t doing much.”
Adrian spoke up even though he knew no one wanted to hear his voice right now. They all liked Sadie. Everyone would now blame him for her being punished. “I brought some other vials from the lab. One of them is a cancer treatment.”
“They had the cure for cancer?!” Tonya was suddenly furious.
Adrian understood; he’d felt the same way when he found it. He was just bitter now. “The records called it a treatment, not a cure.”
Tonya swallowed the anger. It wasn’t a surprise that someone had developed a working cure or treatment and then hoarded it. “I’ll research that and the rage vaccine as soon as I get back to the lab.”
The stressed team winced at her words.
Tonya shrugged. “I can call it my office.”
They all nodded, even Kenn. “Much better.”
Tonya wanted to go to him and hug him right then, but she had work to do. She went to the medical area and opened the curtain while Tobias finished replacing the sheet on the table. “Next two.”
Wade hadn’t liked Angela’s platitude. He entered the medical area so he could be cleared to work.
Piper was embarrassed by everything that had happened. She hurried in after him and shut the curtain, but not all the way. She knew what was going on with Kenn.
Wade kept his voice down as he spoke to Tonya. “Do you happen to know if any of Harry’s lovers are pregnant?”
Tonya wrote their names on the blank patient cards and acted like she wasn’t curious about what had happened to Harry. She was certain she would hear about it later. “I’ll try to find out.”
“Thanks.”
Terry, the Chief Medical Office, entered the big tent and scanned for Jayda, leaving the flap open. He was on a break and he wanted to welcome her home.
He found her sitting near Trent and Biff, holding Biff’s burnt hand. Terry assumed he was upset. Stories of the mission men being very jumpy were flying through camp. “Hi!”
Jayda quickly got to her feet and led Terry over to a corner with only empty cots. She avoided the hug he tried to give her. “We need to talk.”
Outside, shift change was starting. Each of the arriving guards peered into the tent curiously, making the tension rise even more.
Cody motioned to Cate. “We’ll cover in here. You guards can all stay outside.”
Angela held up a hand when the guards protested. “You heard him. Outside until the exams are done.”
The guards assumed privacy was the reason. They left with curious looks at the scarred mission team.
Cate and Cody took up posts next to the flap.
“How can you explain that?!”
Terry’s shout at Jayda didn’t help the mood.
Charlie had had enough drama. He laid down in his cot. “I’ll do the next shift. Wake me in three hours.”
Cody checked his watch. “I will.”
Angela liked it that Charlie and Cody had just worked that out without being told. She also hated it. Their homecoming wasn’t going anything like she’d hoped for.
“I’m sorry! Get off my back!” Jayda kept shouting. “I didn’t make any promises to you. We’re not a couple!”
“Yes, we are! Were!” Terry’s voice got louder. “I kissed you and you liked it!”
“I was just surprised!”
“Liar! Cheater!”
“Prick!”
Angela sighed again. “I’m with Gus. When do we leave?”
 
 
4
“Next.”
Marc rose, motioning the two teenagers and Bret along. “Shawn can take a break.”
Shawn came right out of the medical area and went to his cot, where Missy had made his bed and laid out a few books for him. Marc was still their team leader as far as Shawn was concerned.
He nodded to Angela when she lifted a brow at him. Being in a medical setting for the last five hours hadn’t been easy on Shawn, but it also hadn’t been as bad as he’d been expecting. Tonya had insisted on a pain pill for him when she’d noticed his burns and stitches. “She’s good, calming.”
Everyone who’d gotten their exam expressed agreement. Tonya had made them feel comfortable by letting them know what she was doing, before she did it, every step of the way.
“And the other one?”
Shawn glared toward the curtain that Tobias was closing behind Marc. “Sleazy.”
Angela resumed organizing her notes. “Well, we’ve always had that type in Safe Haven.”
Adrian heard her and flushed.
In the medical area, Tonya got out extra blank patient cards, then smiled at the four anxious males. “Who wants to go first?”
Marc gave Bret a small nudge when he didn’t flinch like Kendle’s relatives did. “Tell her anything going on with your body or health; ask her for what you want.”
Bret had been watching Tonya all day. He stepped forward, flashing a familiar grin as he held out a hand. “I’m Brett.”
Tonya shook, instantly struck. She frowned slightly as he let go. “Do I know you?”
Bret shrugged, still pushing out charm. “Maybe you’ve met my dad.”
Tonya motioned him onto the exam table. “Who’s your dad?”
Bret hopped up onto the cold table. “I’m hoping you can tell me.”
Tonya paused, glancing at Marc. “I don’t have a data base for comparing his DNA. You know that.”
Marc’s tone was emotionless as he answered. “Test him against Adrian…and me.”
Bret was too old for the descendant spark test. They’d already tried it.
Tonya gawked.
Silence went through the few Safe Haven people still in the tent who were close enough to hear.
Tobias smirked. The perfect Marc Brady had yet another lost child. It was satisfying.
Bret scowled at the older medic. “We might have the same father, shithead.”
Tobias backed up and backtracked. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Liar.” Bret focused on Tonya before the male medic recovered and found an answer. “How long will it take?”
Tonya got a blood kit from her case. “I’m not sure, honestly. I’ve never done a parentage test. I’ll have to check the books.” She opened the bag and began laying the supplies on the table next to the boy. “Then I’ll run the test at least three times to make sure the result is accurate.”
“Why so many times?” Bret held out his arm. He wasn’t afraid of having blood drawn this way. He already trusted this medical woman.
“It’s practice for me, and to develop a routine for it that I can copy down for the other medics. We’re recreating all the medical procedures that were lost in the war.” Tonya saw his wince. “We don’t experiment on people here.”
Tonya had already told that to several new people, including the two subjects who’d come in with Theo. She was eager to have time later to study their files. She found it fascinating that Gio and Nero had a natural immunity to so many different illnesses. “This will sting a bit.”
Bret barely felt the needle. He’d been through much worse. “What happens if it’s Adrian?”
Tonya was sure the alert boy saw her wince this time. She didn’t lie. “People will start to dislike you even before they meet you. Mitchels are not welcome with us, for good reasons.”
Bret had observed Adrian’s argument with the blue-haired woman, but he’d been hoping that was an exception and not the rule. “I’ve heard stories about his son, Conner. He has a good place here.”
Tonya gently began drawing the blood from his thin arm. “Yes, and no. He’s made some mistakes and he’s been punished for them. He continues to improve, but we’ll never really forget that he carried on the Mitchel legacy of not being trustworthy around women.”
Adrian rolled over on his cot to avoid the accusing stares of those listening to the conversation. He concentrated on Tonya’s tones, feeling her personal dislike. She didn’t let go of her grudge against me at all. In fact, it sounds like it’s worse now.
He kept listening, trying to figure out how deep it went. He had to make peace with the people who hated him the most; he just wasn’t sure how to do that. He hoped for a clue on it as Bret asked his next question.
“What if it’s Reicher?”
Tonya eyed Marc’s burnt skin and decided to be completely honest again. “It’s not, kid. I’m already certain you’re a Mitchel. It’s in that grin, those eyes, the arrogance in your tone. I’m sorry. If Marc was your brother, you’d have a fighting chance here since the boss will do anything to make him happy. She hates Adrian; we all do.”
Bret’s shoulders drooped. “I probably won’t stay long then. I’ve spent too much time living with people who hate me.”
Tonya withdrew the needle and smoothly stuck the band aid over the hole with her free hand. “Where would you go?”
“To America, for the final battle.”
Tonya capped the tube and labeled it. “That’s years away.”
Bret’s tone grew sharp. “It’s not. I’m already certain it will happen sooner. It’s in the wind, the water, the sun. I’m sorry. Nature isn’t going sit back and wait until you’re all ready to kill her.”
Tonya was taken aback by his brutal words and razor sharp intelligence. He’d tossed her exact lines back, making his own point. “It’s definitely not Marc.”
Marc put his good hand on Bret’s shoulder. “Safe Haven isn’t supposed to discriminate. If you fight hard to follow the rules and make a good place here for yourself, I’ll help you. So will any of the mission men, including Tonya’s fiancé.”
Tonya caught the hint that she was letting her bias show. She shook her head. “Don’t lie to him, Marc. In time, when he starts eyeing Angela, or Samantha, or one of our kids, you won’t trust him either.”
“If he goes bad, there’s no reason for me to trust him.” Marc understood what Tonya was doing now. She wanted the boy to be scared so he wouldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. “Anyone who can’t follow our rules shouldn’t be here.”
Bret caught Marc’s thought through the team hive. He smiled at Tonya. “Thanks for caring enough to bullshit me.”
Tonya laughed in surprise. “Oh, yeah. You’re definitely a Mitchel.”
Marc frowned this time. “Are you saying I’m not as sharp as Adrian?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Marc laughed with her, feeling at ease now.
Angela approved of Tonya’s manner. Those males would now have a better medical memory to hopefully push out one of the bad ones.
Kenn watched and listened proudly, but with a bit of dread. He still hated getting a medical exam, but that wasn’t his issue. I’m about to break the rules and prove you don’t have to be a Mitchel to cause trouble.
In the medical tent, Tonya caught that and turned her back to the patients to keep them from seeing her happiness. I love that man so much!
 
 
5
“She has no right to keep you here. A young man your age should be out exploring the world, finding his place in it.”
Charlie tossed restlessly on his cot as the sultry, conniving voice in his dream continued.
“She keeps you here because she’s weak. She knows she can’t handle leadership without you. It’s not fair.”
Charlie stared at the woman’s beautiful facade in anger. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Nature chuckled. “Neither should you, boy. Why do you stay?”
“The alpha ordered it.” Charlie tried to pull out of the dream, but the water had him surrounded. Thick waves crept up his legs, holding him on the beach.
“A real man provides for his child. He doesn’t hide behind his mother while that child dies!”
Charlie fought harder as the waves reached his waist. “I can’t disobey my mom again. She gave up everything for me.”
“Your son needs you!” Nature’s teeth clicked together as she lunged forward.
A baby wailed as her teeth sank into his throat and bit down.
Charlie jerked upright on the cot, gasping. His hand went to his gun.
Angela put her hand over his wrist. “Easy. Deep breaths.”
Charlie shook, hand clutching his holster. “Nature. Teeth.”
Angela ran her free hand over his sweaty brow. “You’re awake now.”
He’d been moaning in his sleep. She’d recognized the sound and come over to comfort him. She knew from her own nightmares that grabbing a weapon usually came after making that noise.
She wasn’t surprised that Charlie had had a nightmare about Nature. He’d been in the bunkroom and hadn’t gotten to see the fight, but he’d listened to it and his imagination had run wild.
Angela’s witch challenged her. Then how does he know about the teeth?
Stories. But Angela stored the question anyway. “Are you okay now?”
Charlie let go of his holster. He leaned against the tent wall, shivering. “Peachy.”
Angela stayed next to him in case he wanted to talk, but she didn’t push. She felt the chaos in his mind.
“There was a baby crying. And water holding me in place.”
Angela, along with several others, all tried not to react. Fear of the water was something almost everyone in this tent now had in common.
“I think I need to go find my kid.”
Angela felt another bond with him. “We’ll talk about it.”
Charlie was encouraged that she hadn’t said no. He got to his feet. “I’ll do a guard shift now.”
Angela understood he was working to keep from thinking about it. That was probably why he was dreaming about it. At some point, he was going to go searching and nothing she could do would stop him.
Marc saw her concern. He also knew Charlie wasn’t going to be patient much longer. Instead of comforting Angela or patronizing Charlie, Marc stayed with Kendle’s relatives and Bret while they finished their exams.
He was sure that Tonya was right about Bret’s parentage, but he hoped it wouldn’t matter to him in the end. Bret was a good kid who needed strong guidance. And I need to prove I’m not biased anymore. Not for Angela, but for myself. I can’t keep spreading my father’s awful legacies. The Mitchel/Reicher feud can finally end in this lifetime.
Marc glanced over and found Adrian staring at Angela in open longing.
Fury went through Marc. But only if he changes. Without that, none of his line will survive.

 
Chapter FourI’ll Hate Her Forever
 
1
Angela’s chin came up from her notes. Her nose twitched.
People who were awake glanced over.
Angela’s lips curved. “It’s dinner time, team. And by the smell of it, Thelma and her family cooked.”
A small cheer went through the group, waking some of the others. People got up and wiped sleep from their eyes, stretching and yawning.
It had been a peaceful prevening. The medical checks were almost done. Tests had come in steadily, giving relief at the negative results for rage and other issues. They’d all had some time to unwind from their arrival now. Angela was sorry to see it end, but her stomach was aching. She needed to eat.
Marc pointed as the gophers began to enter with covered trays. “Make sure the boss is fed first.”
Stanley didn’t stare at Marc’s scars or his cast. He headed toward Angela. “Welcome home!”
Angela laughed, taking the tray. She lifted the lid and inhaled deeply. “Life is good.”
Stanley snickered. He sat the rest of his trays on the edge of her desk and directed the other helpers. “Walk around and let them take a tray from you. When you’re empty, go get another load.”
“Why so much?” Angela shoved in a bite of the shrimp and noodles and groaned.
“Jennifer said to deliver breakfast, too. It saves on manpower for tomorrow’s shifts.”
“That’s a good idea.” Angela heard his tone as he said it, however. Stanley hadn’t forgotten or forgiven being zapped.
“She also told us to bring down your burn boxes.” Stanley saw Angela’s slight reaction. “Sorry. I don’t know what else to call them.”
Angela swallowed and forked another bite. “Give Harry’s box to Morgan, quietly.”
“I will.”
Allison, Mike, and Leeann came in with their arms full. They went around the tent, delivering the boxes that were still taped closed like they had been before the teams left. Angela had insisted on doing it that way. She hadn’t wanted anyone to worry about coming home to find out someone had discovered their secrets, like last time.
Kyle slid his wedding ring on. His burn box didn’t have anything else in it. He’d asked that it be delivered to Jennifer if he didn’t make it back.
Angela sent out another wave of desire.
It hit Kyle and the gopher next to him. Both males ignored their bodies and followed their brains. Stanley took Marc’s box to him.
Kyle gave Angela a deep smile, like the ones he reserved for Jennifer.
Angela dug into her tray again, not reacting to the surprise of the gophers.
Kyle was playing his role now. He’d run through the possible outcomes and figured out it was likely to work based on one brief instant that had happened while Jennifer was in here with them earlier. She sneered when I obeyed. She’s already jealous that I was out with Angela on this run.
Marc refused to participate. He also didn’t blow it. He slid his wedding ring on and helped Kendle’s relatives get their trays. He didn’t have anything else in his burn box either.
Shawn didn’t have a burn box at all this time. He sat on his cot and let the women in his life push food into his mouth.
Allison stopped next to Zack. She didn’t care that he quickly shut his burn box. “What happened to Harry?”
Zack stiffened. “He was shot during a riot. He saved Lisa’s life.”
Lisa was standing near the entrance of the private medical area. Her eyes teared up. “Harry is my hero. I don’t care that he wouldn’t stop hunting power levels. I’ll never forget that he died for me.”
Greg quickly shook his head at Lisa, but it was too late.
Allison’s eyes narrowed. “What’s she talking about?”
No one answered.
Gus took a tray from Ritchie. “Thanks.”
Ritchie gestured toward his pocket.
Gus took the Walkman out. “Awesome.”
“Stanley’s pockets have the music. You’ll all have to share. There isn’t much of a selection. Most of it came from the gift shop and employee lockers on the ship.”
Gus was thrilled. “We’ll be able to sleep a little now. It’s great.”
Mike and Leeann finished delivering the boxes together, putting Dace’s beneath his cot.
When Lisa would have opened it, Mike glared at her. “That’s not yours!”
Everyone missed Leeann’s flinch as they stared at Mike. It was the first time that many of them had ever heard him raise his voice.
Lisa flushed and let go of the box.
Mike softened his face and his tone as he turned toward Leeann. “You should visit for a while if you want, or go have some fun on the ship while it’s still open.”
Leeann yawned even though she wasn’t tired. “I’m beat.”
Mike walked her to the flap. “Goodnight.”
“Night.” Leeann left with a small limp that said it hadn’t been easy to be a gopher today.
The rest of the helpers got busy collecting empty boxes and garbage bags from the cans that were filling up.
The flap lifted again. Daisey came in with a line of people carrying babies and diaper bags.
Noise overwhelmed the tent as infants were given to their mothers, shown to their fathers, supplies were brough in, and people conversed. For an instant, it was too much for some of the mission men.
Angela whistled loudly. “I want two minutes of complete quiet!”
The babies ignored her demand. So did the ocean. No one else made a sound.
Angela calmly resumed eating.
The mission men understood she’d done it for them. People would spread a tale that she’d had an outburst, but she was perfectly fine. They could feel her slight amusement through the team bond.
Daryl waited the full two minutes, then came over to the desk. “Jennifer wants you all reconnected to the hive.”
Angela’s amusement turned to annoyance. She’d just gotten them to calm down. Now they were all staring in near panic. “Not yet. I’ll let her know when.”
“She won’t like that answer.”
Angela looked up, fork pausing. “Shall I tell her myself?”
Daryl grinned. He was finally allowed to have a spine again. “I’ll handle it, Boss.”
“Good. Make sure you’re a part of the welcoming committee later.”
Daryl laughed. “Nice try. I’m not verifying anything.”
Angela chuckled. She knew the Eagles would be by later to give them a personal welcome home. “Go spend dinner with that sweet wife of yours.”
Daryl’s face fell. “No, thank you.” He went over to Samantha to give her the diaper bags he was carrying.
Angela swallowed, then caught Daisey’s eye. “Bring their gear down here. The babies will stay with their mothers and fathers tonight.”
Daisey hesitated.
“Problem?”
Daisey grunted. “Jennifer said they can only stay an hour and then they need to be taken back to the bunkhouse.”
“They’re staying here.”
Daisey glanced at Daryl. “Jennifer won’t like that.”
Angela also looked at Daryl. “Shall I tell her that one myself?”
Daryl could hear the annoyance in Angela’s tones now. “Nope. I’ll handle that, too.”
Daisey smiled at him. “Thank you. I already pissed her off by insisting we bring them down instead of making Samantha go back up there.”
Angela stared in surprise. “Did you just curse?”
Daisey nodded. “No.”
Everyone laughed, but it didn’t fool Angela. Daisey and Jennifer were butting heads over Samantha and it was getting ugly if it had pushed Daisey into cursing and openly complaining.
The crying, cooing babes distracted Charlie. He motioned to Bret and Troy. “Take a shift now.”
They switched places with all the Safe Haven people watching.
Angela didn’t answer the silent questions about why kids were on duty or why they were running their own guard shifts in here at all. She finished the last bite on her tray and groaned. “Please tell the cooks how much I love them. I mean that, deeply.”
Charlie laughed as he went by her. Cody and Cate fell in with him, still offering comfort to combat his sadness.
Samantha noticed it. She smiled slowly. “Want to hold one of them?”
“Sure.” Charlie sat on the cot next to Samantha to hold one of her boys while she fed the other.
Neil was surprised and grateful. Samantha was showing more signs of life now. “Welcome home, Boss.”
Angela enjoyed Neil’s pleasure. “Let Cody take a turn, too. He needs to understand what’s most important in any population.”
Cody’s brows went together as he searched for the answer. “Babies?”
Samantha smiled at the boy. “Without kids, a society will die out and then you have nothing to rule.”
Everyone else was shocked again. Most of them had listened to the words. The mission team had listened to Samantha. She knew Cody’s destiny after only half a day in this tent with him.
Angela signaled. “Get those beautiful babies fed. Then I want a meeting with my female Eagle team.”
“Topic?” Isabel was eager to still be a part of that group.
“Who’s going to lead it while I’m on maternity leave.”
Samantha looked over, too curious to stay quiet. “Jennifer is team XO. She gets to lead it.”
Angela denied that. “Not anymore.”
 
 
2
“Last two, let’s go!”
Tonya’s nervous voice drew attention from the calm group that had finished eating and was enjoying the entertainments that had been provided. They all watched as Kenn approached the medical area.
Shawn peered around. “Who’s the second victim?”
Tonya chuckled. “You.”
Shawn’s fear was so strong that it flew through the tent, waking people. He’d thought he was done after her quick check of his burns and stitches.
Missy got up and went toward the medical area.
Angela pointed at the flap. “Guard duty.”
Missy changed directions with a glare.
Shawn was grateful. He didn’t want the little girl to see his scars or to find out what all had happened to him. She’d already seen too much when he’d arrived.
Angela got ready for that anyway. Missy was a descendant. There’s no way she wouldn’t find out.
Kenn got onto the table first; he leered. “Hi, Honey. I’m home.”
Tonya chuckled because it was expected. The sight of his burnt, scarred, bruised, stitched body made her want to cry.
Tobias came around the table to start handing her equipment. He was also upset over Kenn’s injuries, but only because they proved how tough the Marine was.
Tonya felt the tension rise. “Why don’t you sit this one out?”
Tobias was relieved. “Good idea.”
Kenn put his leg against the table with the supplies, blocking the man’s exit. “Stay. Let’s get to know each other.”
Tobias glared. “Move that leg or I’ll move it for you.”
Kenn smiled happily. “That is what I had in mind, you wife-sniffing bastard.”
Tobias hadn’t expected a straight out confrontation. He tried to defuse the situation. “She’s not your wife and I’ve never sniffed her.”
“But you have touched her against her will.” Kenn had been watching all day. “You’ve had your hands all over her. Deny it. Go on.”
Tobias didn’t. He’d enjoyed having to work in such close quarters.
“And not once did you care if she was willing, if she liked it, if she wanted you to touch her.” Kenn’s leg dropped. “She’s going to file charges against you if you ever touch her again, for any reason. Keep your hands to yourself!”
Because Kenn had approached it as a criminal matter, Tobias was trapped. He tried to cover his ass. “I’m sorry. There’s not enough room in here.”
Kenn shook his head. “Nope. Try again.”
Tonya waited, letting Kenn handle it.
Tobias scowled. “It’s not up to you!”
“True. If it was, I’d slit your throat right here and now and we’d be done with it. So try again and maybe you’ll keep your life.”
Tobias began drawing energy for a spell.
Kenn felt it coming. “Shall I call the enforcer?”
Tobias froze in place, hating Kenn and hating Jennifer for causing him to feel enough fear to stop.
Kenn stared coldly. “I said try again.”
Tobias didn’t have another option. “I’m sorry for touching you. It won’t ever happen again.”
Tonya enjoyed having someone defend her honor. “Thank you. Please step out now while I finish these last two exams.”
Tobias looked to Kenn for permission.
“Very good.” Kenn stood up and held out a burnt hand. “No hard feelings?”
Tobias snorted, but he smiled. “No. I’d do the same if she was mine.”
Kenn shook the man’s hand.
Mission men tensed, suddenly catching the wave of triumph coming from the angry Marine. Tobias didn’t know Kenn well enough to understand how upset he really was.
People regarded Angela, expecting her to stop it.
Kenn didn’t give her time. He tugged Tobias closer and then slammed his head into the medic’s face.
Blood sprayed his shirt and chest.
Kenn did it again, knocking Tobias to the floor. Then he followed the man down and started using his big fist to drive in the point.
Tonya grabbed the tray of blood vials and went through the rear exit to stand by Angela. She didn’t want the samples destroyed. Everything else was replaceable.
Kenn had planned it out carefully. The only thing that was destroyed was Tobias’s face.
Tobias tried to fight back with fists and magic, but Kenn’s fast, brutal punches took the strength out of him through pain. It was an ugly, one-sided fight that brought the guards into the tent.
Marc grabbed Kenn’s arm before he could deliver a final, and possibly killing, hit. “You’re done now, Grunt.”
Kenn let Marc pull him to his feet. He got in one last blow with his boot as he stepped back. “If you ever touch Tonya again, or any woman, without permission, I’ll finish this!” Kenn returned to the exam table. “Come on. It’s time to poke me.”
Tonya chuckled. She joined him, pulling the curtain shut.
Kenn waited until she put the tray back in place, then opened his arms, letting her make the choice.
Tonya slid into his personal space and hugged him tightly. “I missed you so damn much!”
Angela grinned as people helped Tobias to his feet and started wiping off the blood to find out how badly he was hurt. Kenn and Tonya were perfect together.
Eagles began settling bets based on when the fight had occurred, laughing and groaning. They’d known it was going to happen when Kenn saw what was happening. They ignored Tobias.
The guards near the flap tensed.
Everyone knew what that meant.
Mission men began lining up in front of the flap right as Jennifer appeared.
Jennifer’s sharp gaze went over Tobias’s beaten face and then the line of men who were preparing to fight her if she insisted on punishing Kenn for it.
Angela lifted a brow, voice cool. “Problem?”
Jennifer huffed and turned away. “Get it out now. Once you’re out of that tent, you will all follow the rules!”
Samantha began gathering the diaper bags. “I want to go back to the bunkhouse now. It’s too violent here.”
“No.” Angela used an even tone. “Life is violent, Samantha. You have to readjust to this environment.”
“They could have been hurt!”
“Kenn wouldn’t have let the fight reach us.” Angela firmed her tone. “No more hiding. It’s time to take the next steps toward recovery.”
Samantha hesitated.
Angela stared. “I can ask your owner if you like.”
Samantha flushed.
Wade started to defend her.
Neil put a hand on Wade’s arm. “Leave the boss alone. She knows what she’s doing.”
Samantha turned toward Neil with a surprised glare.
Angela and Neil were both glad to see it.
Angela pushed harder. “I’ve been told you’re living in Luke’s old cabin. I want you moved into the bunkhouse tomorrow.”
Samantha’s mouth opened.
Everyone who understood what was happening silently rooted for her to keep fighting.
Samantha closed her mouth.
Neil was still happy that Samantha had shown any spark at all. He took the diaper bags from her and put them back under their cot. “Let’s get these little shit machines changed.”
Samantha chuckled. “Okay.”
In the medical tent, Tonya stepped out of Kenn’s arms with a smoldering leer. “Later.”
Kenn ran a scarred hand over her soft cheek. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be there.”
 
Outside the tent, Tobias stomped across the beach with blood still dripping from his nose. It wasn’t broken, but it felt like it.
He went by Jennifer, who had stopped on the beach and was staring at the angry ocean; a storm was coming in.
Jennifer was listening to thoughts from inside the tent. She didn’t care about Tobias or his minor injuries. In her opinion, he should have been zapped a few times so he would remember that the female had to be willing. What she wanted now was to hear what was being said about her and leadership. One of the gophers had mentioned Angela was having a team meeting, but Jennifer hadn’t been invited to it. “You’re not going to push me out, Angie. I’m the leader here!”
Guards backed up and took a different path on their routes, not wanting to draw Jennifer’s angry attention.
 
In the tent, Angela braced for yet another ugly scene. It was Shawn’s turn with the medic. “Here we go.”
 
 
3
“I was castrated.” Shawn had whispered, but it was clear by the silence that he’d been heard outside the medical area.
“Oh, my God!” Tonya didn’t know what to say or what to do about it. “Why?!”
“Reicher didn’t want his medics to be distracted by anything, especially not sex.” Shawn didn’t mention the conversation that had happened right before that moment. Reicher had thought he was a predator. That was why he’d given such a drastic order.
“That’s awful. I’m so sorry.”
Missy stared toward the medical area. Her young mind tried to figure out what they were talking about.
Tonya held Shawn’s burnt hand. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No. I have to work through it on my own. I may regain my sexual function over time, but I’ll never have kids.”
Shawn’s heartbroken voice triggered the chaos.
“What did they do to my Shawn?!” Missy pulled the images from the minds of people who couldn’t hide it fast enough…
Missy’s shrieks filled the tent and spilled out onto the beach. Guards came running.
Jennifer hurried that way.
Halfway up the clover path, Tobias stopped and turned while holding his bleeding nose.
The awful pain in her screams reached Pam, who was on her way back down to the beach. She abruptly changed course, pink scarf swinging. It clearly wasn’t a good time.
In the QZ tent, Selina held Missy and tried to get her to stop screaming.
Shawn came out of the medical area, but her screams didn’t bother him. It was the exact sound he’d made while it was happening. It bonded him to her.
Selina finally put a hand over Missy’s mouth. “Stop! Breathe!”
Missy’s face was deep red. Her wild eyes went to Shawn. She sucked in air around Selina’s hand and screamed again.
Shawn beckoned to her as he came over to them.
Missy shoved Selina aside and jumped into his arms, still screaming.
Shawn pushed her mouth against his shoulder to muffle the noise. When her sharp teeth bit into his skin, he barely noticed. All he could feel was her pain. It was like reliving his own terror as it happened. Tears rolled down his cheeks as her shrieks became sobs. They finally subsided to twitches and moans.
People had already looked away, unable to take the misery, but not Angela. She watched it all and let it burn into her heart so the guilt would stay fresh and painful.
Shawn patted the little girl’s back and walked around with her, trying to calm them both. “It’s okay.”
“They hurt you!” Missy’s rage erupted. “It’s her fault! She sent you there!”
Shawn didn’t let the girl down. He wasn’t sure if she might attack Angela. “Don’t blame the boss. I wanted to go on that run.”
“But she knew! She knew what would happen!”
“Yes. She protected you when no one else would. I love her for that.”
“From who?!”
“From me, Missy.” Shawn sat her on her feet and used his shirt to wipe away her snot and tears. “And from yourself.”
“You never hurt me!”
Shawn still didn’t think he ever would have, but Angela had been right too many times to count. He redirected the girl’s anger. “I needed to get away for a while. I had to go and that had to happen.”
Missy’s mind went straight to Pam. “The drunk traitor made you upset. It’s her fault you wanted to leave!”
Shawn didn’t deny that Pam’s betrayal had hit him hard.
Missy took a deep breath to keep from screaming again. “I’ll hate her forever.”
She turned to face Angela.
Angela cut her off with brutal truth. “This was the only way I could leave you two together, Melissa. You now have loving parents. Cherish them and move on from this obsession with a man you will never be allowed to have in any other way.”
Missy cried again, but she didn’t scream.
Selina hugged the girl, heart breaking for her pain, but her mind absorbed the words. She would watch Missy in the future to be sure she wasn’t crossing any lines with Shawn. Everyone else would watch Shawn for the same thing.
Missy held on to her new mother and stared toward the flap with devious plans now rolling through her chaotic young mind.
Shawn returned to the medical area to finish his exam. “It went better than I expected.”
Tonya’s ears were still ringing from the girl’s screams. “How so?”
“No one died.”
Missy moaned, sucking back another sob. The night’s not over!
Selina wrapped her sweater around the little girl and cradled Missy on her lap while rocking her. “It’ll be okay, Sweetheart. We’ll fix him right up, eh? It’s okay.”
It was easy to see that Selina already cared for Missy. The story was going around that she’d protected Shawn, where Pam hadn’t, and proved her gun skills while doing it. Approving smiles were sent toward the rookie.
Stanley saw the older woman standing near Angela was actually wearing a rookie jacket. He wondered what she’d done to earn it. She seemed tough, but her age would prevent her from going further than a rookie. Stanley felt bad for her. He smiled in welcome.
Isabel nodded politely at the cute young bloke. She judged him to be in his early twenties, though he had a babyface that made it hard to be sure. As he stared, Isabel felt her heart pick up pace. She stared back at him, surprised by her own reaction.
Stanley turned toward Angela, feeling her about to give another order.
Outside, the wind increased. It howled along the beach, tossing sandy grit against the canvas.
Stanley hated how all of the returned people tensed or shuddered. “What can I do?”
Angela forced out a normal tone while her heart pounded. “We need more music.”
Even as she said it, she knew that wasn’t going to be enough. “We’ll also need a snack in a few hours, unless she wants us to just eat the breakfast trays. Have some long tables brought down and decks of cards, maybe some poker chips. We’ll all be up late.”
Stanley checked his watch. “Jennifer has the camp on a midnight bedtime, for everyone.”
Angela sighed. She was starting to get upset.
Mission men turned toward her, drawn by the sound and feel even without the team bond.
Stanley caught the hint. “No need to tell her yourself. I’ll cover it.”
Angela didn’t smile. “With respect, Eagle. If you make her zap you, I won’t be pleased.”
Stanley shrugged. “Maybe next time.”
Now Angela laughed. “Get out of here.”
Stanley went to the flap, but he looked over his shoulder to find the older woman watching him.
Angela stared between them until Stanley left. A small smile came to her lips. “That’s interesting.”
“What is, Boss?”
Angela shook her head at Greg as he came over to relieve Isabel on guard duty. “Nothing.”
Greg knew something had honestly surprised her. It didn’t happen often. He took Isabel’s place so she could go care for her waking infants.
Angela relaxed as Greg took that spot. Even covered in burns and one wrist in a cast, he still made her feel better.
Marc noticed it. Her words about not being safe went through his mind.
Marc caught Adrian’s attention. “You have an overnight shift on the boss.”
Adrian swallowed his joy. “Whatever you say.”


Chapter FiveNot The Only One

1
“Hang on.”
Jennifer stopped to let Daryl to catch up. It was almost sunset now and she was still prowling the island. Daryl had just come from the quarantine tent; she was already certain she wasn’t going to like whatever he’d been sent to tell her.
It was hard for Daryl to keep from gloating as he reached Jennifer. “The boss is tired of everyone being cooped up in that tent. We’re moving the guards back to give them access to the entire beach. Keep the camp members away as much as you can while they adjust.”
Jennifer didn’t protest like she wanted to. She already knew it wouldn’t matter. Now that Angela was back, the Eagles were following her lead again. She slapped at a pesky insect instead.
“We’re also bringing down a few more cots and some extra supplies. Friends and family have decided to stay. The boss wants you to try to find a few more guards for duty down here overnight.”
Again, Jennifer stopped herself from complaining. She wasn’t happy about the choices, but they were small in comparison to the other issues.
Daryl wanted to feel sympathy for the teenager, but her behavior while Angela had been gone prevented it. He strolled back down to the beach to direct the expansion of the quarantine zone.
Jennifer felt his smirk even though she couldn’t see it. It was a struggle not to lash out. She marched up the clover path with her fists clenched tightly in her pockets.
As soon as she was out of hearing distance, Jennifer allowed herself to vent. “After everything I’ve done for them in the last month, they still have no loyalty to me at all!”
Jennifer believed she had done a good job while Angela was gone. She felt betrayed and persecuted. It didn’t help that stories were going around about Angela and Kyle kissing. Jennifer didn’t want to believe the rumors, but she couldn’t help the strong flare of jealousy that ran over her sweaty skin like fire. She had always been a little jealous of how close Angela and Kyle were. None of this was helping that feeling.
“I can live with the bedtime changes, Samantha staying with her babies, Missy’s screams, stories going through camp and keeping people wired.” Jennifer kicked clovers into the jungle. “I can even live with no hive connection yet, the fighting and yelling, and Eagles ignoring my orders.”
Jennifer stopped. Her eyes turned red. “But not being invited to the team meeting pisses me off! I’m her XO!”
Jennifer felt menacing eyes on her in the darkening shadows of sunset. She stopped and turned, glaring.
Nature smiled coldly. “Hello.”
Jennifer recognized Nature’s beauty in a vague way, admiring the huge antlers and the glowing green foliage that covered her body. Nature was beautiful and dangerous.
Jennifer considered calling for help. Then she remembered her situation. New anger sent a row of hot sparks along her skin that quickly vanished.
Nature clucked sympathetically at the pregnant teenager. “It’s always hard when someone we admire so much disappoints us.”
Jennifer snorted bitterly, but she didn’t answer the tall, cocky entity who was clothed in thick green foliage.
Nature studied Jennifer, taking in the hand on her belly bump and the barely controlled rage in her stance. “We have a lot in common.”
“What do you want?” Jennifer didn’t feel threatened by Nature, but she knew this situation could quickly get out of hand. According to the stories, Nature had agreed to stop hunting the normals; the descendants were still fair game.
Jennifer’s anger rose again. “She always protects them over us.”
Nature was keeping track of the girl’s thoughts. She clucked again in fake compassion. “You believe everyone should be treated equally.”
“Of course, I think that. We have just as much right to live as the normals do!” Jennifer snapped her mouth shut.
Nature kept watching with glowing green eyes; she tried to create a bond with the stubborn, angry girl. “Just because you were a little strict, they’re all turning on you. I know exactly how that feels.”
Jennifer didn’t want to be drawn in, but she couldn’t help it. She was feeling very unloved. “How could you possibly understand?”
Nature leaned against the trunk of the thick, bushy banyan tree. “My methods also scare the populations of the earth, but everything I do is designed to keep life flourishing. I’m always an outcast. I know how hard that is.”
“The difference is that I don’t enjoy hurting people.”
Nature stared back knowingly. “Don’t you?”
Jennifer didn’t answer again. She knew Nature wanted to use her against Angela.
Nature shrugged. “After so much disrespect, anyone would be tempted to enjoy the pain of those who caused their suffering. It’s a normal reaction.”
Jennifer’s voice dropped to a mutter. “I’m supposed to be better than that.”
Nature arched a perfect eyebrow. “Why?”
Jennifer huffed. “Because I’m not an animal! I’m supposed to be civilized.”
“You believe anger denotes a lack of intelligence.”
Jennifer bobbed her head. “Intelligent people settle problems without drawing blood.”
“An enforcer only zaps people to get them to obey the rules.”
“Exactly. I see nothing wrong with using firm discipline on a population who enjoys killing as much as everyone in this camp does. Angela thinks letting the Eagles beat on someone is punishment enough, but we can do better than that.”
Nature continued to examine the girl. She had to get rid of Angela. None of the others here could have forced that submarine meeting or learned so much to use against her. Nature had decided on a three-pronged plan. She would turn people against Angela, and encourage them to challenge her for leadership. She would also find easy targets that could be manipulated into trying to kill the powerful woman. She just wasn’t sure if Jennifer would be a part of that plan.
Jennifer slapped at another determined insect trying to fly into her nose. “You should go away before somebody finds out you’re here.”
Nature was encouraged that Jennifer hadn’t already called an alarm. “This is my island. I can go anywhere on it or in it.”
Jennifer hating feeling like a traitor for talking to the enemy. “Don’t you have better places to be?”
Nature put her plan into action. “Even I get lonely, child.”
Jennifer assumed the meeting with Angela on the sub had made Nature long for conversations that she couldn’t get from any lifeform except humans. “If she finds out you were talking to me, she’s going to think I’m on your side. You’ll end up getting me killed or banished.”
Nature stared back pointedly. “Maybe she’ll be the one to go away.”
For a brief instant, Jennifer almost smiled. Then she turned and headed up the clover path. “Get lost.”
Nature watched the girl leave while listening to several others stomp about in the jungle around them. “Have a good night, Jenny.”
Jennifer shoulders stiffened at not being called the boss. She marched over the path, anger flaring.
Nature was pleased by how it had gone. She turned toward the approaching footsteps with a generous smile. “Let’s see how I do with someone who’s a little more upset.”
 
 
2
“Damn him!” Tobias wiped drying blood from his nose. It wasn’t broken, but it felt like it.
“Can I help you with that?”
Tobias spun around, free hand coming up to fire a disabling spell. He was hurting all over from Kenn’s beating, though only his face showed signs of what had happened. He wasn’t in any mood to go through it again.
Nature smiled sexily. “Go on. I need the spare energy.”
Tobias stared at the stunning woman in concern. He lowered his hand when she didn’t attack. He’d been trudging through the jungle toward town to get a drink and drown his pain and humiliation.
Nature struck a pose against the banyan tree, making her antlers blend in and her chest stick out.
Tobias held his throbbing nose and waited. He was angry and in pain, but he wasn’t stupid.
“It’s sad to see such a virile man being refused. Why don’t you just claim the medical female?”
Tobias bristled. “I’m not an animal. I don’t own women.”
Nature stared knowingly. “There’s no reason to lie to me. I approved that design for all creatures.”
Tobias flushed.
Nature waited, sending out more inviting vibes.
“My women are willing! They love me!”
“Now. That wasn’t always the case, though, was it?”
Tobias stiffened. Then he got defensive. “It only took a year for them to love me. They’re happy with me as their master!”
Nature chuckled. “So manly. The medical woman should appreciate you more.”
Tobias grunted and then grabbed his nose again. “Damn it!”
Nature smirked again, using his sex-based nature against him. “Let me heal those wounds for you.”
Tobias took a step toward her, drawn by the kindness in her glowing green eyes. Then he stopped. “They’ll know.”
Nature shrugged innocently. “Why would they think of me? Safe Haven has many low-level healers.”
Tobias gave in. He stepped too close to her, breathing in her magical scent. It went up his nose and into his brain.
Nature put a finger on his swollen lip. Healing energy soothed his pain in seconds.
Tobias sighed in relief as the split lip, black eye, bruised nose, and scrapes healed and then disappeared.
Nature lingered, sliding her finger down his stubbly chin.
Tobias shivered, body hardening. He glared at her. “Find another sucker!”
He spun around and hurried up the path before he got in trouble.
Nature grinned viciously. “I have several. You’re not the only medic on this island who’s vulnerable.”
 
 
3
Terry came up the jungle path at a fast stride, with a complete unawareness of what was happening around him. His mind was on Jayda’s betrayal. Terry had made a lot of plans for their future while she was gone. It hadn’t once occurred to him that things might change before she got back.
Nature sent a stiff wave of wind carrying desire directly into his path.
Terry walked right through it. He replayed the argument with Jayda and mourned the life he’d thought they would lead.
Nature tried again. She blew leaves down on him in a heavy spiral of green foliage. They covered his head and poked his bare arms.
Terry blinked. He finally felt someone watching him.
Nature was offended when he kept walking. “It’s rude to ignore someone who just wants to help you.”
Terry dropped his hand to his gun as he turned; he recognized the voice.
Nature smiled. “Much better.”
Terry gawked at the gorgeous woman. Her tall rack of antlers drew his eyes repeatedly as she struck a provocative pose. “You make the most magnificent deer seem small and sickly.”
Nature chuckled. “A medical opinion from a strong medical man. It’s good that the other medic didn’t return. His power hunting would have pushed you out and you’re very good at what you do. I’d hate to see you replaced.”
Terry knew he was in danger, but her presence was calming, welcoming, and he was hurting from Jayda’s rejection. “What do you want?”
“To help you. The spirit of nature is always concerned with procreation.”
Terry’s mood crashed again. “She cheated on me, with a rookie!”
Nature didn’t waste time reminding him that she hadn’t encouraged life mates except in a few species. “Creatures do not worry over doing the right thing. They take what they need and feel no remorse over that decision.”
“I’m not an animal.” Terry grumbled. “I wish I were. It would be easier.”
“Perhaps you would do well with gifts that give you control over parts of my realm.”
Terry nodded. “When I ask Angela to make me a descendant, I plan to ask for that.”
Nature pushed carefully. “Why wait? She’s very happy with you right now.”
Terry sighed. “I want her to say I’ve earned it so I don’t have to ask.”
“You want to feel needed, appreciated.” Nature sent another mild blast of desire-laced wind over his stiff, muscled form.
“Yes.” Terry wasn’t sure why he was allowing this conversation, but he didn’t leave or call an alert. He waited to see what she wanted from him.
“You’re not alone. In fact, you aren’t even the only medic who is irritated with Angela’s leadership.” Nature straightened as she heard another set of angry footsteps approaching. “I hope your day gets better.”
Terry stared as she vanished, slowly, and with a hot smile that he wanted to see again.
Terry slowly shook it off and lurched back up the jungle path. “Maybe I’m drunk, because that was strange.”
 
 
4
Sadie kicked a chunk of dirt out of the clover path. “And all for a piece of strange! He won’t stay with her either.”
Sadie spun around and kicked a nearby tree with a move she’d learned in Neil’s kai class. “He’ll plug any hole. I hope she knows that. Whoever she is.”
“Would you like to know?”
Sadie rolled her eyes. “Go away Snot Lady. I’ve heard all about you.”
Nature was impressed that the blue-haired woman had known she there and hadn’t cared. She let herself appear in full form. “He plugged Piper.”
Fury went across Sadie’s face. “He said he didn’t think she was pretty!”
“I doubt her looks mattered to Adrian.”
Sadie scowled. “That’s your fault. You made him too manly.”
Nature chuckled, taking it as a compliment. “Someone should teach him a lesson.”
“Yeah, they should.” Sadie stopped kicking the ground and focused on Nature. “You want something from me.”
Nature recovered from another surprise from the wild woman. She stuck with the plan she’d made. “I’m lonely.”
Sadie cocked her head, trying to find the trap. Her face lit up as she found it. “You think you can use me against the boss.”
Nature was shocked this time. She wasn’t used to straight talk from humans or so much vivid intelligence.
Sadie laughed as she stomped away. “I thought you were smart!”
Her laughter went under Nature’s skin and brought out anger.
Sadie ducked and spun as a tree branch flew by her. She lifted her hand to fire back.
Nature vanished.
Sadie slowly straightened. “Chicken!”
She headed toward town, now in a better mood. “I’m gonna beat Piper’s ass into the ground during matchups. I can’t wait!”
Nature reappeared on the path as Sadie got out of sight. The smile on her perfect lips was genuine. “Some of these humans are very unique. Perhaps I’ll save some of them in a private garden for my amusement.”
Nature was using manipulation techniques that were true so they would be more believable. She was indeed lonely. “But this is my island. I feel better here than anywhere else.”
More footsteps approached.
Nature turned with a welcoming smile. “Hello, Pamela.”
 
 
5
Pam froze. She knew who she was looking at. Nature was terrifying.
“There is no need to fear me. I exist to help all life achieve a full circle.”
Pam wasn’t sure what to say. She had a nasty hangover and she stank from trudging through this jungle so much in hopes of catching a moment with Shawn. Her clothes were filthy and her hair was a greasy layer hanging over her pink scarf.
Nature knew she didn’t have to be as careful with this human. Her heart was already dark. “In the animal realms, reproduction drives behavior. The creatures do not accept refusals. They take what they need.”
Pam’s heart broke all over again. “He doesn’t want me. Women can’t just take a man.”
“Why not?”
Pam slowly thawed. “Men get hard when they feel desire. I don’t have gifts or drugs to make that happen.”
Nature motioned toward the jungle vines that were covering all the trees and most of the ground. “Brew those and put it into his tea. An hour later, provide yourself to him.”
Pam grumped. “The damn kid won’t let me near him.”
“Offspring sleep more than their parents.”
Pam caught onto what was happening, but she wasn’t strong enough to resist. “Tell me how to get what I need and I’ll help you with whatever you want.”
Nature stepped closer, long, branch-like fingers coming up. She gently brushed the stringy hair from Pam’s hungover face. “I wish more of them were like you.”
Pam shivered as death crossed over shoulder.
Nature stepped back and blended in with the green shadows.
Allison hurried by without talking to Pam despite being friends. She was in a hurry to get back to the QZ so she could dig for more details. “Why won’t they tell us how Harry died?”
Allison was gone in seconds.
Nature was still maintaining eye contact with Pam. “You’re not the only one who’s being denied something they need.”
Pam heard someone else hurrying toward them. She stayed still, staring at Nature as Rico came down the path.
Rico didn’t talk to Pam. He wanted to get to the QZ before Tonya left, so he could escort her to town before it got dark.
Pam caught his thought absently. “I don’t think she’s coming back to town tonight. Most of the mates are spending the night in the QZ.”
Rico stopped and turned. “Verdammt!”
Nature winked at him as he noticed her. “I told you that you aren’t the only one here being shunned without a cause.”
Pam scowled. “He was accused of rape. That’s a good reason.”
Rico gestured angrily. “I wasn’t guilty!”
Nature feigned sympathy. “Tell us all about it.”
For that moment, Pam was drawn out of her own misery. Everyone in Safe Haven was curious about Rico’s history.
Rico didn’t know why he was answering, but the memory spilled anyway. “Marri worked in the medical bay. She smiled at me a lot; she was nice to me. That never happened in the lab. It was a harsh place.”
Rico’s eyes grew glazed with the flashes as he relived it. “All women were required to produce offspring. They were often matched to men in other bunkers to maintain genetic diversity levels. I found Marri on the edge of tears when I came in for a test. She said she didn’t want to get married and leave our bunker for some strange land. She wanted me to help her escape. I kept telling her no.”
Pam made a connection. “You weren’t corrupt like the others there.”
Rico shook his head. “I was born prima. No matter what they tried, it didn’t turn me.”
Nature kept it going. “They set you up in a way you couldn’t fight.”
Rico nodded. “I think so now. Back then, I just felt bad for her. When Marri said she’d sleep with me if I helped her escape, I refused. Then she started crying. I can’t take it when they cry.”
Pam listened raptly, but she still didn’t look away from Nature.
“I held her. She kissed me.” He scowled. “I’m a man. I felt desire for her then, but I pulled away and refused. She went crazy. She tore up her clothes, right there in front of me! I told the guard it was a setup. I told my brother, too, but they still believed her! I wasn’t guilty and they gaoled me. They hurt me! I was innocent!”
Nature pushed. “That time.”
Rico’s shoulders drooped. “After I served my punishment, I did what I’d been accused of.”
“And where did you hide her body to be sure they couldn’t punish you twice?”
Rico refused to answer.
Nature shrugged. “All the souls here have secrets and regrets. You’re not alone.”
Pam and Rico exchanged quick, guilty glances.
Nature pushed again. “You live here at my whim. It would have been rude to ignore me. You’ve done nothing wrong by talking to your gracious host.”
Neither of them knew if that was the truth, but they still didn’t call for a guard.
“Both of you are hunting for an opportunity to connect with a mate. Help each other. The world is a harder place when you’re alone.” Nature faded further back into the jungle.
She kept going this time. She had one other place she wanted to go before taking a rest down in her ancient threads. She’d used too much energy in her fight on the submarine. She needed to recharge and let the wound-up humans start causing chaos for Angela.
“I didn’t kill her.” Rico didn’t want new stories to start flying through camp, but he couldn’t seem to close his mouth or his mind. “I sold her to a trafficker. He might have killed her.”
Pam knew she should be horrified, but the thought of him being punished for a crime he hadn’t done tempered it. “They were finally able to corrupt you.”
“Yes.”
Pam shivered, sobering up. “I need a drink.”
Rico showered her with abrupt disapproval. “If you stop drinking, Shawn might at least talk to you.”
Pam thought about the vines. “I think there’s a way I can have both.”
Rico also considered Nature’s advice. “Can I help you?”
Pam slowly nodded. “I think it will work for both of us. All we have to do is slip them a special cocktail.”
Rico eyed the sun that was dropping quickly. “I have to go right now. Catch me later and we’ll work it out.”
“I will.” Pam waited until he was gone. Then she ripped off a few handfuls of vines and stuffed them into her pocket.
 
 
6
“Did you find it?”
Tim shut the church’s main door. “No, and they’re expanding the QZ now. It’s getting harder to search the beach.”
Ed glanced up from the Bible he was reading in the front pew. Guard duty was waiting for him when it got dark. Jennifer didn’t care if they were Eagles or church members. Everyone worked on her schedule. “We have to find it or Jennifer will figure out what’s happening.”
Tim went to the door of the rear room. “Jennifer is easy to manipulate because she wants desperately to be respected as our leader. Angela’s the one we have to watch out for. She doesn’t have that weakness or any others.”
Ralph stood in the aisle, wringing his hands. “She’s busy right now.”
Tim rinsed his hands in the holy water and dried them. “It won’t last much longer. I heard she’ll be cleared by morning.”
Ralph panicked. “That’s not enough time. We have to finish searching that beach!”
“I know. I’m going back there as they take down the next load of supplies. I’ll try to do another search, but there’s a storm coming.” Tim tried to find a silver lining. “Maybe it will pull out all the debris and it’ll never be found.”
Ralph was scared. “We’ll be banished, or worse, if they find out.”
“There’s only one thing we can do.” Ed closed his Bible and stored it in the back of the pew. He went to the small window on the right side of the church, where he could watch people go by on the clover path. “We’ll keep hiding the boat until the next garbage trip to Henderson Island. We’ll dump it there and they’ll think it’s just normal debris.”
That wasn’t enough for Ralph. “What happens if someone finds it here?”
Tim was already tired of the questions. “Then we’ll probably be banished. Go lock the main door while I make sure things are okay in the back.”
Ralph hurried toward the main door.
Tim pulled a key from the pocket of his sandy slacks. He didn’t want to hide things from Angela, but she’d made it clear that her loyalty was with the other magic users. Us normals are on our own. If we don’t stick together, we’ll die together.
Ed followed Tim. “Maybe we should go talk to Angela about it. She can be very understanding at times.”
“No. A situation like this requires a favor credit. I’m still trying to figure out how to earn one from her.”
“You can’t. She’s still pissed over Courtney. Someone else will have to earn it.”
“I feel bad for hiding this from her.” Ralph frowned at both of them as he hurried back from locking the door. “You’re supposed to be leading us into the light, Tim.”
Tim sighed deeply, torn. “I’m also supposed to protect my flock, Ralph.”
Ralph tensed as a small group of well-dressed people came by the church window. “We have a service starting soon.”
“Ed’s going to lead it this time, then he’ll do his shift over the QZ.” Tim unlocked the door to the rear room. “You’ll help him and pass the collection plate.”
Ralph brightened. He enjoyed helping during the services. “Okay.”
Tim and Ed exchanged glances.
Ed shrugged. “It’s always been sheep and shepherds. That didn’t change with the war.”
“Yeah.” Tim went into the rear room and shut the door. Then he locked it from inside.
Ed began straightening the pews and Bibles for the service. Ralph went to get the collection plate.
 
Outside the church, Nature watched through the small window and enjoyed knowing the humans were breaking Angela’s rules and conspiring against her even without help. “I’m going to encourage that in every way I can. And when all hell breaks loose, I’ll be there to watch you fall.”

Book #21
Dangerous Deals