Sanctum (The After Light Saga)

by Cameo Renae

  His grin was instantly wiped from his face, replaced with a wicked scowl.

  Now, I could see the resemblance.

  His face was inches from mine, and I could feel myself starting to lose it. I was taught to fight back, to protect myself from worthless pieces of trash like him.

  Spittle flew from his thin lips as he threatened me. “No—you were lucky that asshole Pike found you. But, just wait. You’ll pay for shaming Titus, and our family.” His finger pressed against my chest, and something inside of me snapped.

  I’d had enough. I wasn’t put on this earth to be taken advantage of. No one had the right to touch me, unless I gave them permission. No permissions were given today. This bastard had crossed a line.

  In a split second, I grabbed his finger and twisted it backward. The sound of bones snapping, was promptly followed by a loud scream. He dropped to his knees, then I applied a wrist twist lock, by firmly grabbing the back of his hand, and twisting his wrist up and in. He screamed again, buckling under my submission move. I knew the amount of immense pain this inflicted and the more he tried to move, the more pressure I gave, driving him to the ground.

  Curse words flew from his mouth, and then he stopped. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he pleaded.

  “Who’s the bitch now?” I said, twisting harder, wanting his friends to hear his words.

  “I’m sorry,” he yelled.

  After a few seconds, I let go. He was lucky.

  He stood, defeated, cradling his broken finger. His eyes were glistening, and his face was filled with shame. His friends laughed and shook their heads, taunting him even more.

  Out of nowhere, he swung with everything he had, aiming directly at my face. I anticipated the move, and leaned to the side. The sound of his fist hitting the brick wall was quickly followed by the sound of more bones crushing.

  “You bitch!” he screamed in even more pain.

  “Dumbass,” I huffed.

  “It’s too bad he didn’t kill you,” he spit.

  Hearing those words, my body started to shake from the inside, and I felt like I couldn’t get enough air. I grabbed my chest, and fell to my knees. It was the same feeling I had earlier, like my own body was attacking me.

  His eyes were bright red, and filled with rage. He really wanted to hurt me. I could tell it was his intention from the very beginning, but all he was doing was making a bigger ass of himself, and his family.

  Others around started to stop and laugh. His face turned just as red as his eyes. He stood and charged at me full force.

  I stuck up my arms in defense, but instead of hitting me, he was thrust to the side and pinned up against the wall, his feet dangling.

  “Move and I’ll snap your neck,” Finn threatened in a deep, intimidating voice. He was holding him up with one arm.

  The boy’s eyes instantly glossed over, morphing from pure rage to scared shitless.

  “If you ever touch my girl again, I will kill you. Do you understand?” Finn warned, his face an inch away. He looked like he was about to snap his head off.

  The boy didn’t answer. He was obviously frozen with fear.

  Finn squeezed his fingers tighter around his neck. “Answer me!” he yelled.

  The boy agreed by nodding his head quickly and repeatedly.

  A few minutes ago he was a badass, picking on a girl. Now he was cowering under Finn’s strength. There was no other person in this place who could match Finn’s strength or stature. He was very intimidating, wearing a fitted black tank top with his combat pants and boots. The perfectly defined muscles in his arm flexed as he held the boy up with ease. He was perfection, and he was mine.

  Finn released his grip, dropping the boy down. Titus’ brother gasped for air and held his neck. “Get the hell out of here,” Finn rebuked. The two boys who were with him earlier, had already magically disappeared. I didn’t blame them. Finn could have easily taken care of all three.

  The boy hugged his badly broken appendages to his chest. “You’ll both be sorry,” he screamed, running away. Finn shook his head and laughed.

  “Are you hurt?”

  “No,” I answered.

  “How the hell did you manage to get in the middle of that mess?” he asked.

  I shrugged. Finn walked over, grabbed me, and pulled me into his arms.

  “I don’t know. Trouble seems to find me in here.”

  “Are you sure you’re alright? You’re shaking.” He stepped back, trying to read my eyes.

  “I am now,” I whispered, burying myself back into his protective embrace.

  He pressed his full lips to the top of my forehead. “I’m sorry I was late.”

  “You weren’t late. You were right on time.”

  “Well, we seriously need to find a way to keep you out of trouble,” he sighed.

  “Me?”

  “Yeah, you. Don’t go playing the innocent victim. I saw his finger practically hanging there.”

  “Well, he happened to cross a line, and invaded my personal space.”

  He shook his head “So you broke his finger?”

  “Yep, and then I applied a wrist twist lock.”

  “Nice,” he grinned. “That’s my girl.”

  “Yeah, he’s lucky it was only a finger.”

  “So, what about me? Do I ever invade your space?” he asked.

  I stepped back and looked directly into his eyes. “Never. You can cross my boundary lines anytime.”

  “Well, it looks like we won’t be crossing any invisible barriers soon.”

  “Love always finds a way,” I winked.

  He leaned down and kissed me quickly.

  “I hope so,” he said, lacing his fingers through mine, leading me back to the infirmary. “We need to get the hell out of here.”

  Chapter 3

  When we arrived, Dr. Banks, two other doctors, and a few soldiers had emptied the shelves of supplies, placing them in black duffle bags. There were two additional patients on gurneys, which could only be wheeled out.

  “Finn, Abi…meet Dr. Lee and Dr. Fox. They’ll be accompanying us on our flight,” Dr. Banks introduced. “These are their patients.”

  Dr. Lee was the oldest, and didn’t smile. He just gave us a nod.

  Dr. Fox stepped forward and shook both our hands. “Nice to meet you,” he said. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. His hair was strawberry blonde, his skin was pale and freckled, and he wore circular glasses.

  “We need to get going. We are on the first flight,” Dr. Lee noted. He looked Asian, and in his seventies. His hair was gray, perfectly drawn back, and he had a slight limp when he walked.

  “Yes, Dr. Lee. We should start heading out now,” Dr. Banks answered.

  “Dr. Banks, how are the injured supposed to make the fifteen mile hike?” I whispered.

  “We’ve been assigned a few extra soldiers to help carry them. That’s why we’re flying out first.”

  “Are you sure it’s alright for me and Finn to be on this flight? We aren’t as badly injured as some of the others. We could wait and let the others go first.”

  “There are four choppers flying out, and all of them will be filled with the injured and the doctors caring for them. These two have the most serious injuries, so I’ve also been assigned to help. You and Finn are still under my care, and have injuries which need to be monitored. I can’t afford to have any complications arise with either one of you, especially with your head trauma, Abi. Finn also needs to continue his antibiotics, and will need to have his wound cleaned and bandaged. I’ve already made your parents aware that you will be under my care. They are scheduled on the seventeenth flight.”

  “Seventeenth?” I gasped. That was quite a few flights away. “Will they be together?”

  “Yes, the remaining members of our hive will be flying together, per your father’s request.”

  “Really?” I was shocked they actually agreed to his request. Dr. Banks nodded. “That’s a relief. At least we know they’ll all be togeth
er and will take care of each other during the hike.” I could rest easier knowing Uncle Frank and dad would be with my grandparents and our mom’s. There were no better people to help or care for them.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  We both nodded and followed Dr. Banks out of the infirmary, toward the exit room. It was packed with people who were waiting to board the first four flights. Most of them were patients, bandaged or lying on gurneys. I guess we weren’t the only group who’d have to hike with injured.

  I suddenly noticed Tina and Pike sitting at the far end of the room. As soon as we stepped into view, her face lit up, and she ran toward me. We collided with a hug. I laughed because it was like we hadn’t seen each other just an hour ago.

  “Is Pike flying with you?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure, but he’s on one of the first four to help carry the injured.”

  “That’s good,” I said. “At least we’ll all be able to make the hike together.”

  “Yes,” she smiled. She glanced over my shoulder and waved. “Hey Finn. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “You too,” he grinned and waved back.

  One of the officers stood at the front with a clipboard and yelled, waving one hand in the air. “We will begin boarding the first flight. When I call your name, you will grab your bag and head toward your designated helipad.”

  My heart began to race, and I suddenly became overwhelmed with apprehension. I took in a deep breath and exhaled. This was not just a simple helicopter ride to another bunker. This was the beginning of a new life—a whole new journey. There was no way of knowing if we were jumping out of the frying pan, and straight into the fire. So far, my experience of being in a government bunker was nothing short of horrendous. I didn’t see it getting any better. I had a feeling the rules would be more strict, because they had to keep thousands in check.

  I wasn’t sure if I was ready for any more of it. Yes, there needed to be boundaries, but there should be limits to those boundaries. Our lives were literally in the hands of the leaders of that bunker. Did they have noble intentions, or did they want power and everyone to bow down and obey like slaves? I guess we’d find out soon enough.

  “I better grab my stuff. I’ll see you at the drop-off zone,” Tina chimed, giving me a hug.

  “Yeah. See ya,” I said, watching her run back to Pike.

  The names for the first flight were being called. “Dr. Banks, Dr. Fox, Dr. Lee, Finn Armstrong, Abigail Park, Titus Fordthorn—”

  I didn’t realize what happened until Pike stood and rushed to the man calling out the names. His face was angered.

  Then, the air was sucked out of the room as Titus walked in. He was carrying a duffle bag and had a smirk on his battered face. Another man was standing next to him. It looked like he was being escorted.

  “There is no way he should be on that flight,” Pike advised the officer.

  “He’s on the list. The General is the one who gave the order,” the soldier answered.

  “Does the General know he attempted to rape one of the passengers on this flight, just this morning?”

  The officer’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with confusion. Pike’s concerned glance, which landed directly on me, gave it all away. I suddenly felt Finn’s hand shake free of mine. He stormed toward Pike.

  “Who was almost raped?” Finn questioned. I could tell his voice was enraged, but he was still unsure. He was looking for answers.

  “Abi didn’t tell you?” he asked.

  Finn paused and glance back at me. “Abi? What the hell happened?”

  I felt a stabbing pain in my heart. “I didn’t want you to worry about me.”

  “How could you not tell me about this? Rape?” Finn’s face was mixed with pain, hurt, and rage. “Abi, did that bastard try and rape you?” His finger was pointed at Titus, but his eyes were steeled on mine.

  Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded.

  Finn dropped his bag, and charged after Titus. His face was filled with a rage I’d never witnessed before. It took Pike, the officer, and four other men to hold Finn back. I knew if he got his hands on Titus, he would kill him. I could see it in his eyes.

  “Finn,” I cried, trying to get to him. His head turned to me, and his eyes softened.

  “Why didn’t you tell me, Abi? Why?” His voice was shaking, like he’d been hurt.

  “Because I knew this would happen,” I gestured to the men holding him back. “And I didn’t want you to do anything irrational that might keep us from being together. Please, Finn. I need you. I need you to be with me.”

  “I am, Abi. I’ve always been there for you. But, you can’t keep things like this from me. I have to know who the enemy is so I can protect you. Protect us.”

  I broke. “I’m sorry. I should have told you. I just didn’t want you to have to worry about me.”

  He held his hands up to show the guards he’d calmed down and wouldn’t lose it again. They let go of him. “You’re my life and my priority. Nothing matters more than your safety and well-being.” He walked over to me.

  “I know. I’m sorry,” I sobbed.

  “Did he hurt you?” he asked.

  “Only my face and my wrists. Just bruises and cuts, nothing more,” I answered.

  He took me in his arms and held me. “No more secrets between us, alright?” he breathed.

  “I promise.” I could feel the blood still pumping through his veins.

  Titus was still in the room, but stayed near the exit.

  Finn turned toward the man with the clipboard. “I’m letting you know now, bad things will happen to that bastard if he’s on the same flight as us,” Finn spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear.

  “He was assigned to this flight to help transport the injured,” the officer stated.

  “I don’t give a shit,” Finn answered.

  “I’ll switch places with him,” Pike said. “If the General knew who was on this flight, he wouldn’t have assigned him to this transport.”

  The officer nodded in agreement. “Alright, you’ve been switched.”

  “Thank you,” Pike said.

  The officer made even more changes to his itinerary. “I’ll make sure he’s on a flight with strictly male passengers.”

  Pike nodded. “Good idea.”

  “You’re all cleared to leave,” the officer said, pointing down the exit hallway.

  I was bummed Tina wasn’t on our flight. I was going to say good bye, but didn’t see her in the room when I left. Maybe she’d gone to the bathroom?

  We all made our way down the hallway toward the helicopters. All four were different types. We were headed to the one at the very back.

  Another soldier waved us forward. I moved to jump on the chopper.

  “Hey! Fancy seeing you here,” Tina winked, already buckled into the front seat.

  “Tina? How the heck did you get here?” I questioned.

  “My father is the General, remember? I told you, I have my own connections,” she grinned. I laughed and shook my head. She was very sneaky.

  “I know someone who will be thrilled to know you’re on this flight,” I grinned.

  “What, you’re not thrilled?” she asked.

  “Well, of course I am, but in a totally different way than he will be,” I admitted.

  “I know. I wanted to surprise him,” she said with a cheesy smile.

  Dr. Banks climbed in next, and then Finn, who had helped get the injured loaded.

  “Hey, how the heck?” Finn asked, shooting a confused look at Tina.

  “She’s got connections,” I answered.

  “Nice,” he grinned.

  All the others piled in and took their seats. Everyone looked nervous, but there was excitement buzzing in the air around us. Soon, we would be free from this hole.

  Pike was the last to board, and as soon as his eyes found Tina, a look of confusion was quickly followed with a wide smile. She patted the seat next to her, and he jumped
in.

  He threw his arm around her and kissed her cheek. “How on earth did you manage to pull this off?”

  “It’s my little secret,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

  Once everyone was strapped in, the navigator asked, “Everyone secure?” He and the pilot turned back to make sure we were ready.

  “Yes,” we all said in unison. There were fourteen passengers on our flight, and two of them were on stretchers.

  “Hey, where’s the mechanic?” Pike asked.

  “Injured. He’ll be on one of the other choppers as a passenger. We’ve been shorthanded.”

  “Oh,” Pike answered. I glanced at his face, and he didn’t seem too upset by it. But that could have been because he had Tina next to him.

  Finn wrapped his arm around me, and pulled me to him. His closeness and his sweet scent seemed to melt away all of my anxieties.

  “Ready or not,” he whispered, kissing my forehead.

  “Here we come,” I exhaled.

  In a few seconds, the chopper blades began to rotate. I closed my eyes as we lifted off the ground.

  Finn grabbed hold of my hand and squeezed. “We’ll be alright,” he whispered.

  “I hope so,” I sighed.

  Dr. Banks and Dr. Fox were tending to the two patients on the stretchers, making sure they were comfortable. Dr. Lee was writing something in a small red book, and most of the soldiers sent with us had closed their eyes, probably hoping to sleep the flight away.

  “How long is this flight?” I asked.

  “Approximately two hours, give or take a few minutes,” Tina stated. “The other bunker is about five hundred and fifty miles away, but we’re being dropped off almost at the mid-way point.”

  “And this helicopter has enough fuel for that round-trip?” I questioned. I had to know facts. Facts kept me sane.

  “They have extra fuel tanks, so yes…it’s just enough to go round-trip.”

  “How do you know all this?” I questioned.

  “I asked,” she giggled.

  The navigator turned his head slightly back to her and grinned. I wondered if he was her connection.

  We had two hours till the drop-off, followed with a fifteen mile hike. I hoped the terrain was easy and not rocky, or filled with Arvies.