by Angela White
“How long?” Jennifer asked, sitting in the swivel driver’s chair.
“It took us hours to get here from the hub we blew up,” Billy answered. “From there, we have to acquire another ride.”
“And it took a day to get from camp to the hub,” Greg added. “So, at least a day and a half
“Damn.”
“Yeah,” Greg agreed. “We’ll need to have a spot picked to sleep. Get the maps out.”
“Safe Haven isn’t in the same place,” Jennifer stated, coming over to point out the new location. “There.” She was locked onto her daughter. Not even the ground kept Jennifer out.
“Good,” Billy said. “I saw a car dealership about a mile before we found the hub. One of those beauties will have fuel that’s still good. I feel it.”
Everyone except Jennifer snickered at the driver’s antics, glad of a light moment. Despite this run being over, they weren’t relaxing yet. That was a bad sign, as if their minds knew there was more trouble waiting for them.
“Something’s wrong in camp,” Jennifer said suddenly. “They think we’ve abandoned them.”
Billy’s brows drew together. “Is there…are we able to call them now?”
Dumbfounded expressions circled the group as Billy picked up the mike with a grin. “Come in Safe Haven? Anyone out there? This is Eagle team 6. We’re comin’ home.”
The sound of his voice was the answer, but the man on the other end knew to confirm it. “Say again, team 6,” Daryl prompted.
“We have found the raven and are coming home!” Billy paused and then added, “She did it, Daryl. We’re really free of them this time.”
In the next car, Marc was still evaluating Angela’s condition and trying to figure out what all to do for her, in what order. Her condition was terrible, but not anything he couldn’t fix. What concerned him was the baby. Her pregnancy wasn’t far along. He’d been thinking about it since Adrian had ripped his guts out and made him go talk to the doctor. When Hilda had confirmed her life was in danger, he’d made the choice easily. Soon, very soon, he had to bring that up to Angela.
“I’ve already thought it over,” Angela said tiredly, not moving from the lounge chair where she was snuggled under his jacket and pillows. “I can’t.”
Marc needed to know why, but was wise enough to understand this wasn’t the time for that. He handed her the small tray of food he’d been able to scrounge. He scowled again when she dove into it like there was a steak in front of her, moaning in delight.
Angela frowned thinly. “She’s hungry. Let it go.”
Marc dug through his kit again, searching deeper, and pulled out a twisted, faded wrapper that crinkled in his hand for an instant and then it was gone.
“Chocolate! Oh, Brady!”
2
“I missed you.”
The witch drowsed contently in Marc’s demon arms, fed, loved, and safe again for a while. She had accomplished a dream with Angela that no other had ever been able to do. The feeling was incredible.
“Did you find anything?” she asked, not expecting much.
The demon opened a chest across their nest, mentally bringing out a small scroll that he had gathered while away from her. “Marc found it at the bottom of the halls, under the feet of muck. I wasn’t sure he would come up when he saw all the others down there.”
The witch read it eagerly, sitting up in excitement. “It’s about the Calls! Marc knows what will happen!”
The demon settled back smugly, happy to have the advantage, though not in the cruel way. Marc needed him for the first time in their lives. The demon was proud, satisfied.
“You’ve done well by him,” the witch complimented. “Waiting until he could accept you. Most of us would have gone mad if we’d had to wait so long.”
The demon puzzled it out for a moment and then shrugged. “He didn’t really need me until then. If that hadn’t happened, I’d still be in the sleep.”
The witch shuddered. She would never permit that to happen to her again. Not even if the Maker returned to walk the earth.
3
In the west, the Yellowstone volcano exploded, shooting a geyser of possible primordial material high into the sky. It blasted through the surrounding park with waves of ash and debris that raced over the land like a time-lapse shadow. Above the ground, the geyser of lava spewed lava bombs and flames that flew for miles before setting a new area ablaze.
Burning embers floated down, bringing the air to a boiling mix of ash and smoke that took away oxygen and smothered all forms of life. Tons of this mix swirled in the atmosphere, rushing with the wind. Escape was impossible, the only option to take shelter as fast as possible. Few people made it.
Not far from the growing destruction zone, a small group of women were riding atvs west. They were going to an old government lab that had been used for experiments. It was empty now, but stocked as a last resort hub for the bunker train that ran below it. They hadn’t been able to contact the hub or access those tunnels since the war, but Marcella was sure life still existed there. The experiments had been nuclear in nature. It was probably the safest place they could be.
East of Yellowstone, a huge mob of draftees emerged from the ground and swarmed the only sign of civilization in view–a local town too small to have a name. These desperate men and women ignored the ash cloud that was raining down them, busy kicking in doors to slice hunger–weakened necks. They were free. After nine months, they no longer cared about the cost of it.
4
Billy brought the train to a gentle halt, still grinning from ear to ear. He’d had a rough moment when the autopilot hadn’t engaged, but he’d found the right controls in time. He now had another driving experience to his credit.
“Is there anything you can’t drive?” Greg joked, slapping Billy on the shoulder.
“Not that I’ve found,” the driver answered honestly. “Say, what do you think I’d look like with a crewcut?”
“Different.” Greg stared in amused surprise. “Decided to go for it, did you?”
Billy grinned again, shrugging. “It’s not like it’s a secret anyway.”
“True,” Greg confirmed. “Does the kid know what you have planned?”
“Nope. She’s a kid. No reason to talk about those things yet.”
“And if she gets older and doesn’t want you?” Greg demanded harshly, suddenly forced into Daryl’s role.
Billy’s smile faded and a lost expression came over his face. “I almost think being her friend would still be enough. She’s special that way.”
“Is she a descendant?”
Billy nodded reluctantly, knowing that information would only go as far as their leaders. “She hears the voice, sees things that are coming.” His voice lowered. “She can make fire.”
Greg noted it and the put his friend at ease, suspecting why this had been brought up. “Cut your hair, go the classes, and hope she doesn’t fry you in your sleep when puberty hits.”
Billy laughed, relieved. He’d witnessed the way everyone treated Kyle over Jennifer, but Billy understood. He had his own…obsession with a girl who was too young for him, though it wasn’t a sexual attraction for Leeann. She was like a little sister or the sister of a dear friend that he’d vowed to protect. Something inside said to stay close to her. The early bonding classes and tests were a good way to do that. Billy expected her to choose someone else when she was older anyway. He was used to being overlooked.
“Things okay here?” Marc asked from behind them.
“All good,” Greg answered.
The Eagles joined Marc and Angela as they left the train and climbed a rubble pile to the surface.
5
Neil and Jeremy took off to the car dealership as soon as Marc got the guards posted, both still in good shape despite the long run. The train ride had allowed them a much-deserved rest, allowing them to make the two mile run in twenty minutes. They had two large vans back in front of their group within an hour. Finding t
he key to the fuel tanks had been the hardest part.
“Wait,” Marc called, gathering them around to listen. “Night will be here shortly. I’m taking Angie to that hotel by the lab and we’ll be along in a day or so. You guys can all go home now.”
Marc led Angela into the van, frowning over her dazed eyes and pasty skin tones. He thought the meal and few hours of rest would help, but she looked worse. It was time to consider following the clues on the scroll. To do that, he would have to discuss it with her witch, who he still didn’t like. Tonight, after he settled her into a pleasant evening, he would make contact.
“Whatever you can do, Marc,” Angela gagged out, dizzy. “Save our daughter.”
Marc lifted her into the seat and began digging for the mylar blankets, wishing he had more. Around him, the group went serious and quickly divided up, with little discussion. Marc had Angela covered, they knew that, but it was still evenly split when the two vans pulled out and went in different directions.
Dog sat down in the isle by Marc’s side.
In Marc’s van, Shawn drove, Becky and Seth dug through gear from all the kits, trying to make the five kits they needed, and Jennifer enjoyed riding shotgun. The atmosphere was calm. Even Angela’s breathing evened out. She slowly drifted off in Marc’s arms, leaving the stress for another time.
Marc knew she needed the day to get her head together and decide how much of what to tell the camp, but he also needed the time for the same thing. He had knowledge about the Calls and other things now–more each time he went dream walking. There were infinite pools to explore and all he had to do was hold his breath. The demon thought he was being reckless, but Marc had to know his role. After what he’d discovered on this run, he would never stop searching until he found what he was searching for.
What are you digging for? his demon asked curiously.
The meaning of my life, Marc answered promptly. Why were we cursed to this existence, where peace can’t be had? What is the great plan? Is there one? Where do we go when we die? You know. All the usual.
The demon chuckled, still wrapped around the witch. We shall help you. Won’t we? he asked, looking down.
The witch was afraid to trust Marc. She’d done so with Adrian and it had hurt to be betrayed.
I understand, Marc sent carefully. For a little while, I started to believe in him too. Marc grinned. So I shot him six times.
The witch chuckled, too tired to keep fighting. Marc’s demon, she knew she could trust. Yes, I’ll help. As long as she’s happy, she allows my freedom.
It was a lame excuse and both males knew it, but respectfully kept quiet. The witch loved Angela, the same as the demon loved Marc. Their hosts had accepted their presence, had been strong enough to do so without going mad, and at times, life was very, very good.
“It’ll get better,” Marc vowed quietly, shifting to be able to smoke and scan the area they were entering. The Timbertop was a mountain cabin suburb built on a thirty-thirty plan, where the owners had spent thirty thousand for a cabin that would only last about thirty years due to being prefabricated construction. For a rental property that charged four thousand a month in total, it was an amazing deal to then be pawned off on some unsuspecting retiree or rookie landlord after three decades. It was yet another housing fraud that Marc was glad had ended.
“Take us to the very top,” Marc instructed as Shawn turned them onto a long driveway that immediately began winding upward. “There’s a lodge on the right. I saw it earlier. It has all glass windows on one side.”
The Rainbow Nest Party Hall turned out to be empty of cars and people, but not supplies. It was decorated for Christmas, complete with a tree and fake presents, and even a rusting reindeer by the front door. The Eagles cleared it together, leaving Marc and Angela in the van with the wolf.
“Wow,” Shawn commented. “Nice place!”
“Too bad we’ve got no power,” Becky stated mournfully, staring at the room with the dual hot tubs. “Wouldn’t that feel good?”
Both tubs were empty, waiting to massage sore muscles.
The men groaned. “Stop it.”
Becky chuckled, going to one of the bedrooms. There were eight in total, each with their own bathroom, though only that room in the front had hot tubs.
Becky slung her kit onto the chair by the door and began kicking off her shoes and clothes. She wanted to be clean and naked under the sheets and sleep for the entire time that Marc wanted to stay.
Seth returned to Marc, hoping Becky was going to eat and rest. She wasn’t acting tired, but he knew she had to be running on her last reserves now, like the rest of them.
“Where do you want us?” Shawn asked.
Marc considered it and then shook his head. “Go to bed. Anyone who screws with us right now won’t survive.”
Shawn had to agree. They had three descendants and two high level Eagles here. That was enough to do serious damage. They knew how lethal they were now, thanks to Angela’s plan. She’d given them all a new sense of worth and respect.
6
Jennifer took the room across from Becky, sure she wouldn’t be alone in it for long. The trouble with Safe Haven had been chaos over the birds and bugs, but Samantha and Cynthia had things under control now, while she had a worried mobster flying toward her in the dusk.
Jennifer sent out a strong call, making sure Kyle knew where to find her, but even as the blast rang out, she heard a dirt bike pull up out front. He’d tracked her down without any help.
Jennifer heard him greet Shawn, who had chosen to crash on the couch by the glass windows, though he had turned it away so he would be a surprise to anyone who broke in.
Kyle stayed there for a few minutes, checking in with Marc, noting Angela was already asleep on the master bed with her shoes and coat still on, then he slowly made his way down the hall. Now that it was over, Kyle was dreading the talks and choices that had to be made.
He tapped on the open door softly. “Hi.”
Jennifer motioned him in. “Can you help me with this zipper?”
She tossed him her kit. “I have a clean change of clothes in there and it would be nice to be able to wear them.
As men often do, Kyle flipped the zipper around and made it look easy. He handed the kit back with a grin at her glower. “What?”
Jennifer rolled her eyes, unable to keep from smiling. They’d not only survived, but won! She hadn’t been sure when Angela had first rolled out the grand plan.
Kyle slowly shut the door, waiting to be told she wanted the room to herself, but Jennifer only took her clothes into the bathroom, using her penlight.
Kyle dug out clean duds as well, and then searched the room, coming up with a small bowl of snacks that were still good. He assumed the chips and crackers would be as stale as everything else was these days, but food was food when you were hungry.
From across the hall, small moans came, making it through two closed doors.
Kyle rolled his eyes.
Jennifer came from the bathroom in time to hear them as well and witness Kyle’s reaction. She snickered.
“Again!” Becky’s plea rang through the hall.
“Sounds like they’re having fun,” Jennifer stated, unable to block the images she was getting.
Kyle watched her, able to tell when the thought he’d been hoping for finally crossed her mind. It took all of his considerable will power not to speak up or rush over to her.
Jennifer listened to Becky’s pleasure, feeling her body respond and mind flip dark images. Instead of avoiding the new feelings, Jennifer faced her fears. “You can make me feel like that? Without hurting me?”
Kyle refused to move a muscle or even breathe too loudly. “Yes.”
Jennifer blushed at the deep tone of his voice. “How does that work? The second you touch me, I’ll get the flashes.”
“I’ve thought about that, about you saying even the good will remind you of him,” Kyle began his plan as if he were walking on glass with bare
feet. “What if you keep your eyes open?”
Jennifer hadn’t thought of that. “You mean…watch what you’re doing?”
Kyle nodded, almost unable to keep from shifting. He managed with a small grimace.
Jennifer went to the window, mind working on it.
Kyle was able to readjust and then force that side of him down. They were only talking.
“You promised,” Jennifer reminded him without turning around. “Don’t you back out either.
Kyle sighed heavily, head resting against the wall. “What do you want from me, Jenny?”
“I want to feel like that and not be scared anymore,” she blurted. “I want to be able to enjoy that part of my life.”
Kyle stopped his first thought: So do I, and settled for, “I’ll help you however you want me to.”
Jennifer looked at him and Kyle could see the fear warring with the courage.
“Will you… but only me. I’m not ready for more.”
Kyle swallowed, suddenly unable to think. “You want me to… And then I’ll go away so you can sleep?”
“You can too. You know, but not sex. With me.”
Kyle was confused, the lack of blood in his brain a serious disadvantage. “Can you say that again?”
It was so cute that Jennifer was disarmed into giggling at his lost expression. “Wow.”
Kyle chuckled along with her and was able to run it through again to understand what she wanted.
Jennifer waited tensely for his answer. “You do think about touching me a lot.”
Kyle twitched. He’d thought he was doing a good job at controlling those thoughts while he was around her.
“You have been,” Jennifer assured him, moving toward the empty side of the large bed. “I, ah, woke up a couple times.”
Kyle realized she’d heard him taking himself in hand when he was sure she was sleeping. His face flushed dark red.
Jennifer wasn’t worried about anger, though she didn’t know for sure what his reaction would be. She’d been worried the first couple times she’d woken to discover him curled away from her, rocking and breathing hard, but it had slowly drawn her until she’d begun to scan his thoughts, searching for the violence. All she’d seen was a man who longed to touch and taste. It was part of the reason she had the courage to do this now.