The Life After War Collection

by Angela White

Marc didn’t answer and Adrian didn’t repeat it. He preferred that Marc took off for a while, but Angela’s needs were always going to come first with him now.

  Marc gestured toward the woman Theo and Mandy were still interrogating. “What’s the story with her?”

  Theo frowned at Marc’s curtness. “In a minute.”

  Marc sighed as the feeling of disrespect and anger hit. The Eagles were thinking about what Adrian had said.

  Marc went to Angie, nearly growling when the doctor started to protest. He took her hand, lighting up the connection between them. Angie?

  Angela was in a dark place, alone. The rocky peaks surrounded her with jagged tears, making it impossible for her to reach Marc’s voice. Too tired and desolate to fight, Angela sank further into the cold void.

  Marc placed her hand on her freshly gowned lap. “Someone bring her clothes. She hates these.”

  “No, the gown is–” The doctor stopped as Adrian glared.

  “She’ll also want a bath of some type, and for Charlie to be here when she wakes up. He’ll distract her.” Marc hated the bandages, the blood splattered across her hair and skin. The doctor was still stitching the first side of the wound in her arm where the bullet had gone through. It was the only one still bleeding. She wasn’t going to die, but the same feeling from the rest area was sinking into Marc’s heart. “I’d like to see what happened.”

  Adrian stepped closer. “I was only there for a minute before you were. I don’t have much.”

  Marc linked them, flinching at the first sight of Angie in the snowstorm, bleeding, with Tara pointing the gun at her. Angie clearly wasn’t fighting back at that point.

  “No, she wasn’t,” Adrian agreed. “And I’m not sure that isn’t the case now either. The gunshots are minor compared to the miscarriage.”

  Marc finished examining the memory, and then went over it a second time, picking out Vlad’s death as he crawled too close to Angela’s claws. He also noted Angela’s coat. She used that one when she planned to be outdoors for a long period. Another brick slammed into the wall. She’d planned it all out and hadn’t told him anything or even acted differently to give him any clues. She had left the note, put on her coat, and calmly walked off to what might be her death–for the people who were currently viewing him as if he should have known and helped her.

  “She shouldn’t be alone at all until we know her state of mind,” Marc informed the doctor.

  “You shouldn’t go!” Adrian insisted.

  Marc left the tent.

  Adrian grunted in tired annoyance. He took a chair from the stack along the wall and said, “Can someone check on the soldiers from my camp?”

  Zack gestured for Allan to do it, shocked.

  “Okay, someone please tell me what happened,” Daryl begged from his cot, arm in a sling. “And make it quick before anything else explodes, caves in, crashes through us, or slides down the mountain.”

  4

  Marc joined Kyle near the gates that were buried in tons of dirty snow and rock. The Special Forces teams were currently trekking through the drifts in pairs, handling survivors. Kyle was supervising and keeping track of the cave entrance to be certain that no one snuck in as a member. They’d had enough of it happening.

  Kyle already knew Angela’s condition, thanks to the Safe Haven grape vine. He clapped Marc on the shoulder in commiseration, but didn’t speak. He’d also heard about Adrian’s accusations, but he didn’t put much faith in that. Angela would set them all straight when she recovered. Kyle had faith that she would honor his banishment.

  Kyle motioned for three members to stand outside the entrance, glad the storm had passed them during the shootout. The camp members had come from the cave to help secure the area, without being called. It was wonderful. “Make sure no one goes in there unless you know them. No more spies or assassins.”

  The three men were eager to be sure of that as well, rushing off with their rifles slung over thickly coated shoulders. They’d learned a lot during their time here. Most of these people had. Because of Adrian, too, Kyle forced himself to acknowledge. He trained us. Now, we’re training others. The system works.

  That was as far as Kyle forced himself to go. Forgiving Adrian wasn’t possible, but tolerating him for the good of the camp might be. In time.

  Kyle waved at two more members trotting through the drifts toward them. “Go to the rear gate. No one in or out unless they’re ours. I’ll send more hands as I get them.”

  Marc was confident that Kyle had it under control out here. He headed for the cave, aware of Shawn trailing him. After being suspended for a week like Samantha, Shawn had been quiet, careful, and useful. Now that it was confirmed Tara had kidnapped the boss, Shawn now had no idea how to redeem himself. Marc didn’t blame him for any of it. Tara’s power to control people was part of why Angela had allowed her to stay here so long, Marc assumed. He was still hoping Theo would get some details from the deaf woman.

  Marc went level-by-level, checking and calming people who had heard the first rumor of Angela being taken, but not of her rescue. He fended off questions about Adrian by not replying. He didn’t have the patience.

  He reached the first cave-in area, where Jayson had placed enough charges to bring down this side of the cave. If he’d been more knowledgeable about where to put the C-4, he might have succeeded. As it was, ten Eagles had been injured. None of the wounds was serious, but it was still infuriating that they couldn’t have peace anywhere they settled.

  Marc was glad to discover that the injured had all been removed. The area was taped, with two guards standing a nervous watch as they fended off wandering members. He went to the next level, where the party had become a vigil for Angela. People rushed over to him for news, surrounding Marc with kindness and sympathy.

  It took a while to get through the crowd who wanted to express their well wishes, but Marc gave them his full attention, needing the distraction. He only had two stops left and then he had to return to the medical bay.

  Marc made his way down to the forth level, where the real drama had begun. He went over the scene again, slower this time. He easily discovered the tunnel that the deaf woman had been using as a den, but he found no weapons or signs that she had aided Jayson and Tara. Theo clearly believed her story, and Marc chose to accept it as well, once he got the details. If everything fit, she would be welcomed into their fold as a hero.

  Marc retraced his steps into the cave, not upset to view the mess he’d made. Once Tara’s mental hold was gone, Jayson had crumbled. Marc assumed she’d gotten out of range, but he didn’t understand why Angela had allowed herself to be taken. Had Tara really been able to overpower Angela mentally? Marc was hoping that was the case. It would explain why Angie hadn’t been fighting at all when Adrian arrived.

  Marc heard steps, recognizing them as Kenn’s heavy clomp.

  “The storm picked up. We’d like to roll in the camp.”

  “Good idea,” Marc answered, kneeling down to check Jayson’s bloody clothes for papers or items he could glean details from. “Make it a full roll in–all the way to the cave.”

  Kenn left quickly, not needing the scene to be burnt into his brain any more than it already was.

  Marc felt Shawn still lingering and waved him forward. “I want to walk it and blow it at the other end. Gather what I need?”

  “Right away!” Shawn agreed, spinning off. He was happy to be helpful at all.

  Marc grunted, still digging though the pockets of the coat. It was in shreds, making it harder than he’d expected to pull the items out.

  Marc opened the nicked papers with a chill, remembering Angela’s words about protecting their future. Jayson had a picture of his father–Big Jack–standing in front of a small town courthouse with a large group of men that Marc thought Adrian would probably recognize. The looted doors declared it after the war, but Marc counted roughly a hundred people scattered throughout the town, which meant there was a lot more that he couldn’t se
e. These people had bigger numbers, more descendants, and Safe Haven was their prime target. Jayson had confirmed that as he bled out.

  Marc took the picture, leaving the gory mess. This cave would be sealed up at both ends, after he’d collected every bit of information it contained.

  5

  “We’re all sealed up,” Zack told Adrian stiffly. When Adrian had begun issuing orders, most of the men here had gone along with it because the things he wanted were for Angela’s good. If he overstepped in any way, they would throw him out.

  “Did anyone get her the clothes? She won’t like being dressed in this when she wakes and she’ll try to change it herself. With a gunshot in each arm.”

  “I just finished stitching those,” the doctor supported. “I’m not doing it again while she’s awake.”

  “Jennifer went for those,” Greg answered. Now that his duty with Neil’s team was over, he was once again Angela’s right hand and guard. “I also sent for Charlie.”

  “Good. Marc will want a sentry in here with me at all times. You should assign someone now.”

  Greg motioned Jax forward. “We covered that already.”

  Adrian nodded at Jax, remembering when the man joined his army. Jax had been a quick-tempered hothead. Now, he radiated patient strength.

  Jax didn’t return the gesture, glowering. He was pissed that Adrian was here. His loyalty to Marc was why he’d volunteered to take the first watch over their former traitor.

  Adrian swept the large tent; glad they’d closed the other wings as he’d told them to after the other patients were taken below. Theo and the deaf woman had gone right after Daryl had been released.

  “Where is Marc?” Jax asked, surveying the canvas. He’d expected Marc to stay with Angela and it had been a surprise to find Adrian here instead.

  “Making sure the cave is safe before we take her down there,” Adrian responded, pointing at a corner that was coming loose in the wind. “Set something heavy on that. When Marc’s gives the all clear, we’ll get her into your new medical bay.”

  “I’ll have it ready,” the doctor promised, zipping up his heavy parka. He waited for the flap to be opened and rushed toward the busy cave entrance, glad to be free of the tense men.

  Zack zipped them up, shivering. The temperature was plummeting, and the winds were once again beating against everything. It wasn’t comforting, but at least the gunfire and screams had stopped. Some days, it seemed like that was the only sound they were allowed to hear.

  “What are we going to do about him?” Billy asked hesitantly. Kyle had insisted on having top-level men in here, along with Adrian’s guard. “Unless the camp votes, he can’t go down there with us.”

  Half of the men here were holding a grudge over Adrian betrayal. The other half were willing to forgive and forget because Adrian had rescued their leader. None of them spoke, unsure of the procedure for this since it hadn’t happened before.

  “I don’t think it’s fair to call a vote before they learn the whole story,” Billy said reluctantly. He wanted Adrian gone, but he was grateful that Angela was alive. “Or us, for that matter. We don’t even know what happened.”

  “I agree with that,” Zack stated. “Hands?”

  All of them raised except for Jax.

  “Don’t leave this tent until one of us says you can,” Zack told Adrian.

  “I’ll be right here,” Adrian retorted sarcastically from his vigil by her bed. “Until Marc calls all clear and then I’m carrying her to the medical bay in that cave. I suggest you get the full story soon.”

  Everyone frowned.

  Adrian dropped into the chair by Angela. “When she wakes up, she’ll want me.”

  “How do you know?” Jax asked snidely.

  “Because she told me so as she passed out!” Adrian snapped, fed up with their concerns and grudges. “You want me gone? Do what Marc can’t and put a bullet in my brain!”

  Challenged, Jax stepped forward, hand going to his gun.

  “Get…out!” Angela rasped.

  Her order was met with cries of relief. The command was ignored as all the Eagles rushed toward her, forgetting about Adrian.

  Angela felt nothing, not even the IV she assumed the doctor had inserted. Her entire body was numb.

  He sedated you and gave you a painkiller, Adrian explained. He’d been pushed aside, but he was in her mind, like the old days. The bubble had collapsed when Angela left the perimeter, but no one had noticed that yet.

  Angela weakly scanned the profiles around her, expression unreadable except for the endless sadness. “Marc is in command of Safe Haven. You guys do what you’re told.”

  Fake chuckles came and Angela waited stonily, needing time alone with Adrian.

  Adrian jerked a hand. “She wants you guys gone.”

  Angela stared at Adrian, waiting as the Eagles angrily left. All except Jax, who Angela knew was Adrian’s monitor, and Greg, who waited outside the flap.

  Angela shut her lids. “I’m still not safe.”

  Both males moved closer.

  “I’ll stay with you. Marc will handle the camp.”

  Angela felt the sadness waiting for her, but the darkness was more inviting. She shoved that way, saying, “You know what I need. Make it happen.”

  Adrian did know, but he doubted Marc would be able to give it to her, even after all this. “I’ll try, baby. My word on it.”

  Angela floated into the abyss gratefully, hand going slack from the fist she’d clenched.

  Adrian gestured toward his sentry. “Let Marc know she woke up. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Jax did as he was told, not worried the former leader would disappear. It was clear that Adrian was going to be hard to get rid of now.

  6

  “Marc and Shawn are back,” Greg informed the medical bay. “Get ready for her.”

  They were inside the cave, with all the other patients mostly settled for the night, including the woman Theo was staying close to. His casted leg and pain wasn’t keeping him immobile. The woman was currently behind a curtain, sponging off some of her grime. The camp was finally calm enough to start going to their bunks, but many people were remaining in the center of the living quarters, still waiting for news on Angela. The doctor had refused to make an official diagnosis yet, and he’d shuddered at the mention of giving the address over the radio.

  “We are all clear,” Marc’s voice echoed over the multiple radios and speakers. “We are locked down for the night and the Ghost has Point. Sleep well.”

  Marc’s call sent calm through the camp, allowing another group of concerned citizens to go to bed. As the minutes passed, the areas slowly emptied of people.

  Marc appeared in the entrance to the medical bay, sweeping the patients. Daryl had been released with Cynthia at his side, but everyone else was still here, observing in concern. Except for Missy, who was still sleeping. The doctor had said she would be fine once the drugs wore off. “All set?”

  “I want her here in the middle,” the doctor stated arrogantly.

  Marc scanned the rocky, dim cavern they’d tried hard to make sterile and pointed to the rear corner. “She goes over there, so you’re between her and the door.”

  The doctor flushed as the other medical personnel went to prep the spot.

  “Should we…” Greg hesitated, then pushed on reluctantly. “Should we tell them about Adrian?”

  Marc moved aside for a pair of Eagles who had obviously been sent to ensure that it was clear. “No one will bother him yet.”

  Greg wasn’t so positive. He went to provide an escort, thinking Marc should have gone. What Greg really didn’t understand, was why Marc wasn’t bringing her down. What the hell had happened up on that cliff? Inside, Greg felt a little resentful toward Quinn, who was still unconscious. If Quinn had been with his new team, where he belonged, Greg would have been with Angela.

  Outside the cave, the snowflakes grew thicker and the wind beat down on the mountain as if it were tryi
ng to crumble it. The people below barely noticed. Except for the occasional cold draft, they couldn’t even hear the wind. The only noise inside the cave, once below the first level, was the same creaking and groaning of the stone that they’d been slowly adjusting to. All the fans and generators were providing a cushion of common static noise.

  Marc waited silently with everyone else, gut a tight ball. It was impossible to describe the emotions he was holding in check. Angela disappearing, being shot, losing the baby–it had all happened so fast! He had no idea how he was supposed to help her through this. But Adrian would.

  Angela would need help, but Marc had his own grief and regrets. He still wasn’t certain who was responsible, but until he was, he had to stay back and keep digging. Some of it could be cleared up when Theo finally got the full story.

  Marc felt Angela scan the cave, but she didn’t linger on him. She was scared and searching for danger. She didn’t trust any of them now.

  Not fair! he cried silently, but didn’t push it at her. She’d lost the baby. She’d almost been killed–again–and he’d barely known she was missing before it was all over. Her caution was understandable.

  So is his, Marc thought, feeling Adrian’s more forceful scan going through each crack and crevice. He had been sent away and she’d still been hurt. For Marc, that part of all this was humiliating. It kept him from ejecting the bastard from their sanctuary. He’d screwed up somehow.

  “I think I have most of the story now,” Theo stated, hobbling from the partitioned cot on his new cane.

  Hilda hurried forward to put an arm around his waist so that he didn’t fall. There was sweat on Theo’s forehead that said the pain pills weren’t strong enough for what he was currently putting himself through by dragging his dead leg around so soon.

  “Wait for Angie,” Marc ordered tonelessly.

  Theo sank down into a chair gratefully, glad of a few more minutes to catch his breath and organize his thoughts. The entire story had been a shock for him, as had the attraction he now felt for Debra. Despite Jennifer’s prediction, Theo hadn’t believed it would be instant, but after getting half hard even while she stank, he was convinced. Debra was his foretold mate. She’d saved the boss, so she would be welcomed by the camp and the Eagles once the story got around. All he had to do was accept that his bachelor days were over. And then convince her of it, of course. He didn’t expect that to be an easy feat. She’d been alone for a long time. Even now, he could feel her nervousness at all the people between her and an escape tunnel.