The Life After War Collection

by Angela White

  “Erik said to bring you in. He didn’t say what condition you needed to be in.”

  Thud!

  Adrian fell to the ground, ears ringing.

  Isaac laughed. “I remember when you were the badass we all tried to match. Where’s that fire now?”

  Kick!

  “Broken by another tramp, I’ve heard. Is that true?” Enjoying himself, Isaac leaned down to sneer. “Garret shared Shannon with all of us after the trial. It wasn’t that good. Good was the one you killed on the train!”

  Thud!

  Isaac’s arrogance was offset by the reactions of the team around him as the mercenaries considered the consequences of facing Adrian Mitchel and the Ghost at the same time. The legends of both men preceded them.

  “It’s a shame about Bryson. Didn’t you even consider keeping him alive for information?”

  Adrian spit blood into the snow. “Of course, but our boss said no survivors.” He grinned. “That includes you.”

  That information made even Isaac twitch. He reacted with another punch, trying to cover his fear.

  Thud!

  The other mercs began to retreat, hoping to be out of range when Adrian decided to pay Isaac back for the abuse he was currently dealing.

  Thud! Thud!

  Marc was being held at gunpoint, supposed to concentrate on making them believe he only had military skills to rely on.

  I wonder what Angie is doing right now.

  Marc studied Adrian as the beaten man pushed himself up again. Why would you be thinking about her at a time like this?

  Adrian chuckled through the split lip. I always think about her. More than I ever did with Shannon, but don’t tell her that. I’m hoping to use it.

  Marc growled at him.

  “See?” Isaac laughed, hauling back. “That’s the Adrian Mitchel I know. He brings that out in everyone.”

  Isaac punched Adrian in the stomach.

  As Adrian bent over, gasping, Isaac leaned down. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.”

  Thud!

  Adrian fell again, but he gave a harsh laugh as he sat up. “Izzy, I fucked your wife harder than this.”

  Thud! Thud!

  Marc didn’t enjoy the beating. He wasn’t the one doing it. He also knew Adrian’s pain would draw sympathy from Angela. With a small flick of his finger, Marc tossed Isaac across the snowy cavity, slamming him into the nearest rock. There was a nasty crack and blood sprayed across the icy ground.

  Adrian brought up his shield as he glared at Marc. “I was fine.”

  The stunned mercs didn’t fire magic or bullets, hoping that Adrian and Marc would let them go as they ran. It was obvious that their gifts were small in comparison.

  Marc pulled his demon in, worrying over it a little. If there ever came a day that the demon was stronger than he was, he wouldn’t be able to lock the power up and prevent it from harming others. He would have to monitor for that. Some of the scrolls he’d brought up told stories about demons who had taken over their hosts, forcing them to do awful things.

  “Why did you do that?”

  Marc sent out a mild blast of sonic to knock mercenaries off their feet and then his anger reached out to steal their courage and replace it with terror.

  Now running as if they were being chased by ghosts, half of Isaac’s crew was out of sight before Marc formed an answer.

  “Angie wouldn’t like it.”

  Adrian realized Marc felt the need to protect him and basked in it. Even though he wasn’t willing, it was amazing.

  Adrian lowered his shield, aware of some of the evil descendants trying to regroup. “Get out of here!” He sent the strongest fear wave that he could muster, but it was nothing compared to the distinctive roaring in his mind as Marc added his power to it.

  The rest of the descendants fled.

  “Do you think that’ll be enough?”

  Marc shrugged, pulling the anger in. It’d been a good show, but he was tired. “Probably. They didn’t seem smart enough to go back to where they came from.”

  Adrian scanned the small battlefield, glad Isaac was no longer in the picture. That guy had been dangerous. He’d told Angela months ago. Isaac had been on his list of hunters to watch for the last twenty years. He just hadn’t known the man was also in love with Sonya.

  “Pick us up.” Marc let off the mike and began to loot the two bodies.

  Adrian stood guard, hoping the vet didn’t take long. There was always a slim possibility that someone would try again. The next part of Angela’s plan should prevent them from being followed, but Adrian didn’t want to push their luck. The team that he’d led hadn’t been smart enough to quit, only clever enough to betray.

  Marc switched his radio to the channel that Safe Haven had been using before going into the mountain and gave Adrian a nod.

  Adrian keyed his mic. “Don’t leave me behind! Wait up!”

  Marc grinned as he hit his button, wishing he really was. “We’ll meet at Market Town! Keep going! Keep going!”

  “You need my help! Don’t leave me!”

  “Go quiet and that’s an order. No more open calls!”

  Both men switched off the radios. It was such an obvious setup that they were confident it would work. The UN already considered Americans to be stupid farmers, and the mercenaries wouldn’t want to challenge him and Marc again until they had their entire group together. The refugees were also listening and all they’d heard was the word ‘town’, which meant food. Everyone would converge on the UN while they sat there waiting for Safe Haven to deliver itself into their hands.

  Chris pulled up in a battered RV that had survived the avalanche, but had been sprayed with slugs from the 50 Cal. Dropping small parts of itself as it chugged over the ice and stone, the engine was quiet and no one complained once they were inside where heat rushed over them in blissful comfort.

  Adrian tensed in the doorway, moving aside so Marc could see the blanket-covered woman in the rear seat. Bound and bruised, her glowing red orbs warned of power.

  “She’s drugged right now, no worries.”

  Marc and Adrian turned toward the vet in anger.

  “What’s going on?”

  Chris held out a sheet of paper.

  Adrian read while Marc joined Chris in the front, scanning the killer.

  “Neither of you would have done this part.”

  Adrian knelt down to help the woman sit up. He tried a deep scan, but found the haze of drugs. “You hit her a little hard.”

  Chris steered into the darkness without using lights. “It won’t hurt her or the baby.”

  Marc and Adrian exchanged another glance.

  “Well, that should ensure the plan.”

  “What if it was Isaac’s baby and not the boss?”

  “Well, there’s a possibility that Isaac was the boss now...”

  Marc snorted. “That was way too easy.”

  “I agree, which is why I also don’t think she belongs to Isaac, but I’ll know more when she wakes up.” Adrian helped the woman lay down, but he didn’t remove the ropes around her wrists. Any female who was a leader, or the mate of a leader, was valuable in any number of ways. Knowing his enemy, Adrian assumed the woman had a gift that enhanced power. He based that on how she was cared for. Her clothes were threadbare, her skin was tight against her bones and her hair had been chopped off as if in punishment. It didn’t look as though she had been willing, but Adrian was counting on their enemy not caring about that. In fact, if their enemy had, they wouldn’t be considered enemies.

  “How long?”

  “Two hours at this speed.” Chris felt Marc’s disapproval and pushed the pedal down. “All right. Half that, but hang on.”

  Satisfied he understood they wanted to get to camp as fast as possible, Marc and Adrian both settled in for the ride. It didn’t take long for the exhaustion to hit.

  Sensing that Marc and Adrian had fallen into light dozes, Chris tried hard not to wake them up but it was
difficult. The road wasn’t in good shape. Ten months without repair or regular use had morphed the road into a dangerous path through a deadly wilderness. Large potholes were hidden by a surprising amount of debris, ready to deliver flat tires to unsuspecting travelers. It didn’t help that some of this area had also been hit during their fight with the government. Most of that had been looted, but it was clear there had been other battles here too. Chris assumed the Mexicans coming through, and then the UN troops, were responsible for that.

  Around the RV, the landscape flew by without mercy. Skeletons, fires, and long, dark, silent stretches were his company. It was hard to look at and Chris tried not to contemplate all of the similar misery that he had brought to people. Unlike most of the fighters, the vet didn’t regret it. He just wished he didn’t have to limit his prey to Angela’s choices. He wanted to be free to kill anyone he felt needed it.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Don’t Screw This Up

  1

  “Meet us in Market Town.” The radios on belts and in vehicles echoed with Angela’s tired voice. “Market Town is ground zero.”

  Conner took the next street that would lead them in the opposite direction. By dawn, several groups would be traveling toward the town that was sheltering the rest of the UN men, but Safe Haven’s citizens would be fifty miles away and out of range. That’s all Conner knew about the rest of Angela’s plans and that’s all he wanted to know. During the battle, he would be with the camp and so would Candy. Knowing she wouldn’t be in the crossfire was good, but knowing he would be close enough to protect her if needed had allowed him to hold on to his happiness for the last three hours.

  “Slow down.” Angela yawned. “It will give the sentries time to clear the perimeter.”

  Conner dropped them to twenty from thirty-five, the speed Angela had told him to maintain. Thanks to the UN already clearing the roads in this area, it had been a straight drive with no blocks.

  Behind them, lights flashed in recognition of the end. Many of their members hadn’t traveled like this before. The evening would be spent listening to complaints of aches and legs twitching. Angela expected to join them in the discomfort. She hadn’t worked out in the cave enough. She could already feel her stomach getting ready to cramp as soon as she stepped from the truck.

  Angela checked the thermometer on the window, accounting for the warmth inside that would have a slight effect. It was dark, windy, and thirty-eight degrees. She needed to get them set up fast.

  Angela stretched, getting the cramp over now. “Stay with me when we get there. Be useful if you can.”

  Conner grinned. “I was thinking about that. How would you like your very own car parker?”

  Angela nodded at the image in Conner’s mind. “Perfect. Don’t forget to gas them.”

  Some of Conner’s excitement fell. “That’s a lot of gas.”

  “You’ll have help once other things are done. Don’t slack off and the Eagles might include you in the party.”

  “What party?”

  “The one they’ll have tonight when they hope we’re all asleep. You’ve earned a spot at the campfire.”

  Conner fell into plans to get the work done in record time.

  Satisfied that the boy wouldn’t be a problem tonight, Angela swept the cold darkness around them. Hurry home, gentlemen. It isn’t Safe Haven without you.

  Conner stayed with Angela as she exited the truck to watch the camp get set up. The small State Park she had chosen was wide and barren enough to accommodate them now that their population had been cut in half. The guards who had arrived before them continued their roaming patrols of the area, weak lights providing comfort to the weary travelers. Burning trashcans were lit up at the four corners seconds after they stopped, showing the boundary lines of camp and vehicles were pulled into haphazard positions that Conner would straighten out later.

  A small group of Eagles went to the center of the camp to erect the two large community tents that they had salvaged from the cave. Portable bathrooms would be put alongside it, in smaller tents. Crammed in, it wouldn’t be comfortable, but the heaters, blankets, and body heat would keep the temperature up.

  Angela scanned the herd for their mood as the guards called ‘all clear’ and the people began to emerge. Everyone knew by now that she was sending anyone on their trail to Market Town to fight the UN instead of them. It was another example of how ruthless she could be, but all she picked up was happiness that Safe Haven didn’t have to handle that chore this time. Angela didn’t tell them it wasn’t true.

  Angela watched the line of kids that were being taken to the bathrooms, glad all of them were in a good state of mind. The adults, however, appeared annoyed. Babysitting duty was always a chore, but it was necessary. The citizens without magic needed to understand that the descendant children were only that–children. They needed to be cared for and protected like any other.

  Angela spotted Kevin standing at the edge of the new caution tape, staring forlornly in the direction they had come from. Angela thought about talking to him, but before she could make up her mind, Daryl joined the man. The two fell into a conversation that she was positive included the reporter. Peaceful enough, the men chatted as Daryl led them toward the rear of the camp that was still being set up. Daryl would keep Kevin occupied, but Angela wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to leave camp again. She just hoped he didn’t join Jeff this time. Jeff’s patience with Kevin had run out. Kevin’s misery was understandable, though. Cynthia hadn’t even been buried. Her body had been left where she’d fallen.

  Angela spotted the guard on duty that was taking Ray’s place. Her mood fell a little more. She’d seen Ray pull out of line and knew where he was going, but she hadn’t tried to stop him because he wouldn’t have listened. She also hadn’t spent energy searching to see if he survived. She already knew the mountain was a death trap. She was lucky to have gotten out with as many of her people as she had.

  “Get the supplies up so we can have a hot meal.”

  The crew she’d already drafted hurried to get their shovels.

  It took half an hour for the Eagles to bring up the stash once the digging crew had verified a location. The two large crates were 4 x 4 x 4, and as the first was hefted out of the hole, muscles straining and dripping sweat, the observing camp let out a cheer.

  “Let the camp into the first one. The bottom one is off-limits.”

  Kenn stepped forward to carry out Angela’s order, signaling a few others to help.

  Morgan used a crowbar to pry the lid off the crate, popping nails at the corners first. As the lid dropped into the dirt, citizens rushed forward.

  “Toilet paper!”

  “Oh, thank God!”

  “Chapstick!”

  “Water!”

  Angela listened to the happiness, glad she had foreseen needing the small stashes. There were two more of them, which would buy her crews time to build up a new reserve. Hunting teams that would trek door-to-door through empty apartments and houses would be sent out as soon as she felt like there was enough distance between them and the mountain.

  “Chocolate!”

  Angela spun around. “Really? Who put that in there?”

  Standing next to her, Greg grinned. “That would be Marc.”

  Angela made a face. “I didn’t think he knew about this.”

  “You told Adrian not to deny him any information. He asked a lot of questions.”

  Angela smiled as Greg dug out a candy bar from the bag and handed it to her. “He always knows the right gift.”

  Greg snickered. “He’s a guy. He’s been around enough to know what works.”

  Laughing, Angela gestured at the adults who had point over the kids. “As soon as they’re settled, let me know.”

  Nancy and Tracy promised they would.

  Charlie continued trying to herd the children. He was eager for this part of his duty to be done. He wanted what his mother had agreed to.

  Angela was
too tired to be upset. She would give Charlie what he wanted. In time, he would understand that what a person wanted, and what was best for them, were not always the same. It was a lesson that almost all teenagers had to learn on their own, much to the suffering of their parents and the people around them.

  “Take care of the vehicles.”

  Conner was gone an instant later.

  Kenn joined Angela for rounds. Tonya was helping with the older citizens. “Has his banishment been lifted?”

  “Yes. A conditional banishment does not require a vote to be lifted. Make sure everyone knows that.”

  Kenn made a note to tell Tonya. She was the biggest gossip in camp. Everyone would know before dawn arrived.

  “Are you good for duty until I’m finished with the kids?”

  “Yep.” Kenn didn’t tell her he felt like he’d been in the cage with Marc again.

  Angela knew. Thanks to being shot, she had the memory. “I have you off duty tomorrow, when we get back.”

  “I knew it was something like that.” Kenn moved a little closer to ask the question that mattered to him. “Where will Tonya be?”

  Angela pointed toward the camp. “In a truck, with Candy.”

  “You got it.” Relieved Tonya wasn’t going to be a part of the battle, Kenn found a second wind. “What do you need tonight?”

  That candidate had served Adrian faithfully the entire time Angela was being trained. It was a relief to know that the Marine could be counted on. “I need everyone to sleep as soon as possible, so the Eagles can get their party out of the way.”

  Kenn chuckled. “They don’t think you know.”

  Angela shrugged. “Let’s keep it that way.”

  “You’re the boss. I’m gonna hurry things along, unless you need me right now?”

  “No, Marc’s bodyguards have me under watch and there’s a sniper moving into position. I’m good.”

  Kenn did a sweep and found Ivan nearby. He scowled. “Those aren’t the best.”

  “No, but we are.” Shawn and Daryl stepped out of the shadows nearby. “We’ve got it. Get to work.”

  Kenn was laughing as he walked away. This time, the two Special Forces men had gotten by him without being noticed.