by Angela White
“So shouldn’t you be over there?” Marc closed his eyes as the crispy fish melted in his mouth. “Mmm… haven’t had fish since December. This is great.”
Neil salted his messy fries. “We found a farm back in Utah, spent three days cleaning and freezing. We also kept some live tanks for when we settle somewhere.”
Marc was impressed and not just with Adrian’s leadership skills. Everywhere he looked there was order and efficiency, and like Angela, he was a bit overwhelmed. There were women wearing fake nails and too much perfume, dogs with bright collars walking the trucks, picnic baskets and coolers being filled, voices, barking, dishes rattling, engines. But there were other signs here too, like the heavy security that said it hadn't always been this way. There were tables full of men dressed as construction workers, old people at nearly every table, but it was the office types he hadn't expected. All these mixes of people, not only tolerating each other but working together, bonding, and finding friendships. How had Adrian managed it?
"You okay?"
Marc snapped out of his thoughts. "Just checkin’ things out. So won't Adrian be upset you’re not eating over there?”
“I’d be surprised. He knows what I hope to accomplish, knows I won’t tell you or the camp anything they shouldn't hear.”
Neil looked at Marc with green eyes full of warning. “But I tell him everything. You should know that now. I’m more Adrian’s than I ever was my mother’s.”
Marc heard the notice, but he was an open book with little to hide. “What about Kenn? He has a lot of friends here.”
Neil tried not to frown, almost succeeded. “He didn’t at first. It was mostly what Adrian saw in him. He’s been in the thick of things since he got here, close to Adrian just as fast as he could get there. Some of us grumbled when he became the overnight shadow, but when people understood Adrian needed him, they settled down, learned to get along.”
Neil sighed, gave a little more. He and Kyle had to pin their hopes on somebody. Why not the Wolfman?
“To be fair, Kenn’s earned his place here. He worked hard and as soon as people began to benefit from it, he had a lot of pals. Though I doubt he knows why. Probably thinks he’s popular because of his winning personality.”
“It’s really because he’s so helpful to Adrian?”
“Yes. He frees Adrian’s time, keeps him from being overworked, content with the progress we’re making. Anything that keeps Adrian in charge, this camp will go along with. He’s our strength, and no one, except Tonya, wants to see him leave.”
Marc looked up, surprised. “Would he? This is a great set-up.”
Neil shrugged, eyes constantly moving, watching for problems the way Adrian did. “Kenn might be able to answer that, but not me. He threatened to once, back in the beginning. Said if we didn’t pull ourselves together and do things his way, he'd go, and no one wants to take the chance.”
Marc leaned close, kept his voice very low despite the quiet roar of the dozens of conversations going on around them. “Sounds a bit like a dictatorship.”
The trooper wasn’t offended. “With any other man it would be, and we wouldn’t care if he left, but Adrian’s a true patriot. He loves this country, and as long as he keeps giving back what was taken from us, we’ll follow him anywhere.”
Neil paused, and Brady saw his eyes flick to where Kenn sat on Adrian’s right, before returning to his.
“That’s Adrian. Now Kenn, well, some of us have always suspected he isn’t exactly what he seems. You’ll have allies here simply because of your rivalry, and when you can tell right off who they are - the allies not friends - come talk to me again about Kenn and his secure place here.”
Marc was shaking his head, already knowing where the cop was headed. “I don’t want it.”
Neil shook his head, not believing it, but not calling his bluff either. “You’ll have more friends that way, but never what you really want.”
Marc was heartened to think he would even make friends and was able to give Seth an unguarded look of welcome as the redhead sat down across from them, coffee mug in hand.
“Ain’t that fish great?” Seth asked with a playful grin.
Neil shook his head at the light of mischievousness he saw in the Level Two Eagle’s eyes. The murmur of the voices raised another notch at his actions. “You’re going to piss him off. He’s sure you’re his.”
Seth’s green eyes flared up with firm denial. “Guess it’s time he knew better.”
“He’ll make you pay.”
The undercover Eagle grinned at Neil’s warning, grin widening. “Kinda hopin’ he will. Take some of the heat off our friend here. Besides, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve stung his pride.”
The trooper chuckled. “No, but being sent to babysitting class had to suck.”
Seth leaned forward, leering. “Not the teacher, though I did try. Yummy, yummy, Miss Peggy!”
They all burst out laughing, drawing attention to how well the new man was fitting in, and it took the trio a moment to realize there was total silence from the tables around them.
Unaware of the connection that had already been made, but responding to it instinctively, Marc found Adrian in the tense crowd and followed the boss man’s line of sight... The wolf was padding steadily through the tables, following the same route that he and Neil had taken.
“Is he hungry?”
Marc nodded at Adrian’s question, shoving the fighter inside back to his place. “Probably. I have what he likes in the Blazer.”
Adrian nodded, impressed when the beautiful wolf passed fingers holding scraps without even sniffing.
Dog sat down at Marc’s feet and looked up at him with nervous golden eyes.
“We feed them at night so they gain more weight. Stop by the vet today and pick up a collar so he doesn’t get shot.”
“We’ll do that as soon as we leave here,” Neil stated quickly.
Adrian stood and moved their way, much to Kenn’s displeasure. The table had gotten tense when Seth revealed what most of them had already known, and the leader was almost glad to be away from the simmering man.
“Okay to touch?”
Marc shrugged, not lighting the smoke he wanted in case he needed his hands free. “Dog loves Angie. She could ride him like a horse, but he tried to eat some of your guys earlier.”
“Our guys,” Adrian corrected and didn’t need to look to know that Kenn had gotten up, was storming away from the Mess. “You’re one of us now.”
Adrian let that ring and sat on the bench across from Marc, slowly extending his hand. Brady slid his own toward his gun, knowing he would have to shoot his friend if he bit Safe Haven’s much-loved leader. The camp would demand it, and he tried to tell Dog that silently, but wasn’t sure it had gotten through without Angie nearby to direct things.
Adrian also understood the risk, but he had to show these people that he approved of both man and beast, and that they, too, would fall in line where they belonged.
Dog flinched as Adrian got close, the skin around his teeth drawn back, and he understood. Like its owner, the wolf wanted things on its own terms. Adrian put his hands on his knees, palms up, and almost immediately, the wolf moved forward, nudged his fingers with a cold nose.
The people watching were able to breathe again, along with Marc, and Adrian looked up as his hands caressed the softest fur he’d ever felt. “Tell Chris at least purple.”
Marc knew Neil would fill him in.
Adrian’s next words were sharp and clear in the watchful silence of the Mess. “So do you plan to let him roam free? Not worried he won’t come back?”
The double meaning was obvious. Marc chose carefully, seeing the wolf slowly work himself between Adrian and the rest of the camp. What was with this feeling, this need to serve Adrian that everyone except him seemed to feel?
“You’re the boss, so his roaming free is up to you, but no, I don’t worry. I’ve never chained him. If he doesn’t come back, who am I to
keep him when he doesn’t want to be with me?”
Adrian nodded. Kenn was right about this one… definitely fast on his feet. The leader stood slowly, looked around the curious Mess as the wolf stayed close to him. At least he'd gotten one of the two today. The man would take more work. “Level tests tonight and then the poker tournament.” He turned to include Marc, drawing more frowns.
Adrian motioned to Brady. “Bring the wolf. We’ll see if we can get him drunk.”
Marc laughed with everyone else, but noticed the minute the blond was out of sight, the mood of the quickly emptying Mess became cold again.
Neil caught his eye. “They’ll come around. What you should worry about is that collar. Red and purple are the highest. Only four dogs here have made it that far. If he doesn’t pass, you’ll have to chain him up when you’re not with him.”
Marc looked at Dog, blew out a sigh as he patted the wolf's chest comfortingly. “Sorry boy, looks like I’m not the only one doing tricks.”
He looked over at Seth, seeing the redhead’s eyes on the shadows of the camp. Checking in with an undercover guard? Marc stored it, raised a brow. “Wanna come along?”
Seth nodded eagerly as he stood up. “Yes, but I have a shift right now.”
His green eyes went to Neil’s for a brief second that Marc read as an agreement on something. “I’ll hear about it, heard a lot already.”
Grinning, the redhead faded into the shadows near the path Adrian had taken, and Marc was relieved. He’d made two friends here, and that could be all the difference between sticking it out for a while and running in two weeks or a month.
Marc sighed, cleaning up his place like Neil was doing. If he really wanted to settle in with these people, he would need to earn a place by Adrian; that was clear. He didn’t actually want it, just longed to be alone with Angie and their son - who seemed to be avoiding him so far - but he already knew she wasn’t leaving. It was a good place with good people, strong survivors who needed what she had to offer, and she would be stupid to go now that she knew there was a place for her.
What about you? his selfish, male mind asked and Marc pushed it away. He wasn’t Kenn. His needs and wants didn’t come before hers. Never would.
2
“Damn. I have to go.”
Angela pulled off her gloves as the surly vet looked up from his tray.
“Shift’s done anyway. Whatever you did wrong, it’s okay now.”
Angela wiped at the sweat rolling down her neck as Charlie gathered their trash. “I didn't get sent here. I’m on my own time, and I’ll be back.”
She stepped past, loving the surprised look on the vet’s face. For some reason, she was determined to show him that all females weren’t useless.
When she arrived at Adrian’s tent, he was sitting just inside the open flap at a small card table, an empty chair across from him, and Angela hoped she didn't smell like what she'd been doing all morning.
“You’re late,” he said, thinking she was easily the best-looking woman in camp. Tonya had been replaced in that aspect and he was very aware of how male eyes followed her, lingered.
“Sorry.”
She unbuttoned the filthy white overcoat, leaving it outside, and Adrian saw her careful look around before stepping inside. Checking for threats? An escape route? Would Brady have taught her things like that? How much did she already know?
“We were doing the pigs, and I lost track of time.”
Adrian frowned. “He has you on a schedule already?”
“No, I volunteered. Chris needs help.”
Adrian nodded, male mind observing that her jeans and tank top still looked almost indecent. It was what the other women here wore, but on Angela, it was so sexy, obscene came to mind.
“That’s one of the best excuses I’ve heard. Have a seat.”
She did, noticing his tent was perfectly neat, with not a thing she could see out of place and it comforted her. He liked things to be orderly. So did she.
“So, how’s the first day on your own been?” Adrian asked, and watched her force a smile as she took another subtle look around.
No personal items in sight, not a speck of dust or trash, and two guns on his pillow. What a contradiction he was. “I’ve had worse.”
He lit a smoke, and as their eyes met over the dancing flame of the flag-draped lighter, Angela could feel doors rattling and voices whispering.
Adrian didn’t want to let her go, could almost feel something trying to happen, but the clear sounds of people moving by outside said everyone could see them, and he leaned back, setting the hot lighter upright on the small table.
Angela blinked, eyes clearing. The Witch had been telling her about the new doors that had just appeared and then vanished; doors to their future.
“Sorry. I didn’t get much sleep,” she stated, wondering how much he really knew about her gifts.
“I won’t keep you long.”
She smiled, a genuine one this time. “It's okay. You’re better company than Chris.”
Adrian grinned back, noticing her occasional glance toward the flap, that reminded him of Neil and Kyle. She was very alert for a female. Brady had done well with her in the time he'd had.
“I’ve heard that. It’s why he usually has no help.”
“I’d mention it to him, but I’m pretty sure he already knows.”
“He should. We’ve all talked to him about it."
Angela tensed, but didn't draw her gun at a loud bang outside, and she flashed him an awkward smile. "I haven't settled with all the new noises yet."
Adrian raised a brow. "That sounded military."
"Marc taught me a few things."
Her tone was almost hostile, defensive, and Adrian quickly changed the sore subject, "Are you and Chris getting along?”
Angela shrugged. “He ignores me until he needs something and I roll my eyes a lot. Does that count?”
Adrian chuckled. “Most people take a few days to settle in, but we can start your schedule tomorrow if you’d rather stay busy.”
She nodded right away, glad he’d seen her need and saved her asking. “Yes, please.”
“Good. You’ll be with John for a while, but you’ll move up to be our second fully-checked out doctor soon. It will help the women here come to us with their problems. On top of all the other benefits, of course, but female are a top priority here. I’d like you to encourage them to tell you about any problems they’re having, medical or otherwise.”
Angela understood he expected to be told, and she thought he was smart to do it that way and above other men to realize it would work. “Sure.”
“So, you’ll pull four shifts a week with John, a self-defense and gun class twice a week, and eventually you’ll teach something, probably first aid. After that, if you have energy to burn, you’re free to volunteer for anything you want. That work for you?”
She was again grateful to Marc that she could do more than just hold her own, as thoughts of what those classes and interactions might be like, came to her. “Yes.”
“If you find something that works, a certain shift or day off, tell me or Kenn, and we’ll put it on your schedule permanently.” he told her, already knowing she would come to him, not Kenn. “Anything else you need?”
“Yes. I have a tent I’d like to put up. Does it matter where?”
“Neil told me that he took care of it just a little while ago,” he told her and changed the subject, “You’re welcome to sit with us at Mess.”
Angela moved her head in acceptance, storing that. She had needed two things when she'd awakened this morning, and Adrian had taken care of both without her having to ask. “Thanks. What are we having?”
“Tuna helper today, beans and ham tomorrow.”
Angela raised a brow. “Real ham? And cornbread?”
“Yes.”
Angela smiled slightly, sensing he wanted her to stay longer, but also didn't want to push her too hard either. He was obviously a complicated man
who gave a damn about the women under his care.
"Happy butchering.” She paused, looking at him, “You have one? A butcher?”
“Says he was for twenty years. We’ll find out.”
She waited for more, and when there was only silence, she took the hint. “Well, I guess I’ll go see if Chris has any fingers left to flip people off with.”
Adrian chuckled, wanting more, wanting to talk, but he remained silent. He’d really pushed her yesterday and had chosen not to bring it up today despite asking her here to talk about it. She needed time. He was impressed that she’d been helping though, had expected her to hide in her tent or at least join Neil and Brady, whose adventures this morning he’d already heard about. He was sure the level of those escapades was a bit more than even the trooper had expected.
He’d had three camp members come by to express their displeasure at having Doug hurt, but they had conveniently forgotten that Kenn had done the same thing when he first came, and Adrian had reminded them of it.
Angela paused at the flap and turned back, drawing his attention. “You okay?”
Surprised by the question, Adrian nodded automatically. “5-by.”
The Witch jumped forward. “Less stress. Heart needs a break.”
Adrian blinked, caught off guard, and Angela moved outside before he could respond.
3
Neil and Marc were in the animal area shortly after leaving the Mess, walking by animals that grazed and dozed. He saw sheep, goats, a small herd of cows, deer and chickens. In the back corner of this small farm was a pup tent with a big desk in front of it, and a large metal examining table under a canopy attached to the side of the mud-splattered vinyl. Surrounded by the thick green forest, it had the feel of a petting zoo. There were moos and clucks and meows and barks, and under it all, the voices and footsteps of the guards and camp members constantly moving by.
In the center ring of this circus was a tall, angry-looking man in a dirty white coat, wrestling with a big, orange cat on the metal table. He was trying to examine the cat’s bloody ears and was getting nowhere.