Surprised mutters filled the warm canvas and the big man stiffened as every eye turned to him. He hated being the center of attention.
Doug didn’t take his eyes from the two men in the cage as they finished with a pair of brutal hits that sent blood splattering across the mat.
“Pass.”
Billy grinned at his victory as he helped Neil up, and they both stilled, watching as Doug limped toward Adrian.
His words rang through the tent, bringing a shocked tension. “Get someone else. I don’t hit women.”
The apprehension thickened at Adrian’s response. “I need a man for FND work.”
More awkward quiet, where normally there would have been dozens of responses. Adrian’s tone was harder than most of them were used to.
“She is a rookie in my army. Will no man openly support this?” He was prepared to do it himself and risk the camp seeing her afterwards. There would be no magic allowed in the Cage and no pulling punches, either.
Catching the thought, Angela opened her mouth to issue her own, hand-picked challenge.
“I’ll do it.”
Zack’s call brought instant mutters and protests from around the tent and few noticed when Kenn slipped inside, unable to miss her first match. He settled in a far corner, away from Brady. Standing alone in his coat and guns, the Wolfman looked like he might kill Zack the instant they stepped into the ring.
Adrian ignored them, considering. Zack was working on Kenn’s orders, but the truck driver also had his own agenda. There was no love lost between them; this was as close to a fair fight as her first match could be… and she’d set it up on her own.
Adrian stared back at the graying man. Zack’s face was more eager than he liked, but there was no backing down now. “You will be exempt from camp rules for this.”
“It’s a Level Test, nothing more or less,” Zack answered calmly. He was prepared to face the anger of the other Eagles when he broke her nose and sealed his place with Kenn once and for all. He was tired of sharing that place with Lee and Allan.
Adrian removed his dog tags and tossed them into the far corner of the 8x8 cage. He turned to Angela as Zack took his place in front of the shiny metal. “Get my property and return it for a pass. Time starts now. You have ten minutes.”
Angela unbuckled her gun belt and let it gently drop to the floor. She’d been swallowing butterflies all day, but now that the moment was here, she only felt cold all over. “I’ll try not to hurt him too badly. I know he has a shift later… babysitting.”
Surprised chuckles floated through the crowded area. It was a punishment for the trucker refusing to do the gun class with her.
Angela kept her eyes on Zack’s as she stepped into the bloody cage, seeing the leer that was meant to frighten.
“I’ll try not to mess up that pretty face too much.”
Adrian had no doubt that Kenn’s man was now trying to give the Marine what he wanted, Angela out of the Eagles, but after their lesson last night, he wasn’t as worried as he might have been. Zack was a light mark for someone who knew how to work him over mentally.
Angela ignored the insult-slinging men around the cage, moving in a light circle to judge her opponent. “I’ll still be cuter than you, even with another fat lip.”
Zack scowled as the laughter rang out and Angela smiled, seeing his weakness. He was easy to goad. She was female. Knowing how to use that to her advantage came naturally. “So how does it feel to be right-hand man to someone with no power anymore?”
Angela’s words had the desired effect and Zack moved toward her angrily. His first wife had been like her, before the training years.
Understanding Zack had no intentions of taking a dive, Angela got set with the first sloppy stance she had learned from Marc (the decoy), with her hands balled up and hips twisted.
Seeing it, Zack made one mistake, discounting her, and it was enough. “Eagle, my ass!”
Angela let his fist get in the air and then slid into the second stance she’d learned from Marc; the nose-breaker.
Ducking under his swing, Angela brought her hand up with her ass behind it, remembering to brace her wrist like Neil had shown her and it cracked against Zack’s face.
Thud!
The impact made her wrist scream in misery and then Zack was the one howling as he hit his knees. Blood rained down his shirt in ripples.
Angela fought the urge to help him as she darted by and retrieved the tags. She took her time going back, seeing the trucker wasn’t about to challenge her progress. He was too busy bleeding and moaning.
All around the cage, there was silence as she faced them. “Want me or not, I belong here.” She dropped the tags into Adrian’s hand.
“That’s a pass.” Adrian let his full pleasure flow into the surprised canvas. “You are now a Level One Eagle.”
Angela felt relief enter her heart at the slow cheer that grew into a roar. It echoed through the tent.
She grinned wildly, high on her success. She’d done it on her own! “I won’t be there long,” she warned, calming her breathing like she’d been shown. “Kyle’s job keeps calling me and hanging up. I think it likes me.”
The Eagles laughed, even Kenn was unable to stop a snort of amusement, and Angela wiped her bloody hand down her jeans.
She found Marc’s indifferent face in the rear of the tent as Lee and Allan helped Zack to the medical tent, and she moved that way, cutting a close path by Adrian. Hoping he was distracted by whatever Doug was saying, her hand went out to snag the coveted bandana from his belt.
Adrian wanted to give it to her, but he’d promised to be fair and he had her wrist in an iron grip before she could get to it. To be sure his men understood he would show no differences, he twisted Angela’s hand a bit, enough to bring her to her knees. “Keep trying.”
Angela laughed as he let go, very happy to be treated that way now. Damn, she’d changed! “You know it.”
Jeremy moved through the men, stopping at her side as she stood up. “I believe this is yours.”
She slid the jacket on with a smile, missing Marc’s quiet exit from the tent. “I would have missed this the most.”
2
“He says you’re to help me or I’m to kill you.”
Maria’s face paled and she shook her head. “No. Please. I can’t.”
Rick sighed in mock resignation, stepping up into the dark semi while the Eagles were busy. “That’s what I told him, but you’ll find out how wrong you are. I did.”
The traitor closed the door and slid the lock home, eyes glittering. “There is no escape from Cesar. You knew that when he sent you here.”
Maria understood then why he’d come and turned to run, but of course he was right. It was much too late. The light guard on the area wouldn’t be enough.
Rick grabbed the cook’s arm, pulled her up against him, and his words stopped her call for help.
“You scream, I’ll snap your neck,” he growled, body hot and hard against her hip. His hands went to her throat and she stilled.
“Good girl.”
Rick ground his mouth against hers and his harsh breathing filled her ears as he unsnapped his jeans and pushed her back against the counter.
.
3
Hours after the camp had settled for the night, Angela met Adrian in the back of the training tent. A large bonfire showed her the top Eagle teams celebrating their graduation. Like them, she had aced all of her tests, even scoring a record on the game she’d drawn, and had been invited to the private party.
“How does it feel?”
“Better than I’d hoped.”
“But…”
Sensing now wasn’t the time for doubts, she squared her shoulders. She was a Level One Eagle. She would act like it. “But nothing. What’s first?”
Adrian moved them closer to the waiting men and waved Jeremy forward, “First, is the real jacket.”
The Eagle handed her a heavier replica of the one she was wea
ring over her jeans and red tank top, giving her a nod of respect. “Congratulations and thanks. You did what we’ve all wanted to since Zack rolled in.”
Angela laughed as she examined her new coat. The differences between it and the other one quickly became clear. Made of sturdier materials, it had her initials and a US flag ironed on the inside pocket. On the back, was a fading Eagle.
“Next, the old one gets burned.”
Adrian gestured at the fire and she quickly checked the pockets of her rookie jacket and stepped over to the toasty flames. Feeling a bit sad, she tossed it into the fire. “Goodbye, old world.”
The flames shot up around the cloth, forcing her into a startled step backwards. They burned fast and furious until the jacket was gone.
Angela met Adrian’s eye, aware of the surprised talk of the men around them. “That happen often?”
He shook his head, “Only Seth and Kyle.”
She shrugged casually, “At least I’m in good company, right?”
“Yes. Now, we celebrate. Get a drink and relax.”
Angela headed for the coolers, already feeling how welcome she was. Breaking Zack’s nose had created a bond. They hadn’t liked the truck driver even before they discovered he and Kenn were both on the opposite team.
She twisted the cap on the beer and looked over the small gathering. There were only three levels that she could see. No Zack or Kenn, only the men who were closest to Adrian. No Brady either. Even though he’d passed his own test, he and Dog had Point over the small group of survivors that had been settled into the Qz not long after evening Mess.
Angela headed for Kyle, seeing he had a place under the tree that the others were gathered around. Even during off-times, he was high speed, low drag, she thought, using Marc’s term, “So, I hear you’re the best. Will you be the… entertainment?”
The Mobster laughed, understanding she had heard stories about the parties after each level test. “Seth has that honor tonight.”
He handed her the blunt that Jeremy tossed their way and Angela noticed that Neil and his XO were trying very hard to avoid looking at each other. That’s what happens when two wolves scent the same female, Angela thought. First they circle and watch, and then they try to stake a claim.
She moved around the tent, listening, mingling. Taking her own hit, she tossed the blunt to Daryl, nodding back at his gesture of recognition of a good match-up. He was perched on the fence that ran the length of this farm, half a dozen Eagles around, and she lingered near his group for the joke.
“I didn’t know how many it was gonna take to whip my ass, but I knew how many they was gonna use.”
The circle of men burst out laughing and Angela smiled. “Blue collar tour?”
Chris held the smoke in, making his voice sound harsh, “Here’s my sign.”
“Hey, I’m a redneck, too!”
There was more laughter as she joked back and Kyle’s XO raised a brow. ”Your turn.”
She could feel them expecting something weak and predictable. They didn’t know her yet. “Okay. There’s a 96 year old woman on the witness stand and the judge asks her if she has anything to say in her defense.”
Angela switch to an old woman’s shaky voice, “I’d like to explain, your Honor.”
“What explanation could you possibly have for throwing your 94-year-old husband out of a 12th story window?” A stern, very judgelike voice coming from her mouth, it was already pulling grins.
She switched back to that innocent old woman’s tone. “Well, you see I had just come home from my church social and there was my Henry, in bed, making love to another woman! So, I just picked him up, and threw him out the window.” Angela paused, sniffing innocently. “’Cause I figured, at 94, if he could fuck, he could fly.”
They exploded, Chris sliding from the fence to hit the dirt at her feet, and Angela moved onto the next group. There was no limit to the help these men would give her when she was through creating bonds.
Even though it was so late, the happiness of the celebrating teams was loud. Kenn grimaced as it echoed again. He had just gotten off of Point over the camp and…
“Got a minute there, Mr. Second in Command?”
Kenn grimaced at the voice, shaking his head. “Not really.”
Despite the feelings he had found for the redhead, Kenn had avoided her for most of the last week and he wasn’t in the mood for the jealousy-ridden tirade she was sure to deliver. He had yet to figure out if Tonya fit into his plans to earn back Adrian’s respect.
Instantly hurt and then mad, Tonya put out a black boot to trip him and Kenn went down awkwardly in the dirt.
“To hell with you, then!”
She spun around and Kenn sat up, watching her go. There was another pain in his ass. Too stubborn, too sexy, too determined… Kenn stilled as his mind showed him a possible way out of his mess. Maybe he could honestly try again, instead of pretending.
“Wait up, Tonya! I’ll walk you to your tent.”
It was the first time he’d ever shown a public interest in her and she stopped, surprised. “Okay.”
Kenn moved to her side and shocked everyone in sight by placing a gentlemanly hand on her arm. “Let’s take our time. We have some things to talk about.”
“That’s a match made in hell, right there.”
Samantha’s comment had Adrian waving at the Mess table he had covered in papers. “I agree. Sit?”
Sam did, her cup refilled and steaming. “I hear Angie’s test went well. The camp can’t believe she did that to Zack.”
“What about you, Samantha?” He asked suddenly, eager to settle another of his leaders into their place. “Any secret desires lurking?”
Sam wasn’t surprised by the face that came to mind. “Maybe, but I’ll handle it in my own way.”
Seeing the last of the Eagles from the party come from the shadows and head toward camp, Adrian switched tactics. “Doug says the garden’s growing. That’s great.”
“Yeah, we weren’t sure if it would with all the settling the dirt does during travel times.”
“We?”
“Jeremy’s been helping out.”
Ah, Adrian thought. That explained Neil and his right-hand man not talking to each other. Knowing Jeremy, it was all to get Neil away from Little Becky and Adrian gave a tight smile. “Good.”
Sam had looked away, not wanting to see the accusations of her playing games and she was surprised by his reaction. It had her head swinging back. “Why is that good? You like your men distracted?”
“A bit of competition is healthy after all they do each day. Without something to shoot for, they’ll get weighed down in the misery and hardships.”
Another layer of that onion, Sam thought, remembering her observation upon first joining Safe Haven. “You’re so careful with them. It’s…”
“Hard to accept?”
She lit a smoke, the former government hadn’t cared if its soldiers were happy or even healthy. Just get the enemy in the crosshairs and blast away, she thought. Flashes of the old world were haunting her tonight, and the MASH quote rolled in her head like thunder.
“It had to change, Sam. It was destroying everything.”
“I know. I just haven’t adjusted yet.”
“Not sleeping?”
“It’s been better this week. I’m staying busy.”
“That helps?”
Sam shrugged. “I’m also a vampire, so these third shifts work out well.”
They shared a laugh and Adrian held her gaze as familiar footsteps approached. “Are you glad to be here, Samantha?”
“Absolutely.”
“Tell me why.”
Neil saw them deep in conversation and pasted a politely bored expression on his face as he stepped into the truck for a mug. Not spotting the cook, he lingered, going over what to say. He had a problem with their mistaken encounter, only he wasn’t sure how to bring it up… and what the hell were she and the boss talking about so intently? Did Adr
ian want her? The dooming sensation from that thought sent him back outside.
As Neil stepped from the truck, Sam was standing up to leave and he quickened his step, already knowing the answer before he asked. “Can I have a minute, Sam?”
She shook her head, not easing up on the curt tone she’d treated him to all day. He’d stopped by the garden area half a dozen times. “Don’t have one.”
Neil’s face fell and his eyes went to Adrian as she left. Reading the amusement there, the Trooper sighed. “I’m in her doghouse.”
“Maybe you should go find out why.”
Neil snorted ruefully. “I’ve got a good idea already.”
“It’s a funny thing with females,” Adrian advised lowly. “They automatically put men into two groups as soon as they meet. They’re nice to the ones they classify as friends, but to the men they might want, anger and coldness are often signs of attraction.”
Realizing the boss was trying to help, the State Trooper considered those words. The moments Adrian had with the camp’s women were few and far between, but Neil had no doubt the blond man knew what he was talking about. He’d never met a more accurate judge of people. So far, Kenn was Adrian’s only flaw, and even there, Neil thought maybe he’d had sensed it, too, and chosen to handle it if it became a problem.
“How do you deal with it?” Neil questioned, restless to go after her.
Adrian let out a sigh that was full of male patience worn to weary. “As best you can, just don’t lie. They find that unforgivable.”
Sam wasn’t sure what she was going to say, but she knew Neil would follow. Using a flash of competition designed to create more jealousy, Adrian was trying to give her what she needed and she was grateful.
“Hey, Sam, wait up!”
What she wanted, Samantha corrected herself, stopping in a dark part of the shadows. She didn’t need any man now, thanks to Safe Haven’s rules, but want the Trooper, she did. How much, was blindingly unexpected.
“Wait up! I think I’m pregnant.”
A snort of nervous laughter shot out of her, “I’m not the momma. Who else you seein’?” Sam winced at the serious note under the joke.
Adrian's Eagles: Book Four (Life After War) Page 43