Riley's Journey

by Parker, P. L. ;Edwards, Sandra

  “So which is it—24 or 25?” From the looks of her, she was younger than even 24.

  Horn-rimmed glasses sat heavily on her small, up-tilted nose, her eyes blinking owlishly through the lenses.

  “You can’t wear glasses where we’re going,” gruffly Jonas laid it out.

  “These?” She questioned, pushing them up into place. “They’re just for show. I think they make me look more intelligent—don’t you?”

  Groaning in frustration, Jonas stomped up the stairs, calling over his shoulder. “No, they don’t! Get your butt up here and let’s talk.”

  “My name’s Allison Reynolds. Allie for short,” she called. Dragging her gear behind her, she stumbled up the stairs, elated at being here but disturbed by the leader’s cold reception. No one told her he would be so rude and unfriendly! Bursting through the door, she dropped everything in one loud thump. Jonas turned around, his face frowning in disgust.

  “Do you always make so much noise?” he questioned.

  “Uh, no, but I’m not generally carrying so much at one time.” He hadn’t made any offers to help and he certainly looked imposing standing there. He was at least six feet four inches and built like a bull—not someone she would care to run into in some dark corner.

  “Do you know why you’re here?”

  “Of course! One of your female team members couldn’t complete the mission and I was selected as an alternate. I have all the qualifications and the deep desire to participate.” She tried smiling again, perhaps he was starting to thaw.

  “You don’t look old enough or big enough to add anything to the team.” Dismissing her indifferently, he turned away.

  “Well, I guess I’ll just have to prove myself.” Rolling her neck and stretching, she regarded him coolly. “Where’s the workout room?”

  His eyes gleamed and a wolfish grin spread across his face. “You going to show me anything good?”

  “And maybe a little bit more,” she nodded complacently. The bigger they were, the harder they fell!

  “Okay, but it’s your funeral. I don’t go down easy.”

  Grinning back, she refused to back down. “Neither do I. Are we just going to stand here jawing, or are you ready to learn a lesson?”

  “Lead on, McDuff,” he directed, secretly pleased with her spunk. If this little bit of girl thought she could handle him, she must be smoking crack.

  They entered the workout room. The only team members present were Geena and Micah—the majority were off elsewhere making last minute preparations for the trip—and the physical workout they were engaging in didn’t have anything to do with exercise in the regular sense. Jumping guiltily apart, they pretended to be involved in something else but their pretense was easily read.

  “Having fun?” Jonas jeered softly, then changed gears. “This little lady is our new team member—calls herself Allie. She’s going to teach me a lesson.”

  Geena’s mouth fell open and a large guffaw burst forth. “Allie, if that’s your name, you just picked a fight you can’t win.”

  Primly, Allie stepped onto the mat, bending and squatting to loosen stiff and tired muscles. “Lessons come in many books. This one is a lesson in preconceived notions and how they can seriously affect the outcome of life. It makes no matter if I win or lose, the lesson is in the trying.”

  “You sound like some eastern mystic or something,” Micah chortled rudely. “I think the only lesson to be learned is how fast you get your butt kicked.”

  Jonas slipped out of his shoes and stepped onto the mat, flexing his muscles, using intimidation as a tool. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he needed to know what she could and would do to win. She seemed even smaller standing there on the mat, her look one of casual assessment.

  “Make your move, Jackie Chan,” Jonas taunted her, flicking his eyes towards their audience, amused by his own witticism. Too late, he realized his mistake. Never turn your back for a moment on any antagonist. He hadn’t seen anyone move as fast as this little girl—and that high kick to his right rib didn’t please him either! Emitting a small “woof,” he staggered back, amazement registering in every line of his face. “Ouch! Why you…”

  Allie danced and dodged, never moving any closer nor farther away, always just beyond his reach. Deciding to end this quickly, he moved in and was rewarded with a roundhouse kick, expertly and efficiently well-placed. She scored again! Micah and Geena heckled from the sidelines, clearly enjoying what they considered his comeuppance. Time to end this little charade! Centering himself, he feinted to the right and as she took the advantage, he caught her flashing heel, flipping her roughly to the ground and pinning her. His watchers groaned in disgust.

  Victory was his, he thought, as the heel of her hand slammed into his lower jaw, cracking his teeth together and causing him to bite his tongue. Jesus H. Christ! He was seeing stars with that one. Digging her fingers into his eyes, she then tried to blind him. He rolled back in defense and she leapt to her feet, hard kicks and sharp jabs accompanying every move. The little whirlwind came at him from every side, no holds barred, even biting him at one point. He was reminded of an enraged Chihuahua.

  Finally, by his sheer size alone, he was able to grab and hold her down, even then she refused to yield.

  “Okay, okay!” Jonas growled as she fought on. “You proved your point, but you don’t fight fair.”

  From her position beneath him on the mat, Allie regarded him calmly, smirking at his concession. “I fight to win.”

  Up close and without the ugly glasses, her eyes were a beautiful, clear green, gold speckles flecking through the irises. Shaking off unwelcome emotions, he returned to the present. Grudging respect for her determination and prowess welled up. “That’s what I needed to know. What else do you do?”

  Wiggling free of his weight, she stood to her full five foot two inches height. “What do I do? Why, I’m the midwife!”

  “Midwife! We need a midwife like we need a hole in the head. Why do we need a midwife?”

  Geena chuckled, stepping in and answering for Allie. “Let’s do the numbers! We have sixteen men and women, all within childbearing years, going back to a time where contraception isn’t even heard of yet, and you wonder why we need a midwife? I, for one, am extremely pleased she’s going along.” Micah appreciatively leered at Geena’s behind, nodding in agreement.

  Jonas’ face flushed, forgetting for the moment where and when they would soon be. “I didn’t think of that. Good somebody did,” he acknowledged. They would be a long way from home and with few comforts and a midwife would most definitely be a welcome addition. Reaching out, he took Allie’s hand, shaking on the deal. “Welcome to the team. We leave in the morning.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  It had been five days since the attack on the village, thus far, none of the newcomers had ventured near the shelter and it appeared luck was with them. Nathan’s wound was healing well. He was still weak, but growing stronger with every passing day. Riley’s job became the sole provider, making stealthy trips into the open, checking Nathan’s trap line for any doomed small game animals. She had even made a few surreptitious trips to the cave where Nathan’s animals were penned, feeding them and hastily cleaning it out. She didn’t dare spend much time outside in the event the newcomers happened upon them and it was with pounding heart and baited breath that she ventured out each time. Demon accompanied her, but even with his stalwart presence, she was vastly relieved each time they returned.

  Reality was a hard taskmaster and the art of survival took on new meaning. Now, along with her regular daily schedule, she included a vigorous practice session, and with each day, her skill with the bow and arrow, throwing knives and miscellaneous weaponry Nathan maintained, grew accordingly. Though still far from expert, she was becoming comfortable with the weight and feel of the weapons and had even acquired a certain measure of accuracy. Xena, Princess Warrior she was not, but she was learning.

  Nathan made a concerted effort to get back on
his feet as well. Forcing himself to take small walks around the cave area and, eventually, out into the open left him breathless and wavering on his feet. He, more than Riley, knew how important it was to get back to full fighting strength. If the newcomers had indeed taken up residence in the others’ village, it was only a matter of time before their position was discovered. He frequently brought up the subject with Riley of finding a new territory, and tried to impress upon her the magnitude of the endeavor without alarming her too much. She was still new to the game and he didn’t want to stress her unduly, but she needed to see the whole picture. Nathan prayed they would have enough time for him to heal before that possible outcome.

  He carefully planned their escape route and went over the details time and time again with her. Essentials were packed and weapons readied in the event of an emergency exit, storing most of the gear in the rear tunnel for just such a contingency. His animals would have to be freed and, unfortunately, they probably wouldn’t survive on their own, but the little horse would be a Godsend if what he feared occurred before he healed completely. At best, he would only be able to walk by himself, carrying a pack was out of the question. The horse, on the other hand, had been trained from the beginning as a pack animal. When he broached the subject of butchering some of the sheep, or alternatively, releasing them, Riley was horrified, and after a heated argument, they came to a workable understanding that they would at least try to take the ram and two of the younger ewes and release the rest. Riley was adamant, though, that they wait until the last possible moment before releasing the little flock. All of her charges had become pets in the short time she had been caring for them. She also understood that if circumstances happened otherwise, the animals would be left to their own defenses.

  Given that she was forcing the issue, it was up to her to train the three sheep to lead ropes. As time was of the essence, there was no reason to wait. Riley cornered the ram first, his horns suddenly larger than life. He was curious and apprehensive, but allowed her to approach, sniffing warily in her direction. The ewes and lambs cowered by him, seeking his protection.

  “Settle down, guys,” Riley crooned, slowly approaching the group. “I am not going…to…hurt…you.”

  The ram recognized her scent and allowed her to get within reach. Nathan had mentioned that grabbing the ram by the horns would calm the animal down and it sounded so easy when he said it. Some major damage could be done with those horns if the ram decided to charge. Throat dry, Riley continued talking softly, assuring the nervous flock of her good intentions. Several of the ewes became agitated and within seconds, the entire group was running around in circles, bleating hysterically as the ram pawed the ground, preparing to charge. Fearfully, Riley backed up against the cave wall, talking softly, her attention focused solely on the ram.

  A short time later, Riley returned to the main shelter, dirty, bruised and limping slightly, but triumphant. She had succeeded in harnessing the ram and two of the ewes, and had decided the best course of action was just to leave them alone for awhile and let them get used to the feel of the harness. Tomorrow, she would work on teaching them to follow the lead rope. Impressed, Nathan tried to pry the whole story out of her, but her lips were firmly sealed. There was no chance she was going to admit that her leg was sore from repeatedly kicking the ram as he charged, while still managing several times to butt her squarely. They couldn’t save the whole flock, but at least some would survive, and they could build another one when the time was right.

  The thought of leaving the protection of the shelter left Riley cold. This had been her home for many months and it had been, for the greater part, a happy one. She had never really felt part of a family before now and, for all intents and purposes, Nathan and Demon were her family and the shelter was their home. Life outside the shelter was scary, and it would be some time before they found another cave that sufficed. Nathan knew of other caves in the surrounding area, but they were not far enough away from the newcomers. At the least, they could hole up in one of them for awhile if flight became necessary. Just the idea put Riley’s nerves on edge and caused her to be more testy than normal. She had been more testy than normal lately anyway, and her period was late.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Eight days had passed since the attack on the others’ encampment. Riley’s daily trips to the animal enclosure were tense and accomplished as swiftly as possible. The ram and two selected ewes were adjusting to their halters reasonably well and Riley took heart in the fact that they had accepted the new change in their condition with few complaints. She refused to think about the animals being left behind. Certain death was all that awaited them and she was too tenderhearted to dwell on that outcome.

  Other than a few distant glimpses now and then of other animals lurking in the wild, her trips to the animal compound were generally uneventful. Nathan drilled her constantly on being aware of her surroundings every second and to note even the smallest changes in the environment. As a result, her eyes were continuously moving, seeking any differences or abnormalities, and unwillingly investigating those not easily identified. Being away from Nathan and the shelter terrified her and it was with pounding heart and dry mouth that she returned to the cave each time. Demon was her constant companion on these excursions and, if not for him, she doubted she would have had the fortitude or bravado to venture out alone.

  Riley left the shelter early one morning to visit the animal pen, deciding to get the chore completed and spend the rest of the day working out and honing her battle skills. As she strode briskly along, her face flushed with pleasure at the morning’s remembrances…

  * * *

  Tickling her awake with a feather, Nathan’s laughing eyes were the first things she saw. A lazy smile softened his otherwise rugged features, his lips sensuous and inviting.

  “You’re certainly awake early,” Riley grouched, once again wishing for an invigorating cup of coffee, unavailable in this lifetime.

  Nuzzling her neck and enjoying her woman scent, he admitted. “I’ve been awake for awhile, just watching you sleep.”

  Embarrassed, she smoothed her wild locks, wishing she had a mirror and some mouthwash. “That had to be wildly exciting.”

  “Being near you is always exciting. I’m excited now, can’t you tell?” Grinning evilly, he drew her unresisting hand down to the bulge at the juncture of his thighs. Clearly he was healing well! His hands roamed over her sleep warmed flesh, cupping her breasts, his tongue nuzzling one peaked nipple. Rolling on top of her, he forced her knees apart and settled between her sleek thighs, rolling his hips and rocking gently against her womanhood. Riley sighed in abandonment. This beat a cup of coffee any day of the week. Nathan’s engorged member slid into her warm recesses while his fingers spun small circles, stroking her secret places and increasing her tension almost immediately.

  “Got time for a quickie?” He asked innocently, all the while continuing his efforts to bring her closer to exploding.

  Barely able to speak, Riley gasped as tremors started along the walls of her sheath. “Uhm…yeah!” She gasped out. “Do you?”

  “Most certainly,” he grinned. “Or not so quickie if that’s the way you want it.”

  Riley clutched him tighter, grinding her hips against him. “Whatever! Just don’t stop.”

  That was all the encouragement he needed, pounding into her until they both exploded in white hot release. Panting, she floated, semiconsciously relaxing as her senses returned to earth. Sex with Nathan just got more stimulating and exciting each time. Smiling, she considered that if it kept up, by the time she was 30, she wouldn’t be able to think for days after a good roll in the hay. What a tragic future that would be!

  Reluctantly, she climbed out of bed, immediately regretting the loss of the welcome warmth of the animal skins.

  “I think I’ll make the trip to the pens this morning,” Nathan commented too casually. He seemed healthier, more color to his face, his shoulder was healing nicely and he was
able to walk greater distances without tiring overmuch.

  “Not yet,” Riley objected. “Give it a few more days and then we’ll see.”

  “If I’m able to service you, then I’m perfectly capable of walking down to the pens and checking the animals. I’m going stir-crazy as it is sitting around all day.” Pulling on his leggings, he made to stand up, determined to taking charge.

  “Servicing me? Is that what you call it?” She grinned over her shoulder. “If you don’t relax for another day, I’ll tie you up and have my way with you.”

  “You and who else? It would take more than a girl to take me.” He might argue that he was feeling better, but Riley was convinced that one more day wouldn’t hurt.

  “I think my chances are pretty good right now,” she quipped. “And Demon would protect me, wouldn’t you, boy?” The dog wagged his tail in response, clearly agreeing with her.

  Nathan scowled at the dog. “Traitor! You’re supposed to be on my side.”

  “He is on your side, that’s why you are staying here. He knows an invalid when he sees one.”

  “Invalid! Who are you calling an invalid? I’m just slightly incapacitated right now. I’m sure there are a thousand other women around here who would appreciate my physical capabilities,” he boasted.

  “Oh, yeah? Show me two—or even one for that matter.” Laughing, Riley dressed quickly, knowing that if she didn’t act fast, he would be out the door before she could stop him. “Be a good boy and have breakfast ready when I get back.” Waving, she hurried out the entrance before he had time to object.

  * * *

  Uneasiness trickled through every facet of her being, dark foreboding rendering her breathless and overanxious. With each step, her anxiety increased. The tree line loomed dark and sinister and every sound caused her no small amount of trepidation. What she wouldn’t give for a nicely balanced .357 or, better yet, an elephant gun! Most of the animals in this reality would easily warrant such a gun and it would certainly alleviate some of her fears. The weapons she carried were, from her viewpoint, barely sufficient and not nearly threatening enough. The only distance weapon was the bow and her accuracy with that was chancy at best. The rest were designed for close encounters, and since her only companion right now was Demon, she preferred not to think about such a happening unless and until one actually presented itself. Those types of imaginings only increased her apprehension. Again, visions of elephant guns whispered through her brain. Regrettably, it would be thousands of years before the advent of such a weapon. The darn thing would probably weigh a ton and she wouldn’t be able to shoot it anyway. Sighing in resignation, she forced herself forward, one foot in front of the other, her eyes roaming the scenery, seeking that which she most feared.