Where We Stand
Page 61
It might have been a shock to find out how many people felt that way.
3
“No more lies now,” Angela told her Eagles as they gathered around her for a mini-meeting. “Cold, hard truth is the best way to be ruthless. It allows for no prisoners.”
Angela forked a thumb at the mountains they had finally reached. “We’ll be in our place as of dawn. We’ll set up as fast as we can. We have Jax and his group still observing the base, so we’ll know when they’re coming.”
She looked around the tables. “We may all die when they come, but it will be with honor, fighting for our freedom.”
She turned to the man at her side. “Marc will lead us through that.”
There was no argument from any of them. In a few months, they would need a new leader to ease her burden, and Marc had just been gifted with that honor. The Eagles were pleased.
So was Angela, but inside, there was a tiny part of her soul that wasn’t lightening with Marc’s return or his energy. It was a door now marked with Adrian’s name and it rattled in a desperate reminder of how close they’d become.
I love him, she admitted to herself. As much as I do Marc.
It was hard to hear from herself, but Angela forced the rest of it out, as well. Adrian would come to care for Kendle. She was both anticipating it and loathing it.
When Adrian had told Marc a month’s grieving period was all the time he needed to get inside her heart, he’d been exaggerating. It hadn’t taken nearly that long and she already wasn’t sure how she would be able to stand watching him love anyone else. He was hers.
End of Book Six
View Safe Haven Refugee Camp
From the Author
Some people know everything.
Over the years, I’ve learned to keep quiet and not disturb their illusions. It’s usually nicer than bringing people up to your awareness. That involves nasty fights, and even a loss of income if it gets bad enough. Being a female has always added a disadvantage to these conversations, but lately it’s gotten so bad that I find myself not talking. Even in a group of my peers, on subjects where I have information to contribute. I’ve become tired of wasting my time.
However, as an author, I have a voice that people listen to, and I feel it is wrong of me to stay silent. Have you noticed how different we are? Those of us who prep for the end? I’m sure you have and it’s that feeling of frustrated embarrassment, of not being able to get your point across without being labeled as a nut, that keeps us quiet. They have no idea what’s coming. And they won’t believe it when you try to tell them. That is one of the most isolating things we do to each other. If you don’t agree, ridicule and deny. Human nature is so defensive. I’m sure you also noticed that, too.
If the know-it-alls are so right, why are they suffering? They don’t know shit, is my conclusion. They won’t listen to their fellow man, won’t consider any other option than their own narrow-minded views. Proof only results in more denials and I know in my heart that those people will be the bodies left behind by this decade. I mourn for them now. There won’t be time later.
I have foreseen an ugly war, one just as awful as anything I’ve ever written. It is terrifying, isolating, and also, in a strange way, a comfort. If you know that shit is about to hit the fan, you might have time to step aside. That’s my goal at this point–to avoid the shit storms I believe are coming to the United States. I demand to be a survivor. So should you.
Now, for those who read that and thought: “Wow, she is totally nuts! Here’s the proof.”
I have only one thing to say:
“Enjoy my work and thank you for being a loyal reader. When you realize you were wrong, please remember that everyone makes mistakes. Then, they have to fix them. I suggest starting with your neighbors. You’ll need them to be your friends when shtf.”
Dying inside for my country,
Angela White
Extras
Deleted Scene #1
Deleted Scene #2
Sneak Peek–Book 7
Delete Scene #1–Where We Stand
“You’re tired.”
He nodded, not opening his eyes, but he could feel the fresh adrenaline pumping into his system at her nearness. She’d stayed away from all of them for the last weeks. Was she feeling it yet? That pull that kept him awake at night, wondering if she had forgotten his words.
“No.”
“No, you don’t feel it or no, you haven’t forgotten?”
Angie snorted. “Like the dreams would let me forget.”
He didn’t respond to that, not sure what to say. His had stopped. Did that mean something?
“It means you’ve accepted that we’re being driven together. I haven’t.”
“It’s easy for me. As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a woman who can compare to what you’ve become.”
His words made her feel like she had made progress, that she was doing good, and she forced herself to stay quiet, not wanting to encourage him by saying she felt the same about him in ways.
“It’s meant to be.”
She glowered at him. “You don’t know that. There’s no proof that soul mates exist.”
“Don’t think they do, not the way you mean,” he conceded. “I believe we’re not meant to mate for life. Some do, but for most, we’re meant to be with more than one person.”
She raised a brow. “You can’t mean that.”
“I do. It’s propagation of the species. Each season, the younger, stronger bull has a chance to take over the herd. It’s the way it’s always been.”
“And what happens to the ousted male?”
“He’s driven out and dies alone.”
She scowled at that, even though she’d known it was coming. “Not fair.”
“People can be more civilized.”
Angela stiffened, sure he was about to try to get to her again. “And what do you mean by that?”
“I mean that the bull doesn’t have to die alone or be driven out. If he can find something else to hold him.”
Understanding flooded into her face. “You mean someone else.”
“Yes. Tell me. What does his future hold?”
She didn’t want to answer, but his tone demanded it, and the Witch answered for her.
“Only him in the waves, holding someone.”
She sent him a flash of the dark haired woman in Marc’s wet arms as heavy waves lapped them, and Adrian felt his relief rise up and the rest of his plans fall into place. That was it. So close, he hadn’t been able to see it.
Angela watched him, almost able to smell the burning of his mind, and she actually felt the last of the pieces slam into place. She didn’t need the sight to know it revolved around her.
She met his eye. “Be careful planning my future, Adrian Mitchel!”
His tone grave. “With yours and everyone else’s, but plan them, I will. It’s what I do.”
Deleted Scene #2
“Come for an update?” John asked as Angela ducked inside the tent.
“Only one. Got a minute?”
He followed her outside, into the shadows, and pulled off his gloves.
“Whose update?”
“Yours.”
John grimaced. “I hurt.”
She nodded sympathetically. “I’d like to push it back again.”
He gave his agreement slowly, but with gratitude. “I’d never ask...”
“I know that. We need you, John. I’ll stop by when it’s quieter.”
“Bring that stubborn gut-shot patient with you. He’s avoiding his checkup.”
“He doesn’t want you to clear him yet.”
“I won’t until you say it’s time.”
His words were low and he turned before she could respond.
Angela was heartened by the support she was receiving, but also concerned. Adrian needed to get back in charge and let her fall in line behind him before there was too much damage to his leadership to be repaired.
“You okay?”
<
br /> Angela grunted tiredly at Seth’s question. He was her shadow today and she’d kept him busy as she continuously moved through camp.
“I’ll be better when he takes over.”
“Angie.”
“No.”
After a quick scan to verify the coast was clear, Seth leaned in. “We like you in charge. You’re good at it.”
Angela sighed. “I know how the Eagles feel and I’m honored, but I don’t want to talk about what happens when Adrian’s where he belongs. I don’t... fit.”
Seth listened to instinct and leaned closer to keep from being overheard.
“You’ll lead together.”
“I didn’t ask for this.”
“I did, and I don’t regret that choice. Fairly sure you don’t either.”
“No. I’m helping my people... and him. I have to help. I owe him so much.”
“As do we all. Some of us just have more to give.”
“The Runners.”
“Adrian’s Runners.”
Angela smiled ruefully. “Yes, I am that now.”
Seth didn’t speak his mind any further, but Angela could have been deaf and she would have still heard him.
“You’re also in love with two men. Try to make peace with it if you can. We need them both as much as we do you.”
Life After War, book 7, Sneak Peek
Angela ducked under the tape with a wave of her hand that said she wanted to be alone and her shadow wisely backed off, but still kept her in sight. Adrian’s orders were clear on that and Billy keyed his mic in the short code that meant she had left camp.
He got a single crunch of recognition in return and then he was alone, Angela nowhere in sight.
Billy scowled, hitting the mic before starting to search for her. She’d already passed them in infiltration. If she didn’t want to be found, she wouldn’t be.
“She ditched me.”
There was another click signifying he’d been heard and then the guard resignedly began to try to track her in the dusky shadows of the forest.
Angela observed him from the tree branch above, red orbs wary. Billy was good and if she made a noise, he’d hear it.
A few seconds later, he moved out of sight, following the decoy she’d quickly imprinted in the dirt, and she went in the opposite direction. Once she’d begun her lessons with Adrian, none of them had stood a chance–not even Seth, whose team had finally pulled even with Kyle’s.
She traveled swiftly, knowing where she wanted to go and when the cave came into sight, she tensed, not expecting anyone to be here.
Adrian looked up from the small fire with a plea of welcome that went a long way in easing her reluctance.
When he waved hand at the empty chair on his right, she went to him.
“What are you doing?”
He held up a mug that reeked of whiskey. “Mourning the loss of my country.”
He took a swig that made his eyes water.
“Long live the USA!” he shouted suddenly, his grief free.
Angela slowly took the seat. Finally. Someone who was feeling as much pain as she was. Most of the camp had adjusted to the idea and some were even looking forward to it now, but not her. Leaving her homeland was a wound that would never stop bleeding.
“I knew you’d come here.”
His voice was casual and she leaned back, closed her eyes.
“I had to.”
She inhaled deeply of the fragrant pines. “I’ll miss this most.”
He glanced at her as the sun faded from view. “What?”
Her voice trembled. “Breathing our air, knowing I’m home. It’ll never be the same somewhere else.”
He subtly judged her mood. What had she come here for? She’d known he might be here, right? Since he’d shown it to her?
Adrian sighed. She’d thought he’d be too busy calming the herd. She’d wanted to be alone.
“I’m gonna go.” He nodded at the sight of Billy lingering in the shadows. “Let him stay. Please.”
Adrian stood up with a heart suddenly aching with loneliness and knew she felt it from the way her eyes darkened in sympathy.
“You don’t have to.”
“You wanted to be alone to mourn. I’ll see you in camp.”
She let him get to the trees before calling him, afraid of what might happen.
“Wait.”
Adrian didn’t turn, didn’t want her to witness the relief in his eyes. Spending his last night alone on American soil would be torture.
“Will you stay in his place?”
He was surprised at the question. “Send Billy away?”
“Yes.”
He did turn then and he did his best to cover his eagerness. “You sure?”
Angela was suddenly weary. She’d never felt more alone than when she’d woken in Marc’s arms this morning, knowing there was only one American sunrise left for her. The rest would be viewed over foreign land and waters.
“We’ll grieve together.”
He waved their guard on with an eager hand and gestured at the cooler between the chairs.
“I brought drinks, food, and a few other things.”
It was then that Angela realized he’d been hoping to spend this night with her, had been sure she’d come here since Marc was out of camp on a supply run. Her eyes narrowed. That had been intentional too.
Adrian watched her figure it out with worried eyes, always impressed at how fast, how smart she was.
“You still want me to stay?”
Angela’s agreement was easy. Hadn’t she been relieved to find Marc would be out of camp? At least with Adrian she wouldn’t have to pretend to feel something that she didn’t. He understood all of her.
“Yes.”
She pushed off her shoes, closed her eyes in pleasure and Adrian felt his pulse leap. Sexy!
Adrian quietly poured her a drink and set it in the chair’s cup holder, then lit a blunt.
“Hit?”
Her eyes were tired in the firelight, full of pain, and she took a deep hit before passing.
“What about those we’re leaving behind? The ones still following?”
Adrian’s eyes were tortured. “We can’t wait any longer. They’ll have to make their way to us or try to hunker down here and survive.”
“They won’t.”
“The strongest ones will and the balance of power will have shifted by then. Others like you will step up and lead them, teach them.”
Angela saw the frames in his thoughts, each new face making her heart ache. His children! So many!
“How can you leave without them?” she asked harshly, heart breaking for them.
His own face showed her how much he was hurting over it.
“They’re like us. Survivors. These people are the ones who won’t make it if we stay.”
He turned, the emotion too much, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him, sharing his sorrow. It was killing him to have to make this choice.
“What can I do? How can we help them?”
“We’ve left the messages. Other than supplies that will keep for a very long time, there’s nothing. They’ll make it if they were meant to.”
There was silence for a minute, both of them enjoyed the contact, and then Adrian stepped back.
“Kendle and I are close to the end.”
Angela turned to him in surprise, unable to stifle the joy in her tone. “Really?”
Adrian’s smile was full of guilt. “Yes.”
Angela waited as long as she could, not wanting to be drawn into the conversation he had in mind, but it was a battle she had little hopes of winning.
“Why?”
His tone was knowing. “She’s not you.”
Angie’s heart skipped and she sucked in a surprised breath, unprepared for the honesty. He’d stayed away so long!
“She thinks things are great.”
“For her, they are. She has you.”
Adrian turned to inspect her wi
th intense blue eyes. “Not for much longer.”
“When?” She breathed the question, afraid of the answer and what it would mean.
“Soon.”
The expectant silence dragged out and he frowned at her when she didn’t say anything.
“I need to know where we stand, Angie.”
She nodded, more slowly this time. “So do I. I’ll get back to you when I know.”
A note of desperation came into his voice. “How long?”
She sighed, turning to look out the window. “24 hours.”
The End
All Angela White Books
Life After War series
The Survivors
On The Road
Safe Haven
Adrian’s Eagles
From The Ashes
Where We Stand
Bachelor Battles Trilogy
The Change
Changeling Winds
Flash Fiction
Twisted Shorts
Alexa’s Travels
A Prelude
Bone Dust & Beginnings
Upcoming Releases
The Network
The Killin’ Fields of Nebraska
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Foreword
One Common Goal
Part One
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Part Two
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
From the Author
Extras