From the Ashes

by Angela White

  Samantha left quickly, not waiting for a response. She was sure she had embarrassed herself, but the excited liberation in her stomach was more than worth it. She was truly free now.

  Neil wasn’t sure whether he would go or not. A gentleman wouldn’t, but he wanted her in a way that he’d never experienced before…and he wasn’t a gentleman. He was an Eagle in Adrian’s army, and they went after what they needed, even when the odds appeared insurmountable.

  5

  “Marc to the center fire!”

  “Copy.”

  No longer feeling his mauled wrist thanks to the shot John had given him, Marc’s gaze went over the mess where the pregnant females were being coached by the doctor and Anne while having a snack of leftover tuna casserole. Jennifer was there, too, with Charlie and Becky.

  Angela had told him about the deal Peggy and Hilda made with Kyle, and Marc wasn’t surprised. It was politics, and it went on everywhere. Jennifer was well protected, either way. On top of Angela’s request for him to keep track of her, Kyle had assigned his own security to the teenager, Billy and Charlie.

  Marc refused to consider all of the implications of that, and studied their surroundings instead. The area was brown and dry, despite this being the first official week of summer, but the damn flies are worse, Marc thought, waving at one on his bandaged arm. If they got any more aggressive, the camp would need to carry fly swatters on them all the time. Was an insect swarm the next of nature’s blows?

  “Screw you!”

  Roger Sawyer’s words were brutally loud from across the camp, drawing people from tents and activities.

  “You shouldn’t even be here!”

  Marc and his shadow, Zack, hurried that way.

  6

  “Let it go,” the vet instructed, subtly moving in front of Dale. He had come to the mess to forget about the animals for a while, but here they were again–in human form. “He didn’t mean anything.”

  “Bullshit! He said I was staring at his ass! I’ve never done that!”

  “He made a joke–asked if you’d been looking,” Chris refuted tiredly. “You’re the one who twisted it into something else.”

  “Don’t joke with me about anything–ever,” Roger sneered hatefully toward Dale. “Don’t even talk to me!”

  Chris could feel his temper wanting to take control–he’d had a rough night–but he was also aware of the growing audience. A lynching could happen in this atmosphere. “He won’t, right, Dale?”

  “I think he should say what he wants, to whomever he wants,” another voice spoke up, one that swung attention her way because of how quiet she usually was.

  Tracy took Dale’s left, tired of the bickering when the bosses weren’t around. “You sure shoot your mouth off enough, Roger.”

  “We want homosexuals banned from Safe Haven!”

  “For what reason?” the camp whore asked. She was on Angela’s team now, suddenly a respected member of the camp, but the angry men wisely didn’t bring that up.

  “They’re gay! That’s reason enough,” Tucker defended.

  “No, it isn’t. What crime was committed?” Tracy insisted.

  Tucker wouldn’t answer, and Roger stated, “It’s a sin.”

  “It’s wrong,” Anderson added.

  Marc snorted from behind the crowd, making it part. “So said our old world, and we all know how morally correct they were.”

  “Do you support it all starting up again?” Roger demanded threateningly.

  “Until they commit a crime, they’ll be judged individually, like everyone else in Adrian’s camp.”

  Marc ignored the protests and support, going to the training area instead of lingering for the action.

  Behind him, Zack spoke up. “He told you how it is, now back off.”

  “We don’t take orders from you!”

  “You’re wrong, Sawyer. You always were. That’s why you’ve never been chosen for the Eagles,” Zack sneered. “We’ve known about you and the others who pick on people, but we’ve been waiting for Adrian to get tired of giving you chances to be human to each other. Now that he is, we won’t tolerate it anymore!”

  Marc was aware of the physical fight starting. The camp needed a release, but this had been coming anyway. The Eagles would handle things tonight and Adrian would reclaim a camp that no longer hated their gay population. There wouldn’t be acceptance yet, not so soon, but the vileness spewing from Roger’s mouth would be the last that anyone here let fly without serious consequences.

  “Hey!” Camp radios crackled loudly. “I think we need some ssssongs!”

  Mitch’s slurred declaration had Marc’s feet pointing toward the com truck before he was called. Adrian had been right to leave a plan for the drunkard.

  Marc waved Kevin over. “Set it up, just like Adrian said, then find Matt before you take over the radio. Mitch probably ordered him off of it.” “Been a fun night so far.” Kevin grinned. “You’re doin’ real well.”

  Marc couldn’t help the pride that had him matching Kevin’s good cheer as he continued toward the com truck.

  Those observing had no idea that under his pleased appearance was a Marine set to hand out a punishment. When they saw Marc greet the drunken radioman with a handshake and a smile a few minutes later, muttering started. Up until now, Marc had been doing well, but as he led Mitch toward a picnic table that was being brought to the center fire, there was unease.

  Marc gestured at the table. “Have a seat, there, buddy. Let’s tie one on right. Whadda ya say?”

  Mitch stumbled onto the bench seat. “Soundsss glood to me.”

  Marc joined him, twisting the top on a cold beer. He sucked down the foam as Mitch grabbed the bottle that Li Sing set down, shunning the beer.

  “Bring another one, and keep ‘em comin’,” Marc ordered.

  Li bowed as he backed away, expression alive with curiosity. The small group of witnesses parted to let the cook through. Their quiet alertness told Marc that not only was this lesson for Mitch, it was also for the other drinkers here, too. That’s why it was being done publically.

  Marc gestured to Kevin, after the guard finished updating the rookie about to take his post. “We’re gonna be here a while. Get something flowing, will ya?”

  “Calm and slow?”

  How about Highway to Hell, Marc thought sarcastically, nodding. Damn, it would be good to hand this over to Adrian. How did he keep from shooting them all?

  “Are we drinking or w-what?” Mitch demanded, already fairly loaded.

  Marc raised his dripping beer and downed it.

  7

  Neil paused outside Samantha’s brightly lit flap. When she waved him in, and then closed the shade, he went, not caring that Jeremy might be one of those witnessing. At this moment, he also didn’t care that tomorrow night it might be him waiting out there, alone in the dark.

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?” he grunted bitterly. “Coming here to take advantage of you? No problem.”

  “I know what I need, Neil. Right now, that’s you.”

  Her whisper went through him like white heat. When she slid closer and curled her arms around his neck, Neil surrendered without a fight. “What...whatever you want.”

  Samantha smiled softly. “Hold me?”

  Before the war, Neil had slept with less than a dozen women, all quick fumbles in the dark. He’d never held them, had no need to make sure they enjoyed his touch, but this! Samantha was molten warmth against him, and Neil struggled to control his hands when she placed a slow kiss to his jaw. His grip on her waist tightened as she did it again.

  “Been a while?”

  He nodded jerkily, almost flinching when her mouth neared his.

  Samantha shuddered. Hot! So hot! Her lips pressed lightly to the corner of his mouth, absorbing his groan, and her need flared again, brighter this time.

  “Samantha, I–”

  “Don’t.” Samantha inhaled deeply, picking up smoke, sweat, and heat. “It�
��s okay. You can go if you don’t want me enough to–”

  Sam moaned in satisfaction as his mouth descended over hers with a snarl of lust. Neil!

  As if he’d heard the mental shout, Neil steered them toward her neatly made bed.

  Samantha broke their kiss, needing more. His hands roamed freely, tangling in her hair to bring her mouth up for another punishing kiss that had her pushing against him in desperation.

  “Please!” she gasped when he allowed her to breathe. “Don’t stop, Neil, or leave now. I couldn’t take it if you–”

  “Shhh…”

  Neil slid his hands down to her waist, fingers lifting her shirt.

  Samantha trembled at his hot hands against her bare skin. He unhooked the front of her bra and pushed it aside, dropping low to capture a rocky nipple.

  “Oohh!”

  Samantha arched against his mouth, barely noticing his fingers working the buttons of her pants. His mouth rose to capture hers, and she held on when he dipped her to the cot.

  Neil paused, unable to help being distracted. “Uh, Sam? Why do you have a handcuff key taped under your breast?”

  Samantha groaned in frustration and need, and Neil stored the question. “Okay, later.”

  Neil gently stripped her, rubbing that beautiful body until he thought he’d go crazy with the waiting. She twitched against his hands, mewling little moans coming from her mouth that had him shedding his own clothes.

  Samantha helped him push off his shirt, and her nails found his shoulders, pulled him closer. “Neil...”

  He bent down to kiss her again, using his free hand to remove the last of his clothes. His eyes were dark green orbs burning into her soul as he carefully lowered himself between her legs.

  Neil brushed her soft curls, arms flexing, hips tilting. She trembled as he slid against her, arching upward.

  Neil thrust.

  Sam whimpered, nails digging into his wrists as he shoved into her.

  Neil sank deeper, body tensing, tightening at the sensation of her wrapping around him. He shoved harder and slid all the way in.

  His taut body strained against hers, a groan of guttural lust rising to spill from his lips. Neil pulled himself away from the edge with a groan of determination.

  He jerked forward suddenly, hitting a sweet spot, and she arched against him in response. “Neil!”

  He rubbed them together instead of thrusting; using his thickness to secure her pleasure the way his police pals had jokingly told him could be done. It slid him against her clit at the same time and sent her into a spasm of pleasure that tensed her whole body.

  Her orgasm was unlike anything Neil had ever felt. It was his pleasure, too, and he memorized her expressions as he rocked against her.

  Samantha shuddered violently. So good!

  Neil slid back, breathing roughly. She was slick and pulsing between them, no faking there, and he thrust into her without any of his previous hesitation.

  “Yeah...uuh!” Neil growled in stunned delight when she arched up to meet his violent move and he stiffened above her, too far gone to stop this time.

  When he would have pulled out to finish, Samantha held him close. “I need that too, Neil.”

  He stifled a shout against her shoulder, hips jerking forward as he exploded.

  8

  “Allan’s gonna take my place,” Marc stated. “Gotta do rounds.”

  Mitch looked up in bleary happiness. “G’on then.”

  Marc stood up without any signs that he’d just crushed three beers. But he could feel it. Drinking wasn’t something that he liked to do, but beer was usually okay. Demons came out when he drank, but beer didn’t usually do that to him.

  Marc continued his rounds, seeing the fight at the mess was over. The brawlers were now sitting sullenly outside the medical tent to wait their turn. John and Anne would be busy for a while.

  So will I, he thought, noticing more than a few inviting stares, including the current one from Tracy. They saw his thick body, remembered Angela’s smiles, and instinctively wanted him. Marc loved the feeling and hated it at the same time. It made him uncomfortable and lonely. It also sent his ego to new levels and made him grateful they’d come to Safe Haven. Even during his time in the Marines, he’d never been as useful, as wanted, as he was here.

  His mind went where he’d vowed not to let it go, and Marc wondered if Angela missed him as much as he missed her. He pushed it aside. Right now, he had to smooth Samantha’s ruffled feathers and make sure things were okay on the weather front. After that, he would check on Mitch. They were walking yet another fine line with this setup–they always were with Adrian’s methods–but if it worked, Mitch would have the chance to become a different man.

  As Marc reached the female side of the tents, he noticed a lone Eagle standing stiffly in the shadows. Jeremy looked as though he’d been gut-punched.

  Marc followed his line of sight to the very tent he’d been on his way to, realizing there were shadows moving on the walls.

  Entwined on a cot, one had a hand between her legs and long hair spilling over her shoulders. The other wore an all-too-familiar hat as he rocked against her.

  Those are some feathers he’s soothing, Marc groaned, hurrying to intercept Jeremy when the Eagle moved toward the tent. “Damn, I wish Adrian was back.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  1

  “There’s no damage here, ya know? Just can’t get over that,” Doug said, pushing away his half-eaten bowl. Even the dogs were fed better. “Why wouldn’t this be destroyed, too?”

  The sky above them was roiling with pale gray through dingy black, but the clouds were there, as well. It appeared they were going to get wet, but none of them could bring themselves to dread the mud and mess involved. They needed the rain too much.

  Doug’s was a general question, but everyone looked to Angela for the answer.

  Catching Adrian’s subtle nod, she answered. “Fate spared it because no innocent blood has ever been spilled here. It was left alone after the war because people think it’s haunted.”

  Some of them chuckled, but the amusement was gone quickly as Adrian asked, “Is it?”

  “Not any more than the rest of our world now.” Angela continued to roam through the mental fog…and found something.

  Reacting instantly to her concern, Adrian keyed his radio. “Full alert.” He looked at Angela. “What is it?”

  “It’s okay. Marc’s calling.” She didn’t hide the satisfaction. “They had some trouble, but he’s covering… Damn it!”

  When Angela drew her gun, so did everyone else who saw her.

  She swiveled to a view of their back trail and those stunning blue eyes blazed into crimson as she brought the witch forward.

  Adrian and the rest of them gaped at the enormous amount of small shadows streaming their way. Behind the rodents, running over the mounds of debris, were the bounty hunters sent to capture them.

  “Too many! Into the vehicles!” Kenn ordered.

  Their team fled toward the vehicles that lined the cleared street. Angela, no longer restrained by a twitchy herd, immediately brought a shield up around them–including their UPVs.

  Adrian turned to stare at her in shock. She hadn’t just been laying low about how recovered she was. Those basic gifts she had lived with all her life were now fully under her control. She’d mastered a new level without telling anyone. On her own!

  Outside the small shield, the animals didn’t leave. The Mother said the humans were too many for a direct attack in Safe Haven, but this small group was vulnerable despite the power in it. And the first attempt on Safe Haven had shown nature how best to attack.

  “They’re everywhere!”

  Many of the rodents had made it through the shield as she brought it up.

  Angela slung her foot and then stomped on the rat trying to chew through her boot, foot crunching as she added her weight to keep the manhole cover on. Around her, the others were doing the same or shooting at
the legions of sewer rats scurrying from storm drains.

  “Get in the trucks!” Kenn shouted again.

  “No!” Adrian overruled. “Too many cracks and holes. We have to get off the ground.”

  Hiss...

  Gas exploded inside their circle, thick white fumes that quickly sent the rodents inside the shield fleeing back into the sewer.

  Adrian motioned the Eagles to cover their mouths and noses as best they could.

  Some of the rats fled from the fumes, stopping along the way to shudder in violent spasms.

  Hiss...

  Another canister and the amount of gas inside the shield quickly became smothering. Coughs and gasps for air made Angela bring it down.

  Hiss... Bamm!

  The release of gas as the shield vanished was like a small bomb, spreading out in a circle of lung-injuring confusion that slammed into the waiting predators.

  Not expecting it, the rest of nature’s army fled, crying and coughing in agony. A lot were killed outright from the amount of chemical shoved into open, lunging mouths, giving the team a carcass perimeter.

  Cough! Cough! Spit!

  It was loud as the mission team recovered, tears streaming too heavily to see who had saved them. Adrian was also hacking and crying, but knew who to thank. He could feel the anger and the energy that was being directed at him, and recognized it.

  “Conner.”

  The boy didn’t come any closer to the armed men. The mask he wore left him unfazed by the gas. He removed the mask and secured it to his belt, but didn’t wait for them to recover. “You still have company.”

  Shadows raced over the hills of debris, shifting garbage in their rush. Dressed in long, tan coats and goggles, the bounty hunters carried military type kits and well-tended rifles.

  The Eagles automatically got into a defensive V, and Adrian took Point.

  “Get them!” This voice was cold and hard, ordering the hunters down the debris piles.

  More shadows ran their way and Adrian called, “Fire the nets!”

  Safe Haven’s defenders had learned the bat lesson well. Their aim had also improved through practicing, and the two dozen attackers weren’t expecting the cargo nets that trapped them and prevented shooting. The bullets that followed were lethal, but there wasn’t time to kill them all.