Secrets in Blood: Lake Of Sins, #2

by L. S. O'Dea

“No.” She turned to Mirra. “Please, Mirra. Don’t do this. Hunt elsewhere. He has done you no harm.” She didn’t want to witness anymore death.

  Mirra glared at the groveling Almighty, no mercy in her eyes.

  “Go, run wild and free.” She grabbed Mirra’s hand. “Have offspring. There are others of your kind now.”

  Mirra glanced at Nirankan and her ears lowered a bit.

  “Little One.” Mirra stroked Trinity’s hair. “Mirra love Little One, but Little One need grow up. This no way of world.” Mirra touched Trinity’s chest, over her heart. “Kindness hurt you one day.” She turned away. “Nirankan, we go. We hunt elsewhere.”

  Nirankan nodded but the other three were not as easy to persuade. Mirra and Nirankan growled but Crazy snapped at them. Mirra had him down on the ground in no time, with her claws pressed into his neck. He straightened, giving her more access and she released him.

  “Meet later, Gaar-Mine, Little One,” called out Mirra as the Trackers headed around the lake and back into the forest.

  At the edge of the brush Nirankan took Mirra’s hand and she allowed it.

  Dad released a huge sigh. “That was close.”

  Gaar watched the Trackers disappear, weariness battling with sorry for control of his features. She stepped up to him and clasped his hand.

  “There are other Handlers too,” she said softly.

  He tightened his grip and then let go. “Yes. I’m happy for Mirra. This is the beginning of another stage in her life, if she can avoid being trapped and killed.”

  The Almighty stood, wiping the dirt off his clothes. “She won’t. They’ll all be killed this time. I thought they were all dead before, but some must have escaped. Not this time. Not after...”

  The others glared at him.

  “How are we getting to the island?” he demanded, quickly changing the subject.

  Jackson had just arrived on the other shore and was helping Hugh out of the canoe.

  “I see, you didn’t hit Hugh as hard as Jethro,” said Dad.

  “Nah,” said Gaar. “He only needed to be knocked out for a moment or two. The young lad, on the other hand, needed to be out for a while to keep him safe. Hard head that one.”

  “Which one of you is going to wait, when the canoe comes back? We’re too big to all fit,” said the Almighty.

  Gaar looked at him. “You’ll wait.”

  “What? I can’t. It isn’t safe. You saw that they wanted me. If they come back—”

  “They’ll not be back,” said Gaar.

  She tugged on Gaar’s sleeve. “Ah, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

  CHAPTER 49

  THREE TRACKERS GLIDED out of the forest toward Trinity and her group. Mirra and Nirankan were not among them.

  “This is not good,” said Gaar.

  “Where’s Mirra and Nirankan?” she asked.

  “Nowhere close,” said Dad, peering into the woods.

  “Do you think they’re on their way?” She scanned the brush, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mirra.

  “They left holding hands. I doubt that they’ll miss the others,” said Gaar.

  “Oh, right,” she blushed.

  “Do you think we have a chance against them?” whispered Dad.

  Gaar shook his head. “One sure. Two maybe, but three? No. We stand no chance.”

  Jackson must have seen the Trackers because he was rowing as hard as he could back toward them.

  “We swim,” she said. “Swim with me and Christian should leave you alone.”

  “Who?” asked Gaar.

  “He’s a River-Man,” she answered.

  “I did not need to hear that,” mumbled Gaar. “I hate those things.”

  “What are they?” Dad looked from her to Gaar.

  “Vile creatures,” said Gaar. “Not something I want to tangle with on land, let alone water.”

  The Almighty glanced behind him and quickly stepped away from the lake.

  “He’s been nice to me,” she said and shrugged.

  “I’m sure you think he’s your friend.” Gaar’s tone was beleaguered.

  The Trackers were only a few yards away.

  “But we don’t really have a choice,” said Gaar. “So, water it is and hopefully, the River-Man is well fed.” He followed her into the lake.

  “Are you sure I can’t out run them?” Dad hesitated at the shoreline.

  “Come on,” she urged. The Trackers were nearing. Dad had to get moving.

  “I hate the water.” Dad put one foot in the lake. “I can’t swim well.” He took another step.

  “Stay by me and I’ll help you.” She waited for him.

  The three of them walked farther into the lake, together.

  “What about me?” The Almighty stood on the shore. “I don’t want to swim with some river-monster-thingy that’s going to eat me.”

  “Suit yourself,” said Gaar as he lowered into the water and began to swim.

  The Almighty raced after them, making huge splashes. “Wait, wait for me,” he sobbed as he threw himself into the water.

  “Quit splashing so much. It draws the River-Men like a dinner bell,” said Gaar.

  “Great,” said Dad. “You couldn’t have told us that before the idiot splashed halfway across the lake.” He began a slow but steady stroke after the others. “Did I ever tell you that I hate, absolutely hate, the water.”

  She sighed. Her father could be a bit of a whiner. She didn’t respond and they all continued swimming in silence.

  The water was dark and still except for the waves created by them. Maybe, Christian was no longer haunting this area. There was a splash behind them and she glanced back. Two of the Trackers had entered the water and were swimming toward them.

  “We have company,” she said, panting. “Trackers.”

  “They hate water,” said Gaar, looking behind him.

  “So do I,” said Tim. “And yet, I’m in it.”

  “Swim faster,” said Gaar. “They may dislike water but they’re fast.”

  Sure enough, the Trackers were gaining on them. They all increased their strokes but it was no use. The Trackers were more physically capable in all areas. She was in the lead, closely followed by Gaar with her father a little distance behind and the Almighty struggling in the back.

  “Hurry, Dad,” she yelled. “You have to move.”

  “I’m trying,” he gasped between mouthfuls of water.

  There was a scream and a splash. The Almighty struggled in the lead Tracker’s grasp. At first, the Tracker attempted to drag the Almighty behind him but he must have tired of the struggle because after a few moments he twisted the Almighty’s neck and then swam back to shore, dragging the body.

  “Don’t watch! Keep swimming,” yelled Gaar.

  She’d been treading water, watching the scene play out behind her. Crazy was gaining on her father. Dad was too slow. He would never out swim the approaching Tracker.

  “Swim, Trinity, don’t worry about me,” yelled Dad.

  Crazy was almost on him. She wasn’t going to lose him now, not like this. She started to swim back. Gaar reached out to stop her but she ducked under the water, dodging his hand. She was never going to make it in time. Crazy was fast, too fast and then Jackson and the canoe zoomed up to her dad. He pulled her father into the boat and rowed away, leaving the Tracker with a wave splashing over its head. She released her breath. Dad was going to be okay. Jackson grabbed her and Gaar and then rowed toward the island.

  Near the shore, they stepped out of the boat. Jackson and Gaar began securing the canoe while she and her father ran onto the land. Suddenly, Crazy lunged out of the water tackling Jackson. The two, struggling, rolled back into the lake.

  “No!” She raced toward the water. This couldn’t be happening. Jackson did not deserve this.

  Gaar ran to help Jackson but the canoe started to drift away. He grabbed it and carried it to the shore. Dad and Hugh rushed toward them at the sound of her scream.

 
; Crazy was on Jackson’s back with his teeth at the Guard’s neck. Jackson’s face was underwater and his arms flew wild, striking at the Tracker but without any force. Jackson would lose consciousness soon. She had to do something. She launched herself at the Tracker, knocking him off Jackson. Crazy threw back his arm, hitting her and pushing her farther into the water. Gaar headed toward her.

  “Get Jackson,” she yelled. The Guard floated face down in the water.

  Gaar hesitated but she dove under the water, dodging Crazy. She popped her head up. Gaar was dragging Jackson toward shore. She took another deep breath, preparing to dive again when Crazy captured her in his grasp. The Tracker was strong but she was wet and slippery. She wiggled to break free and managed to push away from him, her feet contacting with his stomach. He hissed and snatched her by the hair, dunking her. She slashed at his hands with her claws but couldn’t break his hold. Her chest ached with the need for oxygen. Her heart pounded in her ears. Bubbles slipped past her lips. She’d have to draw breath soon. She wouldn’t be able to fight it much longer and when she did inhale, only water would greet her lungs. She floundered for release but her strength had deserted her. She peered into the murky depths. Nothing but darkness. Another bubble slid out of her nose and there was a flash of something silver below. Death should be dark not bright like stars, but the sparkles glimmered, coming closer. She couldn’t hold out any longer. She opened her mouth to breathe when the shimmering sparkles below formed into a shape. A large creature zipped upward past her to break Crazy’s hold while pushing her to the surface. She gasped in air as Christian pulled Crazy under, spinning in circles. Soon, Crazy stopped struggling and the two disappeared in the depths.

  She treaded water, staring at nothing beneath her. It was so fast. One minute Crazy had her and the next he was gone. Suddenly, something grabbed her around the chest. She struck out with her claws.

  “Stop, it’s me,” said Hugh, refusing to release her. “Just float.”

  It was good he didn’t want her to do more, because right now she could barely do that. She retracted her claws and relaxed in his hold as he swam back to shore, dragging her behind him. They passed her dad who had swum out to save her. She wanted to smile at him but couldn’t quite make her lips obey. Dad paddled behind them, trying to keep up. Gaar met them and grabbed her, carrying her onto the land. Dad and Hugh crawled out of the water. Jackson was on his hands and knees in the shallows coughing.

  “What in the name of Araldo was that?” Dad looked back over the lake.

  “Christian.” Her body trembled as Gaar gently placed her on her feet.

  “What has Conguise been up to?” whispered Hugh.

  What did he mean by that? She shot him a questioning look, but he continued scanning the surface of the water.

  “That was in the lake the whole time we were?” Dad shivered. “I knew I had a reason to hate the water.”

  Dad wrapped his arm around her and the small group went farther ashore toward the fires that someone had built. The others already sat huddled in small groups near the warmth and light, waiting out the night.

  She sat by her dad and Hugh. “Where’s Mom?” she asked, shoving aside the recent events. She wasn’t ready to sort through them.

  “Safe. I’ll take you there tomorrow.” Dad nodded at the nearby Almightys and House Servants and then put his finger to his lips.

  She motioned for him to follow her. When they were several feet away, she leaned in closer to him so that even the House Servants shouldn’t be able to hear.

  “I have something I have to do first.”

  “What?” he whispered, cupping his mouth to help quiet the sound.

  “We freed the Producers at the Finishing Camp. They’re still there. They need help navigating the forest.” She looked over at Gaar.

  He was sitting across from them whittling a stick. He met her gaze and nodded.

  “Gaar will travel with us.”

  Dad glanced at the Handler. “Your mother is safe in the forest. We can travel there with the other Producers.” He hugged her. “You did well, Trin. I’m proud of you.”

  Her throat tightened. He’d often told her that he was proud of her, but this was different. She was proud of herself. They moved back to sit next to Hugh.

  In the other groups, the Almightys sat close to the fires, soaking up the warmth. The Grunts and House Servants sat back, huddling together, even though the Servants probably started the fires. That needed to change. She stood and went to each group, insisting that everyone move closer together. If an Almighty started to argue, they met either a glare from Hugh or Gaar. No one argued much. When she was sure that the strangers were as comfortable as possible, she moved over to Jethro and his family.

  Jackson leaned against the statue with Kim snuggled against his side. Martha lay asleep next to her daughter. With eyes closed, Jackson stroked Kim’s hair. Jethro sat off to the side, alone, staring out over the lake.

  “You guys okay?” she asked quietly.

  Jackson opened his eyes and nodded. He held his finger to his lips for a moment and then whispered, “She’s finally sleeping.”

  “Thank you for saving our lives in the lake and your help at the Tracker Camp,” she said. “I’ll never be able to repay you.”

  “No. Thank you.” He rested his head against the statue, his hand still caressing Kim’s hair, and shut his eyes. “I owe you more than my life.”

  There was peace and contentment on his face. Funny, that he should find that here, stranded on an island while Trackers hunted the nearby forest. It must have more to do with who he was with than where he was. She moved over by Jethro and dropped to the ground next to him. His face was blank, his eyes staring into the darkness, probably, seeing nothing but memories.

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  He didn’t answer.

  “I’m sorry about your father.” She meant it. Benedictine was going to have her killed and eaten, but her heart hurt for what Jethro had gone through.

  “Leave me alone,” he said, his voice cracking.

  “Jethro.” She touched his arm.

  He jerked away and looked at her, anger and hatred marring his attractive features. “You brought them to my home.”

  It wasn’t her fault. She hadn’t wanted anyone to get hurt.

  Then his face crumpled and he fell into her arms, sobbing against her shoulder. She held him tightly, making shushing noises and stroking his silky hair.

  He inhaled shakily and then pulled away, lying back on the grass. He reached out for her hand and gently pulled her down next to him. He entwined their fingers and soon his breathing became steady in sleep. The warmth of his hand in hers and his gentle breath falling across the top of her head coaxed her into slumber.

  Someone shook her shoulder. She woke slowly, a warm body holding her close. She opened her eyes and stared into the disapproving face of her father. Jethro lay alongside her, his arms wrapped around her waist. She blushed.

  “You need to come back over here.” Dad’s tone brooked no arguments.

  She sat up. Jethro murmured in his sleep and then turned over. She followed her father back by the fire. The moon was still high in the sky. She hadn’t slept long.

  “What is there between the two of you?” he asked.

  “Nothing. We’re just friends,” she answered.

  “Friends don’t cling to each other in sleep.” He stopped and grabbed her shoulders. “Listen, Trinity. Take it from one who knows. Interclass pairing is not easy. Choose another road if you can. It’s illegal and it has to remain hidden. That’s hard on any relationship. If you can, look elsewhere for a mate.”

  She nodded. They walked back to the others. She sat between her father and Hugh.

  “Don’t go back over there,” ordered Dad.

  She bit her lip to keep from snapping at him. She’d been on her own now for weeks. Plus, she was almost seventeen years old. She should have been mated by now with her own offspring.

>   “Get some sleep. Tomorrow is not going to be easy.” Dad lay back on the ground.

  Hugh stared pensively into the crackling fire, the hoots and hollers of the Trackers fading in the night.

  “Can you still hear them?” he asked after several moments.

  “Yes,” she said. “You?”

  “No. My hearing’s not as good as yours. My eyesight either. Or my strength, jumping, endurance...” He laughed, harshly. “Shall I go on expounding on the benefits of being an Almighty?”

  “But you have all the power,” she said, confused at his mood.

  “Somehow, that is true.” He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees.

  She studied him covertly. She couldn’t help it; she was curious about this Almighty. He had risked his life to save hers and had been more than honorable in the rescue of all those surrounding them. He could have easily saved himself first.

  “Did you know Viola?” he asked.

  In all the excitement, she’d forgotten about Viola’s sacrifice. “A little. She seemed kind. She was beautiful.”

  “Yes, she was.” He frowned. “And she died unnecessarily.

  If Viola hadn’t taken her place it would have been her head lying on the cart.

  “I’m sorry.” He turned to look at her. “In no way, did I mean that it should have been you. It shouldn’t have been anyone.” After a long pause, he continued, “It was my fault that she was there. I didn’t trust her. I thought she was working with her father.” The edges of his face hardened with anger. His visage was frightening in the glow from the firelight.

  “Conguise deserves to die for what he did to his daughter,” she said.

  “He didn’t know,” he said quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose and turning back toward the fire.

  “How did he not know?”

  “I saw him when the cloth was removed. He was as shocked as the rest of us. He probably ordered the Stocker to slaughter...her, not even taking the time to meet...well...you. Stockers can’t see or smell worth a damn.” He shook his head. “They’re even worse than Almightys.” He tossed a piece of wood into the fire. “I don’t understand why she didn’t say something.”

  “Maybe, it happened too quickly.”