“Yes,” he growled back.
Caleb chose that moment to step from the trees, the rabbits skinned and tied together. “Rabbits…” His voice trailed off as he looked up. One of the alpha wolves pounced at Grey, his snarl filling the quiet forest.
Lexia stepped back, avoiding the fighting, just as a set of angry blue eyes locked with her.
“Lex,” Caleb yelled as the wolf leaped.
Lexia didn’t move. She stared into his blue eyes as he sailed through the air toward her, knocking him sideways when he came within inches of her.
“Get back,” Caleb insisted, pushing her behind him.
“Caleb, I don’t need protecting,” she retorted, stepping around him. “Stop this,” she yelled, running toward the fighting wolves, stepping between them. “I know tensions are high, but this solves nothing. However these,” she continued, pulling the blueprints from her jacket, “these will help us put an end to the bloodshed.”
They paused, looking at the paper in her hand. “You got them?” Grey asked after shifting.
“Yes, now which one of you is ex-military?” Lexia asked.
“He’s not here. We have another few men camping deeper into the mountain,” Grey answered.
“A few?” she questioned.
“Yes, more arrive each day. Word’s out that we’re making a stand. I think you know one of them. Sammy?”
“Sammy? He’s here? What the hell is he doing here?” She shook her head angrily, “I told him to go home.”
“That’s the thing, Lexia. We shifters can’t go home. Not until this is over. We used to be a strong people but now we hide amongst the humans, living as them.”
“I just don’t want anyone else getting hurt,” she sighed.
“It’s inevitable,” Grey replied.
Lexia didn’t answer. She had no reply because he was right. Before this war ended, there would be more than just people being hurt. They’d be killed, and she couldn’t find a way out of it.
“I need to go. Please stop blowing up our supply runs,” she added as she turned.
“I can’t promise that,” Grey replied.
“Thanks for skinning the rabbits, Caleb,” Lexia said as she picked them up.
“Out of food already? We only destroyed two trucks,” Grey said.
Lexia paused. Looking back over her shoulder, she answered, “Lucy’s made a list of those she’s going to feed. I came out here to find food for the rest.”
“Send for more supplies. We’ll leave the trucks,” Grey sighed.
“It’s too late, Grey. Lucy’s locked down the compound. No one in, no one out. Whatever she plans is very near and she doesn’t need every hunter to accomplish it. She’s made a list of who she wants and the rest…well the rest are replaceable. Her words, not mine.”
“Do you have any idea what she is planning?”
“None, move quickly, Grey. Time is short,” she threw over shoulder as she walked away.
Caleb caught up a few seconds later. Weaving through the trees, he kept up with Lexia’s quick pace with ease. “Don’t go back.”
“Not this again. I have to, Caleb.”
“No you don’t,” he snarled, frustrated.
Letting out an angry breath, Lexia stopped in her tracks. Caleb narrowly avoided colliding into her.
“I do. I have a mission to end.”
“You’re not a soldier, Lex. You’ve given Grey what he needs. Let the wolves finish it. Come with me now before you’re hurt, or worse, killed.”
“You’re right. I’m not a soldier. I’m a leader. I have a unit I can’t and won’t abandon. I have friends who need me. Alice is in there.”
“Get her out then.”
“And then what? Someone needs to end Lucy.”
“There are nine alpha wolves, and plenty more strong, capable shifters on the way. Why can’t one of them do it?”
“They’d have to get inside the compound unseen, because the second chaos erupts, she’ll abandon everyone to their fates. It has to be me. The wolves can take out the rest of the board and I’ll deal with Lucy. If we move as one, there will be no chance of anyone getting away.”
“You’re determined to kill yourself, aren’t you?” Caleb said sadly.
“Lucy dies first,” she answered, continuing on her path.
Caleb didn’t follow her this time, though he yelled something which made her stomach lurch with anticipation and dread. “I have to tell Lincoln what you have planned.”
“Do what you have to,” she yelled, not looking back.
Chapter 29
The rabbits lasted all of two days and then the compound was back to fighting. Tension ran through the air like an invisible gas, infecting all it passed. Fights broke out over the silliest of things, and to make matters worse, the second Lexia walked back inside the cargo hold carrying her bounty of rabbits, heavy metal doors had closed behind her. Every way out of the compound had been locked remotely and steel shutters came down as an extra precaution, meaning no one could get outside, even if they beat the door down.
Lucy had locked them all in a concrete tomb, with no windows, no fresh air and without the need for patrols or night watch, the hunters found themselves with nothing to do but to contemplate starving to death. It became a fight for survival, every man for themselves.
The pressure even started to infect Lexia’s little group. She’d spent most of the day locked inside a large room on the quieter side of the compound. Twenty members of her unit were also in the room, along with Derrick, Marcus, Belinda and Alice. The group had been running drills, using techniques Lincoln had once taught Lexia to try and calm everyone’s minds. They were now taking a break, eating the terribly plain soup the kitchen had cooked up. It mostly tasted of flavored water, but it was better than nothing. Her phone had been vibrating softly in her pocket for the last few hours, but being surrounded by so many people, she’d been unable to see what it was.
Risking a quick glance, she noticed several texts from Grey and one from Sarah. “I’m just going to pop out for a sec,” she murmured, standing up.
“All right,” Derrick replied. The others didn’t seem to notice.
Walking a little way down the corridor, Lexia stopped, when she was far enough away from preying cameras and read the messages.
Sarah – Is everything all right? There’s been no contact from the compound in days. My contact is getting edgy; though I’ve reassured him everything is on track. Please tell me everything is on track.
Grey – WTF is happening there? Took a little stroll to see why the forest has been so quiet to find the place looking like Fort Knox.
Grey – Well, plans are going ahead even if you’re not coming out. I’m sorry, Lex, but this needs to end.
The last message flowed over three texts.
Grey – 4 days, that’s all you have. Philp, my ex-military guy’s, plans are as follows: each entrance, apart from one, will be blown together, allowing for only one exit, making containment of the hunters easier. Twenty minutes from the first detonations, the last entrance will be blown, followed by the others placed at structural spots throughout. This will happen just before daybreak, allowing us to work under the cover of darkness. We need to meet to discuss which entrance to leave until last.
Taking a breath, Lexia replied to Sarah first.
Everything is fine. We are on lockdown. The plan is going ahead in 4 days at daybreak. Be ready to move at a moment’s notice. I’m relying on you, Sarah. Do not let me down; otherwise, your sons will pay the price.
Sarah's response was immediate.
Sarah – I won’t.
Grey, I’ve informed Sarah of the plan. I’ll find a way to get out before the plan goes ahead. All hunters who surrender you mustn’t harm. I’ll finish Lucy, just make sure my people aren’t unnecessarily killed.
Grey – Understood, see you soon.
Returning to the room, Lexia stood on the other side of the door before going back inside, peering through
the little window at the people inside. Every one of them had stood by her. She was responsible for so many lives and right now, they risked starving to death or being killed by their own people before the wolves even made a move.
Sensing her gaze, Derrick looked up, smiling, but it soon vanished as he read her face. Murmuring to Marcus, he stood and walked out, joining Lexia.
“What’s the matter?”
“Apart from my mother’s plan to starve us all to death? The wolves have set a date. Four days from now this war ends.”
“Four days…shit, Lex. How are we going to get out? They might as well do it now, save us spending the next four days trying not to die when we’ve no choice anyway.”
“I’m not dying inside this hell hole and neither are you. You are going home to your wife and daughter. I’ll get those doors up.”
“First, you’ll have to find Lucy,” he muttered.
“Yeah, I’m hoping our camera friend can help with that. I’m going to go pay him a visit. Watch over everyone for me.”
Derrick nodded his approval and she left. The compound was eerily quiet. Just the day before screams and angry yells had echoed off every wall. The infirmary was over flowing with the injured; luckily, hunters healed fast. Today though, the tension still lingered but mixed with a heavy sorrow. She found it hard to explain. It was as if the hunters had lost their purpose. Lucy had all but disappeared. She’d heard some whisper that Lucy had locked them all in to die and fled. Morale had hit an all-time low. Lexia hoped this lull in violence lasted longer than the day. She had a feeling when they rose again, dusting off their feelings, there’d be no calming the hunters’ need for blood.
“Ah, Lexia,” Andy said.
Lexia glance around her making sure the coast was clear.
“It’s all right. I made sure we were alone,” Andy told her, waving his tablet in the air. Four tiny pictures of various cameras in the vicinity were displayed on the screen.
“You knew I was coming?”
“Yep,” he answered proudly.
“Is there nothing you don’t see?” Lexia laughed.
“You’d be surprised at the juicy gossip I hear.” He lowered his voice, glancing around comically. “Lucy’s private cameras are the best.”
“Private?” Lexia whispered back, a questioning look on her face.
“Oh, yeah, she has lots of secret cameras around. I’m not the only one who likes to spy.”
Lexia shook her head in disbelief. “Don’t tell me any more.” She’d heard enough of the horrible things her mother had done to last her a lifetime. “I’m here–”
“Because you’d like to know her whereabouts,” Andy interrupted.
Lexia had given up wondering how Andy heard every conversation she’d had. “So?”
Tapping his screen a few times, Andy showed her the screen. “This was the last time I saw her. She went into this room and seems to have never come out.”
“Where is this?”
“In Science. It’s an unmarked door. I’ve looked it up on the plans but it’s down as storage. Maybe she’s locked in there with a hoard of food?”
“I’m certain it’s far worse than that,” Lexia answered absently, her mind mulling over the possible scenarios.
“Well, if she happens to be locked in there with food, can you bring me some?” Andy laughed.
Her attention back on Andy, she asked, “How are the humans coping? You’re eating something, right?”
“Yeah, good thing about the kitchen staff being human. We feed our own first.” His eyes widened. “Oh, I shouldn’t have told you that.”
Lexia smiled. “It’s okay, Andy. It doesn’t bother me. Can you bring up a map to show me that room?”
“Yep.” His gaze fixed on the screen.
A few taps later, and Lexia had memorized the location. Thanking Andy, she went on her way.
She’d never been into this part of the compound when it was so quiet. Most of the time, the human lab rats scurried about doing Lucy’s bidding. Science wasn’t a place that held happy memories for Lexia. In the first weeks of her arrival, she underwent many experiments; had to endure test after test, and prod after prod. Until she’d reached the point where she could no longer stay present and the things that had happened to her, didn’t register anymore. Endless pain. That was what this place had brought her and she imagined it had brought countless others the same.
Reaching the unmarked door, Lexia paused. Her plan was to work over what she’d say but the door opened the next second. Lucy’s startled face stared at her before she regained her composure.
“Maura, I was just coming to find you actually.”
“Really?” Lexia asked, surprised.
“Yes. Though I am curious why you’ve found me and how?”
She didn’t answer right away, Lucy’s sudden appearance rattled Lexia and she couldn’t think of an answer that didn’t involve, I want you to open up the doors so we can all escape when the wolves blow the place up.
“I, well, I think it would be wise to send for more food…and medical supplies.”
“Medical supplies? Last time I checked, we had plenty.”
Lexia found her voice as anger licked through her blood. “I’m sure there was four days ago, but you’ve been hiding in that room while the compound fell apart. They think you have locked them in here to die.”
Lucy laughed, its musical notes filled Lexia’s head. Her fingers twitched, desperate to lay a hand on Lucy. “So dramatic, darling.”
“The hunters follow you, Mother. Their purpose is to carry out your orders. Without them, they have no outlet to channel their rage and need for blood. We need to open up the compound. Double the patrols if you must but give them a reason to be here.”
Lucy tilted her head to the side, her cruel eyes studying Lexia. “Why do you think so many struggle with their abilities but you seem to have them under control and so do many in your unit?”
“I was born this way.”
“Yes, I do think that helps, but the others, I am curious. You see it is an ongoing problem. A flaw I cannot seem to solve.”
“Honestly, I think it depends on what the person was like before the transformation. It’s their humanity that separates them,” Lexia answered, hoping she’d not said too much.
“Interesting,” she answered, touching a finger to her chin, “And here I was thinking their humanity was their greatest flaw.” Her eyes glazed over, a faraway look appearing on her face. “Sometimes, we must admit defeat and start again,” she murmured quietly.
“Start again?” Lexia asked, not quite keeping the tremble from her voice.
“Never mind, dear.” Her eyes hardened. “I have a job for you. There is a package arriving for me at Rapid City Airport. It will arrive this evening, just after dark. It is imperative the package arrives undamaged.”
“What is it?”
“None of your concern. Just know it is very important to me.”
“Why me, Mother?”
Lucy smiled, her hand clasping together. “I have this theory. The shifters will not hurt you.”
“I am a hunter. They despise me.”
A cunning smile graced her lips. “Ah, but you are so much more, my lovely daughter. You are mated to a shifter. From my studies, I have learned they hold their mates very close to their hearts, and as a race nothing is more important. I believe they will know who you are and will hesitate before attacking. That’s all you need, Maura. A hesitation. Enough time to go for the kill.”
“Will there be other supplies with this package?” she asked hopeful.
“I hadn’t arranged anything.”
“Are you planning on letting your army starve? They will not be much good to you dead, Mother.”
“No, I suppose not. I’ll organize something. Stop pestering, Maura. It doesn’t suit you.”
Her hand clenched as she held back the frustrated groan so desperate to escape. Lucy usually made more sense, but Lexia couldn’t find a
single explanation as to why she’d just abandoned her people. She seemed distant, her mind elsewhere.
“Well then, run along, I’ll have the lockdown lifted. Take Derrick with you.” Her hand turned the door handle. “Oh and, Maura, do not fail, or your angry little friend will suffer the consequences.” Lucy opened the door, disappearing back inside.
“Where are you going?” Lexia asked, just before the door closed.
“To start again,” Lucy said vaguely, her voice sounding oddly whimsical.
Walking back to the room she’d left Derrick and the others at, Lexia couldn’t shake the feeling she was missing something. Before she’d reached them, the compound rumbled as the steel shutters opened. Lexia was walking past the cargo hold as they lifted, and the cool breeze rushing past her was the greatest of feelings. Seconds later, Lucy’s voice cracked onto the PA system. “The threat has past. Carry on as normal.”
“Seriously, that’s your explanation?” Lexia muttered to the ceiling.
“You did it!” Derrick said excitedly when she entered the room.
“Yeah,” Lexia muttered, feeling like she’d actually done nothing.
“Awesome work, boss. I was going a little stir crazy,” Marcus said, slapping her on the back.
Lexia forced a smile, still not able to shake the feeling of dread swimming in her stomach.
“The doors are open and the compound is more or less back to normal, so why do you look so dire?” Derrick asked.
“I don’t know, Derrick. Lucy seemed…off.”
“Your mother is off her rocker most days, what’s your problem?” Alice snapped.
“Nothing, I’m fine,” Lexia answered. “Anyway, Derrick, we have an errand to run.”
Noticing several eyes glance her way, Lexia didn’t explain fully. “Lucy has given us the task of fetching more supplies,” she clarified, keeping the fake smile on her face.
“Food?” one of her unit asked.
“Yes, food. By tomorrow, the kitchen will be stocked.”
A round of applause erupted.
“Come on then, Derrick. Work to do.”
“Need us?” Belinda asked.
Holocaust (The Deadwood Hunter Series Book 3) Page 18