Phoenix Burning

by Anne, Melody

  “How did it happen?” John asked while he worked on the boy.

  “I honestly don’t know. A group of soldiers must have snuck up behind us, because I was hit on the head and passed out cold. We’re lucky our entire group didn’t get wiped out. We’re only still alive because of Jessica’s clear thinking. She’d been getting water when it happened. She came back and saw three soldiers attacking and was able to take them all on,” Mathew said with pride. It was clear he liked her, but she had the same cocky look on her face she always wore. She didn’t even know he existed.

  “Jessica, what did you see?” John asked. She immediately lost the arrogant look, and suddenly turned her face into the mask of a frightened little girl. Phoenix wasn’t fooled, and hoped her brother wasn’t either, but Jessica had been very good at tricking everyone in the cave.

  “I can’t remember a whole lot, John. It happened so suddenly. I got back with the water and saw a soldier standing behind Dean. He shoved the knife in his stomach, and I saw red. I grabbed my gun and shot before they knew what hit them,” Jessica said, managing to make her body tremble. Phoenix figured she should win an Emmy for her acting abilities.

  “Did anyone else see anything?” John asked. The others shook their heads. It was obvious they were all freaked, but no one was saying a word. “Did you kill the soldiers?”

  “No, they got away. I think I killed the one who stabbed Dean, but the others were hit in the shoulder. They dragged the third one away,” Jessica replied. “It was only Mathew and Dean at that spot. The rest of our group was gathering firewood.”

  Phoenix went on instant alert at her words. The only possible witness to their attack was on his deathbed. She really wanted to hear what Dean had to say. She didn’t believe a word coming out of Jessica’s mouth.

  “Is he going to be okay?” Phoenix asked as she knelt down. His breathing was alarmingly shallow, and sweat covered his entire body. The wound was still oozing blood, even though they’d wrapped it.

  “No, he’s not going to make it. I don’t think he’s going to wake up, which would probably be best, because the pain would be unbearable. We don’t have anything that can help him,” John replied. Mathew dropped to his knees, his hopes dashed.

  “I’m sorry, Dean. I’m so sorry,” Mathew muttered as he laid his hand on the boy’s head.

  “It’s not your fault, Mathew. This is war — and horrible things happen,” John soothed. John carried the boy back to their camp and laid him on a blanket near the fire. They opened his mouth and tried to get him to drink, but it didn’t work. Phoenix looked at the wound, but John was right, it wasn’t fixable. She bandaged it back up, and did the only thing she could, which was to lie with him until he took his last breaths. It didn’t take long. He was gone within an hour.

  The group dug a grave and buried the boy, who was only fifteen years old. How were they going to tell his parents he didn’t make it? Tears slipped down the girls’ faces and a few of the guys’ too, as they said their goodbyes to one of their friends.

  “It’s so frightening out there. I’m really glad we found you,” Jessica said. Phoenix glared at her.

  “Have you run into very many sticky situations?” John asked Mathew, ignoring Jessica’s attempt for attention.

  “No, we’ve been lucky. We didn’t run into anyone until today. A couple more hours and Dean would’ve lived. I—” he cut himself off. He was exhausted. He most likely hadn’t slept in days.

  “Mathew, get some sleep. We have other troops coming in the morning, and we’re taking the island. I’m tired of watching innocent men and women die. We’ll stop this for good,” John said. Phoenix felt the power of his words.

  “I’ll take you up on that, John. I haven’t been able to sleep without being awakened at the slightest sound. I think I can actually get some rest, knowing you’re keeping an eye on everything,” Mathew replied. He placed his hand on John’s shoulder as a thank you, then moved to the edge of their camp, where he laid out a thin bedroll. It looked as if he fell asleep the second his head hit the bag he was using for a pillow.

  “How’s the love triangle going?” Jessica asked Phoenix smugly.

  “I have nothing to say to you, Jessica,” Phoenix told her. She was uncomfortable with Jessica in the same camp. Phoenix didn’t trust her — and wasn’t going to be able to sleep while she was there.

  “Tsk, tsk, why be that way? Just because we’ve had our differences doesn’t mean we’re not fighting on the same side, right?” Jessica said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

  “I don’t know what team you’re fighting for, Jessica, but I don’t think you do anything unless it directly benefits you. Where are your groupies?” Phoenix fired back.

  “They were assigned different teams, but Cheyenne and Laura will be here tomorrow. I’m sure they’ve missed you as much as I have,” Jessica said. The way she spoke was clearly a threat.

  “It’ll be one big family reunion. I’m so pleased,” Phoenix said. She turned her head, wondering where Sadie was. She’d feel a lot more comfortable if they stuck together.

  “What are you two talking about?” Devon asked as he sat next to Phoenix. She tensed without realizing it, but Jessica immediately picked up on the uncomfortable vibes.

  “Have the two lovebirds had a falling out? Phoenix doesn’t look too happy about having you next to her,” Jessica taunted gleefully.

  “We’re fine, Jessica, not that it’s any of your business,” Devon snapped. She’d hit far too close to home for comfort.

  “You know, Devon, I’d be more than happy to lick any of your wounds, and I’m real good at . . . soothing,” Jessica said, drawing out the last word.

  “I’ll try to remember that,” he said, turning toward Phoenix. She knew they needed to talk, but she still didn’t know what to say to him. “Let’s take a walk,” he offered.

  He stood up and held out his hand. Phoenix might’ve refused if Jessica wasn’t watching their every move, but she’d rather have an awkward conversation with Devon than trade insults with Jessica. She didn’t say anything else, just took his hand and turned away. Jessica laughed behind them as if she enjoyed the show. Phoenix had to consciously make sure her body didn’t tense.

  Phoenix and Devon walked to the water’s edge. The air was muggy and a sheen of sweat covered her body, so she rolled up her pant legs, took off her shoes, and stepped in the cool lake. She almost sighed aloud at the instant relief. As Devon joined her, she felt her muscles tense, though she tried to fight it.

  “I don’t know how many ways I can say I’m sorry, but I am, Phoenix. I don’t want our friendship to end. You’ve known me for months now, and I’ve never done anything to scare you or betray your trust, so please don’t shut me out over one stupid moment,” Devon said, his voice barely above a whisper. She could hear the devastation in his tone. Her shoulders sagged as she realized how much she’d frozen him out. She questioned her own feelings, and she was taking it out on him. That was just as wrong as what had happened between them.

  “I’m sorry, Devon. I’ve just been confused, and then the kiss, and . . . The thing is, I love Jayden with all my heart, but he’s been gone a very long time. I have feelings for you, but I won’t act on them — it would be a betrayal of everything I’ve believed in. When I’m with you, I find myself wanting you to kiss and touch me, and I don’t want to feel that way,” Phoenix said. She was frustrated with her words because she knew they weren’t coming out right, but she didn’t know another way to explain it.

  Devon placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her so they were facing each other. They were both aware the others were most likely watching them, but they didn’t care. The moment was about the two of them, not anyone else in the camp.

  “I’d rather have your friendship than nothing. We’re partners in this. There have already been a lot of lives lost. We can’t afford to lose the ones we love. Don’t protest — I’m not declaring my undying lo
ve for you, but I do love you. You love Sadie and John — can’t you love me like that, at least?” he asked. She couldn’t possibly say those words to him; it wasn’t the same thing at all. She realized as he spoke them, though, she did love him, but not in the way he wanted her to.

  She was attracted to him, not because she was in love, but because he was her friend, companion, and had filled the loneliness inside her since Jayden had left. She felt more guilt as she looked into his pleading eyes. She didn’t want to hurt him the way she’d been hurt when she’d found out Brian didn’t love her. She knew he’d heal, as she had, but inflicting even slight pain on him was wrong.

  “Devon, I do care about you, and I’m sorry if I’ve sent the wrong message. I’ve been confused, scared, and lonely, and you’ve been there for me. I’m sorry, but I’m never going to want more than friendship from you,” she said as kindly as she could. It felt like a knife slicing away at her as she watched him wince at her words. He quickly pulled himself together and gave her a grin.

  “I told you I’m okay with friendship,” he said, but she could see he was lying. He wasn’t okay with only being her friend. She’d hurt him, though it was the last thing she’d ever wanted to do. She was afraid she was going to lose him. On instinct, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. It took him a moment to respond, but he finally wrapped his arms around her and squeezed.

  “Friends?” she asked as she stepped back. He sighed.

  “Of course,” he said with an overly bright expression. They slowly climbed from the water and grabbed their shoes so they could walk back up the slope. Phoenix saw a commotion at the back of their camp and then heard John’s excited shout. As Phoenix looked up the hill, she saw a sight she’d wondered if she’d ever see again.

  Jayden was back.

  Phoenix forgot everyone and everything and ran toward him. Jayden met her halfway, where she flung herself into his arms. Tears streamed down her face as he held her tightly against him, his hand rubbing up and down her back. He leaned away so their eyes could connect. Phoenix was grinning and crying at the same time.

  “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again,” she whimpered.

  “I’m sorry I left you thinking that, but I didn’t want you to hold on to me forever if I somehow couldn’t return to you,” he said.

  “It’s been so long. I thought you were gone forever,” she barely managed to whisper. He wiped a tear away, but another soon took its place.

  “Phoenix, I’d go to the ends of the universe for you.” From anyone else that would just be words, but from him, it was the truth. She’d been a fool to ever think he’d leave her. She’d seen the power of his love in his words and actions. She felt instant guilt that while he’d been away, his life in danger, she’d been comforted by another guy. She felt unworthy of Jayden and his love.

  “Why the frown?”

  “I don’t deserve you,” she said.

  “Oh, Phoenix, I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you. I fight so many dark feelings inside me every single minute of every day, but when I’m in your arms, it all fades away and in its place is light and peace. I won’t leave again, I promise. I learned over the last several months I’m stronger with you, and I’ll never let anything happen to you.”

  She couldn’t form words so she stood on her toes and gently pulled his head to hers. When his mouth captured hers, she felt complete. Everything was finally right in her world. She felt so much more than desire with him, she felt whole. They didn’t come up for air until Sadie interrupted them much later.

  Neither of them had seen Devon narrowing his eyes jealously as he walked past them. Phoenix had told him repeatedly that she loved Jayden, but he’d hoped she’d fall in love with him. He’d done everything right. He’d been by her side, comforted her, held her, kissed her . . . everything, and she still fell immediately back into the arms of the one who’d walked away from her.

  “Looks like you were quickly forgotten,” Jessica purred into his ear. He was angry and wanted to backhand her. He’d never wanted to hurt someone more than in that moment.

  “Leave me alone, Jessica,” he warned, his hands curled into fists at his sides.

  “Why don’t I help you forget all about Miss Prude, Devon? I can do things you can’t even imagine,” she said as she boldly slid her hand down his body. His first instinct was to push her away, but then he looked at her, at the desire in her eyes, the need for revenge evident on her face.

  He grabbed her, pulling her close to her great surprise, and slammed his mouth down on hers harder than he should have. He didn’t care. She wanted to play games, he’d play them. Instead of squirming to get away, she pressed closer and tangled her tongue with his. Her hands trailed through his hair, then down his back. She ground herself against him, clearly showing him she was happy with his choice.

  Devon broke their kiss, then turned and looked over at Phoenix, who still hadn’t surfaced from Jayden’s arms. He grabbed Jessica’s hand and pulled her toward the woods. She giggled in delight as she eagerly followed.

  Maybe it was much better not to fall in love. The dark was a place where no emotions, no feelings, and no betrayal could bring you to your knees. The dark looked pretty damn good to him at that moment.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  “Mmm, Devon was great last night,” Jessica whispered in Phoenix’s ear, making her jump. They were getting ready to attack the island and she didn’t want Jessica anywhere near her when bullets started flying.

  “Good for you,” Phoenix scoffed. She glanced at Devon, who was laughing at something Brian said. Phoenix wasn’t jealous he was with another girl, but she didn’t like him being with Jessica. He was kind and good — and Jessica was absolute evil.

  “Yes, it was really, really good for me,” Jessica stretched out the words and licked her lips. Phoenix looked at her in disgust. Just when she thought Jessica couldn’t get any raunchier . . .

  “Why don’t you slap yourself into reality?” Sadie snapped as she approached. Jessica turned her cold eyes on her.

  “Sweet, innocent, naïve Sadie — my, how you’ve changed. Does Brian know how you talk out of that pretty little mouth of yours?”

  “That would be none of your business. Go away, Jessica, you’re tainting the very air we breathe,” Sadie told her.

  “You know, you girls should be really careful how you talk to me. We’re going to be on that island, fighting against the bad guys, and you never know when a stray bullet can accidentally fly in the wrong direction,” Jessica said, her eyes lighting up at the thought. A shudder passed through Phoenix at the pure darkness in her expression.

  “Go to hell, Jessica,” Sadie barked as she took Phoenix’s arm, leading her as far from Jessica as possible.

  “I need to talk to John because she has something planned. I don’t trust her behind me, holding a gun,” Phoenix whispered as she glanced behind her to make sure Jessica hadn’t followed them. To Phoenix’s dismay, Jessica had sauntered over to Devon and thrown her arms around him.

  He turned and smiled, then snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her indecently close to him. She ran her tongue along his throat, and he laughed. Brian looked as if he wanted to throw up. He must’ve made up an excuse to leave, because he walked away, looking around until he spotted Sadie. He made a beeline in their direction.

  “We need to be careful, that’s for sure, and it’s a good idea to talk to John. He has to be aware of her, though. He didn’t seem happy she was here,” Sadie said, glad Brian was walking away from Jessica. They were silent as he approached.

  “She scares the hell out of me,” Brian said as he reached them. They all turned toward Jessica and Devon, who were making out in a way that made everyone uncomfortable. “When did that happen?”

  “I guess last night,” Phoenix muttered. She was going to have to try to get Devon alone and speak to him. What was he thinking?

  “Phoenix, I don’t want you
leaving my side today,” Jayden said as he approached. He’d been with John and Cassidy all morning. Phoenix didn’t want to be anywhere other than at his side, so that wouldn’t be a problem.

  “I’d feel better next to you. Sadie’s with us too,” Phoenix said. “We need to talk to John before we leave,” she added.

  “I don’t think there’s time. We’re getting ready to leave and John’s with Mathew right now. Don’t worry, you’re ready for this, I have complete faith in you,” Jayden told her. She knew she should talk to him about her fears of Jessica, but she didn’t want to appear weak.

  “Okay, troops, it’s time to go. We’ve been over this several times and as long as we do what we’re supposed to, we shouldn’t lose anybody today. This is it — if we can take the island, we have a stronghold, we have a start at getting our country back. We need to be able to trust each other,” he said, looking around the group. It looked to Phoenix as if his eyes lingered on Jessica slightly longer than anyone else, but that could’ve been her own wishes. She hoped he had a feeling something was off with Jessica.

  “We’re going over the bridge together before splitting into your assigned groups. Do not leave each other under any circumstances. Together we’re strong, apart we’re bait. Do you all understand?” John asked.

  A chorus of agreement rang out. They were all friends. They’d lived together for years, and each of them wanted everyone to come home alive.

  “Good, let’s go,” John said. The groups formed and made their way toward the island. Phoenix was with Sadie, Brian, and Jayden. John and Cassidy had the most dangerous task and were a team of their own. They were taking out the communication center, where the majority of the soldiers were located.

  Jayden’s team was searching the outer barracks, one by one. Phoenix was terrified, knowing she might have to actually kill people. John had drummed into her head that it was their lives or hers, but the thought of killing a human was horrifying to her. She hoped she didn’t have to do it.