by Maira Dawn
Each one of them had seen Devon differently—from a loving uncle to a prejudiced killer.
All felt relieved he no longer walked this earth.
Skye stared at the evil scientist. In death, he looked small—powerless.
She shook her head, wishing for all their sakes the man’s life had gone better.
In another world, Devon may have been a better man.
In this one, he had been a monster.
Beside him laid Cliff—a broken bolt shaft still protruding from his body.
He had inspired true terror in Skye, and if she could’ve chosen his death, she wasn’t sure she would’ve been merciful enough to give him such a quick one—not after the torture he’d inflicted on her and doubtless many others.
She stared at the two evil men for a moment.
They had fallen.
She had survived them both.
Skye turned away, secure in the knowledge they would never harm anyone again.
Dylan stood beside her.
She slipped her hand into his.
Together, they walked away.
Fifty-Six
Rest
Later, Skye, Dylan, and Wade sat with Jorah, Ian, and Sonora inside the coffee shop Sonora frequented before the AgFlu had begun.
“Time will be needed to develop more of the cure, but it will be done as quickly as possible,” Jorah promised them. “Since I had thought I left the distribution safely in Human hands the last time and it failed somewhere along the line. I hope you understand if I wish to lead the effort this time.”
Dylan raised his hands. “Have at it. I’m satisfied leaving it to you. I’d like to take some home to Cole’s Mountain.”
Jorah nodded. “Of course.”
“Dylan,” Skye asked, surprised at his willingness to hand over the project, “will we deliver any as we head home?”
“To my father and his people. We’ll leave the rest to someone else.”
Before she could say another word, Dylan answered her unspoken question.
“That’s work for others to do. You and I—we’ve done enough, darlin’.” He squeezed her hand. “We’re still aching over what’s happened.”
Skye glanced at the Atlantians. They all nodded in agreement.
“Our place is on Cole’s Mountain, standing side by side, making it better,” Dylan continued. “I’m not risking you or this family ever again.”
“The greatest blessing in life is family,” Ian said. “And the greatest challenge is their safety. Dylan, you have done well. It is time for you and your family to rest now.”
Dylan grinned. “You heard the man, darlin’.
He was right. Although their physical wounds were healed, their emotional ones needed more time.
“My family owes you an enormous debt after everything Devon put you through. This is your time to heal.” Sonora said, “It is our time to work at fixing his evil mistakes.”
Ian nodded. “Atlantians the world over will rise and distribute the cure. I assure you, Humans will be saved.”
“Now hang on a dang minute,” Wade blustered. “If they want to take a rest, well, I reckon, they earned it. But I plan on being part of this. Don’t be leavin’ me out.”
“Of course,” Ian replied, “any Humans who wish to join us will be welcomed.”
Jorah stood. “Humans and Atlantians working together. It is a new day! May it continue for as long as the seas kiss the land.”
Skye smiled. Warmth filled her as she imagined a new, better world.
Ian, Sonora, and Jorah watched Dylan’s people drive away, heading back to their home.
“They still look at us as if they can’t believe we are real,” Ian said with a chuckle.
Sonora looped her arm through her husband’s. “I’m married to you, and sometimes I have trouble believing it.”
“I wonder what their reaction would be if they knew about the time-travel?” asked Jorah.
“Don’t tell them,” Sonora said. “Their heads may pop—at least some of them.”
Jorah looked at her with a worried expression.
She quickly reassured him. “It wouldn’t literally. It’s just an expression. It means it would be too much for them.”
“Then we must keep it to ourselves. We do not want our new friends to explode.”
“Good idea,” Sonora said, a little too quickly.
“What have you been up to my dear little wife?”
“Nothing, my love. Nothing at all,” she said as she waved at Skye.
Fifty-Seven
Cabin on the Mountian
Skye sat on the front porch of their cabin, taking in the spectacular pink sunrise making its way over the mountain.
The door beside her opened and Dylan handed her a cup of steaming coffee.
She took a sip as he seated himself in the wooden chair beside her. When he settled, she took his hand.
Skye tightened her hand around his. “I had given up hope of ever seeing this again—ever sitting here with you again.”
Dylan grunted his agreement. “Had a few shaky moments myself. It’s why we needed to get back here. To prove to ourselves all that was really over.”
“This cabin has always been your safe place—your place to heal, hasn’t it?”
“Yep. It’s yours now too.”
“Yes, I believe it is,” Skye said with a happy sigh.
Sue Ellen popped her head out the front door, rubbing one eye. “I was gonna start breakfast if that’s okay with you. Tricia taught me an awesome biscuit recipe I wanted to make for you. Well, me and Kelsey.”
Dylan winked at her. “I’m always up for biscuits.”
“That sounds wonderful, Sue Ellen. Thank you,” Skye added.
Once the girl had gone back inside, she turned to Dylan. “I can’t believe the change in her. What did you do when I was gone?”
“Had a few heart-to-hearts is all. She just needed to realize she was safe—that we have her back. And Tricia has given her a purpose now, too.”
“I love that she helps Tricia make and deliver food to the older ones. They all love Sue Ellen so much.”
“I ain’t sure if it’s the food or those blonde curls of hers they look forward to more.”
Skye laughed.
“Speaking of changes, you’re a morning girl now, uh?”
“Well, I’m not promising to stay that way, but I just can’t stay in bed when I know I have a beautiful new day to start with you.” Skye leaned against Dylan’s shoulder.
“I like hearing that.”
Dylan kissed the top of her head and stared out over the mountains. “Darlin’, I’d hoped to be more patient with this, but I can’t be.”
Skye raised her head, a puzzled expression on her face. “Patient with what?”
“Our wedding, darlin’. I’ve been wanting to say those words to you for a while now. I say it’s past time.”
“We’ve hardly been home a week.”
“Yeah, but we’re settled back in now, and Wade’s gonna be heading back down for more of the cure now that’s he’s delivered it to all the communities around here. They may not send him back up this way, and I’d like him to be here.”
“Of course. I hadn’t thought of that.”
Skye laid her hand on Dylan’s rough cheek. “I’m as eager as you are. Name the day.”
He gave her a slow grin. “As soon as we can get this thing together.”
“Okay.” Skye giggled. “Let’s see. I have that gorgeous dress Sonora gave me. I could wear that. We could hold the wedding outside if the weather is good and inside the courthouse, if it isn’t. Perhaps, everyone will bring a dish.”
“Course they will. That’s the way we do things here on Cole’s Mountain. Always have, always will.”
“I love that.”
“I love you.”
Someone cleared their throat, and Skye pulled away from Dylan.
Travis stood beside the porch. The young man had somehow won Sue Ellen�
��s affections and was often at the cabin. “Sorry to—well, I didn’t mean—” He cleared his throat again. “Sue Ellen said to come for breakfast. Is that okay, sir?”
Dylan waved him in. “Sure, she’s in there cookin’ now.”
Travis rushed into the house.
“The third piece in Sue Ellen’s change of personality,” Skye said with a smile.
“He’s a great kid, but if he doesn’t stop callin’ me “sir”, I’m gonna refuse to let him in the house.”
“No, you won’t. We need him to keep Sue Ellen nice.”
“That’s the thing that confounds me. When I left, all she did was spit at him like an angry wet cat.”
“Some relationships start that way. I wasn’t all that happy with you when we first met.”
Dylan ran a hand down Skye’s hair. “I sure was taken with you. I was just too scared to admit it.”
“I’m taken with you now. Does that count?”
“It sure does, darlin’.”
Sue Ellen’s voice rang out. “Breakfast is ready!”
The smell of fresh biscuits enveloped them as they walked into the kitchen. Travis held plates as Sue Ellen plopped eggs onto them. Bacon sizzled on a cast iron pan.
Jesse waved Skye over and patted the seat beside him. Kelsey, who spent as much time here as the Doctor’s house, sat on Jesse’s other side.
Wade sat at the end of the table, rambling on about some story or another.
The entire scene wrapped around Skye like a warm, fuzzy blanket. She needed to pinch herself to make sure it was real. Tears sprang to her eyes.
“Darlin’?” Dylan leaned toward her, a concerned expression on his face.
Skye waved a finger in front of her face. “Happy. Happy tears.”
He smiled as they took their seats at the table. Everyone quieted.
Dylan looked at everyone. “Well, I’m kinda surprised I’m saying this, but I think sayin’ Grace is in order. I’m feelin’ real appreciative. How about that?”
Everyone agreed.
“If there’s a day to start showing our appreciation, today is a good one. This here is the beginning of a new, better life,” Wade said. “We got each other, and we got the Atlantians who are willin’ to help us. And there’s a cute little Atlantian girl I got my eye on. I could use some help with courtin’ her.”
“Wade. It doesn’t work that way with them!” Jesse said.
“Yeah, that’s why I need some help.”
The group exploded into laughter.
“I’d be more worried about you, Wade,” Skye said. “But I know there are several ladies on this mountain with an eye on you.”
Wade raised an eyebrow. “There are? Well now, that’s something to consider, ain’t it?”
While Wade mulled over his romantic possibilities, the rest of them dug into their breakfast as they sent him amused glances.
Fifty-Eight
A Better World
Every resident of the mountain had shown up for the wedding. There were even a few visitors. Ian and Sonora. And Dylan’s father and family had made it, too.
Dylan proudly stood in front of them all.
They hadn’t gone far for their special day, only the front yard. But the day was beautiful, bright and blue, and the view was the old mountaintops. What more did one need?
He pulled at his collar, still surprised that he had not only consented to wear a suit but actually suggested it. He’d even trimmed his hair and shaved. That’s how much this day meant to him.
It’s what he’d always dreamed of—but never thought he’d have. He’d been sure he wasn’t good enough, and he didn’t know the first thing about doing right by a family.
Until Skye had shown up. She’d burst into his life like the sun rising over the mountain. Every bit as beautiful, every bit as blinding.
Look at her now, coming down the aisle toward him, Jesse at her side. They were a package deal, and Dylan loved the boy as if he were his own blood.
Every day he thanked the Lord for her, for all of them. Wade, Sue Ellen and Kelsey too. They were all part of the big happy family he had yearned for.
Somehow it would seem that much more real when they said the words, made those vows and slid on the rings.
Their marriage would be a forever one—just like Atlantians’.
Dylan knew it every time he stared into Skye’s green eyes. They were made for each other.
Dylan watched Skye take one delicate step after another until she was face to face with him. Her beauty overwhelmed him.
From the bright wildflowers that wreathed her dark hair to the small light-green shoes that matched her delicate dress.
She smiled at him, her entire face beaming.
It was almost more than he could take. He swallowed—once, twice, then three times—before he got himself under control.
But she knew.
Skye’s gaze never left him. “I feel the same way,” she whispered.
Skye smiled as she sunk deeper and deeper into Dylan’s gaze.
This was her day—their day. And if they wanted to stare at each other for half of it, that’s what they would do.
It was Tricia’s giggle that broke their gaze. Skye sent her an amused glance. She supposed if she were in the audience, she’d want things to move on too.
There would be time and more time for long gazes after the wedding.
Skye turned and hugged Jesse, happy he walked her down the aisle. He was as much a part of this marriage as she was.
She handed her bouquet of wildflowers to Sue Ellen and kissed her on the forehead. The girl was quickly becoming a treasure.
Then she turned to Kelsey, who stood beside her and wrapped her arms around her.
“My girl. We made it!” she whispered to her.
The girl beamed and hugged her back.
Turning back to Dylan, she slipped her hands into his. She smiled and nodded at her cousin, Tom, who stood ready to marry them.
With such a shortage of government, it had been decided that Tom would become the town’s magistrate and could now perform marriages.
Tom smiled and began.
The words rolled over Skye, making the already beautiful day more perfect. When it was time to say her vows, she stepped closer to Dylan to make sure he heard every word of them. Her voice shook with emotion.
It was her forever vow. There was no doubt in her heart and mind about that.
Dylan’s deep voice quivered a bit as he recited his. He ended them with, “I love you more than life, darlin’, and I always will.”
Skye couldn’t have wished for a more perfect vow—for a more perfect wedding. When Tom introduced them as man and wife, she couldn’t be more proud to stand by her husband.
The next morning Skye was the first to wake. She smiled at the sleeping Dylan, then wrapped a blanket around herself and walked to the window, allowing him to sleep.
As if he’d noticed her absence, he woke and came to stand beside her.
She held out part of her blanket, and Dylan stepped into it, folding it around them both.
The sun was low in the sky, but shining bright.
“Another beautiful day,” Skye said.
“Yep, sure is.”
“I want every day to be just as beautiful as yesterday.”
“It sure would be nice.”
As much as Skye wished for that, she wasn’t a fool. Absolutely perfect days did not exist in an imperfect world.
But things were looking up.
The Atlantians continued to hand out the cure and seemed to enjoy the travel.
The cure had been given out to most, if not all the communities in this area. And some who had been in the late stages of AgFlu were now free of the disease with the additional help of the Atlantian’s healers.
At first, most communities were suspicious of the Atlantians, but they quickly got used to their kind, mannerly ways. And communities who thought to take advantage of the undersea people quickly learned that At
lantians always had the upper hand.
Once people got used to them, the Atlantians seemed to have a stabilizing influence. The ancient among them often acted as wise advisors. Especially when Humans realized how old they actually were.
And now that the AgFlu was gone, some of the fear had left too. Already, more communities were starting to communicate and trade with each other on a regular basis.
Yes, things were looking up.
“We can make this world better, right? Not perfect, but better?” Skye asked tentatively.
“We can.” He squeezed her tight. “We will—with some help from our new friends. I reckon we can make it better than the one we lost. We gotta try.”
“Yes. Let’s try.”
Kelsey, Sue Ellen, and Jesse ran past the window on their way to somewhere.
Skye and Dylan laughed.
“Let do it for us—but for them too,” Skye said, snuggling closer to Dylan. “For their future, and their children’s future, and generations on.”
Dylan leaned down and tenderly kissed Skye’s forehead.
“You got it, Darlin’.”
The End
Continue on for news of a new series!
Afterword
This concludes the Sanctuary’s Aggression Series. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Sharp-eyed readers will see that I have left some small loose ends throughout the series. That was on purpose. Over time, I may write some stand-alone books in this world.
I sincerely hope you have enjoyed the special characters in this series as much as I have.
I’ve started writing a new series, What Used To Be Series.
This is the description of the first book, What Used To Be Texas.
Five years after The Fall, sixteen-year-old Molly is alone. Out of supplies, she has no choice but to go to the one town her grandfather told her never to enter.
Gramps was sure something bad was happening there, something worse than everything else going on around them--something evil.