The Survivors

Day 4

1

Though it was only seven in the morning and the damp fog was rolling, Angela still had to wait for the line of people at Adrian’s tent to finish their business before she could confirm why he had sent for her. Kenn had given nothing by words or thought, but she knew. The call from the slavers was all anyone wanted to talk about. It was a mistake to stay here.

Angela tried not to cringe every time someone said witch and looked around. She knew the call was the reason for them being here. Nearly everyone was scared, hoping for reassurance. There were more people wearing guns today, and the line at the target range was already long though it was so early and so chilly. The sounds of gunfire rang out continuously.

Adrian was sitting at a folding table next to his tent, shielded by a green canopy.

After listening to the first three people–older, nervous women–ask about joining the gun class, Angela tuned them out, wondering if Adrian was going to make her leave. Might be for the best.

Angela picked up Adrian’s thought. She went to sit on the damp grass, content to wait though more people had joined the line. Some of those regarded her differently, more respectfully.

Angela listened, impressed with how Adrian handled them.

It was nearly 9am before they were alone.

Adrian waved her into the empty seat as the last camp member left. “Sorry.”

Angela shrugged, brushing at her damp jeans. “I didn’t mind.”

He looked at her.

Angela’s eyes dropped to the lifeless dirt at her feet. “I don’t know how they know. We saw almost no one on the way here.”

“Almost no one. I need you to tell me about all of them.”

Angela frowned in concentration, trying to tune out those walking by, whispering, staring. “There were people everywhere at first, but by the time I left Ohio in February, even the group living at the college had torn themselves apart. I had to…convince them to let me go. They discovered a lot, but there was six of them. When Marc came, their leader, Warren, ambushed him and died for it. Once we were on the road, I…”

Her face drained of color. Adrian hated the fear that came into her expression.

“I was stalked by brothers in Indiana, near Martinsville. I defended myself. They saw things. They would have gotten me if not for Marc. They said they’d follow, but they were both seriously wounded. I thought we’d lost them. I wouldn’t let him finish them off, but I knew better.” She stared at the fingers caressing her gun. “I was attacked again in Versailles. I…killed him. We saw no one else except for a Mountain couple we spent the night with in Nebraska. It has to be the twins.”

Adrian read between the lines; his respect for her doubled even as his worry grew. “Will you show me?”

Angela scowled. She didn’t want to experience it all again, but she had led them here. She had to give Adrian whatever he needed to make them go away. “Yes. We’ll have to touch. I’m not strong enough to do mental shows.”

His heart thumped. Adrian stood up. “Bring your chair.”

2

“It’s hurting her.”

Charlie looked up from the basket he was sorting. The sullen teenager wasn’t happy to be laboring alongside Marc, but Adrian had insisted. It had now been three hours of tense silence. “What’s hurting who?”

Marc kept working. “Your mom, when you won’t talk to her.”

Another tense silence echoed.

Marc gestured. “See, this I expect. Hate me, but give your mom a break. She went through hell to find you.”

Charlie had been thinking about it all morning, unable to drift off again after her nightmare had woken him, but he didn’t respond. What could he say to make this stranger understand he was trying to keep his mom alive by making her pick between them?

They labored in silence for a few more minutes. Charlie felt Marc wanting to talk, to explain. Charlie was glad when the man didn’t try. Kenn had said a lot of things about his mom, things his mom said weren’t true. Even at his age, Charlie knew who he could trust. He also knew how dangerous Kenn was. “Can I ask you something?”

Marc paused to light a smoke. I need to repay Adrian somehow for this precious time. “Shoot.”

“Is she telling the truth? You would have come back for us if you’d known?”

Marc’s gut clenched. “In a heartbeat. I used to fall asleep hoping to hear her calling for me.”

There was another long pause.

“I wish she had.”

Marc could have cried in that moment, one of the few times he’d ever felt such an emotion. “Me too, boy, me too, but she made the only choice she thought she had.”

“And we got Kenny.”

The bitter tone made Marc frown. “Yeah, some great joke, huh?”

Charlie nodded angrily, dropping the small box he’d been about to unpack.

Dog appeared in the wooded shadows around them.

A brief, intense moment of concentration between the wolf and teenager got Marc’s attention. Marc scanned to see who else might have noticed.

Only the guards. Their eyes were glued to Charlie, but not in surprise. They were concerned.

Marc wasn’t happy. They all know. Which means Adrian does too. Kenn will be next. None of our secrets are safe.

“I probably won’t be able to come back.” Charlie let out a sigh. “Sorry.”

The teenager was gone a second later, vanishing into the late morning shadows around them.

Marc kept working and worrying. Charlie was so much like Angie it was scary. Whoever the teen was about to confront had better know how to handle him.

3

“Where the hell have you been?”

Angela gave Kenn a cool glare, cheeks flushed at how many people were turning to stare. He’d snuck up on her while she was busy thinking about Adrian’s words of protecting her from the slavers. She hated it that she hadn’t been listening, but after the call last night, the witch had to be let out carefully. As a result, Kenn had startled her. Angela was surprised to discover her anger was stronger than the fear.

“Well?” Kenn had been searching for her for a while.

“With the doctor, and then Adrian, as you damn well know, so get off my ass!”

Kenn moved in front of her at the lie. He knew she hadn’t been with John–he’d been there twice already.

Angela shifted around him as the witnesses muttered. “Go away, Kenn. I’m not in the mood.”

The Marine ignored her order; he fell in step.

The guards scowled, fingers on radio buttons.

“Where are you going now?!” Kenn followed as she left the long bathroom line.

Angela let her rough mood have full control. “Wherever I want!”

Kenn stepped in front of her again, drawing attention as she flinched and went for her gun.

He reverted to whining. “I just wanna talk!”

She went around him again as the guards advanced. “Not now, Grunt!”

The tone of command coming from her mouth shocked Kenn, forcing him to obey. He watched her go with concern that was unusual. She was already upset. What caused it?

Kenn started to look to the nearest Eagle, like he would have done before she came, then stopped. They were against him now, surprised and angry that Adrian was letting him off without a punishment.

Kenn headed for the supply trucks instead.

4

Angela wandered for hours before lining up to wash for lunch mess. She’d lied to Kenn, but she wished she did have duty with the kind doctor. Yesterday hadn’t been enough of a workout to calm her, not with everything that was happening. She knew she should be glad for the free time before the guard shift tonight she’d volunteered for, but she needed a distraction from her fear. The twins were coming for her, and these people would be in the crossfire. Unless I give myself up to spare them.

Terror rose at that thought. She returned to her agitated roaming instead of eating. She wasn’t hardened enough yet. She wasn’t a trained killer, but when she turned herself over to the slavers, she would have to be. She’d told Adrian she wouldn’t ever take another life, but if the Mexicans came to Safe Haven, Charlie and Marc would be murdered.

Angela’s gut twisted again. Her mind went to the Eagles. Did Adrian welcome female fighters? Would she be allowed to try out? Can I do it? She had heard about the level tests, and the physical requirements that always drew blood. The fear was there, waiting to evolve into panic, but she considered it anyway.

Angela’s feet took her toward the off-limits area. She wouldn’t do anything like she had yesterday. The witch was locked up tight now, but she could watch them, right? Angela stopped abruptly. Watch…

The twins are watching us! That had been her feeling of danger on their first night here. They would have seen her reunion, her son. They wouldn’t take her without him, not with it being such an obvious method of control. They know about Charlie!

Panic erupted, fear ordering her to get her boy and run hard. She turned as if in a daze.

Concerned guards moved her way.

Adrian came from the shadowy doorway of his tent.

Kenn felt her distress and rotated toward it.

Angela only wanted Marc.

He was at her side before any of the others could reach her. “What is it?”

She sent him her thoughts in one horrifying picture of a gun being held to Charlie’s head by one twin, while the other ordered her to kill these people.

Angela found no surprise on Marc’s face. He’d already thought of it. “Will you take us north? We’ll go right now. Adrian won’t let Kenn stop us.”

“It won’t do any good, honey.” Marc’s tone was regretful. He’d considered it again after the slaver call, but the twins had followed them for a thousand miles and he’d only known because of a trim on his bumper. “They’re coming. We have to get ready.”

“But we could lose them–”

“No.”

Her fear cleared a bit at the hard tone; she read his thoughts.

The brothers are too good, even for me.

She caught a flash of the fire, of him finding a bullet mark. “They were there? They shot at us and we didn’t know?!”

“It’s what changed my mind about leaving you.”

She sucked in a breath. “I’m scared, Marc.”

“I know.”

“What are we going to do?”

Marc locked eyes with the man now standing behind her. “Trust Adrian to protect you both.”

Angela stiffened, but she spoke what was in her heart. “And when he can’t?”

Marc turned away, waving at Dog to stay with her. “I’ll do what I should have already. Hunt them down and end this!”

Angela spun to find Adrian, wanting to say so much that she didn’t know where to start.

Adrian knew. “I can. He won’t have to do that.”

She scanned the livestock area and found her son in a shoving match with Zack’s other son, Timmy.

Matt was lying on the ground nearby.

Angela swung back to Adrian in desperation as guards rushed to break them up. “I’d send him away with Marc and give myself up.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Adrian leaned in. “But will that succeed? Tell me!”

Magic slammed into them at his demand; the witch scanned the future for him.

Adrian’s heart pounded.

It would keep them away for a while, but make peace, it will not.

“Good!” Adrian grinned savagely. “I don’t want to make peace! I want them eliminated.”

Before Angela could respond, he gestured toward the fort. “Let’s go watch the Eagles train. We’ll both feel better.”

Angela went where he led, desperately hoping he could save them all.

They entered the training tent as the bell for evening mess rang; every head turned. All of the Eagles were surprised to find her here again.

Angela nodded to the guards she recognized, attention settling on the far corner, where three men were practicing a hostage rescue scenario.

She turned to Adrian, tone daring him to lie. “It’s for me, right?”

“Yes, in case we make a mistake. We’ll come for you.” His voice lowered so only she could hear. “I’ll come for you.”

Rather than protest as she might have done, Angela was grateful. Adrian meant it. If the twins somehow kidnapped her, he would be at Marc’s side for the rescue. “Can I help?”

Adrian felt fate take notice. Her asking was the first stage of their future starting. “Depends.”

“On what?”

He gestured. “They’re using live rounds.”

When the witch said she would cover it, Angela nodded. “I’m in. You want me to play myself, right?”

Adrian judged the reaction of his men. This would be a crucial test of their lessons. They weren’t as ready as he would have liked, but he bit his tongue before he could tell them to switch to blanks. He would wait a minute and observe how they reacted to using the real hostage in their lesson. Right before the actual shooting started, he would have them switch to training weapons.

Angela joined the three Eagles who had stopped to listen and were now frowning. “You want me to sit pretty or do what I really would if I were a hostage?”

Adrian was impressed by the question. “Being very still would be best for now. They’re already spooked.” He did wonder what she would have done.

“You got it.” Angela sent him a quick flash of being inside a shield of protective energy. She felt his immediate relief as she took her place in the center of the set.

Billy handed her earplugs. He had been the one to allow her into the training area yesterday. She felt a spark of interest for the ponytail-wearing blond. Is he trouble? “Be careful, will ya? If I get trimmed, the wolf will want to talk to whoever did it.”

Snorts and chuckles came at her words.

“I mean it.” Angela grinned. “No one wants to wake up with a wolf on their chest.”

Her use of laughter to break the tension drew more respect from Adrian. She sounds ready for more.

Angela felt safer surrounded by the Eagles. Her nerves began to settle as she sat in the center chair, though she was shocked to find herself here. She had gotten used to letting the witch guide her through the more challenging things in this new world, but being here right now was all her own doing. She smothered a wide grin at the feeling of freedom. She could never have done this before the war. “I’m set. Let’s roll.”

Adrian watched her handle the situation as if she’d been doing this all her life. He felt his plans shift. Adrian settled against the far wall of the warm canvas to let her prove herself.

The training exercise was short. Three guards faced three targets that were set to pop up randomly. The hostage was in the middle, with the bad guys using her as a shield.

Billy and Jeremy exchanged a long, tense glance.

When Billy bobbed his in agreement, Jeremy turned to Adrian. “Request permission to change the team?”

“Granted.”

Jeremy gestured at Doug, expression pained. “Doug out, Daryl in.”

The big man took it better than Angela thought he would. The other guards didn’t believe he was good enough. They were making the best choice for the mission.

Angela switched her attention to the three men getting ready to roll. The witch inside smothered her in layers of protection.

“Team one, set.”

“Targets, set.”

They looked at her.

She smiled sexily. “The innocent hostage, set.”

Instead of jokes, all hell broke out.

Not using suppressors, the deafening barrage froze Angela. Her eyes slammed shut. She didn’t move an inch as tiny missiles punched into targets.

Silence fell.

Angela opened her eyes to find the men staring at her in horror. Even Adrian was.

“What?” She glanced down, terrified she would discover blood.

A hot piece of metal sat in her lap.

Angela picked it up with fingers that didn’t tremble or flinch from the heat. “Who does this belong to?!”

The tone of command to her voice made Adrian’s inner Marine applaud.

When Jeremy held up a hand, she tossed him the piece of hot lead. “Do it again; get it right this time.”

Angela slid her earbuds back in and froze, waiting.

A second later, the men began resetting it for another run. They all assumed it would have been a trim, but it had been worse than that. If not for her shield, she would have been hit in the stomach.

Angela felt the witch’s pleasure when she didn’t bat an eyelash at the knowledge.

This time, a feeling of magic filled the air.

Adrian watched them roll the session again in surprise. They hadn’t looked to him for confirmation.

Angela kept her eyes open this time. Their careful, practiced movements were like a smooth play. When the bullets stopped flying, she repeated what Adrian had said to her yesterday. “Very nice. A couple more, to be sure you’ve got it right?”

There was no hesitation.

The other Eagles in the tent were stunned as the three men ran it a third time. Why wasn’t Adrian saying something? She must have his approval. It was the only thing that made sense. Men studied her to confirm it. What did the boss have planned for the black-haired beauty?

5

Angela stood up as they finished round five. She knew by the tension in the tent that something had shifted. When she frowned in concentration, her three would-be rescuers responded.

“You okay?”

“You hurt?”

Angela flushed as the thoughts in the tent slapped her. She waved off Adrian’s concern as she went by, heading for the open flap. “I’m hitting the showers.”

She left, ice shield back in place.

“I’d say she picked up on not being welcome here.” Adrian saw their regret at interfering with his plans, but it wasn’t enough. “We need her.”

That one word cleared things up for most of the Eagles. Whenever Adrian said we, it was a greater good issue; they had no reason to doubt him.

When Adrian strode into the darkness after her, he knew his wishes would be carried out. She had to stay. The men would help him with that now.

Adrian took a quick glance around. Where is she?

He caught a mental flash of the caution tape and frowned, moving. He recognized the spot, and it wasn’t in camp.

As he walked, Adrian was aware of being trailed by more than just his normal guards, but he didn’t send them away. This time, they needed to hear what was said.

Angela threw the rock as hard as she could. She was gratified to hear a loud thunk! as the stone hit the creek twenty yards away. When she felt Adrian join her, she didn’t turn.

“It won’t always be this way.”

She didn’t answer, determined not to let him see she was on the edge of crying. The thoughts from some of his army had been mean. She’d been slapped by a dose of reality. Good at it or not, this was a man’s world. It would be a hard fight to get accepted.

“Angie?”

“I’m okay.”

“It’s not safe out here. It hasn’t been reconned.”

She didn’t answer.

Adrian sighed. “I’m sorry. I thought they were ready for at least this much.”

Angela shrugged, listening to the soothing ripple of the water as it rushed by in the darkness. “Most of them are.”

“Will you tell me who isn’t?”

“No. It doesn’t matter. They’re right. I don’t belong. I’m…different.”

Adrian’s heart broke for her. His heart responded to the soft side she hadn’t shown yet. “Give me time. I’ll change that, my word.”

“There’s not much time left. Marc will leave soon.”

She didn’t say, “And we’re going with him.” but Adrian knew. He gave her a minute, letting her breathe. She didn’t want to go. He felt that clearly. She needed another, bigger reason to stay, and he had it. He changed the subject. “You were solid in there.”

“It was good for me.” Her tone grew bitter. “At least this was a situation I could get out of.”

Her thoughts were open, vulnerable. He caught a quick glimpse of her pulling a trigger and being splashed by gore. “What happened?”

Angela sighed, hating it that she hadn’t fully recovered yet. “He tried to rape me.”

Adrian swallowed anger. “Then he got what he deserved.”

“I think so too. It’s what lets me sleep, sometimes.”

“Killing isn’t always murder. Surely you know that?”

Angela took the smoke he offered. “I do, but it still eats away at me some nights.” She sighed restlessly. “This will probably be one of them.”

“You’re the strongest female to join us so far. You have the determination I’ve been hoping for.” Adrian let some of his plans out. “The women here need someone like you to help teach them, to lead them.”

Understanding came for her and for the trio of men listening from the shadows.

Adrian waited for a reaction, treading lightly. It had to be her idea, but he could set it up as he always did and let her fall into place on his right.

“You want me to train them... You want a female army too.”

Damn, she’s quick! He had purposefully avoided thinking it so she couldn’t pick it from his mind. “Yes.”

Angela was quiet for a long moment, considering. It would be something to lean on during the nights when the dreams insisted that she was stained forever. If she kept helping other people, it would be a small, steady payment on the debt she owed for taking a life. “What about the men here? This won’t go over well.”

Adrian chose his words for their audience, knowing they would be repeated. “It would if they understood how useful it can be to have a woman on the team. She’d have to be different though, and it would have to be all or nothing from her. It’s one of those things that can’t be asked for, but has to be earned to have meaning.”

Angela acknowledged the hints. When he turned toward the quieting camp, she let him go without asking questions. First, she had to decide if what she wanted would be possible with so many of her past demons here. Adrian’s request wasn’t a complete surprise. Why else had he shown her his army in the first place? But it would mean separating herself further from Marc, who was only here because he was hoping for another chance with her. If she told him she wanted to become an Eagle and help teach the women here to do the same, he would leave tomorrow. Marc would know it wasn’t possible for her to be his mate and a leader. She’d always be pulled between the two, but both of those things were all or nothing. Marc wouldn’t share.

Angela felt the wolf and the guards lingering, waiting for her, but instead of returning to her tent, she settled on the damp grass and began to sort through her mind. What do I want now?

Adrian was tempting her with a new life, with possibilities she hadn’t ever considered, and she was afraid her time alone with Marc hadn’t been enough to keep them together. He wanted a mate, a part of the past returned. She wanted that too, but she needed this second chance at a fulfilling life.

Angela laid back on the ground, staring at the sky as full darkness settled over the broken land. Is there a way I can have them both, if only for a little while?

6

“Maria.”

The cook flinched, bumping into the door of the dark supply truck. This side of the mess had no one in sight, not even a guard. It was pitch black except for her dim lantern.

“Who ees there?” She held up her light and sucked in a sharp breath at the shadow next to the rig. “Dio.”

Rick chuckled at the name, moving out of the shadows. “Sometimes.” He held the door open so she would have no choice but to go inside or draw attention. When she hesitated, he uttered three words.

“Cesar says hello.”

Rick clicked his tongue at her near panic to get inside. He shut the door behind them. “These people have a monthly meeting. You’ve known where they’d be, and yet, no word since he sent you here. Not a single call. Why is that?”

“I couldn’t. The radio is guarded!” Maria was trapped. Cesar was holding her sons, sparing them if she would infiltrate the Americans they had heard on the radio, and now, he’d sent this devil to what? Kill her? Scare her?

“Can we trust you, Maria? Or are you a convert too?”

His scorn drew a reaction, but not the timid one he had expected.

“If you are here, then you owe him too! Maybe we help each other, and both stay alive, yes?”

“That’s what Cesar said.” Rick moved closer, big body intimidating. “But understand this. I am loyal, and if I get caught, I won’t go down alone.” He slipped around her, reaching for the door handle. “I’ll be in touch. Soon.”

She paled. “Cesar is near?”

Rick stepped out into the cool night air. “Don’t wish for the devil if you owe him money you don’t have.” He glanced back pointedly. “Especially when you never intended to repay him.”

7

“It is late. You sleep now, ja?”

Angela ignored the woman, slipping on her boots. Hilda had been on her way back from the bathroom when she’d spotted Angela moving around inside her tent.

The den mother slid in front of her flap to keep her from exiting. “You sleep!”

Angela pointed. “You move. Now!”

Hilda considered, then shook her head of pink-and-green curlers. “He says keep the women healthy.” Her face softened. “You don’t sleep, don’t eat. Not good.”

Angela felt her anger fade, but not the sense of urgency that had woken her. “I’ll try harder. Later.”

Satisfied, Hilda moved.

Angela went out, pulling her sweater on. She knew Hilda cared about the females here. She was also sure something in the German’s past was driving her, but Angela didn’t push for answers right now. She darted between tents, sure she knew where Adrian was. She had to show him–

“Just tell me what’s going on. Why are you so determined to become my pal?”

Tonya’s voice was unmistakable, even without the usual fake accent. Angela made her way past the showers, avoiding the three men guarding their perimeter. The Eagles were too far away to hear the women, but Angela stored every word.

“Because he has secrets. Who was he?!”

“Not a clue. I know I’ve seen him before… A politician maybe?”

“I’ve already run through that list. He’s not on it.”

Angela tried to figure out who the other voice was as she crept by during the thick silence... They’re talking about Adrian. She felt her blood heat up with the urge to defend him.

“Maybe we could team up while he’s distracted by Barbie and her wolfman.”

Pleased, cruel laughter came from the other female. “I knew I read you right. Let’s grab some coffee at the mess and talk.”

They’re plotting against Adrian! Angela wanted to confront them, but she kept moving. This couldn’t wait.

She had little trouble sneaking around four rookie guards at the creek bank since she was inside the tape and they were watching for trouble from every other direction. As she rounded a bend lined in tall spruce trees, she caught sight of Adrian; she stopped abruptly. He isn’t alone!

Hot, searing jealousy burned a path down her throat. Angela pushed it away, cheeks flaming as she turned her back to them. She listened against her will.

“What?!”

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

The sound of a soft kiss being pressed to a softer, younger cheek echoed under the rustle of bodies becoming untangled, clothing being adjusted.

“But we’re–”

Adrian left the anonymous female without an explanation.

As he stopped behind her, Angela could feel sexual tension running the length of him. He’d been on the edge. She caught another hot flash that sent a chill of surprised need into her gut. He’d been pretending it was her.

“Something’s wrong?”

Angela swallowed a nasty remark. “There’s something you should see.” She spun toward the caution tape.

The rookies on the area dropped hands to their guns at the noise from her no longer careful steps.

Adrian was impressed, pulse still racing. They hadn’t known she was here. He hadn’t either until her pain echoed through his heart.

Aware of the wolf paralleling them on the right, Adrian waved away the Eagles who tried to follow.

He wished he hadn’t when she didn’t stop for a mile. She moved with a surety and grace in the unknown forest. It sent his mind back to the fantasy that it had been her in his arms.

Adrian scanned for trouble. Clear. Then he scanned her, noting the way she’d learned to keep herself under tight control as they walked. My fantasy wasn’t even close.

“This way.” She led him to a steep cliff that overlooked the route Safe Haven had traveled to get here. “Use these. You’ll get better details.”

He stared through the night vision goggles she took from her belt, stifling a moan at the sweet hint of vanilla lingering on them. He stiffened when she leaned in, using a gentle finger to guide his sight.

Adrian felt the thrum of raw energy. He froze, understanding why she’d brought him here.

Angela turned her back to his, almost touching, hand resting on her gun as she protected him.

It gave him time to see everything that mattered.

Angela just enjoyed the moment. He was pleased by her actions, as well as this warning. It felt good and it was a balm to her fear.

After a long minute, she heard him light a smoke. She stayed alert, assuming he was choosing what to do.

“Hell of a fight down there.” Adrian studied the glow of a huge fire, the explosions. “Surprised we can’t hear it.”

Angela didn’t say she could. The cries of the dying had woken her. “They’re coming for me soon.”

She hadn’t meant to say it.

Adrian instinctively moved closer, unable to take her fear. “I’ll protect you.”

She didn’t answer, not sure if she could trust him.

Adrian put his arm around her shoulder and tugged her against his warmth. He didn’t say anything; he just held her. Sometimes, that’s all a woman wants.

Angela allowed it as they watched the flashes of light in the distance, the battle for survival going on there. She could feel him wanting to help and hurting because he couldn’t. “The witch says it’s not your destiny to save them all. Try to relax. Stress is bad for the heart.”

“Don’t I know it.” Adrian retreated a bit as the scent of sweet vanilla began to steal his thoughts. He gave her the goggles back. “Let’s go home.”

Angela noted Dog patrolling the darkness around them. It was also a comfort. “I overheard a conversation tonight. You need it word for word.” Before he could ask, she took his hand.

Adrian felt her response to the contact, her fear of it, and then he was in her head as she dealt with Hilda, then slipped past the showers.

When she let go, Adrian had to clamp his teeth shut to keep from protesting. He hoped she would take his silence for anger at Tonya and Cynthia. It had been a long day. His control wasn’t at its strongest.

“Will you punish them?”

“No.” Adrian snorted, leading the way. “They’ll never quit.”

Angela lifted a brow, marveling over using her gift like it was something that happened all the time. “Care to share?”

He shook his head. “You’ll get the full soon enough. These people love to gossip. Thank you.”

Angela shrugged. “It’s what I’m here for, right?”

Adrian thought of his dreams, of the goals now expanding further than he had ever hoped possible. He let longing fill his tone. “Among other things, if you ever want it.”

Full of confusion about these new, unwelcome feelings, Angela turned away before he could read her face.