The Survivors

1

“I have to go.” Angela pulled off her gloves.

The surly vet didn’t look up from his tray. “Shift’s done. Whatever mistake you made, it’s okay now.”

Angela wiped at the sweat rolling down her neck as Charlie gathered their trash. “I wasn’t sent here. I’m on my own time. I’ll be back.”

Angela enjoyed the vet’s surprise. For some reason, she was determined to show him that not all females were useless, the same way not all men were.

When Angela arrived at Adrian’s tent, he was sitting inside the open flap at a small card table with an empty chair across from him. Angela hoped she didn’t smell like what she’d been doing all morning.

“You’re late.” Adrian was aware of how much attention followed her. Tonya was sexy, but Angela had taken the top spot in that category even when she’d been covered in months of travel. Now that she’d cleaned up, Tonya had been forgotten.

“Sorry.” Angela unbuttoned the filthy white overcoat, leaving it outside.

Adrian saw her careful look around before coming in. Checking for threats? An escape route? Would Marc have taught her things like that? How much does she already know?

“We were worming the pigs. I lost track of time.”

“Kenn has you on a schedule already?”

Adrian’s displeasure was obvious; she hurried to explain. “No, I volunteered. Chris needs help.”

Distracted, Adrian observed her jeans and tank top. It was what the other women here wore, but on Angela, it was so attractive that obscene came to mind. “That’s one of the best excuses I’ve heard. Have a seat.”

She did, noticing his tent was impeccable. He preferred things to be in their proper place. So did she, but not to this extreme. There were no personal items in sight, not a speck of dust or trash, but there were two guns on his pillow. What a contradiction Adrian is.

“How’s the first day on your own been?” Adrian was guessing it hadn’t been great.

Angela shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”

Adrian lit a smoke.

Their eyes met over the dancing flame of the flag-wrapped lighter; Angela could feel doors rattling and voices whispering.

Adrian didn’t want to let go of the connection. He could feel something trying to happen, but the sounds of people moving by outside said everyone could see them. He leaned back, setting the hot lighter upright on the small table.

Angela blinked. The witch was telling her about new doors that had just appeared and then vanished again. Doors to the future. “Sorry. I didn’t get much sleep.”

“I won’t keep you long.”

She smiled, a genuine one this time. “It’s okay. You’re better company than Chris.”

Adrian noted her occasional glance toward the flap. It reminded him of Neil and Kyle. She was very alert for a female. “I’ve heard that. It’s why he has no help.”

“I’d mention it to him, but I’m pretty sure he already knows.”

Adrian snorted. “He should. We’ve all talked to him about it.”

Something banged outside.

Angela tensed, but didn’t draw her gun. She flashed a quick look of apology. “I haven’t settled in with all the noises yet.”

Adrian lifted a brow. “That sounded military.”

“Marc taught me a few things.”

Her tone was almost hostile. Adrian changed the subject. “Are you and Chris getting along?”

Angela shrugged. “He ignores me until he needs something. I roll my eyes a lot. Does that count?”

Adrian chuckled. “Most people take a few days to settle in, but we can start your schedule tomorrow if you’d rather stay busy.”

She nodded right away, aware that he’d recognized her need and saved her from asking. “Yes, please.”

“Good. You’ll be with John for a while, but you’ll move up to our second doctor soon. It will help the women here come to us with their problems. On top of all the other benefits, of course, but females are a priority for me. I’d like you to encourage them to tell you about any issues they’re having, medical or otherwise.”

“Sure.” Angela understood he also expected to be told what those were. He was smart to do it that way, and above most men because he knew it would work. He understood females more than even Marc did.

“You’ll pull four shifts a week with John, a self-defense or gun class twice a week, and eventually you’ll teach something, probably first aid. After that, if you have energy to burn, you’re free to volunteer for anything you want. Does that work for you?”

Thoughts of what those classes and interactions might be like came to her. Angela was again grateful to Marc that she could do more than hold her own. “Yes.”

“If you find something that fits, a certain shift or day off, tell me or Kenn, and we’ll put it on your schedule permanently.” Adrian already knew she would come to him, not Kenn. “Anything else you need?”

“Yes. I have a tent I’d like to put up. Does it matter where?”

“I had that taken care of a little while ago.” Adrian changed the subject again. “You’re welcome to sit with us at mess.”

Angela bobbed her head in acceptance, storing that. She’d needed two things upon waking this morning. Adrian had handled them both. “Thanks. What are we having?”

“Tuna helper today. Beans and ham tomorrow.”

Angela lifted a brow. “Real ham? With cornbread?”

“Yes.”

Angela sensed he wanted her to stay longer, but he also didn’t want to push her like he had yesterday. Adrian was a complicated man. “Happy butchering.” She paused. “You have one?”

Adrian nodded. “Says he was for twenty years. We’ll find out.”

She waited for more. When there was only silence, she took the hint. “Well, I guess I’ll go find out if Chris has any fingers left to flip off people with.”

Adrian chuckled, wanting more, wanting to talk, but he’d pushed her yesterday–too hard, upon hindsight. He had chosen not to bring it up today despite asking her here to talk. She needed time. He was impressed that she’d already been helping, though.

He had expected her to hide in her tent or at least join Neil and Marc, whose adventures this morning were already providing stories. Adrian was sure the level of those escapades was a bit more than even Neil had expected. Three camp members had come by to express their displeasure at Doug being hurt, but they had conveniently forgotten that Kenn had done the same thing when he first joined. Adrian had reminded them of it.

Angela paused at the flap, drawing his attention. “You okay?”

Surprised by the question, Adrian nodded. “5-by.”

The witch jumped forward. Less stress. Your heart needs a break.

Adrian blinked, caught off guard.

Angela left before he could respond.

2

Neil and Marc were in the animal area shortly after leaving the mess, walking by animals that grazed and dozed. Marc picked out sheep, goats, a small herd of cows, deer, chickens. In the corner of the small farm was a pup tent with a big desk in front of it. A large metal examining table was attached to the side of the mud-splattered vinyl. Surrounded by a thick green forest, the area had the feel of a petting zoo. There were moos, clucks, meows, barks, and under it all, the voices and footsteps of Eagles and camp members moving by.

In the center ring of this circus, a tall, angry looking man in a dirty white coat was wrestling with a big, orange cat on the metal table. He was trying to examine its bloody ears and getting nowhere.

Marc automatically came forward to help, holding the tom while soothing, rubbing. The husky cat calmed, letting the vet smear a thick, yellow salve over its wounds.

In response, Chris walked away, leaving him to keep the restless feline on the table.

Marc shot Neil a scowl as the vet disappeared into the tent without a word. “A little help?”

“That’s what you get for jumping in without asking first.” Neil snickered. “Besides, it’s just a little pussy.”

Marc laughed with him, trying not to get scratched when the cat bushed up. It had spotted the wolf.

Marc blocked its view, wincing as a sharp claw pierced his wrist like a needle, then another. Before the next one could, he followed his instinct. “No. Stop. Stay.”

Dog dropped to his haunches; the cat withdrew its claws from Marc’s stinging skin.

“Is he full blooded?” Chris had come from the tent with a syringe and a small, blue collar.

“No. At least, I don’t think so. He looks the part, but sometimes he acts exactly like a dog.”

The vet’s hands were gentle and quick on the cat as he relieved Marc of the purring feline. “You’re good with animals.”

Marc saw Neil’s surprise at the compliment. “They’re easier to make friends with.”

The vet didn’t respond to the hint. He took the cat to a small stack of carriers and put him inside. “You’ll have to register the wolf or one of the camp’s young guns will shoot him by accident.”

“That must be why we’re here.” Neil used the same level of sarcasm they were getting. “Do you have time?”

“Sure. I was about to take a break anyway.”

The words carried annoyance. Marc wished Angie were here to tell him what the man’s problem was.

“I had to leave for a while, and even though I told him I would, he didn’t think I was coming back.” Angela flashed a smile as she joined them, heart thumping when Marc said a silent hello.

Only Marc saw the vet’s expression brighten before it was quickly hidden away.

Angela went to the vet. “Sorry. Long lines.”

“I’m used to not having help.”

Marc frowned at the bitter tone.

Angela pulled her dirty overcoat back on. “I mentioned that to Adrian. So what’s next?”

The vet snorted. “Next was the cats I did while you were gone.” The vet pretended he didn’t care that she had spoken to Adrian on his behalf. It was something Kenn or Neil should have done. “Now is the wolf. We’ll draw blood and give the same vaccinations as the dogs. It’s all in the tent. Think you can find it?”

Angela moved that way without answering, aware of Marc glaring.

His scowl grew when Chris stole a quick peek at her retreating rear.

“I’ll do the physical exam first.”

Before Marc could tell him anything, the vet bent down and got busy, fingers gentle, knowledgeable.

Dog stayed still, not growling but tense, until the man’s hands slid between his legs. Then he jerked back, baring his teeth.

“Easy, boy.” Marc rubbed Dog’s rigid ears and hoped the vet hurried.

“He’s in good shape.” Chris examined the sturdy neck and the muzzle. He didn’t bat a lash when the wolf nipped at his fingers. Instead of fear, the vet flicked the animal on the nose, drawing a small, surprised yelp. “No. Stay.”

The vet continued the exam.

Marc was impressed when Dog relaxed.

The vet looked up. “Stud or worker?”

“What’s the difference?”

Neil spoke up. “We don’t have pets here. Animals are either food or security unless they’re breeders. Studding means being chained up.”

Marc frowned. “And the workers?”

“He passes an obedience course and gets put to work. He can do both, but workers are harder to breed for some reason.” Chris turned to go get what he needed from the tent.

Angela was there to hand him the syringe and a long, plastic tube with a blue ring on the end. “Very organized system you’ve got in there. Even an idiot can find what he needs.”

Chris sniggered, but said nothing as he drew blood from the wolf’s leg.

Neil was surprised when the big animal didn’t budge. He didn’t seem to feel it.

The vaccinations did draw a reaction. All done at the same time, it caused Dog to bare his teeth, but he didn’t snap or bite.

Neil wondered if Angela’s glazed eyes had anything to do with that.

“What’s the course he has to pass?” Marc fought to keep his eyes from Angie as she took the tubes of blood to the tent while writing on them.

“Commands first.” Chris gestured. “Have him do the basics. I may add some.”

Marc pointed at the wolf. “Heel, Dog.”

The animal came to his side.

Marc threw an arm out. “Up and over, by three.”

The wolf leapt almost straight up, clearing Marc’s arm. Upon landing, he repeated the exact movement twice more before returning to his master’s side.

“Pass.” The vet studied the alert animal for a moment, then turned toward the tent.

Neil blew out a frustrated breath at the man’s rudeness.

Marc nodded his agreement.

A few minutes later, they both stepped closer to the tent at the sounds of rustling clothing and grunting.

“Pull on the damn thing! It doesn’t bite!”

“I’m trying not to rip it off. It’s old.”

“That sucked! Next time, I’ll do myself!” The vet stomped from the tent.

Angela came out behind him, snickering at Marc and Neil.

Chris was wearing a padded training suit. He suddenly swung around toward Angela.

All three men saw her flinch, hand going for her gun, then the wolf flew by them, responding to her need without a single word spoken.

Those who had stopped to watch gasped in alarm at the quick blur Dog became as he streaked toward the vet.

Dog jumped for the throat and got a padded arm instead. He let go and lunged upward, latching onto small soft padding; then skin as his teeth broke through.

When Chris dropped to his knees, struggling to push him away, Marc gave a sharp whistle.

The wolf let go and backed up a couple feet. They all saw the blood on his muzzle, and on the outfit as Angela began helping Chris pull it off.

“So, we’re done?” Neil was almost glad when the vet shrugged away from Angela’s doctoring touch. Marc didn’t like it.

Angela frowned. “I hope so. He already needs stitches.” Angela handed him a large gauze pad to hold over his shoulder.

The vet’s face tightened. He retreated from her smell. “Not the first time.”

He approached the wolf without fear, something Marc respected and would remember.

“Good boy.” Chris gave the wolf a solid pat to his chest and a quick rub of its tense neck, then went to the desk to write in a thick notebook while holding the gauze in place.

The bystanders began to move again, murmuring and muttering.

Chris waved at Angela. “Red collar. Adrian will want him classified as a worker, but I’d like to try breeding too.”

Angela pulled a scarlet collar from her pocket. She handed it to Marc with careful fingers, not meeting his eyes but wanting to. She turned to the vet instead. “Next?”

Neil grinned. She sounds like Marc.

Chris grunted. “A real bandage maybe?”

She went to get one from his tent.

Chris turned to Neil. “What’s her story? I’ve been busy. I haven’t heard anything yet.”

Neil and Marc both frowned at him.

Neil tried to be cautious. “She’s going to be our doctor.”

The vet snorted. “I already knew that. Is she single?”

Marc rotated toward the path, scowling.

“You’ll have to ask her.” Neil followed Marc. “Thanks. Catch ya later.”

Marc paused and pointed to where Angela was coming from the tent. “Stay. Guard her.”

Dog padded to her side.

Chris understood this man was someone to her. He recognized the sharp tone of command and bowed to it. “She’ll be safe here. It’s you we’ll hate.” The vet turned away before Marc could respond.

Marc walked with Neil, not sure about this place, these people. Angie would be good here, he knew that already, and the wolf could defend himself. As for Marc, he had spent most of his life taking care of number one. These sheep may need a shepherd, but he didn’t. Just because he had agreed to help with some things, and do some quiet work for Adrian, that didn’t mean their boss had his loyalty. So far, that honor belonged solely to Angela.

Marc sighed, trying not to stay mad. The sour vet hadn’t told him anything he hadn’t already known.

Neil pointed. “I thought we’d join a game next. Right now, there’s soccer, cornhole, and darts.”

“Darts?”

Neil took them toward the yells and thuds coming from the opposite end of the sprawling camp. They both ignored the hard, unhappy glares of those they passed. “Adrian likes to have something on hand for everyone. Tomorrow is football.”

The field was spacious, freshly mowed, and almost empty. Twelve men were there, with no referee and even fewer spectators, giving them one corner of the area to themselves. The field was surrounded by thick trees and ankle tall grass. There were real goal nets at each end, outlined in painted white.

Marc waited eagerly as the game restarted. He had played as a kid.

“New soccer is fun.” Neil wondered if Marc had a weakness other than Angie. If he did, these men could find it.

Marc watched as the teams–one side with their shirts off–yelled and charged the ball as a group. They taunted and screamed, cheeks red as they tripped each other and traded serious blows.

Marc’s heart picked up as he followed the violent game. Neil brought me here to prove I can take a hit.

“You can’t touch the ball with your hands, but you can do whatever it takes to get it. First team to ten wins.” Neil thought it would be interesting to have Marc and Kenn on the field at the same time.

The wind gusted, blowing a cloud of dust over the dim field. A group of men rushing for the ball got tangled up and fell hard, drawing blood.

Three of them left the game.

Neil lifted a brow in challenge at Marc as both teams waved toward them. “We can just go play darts. Hilda’s probably there.”

The men exchanged a snicker.

Marc pulled his shirt off and led the way onto the field. No sense ruining a perfectly good shirt.

Other players came from the sidelines. Marc noticed they automatically adjusted the teams. Not for the first time, he was curious as to how high in the chain of command Neil was.

There were no greetings as they lined up, no chatter. Marc also wondered how much these particular men disliked him.

Someone blew a whistle.

Marc was immediately forced to concentrate on staying on his feet. He was hit hard, and not just when he got to the ball. He ducked punches and jumped over outstretched arms and legs, but he didn’t retaliate the way he had with Doug. He made contact, but he tried to be neutral about it even though the men brought him down every time they could. There were big hits, as well as a couple of dazzling steals that caused men to yell, point, cheer. The small crowd along the sidelines started to grow.

Neil hung back for the first half hour, letting Marc continue to do what he’d done all day–prove he belonged.

3

“Out!” The ref examined the newest injury. “That needs stitches.”

The score was now five to one, with Marc’s team losing. The crowd had grown to about thirty. When play resumed, Neil was at his side again.

“You’re back.” Marc was sweaty and bloody. He had scratches and bruises on his arms, back, and chest.

Neil nodded. “You’ve shown ’em you can hold your own alone. Now, we’ll show ’em you’re also a team player. Stick close.”

Marc wasn’t sure what Neil had in mind until he slammed into the first guy to challenge their progress with the ball, sending him out of the game with a nose gushing blood. From there, they were unstoppable, alternating as they traveled the field, one moving, the other protecting from as many sides as possible. When the game ended, seven to ten, Marc wasn’t ashamed of the loss. They had played hard and he’d loved it. His teammates hadn’t protected him, but they had been impressed when he defended them.

When they reformed for game two, Neil and Marc had more men on their side than they needed.

“I’m in for this one.” Seth joined them, removing his shirt.

Marc saw the other men adjust teams again. Seth is someone important here too. It appeared he had lucked into two powerful friends. “Threesome?”

Seth nodded as the wind gusted, bringing the scent of rain and decay. “Neil and I have been hoping for someone who can keep up. Too bad they won’t let the wolf play.”

They all shared a laugh.

“Stick close, gentlemen. I’m in the mood.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “That means he’s set to piss people off. Get ready to be hit.”

Marc’s grin widened, thinking he’d been hit already. Then the whistle blew.

They ran together, shoving through the pack that included some of their own men.

Neil kicked the guy with the ball in the leg, knocking him out of contention so Seth could get it. He and Marc ran block, taking and giving nasty hits. Losing their worries in the competition, they scored repeatedly.

Each time, a roar echoed from the crowd that was now yelling, betting, and enjoying time away from thinking about all the hell they’d survived.

4

“Preparing your own meat, class one. Today, we’re slaughtering a pig and a cow. We’ll put ropes around the hind legs, pull them up, then slit their throats so the blood will drain. Tomorrow we’ll skin the carcasses, clean them, cut them, and freeze it all. First, is equipment and preparing the area. We need rope. Measure it by the weight of the animal. For a cow, the rope should be how thick, XO?”

Kenn grunted, digging strong, yellowish coils from the various boxes stacked in front of the trees they were about to use. “At least three inches. Measure it with your three middle fingers side by side, like this.” Kenn held his hand up.

“And for a pig?”

“The same. Pigs are smaller, but not lighter.” Kenn kept digging out gear. “It’s mostly fat and fat is heavy.”

Men were sitting on truck bumpers, hoods, and the ground, listening intently. Adrian’s classes always had an energy their other instructors lacked. He was always the first one to start new things, to try a new setup. When he taught a class, everyone wanted to be there, no matter the lesson.

Adrian waved. “Tell us what’s first, Doug.”

“Canopy over the top.” The big, bruised, bandaged man was embarrassed but determined not to let it interfere with his normal job.

“Protecting your food supply begins by protecting the area where it’s processed.” Adrian dug out a large green tarp and two staple guns as he talked. “We’ll have to refine this, like we do everything else now. Two important things are bird shit and predators that will be drawn by the smell of blood. Who knows why the shit is more important than the predators?”

“Because of E. coli?” one of the rookies asked.

“Exactly. No shit of any kind near any food. One piece of infected meat will kill everyone in this camp.” Adrian let that sit for a moment. This was his newest group of rookies, but after tonight, a fresh level would take their place. He had no doubts about their passing. This was one of the strongest groups he’d put together since Seth’s team.

Adrian scanned his camp.

The short bathroom and shower lines told him people were missing. The faint, excited voices said something was happening in his camp, not outside of it. Adrian tried not to worry. Kyle would handle things or call for assistance. “Who can tell me how we’ll put the tarp over that first limb? Without climbing.”

The fourteen men considered, exchanging ideas, and again, Kevin had an answer. “We’ll staple ropes to each side and shoot it over with arrows.”

Kevin was among the few men he was considering for leadership. Adrian was pleased. It was exactly what Kenn had come up with. “Any other ideas?”

There were, of course, but none as simple. No one spoke.

Adrian looked around. “Best shooter here?”

Everyone glanced at Kenn.

Adrian gestured him forward. “Who else?”

Logan, a tall, bald, private investigator from Utah stood up nervously. “I’m next, I think. Kenn got me by one shot on the last test.”

Adrian nodded as another roar echoed from the camp behind them. Louder this time, it made his guts tighten. “One miss is all it takes. Okay. Let’s do this.”

It went about as smoothly as the taking of a life by amateurs can: Adrian’s cut was deep enough to kill; the steadiers were a little squeamish but willing. The pulling was a little too rough, but the branch held and the tarp directed the pungent mess. Less than ten minutes had gone by, and the pig carcass was staked three feet off the ground, draining; fires had been lit in the corner cans to keep the bugs away.

Adrian and his men took a minute, being careful not to put bloody fingers on their lips while they smoked.

“We’ll have two guards here tonight, and motion detectors, so remember that when you come for your tests.” Adrian was eased by the motion he got from Kyle, who had come to the edge of the caution tape. Everything was under control. “All right. This time, Jeremy and I will supervise. Who’s cutting and who’s steadying?”

It didn’t go as smoothly with the cow, or nearly as fast. The crew had to fight to get the ropes around the animal’s stomping hooves. The mess was considerable, but they did finally get the job done.

“Class is dismissed. We’ll resume at dawn.” Adrian signaled Kyle over while the team washed up and repacked the gear.

Both men frowned when Kenn left without a word to any of the blood-splattered Eagles.

Kyle blew out a frustrated breath. Where did this Kenn come from? He was nothing like the helpful, resourceful XO they were used to.

Adrian stared at Kenn’s stiff shoulders. “Where do you think he’s going?”

“Where he shouldn’t be.” Kyle caught the attention of the nearest Eagle on duty; he followed the angry Marine.

“Observe only?” Adrian turned to avoid a strong gust of wind as he lit a smoke.

“Not anymore. Kenn’s been over there three times today, watching while she doesn’t know. I changed the order on my last round. If there’s a problem, the Eagle will interrupt and say you want him, but not why.”

Adrian thought Kyle was wrong about Angela not knowing Kenn was there. “I don’t want the Eagles to oppose him openly if we can help it, but pass the word among the higher levels. She’s under my direct protection. I want her to be treated as if she’s my heir and doesn’t know it. Stress the secrecy part. If it gets out too soon…”

Kyle shook his head, mind racing. “It won’t. You can trust us.”

Adrian filled with pride. “I do, most of them. I trust you completely.”

Kyle didn’t need to ask if the story was true. He was reading it in Adrian’s face. “Kenn thinks he has that honor sewn up.”

Adrian watched clouds gathering in the west. For a change, they appeared to be moving below the thinning layer of smog instead of through it. “Right-hand man. No higher for Kenn. Ever.”

Kyle felt a heavy weight roll from his shoulders. It had been a single, short conversation with Neil during one foggy morning shift, but he had felt terrible since then–like their pact to challenge Kenn for leadership if anything happened to Adrian made them traitors.

“I always knew.” Adrian’s tone was compassionate, approving. “You have great instincts, like Neil, but your secret isn’t one, and it wouldn’t be a betrayal anyway. The natural order is already in chaos. Kenn in charge would tilt us over the edge. He’s already where he belongs. He just hasn’t realized it yet.” Adrian sighed at another loud roar from the gaming area, sure Neil and Marc were involved. “Did everyone check in? Where are the other new people?”

5

“Mom?” Charlie tapped on the tent. “Kenn is waiting for you at the parking area. He said to hurry up.” Charlie stuck his head in.

Angela tensed, causing the pregnant orange cat to sink a claw deep into her wrist. Chris was taking its temperature.

“He said you’ll go to dinner with him after that.”

Angela hated hearing Kenn’s orders coming from her son’s mouth. “I’d rather stay. Do I have to go to the contest?”

“No.” Charlie stared at her, eyes saying yes.

“I can grab a sandwich later?”

Charlie nodded, not wanting to be the one to tell Kenn.

“Bring a double tray.” Chris didn’t look up from the clipboard. “She’ll eat here.”

“Deep six that!” Kenn marched into the large, smelly tent, glowering at Angela. “You’ve been in here long enough. It’s time to go.”

The dogs started barking, reading the tension. The vet wasn’t the only one who noticed, though he thought he was.

Angela sucked in a breath. “I’ll eat here. We’re about to start with the kittens.”

Kenn pointed at the flap. “Leave now, and maybe you’ll come back later.”

Angela tried not to shake. “I’m not ready to go.”

The vet frowned. Who is Kenn to her? I thought Marc was her owner.

Kenn glowered harder. “You’ll do what you’re told!”

“I’ll stay as long as I want!” Angela hated him as much as she ever had. When she’d told Marc that she didn’t want Kenn dead, she had lied. She just didn’t want to be responsible for it.

Kenn’s hands curled into fists before diving into his jacket. “Angela.”

It was an ugly tone, hinting at violence. Charlie retreated a step.

Chris saw Angela’s hand sliding for the gun on her hip; he stood up, drawing attention as the dogs continued to bark and transfer their unease to the other animals around them. It will bring the guards soon. The vet didn’t wait for backup. He didn’t need it. He knew how to handle this. “I wonder what Adrian would say?”

Kenn’s face was a surprised mask of anger as he glared at the annoyed doctor. “Stay out of this! It’s none of your business!”

Chris shrugged, sensing the Eagle now in the doorway. He always knew when he was being watched. It was an effect of being in a POW camp for seven years. “You brought it in here, not me. She said she’s staying. Get lost!”

The vet wasn’t afraid of him. Kenn knew if he pushed any further, the doctor would put it in his report to Adrian. Kenn stomped out of the tent, furious profile promising retribution.

Angela breathed a sigh of relief. He had been checking up on her all day, sending hostile waves of warning. She’d known she would have to face him eventually, but she hadn’t expected the woman-hating veterinarian to defend her.

Before she could thank him, Chris shoved another pregnant cat into her gloved hands, taking the orange one. “When it’s time, bring a double tray here for your mom and do it openly so he can’t hassle you.”

Charlie was pale. “You sure?”

Angela gave him a tight smile and reinforced the choice. “Yes.”

Charlie left with worry still burning in his heart.

Angela knew he was right to feel that way. Kenny was a dangerous foe who never forgot a transgression. In case all this self-control was play acting, she would avoid being alone with him. So would Charlie. Kenn was on the edge. She pitied the person who finally sent him over. They probably wouldn’t survive the encounter.