The Survivors

Black Hills of South Dakota

April 1st

1

“You are entering an American Military refugee camp. Identify yourself!”

Angela jumped.

Kenn’s beefy hand had been hovering over the radio before the call came. He keyed the handset without picking it up. “From sea to shining sea.”

“Welcome home, Eagle Two. The QZ is in the corner. He’ll meet you there.”

“Copy.”

The valley was covered in fog and huge trees. Among these towering giants lurked a camp of survivors. Dozens of people were in sight through the swirling mist. As they crested the muddy hill, Angela gawked. It’s a small city! I’ll never be able to hide it from so many people!

It all flashed by too fast for more details as Kenn steered the Bronco to a faint but clear trail etched in the mud.

What kind of place have we come to? Is my son happy? Healthy? A prisoner? Angela forced herself to breathe normally, determined to be the strong survivor she had discovered on the hazardous trip here. She counted five small tents inside an area marked by bright yellow caution tape. A larger white canvas sat just outside the quarantine zone, sporting a red cross and a name she wasn’t close enough to read yet.

Kenn drove the truck behind those tents and put it in park.

Angela’s Blazer pulled in on the left.

Marc’s slid in on her right.

Kenn had been searching for an explanation that Adrian would accept. If anyone found out he had hit a woman, he would be banished. He glanced at Angela with desperation flickering. “You’ll keep your mouth shut and behave?”

Angela thought his face was worse than Marc’s, but she wasn’t sure if that meant Marc would win in a fight to the death. This one had been more like two big dogs sizing each other up. “Yes. Leave me be for seven days, then we’ll talk.”

Kenn got out, calling greetings to the armed, black clad sentries on duty here.

Angela could hear him struggling to invent excuses as she opened her door and stood on the Bronco’s wide foot rails. She studied the vague, shifting forms of the foggy refugee camp as the heartbreakingly welcome sound of dogs yapping echoed. Charlie! I’m here!

She heard his answering cry of stunned happiness as shimmery forms of people advanced through the high fog. The hair on her arms and neck tingled; blood pounded through her ears as a door in her mind tried to swing open. Someone here is like me... Yes, definitely. He was coming this way.

Three tall men in jeans emerged through the fog. Angela picked out Kenn’s idol easily. She wasn’t surprised to discover the vibrant sense of power was coming from the great looking blond man who wore crisscrossed holsters around both hips, like Marc. That was where the similarities ended. This man had sexy, sun-streaked brows, a goatee, and short spikes of yellow hair like rippling wheat. He was average height and weight, but the way he carried himself said he was different. His pace wasn’t a strut, but a confident step implying he could handle what came, he knew what he was doing, and little would stand in his way. The rattling door in Angela’s mind swung open as the witch took over. She pulled hard, with no time to resist as the colors of his energy flooded her.

Stopping in surprise, Adrian stared at the pretty woman with long black curls and a fresh wound on her lower lip. Their eyes met across the distance... The air became crisp, sharp, then faded, taking the camp noises away and replacing them with the soft, lapping waves of a calm ocean.

A second later the sounds snapped back into place, making Angela flinch.

Adrian faked a yawn and forced his feet to move. “We’re done for now.”

Instead of disappearing as they normally might have, Kyle and Seth stayed, waited. Something had given Adrian pause. The off duty Eagles wanted to know what it was.

Who all noticed? Adrian swept the area. The observant males at his side, for sure, and probably Neil as well, but no camp members were in sight. One glance at Kenn’s bruised face told Adrian not only had he witnessed it, he was angry about it. Understanding fell into place. This was Kenn’s wife, why he’d left. Surely she hadn’t beaten Kenn up? The guy with her, then. Must be a hardass.

Adrian saw Neil moving subtly toward Kenn’s wife and her escort. Neil had the same questions he did. Content that end was covered, Adrian scanned the other new arrivals.

Unease sank into his gut. A thin woman with dirty blonde curls was slumped against the Blazer on the left. She was staring at the uniformed guards in fear instead of relief. Abused. I can help her.

The thin man at her side had a black bandana around his neck and shifty eyes that increased Adrian’s unease. He had a natural slump to the shoulders that suggested a lifetime of being shit and no desire to change. That, I only have one solution for.

Adrian motioned Billy and Chris toward the couple as he went to Kenn. He scanned Kenn’s wife again, encouraged by her. She stood straight, showed no fear, and she was healthy. One of my herd or one of my shepherds?

Ignoring Kenn’s glare, Angela stepped over to Marc. He was standing stiffly by the open door, wolf at his feet. Please, guys. Walk the line for a bit, give this place a chance. It feels good here.

Marc nodded, eyes saying all the things his mouth couldn’t as he pulled on his long coat. “We will. You okay?”

“I will be, I think. We’ve called a truce. Just be careful, like you always are.” Angela swept the foggy landscape again, drawn by the murmur of voices when the wind dropped.

Marc handed her two full speed loaders. “I’m here if you need me, Angie.”

She slid them into her pocket, along with a few things from her kit. “I’ll run if he makes me.”

Despite her words, Marc could almost feel her rebuilding the walls between them. “I only need five minutes warning and to know where you guys are.”

She nodded, sad these were the last private words they would share for a while.

Marc caught her thought. “I’ll miss you too.”

Angie was sure she’d never get to sleep tonight without the sound of his breathing, without being able to roll over and stare at him. “I just need some time to read things. It might not be the right place. If not, we’ll go.”

Marc sighed. “Five minutes and locations.”

Dog shifted menacing golden orbs to a tall man in all black passing by their bumper. His state trooper hat was the only other color on him.

The guard swept them with an open hand on the holster of his Beretta. Marc recognized a gun run. The sentry was seeing who was armed, and assessing the threat. Marc turned back to Angela but kept the guard in his peripheral vision. “You’re here. Bet you can’t wait to hug Charlie.”

She looked anything but happy. Marc’s trained ears heard no fear from the people they couldn’t see yet. Smart to separate the areas. “What’s wrong? Isn’t he here?”

Also busy feeling things out; Angela was eased a little by the sense of a normal, safe life she was picking up from the men on duty. “He’s here, on the way to us now.”

Marc’s lips thinned. “You mean to you. I’ll wait right here.”

“No.”

The same guard made a second pass, sharp green eyes on the bristling wolf.

Marc lowered his voice. “Now is not a good time.” Marc noted the glints of steel in her eyes and knew she wasn’t going to budge before she spoke.

“It’s the only time. You can’t hide it from him, and you two can’t start out on a lie.” She looked away before the sparks flew. “Besides, he’ll know right off. He picks stuff up as easily as I do.”

“What about Kenn? He’ll go nuts.”

Her face paled, but that glint of steel never wavered. “Maybe.” She slipped into his mind. Maybe not, if we can keep it quiet.

Marc was relieved no one else would know yet. He couldn’t protect her from so many armed men.

“Others may suspect, but Kenn will figure it out; he’ll call us on it. Right now, he just thinks it’s me introducing my son to my new man.”

Marc’s spine stiffened at those words. “I’ll handle him if I need to. You’re sure it should be now?”

“Yes.” Angela replied, watching Kenn. He was deep in conversation with his idol, no doubt telling him of the slavers the others had escaped from.

Such loyalty, her witch whispered sleepily. And to a stranger. Where’s the devotion he should have for you?

Angela ignored the question, but it burned. “Come on, Marc. Our boy’s here.”

Marc followed, more nervous than he wanted to admit. He had never allowed himself to consider having a child at all, and now, he had one who was almost grown. “Stay, Dog.”

The wolf sank down, mostly hidden by the tires.

Angela led the way to the corner of the caution tape, experiencing fierce joy as Charlie’s taller form came through the thick fog.

Neil had been watching the new arrivals. He now had a list of questions about how all the bruised faces were connected, but he didn’t doubt they were. He assumed the males had been fighting over the woman, but which one had hit her? …Kenn? Neil stepped forward as they reached the tape. “I’m sorry, but you can’t cross the–”

Invisible heat shot out, burning him. Neil retreated, confused and leery. Was that a flash of hot wind?

Neil met Adrian’s questioning eyes as he started to step in front of them again. He was relieved when the boss gestured in denial. Adrian had missed none of it.

The woman moved around him, eyes tinged in red.

Neil took another step back.

When Charlie stopped at the tape, young face full of overwhelming happiness, Neil relaxed a little. The teenager knew them. Family? Neil nodded. That made sense considering Charlie was also…different.

Angela’s heart was in control of her emotions. Instead of ducking under the caution tape, she snatched her knife from her boot and sliced through it. She sheathed the blade without losing stride.

Everyone, including Kenn, was sure she knew how to use it. They also understood the message. Nothing would separate her from her son.

“Mom!” The teenager threw his arms around her neck.

Angela crushed him close, swinging him around. His face buried in her hair, heart beating furiously against hers. She hugged him tighter, pain warring with her happiness. At least one of her sons had made it through the war. “God, I’ve missed you!”

Charlie kept his arms around her as she let him down, struggling not to cry. “I knew you’d come! He said you wouldn’t make it, but I knew!”

Hot rage pulsed through Angela–the same hatred she’d had to pull back in before it hurt the guard who had stepped between them.

She held her son back, looking into eyes that were the same shade of blue as Marc’s. “Our time apart is over. We will never be separated again!”

Angela hugged him once more before letting go, not allowing herself to think. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

The teenager agreed reluctantly, hands going into the pockets of his dark blue hoodie.

She threw a comforting arm around his thin shoulders as they stepped over to Marc, who had observed their reunion with a sad smile. She was obviously a loving mother. It didn’t come as a surprise, but it did hurt that he’d missed it all.

“Charlie, this is a good friend of mine. He’s the reason I made it here. His name is Marcus Charles Brady.”

They both noticed the fourteen-year-old wasn’t surprised at the exact opposite of his name.

Charlie regarded Marc with his own cool stare. “So, you’re my dad.”

Glad the words had been low enough for only the three of them to hear, Marc held out a calloused hand. “Charlie, right?”

The boy reluctantly shook with him.

Marc felt the subtle tinkering of a child trying to get into his thoughts.

The role of teacher automatically fell back into place for Angela. “Never without permission.”

Charlie glared at the dusty ground. “Sorry.”

Marc ignored the sarcastic tone. “Maybe we could talk sometime? Alone.”

The careful request drew a nasty glower. “About what?”

Marc pushed the silent words at him. About the last fifteen years and why we haven’t spent them together.

Charlie shrugged. “The past is dead. No one cares.” His voice was full of bitterness that no child should feel.

“I do.” Marc met his eye. “I care a lot.”

Charlie’s face blazed with anger befitting an adult. Marc heard the words clearly, as if Angela had sent them.

Well, I don’t. You left us in hell. You’re as bad as he is. Maybe worse, ’cause now he’s pissed at her again! Charlie spun back to his mom. “When is he leaving?!”

2

Rage rolled off Kenn as he and everyone else watched the reunion. I can’t believe she introduced her lover to Charlie!

Adrian and many of the guards felt the inevitable coming. A cold wave fell over the battlefield.

Kenn’s fists clenched in an effort to control himself, but he already knew it wasn’t going to be successful. Marc has to go! Soon… Maybe even right now.

The two men locked bruised eyes. All the witnesses understood the exchange.

I’ll kill to keep her!

I’ll kill to have her!

Adrian stayed still, aware that personal drama had just entered his peaceful camp.

Kenn moved forward a second later.

Adrian observed with the rest of his men, wondering whose blood would spill and what it would cost them.

Angela and Charlie turned at the same time.

Their fear drew instant attention from the rest of the guards. Eagles moved closer.

Marc saw Kenn coming, but he focused on the black-and-gray blur streaking toward the Marine. “Dog! No!”

The powerful animal slid to a rough stop, long snout drawn up in a ferocious snarl as he glared at Kenn, who had pulled his weapon.

“Dog! Sit!”

The wolf dropped to its haunches.

Marc joined him, attention now on the real threat.

“You should have that thing on a leash!” Kenn growled, lowering but not holstering the 9mm. He’d finally recognized the wolf from their time together as Marines. He hadn’t liked the animal then either.

“Maybe you shouldn’t provoke him.” Marc rubbed behind the animal’s tense ears, glad the wolf had obeyed.

“I didn’t even see him!”

“He saw you, read your intent. He’s very protective of her.”

Kenn ground his teeth together as he shoved his gun into its holster. He gave the bushy wolf a hateful glare.

Marc gave the animal a loving pat on his stocky chest as Kenn moved toward Angela. They’d just had their first close call and they’d only been here five minutes. Wonderful. “Good boy.”

“Praise for the quick response to your commands, or because he would have attacked Kenn without being told?” Adrian had come over during the aftermath.

“Both, more.” Marc was still watching Kenn.

Adrian took it all in, liking the sharp intelligence. Is this hardass another member of my circle?

Adrian felt relief. It made perfect sense that they would come together. He would also give the thin blonde woman slumped against her man an interview, in case they had come in threes.

The Eagles understood Kenn’s uncontested power and cool control had taken a hit. The entire camp couldn’t rattle him. Many had tried, but this one man had shaken Kenn, and without doing much. Who was he?

“Everything okay?” A guard in an approaching group scanned for the problem.

More men emerged through the fog, weapons in hand.

Marc was impressed they had come without being called.

“Everything’s 5-by.” Adrian’s voice was tinged in relief.

Marc picked out the earpieces and understood one of those already here had given a signal to alert other guards. Marc tried to determine who. The one Angela had pushed back with her heat wave? Probably. The trooper was hovering near her and Kenn now. Satisfied that she was okay for the moment, Marc did a scan of their dangerous new companions.

The two men flanking the leader were observing him intently. Marc returned the scrutiny. They wore civilian clothes, but he knew they were off duty. The boss must be either really hard on them or really good to them to have earned such loyalty. Marc finally gave his full attention to the man at his side, but he didn’t speak first, showing respect.

Adrian noted the dog tag as Marc stood; he heard a click of new pieces being put into place. Kenn will be livid when he realizes he brought in the very people he has to share power with.

Adrian considered what he’d already witnessed and corrected himself. Kenn did know, and he was beyond livid. “So, is he dangerous, or does he just look it?”

“He’s a wild animal with a little training.” Marc was aware of the double entendre. “I did him a favor. He chooses to stay.”

“Do you make shit like that a habit?”

Marc felt the man searching him. “Shit like what?”

“Doing favors for those less able. I need that kind of help here.”

Marc indicated the tag around his neck. “Service is my chosen field, but helping animals is easier. You know their nature when you first meet.”

Adrian held out a hand in welcome.

Marc shook it, feeling as if he’d just passed a surprise quiz.

“Mitchel, Adrian.”

Marc automatically squared his shoulders at the authoritative tone. “Brady, Marcus.”

“Where you from, Grunt?”

At full attention now, Marc was surprised to find himself responding as if he were addressing an officer. Like Kenn, it didn’t take him long to figure out that he was.

“West Virginia. Ohio.”

“Marine?”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“Record?”

“Eight speeding tickets in four years; a couple of bar fights. I paid restitution.”

“What are your plans, Grunt, now the country you were sworn to protect has fallen in flames?”

Marc couldn’t stop his eyes from going to Angela and Charlie as they came toward Adrian, Kenn in the lead. “My country’s not dead. Her people still need to be protected.”

Guards nodded in approval.

Adrian smiled. “Did you rehearse that?”

Marc shook his head, smiling back, but Adrian noticed it didn’t reach his wary eyes. He’ll add strength to my Eagles!

“I’m a quick thinker under pressure.” Marc shrugged. “My mother said I’d make a good politician. My CO said I was a wise smartass. I consider myself safely between the two.”

Adrian chuckled. “Brains are welcome here, Marc, as are you. May Safe Haven become your–”

“Check it out, Adrian. This is my Angela.” Kenn shouldered between them, not quite daring to drag Angie, but pulling her arm in a way that made Marc grit his teeth.

Adrian noticed it, and her flash of anger at Kenn’s title. She’s not his. He just lied. Again.

“Ang, this is Adrian, our Commander in Chief.”

As Marc was forced out of the circle, Adrian saw the slender female actually grimace at the introduction, not caring if anyone disagreed. There is great strength in her.

Their eyes locked, kindred souls meeting for the first time…

Lightning flashed suddenly, brilliantly, drawing everyone’s attention away, but Angela and Adrian didn’t react as time stood still. Their life forces melded for a second of completeness, of incredible joy, and then it was gone.

To cover the flames of confusion, Angela let the witch ask a question that demanded honesty. “The last men to hold that position tried to kill us all. Do you plan to follow in their footsteps?”

It drew displeasure from everyone except Marc, who was now studying the small streak of gray in Angie’s hair. It was new.

Adrian saw Kenn’s hand flinch toward her, but dive into a pocket instead. Because of all the witnesses? Is that where her split lip came from?

Adrian reestablished the earthshattering connection he and the woman had made. He tried to keep his voice steady, now feeling like the one who was taking a test. “No, I don’t. I don’t consider myself that important.”

Angela was already certain his people would argue if anyone else said that. Their protectiveness was evident. “Good. We have enough controlling jackasses left as it is.”

There were frowns and surprised murmurs.

Adrian forced himself to confirm who she was referring to. The tone of his reply wasn’t quite joking as he noted the bags under her eyes and the hand resting on her gun. “We’ll talk later; you can point them out. I’d be happy to have them slapped and threatened for you.”

He caught Kenn’s reaction. The Marine flushed in guilty anger.

Adrian’s stomach twisted. Kenn had been here for a long time, but there had always been something a little off about him. Adrian now suspected what it was.

“I’m a healer, not a punisher.”

“You’re a doctor.” Adrian’s pleasure hit them in waves.

Kenn’s rage grew. “Yeah, if you need first aid, she might be able to do it. You’ll want to talk to–”

“Later!” Adrian jerked his hand. “Your mission has not ended until the supplies and refugees have been squared away!”

Kenn flushed, pinned by the pissed, cold tone.

Adrian’s gaze went to the lone man studying them all, and then to the thin blonde, who was slumped against the Blazer again, as if she couldn’t stand to take comfort from him. “Separate those two; get her to John. Get on it!” Adrian turned his back to Kenn, something he’d never done before.

His men noticed it.

Angela couldn’t help feeling bad for Kenn. His nature would make this hard for everyone, but she was also relieved to be away from his anger.

Adrian looked at Marc, who subtly shifted to Angela’s right. The place of protection, Adrian recognized, also liking the wolf’s neat stance at her side. “If you need something, ask one of the guards. We’ll talk tomorrow at… eleven thirty. Someone will be by to show you around once you’re out of quarantine.”

Marc knew he was supposed to follow Kenn now. He gave Angela a resigned sigh. This was it. The separation had begun. “Catch you later.”

Angela didn’t like it either. “Yes, you will.” She gestured to the wolf sitting at her side. “Go with Marc.”

The wolf didn’t budge until Marc whistled.

Dog rose slowly. Angela patted the wolf she’d come to respect for his devotion to Marc. “He’ll need you more than I will.”

The wolf’s ear flicked; he padded after his master, causing people to move out of his way.

Adrian stored her obvious rapport with the wild animal. “Are you two a couple?”

Angela shook her head. “No.”

They both noted the relief that Charlie was too inexperienced to hide.

It made Angela sad. “Marc’s a good friend. I never would have made it here without him.”

“She’d know if she was sick. Does she have to be in the QZ?” Charlie wanted her to spend the day with him and avoid Kenn. It would also get him out of chores.

Adrian was aware of how intently the boy was listening, and how reluctant his mom was to talk in front of him.

“If you have chores, we’ll meet later.” Angela wanted to hole up in her tent. She was unsure about handling a huge group of strangers, but the witch said if she wanted a life here, she couldn’t spend the first day hiding.

Adrian forced himself to act as if he hadn’t noticed she’d just read her son’s mind. “He has a shift with the vet. You can wait in the quarantine zone, but it may be dinner before he’s finished. Or you can go on rounds with me. It’ll give you a chance to meet your future patients.”

Angela thought he was assuming a lot, but she also understood from the expression on Charlie’s face that she had just been offered something that was sought after here–time with Adrian. “I’d love to spend the day doing…rounds with you, but I haven’t agreed to stay, let alone be your doctor. I came for my son.”

“But you will.” Adrian turned to the teenager. “Put your mom’s gear in a QZ tent, then get to work before Chris marks you late.”

The teenager snapped a salute. “Yes, sir.”

Angela saw a lot of Marc in her son. He was changing, growing into a man; she was suddenly sad for all the years Kenn had kept them chained to his side. It hadn’t been easy on either of them.

“See ya later, Mom.”

“Yes, you will.”

Adrian waited patiently for the boy to be swallowed by the thinning fog. “He’s a great kid. Marc’s?”

Angela froze.

Adrian hated being right. “Kenn doesn’t know?”

She slowly shook her head, hoping the good feeling of this place meant she could trust him. If not, this would get ugly, fast. “No. What gave us away?”

Adrian lit a smoke. When he walked, she followed.

“A number of things I’m surprised Kenn missed–hair the same shade, same stubborn chin…and they both worship the ground you walk on.”

Angela went into panic mode. “It’s not like that! Marc’s an old friend who came when I needed him. Kenny and I had been together since Charlie was a baby.”

Adrian caught the wording. “Had been. Until the war?”

She nodded warily. “Yes, and then I did what I had to. Nothing will keep me from my son.”

Adrian felt respect. I like this one. As they walked through the fog in silence, he was also aware of a strong feeling of anticipation. It said something special could happen, something special would try to happen if he wanted it to, but he had to choose now. What is it about her? Adrian questioned his own gift reluctantly.

Kindred... Yours.

Stunned, Adrian stumbled over a mud hole that all of the camp had tripped over.

Angela chuckled as he juggled his body to keep from going face first. The sound echoed into the air and exposed a new surprise.

Adrian watched the colors over the camp ripple in vivid patterns of the sharp, clear hues of health and hope. It faded quickly, something easily imagined. Adrian stared at her, heart twisted. Will you do to her? To everyone here?

Already damned, Adrian answered the witch’s inquiry with shame and fierce determination. Yes.

Angela’s face iced over. She turned toward his camp without another word.

Adrian followed, mind spinning.

Kenn pointed Rick and his woman toward the medical tent, then studied Angela and Adrian until they were out of sight.

Marc stared after them too.

Kenn realized the guards were staring in curiosity and disapproval. He grunted, hefting two heavy boxes from his Bronco. “Grab one of those and stay close. Leave the QZ, you’ll be shot.”

Marc followed with a box on each arm, nodding to the men who moved aside to make room for the wolf, but inside he was dying. How long will I last here now that Angie has her man back?

3

Now out of Kenn’s line of sight, Adrian pushed. “You two hooked up in Ohio?”

“We met in Indiana. I left Ohio in February.” Angela was distracted. The witch inside was peering through door after door, trying to discover who Adrian was.

“Damn. Hell of a swoop you two made.”

Angela’s eyes grew murky, like the layers of grit above the fog. “What is it you want to know?”

Adrian blinked. The male inside asked before he could prevent it. “Are you sleeping with him? Was he paid with sex for getting you here?”

Instead of the anger he expected, Angela gave him a small, cool smile that made him stop.

“That’s not the question you wanted to ask, was it?”

Adrian chose his words more carefully this time. “No. The query I have requires a certain amount of trust to answer.”

Angela waited, witch listening. “It’s good you have respect for these things. Ask your question.”

Adrian hesitated again, sure it was all moving too fast.

“I guess it takes trust to ask, too.” Angela closed the door to that cage.

She was the real thing–he could feel it. Yet he couldn’t come out and just ask her to prove it. Everything had to be given willingly to accomplish what his dreams hinted at. Still, he longed for it to be true. He was disappointed by his unexpected lack of courage. It was a simple question. Are you my Seer? The witch I was promised?

Angela froze. “Are you asking me?”

Adrian forgot to breathe. He forced himself to nod. The one I need the most is here!

Angela’s face was cold. “I’m here for my son. I don’t even know you.”

“Fate brought you here.” Adrian hated it that she would have to start out in hiding. “You’re here to help me.”

Angela wanted to believe that, but she’d been protecting herself too long to give in so easily. They must be okay with magic here. Does that mean there are more like me? “I don’t know what you need help with, but that’s not what I came for.”

Adrian hid it all as footsteps approached. “That will change in time; you’ll stay. We have great and terrible things to do together.”

Before Angela could deny or question, she wasn’t sure which, the tall guard from the QZ joined them, trooper hat in place.

“Camp’s up and running. Kyle’s on Point.”

“Good.”

As Neil left, he gave Angela a quick, curious glance.

She responded with an apologetic smile.

“He’ll be okay.”

Angela became unreadable again, not liking how easily Adrian was picking out her triggers. “He’s loyal to you. They all are.”

“It’s good here…but it could be better.”

Angela recognized the hard sell and remained silent. What does he want from me? An immediate oath of loyalty? Recognition of our power? He was like her, but that needed a lot more thought before she would take any action.

Adrian got them moving, aware of how standoffish she was. He switched them to safer topics. “You’ll get used to the way things work here, but basically, everyone’s required to follow the rules and put in twenty-five hours a week on various chores. You have medical skills, so you’ll be with our doctor, John. Beyond that, your time is your own. For now, you’ll have a few days to settle in before you get a schedule.” Adrian gestured toward the mess. “You hungry?”

She grimaced at the thought of being around so many people so soon. She could hear the noises of a big meal from here. “Not really. Coffee would be great, though.”

He paused to relight his smoke.

Angela took the opportunity to pull off her sweater and tie it around her hips, eager to straighten herself up a little before she met anyone else. She let her dark hair out of the wild ponytail, drawing the notice of every guard in sight.

Men stared in longing as she brushed through the thick curls with her fingers and braided it in seconds with a grace born of practice.

Her pale shoulders gave Adrian a gentle chill of lust he filed away, thinking her dark blue tank top was almost indecent against that pale skin. The edge of a nasty scar was visible for a brief second from under one sleeve. Anger boiled in his stomach, hoping she’d killed whoever had given it to her.

There’s another topic I’ll need to avoid. Angela distracted him. “I know, I know. Women: always waiting for them. Some things haven’t changed.”

Adrian chuckled, aware of her tactic. “I’m okay with it. Most people here aren’t sure if it’s all right to joke with me, let alone keep me waiting.”

“You don’t tell them any different?” Angela sensed a great love of humor in him.

He shrugged. “It’s another way to tell the leaders from the followers.”

Angela stopped, impressed as the camp came into view. Impressed? All the people were something of a shock. They stood in small groups, talking, drinking coffee, moving in and out of tents and trucks, waiting in small lines, cleaning up Easter garbage and dog piles. Her ears rang with sounds she hadn’t heard in months. Marc had taught her to make very little noise.

Dishes clinked, thuds echoed from things being relocated, dug out, set up; doors slammed, kids ran around playing. She picked out the details faster than her thought processes could sort them. Piles of multi-colored glass were swept against a charred garbage can, indicating a celebration had gotten out of hand.

She swept the people. Mostly white, she was able to spot a few Indians, Mexicans, and blacks. She was comforted by it. The people here were healthy, unafraid, and prepared to deal with what came, yet they were somber instead of arrogant in their survival. Most wore ball caps, jeans, and jackets that didn’t quite cover the guns on their hips, but there were also women in dresses and skirts. There were no bright colors, as if these people were in mourning. Except for one occasional flash of flame, they were all wearing blue, black, or green. Angela liked the feeling of respect it conveyed. These people cared about the dead. They were Americans. “Wow.”

“Little more than you expected?”

She nodded, sweeping again. “How many?”

“One hundred eighty-eight, counting your group.”

“You’ve done well by them.”

“You think so?”

She thought of the dead towns she and Marc had passed along the way. It wasn’t like that here. Safe Haven still held hope. “Yes. So do they.”

“There’s still a lot to be done. I need help.”

Angela instinctively knew he didn’t say that to many people, but she didn’t respond.

Adrian let it go again, though it was hard to keep waiting when it had already been so long. Angela would stay. He would make sure his wishes were clear. His men would convince her.

He had worked a lot of it out before, how to integrate someone like her, but to his pleasure, most of it wouldn’t be necessary. Angela already had a strength he would use, and it would start now. After the day he was about to put her through, the people here would suspect she was being evaluated for a place in the chain of command.

Adrian smiled at her. “Welcome to Safe Haven, Angela. May it quickly become your home.”