The Wolf Experiments

Alex listened to her feet clicking on the corridors and decided that the sound made the building feel empty and lonely. She wandered aimlessly out of boredom. Nick had taken Amandas into Madrid for some kind of father and son endeavor under a complete order of secrecy. It shouldn’t have made her feel left out but it did because likewise, she had no mother to share a similar bonding experience. It was their eighteenth birthday and for that reason, she wondered if it has something to do with allowing Amandas to become a man. Wrinkling her nose, she decided the notion was wrong. Nick cared more about science than anything else so most likely it had something to do with that. He probably needed help with some heavy supplies because it wasn’t uncommon for him to forget about birthdays and an occasional Christmas.

Feeling hungry, Alex went to the cafeteria and selected pancakes from the menu. The programs spit out a steaming stack of hotcakes.

“Syrup and butter, please,” she said.

Amandas sometimes poked fun at Alex for addressing machines with pleasantries. But then, she hadn’t really had her voice for all that long so anything Amandas said about it was all in good fun. Typically someone else wandered in for dinner but by the time she finished, she hadn’t seen a soul and decided Andy was probably busy either in the control room or the laboratory with double the duties with her father being absent. Taking her tray to the depository, Alex cleaned up her place and meandered through the long, dimly lit corridors again. But both places were empty. By the time she went to bed, she struggled to remember when exactly she had last seen someone. Sultan had been brooding for a number of weeks. It was difficult to say if he was truly angry at her or just disappointed in her decision to decline taking their relationship to the next level. But the way in which he wanted Alex had frightened her and his inability to accept her refusal and continue to push had been equally disturbing. Realizing her stream of consciousness had led her down a dangerous path, she tried to shut off her mind but it was too late and she tossed and turned for a number of hours before sitting up in bed.

Alex turned the horses into the field early and cleaned the stalls. The gray horizon hinted of bad weather so they didn’t get to be outside for very long. The shield could help filter the impurities but did little to keep the wind and hail away. By the time she sprinted to the complex, the hard rain had completely soaked her clothing. There would be no going out for the rest of the day. Tired, she moved mechanically through the better part of the afternoon and it wasn’t until she was eating dinner that she decided to try and find either Adrian, Hawk or Sultan in earnest. She paged both Hawk and Adrian’s quarters from the cafeteria and when that provided no result, Alex moved on to the control room. But something was wrong. Half of the computers in the communication center was dark and she could do nothing to bring them online. Slumping into a chair, she scratched her head and tried to retrace some steps. Perhaps Adrian and Hawk had flown into the city, as well, for parts after a malfunction. Punching the intercom, she spoke into the speaker, “Sultan, please come to the control room. It’s an emergency.”

With a sigh, Alex waited but nothing happened. No Sultan.

After an hour, she sent another message across the intercom that she was going out to the hanger to see how many ships were parked. Pulling on a waterproof windbreaker, Alex took a pit stop in the barn to bed the horses down for the night before hurrying across the pad and into the tough metal hanger. Finding it empty, her eyes narrowed. Where was everyone? An uncomfortable feeling settled across her chest and taking precautions, she enabled security measures that made a user punch a security code into a keypad before entering the building.

For another night, she couldn’t sleep and made several trips to the control room to watch the monitors. But seeing how the weather had worsened, most likely no one would take the risk of flying. She made several more appeals to Sultan over the intercom before hiking through the entire complex looking for him. After the excursion, she realized she was, in fact, completely alone.

It wasn’t raining on Thursday so she put the horses out in the field and let them remain. She checked the laboratory to make sure nothing was stewing that required any attention.

When Hawk walked nonchalantly into the cafeteria, Alex burst into tears. Further adding to her uncharacteristic behavior, she sunk against him when he embraced her.

“Alex? What happened?”

“Everyone’s gone.”

“What do you mean?”

She sniffed and wiped her eyes, shyness and embarrassment overwhelming her dip in composure. “No one has been here since at least Monday.”

Hawk frowned and smoothed the hair from her eyes. “But this is Saturday. That can’t be right. Nick knew I was out of pocket this entire week. Where’s Eric, Adrian and Sultan?”

“The communications center is down. Perhaps they went to get parts.”

“Did you try the radio?”

“What radio?”

“On the ships,” he said and then, he thought about his words. “Never mind. All the ships were gone.”

“I don’t know how else to get hold of anyone.”

“Let’s go take a look at the control center but most likely, there was nothing you could do.”

Alex followed him through the corridors feeling exhausted. Her heart still strummed a little too fast and hard. Hawk sat down at the consul and tried various methods of rerouting signals but nothing worked. Leaning back into the chair, he scratched his head.

Alex whispered, “I tried much of that.”

Drawing her onto his knee, Hawk said, “I’m so sorry Alex.”

Leaning into him, she slipped her arms around his neck and felt her entire body warm to the stroke of his hand across her spine. Feeling a fresh burst of emotion, her chest constricted.

Glancing at the wall clock, he slid her off his knee. “Let me take care of the horses and catch up on a few things. Would you like me to sleep on your couch tonight?”

Her voice was soft and almost childlike when she answered, “yes.”

“It’s almost nine. Give me an hour, okay?”

He walked her to the apartment she still shared with her father before heading outside. In his absence, Alex showered and changed into her nightclothes. She had just dropped onto the couch streaming an old television drama series when Hawk arrived. He looked bothered when he slipped onto the cushions. Fresh from the shower, Alex could detect the faint smell of his soap and shampoo. He had shaved, too.

After a while, he asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Well enough for a kiss?”

Alex felt her heart jolt. She had never really kissed a man with the intent of it being something other than a peck on the cheek or forehead. But there was something empowering about knowing that no one would be walking in. Her voice grew impossibly softer. “Okay.”

Hawk drew closer, brushing his lips gently across hers. That was the test run. Perhaps he thought she might bolt away in fear because when she remained, he went in for the kill. The kiss was more than what just four simple letters could imply. It was full of tenderness and hope. Love. She hadn’t expected that. But certainly a kiss like that was made of love like cookies were made of sugar. Stopping, he cupped her cheeks in his warm hands.

Alex asked somewhat hesitantly, “Did I do okay?”

“God, yes,” he whispered. ’That was perfect.”

A smile burst across her face and feeling shy, she leaned into his chest to hide her face. He told her that she was beautiful and how long he had waited to kiss her like that. All the while, she felt her stomach flipping over and over as if she repeatedly somersaulted across the grass.

Giving her a little push, he said, “You had better go to bed. I’ll be right here.”

“Do you want me to turn off the lights?”

“That’s fine, sweetheart.”

But after she shut off the lights, she remained standing in the door of her room. “Um. Hawk?”

“Yes, Alex.”

“You can sleep on my bed as long as we don’t do anything but sleep.”

“I wouldn’t dream of doing something unprovoked.”

“I know. I do trust you. It just needed to be said.”

“Sure,” Hawk said, crossing the room. “I understand, sweetheart. We can take the next step whenever you’re ready.”

Heat washed through her body. It was difficult to admit that between curiosity and the almost sudden intoxicating emotions, she could easily make that step with only a little encouragement on his part. But she said nothing more and slid into the covers. He dropped onto the bed a half a minute later. Reaching out, she took his hand.

He laughed softly. “Bending the rules already?”

Her fingers tightened. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He rolled onto his side. “I thought you were tired.”

“Are you my boyfriend?” Alex realized that as soon as she said it, the question sounded naive.

“If you want to be exclusive, yes, I would absolutely love to be your boyfriend.”

“Exclusive?”

“Oh, Alex,” he whispered. “You have lived so much life and yet there is some aspects of it that still eludes you. If you don’t want to be tied down with one person, you aren’t exclusive.”

“I don’t want anyone else.”

“Adrian? Sultan?”

“No.”

His hand tightened. “There isn’t a rush if you need to think about it.”

“Why are you saying that?”

“I’m older than you are. Maybe I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed if you never know anyone but me. There are still a lot of people trying to be happy outside of the biosphere. Cities are bustling with activity.”

“They’re just dying a slow death.”

“True,” he said. “But you never know if you will meet someone out there and bring them home.”

“I spent six months at the University of Madrid. I’m different. It feels too dangerous outside of the biosphere.”

“Adrian? Sultan?”

“I’ve had that talk with Sultan. That’s why he’s been giving me the cold shoulder all these months and Adrian is just different. Asexual or something.”

“Well, I’m glad you haven’t been completely in the dark.”

“In the dark, no. Maybe just a little behind for a normal girl my age.”

His thumb stroked the side of Alex’s hand. “Normal isn’t what it sounds like and everyone’s definition is a little different. You aren’t normal and that’s why I love you so much.”

A buzz of electricity flickered along her skin.

Hawk’s grip tightened. “Go to sleep, Alex.”

And she closed her eyes.

In the morning, they took care of the horses and went to the hanger. For some time, Hawk attempted to hail the other ships but apparently no one was flying.

Alex said, “Why doesn’t anyone carry a cell phone anymore?”

“Makes it difficult to be off the grid.”

“Oh,” she said.

“Let me stay here in the ship for a little while to monitor the radio. Try to do something fun, okay?”

“Do you think Sultan went with someone? He hates the world outside.”

Hawk shook his head. “I wish I could tell you but I honestly have no idea.”

“Should I ride around the valley and look for him just in case he’s hurt.”

“Not yet. Not alone.”

Alex nodded and accepted his kiss on her cheek before scooting off to the complex. It was getting colder outside. Hazy. But relaxation wasn’t in the cards. She swam laps in the pool for an hour before making lunch for Hawk and taking it to him.

He looked surprised. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Alex smiled, feeling that warm feeling reach all the way down to her toes. She felt happy and wanted to please him. Things hadn’t always been perfect between them but he had always tried to help. Drawing her onto his lap, he held her tight. Nothing felt better than his arms.

“Go on, Alex,” he said. “It is only slightly warmer in here than outside. I’m accustomed to this weather.”

“So am I.”

The radio crackled. Quickly snatching it up, Hawk tried to make contact but it was just static. Nothing more. Hawk stood and stretched his legs, walking her down to the ground. “I’ll take care of the horses and meet you for dinner.”

She wondered if he feared losing control. Maybe he was creating a timeline so things wouldn’t be rushed. Her thoughts were deep as she jogged back to the complex and tried to keep busy.

At dinnertime, Hawk joined her in the cafeteria and suggested they watch a movie at the cinema. He made popcorn and they carried drinks through the corridors. Settling down into the seats, Hawk’s arm moved around her shoulders.

Alex didn’t mean to fall asleep. But it was a movie she had seen at least a half dozen times. Lifting her into his arms, Hawk carried her through the complex.

She laughed softly. “I’m perfectly capable of walking.”

“I like this,” he said. “Makes me feel like your knight in shining armor.”

“You are,” she said. “I like feeling your strength.”

Carrying Alex into her apartment, he set her feet on the floor. She looked at Nick’s weapons hanging on the walls. He had more at his cabin. Turning slowly, she gazed at the way he had arranged the furniture. It looked a little like a bachelor pad. Nothing matched.

Alex stepped into her bedroom and stared. Nick had fixed up the room for her not even six months ago and she had never changed a thing. It wasn’t her taste but she had never had the energy to do anything about it. “It’s time for me to move out. Nick is so busy. Do you think he will even notice?”

“Not for a while.”

“Tomorrow I’m going to look at all the apartments and pick one.”

“Which ward?”

“All of them.”

“Sublevels?”

“Not ruling it out.”

“They’re just bunkrooms. No amenities and just a community bathroom.”

“I’ve never needed very much. But you’re right. Probably not the sublevels. Nick said those were for survivors without skills to contribute.”

Survivors without skills. Just regular people. That definition alone made her family stand out. They all had a purpose in the valley and hers was that she was good with animals, especially horses and wolves. Had she not been good with wolves, what would have happened? Amandas could grow things. Anything. Everything.

Hawk said, “It’s a good idea. Amandas picked out an apartment a while back.”

Alex frowned. “That’s because Nick didn’t understand.”

“What didn’t he understand, Alex?”

“It’s always felt like Seth might come find me after he escaped. That’s why Amandas stayed with me at night and ultimately Nick didn’t think it was healthy and made him get his own apartment.”

Hawk wiped his face with both hands before guiding Alex to have a seat on the couch. “I remember the argument but not the how or the why. Andy and Nick enhanced our protocols and security. Any ship flying in will be fried to pieces.”

“I still thought he would come back.”

“Even now?”

Alex looked away. “It’s silly. You don’t have to say it.”

“Oh, Alex,” he whispered. “It isn’t silly at all. Is that why you and Nick kept fighting about the white wolf sleeping with you?”

“I just didn’t want to be alone at night because I can’t protect myself during sleep.”

When he spoke again, Alex noticed that his voice sounded thick and raw. “Is that why you don’t sleep?”

She nodded slowly.

“Did you try and explain this to Nick?”

“Well, I tried. He was firm about not having animals in the apartment and after he caught me sleeping in the kennels…after Ghost died, he wouldn’t let me do that anymore either.”

His fists tightened. “Did you talk to Andy?”

“Andy tried to speak to Nick about it but he didn’t really get anywhere. Andy seemed to think that the problem would resolve itself.”

“But it hasn’t.”

“No. My mind and body has adjusted to having little sleep, however. Nick does it often and he seems to do well.”

“But Alex,” said Hawk. “It is for a different reason. You can’t sleep because of fear and that isn’t healthy.”

Crossing her arms in front of her stomach, she leaned over her lap a little.

“Sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’m not angry at you. We all failed to help you.”

“Amandas tried.”

“He did,” Hawk agreed. “He and Nick brought down the roof arguing about it. But Adrian?”

“Adrian comes and sleeps here when he feels my body is about to break and he knows that Nick will be in the lab all night.”

Hawk wiped his face again. “If you have your own apartment, no one will stop you from having someone stay the night or picking another wolf as a pet.”

“Nick says no more wolves in the building.”

Hawk slipped his arm over her shoulder. “Getting an apartment is a healthy step. Let’s talk to Adrian and Andy when they have returned about the rest.”

“The rest? What does it matter anymore?”

“It matters.”

“Oh, Hawk. Please don’t get in a fight with Nick. Please. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

When she went to bed a short while later, Alex felt she had inadvertently stirred up a hornet’s nest. She pleaded a few more times for Hawk not to say anything to Nick but he wouldn’t promise and therefore, she remained awake for a while worrying about it.

The next morning, Alex walked about the complex again with the pass key card (which opened everything). When Nick designed the complex, the apartments fell into four layouts. She had already decided against the bunkrooms and therefore it was determining what she wanted based on location and neighbors. She didn’t want to go back to her old apartment. Too many bad memories there and it would make her think of Ghost. Ultimately, she picked a two-bedroom apartment near Amandas. The rest of the units on that wing of the complex were vacant. As most the units on the interior were windowless, it would make her feel safer and she had grown accustomed to a room without a window. It already had a queen sized bed and a couch. Hawk helped her carry a small table and two chairs from a storeroom and set it up near the kitchenette. From another storage area, they carried blankets, towels and other necessitates.

“Perhaps we should fly to Madrid or somewhere else so you can personalize your apartment with things specific to you.”

Alex shrugged. “A bookshelf would be nice.”

He chuckled. “I can build you one. How many shelves would you like?”

“Five.”

“New books are expensive.”

“I’ll just put some old ones on there and maybe little collectibles or something.”

Hawk helped her make the bed and they ate lunch together before he went out to the hanger to man the radio again. From her old bedroom, she gathered her clothing, sketchbook and shoes. Other than that, she didn’t have anything. No toys from her childhood. Nothing. She had her smart tablet. What else was needed? Nick had given her compensation (not quite wages) for almost six months but she had never spent it. It did seem like a nice idea to pick up some things—before the world ended.

Near bedtime, Hawk knocked at her door and when she opened it, he carried in a large smart screen. “Thought you would want to have one of these.”

“Thank you.”

He went to her kitchenette and made two cups of hot tea. “Let’s talk.”

“Is everything okay?”

“About what we discussed last night,” he said. “It just hurts my heart that you’ve had to deal with this alone for so many years.”

“Oh,” she said. “It’s fine. I’m okay.”

“Don’t do that, please. How do we make sure that nothing like that ever happens again?”

“I’ll tell you.”

“Will you? It’s easy for you to minimize your pain for others. You have a habit of sparing the rest of us.”

Pressing her lips together, Alex nodded an affirmation.

“You are important to me, Alex. More important than anyone else here. Will you promise to always tell me what is bothering you?”

“I can’t promise but I’ll try really hard to do that.”

“That’s fine, Alex,” he said, smiling.

Leaning over, he drew her closer and kissed her. They hadn’t really kissed again like that had that first night but as his arms moved around her shoulders, Alex could sense it was coming. It was a passionate thing and she could taste the minty tea on his breath. It was invigorating and made a funny little tingle wash through her tummy. But then, a voice was broadcast through the corridors.

“Alex, come to the control room please.”

It was Nick.

Hawk clamped his hand onto hers and almost dragged her out into the corridor. She said, “Hawk, slow down.”

Pausing, he took a self-assessment and lightened his grip slightly. But when he reached the control room, he immediately launched at Nick the entire account of how she had been left alone for almost a week without any means of contacting anyone.

Nick scratched his head and apologized that he had forgotten about Hawk being busy. “But where is Eric, Adrian, Andy, or Sultan.”

“Well, hell,” Hawk said. “We were hoping you had some idea. They haven’t been here.”

“We had better fly into Madrid immediately.”

“I’m not leaving Alex alone again. You do realize that she suffers from a post traumatic disorder, don’t you?”

“Hawk!” Alex exclaimed.

Amandas slid into the doorway and took Alex’s hand. “Go find them. Alex won’t be alone.”

Turning, she threw her arms around her brother’s neck. “Where have you been?”

He rolled his eyes. “Nothing all that exciting. Kind of wish Nick had left me here.”

“Hey,” Nick said. “You needed to see how things work.”

Amandas said to Alex. “Politics. Global warming. Impending war. All doom and gloom. Nothing fun. Besides, I have a birthday present for you.” With the simplistic way Amandas put it, one would be tempted to think that the state of the world could just be summed up that simply. Radiation has devastated the larger percentage of the earth and the lesser half that was left was plagued by all those things he had mentioned. Then there were the wolves that were getting increasingly brazen with each passing day.

Nick suddenly looked stunned. “Yes, happy belated.”

Alex looked at her father and realized he had forgotten. But her gaze softened at his obvious distress. “It’s okay.”

He shoved his hands into his pocket. “I’ll make it up to you.”

Leaning over, Hawk kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’ll see you when we get back. Don’t worry about the horses tonight. We’ve got it taken care of.”

And just like that, they were gone.

Amandas nudged her with his hip. “So, looks like you have some news.”

“We’re dating…if that’s what you want to call it. But we haven’t done anything but kiss.”

Amandas winked and laughed. “Come on.”

“I have a present for you, too. Let me get it.”

“I have a better idea. I’ll meet you in the cafeteria in thirty minutes. We’ll celebrate with a cake.”

“I missed you,” she said suddenly. “It’s the longest we’ve been separated since…well, you know when.”

Dropping his arms around her, he squeezed her gently. “I missed you, too.”

They turned into the corridor together. “I have a new apartment. It’s in the same wing as yours.”

“That’s perfect,” he said. “Now Nick can’t tell you what to do and give you impossible rules.”

“Hawk just found out about that.”

“Did he?” Amandas said. “That’s good. I’m sure he was a bit ticked about the whole thing.”

Alex stopped and looked at him. “I didn’t think anyone but you and Adrian would ever understand.”

Amandas stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I’ll stay in your new apartment tonight and tell you about all the boring things that happened during the trip. That should definitely put you to sleep.”

Alex grinned. “That’s terrible that you would purposely do that.”

“It really wasn’t that fun of a bonding thing. Nick just doesn’t know how to be a dad.”

“I thought that maybe he was taking you some place…well, you know…eighteen and all.”

Amandas laughed. “I wish!”

“Do you?”

“No, not really. When I meet that girl, it will be for life. Maybe it’s the wolf thing. Maybe it’s a twin thing. I’m not sure. But it doesn’t feel right wasting my time with someone over a one night stand. It has to mean something. That’s why I know that you and Hawk will be forever.”

“How could you know that? I don’t even know that.”

“You never dated at the university and it wasn’t for a lack of opportunity.”

“I was weird and mute! What guy would cope with that?”

“The one who waited,” Amandas said.

She stopped at the door. “It’s this one.”

It slid open automatically but Amandas stepped aside to let her enter first. “You picked the last apartment on a dead end ward. Afraid anywhere else wouldn’t be private?”

They both grinned at that idea since there was enough apartments and bunks for at least two hundred people. Amandas picked her back up twenty minutes later and they had cake in the cafeteria.

Amandas said, “I bet Hawk brings you back something special.”

“Maybe he will have his hands full with figuring out what happened to our people. I’m just worried that Sultan is here somewhere.”

“Well, hopefully we’ll know soon.”

When Sultan walked into the barn, Alex set down the rake and looked past him toward the landing pad. It was empty.

Her voice filled with emotion. “You’ve been here the whole time!”

Sultan looked down at her and finally dropped to one knee so she wouldn’t need to strain her neck. “I’ve been at the cabin.”

“Nick’s cabin? Did anyone know that?”

Sultan frowned. “He hasn’t used it in six months. Needed a good cleaning. I didn’t think it would be a problem. We never finished my cave.”

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere! And you’ve been here the entire time!”

She didn’t mean for her voice to climb and covered her face. After a minute, she turned back to the horses with an apology and quickly finished.

Sultan didn’t move. “Did something happen?”

“Yes.” Dusting off her hands, she hurried past him. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

She was on the verge of tears and sprinted toward the complex. Amandas must have seen her from the control room and intercepted her just inside the door.

He grabbed her arm. “Hey! Don’t run off. What happened?”

“Sultan’s been here the entire time.” The door opened behind her. “I don’t feel like talking about it.”

Amandas didn’t release her arm and turned to Sultan. “For about a week, everyone was missing. We all flew out for various reasons and it just never occurred to anyone that Alex was alone. We thought you were with Adrian and Andy. They are still missing. Hawk and Nick went to Madrid to check the other house and make inquiries.”

Alex pulled her arm away. “I’m really tired. I’m going to bed early. Good night.”

“Wait,” Amandas said. “You haven’t eaten.”

Alex shook her head, feeling her throat swell. It would have made her feel so much better if she had known Sultan was in the valley. Even if he made no plans to see her. But for all that time, she had worried for no reason.

Sultan took a deep breath. “It didn’t occur to me that anyone would even notice my absence.”

“Alex has been worried sick about everyone,” Amandas said. “Maybe you like being alone but not Alex. Not for almost a week without a soul passing through. Next time at least check in once in a while. What if someone was hurt or sick?”

Her throat felt good and raw. When Amandas pushed her toward Sultan, she felt like kicking him. But she didn’t and waited for her brother to walk away.

She whispered, “Goodnight Sultan. Like I said, I’m glad you’re okay.”

All of the sudden, he picked Alex up and threw her over his shoulder. He moved back outside and cut into the woods.

“Put me down, Sultan!” she exclaimed but her voice lacked conviction. “Where are we going?”

“Back to the cabin so we can talk.”

She kicked her legs a little but his arm tightened. He kept marching onward. Reaching the cabin, he pushed the door open and dropped her onto the couch. Bolting toward the door, she slammed into his body as he moved to intercept.

He said, “Let me apologize.”

“Alone. Here?”

Dropping down on one knee, Sultan pulled her into his chest. “Please, Alex. I’m sorry if it seemed I abandoned you.”

“Let me go, please.”

His arms loosened. “You’re still certain about us?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

“We are great friends, Alex. I love you. I just know that you’ll come to love me the same way.”

Her heart hurt a little to hear his words. “Me and Hawk…we’re together now.”

He scoffed a little. “Hawk? Isn’t he a little old for you?”

“I need to go.”

He blocked the door. “Wait, please.”

“I don’t like it when you’re like this Sultan.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re not listening to me.”

“I love you!”

The pain in her chest grew. She tried to move around him but he wouldn’t let her. Moving to the wall, she pushed her forehead against it and tried to control her breathing. He hovered behind her but now seemed hesitant to touch her. Finally, he opened the door. He was angry.

“Please just be my friend, Sultan. I love you as a friend. Please.”

“We’ll always be friends. I’m just disappointed. Just go.”

Escaping out the door, she sprinted all the way to the complex. She didn’t stop running until she reached her new apartment. She took a shower but it didn’t relax her. When Amandas arrived a short while later and discovered she hadn’t eaten, he went to the cafeteria and brought her back a grilled cheese sandwich.

He asked, “What’s going on with Sultan?”

“Won’t take no for an answer. Took me to Nick’s cabin and tried to keep me there.”

Amandas shook his head. “Are you okay?”

“It hurts me to see him so unhappy. Maybe Nick needs to bring more people here. Someone for Sultan.”

“It would be difficult for someone to get past the way he looks.”

“That makes me feel even worse.” Alex looked at her brother. “What are we going to do?”

“Things are changing out there,” Amandas said. “People grow sicker and the catastrophe of indifference to the environment will be the downfall of mankind. Nick must bring people here. He absolutely must. There are wars all across the globe killing tens of thousands. There won’t be anyone left and one woman can’t rebuild.”

“What does that mean?”

Amandas leaned closer. “We’ll be safe here in the valley. But you shouldn’t be the only woman here, Alex. That’s what you are now, a woman, and soon it won’t just be Sultan that has a problem with that.”

“You should go find someone before it’s too late.”

He sighed. “I’m just not ready yet.”

She knew her words were cryptic but said them anyway. “You need to be ready before the wolves sing to the heavens. I don’t know if it will be a year or ten years, but when they sing—the war will come soon after. The war of all wars. It will wipe everyone out.”

Amandas nodded. They knew it was true. Someone or something had to fight back.

Hawk had mentioned that the Native Americans had given fore warning of this occurrence. The folklore of his people was filled with different doomsday scenarios that this situation was only an example of. The World had grown even crazier in the three years that Alex had woken up from her coma. There was no central governing body for the people and anarchy was reigning supreme.

Amandas did not tell her this but the wolves were growing in number. Their population was spiking alarmingly and so far, they had still not found an ethical cure for the radiation poisoning making the rounds through the population.

Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled at the moon. Alex knew that when the wolves howled at the moon, they were mourning the death of mankind. They were mourning the loss of order.

But even in the midst of that, people still had the time for love. Alex was proof of that. In the far-off distance, the aircraft bearing Hawk and Nick to Madrid was just a tiny dot in the stars. Amandas reached for her hand and she enveloped it in hers.

No matter how crazy the world became, she would always have people at her back. She was immune to the radiation and that in itself was enough of a sign. She was going to help find a cure and her friends would help her with it.