Samantha blew harsh winter wind toward the gaps, following Kendle’s pointing finger as the two females pressed their faces against the windows in an effort to maintain sight with the side of the wall that they were building as Chris flew them down the access road.

  More bullets hit the shield, but these weren’t absorbed. Some of them bounced off and sank into the ground and trees around the RV. A few of them also made it through the shield.

  “Hold the corner!”

  Adrian and Jennifer struggled to close a gap in the shield that they hadn’t known was there. Doing this in a speeding vehicle was hard for both of them.

  Chris took the RV straight through the small barricade of vehicles that Erik had ordered to replace the gate they had crushed. Descendants ran to get out of the way.

  Tough, the RV plowed into the vehicle and knocked them aside like toys. It shuddered to a rough halt in front of Erik and his top men.

  Kenn waited for Angela’s gesture and then popped the handle, pushing the door open as Marc sent out a wave of his sonic blast to disable the closest foes.

  Angela followed it up with a huge ball of fire that blasted a path through the center of Erik and his men.

  Jon and Stephan flamed up into bright screams that ran around banging into cars and people until they fell over.

  “Hit them again!”

  Marc obeyed, slamming everyone outside the shield with a feeling of terror that was nearly impossible to fight. Men took off running, hoping to escape.

  Marc didn’t see Erik anymore, but there wasn’t time to look for the evil man yet.

  Samantha and Kendle struggled to stay in front of the running mercenaries with the ice wall. As soon as an area was high enough with snowdrifts, Kendle used her gift to merge the melting flakes into a wall that Samantha then froze. Tall and smooth, it blocked the retreat of Erik’s men with a barrier that seemed impenetrable. Angela was positive that a few of them would be able to melt their way through if given enough time, but she wasn’t going to allow that. This fight was almost over.

  Crouched under a wrecked truck, Erik shot a wave of hatred toward the man standing outside the RV. He didn’t recognize him, but Adrian didn’t have any of the gifts that Erik had been hit by. They had to have come from the other man. That had to be the Ghost.

  Marc was knocked back into the RV as Erik’s hit slammed into the ground by his boots, sending up a cloud of dust and snow. Unharmed, Marc marveled at how their shots could get out of the shield, but enemy shots weren’t getting in.

  “Getting tired!”

  Jennifer’s call brought concern and made Marc sharpen his aim. Able to sense how unwilling Erik’s men were to die, he concentrated on cutting the head off the snake. As usual, he expected the cowards to flee once their leader was gone.

  Kendle grunted, running low. “I don’t have enough to finish it!”

  Next to her, Samantha slumped against the seat. “I’m out!”

  Angela scanned the ice wall, spotting a place where it was not closed. Hoping it was the only one, she darted from the RV and ran toward the area. If she could get there before anyone else, she could defend it.

  Marc went with her. As they ran, they left the safety of the shield that Adrian and Jennifer were providing. Marc replaced it with his. He concentrated on making sure nothing got through, no longer able to fire. He didn’t have the energy to do both at the same time.

  Angela threw a knife at a merc who was going to get there before her, trying to run faster as the body fell. None of Erik’s crew had their shields up. They hadn’t expected the fight to reach them.

  Angela spun around and threw out a ball of flames that caught two men on her heels. Flames flared up all along their clothing and arms, bringing screams.

  Marc saw the flaming men and got out of their way. He stopped next to Angela in the opening, smothering her in protection.

  Adrian reached them a few seconds later. “Chris has the others covered. Finish this!” Adrian put one hand on Marc’s shoulder and the other on Angela’s. Connected, Adrian took over shielding so that Marc was free to fight.

  Angela and Marc sent out power at the same time. Marc’s was a layer of sonic fear, the two gifts combined into a spell that sent blood spraying across the smoldering remains as eyeballs popped.

  Angela’s flames ran along the ice wall, starting where they were standing. Sent out in both directions, the wall of flames merged into a giant circle that was only broken by the space where their RV was sitting. Horrible heat filled the square. It began to smother the mercenaries as Angela drew the flames toward her.

  “Hold the shields!” Adrian screamed it. He didn’t know if Kenn was feeding Chris energy or if that man was also out, but Samantha and Jennifer were no longer in the fight.

  Angela drew on all the anger and misery she had experienced during her time in the mountain. The death of her child was a peak of emotions that sent out a wave of horrible fury to consume the rest of Erik’s men.

  All her people could do was pray that their shields held so that they weren’t consumed along with the enemy.

  Marc shared his strength with Adrian as the flames rushed over them. For a long moment, the sounds of fire and screams were deafening.

  The familiar symphony sent Angela straight to the rest stop. She dropped to her knees, shuddering as men and women screamed.

  Marc scanned the battlefield, searching for Erik. He found the leader a few feet away from the RV, almost burnt beyond recognition. As he wondered which one of them had done it, Morgan stepped out with a shocked expression and flames dancing across his fingers.

  Adrian grinned. “He does have a gift.”

  While Marc continued to search the battlefield for surviving threats, Adrian helped Angela to her feet. He was aware that her mind was in the past. Even though the fight was over, this was a bad time to be distracted. He gave her a little nudge, glad the screams were dying. “It’s over.”

  The words were fading into the air as a gunshot echoed.

  Everyone spun to find Chris standing in the open RV doorway with a gun. One of Erik’s top men, Hugh, was lying on the ground in front of him, also clutching a gun. From the angle, everyone assumed Jennifer had been the target.

  In the RV, Jennifer gave Chris a nod of thanks.

  Distracted, the vet missed Samantha’s quick draw.

  Bang!

  Chris didn’t have time to throw up a defense. He hadn’t thought Samantha was a threat. He hadn’t been monitoring her, only concentrating on Jennifer and Kyle, who he believed would be assigned to eliminate him when the time came.

  Marc and Adrian ran toward the RV, not sure what was going on.

  Angela followed, but she didn’t run. Marc wasn’t the only one who had asked for permission to eliminate the vet.

  Chris’s body fell at an ugly angle, revealing an expression of betrayed shock and hatred that a few of them marked in their memory so Angela would view it later. It was fair to them that she had to share in the result of the game she had played with the vet. He’d been a serial killer. He should have been removed as soon as she discovered that.

  Samantha slid her gun into the holster. Even Neil hadn’t known if she would do it, but Samantha had been using the bathroom when the vet dropped Marc and Adrian off. She knew what he’d done to the pregnant woman. Samantha hadn’t been okay with it. She still wasn’t and at some point, Angela would have to answer for that order.

  “But not today, okay?”

  Samantha agreed with Jennifer’s mutter. They were all too tired for more drama right now. It would keep.

  Angela expected to hear many complaints at some point. As she sank down in the seat, exhaustion overwhelmed her. “Let’s go.”

  Morgan took the driver’s chair, glad there wasn’t blood on it. “Same route back?”

  “Yes, same pit stop as well, if it makes itself available.”

  Morgan didn’t balk at the order. This time, he planned to participate.

  So did Jennifer.

  Samantha’s gut twisted. “I’m gonna be sick.”

  Kenn slid in next to her, sending waves of calm. “It was your first big fight and your body wasn’t ready for it. Try not to think about anything that happened for a little while and your stomach will settle.”

  “You can also try curling your thumbs into your fists.” Jennifer shrugged at people who turned to her. “It works for me every time.”

  Half of the people in the RV immediately curled their thumbs into their fists in an effort to get their stomachs to calm. The smell of burning flesh was strong even with the door closed.

  Morgan got the RV rolling, knowing without being told that Angela wanted to be in camp by the time Safe Haven stopped for the night. If they were very lucky, the camp would never know that they had left. People would suspect that Angela had taken care of the remaining UN troops when Safe Haven wasn’t followed, but only the people here and a few in camp would know for sure. She’d kept them out of it this time. They would love her for it.

  Adrian wasn’t so sure. She’d promised no more lies or nasty plans, but she’d already broken both of those. Some camp members might call her on it.

  “Let them.” Marc took the seat by Angela. “We’ll tell them the wolf was at the door, but we sent it away. They won’t care how it happened.”

  Angela and Adrian both felt it snap into place. Marc was on board now, finally seeing the bigger picture.

  “Who says I didn’t see it before?” Marc yawned, suddenly exhausted. “I just got used to being able to change the channel when I didn’t like the program.”

  No one needed to ask what had happened to cause the change of heart. She was in the seat next to him.

  Chapter Forty

  The Past

  1

  “Damn.” Angela forced her tired body up. “Get the guns.”

  As the truck bounced over debris, nearing the main intersection from the valley, dozens of refugees streamed out to converge on the RV.

  “Get down!”

  Marc shoved Angela over as a bullet came through the window. It plunged into the seat next to her shoulder.

  Adrian brought up a shield that wouldn’t last long.

  Morgan swerved the RV out of the line of fire of the two troops and into the path of three descendants who had come with the refugees. Magic flew through the air.

  Morgan hit the gas and jerked the wheel, causing the RV to skid and groan in protest. He grinned as he fought for control.

  The vehicle skidded sideways at the impacts, but the steel walls and shield protected the people inside.

  “Get your rifle!” Marc popped the door and climbed onto it, balancing with one hand while he aimed with the other.

  Adrian grabbed Marc’s belt to help him hold on, using his free hand to pull the rifle from the kit by his feet.

  “Get ready to trade!”

  Understanding what Marc wanted, Adrian put the rifle on the seat and began digging for more ammunition. He would have his gun ready when Marc’s was empty so they could swap.

  Gunfire outside of the rolling RV was deafening. Adrian’s ears rang as Marc fired shots that knocked descendants and UN troops into the slushy debris piles.

  “Swap!”

  Adrian shoved the rifle out, letting go as he felt Marc grab it. Still using one hand to hold him, Adrian grabbed the hot rifle that Marc dropped with the other hand. It took him longer than he wanted to reload, but Adrian did it in time for Marc’s next call.

  “Swap!”

  The switch was smoother this time.

  “That’s enough! Get in here!”

  Angela’s shout forced Adrian to pull Marc into the RV where they both yanked the door shut and tossed themselves into seats, laughing wildly. Only during an apocalypse could they have a moment like that.

  Angela didn’t mention the upcoming pit stop.

  Marc peered at his watch. “We made good time with the battle, but it took too long to get here. We might show up after them.”

  Angela sighed. “Fine. Skip the pit stop.”

  Satisfied, Marc put a hand over hers. “I forgive you.”

  Angela almost cried.

  In one of the swivel seats across from them, Adrian observed in approval. Marc hadn’t needed to be told this time. You’re getting better.

  Marc ignored the compliment. All he wanted to do was sleep. He didn’t have time for Adrian’s emotions.

  Angela gestured toward a kit. “I brought water. Somebody pass it out.”

  Slowly recovering, Jennifer leaned down to pick up the kit.

  Kenn took it from her and handed out the water, hoping he would be able to get her and Samantha to their men and ditch them without having to listen to the scolds and nagging that Neil and Kyle would deliver. The two men would be upset that they had been alone for the entire day without knowing what was going on, and it was frustrating even as it was understandable. Kenn expected the same reaction from Tonya.

  Barely alert, Kendle dropped into the open seat by Marc and rested her head against his shoulder. When he didn’t push her away, she let sleep mask her guilt.

  Marc felt Angela’s jealousy, but also her acceptance of the situation and understood that the future now held more hope for them as a couple than it ever had. Once they could let go of their preconceived notions about how monogamous a relationship had to be, they would stop projecting their own inadequacies on each other and be able to be happy with the moments that came. Marc was anticipating that time.

  Angela felt the tension shift out of the RV and waves of tired triumph take its place. It had been a hard quick battle–the only kind she knew how to plan now. She didn’t have the patience for long drawn-out schemes that left too much room for things to go wrong. Facing the problem in a way that the enemy wasn’t expecting, and therefore couldn’t defend against, was the cornerstone of her fighting style. Angela let out a deep breath. There hadn’t been much doubt about their success, but it had been enough for her to make plans. Knowing that the descendant children didn’t have to run and that Conner and Charlie were not going to fight for Safe Haven’s survival alone was enough to forgive the awful atrocities she had done to ensure that. When it came to the survival of her people, she would never change. There wasn’t a wall of guilt high enough to compete.

  Which leads me to the final step in my grand scheme.

  “Tell me a story.”

  Everyone in the RV glanced at Angela to verify who she was speaking to.

  Adrian sighed. “What kind? I don’t have many with happy endings.”

  “I don’t expect those from you and neither does anyone else.” Angela didn’t lift her head from Marc’s shoulder as Samantha and Kendle paused on their way to the rear bunks.

  “You’ve been hunted by so many people since I joined your camp that I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down.” Angela paused, letting the new tension build. Then she smiled, sure he couldn’t see it from where he was sitting. “Tell us how you lost your team.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  Angela sent an image of a lone figure huddled under a canopy, waiting for a dead man to return.

  Adrian assumed she was making a choice and began searching his memories for one that might save Brian’s life.

  “No. Tell us how you lost your team.”

  Adrian grimaced at the repeated demand. “I’d rather not.”

  “Are you refusing to tell the alpha a bedtime story?” Marc mocked the man. “Now I’ll have to insist. Anything you don’t want her to know is a story I have to hear.”

  Adrian’s heart sank. “How about something from my time in the labs?”

  Marc stared with an expectant expression that didn’t cover his happiness. He’d felt Adrian’s fear. There was no way he would let it go now.

  Adrian caught that and slumped against the seat to glower. “Fine. It was 1989.”

  3

  “This final round of shooting will determine the winner.”

  Adrian looked over the two tables that had held the same class for the last four years. This was the bi-annual team leader challenge that he hadn’t lost since the first time he’d entered. As he scanned the two half-moon tables that were divided by a small target range, Adrian realized he didn’t like many of the men he was leading. Erik and Garrett were okay at times, but Jack, Ryan, and Vlad were just troublemakers, as were Kranten and Stevens, the two lightly gifted men who were responsible for Jack being here. The other side of the table held Jon, Stephen, Hugh, Dugan, Isaac, and Bryson. Other than Bryson, Adrian considered that the lethal side of the room.

  “Our next shooter is Adrian Mitchel!”

  Adrian waved at his fans as he swaggered up to the line. He was always a favorite at this competition. Carrying the confidence of the world in every step, Adrian was exactly on the timer as the buzzer went off and the targets began to flash.

  The rest of the team observed Adrian’s amazing shots with resentful glares and grumbles. Adrian was a good team leader in as far as he made sure they were outfitted properly and no man was left behind, but that was as far as their goodwill towards him went. Adrian’s father was a big wig, the first strike. Adrian was also a stickler for the rules, refusing to let them slack off or take extra benefits on runs. That was strike two. Not being able to come close to Adrian in shooting or descendant abilities was strike three for most of the men. The last four years had been a constant competition to improve their skills in order to remain on his team. They were tired of it.

  “I think we have a new record, folks!”

  The true fans of the competition–the wives, daughters, cousins, and girlfriends–let out cheers.

  Adrian stayed there for a few seconds, enjoying his moment of glory. He knew how his team felt about him, but as long as they completed their missions, he didn’t care. That wasn’t his job. He was a hired killer and a government stooge. Emotions had nothing to do with his position in life.

  Adrian returned to his seat at the head of the first table and sat down, confident that only Garrett or Erik might be able to match the shooting. Neither of them could equal him on skills tests however, so the competition was pretty much his again.