The second she’d mentioned the resistance, I’d known this was coming.
“Who’s leading the resistance?” I questioned.
She turned toward the door and leaned in. “Juan’s father. He’s second in command of this bunker, but he’s a good man. A fair man. He didn’t go to your demonstration that day because he knew what they were doing to you was wrong. That’s why he is alive. And that’s why he sent Juan to watch your door. They don’t want you mysteriously disappearing.”
The thought sent a chill down my spine.
“I’m glad there are good people in high places.”
“We better pray General Drake won’t get wind of this.” She turned back toward the door, nervous, then turned back to me. “So, are you in?”
“You know I am,” I responded.
She squealed and hugged me tightly. “Oh my gosh. They will be thrilled.” She turned back to the door. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you soon, but be careful. And when the shit hits the fan, only trust those with the red ribbons. We’ll have your back.”
“Thank you, Tina. It’s good to see you again.”
“Be ready for anything,” she said before quickly leaving.
I sat on the bed and processed the entire conversation. I was now part of the resistance. A big part. God, there were so many layers to survival, it was making my head spin.
I jumped up off the bed and felt a little lighter. No pain anywhere. That shot seemed to be doing its job very thoroughly, and I was getting worried there would be some crazy side effect.
I felt stronger, inside and out. Stretching my arms over my head, I bent down and touched my toes. I could move better than I had in weeks. Aside from the scar, I’d say I was in the best shape of my life.
Excited, I wanted to see Finn. Maybe because I was stronger, I’d be able to stay with him a little longer.
After using the bathroom, I still had about an hour before Dr. Bennett would be in to check on me. I laid back on my bed and pulled out of my physical body. Hovering through the door, I saw Juan sitting on a chair, reading a book. Another, younger soldier, was sitting on the opposite side of the door, and it looked like he was about to fall asleep.
I pushed down the hall and followed the corridors that led to Finn. As I passed through his door, I caught sight of him sitting on his bed.
He was hunched over, elbows on knees, hands folded in front of him. His jaw clenched and released, which meant he was stressed.
As I moved closer, he sat up and ran his fingers through his thick, disheveled hair, then over his face. He’d just showered and shaved, and had on those white, bunker pants, which made him look sexy.
I moved even closer, hoping I could breathe in his scent. Instead, I got nothing. I needed to touch him, to feel him. I’d never felt so much emotion for one single person. He was mine. My beautiful hero, my lover, the one I would die for.
I was just about to lean near his ear and whisper something, when someone opened the door. It was a soldier, and the only thing I noticed was a gun in his right hand.
“Finn Armstrong, I’m here to collect you for duty.” He handed him some combat gear and boots. “Put these on and meet me in the hallway Immediately.”
“No!” I screamed. I moved toward the soldier and swung at him, but my hand went through him. Fear saturated my veins. God help me, if they used Finn to get to me again.
Finn didn’t say a word, but took the clothes and changed, as the soldier waited outside the room. A few minutes later, Finn exited into the hallway, fully dressed.
“Follow me,” the man said.
I moved toward him and yelled, “Finn!”
As he passed through me, he paused and looked around.
“Abi?” he whispered, his eyes moving in my direction.
I gasped. “I’m right here.”
“Move,” the man urged, pointing the gun at him.
Finn turned, and they moved down the hallway. I followed behind.
“What’s going on?” he asked, but the soldier remained silent. “Hey, are you going to tell me?”
“Just move.”
Finn paused and turned back to the soldier, pressing his chest into the barrel of the gun. “You think you’re a tough guy because you’ve got a gun?”
“Don’t, Finn,” I begged.
For a split second, the soldier showed fear. He was a foot shorter than Finn, with half the muscle mass. His ash-blonde hair was buzzed short.
The soldier lowered his weapon. “I was just obeying orders.”
Finn glared at him, the veins in his neck pulsing. I heard him exhale slowly.
“You can take orders without being an asshole.” He shook his head, then turned and continued. I saw the amount of restraint he’d used. He could have easily taken the gun from the soldier and kicked his ass. He was trained to do it. But Finn was not only strong, he was smart. He knew the dangers that lived within these walls, and also knew he was a single bee in the midst of a wasp nest.
I felt the tug, and this one wasn’t fooling around. It yanked me back into my body with no other warning.
I gasped and sat up. Dr. Simon’s wide eyes were hovering above me, calling my name.
“DR. SIMON?” MY HEAD WAS still a little fuzzy. “What’s going on?”
“Abi, it’s happening,” he answered, his hands trembling as they took mine.
“What’s happening?”
“The mutants have started their attack. They’re hitting the entry, and we’re not sure how long the military can hold them off. We need to leave now, before the general sends for you.”
“Okay. What about clothes?” I was in my medical garb, a long, white gown with underwear.
“We don’t have time. You can dress when we secure you someplace safe.”
Without another word, I jumped from the bed and followed him out. Juan was waiting outside with a Glock in his hand and an AR-15 strapped to his shoulder.
Dr. Simon placed both hands on my shoulders. “Abi, I have to leave, but you’ll be safe with Juan.”
I gave Dr. Simon a hug and turned to Juan.
“Let’s go,” he urged, and we took off down the hall at a run.
“Looks like you’re ready for war,” I teased, trying to keep the situation light.
He turned slightly with a grin. “Always.”
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To a safe room.”
We jolted to a stop as a soldier came around the corner, dressed just like the one that came to collect Finn. His eyes narrowed, looking at Juan and me.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“I’ve been ordered to take Miss Park to General Drake,” Juan answered in a deep voice.
The soldier looked confused. He was about six inches taller than Juan and had decent muscles. “That can’t be correct. I just had a direct order from Sergeant Dugger.”
“Yes, but who is above Sergeant Dugger?” Juan questioned in an even tone.
The soldier didn’t flinch. “General Drake was with him.”
“Abi.” The tone in Juan’s voice was a warning.
“Excuse me,” I said, waving at the soldier. As soon as his eyes caught mine, they blanked and he stood there like a mannequin.
“Holy shit.” Juan turned back to me with wide eyes. “What the hell kind of magic are you wielding?”
“It’s not magic.”
“Whatever you want to call it, I’m just glad I’m on your side.” He snickered.
I rolled my eyes. “His mind is putty. What do you want me to tell him?”
“Tell him to follow us, and if anyone asks, we are escorting you to General Drake.”
I did as he said and the soldier immediately fell into place.
“Can you do that mind thing on anyone?” Juan asked.
“Anyone who looks directly at me.”
“Damn.” He was apparently astounded.
A doctor walked out of his office and bumped into Juan. “Why is she out of her room? No o
ne has given us release forms.”
“We’ve been ordered to take her to see General Drake,” the Simon-says soldier replied in a monotone voice.
“Oh, doctor!” I wailed, throwing my hand over my chest, gasping for air.
His eyes caught mine, and he went blank.
Juan’s eyes narrowed on me. “Drama much?”
“Hey, I needed his attention. It worked, didn’t it?” I walked up to the doctor and spoke in his ear. “You will not remember that you saw any of us. Return to your office and sit down.”
He immediately turned and walked back into his office, sat on his chair, and stared blankly at the wall in front of him.
“He won’t forget all his doctor stuff, right?” Juan asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never done it to myself.”
“Well, just in case, let’s not blank any more doctors’ minds. With the impending war, we’ll need them.”
“Got it.” We quickly made our way down a few halls, and through a large door. “What wing is this?” I asked.
“It’s the nursery. It’s the last place they’ll look, and it’s closed today.”
We continued down another hall and stopped at a door. Juan knocked three times, then opened. “Quickly, inside.”
As we stepped into the room, a dozen burly men were standing in uniforms with guns. It seemed a little odd and even a bit funny because, behind them, the walls were a light pastel pink and blue with baby jungle animals painted on them.
An older man, who looked to be in his mid-sixties, walked up to me and tipped his head. He was tall, and lean, with tanned skin and jet black hair that was slicked back. His face was clean shaven, and aside from a few wrinkles, he looked good for his age.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Miss Park,” he said, extending his hand. As I obliged, he lifted and kissed the back of my knuckles. “My name is Santiago Hernandez, Juan’s father.”
“Mr. Hernandez, the pleasure is mine.”
“I want you to know that my men have been ordered to keep you safe.”
“What about my fiancé, Finn Armstrong? I won’t agree to anything unless I know he’s safe. Someone took him from his cell, made him dress in combat gear and took him away.
“How do you know this?” he asked.
Oh crap.
“I have my ways,” I replied.
Mr. Hernandez stared at me for a good five seconds, then took in a deep breath and exhaled. “Sanchez.”
“Yes, sir.” A big, scary man with tattoos, a bald head, and a full bead stepped forward.
“Take White and see what information you can find on Finn Armstrong. Check the new teams. If he’s there, find a way to bring him here.”
“Yes, sir,” Sanchez replied.
He and a tall man with blonde hair stepped toward me, gave a nod, and left.
“You have been the talk of the bunker since the incident,” Mr. Hernandez said.
I closed my eyes, wishing that event would somehow disappear. But it wouldn’t. Ever. “I—I didn’t mean to—”
Mr. Hernandez held up his hand, stopping me. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me, or anyone here, dear.”
My head dropped. “Thank you.”
“I have to leave, but please stay with Juan. Once they find out you’re missing, they will begin a search. You must be ready. I’m going to see if I can secure a chopper.” He nodded his head, and two men stepped behind him.
“I won’t leave without Finn,” I said.
“We will do our best to find and bring him to you. I cannot guarantee anything.”
I nodded, knowing full well if they couldn’t find him, I would go looking for him myself.
Once his father left, Juan opened his bag and pulled out a uniform and boots and handed them to me.
“The bathroom is at the back to the left.”
“Thanks.”
After I dressed and pulled my hair up into a ponytail, I felt more like myself. When I exited, the seven men in the room stood, and Juan introduced me to them.
“You’ll need a weapon,” he said, digging in his bag. “I remember you told me you liked Glock 27’s. I found this one in the holding room.” He lifted a weapon and placed it in my hand.”
“What?” I exhaled, examining it. “How did you get Hellfire?”
“I have my ways.” He winked. “And I know it’s brought you luck so far.”
I gave him a quick hug, and it made him smile.
“It’s a she,” I corrected holding Hellfire to my chest. “She’s brought me luck, and saved my life more times than I can count.”
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I took the liberty and thoroughly cleaned her. She’s ready for war.”
“I cannot thank you enough. She’s more than just a weapon. She’s been my good luck charm since we’ve come topside.”
He handed me a pouch, and it was heavy.
“This has twenty magazines, loaded and ready to go.”
“This is the best present I could ever ask for.”
“Yeah, well, most girls would think I was mad if I handed them a weapon and ammo.”
“I’m not most girls,” I grinned, snapping a new magazine into Hellfire, loading a round, and holstering her.
“Now that’s sexy,” Juan teased, wiggling his brow.
There was a huge boom, and we felt the ground shake.
“They’re bringing out the big stuff,” one of the men noted. “The monsters are almost in.”
“Shouldn’t we be out there?” I asked. “They’ll need all the help they can get.”
“We’ll be leaving shortly. I’m waiting on my father’s call.” Juan reached back into his bag and pulled out a dagger in a sheath, about ten inches long, and held it out to me. “This is one of my personal blades. I want you to have it.”
I unsheathed it and twisted it in my hand. The light glinted off its super sharp edge. “Thanks. I’m sure it will come in handy.” I strapped the dagger to my right leg.
He addressed the men. “Get ready. Helmets on.”
He handed me a helmet, and I strapped it on tight. I wasn’t sure why we’d need helmets. The Arvies didn’t have weapons. But when I thought about it, most of the people in the bunker would have guns, and who knew what could happen if it got crazy and the shooting began.
“You look like one of us now,” he noted.
“Isn’t that the point?” I grinned. “Blend in. Become invisible.”
“Exactly.” He laughed.
A few minutes later, Juan’s walkie crackled, and words came in that were spoken in Spanish. At the end, Juan turned to us.
“Time to go,” he said.
My heart picked up its pace. “What about Finn?”
“The men have been sent to find him. If they do, they will meet us at the new rendezvous point.” He grabbed my arm. “Abi, don’t worry. I’ve seen Finn fight, and he’s very skilled. You’ll have to rely on faith.”
I nodded. He was right. Finn was strong and could hold his own, but it was being away from him, not knowing the situation or where he was that was bothering me most. We should be together, especially if this was the end.
My heart drummed as we gathered by the door. I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“How are you feeling?” Juan asked.
“Better than ever,” I replied.
“Then we have hope.” He patted my shoulder.
As I looked around, I noticed they all had a piece of thin red material tied on their arms.
“Do I get one of those?” I asked.
He reached into his pocket, took my wrist, and tied a red ribbon around it. “There, now you’re officially one of us.”
I grinned, liking the idea of being a part of the resistance. Fighting for what was right, for our freedom.
This was it.
It was time to lay down my vengeance and join forces with the lesser of two evils. It was something I had to do to survive. We’d deal with the other crap later.
/>
“All right men. We’ve all been training for this day. The mutants may have overwhelming numbers, but don’t give up. If you see anyone get bit, show them mercy. You got it?”
“Yes, sir,” they replied.
“Our top priority is Abi. The general has been notified that she’s missing and has sent a team to search for her. We are to protect her at all costs.”
“Yes, sir,” they repeated.
“Let’s go!” Juan opened the door, and we left the room.
The men formed a box around me as we made our way down the hall. They were tall and brawny, the kind of men I wouldn’t want to run into on any given day. And they were protecting me.
As we turned down another hall, there was utter madness. People were crowding, trying to find safety, knowing the Arvies were coming.
Over the loud speakers, a voice boomed. “Everyone in the outer yard now. If you do not comply, you will be sent to the front of the battle line.”
Asshole. How could he threaten the people he was supposed to be protecting?
As the crowds piled out, we followed. Juan and his men closed tightly around me, securing me within their protective bubble. I was inches shorter than all of them, so I remained hidden to most eyes on the outside.
As soon as I stepped outside, the voices in my head dropped me to my knees.
The men lifted me by my arms and pulled me to the side, trying not to make a scene. Now, the only thing that separated us was the outer wall. Constant gunfire and grenades echoed around us. Men were situated all around the top of the wall, firing down at the Arvies.
There were so many. I could hear their death chants and screams of rage in my head. Thousands upon thousands.
Juan knelt by my side. “Abi. You’re going to need to fight it. I don’t know what is going on, but I know you are strong.”
I closed my eyes and concentrated, trying to block the Arvies out of my mind. I imagined a thick metal wall around me, blocking out their voices.
“Abi, what’s the matter?” Juan asked.
“Nothing, I’m fine now,” I replied, standing in complete shock. It’d worked. The voices were gone. For the first time, I was in control. The regeneration serum must have given me all my strength back. Something I’d been missing since I first left our hive. With this new freedom, came another wave of strength and hope.