Page 19 of Princess (Marinah and the Apocalypse #5)

Marinah

“He,” she pointed to the scowling father, “doesn’t want a junior. I think we’ve decided on Barrett.”

Beck gave a solemn nod and said, “Barrett.” It was the first word he spoke since I entered the room.

I knew he needed time to get past his anger, and that wouldn’t happen with me here.

“I will take my leave,” I said. “If there is anything you need, Missy, just send word.”

She cast a furious glare at Beck. “Your frown had better turn upside down before she leaves this room,” she said like she was scolding a child.

He threw his hands into the air. “You should not have been on that flight, and you know it,” he said.

“Get over yourself. We’re fine, and you are being a jerk.”

“I’m leaving now,” I said, walking to the door.

“Beck,” Missy ground between her teeth.

He gave a heavy sigh. “Forgive me, my Queen. I’m grumpy because my mate took risks she shouldn’t have.”

“Understood,” I replied. “I’ll check in later this afternoon.”

I left quickly.

Ruth wasn’t in the hall, so I headed back to the training facility.

Ruth, Julia, and Desmond were circling Togg with wooden knives, using the technique I’d seen at the airport and talking Ruth through it.

Togg looked thrilled to play the hellhound, though thankfully he hadn’t shifted forms. For the majority of Shadow Warriors, gaining control of Beast after a shift took time, and the last thing we needed was an accident.

They took a break, and Desmond, who had noticed me, explained how they came up with the technique.

“We were getting attacked by hellhounds when we went out scavenging for food and other items. If it was a larger pack, we retreated before they saw us, but if it was only one or two, we engaged and discovered what worked best. It confuses the hounds. While they’re watching one of us, the others attack from different angles at different intervals.

We haven’t lost anyone since we discovered how well it works. ”

I walked forward. “Would you be willing to train us? I’m talking about Shadow Warriors and our human fighters?”

Desmond, who had donned his perpetual scowl, shrugged.

“If he won’t, I will,” said Julia.

“Could I speak with you and Desmond alone?” I asked.

“Sure.” Julia followed me to the office, and a reluctant Desmond came behind her.

“Our doctor, who is a Shadow Warrior, and his mate, who is one of our best medical assistants, would like to adopt a child. Due to their work schedule, they prefer one of the older children.”

“Why don’t they have their own?” Desmond asked suspiciously.

“Axel is mated to Garrett. They are unable to have a child. I’m requesting you put them on the interview list. Garrett is at the southern part of the island right now, and Axel delivered a baby, or he would have been at our earlier meeting.

They are both wonderful, and any child would be lucky to have them as fathers. ”

“Of course,” said Julia, and looked at her brother with an arched brow.

He gave a frustrated sigh. “You know I don’t care about that ,” he hesitated. “I just feel like we’re being set up. This,” he pointed around the room, “the entire place is too good to be true. What aren’t you telling us?”

“The Federation could attack any moment,” I said plainly.

“They’ve attacked us before. We’re gearing up to put an end to their threat, and we have every intention of winning.

It’s why we are all training so hard, and that includes the islanders.

Most will stay behind and protect the island.

We will leave Shadow Warriors too. Some of the humans want to join our fight and will be coming with us.

But there’s always the chance we lose. If that happens, no one on the island will be safe. ”

“Will the outposts fight with you?” Julia asked.

“Yes, at least the ones we help protect. Tully, Second Son, and Territory Three have just joined us. We’ve sent Warriors to them. That’s why you came here. For the time being, this is the safest place, or at least the southern part of the island is.”

I could see Desmond’s mind racing, and waited for his comments.

“If I train with your men, will you take me to fight the Federation too?”

“How old are you?” I asked.

“I’ll be sixteen next month.”

“Yes, if you work hard and the Warrior team you’re assigned to thinks you’re an asset, you can fight with us. After what I’ve seen you do, I don’t think there will be a problem.”

For the first time, Desmond relaxed. “I want to kill Federation officers more than hellhounds.”

“You’ll have the opportunity for both.”

“What about me?” Julia asked.

“How old are you?”

“I’m six months from fifteen.”

“The island and the children here can use you more.”

She shrugged. “Okay, I had to ask.” She smiled. “There are six-year-old twins who might be perfect for your doctor and his mate. A boy and a girl.”

I smiled back. “Meet Axel and Garrett first and ask your questions. I think the twins would be perfect. If they’re willing, the final decision is yours and Desmond’s.”

Even Desmond seemed happy when they rejoined Togg and Ruth.

I went to the kitchens for food, and to enroll juveniles in Ruth’s fighting group. It went better than I expected, and there would be children at the following morning’s session.

I also discovered I was a huge fan of mamey sapote.

Overall, the day was positive, and I had no idea why a sense of dread settled in the pit of my stomach. It had to be that outside of Knet, things were running too smoothly.