Page 19 of Whispers and Warriors (After #2)
NINETEEN
William strode behind the others, trying not to create a doomsday scenario for himself. His mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts swirling that he couldn’t shake. The ship would take them to freedom and safety, but then there’d be no need for him. At least at the government safe haven, he still fit in somewhere.
What purpose did he serve now? His keen eyes and knack for puzzles, once invaluable assets, seemed trivial in the face of landing in a secret society. Not to mention on a ship, confined to these walls, what good could he be? Sure, he was good with computers, but not a fixit like Alex.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he lifted his hand, letting his gaze drift to the star tattoo on his inner wrist—a symbol of unity, of belonging. But now, amidst the chaos of their new reality, William felt adrift, untethered from the sense of purpose that had once anchored him.
Memories of his past surged through his mind like a torrent, conjuring vivid images of his unit moving in perfect harmony, each member a crucial cog in the machine. He vividly remembered the camaraderie—the laughter echoing through the barracks, the encouraging slaps on the back during grueling drills, and the solemn nods of understanding during tense missions. The shared sense of purpose had woven them together as brothers in arms. Not once did he feel excluded or unneeded. His efforts were always appreciated and depended upon. He wasn’t the strongest, nor was he the fastest. He wasn’t even the sharpest tactician, yet he belonged, and they had counted on him.
But here, William couldn’t help but struggle to find his place. The toxin-ravaged world had taken so much from him—his family, his way of life—and now loosing that horrible world somehow threatened to strip him of his very identity. He yearned for a role that would give him meaning, a way to prove his worth beyond the confines of scavenging and codes.
As the memories faded, William’s thoughts turned to the island they would soon call home. Perhaps there, amidst the untamed wilderness and unknown dangers, he would find his purpose anew. Maybe the challenges that lay ahead would provide an opportunity for him to rediscover the strength and resourcefulness that had once defined him.
He vaguely heard Chris speaking to another man, but his thoughts seemed to drown out everything around him. It seemed for the last week or so he’d fallen into a depression he wasn’t certain how to get out of.
Except when he was with Emma.
When he was with her, he didn’t feel unimportant. He wasn’t useless. He was just hers.
“Thanks,” Chris’s finally word did cut through William’s self doubt, and he nearly stumbled trying to keep up as they climbed down the steps that were more like a ladder despite this ship being an old military one—or maybe because of it.
Everything was different here, even to the safe haven. There were kids absolutely everywhere, many of them shouting and playing despite the small corridor they climbed down too. At the haven they were there, playing, but not quite so many despite the safe haven’s mission.
Is this real life? This is crazy.
A smile tugged at his lips as he continued, taking in the faces of so many children and women who were not is disguise and didn’t draw back when they got close.
He bumped into Liam, not realizing Chris and the others had stopped as he’d taken in so much joy around him. Joy that contradicted how worried he was about his place in all of this.
William blinked in surprise as Alex’s face came into view, the door swinging open without the usual caution or drawn weapon. It was a stark contrast to the constant vigilance they had maintained for so long, always on guard, always ready for the next threat. The sight of Alex’s relaxed posture and easy smile sent a jolt through William, a reminder of how much their lives had changed in such a short time.
As he stepped into the room, William’s gaze swept over the surroundings, taking in the sparse but clean furnishings, and the soft glow of the lamps casting a warm light on the metal walls. It was a far cry from the dilapidated buildings and makeshift camps they had grown accustomed to, and for a moment, William felt a pang of something akin to homesickness for the familiarity of his old life.
Ranger rushed past him with a quick bark.
But then his eyes landed on Emma, curled up on a bunk bed with a book in her hands, and the feeling dissipated like mist in the morning sun. He assumed the book had been in the room, but seeing her so at ease drew him to a stop. She looked up as they entered, her eyes sparkling with a light that had been absent for far too long. William’s heart swelled at the sight, a rush of affection and protectiveness surging through him.
He’d been in this mindset before, when he lost his family. He just had to remember that he hadn’t lost his second one—that they were fighting to do everything they could to keep it alive.
With a smile that seemed to chase away the shadows, Liam reached down and unclipped Ranger’s leash. Her best friend bounded across the room, his tail wagging with unbridled joy as he made a beeline for Emma. In a matter of seconds, Ranger was curled up at her feet, his head resting on his paws as he gazed up at her with adoring eyes.
A lump formed in her throat as she reached down to run her fingers through Ranger’s soft fur. The simple act of affection served as a reminder of the unbreakable bond she shared with her companions, both human and canine. Through all the trials and tribulations they had faced, Ranger had remained a constant source of comfort and unconditional love. She hated that Bo and Shadow hadn’t come along, and quickly pushed the thoughts away, not daring to remember she almost got them back.
Emma’s fingers absently stroked Ranger’s fur as she sat lost in thought, the gentle rhythm of the dog’s breathing a soothing constant amidst the chaos of their lives. The sound of the door opening drew her attention, and she looked up to see the others entering the room, their entrance a welcome balm to her frayed nerves.
Liam’s eyes softened as they met hers, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He crossed the room in a few long strides, settling himself beside her on the bed. The warmth of his body so close to hers was a comfort, a reminder that they were all still together despite everything that had come their way.
“Hey,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate through her very bones. “How are you holding up?”
Emma leaned into him, resting her head on his broad shoulder. “I’m tired,” she admitted, the words slipping out before she could stop them. “I’m so tired of running, of fighting, of never knowing what’s coming next, but it feels like that might all change.”
Liam’s arm slipped around her, drawing her closer. “I know,” he murmured, his breath stirring the fine hairs at her temple. “But we’re almost there, Em. We met with the captain, good shock to my system meeting her. We’re so close to getting to this island, to finding a safe place to call home.”
“Her?” Emma’s heart stuttered in her chest, a fragile hope blooming beneath her breastbone.
Liam briefly rested his chin on the top of her head. “Her. We were right to take this leap.”
Emma exhaled slowly. Safety. A home. The promise of a future beyond mere survival. It all seemed too good to be true, yet she trusted them with every fiber of her being. If he said it was possible, then she would believe. It didn’t matter that they were perfect, that’d she’d been through more danger with them than without.
Emma leaned into his touch, drawing strength from the unwavering conviction in his voice. Liam had always been her rock, a steadfast presence in the midst of chaos. When the world crumbled around her, he was the best at picking up the pieces, to guide her through the darkness and into the light. It was Alex who made her laugh, William who kept her grounded, Chris who made her feel safe and Bash who challenged her ways she didn’t know she needed.
These five—and Ranger—were all she needed, but the promise of friendships, of children all around, was just as seductive as it had been when they’d arrived at the base haven.
“Time to share what we learned,” Chris’s voice cut through the tranquil moment, his presence commanding attention as he stepped into the room. As always, his tone held confidence, but this time Emma swore she saw him smile. “I truly believe we’re going to safe here. I didn’t say that about Carnie’s ship because we needed him. While we need these people, there’s an entirely different atmosphere here. These people will eventually become family to us, I have no doubt of that.”
Emma’s eyes locked with Chris’s as she processed his words. “Really?” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to remember there are plenty of good guys.”
Chris nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yes, really. We’ve been through hell and back, but we’re going to make it. Think you’ll be interested to learn who the captain is.”
Emma sat upright. “Liam said it was a woman, is it really?”
Chris nodded again, “The one who greeted us. Seems she has a bone to pick with the men who destroyed her work to find a safe place for women to foster continuing the human race. She’s promised us safe passage and a place to call home once we reach the island. We’re not freeloaders, we’ll all have work to do, but it’s not a forever journey, and it sounds like the work will match our skills. Emma, there will be work for you, but I imagine growing plants and rearing animals isn’t massive on the ship, but keep in mind you’ll have a place and a job on the island suited to you as well.”
Relief washed over Emma like a tidal wave, the tension that had coiled within her for so long finally beginning to unravel. She sagged against William, her body melting into his as the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders. This was a safe place, a woman wouldn’t betray another. Not in this world.
William’s arm tightened around her, his touch a silent reassurance that he was there, that he would always be there. “See, Em?” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “I told you we’d be alright.”
She loved the feeling of William rubbing a gentle hand over her back as she processed everything. He’d changed so much since she met him, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she was to blame or if his world had simply been rocked too many times.
Emma’s fingers threaded through Ranger’s fur, the soft strands a familiar comfort amid the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within her. The news of their impending departure, the promise of safety on the horizon, left her both exhilarated and apprehensive. Ranger’s steady presence, the rise and fall of his chest beneath her hand, grounded her in the present, reminding her of the constants that had carried her through the darkest of times.
“If we’re really safe,” Emma murmured, her voice barely a whisper, “I think I might just sleep for a week.”
A soft chuckle rumbled through William’s chest, the sound a balm to Emma’s frayed nerves. “You’ve earned it, Em. We all have, right Chris?”
“I don’t think we’ll hear any orders for today,” Chris finally looked away from her. “I know it won’t always be comfortable, but I’d prefer we all stayed in one room today. Just in case I’m wrong about everything and we’re sitting ducks. Better to be sitting ducks together.”
“And here I thought you just missed out on a quality time,” Alex quipped. “The full bed over there, Emma, you and Ranger take that.”
“Good thinking,” Chris added. “It’s farther back and should shit hit the fan, we’re between Emma and it.”
“Though Ranger saved the day last night.” Bash added with more than a little bitterness in his tone.
“And you,” she reminded him. “Ranger stopped him, but you were the one who came and saved me. Stop beating yourself up for things that are bound to happen. It’s fucked up, but I accepted the dangers when I left the basement. I’m just as much to blame for the danger.”
“Agree to disagree,” Bash growled as he climbed up onto the top bunk.
She chuckled, happy to see his grumpiness returning meaning he was comfortable, too.
She moved to the full bed, Ranger following without her calling and watched as they filled in the remaining three beds.
“Chris?” She yawned the middle of his name. “You’re not sleeping on the floor.”
“Who said I was sleeping?”
“There’s no need to stand watch. We’ve basically been up since yesterday morning. You’re not the one actually in charge right now. Get in the bed.” She pulled the covers back and got in, not waiting for him to respond.
The bed dipped as he reluctantly climbed in, his arm immediately draping over her body.
Emma’s eyes fluttered closed, the weight of her exhaustion pulling her toward the sweet oblivion of slumber. But even as her mind drifted, her hand reached out to touch Ranger’s fur when he jumped up beside her, a tether to the world she had fought so hard to protect.