Holocaust (The Deadwood Hunter Series Book 3) (31 page)

Chapter 44

As the fresh air hit her, she doubled over gasping for breath. The sound of shattering glass drew her attention and she looked up to see the final glimpse of her panther disappearing into the trees.

“So we’re leaving?” Sammy asked.

“I’m leaving. Come with me if you’d like,” she answered. Steeling herself, she stood straight.

“Of course, nowhere else for me to be,” he told her with a smile.

“You could go home, Sammy,” she reminded him.

“Aww, Lex, you know why I can’t go back.”

Lexia smiled, tapping him on the back. “I know.”

“Shall I go get Lola?” Belinda asked.

“Please. Take only the minimal. I’ll get her new things.”

Belinda disappeared into the house as Caden walked out. It appeared as if he’d aged over the past year. He looked tired and she knew she was responsible for some.

“Please, don’t try and talk me into staying,” she told him before he could utter a word.

Chuckling softly, he said, “I wasn’t planning to. Here, I want you to take this.” He handed over a business card.

Lexia read it with a frown.

“It’s my mother’s,” he told her. “I understand why you’re leaving, but you need to speak to someone, Lex. I’m not sure if you know this but I did a few months’ rotation under my mother. Although a very gifted general surgeon, her passion is healing the mind. Your wounds will only heal if you talk through what happened. She knows a lot of what happened. You can talk to her.”

Glancing at Caden, then back down at the card, she bounced it against her finger. “I’ll think about it.”

“Take these too,” he continued, handing her a set of keys.

“I’m not taking your car, Caden.”

“It’s of no use to me, Lex. I’m needed here for the time being. Plus you can’t carry Lola everywhere. It’s about halfway down the track toward the road. I drove it as far as it would go on this terrain.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m not saying, goodbye. I’ll see you soon, okay? And if you need anything, just call.”

Lexia hugged him, holding onto him for a moment, conveying all she couldn’t say in the tightness of her hold. “See you around, Doc.”

With Lola wrapped up and ready to go. Lexia walked away from Lincoln’s childhood home, her child on her hip, her friends by her side. Four hunters and two wolves, she wasn’t sure what she’d done to earn their friendship, but she would be forever grateful.

“So, where to? I’m hoping your plan doesn’t involve slumming in the woods. Some of us have no fur coats,” Miles joked.

“Yeah, I kinda not thought past the leaving part. Give me a sec.” Pulling her new cell from her pocket, she dialed a number. “Sarah, hi.”

“Lexia?” Sarah asked, her voice thick with sleep.

“Sorry, I know it’s late. I just have a question.”

“All right.”

“My house, my dad’s house I mean. If I go back, I’m not likely to be arrested, am I?”

“No. This is what I was coming to speak to you about tomorrow. Your name has been cleared, Lexia. Your father left the house to you and more.”

“More?”

“It’s best I speak to you in person, and we still need to discuss those who wish to not be cured.”

“Right, well, there’ll be a change of venue. I’m not on pack land anymore. I’ll be at my dad’s.”

“My son?”

“Will be delivered to you unharmed, as promised.”

“Good.” Relief was evident in her voice.

Ending the call, Lexia looked at Grey. “We forgot our prisoner.”

“I’ll go get him.” He laughed. “Give us a hand, Marcus.”

“We don’t particularly travel light, hey?” Mellissa said.

Lexia smiled as she looked at her friend, her arms ladled with baby things, formula and bottles, a bassinet and several bags of items. “No,” Lexia laughed. At one point, she’d only needed her weapons. She’d swapped her knives for nappies.

Well, maybe not all,
she thought, her hand hovering over the hilt of her sword.

The house was a mess when they arrived. Just as Lucy had left it, furniture was turned over, plates smashed, belongings scattered over the floors. The sight had been a shock, even though Lexia had expected it.

It didn’t look much better when Sarah arrived the next morning, though Lexia had worked with the others most of the night to clear the mess. She’d gone straight up the stairs when they’d first arrived taking Lola with her, her eyes glancing at the red stain at the end of the hall.

Now though, the floor shone. No sign of the stain her father’s blood had left behind, though Lexia knew it would always be there. Being back in her childhood home hurt, yet she didn’t know where else to go.

“It’s coming along,” Sarah said to her as they sat at the table. Lexia didn’t hear her though. She was looking at the ghost of Derrick, a shadow of a memory.

Her book in his hands and feet propped up on the table as he read. “That’s my book,” she told him.

He looked up, smiling and bemused.
“Is it?”

“Lexia?”

“Hmm?” Lexia pulled her mind from the past.

“I was discussing the hunters,” Sarah answered, irritated.

“Sorry, what about them?”

“They do not wish to be cured,” she stated as if that explained everything.

“Not every hunter wished to be cured, just freed.”

“Well, yes, but I’m afraid my superiors are a little nervous about that. They wish for this mess to be put behind them.”

Anger lit, Lexia sat forward in her chair and held Sarah’s gaze. “They are people, not messes.”

“Lexia,” Sarah sighed, “you must understand, they are nervous, nervous that there are others out there stronger than the average human.”

“We just wish to be left alone, given time to heal, and move on, as I’m sure your son would like, too.”

“Understood. Let me make a call, see what I can do.” Sarah left through the back door.

Belinda appeared in the doorway. “Lola’s awake.”

“Keep her upstairs. I don’t want her anywhere near Sarah.” Belinda nodded, standing straight. “Belinda,” Lexia called out.

“Yes?” she asked, reappearing.

“You’re not my solider anymore. We’re just friends.”

“I know,” she told her. Yet as Belinda took the stairs two at a time, seeing to the little girl who Lexia could hear gurgling away in bed, Lexia knew the members of her unit who remained with her would always see her as a leader first. They’d always look to her for instruction. It was their nature.

The door opened as Lola shrieked in delight. Sarah looked up, the words on her lips changing as she thought of the baby. “Can I see her?”

“No.”

Startled, Sarah replied, “Lincoln told you?”

“Yes, you will not see my daughter again.”

“You must understand, I meant no harm. I just simply–”

“We are not here to discuss my daughter. I’m fully aware of where she came from and I will deal with all that arises when need be.”

“Lexia, you have no idea where she came from, or what she will be capable off,” Sarah said harshly.

“You are right. I don’t. I have no idea what lies within her DNA, but what I do know, is evil, and that girl is not evil. I’ve seen enough of it in my life to know. Now the hunters?”

Sighing, Sarah dropped the subject. “Will be given new identities if they wish to stay as they are. They must leave their old lives behind, and you must understand, Lexia, they are your responsibility. Should the hunters step out of line, it will be on your head. Should they degrade as many other hunters did over time, it will be your responsibility to put them down. As of today, Belinda, Marcus, Miles and Mellissa do not exist.”

“Thank you.” Lexia stood.

“Do not thank me, Lexia, I am giving you burdens you shouldn’t have to carry.”

“They’re my friends, Sarah. If that’s all, I’ll arrange for you to receive your son.”

“I just have this.” She handed her an envelope. “Inside is everything your father left you. This house, quite a substantial sum of money and various other things. I am sorry for the way things happened. I was good friends with your father once.”

Unsure what to say, Lexia wrapped the envelope to her chest and called for Grey. She walked Sarah to the door and watched her run to her son. Unlike Ross, Zac had held onto his humanity. Ross had been one of the unfortunate hunters to have been
upgraded
by Lucy. He’d died in the explosion, along with every other mindless hunter the shifters trapped inside.

As Sarah left, Lexia felt a small piece of herself knit back together. She’d saved the hunters. Those who’d wanted their lives back had since been cured and returned to their families. She’d destroyed Lucy’s plans, killed every monster she’d ever made, and freed those trapped within her grasp.

Turning at the sound of footsteps treading lightly down the stairs, she smiled at her daughter’s mesmerized face. Marcus was pulling faces at her over Belinda’s shoulder, Miles and Mellissa laughing at her, too. A rustle in the trees and Sammy and Grey disappeared, running through the forest as wolves.

You were right, Derrick. There is happiness destined in my life.

The happiness of a daughter’s love and the happiness of loyal friends. Lexia was still broken, but healing, just as those around her were.

Chapter 45

THREE MONTHS LATER

The smell of barbequed meat lingered in the air as the late summer sun set. The garden cast in a warm glow, Lexia watched Grey and Sammy sparring, while Lola giggled as she watched.

“Ooh,” Lexia said with a wince, “that had to hurt.” Dust flew up as Grey hit the ground. “Old age getting to you, Grey?” Lexia called as he jumped up, renewed determination on his face.

Sammy egged him on, grinning the cocky smile of a youth.

“He’s going down,” Miles told her as his approached, burger in hand.

“What makes you say that?” she asked.

“His ego is getting in the way. I learned my lesson the first time we sparred,” he told her, smiling from the memory.

Laughing as she pictured Miles, all cocky smiles and cheeky glint, he’d underestimated her the day they’d met. Never had he done it again. “You weren’t bad, for a novice.” Lexia grinned.

“Careful, Lex, I think this ego thing is catching.”

Sammy hit the ground, his face slamming first into the hard rain-parched earth. It took him a second before he could breathe. Rolling over, he laughed and groaned as Grey towered over him.

“Had enough, pup?”

Lexia cut in before they were at it all night and bleeding all over her yard. “Foods done. Come get it.”

They ate outside, making the most of the last few summer evenings. The banter between the group was playful and that of family. That was what they’d become over the last few months, a family; one no one could break, all missing pieces, yet somehow together they made a whole.

Day by day, Lexia pieced herself back together. With the help of Patricia, Caden’s mother, she’d worked through the trauma in her life and though she had so much more to deal with, waking in the mornings had become easier. She no longer needed time to build her walls. The nightmares still chased her and she thought the demons in her head would always be there; that was her burden to carry.

There was still something missing though, one essential part of her life missing.
Lincoln.
She’d known for a few days it was time to go back, known she was strong enough to face him, to feel the overwhelming bond between them. First though, Lexia had to work up the courage to tell the others. She didn’t think they would mind too much, after all, there were seven of them, plus a baby, living in a three-bed house. Grey and Sammy mainly slept in the woods, or curled up on the porch, but winter would soon be upon them and she couldn’t expect them to sleep outside in the snow. Lexia shared her room with Lola and then the girls shared a room, Marcus and Miles taking the other. The arrangement wasn’t ideal and as Lola grew, it became more crowded.

Lola seemed like any other child, maybe a little advanced, but not too much that she’d be seen as unusual. People just presumed she was older than she was. Not that many people saw her. Lexia only ventured into Deadwood for a weekly shop, and once when Alice moved back. Alice now lived back in her childhood home with her family. Since she was safe, they’d left California. Lexia still held onto the hope that one day Alice could look at her as she once had, even though the conversation they’d had her first day back had been tense.

“I want to forgive you, Lex, but I can’t. The hunter may be gone but this anger, it’s still inside of me, and when I look at you, it ignites. I understand why you did what you did, and honestly, there is a part of me that forgives you, but the stronger part hates you. You’re still my friend, Lex, just the best friend I wanna punch.”

Lexia had laughed at what she’d said, much to Alice’s disgust. She understood the rage inside of Alice. After all, there was plenty in Lexia. One day, Lexia knew Alice wouldn’t want to punch her anymore.

“We’re moving,” Lexia said into the momentary lull in conversation.

“Moving?” Mellissa asked, the sun made her dark red hair seem alight.

“Yes, moving,” Lexia confirmed.

“Somewhere with seven bedrooms I hope,” Grey muttered.

Smile turning cheeky, Lexia replied, “What’s wrong? Too old for sleeping in the forest?”

His reply made her laugh: wolf eyes and a low growl.

“How about a pack where you can each have your own home, should you wish?” Lexia asked them, already knowing they’d follow her anywhere.

“We allowed back, boss?” Marcus asked. He’d let his hair grow out since leaving the compound, a few more weeks and she suspected he’d need to tie it back.

“I’m the alpha’s mate. I’m pretty sure we’ll be allowed back.”

“Bit of ground to cover before you claim that title, Lexia,” Grey commented, his eyes far wiser than his forty years.

“I know,” Lexia replied quietly. It would take more than a smile to fix what she’d done. “Have faith.”

“Always have,” Belinda said, her smile reassuring. Unlike Marcus, Belinda had cut her hair. The short-serve bob suited her, made her seem older than her eighteen years.

“Forest’s gonna be a nightmare with this little miss crawling,” Sammy laughed, currently wrestling Lola off the table. Crawling was a nightmare full stop, and at nearly five months old, she was a little early. Lexia suspected she’d be early walking too, and with her higher than average strength and fast development, being on pack lands away from prying eyes was the safest place for her.

“So, you in?” Lexia asked, eyes landing on every member of the group.

“In,” they all replied together.

Moving required a little more planning than last time. It was surprising how much someone could acquire in a few months, especially when they hardly left the house. Although the government had disowned the hunters, they’d each had been given a small amount to start again with. Luckily, Marcus had bought himself a truck. Lexia had laughed when he’d first drove it up the drive; its paint peeling away, rust spots throughout the body, but now he’d restored it and Lexia was grateful for the large tray on the truck.

“Just a few more,” she told the men as she sat another box on the pile of things she wanted to take.

They grumbled a few incoherent things but carried on trying to fit all the boxes and various pieces of furniture Lexia had decided to take with them. Lexia planned to sell the house that had once been her home. She’d enjoyed being back and it was nice to have some more happy memories to block out the bad, but Lexia was ready to move on. She couldn’t live in the house her father had been murdered in and the money from the sale would come in useful for Lola’s future.

Everything she’d not packed, she planned to leave behind in her past. Every item that held a precious memory would accompany her into the future.

With everything ready to go, Lexia strapped Lola into her car seat inside Caden’s car. With the truck full to the brim and two shifter wolves ready to make the journey on foot, Lexia locked the front door and took one last look at the house she’d grown up in.

Her chest felt tight, throat thick with unshed tears but she was ready to let it go, happy to move on.

“Let’s go,” she said, a little too cheery as she jumped from the porch. “See you at the outer boundary,” she called to the wolves at the edge of the tree line.

Climbing into the passenger seat, Miles started the car and they set off for pack land. The wolves ran beside them, hidden in the trees that lapped either side of the road. Lexia watched them race. They howled a keening cry, both sad and beautiful; it made her shed a tear. Through the tears she shed, Lexia whispered goodbye.

“Stay in the car. I’ll handle this,” Lexia ordered. They’d reached the hidden track leading to the center of Lincoln’s homelands, but after taking the turn and navigating Caden’s car over the rough terrain, they’d been stopped on what Lexia guessed must be the pack boundary.

Grey and Sammy crouched low, their growls warning the snow leopard they were not to be messed with. Not that the snow leopard seemed at all intimidated.

Lexia was still in shock from seeing a guard and even more so that it was a snow leopard. Its fur was a stunning contrast to the deep green of the forest. White dappled with dark spots and with fur thicker than she’d seen on the other cats, Lexia wanted nothing more than to sink her hands into its coat. The snarl as she approached indicated that wasn’t the best idea. Bending slightly, her head tilting to catch its piercing blue eyes, Lexia spoke softly. “Hey, I’m Lexia. Any chance we can talk to Lincoln?”

The leopard glanced at her briefly, then leapt forward, snapping at the wolves. “Hey!” Lexia said harshly, closing the distance between them.

Grey looked at her, his look warning her to get back. “It’s all right, Grey. I’ve got this,” Lexia reassured him. She’d not tapped into her powers since…since throwing Lincoln across the room, but she guessed they had to still be in there somewhere. “I don’t know who you are, but if you do not fetch Lincoln, there is a car full of highly trained hunters and two angry wolves who will move you aside.”

The snow leopard shifted. Looking to be in his late thirties, his hair a white blond and still as fluffy as his fur coat, the man carried through the same piercing blue eyes into human form. “Lincoln isn’t here,” he told her.

“Well, fetch Caden or Caleb. Better still, move aside and I’ll find them myself.”

“Can’t do that, miss. You’re entering private land.”

Eyes flaring, Lexia clenched her fists. “I know it’s private land. I used to live here. I’m Lincoln’s mate.”

“Like I said, Lincoln’s not here.”

“For God’s sake,” Lexia huffed. Turning back toward the car, she ordered, “Don’t kill him.”

The snow leopard was good. It took both the wolves and Marcus to subdue him. With their new prisoner bound and unconscious in the truck, they carried on down the track, managing to get Caden’s car most of the way before they had to get out and walk.

Lexia felt nervous as she neared Lincoln’s home. Already in the distance, she could see new cabins had been built.

“Lexia,” Caden called, running up to her.

Finally, she could breathe; someone was pleased to see her. “Hey, Doc.”

His smile huge, he stepped forward and wrapped one arm around her, his lips pressing against her cheek. “I’ve missed you, Lexi. And wow, look at you, Lola. You’re so big,” he said, allowing Lola to clasp his finger as she reached out to him. “So what’s going on?”

The words wouldn’t leave her. She’d not thought to call ahead. Maybe it was silly to think they’d all just have been waiting for her to return.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.