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Chapter 36: King
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Genetically Modified Chapter 37: Marinah
Today's torture isn't enough to keep my mind off King. Boot isn't helping. He usually assists me, but today he's staying practically on the other side of the room like I'm a leper. I'm currently walking a balance beam and fall for the twentieth time. I step back onto the tricky beam and glare at my worthless trainer across the large open space between us."What is going on?" I demand after wobbling and then finding my center."You just fell," he says like he has no idea what I'm talking about."If you were standing over here, giving me a shoulder to balance with like a good little trainer, I wouldn't land on the floor or did you forget that part of this exercise?""You're depending on me too much and you need to learn to trust your feet. You're standing just fine now. Try lifting one toe and pointing it toward the door.""I'll do it if you come here and keep me from falling."He crosses his arms, the stubborn man. "I'll watch from here, thank you."First Beck and now Boot. The t
Genetically Modified Chapter 38: King
Seeing Boot so close to Marinah ruffled Beast's feathers. Mine were a little more controllable, but I'll admit I didn't like it either. Boot is mated and it's the only reason he walked from the room under his own willpower. I'm at a crossroads. Marinah returning to the Federation is still a very real possibility.Add to that, her confidence since she began training is remarkable. She's standing tall and tripping less. I'm sure having Shadow Warriors around where you're the shortest person helps her value her height. We are larger than life and intimidating. Since her arrival, Marinah has shown little fear, but now she's not just fearless, she's inspiring. She has a strong work ethic and Boot's daily reports have gone from "It's torture to watch," to "She could be an actual fighter." He doesn't mean in the ring, he means war. That won't be happening.I've spent too much time examining my inner turmoil with Beast. I still don't understand it and he's not following normal guidelines whe
Genetically Modified Chapter 39: Marinah
I jump half out of my pants when I turn from the door and see Boot standing in my room partially hidden in the shadows. "What are you doing here?"From his expression it's something bad. "My son is missing. He talks about killing hellhounds all the time. His plastic knife is missing along with his bicycle."Fear seizes me. Hellhounds are the creatures of my nightmares, and the terror I feel at even the thought of being near them almost takes me to my knees. "He would go out alone to find them?""That's what he's done, we know it." The worry in Boot's eyes is clear. If Che runs into a hellhound, he's dead."You need to tell King.""If I can't find Che I will, but I was hoping you would help me look."He's out of his mind. "You're out of your mind," I say out loud. "I can barely protect myself and even that's debatable." I deepen my breathing so I don't hyperventilate."He's on a bike. How far can he get? Please, I need your help. Maylin is beside herself, but she can't stop vomit
Genetically Modified Chapter 40: King
This can't be happening. I won't let it.I bust through the doors of medical and rest Marinah on one of the beds. I don't see Axel, so I administer the antidote myself jabbing the needle into her arm. "Come on, Marinah, fight!""It won't help, King," Axel says from over my shoulder. One look in his eyes and I want to take off his head. He doesn't know what he's saying."It must," I shout in frustration. I take Marinah's hand and bring it to my cheek. "She's my mate," I implore my friend. "She can't die. You need to cut the poison out.""King," he says softly."No! Screw you. Do something to save her. You can.""I can't." He shakes his head then turns and leaves the room.He's left her to die.I bury my face in her stomach and hold on. If I can hold her long enough, she can beat this. Her body shudders and her eyes open. She shouldn't be, but she's still conscious. "Hold on Marinah," I tell her."It hurts. My body hurts," she cries through gritted teeth the lines of her face sh
Genetically Modified Chapter 41: Marinah
Pain slides beneath my skin, muscles tear, bones break. I writhe in madness fighting against the straps holding me down. Rage floods my veins, a killing rage that needs... needs.... The red haze pushes away all other colors, clarifying the distinct lines of each object around me, bringing them into focus like never before. I lift my head, turning the six-inch snout that's now part of me left and then right as I sniff the air and read the scent of everything and everyone in the room."Take my hand, Marinah. Concentrate on my voice."His words are too loud and I bring my hands up to my ears and then shy away from the claws that almost take off my face. My body is no longer my own and something foreign has invaded, taking me along for a ride of terror.The words float into my clouded brain again, "You're okay. Breathe."I try to push his voice away, but I know that voice and I clasp onto it, holding it in a small part of my brain, the part that wants reason to return."Concentrate, M
Genetically Modified Chapter 42: Marinah
"Breathe, Marinah." King talks me through the sudden rush of Kedorine 5, or K-5 as King calls it, that tries to shove itself into my veins. K-5 is the miracle that brings on the shift for Shadow Warriors and it's packed with other powerful hormones too. You can't catch it, it's not a disease, it's something you're born with, and I'm the lucky woman to be the first female Warrior in hundreds of years. "Inhale, exhale. Don't allow your beast to win. You say when she's in charge, not her."Sweat breaks out across my freshly washed skin. The red haze slowly recedes and I'm able to tug Beast back where she belongs. "I've got it," I practically wheeze through clenched teeth as the room returns to focus and my breathing slows.It takes most Shadow Warriors a year or longer to control their beasts enough to be around humans. Humans will be present tonight and I need to remember how easy they are to break. As of today, I have little control over my clawed hands and I'm lucky I haven't taken o
Genetically Modified Chapter 43: King
The past two days have been hell. It's one thing to watch a teenaged young man going through his first change but it's very different for it to happen to my mate. Marinah's a trouper and she's handling this much better than many Warriors do.Things happened quickly after Axel and I realized what was taking place. We've handled it many times before, though under entirely different circumstances. Usually a Warrior brings their teenage son to me and I assign them a Shadow until they are able to control themselves. They'll live with their Shadow if the mother and father prefer. If younger children are present in the house, it's a must. A new Warrior will not intentionally harm someone they love, but accidents involving unaccustomed strength, claws, and teeth happen.The most important thing is to limit mood fluctuations and stress. Tonight, just forty-eight hours after her first shift, I'm taking Marinah into a situation that ticks all the wrong boxes. Axel thinks it's a mistake and I'm
Genetically Modified Chapter 44: Marinah
I glance at my guards standing a few feet away ready to jump in if needed. "It's time to begin." I raise Marinah's hand and kiss the backs of her fingers. "Stay with Axel." I search her eyes for just long enough to see if she's handling herself before I glance away."I'm fine, really," she assures me.Axel nods, letting me know that he has her. I walk forward and face about two hundred people who came to say farewell to Boot. A few "hushes" sound and small talk quickly dies. "Death is always a tragedy," I say loudly enough for everyone to hear. Marinah grimaces but otherwise doesn't react. "Boot died saving his young son's life." I look to the children standing in a group and find Che. "He loved you and he was proud to call you son." Che's tears stream down his face when I continue. "You are the son of Boot, a mighty Shadow Warrior, and you are one of us as is your mother. Look around you at every Shadow Warrior here. We are your family now." I glance out at the others. "Boot shall
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Genetically Modified Chapter 113: King
Marinah is working with Ruth, who's making incredible progress. There hasn't been a complaint about the child in weeks. She follows Marinah around like she's her personal guard. The sword Marinah gave her always on her hip and her hand on the pommel daring anyone to threaten her instructor."King," Beck calls. "We have urgent news from the northern outpost."Here we go. It's been too quiet. "I'll grab Marinah. Have the men join us in the conference room in five." I don't ask what the news is because it's Marinah's job. Beck should have gone to her first, but that's something she needs to deal with. Eventually things will fall into place. When I took over after my uncle's death, it was the same way. Shadow Warriors expect a leader and sometimes knocking heads is the best way to lead them.I enter the gym, and Ruth is holding her sword with trembling arms, sweat rolling down her brow, and a stubborn set to her jaw which reminds me of Marinah's determination when she first trained. The
Genetically Modified Chapter 112: Marinah
They were laughing at me, and I don't blame them.I simply can't lead hundreds of men, scratch that, Shadow Warriors. I have no idea what I'm doing. I replay the entire meeting in my head. They're like children, and I can't believe I need to point them in a direction and tell them what to do.Stupid.And King's gone through this for years.Labyrinth mentioned Cosway, and it reminded me I need to check on her. I begin my search and eventually give up and ask one of the door guards. He points me to the outside courtyard. I find her there, playing with the kittens."Pretty butterfly," she says when she notices me.She's a rather pretty butterfly herself now. Soap, water, and good food make her look younger. Someone also took a chisel to her teeth. I'd place her in her mid-twenties. "Hi, Cosway. Do you mind if I join you and play with the kittens?"She pushes the calico in my direction, and I grab him before he scampers off. "He likes the pretty butterfly.""I like him," I say, cra
Genetically Modified Chapter 111: King
Marinah's avoidance doesn't bother me. She needs time to think this through. What she doesn't understand is, she's a leader and she's strong enough to lead the Shadow Warriors. I remember my doubts in the beginning. They ate me alive. The difference is Marinah has me at her side. I won't let her flounder.Axel begins testing the whistles after I give him Marinah's orders. I inform my guard that Marinah doesn't have meetings or training planned for today."You told her?" asks Beck."She took it as well as expected.""That bad?""It could have been worse." And the earthquake that took down San Francisco in 1906 could have been worse too."You want us twiddling our thumbs?" asks Labyrinth.The man's a lummox and I don't count dexterity as one of his pluses so I doubt he could. "Until we have our orders, go for it."He nods, lifts his hands, and twiddles those monstrous thumbs. That's when Marinah walks into the conference room. The men come to attention immediately, and it hits me
Genetically Modified Chapter 110: King
She handles it better than I expected. It's been three days, and she refuses to mention a word about it. Like I said, better than expected. Before coming here, Beck asked if she understood what's happened. He laughed when I asked if he was planning to tell her. His exact words were, "Throw me in a pit of hellhounds first."Wise man.It's four incredible days of bliss before she decides to voice her concerns. We're in bed in the early afternoon, after enjoying uninterrupted adult time. "I can't be a leader," she says with her head lying on my chest and her body half on mine. "I've just commanded my first unit. Leaders need experience.""They do.""How the heck do I gain experience? No, wait. I don't want that kind of experience. They're your men, King. Don't do this to me. You can't." Her fingers dig into my hip.Very softly, I tell her the truth, "They're your men now.""It won't work." She slams her fists on the bed beside me. I fight a smile. Now is not the time. "You can't pos
Genetically Modified Chapter 109: King
It took hours to get everything in place. I enter our room, and Marinah is sleeping. I quickly pack a bag for us both. She sleeps through it. I'm tired, but nothing will keep my alone time with Marinah from happening.Beck is attending the funerals in my absence. It's the only thing that made me hesitate with this mad scheme.Beck put me straight. "You take this time with your mate. You have more problems than simple mating rage. When you come back, you get the hellspawn, and I'm taking Missy away."I hope Marinah will forgive me when she misses Ryan's funeral. His loss hit her hard. I still remember the first Shadow Warrior who died under my command. It doesn't get easier.I collect everything we need and wake her. "Remember I told you I'm kidnapping you," I say when I'm sure she's awake."I think," she mumbles groggily.I scoop her into my arms. "It's happening."With the two bags tossed over my shoulder, and my mate in my arms, we leave the room. "I need clothes," she finally
Genetically Modified Chapter 108: Marinah
King places his arm around my shoulders, and we walk back to the outpost together. He tells me none of the humans in the outpost died, so I know Ruth and Missy are okay. But Ryan. He took my place and died because of it. Was he right? Should I have gone instead? I'll never know that answer, and it will haunt me forever.This is what King deals with. He takes every Shadow Warrior life personally. Now I know what it feels like. I lift my shoulders. It won't be easy, but I'll learn to live with it. We walk through the outpost gates, and Ruth spots me and starts running.Two feet away, she comes to a dead stop. "You're... huge. And bloody, cool."From beautiful to huge. This isn't looking good. "Yeah, I guess I am.""Are you meaner?"Oh, this child. "I hope not."Her lips curve downward and her eyes go stubborn. "Then it's not that cool.""She stabbed the general with her claws until there was nothing left of his face," Labyrinth tells the unimpressed child."You did?"I hope the
Genetically Modified Chapter 107: King
I lose track of Marinah after she takes off for the vehicles holding the rotary guns. She figured out what Smythe had planned. My men are ready to enter the fight. We circle the area where Marinah is taking on the rotary guns and leave our position. We've flanked the enemy on all sides. Many begin running toward Marinah, trying to get away, but I don't have time to think about the danger she's in. Beck's men are inside the outpost now, holding back the hellhounds. There are a few stragglers, and my men draw their swords and cut them down.The Federation soldiers realize they aren't winning and begin laying down their weapons. A hellhound about twenty feet from me grabs one stupid man. His muffled screams stop when the hound chews his face off. I charge three hounds with my sword, cutting them down as I run. Half my men point their rifles at the surrendering soldiers who have decided being shot is a quicker way to die than being eaten by hounds. They are no longer placing their weapons
Genetically Modified Chapter 106: Marinah
I lift my glasses again. Now I can see Beck and Cabel moving. I turn to the outpost and for the first time see General Smythe. I lick my lips. He won't be getting away this time. To hell with questioning him. If given the chance, I'll take his throat.Humans are stationed along the high wall on the inside of the outpost. The hellhounds will easily go up and over. Missy will have those unable to fight secured underground in one of their bunkers. Beck and his men will go against the hellhounds to stop them. Labyrinth's job is to take on the Federation soldiers.Knowing some Federation soldiers are here by force unsettles me.Kill, Ms. Beast whispers at my reticence. Yes, kill. If they are willing to kill civilians, including women and children, they won't be leaving here alive. My resolve is set, and I'm impatient to fight. Everyone is in place, and nothing is going on that I can see.The Federation waits ten more minutes, and then everything happens at once. The hellhounds are unl
Genetically Modified Chapter 105: Marinah
Cabel meets us outside the outpost walls and leads us to a large group of Warriors. The tension in the air is thick. Missy told us that more than a thousand soldiers have joined the Federation camp about two miles away. This morning, the soldiers began collecting their belongings. They are leaving or attacking, and the former doesn't seem likely.King speaks in hushed tones so our voices don't carry in the still night. There isn't a breeze, but it's chilly. I prefer warmth. It's times like this that I really miss our island. Pushing the thought aside, I listen to King. I need my head clear and thinking of home won't help.We have close to four hundred warriors versus a thousand Federation soldiers. If it weren't for the hellhounds, this would be a piece of cake. There's no way Smythe isn't leading this force. Is he unaware the Shadow Warriors have aligned with the outposts? Spying in the new world isn't as it once was. You need eyes now, not satellites. The Federation is building up
