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Chapter 66: Marinah
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Genetically Modified Chapter 67: Marinah
It's Landan's turn to look at everyone, though his expression is fierce and meant to keep them quiet."Landan." He glances at me and I see the disgust in his eyes. "They gave me the title, dressed me like a hooker, and sent me to Cuba to," I hold my fingers up and give my next word quotes, "'negotiate' with the Shadow Warriors. I'm lucky I survived, wasn't raped, or eaten for a midnight snack. I came to see you, my friends, because things aren't as they seem and I was hoping someone in this group would be honest with me." I give them time to review what I said.Landan speaks for the others. "Why should we trust you?"I straighten my shoulders and the poor little scared girl routine slides away easily. "Because with the little you've said, I could already have you arrested." If looks could kill, I would be dead."She's right," Kara says coming to my defense. "She has a guard who isn't fond of her. Do we have a choice about trust? We're all dead if she gives the say-so."Mila, who i
Genetically Modified Chapter 68: Marinah
Nothing eventful happens over the next few days besides boredom. There are only so many spots on the wall to count and the books they've left me to read are depressing novels that do nothing but put me to sleep. I've requested a meeting with the president about my inactivity and haven't heard back.Friday takes forever to arrive. I've spoken only briefly to Labyrinth. Thankfully it was enough time to relay what Landan and the ladies told me. Labyrinth is concerned they're setting me up. I understand, but he wasn't at the bar and didn't see their fear or anger at the Federation. If they had betrayed us, it would already be too late and we would be jailed or dead. I left Labyrinth with those exact words.Officer Daniels escorts me to the ladies' quarters himself when Friday evening finally arrives. "I'll pick you up here in three hours," he says and walks off."Make it four," I call out. He doesn't turn and if he arrives early, he'll be cooling his heels in the hallway for the extra h
Genetically Modified Chapter 69: Marinah
"Am I horrible for being relieved that they aren't something sent from hell?" Skylar asks.Kara's lips scrunch before she replies. "I liked the 'hell' scenario better than zombies.""The Shadow Warriors still call them hellhounds and I agree. I'd rather think about killing hellhounds because I swear, I would grimace every time I killed a zombie." Three mouths drop open and I realize what I've admitted. "My father killed hellhounds and I asked King to teach me. I'm still working on my technique."Mila circles her arms around herself and shivers. "Once you have it down, please share. I'm still terrified of them.""Deal." Every human needs to be trained to kill them and I plan to see that happens. The Federation should require military training for everyone and that's one more thing I never picked up on.We go back to business and make a list of everything we know. We've always worked by putting our knowledge together and turning numbers into percentages and it's never failed us. Unf
Genetically Modified Chapter 70: King
I mourn the loss of my friend while the absence of Marinah destroys me. I can only take the nagging sense of danger for so long before I'm at the breaking point and act. Getting away undetected by Nokita isn't easy. He was taught by the best tracker we have and I never had much luck escaping Beck. I bide my time and while the men are eating dinner, I sneak off quickly.Once I'm clear of our perimeter guards, I shift, giving Beast the lead and kick it into high gear, running at top speed. Beast loves it because he knows exactly where we're headed.Mate, he whispers into my soul.I travel more than seventy miles in three hours, avoiding hellhounds and humans, and arrive in the Federation's territory a little after eleven. I feel Marinah in every cell. I know she's close, pulling on Beast even if she isn't aware it's happening. She'll feel it and I'm counting on her to listen to her beast. I have no idea where she is within the underground compounds, so it could take another hour to ze
Genetically Modified Chapter 71: Marinah
Seeing King was exactly what I needed and still, I'm torn apart when he leaves. I lay awake for hours thinking about him-his scent, his taste, and how his body feels when he becomes part of me. Ms. Beast likes these thoughts and for the most part only purrs in contentment. When my sadness overflows over King leaving me, and I can no longer take it, I switch to making plans. Beginning tomorrow, things will change even if it means grabbing the president by the balls and discovering what the heck is going on. Sitting in my room like a good little Federation follower isn't getting me anywhere.Foggy headed from lack of sleep, I need strong black coffee to clear my brain in the morning. Even the disgusting chicory stuff the Federation serves should help.The cafeteria isn't crowded when I enter and take my usual table after putting today's mush-an unidentifiable substance-on a tray and filling two cups with straight black coffee. After the first cup, I feel better and while no one pays at
Genetically Modified Chapter 72: Marinah
With the hair on the back of my neck standing on end, I check drawers and cabinets hoping Labyrinth was able to leave a message or something. I find nothing-no note and zero of their personal belongings. It's like they were never here.There's only one person who can provide answers and it's time for me and the president to have a long talk. If he's harmed a single Shadow Warrior, he'll be the first dead Federation president in office.I know where his main work quarters are and that's where I head. I pass only two people on the first half of my journey, which is odd. I pass no one when I get closer to the president's office, which is stranger still. "Miss Church. We need you to come with us," says an unknown man wearing military attire followed by four soldiers. The "Miss Church" is telling. I could handle all five of them in Warrior form, but now is not the time."Sure," I say with much more calmness than I feel. "I was looking for President Barnes's office hoping to schedule an
Genetically Modified Chapter 73: King
Our sentries pick up movement around two in the morning. More than five hundred Federation red stripes are headed our way. My worry for Marinah doubles. We're on the move within fifteen minutes, running in beast form and putting miles between us and the soldiers.By the time the sun rises, we're sure they're tracking us.Nokita approaches and gives me the latest update. "They are heavily armed and have three tanks with them. We can win this battle if that's what you want."Marinah and Labyrinth are compromised and yes, we can win this battle. The cost will be high to our Warriors, though. I also know many of the Federations soldiers are fighting under duress and killing them can only be used as a last resort. "Send five groups of five to disrupt Federation stragglers and make them nervous. I'll lead the remainder of our forces closer to Washington. Keep their soldiers busy for as long as you can and don't kill if possible. But our Warriors come first. If you need to kill red stripes
Genetically Modified Chapter 74: Marinah
You know what this means, I say after trying to unlock the door again and managing only to drop the keys. We're finally in tune to each other and she doesn't fight me. My transformation to human is seamless. Unfortunately, it leaves me nearly naked from the waist up. I open the door and Mila throws herself into my arms not caring that I'm also covered in blood."Oh, God, Marinah, I thought you were dead. They tortured Kara and killed her," she cries into my shoulder. "What's happening?"This is no time for tears. "We need to get Landan and Skylar out of their cells.""We're here," Skylar yells from another cell down the hall.I take Mila's hand, stopping her from going to Skylar's door. "Don't panic," I tell her. "I can keep us safer in beast form." She gives me the strangest look. There's no time for explanations. I place the keys in her hand, step back, and allow Ms. Beast to take over again.To give Mila credit, she only backs up a few feet during the transformation. Her eyes,
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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
