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Chapter 83: King
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Genetically Modified Chapter 84: King
Beck throws himself into a chair with a huff. "They're having an all-out war about it now. It was too dangerous to hang around, so I came here to hide until the fireworks and nuclear explosions settle. I had no idea children were this difficult."I fight a smile. Beck's instant family is something no one saw coming. Missy shot Beck from the sky when he was parachuting into U.S. Territory. After Beck survived the shot and the rough landing, Ruth fought with her mom to be the one to shoot him again. I'm thankful Missy has a backbone and refused her psychopath child.Lips firm, I don't even blink. "That child could single-handedly take out the hellhound population, and you know it. If the hellhounds hadn't started leaving the island before Ruth arrived, I would swear they were running from her."Beck swipes his hand over his face and rests against the chair's back with his eyes covered. "She has no idea she's a child.""She stopped being a child the day her father died, the same as th
Genetically Modified Chapter 85: Marinah
The argument room, as I've dubbed it, is full of King's personal guards. These men are his leaders for good reason. All are deadly fighting machines and have proved their loyalty. Cabel, who married an island woman a year ago, is back as one of King's guards. It's nice to see him at the table. He doesn't smile or acknowledge me and even knowing why, it frustrates me. At least it does until a woman looks in King's direction. Then I understand completely. That doesn't mean I need to like it. Cabel has his mating rage under control and just in time. We need him."Update," King barks into the room as soon as he takes his seat at the head of the table. Beck gives us what he has. "Two survivors. They managed to hide and watch what happened. It started a few days earlier with a message from the Federation ordering all able-bodied men and women to report to the Federation immediately as red stripes." His voice drops, and I hear the fury in each word. Red stripes are the Federation's death f
Genetically Modified Chapter 86: Marinah
I swipe the hair from my eyes and get to work on the bags. Once I've checked them, I head to find Alden. He's in the armory with Cabel and Nokita discussing the firepower they're taking and what's staying behind. Guns are something else we've been working on or more accurately, providing enough ammo. We've now stockpiled thousands of rounds so we have guns with actual bullets. Swords are still better for hellhounds, but we need the guns for our human enemies.I walk to a long rack of AKs and take one down. It's the rifle I've been working with and surprise, surprise, I'm actually slightly better than a decent shot. When my claws don't get in the way, I have the best record for distance target shooting to the consternation of King's men. I caress the rifle. For a woman afraid of guns such a short time ago, I've found a friend. Some of the men name their rifles. I've given this some thought and the name "Bertha" runs through my head again. If you have a name like Bertha, I think most pe
Genetically Modified Chapter 87: King
The bike purrs beneath me. I've been working on it for the past month. There isn't a true farmboy out there who doesn't love to tear into an engine, and I'm no exception. One of the island men has been helping me when I run into trouble. Now, this baby purrs with power.I take the winding turns with Beck on my tail. Even with a mate and child, he takes his bodyguard duties seriously. Not that I didn't try to get away without him, he's just caught on to my disappearing acts and is prepared.Axel's schedule shows him at the southern end of the island for a week. It's where we're headed. I could have used the Morse Code machine, but we like keeping it for emergencies. The small electronic pulse it gives out attracts hellhounds. We use the machine for communication with the U.S. and little else.The road winds even tighter once we're out of the city. Beck curses when he takes a bug in the mouth, and I laugh as he spits into the wind. The stars and moon light the night, and I enjoy the f
Genetically Modified Chapter 88: Marinah
Pain pounds through my head like a team of horses trying to break loose. Since becoming a Warrior, I've suffered few aches. Getting my butt kicked while training doesn't count. This current pounding is making me grumpier than usual. I helped Nokita with the dispatch to the outlying villages. Then helped drive most of the supplies to the runway. We have a team in place loading them now.I finally enter our bedroom at almost four in the morning. I rub my eyes and glance at the bed longingly. I need a shower, but the bed looks better. I yawn and head to the bathroom, hoping water will alleviate the headache. I've just stepped into the shower when the bathroom door opens. A minute later, King steps inside and pulls me close."You okay?" he asks against the top of my head since my forehead found a great resting place against his chest."Headache."He tips my head back and searches my eyes. "You need sleep."I yawn again. "I really do.""I'll make it happen on the plane. We need to be
Genetically Modified Chapter 89: King
We land in the northern part of Arizona where a large settlement of people banded together and made their home after the hellhound invasion. The village founders were smart and took their stand in high desert with good planting seasons and enough water coming from several lakes in the region. It's also much cooler than Southern Arizona.This is where Beck first found Missy and Ruth. Or, to be more accurate, they found him. That connection gave us much needed intel about the Federation. We now know they've been corrupt since The Federation's inception and they've commandeered soldiers using "join or die" tactics. We know they are using hellhounds for their own agenda, whatever that agenda may be. Maybe the destruction of the world is their goal, and things are going exactly as planned. Before the hellhound invasion, the U.S. government was in the worst turmoil the nation had seen since the civil war. That corrupt government led to the current one.I step outside the plane into weather
Genetically Modified Chapter 90: Marinah
There's something about Garret that's off. He's saying all the right things, behaving as a good politician should, but I'm not sure if we can trust him or not. Time will tell. The outpost that was attacked is about twenty-four hours from here if we run the entire way. King doesn't want to waste the time and is having us dropped at the village by parachute.I've never parachuted in my life. I'm no longer terrified of the thought though. I just need to get the first jump out of the way. I've had exactly two previous lessons, and my confidence is nil.King yells at me over the plane's engine, "Remember what you learned about untwisting your rigging lines if needed. You'll have plenty of time to set yourself up for landing," We're standing at the open cabin door, and my stomach is in my throat. He adjusts my harness one last time and gives me a quick kiss.I flash a thumbs-up that I don't feel. King is going first, and I'm following. Labyrinth is next, then Garret, Axel, and last Beck.
Genetically Modified Chapter 91: King
The death of my brother warriors is hard. They gave their lives fighting for humans. Marinah changed me when it came to my hatred for humans, and now it's strictly centered on the ones who need killing. Missy with Beck has helped too. After the Federation betrayed the Shadow Warriors and killed my uncle, who was our leader at the time, my hatred ate me alive. All humans are not the same, and I tell myself that again. I look at the freshly tilled earth holding almost one hundred people, and I seethe. Marinah wipes away tears, and I'm even angrier. How could they kill the children in cold blood? When I find them, it's not something I'll be asking. Spilling blood takes priority.We leave the outpost in the early evening, following the trail left by the hellhounds and soldiers. They are two days ahead of us, but it won't help them escape.I call a halt at midnight. Garret is struggling though he won't say anything. I was serious when I said we'd leave him, and he knows it. The sleep Ma
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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
