Page 80 of Rising

I cleared my throat, keeping my face neutral, biting back the pain. “Stand down soldier, General Bennett,” I introduced myself, “Monterey Compound.”

An older woman with frizzy hair and russet skin came out from the right, joining the soldier who’d had his gun trained on Seth. Another man around mid-thirties came from the left. They didn’t surprise me. I’d spotted them the moment I realized protocols had in fact,been set in place leading up to the gates. I cursed myself, disappointed in my inability to think clearly.

“Yes, and I’m the Queen of England. Everyone, hands up.” Her British accent caught me off guard. Obviously, people had been stranded outside their origin country when things happened, my parents included. That didn’t stop it from jarring me every time. A reminder that there might still be a whole world out there trying to rebuild, too. Or ignoring us. Shit, I’d ignore the US too.

I snorted in derision, throwing my hands up my hands in surrender if only to keep Seth under control. The others followed suit, slowly moving their weapons away, their gaze still wary. It’d take me less than a thought to send their bullets through the unintended side of their guns, but I couldn’t muster the energy.

“Good. Now, we’re not open for visitors. You’ll have to turn back around,” the man said, finally tearing his glare from Seth and back to me.

“We’re not going anywhere,” I snarled. “Where’s Garcia? Lee?”

Doubt laced his voice. “Still running with the General story, are you?”

“Hardly a story when it’s reality,” Seth countered.

The man continued in disbelief, “You’re—”

“I’m what?” I asked, begging them to be specific.

“A girl. A kid. Not to mention you look like shit. One would think a general could handle herself out there. ‘Specially a notorious one.” It was the woman this time.

So much for women supporting women.

Moe wasn’t having it. “You mean similar to how your troops have been handling things?”

Seth let out a low laugh. All three guns were raised, aiming at her in response. Instead of cowering, Moe smirked, deciding to call their bluff.

“Just show them your papers,” Alexiares sighed, tired of the play.

“Planned to,” I said, “but I wanted to see how much they’d put their foot in their fucking mouths before doing so.”

I grunted, moving to pull the pack strapped behind me and offer up the only piece of paper recognized across the territory. It was signed by all leaders in acknowledgment of my role. It’d taken six months for them to sign it after I was sworn in.

Reina’s head snapped in my direction, and I sensed Alexiares creep up to behind me. Her magic trailed over my skin, probing for the cause of my groan. I met her gaze shaking my head.No.She obeyed, her magic ebbing away as quickly as it had appeared.

The soldiers leaned in towards the one in the middle holding the paper, perusing its contents. Their faces and necks flushed a deep shade of red, before they abruptly straightened at attention.

“Sorry ma’am,” the one to the left said, speaking for the first time, “friends here have been on edge lately, considering the circumstances. We weren’t expecting to host you here, hadn’t received word. Are more men on the way?” His eyes glanced over my shoulder towards the top of the mountain.

“No. And after that display, you’d be lucky I’d even consider future requests to do so.” I wasn’t in the mood for niceties. I was tired, my eyes were heavy, wanting to close for a few moments. “My companions and I are stopping through for the night, planned on getting some reports from out this way. I’ll be sure to tell Garcia and Lee how their guards treat their superiors. Now open the gates.”

Seth threw a mocking salute in their direction, as they pointed us towards the Stables. We’d be able to dismount there, the horses would be taken to the ranch not too far off for some grooming and rest. Keeping your horses outside your community wasn’t the smartest planning as far as I was concerned, but what did I know.

Seth, Moe, and Reina dismounted quickly, but I needed a minute to catch my breath. The pain shooting through my side the way my body needed to contort in order to dismount.

“I’m coming. Give me a sec. Just wanna check the saddle,” I said, pretending to inspect the perfectly maintained leather.

“You’re hurt.” Alexiares said, coming up swiftly behind me and latching onto my arm.

I snatched my arm back, not enough power left in me to pull free. “Stop. I told you the other day, I’m fine.”

The others turned, wondering what the commotion was.

“Everything okay?” Reina called.

His eyebrow rose as he met my eye. He was going to snitch.

“She’s hurt, Reina.”

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