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I didn’t laugh, though her wide-eyed expression almost broke me.Instead, I offered her another.

“You eat them,” she said, holding up a hand.“I want to be sure this one stays down.I think I’ve finally discovered something that isn’t great about being a Shadow Warrior.”She shuddered.“I ate a mouse.”

Her tone was so pathetic I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face.“You’ll live, and I promise it’ll get easier.”

“I don’t think I want it to get easier,” she groaned.

I popped the other two mice into my mouth and crunched down.The sound was loud, deliberate, and satisfying.Her glare as I licked my fingers only added to my amusement.

“You don’t play fair,” she accused.

“No, I don’t.”Stepping closer, I nuzzled my jaw against hers.“You need sleep.”

“You’re right,” she admitted grudgingly.“And the mouse wasn’t enough.I’ll settle for an MRE and maybe try another mouse tomorrow.Maybe.”

After eating enough to keep hunger at bay, we cleared a space through the debris and set up a bed in the corner of the office, rearranging some cubicles to our liking.Marinah had second watch tonight, and she needed rest before Labyrinth woke her.We spread out our sleeping bags and curled into each other.Her clawed hand landed on my arm, and she carefully ran her palm over my skin.

“I can lead the soldiers away from the hellhounds,” she said softly.“You and the men can ambush them.”

My jaw tightened.She wasn’t letting this go.“They have no problem killing women,” I growled.

“You know I’m right,” she countered.“I’m a Shadow Warrior, and I’m a good shot.Or have you forgotten?”

“No, I haven’t forgotten.Are you going to rest or argue with me until morning?”

Surprisingly, she curled into my side, making herself comfortable.“Stubborn jerk,” she whispered before going quiet.

There she was, the woman I loved.

Chapter Twelve

Marinah

It wasn’t fair, and not getting my way made me peevish.I’d been a very spoiled child during my formative years and learned to use tears and plain stubbornness to get what I wanted.Usually, it worked.Unfortunately, my sad, moping eyes popping out of my Shadow Warrior head didn’t seem to do the trick.

I needed rest, though, and I had guard duty later.King had assigned it to me specifically to avoid another tantrum.Smart man.I was almost asleep when I overheard Labyrinth whisper to Beck, “What, no temper tantrum because she isn’t getting her way and luring the Federation out?”

Beck’s reply was priceless.“She’s right, and our mighty leader is wrong.She knows she’ll get her way.”

A small smile tugged at my lips as I rested against King’s chest.“Don’t get any ideas,” he mumbled sleepily, his voice rumbling through me.

I slept until Labyrinth woke me up for my shift.King’s arm tightened briefly around me before he released me and rolled over.I resisted the urge to smooth my hand over his head.It would probably end with me taking out one of his eyes.Even in sleep, the man was imposing.In his Warrior form, he was downright breathtaking.I carefully rubbed my face and stood, stealing one last look at him before grabbing my weapons and heading for the roof.

Using my rifle’s scope, I scanned the silent streets; my Warrior eyesight allowed me to see into the darkness.The cleared section of the city below looked ideal.If I could make it back here after drawing the Federation’s attention, I could take out anyone who ventured through that open area.

Lowering the rifle, I gazed out over the dark ruins.In the distance, one tall building stood, almost untouched by the destruction around it.Its eerie facade caught my attention.

I headed back to our camp on the top floor, descending the stairs to ground level.The sleep had done its job.I no longer felt the oppressive weight of exhaustion dogging my steps.

My thoughts drifted to Che and Ruth.It hadn’t been that long, but I missed them.I’d never really thought about having children before, and now?I just didn’t know.But the feeling lingered more often than I expected.It was crazy.Who would want to bring a child into this world?Ruth and Che were more than enough.No, not just enough, a complete handful.King’s child would definitely be their match.

I was too young for my biological clock to start giving me problems.There was plenty of time.Maybe, one day, King and I could talk about it.

For now, though, I had Ruth to deal with.Training would benefit her, and maybe I’d find a way to curb her irrational behavior.And maybe pigs would fly.Oh well, it was a thought.

I forced myself to tune back into the sounds around me.The street was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of small nocturnal creatures.I found a spot between two large slabs of cement that offered cover and a good vantage point in both directions.

If I wasn’t on watch, I’d scout high ground for our attack.Firing off several rounds and moving to the next location could make the Federation believe we had more Warriors than we did.It might also force them to release the hellhounds.

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