Page 50 of Whispers and Warriors
William blinked in surprise as Alex’s face came into view, the door swinging open without the usual caution or drawn weapon. It was a stark contrast to the constant vigilance they had maintained for so long, always on guard, always ready for the next threat. The sight of Alex’s relaxed posture and easy smile sent a jolt through William, a reminder of how much their lives had changed in such a short time.
As he stepped into the room, William’s gaze swept over the surroundings, taking in the sparse but clean furnishings, and the soft glow of the lamps casting a warm light on the metal walls. It was a far cry from the dilapidated buildings and makeshift camps they had grown accustomed to, and for a moment, William felt a pang of something akin to homesickness for the familiarity of his old life.
Ranger rushed past him with a quick bark.
But then his eyes landed on Emma, curled up on a bunk bed with a book in her hands, and the feeling dissipated like mist in the morning sun. He assumed the book had been in the room, but seeing her so at ease drew him to a stop. She looked up as they entered, her eyes sparkling with a light that had been absent for far too long. William’s heart swelled at the sight, a rush of affection and protectiveness surging through him.
He’d been in this mindset before, when he lost his family. He just had to remember that he hadn’t lost his second one—that they were fighting to do everything they could to keep it alive.
With a smile that seemed to chase away the shadows, Liam reached down and unclipped Ranger’s leash. Her best friend bounded across the room, his tail wagging with unbridled joy as he made a beeline for Emma. In a matter of seconds, Ranger was curled up at her feet, his head resting on his paws as he gazed up at her with adoring eyes.
A lump formedin her throat as she reached down to run her fingers through Ranger’s soft fur. The simple act of affection served as a reminder of the unbreakable bond she shared with her companions, both human and canine. Through all the trials and tribulations they had faced, Ranger had remained a constant source of comfort and unconditional love. She hated that Bo and Shadow hadn’t come along, and quickly pushed the thoughts away, not daring to remember she almost got them back.
Emma’s fingers absently stroked Ranger’s fur as she sat lost in thought, the gentle rhythm of the dog’s breathing a soothing constant amidst the chaos of their lives. The sound of the door opening drew her attention, and she looked up to see the others entering the room, their entrance a welcome balm to her frayed nerves.
Liam’s eyes softened as they met hers, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He crossed the room in a few long strides, settling himself beside her on the bed. The warmth of his body so close to hers was a comfort, a reminder that they were all still together despite everything that had come their way.
“Hey,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate through her very bones. “How are you holding up?”
Emma leaned into him, resting her head on his broad shoulder. “I’m tired,” she admitted, the words slipping out before she could stop them. “I’m so tired of running, of fighting, of never knowing what’s coming next, but it feels like that might all change.”
Liam’s arm slipped around her, drawing her closer. “I know,” he murmured, his breath stirring the fine hairs at her temple. “But we’re almost there, Em. We met with the captain, good shock to my system meeting her. We’re so close to getting to this island, to finding a safe place to call home.”
“Her?” Emma’s heart stuttered in her chest, a fragile hope blooming beneath her breastbone.
Liam briefly rested his chin on the top of her head. “Her. We were right to take this leap.”
Emma exhaled slowly. Safety. A home. The promise of a future beyond mere survival. It all seemed too good to be true, yet she trusted them with every fiber of her being. If he said it was possible, then she would believe. It didn’t matter that they were perfect, that’d she’d been through more danger with them than without.
Emma leaned into his touch, drawing strength from the unwavering conviction in his voice. Liam had always been her rock, a steadfast presence in the midst of chaos. When the world crumbled around her, he was the best at picking up the pieces, to guide her through the darkness and into the light. It was Alex who made her laugh, William who kept her grounded, Chris who made her feel safe and Bash who challenged her ways she didn’t know she needed.
These five—and Ranger—were all she needed, but the promise of friendships, of children all around, was just as seductive as it had been when they’d arrived at the base haven.
“Time to share what we learned,” Chris’s voice cut through the tranquil moment, his presence commanding attention as hestepped into the room. As always, his tone held confidence, but this time Emma swore she saw him smile. “I truly believe we’re going to safe here. I didn’t say that about Carnie’s ship because we needed him. While we need these people, there’s an entirely different atmosphere here. These people will eventually become family to us, I have no doubt of that.”
Emma’s eyes locked with Chris’s as she processed his words. “Really?” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to remember there are plenty of good guys.”
Chris nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yes, really. We’ve been through hell and back, but we’re going to make it. Think you’ll be interested to learn who the captain is.”
Emma sat upright. “Liam said it was a woman, is it really?”
Chris nodded again, “The one who greeted us. Seems she has a bone to pick with the men who destroyed her work to find a safe place for women to foster continuing the human race. She’s promised us safe passage and a place to call home once we reach the island. We’re not freeloaders, we’ll all have work to do, but it’s not a forever journey, and it sounds like the work will match our skills. Emma, there will be work for you, but I imagine growing plants and rearing animals isn’t massive on the ship, but keep in mind you’ll have a place and a job on the island suited to you as well.”
Relief washed over Emma like a tidal wave, the tension that had coiled within her for so long finally beginning to unravel. She sagged against William, her body melting into his as the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders. This was a safe place, a woman wouldn’t betray another. Not in this world.
William’s arm tightened around her, his touch a silent reassurance that he was there, that he would always be there. “See, Em?” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “I told you we’d be alright.”
She loved the feeling of William rubbing a gentle hand over her back as she processed everything. He’d changed so much since she met him, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she was to blame or if his world had simply been rocked too many times.
Emma’s fingers threaded through Ranger’s fur, the soft strands a familiar comfort amid the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within her. The news of their impending departure, the promise of safety on the horizon, left her both exhilarated and apprehensive. Ranger’s steady presence, the rise and fall of his chest beneath her hand, grounded her in the present, reminding her of the constants that had carried her through the darkest of times.
“If we’re really safe,” Emma murmured, her voice barely a whisper, “I think I might just sleep for a week.”
A soft chuckle rumbled through William’s chest, the sound a balm to Emma’s frayed nerves. “You’ve earned it, Em. We all have, right Chris?”
“I don’t think we’ll hear any orders for today,” Chris finally looked away from her. “I know it won’t always be comfortable, but I’d prefer we all stayed in one room today. Just in case I’m wrong about everything and we’re sitting ducks. Better to be sitting ducks together.”
“And here I thought you just missed out on a quality time,” Alex quipped. “The full bed over there, Emma, you and Ranger take that.”
