Page 79 of Whispers and Warriors
“Mercenaries, rogue military, running from the real military, smugglers, and the most dangerous attack I’ve ever been part of,” William switched places with Liam, pulling her close against him for a moment. “I’m certain this won’t be all sunshine and roses, but it’ll be a fresh start.”
She wished Chris and Bash were here to see the ship pull in, but they were in training for how to help people disembark from the ship. Too many guards had been lost in the attack a few weeks ago and she almost worried they would have taken on permanent positions here. Not that she wouldn’t have been proud to see them helping others, but she didn’t want them gone for so long of their lives.
As the ship glided into the makeshift harbor, Emma allowed herself a small smile. They had sacrificed so much to reach this point, but their unwavering devotion to each other had seen them through the darkest of times.
The vessel shuddered as it docked, and Emma took a steadying breath, feeling the gentle sway of the ship beneath her feet as she prepared to step onto solid ground in just a bit. A new beginning awaited them on this island refuge, a chance to rebuild their lives and their love.
“Alright, we should have grabbed our bags before this, William, you go meet Bash and Chris to help with security, the rest of us will get all the stuff and wait in the room.”
William locked his gaze on hers. “Don’t let them make you carry too many bags.”
Grinning, she watched as William disappeared back toward the bridge. He’d changed so much since helping Captain Novak, that she wouldn’t be surprised if asked for a leadership role once they settled in on the island.
Liam’s hand on her shoulder drew Emma from her thoughts. “We have to wait a bit longer,” he said, his tone apologetic. “Chris, Bash, and William are handling security, making sure it’s safe. While I’d love to let you stand here and look at the scenery, I can’t take all the bags and I refuse to let Alex come with me if you stay here.”
Emma nodded, unsurprised by the precaution. Even in this supposed haven, they could not let their guard down completely. The world had taught them that lesson the hard way.
As they made their way below deck, Liam instinctively took the lead, his broad shoulders and confident stride a reassuring presence. Emma followed close behind, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Alex brought up the rear, his hazel eyes alert and scanning their surroundings for any potential threats.
The narrow corridors of the ship seemed to stretch on endlessly, the metal walls humming with the steady throb of the engines. Liam navigated the maze-like passageways with ease, his steps sure and purposeful. Emma’s gaze lingered on the strong lines of his back, the way his muscles rippled beneath his worn shirt with each movement.
At last, they reached the barren room they had called home for the past weeks. Emma’s eyes swept over the small space, taking in the rumpled bedding and scattered belongings. A pang of bittersweet nostalgia washed over her as she realized this would be the last time she’d see this room.
“Here we go, let’s grab our gear and get back topside,” Liam instructed, his voice low and authoritative. “Emma, you take your bag and mine. Alex, you handle the rest.”
Emma nodded, reaching for their well-worn packs. As she shouldered the heavy bags, her gaze drifted to the small porthole, where the lush green of the island beckoned. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving behind the friends she had made on this journey. The bonds forged through shared hardships and triumphs were not easily broken. They would be on the island, but she wasn’t certain how big the community was, or would grow to be.
When Liam’s hand brushed against hers, a gentle reminder of his unwavering support, Emma knew that her true family was right here beside her. Together, they would face whatever challenges this new sanctuary might bring.
Alex hefted the remaining bags with ease, his cocky grin firmly in place. “Ready when you are, fearless backup leader,” he quipped, his tone light despite the underlying tension.
Liam rolled his eyes good-naturedly before leading them back through the winding corridors. Emma’s heart raced as they neared the upper deck, the salty sea air growing stronger with each step. The promise of a new beginning, of a life free from the constant threat of danger and uncertainty, beckoned like a siren’s call.
As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Emma squinted against the glare, her eyes adjusting to the vibrant colors of the island paradise before them. The soft sway of palm trees, the distant crash of waves against pristine beaches, and the excited chatter of their fellow survivors created a symphony of hope and possibility.
Emma’s gaze sought out the familiar faces of Chris, William, and Bash, who stood tall and proud among the security detail. Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them—a promise that no matter where their duties might take them on this island, their bond would remain unbreakable.
She turned to face Liam and Alex, her heart swelling with affection as she met their gazes one by one. In their eyes, she saw the same mix of emotions that swirled within her own heart. The same hope, fear, determination, and determined spirit.
“We’ve come so far,” Emma said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. “Whatever happens next, we face it together.”
Liam, ever the pillar of strength, pulled her into a fierce embrace. “Always, Em. Always.”
As they held each other, the gentle breeze carrying the promise of a brighter future, Emma knew that their journey was far from over. But with her men by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. On this island paradise, they would build a new life, one filled with the love and sacrifice that had brought them this far.
After what felt like an eternity,the sound of footsteps walked toward where they stood instead of away and off the ship. Emma’s heart raced as she turned, her eyes widening at the sight of Chris’s broad frame almost blocking out the sun. A rare smile graced his usually stoic features, the corners of his eyes crinkling with genuine warmth.
“It’s time,” he said, his deep voice resonating through Emma. “Time to go home for the first time.”
Emma’s breath caught in her throat, the weight of his words settling over her like a comforting blanket. Home. A concept that had seemed so distant, so unattainable, amidst the chaos of their broken world. Yet here they stood, on the edge of a new beginning.
She reached for Ranger’s leash, the familiar texture grounding her as she rose to her feet. He stood with her, heeling by her side with his tail wagging with an enthusiasm that mirrored the flutter in her own heart.
“Let’s do this,” Emma said, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her.
With Ranger leading the way, Emma stepped into the corridor, her men falling into step beside her. Their presence was a comforting reminder of the bond they shared, the love that had sustained them through the darkest of times.
As she made her way down the gangplank with them at her back, the salty sea breeze whipped through Emma’s curls, carrying with it the scent of promise and new beginnings. Each step brought them closer to the island, to the sanctuary they had risked everything to reach.
