Page 34 of The Last Strike

Your life depends on it.

Asher

“What are you looking at?” Asher asked as he leaned over Abi’s shoulder, seeing maps on her computer. He brushed his lips over her cheek and wrapped his arms around her.

She squeezed his forearms.

“Road maps,” she said with a genuine smile. “Reassessing yet again the best ways to get continuous supply to our troops. If they use the main roads, they’re too close to the border and risk being caught in the crossfire. If they use these roads,” she said, pointing at one of the maps, “they’re still within airstrike distance. We used these roads last time,” she said, pointing at another map. “But it was too slow and difficult to move large quantities. So, I’m working on alternative delivery routes. We’re rallying the villagers to meet the soldiers at various locations at designated times. Supplies will be moved in smaller loads by the villagers. More loads and more manpower will provide faster response, and if something does happen, we risk only losing some supplies—not all of them. We used to do the same thing for IFRT when we smuggled supplies into villages that had been raided.”

A smile spread across his lips. “Thank you,” he said, pressing his lips to her forehead.

He closed his eyes, soaking in the moment. He felt confident about this war for the first time in days, and he wanted to enjoy this rare, calm experience.

She cupped his face and looked up at him, smiling. Her eyes seemed lighter and for a moment Asher forgot about everything else.

But it was short-lived.

His phone rang. “Hello, Luang,” Asher said, lifting the phone to his ear.

“Your Majesty. Everything is in place along all borders; the soldiers will attack in two minutes,” Luang said.

“Good,” Asher said. “Thank you, Luang. I know the risk you’re taking by siding with Santina.”

“Your father was my friend, Asher. So we are friends,” Luang said, in a tone that reminded Asher of his own father.

“Thank you again. I feel good about this plan,” Asher said.

Luang hesitated. “I do too, but never underestimate Khalil, Asher. He will do—and has done—anything to stay in power. His attacks will be like daggers. You can survive a few wounds, but if he gives too many, you will be on your knees and he will give you no mercy.”

“I don’t intend to beg for mercy, Luang. And when he begs, I will show him none,” Asher gritted out, his mood darkening.

“And that’s why we’re on the same team,” Luang said, calm but determined. “Now, I must go. I hear a battle is starting.”

“I’ll talk to you soon,” Asher said before ending the call.

His eyes dropped to his watch. A battle was indeed starting.

“I’m going to my office,” he said, kissing Abi’s cheek.

“I’ll stay here and work on this. I’ll check in soon,” she said, pressing up onto her tiptoes. She pressed her lips against his.

“I love you,” she said, warming his heart.

“I love you too,” he said, letting his lips linger for a second more.

He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be in the battle room.”

“Go win a war, Asher,” she said with a nod.

Asher found himself smiling despite it all. Only Abi could make that possible.

Jesse and the team were beside him as they walked to the temporary command center.

Asher sat at the table and looked at the wall of screens: a screen for each kingdom that bordered Adani, each with an overhead view of the border.

The commander had issued the call and the soldiers were in position.

Asher inhaled deeply, his heart racing as he looked at the dots on the maps. Each one belonged to a soldier—men and women prepared to fight for their kingdom.

---