Chapter Eleven
MILO KEPPLER had never been an insomniac, and if the nights since Jana’s arrival were anything to go by, he needed to resolve the situation fast before it started to affect his performance. The reason for his lack of restful sleep was obvious; thoughts of Jana consumed him. Ever since his conversation with Roslyn, two things plagued him.
Is there really someone out there who completes us?
What if I can’t keep Jana safe?
Except failing to protect her wasn’t an option.
He lay in the darkened barrack room, unable to switch his mind off. The snuffles and snores around him told him everyone else was asleep. Though how anyone could sleep with Janek snoring away in the corner like a buzzsaw was beyond him.
Milo.
He froze. The word came not from inside the room but inside his head.
Gods, I need to sleep. He rolled onto his side.
Milo. Can you hear me?
He sat upright, his heartbeat racing. Jana?
It couldn’t be.
It was impossible.
Then how come I can hear you?
Sweat popped out on his brow, and a wave of nausea surged through him. This isn’t real.
Does the fact I feel sick too make it more real for you? I don’t know how I’m doing this. All I did was concentrate on you.
His breathing quickened. Where are you?
In bed, which is probably where you are, given how late it is.
There was a pause, and for one heart-stopping moment, Milo thought their connection had been broken.
Jana!
Still here.
What made you try this?
She gave an internal chuckle. If other mates can do it, I didn’t see any reason why we couldn’t. When she fell silent again, he waited, knowing there was more to come. This is weird. I’m lying here, debating whether or not to tell you how I’m feeling.
Milo closed his eyes and focused on the image of Jana that was never far from his thoughts. I already know. You’re afraid. I can feel it.
It was no lie. He knew her heart hammered, causing her pain in her chest. He could feel how she wanted to flee from the sensations that swamped her.
Tell me what you’re scared of.
Milo, I don’t want to die . Her voice trembled. I want to be home with my lodge. Having Mom make us a limitless supply of mussels, listening to my brothers argue over who can eat more while my father sits and smirks, then puts away enough that they’re both humbled.
Her words painted a picture in his mind, and his heart went out to her.
I don’t want to die here in this awful place. I want to take your hand and introduce you to everyone in my house. My parents, my siblings, my grandmother. I want you to sit and eat with us. To… to….
Her sob cut through him.
I don’t want to die.
Milo could have told her she would be okay, but it would have been a lie, because although he believed it once, now he didn’t know for sure. And he knew she’d see right through him.
There was only one thing he could say to calm her.
Jana… I’m going to get you out of here.
Fuck, he could feel the flutter in her belly, could hear the hitch in her breathing.
That’s it, honey. Don’t give up. There’s always hope.
But how? She sounded bewildered. What are you going to do—set me free so the guards in the towers can shoot me? Walk out of here with me so they can shoot both of us?
I don’t know, all right? But I will find a way, I promise you.
There had to be a way. Because the alternative didn’t bear thinking about.
Jana… try to sleep, sweetheart.
He didn’t miss her cute little snort. I could say the same to you. You feel as exhausted as I do.
Then I’ll try too. Okay?
Jana sighed. All right, I’ll try—for you.
Good girl. Milo concentrated on his breathing, doing his best to take calm, measured breaths, forcing his body to relax.
Except his mind would not shut down.
Who in here would know anything about mates? Something that everyone—including me until a few days ago—thinks is a fairy tale?
Then it came to him. Jana had said she’d met someone in the camp who knew about mates.
It was as good a place to start as any.
Jana… you still there?
She laughed. It’s been less than a minute. What do you think?
The guy you told me about… the one who’d met shifters who were mates. What’s his name?
There was a pause.
Jana? Don’t you know?
Of course I know.
Then what’s the problem? Then cold swept through him. Oh, I get it. You don’t want to tell me because you think that’ll put him in danger. Jana, you have to trust me. This may be the only way I can come up with—
His name is Jamie Matheson. He hasn’t been here all that long. Another pause. And I know you won’t put him in danger.
Her confidence rang out, clear and true, and Milo knew he would never do anything to jeopardize that trust.
Thank you. Now, go to sleep. Again.
She chuckled. Only if you stop talking to me. Jana let out a happy sigh. I love this. Being able to hear you, to feel you. It’s the only thing that keeps me going. One day this will all be over, and we’ll be free.
Milo loved it too. But until he got an answer to his questions, he had no idea if the future Jana dreamed of would ever materialize.
If he’d even survive should anything happen to her.
JAKE STARED at the line of trees beyond the fence. “Something’s coming.”
Beside him, Seth froze. He followed Jake’s gaze. “I don’t feel anything.”
“But I do.” Jake shivered. “Trouble is, I can’t tell if it’s good or bad.” He snorted. “Except in this place? Unfortunately, my money’s on bad.”
“Jamie’s walking toward us,” Seth said in a low voice. “Only he’s trying not to make it look as if that’s what he’s doing.”
Jake smiled. “The kid learns fast.” He waited until Jamie was a few feet away from them. “Got your cards, Seth?”
“Sure.” Seth patted the front pocket of his overalls. “What else is there to do in here?”
“Then let’s sit and play.” Jake squatted on the bare ground and beckoned Jamie. “Hey, you want a game?” It was their favorite way to avoid attracting too much attention.
“Sure,” Jamie said with a shrug. “I was gonna get my nails done, but they’d double-booked me.” He joined Jake and Seth on the ground, the three of them in a little huddle.
Jake chuckled. “That’s my boy. Humor is the only thing that gets me through the day.” He leaned back on his hands and watched as Seth dealt the cards. “Anything new to tell me?” he murmured.
“Not much. Except….” Jamie glanced at the compound. All the inmates were outside, the morning sunlight falling on them, a warm breeze stirring hair and clothing alike. “I’m being watched.” He delivered the words in a whisper.
“By whom?”
“The captain of the guard.”
Jake frowned. “And whatever did you do to attract his attention?”
“Are you kidding?” He gestured at his body. “I’m fucking gorgeous. All the men are watching this.” He grinned. “And no, I’m not being serious. I can’t think of any reason why he’s got his beady eye on me, but I’m sure of it. I’ve felt his gaze boring into my back all morning.”
Jake recalled the captain from their last camp. Sure, he was a Geran, but he didn’t seem to possess the Pure Bastard gene that some of the guards exhibited. What’s his name? Yeah. Keppler.
The same Captain Keppler who was heading their way.
“Don’t look now,” Jake whispered, “but we have company.” He studied his hand of cards, snorting. “Gee, I’m sure glad we’re not playing for money, because I’d be fucked.”
Keppler came to a halt behind Seth, his eyes watchful. He pointed a finger at Jake and Seth, the other hand resting on his rifle. “I remember you two from the last camp. Tigers, right?”
Jake merely nodded. Seth said nothing but kept his gaze locked on his cards, Jamie too.
Keppler nudged Seth’s shoulder with his knee. “Didn’t you have a boyfriend back then?”
Seth scowled. “Still do. All you did was force us to be apart.”
Jake flashed him a warning glance.
Keppler cleared his throat. “So is he your boyfriend—or your mate?”
Holy fuck . Jake jerked his head up and stared at Keppler.
Things had just gotten interesting.
Seth put down his hand and twisted to meet Keppler’s intense stare. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yeah, he’s my mate. Well, one of them.”
Jake expected to see surprise or shock reflected in Keppler’s features. But Keppler bit his lip, gazing at Seth with something that seemed a lot like….
Hopefulness.
You’re seeing stuff that isn’t there.
Keppler cleared his throat again, and Jake’s skin prickled.
Whatever was coming, this was part of it.
“What would happen if your mate died? To you, I mean.”
Ice crawled over Jake’s skin. “You bastard. How cold-hearted do you have to be to threaten someone’s mate?”
Keppler paled. “What? No. That isn’t what I meant at all. I need to know about this… connection.”
Seth frowned. “I don’t know, all right? And I hope to God I never know.”
Jake’s anger reduced itself to a simmer as he stared at the handsome captain. “What interests me is why you’re asking.”
All Jake’s senses were screaming at him that Keppler was hiding something. He opened himself up, focusing on Keppler’s stiff posture, his parted lips.
When the answer revealed itself to him, numbness crawled through Jake’s body.
Holy fuck didn’t cover it, not by a long shot.
“You’ve got a mate, haven’t you?” Jake kept his voice to a whisper.
Keppler’s reaction was instantaneous. He spun around and strode toward the barracks, his back ramrod straight, his gait stiff.
Seth turned his head to watch the captain’s departure. “What the hell just happened?”
Jamie threw down his cards. “That was going to be my question too.”
Jake stared after Keppler. “Now we wait.”
“For what?” Seth gave him an inquiring glance. “Dad? What’s going on?”
“We need to keep an eye on Captain Keppler.”
THE TECHNICIAN was in the middle of removing electrodes from Jake’s and Seth’s temples when the guards entered the experimental block. The techie gave them a sweeping glance. “I’m almost done here.” Then he went back to wiping the skin, removing the glue.
Jake’s senses went on alert, and he caught Seth’s eye, giving him a meaningful glance. He addressed the waiting guard.
“We really don’t need an escort. We know the way to the compound by now.”
All he wanted to do was sleep. The afternoon’s testing had dragged on longer than usual. But he couldn’t escape the feeling sleep was not in the cards.
At last the technician straightened. “They’re all yours.”
The guard inclined his head toward the door. “Outside.”
“Well, seeing as you asked us so nicely….” Jake was done being polite. It changed nothing. He trudged into the hallway, Seth behind him. When they got outside, his suspicions were confirmed when the guard indicated the reeducation block.
“That way.”
Seth frowned. “We haven’t done anything. Why can’t we go to our block?”
The guard indicated the reeducation block again, only this time with the barrel of his rifle.
There was nothing to do but follow instructions.
They crossed the compound, the guard walking behind them.
“I don’t like this,” Seth muttered.
“Me neither, but we don’t have much choice, do we?” They climbed the wooden steps into the block to find another guard waiting by the door that led into the main room.
“In there.” He pointed with his rifle.
“Has anyone ever told you what a great conversationalist you are?” Jake asked, keeping a straight face.
The guard scowled. “Huh?”
“Yeah, I didn’t think so.” Jake went into the room, stopping when he saw it was already occupied.
Jamie sat at one of the tables.
A trickle of unease slid down Jake’s spine. “What’s going on?”
The door closed behind them.
Jamie stood. “Do you have any idea why we’re here?”
“Not a clue.” Jake walked over to him, his pulse racing. After hours of jumping through hoops, he was too tired to try and fathom it, but that didn’t stop his stomach from clenching.
The door opened again, and a guard walked in, carrying a box.
“Sit down.” He headed for the front of the room.
“Why are we here?” Seth demanded. He flopped into a chair, and Jake pulled out the one next to it. Jamie resumed his seat.
The guard regarded Seth with an impassive expression. “You already know the answer to that. How did you get the gun?”
Jake froze. “What gun?” He stared in disbelief when the guard removed a revolver from the box. “How could we get our hands on a gun? Unless one of you got careless.”
“Where did you find it?” Seth was pale, and Jake understood the panic he was undoubtedly feeling.
What are the penalties for being found with a weapon? Not that Seth would have done such a thing.
The guard replaced it in the box. “Same place we found this.” He held up a compass, then glanced at Jake. “Under your bed.” He stared at Jamie. “And what about this, from under your bed?”
Jamie’s jaw dropped when the guard showed him the wire cutters. “No fucking way.”
“You may as well tell us everything. You’re obviously planning an escape.” He sneered. “You must know how futile this is. You wouldn’t get more than three feet before you got a bullet in the back.”
Jake folded his arms. “None of us have any idea what you’re talking about. Because if you found those under our beds, one of you planted them there.” He tilted his head. “Did you search the entire block, or was it just our little part of it? And if that was the case, how did you know to look there?”
“We got a tip from an informant.”
Jake leaned back. “Then I’d suggest your informant has it in for us. We’re being framed.”
That earned him another sneer. “Yeah, well, you would say that, wouldn’t you?”
“I’ll take it from here.” Captain Keppler stood at the back of the room. “Leave the box. You can stand guard outside. I’ll call if I need help. But I don’t think that will be necessary. We can be civilized.” He stared at Jake, Seth, and Jamie. “Isn’t that right, gentlemen?”
Jake arched his eyebrows. “I know we can be—I’m not so sure about you, however.” He waited until the guard marched out of the room and Keppler closed the door behind him. Jake stood, his arms folded. “This is complete and utter bullshit.”
Keppler walked slowly toward them. “I know.”
His admission took the wind out of Jake’s sails. “You know ?”
Keppler regarded him with faint surprise. “Of course.”
“Then you know who did put them there?” Before Keppler could answer, Jake darted forward, reached into the box, and grabbed the gun.
“Carson.”
Jake ignored him. He held the revolver in both hands and focused his attention on it. Come on. Don’t let me down now.
“Drop it. And it isn’t loaded.”
Jake turned to face him. “And you would know that, wouldn’t you? Because you put it there.”
What the fuck was going on?
Keppler nodded. “It was the only way I could get to talk to you without arousing suspicion.”
“What?” Seth gaped at him. “Are you—”
Jake held his hand up, and Seth quieted. Jake stared at Keppler. “But why?”
“I need your help.”
Jamie let out a derisive snort. “Okay, that’s a new one.”
Jake glanced at him. “It seems my sons have inherited my sarcasm.”
“I’m being serious.” Keppler pulled out a chair and sat, gesturing for Jake to do the same.
“How can we help you ?” Seth asked.
Jake studied Keppler. “You do have a mate, don’t you?”
He gave another nod. “Except there’s a problem. She’s one of you—an inmate.”
Seth widened his eyes. “Wow. That’s a tricky one. Good luck with that. And yeah, my heart bleeds for you. Now let us out of here.”
“Wait.” Jake turned to Keppler. “Okay, you have my attention. How do you expect us to help you?”
“This is a trap,” Jamie protested. “Don’t fall for it.”
Jake’s senses were telling him otherwise, and he trusted them.
He gave Keppler a pointed glance. “Well?”
“I… I want to contact the Fridans. I want to tell them how to find this camp so they can liberate it, the same way they did in Bozeman and Texas.”
Seth’s eyes were huge. “You expect us to simply give you this information? Jamie’s right. This is a trap. Why should we?”
Keppler’s eyes were as wide as his. “Because if you don’t, Jana is going to die.”
“That’s her name?” Jake kept his voice low. Keppler seemed to be under a lot of strain. When he nodded, Jake tilted his head. “How is she going to die?”
“That part doesn’t matter. You need to trust me that it’s a probability. And I can’t do a thing to change it, because it’s out of my jurisdiction. The only way I can save her is for the Fridans to take this camp and set everyone free.”
Jake frowned. “But you’re a Geran.”
“Yes, but an enlightened one. Just because I’m a descendant of Ansger, that—”
“Wait.” Seth’s jaw dropped. “Really?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I should follow blindly if I don’t like the road I found myself on. Can you believe that?”
“ I can,” Jamie piped up. “I found myself on that same road, so I took a detour.”
Keppler regarded him with interest. “And?”
“What I’ve learned since then brought me new understanding about what’s really going on. Unfortunately, it also brought me to this place, because you caught me trying to help the Fridans.”
Keppler’s eyes held genuine anguish. “Then will you help me ? We have to move fast. I don’t know how long we have before—”
“I get it,” Jake interjected. “But there’s one flaw to your plan. I don’t know how to contact the Fridans.”
Keppler’s face fell. “Oh. I see. Then the situation is hopeless.”
“I might be able to help you,” Seth blurted. “I could get a message to Aric. He’s my mate.”
Keppler gaped at him. “You can do that?” Seth nodded, and Keppler’s eyes shone. “Thank you.”
That was all it took to convince Jake of his motives.
“But I can go one better than that.” Jamie smiled. “How would you like the address where to find one of the Fridan groups?”
“Seriously? Where are they? Is it far from here?”
Jamie chuckled. “That assumes I know where here is.”
Keppler hesitated for one second. “We’re in northern Maine. Northern Aroostook County, to be exact.”
Jake grinned. “I always liked Maine.” He glanced at Jamie and nodded. “Give him the address.”
Keppler handed Jamie a notepad and pen, and Jamie scribbled quickly. “When can you contact them?”
“I’m overdue for leave. I’ll go this weekend. I’ve already put in for it,” Keppler told them.
Jake studied him. “But will you be coming back?”
“That will depend on how swiftly they can put together a mission. Jana… Jana said there should be three of us.”
Seth nodded. “Aric is with our mate. I haven’t yet met him in the flesh—only in my dreams.”
“There is one thing you need to think about,” Jake said. “You convinced us. How do you know you will convince them?”
Keppler smiled. “Because I have a few aces up my sleeve.” Before Jake could ask what they were, Keppler raised his voice to call in the guard. He gestured to Jake, Seth, and Jamie. “I don’t know what’s been going on here, but I think this evidence has been planted.” He leveled a hard stare at the guard. “Maybe you need to keep a watchful eye on these three.”
“Yes, sir.”
Keppler stood. “Okay, you can take them back to the compound.”
Jake made sure his back was to the guard before mouthing Good luck .
Keppler was going to need it.