Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
A thick mist clung to the rainforest as Lexi made her way up the hill to the Lodge early the next morning. The humid air was alive with the chirping of birds and the rustle of unseen animals, but the peaceful dawn was deceptive after the chaos of last night’s attack. Her boots crunched on the damp path as she rounded the final corner, the lodge coming into view through the haze.
It was barely seven o’clock, but Robert had called an emergency meeting for the key staff. Everyone—ranger squad leaders, enclosure supervisors, and remaining sanctuary workers—was expected. The atmosphere was tense. Even with the calming birdsong, a sense of unease hung in the air like the mist.
Lexi stepped onto the wooden deck, greeted by the familiar aroma of Estelle’s coffee and the quiet murmur of conversations. Estelle handed her a steaming mug and gave her a quick, concerned hug.
“How are you holding up?” Estelle asked softly, her usual warmth shadowed by worry.
“I’m okay,” Lexi replied, though her body still felt like a coiled spring.
She spotted Hawk standing on the far end of the deck, deep in conversation with Robert. His face was somber but composed, his shoulders squared as if he were preparing to take on the world. She couldn’t help but notice how commanding he looked, even after last night’s chaos.
She remembered how he’d stood his ground, faced the rebels, ordering her to run for cover with Moyo. He hadn’t hesitated, not even for a second. Then he’d shot three of them, and probably would have taken out the rest if the chopper hadn’t arrived when it did.
Estelle followed her gaze. “He’s staying to help,” she said quietly. “Robert told me this morning. He’s donating more money to rebuild.”
Lexi blinked, caught off guard. “He’s staying?”
Estelle nodded. “He wants to help us rebuild everything the rebels destroyed. He’s already making plans with Robert.”
Before Lexi could respond, Dan, the cameraman, approached with a tired but genuine smile.
“I’m glad you’re alright,” he said, his voice low. “I heard you had a close call last night.”
Lexi’s cheeks flushed. “Yeah, but we took cover in the jungle.
“That was a brave thing you did, making sure the others were safe.” Dan said, his tone kind.
“I didn’t have a choice,” Lexi muttered, her gaze flickering toward Hawk. She couldn’t shake the memory of him standing in the clearing, rifle in hand, shielding her and Moyo.
Dan nodded. “I heard about Hawk’s heroics. The rumors must be true. I didn’t believe it before, but now?—"
Robert clapped his hands, commanding everyone’s attention. Dan broke off before Lexi could ask him what he meant. What rumors?
“Alright, everyone, let’s get started.”
The group gathered on the deck as the sun began to pierce through the mist, casting golden rays over the treetops. Lexi took a spot near the railing, while Hawk stepped up beside Robert.
“We had a lucky escape last night,” Robert began, his voice steady despite the strain in his expression. “Thanks to everyone who helped protect the sanctuary and its people. I want to especially thank Hawk for his bravery and Lexi for securing the staff.”
She shook her head. He deserved all the praise, she’d done nothing out of the ordinary.
“As many of you know,” Robert continued, “the UN has warned us that rebel activity in the area is escalating. While we’ve been fortunate this time, the risks are growing. I won’t lie to you—things will likely get worse before they get better. That’s why I’m giving everyone here a choice. If you feel it’s too dangerous to stay, I’ll arrange transport to get you somewhere safe. No one will think less of you.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the group, but no one moved.
“For those of us who remain,” Robert went on, his tone growing more resolute, “we’re going to rebuild. Bigger, stronger, and better than before. Thanks to Hawk’s generosity, we’ll be reinforcing the enclosures, modernizing the clinic, and improving security across the sanctuary.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. “This work is too important to abandon. Estelle and I aren’t going anywhere, and we hope you’ll stay and fight with us.”
There was a beat of silence before Jean Paul, the head ranger, stepped forward. “My men will stay, Robert. We have families to support. And we love this sanctuary as much as you do.”
Patrick chimed in. “Same here. No one on my team is leaving.”
Robert smiled, visibly moved. “Thank you. All of you. With your help, we’ll make this place safer for everyone—for the people and the animals.”
The group broke into quiet applause, the tension easing slightly. Lexi watched as Hawk leaned in to murmur something to Robert, his expression intent. Even now, he looked like he belonged here—like he was part of the team.
As the meeting dispersed, Lexi lingered on the deck, sipping her coffee and watching the sunlight filter through the trees. Crazy how a place that was so beautiful could be so violent. She was so deep in thought, she didn’t notice Hawk approach until he was standing right beside her.
“How are you this morning?”
She jumped at the sound of his voice. “Oh, Hawk. I didn’t see you come over.”
“I know. You okay, Lexi?”
Her pulse quickened at the nickname, which was now sounding more like a term of endearment. “I’m fine. How about you?”
“Fine. I’m just glad it wasn’t worse.”
Lexi gave a grim nod. “It could happen again, you know? The rebuild, the money you’re investing, it could all be for nothing.”
“It won’t be for nothing.” His tone was firm. “Even if it’s only for a short while, it’ll be worth it.”
“You’re prepared to give away all that money for something that might very well be temporary?”
“If it saves lives, if it helps the animals, then yeah.”
She studied him. The intensity in his eyes, the quiet conviction in his voice—it was heartwarming, it was disturbing, it was insanely attractive.
“Hawk…” she began, but cut off, unsure of where she was going.
“Yeah?” He took a step toward her. With the railing at her back, she couldn’t move away, not that she wanted to. Her heart hammered against her chest, as she looked up at him.
“Thank you for doing this.”
“You’re welcome.” He reached for her, but then Robert appeared on the deck.
“Hawk, do you have a moment to go over the plans for the rebuild?”
His arm dropped to his side, but he kept his gaze locked on her face. “Sure, I’ll be right in.”
“Great, thanks.”
He gestured after Robert. “Sorry. I’d better go.”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I need to get to work anyway.”
He bowed his head to her. “To be continued.”