not wish to be cured,” she stated as if that explained everything.
“Not every hunter wished to be cured, just freed.”
“Well, yes, but I’m afraid my superiors are a little nervous about that. They wish for this mess to be put behind them.”
Anger lit, Lexia sat forward in her chair and held Sarah’s gaze. “They are people, not messes.”
“Lexia,” Sarah sighed, “you must understand, they are nervous, nervous that there are others out there stronger than the average human.”
“We just wish to be left alone, given time to heal, and move on, as I’m sure your son would like, too.”
“Understood. Let me make a call, see what I can do.” Sarah left through the back door.
Belinda appeared in the doorway. “Lola’s awake.”
“Keep her upstairs. I don’t want her anywhere near Sarah.” Belinda nodded, standing straight. “Belinda,” Lexia called out.
“Yes?” she asked, reappearing.
“You’re not my solider anymore. We’re just friends.”
“I know,” she told her. Yet as Belinda took the stairs two at a time, seeing to the little girl who Lexia could hear gurgling away in bed, Lexia knew the members of her unit who remained with her would always see her as a leader first. They’d always look to her for instruction. It was their nature.
The door opened as Lola shrieked in delight. Sarah looked up, the words on her lips changing as she thought of the baby. “Can I see her?”
“No.”
Startled, Sarah replied, “Lincoln told you?”
“Yes, you will not see my daughter again.”
“You must understand, I meant no harm. I just simply–”
“We are not here to discuss my daughter. I’m fully aware of where she came from and I will deal with all that arises when need be.”
“Lexia, you have no idea where she came from, or what she will be capable off,” Sarah said harshly.
“You are right. I don’t. I have no idea what lies within her DNA, but what I do know, is evil, and that girl is not evil. I’ve seen enough of it in my life to know. Now the hunters?”
Sighing, Sarah dropped the subject. “Will be given new identities if they wish to stay as they are. They must leave their old lives behind, and you must understand, Lexia, they are your responsibility. Should the hunters step out of line, it will be on your head. Should they degrade as many other hunters did over time, it will be your responsibility to put them down. As of today, Belinda, Marcus, Miles and Mellissa do not exist.”
“Thank you.” Lexia stood.
“Do not thank me, Lexia, I am giving you burdens you shouldn’t have to carry.”
“They’re my friends, Sarah. If that’s all, I’ll arrange for you to receive your son.”
“I just have this.” She handed her an envelope. “Inside is everything your father left you. This house, quite a substantial sum of money and various other things. I am sorry for the way things happened. I was good friends with your father once.”
Unsure what to say, Lexia wrapped the envelope to her chest and called for Grey. She walked Sarah to the door and watched her run to her son. Unlike Ross, Zac had held onto his humanity. Ross had been one of the unfortunate hunters to have been upgraded by Lucy. He’d died in the explosion, along with every other mindless hunter the shifters trapped inside.
As Sarah left, Lexia felt a small piece of herself knit back together. She’d saved the hunters. Those who’d wanted their lives back had since been cured and returned to their families. She’d destroyed Lucy’s plans, killed every monster she’d ever made, and freed those trapped within her grasp.
Turning at the sound of footsteps treading lightly down the stairs, she smiled at her daughter’s mesmerized face. Marcus was pulling faces at her over Belinda’s shoulder, Miles and Mellissa laughing at her, too. A rustle in the trees and Sammy and Grey disappeared, running through the forest as wolves.
You were right, Derrick. There is happiness destined in my life.
The happiness of a daughter’s love and the happiness of loyal friends. Lexia was still broken, but healing, just as those around her were.
Chapter 45
THREE MONTHS LATER
The smell of barbequed meat lingered in the air as the late summer sun set. The garden cast in a warm glow, Lexia watched Grey and Sammy sparring, while Lola giggled as she watched.
“Ooh,” Lexia said with a wince, “that had to hurt.” Dust flew up as Grey hit the ground. “Old age getting to you, Grey?” Lexia called as he jumped up, renewed determination on his face.
Sammy egged