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She had to get her head back in the game—the game of survival, of life or death. Because that was exactly what was at stake here. Her life and those around her depended on her keeping a clear mind. To see the bigger picture. What was important for the group, not just herself. Or Krieger. The people of Everwood came first.
Mother Earth, did she wish she could have concealed that moment with him. Wished they hadn’t seen her in his arms, her grasping onto him, about to... She shook her head of the thoughts as unease rolled through her gut.
What was it about Krieger that made her senses leave her and gave her verbal diarrhea? Mother Earth, she’d told him anything he asked. Almost anything. It had to stop, or it could get them all killed.
She needed the crew to take her seriously, and they wouldn’t if she kept demonstrating weakness. She had to be strong. Be the leader her father had taught her to be.
As the roasted beans hit her nose once more, she started toward the crew. A new resolve settled deep within her to get them all home safely. No more talking about the past, no more breakdowns. No more comforting embraces... Why did tears fill her eyes at the thought?
“Eva, come have some coffee, it’s warm and tasty,” Luke yelled from inside.
She suppressed the urge to cry and took one last look at the surrounding area. Could never be too careful. Not on the road, not postapocalypse.
She turned back to the lean-to, a cold breeze rushing around her. Winter was not far off. The long nights and short days were upon them, and there was much to be done before then. Much to be prepared, if they were to survive the endless, bitter months ahead... and for what she had to do next.
Chapter 10
One Month Later
Krieger emerged from his hut hidden within the trees, leaves settling at his feet and rustling as he moved across the balcony. The air was crisp and cool, heavy with the smell of snow. A few flakes fell as he rounded and climbed the stairs to the next level.
After returning from their mission, Eva had spent a week in the medical hut, recuperating from her injuries. He had his wounds attended daily and was able to check on her while he was there. Her wounds hadn’t deterred her from bossing the poor nurses around, to the point of annoyance. No doubt they were relieved when she was discharged from their care.
While she was recovering, Eva had spent her time doing research, looking through their medical books for information about his condition, ultimately diagnosing him with generalized amnesia—when a person loses memory of their identity and past life. She read that it’s usually brought on by trauma or a stressful event and that his memories could return, slowly or all at once. Getting his memories back seemed farfetched, but it was good to know it wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities.
Eva seemed anxious to get back to her duties around Everwood, but she did make time to finally give him the tour of the settlement.
He might not have remembered who he used to be or where he came from, but after spending time on the road and now having viewed Everwood fully, two things were certain.
One, Everwood was a safe haven of epic proportions. Eva had shown him everything from the supply room, the weapons room, the six greenhouses that grew a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs—some grown by hydroponics—to the room they dried the furs in and a smoke hut for meats. They even had a wash cabin, one for men and another for women.
And it was just how Eva had said, everyone had a job. There were candle makers, metal and woodworkers, clothes makers... It was modern living in a postapocalyptic world.
The second thing he was sure of, he was completely screwed. His thoughts plagued him—he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Dreaming of her. Wanting to be close to her, to know her. What started out as repaying a debt, of watching her back, had now become more. For him.
It was apparent that Eva had put her wall up again, keeping him at a distance. Most days, she had been all business, giving orders to her crew, preparing the settlement for winter, and training. But he couldn’t help but remain as close as she would let him, for there were certain times of the day, like now, when she would allow him a glimpse into her world.
If she needed to get to know him slowly, this Angel, then he would wait for her; he was a patient man. Wasn’t he?
It was early morning as he entered the dining hall; only one soul sat at the tables—waiting. Waiting for him. . . His heart pounded as he gazed upon her. He eased into the seat across from her as she slid his tray of scrambled eggs and cup of tea in front of him.
Her long, golden hair was braided over her shoulder, but a few soft waves escaped the binding and framed her face. “Good morning.” Eva glanced at him, meeting his eyes, which was a rarity these days.
She was the hardest worker he’d seen here. He found she woke before most and was the last to go down at night.
In the morning, when others still slept, they would have breakfast and talk about their day, what was planned ahead and sometimes small tidbits of gossip. She had confided in him about her conversation with her father after returning from their mission. Apparently, Samuel hadn’t taken the news of her getting shot, or their observations of the weather pattern worsening, very well. But who would have?
She had also told him these meetings were her way of keeping an eye on him, to make sure he was fitting in and answer any questions he had, but Krieger couldn’t help but wonder—no, scratch that—hope that maybe it was more than that. Because sometimes, if he was lucky, Eva would grace him with a smile.
“Derek is getting some of the young trainees together today, he said you asked to help.” Eva shifted her weight, as if the thought of him and Derek together made her uncomfortable.
He nodded as he swallowed a mouthful of eggs, then he said, “I thought he could use an extra set of hands.”
Keeping a watchful eye on Derek had become a top priority for Krieger. The guy wasn’t right. His stomach twisted every time he remembered Derek’s angry, possessive behavior when he’d found them at the lean-to.
“That was nice of you. Just be careful.” Eva finished her hot tea and set the cup down on the tray.
Her warning wasn’t without merit. Derek had said few words to him since returning to Everwood yet wasn’t shy about sending death glares his way. Yeah, back at you, buddy.
