An Apocalyptic Need by Sam Cheever Page A

“The Directory?”
    Audie responded before she could, his expression fierce. “They’re a corrupt governing body for the rogues.”
    “I didn’t know they had a governing body,” Grimm said.
    “It’s relatively new. They’ve spread quickly, killing and or taking prisoner anyone who doesn’t recognize their rule,” he explained.
    Cari nodded, frowning. “Yes. They’ve shown signs lately of attempting to control other factions…”
    “Factions like the Authority?” Grimm interrupted.
    She flashed him a look. “Yes. Among others.”
    “Is that why you were there?” He asked. “To get information on the Directory?”
    “That was part of my mission, yes.”
    “Then you are working for the Authority? For the Huntsman?”
    Cari hesitated, knowing she would have to be very careful what she told him. “The Authority isn’t the only interested party, hunter.”
    Grimm exploded. “Why won’t you tell me who you’re working for?”
    “It’s need to know and you don’t…need to know.”
    Grimm’s jaw tightened. A pulse beat on the side of his neck. He was obviously angry. Cari was sorry for that, but there was nothing she could do about it.
    “Cari’s whereabouts aren’t our only concern, Grimm,” Yeira reminded him. She arched a fine, red eyebrow. “What were you doing on the Angel ? I sent you to Nostralpha One to pick up arms. You should have been on the other side of the Universe.”
    Grimm’s sexy mouth tightened to a hard line. “I was on personal business.”
    “Without telling me?” Yeira glowered at him. “You disobeyed a direct order? That personal business better have been damn good.”
    He didn’t respond right away, only looking toward his feet. It was clear to Cari that Grimm Forbes had his own secrets. “It was.”
    They all waited a few beats but when Grimm didn’t explain, Yeira grabbed up the star chart and folded it with quick, angry movements.
    “I need to get back to the Stellam ,” Cari told them.
    “No.” Grimm ground out.
    “I’ll take you to a portal,” Yeira said, ignoring him.
    Grimm stepped forward, halting at Kord’s glower. “Yeira, you can’t. She’s in danger there.”
    “Many people are in danger, Grimm. I help those I feel I can trust.” She scoured Grimm with a look and then handed the chart to Kord. “Captain Pascale is a free woman. She doesn’t need your permission to do her job.” Yeira touched Cari’s arm. “Maybe you could let us know if you identify a rogue on the Stellam ?”
    Cari nodded. “Of course.” It was an easy promise to make. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the reborn herself, but her interaction with Yeira had clarified one thing. Killing them based on a lack of understanding was not the right response. The leader of the reborn was not only a formidable woman, but she was intelligent and kind hearted as well.
    Cari thought she’d be a good ally to have.
    Yeira glanced at Kord. “She can accompany us to the portal in the woods.”
    He nodded, hanging back as the two women started out. It was clear to Cari that the big hunter intended to talk to his friend.
    Though it was equally clear that Grimm had burned a bridge he was going to have trouble rebuilding.
    It was just as well, Cari told herself. She no longer had to worry about Grimm’s safety on the Stellam . That was good.
    Very good.
    Somehow the knowledge didn’t dull the awareness crawling down her spine as she walked away from him, his dark scrutiny burning like flame against her skin.
    ~AN~
     
    “What’s wrong with you, Grimm?”
    Grimm watched the two women walk away, his temper raging. “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m just trying to keep that stubborn woman alive.”
    “Ah.”
    He snapped his head around to find Kord with a smug grin on his face. “Ah what?”
    Kord wrapped an arm around Grimm’s shoulders. “Ah, I know when a man wants a woman, Forbes. And it’s clear you want that woman bad.”
    “That’s ridiculous. I barely know