After the party dies down, each of us says our goodnights. Luke and I make our way to the third floor and into his room. Luke quickly changes into sleep clothes, and with me still being a little shy, I make my way into the bathroom to change. When I come out, Luke is sitting up in bed, the covers on my side turned down as he pats the bed beside him. Crawling in and curling my body into his side, he wraps me up in his arms before kissing my temple. I let out a dramatic contented sigh, causing Luke to chuckle, shaking my body with the force.
I’m feel so happy. Despite everything I know is coming, this moment right here is the happiest I have ever been.
***
ANNA
This is it. D-Day. Ground zero. The Zombie Apocalypse. Or the day we meet with Vater Henry, but whatever. I woke up feeling very dramatic today. Luke had called me a drama queen before seven a.m., the General had already told me to settle down twice, and I had even told myself to shut up at breakfast, which got a laugh out of Brea because apparently I had said it out loud. I gotta work on that. At least I haven’t accidently told Luke I want to lick him in a while, so that’s a plus.
After my dramatics and a kiss from Luke, we had all made our way downstairs to where Emily had pushed all the tables together for the meeting. Mateo sat in the center seat on one side, with Luke on his right and Daniel on his left. I was on Luke’s other side, and the General sat next to Daniel, with Lord Paul next to me. We also had Easton and Tommy flanking our backs. The seats across from us were still empty, but they still had five minutes, so it wasn’t over yet.
I’m surprised they aren’t here yet. The church prides themselves on timeliness, and I’m shocked David hadn’t shown up at least the day before to do reconnaissance. Luke had mentioned there were a few men in town yesterday morning they didn’t recognize, but before lunch they were gone. They were wearing jeans and other street clothes, but I guess it’s possible they were undercover.
I wanna go undercover.
One of Mateo’s men I recognize from back at HQ, enters through the front door pulling me from my thoughts. He crosses the room to Mateo, and then leans down to whisper in his ear. Only apparently he isn’t very good at whispering.
They’re here.
I hear footsteps on the wooden walk out front, followed by the door opening again, and in walks David. Of course he would walk in first. Narcissist.
His eyes search the room before landing on me, and I smile. That’s right. I smile at him first. After I’d had my dramatic meltdown this morning, I had given myself a mental pep talk. I was not going to let this ass banana think he scared me in the least. I planned to put on a face of total ease, and make sure he saw it too.
The look on his face says he’s a little put out. Oh, what? Does it bother you that you can’t get under my skin, that you don’t make me nervous? You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Once David makes it a few feet past the doorway, Vater Henry enters next, followed by Elder Thompson, and then a few men I don’t know. No wait, I do know that one. Brian. He works in the security department, but other than him I don’t know anyone else.
Everyone on my side of the table remains seated, but I stand, needing to be the first one to speak. “Hello, David, Vater Henry, Elder Thompson. I’m so glad you could make it.”
Oh, that was good.
A look of surprise passes over each of their faces, but only the Vater speaks, “Anna my child, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m so glad to see you’re okay.”
I just bet you are, ass.
No, stop that. You might accidently say something out loud again, and the Vater is our only chance at a peaceful resolution.
Our group watches as the Vater and Elder Thompson take seats directly across from us, with David and Brian mirroring Easton and Tommy’s flanking positions, and the other men take up various spots around the room, much like our own men.
After a brief round of introductions, Mateo opens his mouth to speak, but just as he does the front door opens once again, and in walks Elder Berry. Every head in the room turns to look at him as he apologizes for his tardiness.
“Elder Berry, what are you doing here?” The Vater’s voice is harsh, and its apparent the elder wasn’t invited.
I hear Easton behind me snort, as he whispers, “Elderberry?”
Shushing him, I tune into what the elder will say.
“Again, my apologies to everyone. I had a vision, Vater Henry, it’s imperative that I be here.” The Elder takes a seat directly across from me, giving me a wink when no one is looking.
The Vater’s eyes are large, seeming surprised not just that he’s here, but that he would claim he was given a vision from God. I don’t recall ever hearing an elder claiming they had visions, only the Vater. If I was to guess, the elder just lied. He’s here because of what he told me the night we escaped. I have allies inside the church.
“Yes, very well. We certainly can’t question God now can we.” The Vater clears his throat before looking back to Mateo, giving him the floor.
Mateo sits straight with his forearms resting on the table, his hands clasped tightly in front of him before sliding his gaze to his right and
