Intransigent (The After Light Saga Book 3) by Cameo Renae
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious and are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual events, or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.
Cover by Regina Wamba for Mae I Design and Photography
Edited by Victoria Rae Schmitz for Crimson Tide Editorial
Formatting by Inkstain Interior Book Designing
Text Copyright © 2015 Cameo Renae
All rights reserved.
Published by
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC.
“WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR beautiful mind?” Finn whispered, kissing the shell of my ear.
I shook my head. “Nothing beautiful.”
He pulled back enough for our eyes to connect. “Are you conjuring every negative theory possible about the new bunker?”
I looked deep into his brown eyes and was speechless. How could he do that?
His arm tightened around me, and he rested his head on mine. “I know you.”
“You do,” I breathed. “And sometimes it’s scary.”
“It’s because we’re soul mates.”
I smiled at his remark, but inside my heart ached. We’d all been through hell the past few days at Sanctum, and now we were on a helicopter ride to our new home, the great unknown.
Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my body, and was just about to close my eyes, when Tina screamed from a seat in the back. She was under heavy sedation, and clearly having a nightmare. My heart ached for her. The future she and Pike planned had been erased, in a blink of an eye. He was gone forever, and now she’d have to deal with the aftermath. We all would.
Pike would always remain a hero and friend in our hearts. He would never be forgotten. I knew I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. He’d saved me at the last bunker, and because of it, I was still enveloped in Finn’s arms. For that, I was forever grateful.
My father turned and as his eyes caught mine, he gave me a reassuring smile. I was beyond blessed to have him here with me. We were together again, but who knew for how long? What would life bring for us at the new bunker? I could only hope we’d be able to remain with our families and friends. There had to be some kind of plus to being a part of the biggest government bunker in the United States.
“What happens if we get separated again?” I whispered to Finn, snuggling into his side.
“We’ll deal with that when we get there, if it even comes. For all we know, we might not be separated. You could be worrying for nothing.”
“Actually, she’s not,” the soldier who’d helped us onto the chopper interjected.
Everyone looked at him, but the pilot turned and gave him an evil eye and a slight head shake.
“I’m sorry,” the soldier replied. “I was out of line.”
“Please, tell us the truth,” Finn spoke. I could tell he was concerned.
The soldier paused. “They provide all survivors with food, shelter, and protection. They have thousands of residents, and a system which works.” He turned and sat back down, leaving us to stew in the hard facts we all knew he danced around.
My heart sank. I turned to Finn. “I knew it.”
The response of the soldier and reaction of the pilot gave me the answer I desperately didn’t want to hear. But we were on our way to the bunker, and there was no way of getting out of it.
“It’ll be alright, Abigail.” My dad reached forward and rubbed my shoulder. “We’ve come this far and will make it through whatever is ahead. We just have to remain hopeful.”
I turned to him. “I’m sick of holding onto something that isn’t tangible. Hope is just a pipe dream; a wish sent out into the wind. Why should hope give a damn about us? We’re just specks of sand in a vast universe.”
“It’s not hope that regards us, but God. Holding onto the pipe dream is what got us this far.” He paused, and sadness filled his eyes. “I never thought I’d see you again. In a life full of tragedy and loss, it was my lowest point. But you’re here and safe, and that’s what gives me hope and faith we will see this through to the end.”
I reached back and grabbed his hand. “Thanks, Dad. I needed that.”
My father was my hero. He instilled faith into all of us for the past thirteen years. A faith which took us this far. To believe and have hope in something far greater than our circumstances.
“Hey, father knows best.” He shrugged, wiping a tear from his cheek.
“You always do. I’m just afraid this new place won’t be any different than the last.”
“We will be guests under their roof, and will keep the peace until we are able to move on.”
I nodded and then wrapped my arms tightly around Finn. I had a sinking feeling I’d have to say goodbye to him soon.
“We’ve survived Sanctum and the Arvies. I’m sure we can survive this bunker,” he spoke softly into my hair. “Piece of cake.”
Titus’ face flashed in my mind, followed with Pike’s. “I barely survived the last one,” I said. Overcome with fatigue, I couldn’t stop the rush of emotion.
“I’m so sorry. I wish I could take away your pain.”
“I’ll be fine,” I said, burying my face in his chest.
He rubbed circles on my back. “Of course you will. You’re the strongest person I know.”
I didn’t feel strong. The only strength I had came from everyone I loved. I was strong because I needed to be for them and vice versa.
As we neared the black Hills, everyone’s apprehension grew to the point where it could almost be felt. Each person peered out of the windows as we slowly made our descent. Passing over a desolate city, I swear I spotted Arvies hiding in the shadows.
“Do you see that?” I gasped.
“See what?” a lady asked, looking out the window. Her eyes strained to look, but she shook her head.
“What is it, Abi?” Finn asked.
“Nothing. I just thought I saw something moving down there. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me.” But as I glanced back out, I saw them again - the infectious banes of our misery.
“Look at that,” Dr. Banks exclaimed pointing out the window. In the distance, a faint outline of Mount Rushmore could be seen. A sense of peace rushed over my nerves as I looked upon them, secure and untouched through the years of the Apocalypse.
A sudden sharp pain pulsed through my head. Warm liquid dripped from my nose.
Dammit.
As the pressure intensified, my mind was overcome with screams, growls, and creepy voices chanting, “Kill. Kill. Kill.”
I swore I blinked, but when my eyes opened, I was curled up in a ball on the floor of the chopper. Finn, my dad, and Dr. Banks were above me; their eyes filled with concern.
“What’s wrong?” my dad asked, but I couldn’t speak.
“It’s the Arvies, sir. They mess with her mind,” Finn answered.
“What are you talking about?” My dad’s eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know. She said she can hear them, even make contact with them.”
My dad turned to Dr. Banks. “Is this true, Jay?”
Dr. Banks shrugged, although he knew the truth.
“Hey, I think we have a Reader onboard,” a soldier announced to the pilot.
“Call it in,” the pi
“No, wait!” My father stood up and addressed them at his full height. “She’s my daughter. She’s not a Reader - whatever the hell that is. She’s just an average girl, suffering from a migraine. It’s an aura she’s experiencing.”
“We’re ordered to let the leaders know if we come into contact with anyone who shows signs. She has them . . . along with witnesses.”
“What the hell is a Reader?” my dad asked.
“The gifted. Those who can speak to others using telepathy. As of now, there are only eleven in existence, three of whom reside in our safe zone. If your daughter is one of them, she will be instrumental in helping us win the war against the Arvies.”
“She’s seventeen years old and under my parental authority. I will not allow them to take her and use her as a guinea pig.”
“I’m sorry, but our hands are tied. If her tests prove negative, I’m sure she’ll be returned to your care.”
We hadn’t even reached the new safe zone and I was already screwed.
“I’M SO SORRY,” MY DAD said, shaking his head in disbelief. “I thought I’d lost you. I won’t lose you again.” His voice trembled, and a tear escaped his eye, falling down his cheek.
“You won’t. I promise.” My heart was breaking.
The pilot could be heard on his radio, alerting the bunker they had a possible Reader on board. As we landed, a group of five armed guards, and a man in a white coat stood waiting for us. All of them were wearing gas masks. Two of the men helped carry Tina and the other injured passenger.
The soldier on our flight jumped off and spoke quietly to one of the guards, then all sets of eyes steeled on me.
My father exited next and addressed the man in white. “My name is Dr. Stephen Park.” He held out his hand to the man and he shook it. “I worked with NASA in their Heliophysics Science Division and would like to speak with Dr. Harvey.”
“Of course, Dr. Park. But first you will need to go through decontamination and check-in.” He then turned to one of the guards. “Please escort Dr. Park and the others.”
“Yes, sir.”
“This patient is under my care,” Dr. Banks announced, pointing to me. “She sustained a concussion a week ago, which could explain her episode on the chopper.”
“Who are you?” the man in white asked.
“Dr. Jay Banks. Medical.”
“We will make sure she is given a thorough exam, Dr. Banks. Once you’ve been registered, you’ll most likely be transferred to our medical facility, so I should be working with you shortly.”
Dr. Banks nodded. “And your name?”
The man extended his hand. “Dr. David Simon.”
“Abi.” My dad walked over and hugged me. “I’ll speak to Dr. Harvey and try to sort this all out.”
“I’ll be all right,” I answered, unsure of my words.
“I assure you, Dr. Park, she is in the best hands,” Dr. Simon said and my dad nodded.
“The guards will escort you now.”
The men turned to leave, but Finn didn’t move. He stood right next to me as the last two guards made their way over.
“Don’t you dare touch her,” Finn warned, standing in front of me.
“It’s okay,” I said, rubbing his arm and pulling him around to face me. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’ll be fine. And I hope to see you soon.” I kissed him quick and gave him a reassuring smile.
“You should listen to the girl and follow the rules, or you’ll be exiled,” the guard said, pointing to a large steel door painted red.
“Where does that go?” I asked.
“Topside.”
“He’s my fiancé. He’s only protecting me,” I said.
“You let me know if they hurt you,” Finn whispered in my ear.
“I will.” I hugged him one last time. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I said.
“I can’t lose you.” He pressed his forehead against mine.
“Don’t worry. She won’t be hard to find.” Dr. Simon smiled.
“Go,” I urged, then whispered into his ear. “Love will find a way.”
“I love you . . . longer than forever.” He kissed me one last time before he finally let go and ran to catch up with the others.
Dr. Simon was an older man, maybe in his sixties and a foot taller than I was. He reminded me a lot of my grandfather. His hair was brown but whitening on the sides, and he had piercing blue eyes.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Abigail Park.”
“Abigail, you don’t have to worry. We have no intention of harming you. If you are a Reader, you will be treated with the best care.”
“And what if I’m not?”
His brow lifted. “Then you’ll return to the main facility, and will be treated like all the others.”
“That doesn’t sound promising.”
“They are treated fairly, considering there are thousands living together underground. The leaders have kept this place running to the best of their ability. But enough about the politics. What do you say we take you to get cleaned up and fed?”
“Sounds good,” I answered. “By the way, you can call me Abi.”
“You can trust me, Abi,” he said.
Maybe this place wasn’t as bad as I thought. Everyone seemed to be nice and accommodating. But still, the reaction of the pilot and soldier left a little red flag waving in my mind.
I followed the doctor as we made our way to the entrance, and it was then I realized how huge this place was. It was much bigger than the previous safe zone.
A thought ran through my mind which made me curious.
“Dr. Simon, can I ask you a question?”
“Sure,” he said, turning his attention toward me.
“Is it true there are animals here?”
A broad smile filled his face. “Yes. We do have an Ark of sorts with many species of animals. Scientists have been breeding them and getting them ready to repopulate the earth. It will be marvelous to witness if we ever make it back to the topside.”
“Yes, it would,” I replied.
As we made our way to the decontamination area, my stomach twisted in the memory of the last time I’d gone through the process. They were probably going to strip me down and seize everything I owned, which wasn’t much. But they couldn’t take my ring. I had to find a way to hide it.
Dr. Simon stopped and gently rested his hand on my shoulder. Leaning in close he whispered, “Give me your ring, but be very discreet. I’ll hold onto it while you’re being decontaminated and recorded. I promise you’ll get it back.”
I was hesitant at first, but I didn’t have much of a choice. I wasn’t going to part with the ring. I turned my back to the guards and slipped my ring off, and slyly dropped it in his hand. He quickly tucked it into his pocket.
How did he know about the ring?
He turned to me and lightly tapped his forehead. “There is a reason why I head up the Reader program.”
I exhaled, realizing he was one of them . . . a telepath.
“Shall we?” He smiled, leading me forward.
“You will be entering through the door on the right. This is where I leave you. I’ll meet you on the other side and escort you to the testing lab.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he acknowledged. “It’s not too bad.”
As he walked away, I pushed the door open. Inside was a large, stark white room, containing a single person wearing a moon suit, standing with a hose and a scrubber.
“Step here.” She motioned me forward using the hose.
I swallowed hard and stepped toward her.
“Take everything off and place it in the trash bag, then send it down the chute in the wall.”
The protocol was almost identical to the last shelter. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. They were both constructed by the same government.
Following her orders step by step, I now stood in front of her naked as the
“Hold out your hands, please.”
I did as she said and she squirted a bunch of foamy soap into them.
“Close your eyes.”
Complying, she sprayed me. I flinched, expecting ice water, but instead, warm water cascaded down my head. It felt like heaven.
“Scrub up, sweetie,” the woman said.
There was no anger or stress in her voice, which made me feel a little more at ease. I lathered the soap in my hair, and then scrubbed my face and body as best I could. She helped by using the soft scrubber on my back and legs.
All the dirt and grime from the past few days completely washed away. I was starting another journey. A clean slate. But I wasn’t sure if I was ready for everything this new adventure entailed. There were too many unknowns.
I prayed the test would reveal I wasn’t a Reader and they’d let me return to my family, but if I was, and I could help defeat the Arvies in some tangible way . . . I would have to endure the separation.
As I finished, the woman shuffled me to a door and told me to enter. Inside were a towel and a set of new clothes, the exact same as the other bunker. It must have been a surplus deal. At least they were clean and I was covered.
I tied my hair into a ponytail, slipped on my shoes, and stepped back out.
“That way.” She pointed to another door. As I left, she said, “Welcome to Purgatory.”
Purgatory?
From what I was taught, purgatory was a place of temporary punishment or suffering.
What the hell did we get ourselves into?
Reaching the end of the hall, the door slid open and Dr. Simon was waiting for me.
“Abi,” he nodded, “you look nice and clean.”
I smiled. “I smell fresher too.”
“I’m going to take you to the medical facility first. I’d like them to check your head injury, just to make sure there is no threat. Once you’re cleared, you’ll take the Reader test.”
“Okay,” I responded and followed him down a set of white halls.
I wondered where Finn and my dad were taken. I hoped my dad found my mom and let her know I was okay. Knowing her, she was probably worried sick.
We entered into another large hallway filled with lots of people walking in all directions.