The Survivors: Book One

"Marcus... "

He didn't draw this time, already sure there was no one there. Marc waved a finger at the softly growling wolf to quiet him.

"Is someone there?" he called anyway, feeling foolish. There was… a hint of vanilla, sweet and never forgotten, floating by on the wind.

His heart thumped painfully. "Angie?"

There was only silence, and Marc grinned sadly. He'd been alone too long. He was the last person she would call. There was no… "Marcus! I need you!"

The words seemed to go right by his ear this time, searching, making his breath catch.

"Must be going nuts," he muttered, heart screaming in joyful recognition.

"You owe me!"

Marc winced at the accusation, the reminder, and stopped denying, understanding that the time he had feared (and longed for!) was here. Angie was finally calling in his marker, and it was one of those debts that could never really be repaid.

Not letting his practical (male) side get in the way, Marc closed his eyes and concentrated as she had taught him so long ago. He was unable to keep from wondering if the water had really gotten him, and this was the afterlife with an angel's voice leading him to hell.

"You can't go yet. Not until you help me. Help us."

The voice in his head (Angie's voice! It was Angie's voice!) was clear, as if they were on a phone. He found it helped to pretend they were, as his headache increased, throbbing at his temples. Had he hit his head? It would explain this.

"Marcus…"

"What do you need?"

"My life back."

Marc jerked as if slapped, thrown into the past, and the note of desperation in her voice pulled at a place in his heart that he was unable to resist.

"I need you. Will you come?"

"As quickly as I can." This would be the fastest swoop he'd ever made. In addition, this fast journey over a short amount of time would be done alone, without the backup of his platoon. "Tell me where."

"Ohio. Cincinnati."

Marc's heart pounded faster. He had been there once before. "Two weeks, Angie, maybe less."

There was a relieved blast of force that exploded from her end, and Marc swayed on his feet as the good energy sank into his head, stopped the aching there.

"You have to hurry…"

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

There was no answer, just a dead line, and though he tried again and again, there was only silence.