The Survivors: Book One

Adrian felt his spirits lift. "Easy, Marine. He's one of ours."

Realizing it was a test or challenge of some type, Kenn leered, as he let go. "Boo-ya."

Adrian looked around at the surprised men, most of whom hadn't seen the rookie, Jeremy, at all because of the blowing sand. "Training lesson number eight - sometimes, no matter how or what you plan for, Fate throws in a wild card and you do the best you can to survive."

He gave Jeremy a nod. "Pass. Help them set up the targets and we'll see if our new man knows how to use the weapon on his hip."

Kenn took the hint, reholstering, as Jeremy threw him a sharp glare and moved off. "Maybe I could help with a drill or something."

Adrian eyes were full of warning, "That and more, but you'll have to work for it. Nothing's free in this new world, and certainly not here in Safe Haven."

"I've always earned my way before and I expect to now."

"Welcome aboard, grunt. Let's get to work."

Kenn grinned as he fell in on Adrian's right, very aware of the camp watching him openly, whispering, wondering who he was. Finally! The attention he craved. Charlie hid his frown and stayed close to Kenn. It felt good here, but it wasn't home and he had a strong feeling that the Marine would want to stay and never go back. These were okay people, the teenager could feel that, but he wanted his mom.

She said she was coming soon, he couldn't help but doubt. He'd heard her calls to someone named Markus, was sure Kenny had too, though he had pretended to be asleep, and Charlie was afraid for her. He and Kenn were Marines and they had been in big trouble more than once - been lucky to escape. She would never make it alone, needed help that could not only get her here, but fight for her. Kenny was a true bad-ass and not just anyone would be able to handle him.