Len and Sasha glared at me as Alexander’s face turned red.

“All of us will stick to the current plan,” dictated Alexander. “This is the last I want to hear about your concerns, is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” I replied, keeping my feelings in check.

Len barely shook his head, warning me to be careful.

I knew both he and Sasha agreed with me, but Alexander needed to feel in control. If he wasn’t the only one with the codes to the equipment on the dropship, I think we all would have booted him into the jungle long before now. Not to mention his interest in my daughter.

The only reason I even pressed the issue now about the long-term survival of the colony was because people were getting restless. Thankfully, Alex and John were both away. The devastation of the fence shattering from the meteor shower, along with losing the communication crystal up on the mountain, had unsettled even the most stable in the colony.

People had forgotten what the early days were like once the danger had lessened. Now, that danger was back in everyone’s faces, and people were concerned.

Not to mention people were leveling rapidly from the increased fighting near the entrance to the valley.

“You are dismissed.”

I gave Alexander a nod and marched out of the community hall. He didn’t even see how people were freaking out. Xander still believed that his reassurances that everything was under control were enough. Not to mention that the ‘leadership council’ thought it safe enough to bring kids into this world.

Absolute bullshit.

Once outside, I let out a deep breath and headed toward our tent. Benny should be back from his shift in the fields, and I needed to check on the people guarding the valley. Too much to do, and too many plans that needed to be put into place, and what felt like not enough time. Already, I’d leveled up to 20.

Folks gave me a nod as I passed by, and I returned the gesture.

Jas and Mary headed toward the valley opening, but saw me and detoured.

“Any word on plans for the new fence?” Jas asked.

“We need a new large crystal first, though I know someone found one that might be bright enough for the communication platform.”

“Oh, that's a relief,” said Mary. “The mines will have what we need to fix the fence.”

I nodded.

“We can spread the word with the hunters, maybe it will help people settle down,” added Jas.

I used Insight on the man.

[Jas, Level 17, Hunter, Threat Level: Low]

His level had grown by one. I quickly checked Mary, with the same results.

They weren’t the only ones gaining levels quickly with the increased fighting. So far, they weren’t at the test, but it wouldn’t take long.

“Do that, I’ll be around later this afternoon.”

Both nodded at me, then continued on their way toward the valley entrance.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I turned and headed toward our tent again. Whispering came from inside, and I paused outside of it, knocking on the wooden post.

“Come in,” said Benny.

I quickly ducked inside and saw Cass seated on the rug under the low table, along with Benny. “Hi, Cass.”

She moved to stand up, but I waved a hand to stop her. Instead, I joined the two of them at the table.

“How’d it go?” asked Benny.

“He doesn’t want to hear it. He thinks no one will break through the test at level 19.”

Benny shook his head. Already his level was at 18, and soon he would hit the test.

“That doesn’t seem sustainable,” muttered Cass. “I mean, I’m already at 11. I know Len and Mary have helped me get past 10, but I haven’t even helped at the entrance yet. My first shift is this afternoon.”

“You’re in then?” I asked.

Cass gave a sharp nod. “If Benny’s in, then so am I.”

“How many are we up to?” asked Benny.

I let out a deep breath. “Maybe 8 or 9? Many don’t see the signs and want to trust Alexander. Especially the couples, who just want to settle down and have kids. Most of them aren’t hunters and don’t get out of the colony much at all. They want to believe this is the safe colony they signed up for.”

“Any news from the compound?” asked Benny.

“Nothing good. The fence is down, but they’re working on fixing it.” The sooner we moved that crystal up there, the better. Then we could talk back and forth instead of only getting one side.

“What about John and Alex?”

“It didn’t come up.”

Benny frowned.

I set a hand on his shoulder. “The two of them are fine. Once our new communication crystal is in place, they’ll be back with a crystal from the mines.”

“Only if we catch them before they head to the scientists.”

“Even then, it’ll only take a few days to fly back here with what we need to fix the fence.” I hoped that they were still at the mines. Messing with the scientists at this point wasn't going to help anyone. Especially Alex. I'd only suggested the stop since we needed more information about the potential kids. Now, I regretted it.

“Do you want me to approach anyone else?” asked Cass. “Maybe Jaxon? He isn’t fond of Alexander.”

“Not yet. We need folks strong enough to protect those not as strong. Both of you grow stronger and hit the cap. That’ll help the most.”

Benny gave me a nod, followed by Cass. The two of them fit well, and it pleased me he had finally approached the young woman. Now I needed to make a safe place for all of us to call home. Somehow.

***

I broke the dream connection between Alex and me, wondering about the location near the lake. My instincts had warned me to cut the connection, that Alex was in danger. Dreams were a minor specialty of mine, and as long as the tiny mark remained near their right ear, I could check in on Alex. The magic was simple enough that most civilized creatures knew to look for the marks, but given Alex’s education on the system, I knew it would remain unfound, probably until they were booted from the Sanctuary. Tiny symbols were hard for anyone to see, especially as tiny as I could make them in that form.

Once I’d connected with Alex, I’d skimmed their recent thoughts and seen parts of memories of the fight. Somehow, Alex had taken down a creature 5 levels higher than them. I wished I'd been there to see it in person. The fact that they had accomplished it was a feat, and they’d more than likely received a good achievement for it. I still had plenty of time to relax in the city, though, before they reached level 25 and were booted from Sanctuary. The first real slow down in advancement was at level 20.

As soon as that happened, though, I’d be there to take them away from this place, and somewhere safer. Somewhere a devourer wouldn’t be hunted down. While I was welcome to spend credits and vacation here, I had the means to protect myself. Someone like Alex, barely into the first rank? Not safe at all.

The planet I ruled over would be the safest location, especially if no one found out about Alex before we left.

“Can I get you anything else?”

The question snapped me out of my thoughts and back to the present. The server kept their eyes lowered, all four of them.

“I’d like another wine.”

“Good choice,” they answered before hurrying off on their many legs. This restaurant focused on beasts and others with unique appetites. They had a range of blood wines that shocked even me.

I had already downed three bottles before savoring the last glass. One more would top me off perfectly. Drinking blood like this didn’t serve anything but pleasing my hunger. No additional perks or growth from it. To earn that, I’d need to find something fresher. It was delectable, though.

After this glass, I needed to decide if I wanted to wander the bright city for longer or head home for a few days while Alex grew stronger.

What would be less newsworthy? Staying or returning? I pondered as the server poured. Decisions, decisions…