Eden One, Episode One Read online

  “Come on, you’re scaring the crap out of us, Mac.” Grey grunts as he takes his turn shaking me.

  I groan and swipe at them blindly with my arms as I roll onto my back.

  Pain shoots through my body and my eyes open wide.

  “Ah, there she is.” Grey laughs before rolling me back to my side, taking away the pain.

  “Why did you let me roll?” I ground out.

  “I figured if the pain didn’t wake you up then we should get help.” He answers easily.

  “Nice thinking, guys.” I answer sarcastically before looking around for Max. “Where’s Max?” I question and both men look to each other before looking back at me.

  “He’s already talking with the council.” Grey admits.

  Dash looks away rubbing the back of his head. “He’s kind of taking over your spot as commander.”

  I sit up abruptly and wince at the pain. “He’s doing what?” I growl out.

  Both men take a step back as I stand to my feet, and then without another word I march out of the room not caring one bit that I wasn’t even wearing my boots, or even socks for that matter.

  I was a ticked off commander on a mission, and nothing was going to stop me from taking my position back.

  Even though Max was only doing what he thought was right I couldn’t have him doing it. Being the first and only female commander I had to keep strong and I couldn’t allow myself to slip in any way.

  If I did, the men would all begin challenging me for my team.

  And I wasn’t about to lose my guys.

  Storming down the halls, trainees, and leaders alike move out of my way quickly.

  Without announcing my presence, I plow my way into the council room and walk directly over to a very surprised Max.

  “What do you think you are doing, Max?” I growl getting into his face.

  “I was just doing what I thought was best, Commander Frost.” He answers stepping back with a salute, quickly falling back in line as my second in command.

  “You will not do that again.” I command and he nods quickly in agreement.

  A cough comes from behind me and my eyes go wide.

  “Are you finished, Miss Frost?”

  I turn to face the council and Markus. “I’m sorry, Sir, but you have to understand why…” I trail off as he holds up his hand stopping me.

  “I understand, Mackenzie. That was why we were just telling Max that he could not step into your place, we understand how hard it is for you being the only female commander, and we would rather not jeopardize that for you.” Markus explains.

  “Thank you, Council Leader. I am sorry that I caused such a fuss.” I glance down at myself and smile sweetly before continuing. “I’m also sorry for my lack of clothing, if you will give me a few moments I can come back better prepared for our meeting.”

  Getting a good look down at myself I finally notice the complete state of undress I was in.

  All I had on was a button down shirt that must have been Maddox’s for the size thankfully brought it down to my lower thighs.

  I blush as the council members smile and look me over before talking amongst their selves.

  Looking back to me Markus nods. “You may leave, but we require you to be in full uniform when you return.”

  “We will continue this meeting in fifteen minutes.” He orders to no one in particular.

  I nod and salute along with the rest of my team before we all exit out into the halls to make our way back to our rooms.

  “That was priceless, Mac.” Dash finally laughs out as we near the rooms.

  “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up now but when we return, it’s back to the same old me.” I grunt as I walk over to the door to my room.

  “We know and we will be on our best behavior.” Dash answers before disappearing into his own room.

  “How’s your back feeling, do you need more pain medication for it?” Max questions quickly.

  It takes me a moment to gather his words.

  My back had not once really hurt and it still wasn’t hurting. In fact, it was beginning to feel numb.

  “I don’t feel anything right now. Did you give me something before I woke up?” I ask.

  He nods. “Yeah, I did, I had a feeling you would do exactly what you did. I hope you’re not really mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad, Max. I just don’t want anything to get harder for me. You know how things go around here. I don’t want to end up losing you guys either.” I sigh gently.

  “Yeah, I do understand, but no one could ever take you down, Mac.”He smiles before entering his room before I go into my own.

  Quickly stripping down I carefully pull on my uniform and then one of my other favorite jackets.

  Killian had been right when I had others but the black one had been my favorite.

  Now, I was forced to wear my deep blue one.

  I had to admit, it did make me look even more badass than before since it made my blue eyes pop.

  After smoothing my uniform out, I strap on my two holsters for my throwing knives onto both of my thighs and then the holster around my waist to hold my two favorite pistols.

  I place various other weapons within my jacket, and last but not least I strap on my two favorite weapons of choice, my swords.

  Placing them crisscross over my back I loosen the straps a bit so they wouldn’t rub against my wounds too badly.

  Looking in my mirror I smile and then braid my short hair into two small braids that came down behind my ears.

  I was now ready to meet the council in full uniform as they had requested.

  It was odd for them to request this, and as I thought it over I wondered just what the meeting would disclose.

  Shrugging it all off as I smooth my hands over my shirt and pants. They had to have their reasons and it would be foolish for me to wonder it over too hard.

  Again, I check myself in my mirror.

  Every detail had to be perfect.

  With an approving nod to myself I walk back out into the hall Grey, Dash, and Max all fall in line with me. Max walks by my side but one step back while Dash and Grey walk two steps behind him.

  The group didn’t feel complete without Maddox, though.

  I was eager to get him back with us.

  Reaching the council chambers once again I announce our presence this time before walking in.

  The members all give me an approving nod as I walk in.

  “Thank you for returning so quickly, Commander Frost.” Markus states as he motions to someone behind us and we watch as Killian and Maddox are brought into the room to join us.

  Both are cuffed and have blindfolds over their eyes.

  I raise my brow as I look back over to Markus.

  Chuckling lightly he answers my unspoken question. “We couldn’t get them to stop fighting so we took away their hands and sight.”

  I nod once. “Do you mind if I…” I motion to the guys and he nods.

  Walking over to Maddox first I take off his blindfold and watch as his lips turn into a smug grin.

  Grabbing hold of a tender spot on his shoulder I pinch hard making his smug smile fall quickly.

  “I’m not very happy with you right now, Weaver.” I growl out. “I want you down on your knees where you will deal with this meeting at a lower level since you think you’re on top.”

  He does as I order quickly. His head bows and I nod satisfied with his submission to his commander.

  Next, I move over to Killian.

  Removing his blindfold he too holds a smug grin.

  I inwardly wanted to groan at these two, but I don’t.

  I couldn’t.

  Instead I grab him by the throat. He chokes as I tighten my grip. His smile falters and finally falls as he realizes that he couldn’t win.

  “You’re lucky I’m being so nice because even your behavior as an Alpha has been questionable.” I let my grip go and he nods bowing his head.

  Glancing between the two men I sigh sof
tly. “Are we going to have any more problems between you two?”

  “No, you will not, ma’am.” Maddox answers.

  I turn to Killian.

  “You will not have another problem with me either, Mackenzie.” He answers gaining his smug grin back.

  I couldn’t make him submit to me like I could to Maddox.

  As an Alpha he was above me and he knew he could get away with this little rebellion by calling me by just my first name.

  Turning back to Markus and the council I take my stand, with my hands behind my back, my chest out and my chin up.

  I was ready for this to be over with.

  “Are you ready for this meeting to proceed?” Markus questions in a business like voice.

  “Yes, Sir, we are ready.” I answer.

  “At ease, all of you.” He then orders and we all relax.

  “Now, first and foremost we want to discuss the punishment that Maddox Weaver and Killian Wolfe shall be dealt. Do you have a request for how this should be played out, Commander Frost?” Markus questions curiously.

  “Yes, I do, if I may speak freely?” I question and with a nod from Markus I continue. “I think they should have a chance to fight out their differences. I believe that we can resolve this conflict with a good hand-to-hand fight. We could use it as a training tool for our new trainees.”

  “I think that could be arranged as long as Alpha Killian doesn’t object. His status as an Alpha could be in danger if he lost. It could also cost him a leadership with a new team.”Markus replies looking over to Killian in question.

  “I will fight as Commander Frost has proposed.” He answers simply.

  “Alright, that brings us to our next issue. We have heard Killian’s side of what happened with the issue last night, and we have also heard Max’s side of the story but we would like to hear your side if possible, Mackenzie. We need to come to an agreement whether or not to remove your union.”

  “I can’t really tell you much more than what Max or Killian could have told you, Sir, I don’t really remember much.” I answer quietly.

  Markus nods. “We figured as much. From what we have gathered we are prepared to end your union. Do you agree with this, Mackenzie Frost?”

  “Yes, Sir, I would like very much that the union between Killian and I be ended.”

  “Then that‘s final, the union between Killian Wolfe and Mackenzie Frost will end as of right now.” Markus orders as another council member enters the information into a computer.

  “May I say something more before we go on, Sir?” I question abruptly.

  “Yes, you may.” He agrees.

  “I know that I have just requested that our union be ended, but I don’t want Killian to leave my team as an Alpha. Would it be possible for him to stay a leader to my team without having a union with me?” I request.

  Markus sits back in his chair for a moment speechless as he watches me closely.

  Glancing over at his council members each one gives him a nod before he turns his attention back to me. “I don’t see why we can’t have him stay as your Alpha. This issue is one of a kind being that you are female, so the way I see it is that the only thing we can do is treat this as if you are not female.”

  “That’s all I am asking, Sir. I just want you to see me as just another leader. I am no different than any of the men here and I’ve fought hard for my place.” I reply.

  “Yes, you have, and we are all very proud of you.” Markus smiles before continuing on. “I do have to request that you find another suitor, before you and your team are sent to the ground.”

  “So, we are being sent?” I question quickly.

  “Yes, you and your team will be leaving within the next few days, along with a few other chosen teams. The council and I have considered this to be a colonization move and we will be treating it as such.” He answers and I’m struck speechless.

  We would be grounded and we weren’t going to be coming back.

  It was a lot to take in.

  We were going to have to leave everyone and everything we knew behind.

  “I’m honored that you chose my team for this, Sir.” I state quickly.

  “You and your team will need to meet with potential members to be picked for your colonization team. They should be arriving soon to our ship, so chose quickly and wisely.” Markus adds.

  “Yes, Sir, thank you for the heads up.”

  “Don’t forget my request though, Mackenzie, you must find a suitor before your team can leave. If you do not, your team will be forced to stay back.” Markus reminds me.

  “I will find someone, Sir.” I answer quickly not even sure if I could find a suitor, or if I even really wanted one.

  A suitor was only chosen as an option for having children, which was something I didn’t want but was obligated as a female to do.

  “We will meet back here tomorrow to discuss this further with you and the other teams. The fight will be prepared for late tonight.” Markus states before turning his attention to Max. “I want you to supervise Killian until that time.”

  “Yes, Sir, I will.” Max replies quickly turning towards Killian.

  Turning his attention to me next, Markus nods towards Maddox. “You can take care of him, right?”

  I laugh out abruptly. “Yes, Sir, I can.”

  “Thank you. He has been a handful for our security team.” Markus chuckles before he waves us away with his hand, dismissing us.

  Helping Maddox to stand from his knees I wait for the guard to un-cuff him before leading him from the council room.

  “You couldn’t even behave for the poor guards?” I question with a laugh. “The poor man is twice your age, Maddox, you could have at least given him a break.”

  “It wasn’t entirely my fault. Killian played his part in me getting into trouble.” Maddox answers and Killian glances back with a smirk as he walks with Max in front of us.

  “You shouldn’t have played into his games, Maddox.” I argue.

  “I know, but when someone dares you to do something…” He trails off.

  “Oh my god, Maddox just because he dared you doesn’t mean you have to do it.” I bark out and Dash falls into a fit of giggles behind me.

  I turn my head to look at him in warning and he straightens but has a hard time holding his laughter back.

  “What did he dare you to do?” I question curiously.

  “I can’t tell you that, Mac, it goes against some sort of bro code.” Maddox teases.

  “Killian, tell me what you dared him to do?” I try a different angle.

  He turns to face me, walking backwards. “It’s against our bro code, Kenzie, sorry.”

  “You guys just suck.” I grumble as he turns back around and we continue on.

  I give up, throwing my hands into the air, I would find out sooner or later.

  Chapter 7

  “You should choose me to be your suitor.” Maddox states later while we sit together eating our dinner, which consisted of mostly vegetables since large animals weren’t really that easy to keep on stations.

  “I don’t know if that’s wise to do.” I answer.

  “Why wouldn’t it be wise, Mac, you know how I feel about you now. I know you have to feel something for me.” Maddox replies.

  “That’s just it, Maddox. I don’t feel for you like that. You’re family, you’re my teammate, but we can’t be more because I don’t feel what you do.” I answer softly.

  I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but he had to know the truth.

  “I could at least take care of you if nothing else. I wouldn’t push you into anything, Kenzie.” He all but pleads.

  “If I can’t find someone else then I will choose you, that‘s all I can promise. I won’t let our team down. This is a huge step for us.” I answer trying to give him some sense of an easier let down.

  “That’s something at least.” Maddox sighs as he continues to eat his plate of food.

  “Are you going to be alright with th
is fight tonight?” I change the subject.

  “I will be fine. Killian and I came to an agreement of sorts last night.” He winks filling his mouth so he couldn’t say another word.

  “Tell, me what you two agreed to, Maddox.” I growl not wanting to play his games.

  He smirks but only shakes his head.

  I wasn’t going to get an answer.

  “I swear I will hurt you one day for these games you play.” I snarl causing him to chuckle.

  “That right there is why I like to play these games with you.”He chuckles. “You’re hot when you get ticked off.” He admits and my eyes go wide.

  “And with that, I’m out. I’m going to go find someone else to watch you.” I stand to my feet leaving my food behind.

  “Awe, come on, Mac, I was just teasing.” Maddox yells out as I walk away. I shake my head forcing myself not to smile.

  I had to admit that what he had said had made the girlie part of me squeal with joy.

  I hated my girlie part some days.

  As I walk through the dining room Max walks in with Killian by his side, both watch curiously as I march up to them sigh roughly. “You’re watching Maddox, Max, I can’t handle him anymore.”

  “Why can’t you handle him, Mac?” Max grins.

  “I’m not even answering that. Just please watch him for me for a little while, and I’ll watch Killian.” I practically plead.

  “Fine, but I don’t think this will solve your problem, Mac.” Max answers cryptically before leaving me alone with Killian.

  Grabbing his arm I lead him over to a secluded corner. “Tell me this little deal that you and Maddox worked out.” I demand.

  Chuckling Killian bows his head before looking back at my serious face.

  “Why are you so worried about this fight, Kenzie?” He questions becoming serious as he takes a step closer to me.

  Looking away I sigh. “I don’t want either of you to get hurt.”

  “We won’t get hurt, but we are going to have to fight, Kenzie.” He replies.

  I nod. “I know. I still don’t like that I had to place you into this position.”

  “You just don’t like the fact that two people you care about have to fight and you have no control over what happens.” Killian states calmly, saying exactly what I was feeling.