*****
Three hours later
Heather ignored the smirk on Mabel’s face as she stood between Mark and Devlon trying to make the introductions. Mark’s blond hair was a little too long, and he wore some of the clothing that the domes had offered them. It was just a plain grey sweatshirt and pants. The pants expanded a bit at the waist, showing that he had a bit of a beer gut. Not that they really had beer. Mark once reminded her of a sexy California surfer; now he just looked washed-out, old and soft.
“Commander Devlon, I’d like to introduce you to the tribe leaders. You know Jerry Lee, the South Tribe leader is Rick O’Donnell, the Southeast Tribe leader is Phillip Taylor, the Southwest Tribe leader is Regan Cook, and the Northwest Tribe leader is...Mark Bates.”
Each leader moved forward to shake hands with Devlon. When Mark stepped forward, they clasped hands, but Devlon didn’t let go right away. He applied pressure, tightening his grip painfully.
“You’re Heather’s ex-husband?”
“Technically we’re still married.”
“Not for much longer,” Heather added, moving to stand next to Devlon and putting her hand on his arm. He finally let Mark go. The small gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Mark. He glared accusingly at her and Devlon.
“Why are the Drastan warriors here?” Jerry asked, rubbing his bald head.
“We’ve increased security for everyone’s protection during your meeting.”
Heather and Devlon had debated whether to tell the tribe leaders why there were coming there. Heather wanted to, so that if some didn’t feel safe with the plan that they could back out. Devlon argued that there might be a traitor among the tribe leaders and that this might be their chance to uncover who they were. So she told them that they were coming for further discussion of all the Drastans would do for their tribes.
Mark snorted. “I don’t need your protection. I was captain of the football team in both high school and college. I was also in the Army Reserves.”
Heather laughed. “You were inactive and never had to serve!”
“I still trained for my service, in case I was called to it.”
“If you did I didn’t see you do any of it. Besides, that was years ago, and you are definitely not…” She looked him up and down and decided to not finish that sentence.
Standing there looking between Mark and Devlon, the physical differences alone were stark. Mark was a few inches taller than her, but Devlon towered over him making him shrink in size. Where Mark was out of shape, soft and pudgy, Devlon was toned and muscular. She knew from experience that there wasn’t an inch of fat on Devlon.
Their differences weren’t just physical, either. Devlon was generous and caring. She’d seen him pitch in to help his warriors with things, never acting like any job was beneath him. Mark had acted entitled for as long as she knew him and it was clear watching look down his noses at everyone that he still believed in his own importance. Her fear that Devlon would eventually turn into another Mark was completely blown out of the water. Devlon would never be like Mark, and Mark couldn’t hold a candle to Devlon. She loved Devlon, and as soon as she had a chance, she would let him know it. For now, she had a job to do.
“Come with me and Mabel, we’ll show you to where you’ll be staying until we have our meeting.” She smiled at Devlon before turning to lead the other tribe leaders away.
*****
Devlon wanted to kill the male named Mark Bates—Heather’s husband. How could a male let someone as beautiful and wonderful as Heather go?
He moved to give an order. “Keep your eyes on that male.”
“Yes, Commander.”
With that he turned and headed back to his tent, where Sr. Commander Bond and his warriors were waiting. He’d advised them to remain hidden so that the rebels, in case they had spies, wouldn’t be expecting reinforcements. Entering his tent, he noticed the viewing screen on the table was turned on. They’d set up video cameras throughout the tunnel and tribe’s square so they could monitor everything from a distance. The senior commander was sitting in the chair and turned to Devlon as he entered.
“Who is the blond male you had words with?”
“Mark Bates—Heather’s soon-to-be ex-husband.”
“Husband is like anamahlo?”
“Yes, but they were nothala asawanis. Their union was weak and abusive. Heather had sought to end the it before the nuclear disaster happened. Technically she’s still tied to him, but not for much longer.”
The senior commander looked disgusted. “Do these humans not honor unions as our people do?”
“Some do, but if their unions are weak or abusive they’re able to end it with what is called a divorce.”
Senior commander turned to his warriors. “Go assist patrolling the perimeter.”
