Edge of Instinct: Rabids Book 1 by Amy Cook Read Free Book Online

momentary refuge. Turning, she instead found herself face to face with the soldier from the funeral. Behind him were several men and women in uniform. The colored black and silver bands wrapped respectfully about their lower wrists marked them as being mourning members of Jaron’s company. Her frosty glare melted to her previous expression of loss, and even some relief. She would not have to face the press yet.
    “Excuse us for the intrusion, ma’am.” The soldier from the funeral stepped forward hesitantly, as though unsure of their welcome to join her. “We were hoping we could have a word with you.” She smiled wanly, offering her hand to him. He smiled gratefully and gently clasped it. He introduced himself as Alexander Greysen, and then went on to introduce his fellows, all of which were close friends of Jaron’s. She recognized their names as people he had mentioned during a few of his phone calls while stationed in his last holding at Texas. She respectfully shook hands with the woman and two men behind Alexander, warming inside at their varying strengths of Texan accents. Jaron had also gained a faint Texan accent over the years.
    “Thank you, for the honor of the torch, Alexander,” she murmured, cringing slightly at the rough sound of her voice- another testament, alongside the red puffy eyes, to her long bouts of crying.
    “Absolutely,” he replied emphatically. “I assume you are Amiel?” She nodded mutely. “I thought so. Jare used to talk about you day in and day out. I think we know you better than we know our own siblings by now.” They smiled and laughed quietly, and she couldn’t help but return their smiles.
    “That sounds like my brother.”
    “He was the most sincere and true friend I have ever had,” Alexander informed her with serious, sad eyes. “He saved my life, twice, during Rabid and Cutthroat attacks alike. He actually saved us all, at one time or another.” He motioned to his companions. “Jaron could fight better than any man I’ve ever seen. When a fight came, it’s like he just zoned in on the action and didn’t stop until every one of the devils were dead or running.” He paused, body going rigid as he rushed on.
    “Regretfully, the second time he saved me was the time that cost him his life. A Cutthroat in the Vasts tried to take me out with a machete while my back was turned. Jaron jumped in the way. The blade sliced his arm before he took the maggot down. It wasn’t a terrible wound- he’d had much worse. If the blade hadn’t been coated in this new poison the Cuts have gotten hold of he would have been just fine. There was nothing we could do.” He broke off, swallowing hard. “I don’t expect your forgiveness, ma’am. But I thought you had the right to know. ” He stared straight over her head, jaw clenched, hands clasped at his back. His sorrow was heavy and deep, and he clearly expected the full torrential rain of her anger. She understood why he thought she would be angry with him, hate him even. Yet she didn’t feel either emotion towards this man.
    She knew her brother well enough to understand what his service in the military had meant to him. Well enough to understand the depth of love and respect he held for the men and women he served with. He had been willing to risk sacrificing his life on a daily basis for every stranger in the city he had protected. He had obviously been that much more willing to do so for his family and friends. The sacrifice he made for this man and the others… that was something to be respected and proud of, not angry over. Grasping Alexander’s arm, she told him as much. His eyes fell to hers quickly, genuine surprise reflecting in their depths at her touch and honest reassurances. Eyes glistening with thankful tears, he straightened and whispered his thanks.
    He stepped to the side to compose himself as the other three moved forward. Each shared their stories with her of how Jaron had saved them, as well as their