The Unleashing
Page 27

Norway? I thought you were from Sweden.
My family line started in Norway, then was moved to Sweden to help train new Ravens. By then the Crows had spread from Norway to Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Of course, the Crows were different then.
Different how?
Angrier. It was like they wanted all the Viking men dead. And if the women and children got in the way . . . they didnt care. After a few centuries, though, we all calmed down. But the Crows still hold to their code.
What code?
They havent told it to you yet? He smirked. Its let rage be your guide.
Rage? Let rage be your guide? Thats healthy.
Its the code of the first Crows and it still stands. Im sure theyll teach you more about it.
Yeah. Im sure, she said, her voice thick with sarcasm. Already Ive learned about how my body is ill-shaped for ever being an actress and how everyone seems to like my dog better than me.
Why would you say that?
Shes already made friends and all they did with me was throw out my clipboard.
What were you doing with a clipboard?
Thats what you got out of what I said?
Pretty much. I am glad you brought Brodie with you.
Me, too. But I told . . . uh . . .
Skuld?
Right. Skuld. I told her I wouldnt come unless Brodie was with me. I wouldnt have left Big B alone. That dog saved my life.
How?
Kera smiled a little. By needing me. She was so sick when I found her. I had to hand-feed her the first few weeks. But then she got healthy and she needed exercise and to go outside and to be around other dogs, which meant other people. She forced me back into life. When I found her, Id kind of given up. I was comfortable going to work, then coming home, and doing nothing more than watching TV and waiting for my next shift at whatever job I had at the moment. But that didnt work for Brodie.
Was it that bad for you? When you got out of the Marines, I mean.
Kera wiped her mouth with her paper napkin and stared out at the ocean again for a moment. It wasnt that Id been through what some others had been through, she finally said, looking at Vig as she spoke. Its just . . . I had lost a few of my friends, which was really hard. But thats the risk you take, ya know? The risk we all take. But I was lucky. I came back with all my parts intact and when I was still in, I was with guys who respected and watched out for me. It was like having a bunch of big brothers covering my back. So, returning here and being a citizen . . . ? That was hard. For instance, Id goout with a guy, and he didnt understand why I insisted on not sitting with my back to the door.
Why would you sit with your back to the door?
Exactly! But apparently that suggested I didnt trust the guy to watch my back, which I didnt. He wasnt one of my fellow Marines who had been trained just like me, who knew to keep an eye on the door even when we were having a deep discussion about something. And the few girlfriends I had before I went in, listening to them talk afterward, they all seemed so . . .
Vapid?
She winced. Kind of. And I hated feeling that way and I hated feeling like I was being a horrible person because I felt that way. I mean, they didnt know any better. They hadnt been out there. They hadnt seen what Id seen. Been where Id been. But before I knew it, I was completely on my own. They didnt want to deal with me any more than I wanted to deal with them. So it was just me and my job and nothing else. But then I found Brodie . . . and she watched my back. We were partners, ya know?
Yeah. Actually, I do. Thats how I feel about all my Raven brothers . . . even the ones who irritate the fuck out of me.
See? she said, her smile wide. I knew you got it. I could tell that when you came into the coffee shop.
When you thought I was brain damaged?
I didnt mean that as an insult. Guys having their brains scrambled by IEDs, you know, Improvised Explosive Devices, happens more than anyone wants to admit. Your truck drives over one of those, and if you wake up with all your arms and legs intact, you still might get your brains scrambled. Suddenly everything looks like a threat. Even when youre back home with your family. Thats a lot of pressure to put on a guy from some Oklahoma ranch who just wanted to help his country. And some guys . . . they break.
But you didnt.
I never got my brains scrambled. But I miss the camaraderie of the Marines. I miss knowing there are guys around me watching my back.
But you have that now.
Yes, she agreed, smiling sweetly at him. I know youre watching my back.
I dont mean me. The Crows. Theyll always have your back.
Maybe. Sure! She winced again. I guess.
Vigs heart dropped. You dont like them either.
I dont know them. But from what Ive seen so far, they spend a lot of time at the pool, going to movie and TV auditions, and watching ridiculous reality TV. And thats only what Ive seen in the last few hours. And the minute I even mentioned organization, they all freaked out on me.