A Chosen Daughter

Chapter 37*E

By the time they reach the checkpoint, Leah is practically bouncing with built up tension. As the med team descends upon the injured women. As warriors takes up protective stances surrounding them. Leah still could not relax! She scans and search's constantly.

After many unanswered questioning glances, Chris approaches her "Leah?" He quietly murmurs "what's wrong?" Before answering him she meets Marie's eyes "don't you feel it?!" The men immediately shake their heads wearing confused expressions. Marie takes a moment to take stock of her surroundings, then shakes her head "feel what?"
"The hum in the air!" Leah whispers "it's like the wind itself is trying to warn us!"
"Warn us? Of what?"
"Danger!" Leah states simply.
"Danger? What danger?"

Chris shares a look with one of his warriors "Ant and Dave went after the straggler that went West ... they are tracking him but haven't found him yet" He volunteers. Leah looks at him worrying one side of her bottom lip before looking west. Going to one knee, hand to the ground, she opens her minds eye "show me" she whispers. Colours and scents blur as her minds eye closes the distance on the rogue. Once she has locked in on him, it all clears, until she can see he is not alone. He is among eight more rouges, looking to be leaving yet another settlement. "Shit" she curses.

She mind links Marie "He is not alone. He's with eight others - seems there's another settlement near by!" Marie's sharp intake of breath brings all eyes on her but she ignores them. Taking an hesitant half step she asks through the mind link "shall I .." Leah shakes her head as she regains her feet "escort the women make sure they're safe and get the treatment they need. Prepare them. I will deal with this and the new settlement!" As her eyes unfog from the mind link, she is surprised to see Chris standing right in front of her, brows raised and eyes serious. "You know what to do" Leah says out loud and Marie nods.

Leah try's to step around Chris but he blocks her. "What's going on?" Leah just stares back at him, he growls softly in frustration "I will bloody cuff you to me if you try to take off and hide from me again!" Leah's eyebrows raise slightly "now tell me what is going on? Where are we going?"
"The straggler has met up with more rogues!" Marie tells him. Leah's head whips round to stare at her shocked. Marie gives a half shrug "I willingly admit, he impressed me earlier, given the chance I think he'll surprise you too" to Chris she continues "she counted 8 but there could be more. There seems to be another settlement near by" Chris nods not taking his eyes of Leah. "Thank you Marie. Doctor Algreave once you have returned with these 10 and organised their treatments, please also prepare for further casualties. I'll let you know numbers when I know. Peter you are in charge of the escort back to the pack; make as good a time as you can but don't push the females too much! I will notify Daniel to meet you all and to send reinforcements. I will be going with Leah" she turns back to face him, mouth open in protest.

He steps closer to her, hand raising to cup her cheek "I will not be in the way and I will listen to you this time round. I have no doubts in your abilities ... but I can not stand back and watch that again! Please don't ask me to!" Leah was so taken back by his speech and obvious sincereness that she found herself nodding in agreement before she really knew she was.