Frontline Deception: Network Deserted Series, #2

By Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

Scarlet believes she is saving her friends by heading to the Frontline. She has no idea the true battles she will face. Nothing is as it seems. Scarlet, Henri, Tony, and Jennie are faced with their toughest choices yet as they find themselves in the middle of hostile territory, with nowhere to go.

Their hope for a neutral land, and a future for the kids left fighting the war is questioned when they stumble upon the latest deception of the Frontline. The expertly trained  Network kids are dying  while the undertrained Deserted win countless battles. The war is stacked for Darkness to win. But no one will survive the slaughter should he gain control. With the deadline of their change from human to Deserted fast approaching, they have to think fast and act quicker as they try to come out alive.

Betrayal, deception, and Darkness lurks around every turn for these four teens. Will they be able to outrun the Elders? Will the Network discover they’re still alive? Can they overcome their fears that give Darkness the advantage?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skypirate Productions
• Release date: Jan 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507061251

Book preview

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FRONTLINE DECEPTION

A Network Deserted Novel

Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

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Skypirate Productions

FRONTLINE DECEPTION

By

Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

Frontline Deception

Copyright ©2015 by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. To contact the author, send an email to [e-mail] or contact her via her website, www.jessekimmelfreeman.com.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Also by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman:

THE BELLA VAMPIRES SERIES

Bella Notte

A Bella Notte Christmas Story

Bella Vita

A Bella Vita Halloween Story

Bella Tristezza

A Bella Tristezza Wedding Story

Bella Morte

A Bella Morte Death Story

THE KAT PURROWELLS SERIES

Dead to Bites

Fur the Record

Trolling for Trouble (Coming Soon)

BRODY AND THE SKYPIRATES

Brody and the Skypirates

Brody Saves Rue

NETWORK DESERTED SERIES

Network Deserted

Frontline Deception

OTHER WORKS

What is a Rue-Rue?

Ruby’s Halloween Pumpkin

Island Captive (Coming Soon)

The Defected (Coming Soon)

For those that fight the good fight . . . even against the odds.

The Plan

Goblins

The Tunnels

Plan of Action

Tunnel Encounters

Understanding

A Special Kind

Intel

The Kiss

The General

The Map

Travel

The Camp

Not Right

Seeking Spells

The Escape

Network Territory

The Mountain

Monsters

The Town

The Dead

The Backroom

Newcomer

The Tunnels

The Trials

The Neutral Territory

Prison Break

Stop the Bus

Going Topside

Return to Sender

The Healer

About the Author

EXCERPTS

1. The Plan

The great thing about being in charge is that everyone will listen to you, even if you aren’t exactly positive about what the hell you’re doing. Henri and Tony led the way as we walked down another secret passage long forgotten to time - or so Steven said when I opened my big mouth about how we needed a fast way to get to the Frontline without being caught.

My boots and pants were covered in mud, Jennie’s feet didn’t touch the ground and I wasn’t sure if it was a Fae thing or because of what she had become. Steven looked in his element. He was calm, collected, and barely getting dirty - even in the soggy mess we were stomping through.

Okay, can we talk about the huge freaking elephant in the room here? I growled.

What the hell are you griping about now, Scar? Henri’s eyes flashed an annoyed bright purple.

Where the hell are we? And why are we going this way? I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest. I wasn’t moving anymore without something making more sense.

Scarlet, you asked for the fastest way to the Frontline without getting caught. This is it. Otherwise, we can go back through the Elders’ territory or cross the border, but the Network might get us. This is one of the routes I’ve used many times when I’m helping out. Steven told us.

But the insides of my boots are soggy and I’m covered in mud. There has to be some path through here that isn’t this freaking horrible. It was petty, but after everything that had happened, I didn’t want to be covered in mud to start this adventure.

Sorry, Scarlet, this is it. He shrugged and started off again.

It really isn’t that bad, Scarlet. Jennie said as her feet never touched the ground.

Oh, says the flying girl that doesn’t have her feet in this muck. My boot made a slurp sound as I pulled it out. So not cool.

I wonder if I can run on this stuff? Something for me to try for short distances so I don’t lose sight of the others.

All my muscles tensed. I was ready to move, to feel the wind zip by me.

Scar, don’t do it. Henri called back.

Why?

Something feels off. When a seer tells you something is off, you pay attention.

I dropped the whining act and went into high alert. This was what we were trained to do. As former elite students for the Network, we were the best of the best. It was the little things that caught our attention.

Tony stopped as the breeze went towards us, We’re being tracked by something. He breathed in deeply, But I don’t know what.

It was something we hadn’t encountered yet - which left a lot of options since there was so much we were still learning about. My thoughts went to all the rumors we heard growing up at the Manor. People talked about all sorts of things they read about. We never got to hear things from those that had been to the Frontline, and we were now the main four types of Deserted.

Steven, any ideas? I whispered.

It could be anything. There are lots of things lurking in these woods. Let’s stick to the plan and keep heading toward the Frontline. Most things are just curious. He said firmly.

I nodded, but stayed alert. This wasn’t the kind of situation where we knew what to expect … everything was unexpected.

I heard the sound before I knew what it was but it didn’t stop the words from coming out of my mouth, Incoming, drop to the ground!

Everyone hit the slimy mud without question- even Steven. The arrow embedded itself deep into the tree I had been standing by.

Cover! I called out.

This doesn’t feel like someone’s upset we’ve stepped into their neck of the woods. I sent to Steven.

No. We don’t typically attack without reason. I think we’ve been found, Scarlet. His voice held so much dread and the worry coming off of him made my stomach clinch.

Wonder-freaking-ful. I growled to myself.

I scanned the area for cover we could use. We were in the open with little tree cover. I noticed some boulders ahead.

Henri, Tony, and Jennie had their eyes on me, waiting for the next order.

I nodded toward the boulders and they understood.

Quickly, now! We moved as one.

When Jennie started to slow and I picked her up and rushed forward with her. Steven kept to my right, following where I went. He understood my team would always be my team. There was no room for another leader- a difficult situation for his personality.

As soon as we were behind the rocks, the arrows hit it from the other side.

We need an escape or a plan of attack, like now, Scar. Henri looked at me, his eyes wide.

Take a breath, Henri. We need to be calm if we are to do anything. Tony said relaxed.

Steven, do you have any ideas on what’s trying to kill us? I hated not knowing what was out there.

If it’s the Elders, then they’re Goblins. Not just your regular run of the mill Goblins which are annoying. No, the Elders have a special type on payroll especially for cases like us. They’re the elite of the elite. Fleeing would be better than going up against them. For a Master to say something like that, I was concerned.

The problem was I didn’t want to be out in the damn woods in the first place. I didn’t want to have to go against another head of a people. And I sure as hell did not want some retard Goblins on steroids or whatever coming after us. I did the only thing that worked for me- I got pissed.

Scar, no. I recognize that look. Steven says it isn’t a fight you want to get into. Let it go. Hen told me, his words almost begging.

Can’t. You know I can’t walk away from a fight and I am already tired of running. This is just shit. Screw that. We can take them. If you don’t want to do it with me, I can do it on my own. I told them, my back straightening.

I stand with you, Scarlet. I always have and I always will. Tony put his fist to his chest, a sign of allegiance and respect.

Thanks, Ton.

I can try and light the area on fire. Jennie offered.

Let’s save that for if they come near. We’ll need a form of cover out there. How about fog? I asked.

I think Jennie and I together can make it. Tony told me.

Awesome. Hen, you on board? I tried not to sound too hopeful. Things were still a little off between us. It wasn’t my fault I was bound to Steven, I didn’t want to hurt Henri, but I knew he’d find his perfect mate eventually.

I’ll do what I can, Scar. He put emphasis on the nickname I had once hated.

Steve, you wanna come in with me? I swallowed hoping he wouldn’t reject the plan entirely.

I’ve got your back. His fingers found mine and gave a gentle squeeze.

Good. Get the cover going and we’ll circle back on them. Stealth is the name of the game. Henri, keep an eye out for trouble. Try to keep these two safe while they’re working their magic. I instructed.

I always do.

The world turned a little blurry and then it was lost to the fog. The arrows stopped. I noticed a glow come from where I figured the Goblins were.

Be extra careful. They have a magic user of some kind with them.

On it.

Come on, Steven. Let’s go make some new friends. I smiled at him.

2. Goblins

Our feet barely touched the ground and where they did, the mud covered any noise we might have made in a normal setting. The glow continued. It didn’t move, and I instantly felt like it was a trap. I motioned for Steven to follow me and I jumped up onto a lower branch. Steven sat next to me.

It’s a trap. I sent to him.

I’d agree. Elites know their prey. They might think we’re using the fog as cover for our escape though. You guys have a history of running. He answered.

Help me find them. I ground out, trying not to get more upset; my temper was barely in check.

We sat and listened. The world silent around us and then it happened. I finally heard them moving. I pointed to where the sound was and Steven nodded.

Instead of getting down, I just leapt from one tree to the next. Steven shook his head, but followed as I went. I ended up directly above them.

We must find them. The Elders do not take failure lightly. One Goblin said his words crisp and precise.

Totally not what I expected. I thought as I listened to them.

This is nothing more than cover for them. We must continue to that boulder and find out where they went. Surely they cannot move any faster than we can in this mess. Another added.

"You are very wrong about that." I said as I dropped down between the two and smashed their heads together.

Four more advanced on me.

Seriously, they send a group of six after us? I snorted knowing they should’ve sent a small army.

We only need one to kill you. An ugly short man said. His ears were long and slick looking, and his skin a pale green.

Look, Thumper, I don’t know what the hell you are, but you look a lot like this bunny I once read about in a book. I giggled.

His eyes widened with the insult and he charged at me, a wicked looking sword held in his child size fist.

Nope, don’t think so. I slammed it out of his grasp and cut him down. Anyone else want to tango?

Steven hadn’t moved from his spot in the trees yet, and I wasn’t sure what he was waiting for.

The other three moved forward.

You will die by our hand. The Elders have ordered it, it will be so. Another one started and I rolled my eyes.

Seriously? That is not going to happen. One, you guys might be the elites here, but you are nowhere near an elite from the Network. Two, you aren’t going to get me. My hand shot back and caught the arrow that sailed toward me. Three, you won’t be leaving here to tell of your failure.

Two more Goblins slipped into view. One was holding a crossbow.

Steven moved from the spot and I had no clue what he was doing.

Ask them to tone down the fog. I need to see something. He told me.

Henri, have them lessen the fog. I hated to do a relay of information- something usually went wrong.

The fog thinned out, but thankfully still hid Steven and the boulder from the Goblins. Steven hopped to the next branch, scouting to see how many there were.

I believe this is the end of them. I can’t be certain without getting down and tracking them myself. He told me.

Wait on that. I want them to think I’m alone. I answered.

You are very foolish, girl. You think your pretty face will save you from us? You’re nothing more than a tasty snack before we devour your friends. A cocky Goblin said.

I cocked a brow; my eyes turned a vibrant red. Is that so?

The blade was in my hand before I even realized what I was doing. My movements fluid as a dancer as I sliced them open and stopped the threat. I left the cocky one for last.

Still think you’ll feast on my flesh and eat my friends? My eyes blazed.

Yes. He spit at me.

His head rolled across the ground before his saliva even came near me.

Scarlet, you are freaking scary when you want to be. He hugged me.

I looked him, the battle fury still carrying me and I shoved him away.

Stay back. I need to calm down. I slipped my blade back into its sheath and walked back toward the others.

Whoa. Scarlet, breathe. Tony stopped me before I was closer to the others, his large hand in the middle of my chest.

My rage slowly died out, and I knew he was helping it.

Thanks, Ton. We need to get out of here. I doubt those were the only team sent after us. Fodder is always cocky. I sighed.

Sounds like it. Let’s get out of here. He walked back to the others.

Time to get going and we need a new route, Steven. I said.

On it. We go west from here and then start back south, we’ll hit underground tunnels. I know the people that live in them. We should have no problems. He told me.

If it’s like this, I’m going to kill you. I warned.

Trust me. He grinned.

3. The Tunnels

A part of me was a total and complete idiot for trusting Steven when he grinned at me. The entire trek to the tunnels was knee deep mud. Tony made sure to cover our tracks as we went, but it was a slow and tiring march. Not once did I sense anything new or feel like we were being stalked again, but that didn’t stop my mind from staying on alert. Things could turn horrible in a second and we needed to be ready for anything.

When Steven started to move south, my heart did a leap for joy. I was covered from head to toe in mud; where it dried it was itchy and added to the entire craptastic aspect of the route.

Are we almost there? I whined.

About another hour. Steven said as he marched on.

Hen looked over at me and rolled his eyes. I laughed, some of my tension slipping away. Steven looked back like I was crazy and I shrugged. Hen chuckled.

Scarlet, you aren’t alone. Tony told me quietly.

I know, Ton. But there has to be a leader for us. I answered.

You’ve always been our leader. We know you are the best. I suspect you’re a better Master than Steven too. I suspect we are all the best there is in our areas now. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. I could’ve helped with the Goblins. He sounded a little hurt.

You did. If I didn’t have that cover, I would be dead. Besides, I needed you to protect Jennie. She might have some scary powers now, but she’s still more vulnerable. She wasn’t trained like us. Maybe that can be something we work on with her. I shrugged.

Well, I want you to know I’ve got your back. We all do. He gestured to our slightly scattered group.

I get that. It’s why we work so well together. I doubt there will ever be a time when we let each other down in one of these interesting situations we get into. I chuckled.

Never say never, Scarlet. I’d rather not have to test it. He smiled sadly at me.

Come on, we’ll be at this tunnel sooner rather than later. Let’s focus on getting out of this mud!

Good point.

Steven moved faster as the trees thinned out. I wasn’t sure if he was scared of having less coverage or excited we were closer to these tunnels he talked about. Tony picked up Jennie to make sure she kept up. Henri fell in between Tony and me. It was like we were our old team. The problem was we’d never be that team again. We’d always be different now. There was no going back. Well, unless the transformation rejected us and then we’d probably die. My heart did a little ping at the idea of losing anyone. To be honest, I liked being a Vampyer more than being a human. I felt a million times better and like I could be the leader they needed to me to be. Let’s not mention the fact I felt uber sexy, deadly, and powerful.

I smiled as we went. Henri looked over at me. His pale skin shimmered slightly as we walked. His eyes were his, but not- the red ringing his beautiful purple eyes. He grinned at me, and I could see through all the changes to my friend. The boy I grew up with, the boy I had secretly loved, and the boy whose heart I broke. We had walked a rocky path, but I knew we’d always have each other.

Hurry up, Hen. Slow poke. I teased him.

Right, Scar. He rolled his eyes at me.

Ssh. We’re almost there. I have to find the scout so we don’t step into the territory unannounced. They’d be less likely to help us if we just barge in. Steven interrupted us.

Wait, there’s a chance we went this way for no reason? I growled, that happy feeling disappearing in an instant.

Yes, was all he said.

If you need to find out where the scout is, I can tell you. I can sense life forces. Jennie said from Tony’s arms.

Excellent. Please do, Gift Jennie. He said and smiled.

Jennie closed her eyes and when she opened them again, they were dead black. Her head moved as if trying to trace the source of a noise. Then it froze in one direction. She blinked and when she opened her eyes again, they were normal.

That way, about a hundred yards. She pointed south.

Steven nodded, and he raced ahead of us. I didn’t push for us to keep up with him. I could track him anywhere on the planet. Not only was he was my sire, but I was bound to him in a way I still didn’t totally understand. The mere concept I was able to be bound to a Deserted was a little strange. I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve met him if all of this wouldn’t have happened. Would I have ended up with Henri? Completely unaware that my perfect mate was still out here? It was a strange idea.

Steven came back to us.

This way. When we get to the crossed trees, we must wait to see if they will grant us passage. He told us.

Any idea how long they’re going to make us wait? I asked. I didn’t want to just stand around.

Don’t know. They sent someone to ask permission. I know their leader. So I hope we’ll be allowed in. He shrugged.

Alright. When we get there, we find the best coverage we can and then we stop to rest. We don’t know if the conditions will improve or if we’ll have to keep on in this horrid place. We need to be ready for the worst. No mistakes. Understood? I barked out.

Yes. The others said in unison.

Steven didn’t say anything merely raised his brow.

Just because we are no longer a Team, doesn’t mean we’ll function any other way. We work best like this and it is how we were trained. I frowned at him.

He raised his hands in surrender, but I understood he wasn’t entirely comfortable with how easily we resorted to our Network ways. But it wasn’t something we could just drop. For the last six years, this was our life.

The terrain changed slightly; the ground a little firmer, the trees wider, and the breeze blew in our favor. It was strange to think someone could control the elements down to the wind. But I understood it was possible. I had seen what Tony could do. The world of the Deserted was amazing and frightening and still so very new.

I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, Tony and Henri closed ranks and we stepped closer to Steven.

We’re being followed to the left. I nodded my head in the direction.

I know. It’s another set of scouts. They are the inner ones. They know we’re here. It’s their duty to follow us. If we do anything they find to be threatening, they can choose to eliminate us. He said casually.

What?! I asked incredulously.

Loosen your ranks, and try not to start a mini-war with them. Steven looked at me.

Tony and Henri slipped back slightly- just enough to make the locals comfortable, but not enough to have lost the ranks completely. It wouldn’t have mattered anyways. We were trained to always be in some formation and we could fight to the death in all of them. There was a reason we were part of the elites. We were the best.

As we moved deeper into the area, I noticed more quick movements. I never picked out an individual, but I sensed them around us. We were completely surrounded. It made my hair stand on end.

Scar, I don’t like this. Henri hissed at me.

Try to look neutral, Hen. We have to get through this. It bugs me too. I realize they want to protect their people, but I don’t like this tight cluster around us. Have you actually seen anyone? I whispered back.

No. And with our improved sight, we should be able to spot them. They must move faster than the wind for us not to. He grumbled.

"Actually, they use the wind to move. I suspect these are people of the elements. The wind aids their movements; the earth works to support not only their homes below, but also the protection of their people. There is an underground river that provides them with all the water they use, and when they need fire, it comes to their call. If you look hard enough,