Civil War (Nephilim Chronicles: Book 3-2nd edition)

By G.Miller

Dr. Athena Johnson is every parent's dream: a straight-A student through grad school who earns her Ph.D. in sociology, a community activist, and a master martial artist. But she's most known for destroying her hometown. Athena's clash with Artemis Harris leaves a bad taste in Bridgeport's mouth, and people keep blaming Athena for the destruction. Meanwhile, Artemis' Harris Militia fuels the manna epidemic Athena combats every day at her nonprofit, Jacob's Ladder. As Artemis gains more power, she gets more aggressive, and Athena must choose her response. Will she use nonviolent activism or her advanced fighting abilities to wage war on Artemis' drug trade? If Athena doesn't plan something soon, Artemis will decide her fate for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G.Miller
• Release date: Jun 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370305810

G.Miller

G. Miller uses his experiences across the country as a spoken word poet, substitute teacher, security guard, law student, and journalist to fuel his work. His inspirations include Alex Haley, John Steinbeck, Toni Morrison, Akira Toriyama, May Angelou, and Masashi Kishimoto to name a few. He writes fiction and is currently writing a series entitled "Nephilim Chronicles."

Book preview

Prologue

I 'm in love, Athena Johnson said as she held a spoonful of honey and handed it to the blonde-haired blue-eyed boy next to her. Try it, Peter .

Athena pulled a pocket mirror out of her jeans, opened it, and checked her wavy black hair and her light brown skin. She knew her makeup was fine, and so was her hair, but occupying herself made it easier to hide her smile. As long as she looked in the mirror, and not at Peter, he wouldn't notice the glee in her brown eyes. She was sure of it. Now all she had to do was convince him to try the honey.

It smells nasty, Peter replied.

I promise it's fine, Athena said as she nodded at her own reflection. Try it.

Peter shrugged shoving the spoon into his mouth. When he gagged and coughed, Athena threw her head back and cackled. Peter flicked her shoulder and she punched his arm.

That's grimy as hell, man, Peter said.

You really thought hot sauce-flavored honey would be good? Athena asked. That was too easy. You have to do better.

I think I have PTSD, Peter muttered.

Oh, suck it up, Athena said as she patted his back. If it makes you feel better, Mary fell for it too. Where is she by the way?

Your guess is as good as mine, Peter replied. If the super-smart private school kid can't find her, how can I?

Ugh, can we not? Athena replied as she rolled her eyes.

With Apollo gone doing God knows what, somebody had to be Athena's sibling. Peter and Mary were a perfect fit, even if they didn't go to school. Athena didn't get why. High school would be easy for them, even if they grew up on the street thanks to Artemis. Athena clenched her fist whenever she thought about her, but she shook the image of her cold, gray eyes out of her head. Today was Stratford Day, a time for friends, family, and pranking Peter with hotsauce-flavored honey just like Athena's father pranked her. Peter swigged a bottle of water before gulping and wiping his mouth with his forearm and then rubbing his forearm on his red t-shirt.

You're supposed to use a napkin, Athena said. What's the point in working with my father on etiquette if you're not going to use it?

Can I be me today? Peter asked before burping so loud Athena ducked and looked around. We can’t all be super smart and get into St. Joe's.

Seriously, stop saying that, Athena said. I'm just Athena. So what if I got into a good school. It doesn’t change who I am.

I don't know what you're so ashamed of, Peter replied with a shrug. You deserve it. I can't pay you a compliment?

It never feels like one when people talk about it so much, Athena sighed as she looked down at her pink t-shirt and blue jeans. It just feels like one big expectation. Can I be me too?

Fine, you're just Athena as you wish, Peter said before frowning and looking around. "Where is Mary? She was supposed to meet us right here by the train station."

Athena looked down the street as people passed by wearing khaki shorts, polo shirts, and sandals. June in Connecticut always brought more people outside, but Stratford came alive on days like this. It was 80 degrees and sunny with no rain in the forecast for days, so the townspeople enjoyed their soda, hotdogs, and fried dough as they laughed and strolled. Athena smiled as she caught the scent of lamb kabobs grilling to her left. She frowned when she caught a whiff of Mary's hair.

She's by the lamb stand, Athena said as she patted Peter's arm and followed her nose to a stand where a tall, white male with hairy arms stood in a blue t-shirt and jean shorts while he cooked chunks of lamb on the grill. Her scent is here. Where is she?

Shit, Peter hissed as he patted Athena's shoulder and pointed behind the stand. Mary stood wearing a black tank top and jeans with sandals that Athena let her borrow. Two police officers flanked her; one with black, gelled hair and the other with a tan shaved head. Athena squinted as she listened in on their conversation.

Someone called 911, the bald cop said. They said you were hanging around this stand too much.

Athena glanced at the hairy-armed cook and noticed he wouldn't look up from the grill. He made the call and was so focused on waiting for the cops to take Mary away that he didn't even greet Athena and Peter.

I'm just waiting for my friend and my brother, Mary replied with a crack in her voice. That's all.

Do you have a license on you? the black-haired cop asked.

No, I'm only fourteen, Mary said.

Well we need to ID you somehow.

No, they don't, Athena snapped as she marched around the lamb stand and stood next to Mary. Don't talk anymore, Mary.

We need you to move along, the bald cop said with a slight growl in his voice.

I'm the friend she's waiting for, Athena said. Her brother's standing over there. She's committed no crime, and there's no reasonable suspicion for you to Terry stop her.

The officers frowned at Athena as she listened to Peter.

Dude, did you call the cops on my sister? Peter asked the lamb stand owner. Why?

The owner didn't answer. He kept his head low before walking away. Athena shook her head. Of course, he called the police and then ran off when asked about it. Athena met a few racist people in her short life. They usually weren't brave or honest. Athena faced the cops to find out if they were as bad as the man who left his own business to escape a teenager's questions.

What's your name? the bald cop asked Mary. Let's start there.

You need a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed before questioning her like this, Athena demanded. "If someone called and said she was hanging around that lamb kabob stand on Stratford Day, that's not a crime. That guy's just being a jerk."

Now the cops glared at Athena.

May we have your ID too? the bald cop asked.

Are we under arrest? Athena replied.

No.

Then respectfully, no, Athena said as she grabbed Mary's hand and led her away from the cops. Let's go, Mary. My dad's picking us up by the train station.

I didn't do anything, Mary whispered as they walked past the lamb stand and Peter nodded his head and caught up. I know we used to steal and stuff but--

I believe you, Athena said as they speedwalked past the underpass and crossed the street. Let's just go home. We'll tell dad about this.

Athena dashed across the street with Mary and Peter following. She jumped when she heard a police siren blare for couple seconds, and she stopped on the sidewalk. The same officers from earlier stepped out of their car and approached. Athena sighed and held her head high. Her father taught her to keep her cool in moments like this but never forget her rights. Terry stops were allowed with a reasonable suspicion. Stop and frisk was not and neither was an arrest without probable cause. That's the Fourth Amendment. Don't answer questions without an attorney present. That's the Fifth Amendment. Feel free to tell the officer you have those rigths and will invoke them. That's the First Amendment.

Athena was using all of them today.

Is there another problem, officers? Athena asked.

You're under arrest, the bald cop told Athena. Jaywalking.

We all crossed, Peter said. Why just her?

Peter, no, Athena replied with a raised hand. It's alright.

No it's not, Mary said. They bugged me too. This is not alright.

It will be, Athena replied before glaring at the officers. Isn't jaywalking a fine or something? Why arrest me?

The cops looked at each other and smirked.

You're a little lawyer, aren't you? the black-haired cop asked.

No, but my father's a big one, Athena said. He's also the mayor of Bridgeport. I don't think it would take long for him to contact the press when he finds out you harassed the two brown-skinned girls in our group.

That was the 14th Amendment; racial discrimination. Neither cop even glanced at Peter. They just glared at Athena.

Now it makes sense, the bald cop quipped. You're a thug just like him.

"I'm a what?" Athena demanded.

Yeah, didn't you destroy the city of Bridgeport last year? You Nephilim devils are always causing trouble…

Especially the dark ones. They're real aggressive.

Athena's hands trembled as she grit her teeth. Ever since her fight with Artemis local media covered her family nonstop and people wrote letters to the editor demanding an explanation for why Bridgeport's mayor enabled Nephilim. Athena finished middle school by going to school, doing her work, and running home. No friends. No support. Nothing but haters except her family, Peter, and Mary. She thought it was over, but now local cops judged her. Athena clenched her trembling hands into fists as she kept a straight face.

Composure.

Keep your composure.

That's what her father taught her.

Dude, that's not fair, Peter said. Artemis attacked us. She's the aggressive one.

Artemis is a murderer! Mary growled. Athena saved everyone! Why does everyone keep acting like they're the same? They're not.

She's a Nephilim like any other, the bald cop said. And her anti-cop corrupt mayor for a father just gave her a pass after she cost taxpayers a shit ton of money. You ask me, our tax money's better spent on rounding you little shits up and throwing you in prison.

The bald cop stepped forward, but Athena stepped back and Peter and Mary stood behind her. She remembered when the Bridgeport cops threatened her father with an arrest after Artemis' attack. The looks in their eyes as she stared them down still raised the hairs on her arms. Right about now, this guy stared at her the same way, and Athena clenched her fists until they stopped trembling.

Don’t fucking touch me, Athena said as she looked the bald cop in the eye and raised her hands in a fighting stance. Last warning. I don't want a fight, but you have no right to arrest me, so you'll get one if you try it.

The bald cop drew his firearm, and Athena gasped before Peter and Mary stepped in front of her and spread their arms. The black-haired cop pulled out his weapon as well.

Stop resisting, the bald cop said. "That's your last warning, you Nephilm trash--"

Athena flinched when a dark blur past in front of her. When she opened her eyes, she saw a tall, dark-skinned woman wearing khaki shorts and a black t-shirt standing over the bald cop with a gun pointed at his face. She pressed her sneakered foot onto his throat as her green eyes glowed like neon lights. Athena took a deep breath. Her aunt Achilla Johnson always had her back, but Athena didn't expect her to pick them up today.

Drop the weapon! the black-haired cop barked before Achilla spun around, smacked away his shooting hand, and punched his stomach, knocking him off his feet. She snatched his gun in mid-air and let him drop to the ground before crushing both guns in each hand.

You point guns at unarmed kids? Achilla growled as the black-haired cop rolled around, holding his stomach. Stratford PD sure has changed ever since Chief McDonald retired. You guys used to be sane.

When the bald haired cop stood up, Achilla marched toward him. He turned to run, but Achilla grabbed his neck with a smack and yanked him around until he faced Athena.

Apologize to my neice, Achilla snapped. Now. You won't get away with abusing her in my presence unless she's satisfied.

I'm…I'm sorry.

Athena, do you accept his apology? Achilla asked. It's fine if you don't. I can make him give you one you would appreciate. He's the police, but I'm the law around here.

A smile crept on Athena's lips when the bald cop looked at the ground.

It's…um…It's OK, Athena said.

I wouldn't mind watching you make him apologize a little harder, Peter said. This asshole messed with my sister.

Please don't, Mary chimed in.

No need, Achilla said with a wink before shoving the bald cop away from Athena and marching toward him. "By the way, you won't be calling my niece Nephilim trash ever again. You know who I am, right? You've been on the force long enough. You know what I can do."

The bald cop nodded his head before walking off. When the black-haired cop rose to his feet, Achilla faced him with her hands on her hips.

I pulled my punch, Achilla said. Pull a gun on me or my family again, and I won't hold back, and you won't survive. You don't get to terrorize kids around me, especially kids I feed.

You think you can threaten an officer? the black-haired cop growled.

Yep, Achilla replied. You're welcome to stop me if you can, or you can just leave these kids alone and go bother the real criminals.

Like you?

Yes, Achilla hissed as she marched forward and stood in his face. Just like me. Go ahead. Bother me. I'm waiting.

The black-haired cop glared at Achilla for a few seconds until he lowered his gaze and walked around her to follow his partner. Achilla watched him as she held her trembling fists at her sides. She then darted to Athena and embraced her around the neck. Athena hugged back, and Achilla held her by her shoulders as tears streamed down her face before she wiped them with the back of her hand. Athena looked away. Watching her aunt cry grew a lump in her throat.

Are you OK? Achilla asked. Speak to me.

I'm fine.

Mary, Achilla said as she hugged Mary and then Peter. Peter. Are you two alright?

Yeah, I'm OK, Peter said.

I'm good, Mary added. Thanks.

I'm so sorry, Achilla said before growling. I'm sorry you keep going through this because these fucking idiots can't let you be kids.

I'm used to it, Mary said with a shrug.

Yeah, Achilla sighed as she stared off down the street. That's the problem, Mary.

Achilla's eyes moistened for a moment before she wiped them with her forearm. Athena, Peter, and Mary looked at each other before lowering their heads. Achilla didn't get like this often, so Athena shuffled her feet and cleared her throat.

Where's Dad? Athena asked.

He got called in for political stuff, Achilla said. I volunteered to take you home. Thank God I did.

They walked to Achilla's silver sedan across the street and stepped in. As Achilla drove in silence, Athena stared out the window. After five minutes or so, Peter and Mary bickered about who called dibs on the chips and salsa waiting for them at home, but Athena couldn't stop thinking about what those cops said to her. She knew what profiling looked like, and they definitely picked on her because of her skin, but once they heard who she was, they added something else to it.

Nephilim trash, was it? Or was it Nephilim devil? Athena sniffed and wiped her eyes when they reached a red light. When she felt Achilla squeeze her shoulder, Athena realized Peter and Mary stopped picking at each other. She leaned her head back against her seat and closed her eyes as she reimagined the look in those cops' eyes when they called her that name. Athena hadn't seen that much hatred since she fought Artemis.

I'm sorry, Athena, Achilla said again as the light turned green. You'll overcome this. I promise. There's no law on the books to protect us Nephilim, but--

Who thought of that name? Athena asked. Why are we called that?

Achilla took a deep breath.

The CIA, Achilla said. It's really a code name for N.E.P.H; newly evolved post-humanoids.

Newly what? Peter asked with a chuckle.

Yeah that's a mouthful, Mary added.

Which is why they chose Nephilim, Achilla said. They called it poetic to name us after these giants in the Bible. After Trish and Artemis attacked, word got out and the name spread. It didn't used to be an insult, but to some people--

Screw the CIA, Athena snapped. And screw those cops. I'll think of my own name. Who told these assholes with badges that they can just call us whatever they want and then point guns at us?

Athena… Achilla sighed when she stopped at another red light. You're not wrong, and one day it'll change. Your father is working on Nephilim-friendly--

Don't call me a Nephilim anymore, Athena growled. And no one else better call me that again.

Athena! Achilla yelled as Athena opened her door and ran out of the car. She sprinted down the sidewalk, darting around the people who she knew couldn't see her at this speed. They still ate their fried dough and hot dogs and texted on their phones, and no one called 911 on them. No one called them Nephilim trash. No one called them the devil. They could enjoy Stratford Day without the drama because nobody hated them just for existing.

Athena gasped when she felt arms wrap around her, stopping her in her tracks. She smelled Achilla's skin and hair along with her familiar embrace that was always strong enough to fall just short of painful. When she heard Achilla sniff, she turned and hugged her back. Achilla stroked her hair as Mary and Peter wrapped their arms around them.

Whatever you want, Achilla said. You're right, Athena.We'll call you whatever you want. Just promise me one thing.

Yeah? Athena asked.

Once you pick your identity, stick to it, Achilla said. "No matter what. Don't let anyone call you that word again or anything else you don't like. Never let anyone mistreat you because you're different."

I won't, Athena said as she looked Achilla in the eye. Believe that.

A couple months later, Athena walked into her first class in her new school wearing the school uniform; a maroon polo, gray skirt, and maroon mocassins that Dahntay bought for her a couple weeks ago. She looked at a watch that her father, Samuel Johnson, left for her that morning. His schedule didn't allow him to say goodbye, so he left a note wishing her luck at school and wrapped it around a silver watch with a black face and inscribed on the back:

---

"With love,

Esther and Dad."

---

Athena always hesitated to call Esther her mom, but what other option did she have? She refused to claim Ailina Harris as anything but a scourge on the family even knowing her blood ran through her veins and blessed her with her abilities. Athena looked up from her watch when she noticed a pair of boys standing over her. One of them had brown, shaggy hair and wore a white polo. The other wore a much closer haircut but the same shirt. Athena could tell from their matching noses that they were related. They also looked a lot like her father's predecessor, Bob Fox.

Hi, Athena said with a smile.

Are you going to cause trouble? the shaggy-haired boy asked.

Why would I do that? Athena replied.

We know all about you Nephilim, the boy with shorter hair said. We know what you did to Bridgeport. It's all over YouTube.

Athena sighed and held her smile as she pinched herself. She just realized that as much as she hated that word, she never thought of another one. She always thought about how much she hated her government-given title, how it made her sound inhuman. Yes, Athena could do things no other human being could, but she still felt like any other high school girl. Why couldn't she be human like anyone else? Why did she have to be this other being?

We just want to make sure we're safe, the shaggy-haired boy continued. We've already asked the principal for cops in the school. I hear the only way to stop a Nephilim is with a--

Please stop calling me that, Athena interrupted as she held her smile. It's dehumanizing.

It's…what?

Dehumanize, Athena said as she stood out of her chair and looked both boys in the eyes. Verb. To deprive of human qualities, personality, or spirit. Don't do that to anyone, especially me.

That's what the cops call you.

The cops aren't me.

That's what reporters call you.

Reporters aren't me, Athena said with a shrug. Only I decide what I should be called. That's fair, right? I mean you wouldn't like it if I called you a pig, would you?

Both boys looked at each other and shrugged.

What should we call you then? the shaggy-haired boy asked.

Advanced human, Athena said with a smile. Look what I can do is a blessing from God, not a problem. I need you to act like it.

Are you going to hurt us if we don't? the short-haired boy asked.

No, Athena replied before she sat back down. Not physically and not unless you plan on hurting me. I promise you can't. I also promise that if you two try to corner me again, I'll talk to the Head of School, the media, and everyone I know until you get thrown out of here for bullying. I wonder how two boys cornering a girl would look if it went viral. Want to find out?

The boys scowled at her and walked away just as Athena's blonde, female teacher walked in. When she called attendance, Athena crossed her arms and waited for her name knowing it would provoke gasps and whispers around the room. She was sure those gasps and whispers wouldn't stop until she graduated, but she smiled anyway. Let them gossip. Let them spread rumors. Athena just needed them to respect her enough to call her an equal human being.

She would make sure they had no other choice.

Chapter One

Thirteen years later…

Esther Johnson's heart raced as she brandished her baseball bat; a Louisville Slugger her uncle gave her on her tenth birthday. Uncle Robby was wrong about her future as a softball player, but she found other uses for the bat. During college, she broke a burglar’s jaw. She used it overseas when her boyfriend’s angry ex and her buddies jumped her. They pulled her (then red)hair and pounded her face, but Esther broke their noses and busted their lips until they learned you never fuck with a New Haven girl. Wherever Esther went, her bat followed, and it always came in handy. Today, she ignored a brown strand of her hair that fell on her forehead while she held her bat and stared at three manna users in her living room.

They looked like the cast from a Stephen King remake of The Brady Bunch. A tall, slender but sinewy blonde woman in a green t-shirt flanked by two taller, dark-haired pale men grinned as she massaged her knuckles. The men wore navy blue tees and stared without blinking. Esther glanced over her shoulder at Samuel Johnson. Her now unconscious husband sprawled over the kitchen table. Blood leaked from a lump on Samuel’s brown forehead that disrupted the flow of his otherwise perfect shape up.

One punch.

Tania Laetner, the blonde woman, knocked Samuel across their living room with one punch. Samuel wasn’t a weak man. He played professional basketball overseas. He picked up boxing when he returned and learned self-defense from his sister, Achilla, just like Esther did. Samuel knew how to fight, and he always had this protective attitude toward Esther. Ever since they first met, she saw him as this immovable force of a man.

If he didn’t stand a chance, what was Esther going to do?

Esther fought back tears and faced Samuel’s attackers with clenched teeth and a tight grip on her bat. They all showed signs of manna use. Esther treated manna users for years, and the intense eyes and shaky hands were dead giveaways. She knew what happened when one of them had bad intentions. There wasn’t much a baseball bat could do, but it was better than nothing.

Tania was a little different from the others. Most manna addicts came from lower-income backgrounds, and even most of them were teens from broken homes or adults in their twenties who were down on their luck. Harris Militia sold them a dream that was as genius as it was insidious. Find the powerless and give them something that makes them feel powerful. Abusive parent? Manna will make her respect you. Uncle molested you? Take some manna, and he’ll never touch you again. Your husband beats you? One taste of manna, and he’ll think twice before raising his hand. As far as Esther knew, Tania fit none of those demographics. She was a doctor who worked in intensive care at Yale New Haven Hospital, so she had to watch people die from taking manna. New Haven was one of the worst hotbeds for it. Knowing that, she took it anyway? Rumors in the medical community said she never formally resigned. She just stopped coming to work after a rough day. Then she popped up a month later with her own television show talking all kinds of shit about Samuel and Athena.

Tania yelled so much and used such inflammatory language, Esther wondered what her husband and stepdaughter could’ve done to deserve her hatred. Samuel swore they never met. Athena had no reason to cross paths with her when Esther provided her medical care and she was so isolated by other kids that she went to school and went home until college. Whatever pissed Tania off, she couldn’t let it go for years, and it drove her to drop by Esther and Samuel’s today house for an unscheduled interview. When they finished, Tania assaulted Samuel.

Esther, wielding her trusty Louisville Slugger, was next.

You think that makes you tough? Esther asked Tania. You couldn’t make it as a doctor so you turned into some hack reporter who sucker punches people?

Hack? Tania asked with a slight giggle before looking at the two black-haired white males on her sides. Well I’m no reporter, but you could be a little nicer.

Those guys walked in with cameras and microphones earlier, and Esther knew they were users the moment they arrived. She just wished she knew they were coming ahead of time. If she did, she would’ve grabbed her gun and played nice until the cameras stopped rolling. Still, the cameras were off now. If she could somehow get to the kitchen….

Vlad, search the kitchen, Tania sighed. She keeps glancing at it.

Esther clenched her teeth. Manna enhanced a person’s senses and observation skills but not always the presence of mind to use them. Somebody trained Tania, and the slightest subconscious twitch told her enough. The man on Tania’s left marched into the kitchen. Esther flinched when she heard a slam on the floor and plates smashing. He returned with a revolver and unloaded the bullets on the floor before tucking it in the back of his jeans.

Got it, Vlad said.

Very good, Tania replied as she caressed his face with the same hand she used to punch Samuel. Esther’s hands trembled, but she held the bat tight. She stared at Tania, forcing eye contact with her. She wasn’t giving her more signals to search the house, but Esther needed more time. Achilla and Athena had to get worried at some point and show up. Esther just had to give them a chance to save her and Samuel.

Why did you hit my husband? Esther asked.

Well he assaulted me, Tania said with a wide-eyed expression as she placed a hand on her left breast. I was just scared to death. Has he ever hit you? You can tell us. You’re among your own kind now.

Liar, Esther growled as tears streamed down her face. My husband’s not a woman beater.

Oh, you couldn’t possibly marry one of them and still believe that, Tania said as she pointed at Samuel. You live with him now. I couldn’t imagine the horror.

My husband’s a good man, Esther snapped. He didn’t deserve what you just did.

Oh, but he did, Tania said. And you’re next if you don’t give us what we want.

Esther flinched as she stared at the two men on Tania’s side. They eyed her up and down and grinned. Whatever they wanted, they weren’t getting shit without a fight. Esther sniffed and raised her chin. She also raised her bat.

Where is Athena hiding? Tania asked. We both know you went somewhere after Jacob’s Ladder turned into a shit show. Tell us where, and we’ll let you go.

Esther shook her head.

You’re Blue Eyes’ kid, right? Tania continued. I’m sure you’ve got enough money to hide somewhere, and we’ll make sure Achilla doesn’t come after you. We all know what happens if you rat her out.

Yeah, she was a dead woman, but it didn’t matter. Esther wasn’t betraying her family. Esther glanced at her husband again. She couldn’t tell if he was alive or not, but she just witnessed a serious crime. If he was dead, Tania committed murder. Esther wasn’t stupid enough to believe anyone from Harris Militia would let witnesses walk away, and judging from the 8-ball tattoos on her camera crew’s forearms, she definitely had H.M. guys with her. Cooperation wouldn’t benefit Esther in the slightest, but it would jeopardize her family and her patients. Exposing Athena’s location was not an option. Esther tightened her jaw and looked Tania in the eye.

Besides, she wanted to clock Tania good for hitting Samuel.

You’re either for us or against us, Tania said. And you’re either for or against the Johnsons. Now is your chance to choose the right side. Join us. Join your people where you belong, and I promise no one will hurt you. We always protect our own.

You're not my people, Esther replied. You just attacked my people, including my husband.

I think you'll come to your senses, Tania said with a cocked eyebrow. Maybe a little tough love is in order, but I hope you change your mind before it comes to that.

Esther's heart beat against her ribs, but she took a couple breaths to stop her fidgeting. She couldn't run. Manna users were capable of running at up to 40 miles per hour. Assuming Esther got past them, they would just catch up. She had to stand her ground until helped arrived. Esther raised her chin and looked Tania in the eye.

Let me make this clear, Esther said. I may not be as strong as you, but I’m not scared of anybody, especially someone who puts her hands on my man. So if you want a fight…

Esther slammed her bat on the table.

Come fucking get it! Esther barked. I’ll take at least one of you with me!

Tania blinked a couple times and snorted while her henchmen chuckled.

I shouldn’t be shocked, Tania sighed with a shrug. Italians. There’s really nothing white about you, especially your brains, but we welcomed you into the fold with open arms anyway. I guess that explains how you can marry that thing against the better judgment of any sensible white woman.

Nothing white about you? Sensible white woman? Esther heard this kind of language before. Growing up she always stopped hanging around white people who used it when black people left the room. She walked away from doctors at work. She stood up and stormed out of restaurants on dates. The language wasn’t even the worst of it. It was the way they all assumed she would agree as if their skin color meant they were all on the same bigoted team. Esther curled her lip.

Fuck that.

There’s nothing disgusting about my marriage, Esther said. "Don’t you dare walk into our home and talk down to me like I should give a shit about being what you would call sensible."

I’m just stating the facts, Tania replied. Telling it like it is, and it looks to me like you settled. You ride the stallion for a short while and have some fun, honey, but you don’t marry it. That’s against the rules.

A stallion?! Esther blurted as her face heated up. Did you just call Samuel fucking livestock?!

Must I explain everything? Tania sighed and shook her head. God, it’s like his lower IQ has rubbed off on you or something.

What the fuck does that mean, you racist bitch?! Esther snapped with a scowl before pointing her bat at Tania. That’s it. Me and you. One-on-one. I can’t take all of you, but I’ll put that pretty face to sleep real quick like Snow fucking White.

Oh, like Samuel? Tania said with a laugh before pointing at Esther and looking at her henchmen. I don’t think she’ll talk, and she’s below my pay grade. Just break her neck and let’s get out of here.

Esther’s heart sunk. She got too caught up in the argument to buy any time. She should’ve given them something. It didn’t have to be true. Just something they thought was useful so they kept her alive long enough for someone to show up. How could she be so stupid? Esther swallowed as she brandished her bat.

Can we have a little fun first? Vlad asked as he rubbed his thighs. It’s been a while since I had something fresh.

I’m not enough? Tania asked with a pout before laughing and flicking his arm. I’m totally fucking with you. Go ahead. Just make it quick. I’m the only girl you actually get off, understand?

Yes, ma’am, Vlad said as Esther recoiled.

You’re a woman, Esther told Tania. And you would sit back and watch them violate me? If you saw the rape victims I’ve treated--

I’ve been raped myself, Tania snapped before pointing at Samuel. By another monkey like him, so don’t try that victim shit with me.

Esther caught her breath. So that’s what it was. Based on the actions of some rapist prick, her husband had to suffer. She hated Samuel because some guy he didn’t even know did her wrong, so for years she dragged his family’s name through as much shit as she could pile on. Esther encountered plenty of traumatized victims, but none of them took it this far. Still, maybe she could be reasoned with if Esther provided a listening ear.

Look, Esther said. If you’re blaming Samuel for your rape, you’re seriously mistaken. I know what happened to you was--

Oh no, it was my fault, Tania said with a shrug.

Huh? Esther blurted. How?

I didn’t know how to be strong, Tania replied. I damn sure do now. I’m not a victim anymore. I’m not a weak snowflake like you.

Tania lifted her t-shirt and exposed her stomach. The numbers 8 and 13 flanked her belly button. That was the numbering Harris Militia used to mark their territories. Anyone wearing it as a tattoo was an identifiable member of the militia. Esther always knew she was sympathetic to H.M. She wasn’t aware that she was Artemis’ subordinate.

Esther’s knees quaked a little.

She was screwed.

If her father was any indication, Esther knew how racists like Tania think. Sleeping with a black man was the same as being one to these people. No wonder she was fine with Vlad forcing himself on her. Tania no longer saw Esther as another human being. Esther wasn’t gaining her sympathy with Tania, but maybe if she exposed Artemis’ hypocrisy…

Is that what Artemis fed you? Esther asked. That your rape was your fault? That’s bullshit, Tania. It wasn’t your fault. The man who hurt you--

Was another black thug like the one you married, Tania growled with tears in her eyes. Like the fucking traitor to your race that you are. You betrayed good, hard-working Americans like me the moment you left the militia and married this thing.

Black thug? Betrayed? Traitor to your race? Yep. Sympathy was out the window, but now that went both ways. Esther’s face flushed as her hands trembled.

Your rapist was a fucking monster, Esther barked back. Just like the white men standing next to you. You’re so caught up in being the KKK’s fap fodder you can’t even see the truth that not every black man is a rapist and not every white guy is some knight in shining armor. People are people, dammit!

You’ll say anything to defend him, Tania said. Look at the crime stats. Look at what happened to me. They’re all savages, and he may not have hurt you, but I bet he hurt someone. Call me racist all you want, but if they acted better, maybe I wouldn’t be here.

Don’t blame black people for your behavior, Esther replied. I’ve met enough racists to know you’ve always been a hateful bitch. You’re just using some asshole as an excuse so you won’t have to feel bad about it.

Tania glared at Esther before stepping forward. She stood face-to-face with Esther, close enough for the wine scent in her breath to fill Esther’s nose. She drank before coming over? Alcohol had little to no effect on manna users, but old habits die hard. Judging from her breath, Tania had quite the old habit long before she took manna.

That asshole was my boyfriend, Tania said in a low voice. I loved him, and he made me hate them after what he did to me. Don’t you dare talk to me about making excuses when you married one of them. I didn’t know better, but Blue Eyes raised you right, so you have no excuse.

My father beat my mother and me whenever we didn’t do what he said, Esther replied. He left a handprint on my face when I had a Puerto Rican boyfriend, so don’t tell me I was raised right.

Oh, so now you hate your own? Tania asked. Is that why you married this thing?

No, I hate the woman who just struck my husband, Esther said. And he’s a man, not a thing. This bat is a thing though, and I’ll fuck your world up with it if you touch my husband again.

I see your father’s tough love didn’t stick, Tania said with a snort. Even after Achilla killed him, you’re loyal to her.

He killed her father first, Esther replied. What the actual fuck did he think would happen when he had a family man murdered in cold blood?

Oh, but--

He probably deserved it, yeah, yeah, Esther said with a roll of her eyes. You really have your bullshit memorized, don’t you?

Are you saying I’m making this up? Tania snarled.

Yeah, I’m also saying you can have like twelve fucking seats, Esther replied. You’re not saying anything different than my father did. Wasn’t true then. Isn’t true now.

I thought the same thing until it happened, Tania said. They always turn on you.

Bullshit, Esther spat. Look, I am sorry about what happened to you, I really am, but that had nothing to do with race. Vlad here just said he would rape me. Are you next or did he do it already?

I already told you--

Yeah, I know you say you’re not a victim, Esther snapped with a wave of her hand. But I’m sure he gave it the old college try, right? Jesus, the guy just looks mad rapey. He’d probably hump a dog if he found her blacked out at a frat party.

Vlad glared at Esther, and Tania scowled as her face turned red.

I have heard enough! Tania screamed as she stepped back. Vlad, I’ve changed my mind. Go as slow as you want, and make it hurt as much as you can. Make sure she knows her place.

Oh yeah, Vlad said as he cracked his knuckles and looked at his coworker. That’s what I’m talking about. Dibs.

You can have her, the other guy said. Bitch is defiled. I’ll hit her a few times though. Teach her a lesson.

Just don’t kill her, Tania added as she glared at Esther. I’ll do that after you’re done.

And you called my husband the monster? Esther screamed as tears burst in her eyes. Look at you all! You’re the monsters! You!

Shut. Her. Up, Tania growled.

Esther trembled and raised her bat as the two men stepped forward. She cocked the bat back to swing, but she heard a crash to her left and flinched. When Esther opened her eyes, the two men were gone and her door laid on the floor. Esther heard another crash to her right and heard a scuffle trail into the backyard. She looked at Tania then followed her eyes to the front door. Achilla stalked into the room wearing an all-black suit from some kind of shiny material. Her eyes shone the brightest green Esther had ever seen as she looked at Samuel. Tears burst into Achilla’s eyes as she gasped.

Is he all right? Achilla asked Esther.

I don't know yet, Esther said. I was preoccupied.

Achilla glared at Tania.

You’re going to regret that, Achilla snarled. I warned you, Tania.

You don’t scare me, Tania replied as she faced her. I’m not Trish.

You’ll die just like her, Achilla said as her hands shook. You should've left my family alone.

Achilla, what are you doing here? Esther asked. And where’s Athena? Shouldn’t she be--

Esther saw something move to her right, screamed and swung her bat. Peter caught it and yanked it out of her hands. Esther held her chest and sighed. She never thought she would be relieved to see Peter. Of course, he was no longer a scrawny, loud-mouthed kid who always got into things. He stood six feet tall with a chest that looked like he stuffed pillows under his gray t-shirt, and he flexed his muscular arms as he tossed the bat back and forth in his hands.

Good guy, remember? Peter asked with a baritone voice before running his hands through his blond hair then looking at Achilla and back at Tania. Time to get you and Mr. Johnson out of here.

Enemy eliminated, Mary huffed as she walked into the living room wiping blood from her lip and cocking her eyebrow at Tania as she retied her red, curly ponytail. Ever since she noticed that Mary loved House M.D. as a kid, she always saw her as the little freckly, red-haired girl who wanted to be a doctor like Esther. Now Samuel said she looked like Peter if he was a redboned woman. No one knew if they were actually born from the same mother, but they walked with the same straight posture and naturally thin frame. Mary’s toned arms and glutes filled out her black v-neck shirt and matching black scrub pants.

You should bring better guys with you, Mary told Tania. They hit like children.

Mary, not now, Peter said. Focus on the job.

Yeah, Mary replied as she rushed to Samuel’s side and checked his pulse. He’ll live, but he’s out.

Blunt force trauma to the temple, Esther said. I…watched her do it.

Mary and Peter looked at each other before Mary hoisted Samuel over her shoulder and Peter stepped toward Esther.

We need to go, Peter said.

What about Achilla? Esther asked before pointing at the door just as Achilla darted forward and snatched Tania’s shirt, pinning her against the wall. Achilla growled and Tania screamed as Achilla pushed her through the staircase on the other side of the living room.

Esther! Peter called as Esther ran forward to see what happened. What if Achilla was hurt? Tania was pretty tough and—

Esther gasped when she saw Achilla holding Tania to the ground by her throat with one hand and raising a fist with the other. Tania cringed and struggled until Achilla punched her face through the floor with force that made Esther scream and jump. It had been years since she watched Achilla fight outside of her sparring matches with Athena. They never hit each other like that. Achilla stared at Esther with