Chapter 14: Alpha Rising

Neal wandered the gravel roads of Bull Creek, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he shuffled down one street to the next, soaking in the various cabins and how everyone decorated them, soaked in the massive oaks, cypress, and towering pines that dappled the skyline as he walked. He never realized how much he missed before, ignoring what surrounded him because of what Tina shoved in his face. He had lost sight of the people he was there to lead and protect, the real people and not the illusion she whispered in his ear. Shame filled him at how lost he had allowed himself to become.

The morning sun filtered through the overhead branches, offering a scattering of shade as the Florida heat began to rise. June, and it was hot as hell. However, August would be worse, and not even December would bring a cool spell to balance the heat. The heat was something he wouldn't miss when he left. Sweating before eight in the morning should never be the norm.

He sighed as he turned down Journigan Road,