Chapter one – Tempted

Quickly making my way through the echoing hall of the sad looking office, I nearly ran into a big bear of a man known as Matthew. He stepped aside easily, letting me pass while his chuckle followed after me.

"Burke is losing his patience, Cross." He let me know.

"Yeah, I know!"

He'd lose it knowing I was late due to a coffee run. I couldn't be without it today though, I needed it to fuel me. The long hours at my desk trying to get as much information as possible about the Seed family made me lose sleep. Not because there was so much material to go through but because there was hardly anything I could find. Without the briefing from the sheriff of Hope County, we'd be lost lambs out there, trying to extract a man who was like a ghost to us. The way we always managed to extract our target successfully was by getting inside their head. Yet all we knew about the Seed family now was basic information. Age, gender, their purpose within the cult, it really was nothing to go by. So I wasn't looking forward to this mission but Burke seemed riled up. Could be since it was the first assignment he got in weeks. The higher-ups didn't trust him anymore, said his personal life was a fucking mess and it bled into his professional life. I didn't like to judge so I had no opinion about it. Instead, I focused on the assignment rather than the man leading it.

"You're late," Burke growled as I walked through the door.

I held up a paper cup filled with delicious smelling coffee, "I brought you coffee." I smiled at him.

He looked at me with exasperation on his face, "That doesn't excuse your tardiness, Cross." Yet he still took the cup and smiled when he took a sip.

Thinking I was forgiven for my tardiness I took a seat at the clinical looking table and watched as Burke stepped to the screen which showed me the map of Hope County. He was prepping me with the information received by sheriff Whitehorse.

"The cult's compound appears to be at the center of Hope County." Burke grumbled, "When we take the chopper to retrieve that son of a bitch we'll be exposed to external threats. I want you to keep an eye out at all times. The sheriff insisted that it's not the right time to charge in and grab Joseph Seed but it's now or never, Cross."

It didn't sit well with me that we were exposed like that, in the center of chaos. It made me jumpy and anxiety crept up in me. I knew I couldn't show any of it, not wanting to lose this assignment. Just out of college and finishing the training program made me a rookie. This assignment could make my career. I needed this as much as Burke needed it.

"I'll be cautious," I assured him.

"I'm counting on you, Cross."

I held his gaze, "I won't let you down, Burke."

We prepped for our departure to Missoula, there a deputy named Pratt would be awaiting us. He'd take us to the chopper so we could extract Joseph Seed from his compound. I collected my papers and headed to my desk in the open plan office. Seated at my desk I stared at the pictures we had of the Seed family. At first glance, they all looked like the average family, but the statement against Joseph Seed was heartbreaking. He couldn't be a good man, not when he tried to take someone away from their home by force. That poor girl didn't deserve to go through any of that. While I was putting away all the papers on my desk, I received an envelope. The package was kind of heavy, glancing at the label my heart raced. Opening it quickly I let the flash drive fall into the palm of my hand. I placed it my computer and called Burke to let him know I received a file from Missoula. Sent to us by the sheriff's order. Burke approached my desk and leaned in close while I pressed play on the clip.

"My God," Burke whispered.

There was no reaction from me mainly because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The man known as Joseph was preaching to his people, approaching a man who was kneeling before him with his hands tied behind his back. Joseph pushed in the man's eyes, his confident posture never faltering as the man screamed out in pain. The man who called himself the father continued his preaching like nothing happened at all. Holding my breath I hoped I hid my fear.

"We need to take him in, Cross." Burke kept pointing at the screen, "That crazy bastard needs to be brought to justice."

"I'm handing this in, this could be used in court."

"I'll leave it to you."

Burke walked away, annoyed by the clip we just watched. My breathing hitched in my throat as I glanced at the image of Joseph. I couldn't underestimate this man and there was no telling what his family was capable of. Inhaling deeply and breathing out I tried to get rid of the nerves which wrecked through my body. The coffee I drank earlier wasn't helping either. My heart was beating so fast I feared I'd faint. Not being able to sit still because fear would consume me I got to my feet and left my desk, heading to the indoor gym. It wasn't much, but going for a run on the treadmill would do me some good. If it could help me take my mind off the clip I had just seen I'd be happy.

I was getting into my gear which consisted out of a bulletproof vest and a holster strapped to my side I glanced over at Burke who was prepped and ready to go. I slipped on my black leather gloves, smiling weakly at Burke who approached me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze.

"You can do this, Cross. The program is hard and not many get through it but you did. It means you're capable, you are ready for this."

I nodded, my eyes on my feet which made him squeeze tighter, "It was a lot to take in, that's all."

"It's always hard, but we'll make sure that man doesn't hurt anybody else. He'll be brought to justice."

Looking up I met the confident blue gaze of my superior, "I got this."

He gave my shoulder a firm tap and then moved away, "Let's head out."

We headed out, taking a plane to Missoula. I prepared myself mentally during the flight, catching myself sending out a little prayer to God. It had been a while since I did that, but after seeing what that man was capable of I felt like I needed to believe in something bigger.

"What do you know about the sheriff and his team?" I asked.

"The sheriff couldn't get back with us most of the time, you should have noticed that. Apparently, that bastard and his family cut off all communication with the outside world. They could only reach us through Missoula county."

"It made things very difficult."

"Exactly, we could have been prepared better for this assignment if we were able to get in touch with Whitehorse."

"I never talked to the sheriff, what does he think about this situation?"

Burke looked irritated while he let out a huff, "The sheriff sounded confused. Afraid even. If they did their damn jobs we wouldn't have to come in and take charge. This is on them so don't let them tell you otherwise. They let it come this far, they let this shit get out of hands. Now, all we are doing is cleaning up their fucking mess."

The sheriff was afraid which was not a good sign What were we getting ourselves into?

"We're here," Burke announced which snapped me out of my thoughts.

While we collected our things we met up with a guy who looked around my age, mid-twenties or maybe early thirties. His dark hair mid-length while his hazel eyes looked kind. He shook hands with Burke and then shifted his attention to me.

"Hello, name's Staci Pratt."

"Gabriella Cross." I shook hands with him.

"I'm your ride to the chopper. You can put your things in the trunk."

I walked to the car when Pratt caught up with me and took my weekend bag from me, "Let me."

Burke who caught up with us chuckled, "A gentleman huh."

I gave Burke a look which told him to shut up, "Thanks, deputy."

Burke took shotgun while I sat in the back, quietly observing the area. Burke and Pratt were talking about Hope county, Pratt sharing with Burke how things started out with the cult. Innocent preaching at first, people joining their cult by choice when all of the sudden they became more radical. Buying land and forcing people to sell their property to expand their control. Thing got this far because they never expected the Seed family to become so radical about their beliefs. I didn't have to look at Burke to know how he felt about this.

"Who is coming along with us on your side, deputy?" I asked.

"The sheriff and deputy Hudson. Deputy Nancy is on standby at the office."

"Who is flying the chopper then?"

He glanced over his shoulder, meeting my gaze with a massive grin, "That would be me."

"I see." I nodded.

While Burke took over the conversation I made a side braid, getting my dark long locks out of the way. I wasn't planning on getting physical but you never knew. Arriving at the destination Pratt took care of our luggage, Burke and I walked to an older man who was definitely the sheriff. A dark-haired woman stood beside him, her green eyes landing on me for a second before she introduced herself to Burke.

"Joey Hudson."

"Cameron Burke and this is my partner, Gabriella Cross." He pointed at me.

"Marshal Burke." She greeted and then looked at me, "Marshal Cross."

"Good to make your acquaintance." The sheriff spoke up, "You got the material I sent to you?"

"I did, thanks a lot for your help, sheriff," I said politely, wanting to keep things friendly between his team and ours. Without their help we'd be lost, it was best to stay on their good side, "I know it couldn't have been easy for you to provide us with the materials we needed."

As Pratt and Hudson were prepping the chopper the sheriff turned to look at me. It seemed he was more comfortable speaking to me than Burke. Then again, Burke did look ready to tackle someone to the ground while screaming their rights to them. He was all about enforcing the law, a stickler for the rules. Maybe the sheriff found it easier to address me.

"I hoped the materials I sent would have changed your minds about this."

"Huh?"

He didn't respond to me, he climbed into the chopper while Burke glanced over his shoulder. Yeah, they were definitely not going to get along. The sheriff looked tired, I couldn't blame him for not being as pumped up about this arrest as Burke. None of us looked eager to approach Joseph Seed except for Burke.

"Be cautious, Cross." He warned me.

"Yes, sir."

We climbed into the chopper, Pratt and Hudson sat in the front while the sheriff and Burke sat side by side, facing me. We all put on our communication gear, massive headphones which never felt comfortable to me. But it was the only way to communicate over the loud noises of the chopper.

"We'll be flying over Faith's region." The sheriff informed us.

"The little sister?"

He looked at me, "Don't get fooled by her soft appearance. She's manipulative, enforcing Joseph words through drugs known as the bliss."

I glanced at Burke, it wasn't too late to head back and rethink our strategy, maybe come back with more people to ensure our safety and of those around us. Burke, however, seemed lost in the warrant of Joseph Seed.

"We're crossing over the Henbane now," Pratt informed us.

We both looked out the window, completely taken by the massive statue of Joseph Seed. It was surreal, something which would only be seen in the movies.

"Joseph Seed." Hudson sighed, dislike clear in her voice.

"Crazy Fucker," Pratt added.

Burke and I shared a look, he then glanced at the sheriff, "How much longer?" He asked.

The sheriff sighed tiredly, it was like his like his soul was escaping, "Long enough for you to change your mind, marshal Burke."

Burke didn't like that, but it shouldn't have surprised anyone on the chopper. Burke never hid the fact how straight as a board he was. Despite all the signs being there, telling us to turn the chopper around and rethink our strategy he'd move forward with our original plan.

Burke held up the warrant for Joseph's arrest, "You want me to ignore this?" He asked accusingly, "It's a federal warrant, sheriff." He reminded the older man.

"Burke," I said quietly, wanting to defuse the situation.

He held his hand up to me, letting me know that it was okay. The sheriff ignored our little exchange and continued in his tired voice, fear very clear in his eyes now.

"No sir, I don't want you to neglect your duties but I do want you to understand the reality of this situation." His voice grew colder, "Joseph Seed is a man who shouldn't be fucked with. Let's just say the run-ins we had with him never worked in our favor."

I noticed Hudson glancing over her shoulder, throwing the sheriff a look of pity. Her colleague looked frustrated though, his jaw clenching at the mention of their previous encounters with Joseph Seed.

"Joseph Seed needs to learn there are laws for a reason," Burke spoke out mechanically.

The sheriff listened like a patient man he was, he wasn't pushing Burke not to go through with this. He was simply giving advice and I could respect that. That being said I couldn't speak up even though I wanted to. All I could do was having Burke's back and hoping things wouldn't go south.

"Sometimes the best thing to do is leaving things as they are." The sheriff ended the conversation with that.

The unwavering look of Burke told the sheriff the stubborn man would not change his mind. The sheriff looked at me, maybe hoping I'd say something to change the man's mind instead. There wasn't anything I could say which would change Burke's mind though. He wanted to take Joseph Seed in so that was what he was going to do.

"Burke, maybe we should consider what the sheriff is telling us."

He narrowed his eyes at me, "Cross, I did not just hear you suggesting to me to ignore a federal warrant because that's not how a marshal would behave under these circumstances."

The sheriff got the hint then, "Pratt, open a call to dispatch."

Deputy Pratt did immediately what was told and while the sheriff was communicating with a woman named Nancy who Pratt mentioned to us before I took the warrant from Burke, glancing over it once more. I had seen it many times, I remembered it word for word yet right now I couldn't remember why we were arresting Joseph Seed.

"He tried to kidnap someone with the intent to harm." Burke said in a clear voice, "He killed someone by gouging their eyes out." He lowered his voice, "Do you want that to happen to anyone else?" He asked me.

I shook my head, I didn't wish for anyone to go through that. He nodded, looking pleased with the result of his words. The sheriff's words then brought me back to reality.

"Convincing them to let us turn this bird around isn't happening, Nancy. Over."

"I should have been there." Nancy said almost jokingly, "If you run into any trouble, just let me know. Over."

"Ten-four over and out."

"Nancy should have been here." Pratt spoke up, "These peggies would think twice about fucking with us with her around." He joked.

"Peggies?" Burke asked.

"Project at Eden's Gate. It's what we call those who follow Joseph." The sheriff informed us.

The chopper slowly started to descend while Pratt informed us that we were there. The compound was just below us, it not looking very inviting, to say the least. As I took in the surroundings I could understand why the sheriff wasn't looking forward to this. A lot of trucks were parked near the location of Joseph Seed. If it was true what the sheriff and his deputies told us then we could expect the peggies as they called them to be armed and dangerous. Burke told me to be cautious, keeping an eye out on our surroundings so I'd do that.

"Last chance, marshal we can still turn this bird around." The sheriff insisted.

Burke and I stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. I glanced away knowing what his answer would be. The sheriff got it too and sighed, shaking his head in disapproval.

"We're going in." The marshal clarified.

"Set her down, Pratt." The sheriff ordered.

Pratt glanced over his shoulder, meeting my gaze. He couldn't disobey his superior's order either we felt a connection to each other, knowing this was a bad idea yet there wasn't anything we could do about it. I think he pitied me too. Great, just what I needed getting pitied by these deputies.

"Roger that," Pratt said focusing on circling around to compound and slowly descending down.

By now the peggies as the locals called them and Joseph Seed himself must know the authorities were going to barge in. I inhaled deeply and then exhaled wanting to get rid of my nerves. I encouraged myself, telling myself that if we caught this guy I'd definitely get a promotion.

"You were trained for this." Burke reminded me, probably sensing my discomfort.

"I know."

As Pratt landed the chopper I got a good look at my surroundings, we were in a dire situation. We were with five while there were armed peggies walking around the compound, all their gazes upon the chopper. None of them looked very happy to see us. The hostility almost unbearable.

The sheriff spoke up to dispatch again, "Nancy, if you don't hear from us within fifteen minutes send help. Send the national guard if you have to. Over."

"Yes sir, I'll be praying for you. Over."

That sounded ominous but I had no time to process Nancy's words. The sheriff started giving us orders about this extraction. Both Hudson and Pratt looking over their shoulders to focus on their superior.

"Rule number one." The sheriff spoke up, taking off his headphones, "Stay close to each other. We don't want you wandering off. Rule number two." He narrowed his eye on Burke which made me press my lips together to hold back my laughter, "Keep your guns in your holsters." He paused for a bit and then continued, "And finally let me do the talking."

"Yes, sir." I quickly said, knowing Burke would grumble at the sheriff's rules. I for one thought it was a great idea if the sheriff who was more familiar with the Seed family took charge.

"You want a job at Hope County, marshal Cross?"

I laughed, shaking my head at him, "No offense but it doesn't sound appealing to work here. So I'd have to decline."

"That's a shame, we could use more abled people." He muttered, then jumped off the chopper.

Burke and I jumped out as well, I fixed my hair a little after it being squashed down by my headphones. Burke smirked at me.

"So you got recruited without them knowing what you're actually capable of."

Laughter was clear in his blue eyes, I was glad Burke wasn't so uptight anymore. A minute ago he looked ready to tackle someone to the ground so this was progress.

"I'm just that good." I joked.

He laughed out loud this time, giving me a playful shove against the shoulder, "Don't get cocky now, Cross." He smiled at me.

We carefully walked away from the chopper and then followed after Hudson and the sheriff. The dark-haired woman was carrying a shotgun, which seemed insane to me. But then again the people around us were all heavily armed so maybe Burke and I bought the wrong type of guns to this rodeo. It was nerve wrecking having all their eyes on us as we walked past them, heading to the charge where Joseph was currently at. I stayed close to Burke, making sure not to reach for my holster despite feeling a little trigger happy by all these people surrounding us with their shotguns and I'm pretty sure saw someone carrying a sniper rifle. The sheriff tried to calm down the people who were watching us intently, but none of them seemed interested in what he had to say as we walked past them.

"I don't like this one bit," Hudson muttered.

"Agreed," I whispered.

"You are wearing badges, aren't you?" Burke sarcasm wasn't appreciated by the sheriff.

"You'll soon realize that it means very little to these people." He told the sheriff calmly yet firmly.

"And that's why you're carrying guns." Burke smartly retorted.

He was either in a good mood or he was done with the reluctance of the sheriff.

"Not everything can be solved with a bullet, marshal." The sheriff pointed out.

As we approached the church the sound of people singing drowned out the sound of a dog going crazy in the background. I didn't know which I preferred, the dog's loud barking or the ominous singing in the off looking church. The fact that it was quite dark out and only fires in barrels were lighting up the place made me lean toward the dog rather than the singing. Standing before the door of the church the sheriff gave out orders once again.

"Hudson, make sure no one gets in while we're retrieving Joseph Seed." He ordered, "And you, try not to screw things up." He eyed Burke suspiciously. He then glanced over his shoulder, his tired looking eyes meeting mine, "Stay close and keep your hand off the holster."

"Got it," I told the sheriff.

"Relax." Burke placed his hand on the sheriff's shoulder, giving it a squeeze, "You're about to get your name in the paper, sheriff."

At this point, no one cared about getting public recognition. Burke didn't seem to get it though. The sheriff and Burke opened the doors to the church and slowly entered. I followed quietly behind them. Taking in my surroundings I noticed how no one was sitting in the pews, they were quietly standing on the sidelines, watching the man who stood at the front of the church quietly preaching to them. I could only see his silhouette. His voice was quiet and calm, actually very nice to listen to.

"There will be a reckoning."

I shifted my eyes to his silhouette, feeling uncomfortable with his words. He remained calm as he continued his preaching while his people slowly closed on us, watching quietly but their hostility very clear. The closer we got the clearer his image became. It was pretty odd to me that he was preaching without a shirt on. He was athletically built, sunglasses propped on his nose while it seemed he was dangling a chain, maybe a cross on his hand as he viewed us calmly. My eyes trailed to the man standing at his left, hiding in the shadows. His built was much more intimidating, he looked like a bear of a guy. Bear man had his arms crossed in front of his chest, almost daring us to make a move and see what would happen. As I looked back at Joseph Seed it startled me to see a bearded man with sunglasses on top of his head standing behind him at one of the screens which were propped up and showed what I assumed was a reciting of their holy book. I couldn't see the man's expression that well due to the lighting in the church but his loose posture indicated that he wasn't worried.

"They're here to take our freedom, our faith but we will not let them." Now Joseph was clearly trying to hype up the people around us. His words would provoke both parties to make a move, it was manipulative.

As we stood before Joseph Seed his voice became much clearer to me. I held my breath when his eyes landed on me for a second. He then shifted his gaze to Burke and continued

"We won't let their greed, their immorality, and their depravity hurt us anymore!"

He was definitely riling up his followers with those words, there was no doubt about it.

"Come on, sheriff." Burke quietly growled.

The sheriff didn't want to make a move though, he wanted to approach this as calm as possible. Considering the people around us were riled up I figured the sheriff was right about approaching this calmly.

"Joseph Seed!" Burke called loudly, causing the man to finally quiet down and listen, "I have a warrant issued for your arrest." He informed the preacher, "With the suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to harm-" While Burke explained the warrant to Joseph I shifted uncomfortably on my feet as I felt someone's intense stare burning into me.

I glanced at the left side of Joseph, bear man was still lurking in the shadow and it felt like his attention was fully on Joseph so it wasn't him. I then glanced to my right, finally noticing a woman who wore a white dress which flowed around her knees. It honestly looked like a wedding dress to me which fitted right in with everything being weird at this church right now. Yet girl in the wedding dress wasn't trying to burn holes into me either so I finally looked up. Joseph calmly listened to Burke as he stood on his stage. His dark jeans fitting nicely around his legs and thighs. His chest was covered in tattoos, I wondered if that was the reason why he was preaching without a shirt on. Maybe he was displaying his ink. My eyes trailed to the man standing behind Joseph and lost my breath. He was the one who tried to incinerate me to a pile of ashes with his look. His dark appearance did make my heart race which shouldn't have happened at that time. It was out of line of my body to react to that man physically. I tried to completely ignore him by focusing on the preacher.

"I need you to step forward and keep your hands where I can see him."

Probably a good idea since he had a holster strapped to his side just like us. When Burke said those words people around us started closing in faster though. I did a quick glance around the room, if things got out of hand we were fucked. We needed to remain calm.

"They've come to take me, to destroy everything that we've built!" Joseph loudly expressed.

If he kept his words to himself his people would not have formed a line between Joseph Seed and us. But here they were, standing before us while trying to stop us from arresting Joseph. I glared daggers at the man who manipulated those around him. Knowing that things were escalating I did something drastic. The sheriff would probably frown upon me for it. I formed a U shape with my thumb and index finger and placed my gloved fingers partially in my mouth closing my lips tightly around it. I then blew, a loud whistle echoing through the church. It got me the result I wanted, everyone quieted down and looked at me. There was no time to regret my actions while I carefully stepped forward.

"Alright, could everyone just calm down?" I asked them, keeping my voice quiet, "We're not here to harm anyone." I grabbed the warrant from Burke and held it up to Joseph, "We're merely doing our jobs and want to get this over with as smoothly as possible. So could you please step forward, Joseph Seed and cooperate? Then everyone can get back to their own lives."

Especially me, I wanted to get the fuck out of there as soon as possible. I didn't like the way the now visible siblings of Joseph Seed were looking at me. It felt like they were scrutinizing me, seizing me up. Maybe I should have stayed quiet and let the sheriff talk just like he suggested earlier. It was too late now though. I still had everyone's attention which was definitely not a good thing.
A shiver ran down my spine when I met Joseph Seed's gaze, his eyes behind his yellow glasses looking quite amused with me. He stepped forward just as I asked of him but then placed his hands on the backs of the peggies who stood close to him.

"We knew this would happen, we've have prepared for this."

For this arrest? I doubted he knew law enforcement was building a case on him and then gave us the assignment to bring the man in. There was no way he could have seen that coming. Yet those around him seem to understand what he was saying. Not being the smartest person in the room right now sucked, a lot.

"Go, go." He quietly told his people, his voice back to gentle and smooth, "God will not let them take me."

His people slowly started to trail out of the church, but they didn't leave the church without glaring at us. My fingers trailed to the cuffs which were strapped on my belt on my back. I cautiously viewed Joseph who started to preach dramatically at us about a seal being broken throwing his arms in the air. Ignoring his dramatic preaching I took in his siblings who stood behind him. The bear man who I now recognized as Jacob Seed took a confident stance with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He didn't seem to listen to his brother's preaching and glanced at his younger brother instead. The younger brother had his arms behind his back, his eyes still intense as he viewed me. He was known as John Seed. The air around him seemed to be sucked in by him, it was like he dominated the room without using his words. Beside him stood the woman known as Faith Seed, her flowy white dress glittering in the dim lighting while she quietly viewed Joseph Seed's dramatic preaching. The siblings remaining so calm worried me.

"Sheriff," I whispered.

"Marshal Cross." He glanced at me.

"Is it too late to turn back around?" I asked him quietly.

Burke did not like that, probably because everyone in the room overheard my quiet conversation with the sheriff and finding it amusing. My words didn't help to make them fear the people wearing a badge. Burke turned to look at him.

"Do your job marshal and cuff that son of a bitch," Burke ordered.

Joseph turned his attention to me and stepped forward, holding out his hands like he was inviting me to come closer. I'd be lying I said I wasn't tempted by this man. There was something about his posture and his calm yet dominating words which reached something deep within me.

"Hell followed with him."

"Cross!" Burke called.

I glanced back at Joseph who still had his hands out to me, his sibling standing right behind him daring me with their eyes to make a move. I should never have whistled. That was the biggest mistake of my life.

"God will not let you take me." He informed me.

At least it felt like he was talking to me since he was looking straight at me. It was also the second time he mentioned that God would not let us take him. He seemed pretty confident about it. The fact that his siblings remained calm despite there being talk about them being horrible people made me think something big was going to happen if I did indeed cuff this son of a bitch like Burke asked.

"Cross, cuff the man." Burke said tightly, "That's an order!" He then spat out.

Something then snapped inside me, "Yes sir!"

Grabbing my cuffs I closed the distance between Joseph and I and cuffed him, making sure to tighten it up since I didn't trust the situation. My movements were mechanical, much like the sheriff didn't want to be here or do any of this shit. But an order was an order.

"Should have taken up my offer, marshal Cross."

Gently wrapping my hand around Joseph's arm I glanced at the sheriff beside me, "Told you Hope County doesn't sound appealing to me at all." I stepped forward and narrowed my eyes to blue eyes who intently looked at me, it was like he was trying to look into my soul. I shrugged the feeling off and moved behind Joseph, my hand never leaving his arm.

"Let's go," Burke ordered.

"Then let's get you out of here as soon as possible." The sheriff told me, the both of us ignoring Burke.

"I like the sound of that," I whispered and then stepped forward which made Joseph move as well.

"You're here for a reason, marshal." He quietly spoke to me, definitely addressing me this time as we walked out of the church, Burke and the sheriff walking in front of us to clear a path which made them oblivious to the quiet conversation I was having with Joseph, "It was all by design, because God has a plan for all of us."

"It was God's plan for me to come to Hope County?" I asked him, taking the bait because talking to him distracted me from the people surrounding us.

Maybe if they realized Joseph wasn't uncomfortable around me they'd stop looking at me as if they wanted to rip me apart. I didn't have enough bullets if they did decide to attack. All I could rely on now was Joseph being my human shield.

"Yes, you will be given a choice and it's up to you to decide if you want to walk the path or not."

"Where does that path lead, exactly? Heaven?" I asked him, skeptical about his words, "That sounds like me dying in the near future and I'm only twenty-five so that sounds even less appealing to me than moving to Hope County."

He chuckled, the sound was pleasing to the ears. His chuckle deep and resonated through his body which I felt due to my hand wrapped around his arm. He was definitely a distraction and I didn't mind it at all.

"The path to Eden, it does not require you to die in the near future. All it requires is for you to believe."

I squeezed his arm as I processed what he just told me, "So I will live if I choose to believe in project Eden's Gate which is basically believing in your words or I will die if I choose to stand against you. Is that it?"

He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses searching mine, "I have faith you will make the right decision, marshal." He spoke quietly and then looked ahead again, "I will offer my help if you feel lost and I will always be willing to forgive if you do stray. I love all my children very deeply after all."

I had to remind myself that this man killed someone by gouging their eyes out because right now his words were seducing me to cross sides. It was so very tempting.