by Coralee June
“You got me there,” he said with a slight bow. “I’m no gentleman.” He took another step towards me and I felt like a wolf trapped in a cage. My Galla tutors taught me all about Scavengers. They were feral and uncivilized. I knew that my fear was well deserved. He stepped closer.
“I must admit, I was curious if you’d eventually find your way to my camp,” he said with a shrug while taking another step closer and grabbing the bag from my shoulder before setting it upon his muscular one.
“Well, I’m simply thrilled that my misdirection was entertaining,” I bit out. “But since you have what you need, I’ll be on my way back now.” I turned and peered through the trees. The sun had already begun its descent and I was still confused as to where I was. With a huff, I turned to face the Scavenger again, who merely smiled at my distress.
“Come with me to camp. You can meet the recipient of this generous gift, and then I’ll take you home,” he said while stretching out his hand for me to take. I openly scoffed at his outstretched fingers.
“Fine. But I want to be home within the hour,” I said while walking beside him and bumping his shoulder. I expected him to cave under the force of my hit, but instead it was me that bounced. His muscular, pale arms grabbed me and he maneuvered us so that we were facing one another. Barely six inches of space separated us and I felt paralyzed by a mixture of fear and…curiosity. He took one of my hands and lifted it to his chest, so that it rested above his heart. The pads of my fingers buzzed on top of his cool skin and sculpted muscles.
“I’m Tallis,” he whispered, before taking his hand and slowly placing it over my heart, just above the swell of my breasts, the heat that came off of him made my senses hum.
“Tallis?” I confirmed while he hand lingered. I was familiar with this primitive greeting between Scavengers. The Chief was either ignorant of his intrusive touch, or he simply didn’t care. He nodded with a confident smile that made my next move more rewarding. I slowly grabbed his hand and in one swift practiced movement, flipped his hand back so that his wrist was strained and helpless against my hold. “Don’t touch me.”
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who saw me through this book; to all those who provided support, talked things over, read, wrote, offered comments, and assisted in the editing, proofreading and design. My editors, Jenifer Knox and Michelle Hoffman. Beta Readers, Mads, Ellen, Gabrielle, Rachal, Helayna, and Luiza. My Mom, Jennifer, who provided support and a little tough love when needed. Above all, I want to thank my husband, Josh, and the rest of my family who support and encourage me in spite of all the time this journey takes me away from them.
About the Author
CoraLee June has always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. She loves engaging with the projects she works on, diving headfirst into developing real, raw, and relatable characters that are equally flawed and beautiful. CoraLee lives in Dallas, Tx with her husband and two daughters. She's been known to frequently indulge in boxed red wine and day-old pizza. When she's not writing, June is reading or substitute teaching at the local middle school.
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