by Coralee June
“I think, if prepared, you could definitely rise to the challenge, Agapimenos. You’re a fighter.”
I looked deep into his eyes, and for a brief moment, I forgot that he was a Scavenger and that I didn’t deserve his attention. I forgot that I was the lonely, forgotten, Dormas orphan. He leaned in closer. His lips grazed against the corner of my mouth. It was a ghost of a touch, a light whisper that felt like cool, refreshing mist on my skin.
“My clothes look good on you,” he whispered, shocking me out of my stupor.
“Everything looks good on me, Scavenger,” I replied while licking my lips and took a step backward. “Tell me about the second trials.”
Tallis smiled while rubbing his bare abs which flexed under my stare. I wished he would wear more clothes. Maybe I could bring him some of Hux or Patrick’s old suits. They were similar in size.
“What do you want to know?” he asked while falling into step beside me.
“What was it?”
Tallis took a moment to think about his answer before responding. “I had to spend a month in the Deadlands, alone. If I survived, I could continue on, if I died, well… then I was done.”
I pondered over his answer for a moment before responding.
“That doesn’t seem so hard.” I peered at him out of the corner of my eyes.
“Wild animals, toxic water, starvation, neighboring tribes, and Walkers. Yep—nothing too major,” Tallis joked while continuing to walk.
“Well, when you put it that way, I guess...”
“The danger wasn’t the hardest part for me. It was the loneliness. Never before in my life did I ever feel so secluded. I looked forward to run-ins with Walkers because it reminded me that I still existed,” Tallis explained while patting his chest. It was as if he could still feel the phantom emptiness of his month alone in the Deadlands.
“I hate to admit it, but I can understand that. Chaos is better than rejection—than loneliness,” I whispered. I adjusted the strap of my bag up higher on my shoulder and slowed my steps. The Walker Dorms were coming into view, and I wanted to prolong my time with Tallis before going back. Ever since I made the other women return my mother’s dresses, I had been shunned in all the communal areas. Even Becca pretended I didn’t exist anymore. The Scavengers were the only people that really spoke to me these days.
“I’m growing to like your chaos, Jules,” Tallis replied softly before leaning close. “Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watched him walk away.
“Goodnight, Scavenger,” I whispered back once I was sure he couldn’t hear me.
Chapter Eight
I was half asleep in my dorm that night when a light touch on my shoulder startled me awake. I moaned in pure frustration, "What the hell do you want, Becca?" I growled, settling deeper into the stiff mattress. My muscles ached from working all day. After spending four hours scrubbing the blood and dirt off my body, I collapsed on my bed as soon as I returned to my dorm.
I’d spent the past two hours trying to aimlessly slip into a peaceful sleep. If I wasn't tossing and turning on my uncomfortable bed, I was struggling to drown out Becca's delirious sleep-talking and the memories from my Walker encounter.
I craved just one night of uninterrupted sleep. One night without Becca’s moans waking me up. A large insistent hand on my shoulder made my eyes open in frustration. I flipped my body over, preparing to slap my needy roommate.
But instead of her wide, fake smile and wispy hair, a familiar pair of crystal blue eyes, illuminated by my nightlight, sparkled down at me. "What are you doing here?" I whispered frantically through gritted teeth. I pulled my blankets up higher on my chest and leaned back.
Tallis bit his lip in amusement before nodding his head towards the door. He placed a calloused finger to his plump lips as he stood. Tallis then gave Becca's snoring frame a timid smile before slipping outside. I continued laying there for a moment. I wondered if it really was Tallis in my bedroom or if exhaustion finally claimed me. Was I hallucinating? I shook my head as I pushed back my sheets and met him in the hallway.
"How did you even get in here?" I asked once the door to my shared bedroom was closed. I crossed my arms over my chest and realized that I was wearing a short black, silk slip. It left little to the imagination, which Tallis seemed to realize. His sharp gaze roamed over my exposed skin.
"Kemper gave me a key for emergencies," Tallis replied with a shrug, dragging his eyes away from my toned legs.
"Is everything ok?" Seeing Tallis here felt different than our walks in the woods. This was more personal. More intimate. I fleetingly worried that someone would see us. Tallis looked left and right before leaning closer, his familiar smoky smell filled my senses.
"I need your help with something," he replied cautiously.
"With what?"
“Come with me to Saberus."
I scoffed at him. Saberus was a Providence two-hours away by Transport. They were a forgotten place with many questionable trading practices. It was an elite destination for some of the more powerful men in Dasos. I've heard many rumors about the men that spent their weekends in the gambling houses and Walker Brothels.
"What business could you possibly have in Saberus?" I asked, my brow furrowed. I dropped my hands to my side just as Tallis leaned in closer.
"I'll have to explain on the way. Do you want to do something good today, Agapimenos?" I froze at that question and my breath hitched. He made being good sound so easy, so simple. He gazed at me with hopeful eyes. It felt like he saw that last flicker of a flame in the corner of my soul and was frantically encouraging it to burn bright.
"Fine, but I need to be back by morning for my shift in the Gardens. Just let me get changed.”
Tallis bit back his smile, obviously amused by my current outfit.
"Wear something nice," he ordered, and my lips curled in amusement.
"Don't I always?"
Apparently, Tallis also had free rein of the Transport, too. It was waiting for us outside the Walker Dorms once we left. Tallis held the door open for me as I slid inside, my floor-length lavender evening gown spread out around me, covering the floor of the transport. I waited for Tallis to input our coordinates before berating him with questions.
"In case you're wondering, it’s bad form to sneak into a woman's bedroom at night," I told him, keeping my tone cheeky. I pinched Mother's ruby necklace between my fingers.
"I've never had any complaints before." Tallis pulled out a large knife and inspected its handle. For some reason, that comment made tendrils of jealousy poke holes through my confidence.
"I mean, really, you sure know how to impress a gal. Plan on taking me to a Brothel?" I joked while searching through the door compartment. Cyler usually kept a flask here somewhere...
"Actually, that's exactly what I plan to do." Tallis slipped his knife into the belt of his pants. He was wearing a shirt today, and a grey cap sat on his head, hiding his trademark Scavenger hair.
"Surely, you're joking," I replied just as my fingers connected with the cool metal of my brother's hidden whiskey stash. Bingo.
"I'm very serious. Every six months or so, this particular brothel gets a new shipment of Walkers. Lately, I can’t get into the auctions without a Holder.”
“Why do you go to the auctions?" I asked. I took a deep swig of the burning liquid and winced away the heat dancing along my tongue.
"Because this Brothel deals young girls. Some of them Gordon's age," Tallis explained. His neck was red with anger. "I get alerts when they get new Walkers, and I usually can sneak them out, but they’ve increased their security.”
I swallowed deeply. This wasn't just an evening stroll, this was a mission. My leg twitched, and I tapped my black heels on the floor of the transport.
"So, what do you need from me?" I asked, trying not to reveal the energy that coursed through me.
“It's fairly simple. I need you to bid.”
"Easy enough, what’s my cap?"
"We don't have one. I just need you to win," Tallis said with steadfast eyes. He leaned forward and rested his forearms on his knees. My eyebrows shot up in shock.
"Did my brother give you gold for this mission?" I asked while leaning forward in my seat. No cap? How could he afford this?
"Your brother doesn't know. You can bid whatever because we aren't going to pay it. You're going to place the highest bid, then go to the back room and fill out the Walker purchasing contract. I'll be there waiting to rescue you."
"I see a few flaws in this plan. What if I'm outbid? What if you can't rescue us? What if they have heat?” The list of reasons why this wasn't going to work kept piling between us.
"You said yourself that you wish your brothers hadn't pushed you away. You want to be a part of the action? Now's your chance.” Tallis gave me a challenging stare. "Or was that all talk?"
I knew he was preying on my insecurities, goading me into falling for his idiotic plan, but I didn't care. The rush of knowing I was heading into danger was too much, but I wanted more. Tallis didn't treat me like a china doll, sending me away to keep me safe. He threw me in the middle of the action, all while trusting me to make the best of it.
There was also the lingering disappointment about my face-off with the infected Walker earlier. I needed control. Needed to redeem myself.
"I can handle it," I said sternly before picking my nails. If I had known I was going to a Walker auction, I would have worn the ruby dress. “But why? Why do this?”
Tallis settled into his seat while looking out the window of the transport. He pressed his lips together in an angry line before speaking. “I wasn’t born in the Deadlands. My mother smuggled me out of the Walker Zones in Galla and she stayed behind. I was just a boy. A nobody. This tribe was the only one willing to let me join their camp. Mia and her parents took care of me. She became my sister, my best friend.”
I leaned closer and tried to imagine what Tallis looked like without the white hair. Without the geometric scarring. Without the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Tallis laughed a bit. It felt half-hearted and empty. "I've always wondered if I was a Scavenger or a Walker. I've never really felt like either. We're all just victims of the system, really.” He paused in thought for a moment before continuing.
“The year before, I became Chief. I heard whispers that Saberus hosted Walker auctions. I was feeling reckless and unsure of who I was. It was a desperate attempt at finding my mother.”
Tallis paused again, looking down at his fists. “What I saw, Jules? It was bad. Really bad. Since then, I’ve been rescuing every girl I can.”
“Did you ever find her? Your mother, I mean.”
“No. I made my peace that I probably never will. This is the best way to remember her. Maybe it's foolish, but....” Tallis drifted off. He choked down his emotions then continued, "It helps." Tallis looked out the window again, a sad faraway look on his face.
“I don’t think it’s foolish, Tallis,” I said in admiration. Tallis smiled at me while sitting taller.
“I wouldn’t say that just yet. I’m feeling pretty foolish for bringing you along,” he said while raking his eyes up and down my body.
I crossed my legs and squinted my eyes. “Seriously? Why go through the trouble of dragging me out of bed at night if you’re going to insult me!”
“You misunderstood, beautiful girl. I’m worried I won’t be able to focus while you’re wearing that.” He nodded at me, and I looked down at my low-cut violet dress with a see-through midsection and thigh-high slit.
"You're an incorrigible flirt, Scavenger."
"I'm a glutton for punishment, Mistress."
"You know," I began with a small smile. "Normally my suitors take me on a picnic or to a dance. You're the first to invite me on a rescue mission." I clamped down on the side of my cheek once the words were out. The implications of their meaning evident in a wide, pleased grin.
"I didn't realize I was courting you," Tallis replied in a deep whisper before scooting closer towards me. He slowly placed an arm around my neck, and I breathed in his smoky scent.
"I-I was joking.” I mentally kicked myself. Tallis leaned in closer, pressing his lips to my neck. The feel of him sent shivers up and down my back.
"I kind of like the idea of being the first, though," Tallis whispered before lightly biting my collarbone. My eyes closed as my head rolled back and hit the leather seat of the Transport. He lightly sucked on my sensitive skin before moving back slightly. Cool air hit me where his wet tongue had been, and my eyes fluttered open at the sensation. As I turned to face him, my eyes zeroed in on his lips.
“Have you ever kissed a Scavenger, Jules?"
I shook my head no, biting my lip.
"We’re wild in all things,” Tallis whispered before grabbing my chin and pulling me towards him. "We claim. We bite. We consume.”
The adrenaline of the mission, and the darkness of the Transport, made my senses hum. I wanted him. I wanted to feel him closer and expel some of the energy between us.
Our eyes connected in a fiery display of passion, and for a brief moment, I remembered all the little encounters that led up to this. The touches. The flirting. The fighting. All rationality faded into the black abyss of desire. I leaned forward to close the distance between us, but his firm hand kept me still, stopping me from tasting him. My eyes lowered in disappointment, and I tried to lean away, but his grip was steadfast.
Tallis grinned at my frustration before diving in and claiming my bottom lip with his teeth. He kissed me with such recklessness that I couldn't feel where his lips began and mine ended. I moaned into his mouth as our tongues danced against one another in hurried passion. Tallis found the slit in my dress and placed a confident hand on my upper thigh. His thumb rested too close to that small tender spot where I wanted his undivided attention. My nerves begged for his caress.
He grabbed my waist and settled me over his lap so that I was straddling him. As I sucked his tongue, my straight black hair fell like a curtain around us. His lips trailed down my neck, and two confident hands grasped my hips as he licked my exposed skin. I shifted against him, my hips thrashing and begging to be closer.
"Agapimenos, we have to stop," he pleaded. He grasped my hips tighter, pushing that sweet spot of pleasure onto his clothed hardness. I moaned in delight at the contact. "Fuck," he cursed before swiftly sliding me back into his seat. He moved to the seat across from me.
For a moment we just stared at one another, chests heaving, eyes wild with passion. We struggled to catch our breath and calm the fire between us. After a few moments, Tallis smirked playfully as he leaned forward. “So, when should we announce our courtship?" he asked with a cheeky, yet proud, grin.
All lust and the buzz of our kiss completely fled my system. "Oh, oh— no we don't need to do that," I stuttered while straightening my dress.
"And why not? We are courting, aren't we? Or do you kiss all the men that take you on missions?” Tallis asked, squinting his eyes.
"Why must men always put a label on things. We had fun, didn't we?" I asked with a wave of my hand. I could imagine the scandal: Wealthy Dormas heir Courts a Scavenger Chief. My reputation would be ruined. Even suggesting so would turn away the potential for any quality future suitors.
"Ah," Tallis began while leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest. He eyes widened in understanding. "Are you still embarrassed by me?"
"It's not that, per se..."
"No need to explain," Tallis interrupted while licking his lips. His eyes twinkled with mischief. "I completely understand."
My shoulders slumped, and I sighed in relief. Thank goodness. I glanced at the clock on the Transport's dash and saw that we had forty-five more minutes until arrival. I shivered at the thought of what we could do in forty-five minutes. I bravely sunk down on my knees and made my way over to him. Once I was close enough I rested my hands on his upper thighs and grinned up at him.
"Maybe we could continue? Just because we don't label it, doesn't mean it can't happen again, right?" I asked. Even if nothing could formally happen between us, I still craved his touch. The energy between us crackled like lightning, and I wanted to explore the sensation of it. Tallis leaned forward before grabbing my chin.
"We can definitely continue," he whispered as he raised his hands so that they covered my ribcage. His thumbs brushed the side of my breasts, "...after you've announced that we're courting."
Tallis pulled away and rolled up his sleeves all while smirking at me. For a moment I sat there scowling at him, disbelief and anger coursing through my veins like fire. I'd suffered rejection before, but this challenge felt different. Finally, after the shock of his refusal wore off, I shuffled back to my sea, pouting. I crossed my leg, the slit in my dress rising and showing off my long legs.
"Oh, and Jules?" he began casually while tapping his steel-toe boots. His eyes took in my appearance. "You're gonna really want this to continue." His voice held such confidence that I bit my lip. A small part of me wondered how I could tell the world without experiencing any consequences.
Chapter Nine
I gripped my knees to keep them from bouncing with nervous energy as we rode to Saberus in tense silence. Tallis sat in a perpetual state of mild amusement. His eyes kept flashing to mine, the fire of what happened between us flashing in his cool blue eyes. I fidgeted in my seat as he smirked. Soon, neon lights illuminated the sky and we drove into Saberus.
Unlike other Providences, Saberus had no main gate, no security. It was a continuous random stream of Transports coming and going through the neon red city.
Our Transport glided effortlessly down the brightly lit strip. Buildings on each side of the road flashed sensual advertisements for alcohol and gambling. Women wearing all black with bright makeup and high heels strolled the sidewalk as men leered at them.