by Piper Stone
Watching her being fucked by the others was almost too much to bear. I wanted her all to myself. The serum surged through my veins as they took her, one after the other. My mating needs were even more intensified, producing toxic levels of rage coursing through my system. Yeah, I’d accepted the rules, even pretending that I’d believed in them in order to escape, but this was bullshit.
She was mine.
Fucking drug or no drug, I would wear her scent covering every inch of my naked skin for all eternity. The why, quite frankly, didn’t matter.
When the mating process was concluded, I moved to the shadows, finding my bottle of bourbon. I would take her again, knotting her in order to keep them away for the remainder of the night. Christ. Every other huntsman was satisfied with finding a mate. I wanted her all to myself.
“You’re a one-woman kind of man, Dr. Canton. You’ll make a wonderful husband one day.”
I’d laughed hearing the comment from a colleague, even though he had no idea the pain he’d caused given my recent loss. Although he’d been right.
The rain continued to come down in sheets but I needed the fresh air. I poured a half glass, taking a sip as I snatched a glance at the myriad naked bodies. She was beautiful in every manner, her expression of bliss adding a luminescent sheen to her face.
I moved into the darkness, studying the angry sky. Even with the slight overhang, the water pelted against me. The lightning was severe, crisscrossing the sky in flashes of neon blue and high intensity purple. Even the weather patterns had been changed forever given the careless and destructive war. Entire regions had been wiped off the map, once fertile land nothing more than barren deserts. We were lucky in the main huntsman village to have vegetation, a significant food supply and water. That could all change.
The work I’d been involved in even during the government overthrow had been considered important. I’d been respected. At least until I’d shot off my mouth. Then I’d been labeled a dissident, shoved into a prison, and would have met certain death had it not been for one mistake made by a guard. I’d never forget that day and the young woman I’d seen so many times, the promise made. I’d searched for her on the night I’d slipped away, almost missing my shot at escaping. She’d disappeared. Jesus. Why the hell did it matter now? Alex couldn’t be that girl.
I threw back the glass, consuming half the contents. What good was it lamenting over something I had no control over? I couldn’t change the world. While so many believed in the leaders of the huntsmen, I doubted they could change the course of our world while I was still alive. I often had to remind myself that living anywhere else was much worse.
Snickering, I polished off the drink then lifted my head, savoring the way the rain washed over me.
Cleansing.
As if my sins could be healed.
I bristled, hearing the noise from behind.
“She is incredible,” Diesel said casually.
“And she is mine.”
“Ours, brother. You are aware of the rules.”
I heard the light tone in his voice. He didn’t like this shit any more than I did. “Leave us. For tonight, she belongs to me.”
He studied me for a second. “Sure, brother.”
He remained right where he was.
“I have a feeling that she is protecting an entire village. They may have information or supplies we could use,” I muttered, becoming frustrated with the entire situation.
“That may be the case, but we have our orders. They are very clear. Any deviation and punishment will be swift.” He laughed after saying the words. “I know you don’t give a shit about punishment. You seem to thrive on pain.”
“You’re right. I don’t give a shit.”
“Such a hard ass. You know there’s something off about her. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s eating at me. Maybe this village has some meaning.” He rubbed his jaw, hovering as close to the tent as possible.
I turned to glare at him just as another flash of lightning electrified the sky. His eyes held something I’d never seen before. Worry. “Then we will discover what but not tonight.”
He nodded, tossing a glance at the tent. “Do not fall into a pit of despair, my friend. We need a leader. We need our alpha.”
“I am aware of what’s needed.” The vehemence in my voice was uncalled for. I took a deep breath before adding to the conversation. “I don’t trust Gunner. I fear he is establishing an alliance with another group.”
“You’re thinking scavengers?”
“Soldiers would not take kindly to him and while he has instinct to mate, there are no laborers that would meet his... criteria. Soldiers would shoot him on sight versus asking questions or verifying his skills. They have no care for any ex-military, no matter how valuable they might turn out to be.”
“Gunner was a mercenary, killing various foreign leaders,” Diesel stated with conviction.
“Gunner was given certain orders that he had no intention of following. He was in the gig for absconding with large amounts of cash stored away in various very special vaults. Vaults that the various groups aren’t supposed to know anything about. Vaults housing blocks of gold and pieces of silver, ready to launch a new civilization under their thumb. When they finally figured out what he was up to, it was too late. Gunner had disappeared, escaping incarceration.”
Diesel let out a long exhale. “You know a great deal about the government and their plans, even how the soldiers operate. Fascinating.”
“You were military. You should know as much as I do.”
“Not nearly as much as you seem to. Then again, you had a higher classification. From day one you seemed to have an inner track with the government. I will admit that shit is out of bounds, Scorpio, and it could get you killed. You know how some of the huntsmen are. They always think spies have been able to infiltrate the packs.”
I snapped my hand around his throat, able to pick him up off the ground, my anger plus the effects of the serum providing additional strength. Friend or no friend, he wasn’t going to defy me in any manner. I’d worked too hard to obtain my position. “Do you believe me to be a traitor?”
He threw up both arms, holding his breath.
I dropped him, hissing under my breath. The fact I was this much on edge wasn’t good for the camp or for the future. Mate or no mate, Alex couldn’t be allowed to remain a distraction.
He inched closer, keeping his voice loud enough to be heard over the rain. “I am the only man who is aware of your vital and very special skills.” He waited to for me to comprehend what he was saying. “Yeah, I snooped in your shit long before that woman did. I’m not a stupid asshole. If I’d wanted to sell you out, obtaining high-ranking glory, I would have done that months ago.”
“You fucker.”
“Don’t give me crap. You’re a natural leader, which means whatever branch of military you were in had high clearance. That’s just my guess. You certainly know your way around a battlefield. But if you want to know the truth, my belief is that you were a party to the early stages of warfare, perhaps tossed out because of the honor you wear like a badge. That much is easy to see and something I suggest you hide. You wouldn’t want either the soldiers or the scavengers to learn who you really are, Doctor. I will say this. You should ask yourself why Alex suddenly appeared. Although the answers just might haunt you.”
With that he walked away, disappearing into the darkness.
Anger furrowed in my loins. The man was right. I had to be extremely cautious. He was the only one of us not completely jaded by the shift in humanity, yet his snooping had no doubt been about self-preservation. For that I couldn’t blame him. I valued his opinion as well as his friendship. However, the hefty price my head would obtain could mean certain betrayal from any huntsman, not just the scavengers.
I moved back inside the tent, curling my upper lip as Rock and Montana held a simple conversation. Alex was positioned on the bed, hunkered over, the pelt of fur wrapped around her
tightly. While I couldn’t see her expression, it was as if the endorphins had worn off, the ugliness of her capture swimming back into her mind.
“Leave us,” I commanded.
The other two stopped talking immediately, both shooting looks between themselves. They knew when not to fuck with me. They dressed quickly, Rock bumping my shoulder when he left, their glares just as heated as mine. I had no right to claim her, even for the night, but at this point, they wouldn’t cross me.
After they were gone, she didn’t bother looking in my direction. She sat shivering, her body rocking. I wiped water from my face and dropped the glass on the bar, debating what I wanted to do or if I should even talk with her. All the genetics, the serum and the gas were supposed to prevent any intellectual conversation. Thank God the original government had failed in certain attempts.
I rummaged until I found another cup, filling both with another shot of liquor. As I padded toward her, I sensed she was recoiling, perhaps ashamed or even disgusted with what had occurred. As I stood in front of her, lowering my hand and offering the drink, only then did she finally tilt her head in my direction.
I nodded, hoping she would accept my offer. She did so reluctantly, instantly closing herself off. As I watched her intently, she seemed perturbed that I was bothering to give a shit. So I walked away, giving her space.
“When I was younger, my father taught me to believe in right and wrong, no matter what was going on around us. He truly believed the world would right itself. Maybe I’m just like him, a dreamer,” Alex half whispered.
I studied her in the dim lighting, the softness of her features, the way her long hair framed her face. She had no idea just how beautiful she was.
“There are almost two hundred people in my village. At least half of them are dying,” she continued.
Her voice held such self-deprecation as well as agonizing sadness. I stopped walking, remaining silent as she continued speaking.
“I didn’t want to be in charge. I hadn’t signed up to matter to anyone. I was simply seeking shelter after my mother and father were murdered, my sister taken. I accidentally found them, or maybe I should say they found me face down in the river. I learned that the little city had been established years before, a hidden gem. They’d worked hard to try and recreate a normal environment.”
“At least you found safety,” I managed.
“Safety,” she said then snorted. “There were always scavengers and packs, but until recently only a few soldiers. We’re far enough away from Washington. I wonder why the shift?” She turned her head to glare at me.
“Because they are planning another war, one that will finally defeat their enemies,” I stated with no emotion. There was no surprise on her face. She simply nodded, her eyes becoming hazy.
“As foretold by the elders in the community.” Her words were whispered. “Why not the rest of the world?”
“Because they’re using repaired weaponry incapable of going huge distances.”
“So they can only kill those in the United States. How sick.” She narrowed her eyes. “You seem to know quite a lot. Were you involved in certain decisions?”
“I’m an observer, Alex. I thought it was important to learn all that I could. In contrast, I can tell you have firsthand knowledge. Interesting.” The girl was far too smart for her own good.
She gave me another harsh glare.
“Tell me more about your village.” I softened my tone. I’d spend time grilling her later.
“They were very good to me, bringing me into a very safe environment, nurturing me back to an emotionally stabile mind. As time went on, they looked to me for aid, searching for food and weapons, their bodies too old to hunt. I did what I could to help them, but there were just a few of us who had the skills to forage the woods, facing the various dangers. Now, they are starving. We’ve lost so many. I need to go back to them, to try and find food somewhere. I’ve scavenged all the houses within twenty miles. I’ve hunted for deer and rabbits, but even the animals are dying off, much like the people. Disease and even once treatable illnesses are wiping out humanity by the hundreds daily. I’m all the village has. If you won’t use your training to cure them, then please allow me to go back to them. At least it’s something.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
Alex snorted. “Of course you can’t. You do what you’re told to do. You refuse to help anyone. But you’re a doctor, which means you were born into a particular kind of family. That much I do know.”
I hesitated, concentrating on my breathing.
“I know. You play the brooding huntsman routine whenever you want. I’m not some stupid girl, Scorpio, or whatever your real name is. Yes, I lived in one of the saved cities before the rebellion and I know about the ones they’re planning on building, I guess after annihilating the rest of us. I also know that the government abducted the capable men, imprisoned those too old or sickly then injected all the females with this wretched serum, turning us into freaking breeding stock. As far as the huntsmen, I do understand what you had to endure was just as wretched.” She hissed, cursing under her breath. “I hate what I’ve become, but until meeting you, I never had this kind of reaction. I hate it!”
I wanted to comfort her, not a normal emotion for me. She pulled at my heartstrings in a manner that I’d always considered a weakness.
“I’m talking to a damn statue. Fine. I’ll just blabber on and see if anything invokes a normal reaction. Before you ask, I learned most of what I know from my father. He told me the truth about what the government had planned, killing off the people trying to make a difference in order to save humanity. The government wasn’t just overthrown as the reports indicated. The president and his entire cabinet were murdered, including their families. Those were people my father had worked with, cared for. They went against the system, trying to make changes.” She hung her head, the laughter bitter.
Her father had been an important man. Maybe military. That would explain her knowledge.
Alex rocked forward and backward. “The chancellor got exactly what he wanted and so much more. Power. Wealth. All by murdering innocent people. And the Elite class simply looked the other way, accepting the change and the subsequent battles because they were protected. Now, the illustrious new cabinet members and the chosen ones live like kings, using laborers and dissidents as slaves, omegas as their whores, bringing bastard children into the world. They even barter with the scavengers. I wouldn’t put it past them to have your glorious huntsmen in their pockets.”
Very few people knew about the way the overthrow had occurred. My hackles were raised even more.
Alex rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Did you know that their children will take their places when they die ruling in exactly the same way? Just like a good old monarchy.” She stopped to laugh.
I took another swig of my drink, very curious as to just how much she did know. Perhaps Diesel’s instinct was far too spot on. If she was a spy, then her death would be... horrific. I clenched my hand around the glass.
“The good thing is that it seems the selected women by the government are not as fertile as they would like to be. From what I’ve heard, only a few of the chosen can produce children. Hence the need for huntsmen?” She gave me another hard stare.
“That may be true, Alex, but if any huntsmen are involved, I assure you it’s against their will.”
“Either way, perhaps their lineage will die off within the next fifty years. Sadly, we’ll both be dead then. I’m certain of it. Then again, you’re a warrior. You eat, sleep, and fuck after hunting down and abducting fertile females. I have to ask, what are your plans and that of your people? Repopulate the earth then take over? That would be a feat worth seeing.” Now she was chiding me, pushing every button hard.
When I turned sharply, I could tell she expected swift punishment. I stormed closer, issuing a slight growl but to her credit, she didn’t back away or even flinch.
“I’m no
t scared of you, Scorpio. Do all the horrible things you need to do to me. Punish me. Fuck me. Breed me. I’ll still have my humanity. Will you have yours?” After a few seconds, she jumped off the bed, walking away in disgust.
Her behavior was not like other women I’d meet, especially those after the rebellion. She remained poised for battle, no matter the circumstances, instead of resigned.
“You should be very scared of me, Alex. I’ve been forced to do horrible things in my life.” The truth was, I had. The vile things I’d been ordered to do even during my time spent in the military would forever haunt me. I expected her to remain in her own world, angry with me for forcing her into a mating frenzy. I wasn’t going to tolerate this kind of behavior for long.
She shook her head, still the rebellious child.
“Alex. Come here. Now.”
I heard a single snort, but she returned from the small bathroom area, handing me a towel. I was surprised at her offer.
“Did you think I was going to run away? I daresay you would do everything in your power to hunt me down like a dog.” She kept her distance, tossing the towel at me then thumping back down on the bed. “And you’re fucking welcome.”
“Yes. You have proven to be a runner. I can’t allow that to happen,” I said through clenched teeth. I vigorously rubbed down my body as she watched, her gaze turning as lust-filled as before. The attraction we shared was undeniable, the chemistry explosive. I gathered her scent, pheromones that drew me into a level of darkness that drove my hunger, my sadistic needs. I forced myself to look away.
“Uh-huh.”
I threw the towel on the floor, taking several deep breaths. The woman was irritating but I’d never wanted someone so desperately. I moved to the bed, sitting as far away as possible. Telling her anything was ridiculous even to think about, but I was pulled into wanting her to understand what we were facing.
“The huntsmen aren’t the vile creatures you believe them to be, at least not all of them. They have nothing to do with the government’s plans. They are attempting to create a new life with the crap that was handed to them. You are correct in that I was considered one of the privileged but that was a long time ago. I wasn’t given much of an edge, the city I lived in mandating certain work schedules. I was forced to work in a labor camp while attending medical school. Then I was drafted into the Marines, or what was left of them. What I saw during my stint forever changed me.”