by Piper Stone
I also had to believe soldiers were close, unless they were headed directly for our city.
“We need to turn back.” Montana’s voice sounded from behind. He walked his horse closer to mine, unable to look in my direction. “You know we could be walking into a trap.”
“We’re not leaving without her.” He was right. My determination could get us killed.
“We’re moving in the direction of the scavengers. Do you understand what that means?” Diesel dared to ask.
I tipped my head. “Then we fight them.” I touched the handle of my sword for emphasis.
Diesel laughed and shook his head before pulling his horse away, trotting off to the west. “Just like the hero.”
Hero. The damn word again. I hadn’t accepted the job of attempting to be anyone’s hero.
Rock eased his horse next to mine. He was quiet, staring off into the woods. “She was here and not long ago. I’m certain of it. We need to save her.”
“I can feel her as well.” His newfound conviction was interesting.
“There’s more.” He slowly turned his head.
Wham!
The ricochet of the bullet was direct enough, hitting Montana in the arm, the force knocking him off his horse.
“Fuck!” he yelped, scrambling to pull out one of his weapons. “What the hell?”
I yanked my gun into one hand, the sword into another, using my knees to guide Thunder out of the clearing. I motioned for the others as Diesel galloped back in our direction. The sound of another shot could be heard, this time the mark far off. Whoever was doing the shooting had gotten lucky the first time.
Within seconds there was another shot, then a second coming from an entirely different direction. That’s when I knew that we’d been ambushed. We’d all been trained, knew exactly how to handle the situation.
Dropping off the horses, we raced directly into the thick of the woods and within seconds encountered a group of scavengers. While the masks they were forced to wear in order to stay alive often hindered their sight, this group seemed well adept at maneuvering with ease. They were adorned with armor, no doubt bulletproof, a product of the government.
We were surrounded, six of the fuckers turning into twelve then at least ten more. The scavengers had one vulnerability, their necks. We’d trained for this, had taken down hundreds of the ravaging assholes during our time foraging the woods, but these in particular were adept at adjusting, their fighting skills extraordinary.
The bullets in my gun depleted, I swung my sword with both hands, moving through several of them without issue. We fought a bloody war, the four of us, working on brawn and drive, picking through the scavengers with far too much ease.
But I knew there were more of them waiting.
Hunting.
Ready to kill.
However, their actions were off, slower in movement as if disoriented. They were succumbing to the last stages of the gas, their bodies deteriorating and easy to kill.
“Ahhh!” I swung the sword, catching two of them in one slash, another beast knocking me to the ground.
As I stared up in the man’s vacant eyes, I was forced to accept there was no such thing left as humanity. The sounds of the battles were deafening; metal clanging against metal, horrific grunts as the brutes fell. And still there were more, advancing like true predators.
“Die, you fucker!” Rock’s knife slashed through the back of the scavenger’s neck, killing him instantly.
I scrambled out of the way as the asshole fell, wiping my mouth with my arm before nodding to my friend. “How many more?”
“No idea,” he answered, leaning over to catch his breath.
A wave of birds could be heard in the distance, their cackling cry keening over everything else. They were flying to perceived safety, trying desperately to get far away. I stood, throwing out my arms, turning in a complete circle and willing the monsters to come forward.
When I issued a bellow, a cry of the wild, I could hear another cry in response.
A woman.
Alex.
Then... nothing.
It was as if the forest absorbed all the sound, sucking in the violence and terror, fighting the bloody battle that had ensued.
The others surrounded me, all four of us turning in various directions, looking for other scavengers.
“The scream,” Diesel whispered.
I nodded, motioning to them again seconds before hearing the trotting sound of hooves. We stood fast, our weapons fully engaged, waiting.
Gunner moved out of the trees, heading in our direction, his smile one of knowing.
And of promised threats ready to be fulfilled.
The others I’d banished weren’t far behind, all looking regal on their horses, smug looks on their faces.
Sitting bound in front of Gunner on the horse was Alex. She held her head high, but I could see the terror on her face.
“Well, well. We meet again, Scorpio, savior of all men.” Gunner laughed as he drew nearer, allowing me to see the sharp blade in his hand, the tip pointed at Alex’s jugular. “Tell me, does your lovely whore know how many men you allowed to die when you were little more than a trained seal for the chancellor?”
Alex shifted, struggling to get out of his hold. “You’re a bastard.”
I knew the man was trying to goad me. That wasn’t going to happen today.
“I always knew you were a traitor, Gunner.” My words were clipped.
“No more than you are. I work for money. You should have known that,” he responded, darting a glance at the others. “I suggest you put down your weapons. Much like this wench here, you’re going to fetch a hefty price. I’ll be considered a king in Washington. You, on the other hand, will likely die in front of thousands.” His laugh was more like a cackle, unsteady and crazed from his own level of greed.
I calculated the distance, too far at this point to make a difference. We all remained quiet, refusing to give in to the asshole. Rock knew Gunner the best and as I gathered a slight glimpse of him, I could tell the former Marine was already calculating his next move.
“I said,” Gunner hissed, jamming the blade into Alex’s neck, “drop your fuckin’ weapons or I will have no choice but to take you dead or alive.”
“You don’t want to give up your cash cow, now do you?” I asked in a casual manner.
“Then again, the chancellor didn’t say which he’d prefer. I think I’d prefer you dead.” His retort was classical. The man only cared about himself.
Rock managed to take careful steps to the left, trying to flank Gunner’s side.
Gunner caught the move, pitching his knife and missing by centimeters. He quickly grabbed another, laughing the entire time.
His other men began to move in a formation, ready to strike when their leader gave the command.
Stiffening, Rock snarled under his breath.
“You think I’m a fool?” Gunner asked, shifting the horse in the other direction.
Alex’s stare was hard, but her eyes continued to dart toward the trees. I could sense more than just her fear, but the emotion I couldn’t pick up on. However, it was clear that we had company.
I waited for a few seconds then nodded, holding out the sword in a reluctant manner. “All right. You won. Don’t hurt her.”
“What the fuck are you doing?” Diesel hissed between clenched teeth.
“What is necessary to survive. We’ll still go west at some point.”
The message had been clear.
Heard.
And accepted.
My team was well versed in the particulars and importance of using a code. My only worry was Alex’s reaction.
The second I lifted my sword, my team reacted, providing just enough distraction. Alex seemed to sense what was happening, jamming her elbow into Gunner’s abdomen. In the next several seconds, everything became a blur as I rushed forward, yanking her down from the horse even as Gunner recovered.
Shots echoed throug
h the trees, the few remaining scavengers lumbering from their hiding places. They were no match for my men, easily taken down one after the other.
The men I’d banished fought hard, but one by one, they were annihilated.
Throwing back his head, Gunner let out a battle cry, trying desperately to recover his hold on Alex.
She was too quick, using her strong legs to kick him in the gut, sending him tumbling.
That was all the help I needed. Shooting forward, I threw several punches, smashing my fist into his face. When he no longer reacted, I jerked to my feet, holding the sword over his face. “You betrayed the wrong man, Gunner. Now, you are going to die for your treacherous behavior. Get her untied. Protect her,” I directed.
I could see a look of amusement in his eyes, cold and calculated as if I’d fallen into a trap.
“Bastard!” Alex hissed, issuing a hard kick to his groin before Rock managed to drag her away and out of danger.
“You might think you’ve won, but the battle is just beginning.” He started to laugh, the evil sound filtering into my eardrums, igniting the rage into a firestorm.
Just seconds before I lowered the blade, another cry exploded from the depths of the forest.
My entire team reacted, ready to annihilate whatever remaining enemy there was.
“No!” Alex screamed, fighting with Rock as he finished untying her. The second she was free, she raced toward the sound.
“Alex. Don’t!” Montana called, moving to block her advance, the others taking a fighting stance.
There was a flash of motion, drawing my attention for a split second, but long enough for Gunner to retaliate.
An unseen gun raised.
Pointed directly at the woman I adored.
No time to react.
Wham!
The force of the blow was horrific, driving me several feet into the air, the pain biting.
As if in slow motion, the others reacted, ready to give Gunner a death blow, but even their reflexes were too slow.
“Scorpio!” Alex called, racing in my direction.
Using every ounce of strength I had left, I crawled to a kneeling position, ready to lunge at Gunner as he lifted his gun once again.
“Get ready to meet your maker in hell!” he snarled.
The whooshing sound was one I’d never forget, the blade soaring through the air catching the limited light, the steel somehow gleaming.
Just seconds before making contact directly into Gunner’s chest.
I studied the girl who’d issued the killing blow, her beautiful dark hair flowing in the light breeze. The same death stare, the same skills as I’d seen in Alex.
“No. No! Stay with me, Scorpio. Please. I love you. Hear me. You are not going to die.” Alex crouched over me, brushed the hair from my eyes, her tears slipping down to my face. I was beginning to lose consciousness, the cold fingers of hell wrapping around my neck.
“Who... is... she?”
Stealing a single glance over her shoulder, she offered a single smile. “My sister.”
As the light faded away, I knew in my heart that the others would take care of the woman I loved.
Love...
Chapter Fourteen
Scorpio
Death.
Facing my own death had left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I’d been taken from the killing grounds, unable to stick my own dagger in the bastard’s eye. Gunner’s demise had been far too peaceful.
“Everything secure?” I asked as Diesel walked into the small kitchen, the house now a refuge for the night. I was antsy, glancing out the window every few seconds. With the storm still raging, I was hoping we’d get at least one good night of rest. We couldn’t afford any more. We still had two days minimum until we’d reach the city.
As long as nothing else interfered.
“Rock and Montana are taking first watch. I suggest you get some rest.”
“Yeah. I will.” Eventually.
A quiet tension settled in.
“Alex isn’t doing well. I’m not certain you really give a damn about me telling you,” Diesel said quietly as he pulled me to the side.
“Jesus Christ. You know I care!” I realized he’d been goading me, the grin on his face one I’d come to expect. “Injuries? Do I need to see if her stitches opened up?” I asked, another round of anger cramping my stomach.
“No. Doctor, you’re well aware that her knife wound was superficial and is healing nicely. How is your wound? You were pretty bad.”
“I’m fine.” I rubbed my chest, thankful the bullet hadn’t shattered any major arteries. My arm would remain stiff for some time. They’d patched me up, racing to get out of the clutches of the few scavengers hungry for blood. They were even more dangerous now that their end was near, their behavior unpredictable.
He rolled his eyes. “You would say that no matter the extent of the injury. You’re one lucky son of a bitch.”
“There is no luck left on this earth.”
“I’m sorry about Gunner, Scorpio. He would have sold his soul to the devil if it meant obtaining wealth and power,” Diesel said quietly.
“He did that a long time ago.” The bastard had been a plant, his single mission to locate the huntsmen’s city. He’d also likely lured the soldiers to at least a few of the packs. He hadn’t been able to risk communication, knowing Montana’s skills. My banishment had opened the window to his final treachery.
“He’s dead. I trust every other man in our pack.”
“Do you?” I glared at him. “Can you trust anyone?”
His mouth twisted. “If we find this is not the case, we will kill them with our bare hands. We will protect those we care about.”
I gave him a look, catching his deep concern. The other three had grown attached, even nurturing of both women, but there was also love. Unspoken.
Unrequited.
“By the way, Alex’s sister is interesting,” he continued. “I think she has information our superiors will find helpful.”
I glanced back outside, nodding several times. “I’m glad she was rescued.”
“A moment of that hope you don’t think exists,” he said, laughing until he realized I wasn’t amused. “Look, we’re going home. We did our jobs and right now, Alex needs you. You’ve been cold since we left, as if she’s to blame.”
He was about to turn away when I grabbed his arm. “I have my reasons, but there’s no one to blame but myself for allowing this to happen. Besides, she needs all of us. For whatever time we have left on this planet anyway.”
“Jesus. The weight you put on your shoulders. I know the crap Gunner spouted off was bullshit.”
“Not entirely. I looked the other way for two months. People died. I was caught up in believing.”
He cocked his jaw, inching closer. “You were trying to be a hero, my friend. Give yourself a break.”
“Doesn’t matter anyway.”
“You talk as if we’re already dead, brother. I ain’t giving up hope just yet.”
Hope. Was there really such a thing left? I loathed the damn word.
Perhaps I’d fallen into a vat of despair, unable to process the concept of impending doom. The truth was something we’d all skirted around the last few days, but there was no denying the reality. We were going to die. Perhaps not in battle, but from the very substances that had been meant to keep our free world while others had hungered for our power.
“I failed everything and everyone.” I hadn’t fully admitted even to myself that my failure could be the final blow. The guilt was heavy. But feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to get us out of the fucking mess.
He narrowed his eyes, searching mine, obviously taken aback by my offhanded statement. “How have you failed, my friend? You’ve led a group of men into battle several times and every time we’ve come out victorious.”
“Have we? Does it really matter? You saw the scavengers. We might want to talk about their deteriorating condition, but they are al
most completely gone. A matter of weeks, no longer.”
Diesel nodded in understanding. “And you’re worried we’re next.”
“I have no doubt. Maybe if the great chancellor actually does send off another round of chemicals we won’t have to suffer quite as long.” My laugh was bitter.
“Then how the hell did you think you could fight the end of the world? Tell me that? Do you really think you can be a hero?” Diesel spouted.
All I could think about was the key, the words spouted off by Josie. The responsibility of so many who’d depended on me alone. Perhaps I’d been too arrogant to think I could follow through with the mission. One thing was clear, if there was any truth to what Josie had said, I had to get Alex to our city alive.
“Maybe you’re right,” I finally answered. “One man can’t do jack shit.”
He gave me an odd look before smiling to ease the tension. “I’m always right.” He walked away, his last words in passing. “You need to go to her. I’ll stay away. For now. Even if you’re right, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s a woman who cares for you desperately and needs your arms around her. You’re the one she loves, in case you haven’t figured that out.”
I wasn’t shocked at his words and in truth, knew he was right. While I had a feeling she’d finally accepted her place as omega, I doubted she could ever embrace the concept. Maybe I’d tried too hard to push her away, terrified of getting close again.
I waited until he left before walking into what had once been the living room for a growing family. The remaining pictures on the walls told the story, a once happy couple with three children.
God, how I ached for the very same thing, but even if the world was to survive, how could I consider bringing up a child in this desolate place?
Family.
I’d never really known just how much I missed mine until I watched the way Alex worried about her sister. Three days had passed, arduous hours of trekking through snow and ice, making little headway. We’d encountered a second group of scavengers, but like the ones from before, they’d been easy to overcome.