Page 10 of Born Savage

Savages.

Our only hope was that they were hunting for soldiers, perhaps after one of their caves had been attacked. Even with their distaste of the humans, the Borgata were often hired as mercenaries by the Freedom Hunters, rewarded handsomely for proof of a Savage’s slaughter.

I remained where I was, terrified to move until I witnessed the approach of four huge Savages. I’d been attacked by a group before, but at that time, I hadn’t been alone, others from the village foraging with me for food that day. The only reason we’d managed to survive was a trap we’d set for them, the monsters falling to their deaths.

Very little killed them, their genetically altered DNA leaving them mostly human in appearance while every attribute had been reengineered. They were taller, faster, stronger. I’d been taught the reason for their creation had been an attempt to build an army impervious to nuclear fallout and the aftermath, the ultimate warriors.

Their bones were reinforced, as if made from a composite material, muscles dense and able to create extreme power. Even wounds seemed to heal at a faster rate. Fights were handled with mathematical efficiency, prioritizing surgical strikes over volatile aggression.

In a way, they were beautiful in their predatory actions, dangerous yet creatures to be admired. From what I’d been told, the men had volunteered to be a part of the program. I wondered if they’d been told the truth about how significantly the drugs would change them.

Standing well over six and a half feet tall, they were formidable even to the most treacherous of beasts.

They were definitely hunting, stopping only three car lengths away. The flickering light was just powerful enough to see their expressions. Which was why I knew the moment they’d locked onto my existence.

If I wanted the girl and her dog to live, I’d need to leave them alone. I rushed by her side, awakening her with a jolt.

“Listen to me. Stay right here. No matter what happens, I will return, but it might take me a little while. Okay?”

Her eyes were wide from fear, but she nodded, immediately reaching for the pup. I had to get the hell out before they came in.

I couldn’t risk escaping this car, instead rushing forward to the one ahead, flying past the windows but looking back every so often. I made it to the next car, hitting the closed door and struggling to open it. The hinges had rusted.

Sweat was already rolling down my face. I couldn’t be caught inside as they’d come from both angles and there was no way I’d survive. What did they want with me? I wasn’t their usual prey. The had to smell that I was human.

Worrying about the reasons couldn’t matter. My teeth gritted together to keep from swearing, I used every bit of muscle strength, finally opening the door and rushing forward. That’s when I noticed the car had been damaged, with no way of continuing on the same path. I’d need to go outside and risk being captured by a Dweller.

There was no other choice.

The moment I stepped off, I realized the area ahead was almost completely pitch black, a single light working somewhere down along the rail tracks. I’d managed to box myself in.

Thunderous booms echoed in my ears as the Savages ran after me. If there was one weakness in their repertoire, it was their method of cornering victims. I could easily outmaneuver them any day.

Yet the darkness was oppressive, leaving me more cautious than I would usually be. Every step taken brought an entirely different wave of angst and worry about the girl. The responsibility was a heavy burden to bear and one I wasn’t used to.

My death meant nothing, but I refused to allow Wren to be captured or worse.

As the condition of the tunnel worsened, the area almost completely caved in, I had to change tactics.

There was no other choice but to stand and fight.

I spun on my heel, facing the monsters. In my pocket were a few of my favorite weapons, especially my shurikens. I pulled out two, waiting until the bastards came closer. As soon as I let go of the first throwing star, I held my breath. Yes. I’d caught the bastard by surprise, the steel point driven into his chest. He’d be out of action for a while.

The next throw wasn’t as successful, the Savage anticipating the action.

My other weapons would require me to get up close and personal. I backed up, careful to keep from tripping. A slight glint caught my eye. A larger space between cars. It was my only change of getting away from them. I jumped off the platform, hitting an area where the track had been destroyed and almost falling.

But I caught myself, racing forward, knowing the huge men were trying to get through the space. At least my size and agility bought me a little time. I rushed down the tracks a little farther before finding an area where I could hoist myself back to the main platform. As soon as I climbed onto the unsteady rock, I swung my head over my shoulder, horrified to see they were following closely behind.

After taking a deep breath, I made the jump, stumbling forward and hitting something rock-hard solid only a couple of feet away.

Instead of steel or a block wall pushing a sweep of frigid cold through my body, warmth spread into every muscle, carving its way into my bones.

A horrible knowing settled in as I slowly lifted my head to stare into the eyes of another monster, one so handsome my breath was stripped away.

He was tall, dark, and muscular. I was struck by a level of searing heat that didn’t make any sense.

My breath hitched before I could stop it, a dull ache already forming deep in my core. An unwanted desire that was unlike anything I’d experienced, sharp and intrusive.