Page 125 of Born Savage

“Shit. They’re turning back,” Wrath hissed.

“What are you talking about?” I scanned the other side, realizing what the Savages had been trying to do. Lead the Dwellers across the bridge. Wait. What?

Movement caught my attention, Jake springing into action. As he rushed toward the bridge, my reaction was involuntary. Nothing was going to happen to the puppy. Wren wouldn’t be able to handle it.

My reactions weren’t quick enough, Rage preventing me from going after him.

“No! No. You will not allow that dog to die! Let me go.”

Woof. Woof. Woof.

Jake rushed across the bridge, jumping over the same cracks I’d done only moment before. It didn’t take long for his constant loud barking to draw the attention of the Dwellers, a few heading toward the bridge.

“Let me go.” As soon as I pulled free, I threw my arms over my head, waving them while screaming. “Come get me! I’m right here, you pricks!”

Wrath and Vicious realized what I was doing, mimicking me.

Soon, there were hundreds on the bridge, all moving toward us.

Jake remained where he was, barking every few seconds.

“You have to save him,” I demanded. “You can’t let him die.”

“Almost,” Rage told me.

I punched him. “No. Now!”

“Trust me, princess. Almost.”

My anger flew off the chain and I spun around, fighting tears and fury. “Rage. If you let him die, I will never forgive you.”

Jake backed up, still barking. Still drawing them even closer until the bridge was filled with Dwellers.

“Good dog,” Rage called before shoving his fingers into his mouth and issuing a shrill whistle that cut through everything.

Jake stopped moving, lifting his head and his ears perking up. And just like that, he raced back toward us just as another rumble occurred, the earth beneath my feet tingling from whatever was happening. It didn’t take long to understand.

With the dog safely in Vicious’ arms, I was finally able to breathe.

“Get back as far as you can!”

His command didn’t need an explanation. Once again, we took off running, getting as far away from the bridge as possible.

And just as I felt the explosions within my bones, I had another strange sense of hope. As if this was the last test we’d face for a while.

Until the next phase.

Returning the country to its people.

The blast tossed us forward, pitching us to the ground.

With rubble in clouds pouring over us, I shielded my head with my arms while Rage covered my body with his.

The sweet moment was everything I needed, his reassurance that everything would be alright.

As the sound began to fade, I finally lifted my head. Vicious and Wrath were already on their feet, Wren no worse for wear. Before I could move, Jake was right in front of me, his long tongue licking my face.

“Are you alright, princess?” Rage helped me to my feet.