Page 51 of Born Savage

Star huffed, easily cursing me in her mind, her expression so vile I didn’t need to ask what she was thinking. What struck me more than her hatred and determination to seek revenge on those she believed responsible for their atrocious hardships was her continued hope there was still something better.

Somewhere along the way, I’d need to confess there wasn’t. That this was the best that Earth and the survivalists had to offer. Unless of course she offered not only her body but also her soul to the Freedom Society, pledging allegiance to a cause that did little if anything to ease anguish or strife.

That much I knew to be true from experience.

However, given her looks and her talent, she could potentially find herself living in the lap of luxury.

As a concubine.

The thought brought an entirely different wave of anger I hadn’t been expecting. No one would dare touch her again. If they tried, they’d go through me first.

“Wren,” Star warned. “Be careful. They are still unpredictable monsters. Shaun, please ensure she is given food and drink in the commissary. I will come get her after I’ve taken a shower.”

Wren turned around, almost frantic. When she did, the strangest thing occurred. She reached for my hand.

Something else to displease the lovely commander. The moment shared between us was awkward for several reasons. I wasn’t anyone the child should seek comfort from, but I had no issue annoying the commander, so I took the child’s fingers into my own.

The touch was entirely different than before. Where I’d experienced significant heat from her healing effects, I only felt warmth from her crushing anxiety and sweaty palm.

Star fought with a strand of hair continually falling in her face. “You’re okay, Wren. I’ll be there in a little while. Don’t worry.” Her voice was much softer, even allowing the child to witness a smile.

Peter took his time walking closer to the child, his hands clasped behind his back. Now his entire world was wrapped around the child who wasn’t quite certain what to think about the man dressed in all white.

“I have something for you, child. And don’t worry. You are very wanted here.” I’d seen both Peter’s hands before and his pockets had been flat. Which was why when he produced a stuffed animal, even a monster like me was surprised.

The little girl gasped, both her mouth and eyes opening wide. I had a feeling Wren had never had a day of peace nor had ever played with toys. While unwanted, my thoughts drifted back to the ballpark with my dad and to the excitement of when he’d surprised me with a new glove.

It had been autographed for me, the one thing I’d cherished more than the dozens of other toys in my collection. Now I wondered where the glove was, if the soft leather had survived the last two decades.

“You need to love your stuffed animal as much as you love Jake. You must care for both, which means you need to keep up your strength. Now, I think that if you go with Shaun, he might be able to find some hotdogs for all three of you. Would you like that?”

Seeing Wren’s face light up with such a tentative emotion did provide a sense of caution. Neither Wren nor Star had any idea what had been lost.

“Shaun, take our guests with you to the mess hall.”

“Yes, sir. Come on, Wren. I’ll show you around.” Shaun eyed my group with as much disdain as everyone else.

“Wait!” Star threw her hand out. “I need proof they are Verndari and not simply bloodthirsty Savages eager to slit our throats in the middle of the night then steal us blind.”

“Star. There is no need,” Peter insisted. “I can verify.”

“The commander is right, Peter,” Thomas threw out, his hatred as vivid as her own. “We deserve to see the mark on the beasts.”

Peter shook his head. “Shaun, take the child and go to the mess hall as requested. Do not leave her side.”

“Yes, sir.”

“This is bullshit,” Vicious snarled.

“They have every right to know.” I offered Star a look that allowed her to know our little secret would be kept between us.

The others grumbled as well.

“Would the commander like to avert her eyes?” My question was met with snickers from half the men in the corridor, including two of my own.

“Trust me, Rage. I can handle anything.”

I nodded to the others, mentally ordering them to follow. We weren’t here to destroy their routine or their sense of security.