Page 53 of Born Savage

“The Freedom Hunters are heavily armed with a single goal in mind. Track down anyone inside the Resistance. Hunt, capture, and slaughter the leaders, both past and future. As per the prophecy, we must work together or we will fail. These men are welcomed.” Peter was giving the final word, laying down a new law.

His words rang clear and would be repeated. His expression softened as he moved closer to Star. While I couldn’t hear what was said between them, the gentleness in how he lifted her chin obviously meant something to her. She nodded several times, only once allowing me a single glance.

While my men had slowly folded their cocks into their pants, I remained with the material open, my dick exposed until Peter offered me a slight look of condemnation. It was similar to ones my father had used when I’d been annoying the hell out of my little sister.

What I wouldn’t give to have an opportunity to share how I felt about her. Just one more time.

Family. Friends. Teachers. They’d all been lost.

“We’ll be in the commissary if you need us, Peter. You might trust them, but I will not,” Thomas offered before turning away. I’d caught the intensity of his disbelief as with the others, although the wind had been stripped from their sails. It was easier to hate those standing in front of you even with reasoning laid out so clearly.

The clomping of their boots as they walked away didn’t drag her attention from completing her task.

I offered a quick scan to the scuffed boots she was wearing. Even covered in blood and gore from confronting Night Dwellers, blood staining her hands and face, she was truly exceptional.

She was flustered enough, she pressed her fingers against her forehead and spun on her heel, storming off.

Peter following her trail with his gaze, laughing softly. “You must forgive Star. She has not been herself as of late. Her dreams have led to insomnia. I assume yours have as well.”

I chuckled. “You know much.”

“More than you know. Can I see you for a few minutes, Rage?”

Both Wrath and Vicious stopped, prepared to follow until I waved them off. “Yes.”

“Good. If you go down the corridor and take a left, the commissary is three doors down. I believe you’ll find food and drink to your satisfaction. While we don’t have much, what we do have we will share. Thank you all for keeping her safe.”

Wrath’s eyebrows shot up. He hadn’t been prepared for gratitude.

I hadn’t heard the terminology before. Perhaps in a way it was fitting. Once again, I nodded to my men while shoving my cock into my trousers. Dreams. Why did this man seem to know so much? I thought about what John had told me regarding the mission.

He’d told me I would finally find my place. I’d pushed his words aside as a nice old man offering me respite from the brutality of what I’d gone through only months before.

I’d already started questioning everything since what I’d believed was the reason to hunt the female had turned out to be false. At this point, I was no longer certain what to expect except that our return would be fraught with even more difficulties. The weather was becoming an issue, the storms more violent.

“Come with me.” While he didn’t wait for my response, he took his time, which allowed me to walk beside him. “You should forgive the villagers. The last Savages we came up against took two of our own. The loss is… unforgiveable. Star feels the loss more than most, considering herself responsible for what happened.”

I didn’t ask him why as it wasn’t my place. Plus, I wasn’t here for small talk.

“You’ll find we are good people doing nothing more than fighting starvation, disease, and loneliness. I suspect you understand more than most.”

I’d realized long ago how much significant information could be derived from remaining silent.

“Here we are.” He allowed me to walk into the room first. I sensed he was waiting to see where I’d head to first since his room was a kaleidoscope of color. While the terrariums were enticing, more so was the lemon on the table, wedges already cut. I walked closer, selecting one and bringing it under my nose.

“Where you’re headed, you’ll become used to enjoying many different fruits and vegetables. Hopefully, one day I will get there.”

Almost everything the man had said up to this point indicated a depth of knowledge. I bit the flesh, savoring the bitterness on my tongue.

“You’re wondering how I could know so much about you.” Peter chuckled as he moved closer, once again positioning his hands behind his back.

“You’re a prophet.”

“Very good and yes, I am. Your father would be very proud of the man you’ve become, Phoenix.”

As likely expected, hearing my real name drew my attention.

“How?” The sound came from deep within my chest.