Page 95 of Born Savage

As with every time we were alone together, the tension was high, enough so her body was humming with electricity. I was at a point where I wished I had the right words to provide any sense of comfort, but there was nothing that made any difference. Not only was she stubborn, but she’d been born into a world with no conscience, no sense of pride.

There were so many differences in the two of us including that I continued to wish for my past. She had no real understanding of the past but longed for the truth. And for me, the truth was horrifically painful.

When she didn’t say anything else and didn’t even look in my direction, I moved toward the door.

“I’m taking a shower. You should get some rest.”

“Okay. I’ll try.” While she’d responded, she didn’t bother looking in my direction. Perhaps doing so would strengthen a tether she had no interest in. “I just want to make certain she doesn’t need anything. Her entire world was rocked and at such a young age. I can’t imagine what she’s going through. She’s so vulnerable and so helpless.”

Her words cut through me as many rarely did. “You know exactly what she’s going through, Star, because you lived through exactly the same situation. Not only did you survive the ordeal, you thrived during a moment of time when millions couldn’t cope. That’s because you’re resilient, stronger than any woman I’ve ever met. Wren is that way too. Think about the courage it took for her to initiate healing your mother. She’s going to make an incredible warrior. Just like what you’ve become.”

I don’t know what I’d expected in uttering the words. Certainly not a thank you, more likely a terse rebuttal for the sake of doing so. But given my view of her profile, I was able to catch sight of a grateful smile.

A few seconds passed that were even more excruciating than before, but I finally turned away, heading toward the bathroom. Nothing fancy, but there was a towel laid out on the counter. I ran my fingers over the cheap terrycloth, every muscle still tense.

After turning on the water, I stripped off my clothes, unable to get my mind off her. The thoughts were all over the place and I leaned against the counter, wishing that I could shove aside the raw feelings that had already developed for her. Caring about her hadn’t been my intent and in truth was highly dangerous. Just another weakness I couldn’t afford.

We were hunting for Eden after all. Time spent healing before a great battle to begin.

Peter’s words were never far from my mind. They were wise and ones even six months ago I would have shoved aside. But now, I was beginning to believe something magical was happening and would continue. But only if we worked together.

An ache developed, one so powerful I was at a momentary loss.

Her presence was easy to sense, the air in the room suddenly shifting, growing charged with a subtle, magnetic tension. After that, a jolt of electricity rushed down my spine, my pulse quickening with anticipation. I never knew what to expect with her.

There was an inexplicable pull, like gravity that commanded my complete attention, forcing me to turn around.

She hung in the doorway, her head resting on the aged wood, peering at me with a sense of hope in her eyes. Her gaze slowly fell, her breath hitching from finding me naked. “I’m sorry I’m so stubborn.”

“You, stubborn?” I allowed a slight smile, another rarity for me.

“Yeah, I know. Obviously, I have my reasons. I shouldn’t dwell on why I was abandoned, but the dream was difficult. If my mother loved me so much as indicated in the little fantasy, why abandon me?”

Tom’s words surfaced in my mind. “I don’t think she had a choice. I don’t know very much, but I understand your mom was all alone in raising you. Something tragic happened to her.”

Confusion crossed her face. “But my father called for her.”

“It could have been anyone in your dream, including a friend.”

Her sigh was heavy, enough so she puffed out her cheeks. I often forgot just how young she was, barely a woman yet very much a warrior. “What’s your real name, Rage?”

I stiffened from her question. “Memories aren’t any easier for me.”

“I know.” She took a step closer, the room suddenly crowded. “I can understand why, but after what we’ve been through, which seems like we’ve known each other for a long time, I would love to know your real name.”

“And I would love to know yours.”

“The woman in my dream used to call me her little star. I remembered that a long time ago.”

“It was one of the very few words you said before I was forced to let you go.”

“Forced.”

“Yes, forced. I was AWOL from my duties, but I’ve begun to think we didn’t and don’t have a full grip on either of our destinies.”

She nodded. “I do believe you’re right. So what is your name, soldier?”

“Oh, I’ve graduated to being a soldier now.” I placed my hand on my chest, teasing her.