Page 113 of Born Savage

“Okay.” She seemed much more certain of herself, as if in the few days we’d been together she’d aged by several years.

The chilly air cut to the bone even through the thick layer of clothing and the gloves that had been found. We’d marveled at the array of items left behind. As if by choice in hopes we’d find them. As if the former inhabitants of the town had known we’d need them.

With the wind creating drifts of snow, we were lucky in that there was a natural path forged through a portion of the facility.

Vicious moved ahead of everyone and I could tell he was struggling to find anything he recognized. We followed behind, able to keep the Humvees within view.

Ghost moved closer, taking the cue and grabbing one of the shovels from Wrath’s hand. “This could be our place of death. I hope everyone knows how to dig.”

“Leave it,” Rage instructed. He turned toward me, offering a shovel. He chose an axe instead. “Do you think you can do this, princess?”

“I can and I will, if you’ll stop calling me princess.”

“A love spat. Look at that.” Wrath’s ability to tease created a moment of levity.

“This is it,” Vicious said after scraping ice and snow from an old metal sign. I was still in awe of the random buildings and other facilities still in existence even after all these years. I’d even seen a Ferris wheel rusted in place, a sign of the past when families had enjoyed time spent out together.

There’d also been random vehicles as if someone had pulled onto the side of the road. Toys and clothes. Signs ripped off buildings.

All a macabre reminder of the destruction of man.

Vicious was excited, pointing out what had once lived inside the caves. Big cats. Tigers and lions. I could only imagine seeing any of the animals from before up close. What a beautiful sight it must have been.

Rage didn’t seem enthused but followed Vicious as he searched for any sign the caves he remembered still existed.

“I’ve found an opening, but we need to dig it out to climb inside.” Vicious studied Rage, the two still sparring over almost everything, but I could see clear and easy friendship. The two would die for each other. Wrath would die for them as well.

One day I hoped I’d find such a friendship.

We were all somewhat crazy, a little bit excited and freezing to death. Except for Rage. He didn’t seem in the least bit fazed by what was happening, merely adding his brawn to the effort.

It was like watching a chiseled god, a man so perfect he made my heart sing. Strong arms. Muscular legs. He had an axe in his hand, chipping away at the snow and ice even as soft pellets of white continued to fall.

I could tell he was angry. With the storm. With his friends. With me. With the monster who’d killed his family and whom he hadn’t been able to beat when given a chance. But mostly with himself.

Swing after swing, he released the demons he was harboring inside, his entire face pinched from fury and the effort needed.

I did my best to pull my weight, laughing when I slipped on the ice. And there he was, hoisting me into his arms and checking to see if I’d injured myself. In a crazy way, the moment was almost magical.

Even if I could no longer feel my fingers.

I don’t know what I’d expected seeing the Verndari as they worked together, but they were so skilled, so protective, and full of such camaraderie that I was in awe of them.

A clang and Vicious whistled. “I think we’re in. Give me one of the lights. I’ll check it out.” The hole was maybe three by three feet and while I moved closer, Rage backed away.

Vicious didn’t waste any time, crawling through the opening and disappearing.

Wrath crouched in front, holding another light stick. He coughed several times from dust disturbed, even wiping his eyes. But to him, this was just another adventure. Another mission to be accomplished.

I backed against Rage, leaning in and peering up at his face. He wasn’t even shivering, which was ridiculous. “We’re going to be okay.” My teeth were chattering, the debilitating chill obvious in my voice.

The way he sighed was a clear indication he was no longer certain that was possible, but at least he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. He brushed snow from his glove before rubbing the thick fabric fingers across my face.

“We shall see, princess. We shall see.”

As he lowered his head until our lips were almost touching, I wished we were back in the bedroom of the house, enjoying exploring the passion that was so intense. It was possible we’d never get another chance. But at least I’d have amazing memories to last me for as long as I remained alive.

“I think I love you,” I whispered and almost instantly, it was as if my voice had carried. There was silence, only the wind whistling.