Page 122 of Born Savage

I looked back only once to see the men standing where they’d been, soldiers for a cause none of us truly understood.

“Where are they? What are they doing?” Star asked. As soon as she started to head in their direction, I wrapped my arm around her.

“You were right about destiny. This is theirs. This is what they were trained to do. Remember what you told me.”

She lifted her head, tears in her eyes. “Heroes.”

“Yeah. They are heroes. Listen to Jake. We need to follow him.”

“I just…”

“Do you trust me?”

Her smile widened. “Of course. With my life.”

CHAPTER 26

Star

Fear wasn’t new nor would it fade. Not with time. Not with sweeping changes.

I wouldn’t allow fear to disappear and not because I enjoyed the ache furrowing deep inside or the bitter taste left in my mouth, but because being frightened was the best reminder of the worst things in life.

Greed.

Corruption.

Lack of humanity.

Lack of empathy.

While terror often accompanied a tragedy or anticipated action, it was also a tremendous push to do better. To fight. To never give in.

My thoughts were all over the place as I followed Wrath and Vicious, who were having difficulty keeping up with Jake. I sensed a true purpose in the puppy’s step, his barks now little more than harrumphs.

“Is that a clearing up ahead?” Vicious stopped moving, taking several deep breaths.

The sounds of water had turned into a raging roar, the scents of something sweet and fresh countering the stench of death and decay from before.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

The spray of gunfire filtered through the air, causing another sound to rocket over the water. The flapping of wings.

As soon as I stepped toward the clearing, Rage gripped my shoulder.

“That could be thunderbirds.”

“It’s not. Look up.” I pointed toward the sky, laughing when I noticed hundreds of birds flying over the trees.

We stood in awe for a few seconds, enjoying the sight even though they were as afraid as we’d been. They knew danger was all around them. Yet in watching them fly away, I was struck by their beauty and the realization of what their appearance meant.

Another volley of gunfire and Rage pulled me out of the lovely trance.

“Keep going.”

Jake sprinted forward until suddenly he stopped barking.

Wren gasped, immediately concerned. “Jakie!”