Page 17 of Born Savage

Star seemed flustered. “The dog’s name. He had to have a name.”

With a tilt of my head, I sensed she knew she’d dug herself a hole but refused to admit it. While I couldn’t care less about the child, I wasn’t the monster I was claimed to be. However, using her and the animal was necessary. “Then you will come with us willingly.”

The female was very human indeed, the strife and horrors yet to jade her completely.

“Where?” Star’s question was legitimate and perhaps she’d learn something new about a city she’d spent far too much time scouring.

“Somewhere safe.”

Her debate was evident by the way she furrowed her eyebrows. She also wasn’t used to losing challenges. “Fine. But don’t touch me.”

At least the female didn’t try to escape nor was she argumentative while being led to a location very few knew existed, less as time went on. The escape tunnel continued to be a marvel of engineering. There were others built throughout the country, also passages leading into the various Freedom Cities, which was how I’d learned much about the city named Zenith where the king presided.

She said nothing, clinging to the child as she was led away.

In less than thirty minutes, we were out of the city and into the area, the entrance well hidden by decades of destruction and debris. The tunnel had survived a close blast, but not enough to destroy the infrastructure. The engineers had chosen materials wisely.

As soon as the door was opened and I ushered Star and the child inside, Star was fascinated.

“The gateway was a rumor. My God, it really does exist.”

She marveled at everything, including the design of lights leading the way but only when activated by motion. Another scientific marvel bypassing all other light sources.

“You don’t know how many times I tried to find this.” Her fascination kept my attention.

“I am curious, Star. How did you know it existed?”

Jerking to face me, she took a step away as if slapped. “How do you know my name?”

“Because I do. I’ll ask you again. How did you know this tunnel existed?”

Unsatisfied, she glanced from one to the other of my men. Perhaps the reality of the situation was finally settling in. “I read, Savage. That’s how I knew and how I’m aware that others exist.”

She read. While there’d been an extensive effort to save works of art, music, and books from the past, miscalculations in the bombs had correlated into a huge percentage of items being destroyed. My interest in the woman continued to increase.

“Walk,” I commanded.

We followed behind her, knowing the tunnel was secure. There was no chance of Dwellers getting inside and the Borgata were clueless bastards. So the walk, albeit several miles through a dank, damp atmosphere was relatively quiet. Only the slight echo of boots against steel.

When halfway through, the child faltered, stumbling to her knees out of sheer exhaustion, Star turned to me out of frustration while gathering the girl into her arms. As she held her close to her chest, the pup was actively barking, the sound immediately annoying but thankfully not dangerous.

“Mama,” the girl whispered and I could tell she wasn’t focusing on the present.

“We can’t go on.” Star demanded. “Wren is tired and thirsty and can’t you see how malnourished she is? She needs medical attention.”

“Then we continue. We have what we need at the camp.” I moved closer, but as soon as I reached to slide hair from the girl’s face, Star took a purposeful step away.

“Don’t touch her.”

My look was harsh enough that Star snarled.

Rock chortled in the background. My reaction to her was abnormal, the other soldiers used to one basic mood. Anger.

“You will learn we are not your enemy,” I told her, ignoring her insolence and brushing the tips of my fingers across the child’s face. She was hot to the touch.

“You could have fooled me. You’re kidnapping me.”

“We’re protecting you,” I threw back. “The child is with fever.”