Page 49 of Born Savage

“I knew your father. He was a great man.”

The two short sentences captured my attention more than anything else he could have said. As soon as he made the declaration, Star tensed, but not from anger; more as if she was putting two and two together.

Just like I’d done in a vibrant dream that continued to linger in my mind.

“Who is his father, Peter?” She wasn’t asking me. There was obviously no trust in her mind.

I’d have no issue telling her I felt the same. Drugging a man and his friends before stealing from him, all after a scorching round of sex didn’t make for excessive trust or honor.

“We should get inside. It will be dark soon.” Peter continued studying me without blinking and I was able to see his face years before. He’d had dark hair then, only sprinkled with salt and pepper, his features somehow smoother.

Survival aged a man quickly.

In his gaze, I could almost see memories flow, Peter momentarily lost in them.

“How did you know my father?” He’d wanted me to ask yet wasn’t ready to expose the answer.

“We will talk, son. You and your men will be our guests tonight.”

“Peter. No. They cannot stay here.”

“They can because they must, child,” he told her. “They are not here to harm anyone. They are here for a sole purpose. Remember what I told you and have faith.”

She opened her mouth to retort, but I sensed a level of respect for the man that prevented her from arguing with him, at least while in front of others.

“Put your weapons away,” he continued, swinging his head from side to side, arching a single eyebrow as he looked at me once again. “Including you. This is not an invitation for a battle. We are peaceful here and it will remain that way.”

Peter waited as I gave the okay to my men before nodding. Every action he took was methodical. In taking his time to head to the entrance, I was given a few seconds to study Star. She’d yet to change. The only difference was her long hair had been tied in a haphazard braid down her back.

She was flushed, no longer from the embarrassment I’d seen the moment she’d laid eyes on my cock but from frustration in having her humble abode invaded.

The other men backed away as Vicious walked in front of me.

“Are you sure about this?” His question was presented with more concern than usual. We’d experienced much together in our training and years on the frontline. He’d also been a prisoner inside Zenith, tasked to fight to the death. Our aided escape had increased the bounty on our heads exponentially. Vicious knew how to handle torture and in return, enjoy the art of brutality.

Yet what we’d endured had also allowed a friendship.

“We have no other choice. Our mission is clear.”

“You’ll need to remind me again about this mission.” Vicious threw a look at the others before stepping aside, allowing me to lock eyes with Star.

The same swirl of irritation with her applied, but alongside an even more intense yearning that was exponentially physical, but there was more. The need to protect her was even stronger now that I knew at least some of the reasons why our connection had been so electrified.

“With Peter indicating you are guests, you will not be touched, but don’t you dare try anything,” she gritted out, her voice little more than a low rumble. “I will gut you.”

The others in her group were amused, but I sensed they were used to her challenging behavior. Perhaps she hadn’t figured out how aroused her defiance could make me. My dick was already hard, uncomfortable to the point I’d need to adjust the position. But certainly not in front of the others, Savages or men.

As the others descended on the hatch, I thought about Peter as it related to Star. Then it dawned on me. He’d been the first to provide assistance with the girl I’d found in the ruins, taking her from me while asking minimal questions.

He’d confused me then, acting as if he’d expected me while soon after, soldiers had descended on the embarkation point and I’d been taken away for punishment. That had included remaining in lockdown for six months.

There’d been no one to ask about the girl and soon after, I’d forgotten all about her. Not by my own accord. Until then, I’d thought of her every night, wondering if she was safe.

Whatever was going on and for whatever the reason the mission had been labeled vital, I had a sense Peter also knew why. Perhaps he and the prophet were in communication. What I knew for certain was that Peter had prepared her for whatever this destiny was. Even if she didn’t want to be told what to do.

I trailed behind the others in climbing down the metal stairs, leaving two of those who working for her to lock up for the night. At least they had a highly secure environment.

There was sparse lighting throughout the corridor I was led through, some of the hue of the same lights used in the tunnels. Others provided a softer glow to hide the stark features of the environment. The glow only managed to accentuate the desperation survivors were living in. While to some this might seem a palace, I knew the opposite to be true.