Page 74 of Born Savage

I’d taken everything for granted. My skills. My weapons. But there was only one person who could help me.

“Rage!” My cry was one of desperation, uncertain if the Savage was even still alive. I was all alone.

Just as I started to black out, I sensed a change in the atmosphere, or maybe I was falling into unconsciousness.

A single sound caught my attention, which forced me to open my eyes. A figure appeared from the shadows, completely devoid of sound.

The asshole on top of me wasn’t paying any attention.

Gasping, I was barely conscious when air suddenly rushed into my lungs, immediately choking me. I rolled over, clawing my neck as I heard a woeful cry behind me. But instead of hearing gunfire or even the thud I knew to be from a knife, there was a sound I never forget.

A cracking of bones and a huge pop before a thud and a roll.

I had my face pressed into the dirt, still struggling to breathe as another stench hit my nostrils. Opening my eyes, I was inches away from another set of them, the stream of moonlight enough that I could see no light reflected.

Just as strong arms lifted me from the ground, I recognized what I was looking at.

A head devoid of a body. Only my savior hadn’t used a sword as bones and veins were sticking out of a gaping hole, blood gushing and all I could think about was how I’d wished I’d been the one to end the motherfucker’s life.

Rage had saved me and maybe everyone was right. Maybe he was the one.

CHAPTER 16

Star

“Once upon a time in a land far, far away⁠—”

“Mommy. Why does every story start with once upon a time? Couldn’t you say long ago instead?”

My mother’s laughter as she dug her fingers into my tummy made me giggle. “My inquisitive little girl. You are right, but then the story wouldn’t be quite as magical.” She snuggled me under the covers and brushed hair from my face. “Can we do it my way tonight?”

I nodded over and over again. Any story was okay by me.

She took a deep breath, her entire face lighting up. My mommy was so funny when she told stories. “Once upon a time in a land far, far away there was a place so beautiful, so lush and green that everyone believed they’d found Eden.”

“Like in the Bible?”

“That’s right, honey, a location so special only the most amazing people are allowed to live there.”

“How?” I peered up at my mommy, eager. But she had to stop talking because my puppy jumped on the bed. “Jake!”

Mommy was giggling this time, teasing our dog by tapping one paw then another. His tail was in my face.

Whap. Whap. Whap.

“Jake!” He heard me, spinning around and licking my face.

“Oh, you two are like peas in a pod. So special. It’s so amazing to see.”

Something changed, my mommy’s voice different. “What’s wrong?”

She looked away and she had her hand over her mouth. “What, baby girl?”

“You look so sad.”

I could tell how much she loved Jake because she liked to rub his face. “Nothing is wrong. I just hope you can get to see Eden one day. Maybe one day you and Jake can play with the animals.”

“There are more?”