Fertile: A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance Page 13

  And I heard voices.

  “What are we going to do? We don’t have enough manpower to take an entire group of them.” Diesel asked the question. I could hear solid concern in his tone.

  “Maybe not, but we’re certainly not going to wait for their arrival, for Christ’s sake. We’re sitting ducks here.” Rock laughed. “We’ve gathered enough data, protected the others. We’ve fucking finished our mission, just like Scorpio said.”

  “Yes, we are going to leave, weather or no weather,” Scorpio said quietly.

  “Rock is right. The scavengers are hunting for the camp. I can guarantee it. I can tell by the position of their men. I was able to detect movement in two quadrants but they’re staying as far off the radar as possible. They must have a blanketing system we aren’t aware of,” Montana said as he sighed. “Pisses me off. We were sent here ill equipped.”

  “They’re on their own mission, my guess is one similar to ours. They must know what’s being planned. They’re rounding up everyone else that’s useful, eradicating the rest. That includes any wayward packs still at large.” The way Scorpio said the words was chilling. I could almost sense that something was coming to a head. Maybe the rumors were correct. No one could withstand another battle of any magnitude.

  I shrank back, biting my lower lip.

  “I agree with you and if they know of our location, they are planning an attack of their own. From what I was able to tell before they used whatever cloaking device, they are circling in, hunting in a particular formation. That’s not their normal activity, which concerns me. They may even be looking for the compound.” Montana snorted. “We can’t lead them there.”

  “And we won’t. I’ll kill every one of them first,” Scorpio hissed.

  “This is getting out of hand. I agree that we need to leave now. We have to warn the leaders,” Diesel commented.

  Leaders. That confirmed at least some of the rumors. The huntsmen had banded together, forming an alliance. They weren’t the ragtag bunch of barbarians that they’d been made out to be. Bile formed in my throat, suffocating as fear crept up the back of my legs. We were all sitting ducks, every last laborer simply trying to survive. If what they were saying was true, my people were in significant danger.

  “The problem is, they’re still hunting at night and never stopped for the storm. My belief is that they’re out tearing through the forest in forces that have been undetected until now. I bet you the damn chancellor offered a pot of gold for bringing in a high volume of traitors.” Montana’s statement was followed by a harsh whistle from one of them.

  “Then we know what we need to do. Get everyone moving. We leave in an hour,” Scorpio directed. “The storm appears to have broken. We need to get our people to safer and higher grounds. That will give us a slight advantage over the scavengers, at least for a time. We will not risk everything we’ve gained.”

  “Are you certain you don’t want to take out as many of them as possible?” Diesel asked. “That solves a lot of our problems.”

  “Not wise. We also need to stay under the radar. You know that. Begin the tear-down process immediately,” Scorpio instructed.

  “Scorpio is right. We can’t risk the operation. I already had the men saddle up the horses, preparing them. We have a long way to travel and the weather conditions are not ideal.” Montana chuckled. “I think I know you too well, Scorpio. I’ve already put everything into motion. Sadly, there’s no way to protect the camp, even if you wanted to.”

  Scorpio growled. “Then so be it.”

  The camp. They had to be talking about my camp, not this one. My God, my people could be massacred easily. I couldn’t just allow them to die without warning them. I had to go back. I had to fight to save them. Fear and frustration gutted me, the realization that none of the great, brave huntsmen were going to do anything to save anyone other than themselves. Damn them. The moment of caring I’d felt for the brute was stripped away, replaced with reality.

  Dog eat dog world. That’s all it had turned into and Scorpio wasn’t lying. He didn’t give a shit about anything but himself and his... huntsmen.

  I gathered my bearings as I fought to develop a plan. I had to get out. I had miles to go and only a limited remembrance of how I’d gotten here. Stay along the river as much as possible. I was a damn good tracker, but this was going to stretch every boundary I’d experienced. Then I remembered where I’d seen them take the horses. Yes. That could help.

  The single way I was going to make it through the forest safely even in the dawn’s early morning light was on horseback. If only I could get a head start in front of them. I zigzagged my way through the camp, making no noise until I reached the simple stable. A single light had been left on. Fuck. I could be too late with no recourse. I had to do this. No matter what I faced, even rounds of wretched punishment, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t attempt to save them.

  I stopped and waited, half anticipating one of the brutes would come out of the area. I took several deep breaths, listening for sounds of any movement. I heard noise in the distance, the beginning of the breakdown of their little compound. Time was running out.

  After a couple of minutes, I felt confident they’d saddled all the horses in anticipation and wouldn’t return until everyone was ready to leave. If I failed in this attempt, there would be no recourse. I could be captured or worse. Courage. I gathered all I had and walked inside.

  There were dozens of horses, but I’d recognize the beautiful black steed anywhere even in the dim lighting. He whinnied as I approached but didn’t fight me as I took his reins. “We’re going on an adventure.” Finding my way would be an issue, but I’d paid close enough attention that with a few rays of light, I’d locate the area.

  I slipped onto the massive steed and patted his flanks, happy to see the handle of the sword in close proximity. I eased out of the enclosure, scanning the perimeter then hunkering low. “Help me find my way, baby. You can do it.” I walked him toward the edge of the camp, able to slip into the trees without being seen. There would be no sigh of relief until I was safely behind my village walls.

  The remaining darkness was almost overwhelming, the tree canopy blocking out the limited lighting. I had to in a sense feel my way through the forest, which was slow and awkward. Somehow the handsome steed seemed to know his way, maneuvering over fallen limbs, avoiding running smack into trees. He needed very little guidance and his size was comforting, although we were no match for a group of scavengers.

  For the first time in so many years, I whispered a prayer.

  Please God, help me find my way and save my people. They are my family.

  The horse snorted his approval and continued on. I held my breath, listening for any sounds of being followed. There were no humans or beasts that I could detect but I knew when my escape was discovered that I would be hunted just like anyone else.

  The night sounds were eerie, crickets and other creepy crawlies buzzing from almost every direction. Of the few species of animals that had survived, insects of all kinds thrived, their genetics also changed, becoming more aggressive. I hunkered even lower, thankful after a few minutes that a limited amount of light allowed me to see at least a few feet in front of me. I pushed the horse to pick up speed, still being cautious.

  Several minutes passed then what seemed like more than an hour. I was hopelessly lost. That’s when I heard a sound, a cracking of limbs. While slow and steady, the beast or thing was coming in my direction. “Time to get going.”

  Light had fully penetrated the dense forest and as the horse galloped deeper into the woods, I gathered a familiar sense. I could also smell water. Exactly what I was hoping for. If I could get to the river and follow it, then the track would lead me at least closer to my little village.

  After what had to be fifteen or twenty minutes, I slowed the horse to a walk, taking the time to listen. I no longer heard whatever had been following us; however, I had the sickening feeling of being watched. Within se
conds the rippling sound of water was much more distinct. We broke free of the woods, able to see the clear and beautiful stream.

  I allowed the horse to drink as I gathered my bearings. Things were starting to become somewhat recognizable. I could swear there was a house in the distance, one I’d raided months before. I was on the right track.

  Sun beamed down in certain spots, a welcome sight. I knew we could make it. My fortitude was intact. Excited, I encouraged the horse to move into high gear, the stallion now galloping with ease. I had no idea how much time had passed, but we’d gone several miles, still with no clear signs of knowing where I was headed. I was hyped up on pure hope.

  We followed the path along the river until I knew we were close. I was panting when I realized I was a few hundred yards from the main entrance. Wait a minute. Was I seeing smoke? While it was difficult to tell from the denseness of the trees, the stench penetrated my nostrils, sweet yet rancid.

  I began to notice tracks covering the ground. Some horses. And tire tracks, the treads penetrating deeply, which meant heavy vehicles. The assholes had used trucks, a precious commodity. Were they carrying weapons or men? My guess was both. A series of shivers produced prickles along my arms. I had a terrible feeling that the scavengers were annihilating anything in their path.

  Including my beloved... family.

  “Almost, baby. Almost.” Please let them be all right. Please. I curtailed my exasperation as I lowered my body, hugging the horse as we made our way toward the secret passageway. Then I stopped short.

  The odor was magnified and there were remnants of smoke floating in the air, clinging to every surface from the recent moisture. Oh. My. God.

  Several of the trees had been destroyed, nearly ripped out by the roots. What in the hell could have done this? No man. No beast that I knew of. Dread filled me as I rushed forward, finally dropping off the horse and running toward the impenetrable steel door that had been created by the members of the camp. The moment I was directly in front, I dropped to my knees, slapping my hands over my mouth to fight the scream.

  Now, the stench reeked of blood.

  * * *

  Scorpio

  “Scorpio, we have an issue.”

  I peered at the pack member, eyeing the way he moved from foot to foot. Daylight was minutes away and we were a long way from breaking down the camp. “You know I’m busy, Marcus. Make it quick.” I stared at the communication screen again, hopeful to find any additional details. Montana was excellent in his navigational skills, having secured several scavenger pods. What was most concerning was that one after the other they were disappearing and not in the form of movement.

  Montana had been right. They must have a cloaking device of some kind. That meant they were likely funded and following orders from the government. I wouldn’t put anything past the chancellor. He had deemed himself king over five years before. I’d known before Alex had told me that he’d murdered the president of the United States and his entire cabinet. The man was the true epitome of evil.

  “I went by your tent as you asked. She’s gone.”

  Snapping my head in his direction, I took a deep breath before speaking. “What in the fuck are you talking about?”

  He nodded, wiping sweat from his brow, anticipating my wrath. “Nowhere to be found.”

  Fuck!

  “She couldn’t have gone far on foot. Get a group and find her. Now!”

  Marcus hesitated. “There’s more.”

  “What? Spit it out.” For her to defy me once again was not just unacceptable. I would now be forced to lock her down, keeping her in chains. The concept was aggravating as fuck. She was the one who would face my wrath.

  “What’s going on?” Diesel asked, obviously overhearing the conversation.

  “Alex has escaped. Again.” My answer was succinct and laced with fury.

  “Jesus Christ. I knew bringing her here was a problem!” Diesel hissed, smacking his hand on the table.

  “She took your horse,” Marcus finally said.

  A flash of rage swept through my entire system as well as the almost desperate need to protect her. Even on Thunder, she was in extreme danger. She had no way of knowing the obstacles she would certainly face. The scavengers would consider her a prize. “I need two men to accompany me. I am going to find her.”

  “You’re out of your mind. Let her go, Scorpio!” Diesel insisted. “We need to get the fuck out of here.”

  Snarling, I turned to face him. “You’re in charge. Finish getting the camp ready. If I’m not back in three hours, leave.”

  Marcus sucked in his breath. “I’ll get what you need.”

  He raced out of the tent, leaving Diesel and me alone. I lifted an eyebrow as I continued to stare at him, daring him to defy me.

  “Look, I know you care about her, but she’s been nothing but trouble since we brought her here.” Diesel shook his head.

  He was sadly correct. “That may be so, but I’m beginning to believe you were right. She is more than just a prize for our people and the laborers.”

  “Meaning?” Diesel inched closer.

  “Meaning I believe she’s the ultimate prize.” I didn’t have time to explain myself. If I was correct then getting her back to the mountains, safe in the main compound was imperative. “Just do as I command, Diesel. I’m going alone on this one.” I stormed toward the entrance.

  “I hope your instincts are correct, Scorpio, or we could lose valuable time and lives. If the scavengers get ahold of certain items we found, they could figure out what our leaders have planned and then...” He allowed the words to trail off.

  Stopping short, I shored my shoulders. “I’m always right.” I jogged toward my tent. The tent itself had already been broken down but the contents remained, including the trunk. My gut told me she’d gone to her village, trying to help her people. She was certainly a warrior herself, rejecting following any rules except those in her mind. I refused to allow her to get herself killed on my watch.

  I searched through the trunk, finding the simple book I’d brought with me, swearing never to use the contents again. It was almost certain that medical treatment of some kind would be needed.

  That is, if they weren’t already dead, massacred by the scavengers.

  Two of the most barbaric soldiers rode out with me, leaving our camp behind. I’d grabbed several of our precious weapons, hoping I wouldn’t need to use them. This time, I’d stay near the river, dangerous but necessary. We galloped through the forest and I couldn’t help but marvel at the fact she had even attempted to find her way. She was no tracker. Then again, there were so many things about her that I didn’t know.

  The smell of death permeated the air riddled with smoke and an acrid stench. The scavengers had been busy. The torrential rain allowed me to follow the single set of hoof prints. She’d followed the river herself. She was intelligent as hell and much more cunning than I’d given her credit for. We made good time although I sensed several scavengers were close.

  As we approached the area in which we’d found her, the air was dense with the stench of fire. The fuckers had burned their way through everything. Why bother? There was little in the way of civilization within miles. Scorching the earth wasn’t one of their usual tactics. Everything seemed to have changed, escalating to what the leaders feared was the final Great War, much more devastating than the apocalyptic battle or the subsequent confrontations that had destroyed several additional cities.

  That wasn’t supposed to occur for months, according to the huntsmen experts, scouts who’d been able to infiltrate Washington. I hissed at the thought. Even with solid information, no one knew what the government ultimately had planned. They always seemed one step ahead of anything our various packs attempted to do. All evidence led me to believe the plan had been escalated, just as I’d been warned, the impetus for sending me on this particular mission.

  I’d found enough to corroborate certain concerns.

  Alex’s village had to
be hidden well for us not to have located it in the months we’d been in the area. The tracks increased, zigzagging across the landscape. The scavengers had brought out the heavy artillery. They were cutting off the various exit passages for any of the laborers, likely hunting and killing them on sight.

  The plan was definitely in motion.

  All we had to do was follow the tracks. I’d never noticed a clear pathway leading through a clump of trees. The trees had been stripped away, some pulled directly from the ground. What in the fuck kind of mechanical power did they have with them? I knew the area well, various swamps housing carnivorous animals surrounding at least three sides. The pathway was a narrow slip of land in between them, as if purposely planned. Where could this be leading to? Slowing to a walk, I guided the horse closer after pulling one of the weapons from my satchel. Everything was eerily quiet, smoldering ash floating in the light breeze.

  I motioned for the other men. We would go the remainder of the way on foot.

  “What the hell?” I was shocked to see a concrete wall that seemed to go on for several hundred yards. A metal door was just in front of me, the hinges ripped away. We flanked the sides, listening for any sounds. The smoke was thick, preventing a clear line of sight. For a few seconds I heard nothing. Then the sound of sobbing cut through the tension. Alex. While I knew danger surrounded us, I pushed my instincts aside, heading through the haze.

  “Fuck,” one of the soldiers exclaimed as the fog cleared.

  The compound was more like a little city complete with buildings of all sizes and shapes. Whoever had built this had done so before the retaliation battle, taking great strides to hide the facility, utilizing the swamps in an effort to hide the interior portion. What great mastery the person or persons had used. I was beginning to gain more respect for Alex. The little city had obviously once thrived. I could even see the remnants of a small garden, although now it was nothing more than charred remains.

  The inhabitants had done everything in their power to rebuild a life. Now carnage was everywhere, bodies lying strewn, their haunted eyes reflecting whatever horrors they’d seen before they’d been killed.