Page 106 of Born Savage

“The land flourishes, offering safety to all those who come to the garden of Eden.”

She was retelling what we’d been told over the years. “Fertile land. Fertile people. Once they are safe, the war begins.”

“Together.” Her words held more hope than mine.

“According to the prophet, the only way we are to be successful. Getting into Freedom City will be easy.”

“The tunnels.”

“Is there anything you don’t know?”

“I already told you. I read.”

“What else did my lieutenant share with you?”

“He helped me embrace that I honestly have no understanding of what you’ve been through. At all. And he was right. I only know the protected world I’ve lived in. Yes, I’ve traveled to the City of Lights and you witnessed the dangers, but I can’t imagine what you went through, the horrors you suffered.” As she’d done before, she sat up, immediately moving her fingers so she could trace the scars on my chest. “The bastards. I hate the king and I’ve never met him.”

I shook my head, frustrated that Wrath would interfere. “He is a narcissistic traitor who undermined everything my father worked to achieve. But make no mistake. The empire he’s built is tremendous, the man himself protected by dozens of preprogrammed Savages and he will do anything to protect his family and his power.”

“I understand. As I said. we will fight him together.”

“No, princess. You will be protected. I’ll do the fighting.” When she dared open her mouth to retort, I placed my finger against her lips. “Don’t fight me. That’s why I mentioned you need to understand you’re not a lone wolf. Rules will protect us. Do you understand?”

I only pulled my finger away by a couple of inches, daring her to contradict me.

“Yes, sir.”

For all her defiance, she was perhaps the only person who could make me laugh. “Much better, but I think I’ll ensure you remember for at least a few days.” I pulled her over my lap, which was nothing she’d been expecting, immediately placing my arm around her waist.

“What are you doing?”

“Like I said. Providing a reminder that hopefully you won’t forget.” I brought my hand down, shocked how damn good it felt with my palm connecting with her bottom.

Star wiggled several times, moaning as she did her best to claw from my hold. Not a chance. I smacked her buttocks several times, moving from one side to the other. The warm blush on her skin that immediately appeared was almost too enticing.

Every sound she made pulled me into a deeper sense of need. To protect her against everything and everyone. That wasn’t going to be easy, not with so many Freedom Hunters on the lookout.

There wasn’t any doubt that the roving hunters had taken the lives of the people we’d found slaughtered. What worried me was if they were moving in a pattern.

Staying here any longer than necessary wasn’t a good call. We’d leave at first light.

The sound of my hand cracking on her skin kept the smile from before. Maybe I truly was a monster of a man. Right now, if she finally learned to follow my lead, that was fine by me.

“You don’t need to do this,” she whimpered.

“I think I do.”

I decided on six additional strikes, which should be enough to keep her bottom warm while we traveled. I ensured they were much harder than before, my fingers tingling from the savagery used.

By the third Star finally stopped struggling but was pummeling her fists against the bed.

When I was finished and merely caressing her, she remained quiet. Even unmoving. Yet she was right in that I should never underestimate her.

Seconds later, I was flat on my back with her straddling my waist. She even managed to pin my arms against the bed. As she peered down at me, even purposely sweeping her hair across my face, I could feel my balls tightening all over again.

“Just remember something, Rage. For whatever reason, we’re in this together. If we are to believe in hope, then we must also believe in the prophecy. That’s means I’m your partner. Your equal. And as such, I demand respect.”

Whether or not she was teasing didn’t matter. I couldn’t help myself, easily rolling her over once again. As I ripped one arm over her head then the other, she fought me with everything she had.