Great. Just what I need. More people puttin' their hope in me. I think I liked it better when they thought me a witch.
8
The Bet
I awake to the warmth of mornin' light shining through the open window, and for a moment I cain't remember where I am, but then the stink of smoke wafting offa my clothes starts the memories flooding back. Right. The fields burning, me bringing the crops back, the village vowing their allegiance—all of it overwhelms my brain.
Laying back against the pillow, I glance around the familiar room. Jenna's room. Jax's little sister and infamous New Blood. The room I had recuperated in from my iron shooter wound months ago. So much had happened since then. That Tara? That terrified, naive little piss-ant seemed like a totally different Tara than the one who faced me in the mirror everyday now. I don't remember much of her any more.
I wonder how late it is. Even though my strength is increasing every day, the healing process of the field took a toll on me. I didn't pass out from the exertion, which was a good sign, but my body still shut down. I'd barely made it back to the cabin and to the cot before passing out. Didn't even have time to wash, which accounted for the awful way I was stinking up the room. But that had been early morning yesterday. Had I slept away an entire day?
The sounds coming through the open window tell me the villagers are up and going about their daily chores, so I sit up, glad that my head ain't spinning no more. I reckon I've wasted enough time already this morn. Rubbing a hand over my eyes, I yawn and breathe in deep, a disgusted look scrunching my face at the awful taste in my mouth. Tastes like something crawled in there overnight and died. I glance around the small room in hopes that Vi had left me some cleaning supplies and I ain't disappointed. There's a basin of water, some folded clothes, and what even looks like some mint powder to rinse my mouth. Shizen. That woman thought of everything.
A while later, washed and dressed in clean clothes, I venture out, expecting to find an empty cabin waiting for me, but I'm surprised to find Jax sitting in fronta the hearth. He looks up at me with those light eyes and smiles, and just like that my mouth goes as dry as yesterday’s burnt corn. Heart jumping like crazy—and me trying to pretend it ain't—I try a casual glance around the cabin. “So where is everybody?”
“Ma and the kids are in the fields since we still have crops to tend, thanks to you. Our people are unloading the shooters from the trucks and filling it with supplies for the rest of the journey. Mack wants to set out soon. He's just waiting on you.” Jax's words intensify my guilt at being idle in bed while the others were working. “How are you feeling, by the way?”
“Better. How long did I sleep?”
“Two days. Finn's been itching to wake you, but I wouldn't let him. Your body needed the rest to heal. What you did took a heavy toll on you.”
Two days. Much longer than I thought. I glance at him, the butterflies in my stomach all taking flight as one. “Aye, about what I did in the fields. Crazy as hell, right?”
His smile grows wider. “It was something, all right. You never cease to amaze me at what you can do. And you convinced the villagers to join our side. That's a feat in itself.”
“I guess.” My mind jumps back to the last time we'd been alone together. When Jax had told me he was freed from his promise to Sky. Things had been heating up until that lightning storm hit. We definitely had unfinished business, but showing my freakish side yesterday morning could be a game changer. I fold and unfold my arms a couple of times, not quite sure how to stand as he keeps staring. “How—how crazy did I look doin' that? I must have scared the crap outta those people. Outta Finn, and Sky and—you?”
“Yeah, it was pretty intense, but I've seen you be a much bigger freak.” He chuckles softly at his words, but I don't join in. His laughter tapers off, and he studies me closer. “Is that why you're acting all weird and jittery? You think what you did to save us scared me off?”
“I ain't actin' weird.”
“Aye, you are. And I'm used to your strangeness, but this nervousness is weird even for you.”
“I'm just askin' a question is all.”
“You're being weird.”
“Stop callin' me weird.”
He grins at me as he gets to his feet and steps my way. “Well, you are weird. And strange and stubborn and a bit of a freak.”
“Geez, stop it with the compliments. You're makin' my head swell.” My words are filled with sarcasm, but my heart is filled with exhilaration at his increasing nearness.
“You didn't give me a chance to finish what I was saying. You are most certainly all those things and a pain in the ass. But you're also loyal and strong and amazing. I wouldn't have you any other way.” He reaches for me, and I catch my lip between my teeth, but all he does is tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“I swear every time you use a lot of Chi your hair grows whiter. I like it. Very fetching.”
“Fetching?” I croak.
“Fetching. As in attractive. Pretty.”
“You think I'm pretty?” I blurt and immediately regret doing so. Oh, gods. I cain't believe I’m practically beggin' for a compliment. How pathetic.
Jax don't seem to be put off, though. Instead, he steps even closer and bends his head so that our noses are practically touching. “I think you're damn perfect,” he whispers. His lips touch mine, so soft and warm. I close my eyes, ever so grateful for the mint paste Vi had left for me, else this coulda been bad.
“Tara, you up?” The door crashes against the wall as a giant, black furball bounds through, followed by a familiar red head.
“For Pete's sake,” Jax mutters as I pull away, embarrassed at Finn's interruption.
“Hey. What are you two doing?” Finn asks as his eyes narrow at our closeness. Even Cat watches us, head cocked to one side in question. I take a couple steps back, my cheeks heating up even as the lie spouts past my lips.
“Nuthin'.”
“Don't look like nuthin'. Looked like you two was kissin'—”
“Well, we ain't,” I snap back.
“Well, it sure looked like it to me.”
“Then you seen wrong.” I glare at him across the room. “And why do you care what we’re up to anyway?”
He strides across the room with his hands in his jumper pockets. “Well, I wanna win the bet, so if you was kissin' then it's important to me.”
I glance over at Jax, but he just gives me his best “I don't have a clue” shrug.
“What bet?” I say.
“Talbert bet me two of his sweet biscuits that you and Jax was gonna kiss soon, but he thinks it's gonna happen next week. I said it was sooner, like today or tomorrow.”
I shake my head like I ain't quite heard him right. “You and Talbert bet what now?”
“A kissin' bet,” he repeats slower like if he dragged it out, I'd understand better. “Ben says we's both wrong, and it's gonna take a lot longer with you bein' so prickly like and hard to get close to. But I said if anybody could get Tara to kiss 'em, it'll be Jax. Was I right?”
His question is innocent enough, but all I can do is stare in disbelief. They actually have a bet going on when me and Jax will kiss? Is he being serious right now? My gaze flits back to Jax to see if he's as pissed as I am, but I swear to god he's fightin' desperately to stop from laughing at Finn.
“Are you hearin' this?” I splutter at him. “They have a bet goin' on us kissin'. And Ben is in on it too. That low-down, back-stabbin', son of a mother-less goat. And he said I'm prickly! I ain't prickly.”
I wait for Jax to agree with me, but all he does is clear his throat and look Finn's way. “Finn, you shouldn't be betting anything with anybody, especially something that's none of your concern like my and Tara's relationship. That's personal and between us, you understand that?”
The boy startles at Jax's admonishment. “Sorry, Jax. I ain't meanin' to offend.”
“I know. It's okay. How about you boys just drop this wager, though? And if you li
ke, I'll ask ma to supply you with some sweet biscuits to take with you. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to.”
Finn shrugs and stares at Jax, eyes hopeful. “Sure. And ya think Vi will do that for me?” Typical boy. Not the least bit aware he's started my blood boiling. I bite my lip to keep my sharp retort in my mouth where it cuts deep. Ain't the boy's fault. But Talbert and Ben shoulda known better. And I'm sure as hell gonna tell 'em that.
“I know she will. Now, why were you looking for Tara in the first place?”
He scrunches his face as if trying to remember. “Oh, yeah, Mack wanted me to see if she was awake and if she felt up to traveling. He wants to set out today.”
I give a curt nod. “Aye. Tell Mack I'm ready when he is.”
He grins back. “Good. I'm excited to see the mutie village. Talbert says it'll probably be one of the damned ugliest things I'll ever lay eyes on. Cain't wait to see it.”
“Finn, stop cussin',” I mutter at him, but his grin just grows wider as he calls Cat's name, and they head back outside to deliver my message to Mack.
I watch him go before I turn my anger on Jax. “Can you believe what those two idiots bet the boy? I'm so angry right now I can spit fire. And Ben said I was prickly! I ain’t prickly. Can you believe that?”
“Yeah I know. Unbelievable,” Jax says, his eyes twinkling with laughter and I get the feeling he ain’t half as upset as I am. He grabs my hand in his and pulls me close again. “Forget about those guys and their silly bet. Now, where were we?”
And like some lovesick pup, my anger starts to fade as Jax pulls me into his arms.
The sound of the door interrupts us again, and Jax rolls his eyes. “You gotta be kidding me,” he growls as Ben saunters into the cabin like he ain't got a care in the world.
“Hey, guys,” he calls with a big grin, but I counter the smile with a bone-chilling glare.
“You made a kissin' bet with Finn and Talbert?” I ground out, and his smile drops away. “And you called me prickly?”
“Bye, guys,” he throws over his shoulder, and without missing a beat, walks a circle and heads back out the door.
“This ain't over,” I yell at his back, but it makes him move faster, and he slams the door on us.
“Idiot,” I breathe, but he's long gone. Pocketing my anger to save for later, I turn back to Jax and raise a brow. “You were sayin'?”
He holds a finger up at me, still staring at the door. “Three... two... one...” As if on cue, the door opens once more as Mack makes his way in. Jax throws his hands up in the air. “Shite me,” he growls as he sends a frustrated look my way. I feel just as frustrated, but I don't say nuthin' as Mack heads in my direction.
“Good to see you looking none the worse for wear,” he says. “Finn tells me you feel up to traveling?”
I nod.
“Okay, then. I feel the sooner we get to the mutie settlement in the outer lands, the better. I can't shake the feeling that time is running short for us. The raider messenger who was here last night said that there's an undercurrent of unease in the sand lands. Like the Prezedant knows something is up. We need to set this plan in motion and quick.”
My eyes open wide in surprise. “What messenger?”
“Oh, right. You were asleep when he showed up. One of Busher's men was sent to tell us the ravagers had acquired two trucks in the span of a couple of days. Trucks full of supplies meant to feed the Prezedant's army. Quite a good start to our plan to incapacitate him. Plus, he brought us some extra fuel for our truck. Belle says we'll need it to get to the mutie village and back. The raiders are awaiting our visit to the outer lands to convince the mutants to join our side before sending the trucks their way.”
I stare at Mack in puzzlement. “Convince 'em to our side? I thought they were already on our side? There were a lot of muties in Sanctuary ready to help me rescue Ben, Po included. Why you gotta convince 'em?”
“A lot of the mutants are resistance just like us, yes. But they are a select few. None want to fight the Prezedant, and really could you blame them? He tears families apart using them in the mutant games, torturing them and killing them all in the name of entertainment. No one wants to be captured by him or his men. Most stay in the outer lands and never enter the sand lands their whole lives. I warn you, girl, we won't be welcomed by most. All we will be is a reminder of the dangers and evil lurking in the sand lands. We will have our hands full trying to convince them to pick up arms against the monster from their night terrors.”
Why did I think it was gonna be easy? I should have known better. Nuthin' ever is. I mull Mack's words over in my head for a bit. “The muties have big numbers?”
He nods. “They number in the thousands. A force to be reckoned with for sure.”
“Okay, then we don't have a choice. We ain't gonna give up until we convince 'em to join us.”
Jax practically beams at me next to Mack. “That's my girl. I have no doubt you'll come back from the outer lands with every single mutie in tow. Wish I could be there to see you in action.”
“You're not goin' with us?” I question him and cain't help the stab of disappointment that shoots through my gut as he shakes his head.
“I need to stay here even more now. Larius wasn't wrong when he said the people here aren't fighters. They need all the help they can get in learning how to handle the weapons we've brought them. Ben and I will do that while you and Mack recruit the mutants.”
I arch a brow his way. “You and Ben? Really? Think you two can stop growlin' at each other enough to help these people learn how to handle a shooter? You think that's a good idea?”
The grin that stains his face is fulla mischief, and I know he's up to no good before the words leave his mouth. “I know that's just your way of saying you're gonna miss me. But don't worry. You'll have your faithful watchdogs every step of the way. Talbert and Beanie won't let ya out of their sight.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Thanks. That makes me feel soooo much better,” I mutter, but that only makes his smile grow wider.
9
The Out Lands
Well, Talbert did not lie to Finn. The closer we get to the out lands the scenery takes on a whole new meaning of ugly. The farther we go, the quieter everyone gets. The quieter I get. The world here is broken and suffering, and I can feel its pain.
There's no sound in the truck as we travel the dead land other than the humming of the engine. My head keeps swiveling, trying to make sense of what I see. Trying to find anything familiar, but there ain't nuthin' that brings any comfort to me. No rolling hills dusted with patches of brown grass to break up the sea of sand. No prickly trees or maloe leaves. Not even rotted remnants of settler buildin's dot this landscape. The land is foreign and harsh. Arm spans of nuthin' but dull, gray pockmarked land and mounds of broken earth runnin' straight to the horizon. Even the air feels dead, and I breathe in deeper, trying to suck enough oxygen into my lungs.
Belle slows the truck down to a crawl to avoid the mounds of debris and craters in the ground big enough for the truck to fall into. We ain't come this far to break our necks driving off into one of those craters.
This place died a long time ago, and it don't take a genius to know that whatever bad thing the settlers had done to the land a hundred years ago had happened here. We're driving through the origin point of the end of the world, and the destruction had scarred the earth deep.
This whole area is just a ghost of its former self, and I swear I can all but hear the echoes of what used to be floating on the wind. Hundreds of voices of those that passed on in whatever cataclysm had occurred are still here, calling out for vengeance for the atrocities done to them. I cain't help the shiver that wracks my body. This place spooks me something fierce, and I glance over at Mack in discomfort. “Do you feel that?”
I ain't gotta explain what that is. He gives a sharp nod. “Aye. It's not the most pleasant of feelings coming here. It's an unsettling land.”
“The muties actuall
y choose to live here?”
“Hard to believe, I know. But this is the one place they are safe from the Prezedant. This is their home.”
“But how do they survive? There ain't nuthin'.”
“To our eyes, yes, we would think this land appears dead. But we would be wrong. There are still patches where stunted crops grow, still water flowing in parts underneath the sandy soil. Still scorpi-ants that hide in burrows scattered throughout. Enough of the few things they need to survive.”
Another shiver passes over me at the mention of the hard-shelled creatures that had almost taken Finn from us, and I'm real glad he's in the back with Cat and the others and don't hear Mack speak of 'em. He don't need to be reminded of his brush with death.
“How far in we gotta go? I ain't seen no sign of life.”
Mack shrugs. “We wait until they allow us to find them. I've been here once before, but I cannot tell you how to find any of the mutie villages. They are masters at camouflage and hiding. It's how they've managed to evade his men all these years. The only time they get caught is when hunger and thirst forces them out of hiding and into the sand lands.” He glances over at Belle. “Go east towards that outcrop of natural rock. That will be our camp for tonight.”
I squint my eyes into the setting sun, trying to see what rocks he's talking about. “We're gonna camp? We're not gonna get to the mutie village tonight?”
“As I said, we wait, they find us. No worries. It won't take long. There's always eyes watching in the out lands.”
That really don't make me feel any better.
As much as I don't wanna stop, Finn and Cat are happy to be out of the truck and running around. Cat nearly knocks me offa my feet a couple of times as she runs by, getting rid of her pent-up energy, and I yell at her as I start digging a hole in the parched soil to make a fire pit. She ignores me like the boy, and they keep running like idiots.
“Finn, stop your runnin' and grab the cookin' pot and kindlin' outta the back. Tater, you get the grub. Talbert, Beanie, you two take first watch. It's gonna be dark soon, and we don't want anything sneakin' up on us.”
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