by Coralee June
I picked a brightly-colored piece that left my shoulders bare and only hit my knees. It clung tightly to my waist and flared out at the hips. The pattern had white and yellow flowers on it. It was beautiful but severely revealing. I walked past the room Cyler, and I were in and was pleased to find him sleeping peacefully. Although he wanted me to spend the day relaxing, I decided that my time would be better spent exploring my new home and finding out where my living quarters would be.
The upstairs was stunning. Six bedrooms, each with private baths covered the expanse of the floor and all connected by a living area in the center. Although it felt highly intrusive, I snuck peeks into each room and was surprised to find them all tidy and neat, the wooden furniture throughout the house was uniform, but each room had different bedding.
The sitting room had six recliners, too, instead of a couch and all of them faced a large and intimidating screen on the far back wall. How many people did he say lived here?
I made my way down the vast and beautiful staircase that welcomed me into their entryway. Weapons of all sorts hung up on the wall, and I noticed again that there were six slots for them.
I made my way towards the kitchen and was surprised to find Maverick slumped over at the kitchen table observing something on his Tablet intently. I coughed, to make my presence known, and he turned to look at me.
“Oh, Ashleigh. I see you’ve found the clothes we set aside for you.” He swallowed deeply while his eyes drank in my appearance.
“I know that the Galla Providence is of a more conservative nature, so if you feel uncomfortable, we are happy to find clothes that fit your tastes. Those were left behind by Jules, and I think you’ll find them to be more fitting for the hot weather,” he explained.
Knowing that the dress I wore belonged to Mistress Black suddenly made me uncomfortable. I felt a frown kiss my lips, which caused Maverick to look at me curiously.
“Actually, would you mind coming here for a moment?” He gestured for me to sit next to him, and I obediently obliged. Maverick opened up another screen on his Tablet, and I leaned over to inspect what it was he wanted to show me.
“I was able to recover some footage from the ambush,” he explained. “I was curious how they were able to get inside. The doors on our trains always remained locked, but I was able to find that before the security feed cut, one of the guards opened the door.” I watched the screen, and sure enough, a large man with a hidden face opened the door to the last train. I gasped.
“I was wondering if you remembered this man at all?” he asked. He rewound the video multiple times, while I observed quietly. I tried to jog my memory, but the man, although oddly familiar, didn’t necessarily look like anyone I knew. I shook my head no in frustration.
“Could he be a scavenger?” I asked.
“It’s very possible,” Maverick replied.
So someone on the inside was a traitor, which made life at the Dormas Providence much less safe.
Maverick got up from the table and began making two sandwiches. I watched as he painstakingly sliced thick cuts of yellow cheese, lettuce, onion, and meat. I once again stared at the image of the guard that let in the scavengers.
“Where were the other guards during this time?” I asked casually. “If you can narrow down where everyone else was, maybe you can figure out who it was that let them in.”
“Ah, excellent idea,” Maverick replied while walking over a plate full of food to me. “Unfortunately, that was the only feed I was able to recover. It would seem that the feed was corrupted,” he said with disappointment. “Now, eat. I noticed you hardly touched what Kemp brought you earlier. Your blood sugar was incredibly low when you collapsed on the train.”
I leaned forward and gingerly took a bite of the giant sandwich. “Are you a healer?” I asked.
“Not really. My Dad was the healer. I studied under him until he died.” He shrugged. “I know the basics, but in more extreme situations we have to call over a healer from a neighboring Providence. Luckily, our new fortune has allowed us to buy more equipment for our clinic, so I’m hoping to be more self-sufficient soon.”
I nodded in understanding. Something told me that Maverick was modest in his abilities. “Where is it that I am to sleep? I didn’t notice if you had Walker Quarters or not.” I wanted to move my belongings and look over the Tablet that Josiah slipped into my messenger bag the day I left.
“We wanted to let you decide. My brothers and I sleep in the bedrooms upstairs. The room you were just in is Cylers,” he explained.
“You are welcome to stay in our downstairs bedroom, or Kemper suggested having a guest house built for you in the back.”
I was shocked by their generosity and kindness. Any room in this house would be a step above the dark and damp basement at the Stonewells.
“Oh please tell Kemper not to go to any trouble for me,” I exclaimed, causing Maverick to laugh. “From the way, he was looking at you, I doubt it would be any trouble at all,” he joked, causing me to blush.
“I’ll gladly take the downstairs bedroom. And, if you find my presence in your household to be too much of a disturbance, I’ll happily move to whichever location you deem appropriate,” I offered.
“Yea, you’re gonna have to stop that,” Maverick said, shocking me.
“Stop what?” I asked.
“Stop acting like you’re this blemish on our household,” he said with a growl. “From what I gather, Walkers are expected to be submissive and think nothing of themselves. It's bullshit.” He shrugged. “We want a community of equal people that contribute to the village while exercising their rights. It’ll be a long road, but I want you to try and consider yourself as a guest here, not a fucking slave.”
I bristled at his commentary. How could I go from spending 18 years of my life thinking I was one thing, to considering myself to be an equal?
“I’ll try,” I muttered.
“Good,” he exclaimed with a clap. “Now, let me show you to your bedroom. Our other town leaders will be here, tonight. They went out to inspect the dislodged trolleys.”
“So there are six of you?” I questioned.
"Correct. We each are in charge of operations in an area that we have expertise in; we live together simply because it's more convenient."
I mused over recipes that could be filling to six adult men.
“Does anyone else live here?” I asked.
“Cyler and I's sister used to, but as you’re aware, she left to live with her future husband,” Maverick said this with a hint of disgust. It was evident that Jules wasn’t the favorite amongst her family.
Before I could ask, Maverick directed me towards a door tucked in the back corner of their home. He slowly opened it, and I sucked in a big breath–completely in awe of the room before me.
Four large windows overlooking the great expanse of trees behind their home stood on the south wall of the room. In the middle, was a large, king-sized, four-poster bed with a thick, white comforter. A bathroom was attached, and I was shocked to find a nice-looking tub that could comfortably fit three people. There was also a walk-in shower. It was amazing. It couldn’t possibly be for me.
I opened my mouth to exclaim that this would be way too much for a Walker, but the look on Maverick’s face and his request from earlier that still echoed in my mind, stopped me from speaking. Instead of protesting, I ran to him and gave him an appreciative hug. It was awkward, and we both stumbled at the force of it, but he accepted me with open arms and a chuckle.
“Thank you so much,” I whispered.
“I had no idea you’d like it this much. Maybe we should have Kemp build you that guest house. I wonder what kind of thanks, I’d get then.”
I blushed at his teasing and continued to explore the room. After bringing me my bag, Maverick left to further investigate the locked footage from the train car. I stared out the windows at the forest and enjoyed the feeling of being in the open air. For five blissful minutes, I didn’t think about
the Stonewells or Josiah, and I didn’t think about the crippling fear I felt when Cyler was trembling from the wound in his leg.
All I thought about was the openness of the woods and my beautiful, new room. It was incredibly peaceful until the shrill ringing of a Tablet brought me out of my daydreaming and back to reality.
I quickly found my bag and began rummaging through it to see the Tablet Josiah slipped into my bag. Once I saw it, I answered the video call request.
“Hello?” I answered breathlessly. Josiah’s face appeared on the other line and a stabbing pain reverberated in my chest. He looked good. Achingly good. His strong jaw made my knees weak, but the frown on his face made me nervous. His icy eyes roamed over my face and torso, absorbing my bright dress with its low-cut top.
“I’ve been worried sick about you,” He sighed. “You look amazing.”
“I’ve only been gone a couple of days,” I whispered. Although Maverick and Cyler both said I was a free woman in their household, I didn’t think that they would appreciate finding me chatting with their sister’s future husband.
“There were rumors here that someone attacked your train. I needed to see that you were okay,” he urged.
“I’m fine. I didn’t even see the attackers. Cyler kept me safe in the first-class cabin,” I added.
“Of course, he did,” Josiah muttered.
I looked Josiah over and noticed that his shirt was wrinkled, and his hair was crumpled. He looked sexy all disheveled. I shook my head at the thought.
Not mine. Not mine. Not mine.
“You look terrible.” I joked.
“I’ve been worried sick about you. Do you even miss me?” he asked longingly, with a hint of a whine.
“Yes,” I answered honestly. “I don’t want to miss you, but yes.” His eyes brightened at my admission.
We began an easy conversation, avoiding all the weighty topics that strangled my heart with a tight grip. I showed Josiah my new room, and he was equal parts impressed and sad. I don’t think Josiah wanted me to like being in the Dormas Providence.
“What were some of your favorite meals I used to make?” I asked. Josiah groaned in response.
“Oh God, Ash, do I have to list off all the amazing things you’ve made for me? It’s bad enough I don’t have you, but living without your cooking will be the death of me.” He put a hand on his forehead dramatically, making me giggle.
“Oh, hush. I’m in a house full of men, now. I was trying to think of what foods I could make to thank them for this amazing room.” I explained.
“What do you mean a house full of men?” Josiah asked with a forced and angry tone.
“All the town's leaders live here,” I answered.
“FUCK. FUCK. FUCK!” Josiah roared.
“What?!” I asked. His outburst was entirely out of character.
“How much research did you do of the Dormas providence?” he asked me.
“I did enough.”
“Did you see that they are experiencing a shortage of women there?” he asked with a hint of malice. “Some of them share women.” His face twisted in disgust. “They just toss them around like toys,” he explained.
Josiah’s words drenched me in fear. Surely, they wouldn’t expect that of me, would they? “Ash, you need to come home.” Josiah pleaded while gripping the edge of his bedroom desk. I considered leaving, despite the fantastic room and the promise of freedom. The Black brothers’ intentions with me seemed too unsettling, but just as I was about to ask Josiah to send transport for me, Jules' voice rang through the speakers.
“Who are you talking to, Jo? I thought we could continue what we started last night.” Jule’s sultry voice made my throat close up, and tears threatened to spill down my cheeks.
“Maybe you should have considered that before allowing me to leave,” I said bitterly.
Josiah absorbed my expression painstakingly. I didn’t hide my hurt. I let him take it on for the brief moment shared between us, and then I switched the screen off.
No matter what Cyler and his leadership council intended for me, I refused to face the deception and pain Josiah offered.
Chapter 11
I gathered my courage and made my way to the kitchen after spending hours researching the Dormas providence on my Tablet. Sure enough, articles explaining their peculiar solution for a lack of females came up on many sites. At first, I was alarmed, but as I flipped through the images provided, I saw a handful of women with big smiles on their faces, surrounded by adoring men. I almost felt jealous, but I wasn’t sure it was a lifestyle I wanted.
I decided that tonight, at dinner, I would discuss with Cyler what exactly my role here in his home would require of me. If I felt their intentions to be anything of that nature, then I would take Kemper up on the offer to move into a guest house.
I decided to make a stew out of what little supplies I found in their kitchen. Ingredients for chocolate cake sat on the counter in a prominent display, so I took that as a hint to bake Cyler a get-well dessert.
While the cake baked, everyone began trickling into the kitchen. Cyler was first, despite his injured leg. He hobbled hurriedly down the stairs and plopped himself down at the kitchen table. He then licked the spoon I used to mix the batter. I tried not to watch the methodical way his tongue danced across the chocolate-batter.
Maverick and Kemper came next with a man I had not yet met. He had darker skin and buzzed dark brown hair. His chocolate eyes were playful, and I liked the way his smile made the entire room come alive.
“I’m Jacob.” He introduced himself with an outstretched hand, and I nervously took it, accidentally covering his hand with the chocolate icing I was currently mixing up. He laughed at the mess between us, then slowly licked the frosting from his palm. The motion made my belly warm. He was muscular but not nearly the size of Cyler and Maverick. He moved with a confidence that couldn’t be faked. His tongue flicked the icing with a precision that made my heart race.
“Ah! Jacob, sit down a while with me. Let me complain about my travels to you,” Cyler joked. Jacob gave me a lingering, teasing smile that said he exactly knew what I was thinking then headed over to sit at their large, dinner table. Kemper smiled at me then asked if I needed any help.
“Ah, no. Thank you, I’ve got it.” I answered nervously. These men were going to be trouble.
Lastly, two men that towered over the rest walked in side by side, joking with one another and blinding me with their bright smiles. Twins. Identical Twins. Both wholly absorbed within their own world and laughing with one another. They had short, brown hair, lightly-tanned skin, and muscles that put everyone else to shame. They were significantly taller than me, and I wondered how on earth there could be not one but two men that looked as perfect as them. Kemper coughed and looked playfully at me. Although I was embarrassed that he caught me staring, I shrugged. It was nearly impossible not to.
“You must be Ashleigh!” the one on the right said. He then walked up to me, leaving the other twin behind. He enveloped me in a big hug and spun me around the room. I hadn't experienced such open affections before, and the gesture made me nervous.
“I’m Patrick,” he said.
“And, I’m Huxley,” the other added. Where Patrick was playful, Huxley was stoic. I shivered at his gruff scowl. If I didn’t know any better, it seemed he wasn’t happy at all to have me here.
Everyone sat down and maintained a comfortable conversation with one another. I kept quiet while I finished frosting the cake. Cyler boasted about his fight on the train, while everyone rolled their eyes at his retelling. It was apparent that they were close, I just wondered how I fit into this scenario.
Once everyone finished dinner, I started preparing plates and taking drink orders when Maverick clicked his tongue at me. He then helped me serve everyone’s dish and pulled out a chair at the head of the long table; He guided me to the chair with a firm, but comforting, hand. Everyone’s eyes turned to me, as though waiting for me to take a
bite. It was customary for Walkers not to take a bite until their Holders have completed their meal.
“Please, eat!” I joked uncomfortably.
“Ah, in the Dormas providence, the one that prepares the meal always takes the first bite,” Kemp piped in.
“Hurry up already, I’m starving,” Huxley complained.
Not wanting to upset them, I quickly grabbed my fork and shoved a scalding-hot piece of roast into my mouth. The heat burned, but I refused to flinch. All eyes were on me when I swallowed the meat with mock-ease.
“Dig in,” I said with a cracked voice.
Simultaneously, the entire table erupted in gulps and moans of appreciation. It felt good to see everyone enjoying my meal, and it made me feel slightly better about taking on such a beautiful room and using up their hospitality. Everyone remained quiet, too busy eating their food, so I took the opportunity to break the ice and bring up what Josiah mentioned earlier.
“I’ve been researching the Dormas providence, and I have a question,” I said softly. All eyes except Huxley’s turned to me. “I-I want to understand my place here fully. My whole life, I’ve been ordered around or provided direction on what to do. How to act. And now, I’m in this new place and at a complete loss. I need to know if I am expected to take you on as . . . lovers.” I choked on the last word but tried to remain calm and confident.
A mixture of expressions was thrown my way until a loud, booming laugh shook the table, causing me to flinch in embarrassment. I noticed Jacob doubled over and laughing hysterically.
Like a tidal wave, once the first laugh started, the rest joined in until I couldn’t help but chuckle in embarrassment at their reaction to my question.
“Ah dear, I haven’t laughed so hard in my life.” Patrick sniggered while wiping tears from his cheeks.
“We’re so sorry, Ash, it's just, your face when you asked.” Cyler burst into a fit of more laughter. “You looked terrified.” His assessment of how I felt was accurate. It took a lot of courage to ask them that, but now I was feeling foolish.
