smile is directed at me, as I approach. His gaze lingers far too long on my breasts. “Whatever kinky shit you have planned, I get to shack up with the blonde.” He nods toward me and licks his lips. “Been a long time since I’ve buried my face in a rack that pretty.”
Breaking his easy cadence, Titus twists toward the guy, yanking Leather Vest off balance, and hammers a fist to the man’s face that sends him flying backwards, tumbling onto his ass. Eyes wide with bewilderment, he stares up at the Alpha, rubbing his jaw.
“I don’t share,” Titus growls, before falling back in line, and the ensuing laughter of the women leaves me frowning after him.
Chapter 34
I walk alongside Titus, who allows himself to be led like a dog by rope along a well-worn path I’ve not seen during my many explorations through the woods.
“What is your problem?” I ask him, voice low to keep the others from hearing me. “Why haven’t you killed someone yet?”
“They’re women.”
“And?”
“I don’t hurt women.”
As much as I admire his ethics, now is not the time for it. Even Yuma trots behind us like he’s a wolf who suddenly has morals. “These aren’t normal women. These are psychopaths who happen to have vaginas.”
One of the women shoots me a glare over her shoulder, and I glare back.
“They don’t mean you any harm, therefore I have no reason to harm them.”
“Would you quit talking like a monk? You’re an Alpha, for Christ’s sake.”
“And they have guns. Many of them.”
“What about the girl you held down back there? The one you threatened to kill?”
He shrugs and exhales a forced breath. “They called my bluff.”
“And the guy you punched in the face?”
“He’s lucky to be breathing after what he said to you.”
“You’re curious. That’s why you’re going along with this.” The fact that he doesn’t deny my claim only stokes my frustration. “Well, your curiosity could very well get us killed.”
“They appear to be a strong group of women. They’d make a good ally out here.”
“So long as they don’t execute you first.”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”
Except that bridge could be a treacherous cliff that they throw him off before he has a chance to think about it.
Thirst tugs at my throat, while the hot sun beats down on the back of my neck, as we hike the sloping, open ranges of craggy peaks slashed by the occasional deep canyon.
At last, we reach a camp at the foot of a mountain, where at least a few dozen cabins stand clustered together. At a glance, I would bet the place used to be a resort, of some sort, given the close proximity of each building and the picnic benches placed throughout.
A tall fence lines the perimeter of the place, with female guards posted at every few feet.
More females bustle around inside the camp. As if every woman left on the planet has congregated in this one place. Scattered amongst them are small children, goats, chickens and pigs, a chaotic camp crawling with life.
“What is this?” I ask, loud enough for the leader of our troop to hear me.
“Home.”
In the middle of the camp stands a large metal platform with a pole sticking up from its center, and as we approach, I take notice of the charred wood beneath it, and what appears to be a blackened footprint imprinted on the steel surface. Halting my steps, I grab Titus’s arm, bringing him to a stop, and in doing so, Leather Vest comes to a stop, as well.
“What is the purpose of this?”
“You’ll see. First, you meet Freya.” Leather Vest gives a nod toward one of her soldiers and hands off the rope to Titus’s neck.
I take hold of the stretch of rope between the girl and Titus, wanting to keep him in my sights. “Who?”
“Our leader. She’ll determine if you’re worthy.” Grabbing my wrist, Leather Vest attempts to break my grip of the rope, but I tighten my hand, and the irritation bleeds through her clenched teeth when she says, “Release him now.”
“No. Not until I know what you plan to do with him.”
“For now, he’ll be held in one of the huts. Comfortable, while we meet with Freya.” Pain shoots up my thumb as the wretched woman bends it back, and I release the rope on a curse.
“To determine whether I’m worthy of what?” I glance back at where Titus is led toward one of the back-row cabins. Yes, he can take care of