Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,225

the way here?

"Ah, Agrio," she began, flickering out of awareness, "you look like shit," she blurted out before losing consciousness.

Chapter Three

It took all night to stabilize Mia. Lilly and I bustled around the healer’s tent, struggling to keep her alive. Fourteen stitches lined her chest, and it’s a miracle she didn’t lose too much blood. I didn't have the opportunity to ask Jules how she got here and who she was with. I was too busy helping gather supplies and create antibacterial salves for Mia's wound care. Scavengers that had long-term exposure to the toxic water supply were more susceptible to infection. It affected their immune system, and they couldn't fight off normal sicknesses like others.

After six hours of stabilizing Mia, Lilly sent me outside to replenish her supply of herbs. Outside near the creek, I was digging up a root needed for pain relief when Patrick came up behind me with food. "You need to eat," he said while thrusting a bag of fruit my way. My stomach was too twisted with anxiety, but instead of refusing him, I took it from his outstretched hands then stood and dusted the dirt off of my skin.

"Thanks," I replied. I wondered if he would want to talk about what happened. Would he be mad that I ran to his rescue? Would he be relieved that I still cared? Worried that I was so reckless?

"I'm not going to scold you for running to danger," he answered my unspoken thoughts. "I stopped making decisions for you when I saw how hurt you were that we removed your choice in Ethros." He bent over and efficiently helped dig up the rest of the root I needed before continuing. "Especially now that you're getting fighting lessons from Hux, I don't wanna piss you off." He chuckled while pulling the root up and standing.

The morning air felt electric. Bugs that lived in the glowing trees of the deadlands were alive and buzzing, sticking to my sweaty neck. I felt more alive too.

I smiled at his joke. Despite the exhaustion I felt, Patrick's lighthearted nature still managed to make me happy. "I could totally kick your ass," I choked out, willing this conversation to be normal. I was determined to try, not just because Huxley was threatening to stop our fighting lessons. I wanted to reconnect with them all. Maybe I was finally done with being numb? I was willing to risk being devastated again because at the end of the tunnel was hope.

"But I will say," Patrick began, taking a step closer and placing his fingers beneath my chin and lifting my gaze up, "I'm flattered that you were worried about me, but I'd rather have you safe. I'll always pick your safety over mine." That was the problem, wasn't it? I was in love with men all wanting to jump in front of danger for me. I was a Walker, I was used to having my decisions taken from me, but I didn't want that now. They couldn’t tease me with freedom then steal it back when it was convenient for them.

"Even now? Even after five months of..." of my mourning. Of my distancing myself. Of giving into my hurt and grief and letting myself fall into the pit of self-loathing and denial.

"There's no amount of time or distance that'll separate us," he replied, his tone earnest and deep. "This is unconditional, sweetie. I even love the parts of you that you think are hard to love." Patrick leaned forward and placed his lips against mine. I was covered in dirt, sweat, and grime. I was sure my curly hair was a mass of tangles, and Mia's blood covered my dress. But all I could think of was how good his lips felt. He didn't push too far, probably worried that I'd sink away again, but still, I found myself craving his contact. He threaded his fingers through my hair, getting caught on various tangles, then he smiled against me.

"I should bring you a comb," he chuckled, pulling away.

"Thank you for waiting," I whispered back. I knew that we weren't where we were, not even close. I knew that the new normal would take a while to get used to. Hell, I wasn't even used to the old normal before it was stolen from me. But I would try. My guys were worth trying for.

Patrick walked me back to the medic tent, and we held hands. He was practically glowing with excitement as we moved,