Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,30

began. “Your role here is to contribute to the household and community however you see fit. We all pitch in where help is needed. And I’d like to add that your cooking is something I could get used to.” A series of grunts erupted in agreement. I looked around and saw that Patrick had already given up on our conversation and was busy shoveling more food into his mouth. “We all have chores around the house, as well as volunteer in the community. I’ll show you around town, tomorrow.”

“I’ll answer the next part.” Jacob piped in. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and I cringed, causing another series of chuckles.

“Yes. Our community shares women. Beautiful ladies, such as yourself, are a commodity in these parts.” Jacob said. “After X hit, some people found ways to build their family outside the normal traditions you're accustomed to in Galla.

“However, that lifestyle is only for a select few, none of us have even considered that notion, probably because we’re too busy keeping this town running to even think about that. And Cyler didn’t invite you into our home under that presumption.” I felt a weight being lifted off my chest at his assuring words.

“You don’t have to worry about anything from me,” Huxley grunted. His quick dismissal of me made my eyes roll involuntarily. Huxley was the last person that would make me worry. His eyes were like piercing knives that exposed every dark thought I’ve ever had to myself.

“You won't have to worry about anything from any of us,” Cyler added while glaring over at Huxley. Huxley grunted and jumped as if someone kicked him from under the table.

A small part of me felt disappointed. I knew it was irrational to think this way–just a minute ago, I was planning on running back to the Stonewell home to avoid them. But I couldn’t help but wonder, was I not good enough for them? I knew these insecurities stemmed from Josiah’s recent betrayal, but I couldn’t help but want to feel . . . wanted.

“Ah, Ash. Don’t get that sad, puppy-dog look on your face.” Kemp said. “It's not you. We’ve always been competitive; we simply would prefer not to mess with the dynamic in our home. We’re leaders here in Dormas, and we need to be a united front–just not that united.”

“We decided the moment you fainted on the train, looking all nasty and covered in blood, that you would be off limits,” Patrick said with a chuckle. “We want you to feel comfortable in our home. Like a . . . sister.” He struggled with the last word but still smiled.

I absorbed their explanation and felt peace wash over me. For the first time in my life, I not only had the freedom to do what I wanted but also a family.

Chapter Twelve

The next morning, I woke up early to tour the town that was now my new home. Maverick gave me instructions the night before to meet him in the kitchen first thing, but to my surprise, when I turned the corner, it was Jacob yawning instead of him.

When his eyes met mine, a sleepy smile spread across his cheeks.

“Maverick had to leave in the middle of the night. One of the Walkers is having a bad reaction to the vaccine and needed medicine,” he explained.

“Oh,” I said. I felt disappointed that I wouldn't be able to tour the city, as well as worried for the Walker. It was rare that a Walker’s body rejected the vaccine, but when it did happen, it almost always resulted in their death. I made a mental note to visit Maverick later after touring the town with Jacob.

“Don’t look so glum, I’m here to show you around,” Jacob said. He then handed me a pastry and a to-go cup full of tea. It was a sweet gesture, and I immediately decided that Jacob was a kind and thoughtful person.

We made our way through the village center. Wooden buildings surrounded us on each side, and Jacob explained in detail what each building was, who worked there, and whatever gossip was going on at that time. Occasionally, he would run into someone he knew, and they would smile and joke, or he’d introduce me. What few women we saw, fawned over him. I couldn’t deny that Jacob was downright beautiful, and it was evident that he liked the attention.

We made our way down the dirt road until we arrived at a small shop. The sign on the