Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,365

educated, refined woman now, but I was still my father’s daughter. I crouched into a ready position.

“The reaction of a warrior. Your brother would be proud,” a smooth voice said from my left.

I immediately turned just as a Scavenger emerged from behind a tree. He had long white hair and scarring in geometric designs all along his naked torso. Tight grey pants stuck to his long, muscular legs. He was lean and observant. His blue eyes never leaving mine, even as I assessed him.

“You’ll need to work on your hearing and sense of direction, though. I’ve been following you for a good twenty minutes.” His mouth tilted into a small smile that made my stomach flip.

“I guess Scavengers don’t know proper manners,” I huffed while straightening my hair and raising my chin. “Any respectable gentleman would make his presence known.” The Scavenger’s smile grew an inch, and despite his sharpened teeth, I couldn’t help but think the gesture softened his wild exterior. He was handsome—for a Scavenger.

“You got me there,” he said with a slight bow. “I’m no gentleman.”

He took another step towards me, and I felt like a wolf trapped in a cage. My Galla tutors taught me all about Scavengers. They were feral and uncivilized. I knew that my fear was well placed and deserved. He stepped closer.

“I must admit, I was curious if you’d eventually find your way to my camp,” he said with a shrug. He took another step closer, grabbing the bag from my shoulder before setting it upon his muscular one.

“Well, I’m simply thrilled that my misdirection was entertaining,” I bit out. “But since you have what you need, I’ll be on my way back now.” I turned and peered through the trees. The sun had already begun its descent, and I was still confused as to where I was.

The Scavenger merely smiled. “Come with me to camp. You can meet the recipient of this generous gift, and then I’ll take you home.” He held out his hand for me to take.

“Fine. But I want to be home within the hour.” I walked up beside him, bumping his shoulder. I expected him to cave under the force of my hit, but instead, it was me that bounced. His muscular, pale arms grabbed me, and he maneuvered us so that we were facing one another. Barely six inches of space was between us. I felt paralyzed by a mixture of fear and…curiosity. He took one of my hands and lifted it to his chest, so that it rested above his heart.

“I’m Tallis,” he whispered. Then, taking his hand, he slowly placed it over my heart. I stilled in discomfort, the heat that came off of him made my senses hum.

“Tallis?” I confirmed while his hand lingered. I was familiar with this primitive greeting between Scavengers. He nodded with a confident smile that made my next move more rewarding. I slowly grabbed his hand, and in one swift, practiced movement, flipped his hand back so that his wrist was strained and helpless against my hold. “Don’t touch me.”

Chapter One

Chapter Two

The Scavenger camp wasn't too far off, but we still suffered through an uncomfortable twenty-minute walk. I stumbled twice over loose vines, my now swollen feet and too-tight shoes a burden in the rough terrain. Tallis' lips lifted in a millimeter of amusement each time I lost my footing. Where I struggled to keep on the thin trail, he navigated the forest with confidence and ease. The loud slap of my uncomfortable shoes drowned out his sure and quiet footsteps.

As he walked, Tallis' crystal blue eyes swept the forest floor with an intense stare. With his head tilted to the left, he strained to hear the quiet movement of the trees as if preparing for an ambush. Living in the deadlands did that to a man, I suppose.

"Aren't you a bit young to lead this camp?” I finally asked as orange tents came into view between the thick branches of the towering trees.

"I passed the trials almost a year ago. I’m the youngest man to become a scavenger leader this side of the Empire." Tallis shrugged. Although impressive, Tallis didn't sound boastful or even proud. His tone was sad, regretful almost. He pushed through the thick and thorny bushes. I caught him looking at me from the corner of his eyes as if gauging my reaction.

Curiosity filled me. As a well-known socialite, it was my civic duty to find and share scandalous stories. Information about the process