Page 71 of Redemption (Devil Dogs of the Apocalypse #4)

The guys surrounding us chuckle amongst themselves. “Always a charmer with the ladies, huh, Drone?”

“You know me.” I feel him smile against the side of my face, his dimple most likely making an appearance.

The tiny brush of his skin against mine is enough to have me wanting to crane my neck and give him more access, but I stop myself before my pussy literally decides to take over.

Darius nods back to the man in front of us, continuing the conversation that I’m barely able to focus on.

“Maybe you should try it sometime, Tank.”

The Tank guy laughs, throwing a palm out in refusal.

“Nah, I like ‘em wiggling when I get ‘em. Makes things more interesting.” He looks closer at me struggling in Dare’s arms and lifts a finger, sliding the imposing digit down my jaw. “Like this one. Bet she’d be a great addition to work on, don’t you think?

” The hunger in his eyes as he licks his lips at my quivering form has me aching to take the knife at Dare’s hip and drive it right into those sleazy, bloodshot orbs.

Darius warned me of this exact scenario: how some of the men become absolute animals when a female enters the town.

With all the women of the community kept under lock and key, once the sun went down, if they weren’t invited to partake in the Ascension rites, those left on the outside would turn feral.

Any unindoctrinated woman entering the town would quickly find herself at the center of a frenzy.

She wouldn’t stand a chance until dawn when she was eventually taken in for processing, albeit battered and bruised from the assault left unchecked in the dead of night.

Regardless of the fact that Darius is with me and is a member of this community, he won’t be able to fight off all of them. This was exactly what we were hoping to avoid, but a risk we were willing to take nonetheless.

It makes me sick to think about it. No woman should be treated like that.

No person should be treated like that. But, according to Darius, David can only control so much within his community.

And, although Darius wishes he could change things, he’s only one man amongst hundreds and is doing what he can in other ways to save them.

Sensing my impending rage and unease at this asshole, Darius tightens his arms around me on response, the possessiveness in his hold painful yet comforting.

Despite the implied threat from this douche canoe, I know Darius would never let anything happen to me.

He proves it a second later when he says, “She’s with me, so back off.

You and I both know there are too many witnesses for you to pull your shit right now. ”

Unbothered by Darius’ taunt, Tank responds, “Ah, I don’t think the boys will mind a little late-night fun.” Laughter rises louder amongst the grouping, proving him right as they all turn their disgusting gazes towards me.

Darius squeezes tighter, pulling me back slightly. “I think you’d better reconsider if you know what’s best for you.”

Unconcerned, the man simply grins back. “Ah, Drone. You might be the best fighter here, but I’ve got the numbers. Don’t think you’ve got it in you, old timer.”

As if on instinct, Darius swiftly draws the loaded gun from his belt and holds it out in front of us. “I’ll take that bet.”

The man eyes the weapon and smiles, taking a tiny step backwards as his gaze lifts back to mine.

“Hey, no need for violence. You can have her tonight. I’m sure I’ll get to her soon enough.

” His gaze rakes across the length of my body once again, almost making me wretch at the violation.

“Besides, you know this is the one David’s been looking for.

He’s gonna want to see her looking all shiny and brand new. ”

“Yeah, I’m sure he will, but I just got her here after almost a week of fighting with her. David can wait a fucking moment.”

“What’s all this commotion about David?”

A chill overtakes my entire body as the man in question walks up to us, his body language practically screaming nonchalance and pompous arrogance. I swear, even in the darkness I see his eyes turn from green to brown.

Full. Of. Shit.

At least this time, I don’t need to curb my reaction to his unwanted presence. I crane my neck, pulling my cheeks in to make sure my mouth is full of spit before hocking the biggest wad towards him.

Like the fucked-up bastard he is, David doesn’t even flinch as my saliva hits his cheek. He simply lifts his hand from his pocket, already holding a handkerchief, and wipes my offense away. “Well, now... Looks like we’ll need to teach this one some manners.”

Dare yanks on my chest and shoulders, pulling me back and away from David.

“Sir, I apologize for her misdeeds. I’ll get some training under her.

I was just about to sign her in at processing and take her back to my place to do just that.

If anything, she needs a good wash. Stinks to high heaven, this one. ”

I... Do... Not....

As discreetly as I can while still being restrained, I take a whiff of whatever smells he might be talking about.

I don’t smell anything off. Nothing here.

... Or there... Or... Ooooooh... Oh dear God.

Now I smell it. The... scent ... that’s been stirring these past few days comes barreling into my nose, reminding me of what’s happened in the time since.

The marathon, gravity-defying sex fest with Cole, Hawk, and Jax back at Tryon Palace.

The adrenaline-concentrated sweat from almost being abducted by these very same assholes prior to Darius finding me.

The long-ass march back in the direction we already fucking came from and back to this sorry excuse for a town.

The dickhead zombies that found us... and all their horde-y blood and guts and ooey gooey bits that got on us during the fight. Ugh... it’s probably still in my hair....

Then, we can top it all off with the coppery undertones of mens-fucking-stration. Combined with the lack of any suitable cleansing abilities apart from a package of cucumber-scented baby wipes, we’ve got a verifiable bouquet of apocalypse potpourri.

Oh, lucky me.

Fuck, I need a shower. Or a lake. I’ll take a damn bucket of water at this point. How the hell did I become so damn nose-blind? Ugh, and of course, I had to run into the former love of my life while looking and smelling like a fucking dumpster heap.

“Way to make a great second first impression, Aly... Really. The trash panda look is totally in these days. Really haute couture of you. ”

Fuck you, ya twat waffle!

Although I’m proud of myself for instantly removing the fake and annoying smile he’s always sporting, the disgusted sneer on David’s face just adds to the proof that I am a vile, repugnant mess.

“Yes... A bath would be necessary. Immediately. And then straight to processing. The Infirmary has the means to—.”

“I’ll take her as soon as she gets cleaned up,” Dare interrupts.

“You’ll take her to the Infirmary now, Drone,” he replies, brokering no arguments about the matter.

“Immediately. They’ll clean her up there and then begin her evaluation.

Once she’s cleared and fit for duty, I assure you you’ll be seeing this little flower in the capacity she is deemed worthy for. ”

Darius hesitates, taking a small step back as his arms tighten around me a little more. “But, sir...”

David’s eyebrows rise, clearly finished with the objections. “Excuse me? ‘ But?’ Need I remind you of what happens to those who defy my direct orders?”

I feel a muscle twitch in Dare’s jaw, his guard fully in defensive mode, but with a deep breath, he manages to rein in his aggression in order to maintain the facade. “No, sir. Right away, sir.”

We turn away and start to head towards the large building in the back, but David’s cough stops us in our tracks after only about three steps.

“Drone, I’ll need you to report back to my office as soon as you’ve transferred our newest addition to the medical staff.

We’ll need a full rundown as to why it took so long for you to return, why you didn’t use the tunnel system, and what news you have of what lurks around the perimeter since you decided to stay above ground this entire time. ”

His face is blank, completely stoic as he responds, “Yes, sir. One hour?”

David’s face turns down in suspicion. “Come now, Drone. Twenty minutes should be more than sufficient to get her to the Infirmary, don’t you think?

” He pats Darius on the back patronizingly.

“You know, it’s even enough time for me to acquire some coffee for our meeting.

Look at this: a new arrival, a cherished member returning home, and a fresh pot of coffee waiting in the community center.

What a wonderful morning for us all.” David claps his hands once, gleaming as he walks around the group before setting his eyes back on Darius, leaning in to discreetly whisper, “And, Drone, please do make sure to clean yourself up as well. I’d hate for that stench to be dragged into my office. You know how I detest uncleanliness.”

“Yes, sir.” With a reluctant nod, we turn back around and resume our walk.

Shit. Twenty minutes isn’t enough time to even begin to do what we came here to do.

And now he has to go entertain a meeting with the devil himself?

What if something happens to him? Or me?

I don’t want to separate, especially not here where anything can happen.

What if we can’t find each other again? I can’t keep my lips shut as I let my worry show through, whispering, “Dare...?”

“I know,” he says in reply, just loud enough for me to hear him against my ear.

“David wasn’t supposed to be on the road like he was.

Not at this time of day. Normally he’s either up in his office sleeping or in the Ascension house right now.

I have no idea why he was on the road. We should have had more time before he was notified of our arrival. ”

My pulse amps up, double-time. Dare’s breaths turn heavy at my back. Against my cheek, I feel a muscle in his jaw stiffen as he clenches tightly, the stress of the situation falling upon us. But, regardless of the sudden change in plans, we keep to the facade... and walk.

From the corner of my eye, I can almost see his brain working, trying to amend the plan on the fly, but we have no time.

The building is right there. “It’ll be ok, Alessandra.

I know a few people in the medical wing I can leave you with.

I trust them completely. They’ll... They’ll take care of you and might even have the information we need.

Then, after I’m done with this stupid meeting, I’ll head out and look for the guys.

I’ll check in as often as I can. But we’ve prepared for this as well as a thousand other scenarios.

You know what might happen, so be on your guard.

” He squeezes my shoulder, as if to transfer some of his strength into me by the simple touch.

“It’ll be ok, and I will come back for you. I promise.”

My heart pounds as we walk up the steps, adrenaline filling my veins as I ready myself for what might come. Then, with a final nod of reassurance, Darius opens the door and leads me into the large building, giving me my first real look under the mask of Phoenix Rising.