Page 9 of Scavenger's Oath

Digging my hand into the bag, I grab a piece of the jerky, deciding to keep my mouth shut and be grateful for the food he hunts and preserves.

“Relax. I'm just curious why you kept this one alive?” Zane says holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Not that I'm complaining... she’s a pretty little thing.”

“I know, right. You think I'd waste an opportunity like that? And how long has it been since we even saw a woman?” I reply as I sit up on the countertop.

Before Zane can reminisce, the door swings open and Phoenix storms in, devil mask in hand. He glances between the two of us, smooths back his slicked brown hair and heads straight for the fridge.

“I checked the generator. We should be good for another week,” he says with a sniff.

Classic Phoenix, always ignoring the elephant in the room.

Just a second longer and...

“Didn't know we were running a shelter now,” Phoenix mutters, grabbing a bottle of water.

Aha, there it is.

“She won't be any trouble. Relax,” I grit out, suppressing my anger.

He doesn’t get it.

I knew Phoenix might be a little jealous. He’s had me all to himself for years. I always knew I was bi, but it was just experimental for him. We were neverexclusive.

Zane shifts in his seat. “Come on, Phoenix. You know how things are out there,” he urges. “She’s alone. Better in here than out there fighting other scavengers and dodging traders,” Zane adds, making some great arguments.

“Let them have her,” Phoenix sneers. “She’s a liability. Weak, and helpless. I didn't think you were the type to pick up strays, Myles.”

Phoenix’s words are sharp, but my mind is already back in the cell, thinking about the girl with the doe-eyes.

She’s not just some stray. She’s special. Mine. And I’m not going to share her.

I glance down at the bite again. My little doe drew blood. A part of me she’s already tasted.

“You already said I can keep her. Are you going back on your word?” I lean forward and tilt my head, baiting Phoenix to react.

Phoenix meets my glare, something unreadable in his eyes. “Just make sure your decisions don't get us all killed.” Turning, he stomps out of the kitchen, slamming the door shut behind him.

The room falls into an uneasy silence, only the hum of the refrigerator defying it.

I flex my wrist again, the sting grounding me. She fought. She fucking bit me.

She’s scared yeah—but she’s feisty.

And that’s the part that’s gonna make taming her so damn sweet.

Chapter 3

Ivy

The cold cement floor bites into my skin. The heavy silence broken only by the wind pushing against the cracked window as if it’s trying to get in.

My mind won’t stop spinning. Every sound feels like a threat. Every shadow, like a hand about to grab me again.

Lifting myself on shaky legs, I crawl onto the narrow cot bed. Pulling my knees up and wrapping my arms tightly around myself, I attempt to stay warm.

Every nerve in my body still thrums with panic. My face feels tight with dried tears as that familiar, floating feeling creeps in. The one that makes everything feel far away.

He locked me in an actual cage.