“Just kill them,” said one of the men. “Less trouble down the road. There’s only so much supplies to go around.”
The leader aimed at Draven.
So many memories came flooding to mind. The days he’d nearly died in the war. Surviving this crazy new world. The future with Ashley he’d never know.
“Lower the gun. Nice and slow, asshole.”
Draven turned around. It was Luanna, standing in the wagon with one of his automatic weapons in hand. Ashley was behind her, aiming a shotgun at the other men.
The men complied, dropping their guns to the grass. Draven and Luke immediately hopped out of the wagon and collected
the guns, and patted down the foursome to be safe.
When everything had been secured, he walked to the wagon and looked up at the two women. “Is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on?”
“Well, Ashley didn’t want you going without her, and since I know a lot of good places for food and medical supplies, I thought I could be an asset,” said Luanna.
“And you’ve been hiding in the wagon all this time?”
Luanna shrugged. “We were waiting until you got to town so you couldn’t send us home.”
“I wanted you safe, Ashley.”
She set the shotgun down and reached for him. He helped her down, swinging her around in his arms. “I’m glad I didn’t listen, or you could have been killed.”
“I’m sure I would have found a way out of this mess. I always do,” said Draven.
“You sure are smug, aren’t you?” said Luanna. “A simple thank you would have sufficed.”
“Thank you. I still don’t approve of Ashley being at risk,” he said.
“Well, we’re here now,” said Ashley, looking up at him with those gorgeous blue eyes. “Let’s get the mission done and get home.”
“What about them?” asked Luke.
The part of him holding onto his humanity demanded he show mercy. But it was a small part. The rest of him knew these bastards wouldn’t stop until they found their compound, and they’d try to kill them on their return trip.
“Why don’t you and Luanna handle this? We’ll keep heading around this damn road block. I’m sure you’ll be able to catch up on foot.” Draven kissed Ashley and helped her up into the front of the wagon. He climbed up beside her, this time with a weapon near his foot.
He didn’t want Ashley to think he was a monster, but he also knew Luanna was almost as ruthless as he was. She’d never allow the men to go free with their lives.
These were difficult times, and survival of the fittest had become a way of life. Those men were going to kill them for no reason except they were breathing. Nothing could be more ruthless than that.
****
Ashley scanned the area as they rolled along. The town was desolate, like a ghost town from old television shows. There was even tumbleweed crossing their path. As she’d recently learned, it wasn’t a sign of safety. Man had become their biggest threat. It was ridiculous when food, shelter, and survival should be number one on everyone’s mind. People turned evil way too easily. It was disheartening.
“It’s too quiet,” said Luanna. She stood behind them with a rifle in hand.
“It’s deserted. Just be on alert. We’ll get what we need and get the hell out,” said Luke.
Draven squeezed Ashley’s knee, offering her a bit of comfort. She wasn’t used to this. Life in the kingdom had spoiled her, giving her a sense of false security. If only it was real.
“Do you think there will still be food here?” Ashley asked.
Draven nodded, giving her a little smile. She was so lucky to have found him. Ever since the virus, her life had been turned upside down. He alone managed to give her balance.
“Over there,” said Luanna.