“I’ve never cooked anyway,” I answer, and then the meaning of his words dawns on me. “What do you mean after I join you?”
“When you become a ranger.”
“What?!”
“We need more strong, brave soldiers. You’re a perfect fit for our gang.”
I stare deeply into his eyes, trying to understand whether he’s being serious or not, but can’t read his face.
“How can you say that?” I ask. “You don’t really know me.”
“You killed Gabriel along with two guards, not to mention breaking Ace’s nose. What else do I need to know? I reckon you might have slit my throat if I hadn’t disarmed you first.”
I realize what he says is partly true. Although I was terrified when he attacked me, I wouldn’t hesitate had I managed to pull my knife.
“I don’t want to become a roamer,” I say. “I have my own plans.”
“What kinda plans? You’re an escaped servant. Where else can you go?”
“Bastion,” I say, at the same time wondering why I’m sharing this information with him.
“They don’t like escaped servants in Bastion. They’d likely just contact the masters in Central Settlement and send you back, if they discover who you are. Killing the son of the high master isn’t a joke.”
I realize the truth in his words as I remember Lady Augusta’s and Dimitri’s warning. Still, joining the roamers seems like an even more dangerous plan.
“I’m not willing to join a gang of killers, rapists and thugs,” I state, remembering Trent’s words.
Wreck stares blankly at me. “Is that what you’ve heard? That’s not exactly true. We don’t rape anybody. We just kill trespassers.” He smiles innocently as if killing people is a virtue.
“And how many innocent travelers have you personally killed?” I ask accusingly.
“Well, I didn’t bother to count.” He shrugs. “What? Don’t look at me like that. Most of the ones who come here aren’t exactly innocent. They’re typically killers as well. We just protect our land.”
“Really? What about Tanya and I?”
“What about you?” he smirks. “You’re a cold-blooded killer, Kora. You’re just like us.”
Am I? I ask myself. I don’t know. Maybe.
“Anyway, I’ve already apologized for attacking you,” he says. “It wasn’t anything personal. It’s just the way we treat captives. I simply followed the drill.”
“I don’t want to join your gang,” I repeat.
“Our leader, Tartis, gave a direct order to kill you and Tanya,” Wreck says, as I feel my throat tighten.
I watch him warily, thinking about my knife.
“I’m not gonna follow the order,” he adds. “But others will do whatever he commands. I saved your and Tanya’s lives back in the woods by not letting Ace kill you. But I can’t protect you from all of them.”
“Just let us escape,” I say quietly.
“I can’t let you escape,” Wreck says firmly, and I hear the finality in his words. “You must become a ranger if you hope to live.”
He stops smiling, and his presence now feels intimidating. I no longer sense any friendliness in his attitude.
Tanya and I must survive, no matter the cost, I remind myself.
“What would I have to do to join your gang?” I ask.
Wreck smiles broadly. “Well, you’ll have to meet with our leader, and persuade him to let you become one of us. Other rangers will attend the meeting, and I reckon some will be against you. But don’t worry, I’ll be there to support you.” He pauses, thinking. “Remember, Tartis doesn’t want to initiate a conflict with Central Settlement. As long as we don’t bother them, they don’t bother us. So don’t mention Gabriel, all right? Just say you killed some guards in the Recycling village and escaped. Got it?”
I nod, envisioning myself standing in the midst of a crowd of roamers, being the center of attention. I already feel sick.
I continue eating in silence, recalling everything that’s happened within the past few months. Chimeras, Amy’s and Topaz’s deaths, the loss of my mother… and now roamers. A strange indifference comes over me, and it seems like I can no longer worry about what might happen to me or what I might have to do. If Wreck insists that joining roamers is the only option I have, then fine, I’ll join them.
“What was all that talk about destiny?” I look up at him. “What did you mean when you said we were destined to meet?”
“I said that?” He pretends astounded. “No way. Why would I say something like that?”
I don’t argue, although I’m certain he remembers but… whatever.
He watches as I eat, his eyes attentive and unblinking. Just like Gabriel’s.
“Stop staring at me,” I say, feeling uncomfortable.
“I can’t. I’ve never seen anybody eat so much.” He smiles. “Where does it all go? I mean, you’ve already eaten like three times more than me. It’s amazing!”
“Racers have good appetites,” I shrug.
“I’m sure! Could you eat some more?”
I nod and Wreck gives me part of his steak along with three more rolls.
“Whoa,” he breathes out after I finish. “It’s like feeding a chimera! I’ve always wanted to try feeding one from my bare hands. Here, take it.”
He stretches out an arm toward me, holding a roll and pretending to be scared. His role play is quite good. His eyes widen and even his hand begins to tremble. Not fully understanding why I’m doing it, I lean forward and snatch the roll from his fingers with my teeth.
“Ouch!” He withdraws his hand, pretending shocked. “Damn, Kora! You almost bit off my hand!” He chuckles and I smile. “Can you catch food in your mouth?”
“What?” I frown.
“You know, like a dog. I’ll throw something and you try to catch it.”
I don’t really know what to say.
“Why would I do that?”
