“What’s going on?”
“Where’s that howling coming from?”
“Those are feral dogs, and we—” Seth began.
“Feral what?”
“That’s impossible.”
Seth stepped forward with his hands held up. “Calm down, people. We’re okay for now. Nothing is getting into the building. We’re safe.”
The rush died down as his words set in, and the sudden panic faded away. Jessica sat down on the nearest stool. “What is happening? Can you tell us that much, at least?”
“Yeah, and speak slowly, please,” Tony added, blinking at the light.
Bear growled with frustration. “There’s a pack of feral dogs outside the door, and they want our blood. They stand between us and the vehicles, and there’s only one option open to us. We’ll have to fight.”
Tony got to his feet, his eyes bleary. “How many?”
“Dozens,” Bear said.
“That many?” Jessica exclaimed.
“Can’t you hear them?” David said, shaking his head. He wore a sour expression and reached for a bottle of water.
“Yes, we can hear them,” Imogen said. “It’s impossible not to hear them.”
“Whatever,” David said, his voice testy.
“This is not the time to argue, guys,” Seth said.
“Speak for yourself,” David said. “My head hurts, and I can hardly think straight.”
“We all had too much to drink last night, okay? Pull yourselves together,” Seth said.
“Great. This is just great,” Tony said, dragging one hand across his face.
“Oh, shut up, will you?” David said, clearly in a foul mood.
Rogue assessed the situation from a distance. It was all going to hell in a handbasket. “That’s enough. I know we’re hungover, but fighting among ourselves is not the answer. Let’s take things one step at a time. Okay?”
Several faces turned her way, and Jessica asked, “What do you suggest?”
“First things first. How about a solid breakfast, a cup of coffee, and a couple of painkillers each?” Rogue asked with raised eyebrows. “After that, we can discuss our next move.”
“Sounds good to me,” Tony said. “I could really use some coffee.”
“I think we all could. Curses on you and that bottle of scotch,” Jessica said, wagging a finger at Tony.
“Hey, I didn’t force you to drink,” Tony protested.
“No, but I think I would’ve preferred a bullet to the head,” David added with a groan.
“Don’t worry, guys. We’ll be right as rain soon enough,” Rogue said with forced cheer. Secretly, she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep for another day. But the wolves were at the door. Literally.
“I’ll stoke the fire,” Seth offered.
“Thanks. I’ll put on the kettle,” Rogue said. “How does oatmeal sound?”
“Bland enough not to make me hurl,” Jessica said with a nod of approval. “I’ll sort out the guns and get our shit together.”
“I’ll help you with that,” Bear said.
“I’ll get the painkillers,” Imogen said, still slumped in her nest of blankets.
“And I’ll… I don’t know what to do,” David said.
“You can tidy up and pack away our supplies,” Rogue said.
“Right. I’m on it,” he replied.
With everyone busy with a task, Rogue set to work salvaging the morning. They had a mighty ordeal ahead of them, and they’d need their wits about them. Their strength too. With Seth at her side, she got a kettle of water on to boil next to a pot of oatmeal.
She set out bowls, mugs, and cutlery, sipping on a bottle of water to relieve her terrible thirst. Imogen’s painkillers kicked in not long after that, and her headache faded to a distant memory. A small mercy considering the creepy howls never let up. It would stop for a few minutes, only to start up again in full force. If she’d hoped the dogs would lose interest and leave, they soon proved her wrong.
After breakfast, Rogue got dressed, washed up, and packed her things. The others followed her example, and within the hour, they were ready to face the hounds outside the door.
“We need to stick together. The instant that door opens, the dogs will attack,” Bear said. “We can’t let them split us up. That’s their goal. To separate the weak from the strong.”
“Okay, so we have to stay in a group,” Rogue said.
“Yes, with our backs together and facing outward,” Bear continued. “We’ll make our way to the van like that. Once we reach it, Tony, Imogen, and David will get in and provide cover for the rest of us to get to the Jeep. Got it?”
“Got it,” Tony said.
“What if one of us gets hurt?” Imogen asked, her eyes wide.
“Keep moving,” Bear said.
“Okay,” she said in a small voice.
“Don’t worry,” Rogue said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “You’ll be fine.”
“Thanks,” Imogen said with a jerky nod.
“So, that’s the plan?” David asked.
“That’s the plan,” Bear confirmed.
“It sounds simple enough,” Jessica said.
“Which means it’ll be anything but simple,” David said.
“Just stick together. We’ll make it as a group, or we won’t make it all,” Bear warned.
“You heard the man. Nobody gets left behind,” Seth said.
Rogue sucked in a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Chapter 18 - Callum
Callum surveyed the proceedings in the city square with an air of suppressed excitement. Despite the dangers that lay ahead, he looked forward to the trip. Or perhaps, it was the lure of danger that had him on the edge of his seat. Either way, it would be a welcome reprieve from the city and its many troubles.
A row of newly outfitted wagons lined the square. Four men manned each wagon, all armed to the teeth with crossbows, spears, knives, and shields. A motley assortment of donkeys, mules, and bullocks tugged at their harnesses. The animals were well-fed and healthy. They had to be to make the journey.
A couple of the wagons carried food, water, and other supplies for the men while the rest were empty. Hopefully, they’d return filled to the brim with the things they needed to save Prime. A squad of gunmen rounded out the ranks, prized for their excellent marksmanship.
Callum had dressed with care, as well. His boots and clothing were made of sturdy material, both practical and comfortable. A rifle rode on
