Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 132491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132491 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
I crash to the ground, mud sloshing into my armpits and hair as I land on my back. More mud, because I was already covered in it.
Mud is a decent makeshift sunscreen during afternoon training sessions, when the sun is at peak incineration levels. Rain showers are a welcome break from the sun’s punishing rays, but they never last long. The baseline weather here is a hellish inferno. If we had eggs—or concrete—we could definitely do the sizzling egg on pavement thing.
It’s my second day training full-time with Pax. I actually miss working in the kitchen, but this is where I need to be. Sharpening my fighting skills and making powerful allies. I won’t give Marcelle a second chance to kill me.
“Have you heard of Moringa?” I ask as I get to my feet, wiping my hands on my already filthy T-shirt.
“Nope.”
“It’s native to...I think it’s India, but you can find it other places. It thrives in tropical environments. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, several vitamins and folic acid, which pregnant women need.”
He creases his brow in thought. “I’m trying to figure out if you’re cute when you’re muddy or cute when you talk about plants and get all excited. Or is it both?”
I brush off his compliment, hoping his good mood will help me get what I want.
“I can identify edible plants. I know you guys have had some bad experiences eating plants in the past, but I can test them to make sure they’re safe. I’ll test them on myself.”
He shakes his head. “I’d kinda prefer you stay alive, actually.”
“I know what I’m doing. I can test plants without killing myself. This could be really good for the camp, especially the pregnant women.”
“Yeah. Okay. We’ll go out for a few hours tomorrow and see what we can find.”
I just nod so I don’t risk saying something that could make him change his mind. I didn’t think it would be that easy. If I can find some plants to supplement the camp diet, it will add much-needed nutrition and calories. And plants replenish themselves much more quickly than fish and boar.
It’s midmorning, and the training area is full of people at work. There are ones and twos doing muddy pushups and threes returning from swimming in the ocean. A group of three fours approaches me and Pax, all of them drenched with sweat after a run.
Two of them are women, one of whom is pregnant. Her bowling-ball-sized belly looks out of place on her tiny frame. Pregnant women who aren’t getting enough food shouldn’t be burning the calories these women do, but I know better than to say that.
“You want us to get started with the kids, Commander?” the man asks.
“Yeah, go ahead. You know what to do. We’ll be there soon.”
The other woman is tall, her long black hair tied back at the nape of her neck. She’s giving me a cool, assessing gaze.
“You’re a one, aren’t you?” she asks.
I hold out my wrist with the bracelet. “What gave me away?”
Pax laughs softly beside me. “Cool your shit, Yelena. Briar’s cool.”
“I’m sure.” Her voice is laced with sarcasm.
The man nudges Yelena’s arm. “Let’s go.”
She glares at me for a couple more seconds before the three of them leave. I blow out a sigh.
“The women here just love me. It’s these, isn’t it?” I hold up my wrists so the X tattoos face him.
“Not for Yelena. It’s jealousy.”
I roll my eyes. “Right. Because I’m a one and I belong in the kitchen.”
“No.” Pax’s eyes are locked onto me, swirling with intensity. “That’s not why.”
My body warms, an invisible connection between us tugging at me. I don’t want to get involved with anyone, because it would sidetrack me from what’s most important. But when I’m around Pax, my body doesn’t seem to care about the plans my mind has.
I avoid his gaze. “She’s welcome to switch places with me and find out what it feels like to have mud in places you never thought mud would be.”
His lips turn up in a smile. “No one’s switching places with you.”
He glances over each shoulder like he’s making sure no one can overhear him. My stomach knots because even though I feel a pull of attraction, I won’t give into it, and I don’t want to have to shoot down one of the two most powerful people in this camp.
“There’s something you need to know. Did Marcelle tell you about the circle?”
“No.”
He presses his lips together tightly, his expression grim. “Yeah, I figured. We’re about peace, order and prosperity here—you already know that. And part of prosperity is creating a new generation of Rising Tiders.”
My attention snags on his use of the word “creating.” Most people don’t consider their children creations. But he’s not hitting on me, and that’s a win. So I listen and don’t interrupt him.