Given to the Savage(24)

It was early evening when they arrived and Rowan got her first look at a settlement. The light that came from the homes flickered. It was a larger village than she had assumed and soon, villagers began to come out of doors as they heard the sound of their approach.

Rowan’s heart began to race. She saw the curious looks of the people and found herself stepping closer to Silas so that she just touched him.

“They’re weary of strangers, that’s all,” he said. “They’ll stare but they won’t harm you.”

She nodded, her eyes wide on the approaching men and women. Most hung back but about a dozen approached, one a little boy of about six.

Rowan turned to Silas, confused. “How are there children?” she asked.

“Overflow. The colony only keeps those born with the breeder gene. They then give the citizens of the colony their pick and send the rest to the settlements.”

As Rowan watched, the boy managed to free himself from his mother’s tight hold and ran so fast toward Silas that he collided into him.

“Charlie!” Silas said, catching the boy.

Rowan watched the reunion     as Silas picked him up and held him.

“They all missed you, Silas, but I took care of everything. Old man Gideon was in a nasty mood but no more than usual. Aside from that, everything is just how you left it.”

Rowan had to smile at the seriousness of the boy’s tone and she could see Silas struggle not to smile at all.

“Well done, Charlie. You’re the best deputy anyone could ask for. Tell me though,” he began, glancing at the boy’s mother who stared at Rowan. “Shouldn’t you be in your bed?”

Charlie shrugged a shoulder, “Didn’t want to let my guard down ‘til you came back.” He turned to look Rowan over from head to toe and back and tried for a severe look when he returned his gaze to Silas’. “Who’s the pretty lady?” he asked.

At that, Rowan put her hand to her mouth to hide her chuckle.

Silas set him down and turned him to face Rowan. “This, Charlie, is Rowan. But I call her Hellcat as she’s got a hellish streak in her.”

“I do not,” she defended, realizing he was trying to set her at ease. Well, it worked.

The boy held out his hand to her. “Nice to meet you, Rowan.” Then: “What’s wrong with her eyes?” he asked, still looking at Rowan but whispering loudly to Silas.

Rowan dropped her gaze to her feet, nervous again. They would all want to know.

“There’s nothing wrong with her eyes. She’s what the colonies call a breeder, a woman who can have babies.”

“Are you having a baby?” he asked, perking up. “Mom!” he called out, running to his mother. “Silas and the pretty lady are having a baby!”

“Well, best to get this over with,” Silas mumbled, shaking his head.





Chapter Six





Silas led Rowan through the crowd of villagers who had gathered, who now stood quietly in their doorways and along the street, staring at her as they made their way to his home. Rowan had slid her hand into his and he could feel her tremble beside him, see that her gaze was cast down to the ground, her other hand hidden beneath her fur.

The settlement housed more than twelve hundred residents, which was large compared to others. Families lived in small homes, most of which were made up of one large room with sleeping and living areas cordoned off with curtains. Each home contained its own cooking unit and the village was supplied with electricity and water from the main colony. Fields were farmed and animals were raised to provide milk and food, their flesh only consumed when they were too old to be useful any longer. Men hunted for meat but their success depended on the year. The villagers’ diet consisted mainly of flat breads, legumes, fruits and vegetables they grew and managed to keep through the winter, and dairy products from the animals. But it was enough and life was good.

As he thought this, Silas scanned the perimeter of the settlement just as two of the village elders approached him, both of them casting cautious gazes at Rowan.

“Alistair, Jonah.” Silas stopped walking and greeted them with a quiet nod of his head.

“Welcome home, Silas,” Alistair said.

Alistair and Jonah were the eldest men of the village and although Silas was its leader, these men were his trusted counselors and friends.

“The soldiers are gone?” Silas asked. When Silas had first been invited to the colony, armed soldiers had surrounded their village.

“They left two days earlier,” Jonah said, no longer hiding the fact that he was studying Rowan. “You’ve brought a breeder,” he said, turning his attention back to Silas, his gaze disapproving.