Page 42 of Whispers and Warriors
But their celebration was short-lived, as the boat beneath them began to sway dangerously, its wooden hull creaking under the weight of their eager bodies. The newly steady waters now churned and frothed as the boat fought against the relentless current. All five of them stopped moving, freezing like a game of tag to save the boat from a disastrous end. They were all dry, there was no need to go back into the water.
“Whoa, easy there,” Chris warned, his tone sharp with concern. “We can’t afford to capsize now. Everyone, stay calm and keep paddling. We’re almost there.”
William nodded, his heart pounding as he dug his paddle into the water with renewed vigor. He could feel the others doing the same, their strokes falling into a synchronized rhythm as they propelled the boat forward.
As they drew closer to the dock, William’s anxiety grew at the possible danger they could be walking into this time. What would they find on the ship? Would it be the sanctuary they had been seeking, or just another false hope in a world full of them?
He wanted so desperately for it to be the answer to their prayers, a safe haven from the harsh realities of their world. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the doubt and fear that it would only lead to more disappointment and heartache. This could either be their salvation or another cruel reminder of the unforgiving nature of their existence.
Glancing over at Emma, he saw the determination in her sleepy eyes, and a surge of love brought him back to positivity.
“Should we try that heave, ho shit?” He asked with a chuckle.
“How about we give it to the strongest guy who’s not tired,” Bash made a motion for the paddle and William had no problem passing them to him.
“I have zero concerns for a good rest with Emma.”
“I feel really guilty I didn’t paddle.” She somehow managed to flush despite all the things they’d done together.
“You can make it up to all of us once we’re warm, safe, and sound.” Alex flashed her a grin as he took the paddle from Chris.
They fell silent as the boat moved closer to the dock. To the next chance at safety.
SEVENTEEN
The brightnessof the early dawn landscape seemed to close in around them in a way that made Liam’s heart pounded in a feverish rhythm. Grasping Emma’s hand, he helped her step out of the rickety lifeboat. There was nothing in the distance that even indicated there were people at the port. The weight of responsibility pressed upon his shoulders even if all five of them did the same.
It was Bash who dropped his hat on her head and tucked her hair up into it. She was wet, but not drenched enough where her clothing would give away her shape. Or so he had to hope.
“We’re as close as I want us to get without seeing another person because sooner or later someone is going to see us.” Chris whispered as he carefully set the oar in the boat. “We’re not going to leave our stuff behind, but we’re also not going to push this girl out to sea. If we are in a safe place, someone else could use her for their own escape then.”
Chris’s gaze moved between each of them. Stopping on Liam as if to remind him of their deal.
A deal Liam could never forget.
“Stay close,” Chris whispered, his voice low and urgent. “Liam, you in the middle with Emma and Ranger. Everyone else, pick a spot and let’s go.”
Emma nodded as she glanced at Liam, and he could see her fear even if she didn’t want to acknowledge it. Liam’s protective instincts surged through his veins as he positioned himself slightly in front of her, a human shield ready to face whatever threats might emerge.
They moved silently, but not swiftly, taking longer than likely necessary to watch for signs of life. Dawn was giving way to morning, but similar to the one they’d left a few days ago, the dock was far too empty.
This one better not be filled with as many scum.
Movement caught his attention, and Liam’s muscles tensed. Figures emerged from the shadows of the few ships docked there. Their silhouettes were easy to see in the growing light, but not their faces or their expressions. His mind raced, assessing the situation with lightning speed. Fight or flight? Negotiate or defend? Neither call was up to him unless these people fired first.
The figures drew closer, and Liam could make out the glint of weapons in their hands—all held a 9mm, but two also carried swords as if they were fucking pirates. The fate of their journey hung in the balance of this moment. Chris wasn’t diplomatic enough, and Alex was behind Liam and Emma.
Emma’s hand tightened around his, a silent plea for protection.
Liam’s eyes narrowed, assessing each individual with a critical gaze. Among them, a figure stood out—a woman dressed in men’s clothing, but it didn’t hide the gentle features of her face or the slenderness of her hips. She was in front of the group, and stopped first, exuding an air of confidence and authority. Her stride was purposeful as she approached the group, her eyeslocked onto Emma with an intensity that sent a shiver down Liam’s spine.
Who is she? And how is she walking around looking so very…female?
The woman’s appearance was both intriguing and unsettling, a paradox that left him grappling with conflicting emotions. Her attire spoke of practicality and resourcefulness, yet the way she carried herself suggested she didn’t care who knew she wasn’t a man.
Liam’s body tensed, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to unleash. He positioned himself slightly in front of Emma, a silent declaration of his protective instincts. The woman’s gaze never wavered from Emma, and Liam couldn’t shake the feeling that she knew something he didn’t.
Is she our friend or another in a line of enemies?
