Page 62 of Shelter (The Wanderers 4)

CHAPTER20

Riggs was extremely nervous as the supply truck they’d been riding in for the past several hours came to a stop. This was it. They would be on their own from here. The underground that had been so perfectly arranged only extended so far West. Anyone who escaped from The Republic was given a free ticket West, but the final destination was up to the travelers.

It was safer this way. No one who helped move people West had any idea what happened to them after they were delivered. If they were ever caught and questioned, they couldn’t give up any information because they didn’t have it.

It was dark out as they jumped down from the back of the truck one at a time. Riggs turned around to grab Haley by the waist and help her to the ground. As Rush thanked their final driver, Riggs pulled Haley’s back against his chest, wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her tight.

He’d loved her for months, his feelings growing stronger all the time, but now that he’d been inside her, he couldn’t stop touching her, holding her, kissing her. He was so fucking blessed.

Braylon often glanced at him and grinned knowingly. He understood. He didn’t say a word. He too had felt the new connection that had magnetic strength.

“Now what?” Riggs asked Rush as the vehicle pulled away, leaving them on the side of a deserted road.

“Now we walk.” He hoisted his backpack up higher. “We’re at least ten miles from the first outpost I know of. If we can get to that location, I’m hoping we’ll be able to make contact with The Wanderers. We’ll need to stay off the road so no one sees us when they pass, which will make our travel take longer, but it’ll be safer. We should be able to keep moving even in the daylight as long as we’re careful.”

Rush took a step toward Haley and stroked her cheek. “Don’t overdo it. If you get tired, tell someone. We’ll stop and rest.”

“I’m fine.”

Riggs rolled his eyes. “Honey, if you say you’re fine when you’re not, we’ll stop believing you when you are.”

She twisted her head to look at him. “I’m not an invalid. I’m carrying a few extra cells is all.”

Rush sighed. “Haley… Those extra cells are going to zap every ounce of your energy. Even at this early stage, you’re going to be tired a lot more often than you used to be.”

“Tired doesn’t mean I can’t keep up,” she challenged, making Riggs want to swing her over his shoulder and carry her.

They could carry her if they had to. They could take turns. But it would slow them down. It wasn’t ideal.

“Okay, let’s go.” Rush led them off the road and into the tree line. They moved for over an hour without saying much before he stopped at a fallen log and sat. “Let’s take a break. Eat something.”

They all lowered their packs and sat as Riggs pulled a bottle of water out and handed it to Haley. “Drink.”

She snatched the water from him. “Are you guys going to treat me like I’m fragile and unable to take care of myself for the next nine months?”

Braylon shook his head. “No, baby. We’re going to treat you like you’re fragile for seventy years. It’s our natural inclination. Get used to it.”

She narrowed her gaze at all of them, but a smile formed on her lips. Riggs hoped she knew in her heart they meant well. They adored her. And they wanted her to be safe and happy. She deserved a break. Life had not treated her well.

If he’d been able to choose, Riggs wouldn’t have wanted to get her pregnant for several years. She was young. She’d missed out on so much. He’d rather she be able to spend time getting the education she craved. He’d prefer that she enjoy life. Laugh, sleep, play. Instead, she was going to spend the next nine months exhausted, and then years caring for a child.

Of course, he kept reminding himself she would not be alone. They would all help her every step of the way. She would have plenty of extra hands to get up in the night so she could sleep. He didn’t care that the baby wouldn’t be biologically his, he would love it as if it were his own and undoubtedly be wrapped around the little guy or gal’s tiny finger within minutes of its birth.

After a short break and a snack, they continued. They took one more break an hour later, and the next time they stopped it was because Rush lifted a hand and held a finger to his lips as he pointed toward a small shack in the distance.

Riggs was relieved. He didn’t know what to expect or how long it might take them to get to safety, but he would be glad to get Haley off her feet.

Rush turned to face them. “I’m going to make sure it’s safe and no one else is here. Or no one from the wrong team. Hang tight,” he whispered before circling around to the side of the shanty, stepping into the clearing, and approaching slowly.

When he reached the door, he knocked and then peered in the window before opening it and disappearing inside.

Riggs held his breath while he waited, finally exhaling when Rush stepped back outside and motioned for them all to follow.

Taking Haley’s hand, Riggs led her to the small building. It couldn’t really be called a building. He thought it might collapse at any moment. When he stepped inside, it was no better. It was small and crude. There wasn’t room for them to sit, let alone lie down. It looked like it had been abandoned long ago.

“You sure this is the right place?” Riggs asked.

“Yep. These outbuildings are more like markers. They look like nothing, but they help us know where the bunkers are. They serve as lookout posts. Four of us can go down below and rest while one of us stays up here and watches for danger.”

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