Wings of the Walker: The Complete Walker Series Page 4

  “You look beautiful,” he whispered. His acute awareness of me despite our brief knowledge of one another was unnerving. I glanced at Josiah to gauge his reaction to our close contact, but he appeared to be unaware of my presence and wholly absorbed in the task of guiding Mistress Black to the transport. Seeing them so comfortable together brought out the stark differences between us. Where she was refined and poised, I was a clumsy and out of place mess.

  “I think I’m very much going to enjoy this,” Cyler continued while easing me into the transport and onto the seat directly next to him. Although I desperately tried to avoid contact, our thighs touched, and the heat radiating off of him made me squirm.

  We started our drive, and Josiah pointed out various landmarks, most of which I had only read about or occasionally seen on television. The skyscrapers made of steel and glass kissed the clouds, while men wearing trousers and ties walked the streets below their towering presence. Bright screens of advertisements flashed annoyingly on every corner, and I found myself in awe of all the lights and sounds.

  Occasionally, Cyler would ask me questions about my opinions on different buildings or sights, but mostly we remained in quiet awe of everything while Josiah and Jules flirted shamelessly with one another. After an hour or so of torturous flirting and aimless driving, Cyler made an odd request:

  “I’d like to see the Walker Zones now.”

  Josiah and Jules threw annoyed expressions at him.

  “It isn’t common for higher-ranking individuals to explore the Walker Zones,” Jules said. She seemed uncomfortable and outwardly embarrassed by his request.

  “I’d like to see the people we could be welcoming into Dormas. I’d also like to see their current conditions.”

  Josiah wordlessly nodded his head in agreement and began programming a new destination for the dashboard. We rode in suffocating silence and palpable tension. Jules folded her arms and scowled like a toddler that didn’t get her way. She occasionally huffed in discontent, and I found her behavior to echo the childishness and naivety of her young age.

  Outside, our surroundings gradually became less clean. Less pristine. Instead of the polished people gliding confidently on the sidewalk, Walkers migrated the streets with their shoulders slumped wearing torn clothing. The stark differences between the Walker Zones and the rest of Galla were harsh and intimidating.

  The dirt, grime, and filth felt like smog in my lungs. Children ran barefoot on the sidewalk, and vendors sold various second-hand items that appeared to be either broken or old. Although I once lived in the Walker Zones as a child with my parents, I didn’t remember the overall helplessness of it all. Memories of my parents were few and far between, but I never remembered feeling unsafe or unhappy.

  Walkers watched our transport as it hovered the streets slowly. Cyler wordlessly observed the conditions of the Walkers with a distinct expression of trepidation. His mouth dipped into a fierce frown the deeper we traveled into the Zone. Unlike the present city center of Galla, there were no skyscrapers of brightly-colored advertisements adorning the streets. Huts were made out of scrap sheet metal meant for shelter and decorated in graffiti. Trash littered the streets, and Walkers consumed every available pocket of space possible.

  Josiah and Jules whispered amongst one another as we passed through the crowded streets. They smiled back and forth, seemingly unaware of the absolute poverty the people around us endured. A deep feeling of shame and hurt filled me to the brim. After seeing my heritage, I felt that what was once a river between Josiah and I had now become an ocean.

  I felt sick witnessing, first-hand, the conditions I would have been subject to had it not been for the serendipitous kindness of the Stonewell family. I clutched my stomach as we passed a group of young children kicking an almost-deflated black ball. Despite the sadness and poverty surrounding them, they moved the ball between one another while chuckling and chatting. I looked over at Cyler to see that his frown had lifted a bit at the sight of these playful children.

  “Stop the transport,” he demanded. Josiah looked like he wanted to do anything but that, his eyes squinted, and he released a loud sigh, but he complied. After punching a few buttons on the dashboard, we came to an abrupt stop.

  Cyler wasted no time and climbed out of the safety of our transport while dragging me with him. He stomped his boots towards the courtyard full of Walker children while I shuffled cautiously behind.

  Everyone stared at us with stunned curiosity. A sickening stench caused me to cough loudly and fight the overwhelming queasiness that bubbled in the pit of my stomach. Cyler made his way over to the children with ease while ignoring their gaping stares. A few smaller children, wearing nothing but diapers, cowered away from him. Cyler’s massive frame and gruff exterior were considered intimidating in even the best of circumstances, but now I could tell that it was instinctively programmed in these children to recognize any potential danger and flee.

  “Now, this won't do,” Cyler’s booming voice echoed throughout the courtyard. He bent over and picked up the deflating ball and examined it like a scientist observes a problematic equation. None of the children moved, and the eerie courtyard was so silent that you could hear a pin drop.

  “I’ve got an idea,” he said while snapping his thick fingers. He reached into the front pocket of his black jeans, and after a moment of searching, pulled out a bright blue piece of what appeared to be rubber. I squinted at it but was unable to make it out. Slowly, he put the rubber against his plush lips and with big, exaggerated puffs, started to inflate the blue plastic. Although I mostly was intrigued by the toy, I couldn’t help but watch his strong chest rise and fall while the blue piece transformed into a shape resembling a ball.

  After a few more, loud exhales, he plucked the ball from his mouth and tied the end of it into a tight knot. “Now, listen closely,” he ordered. “This isn’t an ordinary ball. This is what we call a balloon. It is extremely fragile, but you should be able to toss it amongst yourselves.”

  Cyler then bounced the balloon off his fingertips and towards the closest child. The kid was wearing overalls that were too big for his body, and the thick, denim straps slipped down his shoulder when he caught it. A rudimentary flatulence sound erupted, causing all of the children to chuckle.

  Within moments, all the children were passing the balloon amongst one another while wearing wide grins. Some imitated the sound the balloon made with snorts and giggles. The earlier unease seemed to dissolve as other Walkers began approaching the courtyard to see what all the commotion was.

  The growing crowd made me nervous, but Cyler seemed cool, calm, and collected. His carefree eyes made me wonder if he was scared of anything. He made his way back to my side and addressed me.

  “If they are to be my people, I’ll need to build their trust. Loyalty isn’t something they will reward me with freely,” he explained while observing the growing crowd of Walkers. It amazed me that something as simple as a balloon could bring such joy to these people. “I wanted to apologize for being so forward to you, Ashleigh. I wanted to come clean about my intentions and ask for your help.”

  Creeping insecurities about being a Walker crawled to the forefront of my thoughts as he continued.

  “I’ve noticed the way my sister’s future husband looks at you. I doubt even he realizes how much you capture his full attention.”

  My mouth dropped slightly in shock, but I quickly recovered by feigning indifference. This trade deal was crucial for Josiah, and I didn’t want anything corrupting his chances at procuring a contract with the Dormas province.

  “I need to ensure that he is fully committed to this deal. Which is why I’m using you to push his buttons a bit.” His flirtatious and abrupt behavior suddenly made more sense. I was a Walker; a high-ranking province leader would never want to associate himself with me. I felt a little disappointed by this revelation, which was a somewhat surprising emotion.

  “Don’t look so sad.” He chuckled. The corner of his m
outh lifted as he observed me. “I can tell that you love that Galla boy just about as much as he loves you.” With that, he poked me in the ribs with a smirk. I squinted my eyes at him in annoyance.

  “I felt like you deserved a warning. Tonight, I’m going to ask Josiah if I can include you in on the trade. I’d like to bring you back to my province. But mostly, I’d like to see his reaction to my offer. How he handles this will determine whether or not I want to form an alliance with him.” Cyler’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I gasped. I was about to beg him to do no such thing, but he interrupted any attempt.

  “I know you’d rather kiss the ass of that loony Mistress Stonewell than leave your precious Josiah behind, but I truly hope you’ll consider my offer. You will enjoy living in my home, Ashleigh," he clarified.

  “That is most kind . . .but . . . I-I couldn’t,” I stuttered.

  “Look,” he began again as the children's cheering grew louder as more Walkers joined in on the fun. “The way I see it, if Josiah wants you around, he won’t accept my offer. And if he does, could you honestly still stay here?”

  Cyler’s question nearly knocked the breath out of me with how incredibly accurate it was. It would merely be torturous to stay and watch the man I love, love someone else.

  “I’ll give you the final say; I don’t believe in taking people against their will. All Walkers will have a choice. But I could use you as an ally while transitioning Walkers into our province. Plus, you make a damn good chocolate cake,” he said with a wink. “Think about it.” Cyler left me standing there speechless while he went to play with the Walker children again.

  I stood in the dirty courtyard wearing a shocked expression. I picked up a piece of my hair and observed its frizzy ends while I considered everything. Cyler was right. Would Josiah agree to his offer and let me go? Despite a childhood full of memories and the unspoken tension between us, I couldn’t help but consider that his duty to his family and province would ultimately take priority.

  A rough hand shook my shoulder, and I turned to see a man with yellowed teeth and brown hair sprinkled with dandruff. He smelled of urine and smoke. I looked around, seeking support, but Cyler was still busy playing with the Walker children and currently had his back towards me.

  “What a pretty, little princess Walker we have here.” With shaky hands he put his fingers on my shoulders and pushed back my thick hair, revealing the pronged tag on my ear that marked me as a procured Walker.

  “Come to visit and look down upon your subjects?” He spat. Immune Walkers were typically looked down upon by other Walkers. It mostly stemmed from an unreasonable jealousy. We survived when so many didn’t.

  My breathing quickened as he stepped closer, invading more of my personal space. His jaundiced skin looked sickly, and I was close enough to see the white of the many pimples that decorated his cheeks.

  “I bet you think you’re better than us, right, princess? Living up in that city. Kissing your master’s ass.” He then pulled a forbidden knife out from the waistband of his tattered pants and held it against my stomach. I knew in that moment that I was one deep breath away from it piercing my skin, so I didn’t dare scream.

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret. You may think you have it better up in that pretty city of yours. But I'd prefer filth and freedom to the life you lead. You’re a prisoner, princess.” His voice cracked with mad laughter, and I nearly fainted from fear. Walkers nearby looked curiously at the situation unfolding in front of them, but none of them made any move to stop him.

  Suddenly, a low, blood-curdling scream erupted from the man as large hands wrapped around his neck and threw him to the ground. Cyler gave me a quick glance to ensure I was well, then stalked his prey. The dirty man scrambled away but couldn't get his bearings. His feet kept slipping, kicking up dust, sand, and dirt all around him, causing a cloud of debris to surround us. Cyler’s large boots stomped towards him, his eyes locked onto his intended target. He looked deadly.

  "What makes you think you can threaten my Walker?" The way he took ownership of me sent shivers down my spine.

  “I was . . . just poking fun. I was simply scaring the little princess a bit. That's . . . tha-that’s all!” the man exclaimed.

  I looked over at the transport and saw Josiah scurrying out the doors and quickly pacing towards us wearing a determined look on his face. I turned back to the scene in front of me to see Cyler gripping the Walker by the throat. He then started to squeeze until the Walker’s face turned blue.

  “Do you like feeling scared? Do you like knowing that if I squeeze for a little longer, you’ll no longer have to live your miserable, little life?” Cyler whispered in a tone that caused gasps to echo around the courtyard. If Cyler wanted to create an excellent first impression on his new people, he was failing miserably.

  “Master Black, please release him,” Josiah pleaded with a shaky voice. Cyler immediately complied and dropped the suffocating man in the dirt. After checking to see if he was alive, he made quick work of dusting off his coat and hands.

  “This Walker threatened Ashleigh. I simply wanted him to know that his behavior would not be tolerated. I assumed that you, of all people, would understand.”

  I watched as Josiah’s temple throbbed angrily. His lips turned white from pressing them together. I’d only seen him this livid a handful of times, but as always, he managed to keep his voice steady. My ever diplomatic and image-conscious Josiah refused to let anything derail him.

  “Thank you for protecting Ashleigh,” he said loud enough for everyone to hear. “The Galla province deeply values our Walker community, and we want to ensure that everyone feels safe and cared for. It is our responsibility to make the Walker Zones a safe place which means we must police ourselves during these trying times and report unruly citizens to the nearest Archés.” Just as Josiah finished his speech, a group of Archés guards stormed up to our group and cuffed the Walker that had nearly stabbed me.

  Many of the Walkers that were watching everything immediately dispersed, and Josiah lowered his voice for only Cyler and me to hear. “Relations with the Walkers are in a delicate state, right now. We want to maintain the peace as much as possible. Thank you for protecting Ashleigh. Unfortunately, this is why we have such rules about intermingling. Once again, I encourage you to join your sister and me back in the transport. It is the safest place for you both. Come.” Josiah then stretched his arm out for me, but as I went to grab it, Cyler snaked his arm around my waist and guided me to the transport. Josiah remained silent and allowed Cyler to carry me away.

  Even though I recognized Cyler’s forward actions towards me to be a test of Josiah’s intentions, I couldn’t help the flutter that stirred to life in the pit of my stomach. “Thank you,” I whispered. His wide eyes looked me over before responding as if to double check that the deranged man didn't harm me. “I should have been paying closer attention. That was too close.” I merely shrugged, which seemed to frustrate him. Then we wordlessly boarded the transport and headed back to the Stonewell manor while thoughts of Josiah, and Cyler’s offer, made my head pound with nervousness.

  Chapter Six

  The drive back was spent mostly in silence. Jules tried to ease the palpable tension with charming stories about her childhood, but the effort felt wasted on the two, brooding men in our company. I still shook with fear and wanted to scrub my skin clean of the nasty things that the Walker said to me, but there was a lot of work to be done once we got home.

  I fled the transport the moment it parked, not allowing Cyler to assist me in exiting the vehicle. His nearness spent sparks down my exposed skin, and I needed a break from the confusing tension he caused within me. I quickly prepared dinner and forced myself not to obsess over what was happening.

  The ultimatum Cyler had in store for Josiah made me nervous. A small part of me hoped that Josiah would choose me, but the more realistic side knew that he was duty-bound. His position required certain sacrifices.

  Once
again, I daydreamed about Josiah and me running away to one of the more primitive provinces. We would start from scratch and build our lives together. Our children would have my eyes and his hair.

  I wished this life for us daily. If I were a braver woman, I would beg Josiah to run away with me. Give up his father’s legacy. But I’m not nearly that bold. Nor that selfish. Whatever childhood love existed between us would never matter.

  Too soon, the moment came for Josiah to decide. Everyone settled in at the kitchen table, and the stress from the earlier Walker Zone visit was still evident in their weary expressions.

  Mistress Black wore a long, elegant evening gown which pushed her tiny chest up almost to her chin. She flaunted her body like it was all she had to offer, and I noticed Josiah occasionally peeking at what she so proudly displayed on a golden platter of silk and makeup. Josiah dressed in a suit that made my mouth water. Twice, he caught me staring at him, and the hint of a smile curved the corner of his lips. He knew he had my full attention, and he reveled in it. Even Cyler cleaned up. If it weren’t for his beard and fiery eyes, I would almost have thought that the crisp shirt and ironed pants made him looked refined, handsome almost.

  "I'd very much like for Ashleigh to accompany me back to Dormas” Cyler’s voice boomed over the table. “Her cooking is divine, and our leadership council is seeking to hire a new cook. She would be a free citizen in my province. We will agree to the trade under that condition."

  His voice was final and demanding, and he spoke with such confidence, as though he already knew what decision Josiah would make. After a second of pure agony, I turned to look at Josiah and gauge his reaction. Aside from his fiery eyes that burned hot, scalding my heart, the rest of his face remained expressionless. He gave the impression that Cyler’s offer meant nothing to him. I waited for him to say something, anything, but surprisingly, it was Mistress Stonewell that replied.

  "Oh, how lovely. We are truly flattered that you've taken such a liking to our dear Ashleigh. We, too, think she is an amazing Walker. I think this might change some parts of our deal, though, yes?" Her menacing eyes twinkled, and I coughed in discomfort. Josiah still silently sat while clutching the handle of his fork with force. Linda Stonewell was never one to pass on an opportunity.