Chapter 3: The Outpost

Nelly

We are faced with a furious werewolf charging towards us. This is definitely going to be an exhilarating experience. Tara quickly instructs, “Go left.”

“Understood,” I responded. I swiftly veer to the left while she heads to the right, knowing that the creature cannot pursue both of us. But, as luck would have it, the beast unexpectedly changes course and follows me to the left. The tension in the air is palpable as we brace ourselves for what comes next. Just fucking great!

Tara stealthily emerges from the shadows, swiftly striking the creature with her blade, causing it to howl in agony before fleeing.  "That was too easy," Tara remarks, her voice tinged with suspicion.

"Agreed. Let's keep moving before we attract more unwanted attention," I respond, my tone firm and resolute.

After trekking for over an hour, we arrive at a seemingly abandoned warehouse. As we approach the entrance, we are met by two intimidating figures armed to the teeth.

"We're here to see Brandon," I declare boldly, my voice echoing through the desolate surroundings.

"Tell him that Tara and a friend have arrived," she declares. The door shuts behind us, only to swing open a minute later. We are ushered into a room adorned with a grand table and chairs. Several individuals are seated around it, their gazes fixated on us as we enter.

Suddenly, Brandon's voice echoes through the room, "Tara!" With a swift motion, he lifts Tara off her feet and twirls her around.

Tara greets him with a smile, "Hey Brandon. Do you remember Nelly?"

Brandon's grin widens, "Of course. How have you been? Impressive work on Victor."

"Hey, he had it coming. He tried to bite my girl. I couldn't let that slide, could I?" I replied confidently.

Brandon nodded with a smirk, "No way. Couldn't have my sister be a bloodsucker's snack."

Tara cringed, "No thanks. Ewww."

I chuckled, "I could really use some shut-eye. Got a spare cot?"

Brandon nodded, "Yeah, I'll show you. Tara, go see Mom. She was worried when you guys didn't show up yesterday." On the way to my cot, the tension in the air was palpable as I discussed the events of the night before with Brandon. The stakes were high, and we all knew that we had to stick together to survive.

I followed Brandon into a room with a few small beds, but I had long abandoned the need for creature comforts. As Brandon closed the door, I found myself pushed up against it before I could utter a word. "God, I missed you," he breathed.

"Me too," I replied. His mouth crashed down on mine, our tongues battling for dominance in a whirlwind of passion. His hand pushed my shirt up and pulled my bra down, exposing my breasts. He's about to lower his head to take it in his mouth when we hear his sister. Shit!

“Fuck!” Brandon bellows. He moves away from me as I fix myself. Brandon and I were just...well...Secret fuck buddies or friends with benefits due to the world we live in.

“Sorry for your blue balls,” I say as I stifle a laugh.

Brandon rolls his eyes, “Gee, thanks.”

Suddenly, Tara burst into the room, her voice filled with concern. "There you are, Nelly. Are you okay? You look flushed," she exclaims.

"I'm fine," I reply nonchalantly.

"Brandon, Mom needs you," Tara informs him.

With a sigh, Brandon mutters, "Yeah," and adjusts himself before leading us out of the room.

Curious, Tara asks, "What's so funny?"

I grin mischievously, "Nothing... never mind. It's not important." The tension in the room lingers as we exchange knowing glances, secrets hanging in the air.

As she shakes her head, we make our way to the common area where a somber atmosphere hangs heavy in the air. Gina, the outpost's commander, commands attention with a firm voice, "Quiet everyone. We have received new reports. A raid has occurred on the village south of us. Two girls were taken, and seven lives were lost."

The news hits us like a punch to the gut. Gina continues, "Reports indicate that the bounty on Nelly has increased. We must ensure her safety by keeping her whereabouts confidential. Vincent now demands her to be captured alive, and we all know what that implies." A sense of unease settles over the crowd, murmurs and whispers filling the space around me. Most people are unaware of my true identity. I make a conscious effort to conceal my face whenever I am in public. It is crucial for the safety of our raid parties that the Resistance remain unaware of my presence among them. If the Dark Ones knew I was alive, they would kill me like they did Kade, and that's why I suspect my parents are dead too. The Dark Ones wiped out the research facility and anyone linked to it that they could catch.

However, those who do recognize me cannot help but stare. I keep my head down, avoiding their curious gazes. As I steal a glance at Brandon, who stands beside his mother, I cannot help but wonder what could have been if our circumstances were different. Perhaps in another life, he would be the man I settle down with. I let out a heavy sigh, pushing aside any thoughts of a different reality. Gina interrupts my reverie with a solemn announcement, "Our latest intelligence indicates that the breeding house is located just five miles north. It is heavily guarded, and we must strike swiftly and with full force."

"How many do you think are housed there?" Tara inquired, her voice filled with concern.

Brandon replied, "From what we can gather, at least a hundred. Various ages. Also, we don't know what kind of shape they are going to be in."

Gina glanced at all of us and declared, "Get some rest tonight. We will head out tomorrow at dusk."

As everyone dispersed, I made my way back to my room with Tara by my side. "So, what are your thoughts?" she asked, her tone filled with anticipation and worry.