Live Free or Die Complete Series Boxed Set: Age Of Madness - A Kurtherian Gambit Series Hayley Lawson (ebook reader play store .TXT) 📖

case, then they had quarantined the disease in the bunker. Maybe Ryder got away from the infection, and all she needs to do now is stay away from the hunters.

Terrier clenched his hands at the thought of what they would do to her if they found out she was really female. It repulsed him. Ryder had been his lifelong friend, and he couldn’t fail to protect her, even though he hadn’t been able to protect his own sister.

They both looked up through the glass levels. All the doors had been locked, and everyone was in quarantine.

One thing was for sure. Preservation of the species was the women’s job in Afana’s bunker. They would survive. Terrier wasn’t sure how, but he knew that they would.

Louis and Adam led Ryder to a different shack. Maxwell had told her she could stay there instead of at Carter’s bachelor pad. Leandro was by her side, looking fluffy and dangerous, and the guards kept their distance. Only Maxwell didn’t seem to be scared of the wolf.

“How long have you had the wolf?” Maxwell asked.

Ryder wanted to say the wolf’s full name, “Fluffy Snowy,” but felt it was more of an inside joke. She didn’t want to put Fluffy through any more embarrassment. And she didn’t want him to bite Maxwell. Not yet, anyway. “A day or so.”

Maxwell looked shocked. “Only a day?”

“Yes, and he’s already saved my life many times. He’s a good little son of a bitch.”

Fluffy looked up at her with his too-intelligent eyes and growled playfully.

“I can’t have him wandering around here without you,” Maxwell said. “He may be friendly to you, but I can’t risk other people in the settlement.”

“I understand. He likes to be close to me, anyway.” Ryder looked down at Fluffy, who was by her side, and wondered why that was the case. Why was he always rescuing her? He was like her guardian angel, like Terrier had been.

“Over time, you’ll get used to our settlement, and I know you’ll be a valuable part of our society.” Maxwell smiled. He believed the words he was saying, but Ryder knew she wouldn’t be around long enough to be a valuable part of anything. “Once you’re settled, I’d like to know more about Afana’s bunker and how you think we could get in.”

This part took Ryder by surprise; Leandro could see that on her face.

Maxwell continued. “Please don’t misunderstand me. I don’t want to get your hopes up. We will not be assisting you, and I want to stress that you don’t try to leave the settlement. Don’t take our kindness as stupidity or weakness.”

“I don’t,” she said. I just hope Louis and Adam are stupid or weak. “That would just be rude. May I ask why you want to know about Afana’s bunker if you have no intention of helping me?”

“If we ever have the opportunity to get our people back, I will take it. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will happen while I’m alive, but I will pass the information on to my successor.” Maxwell nodded as he spoke.

“You have the opportunity right now,” Ryder insisted. “Just help me.”

Maxwell smiled gently. “On that, we disagree.”

Ryder sighed. “Fine. I will share with you anything I can. I have nothing to hide about that hellhole. It’s my hope, too, that everyone there will be free to live in a place like this one day.”

Ryder looked around. Men and women worked side by side, keeping the settlement in order. It gave Ryder hope that there was a better life for her people outside the bunker. It only fueled her need to get back there.

“Thank you, Ryder. I do truly hope you will call our settlement home in time.” Maxwell pointed to the shack in front of them. “This can be yours for now. Feel free to build another if you like. People will help you. Or you can keep this one.” The shack looked just like Carter’s, except there were a few more trinkets inside. Small wooden toys were scattered on the floor.

“Who used to live here?” Ryder gulped. She had a feeling she already knew the answer.

Maxwell pulled his lips in and nodded. “One of the living dead lived here with his son before he turned.”

“Where’s his son now?” Ryder wished she hadn’t asked, but the question was already out.

“Tommy is his son.” Ryder let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “That kid has been through so much. A lot of the kids have. Thank you for protecting him. He was the one who wanted to give you his house for saving his life.”

That brought warmth to Ryder’s heart. “Sweet kid. But where’s he going to sleep?”

“He is a great kid. He sleeps with the others’ kids. He didn’t want to come back here after what happened to his dad. We try not to focus on the depressing things around here. If we did, we’d spend our whole lives crying from the cradle to the grave. It would be a waste if you ask me. When you’re ready, I’ll show you the rest of the settlement.”

Ryder forced a smile. By not facing their problems, they were just hiding or running away from them, which was something she didn’t intend to do.

“Could you show it to me now? I don’t really have anything else to do.” Except plan my escape. “And I’d like to thank Tommy.”

“Sure.” Maxwell did just that. He showed Ryder everything about the settlement—the crops, the lake, and a small stream where kids were washing clothes. Tommy was there, and Ryder got to thank him. He blushed as she spoke with him.

Then, he showed her the latrine area. Carter didn’t look pleased to be on toilet duty. His braids had all been tied up out of the way with a bow. It looked like something Jessica had done.

“Hey, Carter, you’ve got something brown on your nose,” Ryder said, brushing at her own nose. Carter did the same thing, smearing goo from his hand