Work Text:
The buzzer echoes loud through Nukatown, sounds like we got a new challenger for the Gauntlet. “Are you coming?” Nisha asks me as she walks by my shack towards the exit of the HQ.
“Pass,” I grumble waving my hand, they never make it through and when they do they're slaughtered within moments, it was entertaining the first few times. Now I am tempted to go through it myself to put Colter down, but I don’t want to be Overboss. I scan the stash of weapons I have collected to modify and sharpen, one day I will find the right Disciple to pass along my specific set of skills. The talent recently has been lacking and I don’t like to do the dirty work myself.
I walk out of the HQ and make my way towards Cola Cars, I can hear the shouts from here. It seems that the new challenger is giving quite a show. I lean against a building and watch the raiders filing out of the building, the energy is buzzing, sounds like we have a new Overboss. I didn’t see Nisha leave but my eyes catch the pack raider Ray leading a couple of raiders towards the den.
One is very large, his harness leaves nothing to the imagination, it looks like Mason is going to be adding some muscle to his gang. The girl next to him doesn't peek any interest for me, she is clearly from the Commonwealth which means the large one is too. I need more information.
The chatter around me is a mix of awe and horror. It seems that the challenger had no issue taking down Colter, which is interesting considering the gauntlet is rigged. If I had to guess, Porter has something to do with it. Nisha has threatened him more times than I can count and I know Mason and Mags have something to say about the lack of progress we have made in NukaWorld. Colter promised us parks and he sat on his ass for years, we’re restless, hungry for blood. Let’s see if this new Overboss is an improvement.
I spot a Disciple stumbling around, I growl and grab them by the arm. “Get back to the mountain,” I order. She draws her lips in a thin line before scurrying off. We need to improve our recruiting process, I am losing my patience with these weak raiders. Nisha is becoming too soft and allowing anyone to join and that won’t do. I know the other gangs are testing loyalties. I don’t know how many times I have been propositioned by an operator trying to get our gang's secrets. Mags and WIlliam are lucky I send them back mostly unharmed.
I enter the HQ and Nisha is standing near my shack. I approach her, “Are the rumors true?”
“That they are, it was quite a show. I was impressed. I think we might actually get some parks if Porter can remain his right hand man. Something tells me the new Overboss isn’t going to be easily manipulated.” A skinny Disciple approaches us. “Savoy, this is our newest recruit, Ash,” Nisha motions towards the raider. I don’t bother to assess her, I can tell she's weak. Too skinny. She’s probably some trader trying to play raider.
“Where did you find this one?” I grumble.
“She is one of the Raiders that brought in the new Overboss,” Nisha flashes her teeth. Raiders brought in the new Overboss. Interesting. Maybe she is tougher than I thought, or this is a trap. I finally take a better look at the woman in front of me. She is taller than most women I see. The heavy armor she is wearing makes her look smaller. One of the raiders, My mind flashes to the big raider and woman next to him following Ray earlier. Three commonwealth raiders dragging someone in to run the gauntlet. This isn’t adding up and why did Nisha choose this one. The other woman I saw had more muscles than this one. Nothing about this woman screams Disciple to me. How is she not dead if the person she brought to their slaughter survived. My first instinct would be to kill the people who dragged me here.
“And she’s still alive?” I scoff.
“I like her, I won’t let the Overboss take her. Plus she had a sack hood and a harness when I took her. He won’t even recognize her,” Nisha explains. Who the fuck wheres a sack hood these days. What is she hiding? My eyes scan her body again. Someone that small wearing a harness and not real armor? She is either very stupid or confident in her fighting abilities. I need to find out.
“You haven’t even met the new Overboss and you are already harboring fugitives Nisha.” We need to get on the Overboss’ good side if we want the parks. We are the only gang that deserves to run NukaWorld.
Nisha scoffs. “I am not worried about this new Overboss. I can only hope he has half a brain and realizes what gang runs this place. Now show Ash around, let Dixie meet her. I have a good feeling about this one,” Nisha says grinning at Ash before making her way up the mountain. What did she say or do to get Nisha on board with her? She never has me introduce the new recruits to Dixie. What makes this one special?
“So, Ash, Nisha seems to think you have what it takes to be one of us. Interesting,” I say, circling her. My eyes drift to her ass and down her long legs, her body is pleasing for fucking but not fighting.
“I am tougher than I look,” she comments. Her voice is sharp. I stop in front of her. The Cowl covers most of her face but my eyes drift to her lips.
“You better be. You may have got in with Nisha, but you still have to prove yourself to me and Dixie,” I warn. And trust me I’m not going to make it easy. I already have a job in mind for this one. If she is successful, I think I may have found exactly what I have been searching for.
“What do I have to do?” She challenges me.
I bare my teeth at her, she is going to learn not to challenge me. My cock twitches at the thought of forcing her to her knees. “Let’s just meet Dixie first, then we can give you your first task.”
“Lead the way,” she says, flashing her teeth. I make my way to Dixie’s shack and I can hear Ash’s heavy footsteps following me. She is going to have to get used to the weight of her armor and make her steps lighter if she is going to make it here. Dixie is in her usual spot in her shack. She has a fresh victim in her cart, she has always been the messiest one of us. I prefer cuts not severing.
Dixie, meet Ash. Nisha has brought her in.”
Dixie stands up, “Well howdy there. Let’s hope you’re useful in a fight. I prefer a knife, I like the feeling of being up close and personal. Watching the light dim from their eyes.” I shake my head at her, always with the theatrics.
“I prefer a knife as well,” Ash answers easily, grinning at Dixie. I can’t take my eyes off of her. What is it about her that makes my hairs stand on end. I don’t trust how easily she got Nisha to trust her.
“I think we’ll get along just fine.” Dixie cackles. I grind my teeth, she said six words and Dixie is already happy. “Savoy, we should put her to work.”
“I was thinking the same, there’s a member of the Pack that is on my list. Good chance to prove yourself,” I say, eyeing her up and down for the hundredth time.
“Just tell me who and I’ll do the rest,” she says confidently. Someone is a bit sure of themselves. That answers my question on why she chose to wear a harness.
“His name is Ray, he hangs out at Cappy’s Cafe. He is usually wearing a hat with antlers and his color choice is brown and green. Short brown hair,” I say quickly. I need to test Mason and see if he is going to use his new muscle.
“I am feeling a bit thirsty, maybe I’ll head down for a beer,” she smiles.
“Be sure to bring proof,” I order. I don’t trust her words, I need to see first hand how she operates.
“Looks like the new Overboss has graced us with his presence.” Dixie purrs looking down over the railing. Ash and I follow her over and look down the mountain. He certainly looks tougher than Colter. “He is a fine piece of meat.”
“Let’s just hope he’s smarter than Colter,” I growl. I could use another smart raider around here. I’m over these idiots around me. I make my way down the mountain and hear the front door shutting. I approach Nisha and she has a smirk on her face.
“Well?”
“I think I might actually like this Overboss. He is definitely not a pushover, but only time will tell. Now, what do you think of Ash?”
“I will tell you after she accomplishes her first job,” I say shortly.
“Savoy, what is with the tone?” She pushes.
“What made you pick her?”
She laughs. “I was sitting on the stands waiting for the gauntlet and watch four Commonwealth raiders shuffling in and my first thought was not about her, she was in ridiculous gear and looked weak. I watched one pack member paw at her and in a flash she sliced his throat and wore his blood. It was amazing,” Nisha beams. Four. Four raiders brought the new Overboss. I wonder who the fourth one is.
“It sounds like she draws a crowd,” I growl. I don’t appreciate an audience, but she also doesn’t shy away from it. Slitting a man’s throat in a crowd full of raiders is a bold move, especially half naked. “Why was she in a hood?”
“Flamethrower incident,” Nisha shrugs. “Savoy I like her, You can keep a close eye on her if you want, but I trust my gut.”
That is going to get her killed. “Fine, but I’m keeping her close to me until I am sure she won’t stab us all in the back. This is all too convenient for her.”
Ash has been gone for a while, I wonder if she's coming back at all. I focus my attention on the kukri machete in my hand. I admire the curve of the blade. It is one of my favorite blades I have found. It is scuffed up a bit but I can fix that. I hear the front door opening and listen to Ash’s heavy footsteps as she approaches.
The sound of a thump on the coffee table draws my eyes to Ray’s severed head in front of me. Fuck, she did it. “That was fast.”
“Give me a challenge next time,” she challenges. Little does she know she just earned a spot under me. I place the machete down and remove my helmet to get a better look at her. She appears unharmed, I don’t think Ray stood a chance. I have really underestimated this one. I don’t like that I haven’t seen her face, normally newer recruits take their Cowl off while they try to adjust to it. “I don’t like that I can’t read you,” I admit.
“There is nothing to read. Tell me my next target,” she says too quickly. I watch her shift under my gaze.
“Have a seat, take a load off,” I order. She hesitates for a moment before sitting on the chair across from me. Time to get answers. “What brings you to NukaWorld?”
“The Commonwealth wasn’t cutting it, I needed a scenery change. I couldn’t turn down Nisha’s offer. All I have to do is a little dirty work and I am welcome into the most powerful Raider gang, how could I say no?”
I nod my head in agreement, so far I believe her. “How long have you been a Raider?”
“All my life, I was taken from a settlement when I was young and raised in a Raider compound,” the moment I process her story I am on my feet with my hand along her throat shoving her into the wall. That’s Nisha story, what the fuck does she know, and why is she here?
“What game are you playing?” I growl.
She wraps her hands around my wrist trying to pry my fingers from her neck. She struggles against my iron grasp, “I am not playing a game.” I stare at her, wishing I could see the look behind her eyes, it is too easy to lie when your eyes are covered. I release her throat and she hunches over and tries to catch her breath.
I pull the blade from my side and grip it tight. Nisha would be pissed if I executed Ash without consulting her first, but I can scare her a bit. “What do you know about us?” I ask.
“Nothing!” she lies. I’m on her in an instant pressing the blade against her neck. She keeps her breath even but I can feel her anxiety rolling off of her.
“I don’t trust you,” I growl. I can’t stand looking at this fucking cowl covering her eyes. I reach up and rip it off her face. Holy fuck. She is stunning, her eyes are bright green and I can see the fear in them. My eyes drift to the long scar along the left side of her face and a few stray pieces of blonde hair frame her face.
“Savoy,” she whispers.
Her pleading sends heat through my body and my cock twitches. I press the knife deeper against her throat and watch it break through her skin. A small trail of blood runs down her neck and my cock strains against my jeans. I force my eyes back to hers and it clicks. Red eye’s radio broadcast from last year runs through my memories. The raider that escaped the Pack that Nash was looking for. It seems their raider is back for revenge. It’s not the Disciples I need to worry about, she's not here for us. She’s out for blood, and she joined the exact gang that will get her what she wants.
Fuck. It’s been a long time since I have been this intrigued by someone. My eyes drift back to her neck where my knife is still pressed against it. I wonder what she tastes like. I will find out, but not yet. I don’t need her thinking she has any control over me. I finally pull the knife away and step away from her. “Put your Cowl back on and get some rest. I will have more work for you in the morning. Good work with Ray,” I say, sitting back on the couch and grabbing the machete I was sharpening before she returned. She stands there for just a moment before throwing back on the cowl and scurrying out of my shack.
Dixie stands in the entryway of my shack. “Nisha is not happy with our newest recruit.” She walks in and holds up Ray’s severed head and tosses it up and down. “She left his body where anyone can find it.”
I growl in frustration. I know why she did that, sending a warning to the Pack. Ash has her own agenda and I’m going to make hers align with mine. I take the head from Dixie and toss it outside the shack. She follows me towards the lower rank beds.
“I reckon she's ready for her next job,” Dixie says, skipping next to me.
“Let’s see.”
When we round the corner Ash is already sitting up watching us approach. “Ash, how do you feel about taking a walk around NukaTown. Nisha has gotten word the Overboss took a few Operators and is heading to the Galactic Zone. Think you can blend in and find out what the Pack’s plans are,” I order. I already have multiple Disciples gaining intel, but I need to know if she will tell me what I want to hear.
“What about the Operators?” She asks. Why the Operators? I thought she was here for the Pack. Am I missing something?
“You are not ready to go against them. The Pack is stupid and less observant, easy targets. The Operators are much more calculated,” I explain. She can take them in a fight but there is no way she would do it discreetly enough where the Operators wouldn’t know exactly who took out their members.
“I can handle them,” she challenges as she rises to her feet.
My blood boils against her insubordination. “Know your place. You are the bottom of the barrel. You will do what I tell you too,” I growl, getting into her face. How far is she willing to challenge me?
I watch her jaw tense and her hands ball into fist at her sides. I can feel her energy flowing off of her. I just need her to give me a reason to put her on her back. She lets out a sigh, “I’m sorry.”
“Savoy back down,” Nisha orders.
Saved by the leader, I think to myself. I look at Ash one more time before letting out a sigh and standing next to Dixie. Nisha comes into view. “Nisha,” Dixie and I greet.
“Ash, Savoy showed me your handy work. I am impressed. What I am not impressed with is you leaving a headless raider laying outside Cappy’s. You need to be more discreet. Try not to kill anyone today, I want you to remain nameless. Prove you can blend and maybe you’ll get more classified jobs.” Nisha offers.
More classified jobs. What is Nisha thinking? She has barely been here less than a week. “I can do that,” Ash confirms.
“Great. Report to Savoy when you return. I expect you to be out all day. Remember do not draw attention to yourself,” Nisha orders before walking away. Dixie skips away after her. I look towards Ash who is looking at me.
“You know according to Nisha you prefer a face covering because of a flamethrower incident,” I say. She is tense and I know it bothers her that I know what she looks like. I won’t forget what she looks like. She knows I won’t, her face isn’t one someone can forget.
“I did,” she admits.
“Interesting, now why would you lie about that?” I ask, closing the distance and standing directly in front of her. I run my finger along the bottom of her face shield. Her green eyes are all I thought about last night, the way they pin you in place.
“I keep my face covered for many reasons.”
I tap the thick steel and let out a hum. She would have better luck taking people down if they saw what she looks like. Half of the men here would drop to their knees and grovel at her feet just for a small chance to have those lips on them. I step aside and motion for her to start walking. She strolls ahead of me and I allow my gaze to land on her ass. My cock twitches at the sight. I follow her until I watch her walk out of the HQ.
Ash walks into my shack and plops down on the chair across from me. She has been gone the entire day. I continue to sharpen the hunting knife in my hand, this will be the first weapon I have her use for the next hit I have planned. “Report,” I snap.
“I barely heard anything other than the Pack has a new Beta. I think it’s the dumbass that helped me and the others drag the Overboss to the gauntlet. In my opinion, it’s a stupid move on Mason’s part. He was all brawn, no brain.”
“That’s all you have to report? You were out all day,” I shake my head, disappointed. I need someone who is the whole package. She needs to sharpen her spy skills.
“Okay I admit, Stealth isn’t my strongest skill,” she says with a sigh.
Holy fuck. She told the truth. “Finally an honest answer,” I set the blade on the table and remove my helmet. I lean forward and scan her body from head to toe. My eyes drift over her long legs one more time before I look back at her face.
She offers me a shrug, “I prefer to stand out.”
“And back to lying. If you wanted to stand out you wouldn’t cover your face,” I challenge. I think a part of her loves attention while another part shys away from it.
“Fine,” she snaps, mirroring my position. “I don’t like to play by the rules, I never used to cover my face, but when I started to I finally started to gain respect. If you believe anything I say, believe this, I want to fit in here. I will do what you tell me. You point I shoot.”
Interesting. I want to believe what she is saying, but something doesn’t add up. I do believe she will do what I say, I don’t think she will risk her position here in this gang especially when she hasn’t done what she came here to do. “Okay,” I huff. “Take your cowl off, I want to look at you again,” I order, wondering if she will actually do what I tell her.
I watch her scan the area before removing the cowl from her face. My breath hitches in my throat as her green eyes lock me in place. She reaches back and unties her hair and it falls down past her shoulders. Fuck. She is stunning. “It’s a shame you choose to hide behind your mask,” I find myself saying.
“Like I said, Respect,” she says leaning back in the chair. My eyes run down her body and I can picture on her knees in front of me. I rise to my feet and walk over to where she is sitting. She tenses as I run my finger along the scar down her face before tracing the one on the bridge of her nose. Her skin is hot beneath my fingertips.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to get your face from my mind,” I say quietly, I can’t stop myself from running my thumb across her bottom lip. The urge to shove my thumb in her mouth is overwhelming. Her presence is overwhelming. Her face is flushed beneath my touch. I force my hand away from her lips. “Get some rest, I’ll have another job for you tomorrow. One that is more in your skill set.”
She nods before rushing out of my shack. I suppress the possessive growl that surfaces. I need to get a grip, I can’t let my guard down. She already has Nisha and Dixie’s trust, I can’t get distracted by a hot piece of ass. No matter how much I want to taste her on my tongue and run my blade along every inch of her body.
Ash has been exceeding my expectations on every level. She handles every weapon I hand her with precise movements and every hit is handled quickly and discreetly. I felt the urge to interject when the Overboss picked her to help clear out Kiddie Kingdom. I hope Nisha is right that he won’t be able to tell it’s her, although it's a big coincidence that she was chosen out of all of the options.
I need to get my mind off of Ash. I observe one of our trouble makers hanging out in front of the Parlor. What is her name, Reida? I growl and force myself to keep my expression flat. A small Operator catches my attention as she makes her way to the front door. “I heard you had a hand in landing us the Galactic Zone,” the guard says to her. Interesting. “I don’t know how you pulled that off.”
“She probably sucked his dick!” Reida snaps from her position. Strike one. The small Operator spins on her heel and stares her down. She strolls across the street and stands directly in front of Reida. She is nearly half a foot shorter than her, but she shows no fear. She doesn’t flinch when Reida takes out her switchblade and cleans the dirt from her nails. I watch the operator assess the threat in front of her.
“Sorry sweetheart, nothing for you to manipulate with that pussy over here,” Reida purrs. Strike two. Trying to start a fight in the middle of Nukatown.
The Operator scoffs and makes a show to turn her back to Reida. Proving that she sees no threat. “All bark, no bite. Waste of ammo,” the operator says casually towards the Parlor guard. Reida snarls before lunging at the girl. In seconds the small raider uses Reida’s momentum against her and has her on her back in front of her. Strike three. Attacking another member of a gang in front of everyone in broad daylight. I can’t stand these fucking idiots. If Reida was smart she would have realized that the small raider has a lot of bite and wouldn’t have underestimated her.
“ENOUGH!” I shout before anyone around can react to the scene in front of them. I close the distance to where Reida is still on the ground. “An unprovoked attack in broad daylight in the middle of the street? What is wrong with you?!” I growl. She is making it look like Nisha, Dixie, and I have no control over our members. She is lucky I interfered. “Nisha is not going to like that. Especcialllyy …when she hears you can’t even hold your own against…that,” I hiss, making a point to undermine the Operator. I don’t need her thinking all Disciples are weak. Reida scurries away and I meet the small raider's eyes. She holds her ground, refusing to look away. Something tells me I will see her again. I click my tongue and shake my head as I make my way back to the mountain. We need more members like her, not Reida.
Ash is the only Disciple that returned from the taking of Kiddie Kingdom. It doesn’t surprise me, Nisha offered the Overboss the weakest of the bunch besides Ash. I have one more task for her but I need to get information before I send her out. I make my way towards the market place. I spot a dark haired Operator with sunglasses on, he will do.
I approach him. “Spy,” I snap. He looks at me, his face flat. Probably trying to figure out why I am bothering with the likes of him. “That old Beta from the Pack, Nash, still hang out in the interior quarters?” I ask. He remains silent and I don’t fight the annoyance. I roll my eyes and pull out the pouch of caps. I toss them to him.
“Yes, Planning on visiting?” He asks. I growl under my breath, this spy already has too much information, I’m not about to offer anymore. Ash has her next target. Time to test what she is made of.
I haven’t seen Ash since I told her about the hit on Nash. I took a walk around the mountain this morning and she's not in the sleep quarters. Nisha is having the lower ranks fashion Ash a private room, it will be her reward if she manages to take out the old pack beta. I make my way back to my shack. Suspicion creeps deep inside me, where did Ash go last night.
I look at my helmet on the table next to me, I could go take a walk around Nukatown see if I can spot her. I can easily pick her out now. The sound of the door opening draws my attention and Ash comes bustling through. “Where have you been?”
“Out, I need to know where to find the next hit,” she rushes out. Interesting. She has been out all night and now ready for her next hit. Where did she go?
“Nash rarely leaves the den. You have to get in there,” I say flatly. A true test of her abilities of stealth.
“How the fuck do you expect me to get in there?” She yells, crowding into my face. Fuck no. She is getting too comfortable with me. I will not allow that. I rise to my feet and wrap my hand around her throat shoving her against the wall.
“Watch it,” I warn. I may want to fuck her but I’m not against killing her if she steps out of line. There is plenty of pussy out there, I don’t need hers.
“You are asking the impossible, it’s a suicide mission,” she growls through her teeth. Ah. So she is smarter than I thought. She is aware she isn’t indestructible.
“If you are as good as you say you are, it's not,” I challenge. “This is your ticket into the inner circle,” I say honestly. This is her chance.
“Or I can just kill you and take your spot,” she threatens. My cock presses against my jeans. I lean closer to her face flashing my teeth.
“I want to see you try,” I grin. The feeling of her head piece smashing into my forehead causes me to stumble back, my hand rubbing against the pain she just inflicted. She lunges at me before I recover and I fall to the floor. Holy fuck.
I hear the sound of metal crashing to the floor and in a blink of an eye she is straddling me with her switchblade against my throat. I stare at her uncovered face, she must have ripped off her cowl. She grins down, flashing her white teeth at me. Heat floods through my entire body and I wonder if she can feel how hard my cock is against her. “Just one slice,” she purrs, dragging her blade lightly across my throat.
I run my hands up her long legs and I can feel the heat radiating off of her. I could easily switch our positions so she is below me with a knife to her throat. “I am impressed.”
“Tell me how to get in the Pack's Den without anyone seeing,” she orders me. I pull myself up, my face mere inches from hers. I can hear the sound of her frantic heart. She is kidding herself if she thinks she can handle me. I will let her continue to think that she can take me. My eyes drift to her lips, I fight the urge to bite down on her full bottom lip, I could allow myself just a taste. No. Not until after I know for sure she’s loyal to the Disciples.
“There is a vacant house near the entrance of the den. Behind the house is a small alleyway. There you can find a second story window that leads into the main building. Since the pack are animals, the house is barely used, but Nash prefers the indoors. He has a room there on the third floor. You’ll find him there,” I tell her, allowing myself to run my hands down her legs.
She clears her throat, showing the nerves she is feeling. “I can work with that.”
I reach out and wrap my hand around the back of her neck pulling her face closer to mine. I let my lips brush against the soft skin of her jaw up to her ear. “Better get going…Ash.,” I whisper. Her entire body shivers against me and I grin. I have her right where I want her.
She stands up and grabs her Cowl and throws it on, refusing to look at me. I scan her entire body. She adjusts the bolo machete I gave her on her hip. I have given her many weapons that she has returned. I think I will let her keep that one when she gets back. If she gets back.
“The private room is finished,” Nisha says, walking into my shack. It has been far too long. A part of me is sure Ash is not coming back, a small part tells me she is.
“It might be for nothing. She isn’t back yet,” I growl, sharpening the golok machete in my hand.
“I told you she wasn’t ready for him,” Nisha snaps. Nisha hasn’t snapped at me in a long time. I let out a sigh and look at her. Her lips are drawn in the thin line. Her helmet makes it impossible to see her eyes. I have spent enough time with her to know what I need to without seeing her eyes.
“I thought she was,” I lie. I’m the only person that knows what she actually looks like. I went against my better judgment and didn’t tell Nisha of Ash’s lie with the flamethrower. Nash may be the only other person who would recognize her. He needed to be taken out and I needed to know for sure if Ash is trustworthy.
“Savoy, I swear if something happens to her,” she growls.
“What’s it matter,” I challenge.
“It matters because I trusted you to look after her. I like her. She is one of us! You keep refusing to see it. Her skills can bring this gang to the next level,” Nisha explains.
“I am looking after her,” I growl.
She growls back. “She better come back, and if she does I expect you to trust her. Stop stalking her. I see the look in your eyes when she’s around. She isn’t for you to play with,” Nisha snarls.
“Fine. But if she comes to me, I won’t stop myself,” I warn.
She bares her teeth before leaving. Fuck. I get up and lean against the outside of my shack, my eyes trained on the front door of the HQ. Ash better walk in here. I don’t know how long I wait but the second the front door opens I let out a sigh of relief. I don’t need Nisha breathing down my back.
She stops in front of me and her entire body is shaking. I turn and enter my shack knowing she is following. I hear her shut the door behind her. I remove the helmet I’m wearing and turn to face her. “You’re alive.”
“Did you expect anything less?” She growls.
I walk over and pull the Cowl off her face. I hate staring at that armor knowing what lies beneath it. Her face is beat up. She has a nice bruise along her jaw and side of her head. Nash didn’t go down without a fight. She must have laid low for a while. I grab her elbow and shove her down on the chair. I sit on the coffee table in front of her.
“Why did you send me to kill him?”
I smile at her, she knows exactly why I sent her. “You were the perfect person for the job.”
“Why?” she growls.
“You know why,” I tell her, running my finger across the bruise on her jaw. Her eyes narrow and she swats my hand away.
“Say it,” she snaps.
I let out a harsh laugh. “You are listening to Raider Radio, I am Red Eye and I have a guest with me today, a member of the Pack and he wants to say something, take it away Nash. 500 caps to any raider from any gang who can bring me back the raider who escaped the Pack. Her hair is a white blonde, green eyes, and a very noticeable scar that runs down the left side of her face,” I do my best to imitate Redeye and the broadcast he did a year ago. I look down at her, scanning her features. “Not a lot of people fit that description.”
“You sold me out for 500 caps,” her voice is low, it makes my cock twitch.
“Of course not. I sent you there to protect you. I don’t know why you were part of the Pack over a year ago, nor do I care. You have proved yourself loyal to us in my eyes. That was your last obstacle,” I say. I need to trust her. Nisha will be on me if I keep sending her on suicide missions. She risked her life for a job for us. I make the decision. I’m going to trust her. She is one of us.
“I don’t understand,” she says, shaking her head.
“There is a leader meeting tomorrow evening and you will be joining us. Dixie is off on one of her man hunts and will not be back in time.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. I had the lower ranks fashion you a private room. It isn’t a shack like Nisha, Dixie, or mine but it is yours,” I say tossing her the Cowl. She throws it on and follows me out of the shack. I reach the small room and lead her into it.
I reach over and pull her Cowl off and toss it on the table. “I suggest you keep your face covered, I don’t know how many people remember the broadcast, but at least here you have some privacy.”
“Why are you doing all of this?” She asks.
I’m not, Nisha is. She doesn’t need to know that. I will let her think what she wants. “Like I said, you earned my trust and respect. You belong with the Disciples. Not the Pack, I don’t know what brought you back here but if it’s to get revenge you have the backing of the Disciples,” I answer honestly. We will back her, she is officially one of us. Family.
She stares at me in shock. I can see the thoughts running through her mind. She closes the distance and crashes her lips to mine. Fuck. I kiss her back, wrapping my hand around her throat and assaulting her mouth with mine. I slam her back against the wall and bite down hard on her lip. Her blood fills my mouth sending heat straight to my cock. She growls against my mouth and shoves me off of her.
Her pupils are blown and my eyes land on the blood that's on her lip. I run my thumb across it and suck the blood off it. Savoring the taste of her on my tongue. I need more. Nisha would have my head if I took what I wanted. I have to bide my time. She will cave to me. She will give herself to me. I will own every inch of her body. “Don’t start something you don’t plan to finish,” I warn before walking out of the room.
My cock strains against my jeans as I make my way back to my shack. It took every ounce of my control not to force her on her knees in front of me. Fuck. I need my cock inside her. I fight the urge to bust back through her door and claim what is mine. No. Nisha ordered me not to. Fuck.
“You really want to bring her?” I ask Nisha, throwing on my helmet.
“She deserves to be there. Plus we always run in three. Dixie is off doing only atom knows what. I want Ash there.” I nod. Ash walking up to us draws our attention. “Ready for this meeting?” Nisha asks.
“What do you think it's about?” She asks.
“Overboss is probably sick of the fighting between the gangs,” I grin. Ever since Ash joined, casualties have been higher than ever.
“We’re not going to find out by standing around. Let’s go. Ash, keep that machete handy, I don’t want any surprises,” Nisha orders leading the way to Cola Cars. We’re the last to enter, taking up the last spots. I take a moment to survey the new Overboss and the new Beta. They’re both bigger guys, the Beta does a good job of preventing someone from thinking twice about taking on Mason. Smart move on the Packs end.
“Now that we have everyone , let’s get started,” Overboss cuts out.“I have given you each a park, and yet you all continue to slaughter each other.”
“By all, you mean them,” Mags says, looking at us. Bitch.
Nisha cackles next to me. “That's quite the accusation, Mags.”
“Tell me Nisha, why did you bring this girl? Instead of Dixie? Could it be that she has been doing all the dirty work. My spies tell me someone important has disappeared in the Pack.” Mags says glancing over at Mason. I watch Mason stare at Ash. Well played Mags. Now I have to worry about that massive Raider coming after Ash. Mason doesn’t do anything himself, he’s a coward.
“Enough!” The Overboss snaps. “There are two parks left, at this rate none of you deserve them.”
“If I may, boss,” Porter cuts in.
The Overboss looks like he’s ready to rip everyone to shreds including Gage. He nods allowing him to speak. “I suggest that the inner gang violence ceases until the last park is awarded. Any gang that breaks that rule will not receive another park.”
“You might as well hand both parks to the Operators then,” William says. I suppress a groan, pretty boy over here thinking he deserves everything handed to him on a silver platter. Fucking Operators.
Nisha’s laugh fills the arena and I smirk at them next to her. “If the Overboss wants a dagger in his back maybe.”
“The Pack is loyal, we deserve the parks, especially since we have been taking the most casualties at the hands of the other gangs,” Mason finally finds the courage to speak. I refrain from laughing. The Pack are weak along with their leader.
“Exactly why you don’t deserve it, you’re the weakest gang. The Overboss needs a gang he can trust and who can protect him,” I snap. The Disciples are the only gang worth backing here. We won’t sell him out for caps and we have enough skill to protect him.
“And you're trustworthy?” William scoffs. HA. At least I don’t kill my own members.
“Tell me William, what happened to the previous leader of the Operators? Didn’t you stab him in the back or something?” I snap.
“I don’t think any gang that murders their own members deserves anything,” Nisha interjects, proving my point even more.
“Enough! Gage is right. Give me five days without bloodshed,” the Overboss snaps.
“Think you can handle that?” Mags snaps looking at Ash. I can feel her stiffen next to me, I finally notice the energy rolling off her. She is raging, I wonder what part of this meeting set her off.
“She won’t touch anyone,” I say. A growl escapes her mouth and I grab her shoulder in warning. I don’t need her to lose control here. I’ll let her express her rage later.
“Ha. I’ll believe it when I see it.” Mags scoffs. I want nothing more than to set Ash loose on her. I would love to see her tear her apart.
“Gage, escort each leader back to their place and take the night off,” The Overboss commands.
“You got it boss.”
Porter pushes past all of us. “Leave. This meeting is over.” None of us move. There is no way I am turning my back to the blacks. They are backstabbers. “I said get the fuck out,” he yells.
The Operators move first and then the Pack. Mason stops next to Ash. “Count your days bitch,” He threatens under his breath. Fuck. I knew it. I wonder how stupid the Beta is, would he risk entering the mountain.
I make my way to Ash’s private room, she didn’t say anything on the walk back. I knock on the door. What?” she snaps from behind the door.
I open the door and walk in, shutting the door behind me. She looks frantic. “Are you okay?” I ask. The energy in the room is suffocating.
“5 days, I have to make it 5 days,” she growls pacing back and forth like a mongrel dog.
“Who has got you all riled up?” I ask. Mags if I had to guess. She has a habit of getting under everyone's skin. Or maybe it was Mason threatening her. She stops pacing and glares at me.
“William.”
Interesting. “Oh? Not Mason? Looks like Mags put you on display, there is no way Mason won’t send that big Raider after you,” I warn.
“Who? His Beta?” she asks. I watch a spark flash behind her eyes. A challenge she seems up to.
“Does that excite you? You think you can take on a man that size?” I ask.
She burst out laughing and it surprises me. Why is that so funny? Maybe she is used to making men fall to their knees in front of her. She probably doesn’t even lift a finger, she could command them to shoot themselves and they probably would. “I think I can take him,” she laughs again.
I invade her space and her laugh is cut off. “William isn’t an easy target and it will be harder if Mason does send someone after you. We can assume they’ll follow the 5 day restriction, but don’t let your guard down,” I warn. She is getting too cocky. It’s going to get her killed. I remove my helmet and set it on the table before sitting on the edge of her bed.
I can feel those green eyes watching me, heating my skin. She walks over and stands between my legs, I can feel the heat radiating off of her. “If only I knew someone who matched William’s skill set,” she purrs, running her fingers across my lips. Fuck.
My cock stiffens slightly, a growl escaping my lips.“What are you asking?”
She bends down and bites down on my bottom lip and drags her teeth down my chin. The pain sends pleasure straight to my cock. She traces the path back up with her tongue. Her kiss is rough as she forces her tongue into my mouth. She nips at my lips and my fingers curl around her thighs. I dig my fingers into her, I warned her not to start something she can’t finish. I won’t stop if she pushes me too far.
She pulls away. “Kill him for me,” she orders.
I spring off the bed and shove her against the back wall pressing the knife I always carry to her neck. “Why would I do that?” I growl. She pushes off the wall pressing the blade deeper into her neck and I follow the trail of blood that runs down her throat. She grabs my wrist holding the blade and drags it down her body, tearing the shirt she is wearing.
My blood is boiling and I can’t think at the sight of her blood. I lean forward and run my tongue the length of the cut. Her blood fills my mouth and the last shred of control I have is gone. I can’t stop even if she begs me to. Her moan vibrates through my body. I keep my lips against her throat and use my hands to tear off her shirt.
I drag my teeth down her soft skin and bite down on her chest and she shudders beneath my mouth. She throws her head back and releases a moan, not bothering to muffle her noises. It only fuels the lust running through me. I drop to my knees in front of her. I drag my knife across her stomach and she hisses against the pain. Fuck. I drag my tongue across the cut embedding the taste of her blood to memory. I make smaller cuts along her stomach marking her. Claiming her. Her body is mine, she is mine.
I unbutton her pants and tear them down her long legs. I bit down on the inside of her thigh and her blood coats my tongue. She whines against the pain and I run my finger across her sex. Her entire body reacts to my touch.
“You’re soaked,” I growl, she likes this just as much as me. More maybe. “You like pain.” I drag my knife down the inside of her thigh and she cries out. I run my tongue up the cut and let the taste fuel me. I get back to my feet and grab a handful of her hair pulling her mouth to mine. I shove my tongue into her mouth forcing her to taste her blood. “Fuck,” she moans into my mouth.
I pull away and remove the heavy chest piece I’m wearing, letting it fall to the floor. Her hands are on me tearing my shirt off. She sinks her teeth into my chest sending another pang of pleasure to my cock. I growl, time to lay final claim on her. I grab her hair and shove her down onto the mattress. Her entire body is trembling with desire and I follow the lines of every mark I made. Mine. Every man she is with after me will know she belongs to someone else. “Consider it done,” I growl, grabbing her ankle and dragging her body towards me.
I unbutton my pants, freeing my erection. She moans at the sight of me. I shove into her hard and fast and she cries out. Her pussy is hot and tight around me. I fuck her hard and fast, claiming what is mine. I can feel her nearing her end and I press my body flush against hers and continue to pound into her again. “Fuck,” she screams as she shatters against me. Her legs are shaking and I bite down on her neck as I finish, pouring myself inside of her.
I pull out of her and get dressed instantly. I can’t allow myself to be vulnerable no matter how much I trust her. She can stab me in the back at any moment. I grab the helmet from the table before making my way towards her door.
“Savoy,” her voice stops my movement.
“Yes?”
“Are you really going to do it?”
I stare at her naked body on the bed. She is sexier than ever covered in my handiwork. I throw my helmet on and give her a nod before I leave. Killing William is a small price to pay if it gives me access to Ash’s body whenever I want. Fuck. I can’t wait to see every inch of her covered in scars.
“Have you seen Ash today?” I ask, as I walk up to Nisha who is immersed in whatever she is typing on the terminal. I lean against the entryway of her shack.
“I have not,” she responds quickly. She draws her attention to me and stands up off the chair and pushes past me to look over the side of the mountain. I press my back against the shack and watch her closely. She hums softly before looking back at me. “Although I have heard interesting rumors,” she purrs.
I grind my teeth and cross my arms across my chest. “Saying what?”
“That my right hand man is pussy whipped,” she snaps.
I glare at her. “Whoever is saying that, doesn’t know what they are saying,” I growl.
“So you’re not going to kill William?” She challenges.
I dig my fingernails into the palm of my hand. “It’s time the Disciples end the Operators,” I seethe. I’ll handle Mags right after William. The Pack will crumble soon enough, the Operators are our biggest problem right now.
“It’s fucking stupid,” she spits. “We have managed to co-exist for two years and in a matter of three weeks you are going to kill another leader! Why now?!”
Kill him for me, Ash’s voice runs through my head. I shake it away quickly. “The Overboss will award the parks in five days and then we hit when they least expect. It’s a perfect plan.”
“And when the Beta kills Ash for Mason, then what?”
My blood boils at her words. “The Pack is weak, the Beta is for show. Ash knows to watch her back. We will have all the parks by the end of the week. We have enough strength to take the other gangs,” I say without a doubt.
She snarls at me, “you’re loyal to me not some low rank raider!”
“She’s not low rank now thanks to you,” I growl.
Nisha huffs and walks over to me. “You will not kill William.”
I show my teeth at her, I never went against Nisha. I have been loyal for years to this gang, why all of a sudden am I willing to go against her. I let out a sigh and run my hand down my face. Nisha is right, the plan is too risky. Ash running up to us draws both of our attention. There she is.
“Ash, where have you been?” Nisha asks her. Ash looks between the two of us as she catches her breath from the hike.
“Nisha, I lied to you,” she blurts out. My whole body tenses at her words. Is she going to tell her that I’ve known she has been lying all along. This is terrible timing.
“Oh?” She responds. Ash rips her cowl off revealing her face. My heart thunders in my chest as I watch Nisha’s reaction. Clearly Ash was not in a flamethrowing incident. My eyes drift to the long intricate cut along her throat. Nisha will know instantly who’s handiwork that is. Nisha hums as she takes in Ash’s stunning appearance. A face no one can forget.
“Ash what are you doing?” I ask, before I can stop myself.
“My name isn’t Ash. It’s Kai. Before Mags and William ran the Operators a man named Cain was the leader,” she blurts out. Kai? The Operators? I shake my head, I thought she came from the Pack not the Operators.
“Yes, we are aware of the leader shift.” Nisha offers.
Kai clears her throat before continuing. “Well I am the daughter of Cain. I lived in a raider compound my entire life. Mac and his crew took over when my father left to live here in Nukatown. Mac decided he wanted to take control of the Pack. I had run off with a mercenary before Mac took all the raiders from Concord to overthrow the Alpha,” she pauses to take a breath. Daughter of Cain…my mind is racing and before I can process what she is saying she continues. “Mac became Alpha and sent his Beta Jace to retrieve me from the Commonwealth. I was originally set to marry Jace so we could combine our high ranking families. Mac changed the plan and chose me as Luna. He tried to rape me and Jace killed him. I escaped with the help of my dad and killed Jace when he came after me again. I found out from some trader that there was new leadership in the Operators. I grouped up with some low end Raiders and helped them drag the new Overboss to the Gauntlet. It didn’t matter to me if the man survived, I just needed to get in. Everything I have done for the Disciples I wanted too,” she explains.
Mac..Jace..Luna..why is she saying all of this to us? Nisha is going to kill her or worse have me kill her. Especially seeing the marks on her. The perfect test of my loyalty.
“Why confess now?” Nisha asks.
“I have intel from one of the Raiders that I came in with that there's a major hit going down against the Operators in two days. William will be vulnerable,” she rushes out. Where is she getting this information? Another major hit besides William? This feels like a trap. I stare at her face, I can’t tell if she is lying.
“And Mags?” Nisha asks.
“She will be…” she pauses, “Occupied.” I clench my teeth. She knows more than she is letting on. There is someone she is protecting and it’s not us. Nisha looks at me and I already know what she is thinking. I rush towards Kai and pin her hands behind her back and press my blade against her throat. Somehow I didn’t think it would end like this.
“Why should we trust you, when you have been lying to us the entire time?” Nisha asks, cocking her head to the side. She keeps her voice bone chillingly calm.
“Because I am here telling you both, not warning the Operators or siding with the Pack,” Kai answers. I watch Nisha contemplating what Kai said. Kai has zero reason to turn against us. We took her in and helped her hone her skills. She was talented when she joined but her skills have been sharpened and she is a real weapon now.
“Savoy let her go.” Nisha commands.
I release her instantly and take my place next to Nisha’s side. Kai’s green eyes bore into my face, I can see her trying to read what I’m thinking. “Savoy, you will proceed with the hit against William, Ash..I mean Kai, you will remain here where I can watch you and if you’re telling the truth you’ll have nothing to worry about,” Nisha says before stalking back into her cabin. I guess I am going to kill William after all.
“That was a fucking stupid move,” I snap towards Kai. She almost got herself killed.
“You’ll thank me when the Disciples are the only gang running NukaWorld,” she snaps back before sulking down the mountain. I walk towards the edge and watch her walk into her private room. I stare for a few more moments and watch another Disciple leave the room. A man. Interesting. That must be the rumor mill.
I make my way down the mountain and walk around the HQ for the Disciple I saw leave Kai’s room. I come up short, it’s as if I imagined it. I enter my shack and look at the assortment of weapons I have collected. I pick up a knife with the spear point blade. It is a beauty. I will use this to kill William then use it to mark my prize up. I run my tongue along the clean blade imaging Kai’s blood dripping with it. My cock hardens at the thought.
I make my way towards the Parlor. I saw Mags walking off with the Overboss and piece it together. Mags must be the major hit, what did she do to make the Overboss want her dead? I spot a wasted Disciple on a bench near the Parlor. Perfect. I sit down next to her.
“Walk through those doors now,” I order. “Don’t say anything, just go now.” She pulls herself up and makes her way towards the entrance of the Parlor.
The guard immediately stops her. “Piss off bitch,” the door guard growls. She whispers something to him as she reaches down and runs her hand along his groin. Impressive, I’m surprised she was smart enough to figure out I need the guard gone. I watch him glance around before dragging her down the alley. I scan the area before sliding into the Parlor without anyone noticing.
The Parlor is empty, where is everyone? Most likely getting high and drunk like the rest of the raiders here. The five day no violence restriction has amped Nukatown up to party central. William is in his room, typing on the terminal with his back towards the door. Stupid mercenary, never have your back exposed…there could be predators lurking around.
I slam the door behind me and William jumps from the seat. His eyes go wide when he looks at me. “Savoy?” His voice is laced with fear. No Mags to protect him this time. “Why are you here?” He asks, trying to mask the shakiness in his voice.
“Something that is long overdue,” I growl, flashing my teeth. He stumbles back a bit and glances around the room for anything to defend himself. He doesn’t get the opportunity. I am on him with my blade deep in his throat. He chokes on his blood and I tear my knife from his throat. He throws a punch colliding with my face before he drops to his knees and struggles to breathe. The pain flows through me and I can feel the blood trail from my nose. It amuses me, that was all he had?
I kneel in front of him and clean the blade off with my tongue. His blood fuels the adrenaline in my veins. I take the machete off my hip and grab his arm and place it on the bed next to him. The sounds of him choking on his blood is music to my ears. I swing the machete down and the gurgled scream reaches my ears. It hums through me.
William falls onto his back his eyes widen with terror. I watch as the blood pools all around him. His body is starting to shudder and I know he doesn’t have much left. I slice my machete down again and it slides right through his thigh. One cry escapes him before his eyes roll back behind his head. I smile down at his lifeless body. I knew he was weak, but I wanted him to at least fight back.
Shuffling and yelling from outside my room peaks my curiosity. I sheathe my machete and pick my knife back up before heading towards the commotion. “Fucking bitch!” An Operator yells as he goes for that small Disciple I sent to the guard earlier. Why is she here? I take long strides and stab the operator kid in the back. Now is not the time for us to have gang members die. I need all the Disciples I can get if we are taking the park. His body stiffens and he falls sideways to the floor. The Disciple stares with her mouth slightly open as I run my tongue along my blade. The blood hums through my body fueling my adrenaline more.
“William’s dead. Get back to the mountain. You've served your purpose,” I growl at the stupid Disciple. She shouldn’t be here. In a flash she grabs my knife and turns towards Lizzy who has been watching everything.
“Lex, will you kill Nate for me?” Lizzy asks, staring at my Disciple. Lex? I have no one in our gang by that name. Lex raises her gun and shoots Lizzy in the knee without hesitation. Lizzy cries out in pain and falls to her knees. Lex slices my knife clean across Lizzy’s throat, ripping her head back in the process. My cock stiffens as I watch the scene unfold.
“Subject should not have been underestimated,” Lex mimics Lizzy as Lizzy chokes on her blood, her entire body shuddering. Lex let’s go and her body drops to the floor. Four raiders brought the overboss in..this must be the fourth…especially since Lizzy wanted her to kill the Overboss. I start to clap at the little raider, looks like she may need a new gang to join.
“Looks like the littlest Operator has teeth,” I seethe. She pulls her cowl off and I recognize her from weeks ago when Reida tried to attack her. “You were part of the crew that came in with Kai.”
“Who?” She plays dumb. This must be the raider Kai was protecting, unless she is protecting the Overboss. This is starting to feel like a trap.
“She told us everything. How her Dad used to lead the Operators, how her mate was part of the Pack. She’s here for revenge. Tell me little one…what are you here for? Because if you are anything like her…I’d be more than happy to show you what. It. Would. Take,” I growl looking at the small woman in front of me. “I wonder if your blood tastes like hers does.” Her eyes widen in fear as she processes my offer.
“Lex,” I hear a deep voice call out. I glance over and watch as the Beta steps out from the shadows. Commonwealth raider number three. At least I don’t have to go searching for him, Mason handed him to me on a silver platter.
“Beta! Looks like it’s my lucky day. Two number twos at one time. Tell me how it feels to always come in second,” I mock. He lunges at me and I sidestep, easily slicing down his back with the knife I always keep at my side. I watch as a table comes flying at me, fuck. I stumble back to avoid the table and the big raider is on me in a blink. He throws me across the room and searing pain runs up my body as I crash into a railing. I let the pain fuel me and spring to my feet and tackle the Beta. We both fall to the ground and I am on my back before I have a moment to compose myself.
I stare at the massive raider pinning me to the ground, my helmet had disappeared somewhere along this tussle. He presses the knife in my hand against my own throat. I feel the sting of pain run down my spine. I keep a firm grip on his hands trying to prevent him from stabbing fully through my throat. “Nisha is going to eat you alive, dog!” I growl.
The raider laughs at me. “If Kai hasn’t killed her already I’ll make sure to show her your head!” He growls back. What!? Fuck. She fucking played us. This was the plan all along. They’re all working with the Overboss. It all makes sense, that is why Kai didn’t die when I sent her into the pack. I can’t stop myself from flashing my teeth. At least I know this raider will see the marks I left all over Kai’s body. I hope it eats him alive knowing I tasted the woman he loves blood, claimed her. I hope it destroys her too.
“No wonder she survived Nash. She had a pet of her own on the inside. I should have known,” I pause, watching the rage build up behind his eyes. “Have you seen her recently? I left momentos all over her. To make sure she’ll always remember me.” I watch the moment he lets the rage take over. The pressure of his fist hitting my face causes my head to spin. Everything around me starts to buzz and my whole body ignites against the pain. I hear a snap and excruciating pain before darkness.