Cruel Chaos - A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller by Kellee L. Greene

Author:Kellee L. Greene [Greene, Kellee L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-14T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-TWO

I rushed out of the bedroom, Atlas hot on my heels. Stone stood at the front door, hand on the knob as he pulled it open.

My breath caught in my throat when I saw the familiar faces on the other side. Jasper’s sandy blonde hair was tousled, but his green eyes shone brightly. And next to him, Cassi’s fiery red locks framed her beaming face.

“Ah!” Cassi said, throwing her arms around Stone. “It really is you!”

Jasper reached out his hand to Stone, who took it as he stepped to the side to allow them inside. Cassi’s eyes glistened as she launched forward, pulling me into a fierce hug. Her arms squeezed me tight as I returned the embrace, my eyes slipping shut at the comforting familiarity.

“You’re here, you’re actually here,” she murmured against my shoulder.

When she finally released me, she moved to hug Atlas. Her smile never wavered as she stepped back, looking us all over.

“How did you know we were here?” I asked, my brow furrowing slightly.

Cassi glanced at Jasper, then back to me. “I ran into Lorna earlier while getting some food. She mentioned they had some new members arrive.”

“How did you know it was us?” I asked.

She shrugged one shoulder. “Well, I wasn’t sure, but after a brief description, we just knew it had to be you guys. And it is! I’m so happy!”

I couldn’t help but smile as Cassi and Jasper joined us in the living room, settling onto the chairs across from Atlas and me. It was strange to have a moment of normalcy when nothing about any of what was happening was normal.

“So, how are you guys liking it here at the base?” Atlas asked, leaning back in his chair.

Jasper let out a short laugh. “It’s alright, I guess. Though I have to admit, I kind of miss our old apartment.”

The smile instantly faded from my face as I remembered my home had been obliterated by the insectoids. “About that⁠—”

“What is it?” Cassi interrupted, sensing the shift in my tone. “Something happened? Is everyone okay?”

“Yeah, everyone is fine,” I said, taking in a deep breath. “The apartment building itself… it’s gone.”

A heavy silence hung in the air as Cassi and Jasper exchanged a look. Her eyes widened as she pressed her lips together. “I’m so sorry, Nora. I know that was your home.”

“Wow,” Jasper said, shaking his head slowly. “Hard to believe it’s gone.”

I swallowed hard and cleared my throat. “How’s Justine doing? Have you seen her?”

“See her every day,” Cassi said, folding her hands together. “We live together with Walt, Rocco, and Rayne. The doctor here told Justine that everything looks good with the pregnancy. He wasn’t sure about the intense contractions but that it was likely triggered by stress. She hasn’t had one since we settled in here. How’s Emily? Is she here?”

I nodded slowly at Cassi’s question about Emily. “She made it here with us. She’s resting right now, the journey was really tough on her.”

“Poor thing, I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for her.

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