Sweetest Awareness (Cruelest Oblivion Duet) by Michelle Heard & MA Heard

Author:Michelle Heard & MA Heard [Heard, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MA Heard
Published: 2022-11-18T18:30:00+00:00

Grief hangs heavy in the air. It feels like it’s bearing down on my shoulders.

Every couple of seconds, I hear a woman cry or a man curse.

The ward took a heavy blow, and while everyone’s mourning their losses, I’m thankful most of my friends survived.

I don’t feel sad about Jasper and Aaron, but there’s a pinch in my chest for Jarek, and especially Aldric.

And Gerald.

Jesus, Gerald. He didn’t deserve to die like that. He was a unique soul, and I wish I had gotten to him sooner.

I peel the bulb of the wild grass and mash it into a mushy paste. My arm burns after a while, and I don’t even know if I’m doing it right.

Chance doesn’t correct me, though, so I continue.

“Time to eat,” Idris suddenly says. “Come on. Take a break.”

I’m surprised he brought us food. He shoves a plate at me and sits down with his own.

I wipe my hands on an old rag and shovel a bite of mac and cheese into my mouth.

We eat in an uncomfortable silence.

“I hear you went crazy and took out half the insensates on your own,” Idris mutters.

I glance up and find his sharp gaze locked on me.

“I had to protect Dawn,” I say.

And Chance.

And Raze.

I had to protect everyone.

He puts his fork down, and reaching across the table, he gives my arm a squeeze. “You did our ward proud, Jai.”

I don’t say anything, too stunned that he now sees me as one of them and no longer a newbie.

“We’re meeting with the other leaders in an hour,” Idris informs Chance.

“What will the meeting be about?” I ask before I take a bite of my food.

“We need to check our numbers after the attack and plan an assault on the ecocity,” Chance answers. “I’ll let you know what the leaders decide.”

Changing the subject, I ask, “Where’s Dawn?”

Idris nods in no particular direction. “At Gerald’s store.”

“You left her alone?” I dart up, and not waiting for his answer, I jog around the building and head for the clothing store.

Someone removed Gerald’s body, for which I’m grateful. When I step into the store, it’s dark.

“Dawn?”

“Here,” she whispers, coming from the back. “They’re going to come and clear this place out soon.” She gestures at the clothes. “Take what you need before it’s all gone.”

“I didn’t come here for clothes,” I say as I follow her to a rack. “I came to check on you. How are you holding up?”

She shrugs and starts to take clothes off the hangers, holding the outfits up against me.

I nudge her hands away and wrap my arms around her. “I’m sorry about Gerald. I wish I got here sooner.”

“I’m okay,” she whispers as she pulls back. “Seriously, they’re going to raid the store. Let’s grab what you need and get out of here.”

Dawn grabs two outfits similar to the one Gerald gave me, then says, “Grab a jacket. You need something warm. And another pair of boots.”

I do it to appease her, but it doesn’t feel right.

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