Wicked Wasteland - A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller by Kellee L. Greene

Author:Kellee L. Greene [Greene, Kellee L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-26T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

I rushed into the house to find Stone. He was at the front window, staring out toward the yard. Seconds later, Atlas appeared behind me, and Rocco ran out of the house toward the backdoor with the rifle in hand.

We each looked out between the curtains at Earl standing at the end of the driveway near the trap, a smug smirk plastered across his face. My heart was beating so aggressively I could feel it in my neck.

“What do we do now?” I whispered.

“Get the others in their rooms,” Atlas said.

Earl’s gaze drifted towards the house, locking onto the window even though I was sure he couldn’t see us between the curtains. His twisted smile widened as he gave a mocking little wave. My stomach churned with anger.

Before either Stone or I could stop him, Atlas stormed toward the front door, pulling his pistol out of his waistband.

“Atlas!” I hissed, but he didn’t stop.

Stone grabbed my arm as I moved to follow. “Are you crazy? You can’t go out there!”

I shook him off, fear gripping me as Atlas stepped out onto the porch, gun raised. Earl’s hands went up in mock surrender, that infuriating smirk never leaving his face.

“Well, well! I’m surprised to see you folks are still hanging around on my territory without permission,” Earl called out, voice dripping with condescension. “Thought maybe you’d have cleared out by now after what happened to old Joel’s home.”

“Going to take more than a little fire to get rid of us,” Atlas said, flashing Earl his own cocky smile.

“You idiots sure like to live dangerously, huh?” Earl asked, spitting on the ground. “Should have known you morons wouldn’t have gotten too far. So sad about what happened to that house. Just ashes left. Couldn’t find a single bone in the rubble, and trust me, I searched.”

Atlas snickered. “Bet you did.”

Stone stood next to me just behind Atlas, holding me in place as if he were afraid I’d run out there and attack the older man. And I was tempted. I was tempted to pull the gun from Stone’s waistband, step out there, and shoot him myself. The only thing stopping me was that Emily might be watching.

“What kind of fool steps into our territory without permission?” Atlas said, his voice low and dangerous. “You must be pretty brave to show your face here, Earl.”

Earl let out an amused chuckle, seemingly unfazed by the threat. “Brave? Nah, just confident in my ability to handle a few strays who’ve overstayed their welcome.” He looked around mockingly. “This is my territory, as far as I’m concerned.”

“Not sure what makes you think so,” Atlas said, adjusting his grip on the gun. “I see nothing that indicates it belongs to you.”

“I suggest you leave,” Earl said, his jaw tightening.

Atlas laughed. “I suggest you leave. We’re not going anywhere. I plan to defend this territory until the day I die.”

“That might not be too long from now, you know, with how things are around here and all that,” Earl said, clearing his throat.

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