Hunt The Storm: Golden Chains Trilogy, #2

By Cassie Swindon

Learning that her mother is alive came at a great cost.

Desperate to bring Ma home, eighteen-year-old Raelyn embarks on a dangerous journey to a desert land. Wanting to prove her strength, Raelyn leaves Kody behind. But soon, sex traffickers stalk her. In a flurry of treacherous events, a love triangle with Private Phoenix Peterson sparks new emotions- which changes everything.

Army Specialist, Kody Walsh is determined to keep Raelyn safe, no matter the cost. After realizing she abandoned him, Kody hunts for her in hostile territory but ends up in the most unlikely of places, teaming up with the enemy. And, Kody holds a secret up his sleeve which could end the tyranny once and for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cassie Swindon
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215036808

Book preview

Dedicated to

Aubree, because of The Dollhouse

Dustin, because of the backseat trips to PA

Breanna, because of Zigazig-ah

Trigger Warnings

Recommended for age 18+ due to profanity, violence, sexual content, sensitive topics such as PTSD that could potentially trigger the reader. 

Read at your own discretion. 

Other Novels by Cassie Swindon

Break the Stone

Short Stories by Cassie Swindon

Raelyn’s Last Shot

Kody’s Secret

Cali’s Escape

William’s Lies

Phoenix’s Spies

Playlist Inspiration

If you want to jump into Cassie Swindon’s mood

for a few different scenes, try playing these songs (without video)

There is also a Spotify playlist called Hunt the Storm

Chapter 1- Raelyn

Badass Woman - Meghan Trainor

Confident- Demi Lovato

Me, myself, and I - G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha

Chapter 2- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ5FodI0CYE

Epic Suspenseful Fight Scene - FesliyanStudios

Chapter 3- Raelyn

Lose you to Love me - Selena Gomez

Chapter 4- Kody

Exile by Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVqE_OPzN6c

Epic Instrumental Music - Powerful and Dramatic

Chapter 5- Raelyn

Love Myself - Hailee Steinfeld

Chapter 6- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LptTKfrHSi4

Dark Ambient Melodies

Chapter 7 – Raelyn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ngFClWFYI&list=PLW_OuE_9g94-QW2m8uoO0RQ8_bTREA7Sq

Mechanical Vibes - Exterminator [Dark Hybrid Action Music] by ThePrimeCronus

Chapter 8- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEYxnJB4jZs

Dark and Mysterious Ambient Music

Chapter 9- Raelyn

My Immortal - Evanescence

Chapter 10- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWpnTGmS8-Q

Most Epic Badass Action Music Mix

Chapter 11- Raelyn

Lonely" - Justin Bieber

Chapter 12- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljbrKDwXYt8

Best Suspense Background Music Ever

Chapter 13- Raelyn

Rise - Katy Perry

Chapter 14- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS6dhZc6uac

Background Suspense Music - Suspenseful & Dramatic Film Soundtracks Anticipation

Chapter 15- Raelyn

Blacklisted Me - Lexus Amanda / Samie Jayden- Reprobate Romance (Music Video) ft. Nick Matthews

Chapter 16- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4izl7DgWNmc&list=RDQMAgeNiRBREEs&start_radio=1

Epic Suspenseful Action Music ENEMY

Chapter 17- Raelyn

Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken - P!nk

Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotya ft. Kimbra

Chapter 18- Kody

Flawed - Wale ft. Gunna

Chapter 19- Raelyn

My Happy Ending – Avril Lavigne

Treat you Better - Shawn Mendes

Chapter 20- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzYOQCkCid0

Instrumental Action Music

Chapter 21- Raelyn

Brave - Sara Bareilles

Chapter 22- Kody

Cavalry Gives Chase - Kevin MacLeod

Chapter 23- Raelyn

Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande

Chapter 24- Kody

All This - Kevin MacLeod

Chapter 25- Raelyn

Breathe Me - Sia

Chapter 26- Kody

Fallin - Alicia Keys

Chapter 27- Raelyn

You Broke Me First - Tate McRae

High Hopes - Yours Truly

Chapter 28- Kody

Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand - Leon Bridges

Chapter 29- Raelyn

Foolish Games - Jewel

Chapter 30- Kody

"Lucid Dreams- Juice WRLD

I Need You Now - Chill Street

Chapter 31- Raelyn

Unbreakable - Fireflight

Chapter 32- Kody

Without You - The Kid Laroi

Chapter 33- Raelyn

All Around Me - Flyleaf

Chapter 34- Kody

Reborn by Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi

Chapter 35- Raelyn

Idontwannabeyouanymore – Billie Eilish

Chapter 36- Kody

Walk It Talk It - Migos ft. Drake

Chapter 37- Raelyn

You Needed Me - Rihanna

Chapter 38- Kody

The Hills – The Weeknd

Chapter 39- Raelyn

Beating Heart – Ellie Goulding

Chapter 40- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0KHS-AD14w

The End Of The World - Dramatic Instrumental [Originally Unfinished Life by Audiomachine]

Chapter 41- Raelyn

You Are The Reason – Calum Scott

Chapter 42- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0deloq_VqGs

ESCAPE - Emotional & Dramatic Music Mix | Sad & Beautiful Instrumental Music

Chapter 43- Raelyn

Jar of Hearts - Christina Perri

Weapon - Against The Current

Chapter 44- Kody

Can’t Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Ft. Ray Dalton

Chapter 45- Raelyn

Rise - Katy Perry (Yes, again. This was also in chapter 13)

And So It Went - The Pretty Reckless

Chapter 46- Kody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtd3T5NB37Q

Epic Emotional Climax Music - EPOCH

Chapter 47- Raelyn

Mother - Kacey Musgraves

Chapter 48- Kody

Take Care - Drake ft. Rihanna

Chapter 49- Raelyn

Say You’ll Never Let Me Go - The Chainsmokers

Contents

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1

Raelyn Bell

What’s taking Kody so long? 

Raelyn squinted through the narrow slats of the hut. Heart pounding, she lifted her camera to use it like binoculars and scanned the village. A thundering sound boomed from the west, followed by a dust cloud mixing with the sunset. Silhouettes on horseback grew closer, shouting in Arabic while frantically waving pistols. The gravity of the sudden life-or-death situation knotted Raelyn’s stomach. An overwhelming sense of doom encircled Raelyn as if she were trapped in an untethered elevator, falling faster, seconds from hitting hell. 

The tension in the air coiled tight as the intruders cantered and weaved between the twenty village huts. A few of the locals, covered from head to toe in flowing robes, formed a barricade around the water well. Her knuckles turned white from gripping the wood slats of the hut so hard. Raelyn bottled her breath while sandwiched between her best friend and brother. All three of them were still hidden from view—for now.

Who are those guys? They won’t hurt Kody, right? Cali’s brown eyes widened as she grabbed Raelyn’s hand. 

Raelyn bolted toward the rickety hut door. I should go find him.

And then what? Cali’s thick black braids swished as she jumped between Raelyn and the exit. Half of the horsemen are armed. She pushed Raelyn back, scuffing sand in the process. Flipping tornado peanuts! I won’t let you get abducted. 

Fine! Breathing heavily, Raelyn shoved her nose between the slats to get a clearer view. Stupid sand! I can’t see anything! 

Rumbling horse hooves competed with the sound of the churning wind. The intruders circled a little girl that was playing outside. Raelyn held her breath. Seconds deceived time until a familiar, muscular figure finally strode out from the rippling sand. Raelyn’s body relaxed at the sight of the man she loved. Kody was safe. His aviator sunglasses accentuated his sharp face, and the army fatigues made him look like he was strutting straight off the set of an action movie. 

The frightened little girl clung to Kody’s strong neck until he set the child down and nudged her toward the safety of a hut. Sand settled back on the ground, and more locals emerged from their huts. Kody towered over the others as he yelled at the horsemen. One intruder grabbed his AK47 and waved it at Kody, who remained still as a statue. 

Raelyn’s attention ping-ponged between the hostile intruders and the villagers who had fed and protected her for the past week. Two opposing sides–both flailing their arms and shouting. Kody seemed calm, but Raelyn now knew all that could be lost, and fear suffocated her.

I’m putting this village at risk. Anyone who takes care of me dies.

Under the blazing sunset, the defined muscles of Kody’s mahogany skin tightened, making Raelyn glance behind her to the table that filled the small hut, where Kody’s gun laid on top of a small bag of local dinar currency. She reached out to grab it quickly but retracted her hand as if it might sting or bite her. 

I can’t, not after the last time. 

Outside, the intruders and villagers shouted at each other in a language she couldn’t understand. Kody stepped between the two groups as the horses circled around him while the riders pointed and yelled fiercely. 

What are they saying? Raelyn whispered to Liam, the only one of them who was familiar with Arabic. 

From her side, Raelyn’s younger brother brushed against her shoulder. The last of the day’s sunlight reflected off his soft blond waves. He pushed his ear to the edge of the hut, pressing a finger to his chapped lips. 

Uh… they’re saying we need to leave the village. Now. He sneezed and rubbed his nose, making his glasses wiggle. 

Raelyn nodded. Good, let’s leave. We have to go find Ma and bring her home.

Liam pulled out his inhaler, shook it, and sucked in a deep breath. Yeah, each day Mom is under Storm Force’s control, isn’t super ideal. So let’s leave tonight.

Cali grunted, her brows knitting together. You’re twelve. You don’t get a say about when we leave.

Yes, he does. Raelyn stared at the wall. I’m alive because of him. He’s right. We can’t wait any longer.

It’s 2017 for friggin sakes, yet there’s a storybook full of Arabian knights with rifles out there! Cali chucked her water bottle at Raelyn, empty of liquid but full of resentment. We need to go home.

No! We flew over here to find Ma. I’m not leaving until she’s by my side.

Ssh! Liam’s voice cracked as if mucus was lodged in his lungs. The guy on the white horse….

It’s a Shagya Arabian horse, Raelyn clarified.

…uh, okay. He is saying he’s the leader of another village, and he doesn’t like us here. Any foreigners may attract trouble into his town.

Cali flailed her arms, making her charm bracelet jangle. I wanna go home. We can get smuggled back across the border again. 

From outside, Kody’s deep voice rang clear. From the protection of their hut, all three fell silent and re-focused on the scene unfolding before them. The intruders and locals appeared to negotiate some sort of truce. 

Kody took off his sunglasses and bowed, casting shadows as the sun lowered further. His voice vibrated in Raelyn’s bones when he said, Al salaam Alaykum, before marching toward their hut. 

What did he trade for peace?

Raelyn met his bold eyes through the slats and caught his slight smirk. 

Is he enjoying this?

The flimsy hut door moved a few inches before becoming wedged in the sand. Kody managed to squeeze his broad shoulders through the opening, allowing gusts of hot desert wind to blow in, tossing Raelyn’s long brown hair around.

Silently, Kody walked over to the table, checked his Glock, and re-holstered it. Then, he dug into his camo cargo pants and threw each of them a lukewarm canteen bottle. Before Kody said a word, he leaned over Raelyn. His mouth caressed warm breath across her chin, then to her lips. He brushed his lips over hers softly, confidently, comfortably. Raelyn craned her neck up and kissed the bottom of his chin before he pulled away.

She treasured the moment, knowing it’d only last a second, then twisted off the top of the canteen and sprinkled a few drops on her neck, providing relief from the heat. As she took big gulps, the taste didn’t compare to the sweetness of Kody’s kiss. Even in that sauna, he radiated his minty scent, like magic. 

Kody’s stance dominated the room as everyone stared at him, waiting for an explanation. I arranged a fight with someone from the other village. I win; we stay. I lose; we leave.  

Raelyn choked on the water. A fight? 

Yes. In ten minutes. He rubbed the onyx stubble framing his square jawline. 

Skip the fight, and we can leave now. I need to go find Ma.

Kody shifted his wide stance from one boot to the other. We’re safe here. We need a few more days to get some equipment, then we can figure out a plan.

We can’t wait a few more days. She crossed her arms. What if Ma is in danger? 

These villagers have been more trustworthy than anyone else would be in surrounding towns. Believe me, Kody said.

Bro, those guys sounded like the most epic kind of evil. Darth Vader style. Don’t fight them. Cali’s voice quivered.  

It’s just a fistfight. His lips curled into a smile before he guzzled the rest of his water. They don’t like wasting resources on foreigners. 

Resources? It’s only been rice for seven days in a row! Bro, I’m gonna eat your face soon if we don’t get more food. This isn’t a joke. Cali stuck a finger with chipped bright nail polish in his face. Her scowl mirrored the shape of Kody’s dark features, matching wide nose and full lips. 

Kody casually sat on the dirt floor. Calm down. They’ve given us more than our share already. 

Raelyn stepped between the bickering siblings and dabbed her sweaty forehead with the plaid shirt dangling around her waist. I don’t want to put y’all in danger. We should separate and— 

We’re not separating. Kody’s forehead twisted into tight lines. You can’t do this alone. 

There’s no other option. I have to find Ma. Before it’s too late! 

Cali popped her lips. Ignore Rae. She’s not thinking clearly after her pa, well, you know….

Trust Cali to get right to the point. Her best friend’s bright tie-die personality had evaporated ever since their flight from North Carolina to this Iraq desert. 

Cali drew a heart on the sandy floor with one finger, her charm bracelet jingled with each movement. O-M-G, I’m so hungry I’m gonna eat this dirt soon. 

I’m sorry you’re stranded here. Raelyn held out her pinky for their signature handshake. It’s my fault.

Cali’s angry grimace remained. No truce. This place is hell.  

Raelyn blew out a big breath and looked at Kody, whose rich eyes were already on her, studying her face like a hawk. 

What is he thinking this time?

I’ll find us something else to eat. Kody stretched out his shoulder. Give me a day or two to get the equipment, then we can find Joanna. We need radios, vests, and other gear. Trust me, no one’s looking for us in the middle of Iraq.

Cali fussed with some pens from a backpack and pounded them as drumsticks on the table. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. 

We need to leave.

Babe, trust me to take care of you. Kody’s voice turned sour.

Where did that come from? You don’t have to take care of me.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Cali’s drumming continued. 

That’s not what I meant. Kody shook his head. 

Y’all need to go home. Let me find Ma myself. Raelyn backed up into the wall, the wood scraping through her shirt. I won’t let y’all die too. 

Kody’s face hardened. It wasn’t your fault. Your Pa was forty years old—a grown man. He made his choices. Stop blaming yourself for something you couldn’t control! 

His words cut like a knife. 

Raelyn studied the lines of the wood in the door. "Well, I have to blame someone!"

Fine! Blame me! Kody’s eyes held secrets she wasn’t sure she wanted the answers to.  

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Christ! Cali! Stop drumming! Kody yelled.

Cali childishly threw the pens on the floor and walked away, her tangy lemon scent in her wake. 

Kody sighed and held both Raelyn’s hands as he promised, Babe, everything will be okay. 

No…it’s not okay! Raelyn’s chest felt heavy as her heart thumped fast. Have you lost a parent? 

Kody froze.

I could’ve … prevented this. Her voice cracked.

Kody’s brown eyes pierced into her soul. Do as I say, and everything will work out.

Like hell I’ll just follow orders. 

Are you still gonna fight?

Yes.

Then I’m leaving. Gripped the doorframe, she said sharply, I can find Ma—on my own. 

She slammed the door behind her and stormed into the sand and toward the barn. The evening heat scorched through her shirt. A strong scent of horses, camels, hay, oats, and manure wafted in the air. Underfoot, her boot sank into the shifting sand and formed prints that the wind quickly wiped away. 

In the barn, she approached a horse and gently combed her fingertips over his long mane. Memories filled her mind from back when she rode the neighbors’ horses with Pa in the Ash Mountain trails. Her feet could barely reach the stirrups when he adjusted the straps. Pa would kneel for her to use his leg as a stool and climb up. But, the past was done. After gathering a saddle, Raelyn brushed the sand off her jean shorts and cloud-white tee, now stained beige. A hand touched her shoulder, building her frustration. 

Can’t you leave me alone for one minute? I don’t need a babysitter! She swiveled around and gasped when she met Phoenix’s eyes. The saddle dropped from her hands into the dirt.

Phoenix grinned. Hey.

Shock hit her like a lightning bolt. The man in front of her could’ve been sculpted by a pottery master. She hadn’t seen him since prom night—the night Pa was murdered. Raelyn squeezed her eyes shut as images of the underground library came into focus. Like a crystal-clear photograph, Snyder’s hateful glare was imprinted on her mind when he arched his arm back, ready to chuck the blade at her. If Pa hadn’t jumped in front of Snyder’s spinning dagger, she wouldn’t have to deal with the never-ending pain of losing him. Now, she had to solve the problem—without Pa—alone. 

What are you doing here, Phoenix?

He moved closer. I was in the neighborhood.

She pointed in his face. No! I don’t want any vague answers. I will not be kept in the dark anymore. Why are you here?

Woah, slow down. Phoenix glanced around and lowered his voice. I’ve been assigned a specific task. Actually, I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve been holding onto this for you. He pulled out a postcard.

Raelyn bit her lip, and her shoulders softened. You remembered. She could feel his eyes on her as she recalled a short conversation they had before everything had changed. Her fingertips lightly glided over the outline of the glossy Egyptian pyramid. Wish I could’ve gone with you.

Really?

She cleared her throat. I mean, I can’t wait to travel … on vacation someday.

He winked. We’re young. There’s still time.

She rolled her eyes. So, what’s going on?

I’ve been assigned to Quincy. Phoenix dropped his chin. But, I can’t tell you any more.

Raelyn knew he was telling the truth and didn’t need to pester him further. She gathered reins to prepare a horse ready for leaving. 

After a beat of silence, Phoenix asked. What’s with that little tantrum?

Nothing. All men are idiots.

She gulped at the intensity of his gaze but pretended not to be affected by him—again. Her cheeks warmed as she scanned the tattoos crawling out from under his tight gray t-shirt.

"Tell me more about all men." Phoenix leaned against a horse stall.

She scrunched her nose and marched around the barn, using her experience on the farm as reminders of what equipment she needed for riding. I know what I’m doing and can figure things out for myself. But nooooooo, I’ve been controlled and commanded and imprisoned in this stupid village for a week! She kicked a barrel, sending it rolling through the stable.

Mhm. Go on. Phoenix moved closer, and she could feel his calming energy in her shadow. 

Men demand that I have to be in the hut by a certain time, and men command me to eat a certain number of bites to save food, drink ten sips per hour. I can’t even choose when to breathe. Raelyn threw her hands in the air. I can’t live like this! I need to find Ma! He’s stopping me. She turned, aware that Phoenix’s eyes bore into her. 

"Are you still talking about all men?" He had the type of voice that could lead someone out of a burning building. 

"Why am I asking you? Based on how we met, you’re probably the world’s biggest player and don’t know anything about relationships."

Phoenix smiled. For your information, I’ve been with one woman, and I scared her off when I proposed. Guess I picked the wrong person. 

She moved closer and laid her hand on his chest. 

He eyed her hand then bit his lip. "It sounds like everyone’s on edge. Give yourself and all the men in the world some grace."

Right. Her throat tightened when Phoenix closed the gap between them and took her hands. His were warm and rough with calluses. 

Are you about to tell me everything is okay? she asked. 

No, you’ve lost a lot.

He was the first one to speak the truth and allow her to grieve over Pa. A sigh escaped her lips. Thank you.

I was going to ask you—

Shouts erupted outside the barn. 

Raelyn jerked away. I should go back.  

Okay. He stepped back, letting her pass. 

She peeked around the corner, confronted by the sight of two armed men banging on their hut, reminding her of the fight Kody agreed to. 

Crap! He can’t get hurt. I need to create a distraction! Raelyn glanced around at the hay and the camera around her neck. A fire. If I start a fire, Kody won’t have to fight. She waved Phoenix off. You can go. I got this.

A fire? Haven’t these people been feeding you and giving you a safe place to stay?

Yeah, but—

Phoenix’s messy heap of blond hair swayed over his nose. For argument’s sake, how about you talk to your man once more.

She cocked her head to the side. A word of advice… don’t use possessives. I don’t belong to anyone. And neither does he. 

His smoldering gaze sent an electric current through her. Noted.

A loud crash kidnapped her attention. She looked over Phoenix’s shoulder at the sight of a hostile villager smashing in their hut door. Her heart hammered. 

Kody never backs down from a fight. 

2

Specialist Kody Walsh

Kody’s jaw clenched as the hut’s door caved in down the middle toward him. Two young men with scraggly beards bolted in, one being the leader with the long beard who had challenged him earlier.

I could… smash the table over their heads. Or break a leg off for a quick stab.

The stench of grease hit him first, followed by sweat when both men stared at him with daggers in their eyes. Their stone-cold expressions radiated hostility, and their smug grins showed they were convinced they had the upper hand. 

Outside! Now! Fight time, one yelled in a thick accent.

Kody moved forward, his nose inches from the young punk. Fine.

He waited a few seconds as the men left. Once out of earshot, he turned to Cali and Liam. Go find Raelyn.

Cali rolled her eyes and marched past a sarcastic Liam saluting, like a wanna-be soldier.

Outside, the locals formed a circle around a patch of dirt. While the local men started chanting and clapping, Kody stretched his troubled shoulder behind his back and rotated his neck. 

Finally, some action!

Raelyn jogged over from the barn, yelling, Don’t fight!

Kody held her back, easily grabbing her tiny waist with one arm. He pivoted and looked down. Raelyn! Quiet.

Don’t silence me! The worn circles beneath her eyes depleted all her sweet energy.

You’re not thinking clearly, he whispered. Don’t show them my weakness.

Excuse me? Those amber eyes turned to flames.

You. If they see how much I care about you, they’ll use it against me.

Her angelic face turned as red as a cherry. Ever since William had struggled for his last breath, Raelyn’s face had been flat and worn, but today a new spark was ignited.

I can cause a distraction, so you don’t get hurt, she stuck out her chin.

Kody rolled his lips in, fighting the desire to kiss her. She was one of the strongest people he’d met, and ever since they had arrived in this desert, Raelyn had shown an aggressive edge he’d failed to notice before. Her easygoing nature fizzled, replaced by sheer determination, but he’d made a promise to William. 

I have to keep her safe.

No. Go in the hut. 

But—

If anything happens to me during the fight, steal that Jeep and drive east together to the Tahil safehouse address.

Raelyn opened her mouth to speak, but—in case the fight didn’t go well—Kody quieted her likely protest with a deep kiss, melting into her soft lips. His hands wrapped behind her back, bringing her close. His pulse quickened, but she tore away and ran toward the barn. 

Kody faced his opponent. The man seemed to be a few years older than him and built like a beanstalk with scars all over his hands—a fighter.

Sudden unexpected dizziness overtook him. Kody hadn’t eaten in twenty-four hours, giving his portions to the women without them knowing. He stepped forward anyway.  

But the man backed away. You’re not fighting me. You’re fighting him.

From behind another hut, Private Quincy strolled out. His red freckles and flaming sideburns could be seen from a mile away. Kody’s heart pounded in his chest as the feeling of sinking in quicksand overtook his body. He could easily defeat a villager. But with his bad arm, fighting a trained soldier who had doubled in muscle mass since their last encounter was a different story. 

Kody faced Quincy with his chest inflated, sending a piercing stare.

Time for payback.

Quincy’s crooked smile flashed his pearly whites. Walsh, you’ve been making friends here? 

Yup…you know me. He cracked his knuckles.

Quincy’s beady eyes taunted him. How sweet. We’ve missed you. He smirked and bounced on the balls of his feet, holding his curled fists to his chin.

We? Kody gritted his teeth. The wind whipped sand into his eyes, causing him to squint.

Private Phoenix Peterson limped from behind the hut. He rolled up his sleeves to reveal a new tattoo, artistically inked into his skin, depicting sunrays covering his forearm. Kody smiled at the guy who saved his life. He stuck out his hand to shake it, but Peterson shook his head slightly. 

What’s going on?

You ready for this, Walsh? Peterson raised one bushy eyebrow with a stern voice.

When Quincy turned his back to them, Peterson put one finger to his lips. 

What’s going on? Kody mumbled. 

Peterson glanced off to the stables. Nothing. I came for the… sights. 

Kody followed his gaze. She’s taken.

She’s not property.

Fuck off! I know that. Kody waved in his face.

A local villager from the neighboring hut who had shared his meals with them for the last week slapped Kody on the back in encouragement. He bowed his head a tad to the local, then turned his attention back to the circle.

A hard punch rocketed right into Kody’s cheek, causing searing pain to explode across his lip. Hollers burst from the crowd as a pounding ache throbbed in his temple. 

Cheap shot. Kody bent his knees limberly and moved his balled fists closer to his chin. 

He jumped forward and swung at Quincy’s face but missed. 

Come on! Let’s go! Quincy’s foot swiped behind Kody’s knees, knocking him forward on all fours. 

He turned and yanked Quincy to the dirt. The two rolled over each other into the side of a hut. Rocks scraped against his skin, opening fresh cuts. His heart pounded, and sand flew into his eyes and mouth. When Kody spat out grime, the taste of blood tingled on his tongue.

Kody straddled Quincy and pummeled him over and over. The douche bag covered his face with both arms. Kody’s knuckles throbbed, and his skin broke open, allowing blood to ooze out. Rage boiled in his veins, reaching boiling point. He hit harder, faster as Quincy twisted under him and latched his ankles around Kody’s neck. He turned, managed to break free, and slipped away. They both hopped to their feet, ready for the next move.

Let’s go! Quincy screamed.

He sped forward, but Kody ducked out of the way and kicked him to the ground. Quincy pulled out a branch that was packed into the side of a hut and stood. He swung it straight at Kody’s face. 

You missed! Kody taunted while panting. 

Quincy smacked the branch