The Ruins Part 2 (Sequel to The Ruins)

Chapter 62

Mal and Negan passed through the south entrance of Wyoming National Park and walked along a road that was virtually weed free- the first clear road they had ever seen for the miles they walked.

They encountered the first fence two miles up the road. It was a heavy chain-link affair similar to the one that surrounded Fairview, but it was hidden between two rows of thick evergreen hedges that acted as screens.

"Smart," said Mal.

A sign told them that the hotel was two miles along the road.

The road led through a complex network or trenches. There were rows of trip wires, and deadfall pits covered by camouflage screens. Directions for navigating the road safely were written on large wooden signs. Mal appreciated the strategy. Infected and Runners couldn't read. Instead of building defenses that were based on the way people protect towns and first against attacks, these were specifically designed against an unthinking and yet unrelenting enemy. Subterfuge was unnecessary. Mal and Negan peered into some of the trenches and saw heaps of old bones- eloquent proof that the defenses worked.

"The way this is laid out," Mal observed, "ten people could hold off a huge herd."

The winding path was lined with hundreds of trees, ancient oaks and many younger trees planted in the last decade or so to reduce visibility. In the distance they could see much larger trees rising above the forest- monstrous sequoias that towered more than 250 feet into the blue sky. Then the forest opened up and the big Wawona Hotel rose above them like a promise of warm beds, country breakfasts, civil conversations, and stout locks.

"Finally for fuck sakes!" Breathed Negan, exhausted.

The Wawona Hotel had a double row of verandas- one on the ground level at the top of a short floor. Whitewashed columns rose to the pitched roof, which was covered in grey shingles that, though weathered, looked to be in hold repair. Tall willows blocked most of the view of the upper floor and roofs and these softer trees lent the place a quiet and rustic appearance that was as calming in its way as were the fortifications and weapons. Because of the trees, all they could read of the hotel's name was a large black W painted just below the edge of the roof.

Beside the hotel was a corral filled with horses, most of them standing with heads downs as they munched the green spring grass; a few stood by the rails, watching with brown-eyed curiosity. Beyond the corral stood more than two dozen armored trade wagons. In the distance, off behind the big building, were party sounds. Loud voices and laughter.

Mal stopped herself. This is her stop now, however she doubting herself. Maybe she could stay a little longer, take a rest and come with Negan to find Charlie. Then what? Will he let her do the honors to kill Charlie for the first time or he will bust his anger.

"Mal?" Negan's voice focused Mal to him.

"I-I... this is my stop."

His contorted to fury, worry, and displease. "I kept your promise. I fuckin' know that, Mal." Negan said, his voice steel. "Come on, Mal. I've got your back, you've got mine. Let's get out there and kick these fucksticks' asses right out of here."

"Please. I can't handle myself to wait more longer."

His deeps a loud exhale, gripping Ellie. "Just don't be a fucking badass that kills you."

She nods before she leans over to kiss him. The kiss was suppose to be a peck, and turned into a longing kiss. Their mouths meet so naturally that it's like they've done this a thousand times. It's an open-mouthed kiss from the very beginning, and Mal quickly realizes that he doesn't want to let go. She doesn't either. But she has too.

She's the first to move away, but reached her hand to his cheek, her thumbing grazing on his bottom lip. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You too."

She turned swiftly out of his grasp and head back into the weed roads. It pained her every step she took, feeling his radiated heat fading away. Mal turned to look back at Negan, standing there until she passed through the willows and can't see him any more.

She turned to look back at the hotel. The chilly wind was blowing through the weeping willows, lifting the leaves to reveal the upper story, and she could see the words that had been painted there. The black W was no the first letter of Wawona Hotel. It was the first letter of "Welcome."

Mal's could feel her insides turn to icy mush, and stopped her tracks with terrifying clarity.

Welcome to KillGames.

Mal stiffened in fear, and it took her less than a moment to shake off her terror and break into a furious run. She not far out, and Mal's gun was already out of her holster and in her hands. She hadn't really thought it has two bullets left, but she felt safer with it in her grip, heavy and solid and cool to the touch.

Negan-

No. No, she insisted, she couldn't let herself think like that, not now. For all she knew, he must of noticed and escaped.

She ran sixty yards from the front steps when she spots Negan on the ground. Two men were strangers with the hard faces of bounty hunters- one was a hulk of a white man with no neck and mean eyes, and it was Motor Hammer; the other was a brown-skinned brute with a flight of ravens tattooed across his face and down his throat- and the men beat Negan to the ground.

She fledged herself towards the fight, advancing to hurl herself at one of the brutes when she heard a sound behind her. A soft footfall, and she turned to see a man coming towards her on the grass verge behind them and slapped her so hard she fell in front of Negan.

"Mal!" Negan struggled against the strong hold of Hammer.

"Well, well, if this ain't cause to say hallelujah," said the man. He had eyes the color of deep ice, cold, and blue. As if conjured by the dark magic of the man's smile, a chilly wind whipped past them, rustling the leaves and sending the birds shrieking into the air.

Preacher Jack's pale eyes sparkled with pleasure, and when his lips writhed into their twitchy smile it revealed teeth stained with chewing tobacco and black coffee. "Now," he said softly, "how is it that I'm blessed with the company of two such fine people here on my own humble front lawn?"