Rowe (Primal, #1)

by Dylan Page

He was definitely human… just bigger, more muscled, more… primitive. His face, mostly hidden behind a mane of thick, chocolate brown hair streaked with blonde from the sun, was actually quite pleasing to look at. I thought I could make out high cheekbones, and full lips hidden behind his bushy beard. I examined his clothing, the wrap around his waist made out of animal skin, though it was brushed with brown, yellow, and green colours, like he’d taken leaves from the trees, mashed them up, and created a dye so his clothing would blend with his environment. His skin was paler than I thought, like mine, but there was more of a tan undertone to it from spending his time outdoors. His massive, muscled arms had dotted black and brownish-red teeny tiny dots that encircled his biceps and wrists in rows so close together, that it almost looked like an inch wide band. His collarbone had a similar pattern. I wondered how high up we were? It felt like he’d climbed a considerable distance, but I was so out of it last night that I hadn’t been able to focus for longer than a few seconds. I moved over to the crack, hissing in pain at the soreness in my muscles. I paused to examine my body and was horrified at the sight. I had bruises covering my thighs and calves. Even my arms were mottled with dark marks, cuts, and red discoloration. I looked like I’d been seriously banged up. It was a miracle I didn’t have any broken bones… nonetheless, the back of my head was still tender from hitting ...