The Survivors
I Stand By It

1

Adrian spent five minutes standing in the light wind, making choices and pleasing his people while getting what he needed from them. When they were gone, he gave Angela a knowing look. “Is that better?”

Angela didn’t like mind games. “You’re set up like a king, and the peasants don’t know.”

Adrian saw purple sparks in her crystal eyes. He would have to dig up information on that. He’d never seen it before. “They know. It’s their doing.”

Angela didn’t consider calling him on the lie, but she knew one when she heard it. There was no way he’d left his approval to chance. That realization sent her back to Kenn’s introduction. It had made her uncomfortable, but she wasn’t sure why. Someone has to be in charge, right?

People were staring now, pointing and whispering. Angela assumed Adrian was giving her a long tour, but as more and more camp members watched them, she was forced to consider that he probably wasn’t the one who usually gave this tour. He was telling them he considered her important. Angela was surprised to feel honored by it.

“They don’t mean to be rude. They’re trying to figure out if you’re one of the good guys, and why you’re with me.”

“That’s why, right?” She lifted a brow. “So you can replace out if I’m good or bad?”

Adrian held her stare. “I was sure of you the second our eyes met. I just need time to convince you of it.”

Angela chuckled.

Adrian steered them toward three long, white semis parked in a tight half circle.

She approved of the multi-colored lanterns and Disney character decals. A play mat sat inside this closed space, along with a jungle gym, swings, and slides. Angela also noticed the guard, something she wouldn’t have picked out if not for her time with Marc. The armed sentry was stationary between two of the rolling homes. She could feel him assessing her level of threat. The attention paid to detail here was astounding after fourteen hundred miles of chaos and horror, but the sense of safety, of being protected, pulled at Angela the hardest. Here, she wouldn’t have to kill anyone. Except maybe Kenn.

Adrian led the way to the main kid camper. “We try to have two sitters available at all times. It’s important for parents to be able to come and go.”

“Do you have a lot of kids?”

“No.” Disappointment laced his tone. “Only a dozen, but we have so many people who lost children that we had to create a test for them to pass to even be considered as a sitter or live-in. We have to be sure good people are raising our orphans.”

He saw her lifted brow and explained as he tapped twice on the door, then stepped in. “Live-ins do just that. They live here with the kids and help them. Peggy’s the sitter today. She’s a favorite.”

Angela immediately liked the older redhead, thinking it made a lot of sense to do things this way. She tried to ignore the children so her heart wouldn’t start aching.

Adrian noticed it, but he didn’t push, mind trying to figure out that part of her puzzle. Most new females immediately offered to spend time here.

“You’re very organized.” She lit a smoke as they left.

Adrian steered them toward the east side of camp. “These people work hard. You will too, but it’s all worth it.”

I’ll need a pit stop soon. Angela wondered why Marc was so pissed. She could feel his anger from here and assumed someone’s words had struck a nerve. She didn’t offer him comfort. Marc always landed on his feet, and while they were falling through hell, he knew how to take care of himself.

They stopped at the rear of the now empty mess, by a large row of trucks with pictures of American cities on them. Adrian hit a button on a small black box attached to his belt.

“Eagle Four to the refer trucks.”

“Copy.”

Angela was surprised. “You grow reefer?”

Adrian chuckled. “Refrigerated. We butcher our own meat.”

“A girl can always hope.”

Angela was smiling, but Adrian caught the small note of seriousness in her words and understood it was a question of his leadership. Did he sweat the small stuff?

He opened his cigarette pack and held out a joint. “If I can, you’ll have it. You’ll be happy here.”

He chuckled at her expression. “Freedom with a capital F. Fire it up.”

Adrian turned to greet a man with black hair and full lips under a black mustache. Angela hadn’t seen him coming. Sporting a shiny Glock on his hip, the sentry had an Italian profile, with large, bushy eyebrows and deeply tanned skin.

“Have the perimeter guards checked in?”

Kyle nodded, taking a quick glance at the woman nervously lighting a joint. Nice .357 on her hip. Too big for her, though. Great body. Stunning eyes. Kenn’s woman. Who hit her? “Yeah. They’re all where they should be for a change.”

Adrian was aware of the mobster’s reaction to Angela. “What about the weapons truck?”

Kyle caught a whiff of vanilla; he was instantly distracted. “Uh, ammo missing again. I just finished talkin’ to everyone who had a shift last night. No one saw squat.”

“Figures.” Adrian glanced at Angela. “Puff-puff give, Bogart.”

She let out a sexy chuckle that made both men aware they were single. She held it out, quickly lowering her hand as Adrian took it.

Adrian inhaled deeply, then passed it back to her.

Kyle delivered a curious smile. “Hello.” Adrian hardly ever smoked with his men, and never in public. She’s more than just Kenn’s wife.

“This is Angie, our new doctor. This is Kyle Reece. He’s usually in charge of our highest level of guards. Today, he’s in charge of all of them.”

Adrian observed as Angela held out a slender hand.

Both men saw her calluses, signs of someone not afraid of labor.

Kyle froze as the temperature of the wind dropped to ice; it gave him a deep chill as they shook.

Angela was in deep, reading his automatic acceptance that she was different, like Adrian. The voices in her mind whispered of honor in this man that ran deeper than even the leader here knew of. Angela forced the witch to let go without taking energy. Control would be a challenge with so many good men in one place.

“Ma’am.”

“Angie.”

Her voice was low, sensual. Kyle’s pulse tripled.

Almost instantly, nervousness and fear flooded her expression. She took a step back, color in her cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

Kyle reacted before Adrian could, drawn to her. “Don’t be. I’m Kyle. Reece, if you like. You need anything, want anything, I can take care of it.”

Angela’s cheeks flamed at the passion in his tone. “Uh, thanks.” She inhaled hard from the joint.

Kyle tried to act normal. What happened? Did I just declare loyalty to a complete stranger? “The kid’s on the air.” Kyle’s voice sounded odd to him. Yes, I did, and I stand by it. He didn’t know her, but he knew he wanted her. “He’s a natural, too.”

Adrian glanced at Angela, a question flickering. “Talent runs in the blood.”

Angela only tensed for a split second, but Adrian saw it. That sense of pieces falling into place hit him again. The one he needed most was here; things would spin faster now–he could feel it. Adrian handed her the roach. As their fingers touched, he felt her start to pull away and stop herself, facing her fears.

“Base to Eagle.”

Two radios crackled, full of static.

Angela did jump this time. She hated it that she felt awkward again, but the voices were now saying Kyle would be important to her in the not-so-distant future. That was the last thing she needed.

“Eagle One.”

“Jeremy just rolled in with three trucks. No people.”

The voice was calm, confident, and sounded much older than the teenage kid Angela had met.

Kyle keyed his mike, watching a rare sunbeam light up the long, dark braid swaying in the breeze. She was like a model from a magazine. “Four, on the way.”

“Copy.”

The guard left after a casual nod to Angela.

The preoccupied expression on Adrian’s face kept her quiet as they headed toward a row of port-o-lets.

“These are for everyone. The ones by the QZ and kid area are off-limits. The campers are men’s and women’s, but just showers for now. The time limit is five minutes; we don’t monitor that too closely.”

Angela hurried, not wanting to keep him waiting. When she came out of the smelly camper and didn’t see him, she scanned the area, growing more uncomfortable with all the people observing her every move and expression. Don’t they have anything better to do?

She turned her back, reading the laminated sign on the bathroom wall.

Safe Haven Rules of Conduct and Penalties

1.) Abuse (Mental, physical, verbal) is forbidden. Punishable by banishment.

2.) Fighting, property damage, violence for any reason except self-defense, is not allowed. Punishable by hard labor or banishment.

3.) Sexual Assault is a capital offense! Punishable by death, or branding and banishment. Jury vote required.

4.) Killing for any reason, other than self-defense, is a capital offense! Punishable by death. Jury vote. Guardian can overrule.

5.) Child abuse is a capital offense! Jury vote. Guardian will almost always overrule any decision but death.

6.) Rape is a death sentence. There is no reason or excuse. It can only be overruled by a unanimous camp vote that includes the victim.

7.) Treason/ Mutiny. When more than half the camp agrees, a new leader will be voted in.

Angela heard Adrian come up behind her. She pointed at one of the detailed maps posted next to the rules. “What’s in the off-limits area?”

“It’s another training site.”

She found the answer a bit evasive compared to the openness he’d been giving her questions so far, but she didn’t push.

“You ready?”

“Yep.” She fell in on his right, able to read people around them without using her gift. They were wondering why a new woman hadn’t been put in the QZ. She didn’t feel any hostility or resentment about it, but word was flying that Adrian had broken his own rules. “What happens if someone refuses the tests you have your doctor run?”

It was an astute question. Adrian was impressed. “What do you think?”

“You send them on their way.”

“Yes.” Adrian hurried to explain his reasoning, something else that was out of the norm for him. “With supplies, and only after trying to change their mind. I hate to refuse anyone, but an epidemic would overwhelm us. There’s no way we could handle it.”

“Has anyone refused?”

“No. The red cross symbol is what draws most people in.”

She believed that. “We heard you all the way back in Nebraska. It’s great, what you’re doing. No one else is.”

“I want to do more. I want to search for survivors and give them a chance to rebuild what was stolen from them.” Adrian’s tone deepened. “You can be a big part of that.”

Angela sighed, wishing she could see the future clearly instead of the foggy, distorted glimpses she sometimes got. She did know one thing. “Kenny wouldn’t like that.” He hadn’t cooled off at all. She dreaded facing him.

Adrian frowned. There would be trouble over her, no doubt about that, but she was one of his–the one he already wished fate had sent him first. “The women here are free, more than they were before the war.”

“Them, not me. He’s very…determined.”

Adrian’s unease grew. “Yes, he is, and we need that from him, but you’ve done fine on your own. If you have problems with him, I want you to tell me.”

“He hates it when I talk to his friends.”

The submissive answer gave Adrian a fresh curl of anger. While Kenn probably wasn’t responsible for all of it–life had a way of beating a woman down and using her up–he was the main reason for it now. Adrian was suddenly furious with the Marine for the first time since he’d come here. “I am not his friend! I am the guardian of this refugee camp and you are now a member. He has to follow the rules.” Adrian looked at her pointedly. “I’ll do what I have to, remove who I’m forced to, if it will mean we survive.”

Angela was aware that Marc would be the one asked to leave. That couldn’t happen. It was a dealbreaker and she let Adrian know that with two simple sentences. “Thank you for giving Marc a chance, despite everything Kenny will say. I probably won’t stay here without him.”

Adrian snorted. Kenn had already lost her, he just didn’t know it yet. “Don’t thank me. Marc will have a tough time of it until people decide whether he’s a gentleman helping a lady or a fox in the hen house.”

“It’s not like that. We’re friends.”

“Yes. How close?”

Angela couldn’t force herself to lie, not to Adrian.

When she glanced away, Adrian frowned. “I’ve been around you for a brief time, and I already know this will cause trouble.”

“Then give me my son and we’ll go!”

Adrian was surprised to feel a small chill at the coldness of her tone. Damn, she has a strong heart! A fighter’s heart...

Adrian stifled a gasp as her full place in Safe Haven’s future was revealed. It was bigger than just the magic he’d asked for and already begun to plan around. She was the fighter, the female warrior he’d dreamed of. She had chains, but she was fighting them. He would finish what Marc had obviously started and set her free. Hope breathed life into his deepest plans. Immense and endless, they began to grow. “Go to the medical tent and fill out a paper John has. I’ll get Charlie.”

Adrian was glad to see unhappiness cross her face, but he was unsure if his bluff would work. What if she did leave? Would he go after her and beg?

“Wait.”

When she put a hand on his arm, electricity sparked. He felt her flinch before she let go.

“Please, don’t make us leave.”

Adrian hated it that he’d upset her.

“I’m sorry.”

He was sorry too. “I never said you weren’t worth all the hassle, but you are free to go whenever you want. You need to understand that.”

Angela, now studying the dusty ground, answered in a cool tone. “Thanks for the lesson.”

Aware that he’d hurt her somehow, the sarcastic words made him blow out a breath of frustration, not sure how to handle her.

Angela let the new, stronger female respond. “As a woman first. Always. And then as…someone who hasn’t agreed to stay and play these games with you yet.”

It was the second time she’d called him on that, reminding him that she didn’t intend to grovel for a spot near him like the rest of his people. “This will be a good place for you. I’m sure of it.”

Angela had to smile. He was handsome when he was happy.

Adrian sighed. That one small wave of happiness from her could steal a man’s mind and make him obsessed to create it again and again. “Come on. We’re attracting too much attention.”

That made her happiness fade. She followed him to the western corner, relieved when the main camp and all the people were out of sight between truck trailers and the trees. She could still hear the babble of voices though.

Gunshots rang out; her hand flew down, impressing Adrian with how fast she got her holster open. “It’s just target practice.” He used a subtle gesture to deny the guard already moving their way to defend him. “There’s a contest tomorrow, so that will be an all-day sound. Usually there’s a class with more words and less shooting.”

Angela didn’t ask questions, not wanting to draw more attention to her gun than she already had. If there was a class, then they also had a test to carry one. She would have to fight him on giving hers up, even temporarily. Since Versailles, the .357 was never out of reach, even when she was with Marc. It was a lesson she’d learned too well.

The parking area was crammed with a small lake of cars, trucks, jeeps, vans, and bikes, almost all sporting tattered American flags. The hoods were up on many of them. She saw a guard leaning under the front of a long, brown wagon. She recognized him from the QZ. The former state trooper was every cop who had pulled her over, from his suspicious green eyes to the hat line on his head that refused to grow his brown curls any longer. Even the Beretta slung high on his hip was familiar. She gave him a restrained nod.

Adrian frowned. “Where’s your help?”

Neil gave an irritated roll of his shoulders, shooting a surprised glance at Angela. “Sleeping it off would be my guess. Said he had the runs.”

Adrian smirked. “Yeah, I hear you can catch that now from a bottle while at the bonfire until 2 am getting bombed.”

“That’s about what I thought. He said he’d do an extra shift to make up for it.” Neil grinned. “I switched him to refueling all next week.”

Angela understood no one wanted that chore when they both laughed.

Adrian turned back to Angela. “I’m going to give Neil a hand. You can hang here or wait at the mess if you’re ready for a break.”

Angela untied her sweater and tossed it over the handlebars of a nearby Harley. “Marc taught me basic car care. I’ll help too. What’s first?”

“You’ll follow behind Neil and add what’s on the window while I fill them up...” Adrian was unable to keep the doubt from his voice. It was something none of the women here would volunteer for.

Angela felt insulted. “How long does this usually take?”

“Two and a half hours, the last time we had three people.” Neil checked his watch. Neither man pretended they were doing anything but waiting to see if her words could be believed.

Holding back a stray curl against the breeze, Angela read the window.

1 qt oil. 1/2 gal water. Wash fluid. Gas used? Left rear tire.

The loaded dolly was nearby. She got what she needed, ignoring the men. She knew this had become a test; she wanted to pass it.

She tilted the oil bottle in, leaving it, then added the water to the radiator while the oil drained in. She replaced both caps, then threw her trash in the bag on the dolly. She filled the washer fluid to the first line, but the tire was someone else’s headache. I’m not doing that.

Angela started to go to the next car, then stopped. She closed the hood, then wiped the things she’d done off the glass before pulling the dolly to the next vehicle.

Their approval was obvious.

“Women usually act the way you’ll treat them.” Angela saw agreement instead of the scorn she had expected. Her heart eased. I can tell this is a good place. I can build a life here. Will Kenny let me?

2

Three hours later, they were on the last vehicle–a red, white, and blue semi with a shotgun under the front seat. At Angela’s request, the two men had shown her where the other fluids went. Now she was standing on a foot rail, with Adrian and Neil on the bumper; they were all leaning inside the big rig–a bit closer than some would have approved of.

Angela was surprised to feel protected instead of smothered with a stranger on each side of her. She opened her mouth to ask another question... Alarm bells sounded. Uncomfortable nervousness flooded back.

“You can dump it in now.”

She didn’t respond.

Adrian gave Neil a shake of his head when he would have asked if she was okay.

Neil snapped his mouth shut, watching her eyes turn a smoky, roiling blue. Well, that’s...different.

Angela let them feel her fear. “Kenny’s watching us.”

Both men immediately stepped down to meet him with hard glares.

Angela stayed behind them, washing her hands and listening hard. How mad is he?

“John said I’m clear.” Kenn tried to stay blank, but he knew it wasn’t succeeding.

Adrian stared with cool blue eyes. “Kyle is off point at noon; you’re on until 6pm. Jeremy’s back from the supply run. Make sure it all gets squared away. Then I want John’s report on the new people. Ask Chris if we’re doing meat tomorrow. If so, we’ll need that other refer truck ready by morning. Schedules end for the entire camp tomorrow at midnight, so I suggest you get on them today.”

Kenn was now scribbling furiously to get it all.

Angela felt Adrian’s anger as if it were her own. He’d added up the clues and was upset over what he’d come up with. He hadn’t known. How did Kenn hide it for so long? Did that mean Kenn was a different person here? Did I ruin his second chance by showing up?

Kenn’s thoughts were along the same lines. He was gone quickly, leaving an uncomfortable silence.

Angela could feel Adrian and Neil forming questions. She smiled brightly, retying her sweater around her hips with a woman’s slow distraction. “Did we beat the time?”

Both men shook their heads, jaws tight, expressions unreadable.

“Missed it by half an hour.”

Angela smiled brighter at Neil’s thin tone. “Oh, well. I’ll get better the more I do it.”

Very aware of the neat way they were being manipulated–this tactic was used regularly on the camp–Adrian turned to Neil. “See you at lunch?”

“You know it.” Neil was sure Kenn would hate the way Angela fell in on Adrian’s right as they left.

Adrian checked his watch. “Ready for food yet?”

“For lasagna and garlic bread?” Angela chuckled. “I’d do dishes for that!”

“Me, too.” Adrian liked it that she was taking the time to read signs they had posted. The sooner she learned the rules and settled in, the sooner they could get rolling toward the future. “Meet you in the mess in half an hour?”

Angela wasn’t sure where she should go. “I’ll wait in Charlie’s tent, if that’s okay?”

Adrian didn’t waste his time telling her which one it was. She had tracked him across the country. She would replace it. “You can roam now. People know you’re new. They’ll help you, but if there’s a problem, have a guard call me.”

Angela was embarrassed by the concerns running through his sharp mind. “I’ll be fine.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “If you don’t tell me, one of my men will. I know everything that happens here.” He walked away.

Angela didn’t feel arrogance in those words, just pride and protection. She was encouraged. People no longer had a reason to tolerate a boss, yet they worked here, following Adrian’s leadership as if he was their savior. She could see why they would feel that way. How many other refugee camps, if there were any, would have old people and kids that were well cared for? Adrian appeared to take the useful and the burdens alike, and still had respect for both. How many of these people had been left for dead before he had taken them in and cared for their needs?

Most, I’d guess. Angela went to her Blazer, nodding to people she was starting to recognize. She liked the feel of this place, the constant reminders of good days gone by. Her decision on that front was easy. I want to belong here too. If Adrian has as much sway as he thinks, there’s a lot I can do for him.

3

Adrian went straight to his tent, eager to write it all down while everything was fresh in his mind. He drank a Coke and smoked on one of the blunts he’d rolled last night while heartburn was keeping him up. He’d been smoking a lot lately, trying to ease the worry. In the future, this sort of thing wouldn’t be allowed on a daily basis for any of Safe Haven’s members. Right now, it helped their grief, and it was better than staying too drunk to function, but it was an evasion of life that had to end. I’ll handle it when the camp is ready. Long before that, they would have to accept Angie for what she was.

Adrian had done a lot of things during his military career, including four years in an underground lab in the Utah desert. He had been involved in top secret programs that had tried to create people like her. The successes were minor. The best had been a kid who could tell which direction the enemy was, but the things he had witnessed today were genuine, natural. She hadn’t spent time in a lab or taken chemicals. Adrian tried hard to record it all. She was the first descendant he’d come across since the war, though her son could also be put in that category once he came of age. Adrian had no real proof, only odd words and odd moments, but he knew it as sure as he knew they would replace no place on American soil that was safe enough to rebuild.

The radiation was already making slow changes, working on the smaller animals and plant life, lingering in the air they were all breathing. The mutations would come next, which made Angela a crucial link in his circle. She would help him figure out where they went from here, as long as he didn’t push too fast. If the camp found out she could read thoughts, she would never be trusted. Eventually, they would drive her out despite his support. It could get tense, but it could also be perfect. If he was careful, the camp would accept her as another much-needed doctor. Through that, she would get the chance to become more. He would see to it, especially if her gifts were what he was hoping. If she got flashes of the future, he would give her whatever she needed to stay. The rules won’t apply to her.

Adrian changed his gasoline-splattered clothes, then stepped outside. As he cleared the row of kids’ campers, he spotted Angela going toward the QZ with a heavy looking black duffle bag. She stopped at the tape.

Marc came from the QZ tent with the wolf heeling alertly. Adrian knew he wasn’t the only one who felt the sharp, yearning connection between them. How close were they? A thousand miles was a long time to resist such a strong attraction, especially when the only rules a person had to obey now were their own.

Marc stopped with a few feet of space between them.

Angela sat the kit down and pushed it under the tape with her dusty boot. “I packed you a few things.”

Marc could feel Adrian studying them. “Thanks. You’re not being quarantined?”

“No.” She stared at the ground. “You out today?”

“No.”

Their mouths said the right things, but Adrian read between the lines. He had forgotten about Marc, too excited at having Kenn’s mate turn out to be even more valuable than he was. She didn’t want Kenn. She wanted Marc. Life would be full of sinkholes and black ice for the three of them until things were settled.

Adrian turned toward the mess but caught Angela’s motion. He waited, watching as she said something to Marc. Sparks of attraction flew between them until she left, breaking the magic.

Angela could feel Adrian’s disapproval as she caught up to him. She let out a soft sigh. “I won’t give up my…friendship with Marc to stay and help you. We should have that clear now.”

Adrian waited, hoping she would trust him with something important to who she really was on the inside.

“Marc and I grew up together. He’s the only person I trust without reservation. When we…lost touch, it almost killed me.” She drew on her courage. “I understand your dreams, Adrian Mitchel, and yes, I could be useful to you, but I won’t trade anything or make deals. What I give will be willing or not at all.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, but if I can give you what you want, I will.” Adrian pushed, needing to know there was a chance at that future. “My word on it.”

Angela found Kenn in the front of the mess line, where a gusting breeze was cooling the sweaty skin of those breaking for lunch from various chores, games, and activities. “I want my family back. To give me that, you’d have to tear apart your framework.”

Adrian assumed she meant Kenn couldn’t be here anymore. “That, I can’t do.”

“And that’s why there will be no deals between us. You can’t give me what I want the most.”

Adrian knew she was right–for now. But it wouldn’t always be so. He knew where she belonged. He would form his plans to make sure she got what she wanted, providing his assessment of Marc went well. Adrian frowned. Kenn also has to be handled. “You can’t just end it with him and move on?”

Angela snorted, hand rising to her lip. “Not without one of us dying.” She stepped into the mess line, not looking at him or the angry Marine studying them from the center table. She wanted to be certain about Adrian before she turned her gifts over; she slipped into the leader’s thoughts, concentrating on appearing normal.

Adrian felt as if someone was squeezing his chest. It was a struggle to act like nothing was wrong. Her response was a confirmation. Kenn was a woman beater. How long before the camp found out, forcing him to banish one of his own? He had put complete faith in Kenn. These people would no longer trust his judgment. It was only a matter of time before it fell. All it would take would be for the truth to come out publicly or for Kenn to hit her again. His newest dream didn’t stand much of a chance if Angela was a battered woman.

They won’t excuse it if you do?

It took his full concentration not to show a facial response as Angela lit up a mental doorway between them. Never. Most of these people were lucky to escape the draft trucks and then the gangs. They won’t go back to that environment, and I won’t condone it, in any form.

She swallowed a deep frown. We’ve called a truce. It’s some time for thinking, making choices. He’s fighting old demons too. I might be able to get him to let go, but it will take time.

She felt Adrian’s despair. The tide of misery was heavy enough to crush them all.

The witch jumped forward. Where’s your will now?

Adrian’s bitter fury rushed out to greet her. I have enough will for all of you!I’m not a problem.

Angela saw his anger, and the immediate denial that he had given up. I accept your rules and your hospitality, but Marc is my protection. We’ll be careful, but I won’t sacrifice him. Nothing has to change for your camp, except they’ll have a new awareness that some of us were weak before the war. It can all work out as long as Kenn sticks to your rules and our truce.

Adrian brought up a thick wall around his mind, attempting to shut her out. He had no doubt she would get through. He was just curious how long it would take. He concentrated on replaceing a doorway. They’d been talking on her connection. He labored to open his own and still appear normal to those who were watching but leaving them alone. The camp assumed he was feeling her out, but he was giving her time to check them out without as much pressure.

Is there no chance for you two? Almost breaking a sweat, he closed the mental door in relief. I have to start practicing again.

Angela moved up with the line, trying not to think about how it felt to be with someone like herself. She would do that later when she had time to cherish it. That’s what he expects, but I don’t think I can even try.

The trapped tone came through as clear as if she’d spoken aloud. His wall was nothing to her, but her obvious discontent bothered him. It made him feel like he already wasn’t doing right by her. Angela wanted him to stay out of it and he would for now, but Adrian hoped she didn’t expect that to last. Fixing people is in the fine print of my job description.