@@@@@ Ian slid into my view, moving to place
@@@@@
Ian slid into my view, moving to place himself in front of meI strained my neck to the side to
keep my view of Jared clear
“Things changed while you were gone, brother
Kyle halted, face slack with disbelief“Did the Seekers come, then, Ian?”
“She's not a danger to us
Kyle ground his teeth together, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him reach for something in
his pocket
This captured my attention at lastI cringed, expecting a weaponThe words stumbled off my
tongue in a choked whisper“Don't get in his way, Ian
Ian didn't respond to my pleaI was surprised at the amount of anxiety this caused me, at how
much I didn't want him hurtIt wasn't the instinctive protection, the bone-deepneed to protect,
that I felt for Jamie or even JaredI just knew that Ian should not be harmed trying to protect
me
Kyle's hand came back up, and a light shone out of itHe pointed it at Ian's face, held it there
for a momentIan didn't flinch from the light
“So, what, then?” Kyle demanded, putting the flashlight back in his pocket“You're not a
parasiteHow did it get to you?”
“Calm down, and we'll tell you all about it
The contradiction did not come from Kyle but from behind himI watched Jared walk slowly
toward us through the silent spectatorsAs he got closer, Jamie still clinging to his hand with a
bewildered expression, I could read his face better under the mask of dirtEven Melanie, all but
delirious with happiness at his safe return, could not misunderstand the expression of loathing
there
Jeb had wasted his efforts on the wrong people