40 The Southern Gate (1/2)

Kyrie glared at the two-wheeled cycle in front of him. Ren had already settled herself on a similar one.

She chuckled and said, ”You really don't like vehicles, do you?”

Kyrie sighed as he climbed on. ”They're death traps.” Why do we have to use so many of them? Couldn't we just make Laserath smaller. Taller and smaller means less vehicles, perfect.

Ren watched Kyrie with one brow raised. ”Seriously? With your ability, there is nothing deadly about them.”

Kyrie shook his head. ”I could easily end up absorbing too energy much.” And that would be deadly, for more than just him.

”We're ready to move out.”

”Got it,” Kyrie responded as he powered up his cycle and took off. Ren followed a little behind him. And the rest of the convoy after her.

Ren, Kyrie, the Sargent, and the squad leaders were connected to a chat that allowed them to speak with each other.

But Kyrie didn't trust them, couldn't trust them. He used his watch to create a private voice chat with Ren. ”How long do you think it'll be before one of us has to go save them?”

”Hopefully, it'll be a while. They've got Amity to look after them.” Ren trusted Amity. She knew her friend would use every survival technique they'd learned since the fall of their village.

Ren bit her lip and tasted her lipstick. Amity was a survivor she could do this.

”I'd like it if you focused more on protecting our friends then on me.” They mattered more. They'd need it more.

Ren's grip tightened on her handlebars. ”You heard how that Sargent felt about us. And you still want to deal with that alone?”

Kyrie shrugged. ”I've been dealing with it for years.”

Ren rolled her eyes. First Caleb, now Kyrie, they were really testing her patience. ”You and Caleb don't seem to realize you don't have to live in melancholy just because,” Ren deepened her voice as she continued, ” 'I'm used to it.' I mean seriously you have friends and people who want to help you. So, no. Amity can handle them. Ana'll step in to tank damage. Rick'll watch Caleb's ass. I'll watch yours.”

Kyrie smiled and said, ”I don't live in melancholy. It's called reckless abandon and guilt.” Or perhaps something else.

”Oh. Oh, I'm sooo sorry. I hadn't realized you were reckless.”

Kyrie laughed. ”Just wait.”

James had told him to be careful. But Kyrie could already feel his blood churning. It was due to the very reason James wanted him to be careful.

♢ ♢ ♢

DJ had his eyes closed and one hand around Centra's shoulders. His relaxed look betrayed the tension running through his veins. Centra would have worried more about him, if it weren't for his tight but warm grip on her hand.

Jasper was seated next to Liza. He fidgeted with the wand his brother had given him as he worried over how things would go. Would they all make it back?

Liza was impatiently tapping her finger against her knee. Then it happened.

Kyrie's spoke through the command chat, ”We're approaching the gate.”

DJ sat up and kissed Centra. He was worried it would be their last. And Centra was as well. She clasped his cheeks and DJ pulled her into his lap. One hand on her upper back and the other warm against her lower back.

Liza nudged Centra in the ribs.

Centra was tempted to continue but Liza was persistent and now wasn't the time. Centra broke their kiss and watched DJ.

Centra definitely wasn't hearing anything Kyrie had to say. She rested her head against DJ's chest and heard only his strong–loud heartbeat.

DJ pulled Centra's warm body against his chest. He'd have to adjust things when he got up.

Liza sighed. She'd have to repeat their instructions to Centra and DJ later.