Avenged (Altered #2)(13)

“Are Seth and Blue in danger?”

“No.” He pressed his lips together. “At least, I don’t think so. The Army agreed to leave them alone. For now.”

“They’re leaving them alone in Idaho? After Sam Houston?” The Army didn’t want to take them into custody? Press charges? Something?

“I don’t think they know where to house them.” He shrugged.

Kitty blinked, taking that in. Blue and Seth were considered so dangerous, the Army wasn’t sure how to contain them?

“You came for me, then. Because they couldn’t.” Even though she wouldn’t consider Nick and herself friends, he’d done what none of them could do. She didn’t know how she felt about that.

“Are you hungry?”Nick went to what looked like a steel container in the corner. He unlatched it and removed four packages.

He laid them out then turned on the lantern, motioning for her to sit on the cot in front of him.

“MREs. I brought my favorites, but they’re pretty nasty. At any rate, you can choose. Chili macaroni”—he pointed at the first—“rice and bean burrito, pasta Alfredo with veggies of some kind, and this”—he picked up the last one, cradling it in his hand—“is my favorite. Beef enchilada.” He offered it to her as if it was a gift.

Her stomach heaved. Food hadn’t held much appeal in weeks. “Um, no, you should take that one. But I’ll have the burrito, I guess. Thanks.”

“Good choice.” He squatted and opened them, sorting the packets. As he deftly ripped the bags, poured water in some, put some smaller bags in others, she couldn’t help but wonder about the other times he’d done this.

“How often have you had these?”

“I did a tour in the Middle East, two years ago. I had some then. But we end up getting them other times, during training, field exercises, whatever.” He didn’t look up as he focused on his task, thinking of where the pieces fit. “They’re supposed to be better than they were in the old days. Can’t imagine how bad they used to be.”

He unwrapped the packages and pulled out what looked to be a miniature Tabasco bottle.

She studied him. He was too intent on what he was doing. Surely he’d done this enough that he didn’t need to think so hard about the task.

Then it made sense. “You’re shutting me out.”

His head jerked up. “What?”

“You’re thinking about these packets so you don’t have to tell me something.”

She must have surprised him, because she was suddenly bombarded with images. So many images, like a floodgate had opened, releasing bad dreams and fear—boys dressed in camo and carrying guns, like they were playing dress-up, but she knew it was too real. An explosion that he shied away from—

He pressed his hands to his head, taking deep breaths. As he did, the thoughts moved away from her. The food. It’s ready.

“How did you do that?”

Nick’s skilled fingers worked for long moments before he answered. “I don’t focus on those things, not around you. You don’t need me clogging up your head with my bullshit.”

“That’s what he did.” She fingered the edge of the cot mattress.

“What who did?” Then he stilled. “Jeremy.”

“Yes.” She took the packet of food he held out to her. “He misled me, with his thoughts.”

He didn’t let go of her dinner, holding her eyes for a long minute. “I’m not misleading you. But it’s uncomfortable, with you eavesdropping on me.”

She nodded. She wouldn’t want anyone listening in on her private thoughts, either. He let go of her MRE, and she watched him expertly open the container then followed his lead. “Would you prefer that I not listen to you?”

“Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

He considered. “I think it should be up to you. I bet you’re sick of people telling you what to do with your power.”

Her hand shook. He didn’t know how close to the truth that was. She waited for the steam to slow—the meals were incredibly hot—and asked another question to distract herself. “When can we see Blue and Seth?”

He blew into the disposable container. “I kept in touch with them until I came here. Maybe we can meet up with them after you’ve been cleared.”

“Cleared?” Her shoulders tensed.

“Yes.” Nick turned on the light. “They need to verify that you’re not a risk to others.”

No. It couldn’t be. Not again.

She shook her head and stood, abandoning the meal beside her. “No.” She needed to get out of here. If it meant walking, so be it. “Where are the shoes? The ones in your extra set of clothes?”

He held up his hands, still holding his MRE, and stood as well. His expression remained calm, soothing. He’d worn a similar expression when he’d approached the lion, right before he was about to shoot it. Definitely not good. She backed up.

“Kitty, please. I told Martins. He knows what you can do. I told him you didn’t have any offensive power.” He spoke low and fast, as if he knew he only had so much time to convince her. “He only wants you to stay on post for a while. You’ll be free to move around.”