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HUGH HAD SPENT the last few days setting up a smaller camp with lots and lots of little tents and the evenings pouring over the map with Tim, Jackson, Bo and other members of the AC. They had most of it figured out, or at least he hoped they did, but there were still some sections that were more guess than knowledge. Gaar had been a big help, of course. Although the Handler had used the map he’d earned by working for the Almightys as kindling a long time ago, Gaar still used the tunnels and secret islands. Plus, he’d been around a long time and could tell them what the forest used to look like before the city had encroached.
His eyes drifted over the camp, his people. They were only a few hours away from most of the junction points to the tunnels. He’d sent one group on ahead to set up another camp closer to another section of the tunnels. Then he’d sent scouts to see if the tunnels were still accessible, unmanned and there was a way out. Now, he waited and honestly he was glad for the break. He stepped away from his tent, his eyes searching for Trinity. She was finishing dinner—alone again. Ever since she’d come back from the Forest Witch’s she kept to herself in a self-imposed isolation. It was like she was punishing herself and it had to stop. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but it still burned a hole in his gut. He’d say his heart but she’d torn that out when she’d chosen Jethro.
He walked over to her. She glanced up, her gorgeous eyes widening in surprise.
He fought back a curse. He hadn’t spent much time with her lately but he hadn’t ignored her either. They’d even had dinner together once. Sure her dad and Jackson had been there too, but he hadn’t completely avoided her like he’d wanted to. She continued to stare up at him, waiting for him to speak.
“Why are you eating alone?”
She looked at her plate and shrugged.
He sat on the log next to her but not too close. “Travis is over there.” He nodded toward a group of Producers.
“Yeah, I know.”
“He’s your friend.”
She shrugged again.
“Grow up and stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
“You think it’s easy being different from everyone. You have no idea—”
“You’re right.” This was better. Here was a spark of the old Trinity. The girl he’d fallen in love with when he’d never wanted to care for anyone again. “You shouldn’t try to fit in with the others. They’ll never accept you as one of their own.”
“Did you come over here just to be cruel? If you did, you should be proud of yourself because you succeeded.” She stood. “But I don’t—”
“You’re not running away this time.” He grabbed her wrist, pulling her back down next to him.
“You can’t make me stay.” She yanked on her hand but he tightened his grip.
“You’re going to listen to me for once.” He hadn’t wanted to talk to her. His emotions were too raw but now that he’d started neither of them were leaving until he said what he needed to say. He ran his thumb across the skin on the back of her hand. “I’m going to tell you one more time why you don’t fit in with the others.”
“Don’t bother.” She tried to pull her hand away again, but he refused to let go. He’d never let go. Her claws were peeking out of her fingertips. Her temper was rising. “I know why. It’s been obvious all my life.”
“You need to listen to me.” He grasped her chin with his other hand and made her look at him. “For once, shut your mouth and really listen to what I’m saying.” She glared at him and he could barely keep the smile from his face. If he weren’t careful, he’d have a few new cuts on his hand. “You’ll never fit in with the others because you’re extraordinary.”
Her eyes widened and her hand lost some of the tension.
“You are unique and not only because you’re mixed, but because of who you are on the inside. You stand apart from the others with your intelligence, kindness, ferocity, loyalty...should I go on?”
Her eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“I’ll take that as a yes. The others don’t accept you because you’re different and you pretend that you’re not. It doesn’t work that way. You need to be yourself even if that means standing apart from the others. Do that and they’ll flock to you like Birdie flocks to food.”
She laughed, showing her teeth.
“You are exquisite.” He looked back down at her hand in his. If he continued staring at her face, he’d kiss her and he wasn’t ready for that. It was too soon. He ran his thumb across her smooth skin one more time, let go of her hand and stood. He glanced at her before he strode away. Her eyes were confused. Good. He’d given her something to think about.