Page 26 of Fastlander Fighter

He seemed upset.

Gah, Ryan was such a pill.

“Honk!” Ruger said.

“No, I think he’s just going to go home. I don’t want to bother him.”

“Cap!” Ruger yelled, dang-near piercing her eardrums with the volume.

Captain jerked his attention over to them, and the bright color of his eyes stunned her into stillness.

He didn’t look human. His facial features were too sharp, and his eyes seemed to glow an almost frost-white. He froze for a two-count, and looked back in Ryan’s direction. Then he put his hat back on his head, pulled the bill low over his eyes, and sauntered for her truck.

Her truck had been lifted, but still, Captain was taller than eye level with her as he came to a stop at her open window.

“Hey, Ruger,” he greeted her kiddo.

“You are growling,” Ruger pointed out.

“Ruger. Manners,” she admonished him.

“It’s okay. Your ex is somethin’ else. I’m a little riled up, is all. I’ll be fine in a bit.”

“It was bad?”

He made a clicking sound behind his teeth and stared out across the parking lot, shaking his head. “He’s not over you,” he said low.

“He should be. He’s married. I’m way the hell over him.”

Captain huffed a laugh and slid his too-bright gaze to her. “Truth. I can hear it in your voice.”

“I’ll give a person a million chances, but when I’m moved on, I’m moved on.”

He gripped the open window frame and locked his arms against it. “Same.”

“Listen, I was going to take Ruger to get ice cream at this little place down the road. You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

“I can’t do complicated,” he said suddenly.

She didn’t know how to respond for a few seconds. “Am I complicated?” she whispered.

“You’re so…human.”

And that part, she understood. He’d always been different from her. She’d known it back in high school, when he’d had to join sports leagues that were made for people like him. When he’d Changed accidentally after homecoming. When he’d gone off and joined a Crew, and been absorbed into Damon’s Mountains.

“I can’t even imagine your life,” she said softly.

He shook his head, and she could see his heart in his eyes. “I wouldn’t wish it on you.”

“But you seem happy. You’re good.”

“Because I’m built for it. I’m not built for this.”

“What is this?” she whispered.

“You know.”

“I don’t. What do you think this is?” she asked again.

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