Page 16 of North

Night had fallen. The crowd at Hemi’s had grown exponentially, and the noise and sea of bodies ebbed around us as we headed out.

The squad all called out our goodbyes to each other.

“Jameson.” A blonde woman ran down the sidewalk.

Our squad leader’s rugged face lit up. “There she is.” He scooped up his girlfriend Greer, and then they were kissing.

“You’re back,” he said.

“I am.” She wrapped her legs around his waist.

“How’s your dam, Greer?” Marc called out.

“Monster free.” She grinned at us.

“You’re welcome,” Marc said. “I was excellent bait.”

Hunter Squad had taken down an aquatic monster that had been in the dam and attacking the workers. It had killed some of Greer’s engineering team. Jameson and Greer had almost lost their lives trying to kill it. And Marc had been seriously injured while dangling from the Talon.

Colbie snorted. “The monster didn’t even try to eat you. It knew you’d taste bad.”

“Lark, I promise I’m tasty.” He winked.

“Night.” Jameson carried his woman down the street. “See you all tomorrow.”

I shook my head, still surprised at how happy the two of them were. I fell into step with Jess.

She shot me a look.

“I’m walking you home,” I said.

“Your place isn’t in the same direction as mine.”

“It’s not far.”

“I thought Dawn was safe.”

“It is.”

She shook her head. “Whatever, Connors.”

We were quiet as we left the shops and restaurants behind, and walked into the quiet streets, lined with eco-houses.

“Have you settled into your place?” I asked.

“Mostly.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t bring too much stuff with me, so Jameson arranged a place with some furniture. Lucky, otherwise I’d be sitting on the floor.”

I nodded. “My mom helped me set up my place when I first moved out.”

“Your parents live in Dawn?”

“Yes, but they’re away on a trip right now.”

Jess slid her hands into her pockets. “Your dad was a berserker.”

“He was. And mum’s a tech geek.”

“How did they meet?”

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