Page 120 of Resistant

“What news?”

“There’s been an election-”

“Yes, we heard already. Can we do something for you, or will you be on your way?”

Brynn elbows me in the side.

“Rude, Declan. That was rude.”

“Sorry, Princess.” I mutter.

“Well, I’d be grateful if you and your wife could spare a bit of breakfast, there’s lots of change happening 20 miles away in town and you may want to make an appearance.”

“This is Brynn, but she’s not my wife…” I break off in shock because as he gets closer, I realize that this man resembles the giant from my dream. He approaches the porch and I feel uneasy. He has long wavy blond hair and penetrating steely blue eyes.

“Isn’t she then? Well maybe just in your heart.” He taps his own chest emphatically.

Brynn coughs behind me.

“We have plenty if you’d like to join us.” she says sweetly.

“Princess-”

“No, Declan, really, we do. And I’d like to know more about what is happening.

“Thank you, Mrs. Brynn. He turns toward me, and you are?”

“Declan.” I move to shake his hand, but he steps out of my reach smoothly and follows Brynn into the cabin. Fucking awkward. He doesn’t seem to notice.

“My name is Gabriel, I’ve been traveling several days to bring you a message.”

Who talks like this guy?

“The election happened yesterday; how would you know several days ago?” I ask.

His gaze moves to me, and he looks displeased. I feel a little like a chastised child.

“There’s been movement well before the election. The Reform military is out looking for people who have a genetic resistance to the sickness.”

I flinch when Brynn drops the spatula, and it clatters loudly on the wood floor.

“Sorry.” She whispers and turns back to the camp stove putting heaping helpings of eggs and sausage on a plate. Gabriel turns to look at her, a small smile of fondness creeping over his features and disappearing as he turns back to me.

“I’m directing people to Lincoln County. We have several bunkers set up, enough for thousands of people. The Global Reform is coming, and we want to keep as many people as possible out of their grasp. You need to leave tomorrow to get there in time. The military is already sweeping remote areas.”

“How did you find us?”

“Oh, I’m lucky I guess, have God on my side.” Gabriel scoops a heaping mouthful of egg into his mouth. His gaze travels elsewhere and I follow his focus and watch as he catches a bug mid flight and squashes it. He smears the bug on a napkin and frowns at it distractedly. He stands smiling at Brynn.

“Thank you for the breakfast, Brynn, Declan.” He nods and I hear his boots clacking on the wood floor. I look down at the napkin to see a destroyed bug and a smear of blood, that looks very much like a robotic mosquito. My blood runs cold and I feel sweat break out on my forehead as I stare at the evidence of the Reform in our cabin. I glance away as Brynn hurries after Gabriel to the porch and screams.

“Declan!”

I run to her and peek over her shoulder outside and I’m astonished to discover our visitor Gabriel has vanished.

Brynn

Declan is asleep, the night noises surrounding us. The cabin does nothing to muffle the cicadas. His arms are curled around me, and I can feel sweat sticking between us where he presses against my body tightly. We made love after the Gabriel took his staff and vanished this morning, and I feel more grounded than I have in a long time.

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