Page 59 of After the Burn

I narrowed my eyes. “To ask me what I wanted.”

The room fell quiet.

I already knew what I wanted. I was many things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. Two hot-as-fuck men I desired more than my next breath wanted to make me their center. Hell yes, I was in.

But they didn’t get to know that yet.

“What do you want, Fox?” Beck asked, those intense green eyes narrowed on my face.

“I’ll let you know shortly.” I turned to Adrian. “Now, start from the beginning and don’t leave anything out.”

Beck chuckled, knowing me better than I even knew myself most days. He knew I’d agree eventually. But for now, I wanted to know everything they’d learned about this place.

Everything.

Adrian was smart; Beck was savage.

And I was cunning.

All of that together might just save our asses.

Adrian nodded once. “Gideon’s settlement survives because enhanced people are rare. Especially enhanced men who can fight.”

“Most survivors who make it here don’t get inside the walls,” Beck added. “Not unless they’re useful.”

“Useful how?” I walked over and sat on the bare mattress.

“Medical,” Adrian answered. “Mechanics. Engineers. Fighters.” His eyes darkened slightly. “Enhanced survivors are the most valuable.”

That tracked with everything I’d already seen.

The ring matters because it establishes hierarchy,” Beck spoke up. “Strong groups get houses. Better supplies. More influence.”

“And women,” I finished dryly. “Not to mention how bloodthirsty things get when men are in charge.”

Neither of them commented on the last part.

“Most of the women already belong to family groups,” Adrian said carefully. “There’s only a handful left unclaimed.”

“Ten, to be exact?” It was a rhetorical question.

“Things aren’t just decided in the ring.” Adrian walked casually to where I was sitting and lowered himself to sit beside me. “But it’s the fastest way to claim a woman.”

Beck eyed Adrian but didn’t comment.

“The men are getting restless, and with that comes danger.” He ran a hand through his thick, dark hair, agitated. “This way they can let off a little steam.”

Shit.

No wonder the motel was so closely watched.

“Why don’t we get the fuck out of here?” I asked. I couldn’t understand why they hadn’t already done that.

Adrian started rubbing my back in slow circles. “The settlement needs people like us.” His gaze flicked briefly toward Beck. “But Gideon also knows strong enhanced groups could become a threat if they decided to challenge him.”

I nodded in understanding. “So, he keeps you close.”

“Yes.”