Page 60 of After the Burn

“At least until he figures out whether we’re loyal,” Beck said. “Or decides he needs to put us down.”

That… wasn’t comforting.

“Claiming you would help with the first and make the second unnecessary.” Adrian smiled, and for one stupid second, it knocked the air right out of me.

The man was pretty, and there was no arguing that. I also suspected he was smart enough to use every inch of it to his advantage.

“We need to get back to the farmhouse. Lucas is going to be pissed at having to keep everyone in line by himself,” I muttered, not looking directly at Adrian and that killer smile.

Beck smirked.

“What?” I huffed out a breath.

“He’s here.”

I blinked once. “Lucas is here?”

Surely, I misunderstood him.

“He showed up at the gate yesterday,” Adrian confirmed. “Apparently, your teacher has a death wish.”

I gave him a wry look. “He hasn’t been my teacher for months.” I smirked. “He wasn’t before that, either. Remember, I got him fired.” Not my finest moment, but the man was still such an asshole that an apology felt excessive.

“We’re going to have a talk about that.” Adrian gave me a disappointed look. “You shouldn’t take your anger at me out on him.”

“Oh, I have plenty to go around. And you’re not my daddy, so I don’t have to talk to you about shit.” As if one kiss gave him command privileges

“He’s being processed through medical first,” Beck said, clearly trying to keep us from detouring into another fight. “After that, they’ll probably bring him to where we’re being housed.

“We let Gideon know he was an acquaintance of ours.” Adrian ran a tired hand down his face.

I nodded absently. Lucas in this town was going to be a disaster, especially if this thing was headed where I thought it was.

“Is anyone going to challenge you where I’m concerned? And what about Lila?” I asked slowly, looking at Beck. “Harper mentioned challenges.”

Beck’s expression changed instantly.

Darker now.

More dangerous.

“Some of the groups already started sniffing around after you arrived.” His eyes narrowed. “I can’t have that.”

Adrian gave a low growl.

Beck corrected himself. “We can’t have that.”

I ignored the we. “Sniffing around?”

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “How could they not? You’re beautiful and enhanced.”

My stomach twisted slightly. “And?”

“And Gideon suggested a public challenge.” Beck’s mouth curved without humor. “He was testing us. I think he suspected we might know you.”

A sharp pulse of adrenaline hit me instantly.

“You're going to fight for me?”