* * *
Late into the night we work on blocking minds. I learn much more about the clan because of their inability to block effectively. They also learn what it feels like when a Reader is in their mind.
Finally, we stop the exercise and find places to lie down and sleep.
Justin sits on the other side of the cave, staring me down. The defiant expression on his face tells me his feelings won’t be changing anytime soon. His mind opens to me. I don’t want to enter his thoughts, but I do. You think you’re so high and mighty with all your so-called powers. You think anyone here gives a damn about you? No, they only care to be around someone with more power than—
I don’t want to hear any more of what he has to say, so I turn away to break the link.
Chris comes over and sits beside me. “Did you eat your energy ration yet?”
I shake my head.
“Here, take one of mine. You’re going to need all your strength tomorrow.”
“Will we arrive at the destination by nightfall?”
“No. We’ll have to find lodging again. That’s assuming we’re able to capture the Hunters in a timely fashion.”
“What time do the Demons leave? At sunrise or before?” I ask him.
“I’m not sure. Once the sun is up, it’s safe.”
“As soon as the sky starts to lighten, wake me, please. I’ll watch for the exact moment they disappear, and then we’ll begin our plan of attack.”
“Good.”
“Good,” I repeat, mainly because I can’t think of anything else to say.
“Well, try to get some sleep,” he says, staring at me. His eyes haven’t left mine yet. Why not, I wonder? Oh splendid! Now I wish I could read his thoughts. What’s wrong with me? I need to decide whether or not I want to be able to read minds. Chris speaks in a low, sultry tone, “Calli, did you get past my walls?”
“No.”
“Good.” He stands and walks away, leaving me to wonder what he thought about.
Now he leaves me hanging?
I marvel at how handsome he is, particularly now that he doesn’t have to keep his vision a secret from me. I think I’ve lifted a burden from his shoulders. I try to find a comfortable position to sleep in, but with the hard rocks, lack of bedding, and the orange-sized diamond in my pocket, no such luck.
Chapter 7 - The One He Missed