Page 9 of After the Burn

Lucas tried to rescue Jonah, who had been with him when he escaped the school, but he and several others on the block didn’t survive. Adrian and Lucas ah no choice but to put them down.

We’d all experienced unspeakable things by now.

Ben hadn’t exactly welcomed the extra mouths with open arms, but even he understood there was safety in numbers… as long as everyone followed his rules.

Lila and I had grown close over the past few months. Much of that was due to our proximity. Being stuck in a small house without internet or a phone made it hard to keep my distance. Our relationship evolved from her being merely an asset into a friendship I deeply appreciated.

I sighed. “You know, I would’ve been fine on my own.”

“I know that. But friends don’t let friends make stupid decisions alone.” Her face took on a sly expression. “Besides, I’d bet I’m not the only one with someone mad at them for sneaking out.”

I raised an eyebrow. “If you’re referring to Lucas, he can go fuck himself.”

“I bet you’d enjoy it more if he fucked you,” Lila smirked.

My jaw dropped. “Lila Leanne Winters, did you just say fuck?”

She held her head primly. “I curse sometimes.”

“Sure, you do,” I smirked. “Especially when Ethan is pounding that ass.”

Lila gasped. “We make love. There is no pounding of the ass.”

I tried to contain my laughter, but I ended up covering my mouth with my hand to muffle it, and she joined me.

When we finally stopped laughing, I wiped tears from my face. “What I’m hearing from your room doesn’t really back that up.”

Lila’s face turned crimson. “You can hear us?”

“Everyone can hear you. We’re sharing a 1200-square-foot house.” I stopped abruptly and held up my hand.

Lila and Max came to a standstill.

A few minutes later, a deer leaped out of the trees about a hundred yards in front of us.

I listened for a few seconds. “Okay, we’re good.”

We resumed walking.

“I’m still not used to that.” She followed close behind me.

“Used to what?” I pulled a couple of energy bars from my pack and handed her one.

Lila peeled the wrapper and took a big bite. “The extra boost to your senses,” she said around the mouthful of food.

I shrugged. “I’m still getting used to it myself.”

“Maybe I’ll get the fever and become a superhero.” She giggled.

“I’m far from being a superhero. I just have better senses than I did before.” I finished the last bite of my energy bar and stowed the wrapper in my pocket.

If I had superpowers, things at home might've gone another way, and maybe my dad would still be here.

“Don’t forget faster and stronger.” She muttered.

I buried the grief I felt beneath a smirk. “You wouldn’t let me forget it even if I tried.”

She pouted. “That’s because I’m jealous.”