In the morning, I wake up to find my shoulders and my back mottled with dark, ugly bruises. Some are the size of the palm of my hand, and others are much larger, but they all spread across my skin like splotches of marker. My entire body aches, and I don't feel like moving, but I know I have to get out of bed if I want to find out what Aaron is going to do with the soldiers.I take a quick second to relax, before pushing myself up and off the cot. My muscles scream in protest, and I grit my teeth against the burning pain the slightest movement causes. I can't remember ever feeling this sore before, and it's only going to get worse throughout the day. And today I won't have any aspirin to dull the pain, not that the aspirin did a whole lot last night, but it was still better than nothing.Once I get to the door, I lean on the frame to catch my breath and rest my already sore muscles. Felicia sees my struggle, and she gives me a shoulder to lean against. "Are you gonna be okay, Madison?

Twelve Months AgoDr. Carter Richards pushed his thick-rimmed glasses higher up on his nose as he studied the chart in his hands. Carter was a short, older man, possibly in his early fifties. His dark green eyes were hidden beneath bushy eyebrows, he had a long, hooked nose, and a slight weight problem that caused him to break out in sweat at the most unfortunate of times. He had never been much of a looker, but the government hadn't wanted him for his appearance, but instead for the brain and intelligence he possessed.Carter was capable of doing things most other people weren't. He could always see the big picture, and that was what made him the prime candidate for the project he currently found himself the head of. After Carter had read through the reports-twice, just to make sure he hadn't missed anything the first time-he bent to examine the subject on the table in front of him. It was bound down with leather straps, and it squirmed in an attempt to free itself as its eyes rolled

Hours later, the jeep jerks to a halt in front of the only car dealership in the area. Reese pockets the car keys, but he doesn't exit the car. He just sits there rubbing his temple as if he has a migraine, and I wait impatiently for him. After a thirty minute drive into town from the middle of nowhere, I'm feeling anxious to stretch my feet, and to get this done, and waiting for him does not make me happy.Finally Reese slides out of the jeep, slamming the door shut behind him. Rolling my eyes at his attitude, I head into the dealership parking lot to look for anything that will be able to fit us all. The sound of Reese's boots clunking against the pavement is the only indication that he's deciding to follow me, and I hope he's paying more attention to our surroundings than I think he is.I constantly scan our surroundings, always on the lookout for any sign of movement. The gun belted to my side feels right at home on my hip, and with it always within my reach, I fee

Madison nudges me. "Don't," she says. "Don't doubt yourself. Not now. We're way too close to doing this for you to question your choices now. Reese will get over it eventually. And if he doesn't, it's not your problem." I sigh. "You're right." Is she though? Ryder steps around Reese and his eyes find me instantly. "Well, I think we're just about ready to go. We've just gotta pack the food into the vehicles and decide on who is riding together. I'm gonna drive the truck, and I think Aaron should drive the jeep. Sam, I want you with me so I can keep an eye on you." I nod. "Okay. Reese, I think you and Naomi should ride with us, too. Madison? I think you should ride with your people. You'll know how to work best together, and you guys probably trust each other a little more." Madison nods. "Sounds like a plan." Thankfully Reese decides to stay quiet, and he doesn't object to our plans. He just hovers in the corner, glaring at nothing in particular and making sure we all know how muc

I slide down from the rooftop and hop down into Ryder's outstretched arms. He catches me effortlessly, like I weigh next to nothing, like he hadn't been previously wounded and left almost helpless. He looks down at me, eyes full of worry. "Are you hurt?""No," I say breathlessly. "I'm okay for now, and so are those kids." He sets me down and I feel strength start to return to my legs, my earlier fear almost forgotten. "I can't believe there are still children left alive. I thought for sure they would all be long dead by now."We watch the two boys, who may actually be brothers now that I get a better look at them. They're comforting each other, checking to make sure they're both unharmed. We turn our attention to the strange girl who came out of nowhere. She's busy staring at us, clearly sizing us up and determining whether or not we're a threat to her and the boys in her care.Finally, after a very tense minute that has Reese and Aaron shifting nervously, she walks over to us. She st