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After a quick stop at Cynthia’s, Jared drove us to his h tiht of the invasion, but nosick feeling stil came over me as we pul ed into the drive

"No need to be nervous," Jared said

"I’ to wonder if it’s post-traumatic stress," I said with a half-smile

Jared didn’t share my humor over the subject "It’s a possibility," he said as he opened the passenger door

We walked to the house, and Jared stopped abruptly

"What?" I asked, scanning his face

He orking far too hard tois fine"

"Jared," I said as alked "So’s fine"

The closer we got to the door, the harder ainst er to press the doorbel

The door swung open, and I gasped "I don’t believe it"

"Wel that’s a hel of a reception Ime back, but stood with her hands on her hips "You confuse me"

"I’ you"

Lil ian walked to Claire’s side, casual y crossing her arms "Surprise," she said with her war to everyone "Does this mean that Ryan is…?"

Claire nodded "He’s at the Providence VA Hospital to finish his rehabilitation"

My hands flew up to lad you’re home," I whispered into her ear

"Me too," Claire smiled

We sat at the table for dinner The syhter fil ed every inch of the house I cleared the dessert dishes, and listened to the to myself as I soaked in the sound of love Bex, Claire, Lil ian and Jared exchanged, even in their teasing

"Nina?" Jared call ed

"Co the dishwasher

"I’m sure Nina wants to hear more about her friend," Lil ian said

Jared's expression changed so slightly, that I was sure no one at the table noticed but htened as the corners of hishe always did when he tried too hard to cover hoas feeling I took his hand in mine and squeezed He seemed to relax an infinitesiht is about Claire," I said

Claire touched the napkin to herlike crazy trying to get welHis psych analysis wasn’t exactlyhe told them about me"

"He saw you?" Jared said

An aard pause sent tension into the air "He thinks he did," Claire said "My face was covered with the hijab, so he only re hooman with the smal frame he described could have carried him out"

Bex chuckled "What a pinhead Did he real y think they would believe him?"

Claire stared at the table "He told them I was American He told Colonel Brand he thinks he knoho it was"

"Not good," Jared said

Claire looked up "But he only told the Colonel No one else After they gave him the results of his psych eval, he insisted he be placed in Providence"

"Way to go, Claire You blew your cover," Bex smiled

Jared leaned his elbows on the table "This is serious You need to stay out of sight, Claire Lay low"

"I know," Claire gru to one spot on the tablecloth "I could say the sato Jared

He glared at Claire for moment, and then looked to Lil ian "There was a smal …fire Everyone is fine"

"A fire?" Bex said "They set explosives at the loft Everything’s gone"

"Who’s they?" Lil ian asked She was concerned, but not in the way a typical ht be She didn’t see It was clear she was years ahead of me as far as experience with Hybrids She knew exactly what her children were capable of, and I wondered if I would ever have that same peace of mind

"Donovan," Jared said

"Interesting," Lil ian said, thoughtful y "How do you plan to resolve that, Son?"

"We’re going to need help that won’t come," Jared replied, clearly frustrated with his oords

Claire’s eyes narrowed "You talked to Samuel?" Jared nodded, and she continued, "Eli?" When Jared nodded again, she shook her head in disgust "It’s that bad?"

"Eli talked about a balance," I said "They won’t get involved"

"You know," Claire said, leaning forward in her seat "If it gets to that point…we could force the, desperate point," Bex said "That would mean war"

Lil ian held up her hand "That would be a last resort" She stood,her way to me "Nina, what I’m about to ask you wil be very difficult, but I need the truth"

"Okay," I stuttered, worried what she was going to ask

Lil ian lowered her chin "What did Gabe say to you on the plane?"

Jared frowned "What are you talking about? He didn’t come to her on the plane"

"Actual y…" I said, trailing off

"Why didn’t you tel an again, "Don’t you know that everything is important, now?"

"Jared," I said, eo home He said not to see Claire I knew you wouldn’t leave her there alone until you knew she was al right"