Titanium (Bionics) Read Online Free Page A

here, we can get organized, be prepared, and everything will be fine. We just have to make it ‘til morning and help is on the way. Everybody okay with this?”
    Nobody speaks up, so I assume it’s okay to continue. “As I was saying,” I begin after nodding my thanks to Blythe, “I am going to ask everyone to split up into groups. Those of you with fighting experience, gather over there, near the entrance to this room. There, you will meet with me to discuss securing the perimeter and taking shifts throughout the night to ensure that we are ready in the event of an attack. If you own weapons of any kind, or know of any that may have been left behind by those already gone, gather them. We’re going to need all the help we can get. Is there anyone left here who works in the kitchen?”
    A few people raised their hands.
    “Good. I heard you guys weren’t getting much to eat while the M.P.s were here, so let’s get some dinner going. No need for us to starve while we wait. Any items that we can pack up and take with us to Headquarters, get them bagged or boxed up and lined up near the entrance. If there’s room for them, they’ll be of good use where we’re going. Everyone else, gather any clothes or supplies from your rooms that might be useful once we’ve moved you. Please remember to only take what’s necessary. Your living quarters at Headquarters will be small and you will have to share with others. If your friends or family are already gone and left things behind, bring what you think they’ll need. All bags or boxes going with us must be gathered and stacked near the entrance if you don’t want them to be left behind.”
    “What are we supposed to do for the rest of the night?” someone else asked from the back of the crowd.
    “If you’re not on security or kitchen detail, then once you are packed up and ready to leave, there is nothing else you can do but get some rest. I suggest turning in early in case we are contacted by our rescue party before sunrise. Tomorrow will be a long and trying day. I know it will be hard considering the circumstances, but that really is your best option.”
    “You heard him,” Blythe said once I was done, jumping down from the table. “Let’s get gathered into our groups and get to work!”
    Most everyone disperses immediately, though there are some who seem to need more time to digest what is happening. I leave these people alone, deciding to give them a bit of time. My impatience would do nothing but upset them more and I know that not everyone is a take-action kind of guy like I am.
    Blythe and I skirt the room, watching as everyone eventually finds their way to where they need to be. I turn and find her staring down at her comm. device, her mouth a tight, grim line. I know she’s waiting for word from Jenica about Gage and the others, but that’s unlikely for a while yet.
    “Hey,” I say, placing my hand on her shoulder. She glances up at me, the whir of her bionic eye humming as it moves. It starts to beep and I wonder if it’s giving her a read on my vitals. If so, I’m embarrassed that she knows how my heart rate spikes when she looks at me. “Thanks for having my back. I was about to lose it for a second there.”
    She forces a tight smile and shrugs. “Come on, we’re the dynamic duo, right? You know I’ve got you.”
    I know she means it, but I can’t help but wonder if the latest developments won’t end our tight partnership. I know she wants Gage and he wants her back, and that realization puts a cold stone of disgust in my belly. I’ve always been her protector, her best friend. Knowing that some guy has the potential to change all of that leaves me fearful for our partnership. I don’t even want to think about what it will mean to have to watch them get romantic. It’s enough to turn that stone into a coil of twisting snakes that make my insides quiver with nausea.
    Jealousy; it’s not the warmest or fuzziest of feelings.
    “Why don’t