Chapter 51 · They already chose

"They already chose."

The first rifle clicked into firing position.

Mira stepped backward until her shoulder touched Reid's. Her body heat came through both their jackets. She kept her weapon trained on the soldiers, but the silver collar remained in her other hand.

"Quinn," the soldier warned. "Last command."

"Try giving me one more," she said.

"You are compromised."

"I am standing between you and a civilian."

"You're standing between us and a hostile asset."

"He's not hostile."

Reid glanced at her. "That's generous."

"Shut up."

"You heard her," the soldier called. "He is influencing you."

Mira's shoulder pressed more firmly against Reid's. "If you fire, the core goes."

"Then we lose the sector."

"And the kid."

"Acceptable loss."

Reid's hand began to glow.

Mira caught it before he could raise it. Her fingers locked around his, palm to palm.

The Current snapped between them.

Mira sucked in a breath.

Reid felt her pulse jump against his hand. He felt the thin tremor in her fingers, the effort it took to keep holding him while the power tried to run through both of them.

"Don't," she whispered.

"Let go."

"No."

"It will burn you."

"Then stop feeding it."

"I can't."