Page 32 of Jude

Lincoln slung an arm over Jude’s shoulders. “Let’s see if we can find your friend.” He led him through the growing beds, past tall strands of ripening corn and beds of sugar snap peas.

“My girls love this place,” said Lincoln. “We come here at least once a week. So long as I can bribe Patrick with something suitably sweet, he lets us have this little corner for a few hours. Skyler can’t get enough of all the bright colors and smells. It’s a great way to start her education.”

“She’s not even a year old,” said Jude. “Isn’t that a bit young to be teaching her stuff?”

“She’s a smart kid.” Lincoln grinned at him. “She takes after me.”

Jude had to smile, despite the concern he felt for Octavia. Lincoln was besotted with Skyler, he had been ever since the day he’d helped rescue her. She had changed him, and made him grow up. Being an adult suited Lincoln. Not that he couldn’t still be a complete ass when he wanted to.

As they turned a corner, Jude saw Anastasia and Skyler sitting on a checked blanket on the ground. Skyler had several flowers in her hands and was pointing above her head.

Jude looked up. In an apple tree sat two small brown birds. The State had decimated the wild animal population. Patrick was slowly introducing wildlife into the bio zone to help with the pollination of plants.

“They’re not for you to play with.” Anastasia tweaked Skyler’s button nose.

Skyler laughed and grabbed hold of a strand of Anastasia’s long red hair. She looked around, and a shout of delight rang out. Skyler pushed herself to her feet, staggering unsteadily toward Lincoln.

He ran forward and bopped down, holding his arms out wide. “What’s my favorite girl up to?” He wrapped Skyler in his arms and spun her around.

She shrieked with laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Jude could see the dragon scales covering most of her skin. It had been a cruel thing to do, forcing her abilities out at such a young age. The State could have killed her. But Skyler was managing well. Although, according to Anastasia, there had been a few accidents with fireballs.

Anastasia stood and smiled at Lincoln and Skyler before nodding at Jude. “We’re having a picnic if you’d like to join us. Lincoln always brings too much food.”

“He’s not interested in chatting with us.” Lincoln walked over to Anastasia and kissed her. “He scared off Octavia She’s in here somewhere.”

“I haven’t scared her off,” said Jude. “I found out... something about her. She didn’t like it.”

“Like what?” asked Lincoln.

“It’s nothing bad.” Jude ran his hands through his hair.

“If it’s her secret, maybe Octavia should tell it when she’s ready,” said Anastasia.

Jude nodded. “It’s kind of a hard secret to hide. But I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me.”

“If it bothers her, then it has to matter.”

Anastasia was right. Jude had been too quick to dismiss Octavia’s concerns about her scars.

“She hasn’t come this way?” Jude looked around.

“If I tell you where she is, will you go easy on her?” asked Anastasia. “Don’t forget, this is all new for Octavia. She’s been on her own for a long time. I remember when I first saw this place, it blew my mind.”

“I think you mean when you first met me.” Lincoln ducked as Anastasia swiped at him.

“You have seen her?” asked Jude.

“She passed by,” said Anastasia. “She asked if there was a quiet place she could hang out in for a while. I said she was welcome to stay with us, but I think Octavia wants to be on her own.”

“Should I leave her alone?” Jude hated the idea, especially after she’d fled from him. He needed to make things right between them.

“I expect she needs a friend,” said Anastasia. “Be gentle with her.”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“Man, you’ve got it bad for this girl,” said Lincoln.