Chapter 48: Uneasy Truce

Leila is still comforting Ashley when Reid and the others get back. She leaps to her feet, staring at him, as if she

knows something is different, but he ignores her and turns on the two who pant to a halt behind him.

"That was the dumbest thing you could have ever done." Reid isn't breathing heavy, to his delight. Whatever happened to

him, whatever the dust of the hunters is, he feels fantastic. The bubbling laughter won't leave him, vibrating through

his whole body. It's hard to be angry with them.

He doesn't have to chastise any further. Cole looks devastated for him. "You saved our lives," he says. "Again. I'm

sorry." Tears well, spill over. "I was so sure we could just get in and get out."

"You did," Reid says. "Because they let you."

Even Marcus nods, face grim, at that truth.

"Thank you," Reid turns to Marcus, relishing the shocked look on his face. It's impulsive and a part of him tells him

he's stupid, but Reid just grins.