In a future where outposts swelter beneath a nuclear sun and run-gunners patrol dusty wastelands to protect against winged creatures known as devlars, Trin is the mech at the waystation in Arens. He has a thing for the gunners: rough men with strong hands and hard bodies, who roll through his garage like the hot desert wind. Gerrick’s the best gunner around, a quick draw with a deadly aim and a penchant for sharing his pallet with young men. He has a roving eye and roaming hands, and has left a string of broken hearts in his wake. Having heard the tales of Gerrick's bravery and seen the man in action for himself, Trin has fallen in love with the man he believes Gerrick to be, and he’s sure he can change the gunner’s mind if given the chance. Gerrick’s all he wants out of this blasted world, and he tells anyone who will listen. Then Gerrick rides through Arens. He’s heard the rumors of what Trin will do for a gunner who only mentions his name. What he wants to know is, what will Trin do for him?

Trin

A crazy laugh bubbles up in him but he tamps it down quickly. With unseeing eyes he stares into the maw under the hood of Gerrick’s truck…kill the bounder indeed. And every single other person in the world, is that what it’ll take? To make sure he stays true to me. To make sure he’s mine.Trin knows that isn’t a viable answer. Blain would stop him, if no one else. The disappointment in his brother’s face would make him turn the gun on himself. What a mess.


Chapter 30