Homeless and hiding from his mother's abusive boyfriend, Davie -- along with his friend Grey -- accept an offer to move to a safe haven called the Encampment. Owned by Slade, and overseen by Maddox, and Ran, it's a well-protected site in the mountains for endangered street kids. Among the present residents is the very taciturn loner, Vin. To everyone's surprise, Davie and Vin become friends of a sort.<br><br>Soon after arriving, Davie discovers there is more to the Encampment than it appears at first glance when Ran, with Vin's help, begins training him in various forms of self-defense.<br><br>Davie finds out why when Slade sends him and Vin on an assignment to stop a vicious gang of slavers preying on homeless teens. From there things get interesting, to say the least, as the two young men try to survive while dealing with their growing attraction for each other.

The Encampment

“Not anymore, so shut up and keep it. Okay?”


The second gift was from Maddox and Ran—three new, heavy sweatshirts. “Because winter will be here before you know it,” Maddox explained, even though it was barely the beginning of summer.


Then came the final present. Buzz opened it carefully then smiled, looking at Jude. “This is from you, I bet. It’s fantastic. Thank you!” He held it up so everyone could see the drawing Jude had done of the Encampment.


Like the rest of them, Davie told Jude he’d done a great job, “Even if you didn’t draw all of us wandering around.” He knew why, and respected the reason. The Encampment was a safe haven for all of them and even though chances were slim anyone else would see it, Jude had refrained from putting any of them in danger by adding them to the picture.


Chapter 23