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

“Ran said he wants the two of you at his cabin ASAP,” Grey said. He looked past Davie to Vin then gave Davie a knowing look. “Something you want to tell me?”


“This is me. Of course I am,” Grey replied with a grin. Then, after stepping inside, he asked quietly, “How did it go?”


“The good guys won,” Vin said, “and came out of it in one piece.”


“Mostly,” Davie amended. “I mean your ribs are only fractured, not shattered.”


“Smartass,” Vin muttered. “Grey, tell Ran we’ll be there in ten.”


“I guess we’re in for a debriefing,” Davie said when Grey was gone.


“Not that we’ve got much to tell that Slade doesn’t already know.” Vin finished his sandwich then carefully got to his feet, taking the plate to the sink. Davie did the same then they headed out to see Ran.


Chapter 34