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

“Then it’s set,” Maddox said. “Ran and I will talk with Slade to decide where we need you.”


Davie almost pumped his fist then thought better of it. This is serious. Like Ran said, it’s not a child’s game. I…we may not be adults in the true sense of the word, but Vin and I aren’t kids, either. Not after all we’ve gone through.


“All right,” Maddox said. “You two get out of here. I’m sure Ran’s got plans for you, but not until tomorrow.”


“More training?” Davie grumbled, although he didn’t really mind the idea.


“Yes,” Rand replied. “So get a good night’s sleep. Vin, I’ll go easy on you because of your ribs.”


“You don’t have to,” Vin protested. “The painkillers the hospital gave me…”


“Mask the pain,” Ran said. “That could cause more damage to them if you overdo it, since you wouldn’t be aware it was happening. So, like it or not, you’ll get to watch while I work with Davie.”


“Got it. I know you’re right but…” Vin shook his head.


Chapter 35