Free Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer Page A

Washington with no problems. There were even Americans who joined our side when they found out about our invasion.”
    “ Prove it,” says Jaden curtly.
    “ This was invented only twenty years ago, so maybe this will prove it, eh?” Gage leans forward and points at his ear.
    Jaden leans forward. “What am I looking for?”
    “ You’ll know it when you see it.” He taps his ear again. Summer also leans in, holding onto his shoulder gently to steady herself as they stare into his ear.
    The sunlight catches the tiny piece of metal that looks as if it’s crawling out of his ear, its fingers stuck deeply into his skin. Summer can’t help herself as she raises her fingers to his ear, wanting to feel the thing. It actually appears to be a part of him. She touches the metal, and Gage jerks. She pulls her hand back quickly.
    “ It doesn’t hurt—just tickled,” he says as he sits up straight, smiling.
    “ What is that thing?” asks Jaden with awe.
    “ It’s a neural implant so we can telepathically communicate with others,” he explains. “It’s also a tracking device and required when you join the Canadian League.”
    “ Telepathically? Then why do you even need to talk to each other?” asks Jaden in an awe-struck daze.
    “ Because—” Cameron rolls her eyes. “—Gage hates the technology and won’t accept our communications when we’re in talking distance.”
    “ Well,” he defends, “I think it’s lazy to not just talk . . .” he trails off and chances a glance at Summer. “Sorry.”
    Summer shrugs and smiles at him. She knows it’s not because she’s lazy, but because of her anxiety. Actually, she’s quite interested in this technology—maybe she’ll never have to speak again. She can just mind-to-mind it with people.
    “ Let’s quit playing games,” a male says behind her. She jumps, unaware that there is anyone else.
    “ True, Gage, they’re Outlanders. We have to bring them in,” Bruce agrees, though a little more reluctantly.
    “ I know,” he says grudgingly. “Let’s eat first, eh?”
    “ And risk them running off?” snaps Paige.
    “ Summer can barely sit up, and Jaden’s not going anywhere without her, are you?” Gage glances at Jaden who shakes her head.
    “ I blew up a ship to save her—I’m not leaving now, especially if she’s going to basically be imprisoned again if I do.”
    “ Blow up a ship?” asks Gage, but is quickly interrupted.
    “ She’ll be a prisoner whether you stay or not—not that you’d be able to escape us,” says Paige smugly.
    Gage glances back to Summer, a frown etched into his face so deeply she can see it in his eyes. “It’s not like that,” he defends halfheartedly.
    “ You know what I think?” the quiet male says sternly.
    “ No, what do you think Max?” Gage’s eyes flip up over her head and turn from tender to irritated in a second.
    “ I think you need to quit playing the game of rescuer when we’re here to take them in. This whole charade is getting ridiculous. So what if they were slaves? They’re still Outlanders—this chick even broke one of our laws!” Max’s voice holds so much fury she’s surprised Gage doesn’t catch on fire.
    “ Way to show compassion,” says Cameron dryly.
    “ You can’t blame Jaden for not knowing our laws if she’s an Outlander, Everfast!” Gage’s words are snarled out.
    “ Here we go with the last name tolietsplash again,” says Paige, and Summer can practically hear the eye roll in her voice.
    Gage ignores them, leans into Summer, wraps an arm around her waist, and pulls her to her feet. He moves so fast this surprises her, and she immediately latches onto him. She wraps her arms around his shoulders as their bodies touch. It ends up being a lot harder than it looks because he towers over her. She lets go, though he keeps his arm around her waist. She’s positive her heart’s pounding out a song right now, her blood singing with joy at his touch. He stares down at her