Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) by Nikki Landis Page A

going to cooperate if Lizzie can come every month. It’s not a request.” Alec stood his ground, staring at Darren.
    Darren looked like he was going to refuse. He rushed over and grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the door. I struggled, trying to get lose from his grasp. Frustrated, I was just about to start yelling when Alec shoved Darren in the chest. He flew back a few feet and steadied himself, spinning around. He drew his knife and crouched toward Alec. Alec was ready for him, his own blade in his hand, a smile curving his full lips. Seriously?
    I rushed between them both, arms outstretched.
    “Are you two completely crazy? We are on the same side. This is my decision anyway. At this point, I’m so disgusted with both of you that I don’t know if I’m going or not. Stop this and lower your weapons. This isn’t a schoolyard. We are at war.” I yelled, furious at them both.
    Neither one of them moved, watching the other, eyes wary and mistrusting. Hostility filled the air between them. I had enough. I turned for the door, ready to leave when the sound of sirens blaring overhead made me freeze. This wasn’t good. We hadn’t left yet.
    Alec was at my side immediately. “Lizzie, I’m sorry. Someone else must have discovered the missing supplies. You are in danger,” he paused and glanced at Darren. “You can’t leave now. They will let the hounds loose. You’ll be found. Come with me and hurry, both of you.”
    We left the building, crossing into an alleyway behind the infirmary. There was an abandoned basement cellar that led below ground and we quickly followed it down a flight of stone steps, into a narrow walkway. He led us into a storage room and shut the door.
    “This part of the officer’s quarters isn’t used anymore. No one usually comes down here but I can’t guarantee it. You have to be quiet. Don’t leave this room. I’ll come back for you when it is safe.” Alec stared into my eyes, silently begging. He was worried. “It might be hours before I can return. I’ll try to bring some rations with me. Please be safe…and careful.”
    Alec grabbed me close and hugged me tight, his lips brushing my forehead, then left quickly. I watched him slip out the door and close it, the sound of his footsteps fading in the distance. I locked the door. Hopefully anyone trying to enter would be deterred by the locked handle. Slowly, I turned around, hoping to avoid questions.
    I looked at Darren, trying to discern his mood. His face was carefully blank. I knew the look. It was his diplomatic face. The one he wore when he was hiding his true feelings. I sighed and sat down on the ground, gesturing for him to join me. He sat but didn’t look at me.
    Tiring of his games, I found a cushion, long since abandoned from a chair and used it for a pillow. I yawned and closed my eyes, deciding to take a small nap. My emotions and the threat of capture left me fatigued. I was so tired, of games, of Darren, of militia soldiers, and pretty much everything at the moment. I needed a few minutes, and sleep was the best way to obtain a reprieve.

Chapter Six
 
    I awakened later to a warm body next to mine. Darren’s arm was around me, just like that morning in his room. He must have known I was awake. He leaned over me, looking down and into my eyes. The chain around his neck hung in between us, dangling in the air.
    “Who is Alec? How do you know him Lizzie?” His voice was tight.
    “I met him three years ago, before the war started, at my sister’s wedding.” I sighed softly. He would not be satisfied until I told him everything he wanted to know. “He was my best friend’s cousin. We had a great night together and…I hadn’t seen him all this time until the night I got captured. I thought he was dead.” I looked away from his penetrating gaze. “Turns out I was wrong. He’s the one who saved me and sent me home. He saved my life…twice now if you include today.” I admitted.
    Darren seemed to