Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,171

with my guys.

While walking back downstairs and juggling two plates with large sandwiches and two bottles of water, Maverick found me at the base of the steps, took everything from my hands, and placed them on a nearby table. Allaire could be heard talking to himself in the main lab as Mav wove his fingers through mine and guided me back up the steps. Within moments his hands were on me. He wore a bright smile that brimmed to the top with hope and light. He looked the most at peace I'd ever seen.

"We could be onto something," he said in a light tone that matched the happiness he felt .

"Maverick, this is great, I don't know how you do it all. The weight of the world on your shoulders and you still manage to figure it out."

"I'm crediting this find to you, Miss..." his voice trailed off as he realized I didn't have a last name. Walkers usually weren't given them; if anything, we were cataloged in the system by who owned us.

I looked down at the floor then back up at him. "I've always wanted a last name. It meant family. Legacy. When I was a little girl, I would make up names for myself, say them out loud and try them on for size." Maverick smiled again, but it was full of pity. I wished I hadn’t ruined our happy moment with sad tales from my childhood. I wanted to bring his smile back.

"I think the last name Black suits you well," he said softly, brushing a curl behind my ear. He then frowned as his eyes zeroed in on my new Walker Tag.

"I think Ashleigh Black is a good name," I whispered in agreement before kissing him softly on the lips, bringing back that hopeful smile that made my knees weak from the pure beauty of it.

"I'm going to figure this out. I want a world where you have a name and a family. I want a future with you, and I'm going to get it if it’s the last thing I do."

An hour before dinner time, Dominique paged my watch, instructing me to return to the manor and prepare for dinner. Maverick tensed when I told him I had to go and insisted that, since he wasn't allowed to leave the lab, Allaire must accompany me. Allaire seemed particularly giddy to walk back with me, and Maverick made a big production of kissing me deeply and clutching me tight against his chest before saying goodbye.

"Take care of her," he ordered.

Chapter Nine

Allaire and I walked in silence, with me two paces ahead of him with my head bowed submissively to avoid confrontation. The tactic mostly worked, aside from a few grumbles from soldiers. I was worried about what Cavil had planned, but I kept going despite the dread that filled me.

Once at the back door leading to the kitchen, Dominique flung open the door and peered at us with bright eyes. It was the most alive I'd seen her since arriving in Ethros. "Allaire, such a pleasure to see you again. Will you be joining us for dinner?" She patted her hair and smiled, her usual stiff posture and rigid expression now bounced with energy.

"Not today, I'm afraid." Allaire leaned in closer so that their faces were but inches apart. I blushed and debated on turning away. "But we've found a lead. I think this could be it!" Allaire clapped his hands before rubbing the back of his neck and standing awkwardly.

Dominique looked at him with a small smile, it reminded me of how I looked at Maverick when he was excited about a project.

“How is—” Allaire began, but Dominique cut him off before he could finish his question while giving him a pointed look .

“He’s fine. We got two more today,” Dominique said with a frown. “I heard whispers that they’re dying by the dozen in Galla. Those who got the vaccine first are getting hit the hardest.”

Allaire frowned, too, and they exchanged scared expressions before shaking their heads.

"Well thank you for walking me back, as well as for the enlightening day," I said, forcing Dominique and Allaire to stop staring at one another. Dominique looked down at her comm-watch in disappointment.

"Cavil's calling me..." her voice trailed off as she patted her dress pocket. I remembered the red tube of lipstick and frowned.

"Ah, yes. Seems we all have a role to play, hmm?" Allaire said before tipping his head and turning away with a sad