Plagues or those mutant Steelworms? Caroline didn't even want to think about that. Looking around at her group, she realized she'd grown tougher than she ever imagined back when she first came back to life. She weighed the box in her hand. It was light, and she had no idea what was inside. "These are the keys to three rooms we saved for you inside the base," Francis said. "You live outside now, but if you ever need a place to crash or visit, these are yours. Commander Ball insisted. Please don't turn it down." Caroline gave a small nod. Her team didn't object either. It was a kind gesture from the army. They had no reason to refuse. "Caroline, I really hate seeing you go." Alger sighed next to Francis. Francis flicked Alger's forehead. "You think I'm happy about it? Please. It's on us for not being good enough. We've got hundreds of young guys here, and not one of them managed to win Caroline over. Tragic." In an instant, Caroline felt dozens of eyes turn her way. She looked up. The young soldiers lined up on both sides were staring at her, hopeful expressions practically shouting, "Pick me, Ms. Sinclair!" Caroline tried hard not to laugh, keeping her face straight. Just then, Tyler subtly stepped forward, like he was trying to block her from view. She'd seen him do that before. It didn't bother her. She knew how his mind worked. Still, she gave his arm a quick pinch. Don't block me from the cute rookies! We're leaving soon. Let me look while I can! Tyler instantly straightened, like a kid caught doing something wrong. He turned toward Caroline's teasing smile and raised a brow. His brain froze for a second before he realized what he'd done, and a flush crept up his face. Was his reflex that easy to notice?He quietly shifted back to the side, giving her her view again. The blush ran from his face down to his neck, but he kept his expression steady, serious, and calm. His mind was completely in control. Denton watched the scene and muttered to Nelson, "Tyler really loves pretending to be tough." Nelson nodded. "Yeah, even the strongest guy turns into a kid when love hits. So predictable. I'm never falling for that." Tyler stayed quiet on the side. Do they seriously think I'm not here? Meanwhile, Alger kept digging himself into trouble, nudging Francis. "Colonel, you're the oldest here and still haven't dated anyone—not even once—" He got an instant smack on the back of the head. Francis waved it off. "Alright, enough. Let's not waste any more time. We'll see you off. Until next time." So, with the rookies lined up watching, Caroline and her team left the shelter. They climbed into the car. With one stomp on the gas, they headed for their new home. As they drove, Nelson kept an eye on the shrinking shelter behind them. "Caroline, someone is watching us from that building across the way." Caroline checked the rearview mirror—and there he was, standing at the entrance of Building B. The building was dark. Everyone else was fast asleep. But Caroline's eyesight, sharpened from the spring water, picked him out clearly. Under the taillight glow, she could see the face of the watcher. It was Dyson. She remembered how Crow had begged her and the army to rescue a badly injured Dyson, the chaos that followed, and how they'd parted on bad terms. She never even knew if he'd survived. She hadn't seen him since, so she assumed he was gone. But now, he looked mostly unharmed—leaner, though. They said chubby guys could look good once they slimmed down, and Dyson actually had a clean, gentle look now.He lifted a hand toward the car, like saying goodbye. Caroline's team didn't react out loud, but they were all instantly alert. None of them knew Dyson had just woken up. The last time he'd been hit so badly that even Crow thought he wouldn't make it.