Sanctuary (the Affliction Trilogy #2)

Chapter 11

Eleven

“ L et's just tell them we had a change of heart, and we don't think the six of us will fit in here,” I say to River, kneeling on the couch in our living room and watching her cook in the kitchen.

River looks up from the vegetables she is chopping for a salad. “One, where do you suggest we go? And two, this isn't just about you and me. We need to talk to the boys before we decide that.”

I slump back into the couch and look at the twirling ceiling fan. “I know.”

“It's not like you won't find a way out of doing something you don't want to do. You're stubborn. Just be your bossy, pain-in-the-ass self, and he'll hand you back to Ryland with a ribbon wrapped around you. He might even suggest they make Ryland the patron saint of the Sanctuary for putting up with you.”

“It's not like Ryland is a walk in the park. He's as demanding and bossy as I am,” I retort.

Wiping her hands on her yellow ruffled apron, River sits next to me. “Exactly, that's why the two of you belong together. You both can't be bossy at once. You take turns, and somehow, it tames you guys.” She smiles and wraps her arm around my shoulders.

I'm dying to disagree, but she's right. It’s just another reason why Ryland and I are so good together.

A knock comes from the door, and we jump to our feet. It has been hours since they released us into the Sanctuary, and we've been anxiously waiting to hear from the guys. I beat River to the door, swinging it open as she plows into my back and looks over my shoulder. The smile on my face slips away.

The man standing on the other side of the threshold is impeccably dressed in a slate blue suit and complementing tie. His gray hair is neatly combed back and his face cleanly shaven. He has the same sharp jawline, distinguished nose, and hazel eyes as Ridge.

“May we help you?” I ask, knowing it’s the Sanctuary’s president in front of us.

He doesn't answer right away, his gaze locked on to me. I shift under his scrutiny and my fears about this community are revived.

He finally shakes his head and clears his throat. “Quinnten and River Ellery, my name is President William Spencer. Do you mind if I come in and speak with you for a few minutes?”

We step aside, and River says, “Please come in.”

He gestures for us to take a seat, and River and I sit next to each other on the couch while he takes the overstuffed chair to our side.

“I hope the entrance process into the Sanctuary was not too grueling for you. I am responsible for the well-being of thousands of lives. It is important that I take every precaution to make sure the new residents are healthy before being released into the general population.” The words glide off his tongue like he's made house calls and given this exact speech countless times.

River grins and says, “It was a long process, but the shower, clean clothes, and proper food have made it worth it.”

“I'm glad everything is to your liking. The reason for my visit is to talk to you about your job assignments. We require everyone over the age of eighteen to contribute to our society. Based on the evaluation conducted by Major Spencer, we have chosen jobs which we believe you will excel in. Of course, if you wish for a new assignment, you can put in a request, but there are no guarantees. Not everyone can be president,” he says, chuckling at his own joke. “River, you have shown an interest in the medical field. From what you said in your interview, you were accepted to the pre-med program at the Eastern Region University. That was a very difficult school to get into. I’d hate to see your talents go to waste. Therefore, I would like you to work with our medical team. This will give you the hands-on experience you need for the future.”

River brightly smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity.”

He directs his attention to me. “Quinnten, I know you hold an interest in psychology, but I don't have an opening for you. However, Major Spencer was impressed with the way you carried yourself, and he said you were very personable. I'm in dire need of an assistant and would like to offer the position to you. It’s a difficult job, and I can be quite demanding, so I understand if you refuse.”

My gut turns at the mention of Ridge. Again, he has gone out of his way for me. I force a smile and say, “I accept. Thank you.”

I assess him as he continues to talk with River. He doesn't come across the same as some of the other authority figures I've come in contact with. With ease, he answers each of her questions and even engages her with a few of his own. Even his gaze remains focused on her. He is also poised and polished. Everything I’d expect from a politician. It’s hard to make a clear judgment if he's good or bad.

River nudges me in the ribs and darts her eyes to our guest.

Taking her cue, I sheepishly say, “I'm sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if you had any questions for me,” he says.

“Just one. You will not force me into an arranged marriage or anything of the sort, will you?” I want to let my guard down and be happy here, but as long as I'm fretting about my future every single minute of the day, I won't be able to.

“It’s not like that here, Quinnten. We are trying to rebuild our continent with the principles it was founded on. It is my goal to bring us out of the trials of the Affliction as a stronger and better people. Women who do not maintain their autonomy make for miserable citizens, which would not fare well for any of us. Trust me, I know that if my wife is unhappy, it feels like the entire world around me is unhappy,” he says, ending with a smile.

Again, with the cheesy jokes, but his words calm my frazzled nerves. Even if the room and the job were Ridge's attempt to gain my affections, it's good to know I won't be forced to return them.

President Spencer claps his hands on his thighs. “Do you ladies have any other questions for me?”

“Sorry, one more,” I say, raising my index finger. “The four men we arrived with. Have they been released from in-processing? Are we able to see them?”

“Your companions are still undergoing the process. We try to get the women and children through first. Men are much harder to place in the community since they are most of our population. It will most likely take another day or two.”

“Oh,” River and I say together.

“I'll tell you what—let me get with Major Spencer and see if I can work something out. We rarely allow contact until the process is complete, but maybe I can talk him into working out a special arrangement for you.”

“Thank you,” River says, and we stand.

“No problem, ladies. It was a pleasure meeting the both of you. I'm excited to see what you will contribute to the Sanctuary. Someone will stop by with your official documents and your clearance cards in the morning. River.” He shakes her hand. “Quinnten, I will see you in my office in a couple of days.”

“Yes, and thank you,” I say, shaking his hand.

We accompany him out and watch as he climbs into a chauffeured golf cart and drives away.

“I feel like I've seen him before,” I say, shutting the door behind us.

River returns to the vegetables she abandoned on the counter before our guest arrived. “That's because he was Representative Spencer from the Southern Region. Mom and Dad used to complain about him all the time. He was not friendly to the environment or people immigrating to the continent.”

I hum my disapproval and toss a slice of cucumber in my mouth. “Well, everything has changed now. Hopefully, he has too.”

Her gray gaze meets mine. “Let’s hope so.”

That night, I lay in bed, saying a silent prayer that President Spencer will work something out with his son. It's been over forty-eight hours since we've seen the boys, and I need to know they're safe before I can settle into this place.

I want to build the life Ryland and I talked about. I can see us meeting after work and going to the corner café across from the park or spending a night at home curled up on the couch watching movies. Or even better, sharing my gigantic bed and waking up not only in his arms, but to the safety of the Sanctuary. I bite my lip and shiver with excitement. For the first time in our relationship, there's actually a tangible future for us.