There was a moment of silence so uncomfortable that Sahara could always slice the air.  She raised an eyebrow and remained standing beside Kian as she faced the range of hostile to amused stares from the group.

Then all hell broke loose.

“What is she doing here?”

“Man, do we have to find a new place now that she’ll tell him about this place now?”

“I trust Kian.”

The last statement immediately quieted the group, as they looked up at Sora who stood firmly on the opposite side of Kian.

She kept her gaze level as she looked at the group, before Kian stepped forward.

“This is Sahara.”  He simply said.  “She will stay with us for awhile.”

The statement made Sahara’s eyes widen in surprise as much as the group.

They burst into another round of arguments.

“Aw man, here?! Why?!  It’s crowded enough as it is.”  

“She doesn’t look homeless.  Why extend an invitation when you know she works for him?”  Kaia asked, eyeing Sahara with an unreadable gaze.

Christian leaned forward on the couch as he scanned Sahara as well, but remained quiet.  Daniel sat beside the couple, also assessing Kian and Sahara and remained quiet.

“Damn, I need to buy more food then.” Everett muttered, already picking up the empty bottles and wrappers around the table.

“It’s not like we’re a charity, taking in all the strays.”  Mikael snickered, as he took a seat on the arm of the chair Victoria was occupying.  She was busy eyeing Sahara with interest to argue with him about always taking her space.  

“Is it true?”  Julian asked, among the chatter.

Kian waited for the rest of the conversation to quieten before he continued.  To Sahara’s surprise again, he turned to her and nodded.

She felt all eyes on her again, with expectation.

“As much as Kian wants to keep an eye out for me causing the downfall of your group, that’s not my intention.”  She started.

Before they could burst into arguments again, she continued.

“I only came to warn all of you.  And,” 

She paused, ensuring they were focused.  “And to assist you.”  She revealed.

There was stunned silence before it broke into chaos once more.

“Bullshit.”  Mikael exclaimed, taking the bottle from Victoria’s hands and taking a drink.  He wiped his mouth, his eyes flashing.

“That’s not very convincing.”  Everett admitted. Julia nodded, thinking deeply beside him as she looked to Julian’s reaction.

Sahara shrugged.  “Believe what you want.  It is not for me to convince you.  We all want the same thing.  That is enough.”

“And what is it that you want?”  Julian spoke up.  “You seem to know a lot about us and yet we know nothing about you. Except your name.”

Sahara eyed the handsome features, holding his gaze.  “My name is enough to convince Kian.  If your leader trusts me enough to take me here where you are, then do you not trust him?”  She challenged.