Always Watching (The Carlson Girls Book 2)

Chaos Rises as the Equal Rights Movement Gains Ground

Melissa, Claire, and Kisa Velnos have struck the first blow for change—unleashing a wave of resistance that’s reverberating through Antauran society. But change rarely comes without consequence. Now, Claire’s growing power has drawn the attention of the Truth Seers, who will stop at nothing to control her. And something far more ancient—and far more dangerous—has emerged from the shadows of the galaxy, seeking to silence the Field Binders once and for all.

As Melissa investigates a string of brutal murders, she uncovers the terrifying presence of the Administrators—enigmatic beings whispered about in urban legends and feared across star systems. Their message is clear: Melissa must die.

With the movement gaining traction and the stakes rising, Kisa refuses to compromise. Melissa must make an impossible choice between her future and her ideals—and the wrong decision could cost her everything.

Start reading now and step into the next chapter of the Field Binders saga.

Excerpt from the book

“No more hurt! No more lies! The Ones can’t live without the Fives!” That steady chant came from a group of people in light jackets who carried colourful signs as they marched across a strip of pavement. They had formed a wall of bodies between the road and a large hole in the ground that would one day become a new academy for telepaths. At least, it would if the city council had its way. Which was starting to look more and more likely.

The protest had started off strong; those bright green construction vehicles on either side of the street were unable to reach their destination. After four days, the workers had stopped showing up for their shifts. What would be the point? All they could do was stand there and watch as hundreds of angry people shouted slogans at them. But the tide was slowly turning.

Today, it was hundreds; not so long ago, it had been thousands, but protest movements were hard to sustain for any length of time. People went home when they ran out of food and water. Or when they grew tired of sleeping in tents. Many had other commitments like school, work or family obligations. Who could blame them? Putting your life on hold was a pretty big ask. No one could do it indefinitely.

Sitting on the edge of a gray plastic table, Melissa Carlson wore blue jeans and a brown jacket. Her long black hair was tied up in a ponytail, pulled back from a mocha-skinned face with high cheekbones and deep brown eyes. “You know, you really have to admire their energy.”

She didn’t think she could chant like that for hours on end.

Her new friend sat beside her in a motorized wheelchair that looked like it had seen better days. Kisa Kareen Velnos was, in a word, gorgeous: full-figured with dark brown skin and black hair that fell almost to her shoulders. It was her nose that Melissa liked best. Very cute. Add that to an adorably round face with a slightly pointed chin, and it was hard not to think about kissing her.

Which put a blush in Melissa’s cheeks.

Before Kisa came along, she had never had such thoughts about another woman. But then why not? The remnants of her Catholic faith were drifting away like sand in a windstorm. It was hard to cling to dogma when you learned the deeper truths about how the universe worked.

“They’re dedicated,” Kisa agreed, though Melissa could hear the sombre tone in her voice. She was probably having the same thoughts that had been plaguing Melissa ever since she arrived that morning. Day by day, their numbers dwindled. If things kept going this way, they wouldn’t be able to maintain their momentum for very much longer.