Chapter Seven
L itha sat at Feral s bedside, idly designing a suit for her. It would stop her from getting flayed open again. She finished her design and sent it off for fabrication.
Feral looked at her. You don t have to stay with me. They gave me an entertainment tablet.
I don t want to miss it if they try and interrogate you or take you into custody.
I feel better, really better. Kritz told me the nanites are done with me, but they would like to record my shifting ability.
Don t worry. They don t torture for it.
Okay. Good to know. I feel a little silly being in bed with people delivering food to me.
This is what a nice vacation feels like, but then, it would be on a beach, like at your sister s place.
Feral sighed. I knew lurking in the trees was a mistake. I should have been lurking in the ocean.
Funny. Well, your heat is under control. How are you feeling?
Better. That guy hit me like a ton of angry limbs, which he had. I had to claw my way through his chest plate to get him off me.
Who was it?
Yaveneski. He went for hard mutation after the fall. He didn t want anyone knowing that he was involved in the med lab. Feral snorted. He was part turtle and part squid. It was an astonishing combo.
I bet. Where s the body?
Oh, I dragged him to a law enforcement outpost, and then, I sort of made a run for it. I was heading to your house to lay low, but I misjudged my shadow walk and ended up getting arrested.
And here we are.
A soft knock at the door made them look. Arcady opened the door and said, Litha, there is someone who needs to speak to you.
Litha smiled at Feral. I will be right back.
Litha stepped outside, and Arcady gestured for her to follow. When they were a safe distance away, Arcady said, The Erradians are here, and they want to borrow you again.
Oh. So?
For a longer period of time, as an emotional support creature.
Litha was startled into laughing. What?
The amount they are offering is astronomical, but apparently, one of their most venerated heroes was returned to them, and he needs emotional support because of what happened to him at the hands of Uradda.
And I am the first pick? Doubtful. She was glib, but she knew who they were talking about. Arcady walked with her to the lift, and they went up to a boardroom where a serious Zera and the prefect were sitting across from Dmitri and Petrov, as well as some more grizzled representatives. Sergei s aura was in the air, so he must have stepped out for a coffee.
Arcady backed away, and Litha looked at Dmitri. Where is the dumbass?
Dmitri looked shocked and amused at the same time. I beg your pardon?
This is for Sergei, right? Where is the twit?
She smelled soap and Sergei behind her.
He spoke softly. I was using the restroom. How are you, little star?
Confused. Would you like a teddy bear? A dog, maybe? A human is a little much for a comfort object.
Sergei shrugged. It was the government s idea. They wish me calm and not destructive when I wake up fighting for my life, so...here we are.
And you had nothing to do with it.
Petrov raised his hand. I suggested it. He was calm when close to you.
So, Midnight hadn t wanted her. She nodded. Right. Start taking melatonin or something.
He had a strange look in his eyes. You don t want to be with me?
No. I have just figured out what I want to do with my time, and you didn t factor into it. She was defensive and looked at the prefect, who was rubbing her forehead.
Zera s eyes were wide, and she was pale.
Dmitri was grinning in delight, and Petrov looked nauseous.
Sergei touched her cheek and smiled. The only woman on the continent who doesn t want me.
Geez. Is that the problem? Shallow much? Go find one of the bazillion women who is swooning at the thought of you, and get checked frequently for STDs. Litha shook her head.
The prefect sounded strangled. They have offered us rare minerals in exchange for your cooperation until he is recovered from his PTSD.
Oh, so you are trying to sell me, or are you trying to buy me? Either way, I have given enough. I am done trying to people-please and play nice.
Zera said, They will set you up with a lab so you can keep working.
Fine, who will pay me the overtime? If I am watching him all night and then working a full day and probably eating somewhere in there, how long do you think I will last with four hours sleep for an extended period of time? When do I garden, where do I garden, where do I dance, when do I go for walks, when do I have a life?
Zera flinched. Maybe there could be an arrangement where you had somewhere to live while you are there?
The people are very hospitable, but it is nearly planting season at my place, and I would hate to miss it.
Sergei was staring at her, and she felt like he was trying to communicate with her, but she didn t speak that language.
Zera s com sounded an alert. Oh, damn. The ice cream kiosk in the mall just loaded some fresh strawberry.
Litha blinked. No way. Well, I will be back after I snag a care package for Feral. She loves strawberry. Zera, did you want some, too?
Half a litre, please.
Okay. Tootles, folks. Hash this out without me, but I vote there is no reason for me to go there.
Zera paused, and a light came to her eyes. See you when you get back. We will probably be debating when you return.
Litha nodded and wandered out, heading for the most popular ice cream shop in the area.
* * * *
Z era looked at Sergei . What if you moved in with her until you settled?
He blinked. Here? Aksalla would let me reside here for a time?
The prefect perked up. We would as long as you agreed not to use your activation against any member of our citizenry.
He looked around and shrugged. I have no objection. I would like to see what your country has to offer.
She smiled and nodded. In that case, we just have to get Litha to agree to that.
The prefect said, It is far easier to get you here than deal with what has come to light about her.
Zera watched the stunning Sergei settle in his seat. If he weren t marked for Litha, she wouldn t mind taking him for a spin. Sergei looked at her, and there was no intrigue, no attraction in his gaze. He knew she was looking at him as if he was a sweet, but he didn t reciprocate. She rocked back in surprise.
Dmitri chuckled. Every woman he has ever met has flopped over onto their backs when Sergei just asks them for a glass of water.
Sergei shrugged. Except Litha. The drive is there when she is there, and it fades when she s gone. I can t sleep when she s not there.
Zera blinked. What is your activation?
He chuckled. Part of my mind is in the stars, and I can step from place to place or pull the silence of the vacuum out to tear vehicles or buildings apart. My body produces a normally ambient radiation, but I can withhold it from the surrounding area. He smiled. Now, why does Litha resist my efforts to flirt with her?
Zera wrinkled her nose. She doesn t know you are. She wouldn t know a pass if it hit her in the face.
She s an attractive woman. Very attractive. The locals said she was a dancer.
Zera nodded. She was. I have been doing research, and some of the other women who didn t like her position in the company claimed that she was hot or burning when she danced and got some of the males to agree to it. It started the rumour that she was distracted and leaked radiation. That rumour followed her until this week.
So, what of her past lovers.
None. Didn t she say that? She s normally fairly forthright about that sort of thing.
Sergei frowned. You aren t serious. I know she is currently frustrated, but it is a transient state, no?
The prefect shook her head. No. She s forbidden from taking anyone to her bed that hasn t been confirmed radiation-resistant and willing. Everyone knows her reputation for turning opponents to ash, so they are not willing to risk it.
Zera cleared her throat. She is also aware of your, hmm, activities and the draw you have on women, so she is opting out to save herself pain. She s older than the young women who fawn over you and feels it keenly.
How old can she be?
Zera answered, She graduated from university nearly twenty years ago. She was in her twenties.
Sergei grinned. So, closer to my own age than any of the others.
Dmitri muttered, Sergei, you are in your fifties.
I stand by my statement. He looked at the old grizzled man next to him. So, Father, what would you recommend to seduce an angry, deadly virgin?
Zera blinked. That was blunt.
The old general looked around and said, Find another woman.
Zera looked at Sergei, and he looked furious. Dark tendrils started to leak from his eyes. Whoa.
* * * *
L itha had dropped off Feral s ice cream with a spoon first, and then, Feral looked at her. Get upstairs, quickly.
Litha took the hint and went through the locks as fast as she could. She had the ice cream in the melt-proof container that she carried, and when the elevator let her out, she walked to the crowd that was facing the boardroom. Well, it had been the boardroom. Now, it was space.
Get the hell out of here. I will handle this. Check on it again in five minutes or not, but I am powering up.
Everyone scattered. She pulled in the radiation and opened the door. Sergei! I don t care what kind of tantrum you are throwing. Suck it in, or I will drain you so hard you will become a black hole.
The tendrils thinned, and everyone was pale and locked in place at the table.
She walked to Zera. Here s your ice cream. And here s the spoon.
Zera grabbed her arm. Thanks for being quick.
Well, not that quick. Feral got hers first, but she told me to get up here. Sergei had his head in his hands. What the hell happened to you?
The general cleared his throat. I suggested he choose another partner instead of you. He isn t known for his fidelity, and our family has lines of mistresses.
I know. He was very forthcoming about that, but my parents died holding each other with smiles on their faces, and I know that it shaped my ideal of what love and partnership should be.
The general cleared his throat. Didn t you kill your parents?
She smiled and said something that no one had ever listened to. My parents died because they saved me, but they died of radiation exposure in getting me to the cooling tank. It was the plutonium rods that did the damage. Not me. I was the cause but not the effect.
Zera sat back, and the prefect grabbed the ice cream, opening the lid and digging in.
Dmitri said, Thank you, Litha.
It s okay. Sergei, come with me.
He looked at her warily. Why?
Because while I don t normally reward bratty behaviour, you look like you need some ice cream. Come on, or I am going without you.
She turned and walked out, hearing him scrambling behind her.
He touched her back, and she didn t elbow him, so he kept the grip, and she led the way to the elevator.
Litha, I am not good in small spaces yet.
She looked at him. I don t want to do the stairs, so what will it take to get you in there with me?
He paused and said, May I hold you?
Sure.
He brightened up, and when they got into the elevator, she pressed the main floor and then turned and plastered herself against him. Is this distracting enough?
Sergei smiled slowly. Definitely. I apologize for my behaviour.
I am not the one that you were holding hostage. I would have just pulled you in and left you weak in the knees.
He grinned. Tempting. I would like to try that one day.
She frowned. Is this flirting?
Yes. Would you like me to notify you?
I am sure I will get the hang of it eventually.
Your side of the table offered a suggestion.
The floors ticked by. What was the suggestion?
I come here to live with you until I stabilize.
She stared into his starry eyes. Why would you want to do that?
I have a compulsion to be near you. Other women don t register with me, but my urge to remain with you is intense. My activation is calling for yours.
Litha was stunned. The elevator chimed, and they were on their floor. She moved out of his embrace and took his hand, leading him across the lobby and out to the street.
Do you often haul males around?
No. Most folks don t let me touch them. I am taking advantage of being allowed contact.
You are welcome to touch me any time you like or want.
She stopped in her tracks, and he stopped himself with an arm around her waist. Litha looked at him. Really?
Really. I have been informed of your lack of experience, but I don t want to swarm you or overwhelm you, so when you approach me naked and smiling, I will take over. Acceptable?
Um, acceptable. And if you have nightmares or cry out, I will come to you. Acceptable?
He smiled. Thank you. They were unexpected.
I warned you.
And I will not disregard your opinions in the future. Wait, did you have them?
Opinions? Tons. Nightmares? For years.
Will you tell me about them?
Not on the street. She smiled and patted his cheek. Come on, the ice cream sells out fast.
She got them moving, and soon, they were in line. When they got to the case, she took the limit of fresh strawberry and looked at him. Chocolate or butter pecan?
He grinned and took one of each.
They made it to the front of the line, and she set the containers out. The clerk grinned. Back so soon?
The prefect stole Zera s ice cream, so she needed a replacement.
She paid and grabbed a handful of spoons, dumping them into the bags. A gasp sounded from the door to the back, and she looked up. The owner was looking past her and at Sergei. Midnight?
Sergei looked, and his eyes widened. Sestrichka!
The woman with black hair looked around and waved at him. Come to the back, please. Tears were in her eyes.
Litha said, Go ahead. I can wait outside.
You knew?
You have the same features, and she s Erradian. You were bound to be related. Go.
Come with me. He grabbed their bags, and she followed him to the back.
She hung back as the siblings hugged, and they stood in silence as the fifty-ish woman held tight to him. I thought you were dead.
I was imprisoned. This woman freed me, Lidiya.
The woman looked at Litha and blinked. Dr. Litha? You rescued my brother?
I helped him out. She left that alone.
Lidiya ran to her and hugged her as well. You have no idea how much this means to me.
Litha stifled all sarcasm and just hugged the woman, who smelled like sweet cream and delight.
Okay, okay. I just hauled him out here because I thought you were familiar and might be related. Also, he was throwing a tantrum and needed some fresh air.
Lidiya chuckled and leaned back. That doesn t sound like him, but then, if he saw a pretty lady, he might throw what I know out of the window.
Yeah, there are several working at Z-Tech. She paused and said, He is going to be staying at my farm outside of town for a while. If you want to come by and visit, we could have a barbeque, you could bring your kids, and they could run around finding berries in the woods.
My children are adults.
I know, but if people don t pick them, the birds do, and I have way too much bird shit on my deck when the berries are ripe.
Lidiya looked at Sergei. Would you mind? It would be easier than today.
I would not mind, Lidiya. I look forward to it.
Lidiya looked back to Litha. Saturday?
Certainly. I will lay in some supplies, and just let me know how many are coming.
Lidiya grinned. Like a family gathering.
Sergei nodded. Father is in town, as well, but I don t think he will stay here.
Lidiya sighed. Good. I don t like his attitude toward women. He thinks we are all interchangeable.
Litha stifled a worried whine. The ice cream needed to get to safety. Preferably inside her.
Sergei smiled. I want to know all about your last twelve years.
Fine. But I think I know yours are classified.
Hm. Maybe if we are nice, we can get Litha to dance for us. I hear she used to be very good.
Really? Says who?
Madame Dozenko. Sergei grinned.
Then, Litha, we really must persuade you to dance.
Try it after I get my fill of ribs and sausages.
Sergei grinned. Right. We need to get the ice cream to the others. One more hug?
They hugged, and Litha was squeezed again before they slipped out the back door and headed back to the boardroom laden with ice cream.
He said, Thank you.
For what? You are carrying everything.
For recognizing my features in hers.
Well, you are both very pretty. I imagine you hear that a lot.
No, not really. My energy draws in women, and I thought it was just because it was hungry, but now, I know that it was trying to find you.
Litha didn t say anything. She scanned them into the building and to the elevators. When they were inside the elevator, she backed up against him and looked over her shoulder. Is this good?
His eyes glowed as he nodded.
She bent forward to press the button for her floor and heard his soft groan. Her blush was pink in the reflection of the interior walls of the lift. She saw his gaze, and the black of his eyes was sparkling.
A few others rode up with them, and knowing glances were thrown their way.
Litha was stunned as they headed to the conference room. Against all odds, the hulking man behind her was interested, and she had a roomie and a date.