CHAPTER SEVEN
“He’s expected to wakeany minute,” Seer said, peering through the glass at Zodak when Vex walked up with Lore.
“How long you’ve been here?” Vex wondered, standing next to him.
“I didn’t feel a need to leave. Just the need to pray.” He looked at them. “Any news from your side of the swamp I want to know about?”
“He’s waking,” Lore said, nodding at the glass.
“Zodak,” Quantum called over the intercom. “You’re waking up in the recovery chamber. Your Creole brothers and Seer are here with you. You were transported to our facility for a special procedure that will enable you to control all dark energy that you siphon. We have you restrained for your safety and will be released as soon as we establish full stabilization. I have you hooked up to the neuro-interface for ease of communication. Have you understood everything I’ve said so far?”
Zodak’s clear eyes stared at the ceiling, his huge body covered by three titanium bars. “I understand,” he said, his voice a rasp.
“You don’t need to speak,” Quantum said. “You can simply think your answers and conserve energy.” Quantum paused. “Yes. Your brothers are here now. Say hello gentlemen.”
They all greeted him, and he slowly turned his head, his eyes landing right on Seer before moving over his other brothers.
Quantum let out a laugh. “He says you all look like shit.”
Everything loosened inside of Seer as he chuckled with the rest of them.
“Once we establish full stabilization, we’ll get your physical strength restored and begin rehabilitation and weapons training.” He paused. “Yes, your hand is now a weapon.”
Seer grinned at seeing his thumb slowly go up at his side. “Hell yeah,” he muttered.
“Can’t wait to see what the hell they built,” Vex said.
“Amen and amen,” Seer agreed.
“Yes,” Quantum answered to whatever Zodak asked. “Zeen’s physiological and neural functions were successfully restored as of yesterday. We managed to safely extract her vital bioenergy from the mix of dark energy stored in your hand then reintroduced it back into her system using advanced bio-regenerative techniques. She’s now in recovery, and her strength is improving steadily by the hour.”
Heat gathered in Seer’s chest as a tear rolled down the side of Zodak’s face. “When can I see her?” he croaked, his breaths thick.
“As soon as we restore your physical strength you can. After that, we begin training.”
“Thank you,” he whispered.
****
ZODAK SLOWLY MADE HISway down the hall to Zeen’s room. He paused after ten steps, catching his breath.
“You need to stop?” Seer asked.
“No,” he said, barely shaking his head and bringing on a sickening pounding. “I have to see her.”
“Hold my arm,” he ordered.
Zodak reached and latched on, eyeing the ten steps left.
Two feet from the door, he paused again, winded with more than just fatigue. “Seer,” he whispered, eyeing him as the vile words burned in his soul.
He hurried and lifted Zodak’s arm, placing it around his shoulders. “What’s wrong, brother?”
His breaths came quicker as his muscles shook with the coming devastation. “I can’t... be with her anymore.” He fought to breathe around the agony of those words. “I can”t risk her life. Ever again.”
“Son,” Seer said quietly. “I hate to break it to you but...you’re meant to be with her. I don’t know how that’s supposed to work but God will help you figure it out.”
Hearing those words took all his strength and he clung to his brother. “Did...your God say this?” he asked around gasps.
“He showed me, yes.”
Zodak raised his gaze, locking it to his. “Will he help me, Brother?”
He nodded, his blue eyes glowing with tears. “He surely will.”
Zodak’s breath burst from his burning lungs one after another as Seer consoled him. “She owns... every beat of my heart,” he swore, absorbing the impossible hope in his lungs.
“Damn that’s fucking romantic.”
A laugh gushed from Zodak’s lungs till they were both clinging to each other in hysterics.
“Who’s there?”
Zodak froze at hearing Zeen’s voice, pushing through Seer’s hold to get to the door. He paused briefly and pulled it open.
****
ZEEN’S HEART NEARLYburst when Zodak appeared in the doorway. She blinked around her tears and scooted to the edge of the bed, reaching for him with a sob as he limped over and collapsed next to her on the bed. She caught him in her arms and held his head to her chest, both of them weeping in joy and relief, fighting to hold each other as tight as possible.
“My Zeen,” he wept.
She pulled his head up and kissed him around her sobs, her lips only leaving his to taste the rest of him.
“My Zeen,” he swore hotly.
She gasped at seeing his bandaged hand. “What happened to you?”
Her heart broke as he looked away from her, telling her how he’d hurt her, took too much and nearly killed her. She pulled his face back to her and kissed his lips. “My savior, you did it,” she said, nodding. “You took all the darkness from me. Why are you crying?”
“I almost killed you,” he said hoarsely.
“But you didn’t!” She held his face. “You didn’t kill me, you saved me.”
“I’m scared, Zeen,” he whispered, staring into her eyes. “I can’t ever hurt you again.”
“You won’t,” she said with all her heart. “The Kings here are making it so you can protect me.” She placed countless kisses all over his face as he sat there, breaths shuddering with his eyes closed. “You will never leave me, and I will never leave you. Ever.”
“I love you, Zeen,” he whispered, holding her face and kissing her back gently. With every breath, his kiss grew hungrier. “I love you.”
****
ZODAK SAT ON THE MEDICALbed, the sterile scent of the lab burning his raw senses as Quantum stood at his side, unwrapping the new hand. His pulse raced as he stared at the final layers being removed.
He released his breath, confused.
“You didn’t think I was going to give you a clunky piece of metal, did you?” Quantum asked, humor in his voice. “We used your original hand as a prototype.”
Zodak flexed his fingers, marveling at how seamlessly the hand moved. “Feels like...”
“Your hand?”
“Yes,” he said, amazed.
“So, beginning with the neural interface,” Quantum began. “It establishes a direct connection between your hand and nervous system. That allows you to control it through mental commands and biofeedback.”
Zodak stared at it, shocked at the sudden tingle in it.
“When you formulate a specific command, the neural interface captures those thoughts and converts them into actionable signals for the hand.” Quantum pointed to a holographic display that materialized beside the bed, showing the internal components of the new appendage. “You see these? Those are the power modulators. They regulate the flow of energy, adjusting the intensity and amount being released based on your commands.
“Also, it’s equipped with a haptic feedback system,” he went on. “That system provides tactile sensations, such as vibrations or pressure, to inform you of the current energy levels and adjustments. This allows you to feel the changes and make precise modifications.”
Zodak flexed his new fingers again, feeling a faint vibration. “How does it all work together?”
Quantum’s golden gaze met Zodak’s. “When you wish to adjust the energy level, you mentally focus on the desired change. For power increase, you think ‘increase power.’ The neural interface captures this command and transmits signals to the hand’s onboard computer. The control software processes these signals and determines the precise amount of energy to release. The power modulators then adjust the energy output accordingly.”
Zodak nodded, his amazement growing.
“Ready to test it?”
“Yes.”
Quantum led him to another area of the large room. “First, your hand is capable of three functions, all performed by neural commands. One is converting the dark energy you siphon into usable physical power that can be discharged from the hand. The second is safely storing the dark energy for later use when you may need it. And the third is neutralizing and expelling. All of these functions have limitations that are calculated by your health status at the time the energy is siphoned. These measures will fluctuate based on that.”
He stood on his right now. “I’ve modified basic energy to mimic the dark energy you siphon and placed it in the hand for testing. We’ll begin with a high-intensity energy blast. The energy exits the fingertips, so...brace your stance, aim them at the target and think ‘maximum power.’”
Zodak did as instructed, and a surge of vibrating heat moved through his bones, blood and skin then shot from his fingertips and obliterated the target.
His brother’s loud cheers erupted from the adjoining room as Zodak’s breaths of astonishment flowed from him. “There’s a strong vibration but it’s fading.”
“That’s the haptic feedback system telling you what maximum output feels like. Let’s try a low-intensity blast. Aim at the next target and think ‘low intensity.’”
Zodak aimed and thought, low intensity. The hand emitted a controlled, low-energy blast that only knocked the target over followed by a gentle vibration this time.
“Perfect,” Quantum said. “Now, let’s test the conversion of dark energy into physical strength.” He directed him to the gravity weights next to the targets he’d destroyed. “As you approach the weight, think ‘increase strength gradually.’”
Zodak approached the large gravity weight and did as told, feeling strength build throughout his entire body as he lifted the weight with ease. The haptic feedback provided continuous sensations as he then set them down with the same control, grinning in awe.
“Yes?” Quantum asked, grinning back at him.
“A thousand yeses,” he said in awe.
“Also, your hand includes several safety features,” Quantum said. “Should the system detect potential overload or harmful energy levels, it will automatically shut down or reduce power. But, you also have the option to manually override the system with specific neural commands or physical controls on the hand. Regular recalibration ensures the neural interface and power modulators remain accurate and responsive.”
Zodak flexed his hand one last time, feeling more in tune with the advanced technology. “This is remarkable.”
“I’m afraid it’s your gift that is remarkable,” Quantum assured. “With this hand, you can now adapt to all situations. And you no longer need to fear being controlled by any darkness you siphon. You are the complete master of it now.”
Zodak’s joy and relief washed through him at having his greatest fears absolved. “How can I repay you?” he wondered, sure he must.
“I’d like permission to use the neural siphoning template I obtained from your cerebral cortex to incorporate into my soldiers.”
He’d been updated on all things Quantum King related by Seer and happily agreed. “You have my permission.”
“I know you want to see Zeen again, so we’ll take a break. Meet me back here in three hours and we’ll finish going over all the bells and whistles. Your and Zeen’s room has been prepared and my lovely wife has planned a celebratory party of sorts this evening for our esteemed guests. We hope you both join us. My staff has provided all formal attire to your wardrobes should you and Zeen decide to attend.”
“It would be our honor,” Zodak assured with a nod.
Quantum nodded back. “Until then, Brother.”
****
ZODAK PAUSED AT THEdoor to their new private suite, gathering his courage and catching hold of his fears. They’d returned again from the abyss of no-more where he’d thrown them. They were like a boomerang plague, destined to devour him. For her sake, he couldn’t let it. Or his. He needed her as much as she needed him. But it was seeing her need that gave him all the fight required to find a way.
He raised his robotic hand a little and gazed down at it. It was the weapon he’d needed all along. Now he had it. And all the unknowns with Zeen were now known thanks to the Quantum King. He had nothing to fear. He decided to knock and delivered three with his knuckles on the thick wooden door.
Laughter drew his gaze down the hall where three of the nuns raced toward a room. “Who is it?” Zeen called.
“Zodak,” he said, his hungers ramping up too quickly.
The door opened to his smiling angel. She grabbed his arm and pulled him in. He looked around at the suite, impressed with the immaculate décor. They spared zero expenses. He turned and froze at finding his angel naked. “Zeen,” he gushed as every kind of chemical and need flooded him.
She came before him and he stared down into her upturned smiling face, his muscles hard as stone. She reached up, her little hands barely reaching his neck. “Hold me,” she whispered, bouncing on her feet, excitement in her blue eyes.
His body didn’t need a brain to obey what it craved, closing his hands around her waist and lifting her onto him.
She laughed as she wrapped her legs around him, hands tightly around his neck now. “It’s like I’m riding you.” Her face suddenly sobered as she stared at him. His fears surged when she grabbed his face and pulled his mouth to hers, bravely kissing him, her passion sending him in search of the bed. He’d had a million fantasies of making love to her slowly. Carefully. But the second he sat on the bed with her she pushed him back and fought to remove his clothes, her whimpers of need burning up all caution.
“I need you,” she begged, pushing him back down when he was naked and rubbing her body hungrily against his. “Please,” she begged, moving her pussy on his shaft between them till he was at the edge of reason, his hands on her ass, grinding her against his cock.
“Zeen,” he gasped as the heat sparked through him, filling his balls and mind. He leaned up and kissed her, his hunger overtaking his fears.
He put her beneath him, grunting when she captured his cock and moved it along her boiling slit. “Oh yes,” she pled, arching her back, pushing her tight tits against him. He palmed the bed next to her head and lifted enough to see her. His eyes shot between them where she held his cock and moved the head on her pussy, flicking her hips.
“Fuck, Zeen, yes.”
“I need you to fuck me,” she begged, placing him at the entrance of her tight heat then raising her arms above her head. “Fuck me so good, Zo.”
He claimed her wrists and kissed her as he shoved inside her, growling at the scream she gave in his mouth. The back of his mind blared with warnings as he watched his cock move in and out of her body, slowly then quickly, pounding without mercy then slowly again, then more hammering till her perfect tits jerked to his furious passion.
His climax bit deep into his muscles and mind like a blackhole of ecstasy sucking him under. He held on to the feel of her body and the sound of her voice in his ear as he spun in the aftermath, his new hand humming and...
Zodak flew off the bed staring at it at, winded as the feeling slowly faded. Zeen. Terror shot his gaze to the bed where she watched him, her beautiful face pinched in worry.
“Zo?” she whispered.
He hurried to her and wrapped his arms around her, his breaths coming in bursts. “You’re okay,” he gushed, his muscles trembling from the panic of accidentally killing her again.
“I’m so perfect,” she said, her arms wrapped around his neck tightly as she pressed her herself into his chest. “It was so good Zo,” she said in his ear. “I’ve never felt anything more amazing. I hope...it’s okay if we do it again?”
He pulled back, holding her face and kissing her. Softly. Slowly, his joy surging through his veins and turning his breaths thick with every emotion he’d never allowed himself to feel. “I need to go slowly with you Zeen. Help me,” he whispered.
“I’m not breakable,” she promised. “I like it when you...take me so hard like that.”
His blood thickened in his cock. “Maybe I’m the breakable one,” he whispered on shaky breaths, petting her head and body softly. “I want... to explore every inch of my angel with a perfect precision. To slowly taste what I have craved so very long.” He took her face in his hands and stared deep into her eyes. “I want to see you, Zeen. I want to see every bit of you when I have what I never dreamed I ever would.”
She lay on the bed and held her arms out to him. “Come, my King. Do everything you never dreamed of doing. Do it slowly and perfectly. And I will try not to die from it.” Her eyes got wide. “That was a joke,” she whispered.
He crawled over her and lowered to her mouth, kissing her. “A very bad joke.”
She gave a small giggle. “You know what I think you need? More than pleasuring my beautiful body with your beautiful body?”
“What is it, my hah-beeb?”
“I think you need...to laugh!” She dug her fingers into his ribs and he raised his brows at her.
“I’m not ticklish, Zeen,” he informed, raising up and eyeing her ribs now.
She pressed both hands on his chest with wide, sparkling eyes. “Don’t!” she warned in a squeal.
He moved his hands slowly over her body. “Don’t?”
“Zo, do not!” she warned.
He straddled her body with his legs when she attempted to escape then held her down with his hands, fingers at her sides. She kicked and screamed, bringing his laugh.
“I haven’t even tickled yet.” But now he did and her screaming, thrashing laughter brought his. “Seems my laughter comes when I tickle you, Zeen.”
She managed to turn and the vision of her backside brought his other hungers to over take his laughter. He slid his hands over her tiny back, marveling at the size of his hands on her. “My beautiful hah-beeb,” he whispered, slowly feeling every inch of her. He dragged a finger along her spine, counting the little vertebra that held so much strength and courage as she gave contented moans.
“Do you like me, Zo?” she murmured into the bed.
“I do not, Zeen. I love you. More than my very own life.” He traced the shape of her hips, watching her lift them, his mind, heart, and cock marking every facet of her arousal. His hands covered her ass, feeling and gently squeezing the firm flesh, his head angling to allow his eager gaze to peer at her most intimate secrets.
He parted her cheeks for closer exploration, placing his pointer finger in the valley of her firm flesh and began from the very top, moving slowly down. He paused with a smile at how tightly she clenched her cheeks, her moans straining. “Zeen,” he murmured, pushing his way through her resistance till he found the tight spot of interest. His smile slowly faded as he worked it with a gentle stroking and her cheeks gradually softened along with her moans. “You feel good here, Zeen,” he whispered, moving over it with slow circles. “Open your legs for your King,” he said, ready to take them both into the next realm.
She opened wide, lifting her ass and putting her arms above her head, gripping the edge of the mattress. Zodak climbed between her legs, his hands moving over her perfect ass. “I’m going to fuck you like this, Zeen,” he said, reaching under her open thighs and lifting her hips. “Hold yourself like this for me,” he showed her, holding his cock and sliding it along her open folds.
“Zo!” she croaked, her ass moving in slow flicks. “Oh yes. Touch it again.”
He pushed the head of his cock in her pussy, his gaze staring at that tight button between her cheeks. He used his thumb, pressing slow circles on it, her shocked cry making his cock jerk. “You like it here, Zeen?”
“Yes,” she confessed with shocked breaths. “Can I touch myself, Zo?”
“Mmmm, fuck, baby,” he shuddered, pushing his cock slowly deeper as he pet that little opening with a growing hunger. “Not yet, my hah-beeb. I need to teach you how to burn slowly.”
She answered with tormented moans, squirming as he pulled his cock out enough to wet his thumb on her essence before returning it to her ass.
“Oh please, Zo,” she breathed around the building lust. “Fuck me right there.”
He rocked his hips, creating a consistent pump as he massaged her tight rectum, his breaths roughened by hunger. “Here baby?” He pressed his thumb into the opening, the bite of her pussy and cry bringing a burn in his balls.
She shoved back onto his cock, burying him in her tight heat with a triumphant gasp. “Zo, don’t stop! I’m begging.”
He gripped her ass cheek in one hand, pulling and pushing her along his cock, watching his thumb sink deeper into her tight ass.
“Please let me touch my clit!”
“Let me fuck you, Zeen. Long, slow, and hard.” He controlled his strokes, the sight of her essence glistening on his dick as he pulled out then sank back in, making him drunk. He pushed his thumb deeper as she moved her pussy faster on him, forcing her ass against him.
“Zo, I’m begging,” she mewled. “I need to come while you fuck me.”
“Do it Zeen,” he whispered, holding her waist and moving her faster and harder. Her arm moved under her body and soon her ecstasy peaked. He reached for her shoulder, burying his thumb all the way in her ass and yanked her toward him, meeting her body with a buck of his hips, forcing her to take the blow of his thrusts.
When she orgasmed, he grabbed both her shoulders and opened his knees wide, jerking her on to his rabid thrusts, her screams bringing him over the fucking edge of the universe.
When he came to his senses a surge of panic hit again, sending him on a search for signs of life. Finding her alive, he collapsed onto the bed and pulled her into his arms, tucking her tiny body into his. “My Zeen,” he murmured, his breaths ragged. “My beautiful heaven.”
She answered with delicate, contended moans, snuggling her backside into his body.