When your sister learned of our decision, she agreed to set us free.
Arrista thought that might be the case. “Does Isolaund know Merella helped you?” Her sister could be in great danger if Isolaund even suspected she was involved in the mass exit.
Of course not, mistress. We were careful not to implicate her in any way.
Arrista nodded, then said, “Welcome to the world above.”
“That was tense,” Sara said as Certice returned her attention to her cubs. “I really freaked out when they first arrived. I thought they were attacking.”
“Karrons don’t attack without provocation,” she reminded the human. “This has been one hells of a day.”
Eddon reluctantly agreed to let her and Sara move the cats to the barracks. The building was nearly complete, but it was not yet in use. “If they track mud all over the place or make any other sort of mess, you two are cleaning it up.”
Arrista smiled. “Understood.” Animals didn’t generally relieve themselves where they slept, and karrons were more intelligent than most. Besides, the enclosure was grassy, and they would have to cross the stream to get to the barracks. They would definitely get the flooring wet, but not muddy. At least, she’d do her best to produce that outcome.
The guards helped Sara and her move the pride to their temporary shelter, then the guards set up a perimeter around the barracks. The karrons should be safe and dry until morning, and they had each other—and their thick hides—to ward off the cold.
“They're fine,” Sara assured her. “You worry about them more than I do, and that’s really not good.”
She managed to produce a weak smile, but her mind was already on the Wheel with her mate. “Torrin’s in main medical.” She quickly explained what Dr. Foran was doing and why.
Sara shook her head, looking shocked and worried. “You poor thing.” She gave Arrista a quick hug. “You must be going crazy. Go check on him. I’m going to hang around for a few to make sure the cats settle down, then I’m heading home too.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Arrista’s anxiety gradually built as she made her way back to the Viper. She could still sense him, so their soul bond was holding. But what about his memory?
Resisting the urge to wallow in self-pity, she tried to think through the issue logically. Worst case scenario, he lost everything. Then there was a small chance he wouldn’t feel the same way about her as he did before. She dismissed that outcome. She’d felt how much he loved her. There was no way they would no longer connect.
Outcome two, he was still attracted to her but couldn’t remember the past two weeks. She still had the memories of everything that happened. She would simply transfer them back to him. Or they could let their relationship start again. It might be fun to see how different it was the second time around.
She’d reached the Wheel lost in thought, then debated where to go. She was supposed to be resting. Obviously, that hadn’t happened, so she could wait for him in their cabin or return to main medical. She opted for the clinic. She’d always found it easier to deal with a situation firsthand than to wonder what was going on.
Dr. Foran spotted her as soon as she entered, one of the benefits of a circular room. He said something to his assistant, then crossed the room so he could speak with Arrista. “You’re a few minutes early. The cycle still has about ten minutes to go. The chairs in the waiting area are relatively comfortable, which is more than I can say for anything I could drag into the regeneration room.”
Deciding not to be a pain, for a change, she nodded and retraced her steps. The waiting area was small, but she was the only one there. As promised, the chairs were reasonably comfortable, but her mind was chugging away like a primitive steam engine. If she sat here stewing, these would be the longest ten minutes of her life. She needed a distraction.
Merella. Arrista had promised Torrin she would contact her sister, and there was no time like the present. She closed her eyes and sent a telepathic pulse into her sister’s mind. Dense shielding prevented them from communicating whenever they wanted, so they’d worked out a system of signals. Merella responded with two pulses, which meant she was making her way beyond the shields.
It took Merella a few minutes to reach her destination, either an older, abandoned part of the underground that was no longer shielded, or somewhere in the world above.
I’m so glad you contacted me. Everything is in an uproar. All the karrons are gone. They just left. Even the cubs. I have never seen Lady Isolaund so angry.
Arrista smiled. I know you helped them escape. Certice told me. Are you sure Isolaund doesn’t know?
Merella laughed. She doesn’t have a clue.
Does Isolaund know where they went? Arrista asked.
She isn’t sure but thinks General Alonov is behind it.
Interesting. The misconception would only last until Isolaund ventured into the world above and saw the enclosure, but anything that created conflict between Isolaund and Alonov worked to their advantage. Not to mention diverting the focus from Merella. Has she replaced me?
She offered the position to me shortly after she realized the battle cats were gone. I thought it wise to accept, as if nothing had happened.
It was wise, but so dangerous. I don’t want you anywhere near that woman.
I know, but staying close could be advantageous.
She sighed, hating to think of Merella in danger. Everyone in the underground was already on edge. Merella would have to be incredibly careful. As if you haven’t done enough already, I need a huge favorite.
Anything. You know that.
We need to speak with one of the young council members. Either Indrex or Ezalondra Alonov would be our preference.
Why? What are you planning?
We’re trying to prevent a war. It’s better if you don’t know the details.
For a long time, Merella said nothing. Arrista was starting to wonder if she’d retreated behind the shields when Merella said, No one gets near Master Indrex. He’s too paranoid. I’ll try to contact Lady Ezalondra. What do you want me to tell her?
Ask her to meet me in the forest by the river entrance at midnight three days from now.
River entrance at midnight three days from now. Got it.
Thank you, sis. This is really important.
If she says no, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, expect her.
With a heavy sigh, Arrista released the connection and slumped back in her chair.
It took close to an hour, not ten minutes, but Torrin finally walked out of main medical unassisted. She gave a happy cry and shot to her feet but stopped before throwing herself into his arms.
Their gazes locked, and a sexy smile slowly rolled across his lips. “Miss me, elf?” She ran to him, and he picked her up, kissing her passionately. “You told me I’d be fine, and I am.”
She smiled broadly. “So glad I was right.” They kissed again, her feet dangling off the floor.
“I’m supposed to take you to bed. Doctor’s orders.” He let her slide down his body, then took her hand.
“I suspect his orders were a bit different. Maybe something along the lines of you staying in bed for a day or two.”
He laughed. “Maybe, but I’m not letting you out of my sight for at least a month.”
“Good. I could use your help with my new pride of battle cats.”
He paused and looked at her. “What are you talking about?”
She told him what had transpired in the enclosure as his eyes grew wider and wider.
“Do I have to call you Mistress Arrista now?” he asked with a smirk.
“Are you a battle cat?”
“Good point.” They continued on toward the elevator as he asked, “Did you contact Merella?”
“I did, and she agreed to contact Ezalondra Alonov. Hopefully, we will have a meeting with her three days, or actually nights, from now.”
“I’ll let Kage know that you made first contact. He’ll wa
nt to be there.” They stepped into the elevator, and he pulled her back into his arms. “Hell of a day, my love.”
“Undeniably. I am ready for a little boredom.”
“I’m ready for many hours of sleep, but when I wake up, I want you naked and ready to be devoured.”
She bit her bottom lip as heat spiraled into her core. “Is that so?”
“It is.”
“Well, you just saved the world. How can I deny you anything?”
“We saved the world, my love. It is, and will always be, we.” He accented the solemn vow with a long, deep kiss.
THE END...FOR NOW
Coming Soon: Book Five
FEATURING TORAK PAYNE and Shivon Roxtin, a human female I’ve mentioned, but have yet to formally introduce. She’s feisty and self-assured, more than ready to give the poor warlord a run for his money. I hope you’ll check it out.
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Assassin Page 18
