by Viola Grace
Chapter Four
As they left the city, they picked up speed in a dome-covered the vehicle. It was too bad; she missed the new scents carried in on the wind.
“Why aren’t we staying in the city?”
“Do you want the polite answer or the truth?”
“Truth, please.”
He shrugged. “Stranglers are dangerous. If your ability just surfaced, you will grow exponentially stronger with every emotional outburst. When you peak, you will be able to crush rocks with your hands. It isn’t something that is easy to handle in a facility with delicate plumbing and walls that can shatter.”
Mila looked at her hands. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. I have a secure compound that is only accessible via air and walls of rock on all sides. You will have plenty of material to experiment with, and it will give me time to sort out your meal situation.”
She chuckled. “That would be nice. I have been eating the same three items for the last two weeks. I can keep them down, even if I am not a fan of the flavour.”
“I can do better. I had a food delivery sent to my compound the moment that Lynni pulled up the genetic match.”
“Why are you guys so eager to grab one of the Brides?”
He set the coordinates into the vehicle and turned to her. “Who would not want the chance to be with a female of their own kind and see their own genes added to the next generation without tampering?”
She twisted her lips. “I never gave the next generation much thought. I always thought I would know when I met a guy that I could even consider having a child with. I had seen love and loss and knew what it would take to make me risk either.”
“And you never found someone.”
“No. When the recruiter basically told me that if I didn’t go voluntarily, someone would come and get me, I thought he was exaggerating. I could not imagine that anyone would need me. Damaged and closed-off me.”
“And when you got into the files, you learned that we had a plan in place to come and remove those carrying the Lrrko genes.”
“Yes.”
“What did you think about it?”
“I didn’t really understand until I learned about your history and how all current generations have been grown in the same building we just left.”
“So, you knew all that and still took on a Familiar without hesitation.”
“Yes. I just don’t know why I would be in danger.”
He sighed and took her right hand in his own. “Not only will you need to adjust to the changes made to your physiology, but you are a highly desirable source of new genetic material. On the open market, you would be worth millions if not more.”
She blinked. “So, that is what the Familiars are for.”
“Partially. They are mostly for keeping the Brides healthy and fit by whatever means.”
Mila watched the world skim by under them in a blinding blur. “As long as you get me up to the peak of my physical capability, I can take care of myself.”
Hrakin lifted her hand to his lips. “I am afraid that that is not an option.”
The vehicle slowed, and they wove their way through a series of low, rocky hills that led into the beginning of a mountain range. The house inside the rocky shield was not the creepy cabin that part of her mind had been dreading.
There was a small, neat farm attached to a large, sprawling ranch house. The entire space was immaculate and obviously well tended.
“Who takes care of this place when you are not here?”
He chuckled and took over the controls. “There are automated systems and bots that keep up with the domestic issues.”
“So, they did the shopping?”
“No, there was a drop delivery for the food required. Most of my food is on site. I have frozen meat stores, as well as eggs and any cooking fats.”
“You sound like someone who likes to plan ahead.”
“When you live away from the city and enjoy not seeing people for months on end, it is prudent to plan ahead.”
“How does that work out with your position as an Elder?”
He grimaced. “It has grown taxing.”
She watched the ground as the landing pad loomed. “I can only imagine.”
Her room was a bit of a surprise. Instead of an oasis of privacy, she had a large man in it.
“Don’t I ever get any time alone?” She frowned at him.
“You get half an hour in the lav. The rest of the time you are either next to me or learning from me.”
She blinked. “I didn’t agree to that.”
“Actually, you did. I am your Familiar. There is much that the title entails. For now, we will share a bed, meals and your training time. The only privacy you will have is when I am called on for council duties.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I am thinking that if I ever get back to Terra, I am going to kick that Ontex’s butt.”
He raised his brows. “The recruiter?”
“Yeah. He and I made a pact, but I forgot to include any personal-space requirements. It was an oversight on my part.” She rubbed her face and yawned.
He looked her over. “When did you last sleep?”
“My estimate is thirty-two hours ago. With the bot features staring at me when I slept, I slept as infrequently as possible.”
He growled. “Get into bed. I will prepare a meal for you when you wake.”
“Are you going to join me?”
“No, I am old enough to not require naps, but I will remain nearby if you need me. Would you like me to put on my bot?”
She shuddered. “No. I have had enough of those cameras staring at me.”
“Fair enough, but if I had been in the shuttle with you, you would have been used to me by now. That was the intent on having you picked up by your Familiar.”
Mila chuckled and headed for the bed, unsealing her top before pulling it free of her. “That makes sense.”
She removed the fitted trousers with a little more difficulty and pried the covers off the bed, crawling under the sheet.
Hrakin was staring at her.
She snorted. “If you want to look, just say so. I am so used to the litany of medical procedures that my body doesn’t hold any mystery for me anymore. It is what it is.”
“I was startled by your sudden nudity. You were more circumspect at the medical building.”
“I was in a room with four other people. It tends to make me a little more socially aware.” She yawned and nestled herself into the bedding. The scent was unfamiliar, but it was comforting. A few deep breaths and she sailed away on a cushion of relaxation and safety.
* * * *
Hrakin watched her even breathing before heading into the kitchen. If he had D’sekin in front of him, he would beat him until he was a crushed pile of bone and tissue.
It was fine that he had different inclinations, but to ignore the duty that he had sworn to engage in left Mila in a static position with her body slowly degrading.
If Mila’s personal instincts had not driven her to seek and find her own compatible meals, she would have been dead before she arrived on Lrrko, or her body could have shut down production of the cells they so desperately needed.
He had defied the very reason that he had agreed to leave Lrrko, and it was for breaking his oath and ignoring his duty to keep his charge comfortable that would end his life.
Hrakin went to the com and checked in. Since he had a Bride away from the city, he had to maintain daily contacts and updates.
Mila would sleep for a few hours, and he could order the supplies he needed for her in the meantime.
When she woke, he would make sure she ate, and then, they would go for a walk. He had to get her to control the strength she could access to keep her safe as well as those around her. Since he was the only one near her currently, it was in his best interest to make sure she kept herself under control.
* * * *
The light was different when she woke up, and Mila assessed
the room before she got up. The pillow on the other side of the bed was dented.
“Okay. That is different.” She got up and looked around the room until she found the sliding panel that opened to the lav. A quick use of the facilities, a light solar shower and dragging a brush through her hair and she was ready to go in search of food.
When she came out of the lav, a bot was straightening the bed and another chirped and whirled over to present her with her clothing.
A few moments later, she was dressed and could smell food. She went in search of the origin of the scent of a meal.
It had to be a kitchen, because it was full of counters, pots and pans, and a series of covered plates.
Hrakin smiled as she came in. “Good. I was going to give you one more hour and then come looking for you.”
He stirred the pan he was working on, and then, he wandered over to her, pressing a kiss to her cheek before leading her to a tall chair set against the counter. The plates were in front of her, each covered and radiating with heat.
She took the eating prong that he passed her and gave him a quizzical look. “What now?”
“Try everything. Drink water in between each taste and let me know which you consider palatable. I haven’t bothered cooking for some time, so I am not confident in the end result.”
He got a pitcher of water and a glass for her, filling it and then returning to his work at the stove.
She lifted the lid off the first selection and set the lid aside. The kaleidoscope of vegetables and small slivers of meat looked like one of the better stir-fries she had ever seen. She took a forkful and brought it to her mouth. The strange aromas of the vegetables struck her nose, but her mouth watered.
The first bite was heaven, but she followed directions, covered it and moved on to the next. The second food had the eggplant texture that she tended to throw up. She capped it quickly and moved on to the next.
The third plate was mostly meat and a light sauce. It was perfectly lovely, and she reluctantly went on to the fourth. Another dud.
She glanced over at where he was sliding another selection onto a fifth plate. He brought it over and smiled. “Be careful, it is hot.”
She forked up some of the weird, puffy noodles with vegetables slivered into them and raised her eyebrows. It tasted like popcorn.
She sat and drank the water. “Okay. I have picked my favourites. What next?”
“Eat what you can of them. I ate before I started cooking. It seemed safer.” He didn’t hover. He went back into the kitchen and put away the unused food as well as the dishes.
She picked out the plates of one, three and five and left the other two covered. She ate, drank water and made it three-quarters of the way through all three plates before she felt full.
“Sorry. I wish I could eat more.”
“You have eaten plenty. Enough to compensate for the day that you slept through.” He came over and took the uneaten plates away before he returned.
“I slept an entire day?” Mila was shocked. “Really?”
“Really. I had to call Alveck when you passed the thirteen-hour mark. He checked your scans again, and you definitely had a buildup of chemicals in your bloodstream that could indicate extreme fatigue. For the next two days, you are to eat, rest and explore the immediate area.”
She smiled slowly at him. “I think I can manage that.”
“Good. Your new clothing is on the way. There are a few items that you will need for this environment that are not included in your current clothing selection.”
“Right. Makes sense. Now, what are we going to do?”
“Leave the dishes to the bots and step outside. There is a whole new environment out there, and you need to get accustomed to it.” He held out his hand. “Shall we?”
For her answer, Mila slid her skin along his in a slow movement before gripping his hand. “Let’s get started.”
Chapter Five
The gardens were huge and full of vegetables.
“What do you do with the surplus when you aren’t home?”
“I have the bots load it into a container, and they ship it to the market in the city. Nothing is wasted. The stalks and leaves are mulched and recycled as compost.”
Mila looked around at the walls of stone that surrounded them. “How did you pick this place?”
“The spot called to me. The minerals in the stone allow me to create an electromagnetic charge that can knock vehicles out of the sky and stun intruders. It is a nicely defensible position.”
Mila looked at the thin crystalline veins running up the stone walls. “Right. Of course that is what you would look for in a home.”
“I wasn’t looking for a home. I was looking for a refuge. The few Lrrko that survive to be my age are a little tired of the bustle of the cities.”
“How old are you?” She cocked her head. It hadn’t occurred to her that the Elders were actually old. They didn’t look old.
“I have entered my second century. My genetic profile indicates that I have at least another century to go. My line is long lived.”
She nodded as if she knew what that meant. “So, the Lrrko reproduce exclusively by cloning?”
“Yes, we are an awkward fit for most species on the genetic level. We can mate with other species, but there are few that will produce a Lrrko.”
“So, the mating in those cases is for companionship purposes. That makes a certain sense.”
“We are still males in search of females, for the most part.” He squeezed her hand.
She squeezed back. “Now that I have been dropped in your lap, whatever will you do with me?”
“If you had been dropped in my lap, I would know exactly what to do with you.” He pulled her against him and kissed her.
The surprise she felt quickly gave way to fascination at the care that he was taking with her. He gently held her head as his lips stroked hers.
She appreciated the size of his hands as they nearly covered her skull, and the kiss was designed to arouse her, not seduce her. Mila catalogued every sensation, including her hands pressing against his chest and slowly moving over the tight material that covered him.
The fabric that their clothing was made of had a thick feel, and she suspected that it was some kind of body armour. The seals had magnetic elements that held them tight to the body and reinforced the smooth line of the garment. The fabric itself was so faithful to the skin that it was almost like touching naked flesh.
He raised his head and smiled. “Now for the tour.”
She blinked as her world righted itself. “Um. What was the kiss for?”
“Well, your normal Familiar would have had a few weeks to get you accustomed to his touch. I am starting late and, therefore, must make up for the lost time.”
“What is the obsession with a sexual relationship?” She bit her lip and tasted him. Blushing at the heat that the small sample sent through her, she kept her face turned away from him.
“The purpose of a Familiar is to keep you content. Sex is part of that. Also, if you feel affection toward me, you will select me to be the genetic donor for your heir. It is an archaic method for an attachment, but I have been assured by Lynni that it works.”
She glanced at him, and the clear-cut line of his lips was curled in amusement.
She exhaled heavily. “It does work, but it is still sneaky. I was told what would be expected of me, but somehow, I never thought that sex would actually happen.”
He snorted and led her through the gardens to a narrow track that had been created along the periphery of the property.
“Didn’t you engage in recreational sex where you were?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Not as often as it was offered. The feeling of connection wasn’t there, so there wasn’t any point of seeking out someone for an orgasm that I could manage on my own.”
He nodded. “It makes a certain sense. The effort of connection sometimes dulls the experience.”
“Exactly.” She smi
led.
“So, if you had time to get used to someone, the effort would have been accomplished and you would be able to relax with your partner.”
Blinking, she considered that. “Right.”
“So, all the small gestures that I make, the touches, the kisses. They are all to assure you that I am not going anywhere and that I will be here when you want me.”
“Once I am assured, what will the kisses be for?”
He winked at her. “To make sure that you want me.”
She laughed. “And so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
“Or circular logic.”
“Lovely.” She shook her head. “What is this?”
“It is a running track. Alveck said your cardio needs work.”
“I am glad he was so thorough. Why didn’t he tell me?”
“Medical reports go to the Familiar so we can act on them. Since you just cycled, you have a few weeks to work on increasing your fitness.”
“Can I start now?”
“Certainly.”
Mila stepped away from him and looked at the track. She may as well start with a light jog and see if she could keep her meal down. She felt good, but it was up to a bit of jostling to determine if that was the case.
She started at an easy jog, increasing her speed until she was comfortable with the pace. The pace that she was moving at was impressive by her standards, but her standards were not that high.
The shoes that were built into her leggings did a pretty good job of cushioning her feet.
As she ran, her hands tingled, and she had the urge to try and climb the slick wall. She balled her hands into fists, but the urge to climb was still there. She watched the wall for any signs of handholds, but there wasn’t anything.
After an hour or so of running around the compound, she slowed and headed for the house. On the wide stone patio, Hrakin was standing near a number of rocks in a knee-high pile.
“What are those for?”
He held out wide strips of fabric. “Hold out your hands.”
She extended her left hand, and he wrapped it carefully, allowing her fingers free movement. He took the other strip and wrapped it around her right hand.
