"I'm sure he'd have everyone think so." She patted Six's hand. "Are you married?"
The fleeting look of panic in her son's eyes made her smile. He didn't trust her one bit.
"No, ma'am. Single," Six admitted. "I've been a soldier most of my life. Never had time to settle down."
"That's what Pietas always says. He's too busy."
Mouthing the word mother, her stubborn son shook his head.
"Six, family is vital. Do you agree?"
Dessy, who sat mending a uniform, looked around at everyone in the cave. She set down her work and paid more attention.
"Uh... I guess so, ma'am."
"Well, either you do or you don't." Helia stroked Six's hand. "How can you guess about something as important as family?"
"Yes. Family is everything. Do you mind me asking a question?"
"Go ahead."
"He says you're his mother." Six motioned over his shoulder toward Pietas. "You look more like a sister. To be honest, you both look like teenagers. I don't mean that as flattery. I'm being sincere."
"Thank you, Six. If my son would take better care of himself, he'd look even younger. He refuses to listen to his mother about caring for his skin or cutting his hair properly. 'I'm a soldier,' he says, as if that makes up for neglecting himself."
Her son sent a glance heavenward.
Helia patted Six's hand. "Our apparent youth is due to metabolism. When Ultras die, or come close to dying, we're reborn. We come back younger, stronger. It's one reason we're unbeatable in battle. We can be scary."
"I'll say. Pi bragged about how beautiful you are. That was the honest truth."
"Aren't you sweet?" She squeezed his hand. Six would have no idea that her physical touch charmed him. He'd like her whether he wanted to or not. It wore off quickly, but it was her most fearsome weapon in close quarters and other than her children, her favorite gift from Mahikos. Too bad her children had long since become immune. "Six, don't you agree a man should find time to settle down before he's too old for it to make any difference? Fall in love? Be happy?"
"Yes, ma'am. If he can."
Pietas motioned to Dessy, quite obviously asking her to intercede, but she made a slicing movement near her throat. Not getting involved.
Momentarily distracted, Six looked over at them and her children offered the "who, me?" smiles she'd seen so often during their childhood. With a puzzled look, he turned back to her, but glanced at them again.
"You were saying, Six?"
He focused on her. "Ma'am, no offense, but I don't see me finding anyone on Sempervia."
"And why is that?"
"Well... I'm human."
Helia squeezed his hand. "So you couldn't fall in love with one of my kind?"
"Oh, no, ma'am, that's not what I meant. I meant since I'm human, no one's going to want me. I'll die. Who'd want to fall in love, knowing that person would be gone and you'd miss them?"
"I see. You're worried one of us wouldn't be able to handle missing someone."
"Well, no, I didn't mean it that way." Six scratched his cheek. "I suspect an Ultra could pretty much survive anything, even heartache. But why risk that kind of pain for something that doesn't last?"
"That's considerate of you, Six. There's an old saying among our people. 'Immortals should never befriend mortals. Not because mortals aren't worthy, but because friendships last their lifetime. Missing a mortal friend lasts yours.' Over the last few centuries, our people have lost sight of that. No one befriends humans anymore, but we used to. Is that what you mean?"
"Exactly." He grinned at her.
"Perhaps it's not so much about an Ultra losing a mortal lover as it is about giving your heart to someone who'll leave you behind after you die."
"Maybe it is." His smile retreated behind a polite mask, but she'd poked a raw nerve and the backwash smacked her empathic senses like a rogue wave. His emotions churned like water under a paddling duck.
Centuries of experience kept her from reacting, but she took a moment to gather herself. "I wouldn't worry about it. When you're ready, open your heart to the possibilities." She touched his arm. "Some of us believe love is the most important thing in the world, no matter who it's with. You might find your perfect mate in this camp."
Behind Six, Pietas rubbed his brow as if he had a headache.
"Six, doesn't love make the impossible possible?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sure it could."
"Good." She patted his arm. "My son thinks highly of you."
Shielding his face with one hand, Pietas glared a warning at her. My, my. He really didn't trust her.
"Pietas respects you and anyone who earns his respect has mine. I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but if anyone in this camp speaks unkindly to you, insults you, or hurts you in any way, after my son deals with them, they will face me. I'm sorry for the way you were treated when you arrived. Mahikos does not speak for me."
Her children looked at each other, eyebrows raised.
Six lifted her hand and kissed it. "Thank you, ma'am."
"I want to know everything about you. Do you know why?"
"No, ma'am."
"When you get to know someone, you fall in love with them. Not necessarily the kind that leads to marriage, but the kind between friends, companions, and co-workers. People you care about." She adjusted the covers over herself. "You understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Pietas was still studying her, but he seemed less distressed.
"My dear Six, as long as someone is loved, they're not forgotten. Someday, when you're 'gone,' as you put it, I want to remember you with love." She'd shocked this young man. His face showed it, although he was trying to hide it. She sensed his relief and a spark of joy. The compassion that was a part of his nature passed over her like a softly spoken word from a friend in a crowded room. Quiet, almost unheard, but reassuring.
No wonder Pietas loved him. How nice her son had made friends with such a man. She could sense nothing false within him.
"Don't you agree, Pietas? Love for Six will keep him alive in our hearts. I'm sure he'll live in yours." Surely, her noble son would not pick this moment to tell a lie. "Won't he?"
"Yes. He will."
There. She'd gotten her son to admit he loved the man. The rest would work out however it was supposed to. Lovers or friends, it was out of her hands, but she'd done her best to find her son someone he'd be happy with and she hadn't broken her word.
Her panther guardian trotted into the cave and halted. It seemed confused by her pod being on the ground instead of where it had been.
Helia held out a hand to the animal. "Pretosia, welcome back."
The huge cat came to her and rubbed its face on her hand. When she rubbed its ears, Pretosia bumped its nose against her cheek.
"I'm so glad you're back." She kissed the panther's nose. The impression of sunshine and clean air came to her. There was no smell of cat.
Pretosia took one tentative step into the pod, which rocked slightly. The cat lifted its paw.
Helia moved her arm to make room and the panther stepped in and stretched out beside her. She stroked the warm fur. "I'm tired, Six. I'm going to rest now, but we'll talk again. I have things to ask you."
"Yes, ma'am. I look forward to it."
"You're so polite. I admire that about you." Helia curled up along the panther's back and shut her eyes. "Let me sleep and then we'll go terrorize someone."
Six's laugh made her smile. "Pi, you were right." Though he spoke in soft tones, Helia could hear every word. "I am crazy about your mom. No wonder you missed her. Every guy wants a mom like that."
Chapter Thirty-four
Pietas stayed back, observing Joss from the shadows. In a different time and place, her white uniform and blond hair would have made her an easy target for snipers. With no one but themselves awake, she faced no danger. Still, his worry and the urge to shield her ran stronger than his knowledge that she could protect herself.
; What was wrong with him? He ought to trust his people.
Still, he'd lost so much already. Losing someone close would hurt more than he could bear. Or perhaps it was losing her. Other than his mother and Dessy, there was no one else among his people he would miss the way he would Joss. Except Six.
Few women were as tall as he, but in some shoes, Joss was taller. Her warrior-level strength made them a good physical match. She'd taught him the tenderness most women wanted in bed and then taught him her own preferences. Thanks to her, he knew how to rein in his strength and be gentle when he made love. It was as close to lying as he ever got.
But with Joss, there was no pretense. How he'd missed that these long years.
When she was about to pass the area where he stood, he let himself be seen. "May I join you?"
"Of course." She glanced around. "Where's Six?"
He fell in step beside her. "Believe it or not, helping Dessy mend a uniform. The man can do anything. And who knew Dessy was domestic enough to sew?"
"We all know how to repair uniforms."
"I suppose so. I've never known her to go about it so... what is the word... industriously. Whose uniform is it? We all came here with just the clothing on our backs. I don't see anyone walking around without pants."
She chuckled. "Armand and Philippe had one extra uniform between them. You know how they are. Prepared for everything. They each had a sewing kit with extra needles and spools of thread."
"And Dessy is sewing for them?"
"She and the twins have been... Well, you know."
"Ah. Please! Tell me nothing more about that."
Joss unfastened her hair, let it fall around her shoulders and shook it loose. The blond waves caught the fading light and gave her the soft glow of a goddess, as feminine and powerful as if she radiated sunlight. She combed her fingers through it, giving him an odd look.
Pietas coughed. "Um... What's up?"
She gestured to herself. "You're asking me 'what's up'?"
What had he missed? "Yes. Why?"
"Because I asked you what was up, and you just stared at me."
"I did? Sorry. I was lost in thought."
"I see." Her coy smile said she did indeed. "So, Pietas, what's up?"
Now she was teasing him with double meanings and ambiguities. He'd love to join her in play, but until he'd learned what he needed, he ignored the temptation.
"Dessy says you're in charge of camp security."
"True."
"Has Mahikos returned, or attempted to?"
"No. I've kept a close watch. The twins reported no sightings. Your father's laying low." She pulled back her hair and fastened it again. "But we're not the sole source of security. I don't see him getting past them."
"Them? Who is 'them'?"
"I'll show you." She motioned for him to come with her. "Look over there."
On a promontory overlooking the pods, a panther sat beside a bare tree, scanning the area.
"You're referring to the cat?"
"Yes. Now look over there." She pointed in the other direction. On that side, another cat prowled beneath a tree on the trail leading to the pods. "They've been there all day. They switch every few hours. Every time they do, the big one that attacked Mahikos stands on the edge of the caldera where you first saw the pods. After the cats change places, it goes away. It's the changing of the guard. I can see what they're doing and I'm grateful for it, but they're so intelligent it scares me. They bump noses and then take up the position of the cat they're replacing. I think they might be telepathic, but with each other, not me. I don't pick up anything."
"They've done this all day?"
"Like clockwork. You know what this means, don't you?"
"Yes. I can get some sleep tonight." A yawn overtook him.
"I was going to say we should name them."
Pietas nudged his chin toward a cat. "We'll call that one Trouble."
Laughing, Joss poked him in the shoulder, but then kissed the spot. They stood eye-to-eye. "Pietas, I've missed you more than you'll ever know. We've been friends, lovers, partners, warriors. We've done everything together. When you weren't here..." Tears filled her eyes.
"Shh. I know. But I'm here now."
The shriek of a bird pierced the gathering dusk. They both turned, seeking the source. Above them on the caldera rim, the silhouette of a panther darkened the sky. The eyes reflected flashes of green fire. Beyond, a sprinkle of stars announced the oncoming night.
Pietas held Joss while darkness settled over the camp and the cry of night birds rose. Off through the grasses, a shapeless form moved. Green eyes glowed in the dim light and then vanished. Golden eyes took their place.
He toyed with one of her buttons. "When are you off duty?"
"I'm off now. I came out here to check on things once more before dark. Are you ready for a private lesson in how to shield?"
"I'm ready for a private lesson in anything you want to teach me."
"Oh, good." With a smile, Joss tangled her fingers in his hair. "Let's start with a memory test."
"A what?" He raised one eyebrow. "I remember everything. You know that."
"Yes, I do." She brushed hair back from his face and then touched his chin dimple. "But do you remember how I like being kissed?"
Chapter Thirty-five
Joss stopped by the camp to pick up a canteen of water and a bedroll, but had to wait while Pietas assigned Six guard duty and put him in charge of security for the night. He'd asked her for permission first. She ran security, but she was fine with it.
When he gave the order, every person in the camp had the same boggle-eyed "he did what?" expression. Ultras, protected by a human? Never happen, no matter how enhanced the human was. However, a Councilmember could not disobey a direct order from the Chancellor.
When ready to leave, Pietas tapped his heart in an Ultra salute. "Protect the people, Six."
The man tapped his heart the same way. "I serve."
Hearing him state the Ultra vow left a lump in her throat that the rest of the Council seemed to experience as well. Helia brushed at her eyes; even Dessy smiled.
Carrying her bedroll, Joss took Pietas by the hand and led him to the lookout point where she'd kept watch earlier that day. The small upper cavern wasn't visible from camp and had a recessed area big enough to sleep four. The spot had become a private getaway for amorous pairings. Dessy and the twins had claimed it before anyone else had a chance, fueling protests. When Joss attempted to solve the issue by drawing up a schedule, that fueled protests.
Earlier in the day, she'd let everyone know no matter what the schedule said, tonight it was hers. Like Pietas.
When they reached the cavern, she dropped the bedroll, pulled Pietas close. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
Pietas hugged her, smiling into her eyes. "I'm dying for you to show me."
Chapter Thirty-six
Sometime in the night, she woke to find Pietas still asleep. He hadn't slept in days, according to Helia and Dessy, and hadn't eaten since that morning. But, as in everything else he did, Pietas gave himself and held nothing in reserve. He made love the way he made war. He studied every weakness, pursued every advantage, and then conquered and commanded every inch of territory he claimed.
Her throat tightened and a flush of heat rose within her. The warrior she'd first taken to her bed as a beautiful youth had mellowed, strengthened, and settled, comfortable in his own skin in a way most men weren't. His utter confidence offered no resistance to anything. He pleasured her in any way she asked, as tender as she wanted or as rough as she needed.
He was, in a word, amazing. He'd always been her most unselfish lover and in the hundred-odd years since they'd last been together, that hadn't changed.
But afterward, she'd gone to cuddle with him and found him dead to the world. She let him sleep while she planned security for the camp and drew up a mental duty roster. Hours passed. She grabbed the usual two-hour nap an Ultra needed. When she w
oke, she lay there resting while the full moon crawled up into the sky and filled the small cavern with its silver light.
Pietas stirred and Joss stretched out and propped herself up on one elbow to better see him. In repose, he had the face of an angel. His cleft chin and strong jaw seemed at odds with his sweet face. None of the brutality he'd suffered--throughout his entire immortal life--showed. He might have been an untried youth, sleeping in his parents' house, no knowledge of the world. The man she knew him to be on the battlefield, a warrior king capable of remorseless, barbaric savagery, remained hidden.
She admired both sides of his personality. Loved the man.
He turned and a shock-white hair fell over one eye. How could he have such white hair, yet have such dark lashes and eyebrows? Such a baby face. He looked so innocent. She brushed back his hair.
Without warning, Pietas gripped her arm. He flipped her over him, rolled on top of her and slammed her into the ground.
It knocked the wind out of her.
He wrapped his hands around her throat.
Centuries of training took over. In one fleeting move, she released a telepathic command to release her, hooked her hands over his wrists and pulled them apart, bucking her hips to throw him off balance. She then tucked her left leg outside his, pushed with her other foot, rolled him off her and scrambled to her feet. Gasping for air, she backed away.
He lunged toward her.
"No!" She threw out a mental push.
It shoved him back better than a side kick. Staggering, shaking his head, he crouched, ready to fight.
"Pietas! Wake up!" Though every instinct warned her away, she stepped into the moonlight and sent an image of herself into his mind, willing him to wake and see her. "Look at me. Wake up! See me, Pietas. See me!"
He blinked, shook himself like a dazed fighter. "Joss." He lowered his hands and straightened. "Jossie!" Regret twisted his face. "Are you hurt?"
Her air came back and she panted, nodding. "You--okay?"
He didn't answer her.
After she caught her breath, she went to him. "I shouldn't have touched you. You were asleep. I'm sorry. I knew better."
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