“No. I’ll be fine,” I picked up a square of cheese when she nodded toward the food and raised my hand. “I swear I’ll eat it all.”
She smiled. “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow. If you need help in the night, just call out. There will always be someone close by.”
After dinner, I sang for a while. Kaaluk was breathing normally so I decided to lie down on the second bed. I grabbed a sheet and headed to the washroom to undress. I returned, trailing the bed sheet behind me, stopping briefly to pick at the last sliver of cheese.
“Brynna.” The voice was scarcely audible.
I whipped around and saw Kaaluk’s eyelids flutter.
“Brynna.” Stronger now, but hoarse, his mouth opened again to speak.
I half-filled the cup with water then dipped my fingers into the cold liquid. I stroked them over his lips.
His mouth opened slightly. His tongue sought the wet relief. “More.”
I placed a hand beneath his head and touched the rim of the cup to his lips. His eyes opened fully. When he shook his head, I pulled the cup away.
“How long?” His voice was raspy.
I knew what he was asking. “This is the third night.” I licked my suddenly dry lips and offered the cup again. As the water dribbled into his mouth, his green eyes locked onto mine, transmitting a longing that made my heart race. Heat flooded my face. I quickly turned away and refilled the cup. Was it possible to have some awareness of one’s surroundings in an unconscious state? Did he know what I’d done?
I offered him the cup again.
“No more.” He cleared his throat.
My eyes flicked to his, drawn by his unwavering stare. This time they held a glint of steely determination. Embarrassed by his scrutiny, and my inadequate attire, I pulled back from the bed and placed the cup on the table. “Best not to drink too much at once. Just give me a moment to get dressed and then I can tell you what’s been happening if you feel up to it.”
He glanced toward the exit and lifted his hand. “Lock the door.” His voice sounded clearer, although still weak.
“I should leave it open. The others may need to come in.”
“Brynna.”
His tone sent hot flutters through me. I’d been alone with him for two nights, but now he was conscious. “Perhaps I should go and get Jarryd and Leika. They’ve been anxious and will want to know you are awake.” I fiddled with my sheet, pulling it tighter around me.
“Let them sleep. Lock the door and come here.” He lifted the sheet, exposing the side of the bed I’d occupied the previous nights.
“I can’t. Your wound.” An urge to run from the room overwhelmed me.
“Brynna.” His voice touched me like a caress.
I reached for my necklace. Warmth seeped into my hand. Clarity swept away my fear and allowed my longing to bloom. I knew what I had to do.
Silently, I slipped to the door and carefully flicked the lock. As I walked back to Kaaluk’s bed, I dropped my sheet to the floor. I watched desire flare in his eyes, and my heart responded in kind.
No longer uncertain, I climbed into bed and stretched along the hard length of his warm body. His arm enfolded me to his chest. I surrendered to the bliss of the moment and responded to his passion, burying the nagging thought that our time together might be short-lived.
Cocooned in his loving embrace, I thought I’d sleep forever. The steady rise and fall of the chest I’d laid on all night confirmed Kaaluk was still sleeping. I didn’t want the night to end. The bubble of intimacy that we’d shared felt fragile, or perhaps I was the fragile one.
As I slipped from the bed, the loss of our connection sent an icy tremor through my body. I unlocked the door before making for the washroom to dress.
The others needed to know that their leader had regained consciousness, but I decided to wait until I heard voices. I lifted the sheet to check his wound. Leika was right. The healing had been swift. When I probed the damaged area, the tissue was already firm, retaining none of the pink pallor of new growth. He would soon be well enough to lead and I could rescue my mother.
There would be no more shared nights.
Sadness wrung my heart as I sat at his side.
“Brynna?” Strong fingers clasped my hand.
I flicked away a tear that threatened to slide down my cheek and quickly improvised. “I’m okay. Just thinking about my mother.
His voice was husky. “I’ll be with you. We can find her together. You don’t have to do it alone.”
I bobbed my head, suddenly nervous. “I must tell the others you’re awake. They’ll be happy that you’re conscious.”
He retained his grip on my arm. His eyes narrowed. “Last night wasn’t frivolous for me. There’s always been an attraction between us. I knew we’d be together one day.” He pulled me toward him until I perched on the edge of the bed. “Look at me. Do you have regrets?”
Awash with the love and concern in his gaze, I lifted my hand to his cheek, softly stroking it with my thumb. “No regrets.” I leaned forward and gently pressed my lips to his.
He nodded and released my arm, then relaxed into the bed and smiled. “Now you can call the others.”
The door opened before my hand reached the latch.
“I thought I heard voices.” Leika’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes wet with tears. She rushed past me toward her brother. “Don’t ever do that to me again,” she warned him with a broad smile.
Jarryd was the second through the door. For the next twenty minutes, men rotated in and out of the room, each one anxious for reassurance that their commander had survived. As I stood to one side, I noted expressions of concern give way to relief. Not only respected as a leader, Kaaluk was loved.
“Leika, be a good sister and bring me some clothes,” he said, once the men had departed. “I want to get out of this bed.”
She looked at me for approval. I nodded, knowing there was no way to keep him confined.
“I haven’t seen Weyland and Trill. Is there any new information?” Kaaluk rolled his neck and shoulders and flexed his muscular arms.
Jarryd was also keen to discuss the present situation. “I called them. They’re on their way. Weyland has new information to share.”
Leika arrived with fresh clothing for her brother.
“Leave me so I can get dressed, all except Brynna. I might need her assistance.”
I felt the heated flush from head to toe.
Jarryd and Leika exchanged glances. Jarryd’s puzzled, Leika’s knowing.
I avoided their eyes.
“Let’s go, Jarryd.” Leika grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the door. “I’ll get some food ready for you as well, Kaal.”
“Okay. We’ll join you in…” Kaaluk glanced at me and grinned. “… half an hour.”
20
An Unwelcome Guest
Kaaluk held my hand as we walked slowly toward the group assembled in the common area. Speculative glances set my cheeks flaming again. I attempted to withdraw my hand from his, but he held firm. Weyland and Trill sat with Jarryd, Leika and a couple of Kaaluk’s commanders.
“We’ve been waiting an hour. What took you so long?” Trill bounced out of her chair. “It’s good to see you well again,” she said to Kaaluk then grabbed me for a hug. “Your aura is flashing,” she whispered into my ear and then winked as we parted.
“Good to see you, Brynna Bokk.” Weyland smiled at me and greeted Kaaluk by vigorously shaking his hand.
Kaaluk took the empty chair at the head of the table. He dragged another one alongside and motioned me to join him.
I quickly slid into the second chair, hoping to avoid any more attention.
He scanned the faces around him. “Bring me up-to-date. What’s the latest information?”
“Weyland should tell you.” Jarryd nodded to his friend.
“Let me tell you,” enthused Trill. “Weyland’s a genius. He’s made contact with Mars and he’s been studying the CME’s. He’s amazing.”
Everyone grinned at her enthusiasm.
“It’s true.” Trill nudged Weyland with her elbow. “Tell them, or I will. This is no time to be shy.”
Weyland looked slightly stunned, but smiled at Trill. “Not shy, collecting my thoughts. Time to be quiet.”
To my surprise, Trill stopped talking. I was astonished at Weyland’s power over her until I noticed her worshipful gaze fixed on him. They had formed a connection. Perhaps his synaesthesia and her ability to read auras gave them a common bond. Whatever the reason, they appeared to be happy.
Weyland focused on Kaaluk. “We have contacted Mars. Their shields can be reconfigured. Not certain they can protect the whole planet.”
Kaaluk raised his brows. “What about the spaceships? Have you checked to see if they’re operational?”
Jarryd shook his head. “That’s the bad news. Tarvek wasn’t able to develop the propulsion units necessary to get the ships clear of the planet’s atmosphere. They’re just empty husks. Completely useless at this point.”
“And Tarvek? Did you find him?”
“Only his body.” Jarryd shook his head. “Bryn saw Delio shoot him when he revealed the truth.”
Kaaluk glanced my way. His face was pale as he leaned his forearms on the table.
I sensed he might be experiencing weakness from his recent ordeal. “Maybe you should have something to eat before we go on.”
“Sorry,” said Leika, rising from the table. “I‘ll reheat the broth.” She returned with a steaming bowl of soup and half a dozen pieces of flat bread, along with a bowl of cherries.
He downed several mouthfuls before speaking. “So what’s our best hope now for dealing with the planetary threat?”
“Shields.” Jarryd nodded towards Weyland. “The only thing we can do is to experiment with the Mars shields and try increasing their reflective power.”
Weyland started to fidget.
Trill calmed him with a hand on his arm. “Tell them what you discovered this morning.”
All eyes turned to Weyland.
“Sunspots are increasing. Solar eclipse in six days. Coronal mass ejections will peak at that time.”
Several gasps were followed by silence.
He continued. “The eclipse will help to deflect some solar flares, but not all.”
“So we’ll just have to work night and day to find an answer,” said Jarryd. “We don’t have any options. At least here, we’ve got access to sophisticated technology as we did on Hypor, maybe even more advanced.”
“Something else,” Weyland hesitated.
Trill looked as if she’d burst.
Weyland nodded.
She jumped to her feet. “A communication from Hypor City council arrived just before we left the control room. The citizens are panicking. There is fighting and rioting. The suicide rate is climbing. The council is recalling Jarryd.”
Jarryd spread his hands in exasperation. “Why didn’t you tell me immediately?”
Trill resembled a deflated balloon. “Sorry.”
Leika’s brow furrowed. “It’s not safe. You have to tell them you can’t go back.”
I wanted to support her and protect my brother. “And the solar threat? You’re needed here to save the planet.”
My brother seemed to alter before my eyes. Sitting taller in his chair, I was reminded of our father.
I knew instinctively what he was going to do.
“It’s my duty to return to Hypor City and take my father’s seat on the council. The people need to know what they’re facing. They also need to know that we are working on a solution. While I’m there, I can collaborate with the other scientists. Weyland and I will remain in contact. It makes sense to have as many experts as possible working on the Mars shield. I’ll take the Hypor lander.”
I could hear the finality in Jarryd’s tone. He’d made a choice just as I had made mine to rescue Mother.
Leika lifted her chin. “Now that Kaal has recovered and Delio is no longer a threat, there’s nothing for me to do here.” She turned to Jarryd. “I’ll accompany you to Hypor City.”
Jarryd looked pleased then concerned. He turned to me. “I’m sorry I can’t accompany you to Prima Feminary. Explain to Mother when you see her. I know she’ll understand. Tell her I love her.” He motioned to Kaaluk. “Can some of your men accompany Bryn to Prima Feminary?”
Kaaluk shifted his gaze to me. “I’ll take her myself.”
My breathing quickened.
Jarryd look relieved.
Leika frowned. “I forgot about your mission to rescue your mother. I’ll stay and go with you. I can go to Hypor City once she’s safe.”
I could see she was torn between her friendship and loyalty to me, and her love for my brother. I couldn’t accept her sacrifice. I wrapped my arms around her. “No. Go with Jarryd,” I whispered. “He’ll need your strength.”
Leika returned the hug. “Forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive. Take care of one another.”
Jarryd stood. “I’m going to the control room to contact the council and tell them I’ll be arriving as soon as I can.”
Leika stood as well. “I’ll join you.” She took Jarryd’s hand and they left the room.
“Now I’m depressed,” moaned Trill. “With everyone leaving, it’s really starting to feel like the end of the world.”
Kaaluk, who’d been eating cherries, tossed one to Trill, who caught it in her mouth and grinned. He picked up another one. “Have faith, Trill. We still have time to find an answer. Weyland, is there anything we can do to assist your research?”
He shook his head and rose from his chair. “Must get back to work.”
Trill popped out of her chair and grabbed his hand. Weyland looked down in surprise then grinned.
One of the men strode into the room and spoke quietly to Kaaluk’s ear.
Kaaluk’s eyebrows shot up. “It seems we have a visitor.” He beckoned to two men waiting in the entrance.
They approached, dragging between them a petite figure dressed in a dirty gold juba. One man yanked off the hood.
I gasped when I saw the bloody face and ragged dress of the woman who had once been my friend. Calia was no longer the haughty contemptuous mistress. When the men released her arms, she dropped to her knees and started to cry.
“Please help me. I need protection.” The tears looked almost real. She was a good actor but her whining plea fell on barren ground. However, the deception I detected in the vocal vibrations stirred my curiosity.
“Why do you need protection?” Her recognition of my voice was confirmed when she quickly looked up. “Yes, it’s me, Calia. Now answer my question.”
“Calia?” Trill spit out the name like a bad piece of meat. “So you’re the bitch who betrayed my friend.” She clenched her fists in front of her body. “Stand up so I can give you what you deserve.”
Calia quickly concealed the flash of anger that twisted her face. Once again, her drooping eyes and pathetic voice were for my benefit. “I’m afraid of the Genetrix.”
That statement rang true, but I suspected a ruse. “Why would you fear the Genetrix?”
Calia twisted her dirty clothing with one hand. “Now that Tarvek and Prince are dead, I’m terrified she’ll come after me.”
“How would she know about their deaths?” asked Kaaluk.
She squirmed, searching for an answer. “Well…she’s probably been watching the compound with her drones.”
“Why would she want you?” I demanded.
“She might think I know something, when I really don’t.” She dropped her eyes to the floor.
I was certain Calia had informed the Genetrix of the circumstances at the compound. It was then I noticed the white-rimmed pouch hanging from a chain around her hips. The Genetrix had been wearing one similar, that first day in Hypor City.
“What do you want?” I stared into her uplifted face and noted the dilated pupils. My eyes flicked to the pouch. I had no dou
bt it contained drugs.
“I want sanctuary. I know I haven’t always made the best choices. Unlike you, I didn’t have caring parents or the status of being a councilor’s daughter. I was jealous. I’m sorry that I betrayed you and destroyed our friendship. Please give me another chance, Brynna.”
I knew I couldn’t trust Calia, but I wanted to know why she was really here. Why had she come back to the compound? Had the Genetrix sent her? If so, what did she hope to learn?
“Stand up.” Kaaluk motioned to his men to lift the reluctant woman, who continued to slump. “Lock her in one of the underground labs. Give her water and food. I want two men watching her at all times.”
“Wait. Please, Brynna,” she begged as the men tightened their grips. “I have information that might help you,” she added with a sly smirk.
I was tempted to fall for her hook. I wanted information, but I couldn’t show weakness. A few hours as a prisoner might loosen her tongue. She’d do anything to save her own neck. “Take her away.”
The men dragged her from the room.
“What’s your impression?” asked Kaaluk.
“I’m sure she’s in league with the Genetrix,” I told him. “But her appearance here puzzles me. Calia’s a woman who cares only for herself. What could the Genetrix offer her that would align their agendas?”
The question hung in the air between us.
Weyland took Trill’s arm. “Control room.”
Kaaluk went to rest.
I spent the next several hours with Leika, but Calia was never far from my mind.
“There’s something strategic about her return,” said Leika as she stacked her gear beside the exit. “If I were you I’d always carry a knife, just in case.” Then she laughed. “I keep forgetting you’ve got a weapon more effective than a simple blade.”
“Sometimes the subtle methods are better,” I said. “Besides, I can’t use my voice with innocents around. I’ll wear my rockstar belt. It may be a gimmick but the knife is real.”
Leika stopped packing. “Did you enjoy being on the road? The crazy makeup and the wild outfits?”
The Lost Prophecy: The Falcon Chronicles Book 2 Page 16
