The Anaerris Code: Part 1 The Gemma (A Gemma Sinclaris Series)

by LK Kelley

  Driving up to the cabin, both vehicles stopped, and everyone jumped out of them to walk up hill to the cabin that sat just above a large lake.

  “Wonder if Delinear felt the book at all?” Taylor murmured.

  Stan stopped short of the front door, and turned.

  “Good question...unless?”

  “Unless...what?” Jaxx asked.

  “Unless she doesn't know where it is,” Stacy said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “What do you mean, Stacy? The book calls out to all Anaerris,” Taylor's eyes widened, and turned to Gem in surprise.

  “Unlessssss…?” Gem hissed the question, when they all turned to face her.

  “Unless...unless you are masking it somehow?” Taylor finished.

  Complete silence ensued..

  “What? I'm not doing anything!” she denied. How could she be? “You did make it invisible, right, Jaxx?”

  “No, I didn’t, Gem.”

  “I-I don’t understand. Stan?”

  “Then, h-how…?”

  “Maybe you are doing it,” Jaxx said, standing next to her. “...maybe...I mean...is it possible that you have, somehow, cloaked the book yourself?”

  “What? What are you talking about?” Gem asked, again.

  “Gem...if somehow, you have made the book untraceable, well, it's no wonder they haven't found us yet!” Jaxx's voice was quiet with awe as he stared at his mate.

  Gem's face morphed into surprise, if not complete shock. She looked down at the book in her hand, then she realized something. The book was actually talking to her! Mouth dropped open, she began to gently caress it, as it told her….

  “I cloaked myself!” the now, familiar voice said to her.

  “It cloaked itself!” she whispered aloud, as she stood in shock.

  “What?” Jaxx raised his voice.

  Gem turned to him.

  “It told me that it cloaked itself! How is that possible?”

  “Through the blood of the one,” it said to her.

  “The ‘blood of the one’?” Gems stammered. “What does that even mean?”

  Jaxx just gaped, until Taylor broke the silence. They had arrived at the cabin.

  “Look. Let's just go into the cabin, then we can talk. I feel completely vulnerable out here in the open.”

  Everyone nodded, got out of the SUV’s, and entered the cabin. Jaxx was the last one in and shut the door. They bustled about turning on the electricity, which let them check the cabin's condition. Other than a bit of dust, and sheets covering the furniture, it was virtually clean. Stacy checked the water faucet, and it worked just fine. She was happy as a clam that she had the foresight to put in electricity and water. While they tested everything and cleaned it up a bit, everyone ignored Gem in their effort to make the cabin liveable for a short time.

  “What do we have in the way of food?” Stan asked.

  “Trust you to talk about food,” Stacy laughed.

  “Well, what do we have?” he badgered.

  Both he and Stacy rustled around in the kitchen area after finding several cans of soup in the cabinet. A tiny refrigerator occupied a corner in the kitchen. Stan opened it, and shut it fast.

  “OK. Trust me! We do not want to eat or drink anything from this!”

  “What's the problem, Stan,” Jaxx asked, grabbing the handle while Stan stood back, and plastered a smirk on his face. Jaxx opened it, and slammed it just as Stan had done. “OK. Ewww!”

  That was enough for all of them. No one was going to ask what was in it, but it was clear that whatever it was had actually grown legs, and was trying to get out of it!

  “OK. There's a small general store down the road. Taylor and I'll run down, and pick up some drinks, bread, and things,” Rick said. As Taylor walked out the door, Rick turned, and laughed. “We'll just let you guys clean up the refrigerator while we gone. We don't mind!”

  Stan stuck out his tongue in a juvenile way, while Rick's laughter followed him out the door. Stacy looked around, and while she found some old cleaning bottles that appeared to still be in good condition, even though it had been almost five years, since she and Stan had come here. She pulled out the cleaner, and turned to Stan.

  “OK. I'm going to open the door, and you can catch it as it runs out!” Stacy snickered.

  Standing in front of the refrigerator, Stan was ready with a trash bag in hand. He nodded, and Stacy opened the door. A gigantic spider leaped into the air, and Stan caught it in the bag. He twisted it quickly, then stomped on the movement in the bag. Both he and Stacy sighed in relief, and while Stan threw the bag at Jaxx to take outside, he tackled the refrigerator with gusto, emptying it out quickly, so Stacy could clean it.

  ~ 22 ~

  “What happens when you let an ancient book filled with instructions talk to you?

  You get more instructions!” ~ Jaxx

  Gem sat in a rocking chair that she had commandeered, caressing the book constantly. She didn't want to let it out of her sight! While the others talked, no one noticed that Gem's eyebrows had gone up, as she realized the book was speaking to her, again. Something she had to ask it three times to repeat, because she couldn’t believe what it was saying! It wanted her to open it, and read it – wanted her touch! And even more than that, it said that it wanted to….

  “Oh, crap!” she squealed, looking up at Jaxx in surprise. “Jaxx...it-it...I-I mean...the b-book wants to….”

  Jaxx grabbed her hands, and pulled her out of the chair, and to his chest, kissing her gently on the lips sandwiching the book between them.

  “What does it want, Gem?” he asked, aware that there was an audience around them. He turned, and jerked his head toward the back door of the cabin. Stacy and Stan stepped outside.

  Gem looked up at him.

  “It wants to – uh – it wants to...” she began, her cheeks flaming red.

  “What?” Jaxx urged.

  “It wants to fuck me!” she said so softly, Jaxx almost didn't hear what she said.

  He held her away from him, shocked at her words.

  “The book wants to what you?” he asked loudly.

  “What, Jaxx? What, Gem? What?” Taylor demanded. She had just entered the door with Rick, when she heard Jaxx’s shocked voice. She gave the groceries she had in her hand to Rick, then went to stand by Gem. “What?”

  “You can't be serious, Gem!” Jaxx said, shaking her shoulder lightly, ignoring Taylor.

  “I can, and I am, Jaxx! It just told me!”

  “Exactly how in the hell could it even accomplish that? That's the most insane thing I've ever heard in my whole life! Even more insane than when we attacked Anaerris!”

  “I-I don't know, but that's what it is demanding!” Gem said, tears rolling down her face that had turned pale as death itself.

  She was certain that Jaxx thought she was crying, because she was scared, but that was far from the truth! Gem wanted to give it what it wanted! She wanted to feel it move inside of her! But, she felt guilty even mentioning it to Jaxx. He was the love of her life, so why in the hell did she want to lay with the book? To let it place whatever was inside of it, inside of her? But, she couldn't help it! It's as if she needed to do it! Laying the book down on the nearest table, she turned back to Jaxx. A sudden awareness from her low whisper gripped Jaxx as he turned to everyone else.

  “OUT!” he yelled.

  “But…,” Taylor began.

  “I said OUT! NOW! All of you!” Jaxx demanded, his eyes wild. “Run far from this cabin!”

  None of them said another word as they poured out the door as fast as they could go, leaving Jaxx and Gem all alone. He yanked Gem to his body.

  “No,” he growled.

  Gem looked up at him. His eyes were murderous! Then, she realized what was actually wrong, and her mouth dropped, before she shot him a sexy, slow grin.

  “You're jealous of a book, Jaxx? Isn't that a bit ridiculous?” she asked.

  “I'm not jealous of a book.” He pointed to it layi
ng on the table. “No one – or thing – is going to fuck you but me!”

  That's when Gem knew what had to happen. He was right. A book couldn't have sex with her, but her mate could! It was Jaxx who was to be the vessel of the book – not her! They had it all backwards. Yes, she could read it and protect it, but it also had to join with the Jewel of Anaerris! It had always been him! It was the only way that Gem could complete whatever transformation she needed to undergo. While she didn't really know why, it was absolute. And, it made sense. He was Onaerris. She was Anaerris and human! He could transfer to her what was needed easily, if it became a part of his body! But, how the hell did she get the book into him?

  “Yes, yes. I know. I know. No one is going to enter my body in anyway, but Jaxx. But, how?” she asked the book, looking at it to answer her. Her expression was clearly surprised by its answer.

  “Is it talking to you, now?” Jaxx demanded of her in surprise.

  Nodding her head, she placed her hand upon the book. In a split second, it imparted its need to her, and began to tell her how it planned to accomplish the task. After the merge was completed, it would give the knowledge to her through her mate by joining with her physically. Next, she listened carefully as the book proceeded to tell her exactly why Jaxx had to take it within him, and how he had to do it. Images flew at her mind in seconds, and then, it stopped. She slowly turned to Jaxx, who stepped backward in shock when he saw her eyes. He gasped! They were the strangest color he had ever seen on anyone! Orange! They were a glittering, florescent orange!

  “Shit!” he said. Then, “W-what are you?” he asked.

  Jaxx was dumbstruck! He began to speak, but Gem held up her hand for silence.

  “Be at peace, Jaxxon, Prince of Onaerris, fallen angel of the Creator. I am the spirit of the Anaerris Code, written by my maker, Princess Analyse, and spelled by Prince Jolinaer – your brother and friend. Within my cover is all that was Anaerris, and all that will be Anaerris, again, only much stronger with the addition of new seed. Gem was fated to be my protector, but for her to do so, I must merge with her – physically. I must transfer all knowledge through the one thing I do have – uh...DNA, I believe the humans call it. Only through this DNA will I be able to fill her with the knowledge that is inside my cover. This is to belong to both of you – you, Jaxx, because you are her mate, and you are charged with her protection. It must go to Gem, because she is human and Anaerris. Even though you have exchanged DNA by blood from within, it does not bond to her DNA. She must become what she was always meant to become – the Anaerris Code in bodily form. And, the only way to do this is through the act of physical bonding. It's a bit disgusting to me, but it has to be done. She must accept the Onaerris gene that is bonded within the skin of my cover as well as the pages. The DNA of the Onaerris was infused into my pages, and it must bond to her DNA. She must contain all three DNA codes within her to be able to understand the book completely. I must combine your powers. However, when I impart the DNA to Gem, it will also change yours as well. The three of us must become fully as one. Until this is completed, I will be in danger from anyone who wishes to use my powers. I can feel the evil that is coming. Gem is not yet physically capable of using all her powers, and to add Onaerris to her body is the only way she will receive all powers that are her birthright. Therefore, I must merge with you, for only you can protect me – and her – until her powers are developed fully.”

  The book stopped to listen to Jaxx.”

  “And, the powers that she will have?”

  “Unimaginable!”

  “But, her red eyes? They are the eyes of an Onaerris! How can she not have Onaerris blood somewhere inside of her?”

  “Her red eyes came about, because it was the only thing that was given to her in the womb. Analyse was turned after Jolinaer impregnated Gem. When her Mother was changed, Gem’s eyes were given the ability to turn red with her emotions. And, they will always continue to turn red when her emotions were very strong. You must also accept her DNA as well.”

  “What? I'll also have human and Anaerris DNA?” he asked in shock. “And, what do you mean that we have to become one? We have already done this!”

  “I know this,” she told him, and shook her head. “You must merge my pages within, and then, you and I must impart her with our knowledge by giving her your DNA, and my knowledge through your seed.”

  “M-my seed?” he stuttered.

  “Remember, she has no Onaerris blood inside of her. While she was in the Fae Realm, Analyse specifically requested that human DNA become part of her makeup to protect both Gem and me from evil, and the Fae were the only ones who could actually accomplish this, while Gemma was within her womb. The Fae have always chosen certain humans to become their companions. It has always been thus. The Queen, Analyse, and Jolinaer chose a young, human girl, of only two years-old. Finally, Gem's DNA was merged with her human DNA. Her human parents were honored that their daughter had been chosen. She was not hurt in any way, and her family was forever lifted to high status in the Fae realm. But, it is a monstrous undertaking that rivals all other procedures, and only the Queen has the knowledge of how to do so. It was imperative to keep her Anaerris DNA and her Onaerris blood separate until the appropriate time. But, another needed to be added to make sure that, once exchanged, no one will be able to gather the knowledge. This was Analyse's orders. We were kept apart until it was time, which has now arrived.”

  Jaxx frowned at Gem.

  “So, she is not truly Jolinaer's child?” Jaxx was really trying to understand, but it was all still a bit above even his knowledge.

  “Oh, that she is. But, she is missing his DNA, as I have told you.”

  “I'm confused. That is not what our stories say. It is said that the Protector has all three races within her already. In any case, how could he have not given her his DNA? I mean...that makes no sense!”Another thought came to him, and he thought he would be sick! “Unless…! Oh, Creator! I've been sleeping with my own niece? My mate is my niece!”

  Gemma laughed.

  “Of course not, Jaxxon of Onaerra. She is is his real, biological daughter, and you are not his brother by blood, but by friendship, only. Surely you know this!”

  Of course, she wasn't his niece! What the hell was wrong with him? He and Jolinaer had been brothers in arms, and as close, or closer, than any two brothers could be. From what the book was saying, they had been all wrong? All of them? That's when he realized what the book was trying to tell him.

  “You,” he pointed at Gem. “I know what you are! You're in need of a – a host! You're like a parasite, aren't you?”

  A short nod from Gemma acknowledged it.

  “As close to an explanation that you can understand, I guess. However, it is not so much a host that I need as much as a delivery system. Your brother's DNA is within my cover. That is why she needed an Onaerris mate, and why you were chosen by Jolinaer to protect his daughter. He and Analyse chose you to give her the DNA of Onaerris. She needed a conduit to deliver his DNA, and you are that person.”

  “But, I can't touch you!” he complained. “Isn't it dangerous, or are the stories about that false as well?” It was something he had never wanted Gem to know. To touch the book would be his doom. Of course, she knew this, but the truth was, she didn’t know how dangerous this really could be. The stories, however, never said anything about joining with a book! Only about the bonding!

  “No. In that case, your stories are highly accurate. This is very dangerous.”

  “And, what? Exactly how dangerous is this plan?” Jaxx answered with a sneer.

  “You will suffer great pain upon the knowledge that will pour within your mind and body, Jaxxon of Onaerris. Much will enter your mind and body. So much, even your immortal body is at extreme risk of injury, or….”

  “Or?” he asked.

  Gemma shrugged.

  “You die,” she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “However, I must tell you truthfully, that I do not know what will
happen. But, I do know that pain will come, because while the protection was Jolinaer's, the written words are by Analyse. What you do not know is that I was written with Analyse's blood upon these silver pages, before she was changed. Because of her change, she was no longer able to touch the book. Jolinaer solved the problem by carving the skin off the body of a burned Onaerris. Then, they fashioned the cover, and attached it to my silver pages without touching me, and thus, placed his wards upon my cover. In other words,” Gemma said as she saw confusion on Jaxx's face, “her DNA is on each of the silver pages, whereas, Jolinaer's DNA is in the cover. The knowledge that she wrote down, also had another purpose. She not only wrote down all of Anaerris and Onaerris history, but...”

  “But...what?” he asked warily.

  “The final touch? The last pages are made of crystal. Analyse transferred everything, except the ocean, into those pages. It is made from the same crystal as the terraforming crystal that Jolinaer gave to you, and instructions on how to terraform another planet.”

  Reaching into his pants pocket, Jaxx pulled out the crystal, before they had left for the cabin. He certainly couldn’t leave it. And, he had already checked out that the peach ocean had been fully separated, and was still inside his cave. Other than Gem, no one else even knew where it was. Right now, he was glad that the crystal was useless. He rolled it around in his hand, looking at it. Grasping it tightly, Jaxx’s knees buckled underneath him, causing him to sink to the floor stunned. His face turned toward the book. He realized, in seconds, what that meant! Not only would he be filled with the knowledge of the Anaerris and Onaerris, but the crystal – the Terraforming crystal pages – as well after it joined with him! And, even so, the cover could be touched by an Onaerris, but the pages could not be! The opposite was true as well – except, of course, for Gemma, who was able to touch all of it. Gem had been able to read it, but she had never had the time to actually do so.

  Unwilling to believe any of this, Jaxx had another revelation.

  “But, the Crystal! After the accident, it broke, and out flowed the peach ocean! It mixed with the Earth’s oceans, and I’ve been separating it for thousands of years! I've been protecting it, thinking that it was entirely intact, except for the ocean!” he exclaimed.