“Your mom broke down in front of Granma one night. They didn’t realize I was listening.” She wrapped her arms around Emily and held her tight. “I’m so sorry you went through that at all, but it breaks my heart to know you went through it alone.” Lexie sobbed. “I should have been there. I should…” She was crying too hard to go on.
Emily stared off into the distance as silent tears ran down her face. She mourned for Rebecca, the angelic baby who’d never really had a chance to live, and she mourned for the life she’d been promised, a life she’d wanted with every fiber of her lonely soul.
“I named her Rebecca,” she whispered when she could finally speak. “You should have seen her, Lex. She was perfect, but so tiny she didn’t seem real.”
Lexie wiped her eyes on the back of her hand still shaking with emotion. “You don’t have to be alone. Vox can give you the sort of life you always wanted, that and so much more. He’ll love you like Matthew never could, and he will never deceive you. Mates can’t lie to each other. The bond makes dishonesty impossible. And your genetic compatibility means you can have children. I suspect he’ll want a big family. People in his position usually do.”
“But why would he want me?” A fresh wave of pain tore a ragged sob from Emily’s throat. “I’m…broken.”
“You’re hurt and afraid, but you’re not broken.” She found a dishcloth and dabbed at Emily’s eyes. “Just let him love you. At least let him try.”
“I’m afraid.” Saying it out loud made the obstacle feel a little less insurmountable.
“I know you are, and more importantly, Vox knows you are.”
Emily tensed then took a step back. “What do you mean he knows? How much does he know? How much did you tell him?” Anger burned through her grief, making her feel stronger, more in control. “You told him about Matthew?”
A telling flush spread across her face and slowly she nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“And the baby?”
Her only answer was another nod.
Emily walked into the living room, needing some space, needing the silence. Lexie had no right to tell him. Lexie had no right to know! The past—was past, gone, unchangeable, so why allow it to ruin things now?
She took a deep breath then another, forcing emotion out with each exhalation.
“Em, I—”
“You need to leave,” she snapped. Then more softly, “I’ll talk to you later.” She didn’t turn around, knew if she saw Lexie’s stricken face she’d start crying all over again.
“I really am sorry. I honestly thought it would help.”
Emily said nothing and Lexie finally left.
For a long time Emily just stood there stunned and miserable. Her darkest secret was out. Everyone knew how pathetic she’d been, how weak, how desperate for love. And apparently, she hadn’t learned a damn thing from years of misery. Her useless heart was ready, even eager, to get broken all over again.
Chapter Seven
Emily pressed back in the conference room chair, nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She sat on Lexie’s right, Kaden was on Lexie’s left. Raylon and a holographic image of AG Nox sat across the table from them. She wasn’t sure why the approval of the battle born was so important. When push came to shove, they were a customer like any other. But she’d worked very hard with Lexie to do justice to Lunar Nine and the battle born rebellion while remaining intriguing and thought provoking to their target demographic.
Lexie had arrived at Emily’s apartment bright and early the morning after their argument. They’d calmly talked through the issue and Emily agreed to put her hurt aside and focus on the project. After a nice long cry and a good night’s sleep, she wasn’t really angry anymore. In the long run she hoped that Lexie’s presumptive behavior would make it easier to work things out with Vox. Of course, that would require Vox to allow some sort of interactive communication, and so far he hadn’t responded to any of her attempts to contact him.
“Run video two B,” Lexie said with authority, drawing Emily back to the present.
Projected displays appeared directly above the table, some sort of reflector allowing the video to be seen from either side. A panoramic view of the spaceport gradually filled the screen as the narrator—a professional voice actor provided by their production team in New York—read the script she and Lexie had agonized over for the better part of the past week.
“Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?” the narrator asked as the camera gradually zoomed in on the main entrance. “Through these doors awaits challenges and rewards you can only imagine.”
A montage of smiling faces followed, all handsome, dark-haired males. “We are called Rodytes and we need your help.”
Indigo, whom Emily met earlier in the week, walked on screen, multi-colored hair swishing around her shoulders, and bright blue eyes filled with mischief. “I’m Indigo from Boulder, Colorado, and I chose to help.”
Raina, looking lovely yet very scientific came next. “My name is Raina. I’m from McLean, Virginia, and I’m really glad I could help.”
They’d debated long and hard about whether or not to use Lexie onscreen, but Emily was thrilled that she’d won the argument. Of the three onscreen spokespersons, Lexie was most comfortable in front of the camera. She was also the most relatable. “Lexie, from Ft. Collins, Colorado, and I not only participated in the program, I’m here to document the process and share it with all of you.” She was a little bit playful, but informative and calm. “If you’re a female between twenty and thirty-five with no formal commitments keeping you on Earth, this opportunity might be right for you. We’re looking for intelligent, ambitious volunteers that are ready for new situations and unusual challenges. If that sounds like you, go to the website below, look over the detailed information, and then apply. Only the best and most compatible applicants will be interviewed, so consider carefully before taking the first step. I hope to see you soon.”
The ending sequence was another montage of images from all over the outpost, gorgeous Rodyte soldiers performing a variety of tasks. The final image showed a group laughing around a table in one of the bars on the commerce tiers as the narrator said, “Lunar Nine, more than you ever imagined. The opportunity of your dreams.”
The video finished and Emily held her breath, anxious for, yet terrified of the reaction.
“That was…” Raylon looked stunned and couldn’t seem to find the words.
“Brilliant,” Garin declared. “Absolutely brilliant. It’s unlike anything we would have come up with on our own, but I can see why human females will respond to it.”
This was the first time Emily had met—even if it was only by holo-com—Apex General Nox, but she’d liked him immediately. It was easy to understand why he had convinced so many to join the cause he championed. “Thank you.”
“There are three versions,” Lexie told him. “One that’s stripped down with fewer visual effects and another that’s even flashier. Em and I both like this one best.”
“You have the advantage over us,” Garin said with a smile. “You’re human females.”
“I’m not sure this is the direction we want to go,” Raylon objected. “It’s so…slick, so commercial. We’re looking for life mates not offering vacation packages.”
“We have to get their attention.” Emily didn’t back down. “Most of the details are spelled out on the website, many more than you’ve ever listed before. It should scare off the sightseers and, hopefully, your algorithm will minimize the frauds and crazies.”
“Show it to the ship commanders if you must, but it has my full approval. Thank you, ladies. You did a wonderful job. I look forward to other projects.” Then Garin’s image blinked out, leaving Raylon alone in his disapproval.
“We’re not trying to recruit ship commanders,” Kaden pointed out. “We need human females and this is the sort of thing they’re used to seeing.”
“I understand.” Raylon didn’t sound pleased, but resignation cr
ept over his rugged features. “If my way had worked, we wouldn’t have needed them.” Raylon ran a finger around the inside of his collar then rolled his shoulders. “Gods it’s been a long day and its only afternoon.”
Emily was so elated by the general’s reaction that she couldn’t stop smiling. The true test would be in how the females of Earth reacted to the video, but she was thrilled with the outcome so far.
“For the record, I really liked it too,” Kaden said, then helped Lexie to her feet. “I have one more stop to make, then the rest of the day belongs to you.”
“Promises, promises.” Lexie slung her arm around his waist as they headed for the door. “Love ya, cuz.” She waved at Emily, but didn’t turn around. “I’ll let the New York team know we’re a go.”
“Sounds good,” Emily called then rolled her chair back from the table.
“Don’t let my reaction discourage you,” Raylon said, drawing her attention back to the stern governor. “The production was very professional. I’m just used to more direct forms of communication.”
Emily smiled. “You prefer directness? You? Surely not.”
Raylon rewarded her efforts with a rare smile. “So what’s next?”
She laughed as she stood. “I’m going to my apartment. I’ll kick off my shoes and enjoy a glass of Bilarrian blood wine.”
His smile turned into a grin. “Any particular reason for the beverage?”
“A lady never tells.”
She smiled all the way back to the residential zone. This had been the best day since she’d arrived on Lunar Nine eleven days before. She entered village one and stepped into the lift. Tension wound around her stomach as the elevator ascended. The feeling was now familiar. Would Vox send her another gift or would he finally break his silence? Each gift had been thoughtful and unique. Her favorite was a holographic carousel with colorful mythological creatures. She sat for hours watching it rotate and listening to the unique calls of the lovelorn animals. The song it played was lilting, yet slightly sad, perfectly reflecting her mood. She’d sent responses each day, thanking him for the gifts and asking him to com her so they could interact. So far he’d refused.
By the time she reached the door to her apartment, her heart was pounding. Was this adrenaline left over from the meeting or was Vox waiting on the other side of the door. He hadn’t returned to Bilarri, as she’d feared. Lexie asked around and found out that he was at Stargazer Ranch, working with the newly transformed couples. Emily stepped closer then quickly backed up, unsure she could stand the disappointment if he wasn’t there. The presents kept coming, but why wouldn’t he talk to her? Weren’t females supposed to play hard to get?
He was in there. Instinctively she knew he was waiting. Either that or she was being robbed.
Forcing away her uncertainty, she moved beneath the scanner.
“Welcome home, Emily. You have a visitor.”
She stepped through the doorway, but that was as far as she made it. Vox stood at the large picture window looking out over the other residential villages. One arm was bent behind his back and his other hand held a wineglass. He turned as she entered, looking relaxed and regal, and oh so at home in her apartment. He wore what she had learned were traditional Bilarrian pants, braided from strips of brown synth-leather and a thigh-length tunic. The tunic was light gray, but the chest panel and hem was heavily embroidered in sapphire blue. He’d never looked better, confident and appealing. It was all she could do not to run into his arms.
“I let myself in,” he said with an unapologetic smile. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” She crossed the room as if in a trance, desperate to be near him. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” He reached over and picked up another glass of wine from a nearby table. “I left some for you.”
She took the glass and returned his smile, though her heart was still pounding. “That was generous of you.” She took a sip, but hardly noticed the taste. All she cared about, all she wanted, was Vox.
“I can be generous, but I can be very selfish. I’m feeling rather selfish right now.” He set his glass aside and reached for hers though she’d only taken one sip.
“Selfish? In what way?”
He pulled her into his arms, his gaze focusing on her lips. “In whatever way forces you to spend time with me and only me.”
“That is selfish.”
His lips brushed hers, his breath warm on her mouth. “Can’t say I didn’t warn you.”
And then he was kissing her, slow and deep like he depended on her for life. His arms felt strong around her and his mouth was the perfect combination of patience and demand. They clung to each other, kissing and kissing, their lips fused, tongues gently dueling, breathing as one. She didn’t want to move, wanted to stay there forever, kissing the man she loved.
The man she loved?
The realization vibrated through her being like the reverberation of a massive gong. How had this happened? Could she really be this foolish again?
He moaned as he dragged his mouth from hers. “Gods, how I want you.” He gently pushed her to arm’s length. “We can’t stay here or I’ll take you to bed.”
She looked toward the bedroom and her heart seemed to flip over in her chest. “Maybe I want—”
“Not yet. There are things you must know before we join.”
Heat flamed her face and she turned her head, quickly averting her eyes. “Thanks to Lexie you already know all my secrets.” And still he was here, obviously interested in her.
“I know what a selfish, evil boy did to you and the precious life lost because of his choices.” He took her face between his hands and guided her gaze back to his. “I would kill him for you were he not already dead. No one will ever hurt you again.”
She nodded, on the verge of tears.
“Does your daughter have a name?”
Speaking of her in the present tense filled Emily with joy. He wouldn’t deny her baby’s existence, wouldn’t force her to think of an innocent life as if she were shameful. “Rebecca.”
“On Bilarri after a person passes beyond, their loved ones gather to celebrate their life. Were you ever allowed to celebrate Rebecca? I know her life was brief, but she lived, and lives still in your memory.”
Tears streamed down her face, but she wasn’t sad. The ember of hope burst into flame and warmed her from within.
He kissed her forehead and shifted his hands to her shoulders. “When you’re ready, and you’ve had time to think of what you want to say, I’ll make the arrangements of her elektraw, her continuation ceremony.”
“I would love that.”
He started to say something, then stopped himself, and his fierce expression gentled. “I know you liked the carousel. Would you like to see the real one?”
“There’s a real one?”
“The souvenir I gave you is a miniature of a much larger carousel. It’s a popular attraction in a garden not far from my home. I’ve arranged for us to have the garden to ourselves.”
“Not far from your home?” She paused to swallow. “You want to take me to Bilarri?”
He actually looked a bit embarrassed. “I know you have legitimate reasons to doubt my abilities, but I’ve been inundated with energy over the past eleven days, from multiple, extremely concentrated sources. I assure you, I am completely restored and functioning at full strength.”
She wanted to trust him, needed to trust him, if their relationship was going to have any hope of surviving. Still, the last time he’d teleported with her they’d ended up in the wilderness and nearly frozen to death. Yet if it hadn’t been for his abilities, it was quite likely they would have died that night. She reached past him and picked up her wineglass, taking a nice long gulp. “Did you teleport here?”
“I did. I’ve also been to Bilarri and back twice since our little adventure. I would not risk your safety again. I’m profoundly sorry that I allowed my pride to blind me the first time. It will
never happen again.”
His sincerity gradually penetrated her uncertainty. He’d admitted a failing and asked for forgiveness, which put him in an entirely different class than the men in her past. A reluctant smile teased the corners of her mouth. His humility was one of many things that made Vox different from anyone she’d ever known before.
She took another sip of wine, then set the glass aside. “I trust you.”
He smiled and took her hand, gently pulling her back into his arms. “I can focus on speed and we’ll be there in the blink of an eye, or I can concentrate on making the ride as smooth as possible.”
“I’d rather have it over quickly, at least this first time.”
He chuckled. “I suddenly feel like we’re talking about something else.”
She smiled in return, but was unable to respond as the air was sucked from her lungs. In a blur of motion, his arms locked around her and their surroundings disappeared. The dizzying thrust of acceleration propelled her into utter nothingness, but the blackness lasted less than a second before the acceleration hit again. When it was over, they stood in a garden unlike any she’d seen before.
A spicy, sweet fragrance teased her nose as the rest of her senses acclimated. She rested her cheek against his chest, so hungry for his nearness that nothing else mattered. Then a musical trill drew her attention and she looked up in time to see a colorful bird arc across the lavender sky.
Awed by the spectacle, she eased away from Vox and turned around. Stone paths wended their way through trees and sculpted flowerbeds. A gentle breeze, scented by the flowers, wafted against Emily’s cheek and whispered through her unbound hair. Blossoms of every color combination, some arranged in neat rows, others left in graceful disorder though contained within decorative beds.
“This is amazing.” Another trilling call drew her gaze back to the sky. There was a definite purple tinge to the entire expanse, but only the horizon was the stunning lavender color. Bilarri’s sun was larger than Earth’s, yet the warmth felt less intense. An object slightly smaller than Earth’s moon also hung in the sky. “Is that a moon or a planet?”
Mage Page 13
