Paul didn’t have to wait long before he had company because Nero and Nexa showed up.
We saw you from the…!
…I know. The surveillance cameras, right? Paul finished Nexa’s comment.
Yes, but how did you know?
Maxim told me. He and Oddily should be here soon.
If you want to leave now, I can take you to the front gates myself. Nero volunteered.
Nah, that’s okay. I want to see Oddily before I go.
Oddily is fine now. Her limbs are even again, and the unnatural growth of her hair and fingernails has been resolved.
Thanks for telling me, but I still want to see the change for myself.
Nexa cocked her head. Why don’t you leave Oddily’s welfare up to us?
Honestly, it’s because I don’t like what’s going on around here.
Are you insinuating that we do? Nero countered.
Listen to me. Paul showed a hint of anger. After what I witnessed inside the lab, I know without a doubt that Oddily will never be safe in your world.
Nexa took offense to Paul’s statement. You make it sound as though you’re not one of us.
I’m not! I wasn’t raised in seclusion like you and your brother. Damn! Do you even realize how much trouble you two have already caused Oddily and the people around her?
Just then, Maxim and Oddily pulled up in a small motorized vehicle.
Did you find Willa? Maxim asked, unaware of the conversation taking place between Nero and Paul.
Yes, we found her.
Good…I’ll tell Oddily that she’s okay.
Maxim wait, there is more! Willa’s internal circuitry was exposed to extreme heat. This caused her system to overload and shut down. Furthermore, her DNA data has gone missing.
How can that be? Maxim became serious. No one knows their way around the cavern like she does. If there was a possible threat to her, she could have hidden anywhere. It doesn’t make sense.
Nero kept his suspicions to himself. Relax son! I have a feeling that we will find out what happened to her soon enough.
While Nero and Maxim finished their discussion concerning Willa, Paul had his eyes solely on Oddily. She ran up to him with extended hands. “Look at my fingers Paul. The claws are gone.”
“Yeah, I see!”
“And look at my legs! They’re both the same length again.”
“I know! Your limp is gone. That’s great Oddily!”
“Oh, and guess what?!” She continued excitedly. “I want to keep my hair long for awhile, so I’m going to tell Pepper and Carrie that I got extensions.”
“I’ll go along with that,” he smiled.
“The only problem is, I don’t want to lie to anyone.”
“You don’t have to.” Paul assured her. “If anyone asks about your hair, just smile. Watch and see! People have a way of answering their own question without you saying anything.”
“Oddily, let me get a good look at you.” Nero left Maxim and joined Paul and Oddily. “How are you feeling?”
“Great!” she held up her fingers and wiggled them. “It’s been over an hour since Maxim trimmed my nails; and look, they’re still short.”
Nero called Maxim over and asked, How has Oddily been behaving since she regained consciousness?
Maxim gazed over at Oddily thoughtfully. She has been experiencing a surge in energy; and yet, she shows no signs of tiredness. Even after running though the woods and climbing a hill, she remains energetic.
Ahhh, she is behaving like a free spirit.
Those are my thoughts exactly! Maxim agreed.
Considering her personality, this is not her typical behavior!
“Okay, that’s enough!” Paul barged in on their private conversation. “Why aren’t you speaking openly about this in front of Oddily. She has a right to hear what you’re saying, especially when it’s about her.”
Oddily gave Paul a bewildered look. “Who’s talking about me?”
“It’s your boyfriend and his father. They’re discussing you behind your back Oddily.”
Oddily stared at Maxim. “Is this true? Are you still keeping secrets from me?”
“Silence!” Nero spoke audibly this time. “Maxim, take Oddily home.”
“No, I want to stay!” In a show of defiance, Oddily crossed her arms over her chest.
Nero studied her defiant stance for a moment and then laughed. “You are feisty this morning.”
“I am?” Her arms dropped to her side.
“Yes, and I am amused. Therefore, I will answer your question about secrets. As far as Maxim keeping secrets from you, this is true. Some secrets he has shared with you already, others you have yet to discover on your own. Then there are the ones that you can never know about. Do you understand?”
“Stop it father!” Maxim abruptly moved to stand between Nero and Oddily. “You must leave her to me.”
“No! This needs to be said.”
Nero stretched his tall physique to view the redhead from over his son’s shoulder and saw her nod at him in agreement.
“Good! Now let me explain to you another one of our family secrets.” He continued. “All of us here, including Paul, can communicate telepathically. Except for Paul, it is our normal way of speaking—a habit ingrained in us since birth. For lack of a better explanation, it is so normal to us, Maxim and I didn’t think twice about speaking this way while in your presence.”
“Paul’s telepathic?” That was the only comment that truly surprised Oddily as she grabbed Maxim’s hand in hers.
“I can speak for myself,” Paul intercepted, drawing Oddily’s attention to him. “It’s true; but I hardly, if ever, use it.”
“Tell her why!” Nero pushed the issue. “You’re the one who wants her to know everything.”
Paul gritted his teeth. “I guess it’s because no one around me had the skill while I was growing up.”
“Exactly! So let’s not put any more idea’s into Oddily’s head. Have I made myself clear?”
“Hey, you have no business reprimanding me,” he fought back. “I’m glad I told her what’s up because at least now, if only for a moment, you’re talking out loud in front of her.”
Nero stared at Paul suspiciously. “Are you friend or foe? And remember—I will know if you’re lying.”
“In that case, I am neither.”
Nero’s body stiffened and then quickly relaxed. “What about Nexa as your mate?”
“What?” Nexa had been standing in the background watching from afar. Now her light blue eyes singled out Paul as she hurried over to join the group. “You are Zaylyn’s brother?!”
“Yeah…evidently!”
“But there’s no chemistry between us!”
Paul smirked at her. “Just out of curiosity, let me try something with you.”
“What is it? What are you doing?” Nexa asked as Paul placed his hand behind her neck and drew her face close to his.
“I’ll decide for myself.”
Before Nexa could protest, he kissed her in a way that was meant only for couples in love. It was deep and passionate, arousing a strong reaction of wanting more, a sensation that mystified the blonde haired beauty. When Paul released her and stepped back, Maxim and Oddily were standing close by. They were both stunned, but curiously awaiting Paul’s answer.
After Nexa regained her composure, she became defensive. “Well, smartass. Did you feel any fireworks?”
“Nah, you were right! You’re a beautiful girl and all that, but the kiss fell flat.”
The eerie silenced that followed made Paul uncomfortable. Did they know he was lying? ”I guess I have overstayed my welcome.”
“Tinley, come here!” Nero glanced at a section of the woods, and so did Paul. A human-shaped machine stepped out from behind a tree and leaped onto the road.
Paul couldn’t help but stagger at the sight of the giant android, but attempted to hide his fearful reaction from the others.
Maxim shot his father a
confused look. “Where has Tinley been all this time?”
“Unlike you and your sister, he stayed away as I instructed. Assuming you would have obeyed me, I found no reason for his presence.”
Maxim shot an annoyed look at his sister, but remained quiet.
“Tinley, show Paul to his vehicle and then guide him to the entrance. He is free to leave.”
How can you let him go when he knows so much? Nexa started to use her telepathy again.
Nero did the same. Even though he is still in denial, Paul is one of us. He’ll keep our secrets.
Maxim turned back to Nero after watching Paul and Tinley disappear around a bend in the road. I’ll make sure that he does.
Nero spoke again; but audibly this time, for Oddily’s sake. “Now, allow me to finish up my business with you, son. I kept my word and stayed until the Zaylyn situation was resolved. It has been and now it’s time for me to leave.”
To keep from hearing any protests, Nero’s majestic presence faded into the morning sunlight.
36
“Maxim, would you mind if I steal Oddily away from you for a bit?”
“No…not at all!” He assured his sister. “Go ahead and take the mini cart back to the house. I’ll be there soon.”
Oddily waved goodbye and then turned her attention to Nexa. “Is this going to be a girly talk?”
“I suppose,” she nodded. “It’s just that I needed a moment alone with you so I could let you know how glad I am that you’re back.
“Thank you Nexa. I missed you too, but I must admit that I’m sad over Nero leaving.”
“I know what you mean,” Nexa agreed. “He has a way of growing on you after awhile, but no worries. Nero won’t be able to stay away for long.”
Oddily’s mood brightened with the thought of Nero returning, her emerald green eyes reflecting the color of the surrounding foliage.
Then, after a short silence, Nexa found the nerve to ask, “Do you think Paul was telling the truth?”
Oddily gazed at Maxim’s sister. “Are you talking about what he said after he kissed you?”
“Yes! What do you think?”
Oddily shrugged. “I don’t know Nexa. You haven’t been very friendly towards him.”
“I introduced myself. What more was I supposed to do?”
“Ummm…I think maybe you’re asking the wrong person about this. I don’t exactly have the reputation of being a social butterfly.”
“That’s fine.” Nexa sighed. “Let’s change the subject and talk about you. Tell me, what’s going on with you and Maxim? Now that you two are back together, would you like me to sleep somewhere else for tonight?”
“What on earth for?”
Oddily’s bewildered look made Nexa smirk. “You know! I think you call it hooking up.”
“Geeez Nexa!” Oddily began to blush.
“I’m sorry. I guess I spoke inappropriately.”
Oddily agreed with Nexa, but then had change of heart. “No, that’s okay. It’s just that I want to be married first.”
“Oh!”
After waiting for Nexa to continue, Oddily became worried when she said nothing more.
Oddily cleared her throat. “I have a feeling that you’re not the only one who said something wrong.”
After bringing the mini cart to a stop, Nexa turned to her. “May I confide in you about something?”
“I guess!” Oddily began to squirm under Nexa’s watchful eye.
“Okay, it’s about me and Maxim. We were raised with different beliefs from what you and your kind have adopted. In the future, marriage is considered a primitive tradition that no longer exists. Moreover, because the future is where our father was born and raised, we came to believe the same way he does. Actually, Maxim’s commitment to you runs much deeper than signatures on a piece of paper. Even now, if you were to walk out of his life, Maxim would never choose another to replace you. His loyalty to you is that strong.”
Nexa kept a watchful eye on Oddily’s reaction and didn’t like what she saw.
“Okay, talk to me!” Nexa shook Oddily’s arm to get her attention. “What’s on your mind?”
“I was just thinking that if I lived in the future, that wouldn’t be a problem; but I don’t, and marriage still exists! I…I don’t know what more to say. I can only hope that if Maxim loves me as deeply as you say he does, he will marry me anyway.”
“You know what?” Nexa said wistfully. “You make a good point.”
When the girls arrived home, Maxim was lying on the couch.
“He looks dead!” Oddily whispered.
Nexa’s face lit up with a mischievous smile as she tiptoed over to her brother. Standing over him, she turned and winked at Oddily before she took a strand of her pale blonde hair and tickled the tip of his nose. Maxim shifted positions, but he didn’t wake up.
Nexa teased him again; only this time, she let her hair touch his cheek. When she did, Maxim’s hand came up and scratched the side of his face.
Then Nexa gestured for Oddily to join in on the fun. Oddily was hesitant. She had never done anything like this before. She didn’t know what silly thing she could do to him; but then, she spotted his exposed stomach and grinned. After sneaking up to him, Oddily leaned over and quickly kissed his navel. When Maxim began to moan, she ducked behind the couch with Nexa. She could feel a fit of giggles coming on so she covered her mouth. On the other hand, Nexa couldn’t stay quiet. She was making all kinds of muffled noises.
When his moaning stopped, and there were no other sounds in the room, Oddily became curious. Could Maxim still be asleep? She came to her knees and peeked over the back of the couch.
“He’s not there!” she whispered in wide-eyed wonder.
Nexa came to her feet and smiled.
“He must have…!” Before Oddily could say more, Nexa shushed her and then whispered, “Brace yourself. Maxim is playing with us!”
Oddily’s sweet face lit up with excitement when Nexa signaled to her to sneak upstairs with her. She also indicated that Maxim was on the prowl and they needed to keep an eye out for him.
Nexa led the way, stopping every so often when she came upon one of Maxim’s usual hiding places. So far, the coast was clear. They had made it up the stairs and were now sneaking down the hallway.
Oddily’s anticipation elevated to a level of overexcitement when Nexa stopped and listened. “Did you hear that?”
A deep guttural sound erupted from up ahead, and Oddily’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my gosh! What was that?!”
Nexa grabbed her by the arm and ducked inside one of the bedrooms. “It’s Maxim. He’s imitating the roar of a grizzly bear.”
“He’s convincing!” She gulped loudly.
Nexa gave Oddily a double take when she saw the uncertainty in Oddily’s eyes. “You’ve never played games like this before, have you!?”
Oddily shook her head.
“Okay! You stay here while I show you what typically happens.”
Nexa left the bedroom and headed back in the direction of the stairs. Soon after, Maxim passed the room where Oddily stood, and she spotted him moving in the direction of his sister. He was grinning—having fun!
All of a sudden, there was another deep guttural roar, and then a high-pitched laugh from Nexa. Oddily poked her head out of the room just in time to see Maxim grab Nexa up in his arms and squeeze her with a bear hug.
Oddily began to feel silly for letting her nerves get the best of her, especially after seeing the innocent fun she missed. However, when Maxim released Nexa and growled again, she knew the game wasn’t over yet. She was to be Maxim’s next victim!
What happened next was not only surprising to Maxim and Nexa, it was unexpected by Oddily as well. An over stimulated imagination had caused her to scream loudly before taking off down the hall.
I don’t know if I should chase her sis. She sounded scared.
Don’t bother, Nexa grinned. After she runs the full loop, she’ll be heading
straight at us.
Oddily had forgotten that the hallway was circular; so moments later, she was taken aback when she ran into Maxim and Nexa again. She slid to a stop and blinked hard at their smiling faces. “You must think I’m completely nuts!”
Nexa nudged her brother. “What do you think? Is she nuts?”
“I’m not sure; but if she is, we must be infected too!”
“Oh, come on you guys!” Oddily began to laugh. “I feel stupid enough without your teasing!”
Maxim began to growl again, with a predators look in his eyes, but this time Oddily was ready. When Maxim lunged forward and grabbed her up in his arms, she wrapped hers around his neck and hugged him fiercely.
After a long playful hug, Maxim released Oddily and then apologized. “I’m sorry to ruin the fun, but I need to sleep for awhile. I’m exhausted!”
“I know what!” Oddily said cheerfully. “While you rest, I’ll go and get a manicure like you suggested earlier.”
“How will you get to the nail salon?” He asked.
“I’ll take her.” Nexa volunteered. “I could use a fresh coat of polish myself.”
Maxim smirked and countered, “You don’t wear nail polish!”
Nexa spoke again through gritted teeth. “Yes I do…remember!”
“Oh yes.” Maxim quickly amended his statement. “You do wear it once in awhile—a pretty shade of pink.”
Maxim, I’m going to strangle you if you don’t shut up!
Maxim snickered at his sister and then turned to Oddily. “Give me a kiss and I’ll see you later.”
37
Maxim was sitting on his bed, and had just removed his shoes, when Oddily poked her head into the room. When he saw her, he held out his hand. Oddily smiled at the gesture and came to stand before him. He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “You’ve changed your mind.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I didn’t want to leave you.”
After pulling her down on his lap, Maxim cradled her in his arms. He sat holding her, carefully, lovingly, for a long time without speaking. Oddily was filled with contentment by the way he held her—as if she were a cherished prize to him. However, gradually, she became aware that the muscles in his body were tightening. Her heart leaped and then began to pound as his lips pressed to her throat.
MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) Page 19
