by Ivy Barrett
“It’s a temporary stabilization. She isn’t cured.”
“I never asked you to cure her. Minimize her suffering. We don’t expect any more.”
Understanding expanded within her and she narrowed her gaze on his face. “You’re afraid. You think a cure will nullify your abilities and you don’t want to live without them.”
Mal Ton stepped toward her, his expression stark and commanding. “We’re outnumbered and outgunned. Our powers are our only advantage.”
He had a valid point, but it didn’t justify the sacrifice. She looked him in the eye and insisted, “You’re not seeing the big picture.” She shifted her gaze to Fane. “Not only will a cure save people like Sarah, it will neutralize people like Max.”
“If Fane had let me have my way, Max would already be neutralized,” Mal Ton grumbled.
“It’s a complex problem,” Fane said. “There are no easy answers.”
“But you won’t let Allen map your DNA.” It wasn’t a question. She could see the answer in his eyes. “I don’t agree with your decision, but I’ll honor your wishes.”
* * *
Fane watched her leave, regret welling within him.
“It’s the right decision,” Mal Ton said. “No, it’s the only rational decision. No matter how hard we tried to hide it, something that important is bound to get out. No one else can know your secret.”
“She’s right about Max. We need a way to neutralize people who use their powers to commit crimes.”
Mal Ton folded his arms over his chest and shook his head. “You really want to evaluate the actions of every mutant? Isn’t their survival enough responsibility?”
Fane pushed back from his desk and stood. “You’re right. There’s only so much I can control.” He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “So when are you heading back to Stilox? I thought you might hand carry Lorelle’s treatment.”
“Trying to get rid of me?”
“No.” Fane ignored his mocking tone. “I just know how much you care about her.”
“Roark isn’t going to bring her out of stasis until the injection arrives and it will take at least another twenty-four hours before they know anything. I’ll probably head out tomorrow night.”
“No pressure. You’re always welcome. Have you heard from Sean? Has he had any luck finding Brianna?”
“He checked in this morning.” Mal Ton grinned. “You were otherwise occupied so I talked to him.”
“Has he located her?”
“He found her, and rescued her, but she took off as soon as he turned his back.” Mal Ton shook his head, but a hint of amusement lit his gaze. “For some reason, Brianna was reluctant to trust him.”
“That’s no surprise. She was kidnapped and transported to another planet without being told why. Does he have any idea where she’s headed?”
“He tracked her to one of the black zones. He sounded frustrated but determined. You know Sean. He won’t return without her.” Mal Ton sighed. “I was really hoping I could tell Lorelle her sister was safe. She’s been really worried.”
“It will happen. Sean is one of the best.” Fane thought of all the complications Lorelle had brought to Mal Ton’s life, and all the happiness. He couldn’t suppress a smile. “Are human women all this much trouble?”
Mal Ton chuckled. “If Brianna is half as spirited as her sister, Sean’s in for one hell of a ride!”
* * *
Later that night Fane sat across his desk from Cassie as they ate a late dinner. Allen had taken a tray to the lab, but Fane insisted Cassie take a break and attempt to clear her mind.
“Have you made any progress?” He regretted the question as soon as he saw the hostility in her eyes.
“We’re spinning our wheels and you know it. You can trust Allen. He has no reason to reveal your heritage to anyone.”
“His success alone would send up red flags.” Why wouldn’t she let this go? Mal Ton had helped him explain the danger inherent in anyone finding out a Faundi still lived. “The only way to harness the mutations is to—”
“I can’t stop thinking about your tattoo.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” He pushed his tray aside and came out from behind his desk. He’d trusted her with something intensely private and sacred to him. He couldn’t believe she was about to throw it back in his face.
“The seer warned that you would be responsible for great sorrow as well as great joy.”
“This is not what she was talking about.”
“How do you know? Your DNA was responsible for expanding the paranormal elements within the mutation cycle. Why shouldn’t your DNA be used to curtail the pain those mutations have caused?”
He clenched his fists, too angry to speak. She had no right to use his pantauk against him. It was the worst kind of manipulation.
“Decisions made in the present shape the future. I’ve never seen that fact so starkly emphasized.” She stood as well, her gaze direct and unrepentant. “I’m going back to the lab where I can do some good.”
Fane raised his hand to stop her, but she was out the door before he could clear the tightness from his throat. Damn it! She was asking him to risk what little peace he’d found. He had spent too many years as prey. He couldn’t go back to that kind of life, no matter how noble the cause.
Mal Ton arrived a short time later with a woman Fane had never seen before. She was tiny, her head barely reaching Mal Ton’s shoulder. Silver blonde hair framed her heart-shaped face and her shimmering purple eyes tilted at an exotic angle. Her origins were beyond this star system, but Fane didn’t recognize her species.
“This is Shae Milleepon,” Mal Ton introduced. “She has supplied the Stilox resistance with various supplies for the past nine years.”
Fane easily translated. She was a gunrunner. So what was she doing here? “It’s nice to meet you.” Shae inclined her head as opposed to extending her hand, so Fane followed suit.
“Actually, I am Milleepon,” she corrected with a gentle smile. “Shae is my partner.”
“Where is he?” Mal Ton asked. “This is the first time I’ve seen you without him.”
“It’s easier for me to travel unnoticed on Protaria and discretion is extremely important.”
Unsure where this was leading, Fane just waited for her to explain.
“Shae and I are currently negotiating with General Bryson. He has no idea we know his true identity, of course, but we thought you would be interested in what he’s selling.” She handed Fane a data strip and added, “He calls it a Chrysalis.”
Fane pushed the data strip into the slot on his workstation and sent the signal to the view screen in the wall beside him. A holding cell came into view, a female standing in the center of the small room. Recognition struck with sudden force. “That’s Karris.”
No one said anything more as the scene unfolded. They watched Karris absorb the requested abilities and casually demonstrate her new powers.
“Holy shit,” Mal Ton muttered. “Does Cassie know about this?”
“Damn good question.” Fane accessed their link and asked Cassie to return to his office.
I’ve said all I have to say right now.
I have something you need to see. This has nothing to do with our argument.
All right.
“I also included a copy of all my conversations with the general,” Milleepon said. “I’m sure you’ll find them useful. However, I would appreciate it if you didn’t explain how you came by the recordings.”
“Of course,” Mal Ton assured.
Why would an arms dealer hand Bryson to them on a silver platter? Fane wanted to accept it at face value, but generally when things seemed to be too good to be true, they were.
It seemed to take forever for Cassie to walk down the hall. Fane sensed her approach and opened the door with his mind.
“What’s going on?” she asked as she stepped into the office.
“Watch this.” He started the clip over from the beginning.
The shock and horror in her expression couldn’t be feigned. This was new to her. “When did this take place?”
“Yesterday,” Milleepon told her.
“They must have injected her with my nanites.” Cassie pressed her hand to her throat, clearly upset by the new evidence of her father’s treachery. “That’s how she’s absorbing the power, but how were the canisters charged? Are they kidnapping mutants? I don’t understand how they made this work.”
“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful,” Fane said to Milleepon, “but why did you bring this to us?”
She looked at Mal Ton and smiled, her gaze filled with secrets. “I owed him one. Besides, there are too many potential complications inherent in the concept. A biological host is always problematic. If the nanites could be altered to work in a cyborg, I might be interested.”
“Does Bryson know you’re not interested?”
“Actually, I’ve arranged a live demonstration.” She handed Mal Ton a translucent piece of plastic. “Here’s an invitation to Governor Lanartin’s inaugural ball. Security is guaranteed to be a challenge, but Bryson promised to put on a show. This is likely the only opportunity you’ll get, so make the most of it.”
“Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it,” Mal Ton said.
“Then say my debt is paid in full,” she suggested with another knowing smile.
“I never considered it a debt, but I’m more than grateful.” Mal Ton escorted her to the door.
“You have plans to make.” She waved him back. “I’m perfectly capable of finding my way back to my ship.” Mal Ton kissed her hand then stepped back as the door slid close behind her.
Fane located a specter and told him to discreetly follow their guest. After sensing the soldier’s acknowledgement, Fane returned his attention to Mal Ton and Cassie. “This could easily be a setup. Can we trust her?”
“I don’t know.” Mal Ton leaned his shoulder against the wall, remaining by the door. “Do we have a choice? We have to try to snag Karris at the very least.”
“Bryson gains nothing by tipping his hand,” Cassie said. “For that matter, what does your friend gain by bringing this to us?”
“Bryson could be paying her to flush us out,” Fane suggested.
“Bryson knows how to find us. He knocked on your front door and told you Max had kidnapped Cassie.”
“I think she was for real,” Cassie decided with a helpless shrug. “Nothing else makes sense.”
“What did she owe you?” Fane asked Mal Ton.
Mal Ton heaved a sigh and stepped away from the wall. “I basically saved her life. She doesn’t seem to care that my primary motivation was saving my own ass.”
“This might be what we need to turn the tide.” Fane tried not to sound too hopeful. “I’ve been exchanging information with Director Krentz—”
“Head of the Interplanetary Consortium?” Fane responded with a nod, so Cassie said, “The consortium never intervenes in global conflicts. They offer moderation, but they refuse to take sides.”
“That’s not true. They stepped in when the Ceraton rebels took over the capital. The consortium defused the coup before it turned bloody,” Mal Ton reminded.
“They only act when corruption is irrefutable and when it involves the highest level of world government.” Fane sighed. “It’s the irrefutable part we’re combating. Krentz knows the deceit is real, but he can’t take official action until we prove it.”
“Milleepon’s recordings should help with the proof. And if the demonstration is real, we’ll catch them red-handed.” Determination gleamed in Mal Ton’s gaze.
“We can’t lose sight of Karris. Regardless of what they’ve done to her, she is still a victim.” Fane looked at Cassie, trying to unravel the emotions shaping her expression. She had accepted her father’s treachery, but the realization still stung.
“When is the ball?” Her voice was soft and carefully controlled.
Mal Ton glanced at the invitation. “Day after tomorrow.”
She shook her head and looked at Fane. “That’s not a lot of time to pull this thing together.”
“All we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” Fane said.
Mal Ton laughed. “Isn’t that always our strategy?”
* * *
A slow smile parted Nehalem’s lips. Monitoring Bryson’s comlink was tedious at best. Her father had originally bugged the connection while he determined whether or not Bryson was worthy of his only daughter. She’d asked that he leave the access point in place and he’d reluctantly agreed. It wasn’t right for a wife to spy on her husband, but he’d always doted on Nehalem. If her failed marriage wouldn’t have brought shame upon his house, she would have returned to her father long ago. Returning now wasn’t an option. She had to secure a future on her own.
She pushed away the past and backed up the recording, listening to the exchange for the third time.
“The final simulation went off without a hitch.” Bryson’s voice wasn’t modulated, unlike the person on the other end of the comlink.
“You have the menu selections?” the distorted voice replied.
“Yes, sir.” There was only one person Bryson called sir. Howyn! “It’s probably best if we meet you there.”
“Do you need an invitation?”
“No, sir. Our… acquaintance took care of everything.”
“Until tomorrow.”
Unbelievable! She’d located the confirmation of the next demonstration and she had the exchange recorded. Was it damning enough for blackmail? Probably not. It would depend what Chrysalis One did at the party.
“What was that about?” Max asked from behind her.
She deactivated the recording and turned around, debating how much to tell him. Shae had mentioned an exclusive gala, so Nehalem had done some digging. There were four elite galas this weekend, but only one was tomorrow night, the inaugural ball.
Ambition and ruthlessness lit Max’s gaze. She’d seen that expression too many times before. A month ago she would have told him everything and counted on his greed to keep her safe. Boy, had she learned from her mistakes.
“I’ve bought you a new identity and a ship to take you anywhere you want to go.” She smiled, tilting her head so her hair caught the light. “All it will cost you is a slice of your power. I need to be able to teleport by tomorrow night, so we better get started.”
“Why don’t you just tell me what you’re after and I’ll go get it for you.”
She laughed. “Do you honestly think I’m that stupid?”
“You were never stupid.” He stalked toward her, lust igniting within his green eyes. “A bit too trusting, perhaps, but never stupid.”
“Prison cured me of a lot of things.” She turned her back before he saw the calculation in her gaze. She’d made no arrangements for him. There was no ship waiting to whisk him away to a new life. She would fuck him as many times as he could get it up between now and tomorrow afternoon. Then she’d mist him with a paralytic and slit his throat. Max’s body would be found in her bed, but no trace of Nehalem Bryson would ever be found again.
While her ex-husband and Howyn played with their new toy, she’d teleport into the lab and gather everything she’d need to become the new Chrysalis. When her ability to collect mutant powers combined with Chrysalis amplification, there would be nothing she couldn’t do!
He wrapped his arms around her and cupped her breasts. She forced herself not to flinch.
“Try not to enjoy this too much.” He rocked his cock against the small of her back. “I know you’re only in it for my power.”
* * *
Cassie found herself avoiding Fane. Even in bed she pretended to be exhausted and curled on her side with her back to him. She didn’t agree with his refusal to let Allen map his DNA, but she understood his rationale. She was frustrated and she wasn�
��t sure how to resolve the conflict. Arguing was a waste of time. No one changed Fane’s mind when it came to the welfare of his people. Which left avoidance, the strategy of cowards.
“How long are you going to keep this up?” Allen challenged the following afternoon.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she grumbled.
“Like hell you don’t. You’ve been sulking for the past two days.”
“There’s a possible solution to our biggest obstacle, but Fane won’t even consider it.”
“What’s the possible solution?”
She couldn’t tell him. Fane would never forgive her if she broke his confidence. “It doesn’t matter. It’s not going to happen.”
Allen stared at her in confused silence for a long moment. “All right. Then ditch the attitude and let’s get back to work.”
“I can’t.” She threw up her hands, ready to pull her hair out by the roots. “Everything within me disagrees with his decision.”
“Then talk to him about it. That’s what couples do.”
“It won’t do any good.”
“Fine! But take your mood elsewhere.” He pushed her toward the door. “You’re distracting me.”
Annoyed yet amused by Allen’s sudden assertiveness, she wandered down the corridor. How could she convince Fane to reconsider his position? Perhaps she could approach it from a different perspective and help him see that there was a compromise.
Ostan stepped out of the infirmary as she approached, a friendly smile on his pale face. “Can you spare a minute or two? Sarah would like to speak with you.”
“She’s awake?” Excitement bubbled within her. The day had just taken a turn for the better.
“I discontinued all sedation about three hours ago. She’s doing remarkably well.”
“I’d love to meet her.” She followed Ostan into the infirmary and found Sarah sitting up in bed. She was holding a steaming mug between her hands, but she still looked rather frail. A veil concealed the worst of her deformities. Even so, Cassie focused on Sarah’s bright green eyes.
“Ostan says I owe you my life,” Sarah said after Ostan made the introductions.
