“Clever,” Declan said, using a scowl that sent even the most seasoned warriors under his command scurrying for cover. She didn’t even bat an eye. “Fine, you win.”
“This is not a contest, Declan, and I’m not trying to win anything,” she said. “I just want to hear this confession so we can put it behind us and be done with it.”
“I apologize,” he said, then looked at his brothers who nodded. “After you collapsed in the Leaper’s control room, I brought you back here, to Dr. Jula. You had several bleeds in your brain, some swelling, and your vitals were dropping. Dr. Jula didn’t think you’d survive very long.”
“Ouch,” Vari said softly. “That must have been difficult for you.”
“Yes, it was. We spoke with your Ata and Prince Garen, and told them that we planned to convert you to save your life.”
“Wait…why not put me in a healing tank?”
“Because the massive amount of data you received was causing the problem. Healing you would not remove the data.”
“Yes, of course. Please go on.”
“We told them you hadn’t agreed to soul-link with us, but we couldn’t let you die. We agreed to give you the first injection which would heal you. When you awoke, we’d let you decide whether to continue or not.”
Vari paled. “You didn’t do that, did you?”
“No, we didn’t,” Declan replied, wondering at her sudden tension. “Pandora told us that the Eternal Pack was working to help you, and asked us to be patient, so we waited. And besides, our mating fangs haven’t descended yet anyway.”
Vari relaxed, then frowned in confusion. “What is it you’re confessing, exactly?”
“We planned to do something we believed you wouldn’t want us to do,” Declan said. “It doesn’t matter that we didn’t actually do it.”
“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I just can’t be offended by your desire to save my life.” The surprise on their faces made her laugh.
“Why did you become so tense?” Declan asked. Her smile vanished.
“We can’t soul-link,” she said sadly. “I can’t be your Arima. Not until the Doftle are stopped, at least.”
“Why not?” Jay asked.
“Because the Armonia, the anti-chaos, is part of my physical body down to the cellular level. Soul-linking will remake me, and erase the one hope I have of saving everyone and everything we know.”
“I have to admit that’s a damn good reason,” Kai said, shaking his head with half a grin on his face.
“You’re not angry?”
“Of course not,” Declan said. “We have you, that’s all that matters to us.”
She opened her mouth to speak, then paused, her eyes widening. “Something’s happening.”
“Yes, we feel it too,” Declan said. “You’re waking up, I think. And so are we.”
Vari vanished from Declan’s arms, then a firm, tugging sensation enveloped him. When the tugging stopped, he opened his eyes to find himself sitting in a chair beside Vari’s bed.
He looked to the side and saw that Jay and Kai were blinking as they sat up straight, expressions of mild confusion on their faces. For about two seconds he wondered what was happening, then he lurched to his feet and leaned over the edge of the bed in time to see Vari’s eyes open.
“Hello, Miraku,” he said softly.
Chapter 12
Within an hour of waking up, Vari was insisting that she was fine and ready to leave the infirmary, and Dr. Jula was insisting on a battery of tests. When Vari turned to the Dracon-Bats for help, they pulled rank on her, insisting that she follow doctor’s orders.
After the tests, which took less than an hour, Dr. Jula was happy to find that Vari was perfectly healthy. There was no sign of the brain injuries that had threatened her life and left her in a coma for four days, but she didn’t fret over it much. These were Clan Jasani, and their magic was powerful.
“You need to not let yourself get hurt again, Vari,” Shanti said from the foot of the medi-cot, smiling through her tears. “I didn’t like the way that felt one bit, so I’m putting my foot down on this.”
“Come here, Shanti,” Vari said. Shanti walked around to the side of the medi-cot. When she was close enough, Vari reached over and pulled her into a hug. Shanti gasped in surprise. Then she closed her eyes and returned the hug.
“How’s this possible?” Shanti said a few moments later when Vari released her.
“There was a reason for what happened to me when I touched people,” Vari said. “A purpose that it was specifically meant for. That purpose has been fulfilled. It’s just that simple.”
“Uh huh,” Shanti said, rolling her eyes. “Simple. Right.” She leaned down and looked into Vari’s eyes. “I love you, my friend, and I’m happier than I can tell you that you’re all right now. I couldn’t have borne losing you.”
Vari was at a loss for words so she just hugged Shanti again, but only for a few moments. “Now, tell me where it is you’re going, please.”
“You promised never to dig around in my brain,” Shanti said archly.
“I did promise, and I didn’t dig,” Vari said. “You just have that look about you that says I’m outta here.”
“I’m going back to the Leaper to help Ria with the passengers. They’re mostly okay, but a lot of them are seriously traumatized, and she can’t see those who hide from her.”
“What is it you’re not saying?”
“There’ve been a few suicides,” Shanti said sadly.
“So you’ll watch the auras, and alert Ria to those who need help most.”
“That’s the plan.”
“It’s a good one,” Vari said. “Don’t work too hard though, okay? And let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“You and your men have done enough,” Shanti said. “You eliminated the Doftles, freed the Leaper, saved the lives of who knows how many people, and ensured that the rest of us didn’t end up slaves. We’re all safe and sound now and we can handle it from here. You just rest and get better.”
“All right Shanti,” Vari said. “Akara du ne akara li.”
“You take care of you for me, too, Vari,” Shanti said.
“Um, excuse me,” Pandora said. “Shanti, would you mind if I tagged along with you? Vari’s going to want some privacy with her men, and I’d rather not sit around watching vids tonight.”
“I don’t mind in the least, Pandora,” Shanti said. “I’d really like the company.”
“Thanks,” Pandora said, flying off the bed and landing on Shanti’s shoulder. “Give me a call if you need me, Vari.”
“I will Pandora, and thank you.”
Pandora smiled and waved, and then she, Shanti, and Dr. Jula were gone. Declan, Jay and Kai moved back to the side of her bed.
“That was thoughtful of her,” Jay said.
“It was,” Vari agreed. “I’ll have to think of something nice to do for her.”
“Let us do that, please,” Kai said. “She helped us out a great deal and we’d like to do something special for her.”
“All right,” Vari agreed readily.
“We’ll help you to your room,” Declan said. She opened her mouth, but Declan held up one hand, palm out. “I know, you’re fine, but you’re wearing nothing but a thin med gown. Since I’m fairly certain you don’t want to go traipsing through the ship dressed as you are, we can either use Air to take you to your room, or go and get you some clothing.”
Vari looked down at herself and blushed red. “Good point,” she said. “Air, please.”
“Of course,” Declan said, trying not to smile. He moved next to the bed and lifted her into his arms, but before he began moving she stopped him.
“I need to ask you guys something.”
“Certainly,” Declan said.
“Was I dreaming? You know, when I was…out.”
“No, you weren’t dreaming,” Declan said. “We were there with you. Though it felt like an hour to us, we were with
you for more than three days.”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“There is nothing for you to be sorry about, Vari. We would’ve lost our minds waiting that long for you to wake up. We’re grateful that we got to be with you, instead.”
“So am I. Without you three, I’d have been lost.”
“You ready to move?” Declan asked.
“Yes, please.”
Within moments of leaving the infirmary Declan set Vari gently on the edge of her bed and stepped back. He was suddenly uncertain about what to do next, which was a rare thing for him.
Vari grimaced and placed one hand on her stomach. “I just realized how hungry I am.”
“Since you haven’t eaten in about four days that’s no surprise,” Declan said.
“It’s been three days for you guys, hasn’t it? You should go get yourselves something to eat right now.”
“What about you?” Kai asked.
“I think I’ll take a long hot shower and then order something from the cafeteria.”
“Why don’t you take a shower while Kai and I go down and get lunch for all four of us,” Declan suggested.
“What about Jay?”
“We aren’t quite ready to leave you alone yet,” Jay said.
“I’m not quite ready to be alone yet, either,” she admitted. “Lunch here with you guys sounds good to me, just make sure you bring back lots of food.”
“We will,” Declan said with a smile that she couldn’t help but return. After he and Kai left, Vari pushed herself to her feet. She took one step and wobbled unsteadily.
“Let me help,” Jay said, placing one arm around her as he helped her into the bathroom. Leaving her standing at the bathroom counter, he stepped into the shower and started the water for her. Then he made sure she had clean towels and wash cloths, that her favorite lemon geranium shampoo and body wash were in there, and that her bathrobe was on the bench nearby.
“You need anything else, you call me, all right?” he asked, looking down into her eyes intently. She went up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips, then smiled.
“I’ll call,” she agreed. He nodded, then forced himself to leave, closing the door behind himself.
Vari stood next to the counter staring at the closed door. She had the strangest feeling that she’d forgotten something, but she couldn’t figure out what it was. She gave up, knowing that it would come to her only if she stopped trying to remember it.
Pulling the med gown off and dropping it to the floor she stepped into the shower, her skin pebbling as the hot water poured over her. It felt so good that she could only stand there and enjoy it until her stomach growled repeatedly. She laughed softly to herself and reached for the shampoo.
Fifteen minutes later, body clean, hair towel-dried, teeth brushed and wearing the sleep tee and shorts hanging on the bathroom door, she left the bathroom. The moment she opened the door she smelled food, which caused her stomach to rumble again. Declan, Jay and Kai were all standing at the table which was laden with plates and bowls of food, all covered to keep them warm.
“You guys didn’t wait for me, did you?” she asked, though it was clear that they had. She stopped, frowning uncertainly when all three of them suddenly stiffened. She felt the shock that slammed into them, and had just enough time to wonder why before their arousal hit her so hard she had to lock her knees to remain standing. Their hands were clenched tightly at their sides, the muscles in their jaws jumping with tension, their eyes fixed on her with such hot intensity it made her shiver.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, the words pouring out of her in an unbroken stream. “I had a feeling I was forgetting something and I couldn’t remember what it was but that was so careless of me and I’m so sorry.” Her vision blurred but she was far too distracted to notice. “I’ll just…um…,” she trailed off and started to go back into the bathroom.
Declan was attempting to think past the abrupt sensation of his mating fangs bursting through his gums, and the tidal wave of arousal that enveloped him, so it took him a moment to process what Vari was saying. The remorse he heard in her voice sent his stomach plummeting to the floor until he realized that her arousal was as strong as their own. He rushed forward without thought, Jay and Kai doing the same, so that they surrounded her in an instant.
He looked into her eyes and with a sudden growl he bent his head and thrust his tongue into her mouth, his hands cupping her head gently but firmly.
Hunger forgotten, Vari pressed herself against Declan’s body, giving herself up to the heat that suddenly seemed to radiate from all four of them. She felt Kai and Jay pressing against her so that she was completely surrounded by them.
Declan tore his mouth from hers, then turned her toward Jay, who immediately claimed her mouth for himself. His kiss was so hot and so deep that she didn’t even feel Kai’s fingers on her nipples until the pressure sharpened enough to cause her entire body to clench and shiver.
Then she was in Kai’s arms. He tilted her head back and kissed her throat, worked his way to the side of her neck, letting her feel his teeth as he went. When he reached her ear he set his teeth on her earlobe and bit down with slow, steady pressure. She went as still as she could while panting for air, her pussy wet and throbbing with arousal that seemed to double when the pressure culminated in a sharp nip before he released her.
“Before we get carried away I think we all need to eat,” Jay said reluctantly when he heard Vari’s stomach growl. Declan and Kai looked at him in surprise, but he kept his eyes on Vari. After a moment, they understood.
“You’re right,” Declan said, forcing himself to step back. He nudged Vari gently on the shoulder and guided her to the table. Kai a pull chair out for her and she sat down, then waited for them to take their own seats.
She watched as they removed the covers from the food, filled a plate for her, then for themselves. The room was silent for a few minutes while they took the edge off their hunger. Vari set her fork down and reached for the tall glass of iced tea in front of her.
“You guys don’t mind that your mating fangs descended?’ she asked.
Declan smiled at her, understanding her concern. “No Miraku, we don’t mind. This is the way it’s supposed to be and we really couldn’t be happier about it.”
Vari nodded and released the last of her fear and worry. Declan was right. This was the way it was supposed to be, which is exactly what she wanted.
“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“Not at all,” Declan said. “What would you like to know?”
“First and foremost, do my parents know I’m all right?”
“Yes,” Kai answered. “We kept in close contact with the Ugaztun up until we went into your mind. After that, Dr. Jula and Shanti kept them updated. I spoke with your Ata on the way to the cafeteria and told him that you’re awake, fully healed, and that you’ll contact them after you bathe, eat, and rest, probably tomorrow. He said there’s no hurry. They’re just glad to know you’re all right.”
“Thank you, Kai,” she said with relief. “How’s the Leaper doing?”
“It’s running on minimal security and comms, but otherwise all is well,” Declan replied. “Prince Garen has already arranged for a number of grief and trauma counselors to meet the Leaper when it reaches Jasan.”
“Were you able to transport the Doftle’s remains?”
“No, we weren’t. They’re in stasis bags in a room on the Leaper.”
“I hope the Teriens won’t attempt to claim the remains since the Leaper is their vessel.”
“If they try they’ll fail,” Jay said.
“How can you be sure of that?”
“A couple of reasons,” Jay said with a feral grin. “For one thing, the Teriens made the colossal mistake of sending orders to the crew of the Leaper commanding them to refuse any and all requests—even lawful ones-- for data or assistance from us. They were ordered to deal with any problems that might arise themselves,
or face dismissal.”
“Rajne,” Vari whispered. “After everything that happened, why would they send such a message?”
“They sent it at the same time they sent us their refusal for data. The crew didn’t receive it until the ship’s comms were restored, and to say they were unhappy would be a gross understatement.”
“To say the least,” Kai said. “The crew printed out hundreds of copies of it and put them up all over the ship so that everyone onboard, crew and passenger alike, could read it. There isn’t a single soul aboard the Leaper who isn’t furious with the Teriens. In fact, every single employee has already quit. They’re still doing their jobs for the sake of the passengers, but the moment the Leaper reaches Jasan, everyone on that ship plans to disembark.”
“How are the Teriens handling that news?”
“We don’t know that, yet,” Declan replied. “We do know that they’re scrambling to make amends for refusing to provide us with critical information when we were trying to rescue their passengers on their ship. Of course, that didn’t happen until after they were informed that a thousand of their passengers were murdered. There isn’t a good feeling toward them in the Inter-System Transit Authority at the moment, nor in the governments of several dozen worlds.
“They also agreed to send warnings to all of their passenger liners regarding acceptance of shipping containers, particularly those that can’t be scanned through or opened for inspection. I suspect the Teriens will be more cooperative in future.”
“For the sake of their people, I sincerely hope so,” Vari said. “You said there were two reasons why the Teriens wouldn’t attempt to claim the Doftles.”
“The second reason is that the Doftles’ remains are being guarded around the clock by five male-sets,” Jay said. “By order of the council. When the Leaper docks, they’ll be removed and taken straight to the council. I pity any Terien who tries to stop them.”
“That’s good news. The council and Dr. Davis can learn a lot about them if they have a body or two to study. They’ll be ecstatic to have eleven of them. I especially want them to do a careful comparison between the brains of the three in Control and the others. And between Rodnil’s brain and the other two in Control with him. Oh, and I want to know what the echo is that I heard in their hearts."
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