Zealot

by Cyndi Friberg

  Raina paused again and looked at her. Concern threaded through the compassion already warming Raina’s gaze. “It’s not that cut and dry. Our genetics amplify physical attraction. But if there’s no attraction to begin with, there’s nothing to amplify.”

  “Is that what happened with Raylon?”

  “Basically. When he found out Kotto had marked me, he insisted that we separate for an entire week.” She made a sound Indigo didn’t recognize. It was part whimper, part growl. “That was the longest week of my life. Then Raylon rushed in to make sure Kotto didn’t have time to reestablish the mark, but we had no chemistry. None. So he stepped aside and let me have Kotto.”

  “But Raylon didn’t give up without a fight,” Indigo reminded with a smile.

  “I can’t believe they did that.” Raina shook her head, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

  “You’re so full of it. You enjoy the fact that two battle-hardened warriors wanted you badly enough to kick the crap out of each other.”

  Raina finally gave in to the smile. “I’ll admit there’s a perverse appeal. I’ve never been the sort of woman to draw the attention of men. It feels wonderful to be desired.”

  “I might feel the same if it were only two. Would you want seventy-three of those brutes trampling each other to get to you?”

  “Zilor won’t let that happen.”

  “I’m not sure it’s up to him.”

  Raina’s smile turned knowing. “They have two nicknames for Zilor. They call him puppy to his face to keep his ego in check, but when he’s not around they frequently call him zealot. Once he commits to a cause, he’s fanatical about follow through. He’s passionate and focused, and he never quits. And our gorgeous young zealot has his sights set on you.”

  “Wonderful.” Despite Indigo’s frustrated tone, a warm shiver tingled down her spine. “Passionate and focused” perfectly defined the way he’d touched her last night. The more she thought about it the more restless she became, so she quickly changed the subject. “What’s so special about this grotto?”

  “You’ll see.”

  The subterranean room was quiet and dank. A glow in the distance led them around a corner and into the expansive room beyond. Massive pools of liquid spread out before Indigo. She couldn’t tell if the tanks were lit from below or if the liquid itself was luminous.

  “Is this what feeds the plant trays above us?”

  Raina nodded. “It’s really just a giant circulating system, but the nutrient-rich fluid and a growth medium called dontarim keep the retention rate hovering around ninety-three present.”

  “Wow. That’s amazing.” Indigo and her mother had always been interested in horticulture and Raina’s research projects had given them new ideas down through the years. She wasn’t an expert like Raina, but she understood enough to be impressed.

  “Anyway, this isn’t what Zilor wanted you to see.”

  Curious now, Indigo followed Raina along the narrow walkway between two of the long, narrow tanks. The surface of the liquid rippled and shimmered, the effect hypnotizing.

  “This is the grotto,” Raina announced with obvious excitement.

  Indigo reached the end of the tanks and turned to the side. Before her spread a smaller cavern filled with greenery. She took several steps closer, but hesitated to enter the fantastical scene. “How is this… How did they do this?” Gathering her courage, she moved farther into the strange room. Her steps were suddenly absorbed by thick grass and lush vegetation surrounding her. Arching trees combined with flowing bushes to create a primeval hideaway. “This is like a botanical gardens gone wild.” She shook her head as she looked around. “I don’t know nearly as much about plants as you do, but this shouldn’t be here.”

  Raina chuckled, following a step or two behind Indigo. “I think the cavern was terraformed, but Kotto swears Rodytes don’t have that sort of technology.”

  “Then who?”

  Raina offered a good-natured shrug. “I have no idea.”

  The air grew lighter, fresher as they ventured deeper into the cave. Indigo thought she was imagining the change until they emerged into a small clearing. Water, or some sort of liquid, flowed down the back wall of the cave and gathered in a gently rippling pool.

  “Where is the water coming from?” Indigo crouched at the pool’s edge and dipped her fingers in the water. “This makes no sense.”

  “I can’t answer that yet. I’ve only had time to run basic tests on the water. Yes, it is water. It would need to be boiled before anyone could drink it, but finding it here is miraculous.”

  Indigo pushed back to her feet as she shook the water from her fingertips. “And the Rodytes don’t know how it got here?”

  “Oh, I’m sure someone knows, but they’re not among the battle born.”

  Indigo sighed as she watched light ripple across the pool. “This is all so strange. You and Ashley had ambitions and goals, lives you found fulfilling. How can you walk away from everything without a backward glance?”

  “I can’t speak for Ashley, but I wasn’t happy. I poured myself into my research because I had nothing else.”

  “Then Kotto swooped in and offered you a brand new life, complete with challenges and adventure. All you have to do is agree to be ‘transformed’ into an entirely different species.” Indigo shook her head. “He’s using you. They all are. We’re a means to an end in this war, but you can’t see beyond his rippling muscles.”

  Conviction ignited Raina’s eyes. She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “Kotto is amazing. I won’t apologize for falling in love with him. But this conflict has nothing to do with desire. They’re fighting for survival. They’re hoping to experience the sorts of freedoms we take for granted.”

  “I’ve been on that ship, Raina. I’ve seen how they live. There are no chains, no whip-wielding masters. The only evidence I’ve seen of true abuse is Chandar.” Even as the words left her mouth an image appeared in her mind. A handsome boy with silver-ringed eyes watching in terrified confusion as his father desperately tried to give him away. That sort of abandonment left deep and lasting scars on a person’s soul.

  Raina shook her head as impatience crept into her tone. “You can’t judge the battle born by what you’ve seen aboard the Crusader. The ship is under rebel control. If anything Kotto has underplayed what battle born males endure. Finding a way to access their magic is their only hope of breaking free of their elite masters. I offer my help not just willingly, but enthusiastically.”

  They fell silent as Indigo struggled with her emotions. Raina would never lie to her, not about something this important. Her cousin obviously believed the rebellion was justified and the battle born had earned her loyalty. A similar path awaited Indigo if she was willing to follow it. But love and marriage, the American ideal of two children and a dog had always seemed like propaganda to Indigo. All of her role models had been strong independent women who hadn’t depended on men for their happiness.

  Happiness. Her mind stumbled over the word. Was her mother truly happy? Did Aunt Lynette’s law practice keep her warm at night?

  Indigo sighed. Zilor really was a fantasy come to life. He was exciting, and not just sexually. She was challenged by his wit, soothed by his charm, and amused by his sense of humor. “I understand the temptation, believe me I do. But one of us has to remain objective. I sense real danger here.”

  Raina smiled, then laughed. “My crazy cousin has suddenly become the voice of reason?” She looked at Indigo, a smile still parting her lips. “You must admit, it’s a little hard to believe.”

  “I’m not crazy. I’m unique.”

  “Thank God. I’m not sure the universe could survive two of you.” Raina wrapped her arm around Indigo’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. As she released Indigo, Raina’s expression changed and she looked off into the distance. “This is Raina.” A quick pause followed and Raina nodded her head. Then she smiled as if remembering the other person couldn’t see her. “Yes. She�
��s here. Shall I send her to— All right. I’ll see that she gets it.”

  “What was that about?” Indigo asked as Raina’s attention refocused on her.

  “Dr. Irron has a present for you.”

  Indigo cringed. “I’m not sure I want a present from a Rodyte doctor.”

  “Irron is half human, so he’s more trustworthy than most.”

  “Did he say what the present was?” Indigo was relatively sure she didn’t want to know.

  “Nope, just that a runner was on his way.”

  They returned to the jungle as they waited for the runner. He arrived a few minutes later and handed Indigo a thin, rectangular device. “It’s tuned to your faceprint, ma’am.” After that inadequate explanation, he took off as abruptly as he’d arrived.

  Indigo looked at Raina for more information. “Do you know what that means?”

  “It’s called a datapad. It’s a fancy tablet computer. Hold it up in front of your face. As soon as it verifies your identity, it will come to life.”

  Hesitantly, Indigo held the datapad up in front of her face. A blip of light flashed across the screen and then Dr. Irron’s image appeared. “I’m glad I caught you away from Zilor. This is your decision. Don’t let that rascal pressure you.”

  Indigo glanced at Raina and muttered, “Easier said than done.”

  Raina’s only reaction was a distracted smile and the doctor’s voice drew their attention back to the datapad.

  “General Nox asked me to use our prioritizing matrix to bring some order to the results from your blood test. Following are two separate lists of your top five matches. The first list is the top five males hoping to participate in the transformation program. The second list is the top five males who will accept the match regardless of whether or not you agree to participate in the transformation study. The two males with the elite tag by their names are full-blooded Rodyte. They’re part of the rebellion, but they’re not battle born.

  “I’m not sure if Zilor told you or not, but I’m a full disclosure sort of person. We know about your Tandori blood, so the political advantage of bonding with you was factored into the results. This affected the second list more than the first. Once you read the profiles you’ll understand what I mean. I attached profiles of each male, so you can decide which, if any, you’d like to meet. If none of these appeal to you, we’ll try again. Luckily, you have lots of options.” He completed his explanation with a playful wink then two neat columns of names replaced his image. She thought the message was finished, but the doctor’s voice warned, “I’ll give you two days to look over everything before I notify the men.”

  For a long time Indigo just stared at the double column of names while her heart thudded in her chest. Did her destiny lie with one of these men? Destiny? Silently, she shook her head. Did she even believe in destiny? She believed in God, a creating force that wrote the laws of nature. But destiny was more personal, more intrusive.

  “Were you aware that we have Tandori blood?” Raina’s quiet voice cut into Indigo’s stupor. “Kotto mentioned it last night, but that was the first I’d heard about it.”

  “Mom told me after Vinton Tandori’s surprise visit,” Indigo admitted. “How did Kotto find out? For that matter, how did Zilor?”

  “Kotto said that Vinton’s sudden interest seemed more than official, so Zilor compared your DNA profile against one of the Tandoris. No one mentioned it to you?”

  “No one has said a word.”

  “And you didn’t say anything to Zilor?”

  She shook her head then turned the datapad so Raina could see the screen. “How many of these guys do you know?”

  “The list on the left are battle born. I’ve met three of the five, but the only one I actually know is Zilor. And you know him better than I do.”

  Indigo looked at the familiar name and her heart began to pound. “He’s my number one match,” she whispered the words, barely able to believe what the screen indicated. “My number one match just happens to be the person they sent to recruit me? Did Zilor have anything to do with these lists?”

  “I don’t think so. A man named Sental wrote the program and Dr. Irron has no reason to stack the deck for Zilor or anyone else. Irron’s top priority is the study’s success.” After a tense pause Raina added, “This is just a happy coincidence.”

  “I don’t believe in coincidence.” Indigo blew out a shuddering breath then turned her attention to the other list of names. “If I choose one of these men, I wouldn’t have to go through the transformation at all?”

  “Bonding with a Rodyte still triggers changes, but the mutation wouldn’t be as significant and it would happen naturally.” Raina pointed to the first name on the list. “You’re still stuck with a Nox, but Garin appears to be a better match if you’re only interested in joining the alliance.”

  Zilor was number two on the right side, so he must have agreed to bond even if the female wouldn’t attempt to free his magic. She couldn’t decide if she was relieved or frustrated by the claim. The problem was, she didn’t believe it. Zilor might think he’d be content without the opportunity, but he desperately wanted to free his magic. In the end, he would likely resent his mate for holding him back.

  “Why do you seem upset? I know you really like him. This solves all sorts of problems.”

  She crossed her arms, pressing the datapad to her chest. “I really like him because some chemical reaction in my body is making him irresistible.” The mysterious pull was definitely engaged, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him even when he wasn’t there to trigger the chemical reaction. Zilor was just plain likable.

  “None of this will work until you stop lying to yourself,” Raina offered with her usual candor. “Stay focused on Chandar as long as you can. She really needs a friend right now. But be prepared. These guys aren’t going to make it easy for you.”

  “Tell me about it. I’ve already experienced Zilor’s…zeal.”

  Thankfully, Raina let the subject drop. “How did Chandar react to you? Kotto said something about soul strings. What’s that about?”

  “Apparently, there’s a name for what I do. I can manipulate soul strands. People like me are known as soul seers.” She explained what she saw and how people were helped when she restored the flow of energy.

  “You’ve actually seen Chandar’s soul strands?”

  “I have, but I didn’t attempt to adjust them. She’s so fragile. We’re going to have to take things nice and slow.”

  “That’s understandable. I’m glad the move went smoothly and I know you can help her heal.”

  Indigo accepted the encouragement with a nod, but already her mind had drifted onward. Inviting Zilor to dinner had been an impulse. The more time she spent with him, the more likely it was they’d end up in bed. She couldn’t blame him for the frustrating pattern either. She touched him just as often as he touched her. The sensible thing to do was invite someone else to join them for dinner. At least that way they’d be less likely to strip each other naked and test the stability of the table. Heat crawled up her neck and her core began to ache. Lying to herself was pointless. She wanted to be alone with him, wanted to learn more about him and exchange playful banter. And when they ran out of things to say and tension drew them ever closer, she wanted to end up in his bed.

  But did she want him enough to consider the rest? Bonding with any of the Rodytes would literally change her. She’d become part of a different society, a different world. She’d also live twice as long and she’d no longer have to lie about how she was able to help people. If she was brutally honest with herself, Zilor wasn’t the only temptation. Being surrounded by people who acknowledged the existence of magic was almost as appealing as her potential mate.

  “I should probably let you get back to work. There will be no fresh fruit for any of us until you get this place running again.”

  “Actually, I was pretty much done for the day,” Raina assured her. “I’ll walk you back to the Pavilion. Then
you can introduce me to Chandar, if she’ll let you.”

  “Don’t take offense, but I think I’m supposed to call for one of the men.”

  Raina pulled up her pant leg and drew a small weapon from the holster strapped to her lower leg. “I’m bonded now, so the escort rule no longer applies. But I have a very protective mate. I’m supposed to shoot first and ask questions after if anyone steps out of line.”

  “Does that include me?” Indigo asked with a smile.

  Striking a dramatic pose with the pistol carefully pointed up, Raina said, “No one is safe from my lethal stinger, so don’t piss me off.”

  The claim was so out of character for her bookish cousin, Indigo couldn’t help but laugh.

  * * * * *

  “You didn’t eat much.” Zilor motioned toward Indigo’s plate. “Was something wrong with the hamburger?”

  She pushed back from the table and rubbed her neck. “The food is fine. It’s just been a long day.”

  Their conversation had been light and superficial, which frustrated the hells out of him. She’d spent more time staring out at the concourses than looking at him. “Did Raina upset you? You seem distracted.”

  “I am distracted.” Finally, her gaze returned to his face and lingered. “Anyone would be. I thought Chandar was going to be the biggest challenge I’d face up here. Instead, she’s the only part of this that makes sense.”

  “Talk to me. Maybe I can help clear away the confusion.”

  She smiled and her blue eyes warmed. “You’re at the heart of my confusion. How can you possibly help?”

  Now he was confused. “What don’t you understand about me? I’ve tried to be completely transparent with you.”

  Her smile faded and her expression took on a hint of wistfulness. “That’s part of what I find so confounding. I’ve never known anyone who was so faultlessly honest. It’s hard to believe you don’t have an ulterior motive or some hidden agenda.”