Bean's Heart (Hearts of ICARUS Book 7)

by Phillips, Laura Jo

  “Sounds good to me,” Iffon said. He watched worriedly as Bean grabbed some clothes and went into the bathroom. As much as he wished otherwise, he couldn’t think of a single thing to say or do to help Bean in this particular situation.

  He just hoped the Falcorans were either not like the rumors they were hearing, or not Bean’s destined mates.

  Chapter 11

  38 days to deadline…

  Bean clicked off her vox, grabbed her hand terminal, and took a moment to check herself in the mirror. She wore her most comfortable pair of jeans, white sneakers, and a plain, short sleeved white sweater. Her hair was in its usual thick braid, decorated with three of the hair sticks that she never left her room without unless she carried a few of the knives her parents had given her instead. She wasn't very good with them, but she felt safer with them than without them. She was wearing even less makeup than usual, which meant little more than lip balm and just enough eyebrow pencil and mascara to darken her pale blue lashes and brows.

  “Iffon? Have you decided yet?”

  “Yes, I’ve decided to meld onto your forearm, if that’s acceptable. It will mean fewer explanations for you initially, and I can see all that occurs.”

  Bean frowned. “What aren’t you telling me, Iffon?”

  “I’ve no idea what you mean.”

  “Iffon, please tell me whatever it is you’re not telling me.”

  “Fine,” he said huffily. “It seems that I’ve reached the limit of my ability to manifest, and I’m very concerned that it’s not enough. Not only can’t I remain corporeal for more than a few hours at a time, it weakens me and my magic too much. It also requires me to spend three times as long in deep rest after a couple of days no matter how careful I am. If I meld in a place where I can watch what’s going on, I’ll be able to protect and guard you longer, and be stronger if I’m needed.”

  “Does manifesting so much cause you pain or lasting harm, Iffon?”

  “No, it doesn’t,” Iffon replied. “This I promise.”

  “People will be able to see you.”

  “I know, but it cannot be helped.”

  All right,” she said, holding out her right arm.

  Iffon leapt from his perch, wings spread wide, then dove head first into her arm. His body thinned and flattened as it melded with her skin in a swirl of reds and blues. A few moments later a bird with a deep blue body stretched from her wrist to above her elbow, its blood red wings wrapped around her arm as though hugging her. The head rested on the back of her hand, dark blue like the body, but with tiny lines of red around its black eyes and black beak.

  Bean smiled despite her nervousness over the coming meeting. Iffon always melded on the back of her shoulder, so this was the first time she’d ever seen it happen. It was the first time she’d ever been able to see the results clearly, too.

  “That’s nice, Iffon,” she said, studying the fine detail of the feathers and the light in his eyes. “Very nice.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad you like it.”

  Bean looked down at herself one last time and, satisfied that there was nothing about her that indicated a desire for attention, she left the room. She’d wanted to dress nicer simply because it seemed the most respectful and polite thing to do. But, after hearing at least half a dozen rumors over the past few days regarding the Falcorans’ amorous activities, she didn’t think primping just for them would project an impression she was comfortable with.

  If she was their berezi, as she suspected, her appearance wouldn’t matter. If she wasn’t, she didn’t want them getting any ideas. So, she’d dressed as she always did and if they didn’t like it, well, she wasn't military, and she wasn’t under their command.

  She was half way to the elevator before she realized that her heart was racing. She deliberately slowed her step and focused on her breathing. When she stepped out of the elevator onto the bridge deck, she’d managed to calm herself to a small degree. It would have to be enough.

  Instead of going onto the bridge, she stepped into a secure conference room half way up the corridor. She knew that the Falcorans were formally taking command of the Askara, and that Sark would bring them to the conference room when they were finished, as planned.

  She paused just inside the door, looking at the conference table. It was big enough to seat six with two chairs on each side and one at each end. She chose the end of the table facing the door, pulled out the chair and sat down.

  “Don’t be nervous,” Iffon said. “Whatever is going to happen will happen whether you’re nervous or not.”

  “That’s true,” Bean said, speaking silently. “It just occurred to me that if they’re going to react to my pheromones, they’ll do it before they come in here.”

  “Why?”

  “Because they’ll be able to catch my scent since I was just out there.”

  “That would be good, right? It would at least give you a moment’s warning.”

  “Yes, I agree. If they don’t react before they open the door, then I don’t think they will.”

  A brief knock sounded on the door, then it opened. Bean stood up, stepped away from the table, and pasted on her most polite smile as Sark introduced her to the new Commanders of the Askara.

  They were even more striking in person than in the picture she’d seen, but it was their eyes that captured most of her attention. Zander’s dark red eyes were startling, particularly when they caught the light. Zach’s electric blue eyes and Zain’s bright yellow eyes were only slightly less so.

  As beautiful as their eyes were, they weren’t enough to distract her from the sure and certain knowledge that they were, without a doubt, her intended Rami. Or that they definitely did not have a reaction to her.

  She was shocked, confused, and had no idea how to react. So she did the only thing she could do under the circumstances; she kept her eyes averted so they couldn’t see her distress, and focused her entire being on keeping the small, practiced smile on her face. So much so that she nearly missed the moment when Sark stopped speaking. That was her cue.

  “High Commander,” she said to Zander, raising her eyes to his face but not meeting his gaze, “I’ve been asked to request that you give the order to execute a jump to Crian immediately so that we can get started on the first leg of our mission while I brief you.”

  “Please tell whoever asked you to make the request that I’d prefer to hear it directly from him. Or her, as the case may be. I find it’s best to know exactly who is making such requests, and why.”

  “Commander,” Bean began hesitantly, “I can assure you that the…,” she stopped when he held up one hand to interrupt.

  “I understand you’re not military, Lady BreeAnna,” he said with the most patronizing smile Bean had ever seen. And she’d seen quite a few. “I understand also that you're not under our command. I’m afraid, however, that unless I speak to whoever is attempting to use you as an unwitting go between, I won’t be able to grant the request.”

  Torn between hurt and surprise at the undeserved insult, Bean dropped her eyes to the floor. “What should I do, Iffon?”

  “Make the call, Bean,” Iffon said with a growl in his tone she’d never heard before.

  “Very well, Commander,” she said reluctantly. She reached up to tap her vox, murmured a speed connect code and waited. She peeked up through her lashes to find all three of the Falcorans frowning, their eyes fixed on the bird on her forearm, though she couldn’t imagine why. She glanced at Sark who was obviously furious on her behalf and fighting to control his anger. She suddenly wished herself elsewhere. “This could get ugly, Iffon.”

  “It’ll be all right, Bean. Don’t worry.” Bean hoped he was right because the rising tension in the room was already beginning to make her feel like she couldn’t breathe.

  “Hi Bean. Is there a problem?” Prince Garen said into her ear.

  “Hi. Um…yes, there is. I’ve been told that whoever is using me as an unwitting go-between must make his, or her, requ
est directly or have it summarily denied.”

  “That’s insulting.”

  “It is.”

  “It’s also rather high-handed given they’ve been on the Askara for less than fifteen minutes.”

  “Yes,” Bean agreed, not even bothering to wonder how he knew when the Falcorans had boarded.

  “How is Iffon taking it?”

  “As you might expect, I’m afraid.”

  “I assume he’s melded.”

  “So far.”

  “I doubt my reaction would be much different under the circumstances, Bean. I have no doubt that you attempted to identify me as the person who issued the request.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Just remember that until you make the first jump out of Marrazon space you can call for replacements.”

  “I know, I won’t forget.”

  “Good. Let’s see if I can rattle their cages a bit. If it doesn’t work, make that call.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Put him on if you would.”

  “All right.” She pulled the vox off of her ear and handed it over. Zander accepted it without a word of thanks, which surprised her further. She’d never known a Clan male to be so rude.

  “To whom am I speaking?” Zander demanded abruptly, his tone so arrogant that Bean almost winced. His smile fell away and the color drained from his face as he came to attention. “Yes, Highness,” he said in a completely different tone.

  “Of course, Highness. We won’t forget, Highness.” Silence. “Yes, Sir.” Another much longer silence. He glanced at Zain, then Zach. “We will, Highness.” Another silence during which he paled even further, glanced at Bean briefly, then flushed red. “Certainly, Highness.” Another silence. “Thank you, Highness.”

  He disconnected and handed the vox back without looking at her. She accepted it and put it back on her ear while he gave Sark the order to jump to Crian.

  As soon as the door closed behind Sark, Zander walked to the far end of the table and sat down. His brothers followed, Zach taking the chair to Zander’s right, Zain taking the one to his left, leaving her standing in the middle of the room, surprised once again by their lack of manners. She hesitated, at a complete loss.

  She’d come across rude people before, of course. Especially when she was in school. But she’d never seen or heard of a Clan Jasani male-set as impolite and discourteous as these three men, and she had no idea how to react to them. She couldn't even think about the fact that they were her destined Rami for fear she’d run blubbering from the room.

  “Iffon, what do I do?”

  “Sit down, Bean. And don’t smile.”

  Grateful for the advice, she returned to her chair and slowly lowered herself onto the very edge of it, prepared to bolt if necessary. She kept her eyes on the table or the walls, not exactly hiding them, but not looking directly at any of the Falcorans, either. Their scowls were obvious enough using only her peripheral vision.

  “I apologize, Lady BreeAnna,” Zander said. “It was not my intention to imply that you would act dishonorably. Nor was it my intention to demean or condescend to you.”

  “Do you believe him?” Iffon asked.

  “The first part, yes. The second part, no. I don’t think they’re at all happy that I’m not under their command.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Is there water in here?” Zach asked.

  “If you get up and fetch water for them I'll go straight to Sark and tell him to call Prince Garen and ask for replacements,” Iffon threatened. Bean knew he meant it, too.

  “In the chiller,” she said, pointing.

  He got up, went to the chiller, and returned to the table with three bottles of water for himself and his brothers. Bean crossed her arms tightly and pretended not to notice the blatant snub.

  “These men cannot possibly be true Clan Jasani.”

  “They’re trying to put me in my place.”

  “I think it’s time I put them in their place,” Iffon said with that unfamiliar growl.

  “Lady BreeAnna, please begin when you’re ready,” Zander said after gulping the entire bottle of water.

  “At least he didn’t belch and wipe his mouth with his shirt,” Iffon muttered.

  “Thank the good great galaxy for small favors.” She tried to imagine one of her younger brothers doing such a thing in public and couldn't. Maybe when they were twelve, she amended silently.

  Bean opened her mouth, then closed it when Iffon raised his head from the back of her hand. He slowly peeled the rest of his body from her skin while glaring balefully at each of the Falcorans in turn, beginning with Commander Zachery. Bean risked a quick glance up, saw that they were staring at Iffon in open surprise, then dropped her eyes again before they noticed.

  Once he was fully free from her flesh, he stepped onto the table, his size increasing until he was double the size of an eagle. A very large eagle.

  Bean watched him, not daring to look directly at the Falcorans again. Iffon stretched out one seven-foot-long wing and a bright red and yellow streak of flame flew from the tip of it to the chiller in the corner. A moment later a bottle of water floated across the room and landed on the table before her.

  “Thank you, Iffon,” Bean said quietly, reaching for the bottle.

  “You are poor examples of winged-kind, and Klanaren alike,” Iffon hissed so that they could all hear him. He fixed his gaze on Zander. “Lady BreeAnna is not your subordinate, as you know perfectly well. Rein your siblings in, Zander Falcoran, and find your manners, or your mission ends here and now.” Then he turned his back on them contemptuously and dove back into her forearm.

  “What is that?” Zach barked.

  “Zach,” Zander said sharply, surprising both of his brothers. “Again, I apologize, Lady BreeAnna. Please begin whenever you’re ready.”

  Bean struggled to open the cap on her water, shocked to realize how close to tears she felt when it resisted her efforts. Finally, she cracked the seal and took several quick sips.

  “What do I do now?”

  “Begin your briefing, Bean, but do not smile at them. This is one instance when your ability to hide all emotion will work in your favor.”

  “They’ll see it in my eyes, Iffon. I can’t hide that any more. Not unless I cut myself off from my emotions again.”

  “No, don’t attempt that,” Iffon said quickly. “Just keep your eyes down, and allow no emotion to show on your face.”

  “All right, I can do that.” With the bottle between her hands to help hide their shaking, she sucked in a deep breath that, unfortunately, failed to calm her in the least. Then she began speaking.

  She spoke in the soft, clear voice she used to speak to her students, so they had no trouble hearing or understanding her, but she kept her expression completely blank, as Iffon advised. She told them about the expedition to Kinah, the Jumpers and the Keys, and the number of Kinahns they needed to relocate, all without revealing her thoughts, feelings, or opinions in any way.

  She didn’t go into detail, but hit the key points they needed to know, ticking them off in her head as she spoke. When she was finished with that portion of the briefing she took a few more sips of her water, allowing them time to absorb what she’d said so far while she took a moment to breathe.

  “All we have to do is follow in the Bihotza’s footsteps, using the Doors they left behind,” Zander said. “That seems simple enough. If that’s all, we’d like to get settled in now.”

  Bean was so startled that she frowned a little before she could stop herself. A moment later her face was once again expressionless.

  “I don’t understand, Iffon. Why would he think that’s all there is to this mission?”

  “I don’t know Bean. Go ahead and answer his question. Or walk out, if you want. It’s completely up to you.”

  “No, Commander, that’s not all.”

  “I apologize,” Zander said again, embarrassed though he wasn’t sure why. “Please contin
ue.”

  “When the expedition set out it forged a straight path across the galaxy from Jasan to the estimated location of Kinah,” she continued. “In doing so they had to cross the galactic center. It wasn’t an easy crossing, and it took them far longer than they expected. In the process, they discovered that their original plan, which was to create a Door near Kinah with an exit near Jasan, wouldn’t work.”

  “Why not?” Zain asked, his tone polite, his expression curious. It was the first time he’d spoken, and as far as she could tell, he was the only one of the three who displayed no anger or animosity. Why that made her suspicious she didn’t know, but it did.

  “Because the intense radiation and gravity from the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy causes too much interference for an entrance and exit to be connected across that whole area of space.” He nodded his understanding but said nothing else so she continued.

  “From Crian the Askara will jump to Marrazzo. Once outside of Marrazon space a new Door will be created with an exit point matching the coordinates of an existing exit point on this side of the galactic center. The Askara will then forge a series of doors and exit points forming a new path around the galactic center. Once clear of that and its effects, a new Door can be created with an existing exit as close to Kinah as possible.”

  “As close as possible?” Zander asked. “Why not all the way to Kinah?”

  “That information has not yet been received. If it’s not received by the time it’s needed, the Askara will have to use the last known exit coordinates. If contact with the Bihotza can’t be established at that point, it’ll be necessary to travel the rest of the way to Kinah by creating new Doors.”

  “It took them ten months to make the journey, is that correct?” Zach asked.

  “Eleven.”

  “How long will it take us to reach Kinah?”

  “It depends on how long it takes to divert around the galactic center. Four weeks is a safe guess, though it’s imperative we reach Kinah no later than six weeks from our original departure date, which was four days ago.”

  “Why?” Zach demanded abruptly.