The men had made themselves scarce after facilitating the transportation. Jillian, Tori and Estelle sat around a small table in someone’s office. The office likely belonged to Elias. Jillian just didn’t know for sure.
“Do you want something to drink?” Tori asked.
Why did people always try to feed someone who was upset? It seemed like a good way to make them throw up. “What made you suspect he was an alien? And why didn’t you ever mention it to me?”
“Would you have believed me?” A bit of the color crept back into Estelle’s cheeks. “I trusted three people with what I’d seen and all three of them treated me like I’d gone crazy.”
“What did you see?”
Estelle looked at her and sighed. “Do you really want to hear all the gory details of your mother’s fall from grace?”
Jillian hesitated. No one wanted to think about their parent having sex, but she might have seen something crucial and not know its true importance. “Be as vague as you can, but tell me what you saw.”
“The party was in a frat house and it was really crowded. My best friend, Pam, and I went into one of the bedrooms. We’d just met Jerry and Bill, so we didn’t expect things to go as far as they went.”
Jillian’s chest tightened and she had to ask, “They didn’t force you, did they?”
“No. It wasn’t like that.”
“You were with Jerry and Pam was with Bill?” Tori asked.
Estelle nodded. “Pam had been with a man before, but I’d just turned eighteen. I wasn’t used to sexually aggressive men. The boys I’d dated were perfect gentlemen.”
“Which is why you were still a virgin,” Tori said with a gentle smile.
“Innocence wasn’t something to be ashamed of back then,” Estelle pointed out. “Anyway, I wanted to leave, but I didn’t feel right walking out on Pam. It was obvious she was willing, but things can turn ugly fast.”
“Go on,” Tori prompted, but Jillian wasn’t sure she wanted to hear more. Her mom wasn’t doing a very good job of remaining vague.
“Pam and Bill were on the bed and me and Jerry were on a small couch. Jerry noticed I was more interested in what was happening to Pam than what we were doing, so he held me in front of him and told me to watch. He said I’d stop resisting if I saw there was no reason to be afraid.”
There had to be a point to all this. Her mother wasn’t one to enjoy airing her dirty laundry.
“As Bill grew more amorous, his eyes began to spin.” Estelle paused looking at the other two as if to see if they believed what she was saying. “The first time I saw it, I thought I’d had too much to drink. But he looked right at me more than once and it was… It wasn’t natural.”
“He was Ontarian,” Tori told her. “Most of the people on Ontariese have eyes that gently rotate.”
“I was terrified, but Jerry wouldn’t let go of me until Bill finished with Pam. I asked her if she saw what happened with his eyes and she said what I’d thought.”
“That you were drunk?” It must have been so isolating to have no one believe her.
Her mother just nodded.
“If you didn’t have sex with Jerry that night,” Tori prompted, “when did it happen?”
“I don’t think anyone had ever refused him before. He showed up in all sorts of unexpected places, determined to seduce me. The more I resisted him, the more attentive he became. His overt seduction became a tender courtship until I finally gave in.” She licked her lips and stared down at her folded hands, obviously upset by what came next. “I thought I’d reformed a playboy. He told me he loved me and I believed him. But I looked into his eyes while he, you know, and I saw rings of blue glowing like…not like anything I’d ever seen before or since. I even asked him what happened and he pretended not to know what I meant. He said he’d pick me up the following morning, but I never saw him again.”
Which was why she’d always been so over-cautious of men, so convinced they only wanted sex from any woman. Jillian had always understood the cause of her mother’s bitterness. Knowing the details just made it even sadder.
“Did Pam become pregnant too?”
Good thing Tori was here to keep the conversation on track. Jillian wanted to pull her mother into her arms and have a mutual cry.
“No. We were roommates until I left collage. She wouldn’t have been able to hide it from me.”
“Jerry’s real name is Gerrod Reynolds and he’s from a planet called Rodymia. Odintar, Jillian’s lover, is from the same planet. His eyes have the blue rings you described.”
“Well, sometimes the rings are red,” Jillian corrected.
“Really?” Tori turned from Estelle and looked at Jillian.
“Emotions determine which color appears.”
“I did not know that.” Tori sounded almost amused.
“I knew I wasn’t crazy. I just didn’t know how right I was.”
Unable to bear the uncertainty in her mother’s tone, Jillian knelt beside her and gave her a firm hug.
A light tapping drew her attention to the doorway. Elias stood there, a hesitant smile on his handsome face. “The Bilarrian envoy is here. Is she ready to go?”
“Go?” Estelle echoed. “Where are we going?”
Now came the tricky part, the painful part. “Do you remember Aria? She played Juliette in Star-Crossed.”
“You were her understudy.”
Jillian’s throat was so tight she could only nod.
“What about her?”
“The envoy is here to take you to Bilarri,” Tori took up the explanation, obviously sensing Jillian’s distress. “Aria will be there when you arrive and she’ll explain everything that has happened and why it’s no longer safe for you to be on Earth.”
“I’m going to another planet?” For just a moment excitement shimmered in her clear blue eyes. Then she looked at her daughter and the light faded to dread. “You’re not coming with me?”
“I can’t. Not yet.”
“This is just a temporary separation,” Tori stressed. “You will be together again very soon.”
“I don’t understand. If it’s safe enough for Jillian to be here, then I’m willing to risk—”
“I’ll be safer if I’m not worried about you.” Jillian found her voice again as she pushed to her feet. “Aria will answer all your questions and I’ll join you as soon as I can. You have some really interesting surprises waiting for you on Bilarri. I want you to revel in each one.”
Estelle stood as well. “What sort of surprises?”
Curiosity worked every time. No one enjoyed a good surprise as much as her mother. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?”
Tori rounded the table and took Estelle by the hand. “It will be easier for both of you if you say your goodbyes now.”
Jillian gave her mom another lingering hug then kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Not soon enough.” Estelle returned the kiss then composed her expression as she turned to Tori and said, “Lead the way.”
* * * * *
“You have a special request, Roxie,” Jett called from the front of the store. “Can you talk or do you need her to come back?”
Roxie heard an angry voice respond to the suggestion though she couldn’t make out the exact words. Lenna, one of Roxie’s regulars had been squirming and cringing for the past few minutes. She could probably use a break. “Do you mind if I go see what this is about?”
“Please.” Lenna laughed. “I think I’ve had about all I can take anyway.”
“Another two-hour session should finish this up. When would you like to come back?”
“I’ll have to call you. My schedule is crazy right now.” She motioned Roxie toward the front of the store. “Go see about the ‘special request’.”
“Thanks, Lenna. I’ll have Jett bandage you up.”
“Cool.”
Roxie pulled off her latex gloves and tossed them in the trash as she left her stat
ion. She pushed the privacy curtain aside and froze. Sevrin stood on the other side of the display case, looking anything but amused. Roxie hurried forward. “Can you bandage Lenna for me? I’ve got this.”
“You sure?” Jett was obviously reluctant to leave her.
“Hurry along, little boy. This conversation isn’t for the likes of you.”
Jett started to object, likely in very profane terms, so Roxie squeezed his arm and said, “Go.”
“Touch her and I call the cops.”
The warning made Sevrin laugh. “She’d still be dead long before they got here if that’s the best you can do.”
“She’s not going to hurt me.” God please let that be true. “Now stop antagonizing her.”
Jett snarled, but obeyed.
“Oh, he’s an adorable little pet. Not very well trained, but adorable.”
Determined to prove that she wasn’t as frightened as she was, Roxie moved around the display case and faced her tormentor. “What do you want?”
“You know damn well what I want. What have you learned?”
Roxie motioned toward the couch, but Sevrin ignored her. “Nazerel doesn’t trust you. Didn’t sound like he likes you very much either.”
Sevrin rolled her eyes. “Damn you’re observant. I never could have figured that out by myself.”
Emboldened by her sarcasm, Roxie took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. “Flynn said this planet was making everyone paranoid and Nazerel complained that he was at the mercy of humans, not Americans or foreigners, humans. Don’t suppose you want to explain that to me.”
Sevrin tilted her head to a mocking angle, a favorite of hers. “Sounds like you have a theory already. Why don’t you explain it to me?”
“I think you’re from much farther away than Eastern Europe.” Roxie searched Sevrin’s gaze, hoping to spot the contact lenses she knew the other woman was wearing.
“You’re a silly little girl.” She averted her gaze as she asked, “What else did they say?”
“A bunch of crude nonsense about what they’d like to do to me and you. Honestly, it was about as helpful as stashing a tape recorder in a locker room. Fart jokes and bedroom bragging is all you’ll ever hear.”
Sevrin’s gaze snapped back to Roxie and a cold, calculative smile parted her lips. “You’re one lucky little human. Their locker room humor helped you dodge a bullet.”
Sevrin walked out and Roxie stumbled to the couch, barely making it before her legs collapsed. “Thank God. Oh thank you God.”
“Do you think she’s gone for good?” Jett stepped out from behind the privacy curtain. His face was so pale Roxie didn’t have to ask if he’d heard the entire conversation.
“Several of the men told me they were moving. I don’t think we’ll see her again.”
“But you do think they’re… What exactly do you think?” He sat down beside her, looking as shell-shocked as she felt.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. They’re gone and I’m still alive.” She reached over and hugged him. He returned the hug so hard it hurt.
“Is everything okay?” Lenna asked from the doorway leading to the back.
A pang of guilt cleared away the rest of Roxie’s fear. She’d completely forgotten about her loyal customer. “Everything’s fine. In fact…” She stood. “Everything is wonderful!”
Chapter Ten
Jillian hugged the ratty accent pillow to her chest as if it were a priceless treasure. She didn’t care if it was threadbare and out of style. It was hers! She was surrounded by her things, her smells, her memories. Home. She was finally home, even if it was only for a night or two.
“So do you feel different now that you know you’re royalty?” Odintar softened the question with a lazy smile, but it brought tears to Jillian’s eyes.
“I’ve never felt less like royalty in my entire life.”
He took the pillow from her and tossed it to the sofa where she’d found it. “Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed her against his chest. “I’d say no more surprises, but that didn’t work out so well last time.”
She smiled against his throat, comforted by his warmth and nearness. “I sent my mother to a planet I’ve never seen and entrusted her to a man I’d only met once. I’m a horrible person.”
“You acted swiftly and decisively to ensure her safety and comfort.” He eased her away until she looked at him. “You are a loving daughter. Any parent would be proud to call you theirs.”
He’d meant the words as encouragement, no doubt, but she couldn’t help thinking about him. At least she’d had a mother’s love as she was growing up. Odintar had never really known either of his parents.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he cautioned.
She quickly checked their link and found her side still compressed. So how had he known?
He chuckled. “Your eyes tell me everything I need to know, sweetheart. You were feeling sorry for me and now you’re wondering how I figured it out.”
“Is everyone that transparent to you or is it just me?” She wiggled out of his embrace and headed for the kitchen.
“Life has taught me to be observant, but I am unusually aware of your moods.” He followed her into the kitchen and watched as she rummaged through the drawers. “What are you looking for?”
“A corkscrew. I really need a glass of wine. I don’t even care if it’s red or white.” He joined the search and quickly produced the elusive utensil. “Thank you.” She took it from his hand and opened the cupboard that served as her wine cellar. “Here we go.” Always willing to compromise, she selected a light, refreshing rosé. She snatched two glasses off the bottom shelf. Odintar closed the cupboard door as she set the glasses on the counter.
“Allow me.”
Handing him the bottle, she was curious to see if he’d use the corkscrew or pop it open with his mind. She was almost disappointed when he deftly used the corkscrew. “You’ve done this before.”
“A time or two.” She handed him the glasses and he poured a generous amount into each. “You should probably make a sandwich or something. You hardly ate anything at dinner.”
“I’m not usually this hard to feed. Trauma has always played havoc with my stomach. I promise I’ll have a big breakfast.” She paused to savor the wine then took his hand and led him into the adjacent living room. They sat on the sofa and he pulled her feet into his lap, spinning her sideways in the process. “What are you doing?”
“Helping you relax.” He took a drink of wine then set the glass aside and slipped off her shoes.
He was going to rub her feet, without having to be asked first? She didn’t think it was humanly possible for…but then Odintar wasn’t human. And neither was she. How long would it take her to absorb those basic facts? She wasn’t resisting the truth anymore. Denial was utterly pointless. Still, her mind kept slipping back into her old way of thinking. Of course, she’d spent twenty-six years as a human and only a week as a Bilarrian/Rodyte/human hybrid. She just needed time.
After tugging off her socks, he caught one foot between his hands and warmed her skin. “It was warm all day. How can your feet be this cold?”
He sounded amused not repulsed so she chuckled. “You should feel them in the winter.”
“I intend to.”
She looked at his face, but he was looking at her feet. “There was something about my mother’s story that doesn’t make sense.”
He looked at her, but kept on rubbing. “What’d she say?”
“There was an Ontarian using the name Bill with Gerrod the first night she met him. Her roommate hooked up with him.”
“Why did that surprise you?”
“It would have been twenty-seven years ago. Weren’t the Dirty Dozen in custody by then?”
He paused and speculation clouded his gaze. “If Pern Keir was calling the shots…” Staring into the distance, he couldn’t seem to organize his thoughts. “We presumed it ended when we rounded up the Dirty Dozen. Maybe th
ey just became more careful, more secretive.”
“I can’t help feeling like we’ve just scratched the surface of this mess.”
His gaze moved back to hers, but the shadows remained. “We originally thought the Shadow Assassins contacted the Rodytes. Now it seems more likely that it was the other way around. I think the Shadow Assassins have been pulled into a much larger Rodyte scheme.”
“But what are the Rodytes really after?” She didn’t feel qualified to draw conclusions. So much of this was new to her. “They created a hybrid gene pool. So what can be done with that?”
“I think they’re after what they’ve always been after.”
“Magic?”
He nodded. “Pern passed his obsession with magic on to his daughter and she’s pursued it with a vengeance.”
She sighed and let the unanswered questions slip to the back of her mind. “I guess we always want what we can’t have.” The observation sent a pang of longing through her soul. They’d had sex three times since her emotional overload, twice that night and again the following morning. Each time had been physically satisfying, yet emotionally hollow. He refused to spill his seed where it belonged and she refused to open her mind. Maybe they better talk about this before they went any further. Unsure how to politely introduce the topic, she just dove in. “I don’t want you to, you know, pull out at the end.”
His hands paused mid-squeeze and he looked into her eyes. “I told you what will happen if I don’t.”
“I’m willing to risk it.”
“There’s no risk involved. If I come inside you, our link will expand. Are you ready to accept me into your mind?”
This was bassackwards from how her love life usually worked. Always before, she had been the one wanting more of an emotional connection. “I’m ready for more.” He smiled and leaned toward her. She laughed and pressed her fingers to his lips, “But not until you finish my foot rub. That feels so good.” He returned to his task as she relaxed against the arm of the sofa. “So what did you guys talk about while I was chatting with Tori? Did you learn anything new?”
Fallen Star Page 19