Lake rolled her eyes as she sat the milk in front of Rath. “Just what I needed. Isn’t it, Rath? Someone else to worry about me. I’ll see you in the morning, my darling boy.”
Early the next morning, after checking on Rath—who was already being seen by a Shaman—Lake wandered a few floors down to Gideon’s quarters. She wasn’t sure why she’d come, but knew for certain she needed to see him. She needed to thank him.
He answered the door in the same clothes he’d had on the night before. “Lake! What a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I can go…” She gestured behind her.
“Definitely not. Please come in.” Gideon punched a button on the wall in the kitchen. “Makin’ us some coffee. Chicory.”
“Chi-cory?” she drew out the word in two syllables. “Must be like the cookies I’ve never had. Where in the world is that from?”
“From Earth. My people were from a little barrier island called Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a popular coffee flavor and they brought the chicory plant with them when they had to leave. We’ve been drinking it ever since. It’s stout and bitter and it’ll put hair on your chest.”
“Oh?” Lake’s eyes trailed to the pictures of Gideon’s family and friends on a side table. She didn’t see anyone resembling a wife or girlfriend, and breathed a little easier. “Good. I was hoping to find a beverage like that.”
Passing her a mug, he led her to the sofa and awaited her response.
“Gracious. That’s strong, but I like the flavor.” After another sip, she set the coffee to the side and folded her hands properly. “I suppose you are wondering why I’m here.”
“It crossed my mind, yes. But first, how are you feeling?”
Lake shifted, uncomfortable. “Still tired, but okay. Thank you for asking.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Unable to think of a logical reason why she’d come, she blurted, “You had mentioned a date. And I’m here. For our date.”
“So I did.” Gideon downed the rest of his coffee and sprang from his seat. “Give me five minutes to shower and I’ll be all yours.”
As she heard water falling in the other room, an irresistible urge to be near him overwhelmed her. Something deep inside, something primal compelled her to follow him. Lake removed her clothes, then cleared her throat to announce her presence.
“My God,” he whispered as his body reacted to her presence. Gideon was certain he’d never seen a lovelier sight.
“I have wanted this for years.” Lake was lightheaded. Was it Gideon? Or was it something else? Unable to steady herself, she fell forward and into his arms.
“Lake? Look at me?”
Her body was limp. She could barely open her eyes. Gideon knew nothing about Mages and even less about medicine. He’d have to get in touch with a doctor. Gathering Lake in his arms, he took her to his bed and pulled the covers high. “Call the Aquatic Dome doctor,” he said to the communication device he’d activated on his wrist.
“Calling Dr. Mathieu.”
“This is Dr. Mathieu,” True said in a cheerful voice.
“Hi, I’m Commissioner Gideon Stone. I have an emergency. A woman—she’s a Mage—has passed out in my quarters. She’s breathing, but can you please send help?”
“Yes. Absolutely. We will be there in less than two minutes.”
Throwing on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, Gideon thought about dressing Lake, but he wasn’t certain if he should move her. It would be an awkward situation to explain. Still, her safety came first. When he heard the knock, he rushed to let the medical team inside.
“Hi, Mr. Stone? I’m True Mathieu. Where’s our patient?”
Gideon led the doctor and two nurses into his bedroom. “Is she okay?”
“We’ll do what we can to make sure she is. Can you tell me exactly what happened?” If True wasn’t mistaken, this was Lake Ravenwood.
“We were… she…” Gideon brought his hand to his mouth as he fumbled his words. He might as well spit it out. “We were showering together and she lost consciousness. I’ll need to call her son, so can we please put some clothes on her? This is an awkward situation as it is. He’s not a fan of Humans, and she would be mortified if he knew about… us.”
Aldous Ravenwood didn’t like Humans. True should have expected that. “What about if we move her to my clinic once she’s stable? Then you can explain as necessary.”
“Gideon?” Lake reached for his hand. “I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be. Concentrate on yourself and getting better. The medical staff will take care of you.”
“I’m just so tired.”
“Hi, I’m True and I’m the doctor for the Aquatic Dome. Are you hurting anywhere?”
Lake held her forehead. “Head’s hurting… exhausted.”
“Your blood pressure is low. I’m recommending you come to my clinic for some intravenous fluids. Would you be alright with that?” True marveled in Lake’s shimmering skin. Though it appeared to have lost some luster, True could still see the colorful shine.
“Yes.” Lake looked to Gideon as the medics loaded her on the stretcher for transport. “Come with me? Please?”
Bestowing a soft kiss to her lips, Gideon’s voice was as resolute as his words. “I’ll be by your side as long as you will have me.”
Chapter Seven
After returning to the clinic, True performed a more comprehensive exam on the Dowager Queen. Gideon had left after telling Lake he called Aldous. He assured her he hadn’t mentioned exactly where she was when she passed out. At the sound of the door closing, Lake bowed her head, and True couldn’t tell if she was happy or sad.
“Lady Ravenwood? Are you upset?”
“No, not at all.” Her eyes brightened as she leaned against the pillow. “I’m actually happier than I’ve been in a long time. Minus the pounding headache and overall malaise, of course. How did you know my name? Gideon must’ve told you?”
“Actually, he didn’t. I’ve tried to make myself familiar with each Meta race so I can appropriately treat them.”
“And what have you learned in reference to the variations between Humans and Metas?” Lake asked, curious for her response.
“There are differences. Mostly in attitude and ideals about life, but biologically, we aren’t all that different.”
Lake inhaled. “I was hoping you would say that. Thank you, by the way, for taking care of me. I feel better already.”
“Anytime. But may I ask, how did you expend so much energy to deplete yourself so drastically?” True hoped her tone wasn’t accusatory, so she added, “This type of exhaustion is equal to running about four marathons in less than a few hours. I’m amazed you’re still coherent.”
As Lake opened her mouth to reply, Aldous rushed inside and interrupted their conversation.
“Mother, are you okay? What happened?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Much better now, thanks to Dr. Mathieu.” She pointed behind him.
Aldous turned face-to-face with the crimson-haired Human. Words escaped him. Yes, she was lovely, but there was something more. Something deeper. He couldn’t explain it.
“Pleased to meet you. Officially,” True mumbled, extending her hand. “True Mathieu.”
“Aldous Ravenwood.” He was hesitant to touch her—not because she was Human—but because he feared the vulnerability her presence evoked, yet he was drawn to her like a magnet to its opposite pole. Her fair skin was softer than he imagined, and her face more beautiful up close. Doe eyes, ruby lips, and a cute pointy nose. Aldous nearly laughed. He’d never noticed a woman’s nose before. He’d also never noticed a Human. “Thank you for taking care of my mother.”
“My pleasure. Now if you’ll both excuse me, I need to check on another patient. Lady Ravenwood, please call if you need me.”
As True left the room, Lake tilted her head. “Officially? What did that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“Didn’t sound
like nothing to me.” She nudged his arm.
“Honestly, Mother.” He rolled his eyes, then changed the subject. “Rath and I will be staying with you for the next few days to make sure you’re okay. I was going to bring him to you anyway because he missed you last night, but I’ll stay and keep an eye on you both.”
“I appreciate your offer, Aldous, but it won’t be necessary.”
He drew back. “It wasn’t an offer. Your energy was nearly depleted yesterday, and you need to recover. I take responsibility for that because mine and Torrun’s powers didn’t reach you. No way in hell am I taking a chance on your life again. Someone needs to stay with you while you recuperate. You need to be watched.”
“I will be.”
“Are you staying in the infirmary overnight?”
“No. I’m not.”
Confused, Aldous furrowed his brow. “If you’re not staying in your suite or the infirmary, then where are… no. No. No. No. I forbid it.”
“You forbid it?” Lake snickered.
“Yes. I am Emperor King of the Mages and forbid you to go anywhere near Gideon Stone.” For one moment, Aldous felt like a little boy whose favorite toy had gotten taken away. “This isn’t up for discussion.”
This time, Lake laughed, but her voice was firm, unyielding. “Petulant child, I don’t have to clear my choices with you. I am your mother, and though I’m weak now, at my weakest, I am more powerful than you ever thought to be. You are the Emperor King because I abdicated. You should not forget this when you make demands on my life.”
“I’m… sorry. You’re right.” Aldous hung his head. “But you know copulation with a Human is forbidden by our sacred laws as Mages. It’s prohibited for you to spend time with him romantically.”
Lake swallowed hard. She didn’t like arguing with Aldous. She liked hurting his feelings even less. “Then perhaps you should look away.”
When True returned less than five minutes later, she was surprised Aldous was gone. Lake appeared bothered, and though True knew it was none of her business, she inquired about the dowager’s troubles. After all, it was a doctor’s obligation to treat the entire patient, not simply the physical ailments. “Lady Ravenwood, is everything alright?”
“Not really.” Lake broke her stare to meet True’s eyes. “Tell me, Doctor, have you experienced much prejudice since arriving at the Complex?”
“Somewhat, but mostly, everyone has been kind. I feel I have an advantage as a healthcare provider though. A person—Human or Meta—will get over their narrowmindedness in a hurry when it’s a life or death situation.”
For a moment, Lake considered mentioning Rath’s illness, but she would never go over Aldous’ head when it pertained to his son. However, if a cure wasn’t found soon, she wouldn’t hesitate to remind Aldous that Humans were also great healers. “Aldous has strong opinions about who I spend my time with, especially Humans.”
“That may have more to do with you being his mother than Mr. Stone being a Human. How long have you been seeing each other?”
“Well, we’ve know one another for several years. He was actually a scout for the Human army on Famiil and saved my life.”
Moving to a chair next to Lake’s bed, True sat. She was a hopeless romantic and since her husband passed, she always searched for new ways to renew her belief in love. “Please go on.”
“No one knows this story except Gideon and myself, but I can tell you are a keeper of secrets.”
“Patient-doctor confidentiality.”
“Exactly,” Lake agreed. “After my husband was killed, in Project Extinction, I sunk into a depression deeper than I’ve ever known. Barnum and I had been together for my entire life, and I simply didn’t know how to exist without him. Even having Aldous and my grandson, Rath, didn’t seem to lessen the burden my heart carried. I woke up that morning with intentions of taking my own life. I had the blade at my chest, but Gideon found me. At first I was angry because I wanted to die. I wanted to be with my husband, yet the Gods sent this man—a Human—at the eleventh hour. I had to accept it was by design.”
“I… understand that feeling. The one where you’d rather die than live. My husband died in P-Extinction too on Wreston during an air raid. That’s why I’m here inside the Complex. I had to get away.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. I commend you, though, for reaching beyond your pain to help others. It’s no easy task. How many years were you married?”
“Not many. Only five. But they were good years.” Out of habit, True answered the next question most people would ask. “And no, we didn’t have any kids. I can’t get pregnant.”
Lake offered an empathetic smile. “I’m sorry about that too. Regardless of our abilities as Mages, I had trouble getting pregnant with Aldous, but he came along when I was least expecting it.”
Despite the easy banter between them, True didn’t want to talk about herself anymore. “Will you continue your story about you and Gideon?”
“Certainly. Where was I? Oh, yes, after Gideon saved me. Months later, I had the chance to return the favor when he was captured by the Mage army. At that time, all Human prisoners were automatically executed after interrogation. I begged Aldous for his life, and though he was jailed until the end of the war, Gideon left Famiil a free man. Unbeknownst to anyone, after he’d been gone several months, he reached out to me and we began a tradition of speaking once a year. We’d talk about everything under the Stars—religion, war, family history, social issues—whatever came to our mind. We flirted—I think more than we realized—so much that when I saw him again a few days ago, I was more nervous than I’ve ever been.”
“I bet he was too. I can tell he cares for you. I’m no mind reader, but I can sense his adoration in the few minutes I’ve spent with him.”
Lake looked up to see Gideon in the doorway, her countenance changing upon meeting his eyes. “I care for him too.”
“And that’s my cue to leave. Only a few more hours, Lady Ravenwood, and you’ll be good as new.” True closed the door on her way out, giving them privacy.
“How are you feeling?” Gideon accepted the hand she extended.
“I’m good. Where did you go?”
“Well, I figured Aldous wouldn’t be too thrilled about me hanging outside your door, so I went home and made those cookies for Rath.” He lifted a plastic bowl. “I even made enough for a small taste for you if you wanted.”
“Just a small taste?”
An aroma of warm chocolate permeated the room as Gideon opened the top. “These are really for Rath. I’d hate to disappoint a little boy who’s never had a cookie.”
“Then I’ll just have to come home with you after we take them to him. Maybe we can make our own batch of cookies this evening. Overnight.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Completely.”
“Do you know that I love you?” He held his breath and waited for her answer.
She leaned in close, joining their hands and hearts. “Yes, Gideon. I love you too.”
Chapter Eight
Storming inside his suite, Aldous tripped over a rug, stumbling to the floor with a thud. Though he wasn’t hurt, he cursed Gideon, blaming the Human for his clumsiness. Of course, it was Gideon’s fault. His mother’s insanity was Gideon’s fault. The knot on his shin was Gideon’s fault. His father’s death was Gideon’s fault. Everything under the confounded dome of the Complex was Gideon’s fault. How could his mother be so blind? Humans weren’t simply dangerous; they were lethal.
In a rage, Aldous snatched the rug and ripped it to shreds. Red and brown flew in all directions.
“Papa? What’s wrong?” Rath dragged a small blanket behind him.
“I’m fine, son. I’m sorry.”
“Aldous? Is that you?” Torrun’s voice carried inside the quarters. “Oh? What happened?”
“Rath, why don’t you go back into the bedroom and I’ll come read you a story after I get cleaned up.”
As the litt
le boy obeyed, Aldous accepted Torrun’s offer of aid to stand.
“How’s Lady Ravenwood?”
“Oh, she’s great. Whoring around with a Human. She’ll be staying with him tonight.”
“What? That’s not allowed. It’s written in our laws.”
“I assure you, our laws are the last thing on her mind right now. She’s completely enamored with Gideon Stone.” The name tasted bitter on his tongue.
Torrun threw up his hands. “What is she thinking?”
“I’m not sure she is, but I can’t stop her. She’s made that fact abundantly clear.”
“With your permission, I’m going to do a bit of investigating on him. See what I can find.”
Aldous shook his head. “Done. I’ve already found everything there is to know. Clean record. In fact, among Humans he’s considered to be an honorable man. If you can put those two words together in the same sentence.”
“Hmmph. Never.” Torrun grumbled. “But what I was suggesting is digging a little deeper. Every single one of us has secrets. Things we don’t want others to know about. Skeletons in our closet as the Humans say. I want to know what exactly Gideon was doing on Famiil during the war. What was his agenda and why didn’t he kill Lady Ravenwood when he had the chance?”
“His records are sealed.”
A satisfied smirk lined Torrun’s lips, thinning them so they appeared invisible. “Just give me your blessing to begin a search and I will find a way around it. Keeping the Dowager Queen from harm is my utmost priority.”
“I understand, but as it stands right now, Gideon has been helpful. If it wasn’t for him, Rath wouldn’t be here inside the Complex. Let’s hold off for a while, okay?”
Torrun nodded. “As you wish it, sir.”
With chocolate chip cookies in tow, Gideon and Lake entered Aldous’ suite, fingers intertwined. Lake swore she heard Aldous’ disapproving scowl all the way in the other room. To say she didn’t care about his opinion would be a lie. Aldous was not only her son, but her dearest friend and closest confidant, as she was for him. The rift between them was palpable and she hated it. Hopeful that getting to know her new beau would help, she asked on their walk over if Gideon would mind speaking with Aldous alone. Always noble, Gideon had said it was already something he intended to do, he simply needed the right time.
True North (The Complex Book 0) Page 4