Gathering Darkness: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Anna Zaires

  John regarded her with a calm, level gaze. “It’s a risk that we all run, unfortunately,” he said.

  Mia shivered slightly. She didn’t want to think about the nearly paralyzing terror that had gripped her that night. Instead, she asked him brightly, “So how did things work out for you guys this weekend? You moved your meeting, right?”

  “We did. That’s why I’m here to talk to you today. There’s been a change of plans.”

  “What kind of change? But, wait, first—did you figure out how he was videotaping you?”

  “Do you remember the Keiths that we mentioned the last time?

  Mia nodded.

  “They were able to find the devices. They were embedded in the curtains and the couch fabric—even the tree branches outside. It was a new and different technology—something that they must’ve developed recently. We are lucky that one of the Keiths has a design background and was able to figure out what the things were based on their new nano-signature.”

  Mia listened in fascination. “So what now?”

  “We got very lucky that you came across that information. The Keiths thought so too—”

  “They know about me now?” Mia wasn’t sure if she should worry about that.

  “Yes. We had to explain how we learned about being recorded in the first place.”

  The expression on her face must’ve seemed concerned because he added, “Look, I promise you they’re not all the same. The Keiths really believe in our cause—they won’t do anything to put you in danger.”

  “I don’t understand something,” said Mia. “Are these Keiths openly walking around their communities talking about their views and the fact that they’re helping you guys?”

  “No, of course not! If Korum knew who they were, he would quickly neutralize them. They have a lot to lose if their identities are discovered before we put our plan into action.”

  “Okay,” said Mia, “so what’s the plan? And should I really know about it, given my proximity to you-know-who?”

  “Unfortunately, you do have to know . . . because you’re a big part of this plan now.”

  Mia felt her heart skip a beat. “Okay,” she said slowly, “I’m all ears.”

  “Do you remember when I told you that Korum is one of the key reasons they came here? That his company essentially runs the K Centers?”

  Mia nodded.

  “Well, the reason why he has all this power is because his company developed a lot of proprietary, classified technology that’s not available to the general Krinar population. We don’t know much about their science, but we think they probably have mature nanotechnology—”

  “What does that mean, mature nanotechnology?” asked Mia.

  “Basically, we believe they can manipulate matter on an atomic level. As the Keiths have explained to us, they can create almost anything using technology that’s right in their homes—as long as they have simple input materials and the design for it. Their designers—which are a bit like our software engineers—create the nano blueprints for all the things they use in daily life, as well as for their weapons, ships, houses, et cetera . . . Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Mia didn’t fully understand, but she nodded anyway.

  “Korum is one of their most brilliant designers. A lot of the blueprints that he and his company have created are not available to the general public. That includes the design of their ships—that’s highly classified information—and many of their security details, including shields and weapons for the K Centers. If you’re a regular run-of-the-mill K, you can easily go on the Krinar version of the Internet and get yourself a design for their standard weapons and technologies. That’s how the Keiths have been helping us until now—by providing us with the basic tools we need to evade capture and some simple weapons. Ultimately, the goal was to use their own weapons to attack their Centers and kick them off our planet.

  “But, like I said, the K Centers are protected by technology that only Korum and his trusted lieutenants have access to. One of the Keiths has spent months trying to hack into their files . . . but with no success. We thought we were close to being able to penetrate their defenses, but we learned this weekend that we’re as far away as we’ve ever been. Korum continues to develop newer and more complicated designs—the devices he used to spy on us are particularly ingenious—”

  “Can’t the Keiths reverse-engineer these designs?” interrupted Mia. Not that she knew anything about technology, but that seemed logical.

  “Most of Korum’s designs contain a self-destruct feature that gets triggered when you try to take apart the device on the molecular level—which is what you’d have to do to figure out the structure of it. That’s how he has a monopoly on this stuff—the patent or copyright protection is built into the design itself.”

  “Okay, so let me see if I understand this . . . The Keiths are willing to help you attack their own Centers, but they can’t break the code on the technology that protects the settlements? Am I getting that right?”

  “Exactly. There are fifty thousand Ks and billions of us. They may be stronger and faster, but we could easily overtake them if they didn’t have their technology. If we could somehow disable their shields and get our hands on some of their weapons, we could take our planet back.”

  Mia rubbed her temples. “But why would the Keiths help you so much against their own kind? I mean, I understand that they think it’s wrong the way humans have been treated . . . But to endanger the lives of fifty thousand other Ks for the sake of helping us? That doesn’t fully make sense to me—”

  “We promised to minimize the Krinar casualties as much as possible and to grant them safe passage back to Krina. We also promised that the Keiths—and whoever else they think can be trusted—can stay here on Earth and live among humans, as long as they obey our laws.

  “You see, Mia, they would be our teachers, our guides . . . bringing us into the new technological era and greatly accelerating our natural progress. They would be heroes to all of humankind, their names revered for ages. They would help us cure cancer and other diseases, and give us ways of extending our lifespan.” His face was glowing with fervor. “Mia . . . they would be like gods here on Earth, after all the other Ks leave. Why wouldn’t they want that instead of leading the regular lives they’ve already led for thousands of years?”

  Mia was reaching her own conclusion. “So they’re bored and looking to do something epic?”

  “If you want to think about it that way. I believe they’re genuine in their desire to help our species evolve to a higher level.”

  “Okay, so let’s go back for a second. If they can’t hack into the files, then what are you going to do? Sounds to me like Korum is winning the war before you even got a chance at a single battle.”

  “Not quite,” said John, his eyes burning with excitement. “We can’t hack into the files—but we can steal the information anyway.”

  Mia didn’t like where this was going. “Steal it how?” she asked slowly.

  “Well, the rumor is that Korum keeps many of his particularly sensitive designs on him at all times. For instance, have you ever seen him doing anything like looking into his palm or at his forearm?”

  “I’ve seen him looking into his palm,” said Mia reluctantly, starting to get a really bad feeling about this.

  “Then that’s where he has one of their computers embedded. I use the term computer loosely, of course. It has as little in common with human computers as our computers do with the original abacus. Still, he has information stored there—literally in the palm of his hand. We could never hope to get to it because even if we captured and immobilized him—which is a nearly impossible task—he would probably be able to wipe the data in a matter of seconds.”

  “So what can you do then?” asked Mia in confusion.

  “We can’t do anything . . . but you can. You’re the only one who gets close enough to him to be able to gain access to that information—”

 
“What? Are you insane? It’s in his palm—how would I get to it? It’s not like he’s just going to hand it over!”

  “No, of course not,” sighed John. “But we do have this . . .”

  He was holding a small silver ring.

  “What is it?” asked Mia warily.

  “It’s a device that scans data. The Keiths deliberately made it look like jewelry, so you could wear it without raising suspicions. If you could somehow hold it to Korum’s palm for about a minute, it should be able to access his files and get us the blueprints.”

  “Hold it for a full minute against his palm? What, like he wouldn’t find it suspicious?”

  “Not if he was otherwise distracted . . .” His voice trailed off suggestively.

  “Oh my God, are you serious? You want me to steal data from him during sex?” Mia’s stomach turned over at that thought.

  “Look, the when is up to you. He could be sleeping—”

  “He only sleeps for a few hours, and I’m usually passed out during that time.”

  “Okay, then, do you ever go anywhere with him when he just holds your hand?”

  Mia thought about it. When they walked somewhere together, she would usually put her arm through the crook of his elbow. Or sometimes he would put his hand on the small of her back. If he ever held her hand, it was usually for a brief period of time only. “Not really.”

  “Well then, it has to be when it wouldn’t be strange for you to be touching him . . .”

  “So you do mean during sex?”

  “If that’s the only time, then yes.”

  Mia stared at John in shock, unable to believe he was asking her to do this. “John,” she said slowly, “I’m not some femme fatale who can just do stuff like this. The last time, when I thought that Korum had caught me, I was completely freaking out. I’m not cut out to be a spy, not even close. And Korum knows me by now—if I suddenly start acting weirdly, he’ll catch on right away—”

  “Look, I understand that it’s not going to be easy. You’re right—you’re not a seasoned agent. But you’re literally our last hope. The Keiths believe that Korum is getting closer to figuring out who they are. He knows that we’re getting help from the inside, and the Keiths think that their ruling council will not look kindly on those who pose a threat to the Centers here. At best, they’re looking at forced deportation to Krina and some serious punishment there. At worst, well . . .”

  “John,” said Mia wearily, feeling the beginnings of a headache, “I just can’t—”

  “Mia, please, just wear the ring. That’s all I will ask you to do. If you get an opportunity, great. If not, well, at least we will have tried.”

  “And if I get caught wearing this device? If Korum is as brilliant as you say, won’t he recognize their technology from a mile away?”

  “He has no reason to suspect you. You’re just his charl. He won’t be expecting a threat from you. And here, see, the ring is truly nice-looking. You could claim that it’s a gift from your sister if he asks.”

  Mia stared at the device. The little silver circle was thin and stylish, and it probably wouldn’t look out of place on her finger. To confirm that theory, she extended her hand. “All right, let me try it on—see if it’s even my size.”

  John gave her the ring with a relieved smile. Mia slid it on the middle finger of her right hand. It fit perfectly. If she hadn’t known its purpose, she would have never thought it was anything other than a simple piece of jewelry. She hoped that Korum would be fooled as easily.

  With his mission accomplished, John rose to his feet. “Mia,” he said, “I hope you realize that if this works, if you succeed, then our species will enter into an entirely new era. We will have our planet back, and our freedom. And we will have a lot more knowledge—science and technology that we wouldn’t have had for hundreds or maybe thousands more years. You will be a hero, your name written in the history books for generations to come—”

  Mia felt chills going down her spine.

  “—and you will have nothing to fear from him again, ever. And girls like my sister will finally be reunited with their families, and they would be able to lead normal lives again—as will you.”

  He painted a compelling picture, but Mia couldn’t imagine how she could possibly bring something like this pass. “John,” she said, “I’ll try. That’s all I can promise you.”

  “That’s all I want.” He put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Good luck.”

  And then he walked away, leaving Mia with the alien device that was supposed to determine the future of humankind sitting innocuously on her finger.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Jessie joined Mia in the park a few minutes later. “Ugh,” she said, “I hate BioChem. So glad that torture is over.”

  Mia smiled at her. “No one said it’s easy being a pre-med.”

  “Yes, well, not all of us chose the easy route with a psych major—”

  “Easy, please! I have to write three papers by Thursday, and I’m only done with one so far!”

  “My heart bleeds for you . . . it really does—”

  “Oh shut up,” said Mia, and they both grinned at each other.

  “So what are you doing now? Going to the library?” asked Jessie, wrinkling her nose.

  “Nah, I think I’ll head back to Korum’s place. All my books and stuff are there now—”

  Jessie’s expression immediately darkened. “Of course. I should’ve known.”

  “Jessie,” said Mia tiredly, “please don’t give me a hard time over this. One way or another, I’m sure this relationship will be over soon—”

  “Mia, is there something you’re not telling me?” Jessie was looking at her suspiciously.

  “No! I just meant that I will be going home to Florida—and he may not want to continue seeing me when I return, that’s all.”

  “You’ve talked to him about this already?”

  Mia shook her head. “I’ll do it tonight.”

  “Okay, good luck with that. Let me know how that goes.” She paused and then added, “Oh, and by the way, Edgar said that Peter’s been asking about you.”

  “What? Why?”

  Jessie shrugged. “I guess he’s suicidal. That, or he really likes you. It’s hard to tell, you know?”

  “Is he feeling better now?”

  Jessie nodded. “He seems to be fine, just some residual bruising.”

  “Well, I’m glad. Listen, tell Edgar that Peter should just forget about my existence. If it’s ever safe, when this thing with Korum is over, I’ll contact him myself.”

  Jessie promised to do so, and they chatted some more about Edgar. Jessie was supposed to see him tonight, and Mia again envied the ease and simplicity of her roommate’s life.

  Mia was now literally wearing the fate of her species on her finger, and the burden felt far heavier than the light silver circle could ever be on its own.

  ***

  That night, Korum made dinner for them again. After agonizing over the best way to approach summer plans, Mia decided to just tell him straight out. First, though, she wanted to make sure that he would be in a good mood and receptive to the idea.

  The dinner was delicious, as usual. Mia gladly consumed another creatively made salad—she had definitely developed a taste for them—and a bean crepe wrapped in seaweed with a spicy mushroom sauce.

  If she succeeded in her mission, there would be no more dinners like this. Korum would be forced to go back to Krina—if he even survived the attack on their settlements.

  At that thought, Mia felt a strange squeezing sensation in her chest. She didn’t want him killed. He might be the enemy, but she didn’t want to see him get hurt in any way.

  Furiously thinking about this, she resolved to ask John to grant Korum safe passage—if she did get her hands on the data. Of course, even the thought of him simply leaving the planet was oddly agonizing. You silly twit, he did manage to get under your skin.

  “A pen
ny for your thoughts,” teased Korum, apparently noticing the introspective look on Mia’s face.

  “Um, I’m just thinking about all the stuff I still have to do before the end of the week—turn in all those papers and then start packing . . .” Mia let her voice trail off. It seemed like a good segue into what she wanted to discuss today.

  “Packing?” A slight frown appeared on his smooth forehead.

  “Yes, well, you know the semester will be over soon,” Mia said cautiously, her heart rate beginning to increase. “After finals, I have to go home, to Florida, to see my parents, and then I have an internship in Orlando—”

  His expression visibly darkened. “And when were you going to tell me about this?” His voice was deceptively calm.

  Mia slowly chewed the last bite of her food and swallowed it. “I thought you knew everything about me already, including my summer plans.” The evenness of her tone matched his, despite the pounding of her heart.

  “The background check I did on you a month ago was not sufficiently comprehensive, I guess,” he said, still dangerously calm.

  Mia shrugged. “I guess not.” She was proud of how bravely she was handling this discussion. Maybe she would make a decent spy yet.

  “I don’t want you to go,” he said quietly. His eyes were taking on that golden tint that she now associated with all kinds of strong emotions.

  “Korum, I have to.” Mia tried to think of ways to convince him. “I have to see my parents and sister—she’s pregnant, actually—and then I have a really good internship lined up at a local camp, where I would be a counselor for children who are going through a difficult time . . .”

  He just looked at her, his lack of expression scaring her more than any outward anger.

  “All right,” he said. “I will take you to see your family this summer . . . just not next week. I can’t leave New York quite yet. And if you want, I will find you an internship here as well, something within your field that you would enjoy.”

  Mia felt a cold sensation radiating from her core all the way down to her toes. Up until now, even though she knew he regarded her as his pleasure toy, their relationship had a semblance of normality. He might have considered her his human pet, but she could still pretend he was her boyfriend—an arrogant and domineering one, for sure . . . but still just a boyfriend. Now that illusion was broken. If he really did go so far as to disregard her summer plans made months in advance, then he had absolutely no respect for her rights as a person—and probably no qualms about keeping her as his charl indefinitely, until he got bored with her.