She pushed herself off the bed and moved across the room, effectively separating us. “Don’t call me that.” Her fists curled by her sides, her whole-body filling with tension.
Remember when I thought that taking care of a human was going to be a lot of work? I had been correct, but so far it hadn’t been the clothing, bathing or feeding that was hard. Hell, I hadn’t even got to the feeding part yet. What I had been totally unprepared had been the mood swings. My female had displayed joy, desire, sadness, fear, and now anger all in the course of two days. More feelings than I thought possible. I don’t think I’d ever felt that many in my whole existence let alone in two days. Maybe there was a flaw in Dax’s formula. Maybe it truly had broken my female.
I stood up, moving closer, fully aware of the anger that rolled off of her in waves. “What word are you objecting to?”
“MechTech,” she hissed. “I hate that word.” She gave a full body shudder. “I hate what it made me do.” A crease appeared between her eyes. “You should hate me, too.” Her green eyes blazed. “I worked for them. I got credits from the corporation that tortured you.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Reliving that memory of you...feeling the sense of hopelessness that I couldn’t stop them from hurting you...from killing you. I was part of that.”
Every trace of anger vanished, her frame deflated in front of my eyes. She looked at me, a new set of tears brewing. She lost her fire, the green of her eyes dimmed, a haunted look settling in like an all too familiar ghost. “Maybe somewhere inside you know it too,” she whispered. “Maybe your heart knows what I’ve done.” She shuddered. “What I saw.”
Her shoulders curled over her chest, and she twisted away from me. “Service Models carved up, their frame showing through patches of jagged skin. Military Models missing arms and legs. The footage of them dragging their frames, played as entertainment files for the other MechTech’s to watch and laugh at. Technology Models with holes in their skulls, their CPU’s smoking, partially fried from being pushed beyond their capabilities.” She held out her hands, examining her fingers. “I fixed them Acer. I fixed them and sent them back.”
She examined her hands, seeing them like they were the hands of an enemy. She wanted to punish herself. The only MechTech who had been kind to me. The only MechTech who every cyborg talked about with fondness in their voice wanted to punish herself for the things she couldn’t have stopped.
I took a step a closer, but she retreated further, my frame no longer offering comfort.
“I haven’t been a MechTech in over thirty years, but I fear I’ll never out-run it. Sometimes, when she had me strapped to a table, screaming from whatever new experiment the doctor devised, I would think I deserved it—the pain, the humiliation. All of it.”
Her words hit my processors like a jolt of electricity. No one deserved what that doctor had done. I ground my teeth. I could feel the vein in my neck begin to throb. I wished the doctor was still alive, so I could take pleasure in removing her head from her shoulders. “You didn’t deserve what that monster did to you,” I growled.
My female was a fighter, but she had been to hell and back. She’d been trapped there for years.
Not days or weeks or months.
Years.
Years that she barely survived, tormented by that abomination of a doctor. I had been so focused on my own failing CPU that I failed her. I did not see Marley was fighting her own battle.
Her knees gave out, and I shot forward, catching her under her arms and holding her steady. “Don’t,” I hissed through clenched teeth. One hand caught her chin. “The only thing my heart knows is that it’s always wanted you. I hated being without you more than I ever hated that you were a MechTech.” I kissed the corners of her mouth, wishing I could kiss the smile back to her lips.
“Hating yourself won’t change what the Global Allegiance did. You treated us like we mattered. All the cyborgs knew the risks you took despite knowing the punishment would have been death if you were caught. They would talk about you, tell stories about the MechTech who would hum. Who treated them with kindness instead of cruelty. They never hated you. They adored you.”
I leaned down, my hand trailed over her neck, slipping around to grasp the nape, and tugging her forehead to mine. “I used to get so jealous. Hearing them mention you like you were theirs. It was selfish, but I wanted all your kindness to myself. I didn’t want to share. Now I have you; you’re all mine.” I scooped her up and she released a gasp. “I won’t share you.” I laid her down on the bed. “Not with the other cyborgs. Not with their females.” Climbing in beside her, I caged her body beneath my frame. I kissed her hard, stealing all the guilt, the doubt, the very past from her lips. “Not even with the demons that haunt you.” Any reply silenced by my lips claiming hers, branding her the way I always saw her—as mine.
Chapter Nine
*Marley*
Acer kissed me like a cyborg possessed. His body hovered over mine, an inescapable cage of metal and man. His words shattered every bit of loathing, my cyborg refused to allow me to wallow in self-hatred. I had carried the guilt of being a MechTech for so many years I no longer knew how to live without it.
“Let me show you,” his lips dropped to the column of my throat, kissing a line down the exposed skin. He lifted his eyes to mine. “Show you that my heart, my processors, my each and every circuit sees you,” he whispered.
I gripped his shoulders; the weight of his frame pinned me in place. I was trapped by it, consumed by it, saved by it. My demons stood no chance against the cyborg above me. “I see it, Sunshine. I feel it,” I said softly.
A hard knock interrupted us. We both froze on the bed.
“Hello new human! Please open the door. I really would like to meet you,” a loud voice shouted from the hallway.
Acer groaned. “That would be Theo. You met his father earlier when you kicked him.”
“The Military Model is a father?” Shock soared through me. Cyborgs came out of a vat. Created, not born. I shook my head. “Did he adopt a human child?”
There were tons of children left to fend for themselves in the poorer territories. Having a cyborg take care of them was better than someone tossing them into a world where they would always be hungry, terrified, and alone. I wish I would have a had a cyborg to look after me. It would have kept me protected and safe, especially if it had been a Military Model. It would have been like having my own personal bodyguard. A big one. With the training and strength to take on anything that came my way.
He shook his head no. “Theo is a cyborg. He was created by the same doctor that held you captive all those years.”
I felt the color drain from my face. All the pain. All the experiments. My stomach recoiled. “Is he okay? Did she hurt...” My throat tightened like a vice, cutting off the rest of my words.
“Theo is fine. Aria, Reaper’s female, rescued him. I won’t lie and say his time with the doctor was pleasant, but he’s tough.” Admiration filled his voice. “Theo is a fighter. He’s also very happy and has a whole team of cyborgs under his command.”
The tension drained from my body, and I couldn’t help but smile. “You like him.” So, my cyborg didn’t hate everyone.
He sighed. “I will admit, he’s not awful.”
Another loud knock sounded. “Hey! I know you’re in there!”
“He’s also very persistent,” Acer grumbled.
I laughed and gave his frame a nudge. “Come on. Let’s go say hi.”
I walked to the door with a very reluctant cyborg in tow. Acer opened the door and there stood a pretty, blonde woman and a miniature version of the Military Model that had visited earlier. I blinked, taking him in, every gray inch of him appeared perfect.
The sudden urge to scoop him up and hug him struck though he was almost as tall as me. That would make lifting him a bit of a problem. Still, the urge remained. No matter how tall he was, he was still a child. A cyborg child. A very cute cyborg child my mind added.
Acer returned the small ones glare. “No, I am not.”
“Theo, sweets, remember we talked about this? Your father was very clear about his expectations if he let you come say hi.”
“Dad told me you kicked him. Is that true?” His blue eyes widened while he waited for an answer.
My ears grew hot, and I cleared my throat. “Um...well,” I stammered. How do I tell this child I kind of went off on his father? Oh, and I’m sure the woman standing next to him was the Military Models female, so I had to also explain why I beat up her boyfriend as well. A tingle swept up the back of my neck and across my face. I swallowed hard. “I did kick him, but I love cyborgs, Military Models included. Normally I’m not so...”
“Violent?” The woman supplied. “Reaper tends to bring that out in people.” She let a laugh. “I warned him not to go bugging Acer about you, but the stubborn Military Model wouldn’t listen.”
The little cyborg, Theo, flashed me a grin. “I’ve kicked him too. It happens.”
I let out a huge breath and then returned his smile. “Oh my god. Thank you. I was so worried the both of you would be upset with me. It’s been a rough couple of days let me tell you.”
An arm wrapped around my waist and suddenly tugged me against a very solid, yellow cyborg. He was letting me know that no matter what, he was right beside me. Others had only ever seen what Acer had been missing, but I always saw what he had to offer instead. There was so much more to him than what met the eye. So much more to the man beneath the metal.
Matching him, I wrapped my arm around his waist, affirming we were in this together.
The woman smiled, but Theo rolled his eyes. “Not you two as well. Ugh.” Theo shook his head.
“Theo isn’t fond of the lovey-dovey stuff. Don’t worry, he’ll survive it.” She held out her hand. “My name is Aria by the way. You met my cyborg, Reaper. He’s also the leader of the cyborg rebellion, but I’m much better at getting the cyborgs to follow me. I basically have my own cyborg army now. Shh; don’t tell Reaper that, though.”
I grinned. “I won’t; I promise.” I took her hand and gave it a shake, ignoring Acer’s growl of disapproval. “It’s nice to meet you, Aria. I’m so glad there are other females here. I thought I’d be the only one.”
“Including you, we now have four human females living under our roof.” She gave me a once over. “And judging by the pajamas you are wearing, I’m guessing you already met Iris. Those are her signature style of night clothes. Iris has a thing for cats. And Beanie Babies. And giving the cyborgs nicknames.”
I laughed. “She sounds wonderful. But, I haven’t had the chance to meet her yet. Sun—I mean Acer, was the one who got them for me last night. Iris was kind enough to allow me to borrow some of her clothes.”
“That’s also signature Iris. All of us should go down to the common room together for breakfast tomorrow if you’re feeling up to it, of course. There are plenty of other cyborgs to meet as well.”
Acer released another growl.
Aria simply blew out a breath. “Relax, Acer. Everyone knows she’s yours. You can’t keep her locked away in some tower like a fairytale princess. She needs to feel welcomed here.” Aria gave me an understanding smile. “I know my cyborg didn’t do the best job of making you feel like you are safe and wanted here, but it’s true. I only endured a few weeks with that crazy bitch of a doctor. I can’t imagine what it was like spending years with her!” She reached out and clasped my hand. Tears gathered in her blue eyes, and I found my own fill in response.
“I was kept in stasis a lot of the time, so that helped.” I offered softly.
She nodded and released my hand. “Well, if you ever need to talk, I’m here. No pressure of course.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but Acer cut me off. “She doesn’t need anyone. She has me.”
“Remember, princess, tower. Things that aren’t cool, Acer. Anyway, think about it. Oh and I almost completely forgot.” She leaned down and picked a bag that had been resting by her feet. “I brought you some clothes that aren’t cat related just in case you might want something different.”
I reached out and took the bag from her hand. “Thank you. I love cats, but it will be nice to have some variety.”
“Good. I’m glad I could help. Come on, Theo, let’s go teach dad about things he should not say if he doesn’t want to get kicked.”
“But I didn’t get to ask her!” Theo planted his boots on the floor and crossed his arms over his chest. “I really think she needs one.”
Acer’s grip on me tightened as he took a step backwards.
Aria shook her head. “It’s okay Acer. He only wants to give her a hug. I told him he had to ask. He’s been known to hug first ask later.”
I let go of Acer and opened my arms. “I would love a hug.”
Theo wasted no time, launching himself at me and squeezing me tightly but carefully. “Thank you, Theo., I did need one.” He tipped his head back and beamed at me and warmth spread through my chest. I didn’t know how he had come to be, but a part buried down deep inside wanted one. A little boy or girl who wasn’t gray, but yellow. One with Sunshine’s eyes, who we could love and protect and give a life of joy instead of sadness.
Theo let go, and the ache for a cyborg child of my own grew. I pushed it down. Now wasn’t the right time, and I was pretty sure Theo was a once-in-a-lifetime type of miracle. If cyborgs and humans could truly have children, wouldn’t someone be mentioning it to me? Obviously, Acer and I hadn’t done anything yet, but you’d have to be blind to not see we were clearly heading in that direction. Hell, I lip-locked him the moment I woke up, and it wasn’t the type of kiss you’d give someone you thought of as a friend. I had waited years; I wasn’t planning to wait much longer. If I could get knocked up, I’m assuming someone would pass me a note or something. Or maybe they simply liked surprises around here.
Theo and Aria left, and Acer swiftly locked the door, muttering about wanting no more interruptions.
“You really intend to lock me in your tower, don’t you?” I chuckled, giving him a playful nudge.
He pulled me in for a kiss. “I want to,” he murmured over my lips.
I breathed him in. “Not a princess, you know.” I leaned down grabbing the bag of clothes sitting on the floor. “No need to keep me in a tower.” I planted another kiss on his yellow lips.
“To me, you are,” he said quietly.
I blushed. “Guess that makes you Prince Charming.” I tugged his hand with my free one. “Come on, your princess needs something more fitting to wear than cat pajamas.”
My Prince Charming followed with a laugh.
Chapter Ten
*Acer*
The common room was full. Different models sat scattered among the tables talking and enjoying plates of pancakes. Theo had sparked that particular trend. I had refused to indulge in the sticky-sweet breakfast confection, not wishing to succumb to the small Military Model’s madness. Cyborgs didn’t need to eat, humans did. I wasn’t human. I wouldn’t act like one.
My female wasn’t completely human any longer, but she still needed to eat which is why I allowed this little trip to the common room. Aria and Theo had arrived early this morning wondering if Marley felt up to meeting Iris and Dash for breakfast. I wanted to resist, but my female seemed so happy at the thought of going that I couldn’t say no.
I regretted that decision the moment we walked in the door. The conversation abruptly ended, all eyes turned towards us, and lingered on my female. I watched the spark of recognition ignite in some of their eyes and every muscle in my frame tensed.
They remember her, my processors declared. My grip on Marley tightened. Those that don’t might in
sist she leave once they find out she was a technician. My heart began to race. Danger, my circuits screamed. I gave a hard tug on Marley’s hand.
She looked at me and frowned. “What’s the matter?”
Before I could answer, Brone stood from the table and headed right for us. The Military Model was a Tank Class. A model designed to be the first on the battlefield. Most of his kind were no longer in existence; destroyed as soon as the rebel fighting started. With broad shoulders, extra height, and denser frame, they were worthy of the Tank designation. Cyborgs and humans, alike, tended to avoid them but not my human. She tugged her hand free from my grip and went right for him, clapping her hands, a huge smile plastered on her face.
Brone’s steps faltered, his mouth falling open. He stared at her, unblinking.
“I never got to meet one of you. Wow! You’re impressive,” she said, excitement in her voice. She tipped her head back to get a better look at him. “How tall are you? How much denser is your frame? The span of your shoulders is incredible! How far is the distance between them?” She gave a shake of her head. “Sorry. I’m being rude, aren’t I?” She thrust her hand forward. “Hi, I’m Marley. Please excuse the twenty questions.”
“Brone.” He shook her hand gently. “And I didn’t mind the questions. No one’s really cared to ask me anything before.” He flashed her a brilliant smile.
Spots dance in front of my visual systems. My jaw clenched as a low noise broke free from the back of my throat. “Stop smiling,” I growled at Brone.
Brone’s eyes moved from her to me, his chest expanding at my tone. I pushed out my chest in response, my fists curling by my sides. “Back away from her,” I ordered.
Marley whipped around and grabbed my arm. “Knock it off,” she hissed. “He’s not doing anything but being nice!”
She’s defending him! My circuits taunted. She likes him. Why wouldn’t she? He’s complete and not losing his processors to madness! Hurt him! Show her who’s the superior cyborg! I shook my head violently, pushing the voice to the back of my mind. Don’t give in. Don’t listen.
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