by Maira Dawn
Ian looked away.
Sonora repeated, "Who is three-quarters human."
"Yes, I know."
"So...?"
Ian sighed. "I do not see you as I see them. But if it makes you happy. Humans are not second-class citizens. They just need our help. A lot."
Sonora rolled her eyes. "Ian, I really think it is not that easy. You can't just say it, and suddenly your mind is changed."
"No. It will take time, but it will eventually change."
Sonora bit her lip, then said, "I just worry sometimes what life will be like in Atlantis for me."
"Father and I have already addressed this with the council. And the members will pass it on to the clans. Any humans that come to Atlantis are to be treated with the utmost respect."
Relief washed over Sonora. "I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that. I want us to be happy despite our differences."
Ian laid his forehead against hers. "We will be, Edinara. We are."
Sonora brought her gaze to his, letting it linger there. "I love you so much. More than I ever thought possible."
A sheen of tears came over his eyes. Ian tried to speak but stopped to clear his throat. He gave a tiny shake of his head, trying to clear the emotions overwhelming him. "My Intended, my soul, my heart, my life. You are all to me."
Carefully, Ian wrapped his arms around her, lifting her slightly despite her protesting squeak. A slash of pain went through her head, but Sonora didn't care. She ached for what was coming.
He was slow about it, taking his time as his gaze caressed every inch of her face. Scarlett heat warmed her features by the time he was done. He moved closer, and finally she could feel his breath fanning her cheek. Then the warmth on her lips. Sonora moved toward him, anticipating the feel of his mouth on hers. Ian smirked and put a thumb to her sensitive lips.
He was so in control, it irritated her. It also made her want his kiss all the more. She moaned when Ian ran his fingers through her hair, bringing it to him and taking a whiff. He closed his eyes. "You smell like springtime and light," he whispered.
Her heart, already doing double time, increased its pace. She grabbed Ian's hair and tugged, trying to get him closer. "Come here. Stop playing with me."
Ian uttered a deep chuckle that seemed to rumble through her. "Playing is half the fun."
"Ian," she pleaded.
He took pity on her then. His eyes twinkling as he moved closer. They groaned as their lips met, and warmth swept up and down her as his kiss deepened. Then she melted. Just melted into almost nothing, except for the heat of his lips moving against hers.
When they broke apart, worry began to poke holes in Sonora's happiness. When she frowned, Ian asked, "What could possibly be concerning you?"
Sonora's mouth twisted into a sad smile. “Is what my uncle said true? Will I be enough for you? Since I'm not as good at Atlantian… well, anything?"
A troubled look covered his face. "Edinara, you still act like I have a choice. I had no choice, nor would I want one. You are my Intended, my Jata Ara. I have known it from the moment my eyes fell upon you."
He shook his head. "Perhaps I have not explained this correctly. We are paired because we are perfect for one another. You will always be enough for me because you are my perfect mate." He ran a finger down Sonora's cheek. "I am as good as dead without you by my side. I am sure I want you. There is no doubt."
After giving her a beaming smile, Ian continued, "All couples have their tsunamis to swim. These will be ours, and at least we know of them now. Any differences we have, we will overcome. I know that."
A nurse rattled through the door dragging a blood pressure monitor.
Ian frowned. "Go away. We have much to discuss."
The nurse glanced at him but cheerfully said, "I'm sorry, but it is time—"
"Go now!" Ian's voice boomed around the room. "I will tell you when you may enter."
The nurse squeaked and ran out, leaving her machine behind.
"Ian!" Sonora said with a huff and a twinkle in her eye. "Did you turn your voice thing on to do that?"
"Yes, I do not wish to be disturbed."
Trying to hold back a giggle, Sonora waved her hand at the empty doorway. "Don't you think that was a little bossy?"
"No. I merely told the woman what we needed."
Sonora mumbled under her breath. "No, that is being bossy, and we both know you are very good at that."
Ian chuckled. "You know I can hear you?"
Louder, she said, "Can you please treat my family nicely? Can you thank the nurses and not act like they are your servants?
Ian ran his fingers through the ends of Sonora's hair. He ignored the slap of her hand and her sharp, "Are you listening to me?"
"If that makes you happy, of course," he said and grinned. "I have treated your family nicely. Half of them are criminals, you know. How politely do you expect me to—"
"Ian!"
The nurse returned. She stood in the doorway for a moment, gathering her courage before she squared her shoulders. "I'm sorry, but I must insist. We need to monitor Ms. Reeves condition closely. I'm sure you want to make sure she's doing well." She cleared her throat and looked at the wall and ceiling before letting her gaze come back to them.
Sonora whispered to Ian, "Look what you did! You frightened her."
"She frightens easily."
"You are a large over-bearing man. Now go apologize!"
Ian laughed. "You are worse than my mother."
A satisfied smile settled on her face. "Good! Now go."
Ian crossed the room to the nurse. Her gaze seemed to dart everywhere as she avoided him.
Gently, Ian took her hands in his. "I would like to apologize for my rude and overbearing behavior. You are, of course, doing everything you can for my beloved, and I wish you to know that I will always remember you and your tender care of her. I would be grateful if you forgave me."
A red flush lit up the nurse's face. When Ian let go of her hands, she put them to her pink cheeks and giggled. She walked back into the hallway, then back toward the room, before giggling again and leaving.
Ian turned and looked at Sonora with one eyebrow raised. "See, I can be nice."
Sonora felt the edge of jealousy and put her hands to her hips. "Well, that was overdone. She's reeling. She can't even think straight."
Ian sauntered back to Sonora's side. "If only I could put you in a similar state. Are you never happy with me?"
Sonora made room for him on the bed and waved him to her arms. She snuggled against him, enjoying the feel of his muscled arms holding her. She tipped her face up to his. "Happier than I should be," she said. "Happier than I have any right to be. Happier than I'd ever dreamed I could be."
Ian's face lit up as they sensed each other's joy. There would be no more question of what would happen between them, the future was set. They were Intended, Jata Ara. It was the way it should be.
As Ian moved in for another kiss, Sonora whispered, "Leaving me reeling is not a problem you ever have, love."
Thirty-Seven
Your Name
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The world came back to Ian with a crash. Something metal clanked against the tile floor in the hallway. He jerked away from Sonora but relaxed once the nurses clapped and laughed over whatever had caused the ruckus. He looked down at Sonora, happy to see she was far more flustered than the nurse had been. The first goal had been completed.
He wondered how long he could keep her in this wide-eyed state and pulled her closer. Her blue eyes sparkled as he closed in on her. She pulled on the back of his neck to urge him along.
When their lips were so close they inhaled each other’s breath, an “A-hem” came from the door. Ian’s gaze flew toward the sound. In the doorway stood Jorah and Blake.
Sonora quickly sat up, putting a hand to her head. She pushed Ian. “Get out!” she hissed.
“Easy, woman. You wound me.”
Blake laughed at Ian�
��s hurt face. “Public displays of affection are often frowned on here.”
“I see,” Ian said as he tossed Sonora a sad glance. That explained a lot.
“In Atlantis,” Jorah explained to Sonora. “We encourage courtship behavior, though a couple is joined before they get so…” He waved his hand over her.“…horizontal.”
Sonora’s already red face flamed, and she slowly sunk down into the bed, pulling the sheet over her head.
“Have you joined without us, Caspian?” An audible groan came from Sonora. “Joined, mated, united, alliance, I forget what they call it in this land.”
“Marriage,” Blake said.
“No, Father, we are not married,” Ian said, using the human word to spare Sonora some embarrassment.
“Good,” Jorah said. “You would have sorely disappointed your mother. She has been planning her wedding for months now. It is a favorite of the Orca ceremonies, you know.”
“What?” Sonora whipped the sheet from her head. “She has planned my wedding? For months?”
“Of course, guppy,” Jorah said. “She hoped you would come to your senses.”
“What?” she said, flinging out her hands.
Blake moved to his granddaughter. “I think what Jorah means it that you would understand your senses. Like Atlantians do.”
Ian wasn’t sure that was what his father had meant since they’d thought Sonora was fully human at the time, but he wasn’t going to stir up any trouble. Ian took Sonora’s flailing hand. “Hush now, Beloved. Mother does not forget the wedding is yours. Anything you desire, you will have.”
“But—”
Before she could continue, six of Jorah’s large guards squeezed into the room. “Humans with weapons come,” a large blond one said. “They act as though they have some sort of authority. My trips to land have been few, and in other areas, so I am unfamiliar with this land.”
“It is fine,” Jorah said. “It seems we merely need to show ourselves for them to comply. Though I wish humans were not so enthralled with pictures.”
A group of officers arrived at the door. Two managed to enter. The others remained outside. All seemed uncomfortable as they eyed the Atlantians.
“We need to speak to Ms. Reeves, and… the… gentleman about what happened at the Marine Center.” He looked at the weapons the guards carried but said nothing.
“Sir,” the one who seemed to be the lead officer said as he got out a tablet. “Could I have your name?”
“Caspian is my full name, though many call me Ian.”
“And your last name?”
Ian looked at his father, who shrugged, then at Blake. “I have no last name.”
The officer tapped the tablet. “You must have something. I need one for the report.”
“Orca?” Blake suggested.
“Orca, then,” Jorah said.
The officer frowned. “And you are, sir?”
“Caspian’s father.”
“Okay.” The officer looked around the room. “I will ask that everyone leave except for family.”
No one moved.
“You are all family?”
“Yes.”
The officer sighed. “Ms. Reeves and Mr. Orca, are okay with everyone in here?”
They nodded.
The officer asked many questions but told little of what he knew. But from time to time, his piercing gaze would light on one of them for a moment longer than it needed to be, but in the end, it seemed their story rang true to the police officer.
Ian leaned forward. “Have you found the scientist?”
“Not yet. But it’s only a matter of time. Everyone is looking for Shade.”
When Sonora sniffed, Ian put a hand on her shoulder. This would all be hard for her.
The officer turned to Jorah. “According to the Marine Center, you are…” He coughed as if it were hard to say. “…from Atlantis.”
“That is so,” Jorah said.
“May I ask, why are you here now?”
“We are here to aid you. Your race is facing a deadly disease, and we will help you find the cure.”
The officer nodded his head and looked again at their weapons, clearly understanding he had little power here. “If you need any help, you know where I am.”
Blake stepped to Sonora’s side. “I’m so relieved you’re okay. You had me worried sick, Sunshine. I called your parents to come down here. We have to tell them.”
“Oh Grandpa, how do we tell them? How do we tell poor Aunt Claire? To think she lived with a monster all these years! He said he watched us for them. We loved him so much. How could we not have known?”
“I don’t know. I keep asking myself the same thing.”
Ian spoke up. “He said his uncle started this organization, and he followed in his footsteps.”
Blake brought a hand to his forehead, distraught about the situation. Sonora patted him. “Grandpa, we have to remember that what Devon has done is on him, not anyone else.”
“Our first priority must be the cure,” Jorah said. “We could use your help with that, Blake.”
“Yes.” Blake nodded eagerly. “I’ll help.”
Thirty-Eight
Something Horrible
Chapter Thirty-Eight
When Vince raced out of the Marine Center, he ignored the questioning looks following him. He had one thing on his mind. Save the world.
He scoffed at himself and what he was trying to do. Him? Vincent Hartman trying to save the world. How did this happen? Especially after everything he'd done. How did he get to this point? Vince pulled a hand through his hair. How did the world get to this point?
Because of people like Devon and his cruelty. Because of people like the History group and their greed. There was no doubt in Vince's mind their research of the Atlantians had been sold, making them a buttload of money.
Reaching his car, he fumbled with the key fob before unlocking the driver's door and dropping in the seat.
No, he needed to be honest with himself. It wasn't only people like them. It was also people like himself. People whose crime seemed merely curiosity, even when it took a dark turn. Then it became something more.
Vince lowered his head to his hands, letting his forehead lay against the steering wheel, as guilt ran through his soul. What kind of man was he? Why had he done this?
Beads of sweat rolled off his face onto his fingers. His body burned from the disease. Vince raised his head and pulled the rearview mirror around to look at himself.
His eyes were glassy with fever, his face flaming. He put a cloth to his mouth as he coughed to catch the bloody foam. He had little time. He must move now.
Vince shoved the car into drive and raced through the streets as quickly as he dared. He couldn’t risk being pulled over by the ever-diligent Seaside police.
Arriving at Nick's condo, he sagged in relief at the sight of his brother's car. He jumped from the car and ran to Nick's front door, pounding on it. Then he tied a new surgical mask over his face. When there was no sound, he thumped on it again. Finally, he heard his brother's faint voice.
"I'm coming," Nick said. "I'm coming. Geez, hang on a minute."
Tears welled in Vince's eyes when his brother answered the door, but he refused to let them fall. He put one hand on the siding of the house and leaned there, breathless.
"Vince?" Nick's concerned gaze roved Vince's mask-covered face. "What is wrong? Are you sick? You look bad.”
When Nick stepped out of the house, Vince took a couple of skips backward. "No! Don't get too close to me. I'm infected with—with something. I—I've done something horrible, and I need your help."
Nick frowned and walked back into the house, holding the door wider. Vince yanked another mask out of his pocket, wrapping it over the one he already wore. Grabbing the door, he shooed Nick across the hall and into the living room.
Vince sank into the first chair he came to. A lounger. He chuckled sadly. This was the chair he always sat in. He remembered al
l the good times, good conversations he'd had with Nick sitting here. It was fitting he sit in it one last time as he confessed his sins to his brother—as he died.
Nick stared at him from across the room. His dark eyes boring holes into Vince's. "What is happening, Vince?"
"Brother, I need your help. The world needs your help."
"What are you talking about?"
"Time travel. Is it possible yet?"
Nick held up his hands. “I never said it would be. You know I can't talk about my work."
Vince started the game they often played as he stared out the window at the ocean. "If we were talking about blowing up a beach ball, would you say it is already full of air?"
"Vincent!"
"This is important, Nick. More important than you can imagine. The world is literally at stake. I'm really not kidding. People will die. Maybe everyone."
Nick eyed Vince, his bouncing knee, his shaking hands, his ever-reddening face. "Not all the way full."
"Close?"
Nick gave a sharp nod.
"Could you go now? Today?"
"What? Vince. You're going to have to explain yourself."
"Could you?"
"I don't know. Maybe. There haven't been—I don't know."
"Would you try? If the fate of the world was on your shoulders? If you were the only person in all these billions who could save all others, would you try?"
There was no hesitation. "Of course."
Vince gave a small smile. His big brother. He could always count on him to do the right thing. “Well, it is."
Vince launched into his story, and Nick became more and more like stone as he was told of his brother's part in the cruel scientific torture of a people from Atlantis. Nick crossed his arms, pressing back against the wall where he stood.
Vince waited. Nick shouldn't believe him. He had no proof. But for some reason, his brother did. But when he had explained everything, the look of disgust on Nick's face hardened. "What have you done?" Nick spit at him.