HauntingBlackie (17 page)

Conflicting sentiments choked Blackie. It was over and Eve
would be safe. But he’d lost a friend in Parlis, a hero, though his reputation
had been built on lies. Only time would heal the wounds inflicted upon his
soul, knowing his blind faith in the male had been misplaced and cost him
decades with a woman who should have been at his side instead of struggling to
survive on her own.

Eve was his priority now. “Do you wish to speak to the
council or go to our home?”

“Home.”

He turned his head, staring at Zorus. “She is owed a few
things.”

“Name them. The council is still linked with me.” He pointed
to the top of a pillar. “They can see us.”

“We want a new home outside the council building. I’m
certain you understand this request.”

Zorus paused, probably discussing it silently with the other
members. He nodded. “I remembered that request. Arrangements have been made.”

He stared at Zorus. “We’d also like to join in a family unit
of only two. She is not to be considered a cyborg woman. Canine units mate for
life with one male. To join her to other males would be psychologically
traumatic. It’s how they were created.”

Zorus frowned.

“It isn’t up for debate. They were designed to be completely
loyal to one mate. She holds no interest in other men.”

Zorus lowered his head to study Eve.

“I’ll kill anyone besides Blackie if they are dumb enough to
climb into my bed. It isn’t happening.” Her voice deepened and her canines
elongated to show off her teeth.

A sense of pride filled Blackie when he watched the council
member stumble back a step, surprised and wary of his mate. “We’re mated,
Zorus. The canine units need absolute monogamy.”

Zorus remained quiet for too long.

“We owe her and her surviving littermate,” Blackie argued.

The council member held his gaze and gave a sharp nod. “Agreed.
They are just curious about her and wish to ask questions.”

“What do they want to know?” Eve jutted her chin out, a sign
of stubbornness Blackie found endearing.

“Would you follow me? They’d like to see you in person.”

“We’re fine here,” Blackie protested. “She doesn’t need to
feel overwhelmed. Ask their questions.”

“Is she anatomically human?”

“For the most part,” Eve answered. “If you’re talking sexual
parts, yes. Strip me naked, which you’d better not consider really doing
because I’d fight that since I’m not into show-and-tell, and I look completely
human. I don’t have a tail or anything. I have the cool sliding teeth and
fingernails.” She lifted a hand and peered up at the camera. “See?” She
extended her fingernails, turning them so it was clear how long they were. “I
can also deepen my voice. My larynx isn’t limited to human sounds. I’m also
stronger than most Earthers and I don’t age the way they do. My line was
created just weeks after cyborgs were. I’m the first in my line.”

“I asked Jazel if you could have children to establish they
were already aware of that fact. Do your units have single births or multiples?”

Eve hesitated and turned her head to stare up at Blackie. “Um,
I thought we’d discuss this part in private but the two of my line who had
children when we were still on Earth had more than one. Barbra had three at
once and Debbie had two.”

Blackie was stunned. He hadn’t considered that canines
tended to have litters instead of just one child.

“You okay, Handsome?” She bit her lower lip, peering up at
him with concern.

“Yes.” He’d adjust to the information.

“The council will agree to a family unit of only two if you
agree not to limit the amount of children you have.”

“What does that mean?” Blackie didn’t enjoy the
implications.

Zorus didn’t look pleased but he represented the council. “Your
woman and her sister are unique.”

Eve growled. “You want to turn me into a breeder, in other
words. Just expect my sister and me to…what? Drop a litter every year?”

“Could both of you do that?” Zorus appeared interested. “Your
race was created female. Were they able to create male offspring?”

“We could probably have children that fast but we won’t.”
Eve flashed her fangs. “I’m sure it is possible but I’m not going to allow you
to turn me in to some kind of baby machine and neither is Danica. Only two of
our line had children before they were executed. They delivered at full term
just after twelve weeks of gestation since we heal so fast and our engineered
genetics seemed to accelerate the pregnancies. I remember what happened to them
when it was discovered they were pregnant. Both were taken away by security and
locked up so they could test the shit out of them. Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Were the offspring all female?” Zorus wasn’t ready to let
it go.

“Yes.” She frowned. “But there were only two pregnancies in
our line so don’t just assume for a fact that we can only have girls. The
fathers of those babies might have had something to do with their sex if it
wasn’t by genetic design.”

Blackie reeled from that information, imagining Eve able to
bear him numerous children in a short span of time. It also alarmed him a bit
if she was only able to birth females. He took an aggressive step forward and
glowered at the camera.

“Enough,” he demanded. “She and her littermate paid the
ultimate price for what they did for cyborgs. You are not going to ask or
expect them to replenish our population with females. The number of children we
have and the timing will be decided between her and me. That is not negotiable.”

Zorus glanced at the camera and seemed to be listening.

“What are they saying?” Eve peered up at Blackie.

“I don’t know. I’m not linked into their conversation.” He
wished he were.

“I wanted to tell you about the pregnancies privately but it
never came up. Are you freaked out?”

He turned her so they had direct eye contact. “I am not
freaked out, if that means what I think it does. It is a surprise but I already
decided I wanted to have children with you. I just didn’t expect to have more
than one at a time.”

“It might have just been a fluke.”

He arched his eyebrows, not believing that.

“Yeah.” She dropped her gaze to his shirt. “That’s what
Cameron and his team came up with too. They encouraged more of us to hook up
with some of the guards, hoping to do more research. Of course, that never
happened.” She looked up with tears in her eyes. “Those babies were just weeks
old when we tried to escape with you. The mothers had them ten days apart.
Cameron said he had them killed along with their mothers.”

He hated to see her anguish.

“It was my fault. I was the one who talked everyone into
helping cyborgs. Some of them were afraid. Our lives were shit but as long as
we played by the rules, we would have survived. They listened to me, though,
because it was the right thing to do.”

Blackie wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. He
glared at Zorus over the top of her head. The male’s sympathetic expression
assured him he’d overheard their exchange of words when they studied each
other.

“Your line lost their lives to save us. I’m so sorry, Eve. I
know there’s no way to make it up to you or them but we will try.”

Zorus nodded. “Agreed.”

Eve tensed and pulled out of his arms. She wiped at her eyes
before she turned around to face the camera and the council member in the room
with them. “My ovaries are my business and that of my mate. The same goes for
my sister. Am I clear?”

“Perfectly.” Zorus inclined his head.

Blackie assumed the council would agree to almost any terms
at that moment. “I want to be removed from my breeding pact immediately.”

“What is that?” Eve glanced up at him.

Blackie opened his mouth but no words came out. There was no
explanation she would like.

“Not all cyborgs are able to breed,” Zorus answered. “I am a
prime example of that. I had viable sperm when I was created. One of the
doctors used me to discover whether we were capable of having children. Then he
decided to sterilize me.”

Eve appeared horrified. “I’m sorry.”

“It is done. I’m not the only male unable to produce
offspring. We place those men on a list with others who have healthy,
productive sperm. It’s termed a ‘breeding pact’. It gives women access the men
who have active sperm if someone in her family unit is unable to provide
children. It’s our duty to safeguard the future of our race by providing at
least one child per person.”

Eve paled. “You mean another woman could ask for my mate’s
sperm and he’s supposed to just hand it over in a cup so she can have his
babies? Hell no.”

Blackie had known she wouldn’t react well. “That’s why I
want out of mine.”

Zorus smiled. “We don’t have a good success rate with
artificial insemination. The woman would borrow your male for intercourse.”

“Fuck that!” Eve’s temper exploded. “Take him out of the
breeding pact. If any bitch tries to lay a finger on him, I’ll bite it off. He’s
mine!”

It seemed to infuriate her more when the council member had
the audacity to look amused. Blackie wanted to punch Zorus.

“I’ll kill her. Blackie is my mate.” She growled, showing
teeth.

“Fascinating,” Zorus mused.

“Zorus,” Blackie warned. “Enough. I know you’re purposely
being obtuse just to witness her reactions. Remove me from the breeding pact.
The number of children we have is a personal matter between Eve and me. I do
understand why you wish us to have more than what is required to safeguard Eve
and Danica’s line for a future generation but now isn’t the time to discuss
this. She’s been through enough.”

“Agreed.” Zorus stepped back. “A team was sent to secure
your belongings and move them to your new home. Krell will escort you both
there and give you a short walking tour of the city for Eve’s benefit while
they stock it with food. The council requests you both return tomorrow for an
appointment with them.” He stared at Eve. “We would also like to meet your
sister.”

“I’ll inform Gene and he will bring her.” Blackie paused. “I
would like our family unit to be officially granted.”

“We’ll take care of that in my office tomorrow morning right
after the council sees them. It won’t be a problem. Do you wish a ceremony?”

“Uncertain.” Blackie looked down at Eve and smiled. “We’ll
discuss it tonight.”

The doors slid open and Krell entered. “This way.”

Eve decided the city was one of the cleanest she’d ever
toured. The curious stares of cyborgs didn’t frighten her as she grinned widely
at anyone who took an interest in her. She’d helped free some of them and a
sense of pride at her accomplishments arose. The bitterness caused by Freedom
and his betrayal to her canine line wasn’t going to ruin the rest of her life.
Her future was with her mate on Garden.

“You know Danica is going to howl when she wakes up on Gene’s
ship. I almost feel sorry for him.”

Blackie’s deep chuckle drew her attention as she glanced up
at him. “I think he can handle her.”

“I don’t know. She bites and doesn’t fight fair. We might
want to cut this short and send a vid to him. He can play it for her so she can
actually see me when she comes around, otherwise she’s going to assume the
worst. My guess is she’ll think he kidnapped her to have his wild way.” She
grinned. “Not that I think it would be a bad thing if he did. I believe she
likes him more than she’s willing to admit. It might take that kind of wake-up
call to get her to admit it to him.”

Blackie didn’t look amused as he turned his gaze on the
other cyborg. “Krell? Do you think they’ve had time to prepare our new
quarters?”

The tall, broad-shouldered cyborg shrugged. “We could go
find out. I want to get home to Cyan.”

“She’s due to have the child soon, isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for everything you’ve done.” Eve grinned at him
when he glanced back at her.

“Threat assessment is my job. I do it best if I’m present to
calculate every move the enemy could make, to counteract it. Zorus requested
that I be there.”

They entered one of the buildings and rode the elevator to
the top floor. The doors opened once Blackie placed his hand on the panel and
Eve guessed he sent signals through it to prove his identity.

Cyborgs met them inside. One of them didn’t appear too happy
when he faced off against Blackie. He was tall, with silver-blue eyes and his
hair was a glossy, silvery color. “Your belongings have been transferred, food
has been delivered and a clothing coordinator will arrive within the hour to
measure the woman for outfitting.”

“Thank you for all your assistance, Steel.”

The tense way her mate spoke stiffened Eve’s spine. She was
instantly alert for trouble.

“I followed orders. Rena was glad to return to Garden, tired
of space. We’ll be here for a few weeks.” He paused. “We were assigned a floor
below you.”

Eve searched her memories for every reference she’d heard
about Steel. “You are married to a human.” She released Blackie and offered her
hand. “I’m Eve. Blackie and I mated. I’m a canine unit. That’s, um, human with
canine genetics added. Thank you for the save on the
Bridden
.”

Blackie tensed at her side but didn’t stop her from being
polite to the tall cyborg. Steel’s clasp was gentle and his skin was warm when
they quickly shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you, Eve. I was brought up to
speed on what was going on when my ship was ordered to escort your shuttle
here. Welcome to Garden.”

Some of the cyborgs went to the lift where Krell waited to
leave and Eve decided to give her mate a few moments alone with the commander. “Thanks.
What a view!” She darted toward the big windows, staring out at the city and
the wall that enclosed it. Beyond that, in the distance, she saw endless ocean.

The silence was acute and she winced. She’d hoped her
stepping away would be hint enough for her mate to take an opportunity to speak
privately to Steel.

“Thank you for overseeing the preparation of our home.”
Blackie paused.

“I didn’t. This used to be the quarters Rena and I shared.
She’d forgotten a few things and I had them sent downstairs.”

“Understood.” Blackie cleared his throat. “I want to
apologize to you, Steel.”

Eve grinned, resisting doing an air fist pump in case they
could see her out of the corner of their vision. It was an important step for
Blackie to deal with his past issues.

“For what? It isn’t protocol to give a top-level space to
someone of your standing but the woman merits special privileges. Rena actually
prefers the lower floor with the balcony. She enjoys sitting in the fresh air
after being on the
Vontage
for long spans of time. This living space
wasn’t assigned to me permanently. Zorus informed me it was being held for
another couple when we arrived.”

Come on, baby. You can do it
, Eve urged her mate.

“I deeply regret the way I treated your woman. I believed
Rena was a threat and had somehow influenced your judgment. I didn’t understand
that she inspired deep emotions from you.”

Eve hoped the silver-haired cyborg would accept the apology.
It didn’t take long.

“I see.”

Her shoulders sagged a little and part of her heart broke
for her mate. It wasn’t the response she’d hoped for and was sure Blackie felt
the same way.

“I was completely loyal to the council and believed their
assessment that she was a danger to us. I’ve since learned my error and realize
how angry you must feel regarding my words and actions. I regret them. You have
my deepest apologies and I would like to state my error to your mate as well.”

The seconds ticked by, urging Eve to get involved and she
spun, studying the men as they regarded each other. Steel didn’t look ready to
throw any punches but he also didn’t exactly appear convinced.

“We bonded when we met on Earth.” The words came from her
easily as she crossed the room to stand at Blackie’s side, peering up at Steel.
“He lost me and I think it kind of hardened him against emotions. He’s really
sorry and, in hindsight, feels terrible about some things he’s done. We talked
about you and your wife on our way here.”

Blackie took her hand. “Don’t, Eve.”

She wasn’t ready to give up. Steel’s expression lacked any
hint of his thoughts but he listened. “I’m sure you had one of those moments
when you fell in love with your Rena that changed your outlook on everything.
Blackie is seeing things differently now. He’s really torn up about stuff he’s
done in the past and I told him that he can make it up to everyone if he just
expresses how he feels. Everyone deserves a second chance, don’t you think?”

Steel said nothing.

“Look at me. I’m standing on a planet of cyborgs when my
entire line was left behind on Earth to die. I don’t blame everyone here for
that. It’s Parlis’ fault. He’s the one who lied to me. Blackie was taken in
too, by lies, and now he knows the truth. He was doing what he thought was
right. I don’t know all the details of what went down between you guys but he
feels horrible. Trust me on that.”

Steel’s piercing gaze left her and he frowned as he spoke to
Blackie. “You love her?”

“Yes. She’s everything to me.” Blackie didn’t hesitate to
answer.

“She obviously loves you. I have no problem with you
anymore, Blackie. My memory is lengthy but I accept that you’re no longer a
threat to Rena. You and I will be on good terms. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Blackie gave a sharp nod. “Thank you.”

“Treat your woman right. She’s your number-one priority.
Never forget that. It’s not a dereliction of duty to place her above all else.
She will be the reason you enjoy life.”

“There’s no need to give me that advice.”

The cyborg’s silver-blue gaze lowered to Eve. “My Rena will
want to meet you. You appear human and she doesn’t enjoy spending time with
cyborg women. She finds them too emotionally remote to connect to. You may feel
the same way about them once you learn more about Garden. You’re welcome to
visit us.” He glanced at Blackie. “You may bring him after I speak to her. She
may not be receptive at first but we’ll attempt a polite social gathering. I’ll
send you an invitation to dinner soon.”

“Thank you!” Eve grinned. “We would love that.”

The cyborg left, closing the door behind him, and Eve couldn’t
resist laughing as she hugged Blackie. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

His arms wrapped around her. “It wasn’t the smoothest verbal
communication I’ve shared but it wasn’t as dire as I estimated it would be.”

“Did you think he’d punch you?”

“There was a high probability. I believed he came here to
warn me to stay far away from his woman or to ask me to request residency in
another building.”

“We got a dinner invite instead. See? This apology thing
works.” She backed up enough to stare at his handsome face. “So give me the
tour. I’m mostly interested in the bedroom. We have a lot to celebrate. I’m
talking about sex, just in case that hint wasn’t strong enough.”

“Do you want to check on Danica to be certain she’s safe?
Gene won’t allow any harm to come to her but I understand how you might want
verification.”

A hint of guilt struck when she realized she’d totally
forgotten about that situation. Her priorities had changed and getting Blackie
naked had been her only fixation. It didn’t mean she loved Danica less but her
mate came first. Blackie trusted Gene and she wanted her mate to know she had
faith in his judgment.

“How long do those drugs last?”

He paused, seeming to calculate in his mind. “We have
approximately four hours and twenty minutes before she rouses.”

“There’s no point in bothering them if she’s snoozing. Let’s
inspect this bedroom of ours first. We’ll contact your friend afterward.”

“We should send the communication in case she wakes early. I
based that calculation on human response time.”

“Okay.” She allowed him to lead her into the living room to
a wall with a screen. “I’m not going to be able to work anything here, am I?”
She raised her hand and pressed it to the surface. Nothing happened. She tried
again but couldn’t link to the system.

Blackie brushed hers aside and placed his on the sensor. “They
are coded for cyborgs only. It won’t be a problem. I can set our home to voice
activation and program it to follow your commands.”

“Even the door locks?”

“Yes.” He closed his eyes and in seconds the screen lit up.
Gene’s face appeared.

“How did it go? Why are we on a visual connection?”

“Everything went according to plan. Parlis and Jezel have
been taken into custody and stripped of their status. Eve wished to leave a vid
message for Danica.” He released the pad and nodded. “Go ahead. Gene can end
the transmission when you are done. I’ll meet you in our bedroom.”

“Great.” She watched him disappear down a hallway and
remembered the other cyborg waited. She stared into his eyes. “She’s going to
be pissed that you drugged her and took her to your ship.”

“I assumed.” Gene shrugged. “I will be able to handle the
situation.”

Eve sucked in air. “Can you record this and show it to her
when she wakes?”

He touched something. “Recording.”

“Hi, Dani.” It was a term she only used when she knew her
sister was angry. “I’m really sorry about you being slipped a sedative. They
wanted to make sure one of us survived if Freedom had any nasty surprises
waiting for us on the surface and he did. You were actually the lucky one since
you missed being shot at and enduring a wild ride in an armored vehicle. I’m
fine. Freedom is toast, okay? He’s been locked up and is in deep shit. Gene is
going to return you to the surface so don’t bust his balls, okay?”

She noticed Gene’s eyes widened at her request and grinned. “I’ll
see you soon. Be good and play nice. That’s an order from me to you. I’m still
the first. Love ya!” She nodded at Gene and ran her finger in a slicing motion
over her throat. “You can stop recording. Hopefully that will keep her calm but
just in case, watch out for her knees near your groin, okay?”

He swallowed. “I understand.”

“Good luck. You can hang up now.”

The screen went dark and Eve spun, tracking her mate down
the hallway. His scent lingered enough that she bypassed the first two open
doors without glancing inside and entered the third one on the left. He stood
at the end of a large bed, minus his uniform shirt.

“Getting undressed without me?”

“You seem to enjoy looking at my skin.”

“I do.” She crossed the large space, noticing the views
beyond the tinted windows, showcasing the city. “One question though. Can
people from the other buildings see inside here? Don’t you guys own blinds?”

“Computer, remove all exterior light.”

The windows darkened until the glass turned black. “Wow.
That’s a cool feature.”

“We work different shifts and daylight can annoy some during
a sleep cycle.”

“I’m going to like it here if the food is good. That’s my
only holdout now,” she teased, openly examining his muscular chest and reaching
out to splay her hands on his abs. “I love everything else I see.” She slid her
palms lower, to the waist of his pants. “Let’s get you out of these and discuss
what else might taste good.”

Blackie stiffened his spine when Eve dropped to her knees
before him and used her fingers to unfasten his pants. He lowered his chin,
watching her as she tugged them down until his dick was free. Having her so
close was more than enough to make blood rush to that area.

The light touch of her fingertips exploring the sensitive
skin at the base of his shaft then traveling upward to the head increased his
heart rate. He inhaled sharply and stilled, enjoying her intimate attention.
Her gaze lifted to his and she smiled. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips
and they parted, inching closer. He locked his knees to keep upright when she
surrounded the bulb of his dick with her hot, wet mouth.

“Eve,” he groaned as she took more of him, lightly teasing
him with her tongue and suction. It took control not to move when the urge to
thrust hit.

It became a mixture of torment and pure pleasure when one of
her hands cupped his ass while the other one slid up the inside of his thigh to
caress his scrotum. She massaged it, working his dick between her lips at the
same time. His eyes closed as he experienced every sensation from her warm
breath fanning his lower belly to the erotic spell cast each time she nearly
withdrew, only to take a little more when she advanced forward.