“If the Global Allegiance were to capture her, Reaper and Lennox weren’t sure that she wouldn’t break without revealing this location. Plus, the stuff I injected her with to save her life was created by Dax. It makes humans faster, stronger, and extends their lifespan. If she was caught, one test would show she’s not quite human any longer. They would want to know why. Once they learned the truth, they would come for Dax.” I dropped my eyes. “They couldn’t let her stay, but they couldn’t let her leave, either.”
“Where?” Chaos growled.
“A cabin about fifty miles from here. Lennox’s cyborg, Ion, went with her.”
Core blinked, his lips tipping down into a frown. “Why didn’t you go?”
“Yeah,” Caliber added. “Miss Nara seems to like you. Why would you send another cyborg when she trusts you?”
“She didn’t want me!” The dam around my heart crumbled. I threw back my head and let out a roar. My lungs seized and I tumbled forward, a gold hand catching me before I hit the floor. I looked into Core’s eyes and wondered if he could see my shame.
Nara would be missing her Luxury Models but not me…neverme.
“Oh,” Core said softly.
With a gentle tug, he pulled me to the couch, pressing on my shoulders to get me to sit. Core took a seat next to me on the right and Chaos and Caliber squeezed in together on the left. The couch wasn’t big enough for all of us but somehow, they got us to all fit.
We were squished together like sardines, much too close for a Military Model to be comfortable, but I appreciated what they were doing. Their frames pressed tightly against mine was their way of including me, of letting me be part of their trio in a way they understood.
I was pretty sure they had just adopted me in return.
Nara
The Cabin
Istared at my three cyborgs, their faces filled with hurt, and felt like my soul was being ripped to shreds.
“It won’t be forever.” I forced myself to keep a smile on my face. “You three won’t even know I am gone! You have a whole rebellion plus extras to keep you company.”
“Of course, we will know,” Core declared, tapping a finger to his chest. “We will feel it here.”
So will I, I wanted to shout, but I kept my mouth shut. “I don’t have time to explain. I have always only wanted what was best for you three. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now and you don’t understand, but this is what’s best.” I pulled Core in for a hug then grabbed Chaos and Caliber, hugging them tight. “Take care of each other, okay? We will find each other again, I promise.”
I shot up in bed, heart racing and sobs racking my body. I shoved a fist in my mouth, praying the cyborg guarding me wouldn’t hear.
The door to my bedroom flew open, a frazzled Military Model bursting into the room like his boots had caught fire. “I heard you cry out, and your heart rate has spiked significantly. Are you okay, human female?”
“I am fine, Ion." I flopped back down onto sweat soaked sheets. Ion and I had done this same dance every night since we had arrived at the cabin two weeks ago. Cyborgs don’t sleep. They were lucky. As soon as I could no longer keep my eyes open, the nightmares found me.
It varied. Tonight, it was the faces of the three cyborgs I had vowed to always be there for. The rushed conversation where I told them I was leaving them. The hurt in their eyes as they stood there, not understanding why I had to go.
Yesterday it had been getting captured by the Global Allegiance and forced to give up the rebellion and Lennox’s group.
The night before that it had been Dr. Shaw’s face filled with hatred as I had confessed what I had done.
My head would hit the pillow and my nightmares would taunt me with the faces of those I had failed.
I dreaded the night I would see Torque. I knew he was coming. And the only one I had to confide in was the cyborg that had been chosen to be my jailer.
Ion wasn’t bad. Actually, he was rather sweet for a Military Model. A part of me wondered if his programming was a bit off. When I had learned that he was the one accompanying me, I had expected Reaper - all rage filled glares and stomping his big boots around, declaring how I was a traitor to cyborgs.
Instead of an angry cyborg, I got this...Ion’s brow was drawn tight, his head tilted as he leaned in a bit further, earnest blue eyes locked on my face, searching for any clue as to what had been robbing me of my sleep.
I sighed. Pushing myself to a seated position, I patted the bed next to me. I missed my cyborgs. The dream of them had only made it worse. “Come here.”
Ion’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth then snapped it shut. “I don’t think that would be the best idea. My job is to guard you not to…” he waved his hand toward the bed.
My eyebrows lifted.Just what does he think is going to happen?“Not what?”