Core

Cora became a guard for the Alliance because it suited her temperament. She became an Avatar’s companion because she had no choice.

Cora Rhodes was riding escort for six bratty sacrifices to a desert world. Her talent is simple, enhanced senses, but she had no idea that it wasn’t her talent but her bloodline that would let her see what no one else could when she first set foot on Lero. Able to see what none of her companions could confuses her at first, but when she wakes the sleeping Avatar, hallucinating a fruit tree is the least of her problems. Relak has slept for seven hundred years, waiting for the woman who can see through the illusion that guards his home. Her species is familiar, her spirit is refreshing and her body sends his senses spinning in the direction of his bed, with her in it. A man, a woman and a planet come together to restart a world and invigorate a population. Will they be able to hold off the stupid and greedy, or will a world asleep for centuries fall to those who would take its core?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Core Copyright © 2012 Viola Grace ISBN: 978-1-77111-365-6 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Core Terran Times By Viola Grace

Chapter One

C

ora Rhodes, hired guard, rocked with her companions in the small landing craft. “Sox, can’t you stabilise us?” Cora held tightly to the wall and strap of the ship while they tilted again. “The atmosphere is angry, Cora. The wind alone is enough to threaten hull integrity.” Socorea grunted and held on for dear life. Cora looked at their cargo, six women who were dressed in formal gowns, sacrifices from their world to the planet below. It wasn’t as brutal as the phrase sacrifice indicated. The Vahsh nobles were bound to send a group of young women once every ten years in an effort to provide a mate for the sleeping Avatar of Lero. Cora didn’t know why he was asleep or what this whole thing was about, but it was a payday for her and an assignment. She went where the Alliance sent her and rarely had time to spend the credits that she accumulated. 1

Core

The ship shuddered again, and Cora fought a curse. No one had ever told her that the worst part of space travel was take off and landing until it was far too late. One moment she was preparing to leave Earth and the next, she was fighting to hold onto everything she had eaten in the last decade. It had come as quite a shock. “We are almost there, Cora. Hang on to your lunch.” Socorea laughed. “Very funny. You know I don’t eat before drops.” “Or take offs for that matter. Take your seat before you fall over. We are about to make landfall.” Socorea was one of the rare Oefric women out in active service to the Alliance, but she was far too smug with her abilities as a pilot. Cora strapped in while she contemplated ways to bump off her friend while maintaining a pilot to help her off Lero. It was something she struggled with during every landing. The shuttle broke through the cloud layer, and Cora gasped in amazement. The ground that looked so bare and inhospitable from space was rich, green and alive with life. From the orbital station, it had looked to be a desert world. “Oh my. That is lovely.” She smiled and looked around at as much of the living eden that she could. 2

Viola Grace

Her friend gave her an incredulous look. “You are kidding. Does your kind like barren deserts and rock formations?” Cora looked around her and frowned, rubbing at her eyes. “I must be tired, because that is not what I am seeing.” “What are you seeing?” “I don’t think that this is the time or place to discuss my delusions, Sox.” Cora spoke quietly, aware that six curious pairs of ears could hear them now that the roar of wind was over. The sacrifices to Lero were all pretty, pure and barely adult by Vahsh standards, one of them may be the wife of the sleeping Avatar, but Cora was quite sure that the Avatar would regret it. The prospective brides had not stopped whining since they had hugged their families farewell and boarded the shuttle. “Well, this is one uniform that I am going to be happy to get out of, Cor. It is not only uncomfortable but humiliating.” Socorea looked down at the lizard-like red bodysuit with its deep vee to the navel. Cora’s was no better. Her escort uniform seemed made of cobwebs and flames, including two thigh-high armoured stockings that met the high-soled shoes. She looked like Halloween on acid. “Three days on the surface and one day back to the orbital station. You can get back to your 3

Core

charming gowns in no time.” “Here we are. Just as described, the perfectly clear landing site. Not that there isn’t an entire planet to drop on. I swear I have seen sand flats with more geographical interest.” Cor frowned, Sox wasn’t seeing what she was seeing. The surrounding area banked against a mountain range, and they were on a drop off that looked like it went several hundred feet straight down. The directions they had been given were most specific. They were to leave the shuttle and walk to the temple ruin and wait for three days. After that, they were free to leave the same way they had come. Cor unbuckled and got to her feet. “All right, ladies, let’s begin your journey. Sox will gather the rations, and I will walk with you to the temple.” Moara, Venkiil, Whelan, Quish, Saldara and the ringleader Tobeena got to their feet and followed her to the exterior hatch. She watched the cycle of the lock and smiled as the click indicated the availability of the exit. With a surge of delight, she opened the door and stepped into the green and growing wonderland. Her hyper-charged senses went into an overload of delight. She hadn’t smelled, felt or enjoyed a planet like this since she had left Earth. Her condition had earned her a trip on the 4

Viola Grace

Volunteer exodus, and she had never enjoyed it as much as she was doing right now. The expressions on the faces of the ladies with her told her that they had no appreciation for the fragrant breezes that were tugging at their skirts. Tobeena sneered and stepped daintily along the ground. “I can’t believe anyone would want to live here.” Cor could see lush grasses under the girls’ feet, but they were walking carefully as if trying not to kick up any dust. She shook her head and promised herself an appointment with a Minder as soon as she got back to an Alliance base that offered one. Steeling herself, she led the way to the temple grounds and inside the courtyard. Tents were pinned to carefully manicured grasses. Six lovely white tents, complete with pillows and bedding, waited in the central garden. Cor could not believe that no one else could see it. “Ladies, here are your accommodations. Please enjoy them.” Cor parroted the words that she had been told to say, and the girls carefully made their way to the tents, touching the flaps with dainty fingers. Sox came in with the ration packs. “Did you want to start a fire? The sun will be going down soon, and these ruins will get dark.” Cor snorted. 5

Core

“I know you can see in the dark, Cor. Not all of us are so lucky.” Sox stomped forward and flipped out their bedroll near the glossy stone fire pit. “Do you not see wood anywhere?” Sox looked around and right past the pile of lumber that was so carefully laid at the edge of the garden. “I am sure you will find something, you always do.” With great formality, Cor bowed to her friend. “Well then, I shall go looking for some wood.” Shaking her head in amazement, Cor went exploring. Her boots had solid grips that did not skid on the polished marble, and to her eyes, this place had not been abandoned and was not the ruin she had been led to expect. Everything smelled clean, and the breezes off the mountain brought a hint of frost. The halls were open to the garden, each a thirty-foot column of expertly carved stone and inset. It was a home designed to look in on the garden, and there was no one in it. To Cor, it seemed like quite the waste of perfect housekeeping, but on the other side, she did not see anyone who could have done the polishing. As she walked the halls, she kept an eye on the sacrifices emerging from their tents in the garden. The girls were shivering as if attacked by a brutal 6

Viola Grace

wind, and the distress in her charges made her cease her exploration. It was time to get to work. She brought two armloads of wood to the fire pit and rolled her eyes at the cries of relief. They could see the wood now. That much was certain. “I found a supply of wood. We will be able to keep the blaze going all night.” Cor looked to Sox and raised a brow. Sox looked at the wood and shrugged helplessly. Sighing heavily, Cor got to work on setting the wood into a log cabin with bark in the centre. “Get me my pack, would you?” Sox brought the pack forward, and Cor rooted around until she found her lighter. It was her father’s and one of the only objects she had brought from Earth that had survived six years with her. Whistling gently, she lit a few shreds of bark and used them to light the bark inside the tower. There was the standard holding of breath as she waited for the fire to catch, but when it did, she grinned and clapped her hands. Shivering women, which confused Cor, immediately surrounded the fire. Despite their thin clothing, the weather was not cold enough to account for their change in demeanour. Sox huddled near the fire, and Cor grabbed her 7

Core

by her arm, pulling her away. “What is going on, Sox?” Sox shivered and rubbed at her arms. “What do you mean?” “It isn’t cold. It is cool, sure, but not more than a fall day. Why are you shivering?” Cor touched her cheek, and Sox’s eyes flared wide. “Oh, stars. Why am I seeing a garden in this wasteland?” Cor whispered, “That is what I am seeing. There is a tree behind you. If I pick some of the fruit, will you try it?” Sox nodded carefully, her midnight hair sliding over her shoulders. Cor carefully passed her and reached up into the tree where fruit gleamed with tempting colours. She bit into one and slurped up the juice. It was ripe and delicious, tangy and tart. She plucked a second one and brought it to Sox. Her friend’s hands closed around the fruit, and Sox’s shock was unmistakable. She could see the fruit that was obvious. She brought it close to her nose and sniffed before biting into the skin. “Oh, that’s good. Why can you see this?” “I don’t think it matters, but it does matter that no one else can. What the hell is going on here?” Sox slurped up the last of her fruit and wiped her hands on her uniform. “I think we should probably ask our little sacrifices.” 8

Viola Grace

“That seems like a logical idea.” Cor and Sox walked toward the girls who were ignoring their guards with a studied air. It was time to find out what they were doing on Lero.

9

Core

Chapter Two

“T

obeena, since you are the most vocal of the group, I am going to ask you the history of this place. Why Lero and why are you here?” Cor smiled, but she knew it was not a pleasant smile. The girls looked from one to the other, and Tobeena frowned, “It is none of your business.” “I am here and you are here, and you are waiting for a sleeping Avatar to wake and choose one of you as a bride, and I want to know why.” Tobeena scowled. “What will you do if we don’t tell you?” Cor grinned again, “I will let the fire die, and since no one else knows where the lumber is, you will all freeze to death. Have a nice night. I am going on watch.” She turned and walked away. The girls spoke to each other rapidly, and finally, Tobeena called out, “Wait. We will tell you.” Cor came back and looked at them patiently. “Yes?” 10

Viola Grace

“Bring more wood, and we will begin to tell you about the shame of Vahsh.” Cor obliged. She could hide it or simply move it if she had to. The wood had a pleasantly familiar scent. It had the tang of oak with the hint of pine. It burned easily and hot. Two more armloads and she dropped the wood near the fire pit. The girls were all seated around the fire. “Now, tell me about why we are here.” Tobeena looked over and Whelan leaned forward. “I will be telling the story. My father is a historian, and it is his job to keep the knowledge of our greatest triumphs and greatest failures.” She cleared her throat and lifted her head, her eyes closed. “When Vahsh wished to begin a trade agreement with its neighbour Lero, it sent six representatives of noble houses to the surface. They were treated well by the people of Lero and introduced to the daughter of Lero, a woman name Dahla. The Vahsh nobles found her attractive, and they seduced her in this very temple. “Lero was enraged, and when his Avatar returned from the negotiations on the station, Dahla had taken her own life for shame. The Vahsh nobles were remorseful and begged Lero to continue with the treaty for Vahsh needed the power crystals that are natural to this place in order to advance. Without the power, we have 11

Core

been at a standstill for seven hundred years. “Lero’s Avatar was despondent. The faithless Dahla had been his intended bride. He banished the Vahsh from the surface of Lero and did not speak to them again. Lero grew barren, its population gone. No one knows where they fled, but the people of Lero left. “The Vahsh tried to mine for the crystals they wanted, but freezing temperatures killed a few parties, and our people begged Lero for the crystals once again. His Avatar spoke and told us what we needed to do, and so, every ten years, six women come to the surface, and we wait to see if one of us can replace the lost Dahla.” Whelan stopped speaking, and Cor could only say one thing. “Horse shit.” The girls blinked at her, Whelan frowned. “What? That is our history.” “And it is horse shit. Dahla was not seduced, she was raped, and it was right over here.” She walked across the garden and stood on the spot. “Each of your ancestors took a turn brutalizing her, and when they were done, they smashed her head against a rock.” Cor took a turn and walked in a circle. She could see the scene as clear as if it were in front of her. “She was left here like a piece of garbage, and when the Avatar returned to seek her out, the Vahsh nobles realized their mistake. She was not a 12

Viola Grace

serving wench that they could abuse, she was the companion of the man who held the fate of their world in his hands. He grieved, and the world of Lero went silent.” “Lero could not allow his Avatar to die at the loss of his love, and so, he developed this scheme to give his Avatar hope. Every ten years, six women would try to prove themselves worthy, and to date, none have even come close.” Cor sighed. Whelan trembled. “How did you know?” Cor clenched her fists and walked back toward the women who were now far less cocky. “How did I know? Because every moment here, I have seen what this place truly is, and you do not deserve it. I will be patrolling from a distance, Sox. I don’t want to be near them.” Cor stalked off and walked into the building once again. Her anger at the hypocrisy of the Vahsh after seven centuries was still burning inside her. Fury was a hard thing to shake when she could see the scene behind her eyes. Dahla had been a quiet girl, huge doe brown eyes and a shy smile. The Vahsh had been unable to ignore her purity and defiled it in a laughing, braying pack. Cor walked down the hall, a peculiar light catching her attention. The light grew brighter as she walked, and the air warmed around her, the 13

Core

scent of cinnamon drawing her in. The hall widened into an open room with a vaulted ceiling. The light was embedded in the floor, and it took her a dozen steps to walk to the collection of lights that was calling to her. She knelt beside the stones and brushed her fingers over the greenish gleam. A pop and a click preceded a mechanical shift beneath the floor. The glow began to rise, the stones connected into a ball, and they rose up until she was facing a staff with a swirling ball of power on top. Unable to stop herself, she reached out and removed the staff from its base. Energy surged through her, and a voice came into her thoughts. He waits for you. What? He waits for you, bring the staff to the garden, and you will know what to do. Cor carried the staff easily down the hall and into the garden. It was the tree that had yielded fruit that called to her. Voices called out to her, but they couldn’t press through the roaring in her ears. She could hear nothing but the soothing murmur of power that was now a constant in her mind. Cor stood just outside the branch radius of the tree, and she lowered the staff, pointing the smooth power crystals at the trunk, willing the energy to leave the stone and enter the wood. 14

Viola Grace

The tree shivered dramatically, and while the girls were making shocked and frightened sounds, she continued to give the power of the sceptre to the tree. There was a shift in the shape of the tree as it twisted under the onslaught of power. It took on a bipedal form, and when it completed its transition, it was definitely male, well built and completely naked. Knowing who she was looking at, Cor went down on one knee, her staff pointing to the sky once again. “Welcome, Avatar.” His voice was deep and quiet. “You are not a sacrifice.” She looked up, trying not to let her gaze drag itself up his abs. “I am a guard for the sacrifice.” He was made of green and deep bronzy brown. His hair was as dark as pine needles, his eyes bright lime green. Everything else was in shades of rich browns. “It seems that Lero’s plan has brought me what I wanted, though not in the manner I had foreseen. Your name, child?” “Cora Lietta Rhodes of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra. Most call me Cor.” “Relak, Avatar of Lero, and very glad to meet you. Please, rise.” He held out his hand, and he lifted her to her feet. She saw images of him laughing, his green hair 15

Core

flowing back in the sun. Images of his attention solely fixed on her with his eyes intent. More images rippled in of her hands on his skin and not only the skin on his chest. Cor got to her feet and stood with the staff comfortably in her grip. Relak looked her over, up and down for an uncomfortable amount of time. “What in the name of nineteen stars are you wearing?” She closed her eyes for a moment then walked toward the fire. The costume had felt like a bit of a prank, and she now had proof.

16

Viola Grace

Chapter Three

“S

ox, grab

your bag and change. These costumes are for the entertainment of our clients.” Cor ignored the man behind her and grabbed her small pack. The bodysuit that she flicked out was opaque, dark burgundy and considerably warmer than the costume she had on now. The sacrifices were staring at the man in horror but Cor didn’t care. With swift moves honed in mixed-gender change rooms, she peeled off the lizard-like cowl and the rest of the suit. Naked in the growing darkness, she ignored everything around her while hopping into her new bodysuit. Sighing happily, she turned to speak to Relak. “Pardon the disturbance. That suit was driving me crazy.” Cor remembered her manners, and she bowed low. “Relak, this is my partner, Socorea, and these are your prospective brides.” The girls were still frozen in place, four of them 17

Core

had their gazes firmly fixed on his cock and two looked like fainting was the next option. He grinned, and his body was covered with a soft tree bark in a matter of seconds. “If you will change your skin, so will I, but those women of Vahsh are not my brides.” Cor blinked, “What?” Sox stepped in, “What my partner means to say is they are the women sent here for the selection process and to wake you. If you are awake, you must be interested in one of them.” Relak inclined his head. “I do see your logic, but none of them woke me. It was your partner who lifted the control staff and blasted me out of my waking dreams.” Cor looked at the staff that she had picked up again out of reflex. With a grimace, she held it out to him. “Here you go. I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to touch it.” Relak shook his head. “It is yours. You have inherited it from Lero. It is his gift to you.” Tobeena blanched, “My lord Avatar, please tell me that Lero has not just gifted the control staff to this creature.” Relak closed in on the young woman in a minute, inhaling deeply. He must have scented something he recognized, because he frowned and growled. “Your family has no say in this matter. You know of their guilt in this matter. She is 18

Viola Grace

Lero’s choice for me and therefore my chosen.” Cor blinked. “Wait. What?” Sox snickered softly, “It looks like you just got hitched by hallucinating.” Cor turned to her friend. “Finish closing your suit. It is hard to yell at someone who’s naked.” Sox grinned and sealed her dark blue suit across her breasts. “It has never bothered you before.” She shuddered, “It isn’t my fault that you sleep in the raw. Seeing you in the altogether once was enough for a lifetime. Bleah.” Cor finally realized that their quiet bickering had gained an audience. Back in her standard Alliance uniform, she twirled the staff between her palms, sending light dancing across the faces of those watching. Tobeena stretched out her hand. “Give me the staff, guardsman. You owe it to me as your employer.” Sox laughed, “You are not our employer. The Alliance is our employer, and they only contracted for two guardsmen to bring six of the Vahsh to the surface and remain with them for three days. Nothing else. No commands. We didn’t even have to feed you.” Tobeena frowned. “But, the last group of girls had service contracts with their guards.” Relak was watching the exchange with interest. 19

Core

Sox clarified matters. “That costs extra. Your people didn’t want to spend money on servants that you didn’t need. We are the basic package. We will defend you against outside threats, but that is where our obligation ends.” Tobeena paled. “They didn’t think he would wake.” She did something that Cor only thought of as stupid. Tobeena rushed at her and tried to grab the staff. Acting on reflex, Cor twisted the staff to one side, struck Tobeena in the ribs and pinned her to the ground using the very object she wanted. “What was that about? You are getting your flimsy dress dirty.” Cor kept her down and watched as she tried to grab the staff over and over, hissing as she did so. “Sox, can you grab her if I let her up.” “Sure, but I don’t think she will be grabbing again. I can smell scorched skin.” Sox lifted Tobeena, and the girl burst into tears. Cor inclined her head to Relak again. “Avatar, what is the purpose of this staff?” He moved toward her and placed his hand over hers on the smooth wood. “It controls the defences of Lero. It literally places the planet’s safety in your hands.” She was about to ask another question when he kissed her with a move that was as sudden as it 20

Viola Grace

was stimulating. He smelled of sweet wood and male musk with a hint of citrus. There was a scar on his lower lip that she could feel with hers and there was the slightest hint of freckles dusted across his cheeks. Her hand under his recognized scars, callouses and the soft skin in places where his palm was pressed to her fingers. His taste was the same as the fruit from the tree, and when he let her go, she licked her lips and blushed. “I am sorry for picking the fruit.” “I am not. It woke me, and from there on, I watched.” His hand caressed her cheek. “So soft for one who is in a life of violence.” “I prefer a life of protection.” She inclined her head. “Violence happens occasionally, but protecting those who cannot take care of themselves in all situations is a blessing in and of itself.” “Your charges here have nothing to fear. If they would open their minds a little, they would see what you see. I will call for the servants to join us. Will you have dinner with me?” Cor blinked. “You are kidding, right?” Relak’s eyes were completely sober. “I need to know what I need to do to make you mine and that means I must know more about you. So, will you and your partner join me for dinner? I will set a guard from the population, and they will be safe in the middle of my garden.” 21

Core

Cor was confused. “I thought this was supposed to be a dead world.” “Only when those who do not know the truth look at it. To anyone who opens their mind to see everything around them, they see what you see, what I see. What all the people on Lero see, that our world is ours alone for now. That time is coming to a close, and you will help us re-join the rhythm of life outside our world.” “I am currently under contract to the Vahsh.” “You will find, if you examine your agreement, that you have already fulfilled your contract. So, dinner in two hours?” She blinked. “Um. Sure. Two hours. Where?” “The servants will come and find you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and walked toward the hall where she had found the staff. Sox grabbed her arm the moment he was out of earshot. “I think he is serious, Cora.” “You only call me that when I am in trouble.” “I think this qualifies as trouble. You just woke a planetary Avatar, and he wants you to join him with a planet living in your mind. Don’t you find that a little peculiar?” Cor sat down on the ground and placed her staff across her lap. “Oh, you know these funny foreigners and their peculiar ways.” Sox sat down next to her and sighed. “You have landed it in this time, Cor.” 22

Viola Grace

Cor looked over at the group of girls examining Tobeena’s burned hands. “Oh, I am well aware of that.”

23

Core

Chapter Four

L

ife returned rapidly to Lero’s surface. As if

they had only been waiting for a signal, personnel filled the home and fires were lit in some of the open rooms. When two hours of watching folks filing in carrying crates, barrels and other sundries needed for a household suddenly came to a halt, four large, burly men of Lero came striding toward their small gathering. “Lady Cora, Lady Socorea, please join Avatar Relak in the room where the staff was activated. He is eager to hear of your people.” The male speaking was looking at Sox in a way that was not at all perfunctory. Cor stifled a snicker as Sox’s hormones went into overdrive and her scent changed dramatically. Apparently, it was not a one-way attraction. “Save it for later, Sox, dinner first. Sir, am I to understand that you are taking over the watch on 24

Viola Grace

the Vahsh maidens?” “I am Borik, and yes, we are here to guard the sacrifices. They will be here when you return.” He bowed low, and Sox mimicked his bow, taking in every inch of his structure and height as she slowly stood. “Come on, Sox, before you go blind.” Cor took the staff and headed through the darkness with the ease of someone who could see in another spectrum if she needed to. Sox caught up with her, and soon, they were walking the halls filling with busy men and women hanging drapes that billowed in the wind but allowed privacy. The room where the staff had come out of the floor was completed. A table was sitting central, a fire had been built to ward off the evening chill and covered platters were waiting for them. Relak was waiting as well, and he had changed clothing. A short hip wrap reminiscent of a kilt covered him from his flat waist to just above his knees. Come to think of it, the men who had come to guard the ladies were dressed in a similar fashion, but on them, it just looked like they were dressed, not like they were tempting Cor to undress them. She greeted him. “Avatar Relak, thank you for your invitation.” “Security Officer Cora, thank you for coming. Thank you as well, Security Officer Socorea, we 25

Core

need a chaperone for now.” He inclined his head and gestured to the table. “Please, ladies, sit.” Cora nervously took a seat so her left side faced the fire. Socorea mimicked her by sitting so that her right faced the fire. It left Relak with the option to sit facing the fire or have it at his back. He chose to have it at his back, his right hand touching Cora’s left as he casually placed it next to hers. “So, I hear that Terrans are settling all over the Alliance and some have even taken places in the Nyal Imperium.” A smiling female server brought in a bottle of wine and a bottle of water. As host, Relak poured for them. “Lero tradition means you will not refill your own glass.” “Interesting tradition.” “It is my duty as host to provide you with what you need. That was the mistake that the Vahsh made. They did not wait to be offered hospitality, they took it.” Cor frowned. “It was more than hospitality that they took. I can’t get those images out of my mind.” Relak nodded. “I am sorry for it, but Lero told me he was showing you the true images. I was on the station negotiation to help the Vahsh have a brighter future and they were here destroying the one bright spot in both our lives.” There was true grief in his expression and a low 26

Viola Grace

simmering rage. “Who was Dahla? She was not from Lero, that much I could see.” Sox looked up, curious. “You saw her?” Cor nodded. “I believe that Lero sent images of the actual events into my thoughts while we were being told the story.” Sox nodded in understanding. “It is why you said that the tale was excrement.” Relak arched his brow. “Did you now?” Cor chuckled. “Well, it seemed appropriate considering the smug attitude exhibited by the Vahsh. Now, what was Dahla?” The skin and the dark eyes had a haunting familiarity. “She was a freed slave of unknown origins. Her owners brought her here as a child, and Lero and I raised her. She was engaged in a courtship with a male named Acro, but he was with me on the station when she was attacked.” Cor stopped eating. “The Vahsh said she was your intended bride.” He snorted. “Alliance Common only recently penetrated their society. In Vahsh, the word for companion and lover are the same. Dahla was my companion, but she was not my lover.” Cor furrowed her brow, “So, when Lero demanded that the Vahsh send you wave upon wave of women, it was to give you a companion?” 27

Core

He shook his head. “No. It was to punish the Vahsh. They needed the threat of my taking one of theirs to keep them in place. I never thought that they would bring an acceptable woman to me. You were a surprise.” Sox laughed, “Cor is full of surprises, an amazing cook, an excellent dancer and a charming wit. She will make you an excellent companion.” Cor kicked out and Sox winced. “I am not on the auction block, Sox. I am an Alliance guard. That hasn’t changed.” Sox snorted, an unladylike noise that was peculiar for her. “You think that if it gives you comfort.” Cor blushed. It was well known that if a planet wanted possession of a Terran and it was not against the Terran’s nature, they would simply be handed over by the Alliance. It was all in the waiver she had signed when she joined the Volunteers, but she had never considered herself tempting enough to get the interest of any of the exotic males who crossed her path. Relak tried to put an innocent expression on, but there was a certain satisfaction in the set of his lips. He lifted covers off the dishes one by one and served each of them in turn. “Where was the population? The Vahsh thought Lero was uninhabitable.” Sox was smiling 28

Viola Grace

down at her plate. Relak smiled and poured wine for all of them. “There are underground cities all over Lero. There always have been. The core stone of the world powers all the advanced technology that the Leroans have created. Before the murder, Lero was willing to craft a sharing agreement with the Vahsh. They would provide transport, and we would provide the geothermic technology.” Cor nodded, “It sounds like it would have been a good match.” “It would have been, but though their administrators told me everything I wanted to hear, their representatives broke every law of decency, respect and guest-ship that has ever been written. The Vahsh have no respect for others, nor any interest in learning their customs. It makes them dangerous and unpredictable. Once these ladies are off the surface, their species will be barred from the orbital station and the surface of Lero.” Cor nodded and tried not to be obvious as she used her enhanced senses to mentally dissect the meals. The foods were surprisingly familiar. The flavours didn’t jar her like some of the local meals did when she travelled. She asked, “Were the locals lurking and waiting?” He nodded. “They watch the sacrifices closely. 29

Core

Your ability to see more than Lero wanted you to see was obvious the moment that you arrived and breathed in deeply. No one who sees the windswept ruin breathes in like that.” So, they had been watched. It explained the humming that she had felt but had ignored as part of the natural topography of Lero. Cor nibbled on something that resembled a green bean and smiled at the memories of snapping off the ends of the beans in her mom’s kitchen. It is a good memory. Lero? I am here once again. Your mind is arranged like Dahla’s was. Communication with you is surprisingly easy. Do you miss her? She was our daughter. We miss her very much. She grew here, played here, laughed and fell in love here. Her beloved died when she did. He would not live without her, and I was poorer for his loss. It must have been a bad time. Relak did not want a daughter, but when her owners abandoned that little scrap of life, there was no choice. She was too strange for any of my people to take her in, and so, Relak and I did our best to raise her. You did well. She was happy enough to let someone love her. That shows that she knew what it was. Thank you, Cora. Thank you for coming to us. 30

Viola Grace

Cora blinked rapidly as she re-joined the two at the table who were staring at her. Sox looked at her quizzically. “What was that?” “Lero was feeling chatty.” Relak blinked, “Lero spoke directly to you?” “Yes, is that unusual?” Relak leaned forward and gave her a deep look. “It is more than unusual, it is unheard of. The only ones who have ever spoken to Lero are my dearly departed Dahla and myself.” She cleared her throat and turned back to her meal. “Well, Lero did say that the structure of my mind was familiar.” Relak looked at her with a dawning respect playing around his lips. Sox worked her way through her meal and didn’t say another word. Enough had been said to bring conversation to a halt for a while. While she tried to concentrate on her food, Cor felt the happy hum of Lero in her mind. He was glad to have her there, and it made her wonder once again, What the hell had Dahla been?

31

Core

Chapter Five

A

woman brought dessert out, and she grinned at Relak as she passed. “Good to see you, Avatar.” “Thank you. It is good to be out again.” Relak smiled. That brought something to Cora’s mind. “Did you really stand there as a tree for seven centuries?” He nodded. “I did. It seemed the best option for me. It allowed me to be near my home, near Dahla’s grave and watch the sacrifices at the same time.” Cora blinked, “But why a fruit tree?” He sighed, “That was Lero’s idea. I sprouted fruit the day before yesterday.” Sox choked slightly, and Cor winced. “Sorry, how was I to know?” Sox mentioned, “Please tell me we didn’t eat anything important.” Relak laughed out loud. “It was the equivalent 32

Viola Grace

of a strand of hair. I would have been in danger if Cora had decided to use me for firewood.” They shared the joke over the fresh fruit, and after, Sox pushed it around a little, causing giggles to make their rounds around the table. It took Relak five minutes to assure Sox that he had not contributed any of the fruit and Cora could not stop laughing. She slumped back into her chair. When she finished her dessert and had some more wine, she couldn’t wipe the silly smile off her face. Relak leaned toward her. “Your hair is a most unusual colour.” She blinked, suddenly tired from her very long day. “Not that unusual. My friends used to say it was the colour of blood.” That made him sit up straight. “Your blood is the same colour?” “It is.” He left the table without another word. Sox frowned, “What was that about?” Cor drained her glass and smiled. “I have no idea. Shall we head to the girls and turn in?” “I think it is time to relieve Borik.” Sox smiled innocently. “I think you should enjoy debriefing him at the earliest opportunity.” Cor got to her feet and wobbled alarmingly. “Whoa. Did that wine steal your knees too?” 33

Core

Sox frowned. “No, not really. It was pleasant but not nearly what you are experiencing. Are you all right?” “I think I am going to find a nice hallway to prop myself up in. I don’t wanna face the sacrifices like this. I feel funny.” She tried to take a few steps and jerked to the right. “Oh, my.” Where are you going, Cora? Oh, hi, Lero. I need to have a nap. The wine is making me all wobbly. Relak is coming to help you. We didn’t realize what you were. What I am? I am a Terran. We know, but we didn’t know that Dahla was one as well until now. Her senses were so keen that the factors in the wine made her very drunk very quickly. Relak has gone to get a treatment to help you process the intoxicant. Oh. Okay. It was a nice wine. Gentle laughter cascaded through her mind. You will develop a tolerance to it, but if you don’t get a treatment, you will regret it in the morning. I will be on the steps near the campsite. He can find me there. Why there? It is a pretty place and it feels good to be there. It isn’t home, but it’s close. I like it. She hummed a tune as she walked down the hall, leaning against the wall when it was available and tottering past the open expanses when it 34

Viola Grace

wasn’t. Sox tried to help, but Cor batted her away. “No. I wanna walk by myself.” She beamed that she was able to enunciate her statement. “Fine, but don’t blame me if you fall over. Come to think of it, I don’t think I have ever seen you consume alcohol before. Why did you do it this evening?” “I wanted to be polite,” Cor paused to burp, “and I wasn’t driving.” The doorway nearest the camp was ahead and Cor dropped onto the steps with a sigh of relief, leaning back against the wall. “Yay! Made it.” She smiled happily and looked up at the strange constellations marching across the sky above her head. Sox grinned and made her way back to the camp where the nervous sacrifices seemed to have taken shelter in their silken tents. The Alliance tents were small, efficient and very portable. While Cor watched, Sox pretended to have trouble setting up her tent, bringing Borik close to offer help. Cora watched the peculiar courtship as Sox made all the moves and Borik responded as predicted and desired. The moment those two had made a connection it had been obvious to Cora that they were perfect for each other. He had an aura of strength and good humour about him that would suit Sox very well. 35

Core

“Are you enjoying the show?” Relak’s voice was next to her, and when she carefully turned her head, he was sitting less than a foot away. “I am, Sox needs someone. Borik would be good for her.” “She has you.” “I am not her mate. She needs to share her life, her love and her bed with someone. It is encoded in her genes.” Relak looked out at the couple as they stood and spoke close together. “Her genes, not yours?” “My people don’t all jump into pair bonds. I have never even been tempted. It is funny, because back on Earth my talent made me keep folks away, and out here, it attracts them. I still can barely stand to be touched, but I like it out here.” She knew she was rambling, but it seemed the thing to do. “Ah, well, I think everyone has the chance of finding happiness with another being. You just have to open your mind to the possibilities.” He smiled at her and showed her a hypo. “I didn’t know about your weakness to the wine until it was too late. I have brought this to help you metabolize it. Will you allow the injection?” Cora frowned. Her nerves were hypersensitive at the best of times, but he did seem worried. “Okay. Can I hold the hand you aren’t using on the hypo?” 36

Viola Grace

“Of course.” His hand gripped hers, and she hung on for dear life as the hypo was pressed to her shoulder and the hiss of the injection preceded the searing, fiery pain by a moment. She whimpered and closed her eyes, holding his hand with a death grip and memorizing every rough callous, every scar and the placement of each digit. He stroked her hair and murmured softly to her as the fire slowly receded. Her universe was slightly less fuzzy almost immediately. When her vision settled, she looked up at him. “How did you know what compound to use?” “It seems that you and Dahla were basically the same species. She had the same reaction at her coming-out party, and it was necessary for her to water her wine down for a year or two afterward until she had developed a tolerance.” “Basically?” “She had some traits that were Terran but others as well. It appears that the Terran physiology was stronger when it came to drinking. You may have trouble walking for a while, so may I put you in a bed more comfortable than your tent?” She yawned and rubbed at her eyes. “Okay, but no funny stuff. I sleep alone.” He laughed and got to his feet with her in his 37

Core

arms. “I stand warned.” To her surprise, Relak walked with her to the spot where Sox was flirting shamelessly. He made a small chirp in his throat and Borik straightened to attention. “Avatar, how can I be of assistance?” Relak smiled. “Cora requires some additional medical intervention, so I will be taking care of her this evening. I would like your assurance that you will remain with Guard Socorea until she no longer requires your services.” Sox looked delighted, and so did Borik. Cor couldn’t stop herself. “Go, Sox.” That earned her a glare from her partner, but Cor had to suffer the brunt of it looking over Relak’s shoulder as he walked steadily to his home. The rhythmic steps caused a swaying effect that had her dozing by the time he reached a bed. “My room is the only one set up so far. You will have the bed to yourself. I have slept long enough.” She nodded and rolled over onto her side, curling her arms around the pillow, dropping into a deep and healing sleep. **** Relak watched his new mate as she flexed her thighs, inhaled deeply and began to snore in a 38

Viola Grace

very ladylike drone. The Alliance had authorized her transfer without even speaking to her, but he was considered a special case. Dahla had been a wonderful companion, and he had looked forward to her wedding, but having a Terran woman whom he had not raised as a daughter held far more appeal to him at this moment. He had loved Dahla as a daughter and later as a companion. His life had a hole in it when she was killed due to the lust and fury of a lesser people. For centuries, Lero had allowed him to grieve, but now, the time for grieving was over. He didn’t know what kindness he had done to fate to get her here, but she was now here and his senses were alive every time she looked at him. His skin vibrated with tension, his cock ached and Lero laughed at him each moment that she looked at him. Lero was delighted by his response, and Relak couldn’t blame him. In the eleven hundred years that he had been Lero’s Avatar, he had never seen a woman that made his stomach flip like Cora did. He hoped that her body was telling her the same thing, because her snoring told him nothing.

39

Core

Chapter Six

H

er mouth was dry and her head was sore, but

it could have been so much worse. Cor sat up and pressed her hand to her forehead. A hand pulled hers down and pressed a glass of water into it. “Drink, miss.” One of the Leroans was smiling at her. She slugged down the water and felt remarkably improved in under a minute. “Avatar Relak needed to attend to something, but he will return soon.” The woman appeared to be Cor’s age, but there was something much older in her eyes. Cor reached out, and the woman refilled her glass. “I am Cora.” “Laveen. I am the twelfth generation of my family in service to the Avatar. I have been instructed to offer you a meal or anything else you wish.” Cor examined her carefully. The woman’s nutbrown skin was similar to Relak’s. “Relak was a 40

Viola Grace

Leroan before he was the Avatar?” Laveen nodded and started to straighten the covers around Cor. “He was the son of a baker, and when Haluu, the old Avatar, wanted to leave this world, Lero chose Relak as the next one on this world to represent him and us.” “How has he done?” “He has made us proud. Even after he suffered that devastating loss, he made sure that we were taken care of, coming into the light and speaking to us through a crystal projection. Though we did not meet him in person until yesterday, all those living in Lero have known him all their lives.” Cor had never been sitting in a bed while someone fluffed pillows around her, but Laveen was determined, and soon, Cor was sitting pretty with another glass of water and a view of the gardens through the pulled-back drapes. Smiling, Cor looked over toward the spot where the tents should be and saw only the abandoned fire pit. Her smile faded quickly. “Where are the girls?” Laveen was tidying the room and glanced over her shoulder. “Relak and your companion took them to the space station where they will return to Vahsh. They are not needed.” “But…Socorea would not have left without telling me.” “Even Relak could not wake you. You have 41

Core

been asleep for two days. Your snoring was most impressive, but your friend said you only did that when you were ill.” Laveen straightened the flowers and smiled. “Would you like something to eat?” “Please.” Cor carefully folded the bedding back, slipped out of the neatly made bed and looked around. A strange hum filled the air for a moment “Is there a lav nearby?” “Through the hall and to the left. I have made the request for a meal.” Cor paused. “Telepaths?” Laveen looked confused for a moment. “I don’t understand.” “If you have made the request without speaking, I am guessing you used your mind.” She sighed with understanding. “Oh. No. I just used my second set of vocal cords. They are ultrasonic and sent the message down the hall to the kitchen. It is why we build in open schemes with material that conducts sound.” Cor couldn’t ignore the call of her body any longer. “Can we discuss this some more?” “Of course. Relak said I was to answer all of your questions.” Cor went down the hall and found the lav right where it was supposed to be. The Leroans were getting Relak’s home up and running, starting with his personal quarters. It made his rooms the 42

Viola Grace

place to be. **** Sox pulled the controls back as they left the atmosphere of Lero. “I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Relak was at her side and sitting comfortably. “You heard the Alliance Rep, you have to follow my instructions in this matter.” Sox sighed. It was true. While Cor slept, Relak had powered up a communicator, and Sox and Relak had faced the screen while an Alliance functionary complimented Relak on his return to the walking world. Socorea explained to them what had occurred when Cora woke the sleeping Avatar, and Relak confirmed it. The Ontex Representative nodded, and with a few movements of his hand, assigned Cora Rhodes as permanent liaison to Lero. She received an upgrade in pay scale, a promotion to liaison and a bodyguard in the form of Socorea. Cor had snored through the whole thing, and it had taxed Sox’s acting skills to pretend that it was an abnormal occurrence. Cor snored loud enough to wake the dead at the best of times, but Sox didn’t want to scare the first respectable male Cor had been interested in. “Yes, Avatar, I heard him. But let me be 43

Core

completely clear, I don’t want you hurting my friend and leaving her alone without a word is definitely a bad start. She won’t like that.” He let out a sigh and ran his hand through the dark expanse of his hair. “I know, but this must be done.” They approached the orbital station, and Sox took in the polished and elaborate vehicles that the Vahsh owned. The shuttle that she was flying was giving her fits, and it seemed that the Vahsh kept their own high tech for their own nobles. The hired hands and the sacrifices could live or die, but the nobles would have the best of the best. Sox parked in the shuttle bay, triple checked the atmospheric seals and announced, “Okay, we are back on the station. Everyone off.” The girls couldn’t get out of the shuttle fast enough. Tobeena had made a half-hearted attempt at seduction, but Relak had pulled her arms away from his neck and turned her firmly toward the shuttle. He seemed genuinely fascinated by Cor, and the fascination went deeper than his reaction to her at first. His erection had definitely been enthusiastic, but he had gotten it under control. The first kiss was what had told her that Cor was as keen on him as he was on her. Cor didn’t kiss men randomly, her senses didn’t allow it. The sacrifices filed out of the shuttle to be met 44

Viola Grace

by their pleased parents. The prefect who was overseeing the entire arrangement came forward and extended his hand to Relak. “Avatar. So good to see you up and about. Which one of our lovelies did the trick?” Sox winced at the furious expression on Relak’s face. He really hated the Vahsh, and it seemed that everyone but the Vahsh could see it. “It was not one of your women who managed to see the truth of Lero, it was the guard you sent with the sacrifices.” The prefect looked at Sox in shock, and she raised her hands in a gesture indicating that it wasn’t her. She was asked, “Where is the other one?” Relak crossed his arms over his chest, and Lero spilled into his voice. “She is safe and has been given over to me by her people. Now, as for the Vahsh…” The prefect rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Yes, now…when may we resume trade with Lero?” Lero looked down at Sox and his red eyes blazed. Sox was amazed that no one else was seeing it. “Lero will not resume trade with the Vahsh. Your character is unsound, your people are deceitful and you have warped history to suit your own air of dignity.” 45

Core

“What?” “You lie, men and women of Vahsh, and I am done with you.” Lero turned to Sox. “Pilot, my shuttle has been maintained, and it will see us home in short order.” The prefect tried to follow as Sox trailed after the hostile Avatar. He and the other Vahsh were blocked from following with an excluder screen. “You are really going to just leave them up here?” Lero answered, “This station is manned by Alliance personnel. They will see to the ejection of the Vahsh now that they have no excuse to stay.” “You said you have a shuttle?” He looked down at her and smiled, “I do. You will like her. She has had regular maintenance for the last seven centuries.” His palm pressed to a panel, and the wall slid to one side. Sox looked at the gorgeous creature in front of her, and Relak ceased to exist. The lines were graceful and indicated capability of tremendous speed. Her engines were tight to her body, and every inch of her gleamed glowing, mirrored silver. “Oh my dear. I think I am in love.” Relak chuckled and clapped her on the shoulder. “I will break it to Borik.” She laughed and walked to the ship and 46

Viola Grace

caressed the smooth metal. “I think I can manage both of them, her in the sky and him on the ground.” Relak may have been laughing his ass off, but she was dead serious. This ship was all hers— there was no price she wouldn’t pay to spend time behind those controls.

47

Core

Chapter Seven

C

ora spent the morning with Laveen, asking

questions and getting frank answers. They were sitting at a table in the garden when Cora asked the question that had been hopping up and down in her mind since she had seen the Leroans walking the halls. “Where is the entrance to your underground city?” Laveen blinked. “Oh. Well, that is on a need to know basis.” Cora smiled, “Laveen, I need to know.” The woman frowned and looked around as if waiting for rescue. When nothing was forthcoming, she got to her feet. “Come with me.” Cora got up and took the staff with her. She couldn’t seem to leave it anywhere. It was a new reflex, but grabbing it was the first thing she did when she started moving. Cor felt the noise that Laveen was making, and she smiled slightly when a group of four guards fell in around them. 48

Viola Grace

“What is the reason for the guards?” “We are not used to visitors, and some of our people are not willing to accept strangers who suddenly appear without binding themselves to our world.” “Ah. I understand, funnily enough, I simply want to familiarize myself with the terrain, both above and underground. I don’t need to go in, I just want to know where the entrance is.” Laveen stopped in her tracks. “Oh. I thought…I mean I assumed you wanted to examine our home.” Cora chuckled. “No, that is not my business. You have a complete society underground, and I have no place there. I know it. My intent is not to intrude.” The guards looked at each other and shrugged. Borik leaned in toward Cora, “Do you know when Socorea will be back?” Cor fought her grin. “No, but I will make sure she seeks you out when she lands.” He looked as if he wanted to say something, but he nodded quickly and resumed his position behind her. Laveen dismissed two of the guards and walked toward the cliff edge where the shuttle had been perched. “This is much easier. We have skimmers stashed all over the place for just this sort of excursion.” 49

Core

Laveen pressed what looked to Cora to be a random rock, but the ground slipped aside and a skimmer rose on a platform. Laveen showed her to her seat, and Cora sat, tucking the staff against her and watched Borik at the controls. The tour of the local areas was more of a distraction than anything else. With her friend gone and Relak off on some mission she didn’t understand, she really wanted to have something to do. Flying above the garden and working their way out of the mountain valley, Cora learned something very important. The majority of Lero was mountainous and had a few flat expanses that were green and lush in valleys that matched the one Relak had his home in. “Is the entire planet structured this way?” Laveen leaned close. “It was Lero’s idea. He will flatten out areas if we need them for crops or expansion, but we have more underground space than we can use right now.” “Do you know what the population of Lero is?” “One million, three hundred eighty-two thousand and thirteen.” Laveen’s answer was proud. “My family does the census as well as service to the Avatar.” “Wow. Is there a religion on Lero? I have noticed that most living worlds do not have an organized religion.” 50

Viola Grace

“No, working with Lero is our focus. We have no need for false gods when our world speaks to us directly.” Smiling, Laveen pointed out an open doorway. “They are coming out for fresh air and insects. It is pollination season down below for the winter vegetables, and we need to obtain pollinators. It is easier to bring them in, have them work and release them back to the surface with all the pollen and nectar they can carry.” “Convenient. Do you think that Lero will bring more of your people to the surface?” “If we can gain a decade of peace with the Vahsh, he might. There is a danger that they will attack if they see that we are up and running again. The Vahsh are treacherous buggers. I would not put much past them.” “Even after seven centuries, you have resentment toward them?” “They have kept our Avatar from acting on our behalf. That has reduced our society’s ability to move forward with the research and development that we crave as a species. Leroans want to learn, want to increase our knowledge base and we want to use the unlimited power that Lero gives us to power vehicles and devices that can make a difference in the Alliance.” “What is the power, specifically?” Cor was enjoying the view, but it was rather repetitive as they saw valley after valley. 51

Core

“Crystals that house light and focus it. If you expose the crystals to daylight, or even starlight, they will continue to generate energy that can power a vehicle, a weapon, or a communication device. It is the blood of Lero. We can harvest what we will, and he creates more.” “The Vahsh want it?” “They do. They want the power that having access to a precious commodity will give them. Their world is destitute, or at least that is where they were heading seven hundred years ago. They were eager to strike a deal with Relak, but their representatives lacked self-control and Dahla paid the price.” “Is there an image of her somewhere?” “Of course. Every city, every library, and each market has her image. You will see them soon enough. I am sure that Avatar Relak will take you on a tour of our places soon enough.” The humming noise of Laveen’s sub-speech ran through the air. A moment later, Borik turned their skimmer back toward Relak’s residence. Cora listened to the humming of the words just outside of her range of hearing and came to the conclusion that it was a language that she could learn to understand even if speaking it was outside her abilities. “What do you think of me, Laveen?” It was an abrupt question that spurred itself out of her in a 52

Viola Grace

rush. Laveen blinked in alarm. “I think that you are the chosen of the Avatar. You seem a practical sort of woman even though I am not sure why you are the one to have woken Relak when so many other females have tried.” Cora smiled and hugged the truth to her, she knew why she had been chosen, why she had woken him. She had been able to because no other woman had been able to see him. As they flew back, she breathed deeply of the fresh air of the untainted world. They were able to move much faster with their target straight ahead, and as they approached the residence, a spark of silver shot down from the sky. Relak was on his way, and based on the flight path, it was Sox at the controls. A tumbling of joy ran through Cora’s chest. She wasn’t sure if it was because of Sox’s return or because of Relak’s, but she knew that her day was looking up.

53

Core

Chapter Eight

T

he skimmer settled on the ground outside the

residence three minutes before the shuttle landed. It was enough time for Cora to get herself under control and admire the sleek lines of the incoming shuttle. Laveen’s expression was smug. “The shuttle is one of our designs. This is the first time I have seen it in flight.” “I am guessing that Sox has a major crush on it. She has always been a fan of large bodies and sleek lines.” Cor shot a side glance at Borik, and he smiled. He seemed perfectly at ease with the idea that Sox was after him for his body. Cor kept her inner laughter stifled until the moment the door opened and Relak stepped out. Her amusement died as her breath was swept away. He had been the Avatar when he left, but his feet now were firmly on the ground and Lero was 54

Viola Grace

pouring power into him. Each step caused a cascade of rainbows, and when she broke from the hypnosis of the bright colours, she looked up into his gaze. Red blazed where his dark eyes had been, and it was Lero who gathered her in his arms and pulled her to him. Cora let out a small noise when his lips came to hers, and he bent her backward in an intense kiss that sent blood pooling into all the right portions of her body. She threaded her fingers in his hair, the cool, slick strands giving her another sensation. Lero tasted different than Relak, odd considering they shared the same body, but his taste was minerals and earth while his Avatar was everything alive and growing. The scar on his lip was the same and the hands that held her used more care but were still the same as Relak’s. She let him support her as she nipped at his lips and tasted him again. A throat clearing brought Cora out of her haze, and Sox was standing next to her with a solemn look on her face. “I am sorry to intrude, but the Alliance staff on the station just announced that the Vahsh are not happy. There is movement near the Vahsh moons and there is worry that an attacking force is on its way.” Relak-Lero groaned and kept Cora tight against him, his eyes shifted to a swirling mix of the two 55

Core

occupants of his body. “Is there confirmation?” “Not yet. The Vahsh are keeping com silence. We won’t know until they arm and head this way.” Cora scowled. “If they are on their way, we need to contact the Sector Guard, notify the nearest warship. Something.” He squeezed her. “We are protected, but you need to join with Lero for you to be as effective as we need you to be.” “Wait…what do you mean join with?” He looked down at her and sighed. “I wanted to make this request in a more romantic setting, but you are my companion and with Lero occupying my body, my life span is much longer than yours. To make sure that you remain at my side, Lero will join with you as the Avatarcompanion and expand within you, synching your life to mine and mine to yours.” Blinking rapidly as she tried to absorb the information, she tried not to inhale too deeply. Being this close to him and his body carrying the unmistakable scent of arousal warped her senses. “Why does my joining with Lero increase my effectiveness?” He smiled, “Because when you join with Lero, you will control the core of the world and the satellites in orbit.” Sox cleared her throat, “Satellites? There 56

Viola Grace

weren’t any satellites when we came in.” Relak grinned, “You couldn’t see the world under your feet, why do you think Lero would let you see his defences?” Cora understood, and she closed her eyes to remember the flight in. She had been busy watching the girls when they passed Lero’s perimeter, she didn’t have a chance to look. Cor shrugged at Sox and her friend nodded. Clearing her throat, Socorea touched her collar and tapped it with one finger. She nodded once she had sent the signal. Still enjoying the warmth of his arms, Cora was amused when Relak turned to whisper in her ear. “What did she just do?” She whispered back, “She sent a signal to the orbital station, telling them that you were aware of the possibility of incoming Vahsh and asked them to keep us posted.” “All with a few taps?” Cora smiled against his neck. “It isn’t the Leroan long-range communication, but we get by without the second set of vocal chords.” She squirmed against him, enjoying the contact with all aspects of his body. She hoped that the Leroans were sexually compatible with Terrans, because otherwise, she was going to be in for a rough time. “I believe that it is time for the evening meal. Laveen has taken me on a tour of 57

Core

the local landscape, so tomorrow, I would like it if you show me one of the cities.” Instead of holding her hips, his hands cupped her buttocks to hold her still, a move that froze her in place as more nerve endings were rippling with pleasure. “Dinner sounds like a good idea. Your new bodyguard can get a location briefing from Borik. His family has served Lero for a thousand years.” Sox grinned and blushed. “I think that I have any number of questions to ask Borik.” Cora chuckled. “Keep it above the waist, Sox.” Sox quirked a brow at her, and her gaze flicked from Cora’s butt to Relak and back. “As you would say, is this the pot calling the kettle black?” Cora raised her hands. “My appendages are firmly above the waist.” Relak released her. “Right. A meal. It has been some time since I was on a regular schedule, let alone one dictated by anyone else.” Laveen nodded, curtsied and moved quickly down the path to his residence. Cora took his arm, and with a gentle tug, she got him walking down the path after what appeared to be their housekeeper. The guards followed, and Cora could hear the chirpy interest in Sox’s tone as she questioned Borik and then waited for his low reply. “Why did the Leroan’s develop the second set 58

Viola Grace

of vocal chords?” Cora had to know. “We developed on Lero’s world with mountains everywhere. Sending signals to the next village was arduous before we developed long-range communications. Even with the coms, we can still lose signals with other cities, but the reverberation of our voices travels down every stone corridor, bounces against the stone and gets to where it needs to be. The veins of core stone amplify the energy of the tone and make it faster and stronger with every passing meter.” “Lero changed you.” “Yes, Lero changed us to force us to develop as a people, as a unit. We went from a dozen small cities to a global nation in a year.” “Were you alive during that time?” “No, it was four thousand years before I was born. I gained the true knowledge when I became the Avatar.” They walked into the garden, past the spots where the tents had been set up less than a day before. “So, will I know everything when Lero sets up housekeeping?” “You will know what you want to know, whether that is everything will be up to you.” Relak lifted her hand to his lips, and she shivered as the touch translated to something much lower. He placed her hand back around his forearm and the smugness was palpable. 59

Core

She sighed as her body betrayed her at his slightest touch. Living with heightened senses in a modern city was difficult. She had been delighted when the recruitment officer told her that her skills would be used in more rural postings. With Socorea as her partner, she passed through her combat training and qualified as an Alliance guard. Every world she set foot on was a sensory delight or nightmare. Power prickled her skin, scents overwhelmed her or soothed her and the contact of strangers was never welcome. Here on Lero there was enough space for her to let her senses stretch out in a way that she hadn’t been able to do since she was at home. It wasn’t home yet, but it could be.

60

Viola Grace

Chapter Nine

D

inner was more elaborate than the night before, and the dining room was up and functioning. The Leroans had their Avatar’s residence in full operating order. “So, the Vahsh returned to their home with all the symptoms of hypothermia in one of the warmest falls we had ever had.” Prefect Darmath was a charming man, and he had given his good looks to his son, Borik. Cora smiled, “I suppose that hospitality is all in the eyes of the beholder, and they did not behold anything that was appealing to them. After all, you provided them with tents, bedding and safety. What more could they have needed for three days?” Darmath shrugged. “I don’t know. All I know is that our sensors were going insane with the amount of whining those young women could emit. It was amazing. They never lost their energy for that.” 61

Core

The table laughed together. There was Cora, Socorea, Relak, Borik, Borik’s father Darmath and Borik’s cousins, Tiv and Neeko. They had all enjoyed dinner and were now sitting down to a glass of wine. Cora’s was diluted to ten percent of what the others were drinking but no one commented on it. Darmath finally asked a question he had obviously travelled to the surface to ask, “So, Lady Cora, when do you think you will want to come for a visit? The city of Ix is below your feet, and your people are eager to make your acquaintance.” “I believe that I will be able to come down the moment that we have confirmation that the Vahsh are no longer a threat.” She smiled and sipped at her kiddy wine. Darmath frowned, “But they have left.” Borik cleared his throat. “They are massing to attack, Father. They will be here in two days.” Relak was sitting casually, and Darmath stared at him. “You are not worried?” Relak sipped at his wine and shook his head. “I am not. Cora will wield the staff and communicate with the core stone. All will be as it should be.” Darmath seemed nervous. “No one has done maintenance on those satellites since your time. Are you sure they will function?” Relak smiled, “I am sure. I have faith in the 62

Viola Grace

chosen of Lero.” As Relak sprawled lazily in his chair, his eyes took on the unmistakable glow of Lero. “Do you doubt me, Darmath?” The prefect shook his head. “No, Lero. You have always had the survival of your people first and foremost in your thoughts.” “And I will continue to do so, but having a companion for my Avatar has been my priority for many of your generations. First, she will mate with us, and then, we will deal with the Vahsh.” Cora choked on her watered wine and spluttered. Relak reached for her with concern, and she batted his hand away. “Did you have to be so blunt?” He shrugged. Lero was still riding high. “It seemed the most appropriate phrase. I could get more graphic, I suppose. For example, the moment that I am inside you and Relak is thrusting into you, our bond will be—” Cora slapped her hand over his mouth, and those gathered around the table burst into laughter. His gaze was amused, and his smile was obvious under her palm. Sox was on her side. “Um, Lero, Cora’s people are a little hesitant about sexual matters. They indulge in them but don’t really discuss them and never in a public forum.” He raised his eyebrows, and Cora nodded. “It’s 63

Core

true. Well, in my family, we just don’t consider it a public topic. I can’t speak for all Terrans.” Darmath cleared his throat. “The Leroans are more casual about it. It is a necessity to make it casual when cries of passion can be heard for miles in our underground cities.” Lero moved his head away from Cora’s hand. “In fact, the people of Ix will soon be swarming to the surface for the fertility celebrations. Couples wed at harvest time and enjoy the relative privacy of mating in the open air before the weather gets too cold.” Cora wasn’t appalled, she was curious. A hand curled around her waist, and when she realized that she had climbed into Lero’s lap to hush him, she turned hot pink and tried to get to her feet. She was pulled firmly back against his thighs and the hot ridge that pressed against her flesh. The memory of his mention of Relak being inside her made her shiver, but she tried to maintain an aura of dignity as she perched on him. He looped his arms around her waist and held her to him. Cora asked, “Why autumn?” “We run harvests in sync with the seasons of the above world. We hold festivals in spring and fall. One before the work and one after. Would you like to hear of our traditions?” Cora nodded. “If it won’t bore everyone, I 64

Viola Grace

would like very much to know.” Darmath sat back and took on the air of lecturers around the universe. “When Lero provided us with everything we needed, our people flourished. This caused a problem with the imminent spectre of inbreeding, so our cities communicated and an arrangement was reached. It was fine at first, our young people would meet and mate, but no one was keeping track of who had fathered what, we ended up with a series of very attractive but not too bright individuals. DNA studies were undertaken and it was decided that it was an inefficient method of advancing our populations. “An experiment was selected for the next three generations. Women from one city who wished to interbreed would wear masks of the colour of their city. The men would do the same. The women would go to one city the first season and the next city in the second season if they did not breed in the first.” Cora frowned. “How did that work?” “The men and women meet in the open air, they wear masks and do not speak. Music plays to cease their ability to listen to their other senses, and they can only rely on smell and touch. Anyone found breaking the rules is removed from the meeting.” “So, the Leroans dance?” 65

Core

“Dance?” The men looked bewildered and Sox looked as appalled as Cora felt. “Rhythmic movement to the music usually executed in prescribed patterns. It tests memory and dexterity.” Cora’s family had drilled her on court dances for Cotillion. She had never been very good due to her reluctance to be touched, but she did know the steps. Lero shook his head. “My people do not dance. There is no space for the types of manoeuvres you are showing me. Not in the cities anyway. By the time they get up to the surface, they are so eager to rut that they don’t bother with the niceties.” She blinked and realized that he had touched her mind and she hadn’t even felt it. “Well, it was a thought. So, how do they pick their…uh…rutting partner?” Darmath continued. “The participants are only allowed to choose a member of the opposite or same sex from another city. Once they have mated, the male gives the female an ID chip that will identify him on the following day, and she does the same. Once they have made contact with each other, they can pursue a relationship or she can simply record him as the father of her child so that her child will never be sent to his city. This separation will continue for four generations, and after that, it will be safe for the descendant of the initial union to return to the first city. It is 66

Viola Grace

convoluted but we like it.” Cora blinked, “So, all relationships on Lero start with…” “The mating night, or with a visit to a distant city, but usually, it is mating night.” “So, is your population out of control?” Darmath looked confused. “Why would it be? Those who mate on mating night and do not pursue another night merely have their one child and that is the end of it. We have stronger immune systems, are taller, have increased dexterity and imagination, all within the last two thousand years. Our technology is sought after and our power source is limitless.” Pride was stamped on the face of every Leroan in the room. “What about those who pursue a relationship?” “The average size of a family is three children. Their increase is compensated for by the single children in the population.” “So, what about single mothers, how do they manage with one income?” It was a problem still facing her home world. Men could start children and leave them without any thought while their governments punished the women who raised and loved those children financially. “The Leroans have a support system in place. This is our way. We grow our population this way, train scientists, work out new systems to feed 67

Core

the underground cities, we use this system to increase our comfort and satisfaction in our way of life.” Darmath smiled. Cora rubbed her forehead. “I am guessing that I will have a lot of questions for Lero about why you do the things you do.” Lero leaned down until his breath warmed her ear. “I will enjoy answering each and every one of them.”

68

Viola Grace

Chapter Ten

L

earning to play checkers that zapped you when you made a wrong move took up the last three hours of the fading light. Cora’s hands tingled as she rubbed them on her thighs. “That hurts.” “I am sorry. I forgot about your sensitivities.” Relak paused in the hallway and lifted her fingers to his lips. He pressed kisses to each digit in turn, licking them gently. Cora’s knees buckled, and his grip on her hands kept her upright. He grinned and lifted her into his arms. “What are you…” He kissed her and she felt a whisper in her mind, I believe that no words being spoken is traditional. Isn’t a mask traditional as well? As her thought reached him, a dark mask covered his features. She shivered as the alien eyes stared into her own before he kissed her again. His 69

Core

mouth was the only part of his face uncovered, and she had to admit that it was a surprisingly hot look. Relak moved quickly, still kissing her as he carried her to his rooms. Her fingers clawed at his vest, parting it as she searched for contact with his skin. She found muscles, scars and a texture that was specific to him. Leather and velvet, smooth skin and rough ridges of scars enthralled her. She felt herself dip and her mind spun as the bed braced her body for his touch. The bodysuit she was wearing peeled open as he drew his fingertip across it, but she winced when she realized it was not along the closure lines. She was going to wake up butt naked in the morning with nothing to wear. Sighing and lifting herself to catch the caress of his fingers where she most wanted it, she parted her thighs as her suit gave way. No talking. She hadn’t spoken, had she? Lero pressed his hands to her face and a mask formed. It was light, and she could breathe easily, but it covered her mouth quite handily. Even a muffled moan was unlikely. There. Lovely. Simply lovely with those eyes glaring daggers at me. He chuckled but tugged her suit free and tossed it aside. He leaned over her and 70

Viola Grace

pressed kisses to her eyelids, one at a time, the briefest caress. She closed her eyes and let her body feel without restriction. The rough pads of his fingers woke her in slow, sensory layers. His kisses on her neck and shoulder spurred a moan, but her voice was trapped. When his fingers caressed her, Lero was in his touch. With her eyes closed, she could feel his energy signature in every caress as he lifted her breasts, thumbing her nipples until they were hard and aching, sucking each into the hot, wet recesses of his mouth in turn. He shifted from the left to the right and back again, and she clutched at his shoulders, pulling at his clothing. She felt the smile in his lips against the underside of her breast where he was licking and sucking his way back to the peak once again. In silence, he left her, and when he returned after soft rustling, her skin delighted to the feel of his against her. Relak-Lero parted her thighs and settled between them, continuing his kisses down her ribs and belly while he stroked between her thighs, drawing out her slick moisture with a few strokes. The hard slide of his fingers sent an electric jolt of sensation through her. She bucked against his hand, silently begging for more. He tortured her for an hour, or it could have 71

Core

been minutes, but she was moving with each thrust of his fingers and rapidly approaching release when he pulled his digits out of her and the blunt heat of his cock pressed against her. Relak’s first thrust was not precisely on target. Her body winced as it struggled to accommodate him. His second thrust was easier as her slick heat prepared the way. Cora stopped counting after that, simply clutching at him and holding tight as he worked his way inside, her channel snuggly wrapping him in welcome. Lero touched her mind, and as Relak thrust into her, Lero spilled through her mind and body. Cora opened her eyes to see the light that was writhing around them as they rocked together and got closer and closer to culmination. Memories of millions of years spilled into her, drawing her to the edge, Relak reached between them and stroked her clit slowly and as her body shuddered, Lero and Relak came in her completely. Three became one in that moment, and Cora passed out from the effort not to scream. **** Relak eased from his companion’s body. Her eyes were closed and her mind was sated but quiet. We have her. Lero was smug, Yes, we do. She is strong. Her 72

Viola Grace

mind takes mine easily. Relak removed the mask from her with a few slow gestures. His own faded into his flesh easily. A nice, traditional Leoran mating. Just what your mother wanted for you, if you will recall. I recall. So, what is your opinion on offspring? No. You will have enough losses in your life. Outliving a child is never a good thing. The grief in Lero’s mental voice spoke of eternal suffering. Relak thought of Dahla. If she had not died seven hundred years ago, she would have been dead for several centuries by now. The pain would be different but still there. I agree. Do you think she will agree? I believe that she will understand and accept. For now, she is capable of bringing the satellites online whenever the Vahsh arrive. Good to know. What is her mind asking? Lero paused. I think that should remain between Cora and me until she chooses to share it with you. Relak remembered his first few days with Lero. He had wanted to know each and every one of his people and Lero had granted him that. Each petty thought, each minor evil as well as the soaring good was all spilled into Relak in one moment. He had not spoken for six months. Knowing too much about those around you coloured the way you acted, and few, if any, people had pure and serene minds all the time. 73

Core

Dahla had been the exception. She had been everything that was serene and pure, the innocence of a child that had remained after she had been bought and sold. It had been that innocence that had led to her death, but in her life, she had been a shining beacon for him and Lero both. He had made her a better man, a better Avatar, in those few years that he had with her as she learned to laugh, to love and to enjoy every moment of life. It was the more precious for how short a time she had been with him. Relak shook off the cobwebs of the past and curled around the woman in his bed. She was still glowing with power, when she climaxed with him and Lero inside her, her eyes had turned the same blood red as her hair. It was a striking combination with her pale skin and he wanted to see her eyes widen in surprise as her skin flushed hot pink and her body arched against his again. He wanted to hear her moan, wanted to know everything she liked, every touch that she wanted, and he wanted to introduce her to a few of his favourites. That would wait for another day. Tonight, her mind was dealing with Lero, so tomorrow her body could start adapting to his. He used his second set of vocals and sent a message to Laveen. He had been thorough in 74

Viola Grace

destroying the bodysuit that Cora enjoyed, so she would need some more Leroan clothing.

75

Core

Chapter Eleven

W

ide-legged, loose trousers, a white wrap shirt and a wide cincher were her Leroan uniform. Her shoes were small, black and circumspect. All in all, she was comfortable if exposed to a few breezes. She wanted to be able to look at Relak without blushing, but the absorbed and knowing look in his eyes was enough to send her blood rushing through her cheeks. Lero was humming quietly in her mind, providing her with information and images the moment that she thought of them. She knew what the defence system looked like, knew how to activate it and was amazed that it had not been designed for Relak to use. Too much power in his hands would not be a good thing, and he was chosen to be my eyes and ears abroad. You were chosen to defend my world, Cora. It had sounded so reasonable that she had accepted it. The control staff was always at hand, 76

Viola Grace

and with the Vahsh approaching, it was time to trigger the core stone and from there, she would activate the satellites. The orbital station had been warned, and it had edged away from the danger zone. As long as it did not approach at a high speed, it would not even register on her sensors. The satellites were still in the planning stages when Relak went to sleep, but they were now floating around Lero in a loose and haphazard belt of defence. If the Vahsh passed the beacons, she would trigger the defences in a matter of minutes. “You look…different.” Sox came up to stand next to her and smiled brightly at some of the folks working on the Avatar’s residence. “It is the clothing. I always look different out of uniform.” Sox looked at her and tilted her eyes. “No, I am pretty sure it is the red eyes.” “Ah. That.” Cora snorted. “Lero is still downloading everything I want to know about this world, and he thinks that changing my eye colour should make it more obvious that he is in here and working.” “Well, Laveen told me I have to start dressing like your guard, so I am trying to design a uniform. I think something in black and crimson. What do you think?” Cora tilted her head. “I am fairly sure that it 77

Core

will look very nice on you, Sox. Everything looks nice on you.” “Tell my mother that. She is convinced that I need to go through life dressing like a lady. Bleah. Ladies are boring with only a few exceptions.” Sox smiled, “You are now one of them.” “Why thank you, bodyguard. I will keep that attitude in mind around bonus time. Now, do you want to do some sparring? I am feeling kinda twitchy today.” Sox grinned. “Do you want to get your pretty clothes all dirty?” Cora smirked. “I am sure I can get some more, and if not, Relak doesn’t have any objection to my running around naked.” Cora walked into the garden and stood in the centre of the open green space. She looked at the staff, and with a swift move, it was hovering ten feet above her, out of the way. Sox paused mid-stretch. “How are you doing that?” “Ah, mere mortal, the power of the planet to hover a stick along a ley line is truly a mystery to you.” Cora laughed as Sox lunged and the game was on. They fought for hours, Cora never got tired and Sox had to pull out moves that she would never have dared try before Lero’s intercession in Cora’s reflexes. 78

Viola Grace

Cora finally flipped her friend to her back and pinned her there with one foot. “I surrender, Sox. You are the better fighter.” Sox growled. “Traditionally, the winner does not surrender.” “I am a big fan of breaking tradition. Now, get up and get a shower. You stink.” Cora pulled Sox to her feet and applause surrounded them. “Oh, dear.” Cora winced. “You didn’t notice the audience?” “I didn’t notice a lot of things, and Lero already scrubbed out the sweat and grass stains, so I am good.” Cora smiled brightly. Sox grumbled, “There was no grass and sweat. I didn’t manage one flip.” “Well, I am part planet now, unfortunately I think it is my ass.” Cora started walking toward the residence, and the crowd dispersed. “That reminds me. When are you and Borik going to take the next step?” “Mating night. He’s old fashioned.” Sox smiled. “I believe it is scheduled for next week.” “They are serious about keeping your mouth shut. Just a head’s up on that one.” Cora snorted. “I have seen the masks. I did my research. They are a little more intense than a Nyal mating mask, but not too bad.” Cora snorted. “You have always been more adventurous than I have, having you at my side 79

Core

means more than you know.” “Whoa, why so serious all of a sudden? You are never this serious unless you are flying and about to throw up.” “Lero has been showing me things. Thousands of years of Avatars, all working to improve his world, all outliving those that they love.” Cora paused at the entrance to the Avatar’s chambers. “It’s a sobering realization. Unless I really, really screw up, I am in this for aeons.” Sox paused, “And I am not. Don’t worry about it. I intend to live my life, love, laugh and enjoy every moment I can with you, the moments without you should be even more fun.” She waggled her brows suggestively. Cora laughed. “Fine. Go take your shower. I wasn’t kidding when I said that you stink. My delicate sensibilities can’t stand it.” Sox chuckled and wandered down the hall to the room that had been set aside for her. Cora watched her until Sox was out of her view, and then, she grabbed the staff and went for a walk. Relak was at a prefect meeting in Ix. A gathering had been called to welcome him back. Cora had declined to attend in light of the incoming Vahsh armada. Images were coming to her through the beacons. It seemed that the Vahsh had purchased 80

Viola Grace

every available junker and slapped weapons stations on them. A broadcast was coming from the ships, and it made her smile. This is the Vahsh armada. We claim the planet Lero and all its abandoned cities in the name of our world. She did not have the ability to respond with a message without tipping off Relak or Sox, but she did what she could. With long strides, she reached the nearest vein of core stone and placed the end of the staff on it. The stone glowed, the staff glowed and in distant orbit, the satellites sprang to life. She spread them out in a web, a grid work of power and defence. When the first Vahsh ship came into range, she carefully and deliberately took out their guns. She repeated it, over and over. One by one, the Vahsh armada was disarmed, and one by one, they turned to flee for home. Well done, Cora. She didn’t whirl, but she felt Relak behind her. Thank you, Relak. They have gone home for now. His tone was sombre and he stepped close until he wrapped his arms around her. You were missed in Ix. She smiled and leaned back against him. I can go now if you like. The sun has set. It is time for your dinner. It was so prosaic, she tried not to laugh. 81

Core

I thought you didn’t like schedules. Relak pressed a kiss to her ear. I never said I didn’t like them just that I wasn’t used to them. He rocked her gently from side to side, and she suddenly realized how tired she was. I think dinner and then some sleep would be a good idea. Why not a nap and a moonlight meal? Lero has no moons. I know, but it sounds nice from your memories, and I am sure that we can arrange a ball of core stone to hover in the air. She laughed and turned in his arms. “I imagine that we could arrange that, but I am done with core stone for the night. I want rest, food and comfort, not necessarily in that order.” “Can I start with comfort?” He slid his hands down her spine and cupped her ass, pulling her tight against him. She grinned and kissed his chin, cheek and neck. “I think that is an excellent place to start. You look like you need comforting.” He gave her a wary look. “I thought you needed comfort.” She touched his mind with her own and smiled when Lero joined the mix. “I thought we could share.” Relak laughed and caught her by surprise as he leapt into the air and they landed in the centre of the garden. “I didn’t know you could do that?” 82

Viola Grace

“Lero has an urge to keep us fit, with that comes the ability to manipulate his gravity, his atmosphere and his living creatures.” “Oh. Goody. I can hardly wait.” She smiled as he put her down and they decorously walked to their quarters before rushing inside with her clothing flying every which way as she tried to be the first to get to the skin. She turned and faced him wearing nothing but the cascade of her hair and the glow of Lero in her eyes. “Cora, you have the manipulation of Lero’s creatures down already.” She swayed toward him. “Perhaps you should give me lessons on gravity.” “Apparently, Lero has left that out of your education. I think it is an unforgivable lapse.” He touched her waist and lifted her so that they were at eye level. Cora smiled and wrapped her arms and legs around him. Kissing him was easy, stopping was the awkward part. Lero joined them together until the three blurred into one. Cora laughed inwardly as she realized that she didn’t need to stop. She had centuries with Relak and Lero looming before her and things were only going to improve. It may be awkward, embarrassing, and a teeny bit exhibitionistic, but she was going to make sure 83

Core

that Relak and Lero had the best companion that they could. They had chosen her after all. It was her duty to make sure that they didn’t regret it.

84

Author’s Note A little sleeping beauty, a little snow white and add a whacky Terran and you have Core. Core began with a costume, and then, I had to write the story for the cover art. Some might think this is whacky, but it is my process. Martine Jardin makes me the cover art and I make the story to match. Sometimes, the tales are pretty but not inspiring, and I have to plough through. Other times, the artwork blows me away and I have to struggle to catch up. I am not sure what happened in Core, but I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for reading, Viola Grace [email protected]

About the Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.