Healer's Garden

Healer’s Garden Nina Pierce

In the female-dominated society of the twenty-third century, mating with a male, even if it is to save the human race, is a distasteful task, and one Healer Jahara Hriznek has successfully avoided—until now. Brenimyn is a gifted breeding instructor at the Garden of Serenity. Forced to copulate with all females requesting his services, he yearns to find the one woman who responds to his touch. When Jahara arrives with the new class of breeders, Brenimyn’s body immediately aches for her, but convincing the stubborn healer that sex between a man and a woman is more than just an act for procreation proves to be a challenge he refuses to fail. Jahara doesn’t want to enjoy the sinful rapture only Brenimyn brings to her body. Brenimyn has no intention of dousing the flames of desire licking at them until Jahara is completely his—body, mind and heart. But when the government finds their loving relationship a threat to the natural order, there may be more than their stubborn wills at stake.

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

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Healer’s Garden ISBN 9781419924996 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Healer’s Garden Copyright © 2010 Nina Pierce Edited by Mary Moran Cover art by Syneca Electronic book publication January 2010 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. 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. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

HEALER’S GARDEN Nina Pierce

Healer’s Garden

Chapter One May, 2267

Jahara Hriznek’s life was over. The evidence weighed heavy in her hands. In the time it had taken to do the retinal scan, her future had been stolen from her. As she stood at the tall bank of windows, staring at the distant mountains, Jahara knew nothing could change this new course of her life. She felt the hollow reality as obviously as the barren expanse of desert stretching between her and the horizon. There was nothing to break up the monotony of the landscape. Nothing to take her mind off the inevitability of the days to come. Nothing to bring back the future she’d thought lay before her when she woke this morning. No helo-vehicles were out this time of day. It was still much too hot for people to leave the climate-controlled confines of the buildings in the city on the other side of the mountains. It would be a few more hours still before the sun sat low enough to make the commute across the blistering sands a safe one. Then the nearly empty roadway, three stories below, would bustle with solar-powered helo-vehicles and buses. She wouldn’t be among the commuters winding their way from the Eastern Territory’s capital city of Lexington into her little village. Jahara had taken a muchneeded day of rest from the healing facility. The city’s new government expansion had brought with it careless male workers whose stupidity forced them to the hospital in droves for emergency services. Those healers not completely repulsed by the men’s presence were forced to work overtime to treat the injuries. Jahara had been fielding complaints and filling in for overworked healers for weeks. For one day she’d wanted to think about nothing more taxing than what music selection she would pull from her computer files. She’d planned on using some of her monthly water allotment and soaking in a hot bath rather than her daily chemical wash. Jahara had even considered calling Merenith and convincing her to take the day off from the animal clinic and lounge around with her. She had no doubt her current lover and she could find ways to entertain each other. But none of that had happened. The messenger service had shown up at her door early this morning, delivering the wretched news. Had she known they were making their way to her, Jahara definitely would have worked at the hospital today and long hours into the night. Using her hands to heal males was preferable to holding this retched projection disk. Now, as Jahara glared at the palm-sized disk, fear burned the back of her throat and trembled along her chin. Hot tears of anger welled in her eyes. She shouldn’t be so upset. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t known this was coming. Her twenty-eighth birthday 5

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was next month. It was law. Her birth-mother, the Dame of her family, had held off the inevitable as long as possible. Jahara’s position as medical director had, up until this day, kept her from fulfilling the horrid obligation. But no woman, no matter how prestigious her position, ever ran from it. The thought soured in her stomach. She’d known what the packet contained the moment she’d opened the door to find the government courier standing in the hall. Jahara had wanted to flee, to shut the door and hide from the responsibility, but instead she calmly leaned forward and let the android do the eye scan that proved the disk had found its way into her hands. She stared down at the official government seal over her Dame’s image on the disk. Even offspring of the chief administrator of the Eastern Territory weren’t exempt from this law enacted by Congress nearly a century and a half earlier. Throwing the disk at the wall, she let out a feral sound of frustration. As if chastising her, the bells chimed at her door. The normally soft chirp sounded loud in the silent womb of her living abode where she’d closed herself away. Jahara didn’t want to answer it. Didn’t want to know there was more to fulfilling her obligation. When it rang again, the sound almost persistent, she reluctantly skirted around the couch and slammed her hand on the touchpad, retracting the pneumatic door. “Having temper tantrums, I hear.” Merenith leaned in for a quick kiss. “I heard you all the way down the hall.” The short crop of blonde swished about her chin as her lover shook her head in disbelief. Her pouty lips were pulled tight between her teeth to mask—humor? Concern? Jahara couldn’t be sure. “You have no idea what kind of a day I’ve had.” Jahara stepped back and invited the willowy beauty through the door. “The worst day of my life, as a matter of fact.” As she passed, Jahara marveled as always at the beauty of Merenith’s body. A descendent of the Olakuma clan, Merenith’s ancestors had long ago lost any semblance of body hair. It was unnecessary in their life in the desert heat. Merenith’s skin was all tawny satin, save for the velvety blonde eyebrows and thick lashes that once protected her people from the harsh sand thrown up in the hot winds. The woman stared at her, arching one of those elegant brows, the skeptical expression marring the flawless contours of her face. “Worst? I think you’re exaggerating just a bit.” Merenith bent to brush the dust of the desert from her heavy work boots. “You have no idea.” Straightening, Merenith tenderly pressed her lips to Jahara’s and wrapped her in her arms. The comforting scent of jasmine, hay and the animals Merenith tended filled Jahara’s nose. She pulled Merenith in tighter, wishing they could stay this way forever and ignore the projection disk. Merenith might be four years her junior, but Jahara wanted to believe that what they shared was the stuff made of fairytales. At her age, Jahara was desperate to find the woman who would complement her in every sense of the word—a woman who

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could be the sun to her moon, the color on her drab canvas, the shadow that moved in synchronized harmony with her—a woman who would satisfy every part of her. She had hoped Merenith would become that person. But their relationship was still so new. There was no doubt fulfilling her obligation would have some affect on her career, but that she could rectify. Jahara just wasn’t sure she would survive if it stole from her the one thing she wanted most—true love. “Jahara, there’s no need to be so upset.” Merenith cupped her chin, coaxing Jahara from the soft cushion of her breasts. Her gaze seductively swept over her face. “Things really aren’t as bad as they seem.” “You don’t know what I threw across the room.” “It’s the invitation you’ve been denying would come.” As if her words had burned, Jahara pushed out of Merenith’s arms. “Oh, don’t be so defensive,” Merenith said. “Your Dame called me.” “M’Dame called you?” “Since her office sent them out, she knew you’d get the disk today and be upset by the news. Why do you think I came over tonight?” With a shrug, Merenith brushed past her and around the overstuffed furniture of the great room. She bent to straighten the imitation animal rug in front of the fireplace. “You mind if I help myself to some wine? I think you could probably use some.” The humor glinted deep in Merenith’s blueberry eyes as she shot a glance over her shoulder before walking around the bar separating the living space from the cooking area. “You think this whole thing’s funny?” Jahara could no longer hold back the tears that had threatened only moments ago. “Just because you’ve already fulfilled your obligation, you find the fact that now it’s my turn rather amusing? Well, let me tell you. The whole thing is disgusting and if my Dame wasn’t administrator, I’d petition to get out of this thing once and for all. It’s a stupid law anyway.” Merenith came out of the kitchen nook. Setting the wine bottle down with two glasses, one side of her mouth curved in a melancholy smile. “No, I don’t find this humorous at all. But you’ve said it yourself. You’ve used your position at the hospital and your Dame’s place in the government to put this off since you were twenty. Now the time has come. No one gets around this law.” “Have you read the document?” Jahara shook her finger at the small piece of metal on the floor. “I have only two weeks to put things in order at the hospital. Two weeks!” Her voice echoed on the high ceiling where a fan churned the cooled air. “How do they think the medical director of a major healing facility can get things in order before being whisked away for two years?” Jahara couldn’t bring herself to think how this would affect their relationship. She had wanted so much to develop something permanent with Merenith. But pushing the doubts past the hot lump in her throat was impossible. “Jahara.” Merenith came to her, gently kissing the tears from her face. “Don’t think about it. If you’re worried about us…don’t be. I can visit you. They allow that.” Holding her cheeks, Merenith pushed the black tendrils of hair from Jahara’s face. It still 7

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amazed her how Merenith seemed to understand what she was thinking without her having to explain. “Let’s not talk anymore about it. Tonight, let it be about us.” Merenith brushed her lips featherlight across Jahara’s mouth. “Let me show you how much I care about you. Let me help you forget.” Merenith’s silken tongue swept seductively into her mouth. Jahara needed to lose herself in this woman and believe that what they shared would be enough to carry her through this ordeal. But even as Merenith’s skillful hands danced over her skin, Jahara felt the familiar emptiness settle itself deep in the pit of her stomach. The cold hollow had nothing to do with the proclamation on the disk and everything to do with a hole in Jahara’s heart that it seemed no one could fill.

***** The night hung heavy in the desert, like the unsettled feelings surrounding them. Sitting in the light of the holographic fire, their shadows danced on the walls of her living abode. Even Merenith’s presence wasn’t a comfort. Jahara held the disk in one hand, a glass of wine in the other. They’d already eaten a simple meal of soy protein and vegetables. They’d taken time to walk in the park across from the living complex, feeling the heat of the day relinquish itself to the cool desert winds of evening. They’d talked about their days, skirting any mention of the projection disk or the impact it would have on their future. But like an elephant standing between them, the pronouncement on the disk could no longer be ignored. “Merenith, how did you survive this…this place?” Jahara shook the piece of metal in her hand. “What, the Garden of Serenity?” Merenith asked, staring at the flickering light. “Of course, the Garden. All the stories I’ve heard, it sounds so awful. One of my birth-sisters swears copulating with a man is the most animalistic ritual she ever had to endure. The other gave up her government position to raise both her birth child and that of her partner’s. But neither sister talks about actually birthing the babies, only about the mating and the pregnancy. I can’t imagine being a human incubator for nine months!” A shudder of disgust shook her body. “Not one child—but two! And at my age. What are they thinking?” Merenith was uncharacteristically silent. The disjointed head of her Dame appeared when Jahara pressed a small button and listened again to the words she hoped never to hear. “Jahara Hriznek, we are pleased to inform you—” Jahara looked up at Merenith. “They’re kidding me, right? They think I’m happy about this?” Merenith poured more wine into her empty glass, but didn’t meet Jahara’s probing gaze.

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“—that you have been chosen to report to the Garden of Serenity, located in the southern section of the Eastern Territory, no later than 1400 on June the first, 2267. It is so ordered by decree of Congress, written on the fourth day of July, 2112: In order to reestablish the human population and create a more heterogeneous gene pool, we mandate every woman before the age of thirty must birth, if physically able, two healthy infants—” Jahara closed down the projection. “Blah, blah, blah…” Jahara gulped her wine. “I particularly like the part about the extensive blood work and wellness checks that must be completed before I go.” Jahara threw the disk at the fire, watching it clatter unharmed through the hologram. If only she could truly burn it and pretend this had never happened. “If you ask me, it’s all a crockadung,” Jahara muttered. “It’s not my fault they used up the frozen sperm supply. Look at us, our clan ancestors had the right idea, keeping the bloodlines clean by using only specific breeders.” Jahara held her hands in the air as if she were on display. “I think it’s a stupid law written by a group of old-fashioned, uneducated women, desperate to have sex with men. How barbaric.” She swallowed the acidic revulsion burning her throat. A shiver rippled through Merenith and Jahara assumed she felt the same. “I think the repopulation plan is going just fine without my help. I mean, how can they expect a professional woman to give up her life for two years just to birth offspring?” Jahara looked at Merenith sipping her wine and contemplating the question she’d just posed. This was her third glass, very unlike Merenith. “It’s not horrible,” Merenith said at last. “Unpleasant definitely, but not the worst thing that could happen.” She stared blindly at the flames and Jahara knew she was thinking back to her own time at the Garden. “Think of it like a vacation. You told me you haven’t had one of those in years.” Curving one corner of her mouth, Merenith turned to Jahara, lifting her shoulder. “I didn’t mind being pregnant. The birthing stuff isn’t even so bad, especially if the offspring are male. You just leave them at the Garden. I’m not even sure what they did with him. The girl I birthed was harder to leave behind, but I had no way of caring for her at the time. I know she’s at some school where they love her.” Merenith turned her gaze back to the flames. “I didn’t grow up with my birth family like you, Jahara. The school taught me everything I needed to know. I loved the girls there as if they were my birth-sisters. The teachers loved us like a true Dame would love her own birth child.” Merenith stared pensively at the fire. In the six months they’d been together, Jahara realized the woman had never spoken of her upbringing. “Really, it’s not so bad.” Merenith’s voice lilted into a false cheerfulness. “Besides, you already know what to expect. You came with me during foaling season. It’s a lot like that.” She drained the last of the burgundy liquid. “Those mares looked particularly uncomfortable. I remember a lot of grunting and kicking and blood. Lots of blood.”

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Laughter bubbled from Merenith. “Oh for goodness’ sake, Jahara, if anyone was listening to you, they’d never know you were a skilled healer.” She stood and collected the empty wine bottle and glasses. “Blood? That’s the last thing that should be upsetting you.” Merenith stared down at her, the humor gone from her face. “What about the men and everything they’re expected to do? That gets a little intimate, Jahara.” Merenith walked into the kitchen. “Well, it won’t mean anything if that’s what’s worrying you.” Jahara jumped up and followed her lover. “I mean…it’s just one or two times. Rutting. Nothing emotional. And who knows, there may be genetic advances in the next year or so with sperm that make them viable again for artificial insemination or better yet…cloning.” Merenith looked doubtful. “Whatever. I’m not sure why it’s even bothering me.” She reached for a glass to sanitize, but it slipped from her hand and shattered in the basin. Blood seeped from a jagged cut on Merenith’s palm. When Jahara reached to help, Merenith pulled from her. “I’m fine, you don’t need—” “Mer, don’t be silly.” Jahara took the woman’s hand in hers and let the warmth of her healing power flow through her, surrounding their hands in its soft white light. The flow of blood from Merenith’s hand stopped, the ripped flesh came back together, and the scab repaired instantly to healthy skin. Jahara brought Merenith’s healed palm to her lips, gently kissing the spot where the glass had torn her flesh. “Mer, it’s not like I’m the least bit attracted to men. I mean there’s nothing about them that’s the tiniest bit sexy. All their sex organs dangling about.” Jahara nibbled at her jaw. “Nothing like a woman’s soft, silky skin hiding her vulnerability.” “We’ve barely had a chance to get to know each other. And I guess I’m a little…” “Jealous? Of a man?” Now Jahara laughed. “It’s happened.” “I don’t believe it. Those rumors of men and women living together outside the law? How could that possibly be true?” Jahara toyed with the rings on Merenith’s fingers. “They’re just children’s tales meant to frighten. No more real than the desert horseman or the bloodthirsty animals of the night. They can’t be true. There’s no reason a woman would give up all we’ve worked so hard to build.” Jahara waved her hand around her beautiful home. “Men are only good for physical labor and breeding. Why would any woman choose to make a life with that? The plague may have decimated the male population, but it gifted us with so much.” Jahara kissed Merenith’s healed palm. “The power to heal, to communicate with animals.” She kissed her long fingers, working off one of Merenith’s rings studded with small jade stones. “The power of telepathy, telekinesis, visions and intellect. We have so much. Women are meant to be their own leaders. Now have you ever met a man with any of those gifts? Especially intellect?”

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Merenith giggled a nasally laugh. “No, I can’t say I have. Not in all the time I spent at the Garden or in my years since.” “There won’t be anyone else, Mer.” Jahara slipped the ring onto her finger. “This is my promise to you.” She wiggled her fingers, showing off the ring. “I can’t hold you to that.” “Do you not want me to have this?” Color crawled up Merenith’s cheeks. “I would be honored for you to wear it. At the very least you can claim you are promised.” She shrugged. “It does make the breeding a little less demanding and the breeders do stay away from those who are claimed.” “Well, then it’s decided. I’ll wear your ring. I’ll do anything to avoid the breeding obligation and keep the men from me. But really, can you imagine there’s a man on earth willing to have me longer than it takes to impregnate me?” They both laughed at the absurdity of her question.

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Chapter Two The helo-train rocked along the dusty road. Jahara could have taken the private air transport her Dame had offered, but she hadn’t wanted anyone to know she was the daughter of a government official—not yet. This ordeal was already more than she could handle. For the past two weeks she had handed patients over to other healers and trained an interim medical director who, she hoped, would continue to run the healing facility with professional efficiency. The healer she’d chosen was a gifted woman, but she didn’t have the focus for keeping detailed records as the government insisted. Jahara quaked at the thought of sifting through the megabytes of work that would accumulate over the next month. Merenith had promised to visit her at the Garden then and bring the hospital computer disks to update. One month. What will she have experienced in that time? Jahara pressed her fist to her stomach, trying to push away the nausea that came with every thought of procreation. For the past two weeks she’d quizzed Merenith about men, their private moments and the breeding act itself. If she’d thought the woman wouldn’t strangle her in bed while she’d slept, Jahara would have continued begging for details. As it was, Merenith had cut back her visits even as the time for Jahara’s departure had grown closer. Jahara wasn’t sure what had prompted her absence. Worrying the ring on her left hand, Jahara doubted Merenith understood she had taken this particular piece of jewelry because of its stone. Jade was the symbol for love and virtue. She hadn’t been brave enough to share that with her lover. Jahara wasn’t fool enough to believe she and Merenith had been together long enough to develop the deep connections required for a lasting relationship. She could only hope this time away would forge a bond she had been so desperately missing in her relationships with other women. But hearts were fickle creatures and heads couldn’t always control where they chose to go. What if Merenith found another while she was away? Jahara couldn’t think about that. Instead, she looked at the faces of the other girls on the helo-train, most still too young to be called women. These would be her breeding sisters. She wondered if fear shadowed her face as it did so many of theirs. A few huddled together in small groups, whispering and giggling. The majority, however, sat in silence, observing the skeletal cities of the ancients flashing by the windows. The buildings had fallen into ruins decades ago. The women had fled the crowded cities to save themselves and their daughters. It was rumored only wild animals and vegetation inhabited the dwellings where humans used to reside. Somewhere in the bowels of this wretched vehicle were the cases she’d packed, filled only with reading disks of research and tomes she’d never had a chance to peruse.

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There was no reason to pack clothing. According to the Garden, everything she needed would be provided. Anything brought in required sanitization. It was the only way to guarantee no viruses or foreign spores would infect the fragile systems of the men chosen for breeding. The poor things were such weak creatures. An involuntary shiver crawled up her spine. She’d been exposed to men her entire professional life. But she’d never had to think of them as anything more than a living creature in need of her talents—no different than the animals Merenith tended. The thought that she’d actually have to breed with one was more than she could handle. Closing her eyes, Jahara forced away the wretched thoughts and drifted into a deep meditation. She imagined herself in the cool tranquility of the mountains, far from the stifling heat of the city. It was the spot where she and Merenith had shared their first meeting. A pleasant picnic meal that had begun their courtship. The tight knots of tension in her shoulders relaxed as she focused on the cool breeze dancing with her hair. It sang through the pines and harmonized with the gentle murmur of the nearby river. The fall sun peeked through thick canopy, scattering droplets of light on the soft carpet of moss beneath her feet. A beetle buzzed nearby. It was joined by another and another until the buzzing became loud and persistent. Jahara opened her eyes, taking a moment to reorient herself. The noise had not come from insects, but rather the cacophony of female voices blending in excitement. She looked at her timepiece. She had been lost in her own head for over two hours. Not a good sign. Her meditations were taking her farther away from the natural world and deeper into her own reality. She knew better than to let herself free associate without someone to watch over her. She was grateful for the noise that had roused her. A body bumped into her. “Oh excuse me. I didn’t mean to wake you, but I just wanted to see it for myself.” The young woman bent over her, pointing out the window. “Isn’t the Garden of Serenity just about the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?” Nothing outside the train intrigued Jahara as much as the woman kneeling in the seat beside her. An obvious descendent of the Ennessy clan, her flaming red hair was cropped close to her scalp. The woman’s alabaster skin was luminescent in its transparent quality. Jahara’s gaze traveled the short length of the muscular arm thrust in front of her face ending in an equally thick, square hand that shook excitedly at the window. Jahara had heard of this clan that isolated themselves in the mountains, but she had never met anyone with Ennessy heritage. They must have picked her up at a stop while she’d been meditating. “Forgive me, my name’s Attika.” The hand that shook Jahara’s engulfed hers completely and she winced at the strong grip. “Gosh, I’m sorry. It’s my first time from my people. I’m a little excited and I forget my own strength. M’Dame warned me about how fragile others can be. Are you all right?”

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“I’m fine.” Jahara smiled at the woman who looked even younger than Merenith. Green eyes filled with worry stared at the hand she cradled in her lap. “Really, it’s fine.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “I’m Jahara Hri…” she stopped. There was no doubt this woman would recognize her Dame’s name. “Just call me Jahara.” Attika’s muscular legs stretched the seams on her cotton breeches when she flopped down in the seat next to her. Ennessy women required no males to help in their lands. Their physical prowess was well-known throughout the territory. Attika obviously had come from a long line of pure Ennessy descendents. Attika craned her squat neck to look out the window at the structure looming on the horizon. “Isn’t this just about the most exciting thing? I’ve been waiting to breed. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’m the youngest of five. My own Dame came here twice in her youth. Two of my birth-sisters were conceived in the same womb. How incredible would that be to bear twins?” Attika sighed. “All my birth-sisters had little girls whom they brought home. We have a very large birth family. This is the farthest I’ve ever traveled. I’m going to miss them, though I was so happy when the projection disk finally arrived.” Attika scrutinized Jahara, her gaze prickling along her skin. “How silly of me to ramble as if this was all new to you.” A blush crawled up her cheeks. “Not everyone’s as inexperienced as me. I’m sure this is like coming home to you.” “What makes you say that?” “Well…you’re old.” The words struck her as if she’d been slapped. “Forgive me. Have I overstepped my bounds? M’Dame would be so displeased.” Attika thumped back against the seat. “I do that. Talk too much and make assumptions about people. My gift is numbers, not visions. My mouth just seems to start going and the words fall out and before I know it, I’ve insulted everyone around me.” She waved at the air, as if brushing the thoughts away. “I can’t even begin to tell you how often I upset my birth-sisters. And elders? Well, I’d probably better not go there. The number I’ve offended can no longer be calculated without some algorithmic formula.” Turning to Jahara, Attika smiled. “And I’ve done it again. Blathered on until the first breeding sister I’ve met is ready to throw me off this helo-train.” Jahara wanted to defend herself. To explain to this child this was her first breeding season, but it wasn’t worth her effort. The girl was right. She was old. Much too old to be birthing children. “I’m not insulted.” She forced a smile. “I’m a little tired from the journey. If you don’t mind I’d rather just rest.” Attika put her fingers to her lips and made a locking motion. Morose, Jahara leaned back against the seat, watching the desert melt away into a fresh and breathtaking world. The Garden of Serenity was still miles away, but the curve of its roof reached high into the cerulean sky. It looked to be thirty stories, perhaps more at its peak. Arcing gracefully down to the earth like a rainbow, the edges were lost in the succulent green of the strange foliage.

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The dust on the edge of the road had given way just this side of the mountains, to long green shafts of plants that bowed and swayed in the wash of air from the train. The palm trees lining the road were new to her. She’d only seen pictures of them in textbooks. They were very different from the prickly pines that grew in the forests of the mountains where Jahara had grown up. Twenty minutes later as the train pulled up to the Garden, the car became unnaturally quiet. The luminous dome opened slowly and allowed the train entry. Her stomach dropped as she thought of being hermetically sealed into the confines of a building for two years. Jahara had no idea how she would survive. Like a fish caught in the current, she moved with the other women, stepping off the train and onto a reception deck. Women of all clans, dressed in pale yellow tunics and skirts, greeted them with unnaturally cheerful smiles. The doors of the building whooshed, closing away the outside world and trapping Jahara within their confines. Had she not seen it happen, Jahara would have believed they were still outside. A gentle breeze lifted wisps of hair and the bluest sky she’d ever seen arced over them. Though the false sunlight heated her skin, Jahara rubbed her hands vigorously over her biceps, trying to ward off the inexplicable chill coursing through her veins. “Fifty-two square miles in total, with twenty-eight square miles for agriculture.” Attika stood next to her, whispering in her ear. “There are five thousand three hundred fifty-two people of whom two thousand one hundred eleven call this their permanent home. Seventeen thousand six hundred nine megawatts of solar power required on a daily basis, with five hundred eighty-two wind turbines providing a backup source of energy. Two hundred five thousand, one hundred thirty-eight pounds of food consumed per day, that’s one million, four hundred thirty-five thousand, nine hundred, sixty-six pounds a week, all grown and cultivated inside the Garden. Four-point-two babies born per week, only two-point-one of whom live through their first month. There are forty-seven living abodes, thirty-one specifically for breeding, twenty-two billion—” “Attika,” Jahara said quietly, interrupting the verbal assault. “I get it. This place is big.” Attika’s face turned crimson. “Bad habit. The number thing, I mean. I already apologized for the rambling. When I get nervous or agitated, the numbers are the only thing I can focus on. As excited as I am, I’m also frightened. I’ve never seen a man before, let alone…” Her gaze dropped, her face deepening in color. “Well, you know…mated.” Apprehension coiled like wire around Jahara’s stomach. Despite what Attika thought, or any of the other woman who must look at her as some sort of elder, neither had she. The thought of a man doing what she had witnessed with Merenith’s stallions filled her throat with acid. “Welcome to the Garden of Serenity.” A woman stood high above them at a podium, her flaxen hair cascading over naked breasts and falling to her hips. “I am Kylie Giavenic, the hostess for your breeding group.” Her lilting voice hummed through the voice magnifier, drifting down on the one hundred or so women who had 15

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just stepped off the train. “As most of you know, the Garden is a closed ecosystem.” She paused to let the wash of the departing helo-train subside. “The greeters on the platform will separate you into groups of twenty and escort you to your temporary housing. This first living area is where your families, friends or partners will visit you.” The steady hum of doors could be heard. “You will spend only one night there, going through the purification.” The wall behind Kylie slowly receded, revealing an open-air foyer with large trees and flowering shrubs. “In the morning, you will enter the heart of the Garden where we hope to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.” Kylie lifted her hand gracefully in the air. “Welcome one and all to your new home. Please, come.” Despite the Garden’s benign appearance, Jahara moved with the throng, feeling very much as if she were walking straight into the lion’s den.

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Chapter Three Jahara flopped into the overstuffed armchair, resenting all they had put her through in the last eighteen hours. Last night she had experienced the trials of Hades. It had begun the moment they’d ushered them into the temporary housing area. Each woman had been given one opportunity to use a video-communicator, but she hadn’t even reached Merenith to tell her she’d arrived safely. There’d been no time to try again and certainly no time for the tears she’d wanted to shed before the connection dropped and another woman was allowed to go through the same ritual. Jahara understood they were trying to sever her attachments to her life outside this domain, but it only fueled her ire. No matter how they sugar-coated this thing, she didn’t want to be here. The purification Kylie had mentioned had been so much worse than anything she’d expected. After settling them into temporary suites, their hosts had filled them with a lavish meal served in a lovely outdoor restaurant with copious amounts of wine and spirits flowing endlessly. It was supposed to be an opportunity for Jahara to bond with her breeding sisters, but she was filled with so much bitterness she hadn’t been good company for anyone. She’d sat eating the food flavored with a bitter spice, offended the government required her to fulfill her obligation to an outdated law. She answered inquiries about her personal life politely but offered only minimal amounts of information. Jahara wasn’t here to make friends. Eventually, the women at her table had given up asking her questions. She finished her meal listening to them giggle and prattle on about men and sex until she’d had all she could do not to scream at them to stop twittering like hens. Kylie had circulated around the tables in a flowing white chiffon dress that swirled about as if she radiated the false moonlight itself. Conversing with the women in overly cheery tones, she attempted to keep their minds off the obligation they were brought here to fulfill. It hadn’t helped. The sound of the anxious chattering rose exponentially with the amount of wine being consumed. The women spoke of men with so little knowledge, Jahara wondered if anyone had taught them anything in school. She’d sat with her tongue painfully pinched between her teeth, refusing to correct the things they accepted as facts. Someone else could dispel the myths these stupid girls believed to be true. Returning to her room, wanting only to fall into bed and mourn the loss of her life as she knew it, Jahara’s bowels had begun convulsing painfully. Everything she’d consumed began purging itself from her body. Through every orifice available to her 17

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digestive system, she released the contents of her stomach. Not just the meager meal she’d picked at, but from the profuse amounts of liquid leaving her body, probably everything she’d eaten within the last few weeks. For several hours, her body flushed everything. Attika, who had asked to room with her, had experienced the same unpleasant reaction to the food. She’d spent time in the adjoining bathroom retching until the two of them, spent and weak, had crawled into their beds, moaning in pain and discomfort. Jahara cursed herself for not having recognized the ancient herb that had been mixed in her food. It was once widely used to cleanse sickness from anyone who consumed it. She knew it from her training as a healer. It had been years since she’d prescribed it to any of her patients. There were other less foul ways to cure an ailing body. Only hours after she slipped into a restless sleep, two women entered their room unannounced. Their jovial voices raised Jahara’s hackles. With military practice, they stripped Attika and her naked and led them back into their separate bathrooms. Closing her in a cubicle, the woman instructed Jahara to stand still. Chemical sprays pummeled her, filling her lungs with noxious fumes. The resulting coughing fit brought up copious amounts of phlegm. She wondered if the torturous ritual would ever be complete. By the time she stepped from the intense green lights that dried and prickled her skin, her attendant was stripped naked. She led Jahara to the large communal shower where she met Attika and her attendant. The women scrubbed every part of their bodies until their skin was red from the sharp bristles of the brush and harsh soap. They inserted antibiotics into their vaginas and rectums. Jahara was humiliated by the horrible invasion of her body and the women’s lack of modesty. Only pride kept the tears burning in her eyes from running unchecked down her cheeks. Even Attika had not uttered a sound during the hour it took them to complete the cleansing. The only consolation was the massage the woman had given her with the sweetsmelling lotion after the bathing had been completed. Laying her on the bed of fresh linens, the woman rubbed every inch of Jahara’s sensitive skin with gentle hands that stroked and probed. Using the sensual kneading to apologize for what she’d put Jahara through, her voice was repentant and soothing. Jahara heard Attika’s muffled moans of climax across the room, but had no problem ignoring the intimate caresses on her own body. No one here would ever satisfy her. She drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Merenith’s gentle touch. This morning, fresh fruit and coconut milk had been left. Jahara ate cautiously, unsure whether the food would stay down. Their traveling garments had been replaced with flimsy tunics and pants made of nearly transparent gossamer fabric. Her black triangle of pubic hair was as obvious as Attika’s bright red curls and their areolas visible through the low-cut tunic that exposed a good portion of their cleavage.

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Jahara wondered whether they were stripping away any sense of modesty. It didn’t matter. She would do her time here in whatever manner the administration of the Garden saw fit to put her through. They left their room through a hermetically sealed door and followed their breeding sisters through the streets to another building. Women in yellow separated the crowd into smaller clusters and sorted them into various meeting rooms. Jahara now sat next to Attika in the brightly lit room, feeling very apprehensive about what this day would bring. Looking around, she noted the stunned expressions of the nineteen other women and knew they had endured the same humiliation the night before. The plush, faux leather chairs were arranged in a semicircular fashion, facing a wall that projected the hologram of a tropical garden. The birds chirping in the background were no doubt being piped in through some hidden speaker system. She hadn’t been here twenty-four hours and Jahara wanted nothing more than to run back home. If last night was any indication of the trials ahead, her life was about to become a living underworld of misery. Not that she expected anything different. Kylie strode into the room, her shoulders thrown back to expose her perky breasts, her dusky nipples steepled. A white skirt wrapped low around her hips, billowing down in soft waves to brush along her ankles adorned with gold jeweled bands. “Good morning.” She stretched the words out in a long singsong tone that raised the hair on Jahara’s neck. “I trust you all slept well?” A graceful hand adorned with many rings brushed back her sweeping mane of hair. “We do apologize for the cleansing, but it is a necessary step all women must endure before entering the Garden proper.” She cupped the face of the woman closest to her, a plastic smile conveying an empathy Jahara didn’t feel. “Men are such weak creatures,” she continued. “We fuss continually about their immune systems. We can’t be too cautious about outside spores, bacteria or viruses.” Kylie strutted to the center of the room. “That’s the only time you have to go through that unless you have visitors. Then you must leave here and go through it again before reentering the Garden.” “Doesn’t look like my family will be visiting,” Attika whispered. “I have no intention of enduring that torture again.” She shot Jahara a tremulous smile. “The only comfort was the wonderful massage. I haven’t slept that well in months.” Kylie paraded in front of the women, her hands fluttering over her flat abdomen as she preened for the new breeders. “Today you will hear a brief history of the Garden of Serenity, learn about our laws and,” she paused for effect, “meet a male breeder.” Murmurs rolled through the group, and Kylie’s synthetic smile of satisfaction flashed again. Jahara wanted to scream. The other young women might be buying Kylie’s sincerity, but Jahara knew it was as false as the golden mass of hair. Kylie wasn’t Olakuma, her eye lashes and brows were much too dark.

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“The law enacted by the ancients guaranteed the human population would continue to grow.” The hologram of the Garden behind her melted away, the chirping of the birds seamlessly moved into muted strains of classical music. The picture was replaced by video of men lying in beds, ten rows deep, their papery skin covering nothing but bone. A gasp rose from the group. Jahara had seen pictures like this before, but the suffering always made her ache. “This is the plague that happened in the early twenty-first century, decimating the male population. As you know, there are less than one million people in the Eastern Territory, by last census. Ninety-five percent who are female.” The old video slid flawlessly into a series of pictures depicting small groups of women standing with young children. “In order to preserve their futures, young women isolated themselves in communal clans. They castrated their male young, ensuring them life, but losing their ability to procreate. The government allowed the insemination of these clusters from the same sperm donor on a limited basis. Frozen stores were distributed throughout the regions, hence, the small pockets of clans that have survived the generations.” A video of ancient healers covered in blue environ-suits replaced the women. “Unfortunately, despite every effort to impregnate only healthy females, some women who had not suffered the effects of the virus were still carriers. The male fetuses were spontaneously aborted and few female children survived beyond the first month.” The healers faded away and a graph appeared. “When sperm supplies ran out, Congress enacted the law requiring all healthy women to birth two children. Though our population has slowly grown, it has not reached the projected level the government had hoped to achieve by this century.” She motioned to the nearly level line beside her. “So, we continue to uphold the decree enacted nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. Some of you are third generation coming to the Garden to procreate.” Jahara found Kylie’s bored voice and artificial smile nauseating. Stewing in bitterness, she wondered for whom the woman before her preened. But the rapt fascination on her breeding sisters’ faces gave her the answer. The graph became a hologram of a woman in what must have been her last trimester of pregnancy. Her beautiful breasts and belly disproportionately protruded from her body. While many of her classmates gasped in awe, Jahara’s stomach roiled at the thought of what a child would do to her body. She already questioned her attractiveness. No doubt Merenith would be repulsed by her body swollen to that proportion. A wave of disgust rolled over her, leaving goose-pimpled flesh in its wake. “Birthing is a privilege few will accomplish. Our conception rate is high, but many fetuses, for medical reasons still unknown, are lost within the first trimester.” The woman in the hologram lay down on a bed. “Now don’t be alarmed by what you see next.” Healers moved in with scalpels, cutting the skin on her abdomen and removing a baby from her uterus. All the while, the birth mother kept her smile firmly in place. “As

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you can see, skilled healers will assist in the delivery, you will be aware but without pain.” One healer whisked the baby from the frame while the other moved in to heal the wound. “That is the birthing process. Simple and easy.” Kylie’s acidic words rode on a thick syrup of sweetness. “Our ancestors suffered many hours to bring forth their offspring, but that is no longer the case. You may be awake or in a hypnotized state so you don’t remember, the choice will be yours. You will notice,” the hologram showed the same woman post birth, “child bearing leaves no aftereffects on your body. Our healers take great care not to leave any scars.” Kylie slowly untied the bands of her skirt, letting it float to the floor. Though her mons was free of hair, the soft wisps covering her extremities offered more proof of her false clan representation. Jahara wondered about her reasons. “I am proud to say I have birthed two offspring and my partner still finds me as desirable as the first time I met her.” Applause broke out. Kylie was a beautiful woman, there was no denying it. Merenith showed no signs of the horrors Jahara had just witnessed. Of course the healers would not let patients leave their care with scars. She prided herself on leaving the wounds of her patients in a healthier state than they had been before an accident. The hologram of the Garden returned and Kylie continued, unfazed by her complete nakedness in front of strangers. “The plague was horrible for the human population and it changed our ancestors forever. Over the generations, the virus that killed so many reconfigured the female DNA, giving many of us great gifts. Though I have the gift of instruction, some of you, the gift of machines, visions and prophecy or numbers.” Her mouth curved in a smile, but the emotion didn’t soften the hard look in her eyes. “But there is no gift bestowed upon any woman greater than the gift of healing. I know you don’t realize it, but you have among your breeding sisters one of the most talented healers of our time.” Jahara swiveled her head, searching for one of her more-famous colleagues. “Dr. Jahara Hriznek, please, don’t be shy, won’t you please stand.” Kylie waved her hand in her direction as applause once again broke out in the room. Shaking her head, Jahara put her hand to her chest, the heat rising in her face until she was sure the crimson flush on her cheeks was apparent even to those across the room. Walking over to her, Kylie pulled her up by the elbow. “This is Dr. Jahara Hriznek, birth child to the Honorable Ryniah Hriznek, chief administrator of the Eastern Territory. We’ve been waiting a long time for her to arrive. This is her first breeding season.” Kylie emphasized the number with smug superiority. “You should be honored to call her sister.” The clapping and whispers rang unnaturally loud in Jahara’s ears. “She’s not only here to breed, but she’s agreed to work in our healing facility. She may help deliver your offspring.” The applause grew louder.

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Watching Kylie’s firm bottom retreat, Jahara dropped back into the chair, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Mortified by both the revelation that this was her first visit to the Garden and that she would birth the children was almost too much for her to bear. When she’d made arrangements to work in the hospital, no one had mentioned the birthing. “You never said anything.” Attika spoke over the clapping. “Healers from my village talk about you all the time.” Attika rose to her feet, her hands slapping together with such enthusiasm the others couldn’t help but rise until everyone stood in the room save for Jahara. “Thank you.” Jahara waved them off. Her embarrassment was now burning her ears. The clapping finally subsided and the women settled back into their seats. She had not expected such adulation. “There is much to learn today, my sisters. This next part is my favorite.” Rubbing her hands together, Kylie’s voice became almost giddy. “The moment you all have been anticipating and probably secretly fearing for a long time. Your first look at an adult male breeder.” Stepping back, the hologram parted. “Please meet my current breeding partner Brenimyn.” After the loud clapping, the silence filling the room was deafening.

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Chapter Four The man walking through the holographic garden was just about the most perfect specimen of a human male Jahara had ever seen. The sleeveless, pale jade tunic was cut with a V that plunged just below his navel. The deep bronze of his skin glowed copper in the false sunlight pouring through the overhead windows of the low ceiling. His chest and arms were sculpted with muscles Jahara had only seen on the physiques of the trainers they used at the university where she’d honed her healing talents. As he rotated for the women, the loose-fitting pants could not disguise the narrow hips or the tight, chiseled roundness of his backside. Walking to the center of the room, he continued to model for them. The heavy set of his genitals swayed with each step of his bare feet. The thick mop of blond waves on his head belied his ancestry. He was true Olakuma, unlike Kylie. Only his eyes were different. They weren’t the deep blue of a raging river like Merenith’s, but the color of liquid ice. The irises were rimmed with a deep black ring that accented the pupil. Either his Dame or her male breeder had come from the Chinigan clan, like Jahara’s ancestors. No doubt this male was the reason Kylie faked her ancestry. As the woman walked up behind him, Jahara couldn’t deny they made a striking couple. Kylie’s pride in her breeding partner was obvious in the possessive way she ran one hand up his torso, the other squeezing the firm curve of his buttocks. Crossing his arms over his chest, he smiled down at Kylie. With his feet spread nearly shoulder’s width, Brenimyn still towered over the instructor, and Jahara was once again drawn to the top of his thighs. The light from the holograph shown through the fabric and the shadow of his genitals was mesmerizing. Sweeping one arm behind him and one at his waist, the man bowed low as he spoke. “Welcome, cherished of humans, females of breeding age, gifted women and bearers of offspring.” The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through Jahara like a bow pulled slowly across a violin string. As he straightened again, his eye trapped hers and he smiled. “It is a privilege and an honor to be in your presence.” Inclining his head, Jahara felt his gaze on her like fingers caressing her cheek. Bringing her hand to her face, she tried to wipe away the feeling. Her reaction to this man both stunned and amazed her. She was almost old enough to have been Dame to the young girls ogling this foreigner like an extinct animal. She was a healer with years of experience, after all. How many times had she mended a thigh or a stomach of one of the construction workers brought to the healing facility with horrendous wounds? She had seen any number of naked men. What was it about this man that piqued her curiosity?

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Suddenly flustered by his frank perusal, Jahara folded her arms over her beaded nipples and crossed her legs to ease the heaviness burning between her thighs. Heat rose in her cheeks once again and she flushed as his stare trailed embers down her arm. This was foolish, Jahara chided herself. Every female must be experiencing this same illusion of touch. It must be something Kylie was doing. But when Jahara pulled her gaze from Brenimyn to look over at Attika, she saw only Attika’s slack jaw and bulging eyes. Amazement painted her face, not the flush of an intimate touch that Jahara was attempting to erase from her skin. Kylie looked up at her mate, the curve of her mouth reminding him she was in control. He cast his eyes at his feet. “Today, I become not your hostess, but your teacher,” Kylie said. “Mating is a very misunderstood ritual, but a necessary one if we are to continue increasing the female population. There’s no guarantee, however, that when you are impregnated you will carry a female child.” She looked over her shoulder at the regal man whose eyes remained focused on the floor. “Prior to the plague, sperm was collected from males and routinely mixed with the eggs of women and implanted back into the uterus. Fetuses developed normally and offspring were birthed. Everything about those children was normal. Since the time of the virus, however, the fragile systems of the men who survived have made this technique impossible. Sperm exposed to air dies immediately, rendering it useless. Until such time as our esteemed researchers can perfect impregnation without the use of sperm, it is a necessary evil to foster the growth of male fetuses and ensure the continued survival of the human race.” Jahara hadn’t thought much about men and their role in the world. They were laborers and breeders and she believed they accepted their lot in life. In her twentyeight years, nothing had disproved her theory. But the way Kylie spoke, she understood the instructor insinuated the continued existence of females specifically. Kylie intimated that there would be a day when only human females walked the earth. But all creatures were on the earth for a purpose, weren’t they? In the twentieth century, humans had caused the extinction of many animals and plants, but steps had been taken to ensure it would not continue to happen. Surely the creators of the Gardens weren’t expecting to decimate half a species, were they? The thought soured the meager meal in her stomach. “Unfortunately, mating is something all females must endure until impregnated. The male’s life essence must travel directly from the breeder’s body into the female womb or conception will not take place.” The women shifted uncomfortably in their chairs. Everyone knew what Kylie’s last sentence intimated—copulation. “There are only three laws here at the Garden.” Kylie lifted her index finger. “The first and most important law—no man may ever mate with a woman without her verbal

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permission and once given, the woman may at any time ask the mating to stop. You ladies are in control at all times.” She held up another finger. “Second—the life essence of a man, which contains the life-giving sperm, must never be wasted. A man must leave his seed only in a woman’s vagina. Never,” she paused for emphasis, “may he ejaculate in any other orifice, or may a man ever pleasure himself to the point of climax. And three,” she held up her ring finger, glinting with a gold band of commitment, “you have the right to choose one man for breeding, or mate with multiple men. Again, the choice is yours.” She searched the faces of each of the women to be sure all understood. Satisfied she’d conveyed the three laws, Kylie continued in her lilting tone. “After today, you will be expected to mate with a male at least four days out of seven, except during your menstrual cycle. If your supervising healer confirms a regular ovulation after the second month it may be necessary only for you to copulate during a fourteenday timespan. But not every woman is that fortunate. Once you are with child, you must move out of the breeding wings and be housed with other pregnant women. Of course for the safety of the fetus, copulation is forbidden. Also, once you are impregnated, you will not be allowed outside visitors to the Garden.” A collective groan rose from the group, including Jahara. Merenith must have remembered that detail. The betrayal slammed into her with such force she lost all the air in her lungs. Nine months without outside visitors. How would she ever survive this ordeal? “I know that’s not easy to hear,” Kylie said, the condescending tone of her voice conveying no sympathy. “But it’s the only way we can ensure the safety of the fetuses.” Narrowing her eyes at Jahara, Kylie flashed a condescending smile. “Many of you more experienced with women may find the mating ritual disturbing.” Jahara worked not to squirm under her stony gaze. “But it can also be very enjoyable, especially for those of you not so experienced. Our breeders have been taught the art of satisfying a woman while still performing their duties. We also have trained female breeding guides to help with the ritual. Again, the choice is yours. This is about you, not your mate.” Kylie pointed to the women as she talked. “Your comfort and pleasure, not the breeder’s. Men are here to serve and service you.” Emphasizing the last word, Kylie turned to the man holding himself with dignity though his eyes never looked away from the floor. “What is your role, Brenimyn?” “My sole purpose is to mate with females in the most pleasurable method possible. I will cause no pain and minimal contact if that is what is desired.” Kylie’s mouth curved in approval. “We have found over the years that women are better able to handle their first mating if they see a live demonstration. Holographic images do not have the impact that two humans can give you.” For a moment, so brief Jahara thought she’d imagined

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it, revulsion shadowed Kylie’s features, but just as quickly the woman shook her blonde tresses and inhaled composure. “Copulation is nothing to be ashamed of; it is necessary for our continued survival. Couples often mate in public areas. I stand before you naked today because our bodies are beautiful and should not be hidden. For convenience, many women choose not to wear clothing. Your own garments were simply for your comfort, but they are unnecessary in the controlled environment of the Garden.” She swept her arm around the room. “Now, before Brenimyn and I demonstrate mating techniques, I’d like you to get a closer look at a perfect male specimen.”

***** Patience. That’s what was required of him. But damn, he’d been treading water a hell of a long time while he waited for destiny to change the course of his life. Brenimyn didn’t enjoy these monthly exhibitions any more than he liked copulating with Kylie. Though she’d never admit it, she detested his touch. He didn’t mind. It was less confusing without emotions getting all tangled in their peculiar relationship. Since arriving at the Garden three years ago, Brenimyn had become accustomed to arrogant women who thought they were the only intelligent creatures walking this earth. Kylie was a prime example of that conceited attitude personified. To the women before him, he was nothing more than a stud. Stupid, beastly and— inhuman. Oh, if only they knew what he could do, they wouldn’t think themselves so superior, now would they? But the time had not come to travel that particular road. Preparations still needed to be made. In the meantime, he would swallow his pride and let the mauling begin. “Their physiques are quite different from ours, not all cushy and round. Rather ugly if you ask me.” Kylie pulled off Brenimyn’s tunic and smiled up at him. “Sorry, Brenimyn. I know the truth stings.” Forcing his lips to lift, he bent and kissed her cheek. “Nothing is as beautiful and sweet as a woman, Kylie. Not even the flowers in the gardens.” “Thank you.” She callously patted his stomach with a cold hand. “Now, Brenimyn is going to take off his breeches. Though you all studied anatomy in school, the first look at a man’s genitals can be shocking.” Brenimyn untied the cords at his belly slowly, seductively. This was the only time he had control and he stretched the moments out until the females before him leaned forward in breathless anticipation. His eyes locked on the only woman in the room who seemed less interested in this whole charade than him. The raven-haired beauty actually looked lost despite the maturity lining her face. Her hand caressed her cheek even as he thought of her. Her eyes shifted uncomfortably around the room, not

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watching as the fabric pooled at his bare feet and the inevitable gasp of awe echoed off the walls. “Please come up and have a closer look,” Kylie said. Her hand fondled his buttocks. Touch but don’t desire, this one is mine, her caress communicated to the breeders even as her lips curved into that plastic smile he’d come to despise. “My mate is a wondrous specimen.” Brenimyn resented Kylie. He belonged to no one. Least of all her. On shaky legs, the dark-haired woman approached with all the others. Her gaze searched everywhere but the one place he willed her to look—his face. For some reason, he wanted her to see him, not as a supplier of sperm, but as a man. Like all the others, her eyes focused only on his physique. Her gaze slid over his well-defined chest he worked hard to maintain. She followed the small line of blond curls around his navel then lower. From her frank appraisal, he wondered if she had ever seen a human male as natural as the day he was birthed. This woman was no different from all the others. Disappointment slumped his shoulders. Winding her fingers into the yellow mass of curls, Kylie’s fingers cradled Brenimyn’s testicles. “Touch everything, it’s all right.” At Kylie’s tone, Brenimyn dropped his gaze to the floor. He worked to block out the uncomfortable flurry of fingers petting his skin. He thought again of the Governmental Body of the Garden and wondered how much longer they would keep him as head of the male breeding population if Kylie didn’t conceive soon. As much as he abhorred this display, he needed to be here. He was desperate to meet all the new women entering the Garden. After the mating ritual with Kylie, he’d circulate through the other instructing rooms under the pretense of checking his breeders. Surely the woman he sought would be among this breeding class. Although the girls currently giggling and fondling his body couldn’t really be classified as women, now could they? Lost in his own thoughts, Brenimyn wasn’t prepared for the shock wave tearing through him like a jolt of electricity. He stared at the fingers trembling along his forearm then into the amber pools that had held his gaze since he entered the room. He wasn’t supposed to meet the women’s eyes when they were this close, but the unexpected tingle of awareness had broken his usually stoic concentration. The beautiful brunette looked at him through thick lashes as if she recognized him. Her mouth trembled with a smile. Did she feel it too? He studied her, trying to discern if she sensed the flow of knowledge rushing between them. He didn’t have time to consider the implications when Kylie asked the women to step back, breaking the contact that bound Brenimyn to the woman. “They’re different, these male animals, but not so unlike us.” Kylie tapped the floor with a jeweled toe and a bed rose behind them. “Come. Position yourselves around so everyone can see. There should be plenty of room.” Brenimyn assumed his role as submissive once again and stepped back, sitting on the edge of the bed. Kylie droned out instructions as she mechanically moved between

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his thighs. He laved his tongue over her breasts, circling her nipples, his hands resting lightly on her hips. Her body didn’t respond to his intimate touch. He was on autopilot now. They both were. “Sex with a man is not so different from being with a female lover.” Her upbeat tone belied her boredom. Brenimyn ran his hands over Kylie’s buttocks, kneading the mounds before sliding around to splay his fingers on her thighs. She sidestepped, allowing him access to her sex. “They have been taught all the sensitive spots and just how to touch a woman. Mmmm, that’s nice, Brenimyn.” There was no heat in Kylie’s voice as he parted her folds. No gasps of desire as his fingers circled her clitoris. How he yearned to have a woman beneath him who desired the coupling, not the acquiescence of a woman hellbent on birthing more females. Kylie was already moist from the artificial lubricant she inserted to make their mating more comfortable. The women watching would think it was her natural moisture glistening on his fingers. “Lie back, Brenimyn.” Reclining on the pillows, Brenimyn was still flaccid. It was becoming increasingly difficult to be aroused by Kylie. “Copulation cannot take place until the male penis is fully engorged with blood.” Brenimyn heard the repulsion laced through Kylie’s words. “We call this an erection. Sometimes this requires stimulation.” Kylie looked down at him, forcing a smile on her face. “Whether you ask your mate to do it or you do it is up to you.” She looked hopefully around the sea of faces whose eyes were wide with fear and mouths unhinged with awe. “Would anyone like to feel Brenimyn’s penis fill with blood and become erect?” Kneeling beside him on the satin spread, Kylie flashed a hopeful smile. Brenimyn understood the breeding instructor had no desire to arouse him. Fine by him, he didn’t really want her hands on his body. At the moment, Brenimyn wanted only one woman to touch him. He watched her step forward out of the crowd. The look of confusion contorting her features was so cute, he had to bite back a smile. These women wouldn’t like it if they knew what he could do. “Oh Jahara, thank you,” Kylie said. “But I’m sure you’ve seen many men in your years of healing. Would anyone else like to try?” So, the raven-haired beauty was a healer. Interesting how she’d stared at him as if she’d never seen a naked man. He knew there would be hell to pay later, but he spoke up anyway. “I don’t mind the healer…if it would please you, Kylie.” Brenimyn kept his voice even, his tone quiet. He definitely wanted the healer to touch him again.

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“I suppose.” Kylie dragged out the last word. “Yes, that would be fine.” Kylie’s voice was tight as she sat back on her heels. With a wave of her hand, she invited Jahara to touch. “Simply stroke him as you would your lover.” She laughed. “Well, not exactly the same, but you get the idea. Close your eyes if it’s easier.” The healer called Jahara stared at Brenimyn’s navel, her hand reaching out tentatively to caress his stomach. The corner of her mouth trembled. Sliding down his belly, her fingers pushed through the curls at the base of his penis and it quivered to life. Now, this woman he could enjoy. She massaged up the shaft, squeezing the tip with gentle pressure. Brenimyn had to bite back an oath as she added force to her caress. The heat of her touch boiled his blood and pooled in his cock, making him instantly firm and ready. He wanted nothing more than to pull her down on him and feel her wet heat surround him. “Thank you, Jahara. That’s enough.” Kylie sounded disgusted. But perhaps it was his own perverse pleasure at his exchange with Jahara. Kylie had never made him ready so quickly. Jahara stepped back into the anonymity of the crowd. Brenimyn felt once again the break in their odd connection. He didn’t have time to contemplate his reaction to this stranger before Kylie straddled his hips. “Now, there are countless positions for copulation. Penetration isn’t so much different from a neuro stimulator inserted in your vagina. Though definitely not as arousing.” Brenimyn always appreciated that little insult. The woman had no idea how he could make her body sing if he really cared, but she was too blind to understand that male bodies were made not only for procreation but for the pleasure of a woman. Though they’d invented contraptions like the neuro stimulator, women still didn’t understand that ninety percent of sexual pleasure happened in the mind, not the nerves of the vagina. Until they did, men would never be elevated to their rightful place. Reluctantly joining his body with Kylie’s, Brenimyn went through the motions of copulation. In the next few minutes, they would both buck and moan—all the appropriate motions of breeding. But neither of them would walk away physically satisfied. That didn’t mean he couldn’t entertain himself and perhaps enjoy a little psychological release.

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Chapter Five “Jahara, there is much you need to do.” The familiar words echoed in her head. “The sun’s warmth calls to you. The day beckons.” “Oh shut up, you infernal machine,” she mumbled into her pillow. “The day beckons.” “Stop!” Jahara yelled the command at the computer to cease its irritating imitation of her Dame. For whatever reason, the person who’d programmed her living abode felt her Dame’s voice would comfort. She hadn’t lived with the woman in over a decade and the sound of her voice only angered Jahara. Her Dame should have been able to help her avoid this most unpleasant of tasks. But what was done was done and there was no turning back. Jahara pushed back the sleepy edges of her dream with the blankets on the bed and swung her feet to the plush carpet. It had been a lonely night, wrestling with the sheets and mourning the loss of her life outside the confines of the Garden. She slogged into the adjoining bathroom, attempting to clear away the last vestiges of the nightmarish dream that still had her heart pounding in terror. Images of Merenith, writhing male bodies, erect penises, unseen enemies and swollen bellies continued to flash through her mind. Splashing cold water on her face, she stared at the reflection of a haggard and worn woman. Evidence of the restless night clung to her eyes. The whites were streaked with red from the countless tears she’d shed and the skin below them was puffy and bruised. “Jahara Hriznek, get over it. They were dreams. Manifestations of your own subconscious, nothing more. You’re not a visionary. Your nightmares mean nothing. There are no enemies at the Garden, save for your own trepidation. You miss your life and fear what’s to come. Plain and simple.” Jahara didn’t normally talk to herself, but she found solace in the sound of her voice. Alone now for almost twenty-four hours, it helped fill the void of the empty apartment. “Mating is not betrayal. Keep repeating it, you might actually come to believe it.” She let out a caustic laugh as she left the bathroom, trying to ignore her reflection in the mirrored ceiling bedroom. Jahara still felt she was cheating on the promise of fidelity she’d given Merenith. Though the woman hadn’t uttered the words herself, Jahara needed to believe she had a woman waiting on the outside the walls of this mixed-up world. She fingered the ring on her finger, knowing it held no significance but hoping it would hold off the inevitable breeding as long as possible. “Right, you silly woman. Tell yourself fear had nothing to do with it.”

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Jahara entered the living space with its high ceilings and dining area, pausing for a moment to stare out the glass doors on her right. The surface of the pool on the private terrace sparkled with the jewels of unnatural sunlight. She debated going for a swim, but the exercise hadn’t helped last night and she didn’t expect it would work off the nervous energy coursing through her this morning. “You need to choose a breeder, mate, get pregnant, birth the babies and go home.” Saying it that way made it sound so simple, but the nausea clawing its way into her throat spoke otherwise. Instead of swimming, she headed around the plush couch, turning left down the hall, past the second bedroom, and into her study at the end of the corridor. Someone had delivered and unpacked her personal belongings as she’d napped in the sun on the back deck yesterday. If people could come and go from her living quarters, Jahara wondered why they’d bothered to program the front door with her fingerprint identification. She stared at the camera in the corner, a red lighting blinking as if counting off the seconds of her imprisonment. They were placed strategically throughout the apartment. Everywhere except the two bathrooms. She’d wondered how administration knew how often a woman copulated until she’d seen the evil eyes mounted in every room, invading her privacy. “Copulating for enjoyment, indeed. Whose enjoyment, mine or the observers?” She stuck her tongue out at the camera. The hologram of the desert and mountains that she’d programmed for this room did nothing to help her surly mood. Jahara touched the dark screen of the videocommunicator sitting on the desk next to her private computer. The ache of homesickness squeezed her chest. In the relative privacy of her office last night, she’d finally reached Merenith. She’d been granted a thirty-minute connection. They lamented together about the horrible cleansing and the ritual mating she’d witnessed. She hadn’t told Merenith she’d been too frightened to go through with her first mating and that a breeding guide and her partner would arrive sometime this evening. Merenith hadn’t asked about it either. Jahara hoped it had more to do with jealousy than lack of concern. The singing chime of the doorbell startled her. Scurrying down the hall, Jahara tried to figure out who could be here at such an early hour. She rushed through the great room, bumping her hip on the dining table as she turned into the small kitchen. She didn’t even bother to check the peephole before pressing the button that retracted the door. “It’s your wake-up call,” Attika announced. “Can’t be late on our first day.” Despite her muscular frame, Attika moved with exceptional grace over the threshold, swirling Jahara’s robe in her wake. “Jahara, you’re not even dressed.” Attika looked at the timepiece at her wrist. “We’ve barely an hour before we have to be at the healing facility. I do hate being late. I’m so excited. I didn’t take time to eat.” Like tiny explosions of sound, her words came out in staccato bursts.

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Looking around the kitchen, Attika spotted the empty decanter on the shelf. “You haven’t even made morning tea? Have you eaten?” She fisted her hands on her broad hips. “You go shower, or do whatever you do in the morning, obviously you can’t wear that.” Attika waved her hand the length of Jahara’s body. “You need to put on office clothing.” She smiled down at her own attire. The pale blue wrap dress was belted loosely at Attika’s waist, exposing most of her plentiful bosom and the flat muscles of her stomach. “Shows off my figure quite nicely if I may say so myself and Zenick let me know he approved of how I looked before I left this morning.” Her cheeks flushed as she ran her fingers down the generous opening at the front of her dress. “We’ll talk about all that over our morning meal. Go. I’ll put together a little something for us to eat.” Turning to the refrigerator, Attika didn’t bother to see if Jahara had complied with her command. Laughing at her new friend, Jahara returned to her bathroom and her morning routine. Twenty minutes later they were seated at the dining table, feasting on the fresh fruit and pastries Attika had found in the fridge. Everything they needed was provided by the administrators of the Garden. Yesterday, to ease the dull ache of loneliness, Jahara had wandered from the rather large complex of breeding apartments through the Garden proper, the area where residences, administrative buildings and buildings for essentials were located. Stopping at the bakeries and small shops, Jahara had used only a small portion of her weekly credits to stock up on food and clothing. The delivery service had unpacked it before she’d returned home from her walk. Obviously there would be no secrecy in her life for a very long time. The herbal tea Attika poured into their cups was bitter. Jahara knew it wouldn’t have the energy-boosting effects of the rich brew she usually made, but it was hot and helped wash down the dry multigrain pastries. “So anyway, I got to try both of them.” Attika spoke around a mouthful of fruit. “M’Dame will be so pleased. She hoped I’d find a breeder with Ennessy ancestry. You can’t imagine how happy I was when there was not one but two standing there among the men. Kylie must have seen my confusion because she came right over and suggested we all go into one of the private rooms. I didn’t have to pick, but I could see if I wanted one or both as a mate.” Tipping back her cup, Attika drained the liquid. “It was amazing, the whole thing. The breeders were wonderful really. It’s just incredible how well trained they are. I was so nervous about that first mating, but the men touched and stroked me until I was begging them to mate.” She popped a strawberry into her mouth. “Kylie and her breeder made it look sort of…I don’t know…” She lifted her shoulder, red flags coloring her cheeks. “You know, boring. But it’s not, is it? It’s the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. I can only hope I don’t get pregnant too soon. I mean, it’s not like I’ve never been with a woman, but no neuro stimulator ever brought on an orgasm so intense. And when both of them—”

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“Attika.” Jahara didn’t want to hear about the woman’s private matters. “I mean, really, not at the morning meal.” Staring into the amber liquid, Jahara swiveled the cup in her hands, sending the dark sediments churning. She couldn’t tell this child she had vomited twice before realizing she just couldn’t go through with the mating yesterday. “I’m sorry, Jahara. How silly of me. In the end, I chose Zenick.” Attika poured more tea into her cup and sipped thoughtfully. “I mean, I know I could have chosen both, but it didn’t seem right. And Zenick, well…you should see him. My birth-sisters had told me about Ennessy men’s…” Pausing, she waved her fingers over her lap. “His penis is…huge. That’s all I can say. Zenick was so much larger than the other breeder. I thought I wouldn’t be able to take all of him inside me, but that first time he entered so slowly.” Attika fell back against the seat, her head resting on the high back of the chair. A look of ecstasy relaxing her normally intense features. “It was painful and exhilarating and I climaxed several times before he spilled his essence.” Leaning forward on her elbows, Attika leaned in conspiratorially. “I felt sort of bad for the other breeder when I didn’t pick him. He did look disappointed. But really, they know the women choose. It’s not like there’s any emotional attachment. He’ll get over it. Right?” Attika stopped talking and stared at Jahara, her features morphing from elation to confusion. “Jahara, are you all right? You look ill. You’ve hardly touched your meal.” “No, I’m fine. What were you saying?” Jahara continued to stare into her cup, her appetite for the food in front of her dissipating with each sentence Attika spoke. Attika shrugged. “Just that men understand, or at least I think they do. Who knows what they’re capable of comprehending. It’s not like they’ve been gifted with any amount of intelligence. Zenick and I barely spoke yesterday.” Her voice trailed away. Jahara stared at her. She realized her revulsion was as obvious as Attika’s excitement. The woman across from her furrowed her brow. Attika’s eyes were mere slits as she pierced Jahara with a probing stare. “I lost track of you yesterday. Did you choose a breeder?” “Actually, no.” Jahara wondered how much to tell her. “There were so many men, I couldn’t decide on one.” But that wasn’t the truth. She’d been too frightened to take advantage of the private rooms where many of her breeding sisters had no doubt suffered through their first copulation. Attika made it sound almost bearable. But what did the child know of a woman’s love? Jahara couldn’t stand the thought of a man touching her, let alone being so intimate with her body. “So, no, I didn’t mate yesterday,” she said in quiet embarrassment. “But I thought everyone chose yesterday and mated. I just assumed you had mated and were planning on having multiple breeders since they gave you such a large living abode.” Jahara watched the blush rise straight up Attika’s neck until the color of her skin matched the short stubble of hair. Attika’s gaze dropped to the plate of food on the table. “How stupid of me. Someone with your status would be given lavish living

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arrangements regardless of how many breeders you chose. I’m sure you have your pick of the breeding stock. I’ve made a fool of myself again.” Reaching across the table, Jahara’s hand was dwarfed as she laid it on Attika’s. “Stop putting yourself down, Attika. It wasn’t a foolish assumption. I wondered myself why they gave me such large quarters, especially since I’m the only one here.” Attika’s jaw dropped. “What? You mean you have no men? I mean Zenick and I mated all night and again this morning. I just can’t get enough sex. I just assumed the same thing had happened with you and that’s why you weren’t dressed.” “Why would you assume that? If someone else were here, they’d be eating with us.” “Another woman yes, but not a breeder.” Attika shuddered at her words. “As much as I enjoyed copulating with them, I would not invite a man to my table. They have been taught manners, it’s true. But animals don’t feast with women.” “Attika!” The name exploded out of Jahara’s mouth as she shot to her feet. The wooden chair toppled loudly on the tiled floor, but Jahara didn’t care. “I will not have you talk about breeders like that in my house.” Leaning forward on her hands, Jahara caught Attika in her steely gaze. “They are not animals. They are humans like you and me. Conceived and born just the same as females. They aren’t trained to do tricks at your beckoning.” She wasn’t sure why she reacted this way. She didn’t know any men. Why did she think she should defend them? For some inexplicable reason, it seemed the right thing to do. Jahara’s declarations slammed Attika back into her chair. The trembling hand covering her friend’s gaping mouth could not hold back her gasp of disbelief. Jahara had definitely gone too far.

***** Jahara shifted again in the back of the vehicle. Sometimes she wished she hadn’t been reared to speak her opinions so freely. Attika had obviously been offended by her outburst. There was nothing she could say to smooth the feathers she’d just ruffled. “So, shall we share a ride back together this afternoon?” Jahara kept her tone light and cheerful. “I’m probably not staying the whole day. Zenick mentioned he’d like to take me on a tour of the Garden. There’s a lake in the agricultural section on the far side of the Garden proper that’s supposed to be quite lovely and secluded.” Attika kept her eyes averted to the side, watching the breeding apartments flash by as they drove. “Today’s only an orientation for me anyway. They won’t need me to delve into the reams of numbers for a couple of days. Statistics don’t take much of my time. Pretty straight forward to keep the Garden’s birth census. I’ll only be working a couple of days a week anyway.” She carelessly lifted her shoulder. “I’ll let you know which day I’ll be going

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back in.” Attika turned back to Jahara, the corner of her mouth lifting. “Perhaps we’ll ride in together on another day.” That was the total sum of their exchange. As they passed the little shops, Jahara stared at the women choosing fresh produce and clothing. Their hands fluttered in animated conversations. She wished she could do something to bridge the fissure her words had dug between her and Attika. When they pulled up to the healing complex, Attika jumped out of the vehicle, mumbling only a cursory farewell. Jahara’s heart sank. No Merenith, and now she’d alienated the one woman who had reached out to befriend her. Loneliness was a heavy burden. The driver delivered Jahara to a separate entrance around the back of the large structure. Had she not seen the dome of the Garden from the outside, she could have believed she was at the healing facility in Lexington. Trees shimmied in a light breeze and clouds skittered in a cerulean sky overhead. There were even live birds flitting about in the flowering shrubbery. “This is where they told me to leave you, Dr. Hriznek. It has been my honor to transport you this morning.” The pregnant woman smiled over her shoulder. Consulting a clipboard on the seat next to her, she read from the instructions. “You’re to meet Dr. Gabriella Bresilee, the medical director and head of the Garden. Her office is directly through there and on the left.” She pointed to the doors, the only visible opening in the building. Jahara thought it unusual there were no windows in a structure this large. Striding up the cement walk from the street, Jahara felt the prickly itch of eyes on her. Nonchalantly, she looked for cameras but saw none. Perhaps she was already becoming paranoid. There was no reason for anyone to be watching her. She entered a reception area rich with mahogany paneling. Jahara stepped to the large desk dominating the space, manned by a woman whose midnight hair was cut asymmetrically. “May I help you?” the receptionist asked. Her yellow tunic splayed wide, exposing the deep ebony of her full breasts and prominent belly. “I’m Jahara Hriznek. I’m here to meet with Dr. Bresilee.” “Of course, forgive me. We’ve been expecting you.” The woman bumped her knee as she rushed to stand. She bowed before reaching her hands out to the one Jahara extended. “It’s an honor to meet you, Dr. Hriznek. I’ve heard only wonderful things about your healing gifts. We’ve all been awaiting your arrival. I would be honored if you delivered my offspring.” She rubbed her hand over her stomach, her lashes fluttering flirtatiously. “Jacinta.” The harsh voice came from a lanky woman who seemed to have materialized from the wall behind the desk. “Dr. Hriznek hasn’t even had a chance to get oriented to the Garden and you’re asking her to perform duties?” Walking up behind the receptionist, the woman possessively ran her hand up the woman’s rounded

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belly, wrapping her fingers around her pendulous breast. She leaned into her neck and Jacinta melted in her arms. “It’s weeks still before you deliver, love.” Her hand continued to knead the weighty flesh, her thumb and forefinger pinching the dark nipple. “Patience.” The young woman all but purred as the tall woman ran her hand back down Jacinta’s stomach before stepping around the desk to stand in front of Jahara. She looked like a bird with her tiny, gold eyes squinting. Over a foot taller, the woman inclined a head perched on a long, thin neck and looked down her nose before speaking. “Dr. Hriznek. I am so pleased you have agreed to work at our clinic while you are here to breed.” She emphasized the last word as if it were a curse. “It truly is an honor. Your reputation is well-known throughout the territory. I am Gabriella Bresilee, medical director of the hospital here at the Garden,” she said as she reached out a hand and caught Jahara’s in a grip as icy as the words she’d just spoken. Caught off guard by the condescending reception and the intimate scene she’d just witnessed, Jahara had difficulty making her mouth work. “Please just call me Jahara. I’m glad to be here as well.” That was a lie. She really wanted to be out in the normal world where sex and love were not something one exhibited in public. Jahara shot a look at the young woman staring at them with eyes glazed over in lust or admiration— she couldn’t be sure. The older woman didn’t acknowledge Jahara’s visible unease. “Then please call me Gabriella. Won’t you come in to my office where we can talk a little more privately?” The warm expression became shadowed with disapproval as she turned back to the receptionist. “Jacinta, please have Camille bring some refreshments to my office. And hold all of my calls.” Jacinta pulled her tunic around her middle, her eyes flitting to the computer screen. “Yes, Dr. Bresilee. I’ll have them send something from the dining commons right away.” The wall split, exposing a door that closed silently behind them. With it shut, there was no evidence the opening existed. No wonder Jahara thought the woman had materialized out of thin air. She suddenly felt as if she’d been tricked into entering the lion’s den. “Please, make yourself comfortable.” Gabriella waved her long fingers at the couch in the corner of her office. Though the space was paneled with the same mahogany wood as the foyer, the two walls of windows made the room exceedingly bright. Jahara hadn’t known architecture existed that made it possible for structures to have windows that couldn’t be seen from the outside. From her vantage point behind the desk, Dr. Bresilee had an unhindered view of everyone entering and exiting the building without knowing they were being observed. It must have been Gabriella’s watchful stare she’d sensed. The thought churned Jahara’s meager breakfast. Was there no end to the spying that went on here?

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Gabriella settled her bony frame in one of the chairs across from Jahara. The yellow suit she wore covered every inch of her alabaster skin, save for her face, hands and feet., Gabriella’s mouth curved in a predatory grimace as she tucked stray wisps of auburn hair back into the braided bun at the top of her head. “Please forgive Jacinta. She’s young. They’re sending us children these days. She’s been with us for a mere nine months. The poor girl was impregnated at her first mating. She still has so much to learn.” A bell rang. With a flick of Gabriella’s wrist, the wall opened. “Refreshments have arrived.” Was she telekinetic and a healer? How unusual to be granted two gifts. Jahara schooled her features, hoping her face communicated pleasure at being in this woman’s company, not the trepidation that continued to mount with each passing moment. Perhaps it was simply her uncomfortable feeling with the Garden’s philosophy in general rather than a specific problem with Gabriella. The woman was, after all, an esteemed colleague. Either way, Jahara would keep her thoughts to herself. Apparently, not all women appreciated her candor. “Thank you, Camille. Wheel the tray over and let me see how you’re doing,” Gabriella said in a tone that left no question of her authority. Bending her naked torso near Gabriella, Camille let the healer run her hands over her body. Starting at her face, Gabriella smoothed the skin on her plump cheeks then down her neck, boldly moving over her petite breasts, stopping to massage her nipples into tiny, pink points before splaying her fingers over her belly and rotating them under the waistband of the low-slung breeches until her hands cupped the girl’s pubic bone. Jahara watched in horror as Gabriella flexed her fingers, stimulating the sensitive folds of skin between the girl’s thighs. All the while, her eyes remained locked on Camille’s. Jahara couldn’t see the young girl’s face, but her tension arced away from her like lightning. “I’m sorry, Camille. You’re not with child yet.” Gabriella slid her hands back up to the young woman’s breasts. “Your menstruation begins next week, yes?” Gabriella massaged the fleshy protrusions of Camille’s chest as if they held the answer to her question. Camille nodded her head but moved no other part of her body. “Leave the breeding apartments today and join me at my home,” she said, dropping her hands. “Of course, only if that would please you?” Gabriella’s teeth flashed at Camille like fangs on a wolf. Pulling herself erect, Camille focused her eyes out the window. “I would be pleased to be taken in to learn from the most honorable Healer Bresilee.” She bowed. “Thank you for bestowing that privilege upon me. I will, as always, be available to you.” Backing out of the room, Camille continued to bow until the wall closed her from their view.

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“Poor thing. She truly detests the mating process. But until such time as we have figured something else out, it is a necessary evil they must endure.” She waved a graceful hand in the air. “I allow some of the younger women a two-week respite from the insatiable sexual appetites of the breeders by offering them refuge in my home. There’s no sense enduring the messiness of copulation if you know it isn’t going to produce offspring. Don’t you agree?” “Absolutely.” Gabriella poured them both a cup of tea. Jahara accepted the cup extended to her, wondering how she would ever endure the cruelties the government had heaped upon her.

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Chapter Six Slumping against the seat of the open-air vehicle transporting her back to her residence, Jahara inhaled the aroma of the flowers filling the spaces between the buildings. Her day had begun so badly and though she hadn’t thought it possible after the incidents at Gabriella’s office, it had actually slipped downhill from there. Gabriella abandoned her shortly into their tour of the facility to perform emergency surgery on a woman who was losing her fetus a mere ten weeks into her pregnancy. Jahara had been turned over to Mykilai Solodon, an apprentice healer. The woman had nothing but praise for Gabriella Bresilee, who apparently, in this woman’s eyes, could do everything but walk on water. Everywhere the apprentice healer had taken her had been filled with women who knew of Jahara. She wanted to believe it had more to do with her Dame being the administrator of the territory than her own healing talents. Whatever the cause, the accolades had been so overwhelming she’d ditched her tour guide and found a quiet spot in a secluded courtyard to simply meditate in peace. But even that respite had been short-lived. Gabriella had found Jahara and taken her to the quick care clinic, another section of the hospital where no males were allowed. Jahara spent her day healing women with broken bones and repairing torn skin from accidents that happened, for the most part, out in the agricultural section of the Garden. Not only were the tasks time-consuming, they required a great deal of her healing energy. Normally, no one was asked to work several hours in a clinic like that alone. As her light had poured forth, so had the venerations until the whole clinic seemed to have filled with Garden employees who wanted nothing more than to see Jahara work. She had never experienced anything so draining in all her life. Now all Jahara wanted was to return to her temporary home, shower off the feeling of all those people, call Merenith and tumble into a deep slumber. Unfortunately, that wasn’t all that would be expected of her. There was still the issue of her breeding guide and her first copulation. None of the day’s chaos had erased that thought. Jahara slogged up the walkway to her living abode. Her hand missed the pad several times before she connected and saw the light of the fingerprint scanner illuminate her palm. The tumblers clicked, the door slid open and the spicy scent of cooking food assaulted her nose. Someone had been in her house—again. As she peered into the oven, she wondered why they bothered with any type of security measures. No one had mentioned the cooking service, but then again, it seemed there were many secrets the Garden kept to itself. Jahara sighed. At least she didn’t 39

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have to fuss with preparing an evening meal before her unwanted guests arrived. She pulled the tunic over her head, turning blindly toward her bedroom and the warmth of a water shower. It was an unlimited commodity here at the Garden. “I hope you don’t mind that we cooked the evening meal.” Screaming, Jahara covered her body with the clothing she’d just removed. The petite woman standing in the living room doorway did not hide her amusement. “My apologies, most honorable Jahara,” she said. Her disproportionately large breasts bounced in the deep V of her dress as she bowed. “I am Ishawny, your breeding guide. They told us you were expecting us.” “I was…I mean, I am.” The realization of what was to come slammed into Jahara, forcing the air from her lungs. She needed some time to prepare. “I’d like to freshen up if I could?” “If it would please you, we could join you in a bath?” Ishawny stepped forward, the caramel ringlets of her hair shimmering in the soft light. Why did the woman keep referring to herself in the plural? “No, thank you. I’m quite hungry.” Actually, she’d lost her appetite. Disappointment deflated the breeding guide. “As you wish. We will serve you the evening supper then complete the ritual if that would please you.” Ishawny bowed again. “Before you freshen up, I’d like to introduce my breeding partner this evening.” She stepped to the side and invited an unseen man into view. “My usual breeding partner has taken ill, but a most skilled breeder has agreed to take his place.” Jahara gulped for air as a man stepped next to Ishawny. If it were possible, Brenimyn looked more gallant than the day before. “I know you. What are you doing in my living quarters?” Her finger shook at the broad sweep of his bare chest. The loose flow of his breeches did nothing to hide the muscular build of his legs. As tired as she was, Jahara could not keep her gaze from traveling the length of his sinewy body. “They call me Brenimyn. I am pleased to meet you, Jahara, most cherished of humans, gifted woman and bearer of offspring. I am here to serve.” Bending at the waist, he winked at her. Neither Ishawny nor the camera mounted in the corner of the kitchen witnessed his insolent behavior. “Our apologies for taking so long to join you, but there were some difficulties with the paperwork.” “I was just going to bathe. Perhaps you could join me while Ishawny readies the meal?” Her words were stilted and Jahara willed herself not to glance at the blinking eye making her so nervous. “You go first.” “That would be fine.” The tall man sent her an impudent grin. No, it wasn’t fine. What was she thinking? Jahara didn’t want to be naked in front of this man. When he turned and headed toward her bedroom, she could barely think. Going in there would be much too intimate. “No! Stop!”

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He halted and turned slowly. The corner of his mouth curved, his brow lifting over those bottomless eyes. “No? Do you wish to copulate here in the comfort of the living space?” She sensed his humor at the situation. Jahara didn’t think any of this was amusing, least of all his gaze scorching over the tunic she held to her breasts. “Well, no of course not.” Heat burned her cheeks. “There’s another bath down the hall. We should go there.” “As you wish, most honored Jahara. We wish only your comfort.” He inclined his head, but there was no submission in the action or his tone. He stepped around her and walked to the spare bathroom. Jahara pulled the tunic over her head. It might have been inside out, but at least it covered her breasts. Jahara couldn’t think of where else to go to get away from the probing eyes of the Garden. In the privacy of the bathroom, she hoped to talk him out of this ludicrous idea. With any luck, she’d stall long enough to make Ishawny and the observers believe they had copulated. Cold fingers of dread walked up her back. She slammed into the bathroom behind him. He hadn’t seen this much fight in a woman in a long time. Brenimyn tried to rein in the hope blossoming in his chest. Calmly she shut the door as he turned on the faucets at the sink and tub. “Now there may not be cameras in here, but the audio amplifiers in the other room are very sensitive.” He settled himself on the edge of the tub, crossing his bare feet at the ankles, trying to look more relaxed than he felt. Her presence hummed over his nerves and made him jittery with the need to touch. He fisted his hands and crossed them over his chest. Brenimyn bit back a smile at the vision of the loose tunic inside out. She’d wanted to cover her nudity, but he’d already seen the lush curve of her full breasts in the kitchen. The dusky points of her nipples were now silhouetted in the fabric and jostled tantalizingly as she paced the small space. “The water will help drown out our voices, but I suggest you keep that raging storm of yours to a dull rumble.” She didn’t slow her pacing. Several times she paused and stared at him, her mouth open as if to speak, but then closed it again with an audible snap and paced some more. Dark tendrils had escaped from the long braid, framing the confusion pinching her brow and pouting those very kissable full lips. She wrung her hands and sputtered under her breath. He couldn’t have been happier that this woman who had been prophesied to find him was no timid mouse. His happiness and the charming picture of nervousness she created bubbled out of him. The rolling laugh echoed off the tiles. She stopped moving and stared at him, planting her fists on her full hips. “What on earth could be so funny? I don’t think any of this is humorous.” “You, Jahara. Just you.” “What about me?” 41

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“You’re fluttering around as if you’ve got bugs crawling on your skin and I find your nervousness over your first mating…cute.” Something sparked in the depths of her eyes and he had no doubt it was fear. Concern softened his voice. “You’ve never been with a man, have you?” She flinched but recovered quickly, her eyes shuttering any emotion. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business.” Hope soared. He’d lost track of her in the confusion after the demonstration. It had been too much to hope she hadn’t been with a man yesterday. But this beautiful creature didn’t have to admit the truth. He saw it in the way she worried her trembling fingers and stiffened her spine. He wanted to gather her in his arms and comfort her, let her feel the strength of a man. But she wasn’t ready to accept that from him, and Brenimyn willed himself to stay put. He dropped his hands to the edge of the tub, hoping the relaxed posture would ease the tension sluicing off her in waves. “Jahara, it is my business. You see, I’m leader of the male breeding stock and primary breeder responsible for training. When one of the partners for the first mating…” He paused. When she didn’t refute his statement, his pulse jackhammered. He would be her first. “It’s part of my responsibilities to replace the breeder.” Of course Ishawny’s partner wouldn’t be home puking his guts out if Brenimyn hadn’t laced the man’s noon meal with the vile medicine he’d stolen from his friend’s bag of herbs. “But you’re Kylie’s mate. Even I know I can’t usurp another woman’s claim on a breeder.” The woman was nothing if not thorough in her understanding of the Garden’s hierarchy. “It’s true. But my position nullified that rule.” That was a complete lie. Any breeder could have taken his place. Brenimyn had had to do some quick sidestepping to get around Kylie’s vehement protests. But his need to be with this woman had pushed him to act recklessly. He needed to know if the connection he’d felt arc between them yesterday had been real or a figment of his overzealous imagination. He’d put his plan in action the moment he’d found out she’d requested a breeding guide. Jahara stared at him, her doe eyes full of confusion and fear. “Why have you come to me?” Now that was a loaded question. One he couldn’t answer without scaring her. Jahara definitely wasn’t ready for complete honesty. “I’m responsible for making sure the first copulation is pleasant.” She turned from him, her voice barely above a whisper. “Perhaps we don’t need to do this tonight? You see, I’m already committed to another.” Jahara waved her ring finger in the air. His heart sank. He wanted to believe the piece of jewelry was nothing more than a ruse. Jahara wouldn’t have been the first woman to wear a commitment band to keep the breeding to a minimum. When he didn’t respond she turned back to him. “Brenimyn, I didn’t choose to come here.”

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“Jahara, few choose the Garden.” Least of all the breeders forced into slavery, he wanted to add, but knew it wasn’t prudent. “You realize you can’t put off the inevitable. Tonight, tomorrow, next week, eventually you will be expected to mate in front of the cameras.” He wanted her to choose him this night. It would be difficult to continue deceiving Kylie. For whatever reason, the woman had been unusually upset by his interaction with Jahara at the demonstration yesterday. It had set off a whole stream of complaints that filtered their way up to Bresilee. And Kylie’s connection to Bresilee was one hornet’s nest he didn’t particularly want to probe. “It’s really not so horrible, Jahara.” He couldn’t resist teasing her just a little. Brenimyn focused on her sweet face. “I know. It’s just that I…” Her hand fluttered to her cheek, fear raging in her toffee eyes. He rose and walked to her. “I understand you’re afraid, Jahara.” His hand stroked the satin skin his mind had touched. “But don’t you feel the chemistry between us?” A frisson of awareness sparked from her cheek up his arm. “I will make your experience something you will never forget.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, hope blossoming in his chest. He knew without a doubt Jahara was the one who’d been sent to fulfill his destiny.

***** Jahara lay naked on her stomach in the guest bed. She still wasn’t sure how Ishawny had coaxed her in here and out of her clothes. The woman hummed to the lilting strains of violin music filtering softly through hidden speakers, her hands working the floral-scented oils into Jahara’s knotted back muscles. Her head felt light and a little dizzy. She’d had too much dakaru root at dinner, but she didn’t care. The fruity liquid would diminish the memory of the events about to take place. Perhaps, like Jacinta, she would become pregnant at this copulation. Oh, to hope. Jahara hadn’t talked the breeding guide or her partner out of this first mating. Not in the bathroom when the breeder had cornered her, not during the evening meal when Ishawny and Brenimyn had waited on her, unwilling to join her at the table, and certainly not at this moment as Ishawny’s firm hands masterfully moved to the muscles of her buttocks. It seemed nothing was going to keep this mating from happening. Fortunately, Ishawny was a skilled lover and doing a wonderful job of keeping Jahara’s thoughts off Brenimyn. She didn’t know where the breeder was and at the moment, didn’t really care. Something had turned her libido up a notch. Perhaps her food had been prepared with a stimulus, or the oils contained something. Whatever it was, it buzzed pleasantly in her head and made Jahara’s body taut with need. She let the delicious sensations curl over her muscles. If this was going to happen, she might as well try to enjoy it. Ishawny pressed on her thighs and Jahara spread them willingly. The woman’s fingers circled gently, moving lower to massage her swollen labia. Moisture leaked onto 43

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her thighs and a sigh escaped unbidden from her lips. Ishawny’s fingers slid along her cleft and Jahara arched her back, giving the woman’s talented fingers better access. Jahara shifted on the satin spread, her nipples hard and tingling as if laved by a lover. Every muscle of her body vibrated with sexual hunger. At Ishawny’s suggestion Jahara rolled on her back and took the steepled peaks of her nipples into her hands. As if sensing what she wanted, Ishawny’s head dipped between her thighs. The velvety touch of her tongue stroked between her folds. Jahara closed her eyes, delighting in the sensual banquet Ishawny’s fingers and mouth offered her body. Somewhere, deep in her psyche, she knew it was wrong to be enjoying this woman’s intimate touch, but at the moment, Jahara couldn’t recall why. Pushing back the protective hood with her thumb, Ishawny sucked her clitoris into the silken heat of her mouth. Her velvet tongue teased the sensitive bud and Jahara bucked against the assault. When the woman slipped two fingers into her slick channel, Jahara arched into them, pressing them deeper. Her fingers pinched the sensitive points of her aching nipples. Her body erupted in dizzying sensations of need that overwhelmed. Ishawny’s hands were everywhere on her body at once—stroking her face, roaming her belly, rimming the rosebud hole of her anus. Ishawny’s mouth lapped and suckled her sex even as it crushed down upon her mouth. But that couldn’t be. In her haze of mounting desire, Jahara forced her eyes to open. Brenimyn knelt on the bed next to her, his mouth curving into a smile as his teeth nipped at her bottom lip, urging her to open again for him. His hot gaze raked over her face and she wanted to drown in the icy depths of his eyes. “Relax, Jahara. We offer only pleasure. All of it. All of it will bring you wondrous ecstasy. Trust me.” She didn’t really have a choice. Her body demanded she see this through to the end. Brenimyn shifted, lying next to her, his erection hot and hard at her hip. Jahara wanted to protest, to ask him to leave the room, but his fingers tangled in her hair and he pressed his lips to hers. Desperation overcame fear and she opened to the wet heat of his mouth. He tasted of wintergreen and smelled of fresh air and male heat, something thoroughly masculine, and not totally unpleasant. His tongue filled her mouth, tangled with hers, delving deeper as if he couldn’t completely get his fill. Her fingers dug into his thick curls, holding him tight to her. Broad palms smoothed up her belly, pushing away her hands and cupping her breast. Brenimyn’s fingers danced from one fleshy mound to the other. All the while Ishawny’s mouth suckled and nibbled her clitoris, her fingers roaming the slit, fingerfucking her clenching cunt. The rough pad of Brenimyn’s thumb grazed over the beaded peak of her nipple. Moans of urgency rose in tandem with the only music filling the heated air. Brenimyn trailed kisses down her neck, licking and nibbling her flesh, igniting blazing embers of desire everywhere his mouth touched. Jahara’s nerves were raw. Fire

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burned through her veins. Her head was dizzy with the sensations rippling over her muscles. She couldn’t stop the growing wave of ecstasy pushing her upward, slamming her body with a pulse-pounding need to climax. The two worked well together. Jahara bucked against Ishawny’s oral assault, even as Brenimyn’s fingers sent jolts of pleasure from her breasts straight down her core. She stumbled along the edge of bliss, desperately wanting to fall headlong into total release. The two seemed to revel in their ability to keep her suspended in this needy limbo. “A neuro stimulator, please,” Jahara begged. “I have something so much better.” Brenimyn kissed her gently, sweeping the hair from her forehead. “You just need to trust me.” The man shifted away from her and Jahara moaned at the loss of his weight and heat. His laugh rumbled through her. “I do believe she’s ready, Ishawny.” The two seamlessly switched positions and Brenimyn’s calloused fingers replaced the satin heat of the woman’s mouth at her throbbing clit. Jahara groaned in protest. Her release was so close, her body demanding completion. “Don’t fret, Jahara, I’ll help you find the relief your body seeks.” “No, I don’t want you.” Even in the sexual fog muddling her thoughts, Jahara understood what Brenimyn intended to do. As much as her body screamed for climax, it didn’t want what he had to offer. “Brenimyn’s gentle.” Ishawny laid kisses over Jahara’s face. “I am all that is between you and sweet pleasure.” Brenimyn’s fingers circled the nubbin pulsing with thousands of tiny sparks before his thick fingers plunged into her aching cunt. Aching need coursed through her. “A stimulator,” Jahara panted. “It’s all I need.” “Brenimyn can give you so much more.” The liquid heat of Ishawny’s voice rolled over her. “Perhaps it’ll be easier if you don’t watch, Jahara,” she breathed the words into her ear. “Roll over and kneel on the end of the bed. Focus on me. Let us help you crest the final wave. It’s what you want. I feel your hunger.” Jahara did as Ishawny suggested, coming up on her hands and knees, scooching back to the edge of the bed. Brenimyn’s hands never lost contact with her body. She felt his erection rubbing between her thighs as he pulsed his hips. She was so hot, so ready to let the orgasm control her. Jahara could smell the elemental scent of Ishawny’s desire mix with her own and another rush of liquid poured onto her thighs. “Feel it, Jahara.” Ishawny knelt next to her, her hands rubbing her back and reaching around to pinch and tease her sensitive nipples. “We want you to feel the rush of release. Your body wants it.” The words whispered over her skin shimmied through Jahara. Every nerve ending pulsed and jumped as if a neuro stimulator were jolting all the cells of her body. She inhaled, trying to ease the dizzying sensations filling her head. Ishawny leaned into her, rubbing her breasts against Jahara’s back. Except for the mushroom tip of his penis rimming her slick heat, she had no sense of Brenimyn’s

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body. Jahara liked it that way. She focused on Ishawny and the sizzling temperature of the woman’s flesh against hers. The smell of their juices mingled, filling the air with their hot scent. It was something familiar to hold on to. The heat of Brenimyn’s and Ishawny’s touches blended and mixed in a breathless whirl until Jahara had no idea whose fingers circled her clitoris or stroked her breasts or pushed past the puckered barrier and filled her ass. Her pussy muscles clenched and she gasped out incoherent words. She continued to circle the precipice that would plunge her into sweet abandonment, but nothing would push her over the edge. Her frustration mounted. “Jahara, ask him.” Ishawny’s words feathered hot over her ear. “Ask Brenimyn to satisfy you.” Her teeth grazed the corded muscles of Jahara’s neck. “It’s what you want. It’s what we all want.” Just one more touch, one more pulse of a finger and her body would be quaking in complete ecstasy. But try as she might, she couldn’t maneuver her body to make Brenimyn touch her where she needed. “Please, I can’t stand this. I need… I need…” Jahara’s voice trailed off. Everything was clouded with desire. She couldn’t open her eyes, couldn’t form thoughts in her head “You need what only Bren can give you.” Ishawny’s satiny torso slid along Jahara’s back and Ishawny leaned in to nibble her earlobe. “You just need to ask and he will take you where your body wants to go.” Her breath heated Jahara’s flesh. “Anything to help me finish this. I want…” Jahara couldn’t say the words. “Brenimyn?” Yes. “I need him.” Jahara nearly screamed the words as the pressure built between her thighs and tingled along her nipples. He pushed into her then, slowly and with exquisite leisure, allowing her body time to adjust to his girth. His cock was firm and yet yielding inside her. It stretched her in a way no neuro stimulator ever had. In short bursts he pulsed into her cunt, pressing deeper with each gentle stroke, spreading her wider, filling her more completely than anything ever had. There was no pain as she thought there might be, only the incredible heat of his cock filling her and the intense enjoyment it brought. The sensation was new and wonderful. “It feels nice, doesn’t it?” Ishawny murmured. “Brenimyn is a skilled breeder.” Actually, the feeling was incredible, but Jahara couldn’t say it out loud. It would make what she was feeling all too real. As a healer, she knew these sensations were logical and natural, but her normally ordered thoughts couldn’t figure out why that would be. Not when her body was trembling with each push of his cock. Brenimyn seemed to be not only in her, but around her. Sensations of him reached to the far corners of her brain, comforting her with his presence. She rocked back on her knees, reveling in the power of Brenimyn’s thrusts. She heard him groan out her name. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her impossibly tighter to his soft belly until he was sheathed completely by her. Her inner muscles 46

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contracted around him, moisture leaking until she was hotter and wetter than she’d ever been. Her muscles trembled with the new pleasures rolling through her. Brenimyn pulsed inside her, tiny strokes that rubbed her clitoris against the heat of his balls. Slowly, he lengthened his strokes, pulling almost out of her before plunging back. His fingers came around her belly, traveling through the thick triangle of curls to circle the swollen nub of her clitoris. His touches rocketed through her, sending ripples to her stomach, squeezing the air from her lungs. Of their own accord, her legs spread wide and her back arched so her sex pressed firmly against him with each thrust of his hips. The thrill of the ride reached a crescendo. With Brenimyn pounding into her and the tips of his fingers buried in her moisture, the release came hard and fast. She pushed back on him, filling her body again. Skin slapped against skin as his hips pistoned and the sexy slurping noise of their mating lifted with her raspy cry of release. The orgasm stole over her and through her and she fell down on her elbows, burying her delirious screams of bliss in the satin cover. Even as her muscles quaked in their climax, Brenimyn didn’t relent. His fingers circled her tingling clitoris even as his cock slammed into her pussy. Her muscles trembled once again around his erection and the power of another orgasm built within her. The dizzying array of sensations stole the breath from her lungs. “Jahara, feel Bren. Let him take you to that wonderful place of release again.” Ishawny’s voice trembled in Jahara’s ear. Jahara opened her eyes but could barely focus on the woman whose fingers vigorously stroked her own wet sex. She watched Ishawny’s body convulse, the orgasm crashing through her, trembling her breasts as feral cries of pleasure ripped from her throat. Watching Ishawny’s climax as if she were one with the breeding guide, experiencing her sensations, Jahara climbed the torturous slope of elation once again. “Jahara, you are tight, so tight.” Brenimyn’s hoarse voice mixed with Ishawny’s gasps of pleasure. “I can’t hold on. Come with us.” The sensations were all so overwhelming. Brenimyn released her clitoris to dig his fingers into the flesh at her hips, pushing himself with a wonderful force into her throbbing channel. She could feel Ishawny’s fingers as if they were on her clitoris. The three of them soared together. Brenimyn’s thighs shuddered against hers, his cock swelling and filling her until every nerve of her pussy ached with the sensation of his body completing hers. He pistoned his hips with wild abandon, his fingers digging for purchase. Her name ripped from his lips as he climaxed, dragging another quaking orgasm from her body. Tremors of elation rolled through her body, shimmering along her limbs. Her head swam with a dizzying montage of sensations. Brenimyn slowed and deepened his thrusts as her muscles quivered with the effort. Spent and weak from her efforts, Jahara collapsed on the bed and Brenimyn, still filling her pussy, fell comfortably heavy on her back. Ishawny snuggled against them. Pushing the hair out of Jahara’s face, Ishawny whispered soothing, nonsensical sounds. The musical tone of her voice floated through her and Jahara waited for the wash of 47

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emptiness that always followed her climaxes, steeling herself against the disappointment that would replace the bliss. It never came. She had never experienced this power of release. Her heart pounded uncontrollably against her ribs and the blood rushed in her ears like a raging wind, and suddenly she had no air in her lungs. It was too much. The edges of her world went black and she fainted from the sheer emotional intensity of her first mating.

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Chapter Seven “Today I’d like you to do the breeder physicals.” Gabriella’s heels clipped along the tile floor. She detested this wing of the hospital only slightly more than the petite woman scurrying beside her. Jahara was here to ruin the Garden, she was sure of it. Why else would a woman of her advanced age, with such a prestigious pedigree, suddenly show up here? “I realize how difficult it is to adjust to life in the Garden. It was unfair of me to ask you to work alone in the clinic yesterday.” She tipped her head, raising an eyebrow, forcing her lips to curve. Gabriella knew hatred pulsed in her eyes, but she didn’t care what this woman thought of her. “You must have been just worn-out.” Her insincere inquiry didn’t require a response and they both knew it. Pushing open the door to the breeder’s clinic, Gabriella watched Jahara recoil from the overwhelming stench. The pungent odor of urine and sweat hung in the waiting room like a fog. Unlike the rest of the hospital, this wing was depressingly dark. No holograms brightened the drab walls of olive green. No plants sat cheerily filling the shadowed corners. The luminous ceiling was the only source of light in the dim room and even that barely penetrated the murky gloom. Gabriella insisted it remain that way. The naked men slumped in the metal chairs lining the walls and running down the center of the room deserved nothing more. They were repugnant creatures. “Dr. Bresilee, such a surprise.” Standing quickly, the receptionist sitting at the dented metal desk across the room bumped his knee in his haste to greet them. “It is truly an honor to have you here in the well-check.” He limped toward them, his insignificant penis bouncing with the motion. Jahara’s throat worked to swallow what Gabriella hoped was disgust. The man standing before them had no testicles. Perhaps the healer had never seen a eunuch. Gabriella hoped that was the case. Her smile was genuine when she turned back to Jahara. “Collin, this is Dr. Hriznek. She’s new to the Garden of Serenity. She’ll be conducting the well-checks on the breeders today. I have given Sahannah the day off. Please be sure Dr. Hriznek has everything she requires.” “I am pleased to meet you, Collin.” Jahara reached out her hand. “Please call me Jahara.” Collin’s brows pinched, his gaze darting from Jahara’s hand to Gabriella then quickly about the room. Jahara’s polite gesture clearly confused him. Bowing again, he kept his hands clasped tightly at his navel, his bony knuckles white with nerves. “Dr. Hriznek, cherished of humans, gifted breeder of offspring, I shall be honored to provide for you today. Please call on me with any request.” 49

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“That will do.” Gabriella dismissed him with a bored wave of her hand. “I will show her how to do the first breeder, be sure to keep the cubicles full. I know the schedule is busy today.” “As you request, most honorable Dr. Bresilee. The first men are already in their places.” He shuffled back behind the desk. Gabriella choked down her revulsion. She only needed to get through one physical, surely she could do that. Her first years at the Garden flashed back to her in snippets of satisfying memories. Men were such weak and stupid creatures. She held on to that thought as she led Jahara through an archway opening into a sterile room lined with stretchers separated by thin white curtains that had aged to a sickly yellow. “Here we are.” Gabriella didn’t try to disguise the revulsion in her voice. She had nothing to hide from this woman. “Be sure to wear gloves, boxes of them are in all the cubicles.” Gabriella pulled plastic sheathing over her hands. “Well-checks require very little healing power. The gloves are designed to protect you from these…anim…I mean breeders.” Gabriella coughed. The biting male odor clogged her throat and made her gag. “The gloves are thin and once you become accustomed to them, they will be no hindrance.” Jahara’s cheerful expression disintegrated. Perhaps the healer loathed men as well. That thought brightened Gabriella’s dour mood. Oh, this would be the perfect place for the woman who had been sent by her Dame to spy on them. She knew from the beginning, Jahara wasn’t here to bear offspring. Gabriella was nobody’s fool. Well fine, if the government wanted to see firsthand how she ran things, she wouldn’t make it easy on Jahara. She’d simply keep the healer with the male breeders where she would do the least amount of damage. It was her ability to spot minor nuisances before they became problems that had gotten Gabriella to the position she now held. And Jahara certainly had the potential of becoming a major pain in the ass. “Now then, start at their heads, making sure they have nothing in their hair, check the clarity of their eyes then their mouths.” The man sitting naked on the gurney opened his mouth for Gabriella without being asked. Well, at least he was well trained. She preferred them that way. “Check the color of their gums and the health of their teeth.” The man stuck his tongue out. “Be sure their tongues are clear of any disease.” Bresilee waved her thumb over the disgusting muscle. Not as silken as a woman’s. Such a waste. “Work your way down the throat, over the chest, checking the lungs and all the vital organs.” Gabriella’s hand fluttered an inch over the man’s skin. This man didn’t deserve more than a moment of her time. “Skip the genitals.” The words fell out of her mouth without inflection. “Check the legs then the health of their feet.” The man stood. “Last check the genitalia for any disease.” Her hand waved over his groin. Revulsion crawled up her back and she had to fight the shiver of disgust rolling over her muscles. Men were such ugly things, body parts hanging about in plain sight. Not soft and supple like a woman, their sexuality hidden from view for one to explore and

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discover. That thought gave her something to focus on. “If all looks well, send him out and move on. It’s really quite simple.” Gabriella shucked off the gloves, dropping them in the waste near the steel basin by the door. She knew her face didn’t disguise the loathing welling up from her as she vigorously scrubbed the chemical wash over her skin. She hated it in here and hoped Jahara found it just as appalling. The man bowed as he left. Another walked in to take his place on the end of the exam table. Neither spoke. “See? There’s nothing to it,” Gabriella said. “The men are required to do this once a month. You’ll find they know the routine. If you find anything unusual, send them through the red door immediately for quarantine.” She pointed to the far end of the room. “Nothing heroic here, Jahara. This is just the first step. Any man in the breeding stock found with problems or disease must be culled immediately. There’s another team of healers in the other wing who will do the curing. Don’t take your time to heal even the most minor ailments.” The lies tumbled out of her mouth without a hint of deception. “Your job is simply to make sure they are fit to copulate.” She couldn’t stop her fingers from protecting her nose. The close contact with the male had her stomach churning. Rushing toward the door, Gabriella spoke over her shoulder. “I think you will find this much less demanding than the clinic, don’t you agree?” Jahara nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but Gabriella didn’t want to stay for a lengthy discussion. She opened the door and waved her hand toward the front of the room. “If you have any questions the male at the desk will no doubt have the answers.” She didn’t really care if the healer understood how the well-checks worked. It was a foolish rule to keep the men under her thumb anyway. “Yes, but—” Bresilee waved her off. “Ask the receptionist.” Gabriella turned on her heel. Her feet couldn’t carry her away from the well-check—and that damn spy—fast enough. What had she just witnessed? Jahara let the pneumatic door hiss shut. She turned and stared at the room filled with naked men, their eyes cast down to the floor. Even Collin was busying himself on the computer and wouldn’t meet her quizzical expression. Jahara made her way back to the cubicles, greeting men as she passed. But none of them acknowledged her with more than a cursory nod and mumbled spiel of honor. She had no idea how to handle any of this. Merenith spent more time working with sick animals than Gabriella had given to the breeder. Jahara had never seen such a blatant display of condemnation. The medical director hadn’t even tried to hide her loathing. Jahara walked to the end of the line of cubicles. Reaching for the gloves, she paused. She couldn’t feel sickness if her palms were covered. Even the thinnest sheathing would hinder her healing abilities. Gabriella’s insistence about the gloves had stemmed from 51

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her repulsion, not cleanliness. These men deserved Jahara’s full abilities. There would be no gloves for her. “Good morning, my name is Jahara,” she said to the Ennessy breeder sitting rigid on the cot, his bulky hands covering his genitals, his eyes cast down at the floor. She bent to look at his face, her voice gentle when she spoke. “What’s your name?” He averted his eyes from her inquisitive stare, his white skin flushing. “Honorable woman, cherished of all humans, gifted woman and breeder of offspring, I am here for a well-check. If it would please you to conduct the exam, I will make room for another breeder.” Was it fear she heard or shame? Neither was good. And either emotion made her angry. These men acted as if they didn’t deserve her time or healing energy. “No, it would not please me to conduct an exam…” Enough was enough. She wouldn’t survive an hour like this, let alone a day, or even a week with this sort of treatment. Jahara stomped back to the archway and stood between the reception area and the cubicles. “Listen up, breeders.” Everyone, including Collin, stared at their shuffling feet. “Look at me, damn it!” Jahara’s voice bounced about in the tiny space as she stamped her foot. She stood with her hands on her hips until all their attention had shifted from the floor to her. “Let’s get one thing straight here. This is my well-check today. You will show me respect. You will do this by addressing me by name, which is Jahara, not this most-honored-cherished line you keep spouting. You will look me in the eye…” She paused when Collin stood. “Honorable Dr. Hriznek, it’s not customary…” She put her hand in the air to stop him. “Dr. Bresilee explained what’s customary, Collin. There are no cameras. No one is watching us here.” Jahara motioned with her arm. “Things are going to change. At least while I’m the healer in charge.” She stared at Collin until he nodded and sat back down. “As I was saying, I expect you to look me in the eye. You will answer the questions I ask of you. Call me Jahara, for goodness’ sake. And if you don’t want my breakfast to make an appearance on this floor someone will open that door and get something to move the air in here. There isn’t one of you who is unclean. They must spray that awful smell during the night.” A chuckle rippled through the room. “Collin, please get me something stronger than tea from the dining common. I’m going to need all the energy I can muster for you stubborn men.” Another nervous flutter of laughter bounced off the walls. “Yes, honorable Dr—” She glared at him. “Jahara.”

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The men continued to be stiff and formal, unwilling to tell her of their ailments. But she took her time with the well-checks, finding and repairing a hernia, an ulcer and a minor burn that barely took any of her healing powers. She refused to send such trivial ailments to another. What would they think of her if she didn’t heal even these insignificant problems? The breeders’ angst both frustrated and confused her. “Collin, why are the men unwilling to tell me of their ailments?” she asked when the eunuch finally returned with a second hot drink. She had cleared the exam room of breeders for a much-needed break. “They fear you will send them through the door.” “Won’t healers on the other side cure what I cannot?” “Is that what Bresilee told you?” Collin’s face pinched. “Jahara, I can only speak from my own experience. The men sent through that door never return. Everyone believes if they say they are sick, they too will be sent away. So no one complains.” Sadness rippled over his face. “Only once did I see a man go in there. Never have I seen him again. For four years I have been in the well-check. Since that time, I have warned all the men not to complain.” He puffed out a breath. “Not that anyone in the past has cared about their well-being. Even those you healed today I reported as healthy with no abnormalities.” “All humans have problems with their bodies.” Arching a brow, Collin smiled at her. “But breeders aren’t human.” Jahara could barely push the words from her throat. As minimal as her exposure to them had been, she’d never believed men didn’t deserve fair treatment. “They are seen as less here.” “But closer than eunuchs.” “Collin, I—” He lifted his long fingers. “Jahara, in all my years, all the healers combined have not shown me the respect you have offered to this clinic in one morning.” He bowed. “You are truly gifted among women. I look forward to serving your needs.”

***** What an odd place this Garden of Serenity. It was anything but that. Jahara stood at the sink of the examination room, flexing her tired fingers under the soothing rinse of the chemical wash. The jade stones of Merenith’s ring glinted in the muted light, reminding her of all she had lost. As much as she wanted the band to mean something, Jahara knew she was only fooling herself. Merenith hadn’t given it to her. The woman hadn’t even seemed moved that she’d chosen to wear it. Her heart pinched. As much as she wanted a committed relationship, two years condemned to this Hades surely guaranteed she would end up old and alone. In just two days’ time her life and everything she’d accepted as reality had become blurred as if she were looking at the world through an out-of-focus computer scanner. 53

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To add to the confusion, Collin’s revelations this morning had stunned and shamed her. She couldn’t fathom the amount of ridicule these male breeders put up with on a daily basis. She’d seen how Kylie had treated Brenimyn during the breeding demonstration. Brenimyn. The man had done as he’d promised in the bathroom before dinner—he’d made her first copulation not only bearable but pleasant. Oh, who in Hades was she kidding? The experience had been mind-blowing. She’d practically begged Brenimyn to enter her. Fortunately, she’d been left to her own embarrassment this morning. The guest bed had been conspicuously empty when she woke. She was grateful Ishawny had thought to save her from making up some flimsy excuse for her behavior. She couldn’t seem to reconcile her sexual attraction for the blond couple last night with the sense of betrayal weighing heavy on her heart. Jahara fisted her hands and pressed them to the small of her back, arching her stressed muscles. Granted, the woman had been masterful with her technique. Ishawny was definitely a wonderful guide. She had Jahara hot and wet before Brenimyn had even entered the room. But she couldn’t get her thoughts away from how his body had filled hers in a way no neuro stimulator ever had. She leaned against the wall, filling her lungs with the memory of how it had felt to be joined with him. Her body tingled even now at the thought of the breeder. Stupid. She was mooning over her first copulation as if she didn’t have a woman waiting for her outside these walls. That worry clogged in her throat. She just couldn’t go there right now. This whole thing was not her choice. Some food, more well-checks and then a quiet night at home, that’s what she needed to focus on. Jahara walked through the archway into the empty waiting room. “Collin, would you…” The words stuck in her throat. It wasn’t Collin sitting behind the desk waiting to serve her the midday meal. It was Brenimyn’s dimpled grin and piercing eyes that greeted her as she rounded the corner. “Collin is taking the afternoon off. If it would please you, I’ve brought you some food.” Brenimyn didn’t remove his muscular legs from the corner of the desk spread with the makings of a picnic. “You shouldn’t be here.” “Why is that, Jahara? Do you not enjoy my company?” He crossed his arms over his bare chest, tendons and muscles flexing with the movement. “I thought what happened between us last evening was quite satisfactory for everyone involved. Maybe you’d like to spend your noon break doing something more pleasurable?” He lifted a hand and the heat of his touch tingled down her cheek. Perhaps it was simply the embarrassment over what he intimated. “No, I…and you.” Jahara rubbed at her face, not knowing what kind of trick he was playing on her. These same sensations happened every time he was around. He laughed. “You have nothing to fear from me, woman. I thought I proved that last night.” He winked. “Please sit. I’ve brought you food. We can discuss other 54

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recreational activities later.” A force pushed her shoulder and her feet wobbled as she stumbled forward. She was losing her mind. “Why’ve you come?” “Can’t a breeder offer services to a woman? After all, that is the purpose of the Garden of Serenity.” The warmth of a hand caressed her breast, but she ignored the memory of his touch. “We’ve been through this,” she said. “You belong to Kylie. Which means my copulation schedule is not your concern. I’ll contact Ishawny and schedule another session in a day or two. Breeding is breeding.” It was only momentary, but she was sure Brenimyn flinched at her words. Just as well. She had no intention of getting involved with a single breeder, having multiple partners would guarantee that. “I mean, it just doesn’t matter who impregnates me, her partner I’m sure is just as skilled.” “The problem is, Ishawny’s services are no longer available.” He cleared his throat. “But more importantly, I wish to become your breeder.” “But I don’t want you! I choose different mates. It doesn’t matter who sires my offspring.” She wanted to believe that, but at the moment with this man’s gaze prickling along her skin, she knew it was a lie. Brenimyn rose with great care. His eyes stopped searching her face and locked on hers. “I don’t believe that, Jahara. There’s something between us.” He stepped toward her. Fingers trailed down her arm. “You felt it when you touched me at the demonstration.” He swung the chair standing between them out of his path. “I saw the awareness in your eyes. The same look that sparks in them now.” Hands threaded in her hair. “You wanted me last night almost as much as I wanted you.” He stood an arm’s length away, but the air around her pulsed. Lips pressed tenderly to hers. “You feel me now even though I am not near.” “What in the name of Hades is going on, Brenimyn? None of this is making sense.” She pulled her eyes from his and stepped away, the back of her hand instinctively swiping at her mouth. “I am neither a stupid woman nor a schoolgirl who needs to be coddled.” “You’re acting like both right at the moment.” He returned to the desk and leaned his hip on the edge, nonchalantly swinging his foot. Energy and confusion coursed through her, making her pace. “Think, Jahara. How could this be? How can I touch you, but never move?”

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Knuckles skimmed her cheek. “Stop it!” She rubbed the sensation away. “It’s something they put in the food that makes women hallucinate and helps make the copulating bearable until conception has occurred. There’s got to be a logical explanation for what I’m experiencing.” He crossed his arms over his chest. Humor twinkled in his eyes. “Are you finished speculating? Because I can tell you the facts if you’re interested, or I can just wait here while you try to attempt to put together a puzzle with missing pieces.” He lifted a shoulder. “Either way, I’m good.” His arrogance was exasperating. This was not the timid man who had been presented to the women the other day. Hadn’t she sensed his strength and dignity even as he stood docilely by Kylie’s bed? “Okay, funny man, you think you’re so smart. Let’s hear your explanation. You don’t know all the facts either. You aren’t in my head.” She pounded a finger on her temple. “You have no idea what things are happening to me.” “Oh Jahara, that’s where you’re wrong. I’m the one doing those things to you.” “Wait, what? I don’t understand.” “Jahara…” He dragged her name out, waiting for her to fit the pieces together, but what she was thinking was impossible. “You’re telepathic? But that can’t be…you’re…” She turned to him, the words fading between them. “I know. I’m a man. You can say it.” Brenimyn folded in on himself, his spirit crushed by the words. “We’re stupid animals, good for breeding and manual labor. I know.” He looked at her, anger contorting his normally serene features. “Don’t you think I’ve heard it all? How could I possibly have any gifts reserved only for females?” Filling his lungs, he pushed away from the desk. It was his turn to pace. “Well, you know what, Jahara? I have an answer to that question, but trust me you’re not ready to hear it.” Brenimyn stalked around the room like a caged animal, raking his fingers through his hair. “I can tell you this much…my Dame is an angel walking this realm. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving me here twenty-seven years ago. She kidnapped me from the Garden. Brought me home. Loved and schooled me with my birth-sisters. She challenged me and pushed me to find my gift and develop it. We lived in such a remote part of the territory that everyone in my village simply accepted it. There were no other men. I didn’t know I was different until three years ago when some government official traveling through found me. They forced me to come here to join their breeding stock. My Dame told me never to let anyone know I have the gift. Until recently, I shared my secret with no one.” “Brenimyn, I’m sorry.” Jahara apologized for all the women who believed he was nothing, for being hidden away from the world and for being forced to perform sexual acts with females who considered him nothing more than a means to increase the

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female population. But she couldn’t speak those words. Reaching out to him, she put her hand on his arm. He looked at her, his eyes begging her to believe. “I didn’t know it was possible. All the things I’ve been taught…” She hesitated, the reality before her warping again. “It doesn’t matter what I thought before.” Jahara couldn’t possibly assimilate all the information he’d thrown at her. None of it seemed possible and at the same time—it was all completely logical. How could the same woman who birthed gifted females keep those gifts from their male offspring? “You’ve opened my eyes today, Brenimyn.” His eyes narrowed. “Does that change anything?” The anger riding on his words pushed her away. “I…I’m not sure. I haven’t had time to process this. I need…” Her voice fell away. She had no idea what she needed. “What, Jahara? You need what?” He pressed his palm between her breasts, the contact buzzing through her, quickening her pulse. “The truth you seek is right here. Feel it. Feel me.” “What am I supposed to do?” She stared at the pain creasing his face. “I didn’t ask for you to pick me out of all the females available to you in the Garden.” She ignored the single tear that worked itself free to travel down her cheek. His hands found their way to her arms and he pulled her close. “Jahara, since I found you in the community room two days ago I haven’t been able to think of anything else. Last night was the most amazing night I’ve had in a very long time.” “Yeah, well it goes without saying it was the best sex I’ve had in ages.” The words came out before she thought about them. He leaned back, arching a brow, the dimple on his cheek dancing about with his delight. “Best sex?” She hadn’t meant to admit that, especially to him. “I mean sex with a man, idiot. And it’s not like I have a lot to compare it to.” She hoped that knocked him down a notch or two. “And don’t go changing the subject.” “That is the subject, Jahara. I’ve never had an experience that powerful or intense with any woman. And I really don’t want you to leave here and choose another breeder. I want more of what I had last night.” Leaning down, he brought his lips gently to her mouth, gauging her reaction. She didn’t want to feel anything for him, didn’t want to react to his mouth urging her to open to him, but her body wouldn’t listen and she parted her lips, allowing his silky heat to fill her. Jahara’s hands found their way to his hair. She molded her body against his as if he were made for her. She had to think it was just what happened to all females during the mating ritual to keep it from being offensive. This was not unique to her and Brenimyn. Finally he released his spell on her and she fell back a step, giving her air to breathe and room to think. “Brenimyn, our relationship can last only as long as it takes you to

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impregnate me. You must always remember my heart belongs to another.” Perhaps if she kept repeating it, she’d come to believe it as well. “Tell me she can give you what we’ve experienced. You admitted yourself you’ve never had such wonderful sex.” “That’s not quite what I said.” She stepped back again, putting distance between her heart and his. “Granted, being with you was physically pleasing. But there was no emotion involved.” Had her words made him flinch? He recovered so quickly she couldn’t be sure. “Just spend time with me. Choose me for your breeder. Pick me to be your only mate.” He stepped to her, embracing her again. She didn’t fight him. “Brenimyn, Kylie will never permit it.” Jahara shook her head. “She introduced you as her mate. You and she will make physically pleasing offspring.” “You know why she’s trying to have a third child? The other two were males. It embarrasses her. She wants a female birth child to take home. She won’t be satisfied until she has that. So, she stays here as a teacher until she can complete her task. The whole mating ritual disgusts her. You should see the cleansing process she goes through when we’re finished copulating. It’s insulting really. I’ll be damned if that woman will ever carry any offspring of mine.” A lock of hair had worked loose from her braid and he tucked it behind her ear. “I choose to give children to someone who will love them.” “I’m not sure I’m that woman, Brenimyn.” “I’m sure enough for both of us.” His mouth slanted over hers and ravaged it until she was breathless. He hardened against her belly. “Brenimyn, you are so cocksure of yourself,” she said. His arms around her made her brazen and Jahara rubbed provocatively against him. “You know I’m not going to be very good at this copulating business.” He nipped at her nose. “Oh my sweet, I have every intention of helping you master the art of loving me.” Her stomach somersaulted at his choice of words.

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Chapter Eight Jahara flopped down on the couch. She’d been flitting about the apartment, fluffing pillows, straightening unseen messes, fussing with her hair and clothing for two days, waiting for Brenimyn to arrive. Why had she let him talk her into this? Okay, so Ishawny wasn’t available, but she could have requested another breeding guide and her partner. This was such a bad idea. What made her think she could copulate with him without the aid of another woman? Staring out the back doors, she contemplated another swim. It could be hours, perhaps days before she heard anything from the Governmental Body. Kylie was pretty high up in the chain of command. Jahara’s request to usurp the claims of another had most likely been denied. She leafed through the disks on the small table before her, hoping to find something entertaining to occupy her time. “I thought you’d be waiting at the door to greet me.” Jahara screamed as the disks sailed in the air. She turned to see Brenimyn leaning casually against the post between the kitchen and the great room. “I’m happy to see you also, most honored one, cherished of humans, gifted breeder of offspring. I am pleased to be at your service.” He bowed low, his dimples framing the curve of his mouth when he stood. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.” Her words trembled softly over dry lips. Now that he’d arrived she wasn’t sure she wanted his company. “Your request was complicated, most honored one.” She watched his mouth form those words. I didn’t think Kylie would ever release me. She pulled in all the favors she had out there, but in the end, the priority of a new breeder always takes precedence, he said telepathically. The words echoed softly in her head. “I would be happy to service you. Perhaps I could draw you a bath?” He spoke aloud for the benefit of those watching. Getting away from the ever-watchful eye sounded good to her. She could talk with him and figure out if it was excitement or dread knotting in her stomach. Jahara snaked her fingers through Brenimyn’s and allowed him to lead her to the guest bathroom. He released her only long enough to turn on the water faucets. Task completed, he held out his arms. Like a magnet, she had no control of the feet propelling her forward until she found herself pressed tight against the hard wall of his chest, melting into his embrace. His muscular arms covered her back and the tension flowed out of her body. How could he make her want him so? Male pheromones must be quite strong. Why else would she find herself snuggling against the warm skin of his chest? He smelled of soap and spice, and Jahara felt as if she had just come home after a long absence.

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He rubbed his cheek against the top of her head. “My arms have been empty without you, Jahara. Something about you crawled under my skin and has been making me jittery. You’re like a pleasant tickle I couldn’t quite scratch until this moment.” Looking up into his eyes, Jahara saw more than just a breeder. There was something special about this man. She felt the connection Brenimyn spoke about, but wasn’t brave enough to admit it. Instead, she let his lips brush softly against hers. She opened to him. Though they had kissed only a handful of times, he tasted as familiar as her Dame’s cooking, and Jahara feasted like she hadn’t eaten in months. This wasn’t betrayal. It was simply the physical reaction to her body’s desire to procreate. Jahara hadn’t realized it would feel so natural. Her hands worked their way under his tunic, kneading the firm muscles of his back and his tangled in her braid. He pulled her tight against his mouth. Her heart pounded with such intensity, she was sure Brenimyn could feel it too. She wanted him. She needed what he had given her when Ishawny was here. She didn’t fear their coupling as she had a few days ago. This man was gentle and Jahara craved what only he could do for her. “Brenimyn, please mate with me.” She gasped out the words, wanting everything his touch promised, but his hands froze on her shoulders and he jerked his head back. “What did you say?” The spark of desire that had flared so quickly in his eyes faded. His jaw knotted and his brow furrowed. Perhaps men needed more time to prepare for copulation. Smiling, Jahara leaned into him, trying to capture his mouth and bring back the pleasure they shared only a moment ago. “I said ‘mate with me’.” She spoke in a sultry tone. “Mate with you?” Shoving away from her, Brenimyn plowed his fingers through the thick waves of gold and stared down at her. “Mate with you?” The question echoed off the tiled walls. Surely the audio magnifiers in the other room had picked that up. “Didn’t you say you missed me?” She reached for him, but he wrenched his arm away before she made contact. “Please, Jahara, don’t touch me.” He paced the floor and Jahara had no idea what she’d done. He mumbled at the floor, his fingers scrubbing at his face. “This is wonderful. I copulated with Kylie nonstop for the last two days, knowing that something so much more was waiting for me. I’ve been counting the moments until I could see you again. I thought finally I’d found the one I’ve been seeking.” He stopped moving long enough to look at her. She knew pain when she saw it and the lines on his face spoke of anguish and misery. “You.” He shook his finger at her. “You were supposed to be different. I feel it every time we’re together. I thought it was real. I thought…” He released a breath of frustration. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter what I thought. Yeah, Jahara, I’ll mate with 60

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you if that’s what you want from me. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to have the evening meal before we do it.” He left the bathroom and slammed the door, leaving her confused and very much alone. Because she wasn’t sure what she’d done to cause such a sudden change of attitude, Jahara couldn’t bring herself to run after him and apologize. She’d spent hours preparing for his arrival, but she stripped and stepped into the cold water of the shower, hoping it might wash away her transgression. Rubbing at her body with vicious strokes that left her skin painfully raw, she tried to cleanse the feeling of betrayal she’d unknowingly heaped on Brenimyn. Thirty minutes later, dressed in a flowing floral frock she’d picked up in one of the little shops yesterday, Jahara swallowed her pride and walked into the great room with her head held high. The table was set with candles and flowers, the smell of food making her stomach grumble in protest. Her nerves hadn’t allowed her to eat today. She peeked into the kitchen but didn’t find Brenimyn. Jahara turned when she sensed him moving up the hall from the other bedroom. He had changed into a longsleeved shirt and a dark pair of trousers, his bare feet carrying him into the dining area in a few long strides. “Most honorable Jahara, you look lovely.” Stopping a few feet from her, he bowed at the waist. “I would be pleased to serve the evening meal.” He stepped around her, pulling a chair away from the table. With a gesture of his hand, he invited her to sit. As the waves of his displeasure slammed into her, she tried to figure out how to repair damage to something she hadn’t known she’d broken. She fell heavily into the seat. “Brenimyn, I’d like to talk about…” She spoke to his retreating back. He stuck his head around the corner. “Would you like dakaru root with dinner? It will ease you into a more-comfortable mating.” “No, thank you. Water would be fine.” “As you wish.” He bowed again. What in Hades had pissed him off? She felt his erection against her belly when they were groping each other in the bathroom. There was no mistaking that. His need was as evident as the desire convulsing her pussy and leaking onto her thighs. Now he was acting like some servant, unaware of how much she wanted him. Brenimyn brought dishes from the kitchen, bowing again before standing at her shoulder. “It would please me to have your company at my table.” He stared at the wall. “I am but a breeder. That is not permitted.” “Is your primary job to please me?” He looked down at her. Even he couldn’t argue with the logic she presented. “Then I insist you join me for the evening meal. I am not accustomed to dining alone.” He reluctantly sat across from her. She wasn’t sure if this was a charade for the cameras or how he would treat her while he resided here.

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Don’t ask me any questions right now. I’m still too angry and hurt. His words echoed in her head. “I don’t understand what happened.” “Would you like salad?” Holding up the bowl in front of him, she watched his mouth form those words. I mean it, Jahara, don’t press me. You forget there are people watching. But she didn’t see him speak those. “It’s made with fresh produce.” Again his mouth enunciated very clearly. Obviously, he was acting for the benefit of the observers. What passed between us, did it really mean nothing to you? Did you not believe the things I told you? His lips were pressed in a thin line of displeasure even as his voice echoed in her head. Steepling her fingers at her chin, she stared at him, still pondering the cause of his evident disappointment in her. “Brenimyn, I don’t know what to believe.” There were no other words. When he didn’t respond, she sat in silence and ate her meal, feeling very much alone in his presence. They cleared the table together and though he attempted to push her away, she insisted on helping with the dishes. This man was not her slave, merely her breeding partner. She turned to Brenimyn, his handsome face still creased with a gravity she hadn’t seen two days ago. “Brenimyn, we need to talk.” She flipped on the water at the sink, hoping it would cover the desperation in her tone. “I need to understand what’s happening here.” His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and she placed her hand on the warm skin, feeling the power of her touch ripple through him. “It’s important, please.” “It would please me to be with you now, most honorable Jahara. Perhaps we could retire to the bedroom?” He abandoned the cleaning, taking her fingers in his and led her down the hall. But Jahara wanted this night to be about acceptance, so she redirected Brenimyn to her bedroom. When he only nodded and acquiesced, she wasn’t sure he understood the symbolism of how much she was willing to give to him. “Why don’t you sit comfortably on the bed? Have you ever meditated? Without the use of a breeding guide, you may find it helps you relax before we…” He swirled the air with his hand, unable—or unwilling—to complete the sentence. Apparently, copulating held an emotional component for men. He obviously had strong feelings for her. Males were indeed complex creatures. She needed him to understand that mating to her was merely physical. She just didn’t know how to tell him that without hurting his feelings again. Everything seemed so confusing at the moment. She wanted to make a life with Merenith, but her body desired this man. Lighting candles around the room, he spoke telepathically. Jahara, there’s a bond between us. I believe you fainted after our first session because we were connected. When I pulled from you, you lost consciousness. I think, if we try, I can pull you with me into another place away from here and away from the damn cameras. There we can talk openly.

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She looked up at the blinking red light attached to the watchful eye mounted in the corner of the bedroom, letting him know she understood. “Join me on the bed, Brenimyn.” The observers had to believe she controlled their joining. Sitting cross-legged, they faced each other. He took her hands in his and she stared into the icy blue depths of his eyes, relaxing her body, setting her mind free. Soon, she was freefalling, but for once, she wasn’t alone in her meditation. The room fell away and they were on the bed in a meadow. She looked around, not really believing she had done this with another person. But they were there—together. The wind caressed her cheek and she heard the plaintive cry of a mourning dove in the distance. “Brenimyn?” “We did it.” He moved his lips and spoke the words. “Is this real?” “For us it is.” His hand caressed her cheek. “What do the cameras see?” “I’ve never done this before, but I suspect they see our bodies in motion, but our words are only for us. Feel free to speak your mind, Jahara.” “Brenimyn, I think I owe you an apology. This whole thing is so confusing and obviously I did something that offended you.” “No, Jahara. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. It’s just that…” He paused, searching her face. “There’s so much more here than you realize. I’ve been looking for you for so long and now you’re here with me in the flesh. I should’ve been more patient. You’ve only just arrived. I shouldn’t have expected you to know me. I’m sorry.” His hands cupped her cheeks, his thumbs tracing her cheekbones. “Suffice it to say, we have a future together.” “Our future will be no longer than it takes for me to birth two children. There can be nothing between us but the physical, Brenimyn. I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed if you want more.” “Please, just open your mind and let go of all you’ve come to believe before you met me. I’m asking you to trust in me and what I’m saying. Just be with me. Let me have all of you, not just your body but your mind and spirit as well. Open your heart to the possibility of loving me. I know what I ask.” Understanding finally crystallized. He wanted to be more than her breeding partner. He wanted to be her lover. It had never occurred to her that men might desire the same things as women. “Brenimyn, I told you, my heart is already taken. I’ve promised myself to a woman named Merenith.” Jahara wasn’t sure if it’s what Merenith wanted, but she wanted nothing more than to find the one love who would complete her and fill the emptiness. If she believed hard enough, perhaps Merenith would be that person. “All I know is that physically being with you is pleasurable. It also fulfills my obligation to procreate. Right here, right now, there’s nothing more I can give you but my body.”

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“Then for now that will have to be enough.” He leaned forward, his hands fisting in her hair, his mouth possessing hers, making her want. Brenimyn laid her back on the pillows, trailing kisses about her face. She gasped, trying to replenish the air rapidly spilling from her lungs. His tongue flicked along the shell of her ear and he whispered, “Jahara, I have never wanted to be with a woman the way I ache to be with you.” Though he didn’t say it, she knew there were unspoken words of love hanging in the air between them. She hadn’t promised him her heart, so she felt no regret when she pulled his shirt from his trousers. Her body craved the joining, demanded her to move faster. Buttons gave way as she ripped open the fabric, allowing her access to his satiny skin. She laved his shoulder and kissed along his neck. He tasted of salt and musk and it filled her mouth and heated her blood. His name tumbled out of her mouth on breathy whispers. “Slow, Jahara. We have all the time in the world.” Brenimyn held her trembling hand over his heart. “Feel what I have for you.” He captured her mouth with his. With incredible tenderness, his silky tongue tasted her mouth. His fingers slowly undid the buttons at the front of her dress. “You are so beautiful.” Brenimyn ran his broad hand down the length of her body, parting the garment until she lay totally exposed beside him. “Your skin is like satin, your hair like silken threads.” She trembled when his fingers traced a lazy circle around her navel, shooting jolts of current to her fingers and toes. Dipping his head, he brought his lips to her breast. The stubble of his day-old beard rasped pleasantly across her skin, adding another dimension to the sensations rippling through her. The tip of his tongue circled wide then he laid it flat, drawing it with exquisite leisure across her nipple. She arched her back, gasping at the unexpected sensation the heat of his mouth created. His palm dragged from her belly to the other breast, trailing embers in its wake. Fingers pinched and teased the taut nipple until both her breasts were ablaze with the fire of his touch. Squirming with pleasure, she tried to slow her own breathing. But the more he licked and kneaded, the harder she panted. Until she heard nothing but the pounding of her heart and her own moans of blissful content. He kissed his way down her torso, stopping only long enough to remove his shirt. She buried her fingers in his hair, her body quivering with each nip of his teeth on her sensitive belly. The cool breeze brushed over her damp skin like a lover’s caress and raised her flesh even as his mouth heated her blood. The ache deep in her core dampened her thighs with want. Brenimyn spread her legs and stared at her body for a long time. His appreciative gaze on her was as intoxicating as his touch. “Jahara, never have I seen such a body. Your beauty takes my breath away. You’re so much more than I could have dreamed.” He maneuvered himself between her legs and ran both hands slowly up her thighs and belly. Cupping her breasts, he squeezed

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the steepled points and she nearly lost control as the unexpected shock wave tore straight to her pussy. She closed her eyes, reveling in the heat of his hands on her skin. When his teeth nipped her inner thigh, she grabbed his shoulders, digging her nails into the flesh. Her moans floated on the wind along with Brenimyn’s compliments. His mouth worked its way to the bundle of nerves begging for attention. His hands danced along her torso and settled on her thighs, spreading her wider, massaging her engorged pussy lips. “Open for me, Jahara, so that I might have my fill of your sweet juices.” Brenimyn blew air along her slit and her body shivered with the heat that fanned the moisture flowing from her. His lips surrounded her clit and he kissed her before pulling it into his mouth. Her hips lifted to him as he flicked his tongue across the sensitive nub. Brenimyn cradled her bottom with one hand. The other spread her wetness and then plunged two fingers deep into her pussy to massage her quaking channel. He moaned and the tone vibrated through her. She had never been so acutely aware of the myriad sensations trembling through her body. Threaded into his hair, her hands pulled his head tight to her cunt. The unexpected climax engulfed her so suddenly she was unprepared for the surge of euphoria that overtook her. Though her hips writhed uncontrollably, his mouth continued to suck and tease her sensitive clitoris. His thick fingers assaulted her body, driving her higher and drawing out the intensity of the orgasm until spent and weak, she begged him to stop, not sure she really wanted it to end. He eased away from her, his mouth kissing and nipping her thighs. His fingers laced through the thick triangle of hair. His thumb played over her clit and the engorged walls of her pussy as his head rested on her leg. She ran limp fingers through his hair and down his cheek. Brenimyn captured her hand in his, kissing her palm, holding it against his face. Jahara didn’t remember ever feeling so at ease with her own nakedness and the thrills she just experienced from skilled caresses. They lay like that until the sound of blood rushing in her ears gave way to the chirping of the birds singing in the trees nearby. Inhaling the sweet smell of the hay grass, she filled her lungs with contentment. Her heart finally slowed, no longer working to jump out of her chest. Jahara could have stayed like that forever. She stirred only when Brenimyn stood to remove his pants. She rolled on her side, slipping her arms out of the dress. He was truly a handsome man, his muscles sculpting a physique she had seen only on the statues at art museums. Her gaze traveled the width of his broad shoulders, over his muscular torso, following the thin line of silken hair, down to the sight of his cock, rock-hard with desire for her. Smiling up at him, Jahara crawled to the edge of the bed. The sight of his swollen shaft fanned the embers of desire and she was ready again to pleasure and be pleasured without realizing how badly she wanted him to fill her. This night he did not frighten her. Not when she understood what ecstasies his body offered.

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Boldly, she bent and kissed his penis. Encouraged by his gasp, she ran her tongue along its silken skin, feeling the power beneath the heat. She held the weighty flesh of his testicles, enjoying the flaxen hair tickling her palm. Capturing his gaze, she flicked her tongue over the sensitive tip, emboldened by his trembling smile. With a feather touch, she stroked its length. Jahara wasn’t sure how she knew what pleased him and briefly wondered if he moved within her thoughts. But at this moment with his heavylidded eyes darkening with lust, Jahara didn’t care what guided her. She loved the bumpy feel of the veins on her tongue and the earthy scent of him curling around her nostrils. She bravely sucked the mushroom tip into her mouth. He trembled as the air whistled into his lungs. Leaning closer, she took as much of him as she could into her mouth. He tasted of salt and musk, and she was aware of just how much power she had to please him. Moaning out her name, he laced his fingers in her hair. When she looked up to his face, he stared down at her, watching his throbbing cock sucked into the heat of her mouth. She wanted to take all of him, to see him climax from this angle, but he pulled away and sat on the bed with her. She wondered if she had misinterpreted his enjoyment. The shy curve of his mouth communicated his understanding of her confusion. He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re wonderful to touch me that way, but we must never waste my life essence, Jahara. There are other ways to satisfy me. Come here.” Sitting on the bed, Brenimyn pulled her into his lap. She wrapped her legs around his hips. Squeezing her bottom, she slid up and down his shaft, her clit stimulated by the hard heat of his cock. Jahara kissed him and tasted her musky nectar on his tongue, and for a moment, she thought of Merenith. But her lover wasn’t here, and what Jahara was doing was an obligation to the government, so she pushed the thought away and ground herself harder against Brenimyn, enjoying the jolts of heaven it shot through her. Their hands stroked and teased, and their tongues tangled in a ballet of hot desire. Breathless, Jahara spoke into his neck. “Brenimyn, I want you deep inside me, now.” “Look at me, Jahara, don’t close your eyes. Feel my body join with yours.” Lifting her, he lowered her in increments onto his cock, giving her body time to accept his. She winced as he filled her. Once again she was aware nothing, not a woman’s hand nor a stimulator, had ever filled her so completely. Through heavy lids, Jahara watched the curve of his mouth bring out the dimple. She would never forget this moment or the man to whom she had willingly given herself. “Jahara.” Arching his hips, Brenimyn buried himself to the hilt. “It feels incredible being with you this way.” The dreamy look in his eyes told her this joining meant more to him than the physical release it would bring. She was unwilling to acknowledge that perhaps it meant something more to her as well. Giving in to the pleasure, she leaned back and rubbed herself against the heat of his stomach. His mouth found her breasts and nipped with his teeth and lips until she no longer could remain still. Slowly she rolled her hips, feeling him fill her completely. Jahara had never known such satisfaction with a woman. Another pang of remorse 66

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speared through her. What was happening between her and Brenimyn had been preordained by law. Jahara needed to let go of her guilt. Brenimyn stopped moving. “Jahara, are you all right?” He ran a hand over her face, no doubt trying to smooth the lines pinching her features. “Does it hurt? We can try another position.” It occurred to her then how quickly he’d come to understand and know her. But she couldn’t admit that she was ashamed for finding more satisfaction in their joining than being with a woman. “No, this is nice. You’re truly skilled.” Her voice was a sultry whisper of breath. She brought her mouth down on his, swallowing her uncertainty. He pulled back, running his knuckles down her cheek. “Jahara, this is right. It’s the way it’s meant to be. A man and woman joined intimately. Just sit here in my arms, with my body deep within you and feel me.” Embracing her, Brenimyn’s arms covered her back and she relaxed against him, feeling him settle deeper in her moist depths. Nothing this amazing could be wrong. She laid her head on his shoulder, kissing the curve of his neck, tasting the heat of his efforts to please her. She savored the feeling of him, hard and rigid, filling her body in this exquisite way. Her heart tripped over itself as it beat with his in synchronized harmony with the world around them. Even the breeze breathed in rhythm with them. Reaching behind her, he unfastened the binding at the base of her braid. Unhurried, he unraveled the twist of hair, running his fingers through the strands, working his way up her back. The wisps danced on a puff of air and tickled her back, making her quiver with the sensation. Focusing on the strength of his hands, the warmth of his breath on her shoulder, the wet heat of his kisses on her skin and the places his body touched so deep inside her, she gave herself completely to him. “I love being with you like this, Brenimyn.” Perhaps there was more than the physical joining happening here. Copulating was different from loving a woman. In this place, at this time, it was right to experience a sense of love for Brenimyn, and Jahara felt only a slight twinge of regret at having said the words. Brenimyn’s fingers continued to work in her hair. When at last he had it completely unbound, he pulled the tendrils around to her chest. Trailing his fingers from scalp to breast, he combed out the last of the tangles. “Your hair is striking. I’ve never seen hair the color of onyx. Your ebony tresses feel like glossy strands of silk on my skin. I like it down. You shouldn’t bind something so beautiful. It should be free to float on the breeze or caress your lover.” Burying his face in the hair at her neck, he inhaled deeply. Embarrassment heated her face. “Thank you.” “You really don’t understand how truly remarkable you are, do you, Jahara Hriznek?” “I’m just a simple woman. I’ve been gifted with healing like so many others, but there’s nothing extraordinary about me.”

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“No, you’re so much more. There’s so much more you are meant to become. But don’t fret. I’ll be with you, loving you every step of our journey.” Brenimyn had finally admitted their joining was more than a physical pleasure for him. She’d sensed the undercurrent of deep emotion, but saying it aloud made her a little uncomfortable. “Don’t worry, my sweet Jahara. It will all be revealed. I shouldn’t have mentioned it. For now, let me just show you how much you mean to me.” He arched back and forward again, thrusting deep inside her. She bent her legs under her, coming up high on her knees. The motions of copulation seemed natural and fluid. Her body knew what she needed before it tripped into her consciousness. She stretched up, until only the tip of him remained joined with her then bent her knees until he filled her again. She watched the joining of their bodies, the sight making her ache with need and moisture run down her thighs. “Brenimyn, I’ve never felt so complete.” “Nor I, Jahara.” Clouds of desire stormed in his eyes, fueling her own need. He grabbed her hips and pushed his cock so deep into her heat she felt the soft curl of his hair against her throbbing lips. He thrust harder with each pulse of his body, pushing himself impossibly deeper. His mouth found her nipples. It was as if the sensitive points were one with her clitoris, and as he nipped and suckled, a fire seared through her. Running her fingers through his hair, she gave control of her body over to him. He gripped the flesh of her bottom, driving himself with increased force. Love and lust rolled into one as Brenimyn pounded into her. She climbed the torturous volcano of ecstasy, the muscles of her pussy clenching with an intensity she had never known. “Jahara, open your eyes and look at me.” Brenimyn gasped out the words. “Feel me fill you. Let me help you crest the final wave. Come with me.” She forced herself to obey him. Their eyes met. The pale blue of his irises had been nearly swallowed by his pupils. A smile trembled over his lips even as he pounded into her. The muscles of his shoulders grew taut under her hands as he worked to hold his own release. Seeing the pleasure on his face, knowing her body had brought him to this point, pushed her over the edge. Jahara bucked against Brenimyn, his cock filling and retreating from her slick channel, sending shocks of ecstasy along her nerve endings. She screamed with the sheer joy of her release, her nails digging into his skin. He bellowed her name, following her into a climax that exploded through them both. The release was so intense, Jahara thought she might shatter from the sheer force of it exploding through her. But Brenimyn held tight to her while they continued to grind and moan for each other. The shudders of pleasure quaked through their bodies. Their tempo slowed. He brought his hands up to her scalp, his forearms holding her tight against his chest, gathering the shattered pieces and pulling her back together. They gasped little quivering breaths as the last of their orgasms shimmied through 68

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them. When he fell back on the bed, Brenimyn took her with him, careful to keep them joined. Even soft, his penis filled her. She stretched her legs the length of his body, enjoying the heat of his skin on every inch of her. Laying her face on his chest, she inhaled deeply, enjoying his unique scent mixed with the essence of their mating. She held it in her lungs, not wanting the emptiness to replace the intoxicating bliss. Jahara waited, but once again, it never came. “I love you, Jahara.” He whispered the words so quietly, she was sure she wasn’t meant to hear them. Overtaken by exhaustion, she closed her heavy lids, shutting out the world just as the sun set in the meadow. She wasn’t sure how long she slept. When she opened her eyes again, night had descended upon them. The moon sparkled in ways she’d never seen, casting their shadows in a wild dance on the walls. Confused, Jahara lifted her head and realized they were in her bedroom, not in the meadow. The glow came not from the moon but the flickering of candle flames. She wondered if anything had actually happened. Or had she imagined everything? The idea that their union had not been real filled her with sadness. But the pleasant ache of her body and the red marks Brenimyn’s stubble had left on her breasts confirmed that everything she’d felt in their dream world had actually come to fruition. She started to roll away from him. “Where’re you going?” His arm came around to stop her. “I just want to clean up. Sleep.” “You’re kidding, right?” Pushing the sheets aside, he pulled her back on top of him. I was just resting long enough to repeat that performance. You think you can satisfy my desire for you in one go-round? There’s so much lost time to make up for. His dimples flicked around the amused curve of his mouth, but his lips never moved. Stacking her fists on his chest, she set her chin on them, enjoying their banter. “And what makes you think I would be interested, breeder? Hmmm?” He folded his arms behind his head. “Well, it was presumptuous of me to be sure, most honorable Jahara. Perhaps I should sleep in the other room?” He rolled her off him, the light from the candles dancing in his eyes. “I don’t think so.” She tackled him back to the bed and found his mouth with hers. They tried to kiss even as they laughed. “Perhaps one or two more times. I’m not sure I completely understand the technique.”

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Chapter Nine Brenimyn studied the exotic creature who had come into his life a mere three weeks ago. His birth-sister had told him about her years ago. This woman, who had finally journeyed into his life, had occupied his dreams since his youth. Brenimyn hadn’t believed his sister’s visions until the government forced him into slavery here at the Garden of Serenity. Since his arrival, he’d waited and planned for her. Now, while she lay sleeping, her face held none of the lines of guilt he’d seen shadow her features on numerous occasions. He felt it surround her like an ominous cloud when her defenses were down. It centered on Merenith, but he knew nothing more than that. Except in the throes of passion, Jahara never shared her feelings with him. Propped up on his elbow, he studied her angelic features. Her ebony hair, which stroked his skin like hot embers, was feathered out on the pillow. Her full lips curved in a half smile. He could reach in with his mind and share her dreams, but he’d promised he wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t go there anyway. He didn’t want to know if her happiness was caused by thoughts of another. Besides, he had his own feelings to deal with. He’d lied to her and the guilt of it weighed heavy. For as much as he loved her, he wasn’t sure he could trust her with his seed. In all their lovemaking, he’d yet to allow himself the total release of his life essence. She had no idea he’d been keeping that part of himself from her. Last week, Jahara had sat in the bathroom, teary-eyed because she’d started her menstruation. They both knew two weeks would hardly be enough time to conceive, but she’d seemed genuinely disappointed. He held her and consoled her, but he should have told her the truth then. He just hadn’t felt she was ready. Perhaps he’d been mistaken. They shared their physical intimacy without reservation. There wasn’t an inch of her body he hadn’t kissed or caressed and she, his. But they hadn’t been able to make that leap into their personal lives. They knew so little about each other. He didn’t know how she would react when they conceived a child. She had seemed truly upset, but what would her reaction be if she found out she carried a son? The first woman he impregnated had delivered a healthy male infant. He’d moved on to other breeding partners as the law required, so he’d lost track of her. He’d found out quite arbitrarily weeks after the birth that the Garden had taken the infant. He’d petitioned the Governmental Body to allow his Dame to take the babe, but they scoffed at the idea. Males—infant or adult—had no rights. The child would be a year old next month, and he ached for the son he’d lost. He wasn’t sure he could go through that again. So he’d trained himself. Through deep 70

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meditation, he’d learned how to control his body. He found great satisfaction when he made love to Jahara, but oh how he would like to allow himself the abandonment of total release. He’d told no one of his secret until last week when the responsibility of Jahara’s tears had been more than he could bear. In a moment of weakness he’d confided in Sebastian, a dear friend and supporter of the cause. But the confession did nothing to assuage his guilt. Jahara knew none of this. He felt her love for him when they were together, but she had yet to let go of everything she’d come to believe about men and procreation. She thought he was an anomaly, a unique male specimen. Today, she would discover the truth. He only hoped she was ready. In the last several weeks, they’d deviated little from their daily routine. They spent her working days apart—Jahara at the healing facility, Brenimyn with his fellow male breeders. But their nights were for them alone. They’d learned how to pleasure each other in countless ways. Jahara was an adventuresome lover. Their bodies were sore from the lovemaking. Only in the throes of passion could she utter words of love to him. He hoped the time would come when she could admit her feelings outside the confines of their lovemaking. Still, they couldn’t keep their hands from each other, and for now he had to be satisfied with physically loving her. At least he had convinced her that their joining was not only solely for procreation and she also spoke of their copulation in terms of love. She came to him with so much history. She wasn’t a warrior as he’d expected, but a healer committed to another. Toying with the ring on her finger, he had to admit, he hadn’t expected that complication. Brenimyn pondered how he would reveal to her all that she was meant to become, all that they were meant to accomplish together. Content and peaceful, her breathing was deep and rhythmic, and she looked radiant curled next to him. He didn’t want to wake her, but like a drug, he craved the feel of her satiny skin against his hand. Running his fingers down her side, he let it rest in the curve of her waist. He couldn’t believe she was real. He’d meant it when he’d told her she was so much more than he’d ever dreamed. To have her with him in the flesh was to make all he’d envisioned a reality. He still marveled in the fact she’d been gifted to him. Now he only had to make her believe in their love. That would be a daunting task. He’d cherished Jahara for so long, he couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t known and loved her. Patience, Brenimyn reminded himself. She had no idea what fate had in store for her. He prayed to the Creator of this earth that he would not frighten her when he shared the details of the overwhelming task that lay ahead of them. On one level, she didn’t know him except as her breeder. On another, when she let go and gave herself to him, he felt her body recognize his. He trusted that would be enough to convince her. Somewhere, buried in her heart, it was there. He just had to convince her it was real.

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“Brenimyn?” I’m here, my love. If he said the words enough, even telepathically, perhaps she would come to believe them. Watching her eyes flutter open, he nearly melted with the smile that curved her mouth. “Last night wasn’t another dream, was it?” “No, my sweet.” Leaning close, he whispered the words in her ear, nipping the fleshy lobe. “It was as real as my love for you.” Rolling over, she snuggled her back against his chest, rubbing her bottom provocatively against him, and his cock responded. He nestled contently in the cleft of her ass, still surprised at how quickly their bodies responded to each other. Brushing the hair from her neck, he nipped at her shoulder, his hand sliding up to cup the warm flesh of her breast. The nipple pebbled at his touch and he pinched and elongated it, drawing a moan of pleasure from Jahara. In a fluid movement, she lifted her leg and arched her back, her welcoming pussy swallowing his cock in its moist heat. He didn’t want to rush, but he’d already let her sleep too long. With practiced strokes of fingers at her clit in tandem with his rocking hips, her orgasm came hard and fast. Her pussy muscles contracted like a silken fist, liquid heat pouring around his cock, and he orgasmed only seconds behind her. As much as he’d like to repeat the performance, he separated from her. “I’ll take the first shower and get everything ready for our picnic. You jump in after me.” She rolled toward him, the sleepy satisfaction adding to her breathtaking beauty. “How about we don’t go for a picnic and we spend my day off right here in bed?” Guilt churned his gut. Knowingly withholding information from Jahara made him uncomfortable, but telling her everything would surely send her fleeing from him and that would be unbearable. After today, there would be no more lies. But right now he needed to get her out the door. How about I show you the lake everybody talks about and we make a little love out where there are no cameras? She came up on her elbow. “Then I say let’s get packing.” He left her humming in the bed and rushed to ready them for the day, hoping they wouldn’t be late. After he’d showered and dressed, he hurriedly worked to pack the picnic lunch as he stared at the time, and worried again that they would be late. Not knowing they were on a time schedule, Jahara was taking her time. He could hear her blissfully humming in the bedroom. He wondered if she would be so happy if she knew what this simple trip to the lake held in store for her. “Do you want cheese, tomatoes—or lettuce, or all three?” Lifting his head, Brenimyn hollered into the bedroom. “All three sound lovely.”

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“Oranges or apples?” “Strawberries and grapes. There’re some in the bottom of the fridge. And perhaps some bananas.” He heard her rustling in the closet. “They don’t travel well,” he mumbled as he shoved the food he’d chosen into the pack. “Forget it. I’ll pack both.” “There’re some crackers in the cupboard to the left of the sink. They would go nicely with the cheese,” Jahara said, stepping into the kitchen. She tucked her tank top into the waist of her flimsy pants. Brenimyn held the container up for her to see. “Oh, you already found them.” He shoved the crackers in next to the fruit and turned to the bottles on the shelf. “Red wine or white?” “I’m feeling a little wild today. How about both?” She rose up on her toes, smacking his lips loudly. “Both it is.” He smiled when he looked at her flushed cheeks, knowing his loving had put the color there. “I like your hair that way.” Running her fingers down the long strands, she fluttered her gloriously thick lashes at him. “Really? I didn’t know. I’ve decided I like it down rather than in a braid.” Flashing him an impish smile, Jahara pointed her finger at his nose. “But you’re going to be responsible for combing out any knots that tangle it today.” “It would be my pleasure.” He kissed her nose. “It’s another lovely day in The Garden.” She giggled. Of course, with the closed ecosystem, every day had perfect weather. “Why do I feel today involves more than a picnic?” she asked. Jahara had no idea what kind of a hornet’s nest the answer to that question would open. Brenimyn swallowed the lump of deceit clogging his throat. “I’ve got a couple of other surprises, but if I told you…you wouldn’t be surprised, now would you?” Keeping his tone upbeat, Brenimyn avoided looking at her. Even after only a few weeks, she could read his emotions and he was acutely aware his guilt would be obvious. “Are you sure we can’t just stay here and lounge by the pool? I don’t get many days off.” She pressed her body against his back, her hands sliding down his belly. “I think I need more practice in this babymaking activity.” Turning around, the air rushed out of his lungs. His love for her hit him with the force of a punch to the gut. He looked into her eyes, feeling as if he would drown in their deep amber pools. They were filled with trust, and he knew in that instant he would give his life for this woman if the journey they were about to embark upon ever came to that. “You, my honorable Jahara, have perfected that technique.” His arms wound their way around her hips. “Today, if it would please you, I would like very much to show you another part of the Garden.” He watched her face pinch in disapproval at his

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statement. She hated when he put her on a pedestal for the cameras. Pleased that she thought of him as an equal, he gently brushed her lips, pulling away before she could deepen the kiss and delay them longer. He’d already had to fight her off in the shower. “With your permission, I called for a car. It’s already waiting outside to take us to the lake.” Putting the pack with the food on Jahara’s back, he shrugged the heavier pack from the shelf over his shoulder. “Shall we?” He led her outside. The ride out of the Garden proper was uneventful. As they drove past the breeders’ residences then the houses for the pregnant females, they chatted about the day ahead and the night before. They carefully measured their words lest the woman driving the vehicle be a watcher for the Governmental Body. Jahara’s eyes grew wide as the Garden proper melted away. The residential buildings opened to the agricultural section of the Garden. Large fields of corn, wheat, potatoes and various other fruits and vegetables lined the road. Workers in their pale blue outfits hunched over the crops. “What’re they doing in the field?” Leaning over the seat, Jahara asked the driver to slow the vehicle. “They’re all women, yet they wear the pale blue tunics of breeders.” “The founders originally intended machinery to do the culling and harvesting they’re doing.” Brenimyn pointed to the fields. “But so many live here for so long they had to find something to occupy their time while they procreated. As you know, no one is forced to work, it’s a choice. But it’s no different than you working at the breeders’ well-check.” He toyed with Jahara’s fingers laced through his. “You’ll notice there’re no male breeders who work. It’s not allowed. We must be available to copulate at our mates’ request. Besides, they’re afraid we might get hurt.” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm from his last statement. “There are a mere two thousand of us here. Two-point-five men for every breeding woman.” Jahara’s brow furrowed and Brenimyn couldn’t help but laugh at her assessment of the situation. Today might go better than he anticipated. They left the golden fields of grain dancing in the endless gentle breeze and traveled toward the green pastures of the animals. Herds of cows, horses and bison could be seen grazing on the rolling hills. The scent of manure filled the air. Jahara sighed. She neither wrinkled her nose in displeasure like the driver, nor smiled in approval as she’d done with the other new scenes she’d experienced. Brenimyn tried to reach her telepathically, to sense what she was feeling, but Jahara had closed herself off from him. It was a technique she’d perfected in the last few weeks and only when she relaxed or slept could he breach her barriers. In the beginning, he’d known her every move and sensed her every emotion, but she’d become very adept at shutting him out. Perhaps he’d simply invaded her thoughts one too many times while she was busy at the healing facility. It didn’t upset him. Nothing about Jahara bothered him, quite the opposite in fact. She never ceased to amaze him.

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Jahara fell heavily back into the seat, a look of sadness creasing the corners of her eyes and mouth. Embracing her, Brenimyn tucked Jahara against him. She didn’t resist, but she remained rigid in his arms. Jahara’s incessant talking stopped and they traveled the last ten minutes in silence. Though he wanted to understand Jahara’s sudden mood swing, he instinctively knew he wouldn’t like the explanation, so he didn’t ask. Turning off the main thoroughfare, the vehicle bumped along the rutted road. The agricultural section was the only part of the Garden kept in its natural state. The barn they sought sat nestled between the lush jungle and the emerald fields filled with livestock. “We’re here.” Brenimyn’s voice sounded overly cheery even to his own ears. They climbed out of the car, instructed the driver to return one hour after sunset and stood watching in silence as it disappeared over a hill. Grabbing both packs in one hand, he took Jahara’s hand in the other, leading her into the cool shadows of the building. The sun shafted through the large double doors. The stalls lining either side of the barn held animals and windows. The light slanting through the stall doors barely reached the broad-beamed floor where they stood. It took Brenimyn’s eyes time to adjust to the murky darkness. “Hello,” he called into the emptiness. Lifting their joined hands, he checked the timepiece at his wrist. It was only slightly later than he anticipated. Someone should be here. “Nazaret, you here?” he shouted again down the long passageway. The horses in the stalls snorted restlessly. “She must be in the office. It’s about halfway down.” Pointing, he looked over at Jahara who curved one side of her mouth in a feeble attempt at a smile. He’d find out later what was going on. Right now he was concerned about reaching the lake before the false sun reached its zenith. He heard voices as he approached the office, relief spilling over him. Perhaps they would make it on time after all. Pushing the door open, his large frame froze on the threshold. Jahara bumped into his back. “Nazaret, Lukiam, forgive the intrusion. Don’t rush on my account.” He turned quickly, pushing Jahara two steps back, not wanting her to witness the scene in the office. He closed the door behind him. Heat blazed on his cheeks and he was grateful for the shadows that enveloped them. Normally he didn’t find sexual encounters embarrassing. Not only had he been forced to copulate with multiple partners at the same time, but last year they had chosen him as a teacher. By now he’d mated in front of hundreds of women. But something about Jahara’s innocence unnerved him. “They are…” Brenimyn cleared his throat as the sounds of their climaxes filtered through the door. “Otherwise engaged.” Jahara laughed out the words. “Perhaps we could wait for them outside?” “I think I’d like that.”

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They continued to giggle as they rushed away. They hadn’t even reached the doors when Nazaret called from behind. “Brenimyn, wait.” A young woman moved up the passageway, pulling on breeches with each step. Her auburn hair and bare breasts swayed and bounced as she half ran, half hopped to the front of the barn. “You’re a little later than I expected. Lukiam can spare only a few minutes before he’s expected back at the Garden proper for his wellcheck. You know how it is when you’re in love. Any time is a good time.” She shrugged unapologetically, tying the breeches she’d just pulled up. Nazaret’s cheeks were red, her lips puffy and bruised. Her exposed breasts were still heaving from the efforts of her lovemaking. “I have your horse bridled and ready.” She rose up on bare feet and gave Brenimyn a hug and a peck on the cheek. “Many are expected today. Neither of us could get away or Lukiam and I would join you.” Her face nearly split with the smile that she flashed Jahara. “And you must be the honorable Jahara Hriznek.” She bowed at the waist. “It’s truly an honor to finally meet you. We’ve waited a long time for your arrival.” Confusion lined her face as Jahara took the hand Nazaret offered. “Yes, well, I’ve only been here three weeks and they don’t give me much time off. I didn’t know I was expected to pay a visit to the barns.” Nazaret laughed and winked at him. “You never mentioned she had such a sense of humor.” “Don’t you need to get back to Lukiam?” He wanted her to stop talking. She’d already said too much. “Yeah, sure, after I get your horse. In a hurry today to enjoy the lake?” “No commentary, Nazaret, just the horse.” She laughed as she led them out into the bright sunlight, all three shielding their eyes. “Your favorite gelding. He should have no problem carrying you both.” “I don’t get my own horse?” Jahara sounded indignant. “You know how to ride?” Brenimyn didn’t mean to sound so surprised, but she did come from the desert. Horses weren’t common there. “Of course, Merenith is a very gifted animal trainer. She runs the vet clinic and farm outside the capital city. She taught me how to ride.” He saw her pride turn to discomfort when she mentioned the woman’s name. That would explain Jahara’s subdued disposition as they drove through the pastures. She missed her lover. “Then two horses it is.” Brenimyn was pleased the jealousy warring inside him didn’t come through in his words. He had wanted to be the one who introduced Jahara to horses and taught her to ride. The disclosure that she’d learned from her lover did not sit well with him. Damn, the fact that Jahara still considered Merenith a significant part of her life was a bitter pill he refused to swallow. It just emphasized how little he truly knew about this woman he intended to make his wife.

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Chapter Ten They rode through the fields bareback, climbing into the hills. The grassy fields gave way to palm trees and exotic vegetation Jahara had never seen. Emerald leaves fringed large flowers in all shades of the rainbow, their honeyed aroma filling the air in a sweet fog. Birds hidden among the foliage warbled and sang, permeating the jungle with their melodious tunes. It was a banquet for the senses and she closed her eyes, committing it all to memory. Jahara swayed with the steady rhythm of the horses, their hooves silent in the lush undergrowth. The air grew damp with humidity, engulfing them like a wet blanket. Sweat ran down her back beneath the pack and her tunic molded provocatively to her breasts. She smiled when she saw Brenimyn surreptitiously admiring her body. Jahara felt his hands caress her torso, setting her insides fluttering. She didn’t dare look at him to see if it was her imagination or his telepathy. Either way, she could barely wait to reach their destination to picnic and join together away from the intrusive cameras in the apartment. She had come to accept that mating was a term reserved for animals driven by instinct. It had been that one word that had cut Brenimyn so deeply on their first night. In his presence, they referred to their joinings as making love. That term of the ancients made sense. Her body’s desire to have him inside her had nothing to do with procreation, and everything to do with the joy it brought them both. The thought of conceiving his child just added another dimension of thrill. She wasn’t sure when she’d begun to think that way. Pregnancy no longer frightened her. She rather liked the idea of bearing Brenimyn’s offspring. He had a kind and gentle nature, and any child of his would surely possess those qualities. Jahara had been so disappointed when the blood had flowed from her womb last week and he’d echoed her sentiments. They’d done nothing but make love for weeks. The only benefit was the fact they had another month to enjoy each other. The scene at the barn had embarrassed her. Jahara doubted she would ever get used to people being so open about their sexual interludes. To her great relief, Lukiam had never come out of the office. She hadn’t wanted to witness another naked man flush with the afterglow of sex. She’d caught a couple in the throes of passion last week in a back corner of the healing facility and had nearly swooned at the sight of the red-faced breeder pumping furiously into the woman bent over a chair. He’d looked at her smiling, not caring whether she watched them complete their ritual or left. She’d done the latter as quickly as she could, but the image was permanently seared in her brain. 77

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Riding in silence, both she and Brenimyn were caught up in their own contemplations. They meandered through the jungle on a well-worn path the horses seemed to know intimately. She hadn’t been on a horse since…well, since her trip to the river with Merenith. The woman’s face flashed over her thoughts. Until this morning, Jahara hadn’t thought about Merenith in days, perhaps a week. Brenimyn now occupied every waking moment and often filled her dreams as well. She toyed with the ring on her finger, wondering if this is what love felt like. Giddy happiness tripped over her heart whenever she thought of the man, and being with him completed her in a way no relationship with a woman ever had. Jahara had told him the secrets she never shared with anyone save her birth-sisters and even confessed her deepest fears of never finding a woman to share her life with. She smiled over at him as he rocked placidly on his horse. The smile he returned stirred her heart. But that couldn’t be love. As a scientist, she’d come to believe this euphoria was simply her body’s reaction to Brenimyn’s natural pheromones. She had to admit, her heart had never felt so full in any relationship with a woman. But she couldn’t be in love with a man—women just didn’t do that. Guilt overtook her before she was ready for it. Unable to shoulder its burden, Jahara fell forward onto the neck of the horse. “Jahara, are you all right?” Brenimyn brought his gelding close, reaching over to rub her back. “We can stop for a rest if you’d like.” “No, I’m fine. I don’t need to rest.” Her words came out clipped, making her sound angry. Sitting up, she shrugged off his hand. “Just a little sore. I needed to stretch.” The lie tripped off her tongue with such ease it added its load to the anxiety already gnawing at her. The fact was she didn’t want Brenimyn near. Not until she had a chance to process this new revelation. Obviously hurt by her rebuff, Brenimyn coaxed the gelding ahead of her mare. She couldn’t seem to do anything right. Jahara needed to release this guilt and focus on her good fortune. She’d found not only a skilled lover, but a handsome specimen who agreed to be her breeder. They would make genetically pleasing offspring. Jahara’s heart fluttered when she thought of his gentle hands bringing her to climax. She’d never known such completeness in a union until she made love with Brenimyn. Her body was sore from the copious amount of sex, but the pain wasn’t unpleasant. She found the rocking of the horse and the recollections stimulating. Her tender body reacted to the memories of Brenimyn deep within her. Shivers of anticipation slithered up her spine and the familiar tug of desire dampened her breeches. No one had ever made her feel so totally loved and accepted. She watched the muscles in Brenimyn’s back and legs flex with the cadence of the horse, the sight making her pulse quicken. When she was with him, everything else melted away. It wasn’t until this morning as they drove the road near the pastures that Jahara realized she hadn’t talked to Merenith in over a week.

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How could this have happened? She’d come to the Garden to fulfill an obligation, not to allow another into her heart. But as much as she tried to ignore the fact, it was exactly what was happening. Jahara had gone straight from introductions to love. Her heart had recognized Brenimyn the moment he’d touched her. “And mine recognized you.” “Hey, get out of my head,” she shouted, her voice startling the birds into flight. Their thunderous wings and screeches of reprimand shattered the tranquility. “Exactly what did you hear?” Nudging the mare, Jahara forced her mount through the thick vegetation until she came alongside Brenimyn, pulling on the gelding’s reins until the horses stood flank to flank. “Whoa.” Jahara barely controlled the anger from boiling over into rage. Heat rose in her face and she hoped he could see just how upset he’d made her. “Let’s get one thing straight here, mister-man.” She shook her finger at the amused expression making his dimples flutter. “You may not venture into my head without an invitation. It’s just…well…it’s just rude.” She’d gotten so good at blocking him. The soothing setting of the jungle must have dropped her defenses. Brenimyn’s hand engulfed hers and he leaned in close, the warmth of his breath stroking her cheek. “My dear, I was not in your head. You crawled into mine somewhere around the barn scene with Nazaret and the replay of our lovemaking.” He nipped the bottom lip of her gaping mouth. “Which, I might add, has been a pleasant vision while we rode.” “But I’m not… I didn’t… It’s not… How?” “I know you’re not telepathic and I don’t know how you did it. But you did.” He chucked her under the chin, closing her unhinged jaw. “And as much as I’d like to stop right here and reenact some of my favorite moments from your reminiscences, there are people waiting.” He checked the position of the sun. “We’re already late. Are you experienced enough to ride faster?” “I may not have been on horses very long, but I had a very good teacher.” “Well, let’s put that to the test.” Flashing a toothy grin at her, he nudged the gelding into a canter. “Try to keep up,” he hollered, in the wake of the pounding hooves. They raced through the jungle. Jahara gave the mare her head, letting the horse choose the safest path. It was difficult maintaining the breakneck speed through the thick vegetation, but her competitive streak would not allow Brenimyn to get more than two lengths ahead of her. When the lush jungle opened to a field of high grass, she urged the mare into a gallop, leaning low over her neck. Racing the wind, her hair fluttered behind her like the horse’s black mane. She laughed with sheer joy when she passed Brenimyn, not doubting he’d slowed his gelding to allow her to beat him. Jahara steered the horse toward the lake in the distance, the rush of the waterfall drowning out the labored breath and pounding

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hooves of the mare. Slowing, she pulled the horse to a stop, unable to believe such beauty could be contained inside a building. The lake in front of them was actually a large pool at the base of a waterfall. The river to her left gurgled peacefully over boulders, disappearing into the jungle and traveling to some unknown destination. “I’ve never seen such splendor. It’s so beautiful.” She panted out the words. The exertion of the ride added to her awe, making it difficult to catch her breath. Brenimyn’s mouth quivered into a shy smile. “Not as beautiful as you, Jahara.” Reaching over, he brushed the hair from her face. “Come, there are many people waiting for us.” They rode the horses along the sandy bank of the lake, dismounting near a large gathering of people. A naked man took the reins from her, promising to walk the horses until they cooled. The mare bucked as she handed him off, but with a touch of his hand along the animal’s heaving flanks, the stallion settled and trotted happily beside him. Another breeder with gifts? Jahara stood in stunned silence, unable to assimilate everything. People, nearly fifty in all, greeted Brenimyn with a familiarity borne of years of friendship. Men and women ran to welcome the man standing proudly by her side as if they had been waiting for him. Though Brenimyn didn’t introduce her, they all seemed to know her. Rather than embracing her, they bowed and greeted Jahara by name. The evident admiration from strangers was a little overwhelming. Much like her first day at the clinic. A lanky man with ebony skin greeted Brenimyn. “I’m glad you made it, dear friend,” he said. His hand pumped Brenimyn’s, even as his other wrapped around him and pulled him into an embrace. “And this is the honorable Jahara?” “Sebastian, this is the woman I’ve told you about.” “Brenimyn didn’t mention your beauty.” Sebastian leaned in and kissed her cheek. “The man keeps his secrets well.” Brenimyn cleared his throat. “Sebastian, I’m worried about the time.” Brenimyn looked up to the sky, shielding his eyes from the bright light washing over them. “It’s getting late. Perhaps we should get started.” “Don’t be foolish, there’s still time to relax. People can wait.” Sebastian waved his hand and the gathering crowd dissipated, leaving the three of them standing in relative solitude on the warm sand. “And there are still others who have yet to arrive. Word traveled fast throughout the Garden. There’ll be a large crowd today.” He seemed suddenly serious. “But we’ve been careful not to raise suspicions.” “I anticipated that would be the case.” Brenimyn drew a deep breath and rubbed his palms down his thighs. “Perhaps Jahara and I will take some private time.” His eyes darted about the scene, studying everything but her.

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“One must have priorities, Brenimyn.” Sebastian’s unwavering gaze swept Jahara from head to toe. “Go find a quiet spot to enjoy your midday meal.” “It was a long ride. A quick bite, perhaps. We should start the meeting before the sun reaches its zenith. There’s much to do today.” “And still plenty of time, Brenimyn. Don’t rush. Perhaps you’ll take this opportunity to relax and give yourself completely to this beautiful creature. You have too much self-control for your own good.” Brenimyn choked and Sebastian slapped him on the back. The deep roll of the man’s laugh relaxed Jahara, even as Brenimyn seemed to bristle at his words. “Sebastian, isn’t there some business you must attend to before the gathering?” “If you insist, but what needs to be done involves you also. I didn’t plan to bother you with it until later. But if you insist on doing it now,” Sebastian turned to Jahara, “may I steal your mate to address some breeding concerns?” It was a rhetorical question and he didn’t wait for a response. Sebastian pushed Brenimyn toward a group of men gathered on the edge of the lake. “I won’t keep him long,” Sebastian called over his shoulder. Jahara searched for someone to talk with. A squeal from the grass captured her attention. A pregnant woman collided into the arms of a man on the beach. They kissed passionately and the man’s pleasure at her arrival was immediately apparent to anyone near. Jahara turned away, not wanting to witness the intimacy of their reunion. “Jahara.” Jahara was relieved to see Ishawny approaching. “Jahara, I’m so glad to see you.” She kissed Jahara’s cheek. “I thought you’d contact me to schedule another breeding session, but Brenimyn told me you’ve been quite ill. I’ve been worried.” “Brenimyn told you I was ill?” Confusion turned to anger and rose up to sit burning on her cheeks. He told her Ishawny was no longer available. What was going on with all the stories? What else had Brenimyn lied about? “Ohhh…” Ishawny nodded in understanding. “That kind of sick. Don’t be ashamed, Jahara. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” She leaned in close and lowered her voice. “Many first-time breeders develop a sickness that can last until their first menstruation.” She winked. The guide misunderstood the color in her face. “No, I…” “Really you don’t need to explain it to me. As a guide, I’ve seen it all. I’m just happy it wasn’t my services that displeased you.” Jahara laid her hand gently on Ishawny’s arm. “No, you were wonderful. It’s Brenimyn who’s left much to be desired.” The guide’s face contorted in confusion. “Yes, well if that’s the case, my partner is also here if you would like our services before the gathering.”

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Brenimyn loped away from the group to join them. “Ladies.” He greeted the breeding guide with kisses on her cheeks. “It’s good to see you, Ishawny.” “And you also, Brenimyn. I was just telling Jahara how well she looks.” “Yes, I’m happy to have her out. This is her first visit to the lake.” He snaked his arm around Jahara’s waist, pulling her close. “There are many enjoying their time, perhaps we should do the same?” He turned to Ishawny. “You’ll excuse us?” “Of course, I must find my partner anyway. He was brokering some recreation for us as well.” Brenimyn led Jahara away from the beach. “Perhaps we can find a quiet place to picnic away from the crowd?” He led her through the tall grass, avoiding the paths others had made. Sounds of lovers enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other filtered through the vegetation. Jahara wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or angry he’d brought her here. There would be no privacy. No interlude away from the cameras. Though cameras were intrusive enough, copulating in public was simply out of the question. Brenimyn found a secluded spot and tamped down the grass. Lifting the pack off her back, he opened it, laying out first a blanket then the containers of food he’d brought. He pulled off his tunic, his skin glistening with sweat, emphasizing the fluid movements of his muscles. Jahara experienced no sense of arousal as she had on the ride through the jungle. Irritation mixed with confusion kept her from enjoying this time with him. With a nervous smile, Brenimyn invited her to sit next to him. It was then the dam holding her emotions broke and spilled forth a tidal wave of anger Jahara could not longer control. “Where on earth have you brought me, Brenimyn?” She looked down at him, her hands fisted on her hips. “And for what purpose?” “Jahara, please lower your voice.” “My voice? There are people copulating everywhere.” She swept her arm in a wide arc. “They have no regard to privacy and you ask me to lower my voice? It doesn’t seem there are any secrets here at the lake. Except those you keep.” She pressed her thumbs to her eyes, trying to control the emotions burning to be released. “Now I demand to know what’s going on here.” She forced the words out through clenched teach. “And you can start by explaining what Sebastian meant by giving yourself completely to me and why you told Ishawny I was ill? I want the truth this time or I will mount that horse and ride it all the way back to my residence.” She pointed a shaky finger at the beach. “Lying doesn’t suit you, Brenimyn.” He shot to his feet and stood over her. His eyes turned to hard shards of ice. “Lie to you, Jahara? You’re a fine one to talk. You speak of my deceit, yet all that has occupied your thoughts today is your precious Merenith and the commitment you made to her.” He lifted her hand and shook the ring in her face. “You speak of love only in the

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confines of our bedroom. You’ve made it quite clear that I am nothing more than a breeder to you.” Charged air vibrated through his lips. “The vision is all wrong.” She wanted to defend herself, to tell him the thoughts had been private, but his statement about a vision had thrown her. “I was so sure you were the one.” Brenimyn rubbed his fingers over the stubble on his chin. “But you’re like every other woman who’s chosen me. You want my life essence, not my love. Well, I’m glad I’ve kept that from you.” “You said you loved me.” The words slid over her tongue with icy calm. “You don’t keep that from me…” The rest of his words slammed into her, stole her breath. “Your life essence? You deny me the very essence that I thought bound us?” Understanding dawned when Brenimyn slumped with guilt. “I’m not pregnant because you don’t give that part of yourself to me. You expect me to give everything to you, trust me, you said, mind, body and heart, yet the one thing that’s most important to me—you withhold?” His declaration had sliced her heart and she turned away for fear Brenimyn would see how it had made her bleed. “No.” Grabbing her, he spun her back to face him. “It’s not like that.” “Not like what, Bren? Not like you pretended to be upset over the fact I hadn’t conceived? Not like you don’t trust me? Tell me, Bren. What is it then?” His bitter laugh surprised them both. “Yeah, it’s all that, Jahara. Forgive me for not trusting you, but you haven’t exactly been an open book when it comes to your own feelings. You have no idea what I’ve been through. You don’t understand how I’ve been waiting for a vision from my youth to be fully realized.” The tension coiled in his muscles turned them to steel as he crossed his arms over his chest. “More than that…forgive my heart. I have loved you for so long, it’s clouded my thinking. You haven’t been able to admit you love me, yet you stand there, accusing me of duplicity? How could I trust you with my life essence? How could I trust you with my offspring? Perhaps it is best if you leave.” Pain banked in his eyes, but he stood his ground. They had lied to each other. Both of them were culpable. Perhaps now was the time to end all the deceit. Perhaps this was the place to bare her soul and let go of the guilt about Merenith, about her uncertainty over him. It had all become such a burden over the past few weeks. She reached for him, her tentative fingers grazing the arm protecting his shattered heart. His muscles flexed and his breath hissed through his teeth. She drew back, fearful he might explode from her touch. “Brenimyn. It’s all so confusing.” His shoulders relaxed. “You. This place. The strangers who know me.” Jahara paused, afraid to utter the word. “Merenith.” Pain turned to misery in his eyes. He gathered her to him. “This isn’t confusing.” Brenimyn’s mouth devoured hers. The silk of his tongue parted her lips and plunged in to take possession of her. Her world spun as he scooped her into his arms.

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Setting her on the blanket, he covered her body with his. She didn’t have time to think, no time to fight him. Jahara couldn’t gather her thoughts. Her body reacted to his before she could stop it. His erection pushed steel-hard against her thigh and Jahara moaned in a sudden desperate need to make love with him. The rest of the world melted away and there was only Brenimyn. She was as weightless and free as the clouds floating in the azure sky. Brenimyn kicked away his breeches as his hands moved over her, all but ripping the clothes from her body. There was a desperate urgency in his touch she’d never experienced. He laved his tongue over her breast, feasting on the sensitive nipple. Nipping at her flesh, his teeth sent jolts of current crackling through her body, making her tremble. When his hand parted her thighs, Jahara knew he could feel the liquid desire slick on her skin. He moaned out his pleasure and plunged his fingers deep into her before dragging them up her folds to circle her clit. His onslaught brought on an orgasm so intense, she arched her back in wild abandon, writhing against the assault of his hand on her body. Jahara had thought her anger had quelled her need. Obviously, that wasn’t the case. He rolled her onto her stomach, not giving her time to recover from the first climax before plunging his cock into her pulsing depths. He held her hands above her head, rocking deeper with each thrust of his hips. She tilted her hips, feeling him pound into her. His flesh slapped against hers as he increased the tempo. Brenimyn’s cock stretched her beyond anything she’d ever experienced. He’d never taken her from behind with such a desperate need to love her, and she’d never felt so desired. His breathing became labored moans. His thrusts grew more powerful, stimulating her sensitive channel. She kept her hips still, letting Brenimyn carry them both into the mindless quake of elation. Though Brenimyn shuddered in orgasm, Jahara knew he hadn’t given up his life essence. He continued to drive himself into her until another orgasm convulsed her muscles, squeezing him tight. When they had drawn out the bliss to its end, he fell on top of her, his body comfortably heavy on her back. His heart pounded between her shoulder blades, his shaky breath hot on her cheek. Sliding off her, he let his head rest on her shoulder, his leg flung across hers. Brenimyn snuggled her closer. She was too spent to move off her stomach. In the last few weeks, she’d stopped waiting for the sense of loss her climaxes brought. But the contentment she felt at that moment was so complete it engulfed her. “That, Jahara, is not a lie. I love you. It’s all you need to understand right now. The rest I will explain later.” She found the energy to roll so they were stretched out, face-to-face. Cupping his cheek, she kissed him gently. “There’s so much we both need to talk about. Today, in this place, with the openness surrounding us, maybe we can let go and trust each

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other.” She wanted to say she loved him, but speaking those words aloud would make her betrayal of Merenith complete and Jahara was sure she wasn’t ready for that.

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Chapter Eleven Standing on the rock ledge overlooking the crowd, Brenimyn didn’t need to count to know nearly two hundred had arrived. It was many more than he’d anticipated. Though he worried this gathering would attract the attention of the government, he couldn’t have asked any of them to leave. They had been waiting for this day far too long. He looked down at Jahara lounging lazily against the stone face. The wind lifted the raven silk of her hair, dancing with it, sending it fluttering about her face. He caressed her cheek in his mind. Jahara put her fingers to her face, her honey eyes so warm, he could almost feel the heat. She had only been with him for three weeks, yet he saw in that look an unconditional love he had never known before, even if she was unwilling to admit it herself. He gathered strength from that knowledge. There was fear as well. Jahara attempted to camouflage it with a tremulous smile, but the nervousness surrounded her like a fog. While they ate, he’d told her about his son and the incredible emptiness the loss had left in him. Brenimyn hadn’t given up his life essence when he’d made love to her, but she had known that was the case. “I want to make babies with you, Jahara, truly I do. But I wasn’t sure you wouldn’t send them away. Another child taken from my arms would no doubt break me. But you’re the one I want to bear my children. Not one, but many. I want to love you over and over, and from that create offspring. I want to make a family with you. Not birthsiblings, but a real family unit.” He shook his head. “It’s so much for you to understand. I know that. I’m sorry I haven’t trusted you enough to tell you all of this. I wasn’t sure you were ready. It was unfair of me to keep it from you.” Brenimyn had told her then of the prophecy. He shared with her the vision, his plans and her role in the battle that would begin this day. She listened attentively, not interrupting, appearing unfazed by his revelations. But he understood she couldn’t possibly comprehend the enormity of all the information he’d divulged. Nor could she understand her responsibility in bringing about the new world order. He’d purposefully kept that part vague. His own stomach lurched at the immensity of the promise he’d made to the men and women who had laid their trust at his feet. For a moment, overwhelmed by the task, he turned away from the hopeful eyes of the crowd, adjusting the small amplifier that would project his voice. Brenimyn had never had doubts before. But then, he’d always spoken in hypothetical terms. Having Jahara here made everything real.

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She must have sensed his anxiety because she stood. Throwing her shoulders and chin back in pride, she placed a hand on the small of his back. She didn’t speak. Her touch conveyed everything—comfort, support, understanding. But more than that there was a belief in him and the tremendous mission stretching out before them. Brenimyn pulled a book from the heavy pack he carried with him. Opening the tattered cover, yellowed from the years, he found the page that held his favorite passage. He didn’t need to read the words in front of him. He had long ago committed them to memory. He held the book high for all to see. “As always, I will begin by reading from the book of ancients.” A hush fell over the crowd so complete, it seemed even the birds stilled. “And it is written—A man shall take a woman as his wife in a union of marriage. He will make a home for her, a castle where he shall be its king and his wife, the queen. He must not lord over her but hold her in a most cherished place in his heart.” Brenimyn paused to add emphasis to this statement. Many couples sitting together snuggled into one another, their heads nodding in understanding. What an incredible change had already taken place in the last year. The thought melted his apprehension. Brenimyn’s voice grew stronger with conviction in the words he delivered. “His primary responsibility is to provide for her and all offspring their blessed union produces, including the basic necessities of food and shelter. The most important thing he can do for his family is love and cherish them above all things.” He looked down at Jahara, wanting to make her his wife and a mother on this day, and knowing in the same instant she wasn’t ready to accept that part of the vision. Brenimyn looked back at the frayed tome. “Women, you must support your mate.” Looking down, his gaze caught the eye of the females in the crowd. The terms Brenimyn needed were not found on the well-worn pages. “Men are equals. They are not meant to slave for females, to be available only as breeders or laborers. It is written,” he held the book high, “wives, you must encourage your husband to become the best person he can be. You must love and cherish him above all things. It is your role to maintain a loving, encouraging home, where all offspring, male and female, are treated with respect. Your children need to grow up in a nurturing environment where they will learn to become caring individuals who understand all people—regardless of gender, breeding capabilities or ancestry—are equals.” Closing the book, Brenimyn shook it high over his head. “So it is written, so shall it be.” The sound from the crowd rolled up from the grass. The noise engulfed him like a thunderous storm. He had never delivered the words with such enthusiasm and confidence. Putting his arm around Jahara, he was showered with the strength flowing from her. He kissed her passionately, barely able to control the impulse to run his hands down her body and feel her respond to his touch. She melted into him and he held her until the noise diminished, satisfied in the minimal contact.

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Knowing the next step would be the hardest, he hugged Jahara close to him. Her body tensed. She understood what was coming. “Most honorable friends.” He raised the book, waiting for the din to subside. “The time has come. We have waited and now it will begin.” Pausing a heartbeat, Brenimyn let the suspense hang in the air. “Men, no longer will we submit to the domination of the female gender.” The breeders whooped and raised their fists. “No more will we be treated as animals good only for increasing the female population.” Some men jumped to their feet. “We will no longer accept that we are not worthy of gifts and education.” Even with the amplifier, Brenimyn had to shout to be heard over the celebrating crowd. “Women, you will no longer be forced to procreate for the sake of continuing humankind. Mating will be a choice, one’s body freely given to another for the sake of love, not obligation for reproduction.” Everyone was on their feet. “The time has come to stop ripping your children from your womb and your hearts.” He watched the pregnant women cradle their swollen stomachs. “We have waited long enough, the time is now.” He let the crowd have their moment before lifting the book to silence them. The crowd settled back into the grass. The murmurs of approval still rippled over them like a pebble dropped in water. “The prophecy says two great warriors, a woman and a man, shall join together to ready an army for a monumental battle. It will not be fought with weapons as our ancestors had done, but with intellect and cunning. This war will oppose all common beliefs and bring about a new world order where men and women, as equals, shall reign.” Jahara went slack in his arms. She braced her hand on his chest, her gaze flicking wildly about the people below. Holding her quivering body, Brenimyn knew only his arm kept her from collapsing. This was a burden anyone would find difficult to shoulder. “Many visionaries have confirmed the prophecy. As you know, from a young age, I understood I would be chosen to begin the fight. I accepted the responsibility many years ago and have prepared the way, waiting anxiously for the woman who would stand at my side.” The crowd stilled, holding a collective breath, already knowing the words he would speak. Unsure of her reaction, Brenimyn looked down at Jahara. He watched her transformation in rapt fascination. Stepping away from him, she stood with her feet planted, pulling herself up tall. She filled her lungs, her bare breasts held high. The dark triangle of her womanhood was visible through the gossamer fabric of her breeches billowing in the breeze. She looked so feminine. Yet, under the lifted chin and unpretentious set of her mouth, he could see the fierce warrior the visionaries had promised. She held her arms casually at her side, not at her hips in defiance as many would. All this happened in a matter of seconds. “I present to you today, my mate—the honorable Jahara Hriznek. She is the one sent to save us from the tyranny of the Governmental Body of the Garden.”

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Bowing before the thunderous crowd, she accepted the accolades with humility. Brenimyn was sure his heart would burst with love for the brave woman standing, not above him, like so many other females, but at his side.

***** Holding the worn book with reverence, Jahara sat on the rock ledge, taking time to catch her breath. This had not been the day she expected when she woke in Brenimyn’s arms this morning. Jahara believed the words her lover had spoken to the crowd. The more males she met, the more she realized everything she had been taught was wrong. Men were intelligent and their emotions as real as any female’s. It was the part about her involvement in the revolution that was difficult to stomach. When she stood next to Brenimyn, she felt the truth of the vision with every fiber of her being. But now, watching him move through the crowd below, distributing the books of the ancients he’d carried in his pack, she questioned her own sanity. He set about organizing the groups for the teachings. She was no warrior, just a simple healer. How could she change the world? Jahara stared at the tattered book of the ancients in her hands. Besides wisdom, she wondered if it also held the answers to the questions burning within her. How would she fulfill the prophecy? And how could Brenimyn be so sure she was the one? Deciphering the faded letters of the well-read tome, she spoke the title aloud. “1950 Teen Guide to Adult Living: Home Economics for All.” Were their ancestors from so long ago truly visionary? Was the world she lived in a civilization gone wrong? Carefully, she thumbed through the thinning pages, the book filled with pictures of smiling men and women surrounded by children. Until she met Brenimyn, Jahara didn’t know there was any love other than that shared by two women. Merenith was simply the latest in a string of disappointing relationships. She’d thought she’d offered them every part of her and still something had been missing. Jahara believed she’d simply live with that hole forever. But Brenimyn had filled it. With him, there were no missing pieces, only the complete love of two hearts meshing to become one. Why couldn’t she tell him that? She felt betrayed by his lack of trust in her, but perhaps he’d been right to withhold his life essence. When she’d come to the Garden, she’d never intended to leave with her offspring. Her feelings for Brenimyn were changing that thought. She looked at the swollen bellies of the women below who loved the new life forming within them. When Jahara gave birth, she was sure she would never be able to give up the infant, male or female. As though beckoned by his stare, she looked down at the crowd, her gaze meeting the warmth of Brenimyn’s. His love for her was obvious, even from this distance. His thoughts brushed along her breasts and pebbled her nipples, bringing heat straight to her cheeks. She lifted the book to cover her nakedness and saw him laugh. She stuck her tongue out. The man didn’t play fair. 89

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Jahara studied him for a moment more, wondering if she could ever leave the Garden without him. How had she come to change her thinking in such a short period of time? Was it destiny? As a scientist, Jahara wasn’t sure she could believe that way. Yet everything Brenimyn told her, everything these people believed, everything her heart desired contradicted what she had been taught. Climbing down the ledge, she joined Brenimyn in the field. “Jahara, this is Nathaniel, Jonas, Kiladryn and Neila.” He pointed to three men and one woman as he spoke their names. Each in turn bowed to her. “They believe they have the gift of healing. Neila has been working with them for a couple of months to help them develop their gift.” “I was just telling Brenimyn that it would be my honor to learn from your teaching, honorable Jahara. I am only an apprentice.” Demurely dropping her gaze, Neila rubbed her rounded belly. “It would please me to have you instruct them today.” Having new students always thrilled Jahara. She hadn’t expected to be instructing. Brenimyn beamed with pride. “She’d enjoy teaching you today. Jahara’s truly a gifted healer. I’ll gather a few more groups, Jahara, and send them over. I’m sure the apprentices would be pleased to have you work with their students.” Brenimyn’s eyes glinted with humor as he strode away. He left her with a smile and a group of eager young men. Shaking her head, Jahara cleared the cobwebs muddling her brain. She had only taught in classrooms, never in the wilds of a jungle. “Neila, may we use you and the baby?” “It’s also Kiladryn’s offspring. If he doesn’t mind, I would be honored.” Her mate nodded in affirmation as eight more men and another pregnant woman joined the group. Ten minutes later, Neila lay naked in the center of the group. Jahara knelt on one side of her, Kiladryn on the other. His hands roamed just inches from Neila’s skin, the feeble light of his palms pulsed with his jittery nerves. “Relax, Kiladryn.” Jahara took his hands in hers. “Healing comes from within. Feel it flow out from your center.” Reaching over, she moved joined hands up his torso, she inhaled deeply, feeling the essence of his being flow through her. “Now exhale and move your hands over her stomach. Let the new life within her speak to you as your gift pours forth.” She kept her hands lightly over his and they explored the baby growing in Neila’s womb together. “Do you feel it?” His face split with a boyish grin of triumph. “Neila, it’s a girl! I have a daughter!” Neila shot up and hugged her mate, tears streaming down her face. “I know. I love you, Kiladryn.” He had been right about one thing, it was a girl. Kiladryn definitely had the power of healing, but the gift was not fully developed. With great effort, Jahara kept her smile

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firmly in place. Neila’s child had not been formed from Kiladryn’s life essence. It was not her place to tell the happy couple drowning together in tears of joy that he was not the father. Perhaps they both already knew there had been another breeder. Working through the afternoon, Jahara moved among the groups of training healers, using the pregnant women as her teaching tool. The men were quick studies, though some had not yet discovered their true gift. Hopes of developing healing talents had kept them from looking for their genuine calling. That was not unusual. When she was young, Jahara had believed she was telepathic until her birth-sister had fallen in the woods. Jahara had been so panicked by the blood and broken bone protruding through the skin that her healing powers had flowed from her hands even as she had tried to comfort her sister. Her Dame had sent her the next day to be trained by the best healers in Lexington. What was unusual on this day was the high number of couples who believed their union had created a child. In nearly a third of the cases, they were mistaken. The essence of the man was not part of the genetic makeup of the female baby growing in their mate. Even more strange was the fact that little of the woman’s essence appeared to be present in the developing fetuses as well. Jahara kept the information to herself, too confused to even know how to explain this odd fact. After all, what experience did she have with babies? As the sun slid toward the tree line, the crowd thinned. Jahara was weary from the extreme peaks and valleys of emotions she had climbed and tumbled through in such a short time. The amount of healing energy she’d expended added to her fatigue. Unable to find Brenimyn, she walked to the beach. She stripped away the breeches, damp with her sweat, no longer caring who saw her naked. She’d seen enough bodies in one day to realize it affected no one. Besides, she spent the afternoon bare-chested, the tunic ruined by Brenimyn’s impatient hands. She dove into the water, the cool liquid surrounded her in a peaceful bliss. Stroking with hands and legs, she swam gracefully through the lake, feeling the seductive brush of vegetation on her belly. She surfaced only long enough to fill her lungs before submerging herself again in the quiet solitude offered by the water. With strong kicks and sweeping arcs of her arms, she swam toward the waterfall, letting the wash of the water ease her troubled thoughts. So much had been revealed to her today and it would take time to process it all. Climbing the rocks, Jahara settled her back with the water cascading from above, pounding on the knots in her shoulder muscles. The sun sparkled through the mist, creating dancing rainbows at the base of the falls. The lush vegetation surrounding the lake was damp with its moisture. Jahara thought she would like to stay in that spot until everything was finished. Whatever was coming seemed too overwhelming to contemplate and she let herself drift into a serene meditative state. “Is there enough room for two up there?” Jumping to her feet, Jahara took a defensive stance.

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“Whoa. The war hasn’t begun yet.” Brenimyn climbed nimbly up the rocks to her. She hadn’t heard him approach. “We still have time for love before the battle begins.” She recognized the look of yearning in his eyes. She backed up until the rocks hindered her progress. “And what if I don’t choose to mate with you, breeder?” Cocking an eyebrow, she knew he heard the humor riding on the challenge. Brenimyn flung his head and water flew from his hair. He looked like a stallion choosing his breeding mare. “Then you can choose another.” He took another step toward her. His cock jutted thick and hard from his body and the sight made her internal muscles clench. “But I don’t think you will.” “Brenimyn, always so cocksure of yourself.” They were the last words Jahara could string together before his mouth captured hers. The familiar taste of him exploded on her tongue and heat surged through her veins. The hunger sparking in his eye told her this would be no gentle coupling. Fine with her, she wasn’t looking for sweet and sensual. He ripped free of her mouth, his breath coming in hard pants. “I can’t get enough of you, woman.” Running his hands up her torso, Brenimyn gathered her arms and held them over her head, pinning them at the wrist with his palm. She didn’t fight him. Not when his gaze ravaged her breasts and a feral growl escaped before he sucked her pebbled nipple deep in his mouth. She writhed against the hard muscles of his body pressed against hers, mewls of desperate need bursting from her throat. Brenimyn lifted her legs around his hips, spreading her wide. Without preamble he canted his hips and buried his cock in her slick channel in one fluid motion. He filled and stretched her, and Jahara’s body reacted immediately, her internal muscles spasming around his thick cock. His name echoed off the small alcove as she gave herself over to the pleasure coursing through her body. Shocks of electric heaven spread from her clit to her fingers and toes. Every cell of her body reacted to his touch. He let go of her hands and dug his fingers into her ass, anchoring her as he pumped with all the intensity of a man possessed. The rocks bit into her back, the pain adding another dimension to the sensations jolting through her system. Jahara buried her fingers in the wet thickness of Brenimyn’s hair, arching her back to give his talented mouth better access to her aching nipples. His savage moans of pleasure vibrating through her chest. The explosive orgasm slammed into her with all the force of a tidal wave. Jahara bucked and shattered in the security of Brenimyn’s arms, riding the tumultuous storm as he buried his head in her chest, her name ripping from his throat as Brenimyn convulsed in his own rapture. They stayed joined for a long time after, his heart pounding in synchronized time with hers, blissfully unaware that others were watching.

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She’d been coming to the field for months. She listened to the propaganda. How could anyone believe such nonsense? The world belonged to women. Men were only here to serve. Mykilai’s partner would deliver her second child soon and they would be free to live their lives as the Creator of this earth intended—two females together. Gabriella had been correct when she’d thought Brenimyn, the male representative to the Governmental Body, was stirring up trouble among the breeders. Today had only solidified her suspicions. Now he had a woman at his side. His talk of battles and new world orders seemed nothing more than pipe dreams. How could two people change the natural order of things? But more importantly, why would a woman want to? She watched the couple in the waterfall mating. Unlike most women Mykilai knew, the healer Jahara seemed to be enjoying the way the breeder touched her. Gagging at the thought, Mykilai swallowed the bile that filled her throat. Copulation was such a messy ritual. Gabriella was right. There had to be better ways of procreating. Blending in with the dissipating crowd, Mykilai Solodon smiled at the thought of all she would report to Gabriella tonight.

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Chapter Twelve Camille stood with her ear to the door and heard nothing. With one last check over her shoulder to be sure the young girl in the double bed still slept soundly, she carefully turned the knob. She’d been right about the food at dinner. It had been drugged. Camille tasted the sweet herb in her first bite. Her gift with plants was one of the reasons she’d been invited to work in the dining commons. No one else seemed to notice the drinks were laced with it as well. Fortunately, the girl sleeping soundly in the bed had had a reaction to the medicine and vomited all over the table. In the ensuing rush by Dr. Bresilee’s staff to clean the mess, Camille had scooped the food on her plate into a napkin and dumped her drink in a potted plant near the window. Now her stomach grumbled in protest. All she needed was a quick bite from the kitchen and she too would sleep through the night without the aid of drugs. This was her second visit to Dr. Bresilee’s home. It wasn’t so much that she disliked it here, it was just that she liked staying with Nathaniel so much more. He was a sweet man and a wonderful breeder. He did things to her body no woman had ever done. Not that she’d much experience either way before arriving at the Garden two months ago. She was pleased when Dr. Bresilee had told her she wasn’t pregnant. It meant another month living and mating with Nathaniel. The fact the director had touched her so intimately in front of the honorable Dr. Hriznek had been rather humiliating, but many of the things Dr. Bresilee did embarrassed the young women she took under her wing to train. Slowly Camille opened the door, peering into the empty hall. She stepped out, thinking of Nathaniel. He’d managed to contact her via video-com to extend an invitation to join him at the lake outside the Garden proper today. She’d heard from others about the secluded spot in the jungle. Camille had been heartsick she couldn’t sneak away to spend time with him under the romantic spell of the waterfall. But the invitation from Dr. Bresilee to stay at her residence wasn’t really a request. Every female breeder knew that. Camille wondered if Nathaniel had been tempted to copulate with another woman. Shaking her head, she knew he wasn’t like that. He wouldn’t have chosen to do such a thing. Still, males couldn’t refuse a direct request from a woman to mate. She slipped through the door, wanting to slam it behind her at the thought of him loving another. What had Nathaniel called it? Jealousy? Well, it was a new emotion for her, one that brought forth immediate anger. She controlled her temper, gently clicking the latch, not wanting to bring attention to her wanderings. 94

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Her bare feet sank deep in the carpet. Rubbing her hands briskly on her arms, she wished she’d tugged on a tunic. Though Dr. Bresilee insisted the girls remain naked in her house, Camille didn’t intend for anyone to see her. She looked back down the hall, contemplating returning to the room, but the insistent rumble from her stomach forced her forward. Moving quietly, she listened for noise from the other four bedrooms on this floor, each sleeping two young women. Nothing, save for a soft snore, emanated from the rooms. She imagined they were all snoozing blissfully content in a dreamless fog of drug-induced sleep. Peering over the staircase, Camille checked to make sure no guards roamed the halls. She tiptoed down the stairs, taking in the breathtaking expanse of Dr. Bresilee’s foyer, the high ceiling and crystal chandelier dominating the space. The wooden antique clock that had just chimed out the midnight hour in lovely resonating tones sat majestically in the corner. Dr. Bresilee’s home was beautiful. As medical director and leader of the Governmental Body of the Garden of Serenity, she had the only mansion on the premises. Some of the lower members of the government had private dwellings, though none were as opulent as Dr. Bresilee’s. Camille’s entire apartment complex could fit in this house. She looked to her left, noting the two separate wings. The pool, entertainment room and library ran straight to the back of the house. Dr. Bresilee’s private wing angled off in another direction. The girls were permitted there only by invitation. Shuddering, Camille thought of her last visit to the mansion. Dr. Bresilee had invited her to sleep in her private wing. It was the highest honor bestowed on a guest at Bresilee’s home. She’d accepted willingly. The experience had been anything but pleasant. Gabriella, as she was called in her private quarters, had used her and another young woman for her own sexual gratification. Camille had nearly gasped when Gabriella had stripped before them. The skin of her torso was rippled and twisted, the coloring on her arms and legs resembling a road map of veins and bruised lines. “This is what fire does to the skin,” Gabriella had said, shamelessly modeling for them. “I had an accident when I was just about your age. The healers did their best, but no one could repair my body.” She slid her hands down her belly and back up again, teasing the small mounds of her breasts. “But the fire did not damage my heart. I desire love and companionship just like everyone else.” She walked toward them and laid a hand on their astounded faces. “Tonight you will learn how to love completely and without reservation any woman, even one who is not beautiful on the outside. For you see, girls,” her pensive stare roamed the length of their bodies, “beauty comes from within.” Camille had arrived at the Garden, like so many women, a virgin in every sense of the word. She’d never been with anyone before. Nathaniel had been her first and only lover. He made her body taut like the string of an instrument, slowly, painstakingly

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playing it and bringing forth sweet music that vibrated through her body in a release of incredible pleasure. His body was made for hers and she loved every moment they were together. Camille wasn’t sure why so many women believed otherwise. Perhaps at nineteen she was just young and foolish. In any case, what Gabriella had asked of the two girls seemed unnatural. She’d taken them into her bed, both too fearful to refuse. Under the guise of instruction, Gabriella had them kiss and touch every part of her. They stroked her body the way Nathaniel had touched Camille. Listening to the sound of Gabriella’s orgasm had sickened her. Camille had been too frightened by the power Gabriella held at the Garden to stop doing what she asked. Gabriella had pleasured herself to climax while she watched the other girl lick and nip at Camille’s sex, pressing her fingers painfully where only Nathaniel’s erection belonged. All the while, Gabriella explained to the girl how to stimulate Camille to orgasm. She had pretended to enjoy the touches, but the sweet release never came. Though she knew many enjoyed it, Camille had been repulsed by a woman’s hands on her. It had been a long night. She’d been trapped here for weeks at a time. For some reason, Gabriella continued to ask her to return. Only one time during this stay had she been invited to share Gabriella’s bed, but two other breeders had been there, and Camille had writhed and moved and managed to avoid intimate contact with the women without arousing suspicion. She needed only to get through another night or two before Gabriella allowed her to return to her breeding residence. Even the medical director couldn’t keep a woman from breeding to conceive. The blue light of the ever-present full moon slanted through the windows, casting long shadows on the wood floor. Camille turned right at the foot of the stairs and crept past the sitting room where the girls played board games and dreamed about their future. The shelves lining the walls were filled with books and antiques only for the eyes. The library in the other wing held hundreds, if not thousands, of titles that could be accessed through the multiple video screens. The ancient artifacts were secured behind pieces of glass, keeping hands and dust from ruining Dr. Bresilee’s extensive collection. Camille peered into the dining room. The smell of sickness still hung in the air. The large table was already set for sixteen. Dr. Bresilee must be having additional company for breakfast. She wondered if she’d be asked to serve. She nearly gasped as the wall behind her whirled to life. Ducking into a small alcove in the dining room, Camille heard the distinct sound of a lift moving behind the wood paneling. It slipped past the first floor, gliding to a lower level. She hadn’t known there was an elevator, nor a basement level in the mansion. The sound of Dr. Bresilee’s clipped voice wafted down the hall, rising in volume with each click of her shoes.

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“What Mykilai told me today is disturbing. She was at the lake again. I should’ve had the water stopped on that wretched river months ago. There’s just the little problem of irrigation for the crops.” Her voice sounded as if it came out through clenched teeth. “I knew Brenimyn was trouble, but I hadn’t expected Jahara to join his cause. I’ll have Mykilai keep an eye on her at the clinic. Thank goodness I had her working with the men all these weeks. I knew something was amiss when she arrived here.” Stopping at the wall, Dr. Bresilee’s hands fisted into the pockets of the lab coat covering her yellow jumpsuit. Her foot beat out a quick tempo on the wooden floor. The blonde woman standing next to her nodded her head like the toy dog Camille had seen among Gabriella’s artifacts. She had to stifle a startled gasp when the director banged her hand on the paneling. “What’s taking so long? All four of those girls better be down there, prepped and ready before I arrive.” Her fist pounded the wall once again in frustration. “It really isn’t that much to ask. It’s not like you people don’t know the routine.” The wall disappeared, exposing the inside of the lift. Two burly women naked from the waist up stood in the artificial light of the elevator. Two stretchers held the motionless bodies of young girls. “Oh for goodness’ sake, we can’t possibly fit in there.” Bresilee threw her hands into the air. “Forget it, we’ll take the stairs. These girls should have been prepped thirty minutes ago.” Bresilee looked down at her wrist, annoyance coloring her voice. “The night’s getting away from us.” She turned on her heel toward the foyer. “Come, Kylie. Hopefully Mykilai will have them ready before I arrive.” Her voice paused, but not the incessant clicking of her shoes. “This’ll give me time to think.” The elevator door closed with a sigh, leaving no evidence of its existence. Camille peeked around the corner, staring at the women disappearing around the staircase. Always curious, Camille wondered what sexual escapades Dr. Bresilee had in store for the comatose girls. Her hunger quickly forgotten, her bare feet carried her silently across the wooden floor following the women to some hidden stairwell that would lead to the bowels of this mansion. Fear and excitement had her pulse racing. “Getting rid of Brenimyn should be easy enough.” Though the blonde woman raced next to her, Bresilee spoke to herself. “He’s a man with no rights. There are laws. Just get him to break one and we can make an example of him. Without a leader, this feeble resistance will surely crumble.” Bresilee’s hand swatted at the air as if removing an annoying gnat. Cursing her bad fortune for not being there, Camille wondered what had gone on at the lake. She followed behind the women into the private wing, hiding behind the large potted plants lining the hall. She needn’t have bothered. Caught up in their own problems, neither woman turned to be sure they weren’t followed. “You must get him back to your apartment.”

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“But as a new breeder Jahara has—” “But nothing, Kylie.” The harsh words reverberated off the walls. Bresilee stopped and glared down at the cowering woman. “Am I not ruler of the Garden?” Kylie nodded. “Then I can change any law.” She continued down the hall, her voice once again carrying the controlled tone of a moment ago. “And I decide that an ovulating government official, that’s you,” she nodded down at Kylie, “may usurp the rights of a female breeder. Tomorrow, we’ll invoke that law and take Brenimyn from Jahara’s residence.” They turned into a room at the end of the hall. Stopping at the threshold, Camille could see the two women as they moved past the windows, pausing at the far wall. In the false light of the moon, their pinched expressions gave the impression of demons descending into the bowels of Hades. “Now Jahara will be another problem altogether. Her Dame could make problems for us if something should happen to her.” A door retracted in the otherwise smooth wall. “I do so hate using this entrance.” Dr. Bresilee swiveled her long neck back and forth, bouncing the tight bun of hair. “Heads will roll tomorrow.” They disappeared into the darkness. Dr. Bresilee’s voice was swallowed by the night. The silence hung like a dark cloud bringing a storm. Camille had a bad feeling about this whole situation. “Camille, what is happening is none of your business. Just go back to bed,” she whispered to herself, even as her feet carried her to the secret door, fearing it would close before she could follow. “Don’t do this. You know you’ll only get in trouble. Nothing good can come of you going down there.” Though she spoke the words aloud, they did nothing to convince her of her folly. Curiosity to discover Bresilee’s hidden cellar burned hotter than her fear over getting caught. Besides, Camille wanted to know what Brenimyn had done that had upset Dr. Bresilee so. Nathaniel had spoken of Brenimyn with admiration. He had hoped to introduce them at the lake. Dr. Hriznek seemed sympathetic in Dr. Bresilee’s office as the healer had run her fingers intimately over Camille’s body. She wondered what Dr. Bresilee was talking about. The short flight of stairs before her was lit by wall lamps glowing in orange intervals. Kylie and Dr. Bresilee were not in her line of vision. “You’re a botanist, not a visionary, turn around now.” But her words didn’t stop her and as her feet touched the velvet carpet of the stairs, she gave up trying to talk herself out of prying into other people’s lives. Slinking down the stairs, Camille kept close to the wall. The lower level was as plush as the floors above. She heard the muffled sound of Dr. Bresilee’s irate voice and moved with great caution, still chiding herself for not returning to bed.

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Following the corridor, Camille found herself looking through large windows into a brightly lit room, the sudden burst of light painful on her eyes. Squinting, she stayed in the shadows cast by the large spotlights illuminating four examination tables. The muscular women hefted the unconscious girls from the stretchers and swung them roughly onto the tables. They propped their knees in stirrups, spreading their vaginas wide. Though men weren’t allowed in Dr. Bresilee’s home, Camille looked around for breeders. There were none. What was Dr. Bresilee doing with these girls and why was Kylie watching? Cold fingers of dread snaked up her spine, lifting the hairs on the back of her neck. Something was definitely not right about this situation. From her vantage point, Camille watched Dr. Bresilee at a sink, letting the chemical wash sanitize her skin from her fingers to elbows. She spoke in low tones to a second woman, presumably Mykilai, dressed in hospital attire and copying her motions. Kylie stood mutely with her back to the door, the tattooed women from the elevator standing guard next to her. Dr. Bresilee settled onto a rolling stool, moving to the first cot. She hunched between the legs of the unconscious woman. The other woman in scrubs, Mykilai rolled over a stainless steel tray covered with instruments of torture. Camille suspected she was privy to some bizarre sexual ritual. She wanted to look away from the horrors she suspected were about to take place, but obligation to witness the mutilations kept her eyes focused on the women. “Mykilai, the first syringe.” Holding out her hand, Dr. Bresilee accepted a large instrument that looked to Camille like the tool she used in the kitchens to baste chickens. She nearly gasped as Dr. Bresilee inserted it deep into the young woman’s vagina. With the plunger, she injected the blood-red contents of the tube. The burly women stepped forward, one pushing the knees of the unconscious girl to her chest, the other strapping them in place. Dr. Bresilee wheeled down the line, repeating the process, until all four girls lay on their backs, their buttocks and soles of their feet the only parts of their bodies visible from this angle. “They are so lovely like this.” Bresilee took a moment to fondle the exposed genitals of each girl. “Keep them here for the next hour. Tomorrow, they’ll remain in bed.” She stroked one of the girls. “This process always excites me.” Pleasure shivered through Bresilee and Camille gagged. Even for a female, what this woman found exciting was unnatural. “Kylie, find me one of the other girls to join me in my bed. There must be someone who has slept off the effects of the drug. I expect them in my chambers when I arrive.” Camille had seen enough. She couldn’t be caught out of bed. Racing up the stairs, she took them two at a time. Running down the hall, she panicked, thinking she couldn’t beat the elevator. Three quarters of the way up the second flight of stairs, she heard the elevator hum to the second floor. Lying prone, Camille swallowed her panic

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as Kylie glided out of the hidden panel in the wall. Her mind raced to come up with excuses for being out of her room should she be caught. Hope soared as Kylie entered one of the other bedrooms. Sprinting down the hall, Camille was grateful for the carpet that concealed her heavy footfalls. She slipped into her room just as Kylie stepped into the hall. Crawling into bed, she worked to slow her racing heart. Perhaps Kylie wouldn’t open her door. Her wish was not granted. She heard the soft call of Kylie’s voice. “Ladies, are you awake? Gabriella requests the honor of your company in her wing tonight. Ladies?” The cloying sweetness of Kylie’s perfume nearly choked Camille when the blonde woman leaned in close to her face. “Honey, wake up.” She shook Camille. Moaning, Camille feigned sleep she knew would never come. The ruse worked. Kylie walked around the bed. “Honey, wake up.” “What? Is everything all right? What’s happening?” Relief flooded through Camille as the girl sat up. “Nothing’s wrong. Gabriella would like you to join her tonight. Would you like that?” Her voice lilted in an overly cheery tone. “It would be an honor to be with her tonight. After I disgraced myself at dinner…are you sure she asked for me?” “She would like that very much.” The bed shifted and the girl left with Kylie. Camille didn’t exhale until she heard the soft click of the latch.

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Chapter Thirteen Jahara lounged in the courtyard behind the hospital, enjoying the sun. Only a few days had passed since the revelations at the lake and she’d enjoyed few moments of solitude. There would be much to do to change things here at the Garden. At the moment, the task seemed overwhelming. “Jahara, I’m glad I found you.” Gabriella Bresilee bustled up to her. The woman seemed in constant motion. Even as she sat next to Jahara on the bench, Gabriella exuded a constant energy that radiated off her and charged the air. “My apologies for wasting your talents on the breeders these last few weeks, unfortunately, it is a necessary evil we all shoulder.” Somehow, Jahara didn’t believe that Gabriella found herself working her share of hours in the well-check. “But I’m pleased to tell you, you won’t have to return there.” Gabriella looked out over the Garden, her hands fluttering about fixing her hair or picking unseen fibers off her yellow tunic. “We’ve had to cancel the exams for the afternoon. My healer in the clinic just delivered a healthy baby girl. A few weeks earlier than anticipated, but it all turned out fine.” Turning her head up to the warmth of the sun, Gabriella inhaled. Was she enjoying the scent of the lilac bushes surrounding them, or was it displeasure at sending Jahara to the clinic? This woman was definitely a mystery. “Mykilai is alone in the clinic and though she’s gifted, she’s still little more than an apprentice and still requires guidance. I need you to join her there this afternoon.” Gabriella didn’t wait for a response. “You’re welcome,” she snipped at Jahara as if she’d just rescued her from the bowels of Hades. Though Gabriella’s words made it sound like a reprieve, Jahara sensed the proclamation was actually a punishment. She looked forward to her time in the clinic. The breeders had finally relaxed and her days there were pleasant and entertaining. But trying to explain that to Gabriella was like talking to the stone bench she sat on—cold and unyielding. The woman ruled the healing facility with an iron fist. Dumping the last of her tea and salad in the waste receptacle, Jahara’s appetite had disappeared with Gabriella. Interactions with the vile woman always left her nauseous. She made her way through the healing facility to the clinic. If it was anything like her first day here, the afternoon would pass in a dizzying blur of healing. Jahara sensed the organized chaos moments before Mykilai Solodon accosted her near the reception desk. “There are so many who need me today. I can’t do this by myself. Oh, why did Dr. Vinari have to have her baby today?” Panic rolled off Mykilai in waves. Her arms

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motioned wildly through the air in tempo with her eyes. “There’s a woman with a painful back in curtain one. Another complaining of a headache in curtain two who’s so bad it’s blurring her vision and she’s puking everywhere.” Mykilai looked down at her smock smattered with vomit. “And others still waiting in the chairs who haven’t been triaged. I think there’s a broken wrist somewhere out there.” Mykilai’s chin trembled as the last words warbled out of her mouth. Jahara understood the overwhelming sense of sickness that rolls over a healer. Squeezing the woman’s shoulder, Jahara looked into Mykilai’s blue eyes. “Breathe, Mykilai. A deep, cleansing breath.” “But—” “But nothing. No one’s dying. Take a moment to center yourself. You can’t help others in this agitated state. Now in through your nose, slowly out through your mouth.” Jahara imitated the movement of air. “Keep doing that while you go find yourself some clean scrubs. I’ll triage the patients still waiting. Meet me in curtain two and we’ll heal the headache together.” Working side by side through the early afternoon, Jahara’s hands covered Mykilai’s. Functioning as one, they healed the migraine, a broken bone, a pulled muscle and other minor maladies. Impressed by Mykilai’s healing powers, Jahara knew she would be a great healer someday. The woman had had some poor training somewhere along the way, but the bad habits weren’t so ingrained they couldn’t be fixed. In an unusual moment of quiet, they sat behind one of the curtains, sneaking a cup of tea. Jahara hoped Gabriella didn’t catch them relaxing. “Jahara, you’re a gifted healer and a kind teacher. I’ve enjoyed working with you today.” Mykilai sat on the stretcher, her leg swinging back and forth. “Dr. Vinari would’ve pushed me out of her way and worked on the wounds herself. But even when I did something wrong, you never got angry.” Sipping from the cup, Jahara let the tea settle with Mykilai’s compliment. “You’re gifted, Mykilai. Never doubt what you’ve been given. It takes years to hone your skill. You’re eager to learn, it makes it fun to teach you. When you—” Screams from the waiting area cut her off. Mykilai was first to her feet and Jahara followed her into the waiting area, running into her back when Mykilai froze in her tracks. Unlike Mykilai, the scene unfolding before Jahara propelled her into action. She pushed past Mykilai, running to the woman half carrying, half dragging a bloody and mangled body. She didn’t know it was a man until she got close enough to see the tattered breeches, exposing his genitals. Like the clothing, the skin and muscle on the left half of his body was shredded as if it had been chewed by some savage animal. His arm hung unnaturally at his side. “You can’t bring him in here, this is for females only.” The female caretaker had come around the reception desk, obstructing the couple’s entry. “Don’t be foolish, woman.” Jahara shouldered the caretaker out of the way. “The man will surely die if we don’t help now.” 102

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“Save him, please don’t let him die.” The plaintive wail from the woman ripped into Jahara’s heart. Looking at Jahara, the woman’s eyes implored her to help. It was Nazaret. “He can’t come in here,” someone stated again, but made no move to stop them. Jahara ignored the command and moved to cradle what she could of the man’s left side. “Bring him over here.” The stunned staff parted, making way for the trio painted with the man’s blood. Together, they muscled him onto one of the stretchers in the treatment area. “Mykilai, get me some blankets.” The stunned healer didn’t move. “Mykilai, snap out of it.” Shooting a look over her shoulder, Jahara couldn’t see Mykilai and she wondered if she’d abandoned her for hospital policies. The crowd had thinned considerably since the wounded breeder had arrived. “Someone grab some blankets. He’s gone into shock. Get me something to cut these clothes off him. And for goodness’ sake, find me another healer. And blood, I need at least three units each of blood and saline.” Jahara looked down at the body, unable to determine how this much damage could’ve taken place. “What happened to him?” Jahara’s palms moved over the man. He was near death and his life continued to slip through her grasp. If she knew how this damage had been wreaked upon his body, perhaps she could stop its slow spiral to the other realm. “What caused this, Nazaret?” Jahara spoke quietly, trying to get Nazaret to focus on her rather than the man lying in tatters on her stretcher. But Nazaret could only shake her head side to side. She looked as pale as the evening moon. The woman made no sound save for the small whimpers escaping between the trembling fingers covering her lips. “What happened?” Jahara’s hands were winding their way into the man’s inner arm where the most blood seemed to be pooling. One of the caretakers was cutting away the ragged breeches still clinging to the bloody mess. Nazaret’s glazed eyes pulled from the carnage to stare through Jahara. “I don’t know for sure.” She raked bloody fingers through the dark waves of her hair. “He was at the barns with me. He shouldn’t have been anywhere near the equipment.” The tears finally came. Large drops ran down her cheeks, making roads through the dirt and blood splatters covering her face. The emotion overrode her attempt to speak. Another one of the caretakers finally arrived with towels and blankets. “Wash away the blood as gently as possible,” Jahara instructed. “I need to see where he’s wounded. Mykilai!” Jahara hollered. Her stomach lurched as she thought she might have been abandoned. She couldn’t save this man alone. To hell with hospital policies, this man would not lose his life to uphold antiquated laws. “Mykilai, I need you in here now. I can’t save this man by myself.” The apprentice’s voice was low in her ear. “I’m here.”

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“This is no time to crumble, Mykilai. I need you. Here, stand by his hip and find out what other damage is done. They’re just like females. Assess.” She looked up at Nazaret, standing at her mate’s side. “Nazaret, focus on me. I need more details about the accident.” In continuous motion, Jahara’s hands pulsed hot with the white light. “Crockadung, his arm’s nearly severed. I hoped it wasn’t this bad.” “He was, ah…” Staring blankly from one face to another, Nazaret’s fear of reprisal was obvious. “Nazaret, everyone here is going to help save him. There will be no punishment. Focus. Tell me what happened.” Jahara sent a scathing look at the women surrounding them, daring them to contradict her, but each went about their tasks, not looking at Nazaret. “He was working on the equipment. He shouldn’t have been. He visits me at the farm and helps with the animals and the farm equipment. He’s good with the machines.” A small sob escaped and she inhaled trying to keep herself together. “One of them was broken and the machinist never came. I told him not to, but he’s done it before…I should’ve been there.” Her voice broke again. “I…I was in the barn when I heard the scream. When I got to him, he was in the…you know…” Her hand waved limply in the air, words failing her. “The part of the tractor for wheat or something. I shut it off, but he was so…” She pointed to his body. “I didn’t know what to do. I put him in the vehicle and brought him here. Brenimyn told me you worked here, Jahara. I didn’t know who else would help.” Fear filled the eyes searching Jahara’s face, looking for answers. “Did I do right? He shouldn’t be here. Is it too late to save him?” Nazaret collapsed into her sobs. The shell of a woman standing over her breeding partner didn’t seem like the vivacious young woman who had snuck Brenimyn the horse the day they’d gone to the lake. Jahara had learned later breeders weren’t supposed to put themselves in situations where they could get hurt. Nazaret let Brenimyn ride anyway. Obviously, it hadn’t been the first time. This mangled body was the man she’d never met, Nazaret’s mate Lukiam. They shared an emotional bond. This man, who had been loving Nazaret in the barn, was now lying at death’s door. He shouldn’t have put himself in danger. But men, Jahara had discovered, were obstinate creatures. “Nazaret, I need you to talk to Lukiam.” The woman looked confused. Jahara didn’t know if it was the fact she’d used his name or if her words hadn’t quite penetrated the woman’s fog of grief. “Nazaret, lean in close to his ear and talk to him. Say anything. Tell him how much you love him. Tell him he will survive, that I’m here helping. Say whatever you can to keep him here with us. We won’t let him leave this realm. We can save him.” The blood pooling on the floor said otherwise, but Jahara would not give up on this man.

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“Mykilai, after the assessment, go back and repair what you can.” Jahara’s hands continued to move about the man’s arm. “Damn it, would someone get those fluids going? We’re losing him.” “What’s going on here?” A large woman, both in height and width strode to the foot of the stretcher. Two caretakers followed closely on her heels. “I told you. A male breeder. Here, in the clinic.” One of the caretakers poked her head around the woman, her voice shaking with her hand. Wisps of short hair fell into the large woman’s eyes creased with disapproval. She brushed at them before casually putting her hands in the pockets of her white lab coat. “Why on earth is there a male in our clinic? And why are you working on him? Get him out.” The loose skin under her arm flapped as her finger thrust in the direction of the door. “Don’t you give him that blood,” she bellowed at the caretaker working on the other side of the stretcher. “It was a farm accident, Honorable Dr. Linsig.” Mykilai’s words warbled out of trembling lips. “This is Jahara…I mean Dr. Hriznek.” “I assume you’re a healer?” Jahara didn’t look away from Lukiam’s arm, her hand buried deep in the muscles near the dying man’s armpit. Impatience slammed into her and she yelled, trying to move the unwilling staff into action. “Step up and help Mykilai.” “I am second-in-charge of the hospital. You are flagrantly disobeying hospital protocol,” the woman said. “These women told me a male breeder had come in here.” She motioned a thumb over her shoulder. “And now I find that you expect me to help you save him? I will not work on this…this…man. You’re wasting your time. He’s nothing more than a breeder. There are others who can take his place. No one will miss him.” Linsig’s words cracked with fury. “The fact he’s a man is the least of our worries. He’s losing blood. There’s much healing to do if we’re going to keep him from dying.” Jahara didn’t look up, but the anger rolling off Linsig clashed in the air with hers. She didn’t have time for the woman’s overinflated ego. She focused her energy only on Lukiam. Jahara hadn’t really listened to the woman. She needed help repairing the incredible amount of damage. “Stand on the other side and check his organs. Repair anything you can.” Dr. Linsig’s voice cascaded down on them. “I will do no such thing. Besides, look at his arm. It’s obvious we must take it. But then, what good is a one-armed breeder?” Her caustic laugh rippled up Jahara’s spine. “Let him die, Dr. Hriznek.” Stepping around Mykilai, Linsig tried to elbow Jahara out of the way. “Simply shut down the pain receptors and let him bleed to death. It’s the only humane thing to do. He’s barely conscious at this point. He’ll slip painlessly into the next realm.” Jahara refused to move. “This is my patient, Dr. Linsig, and I intend to keep all his body parts attached to him. And I do not intend to let him bleed to death.” She glared up at the woman. “Now, if you refuse to help save this man’s life, step back.” Jahara barely registered the look of stunned horror on the healer’s face.

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“I will not be talked to that way. Dr. Bresilee will hear about this.” She took two steps back. “There will be consequences for these actions, Dr. Hriznek.” Throwing her chin in the air, Linsig’s rolls below vibrated with the movement. She stalked away from the people covered in blood in the small curtained area. Jahara had needed a healer who would help, not interfere with her lifesaving efforts. She was just as happy the ignorant woman left. Jahara needed the women around her to believe they could save Lukiam. “He will live. Does everyone here understand that? If you’re afraid of the rules— leave now.” Jahara looked directly into the three sets of startled eyes. “Now there will be no more talk of amputation or the fact he’s a breeder. This man needs our help.” Blood covered Jahara’s front and her arms were slick up to the elbows, it would take all their efforts to save him. Her heart rejoiced when no one moved. “Fine. You’ve made your choice. Let’s get down to work. Get that blood and saline flowing. There you are, you little beast.” Her fingers had continued the search for the source of blood even as Linsig had slung accusations. “I found it. The artery in his arm’s torn nearly in two, but I can repair it.” Speaking quietly, Jahara reached both hands deep into the arm muscles. She threw her head back, closing her eyes, summoning the deep healing straight from her core. The energy flowed from her heart, through her arms and fingers, and right into Lukiam. She let the healing light surround her, focusing it on the torn artery that pumped the breeder’s life energy onto the floor. The rest of the world fell away. There was only the man and his brokenness. Slowly, the artery came back together. Moving her fingers, Jahara repaired another blood vessel then a torn ligament, meticulously working her way through the mutilated arm. Finally, Jahara was getting ahead of the injuries. The blood no longer gushed from Lukiam’s body. Jahara pulled out of her trance and moved on to other sections of the arm. “How’re you doing with the fluids? Someone clean this mess at my feet and cleanse this arm so I can see. Mykilai, what else have you found?” No one moved. Jahara looked around at the dazed expressions of people surrounding the stretcher. Their mouths gaped open, their wide eyes were unnaturally white around their irises. “People, we haven’t saved him yet. There’s still much to do.” Shaking her head, Mykilai was the first to come out of the odd shock that had frozen her hands. “I…ah…I found a broken bone in his leg; his hip is also broken as well as some ribs. There’s a small tear in his kidney, but I can repair it and his lung has collapsed. All other organs seem intact.” Jahara looked at the caretaker on the other side of the stretcher. “Very well, double the fluids. Mykilai, repair the lung then the kidney, the broken bones last. You can do all that without my help. I’ll finish repairing the arm then work down the torso.” Jahara’s hands moved over Lukiam, repairing torn muscles and broken bones. It was late into the night before, spent and weak, Jahara and Mykilai sealed the last of the torn skin.

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Stepping away, Jahara stretched her back and rotated her stiff neck. “It’s done. That’s all we can do for him now. The rest is up to Lukiam.” Running her hand over Lukiam’s face, Jahara moved down the newly healed skin on his chest. The strong muscles of his torso probably kept him from more serious internal injuries. “His breathing is regular. His heart rate is weak but pumping in a steady rhythm. He lost a lot of blood. He isn’t in pain. I blocked the receptors in his brain. He needs rest and fluids.” She dredged up a smile for Nazaret. The woman had been standing at her partner’s head, stroking his hair, speaking words of love for many hours. She suddenly looked unsteady on her feet. Jahara caught her as she collapsed. “Mykilai, help me with Nazaret.” They put her on the nearest stretcher. Nazaret’s lids fluttered. Her breathing came in little shallow gasps. As a team, their hands worked over her body. They were synchronized in their movements. “I can’t find anything. It must be exhaustion.” “She’s with child.” Mykilai’s hands hovered over Nazaret’s belly. Jahara smiled, moving her hands next to Mykilai’s “But the life pulse is steady and strong. Give her fluids. She’s probably just dehydrated. It’s a wonder the woman lasted as long as she did.” Wiping her hands on clothing streaked with the efforts of her healing, Jahara moved to the foot of the bed. “We need to wash. Why don’t you go, Mykilai? I’ll stay with them. I’ll shower after you.” “I’m fine, Jahara. You go. You did more healing than I. I’ll get you if either of them needs something.” “You did well, Mykilai, I couldn’t have saved Lukiam without your help. You know there will be repercussions for our actions.” “Yes, a man will live.” She squared her shoulders. “And the woman who loves him will still have her life mate in the morning.”

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Chapter Fourteen Mykilai knew she should be tired, but there was an energy pumping through her she had never experienced. Last night she held the life of another in her hands. Even as the blood pumped from Lukiam, she fought with Jahara to save him. They had stolen the mutilated man back from the jaws of death. Standing in the door of the hospital room, Mykilai looked in awe at the woman who had performed the miracle. Jahara sat sleeping in a chair slumped onto the bed beside her. One arm slung over Lukiam’s legs, her head propped on the edge of the mattress. Except for the short shower, Jahara had not left her patient all night. Nazaret lay next to Lukiam in the small hospital bed. No one had questioned his right to be here after Jahara had defied Linsig. Nazaret curled tenderly along her lover’s uninjured side, his rhythmic snoring undoubtedly comforting all three of them. Nazaret had her face buried in Lukiam’s hair, her hand splayed over her belly, protecting the new life just beginning to grow within her. The embryo was only weeks old. Nazaret hadn’t known she was pregnant until they told her last night. Mykilai would never, as long as she lived, forget the ultimate powers of healing she witnessed the day before. The light poured forth from Jahara, radiating from her heart down her arms, to her hands, buried deep in Lukiam’s arm. Jahara’s upper body glowed with a brilliance pouring into Lukiam until the unconscious man became luminescent with the healing power flowing out of Jahara. It had been only minutes they’d been joined in that halo of light, but the vision of it would be seared in Mykilai’s mind forever. An overwhelming sense of peace had descended over the room while they were joined. Everyone present had felt its power. Awestruck by the intensity of the event, no one had moved, not even to draw breath. It had taken them a moment to pull out of their trance when Jahara started issuing instructions again. The healer seemed oblivious to the power she demonstrated. But the blood stopped as the light faded in intensity, and Jahara had gone straight back to work, repairing the rest of the injuries. She’d saved not only a man, but a family. Tiptoeing up to Jahara, Mykilai gently ran her hand along Jahara’s shoulders. This woman held great powers. Mykilai understood that now. “Jahara. Jahara, wake up. It’s time for you to go home. You deserve a rest. Let me stay with them.”

***** Brenimyn didn’t know how this had happened. Two women from the security patrol had pounded on Jahara’s door last night. They’d spewed out some law he’d

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never heard of, quoting the number straight from the Garden’s constitution. He’d turned his back to use the video-communicator to call Jahara, but they’d injected a narcotic into his neck. Darkness had enveloped him before he could protest. He woke only moments ago, lying naked on a bed. Touching his pounding head shot knives of pain through his brain. Even his damn hair hurt. Overindulging in dakaru root didn’t make him this ill. His fingers gingerly moved about his skull, finding the lump where he had undoubtedly come in contact with the floor as the drug coursed through him. Holding his throbbing head in his hands, Brenimyn swung his legs to the floor. The walls around him spun unnaturally. He swallowed the nausea, hoping not to puke his guts out. The bright light and gurgling sound of the river hologram on the wall was like a thunderous storm hammering into his brain. He scrubbed his face with his hands, trying to erase the headache. Getting the queasiness under control, he opened his eyes. It didn’t take long for him to realize he was in Kylie’s residence. He’d spent enough time here to know where he was. He just didn’t know why. “Brenimyn, you’re awake.” Kylie breezed into the bedroom, a tray of food in her hands. “You slept through the night, which is a shame since I had so many plans for us.” He heard the clink of the tray on the bedside table. The mattress shifted as she crawled behind him. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her. “Aren’t you glad to see me?” She rubbed her face into his neck, her naked breasts pressed seductively against his back. “I’ve missed you.” Her hand caressed his ass, curving up over his hip and coming to rest on his flaccid cock. He had all he could do not to jump at her touch. “We’ve been granted four glorious days to fill as we choose,” she purred the repulsive words into his ear. Shifting on the bed to face her, he nearly toppled Kylie to the floor. “Most honorable Kylie, cherished of all humans, gifted woman and breeder of offspring, as always it is a pleasure to be here with you, but Jahara is a new breeder and she chose me as her breeding mate.” He held his revulsion and temper in check for the cameras. “If it would please you, might I know why I was brought here?” “Why, Brenimyn…” She ran her nail down his chest. “I choose you also. I invoked Garden law S16-R4.” Her mouth curved in her trademark syrupy smile. He tried to reach her telepathically but couldn’t seem to focus his thoughts. The drugs must still be coursing through him. “I’m not familiar with that law.” “No?” She stood, parting his legs, nestling herself between them so her breasts were level with his eyes. “An ovulating government official may choose any breeder to become her mate for four days.” She ran her fingers through his hair, turning his face up to hers. “Four days of copulating bliss, Brenimyn.” She laid her lips on his. “Just think how beautiful our offspring will be. I’ve been increasingly anxious for you to wake so I could feel you deep inside me.” She swiveled her hips, the smooth skin of her pubic bone rubbing against his stomach.

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Brenimyn’s mind raced. She didn’t want him. His frustration forced him to his feet and he managed a smile, albeit a condescending one. “You’re right. It’s been a long night.” Thanks to the drugs she’d no doubt instructed them to use in order to kidnap him, but he didn’t utter those words. “If I may freshen up from my heavy sleep, I’ll be more comfortable to pleasure you, if you understand my meaning.” He winked at her, setting her away from him, not waiting for her response. Retreating into the bathroom, Brenimyn closed the door. He tried to walk off his agitation in the opulent room. Something was happening here he didn’t yet understand. He turned on the faucet, trying to buy more time to find a solution to this problem. Where was Jahara? Had anyone informed her of this law? Damn, he needed to think past the fog of the drugs. Sitting on the edge of the tub, he cleared his mind. He needed to find her. Brenimyn envisioned the well-check, the clinic and their apartment, but he couldn’t reach her. Jahara had learned how to be open to his gentle probing so he knew where she was. But something had happened yesterday and he’d lost her completely. He wondered now if the Governmental Body had somehow fabricated a new law, allowing them to take female breeders hostage as well. That thought scared the crap out of him. “Knock, knock, Brenimyn. I’m growing increasingly needy out here. I’m desperate to copulate. It must be the hormones.” Kylie’s voice grated like a shrill whistle that gnawed at his headache. He hadn’t realized how badly she wanted a female offspring. He couldn’t hold her off forever, but perhaps he could talk her out of whatever foolish scheme she had concocted. Inhaling, he shut off the water and opened the door. “Well, it would be poor manners to keep a woman in heat waiting.” She barely moved him as she flung the full weight of her petite frame at him. Her arms wrapped around his waist. “Oh Brenimyn, how I’ve missed you.” Taking his hand, she pulled him into the middle of the room. “There’s no other breeder I want to mate with me.” She ran her hands down his back, kneading his buttocks as she ground her belly against his groin. “Kylie, you don’t want me.” Her hand shot up so fast he wasn’t prepared for the impact. The sting of her palm seared his cheek and both the sound and the pain reverberated through his head, but he didn’t react. “How dare you?” She stalked to the bed. “Of course I want you. Why do you think they brought you here?” Kylie pointed her finger at him, shaking it at his face, an odd look contorting her features. Brenimyn tried once again to reach her, but his turmoil combined with her roller-coaster emotions jumbled everything. “You have no right to refuse a woman. It’s law.” Her bottom lip jutted out, but her pouting face only made this whole charade seem even more foolish. He stood impassively. “That’s true, it is. But surely there must be someone else who could make your mating special.”

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“No,” she yelled. This discussion did not warrant her vehement reaction. “I expect you to do as I request. Walk to me.” Tears misted in her eyes. He didn’t understand her reaction, but he did as she requested. “Kylie, what’s upsetting you?” He stared down into her eyes, trying to figure out exactly what was going on. “We both know you don’t enjoy copulating. You don’t have to do this.” “No, don’t say that.” Her hands balled into fists, the tears rolling down her cheeks. “No, it’s not right.” She pummeled his chest, but he made no move to stop her. “Damn you, Brenimyn.” Looking at him, she sneered and raked her nails down the flesh of his torso, the sharp claws biting deep. He hissed in pain, grabbing her hands as she reached up to do it again. “Kylie, what’s wrong?” “Let go of me.” She struggled as if he held her tight. He released her hands and she pounded her fists against the red welts on his chest. “You will do as I say. Stop fighting me.” Hatred sparked in her eyes. “Fine, if you won’t make the moves then I’ll do it. It doesn’t require much of your cooperation.” She dropped to her knees, her eyes locked on his. She shook her head and leaned forward, taking his penis in her mouth. The slick heat of her tongue slid masterfully along his penis. Even a controlled man couldn’t stop the reaction his body had to this stimulation. He forced his mind to focus on other things, but his traitorous cock didn’t cooperate. Kylie’s fingers worked the length of his hardening cock as the silk of her tongue circled his testicles. After months together, she knew all the sensitive spots on his body. There had been a time when he had enjoyed her touch and though he loathed that his cock filled her mouth, he couldn’t stop his body from reacting. “Look at me, Brenimyn,” Kylie said in a sultry whisper. “Tell me how much you enjoy this and how much you want me to continue.” “Most honored one, what you are doing is wonderful. If it pleases you, I would like you to continue.” Even for the cameras, Brenimyn couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Using her lips, Kylie nipped at the sensitive flesh of his erection, her tongue flicking along the tip. “Run your hands in my hair. Massage my scalp.” When his fingers were buried in her hair, she took him in, swallowing him into the wet heat of her mouth, opening her throat to allow him deeper. She sucked as she pulled away, her cheeks hallowing with the motion. She devoured him again, her tongue massaging the sensitive underside of his cock. Kylie had learned well. He couldn’t control the surge of pleasure her lips elicited as her mouth worked up and down his cock, her fingers deftly squeezing and stroking, adding to the intense sensations. “Take me now, Brenimyn. Mate with me.” She pulled her mouth away but continued to stroke with firm fingers. “Carry me to the bed.” She swallowed him again, the heat of her mouth enveloping him before she pulled away breathless. “Now, do it now.” 111

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Reaching for her, he pulled her to her feet. Her lashes were damp with unshed tears, her cheeks flushed from desire. He carried her to the bed, wishing he could stop this whole farce. Shaking her hair, Kylie laid a hand on his chest. “I have wanted this for so long, take me hard. Do it like the old days when you couldn’t get enough of me. Throw me to the bed and bury yourself deep. I’m already wet with desire. I don’t need anything else from you. Now, now.” Fearing the ever present eye of the watchers, Brenimyn did as she requested. Dropping her on the bed, he parted her legs with his knee and plunged into her. She was not wet as she had said. The only lubrication came from the moisture of her mouth still slick on his cock. “Hold my arms over my head and take me harder. Faster, Brenimyn, I want to feel your essence pour into me.” He took her hands from her sides, holding them above her head. This he could control. Though her hips moved beneath him, her head flailing side to side, he felt nothing for her. He drove into her as she requested, but he could separate himself from this. Their bodies didn’t fit. There was no meshing of hearts in this union. “No, no. Don’t stop. Don’t stop.” Kylie panted the words, but inside her body did not tremble with the pleasure. Her nipples were not erect nor her skin flush with desire. The woman didn’t want this any more than he wanted it. Why in Hades was this happening? Brenimyn’s hips thrust to match the quickening tempo of her cries, but her body didn’t move to synchronize the rhythm. She had obviously come to detest copulating, though one wouldn’t have believed it listening to the sounds coming from her. Kylie cried out his name, acting like she was climaxing. He’d done this too many times not to know she was only pretending. There was no tightening of her muscles, no peaking of her nipples and certainly no slick heat surrounding him. If she could playact, so could he. He moaned as she did. Thrusting faster as if in the throes of orgasm, he finished but never ejaculated. Detesting the touch of her skin against his, Brenimyn fell on the bed next to her, his penis flaccid. He wasn’t sure how he would endure four days of this. “Go! Leave me now.” Rolling away from him, Kylie curled into a fetal position. Sobs shook her shoulders. He might not like Kylie, but it wasn’t in his nature to leave a woman crying, especially if he thought he’d caused the pain. “Kylie, I’m sorry if I hurt you.” Brenimyn stroked her shoulder. She shook it off. “Don’t touch me. Just go back to your precious Jahara.” Kylie cried the words into a pillow. He rolled off the bed, pulling on some breeches hanging in her closet. He left her apartment, thoroughly confused by what had just transpired.

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***** Jahara was practically sleepwalking when she reached the door of her residence. She’d tried to call Brenimyn on the video-com several times last night. There’d been no answer. She couldn’t feel him in her head. But she was too exhausted to give it much thought. She’d crawl into bed and explain everything after she got some sleep. Stifling a yawn, Jahara detached the parchment from the door without taking time to look at it. Her hand fumbled in the fingerprint mechanism. It took several passes before the door hissed open. The long day yesterday and the night of restless sleep had finally caught up to her. Jahara didn’t expect Brenimyn to be home. No doubt he was on his way to the lake. He’d petitioned to stand before the Governmental Body and was working and reworking the proposal he wanted to present. He often found the solitude of the jungle his only respite from the demands being put on him by the male breeders at the Garden. They’d been together barely a month, but Jahara knew more about Brenimyn than all she had learned about Merenith in triple that time. Stumbling through the dining area, Jahara was secretly pleased she’d have the bed to herself. With Brenimyn near, neither of them seemed able to get much rest. She swayed with the effort of an immense yawn and opened the note. The words swam in her vision. Even her eyes were too weary to focus. “Most honorable Jahara Hriznek, the Governmental Body wishes to inform you,” she read the first words aloud. “What?” Turning the paper over in her hand, she looked for Brenimyn’s familiar writing. She shook her head, clearing the sleepy cobwebs. Squinting her eyes, she focused on the governmental stamp. Finally comprehending she wasn’t holding a note from Brenimyn. She read it again, much more thoroughly. Most honorable Jahara Hriznek, The Governmental Body wishes to inform you law S16-R4 has been invoked by a member of the governing body of the Garden of Serenity. Your breeder Brenimyn has been removed from your residence for a period of up to four days to procreate with said member of the government who shall remain anonymous. You may, at your discretion, choose another breeder during his absence. Jahara stopped reading and studied the letter again, but the words didn’t change the truth. They’d stolen Brenimyn from her. The parchment slipped from her fingers as she ran through the apartment, calling for Brenimyn, not wanting to believe what she’d just read. He wasn’t here. Her heart raced uncontrollably. They had no right to kidnap him from her residence. Brenimyn loved her and she, well, what was it she felt? She stopped at the dining table, staring at

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the candlesticks wobbling in her misty vision. She loved him. As sure as the sun would set this day, she was completely and hopelessly in love with Brenimyn. Jahara dropped in the chair and cried. Though it didn’t salve the pain, she let the tears fall unfettered. They rolled down her cheeks in a great wash of sadness she felt over losing him and the guilt over falling in love with a man. Mostly she cried because the gloom enveloping her was so complete. Why had she never told Brenimyn? He’d loved her with all his heart and she had squandered it on the physical pleasure of being with him. Hadn’t she known this before now? Who was it who would want Brenimyn more than her? The answer echoed loudly in her head. Kylie.

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Chapter Fifteen The kitchen door creaked open. Brenimyn strode into the room. Kylie took me. That’s who. Though he spoke telepathically, she heard the anger laced in his words. Jahara was on her feet, racing into his arms. Brenimyn picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her entire body held on to him. “They drugged me and took me there.” He spoke the words aloud through the emotion clogging his throat. She insisted we mate. I didn’t want to. But the law. I had no choice. I’m sorry, Jahara. I’m so sorry. Please don’t feel betrayed. He buried his head in her neck, his embrace nearly crushing her ribs. “You’re home now. Nothing else matters.” She held his face in her hands, forcing him to look into her eyes and see the truth exploding from her heart. Jahara kissed away the tears that had freed themselves to run down his cheeks. Her lips caressed the lines around his eyes and on his forehead, put there from the pain of his broken heart. “Brenimyn, I love you. Here in the living room, out at the lake, my heart knows you and loves you.” There was no confusion in the curve of his mouth. No misunderstanding in the spark of his eyes. Her voice was a husky whisper. “We need to close the door, because I need so much more from you than this.” She looked at her body wrapped tightly around his. Carrying her back to the kitchen, Brenimyn released some of his anger as he slammed his fist on the button to retract the door. She heard the lock rattle into place. Still wrapped around him, Jahara didn’t need his arms to hold her close. They felt good nonetheless. The feel of his sinewy muscles flexing on her back as he held her was like a jolt of the strong brew she used to drink a long time ago, in a world very far from here. The exhaustion was gone. There was only Brenimyn and his love for her. She leaned back to look at him, noticing for the first time the eight welts marching angrily from his collar bones to his navel. Dried blood was caked in some of the deeper cuts. “Brenimyn?” “For some reason Kylie attacked me. They don’t hurt, but I need to wash, I can still smell her on me.” He shuddered. The woman’s evil clung to his skin. “You’re not letting me out of your sight.” Jahara laughed. “From now on, I’m stuck to you like glue.” He held his hands up. She didn’t slide from him. He smiled again. “It looks that way, woman. My blood’s still boiling with the fury of what they did. I need the cool water of the pool.”

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“That sounds wonderful. It’ll be cleansing for both of us.” She wanted to tell him about Nazaret and Lukiam, but it could wait until they had chilled the heat of anger. They both needed to lose themselves in love to find the strength for the battle that had most surely begun. Walking through the sliding doors, Brenimyn cuddled her in his arms, stepping slowly down the stone steps of the pool, clothes and all. He covered her mouth with his and she tasted him, hot and familiar, on her tongue. Her toes hit the water first, the chill running up her legs. He halted when the water licked at her hips. The warmth of his tongue and skin contrasted the sensation of the cool liquid surrounding her. It raised bumps on her flesh. Moving from her lips, he whispered, “There is no one I want other than you, Jahara. You fill my heart. Your beauty steals the breath from my lungs. Let go and feel my love for you.” The words swelled her heart. His teeth nipped at the fleshy lobe of her ear, sending shivers of anticipation up her spine. Pulling the binding from her hair, he nibbled at the skin on her neck. She tipped her head back, sweeping the soft tendrils across her back, enjoying the silky tickle on her skin. Brenimyn moved his hands under her tunic, taking time to fondle her breasts before removing the clothing. He released it to drift aimlessly in the pool. She leaned back to float in the water, her legs still wrapped at his waist. His erection nestled against her bottom, heating her blood. Brenimyn’s gaze traveled her torso like trembling fingers, leaving goose flesh in its wake. Slowly she fanned her arms, keeping her body hovering just below the surface. “Every time I look at you, you become more beautiful. How is that possible, Jahara, my love?” Reaching out, Brenimyn’s thumbs grazed over her nipples. Pinching and teasing them, sending frissons of current straight to her clit. She dropped her legs, her body now completely in the water. Her mouth was level with his belly when she let the buoyancy carry her back to him. Her warm tongue circled his navel, her cool hands sliding up the angry welts left by another’s rage. Unconsciously the healing energy flowed straight from her heart to her palms. When it came to loving Brenimyn, Jahara didn’t need to think. The torn flesh disappeared. The white light swallowed the red lines, leaving only the velvet feel of healthy skin behind. She heard him gasp and didn’t care if it was the healing or the power of their love enveloping them. His obvious desire empowered her. The contrasting sensations of heat and chill were exhilarating. Jahara pulled the string on his breeches. Her eyes locked on his as her fingers worked slowly around his hips, pushing away the pants. Jahara scraped her teeth on his belly while her hands kneaded the strong muscles of his back. Sliding her hands slowly down his thighs, she took the fabric with her. Submerged underwater, she couldn’t take his erection in her mouth as she wanted.

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Instead, she pressed her body against his, letting the sensitive shaft run the length of her torso as she stood. A moan of desire rumbled low in his throat when their mouths tangled again. He stepped out of the pants and carried her deeper into the pool. Without preamble he stripped away her pants before lifting her high to sit on the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the cool water. The gossamer fabric of their clothing drifted like wispy clouds in the cerulean blue of the pool and Jahara shimmied with the thrill of being naked with him. “I love you, Bren.” I love you too, Jahara. Somehow hearing it in her head made it all the more intimate. He parted her legs, pulling her close to his face. He spread the swollen labia with his fingers, his tongue spearing into her exposed heat. Her fingers dug into his hair as she arched into the pleasure of his mouth. Jahara watched as he pulsed two thick fingers into her pussy, finger-fucking her while his tongue made love to her clitoris. With practiced strokes Brenimyn’s tongue flicked over the sensitive pearl, stirring up a storm of bliss. Sparks pleasure shot from her clitoris to heat her blood and make her mindless with want. Ecstasy tingled over her nerves and trembled through her muscles. When his eyes met hers, the pulse-pounding power of her climax quaked through her body. Jahara’s nails dug half moons into the flesh of his shoulders as she tried to moor herself against the raging torrent. Brenimyn didn’t ease his assault until she begged him to stop, pushing his mouth from her quivering slit. She fell back on the tiles, no longer able to hold herself upright. Chill water ran down the black triangle of curls, cooling the throbbing heat, eliciting an unexpected gasp. Sitting up, she caught Brenimyn eying her with a boyish grin. With one hand, he splayed open her folds and, cupping water in the other, he poured it over her flushed skin. He leaned in and sucked the liquid from her body. Repeating the process, he replaced what he’d consumed. She watched him, enjoying the sight of what he was doing to her body. Each time, his tongue roamed longer and deeper. What an incredible array of sensations drifting through her—the heat of his lips warming the chill of the water, the velvet heat of his tongue replacing the cool liquid sluicing down her, and the ache deep inside soothed by his massaging fingers. The rolling thrill built again. Oh, how this man knew how to pleasure her! His eyes locked on hers and he lifted her off the edge, lowering her slowly into the water. With one gentle glide, his cock was sheathed inside her depths. The cool water of the pool was shocking after the heat that had coursed through her. Jahara’s body still pulsed with the mounting pleasure his tongue had created. With Brenimyn filling her tight pussy, she needed only to roll her hips, her sensitive clit rubbing against the heat of his belly and soft halo of his pubic hair, and a second orgasm quaked through her. They both moaned with pleasure as his fingers dug into her ass and he buried his cock to the hilt in her slick channel. She cried out his name, her muscles quivering around him. The orgasm was so much more powerful because they were joined.

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When she could speak, Jahara looked deep into her lover’s eyes. “Brenimyn, I’ve never known such ecstasy with another. Hold me. Just be with me like this. I love you and the incredible way you make love to me.” Brenimyn kissed her tenderly. She didn’t taste the salt of her body on his tongue as she expected, only the water. The dance of their tongues communicated his need for her. His cock hardened once again within her, filling and stretching her aching channel. With her legs wrapped around his hips, he didn’t need to hold her up and his hands were free to roam. He kneaded her bottom and breasts, leaning down to scrape his teeth over her nipples peaked by longing and chill. “Lean back in the water and relax.” She did what he asked. Floating once again, her body was surrounded by the silk of the cool water. Only his hands on her and the hot power of his cock deep within her, kept Jahara from floating away. Gripping her hips, Brenimyn slowly pulled out of her until only the tip kept them united. With exquisite leisure he pushed back in. “This is a new sensation for me. The heat of your body and the cool water.” He pulled out again, “It’s thrilling. Do you feel it?” He thrust into her with more power. “Every time I make love with you is exciting, Bren.” The water rushed over the skin of her torso as he pushed her away. “But yes, the water definitely adds another dimension.” He thrust himself back in and she gasped as he filled her again. He put his thumb on the nubbin still throbbing from her last orgasm. Making lazy circles. “I trust you with my love, Jahara. I want to make a baby with you. I want to see you heavy with my child.” The tempo of her heart matched his thrusts. He was going to give up his life essence for her. The vibration of his thumb and the thrill of his words tensed her muscles. He pulled her up to his chest, his lips in her hair as he spoke, “Let yourself go so you climax with me. Feel my life essence fill you. It’s my gift to you. I give it freely and without reservation.” His words added to her joy. The power built deep inside her. She closed her eyes, letting his love wash over her. As the wave rolled through her with thunderous power, he grasped her hips and pounded his cock into her with such power, the storm of pleasure ravaged their bodies. For the first time, she felt the hot surge of his release, his cries of total ecstasy a thrilling sound she would not soon forget. Their muscles convulsed as the bliss controlled them. The crushing orgasms of total surrender left them trembling with exhaustion. He cradled her in his arms. On weak legs, he leaned against the pool wall, his heart thudding heavy against her cheek. If they weren’t still floating in the water, she was sure Brenimyn would have collapsed.

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***** She heard the music far away and swam through the lake to find it. A bird flew overhead, calling her name. It was peaceful where she was and Jahara didn’t want to leave. Something squeezed her shoulder. “Jahara, wake up.” Brenimyn’s voice cut through the mist of the dream, sounding urgent in her muddled state between sleep and wake. Her head swam as she forced herself awake. “What? What’s wrong?” Memories of her day flooded over her, the gossamer veil of dreams dropping away. “Lukiam? Is it Lukiam? What time is it? Brenimyn, how long did I sleep?” Jahara tried to push out of the bed. He laughed. “Slow down, my love.” Putting his hand on her shoulder, he held her in bed. “It’s not Lukiam. Nazaret called. He’s doing well. And so is the baby.” The dimples dug deep around his smile. “It’s Merenith. She’s on the video-communicator. It’s the second time she’s called today. I thought you’d like to talk to her. It’s nearly sunset.” “You let me sleep the day away?” “Let you sleep? You were the walking dead by the time we made it to the bed. Do you want to take this call?” “Of course.” It was odd talking to Brenimyn about Merenith. She pulled on his discarded tunic from the floor, inhaling the scent of him and imagining his heat enveloping her. So much had happened since she’d talked with Merenith. How many days had passed? Three? Four? A week? She couldn’t be sure. She ran down the hall to the office. “Hello, Merenith, it’s good to see you.” Merenith’s beautiful blonde hair swirled about her face, accenting the graceful curve of her neck. “I, however, am a sight.” Jahara’s cheeks flushed and she hoped her embarrassment wasn’t obvious. She pulled her fingers through her hair. It had dried as Brenimyn loved her in their bed. The tangles would require more than her fingers. “You’ve done some powerful healing.” Merenith touched the screen. “I see it in your face. Are you all right?” Jahara didn’t know what Merenith saw after she’d healed. Somehow this woman who’d known her for such a short time knew instinctively when Jahara arrived home from the hospital after a difficult day. “A breeder was badly hurt by some machinery. With the help of others, I was able to save a life. And the breeder’s partner was incredibly relieved.” She couldn’t mention Nazaret or the baby, or that they’d actually saved a family. That fact might be hard for Merenith to accept.

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“A breeder? Sometimes the agricultural section is so dangerous. I’m not sure why women choose to work there. But how fortunate you were there to save her. I’m sure her partner will be forever grateful.” Merenith had misunderstood. Of course she would think Jahara would save only a female breeder. It would never occur to her that a man’s life was worth anything. She had to bite back a scathing retort. Jahara forced a smile, trying to sound upbeat. “You’re right, Mer. So, how’re things at work for you?” She was desperate to change the subject. “The same, but I don’t want to talk about that. I have good news for you. It’s why I called. The acceptance came through today. I can visit you at the Garden next week.” She held up several computer disks. “I’ve gathered all the files from the hospital for you to update.” She sounded so pleased. Jahara’s heart pinched with guilt. Had a month passed already? So much had happened she hadn’t realized she’d been at the Garden that long. “I have no doubt your Dame pushed through the paperwork,” Merenith said. “She knew how unhappy you were to be going in the first place.” She laughed. “So much has happened at the barns, I can’t wait to see you to catch you up on all that’s been going on. Not the least of which is a promotion.” Merenith preened. “But I can tell you all about it next week.” Jahara couldn’t respond. “Oh, and look who I found to keep me busy.” The squirming pup she held up to her face licked Merenith’s chin and she laughed. “He was from a stray litter one of the workers brought to the barns. Isn’t he just adorable?” Jahara nodded slowly. She needed to tell this woman all that had transpired, but she’d never seen Merenith so animated. “He’s not a good conversationalist.” Merenith laughed and murmured to the puppy before setting him on the floor. “But he helps fill the empty hours.” Her fingers danced across the screen as if touching Jahara’s face. “I didn’t expect to miss you so much.” “Nor I you, Merenith.” Jahara’s mind raced. It frightened her how easily the lie fell from her mouth. Next week, she’d tell Merenith about Brenimyn. She couldn’t possibly break this woman’s heart over the communicator. She hadn’t expected Merenith to react this way to their separation. Not so long ago, it was all she had hoped for. Now Jahara didn’t know what to do with Merenith’s unwanted emotions. But Jahara did know, with absolute certainty—her heart was meant for Brenimyn. She understood now that she had never fallen in love with any woman. Her heart knew its other half and Merenith wasn’t it. “Jahara, you’re quiet.” Jahara forced the muscles of her face to lift one corner of her mouth. “Just tired from the healing.”

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“Your breeder seems nice. I talked to him briefly today. A very nice specimen indeed. He looks Olakuma like me. People won’t know which one of us birthed your offspring.” It was Merenith’s turn to blush. “I mean, if you have a female and you choose to bring her back home.” “Of course.” Jahara swallowed the bile filling her throat. “I’ve been thinking a lot about children and how nice it might be to share the responsibility of raising them with someone.” Merenith smiled shyly. Jahara also wanted to rear the children she birthed, both male and female in a loving environment. Merenith just wasn’t part of what she envisioned for her future. “I’m sorry.” Merenith shook her head, her hair swiveling about like a halo. “Obviously I’m way overstepping my bounds. Forget I said anything. They say absence is good for the heart, but I think it’s affecting my brain.” She waved a dismissive hand at the screen. “No it’s not.” Contorting her features, Jahara tried to project joy, too difficult, perhaps just acceptance of her current situation. She forced another smile and lifted her eyebrows. Leaning in conspiratorially, Merenith’s face filled the screen. “So the copulating…you doing okay with it? I know it’s messy with all those fluids moving about, but if your breeder’s like mine, it doesn’t take long.” Merenith’s face pinched. “I didn’t want to tell you when you kept asking, but now that you’ve experienced it, I don’t mind saying—I didn’t like it very much.” Merenith’s eyes glazed with a far-off look. “Thank goodness it was over in the first month. I can count on my fingers how many times I endured that ritual.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “With any luck, it’ll be the same for you.” Jahara thought of the love she’d shared with Brenimyn just that afternoon. The trust they’d placed in each other. There was a unity in their lovemaking. When they were apart, she counted the minutes until they could join their bodies again. She loved him, but never more than when he was deep inside her, making her whole. “That bad, huh?” “Oh, you know, I tolerate it.” Jahara shrugged, trying to sound bored. “Like you said, the fluid exchange is quick, I manage.” This conversation wasn’t going well. Jahara didn’t have to tell Merenith about Brenimyn, but she certainly didn’t need to add lies to their discussion. Brenimyn’s hands pleasuring her were all Jahara thought about. All she needed to do was look at them and she grew damp with desire for him. “They really are sort of ugly creatures. Just as needy as a stallion with none of their natural grace.” Merenith laughed. Jahara wanted to scream and tell the woman she was wrong, but she managed a polite nod instead. “Why don’t you introduce us? He barely spoke when he answered your communicator.”

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“Maybe another time. He’s in the other room.” “No…he’s standing in the doorway right behind you.”

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Chapter Sixteen Jahara ran down the hall after ending her conversation with Merenith rather abruptly. She couldn’t recall the specific lies she’d told the woman, but had no doubt, Brenimyn believed every one of them. Heading for the bathroom, she hoped he’d be waiting for her to talk. Instead, she found him in their bedroom, haphazardly shoving clothing into a backpack. “Brenimyn.” Don’t bother, Jahara. I would never have believed it, but you’re a better actor than Kylie. The anguish in his words filled her head. All this time I thought there was something between us. Just today you proclaimed your love for me. His lips remained pursed, his jaw knotted as he clenched his teeth. His eyes were piercing nuggets of ice, but his angry assault continued. Not in our bed as you have for so many weeks, but out there in the living room. You do remember that, don’t you? I gave my life essence to you. The warmth she’d bathed in this morning had been replaced by icy rage. Jahara banged her head. “Get out of there. Talk. To. Me.” Anxiety and fear rode on her words. What she had said to Merenith cut Brenimyn deeply. She saw the pain in the creases of his forehead. The angry motions his hands made as he balled up the clothing told her so much. This was no wound she could heal with her touch. Shooting a look at the camera, Brenimyn shoved another tunic into the pack. “Honorable Jahara, it is apparent that you prefer not to have me in your bed. I shall move to the other bedroom since that seems to be what would please you.” He spoke aloud. “Oh crockadung, we’re not going to get anywhere this way.” Jahara stormed into the great room, grabbing one of the large silver candlesticks off the dining table. Carrying it in both hands like a bat, she stalked to the corner of the room and with a warrior’s cry, swung high, taking down the camera in one power hit. The pieces rained down on the carpet in a shower of plastic, metal and wires. She did the same to the one in the kitchen, and all the other rooms. Until at last she returned to Brenimyn’s startled face, his hands frozen over the pack. She destroyed the blinking eye in the bedroom. Jahara beat at the shattered pieces on the floor, trying to relieve some of her frustration. “Take that, you crappy piece of machinery. Get out of my life.” Kicking the largest piece, she sent it flying. It landed at Brenimyn’s feet. Her throat was raw from the screaming that had come out of her with the destruction. A hot lump pressed painfully at the spot, making her eyes water. She would not cry. She couldn’t lose Brenimyn, but she didn’t want him to stay out of pity. “Now. Talk.” Jahara put her palm on her forehead. “Not in my head, but with your mouth. Let’s argue like civilized people do—loud and rowdy. Give it to me. All of it, 123

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Brenimyn. I deserve it.” Dropping the candlestick, Jahara shifted on her feet, her hands waving in invitation. “Why bother to talk? What’re you going to tell me, Jahara…more lies? You lie to me. You lie to Merenith. Do you even know the truth anymore?” Brenimyn threw the pack on the floor, the clothes spilling from the top. “You tell me one thing then in the blink of an eye, tell Merenith something different. The worst part is…you lie to yourself, Jahara.” His voice was dangerously calm. “How dare you?” Jahara pointed her finger at him. “You don’t know me. You don’t know what I was before I came here.” “I guess that’s the point, isn’t it?” “Hey, you were the one who chose me. You’re the one who pulled me into your prophecy.” She waved her hands in the air. “Some vision your birth-sister had when you were young. Well, you know what, Bren? Maybe I’m not that person.” She pointed at him. “I’m no warrior. I didn’t ask to come here and bring about a new world order. My world was working just fine for me before they dragged me here, kicking and screaming.” He slanted her an assessing stare. “If that’s how you feel, Jahara, there’s nothing more for me to say.” He bent to pick up the pack. “When you know what you want, they’ll be able to find me. I’ll tell them you’ve chosen another breeder.” “What I want?” Jahara balled her fists at her sides, her frustration turning to anger. “What I want?” She laughed, throwing her hands in the air, turning her back to him. “I know what I want.” Wrapping her arms around her chest, she tried to protect her splintering heart. “I want to be free to love you. I want not to hurt Merenith’s feelings.” She held her hand up and ripped off the ring, turning back to him and shaking it in the air. “This? This stupid thing was supposed to make me believe in love. And now that I do…” A caustic laugh escaped as she tucked it away in her pocket. “And now that I do…I realize I’ve had it all wrong.” Her vision blurred in the wash of tears she tried unsuccessfully to control. “What I really want is for my healing powers to work like fairy dust and have everyone magically be happy. I want to stop working so hard to figure out my place in this world. But we don’t always get what we want so easily, do we, Bren?” She threw her shoulders back, facing the pain in his eyes. “I know only one thing for certain and that’s how I feel about you.” Cautiously, she stepped toward him. “I’ve learned more about myself since arriving here than all my twenty-eight years combined. I know that love is not something you control. It sneaks up on you and wraps itself around your heart. It comes when you’re not looking for it. I know, because I’ve searched a long time and when I finally stopped looking, it blindsided me.” Jahara continued slow, measured steps toward the man she loved. “True love is so intense it steals your breath and makes you dizzy with the power of it. It fills all the missing holes in your soul and makes you complete.” She stopped moving. “What I didn’t know, but have come to understand, is that my heart was

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looking for a man, not a woman. And not just any man, but you, Bren. I’ve only known women in my life. I wanted things to work with Merenith, not knowing she wasn’t the one.” She stood toe to toe with him, looking up into his eyes, hoping he wouldn’t push her away. “I love you. That’s no lie.” She took his hand and splayed it over her womb. “I want more of what you gifted me with today. I want your children. I won’t give them away, because they would be created in our love. I could never lie about that. What you heard on the communicator was the lie. I don’t want you to go, Brenimyn, but if you don’t believe what I’ve said…well, then I don’t want you to stay. Because I also understand that love is a choice. One we make every day. I choose to love you.” She put her other hand on the stubble of his cheek. “But more importantly, I choose to let you love me. I didn’t have to accept what you offered, just as you don’t have to accept what I freely give. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but that’s part of loving someone too. I don’t understand it all, but I’m willing to learn.” Dropping the pack, Brenimyn’s hand covered hers. “Jahara, I loved you before I knew you. I believed you loved me, but to hear you speak to Merenith…” She watched him focus on his clothing and swallow hard. He took a deep breath before looking back at her. “I didn’t know which was real. I’ve never loved another. I can’t comprehend the confusion you must feel. Listening to you, I was afraid you’d chosen her. It wasn’t anger that had me packing my bags, it was terror. I felt my heart rip from my chest as you talked to her. I wasn’t sure it would continue to sustain my life.” “Brenimyn, I’m sorry. I am so sorry.” She laid her cheek on his chest. Putting his face on the top of her head, he brought his arms around her back, holding her close. They stood like that until their hearts found a rhythm and beat as one.

***** “Merenith, I’m so glad you’re there.” Jahara sat in the office in front of the videocommunicator. Though Brenimyn was next to her, he wasn’t in view of the screen. “What happened that made you leave so quickly? I’ve been worried. Was there an emergency?” Merenith sounded worried. “The breeder, is she all right?” Jahara smiled over at Brenimyn, her fingers laced with his on his thigh. She squeezed his hand. “No…and yes.” She looked back at Merenith. “Mer, I know I’ve only been here a short time, but so many things have happened. I want to tell you about them.” “I have no plans. There’s plenty of time to talk,” Merenith stuttered when she spoke and Jahara knew she sensed something was amiss. “Mer, I want you to meet my breeder. But I think it’s important you two meet faceto-face.”

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“That’s impossible. Next week I’m not allowed in the Garden proper and he’s not allowed out.” Jahara inhaled patience. “I understand that. I think there’s another way. I want to try something. I don’t know if it’ll work but I’d like to try.” “Jahara, what’s going on?” “I need you to meditate with me…” “Now?” Jahara laid her palm on the video-communicator. “Yes, Merenith, now. Look at me. Focus on me, the way we’ve done before. I want you to think of our first outing at the river.” Jahara’s head tingled and she knew Brenimyn was making a telepathic connection with her. If this worked, he would be the conduit that took them all back to that place in the forest. “Jahara?” “Trust me. The river. The spot where we went into the mountains with the horses.” She needed a place they knew well. “Imagine the wind and the rushing water. Hear it. See it. Feel yourself standing there with me.” Jahara’s tone was sing-song, soft and lilting. Her eyelids grew heavy with the power of meditation. Then she was there. Standing next to Brenimyn, their fingers still entwined. Jahara smiled at him, knowing none of this would be possible without his gift. “Thank you.” “Go to her.” He nodded his head. Merenith stood with her back to them, looking out over the river. Her hair danced in the gentle breeze coming off the rushing waters. Her skin glowed in the sun’s rays, giving her an ethereal radiance. Merenith had never looked so vulnerable. “Merenith.” Jahara walked to her but they didn’t embrace. There was no doubt the woman understood what was to come. “How’re we here?” Merenith touched Jahara’s shoulder. “I can feel you.” She looked around. “I can smell the forest and hear the rush of the river.” She turned back to Jahara, confusion furrowing her brow. “We’ve never meditated so deeply.” “It’s a gift.” “A new talent you developed at the Garden?” “No, not mine.” Merenith shot a look over Jahara’s shoulder then back at her. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t make sense of the man sitting serenely in the shade of a pine and the gift Jahara spoke of. Jahara gently touched the woman’s arm, bringing her attention back to her. “Merenith, sit with me. We need to talk.” “Jahara, I’m not sure I want to know how, but I would like to know why you brought me here.” Jahara pointed to a rock behind them. “Please, just sit.”

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“I don’t want to sit.” Merenith rolled her eyes and laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. “Oh, this is classic. I thought I’d be the one to start this conversation.” Jahara just stared at her, not understanding her meaning. “Oh come now, Jahara, you arranged all this to tell me there’s another.” She threw her hands in the air and walked to the edge of the river. “You’ve always wanted more from our relationship than I was ready to give and now, when I decide to try, you’ve found another?” She turned back to Jahara. “Tell me I’m wrong.” Jahara simply shook her head. “Mer, it’s much more complicated than that.” “Complicated?” Merenith picked up a stone and heaved it into the churning waters. “It’s not really. A simple yes or no would suffice.” She threw another rock. “Yes.” Merenith turned her. “I’m not really surprised. We didn’t really fit, but I tried.” “We both tried, Mer. I wanted it so much before…” Jahara didn’t know how to continue. “Before someone else caught your eye.” Her words sounded so bitter. “I wasn’t looking if—” “I didn’t suspect you were.” Merenith lifted Jahara’s hand. “It wasn’t really a commitment ring, but obviously you’ve fallen in love if you’ve taken it off already.” Jahara fished the ring from her pocket. “I took it off today. Right after your call when everything became very clear for me.” She looked back over her shoulder at Brenimyn. “You’re not…” Merenith scanned Jahara’s face then over to Bren and back at her. “Oh no, don’t even…it’s not possible.” Her gaze darted again from Jahara to Brenimyn. “You don’t know what you’re doing.” Stretching her arm, Merenith shook her finger at the man placidly sitting with his face turned to the sky. “There’s something unnatural about this. I can feel it.” “Merenith, he’s telepathic. Brenimyn brought us here so I could be with you.” Merenith laughed out her disbelief. “Telepathic? A man with gifts? Right. And I suppose you’re going to tell me you’ve fallen in love with him and plan to run away into the wilds together.” Jahara looked away, ruffling the grass with her toe. “You’re living in some fantasy world, Jahara. It’s not real.” Merenith spun around in a circle. “Just like none of this is real. A man’s not capable of loving. He’s a breeder, for goodness’ sake. He was raised to copulate, to impregnate women, what does he know of love?” Merenith’s words cut deep. Holding her own rage at bay, Jahara kept her tone even. “He was kidnapped from the Garden as an infant and raised by his Dame. He grew up with his birth-sisters. He knows love.”

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“If you believe that, then be with him at the Garden. Let him stay in your apartment, be together. Bear your two offspring, but then come back to the world of reality, Jahara. You’re fooling yourself if you think it can be otherwise.” “But it can be. I’m not the only woman who believes. There are others at the Garden. Men and women in loving relationships. They—” “Stop.” Merenith held her hands up between them to stop her words that no doubt sounded impossible. “This is insane. You’re talking about changing the natural order of things.” “The time is now. I’ve come to believe that.” “You’re talking about a revolution.” Jahara nodded. “Is he truly worth all that, Jahara?” “Brenimyn’s the one for me. I wasn’t looking, but there he is. There’s always been something missing.” Jahara pressed a palm to her heart. “With Bren, my heart is whole.” “A man? You’re sure?” Shuddering at the thought, Merenith’s mouth curved in a sad smile of acceptance. “They’re not for everyone.” She looked over Jahara’s shoulder. “It must be destined. You’ve known him such a short time.” Brenimyn’s love gave her courage. “I knew him the moment I met him. It just took some time before my head accepted what my heart knew to be true.” Merenith took the jade ring Jahara still held and slid it back on her finger. “We were never destined, Jahara. We both knew that. Even if you didn’t want to admit it.” Merenith leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “If it’s he who makes your heart sing, then you need to fight to make a life with him.” Jahara smiled, understanding at that moment she would lay her life down for Brenimyn. “That’s exactly what I intend to do, Merenith.”

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Chapter Seventeen Xylice Kilyl yawned loudly, hoping the two burly women in the front of the vehicle would get the message. It was much too early in the morning for a sane woman to be moving about the Garden. The head of computer technology had called her barely an hour ago to report some major malfunction that required Xylice’s expertise with computers. Rolling out of bed, she’d waddled into the bathroom. The six-month-old fetuses taking up residence in her body made any other maneuvers difficult. Splashing water on her face, Xylice had tried to wash the sleepy cobwebs from her head, wondering which system could have gone down. Everything in her apartment seemed to be in working order. The Garden had an elaborate computer network running all aspects of the residences and the environment, from air and water purification to temperature controls. Even the timing of the moonlight, which had gone from the sky, and the rising sun, which had yet to appear, had been programmed to simulate the real world. In the year since Xylice had arrived, no system had ever shown the slightest deviation from the norm. What could possibly be so important that she had to be roused from a perfectly good night’s sleep? Everything around her seemed to be functioning. Xylice had had little more than enough time to pull on some breeches and tie back her hair before the women escorting her were pounding on her door. They’d hustled her into the waiting car, discussing whether or not they should run with sirens. Xylice didn’t even know government vehicles had that capability. As she leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes, she was glad they opted to ride to her office without the wailing noise. It would give her time for a brief catnap. Yawning loudly again, she absently rubbed the growing mound of her stomach. In the last week, the babies seemed to have stretched her belly beyond any size she’d thought possible. The smocks she preferred no longer fit. Xylice could wear nothing more than breeches slung low on her hips, below the rounded mound of her stomach. Not that she minded. She was proud to show off her new body, with its protruding bellybutton and weighty breasts. One of the babies did a slow roll as if it knew she was thinking of him. Though the healer hadn’t told her, she knew they were boys. The thought pleased her. She inhaled deeply, hoping there would be the usual assortment of pastries and teas at the complex. She hadn’t had time to eat. Suddenly, the tires squealed wildly on the street as the vehicle careened around a sharp turn. Xylice lifted her head,

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defensively shooting her hand out so her body didn’t slam into the side of the car. They were traveling unusually fast. The orange hue of sunrise illuminated the buildings in the neighborhood of the breeding residences. Why weren’t they going to her office at the computer command center? By the time the tires screeched to a stop at one of the apartments, Xylice had come fully awake. “We’re here,” the guard on the passenger side of the car muttered. She looked down at the official papers in her hand, confirming the address. “A private residence? Are you sure?” “Yes, honorable breeder.” “The occupants are suspected of crimes against the government.” Swiveling in her seat, the driver looked back at Xylice. “The security system’s gone down and needs to be repaired immediately. We can tell you nothing more than that.” The deep timbre of her voice made the words she spoke even more frightening. “What exactly is happening here? Why was I involved? I’m a computer specialist, not a security expert. Can’t you just go in and arrest her?” “We can’t tell you anything more. The facts are classified.” The first woman spoke with authority. “There is no need to fear for your safety or that of your unborn offspring. We’ll protect you.” They laid their hands on the weapons at their hips. Xylice had never noticed security guards were armed. She was becoming increasingly more terrified. Nothing these women said helped quell the fear coiled unpleasantly in her stomach. “I need to call the head of my department. I don’t like any of this,” Xylice said as she unclipped the portable communication device from the waist of her breeches. Xylice pressed several buttons. She was relieved her superior answered after only one ring. “Elona here.” The woman didn’t sound sleepy. “Elona, it’s Xylice. What’s going on?” Fear trembled through her words. “I don’t know. Hold on a minute.” Xylice heard Corinna, Elona’s partner, murmur a complaint then the rustling of bedclothes, all the while, the small screen bounced pictures of Elona’s apartment as she moved into the bathroom and turned on the faucets. “Can you hear me?” Elona’s voice was a mere whisper. “Yes, just barely.” Xylice didn’t like what was happening. Anxiety brought on a bout of nausea and she wondered if she was going to be sick. “I’m glad you called my personal communicator. I don’t want Corinna to know what’s going on. I haven’t been able to sleep since Dr. Bresilee called. She was irate. She told me to get my best tech to some breeder’s residence immediately because the security system had gone down. Told me to keep it quiet, not tell anyone. I’m sorry, Xylice, I don’t know anything more than that.” 130

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“The breeder’s suspected of crimes against the government and they want me to go in there?” Xylice’s high-pitched voice cracked when she spoke. “Xylice, I’m sorry. She asked for the best, so I sent the best. Don’t you have two guards with you?” “Yes but—” “I’m sorry, Xylice. We have no choice in this. Those women stopped here to pick up the gear. In the trunk of the car are the new cameras we’ve developed. Dr. Bresilee demanded the most up-to-date equipment we have. I included some of the small cameras to hide in the bathrooms and extra audio amplifiers. She wants this residence wired with everything we can put in there.” “Elona, I don’t like this.” “Neither do I. In the decade since I became head of computer technology, I’ve never been asked to do anything like this. But those two behemoths with you can surely outwrestle even the strongest male.” Xylice turned her head into the seat. “They have weapons.” “This is bigger than I thought.” Elona’s voice trailed off. “Listen, I’m sorry to put you in danger with the pregnancy and all, but you’re the only one I trust to keep this quiet. I’ll be going into the office as soon as I can get away without arousing Corinna’s suspicion. In the meantime, just go in there, wire the place and get out. Program the feed to go directly to my office, Dr. Bresilee’s office and her personal computer. Call me when you have it all set up and I’ll give you the specs and frequencies for the routing information.” “What did this woman do?” “Dr. Bresilee didn’t say, but it’s got to be bad if she’s asking us to do all this. Contact me on the secure line. I figure it’ll take you the better part of the day to get everything hooked up and programmed. Sorry, kid, I can’t send you any help. Dr. Bresilee said only one tech and me. We’re the only ones in the loop. Listen, Merrick’s visiting us and they’re calling for me. We can’t keep that breeder down…literally.” She laughed. “I’ve got to go. Good luck.” Elona clicked off the line before Xylice could protest. Xylice didn’t find anything humorous about this situation. Somehow it didn’t seem fair that Elona was snuggling back in bed with her lover while she was walking into a hornet’s nest. She looked from the communicator to the expectant expressions of the guards. They actually appeared excited about the possibility of encountering a dangerous situation. With tentative steps, Xylice followed the women up the walk. They didn’t have their weapons drawn, but their hands were at the ready. She carried only a small valise with her. Xylice wanted to be able to move out of the way if a fight erupted. Once they’d cleared the apartment and determined it was safe, she’d send the muscular women out to unload the rest of the equipment in the trunk. This situation was wrong on so many levels. 131

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The guards pounded their fists on the door. Not waiting for an answer, the booted foot of the driver struck the door just below the fingerprint panel. There was no need for their violence. Their hands could have overridden any security codes and easily opened the door. Xylice bent over the azalea bushes, heaving the contents of her stomach just as the door slid open.

***** Lying on her side, she stared at him. The angry lines that had creased his features last night were gone. Brenimyn never seemed totally at peace when he was awake, but in sleep his features relaxed, appearing childlike in their innocence. Jahara had spent the night in dreamless slumber for the first time in weeks. Without the burden of guilt pressing on her heart, her entire world had become lighter. The reunion with Merenith was over. Both of them had known theirs was not a relationship based on love. Respect, yes, but not the life commitment kind of love she shared with Bren. After they’d talked, she’d taken Merenith to Brenimyn. He’d been his usual charming self, winning over Merenith in the first few minutes of their meeting. The three of them had stayed in that world between reality and imagination, talking long hours into the night, sharing stories of their lives. Brenimyn had spoken eloquently of the new world order. He taught Merenith the ways of the ancients that wasn’t part of the usual schooling, about family structures and the roles of men prior to the plague. Merenith reluctantly accepted that now might be the time for change. It was hard not to believe Brenimyn when he spoke with conviction of all that was to come. In the end, he’d walked away and allowed the women time to say proper farewells. “He loves you, Jahara. What you’re doing is right.” Merenith held Jahara’s hands, affectionately rubbing her thumb over her knuckles. “Your love surrounds you both like a circle of light. It isn’t something you can hide. Be careful at the Garden, they don’t like breeders to become attached. His vision asks much of you. I fear for your safety.” “Thank you for your blessings and the warning.” Merenith hugged her tight. “Be safe, my friend.” “And you also.” In the end, they had parted sisters. It was all Jahara could hope for. Now, lying in the bed with Brenimyn, Jahara felt at peace. She leaned in to kiss him, wanting another opportunity to make love in the privacy of an apartment without cameras. Last night had given them a freedom they’d never enjoyed. They’d experimented, pleasuring each other in ways the Governmental Body wouldn’t have liked. Once he’d allowed himself the total release, Brenimyn hadn’t held back his life essence and they’d wasted it on more than one occasion. She smiled with the memory

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of how she’d brought Brenimyn to climax with her mouth. She had the day off from the hospital. Perhaps she could delay him a few hours before he made his way to the lake. The beating on the door came just as her lips melted into his. Like a cat, Brenimyn came fully awake and jumped to his feet. His hands fisted in front of him ready to fight. Jahara heard the loud bang, trying to orient herself in her sleepy haze. “Don’t move.” He pulled on breeches as he ran from the bedroom. She had no intention of listening to him. The last time someone had come into her apartment, they’d kidnapped him. That would not happen again. Grabbing a flimsy robe, Jahara bolted after him. Two women from the security guard stood in her kitchen. The tattoos on their necks looked particularly foreboding as the muscles strained with tension. Each had a hand extended in warning, the other flexing over something sinister-looking at their waists. “Governmental Body of the Garden of Serenity, we’re looking for Jahara Hriznek.” One of them spoke in an official tone. “I’m Jahara…” She tried to step around Brenimyn, but his arm shot out in front of her. He sidestepped, putting his body between her and the guards. “What’s this about?” Brenimyn asked. “We have no business with you today, breeder.” The same woman smiled maliciously. She’d probably been the one who’d drugged and kidnapped him yesterday. “We need to speak to the female.” Pushing down Brenimyn’s arm, Jahara stepped around him and squared her shoulders. If they were going to take her away, they could do so with her dignity intact. It probably had to do with Lukiam. What she’d done was right. There was no punishment that would make her regret her actions. “I’m the honorable healer, Dr. Jahara Hriznek.” “You have been ordered by the Governmental Body to allow access to your apartment. The security has gone down and we have brought someone who will repair the problem.” The guard’s gaze swept up to the corner of the kitchen and down to the shattered camera on the floor. The heat seared up Jahara’s chest and settled in her face. “There was an accident.” “And one in the living quarters as well?” The guard pointed to the destroyed camera visible from where they stood. “Oh enough.” A small voice spoke from the threshold. “Let me through.” Jahara saw the belly and breasts before the otherwise petite blonde woman elbowed her way between the women. “I’m Xylice Kilyl, a computer technician sent to fix the cameras.” Her gaze swept the shattered remains on the floor. Her fingers fluttered in front of her face, attempting to cover her amusement. But the glint of humor sparking in the icy depths of her eyes couldn’t be disguised. “Obviously,” she looked at the women standing guard behind her, “there was some defect in the equipment. I’m sure this woman and her breeder intend to cooperate. You

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can stand down. There’s no danger here. Go out to the vehicle and retrieve the gear in the trunk.” She winked in Jahara’s direction. Though Brenimyn’s feet were spread wide on the floor and his hands boldly fisted at his hips, his muscles no longer bunched with the apprehension of a moment ago. Jahara stole a glance at him. One corner of his mouth lifted and he winked back at the woman. Xylice stepped away from the door as the burly women unloaded four huge suitcases onto the kitchen floor. “That’ll do. I’ve much work ahead of me fixing these faulty cameras. Please close the door as you leave, if you didn’t completely ruin it with your rude entrance. I’ll call for a ride when I am finished.” “Our orders are to protect you.” Xylice addressed Jahara and Brenimyn. “Do either of you intend me harm?” Brenimyn bowed. “Xylice Kilyl, cherished of humans, gifted breeder of offspring, we will be pleased to cooperate with you as you repair the faulty equipment.” She barely contained a smile as she turned back to the security guards. “You see, I am in no danger here. If you must stay, then stay in the vehicle. What I’m doing is highly technical and confidential. Dr. Bresilee would not like to hear that you didn’t obey my orders.” She stamped her foot as she spoke. “As you wish.” Only one spoke but they both bowed. “I would feel more comfortable with the door open.” “And let all the neighbors see what I’m doing? Already you’ve brought too much attention to this highly classified situation.” Xylice waved her hand into the bright sunlight, where several women had slowed their morning walks to peer at the events unfolding in the apartment. “We will be in the vehicle as you requested.” The warped door whined and hissed as it closed behind them. The young woman waited only a heartbeat after the soft click of the latch before she rushed into Brenimyn’s embrace. “Brenimyn, I’ve missed you. It’s so good to see you.” Brenimyn folded her into his arms, greeting her with an affection Jahara had not witnessed since he’d agreed to become her mate.

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Chapter Eighteen “Xylice, I lost track of you.” Brenimyn’s hand rubbed lovingly over the mound of Xylice’s stomach. “You’re looking well. Pregnancy agrees with you.” He bent to kiss her cheek again, holding her close to him as he did so. “You radiate happiness.” Turning, she modeled for him. “Not so bad for six months and two babies?” Brenimyn laughed. “You’re having twins?” Xylice cupped Brenimyn’s cheek. “It’s not right that you didn’t know before now. Rules at the Garden didn’t permit me contact with you.” Jahara’s heart sank. She knew Brenimyn had mated with others, but to actually have someone who carried his offspring in her house was a bit overwhelming. The jealousy burning her throat must have been what Brenimyn experienced last night. It was an ugly emotion, vacillating between anger and betrayal. The tightness it created in her chest made it hard for Jahara to draw breath. “Forgive me, I’m being rude.” Brenimyn’s dimples flashed at Jahara and she forced her mouth to imitate his. “Xylice this is my mate, Jahara. Jahara, Xylice.” Jahara extended her hand, not wanting to be impolite but wishing she could run from this encounter. “It’s nice to meet you.” That wasn’t even close to the truth, but good manners brought the words out automatically. Xylice looked down at Jahara’s extended arm. Brushing past it, she pulled Jahara into a bone-crushing embrace instead. “A handshake is no way to greet family.” Xylice pushed her away and held Jahara at arm’s length. “Well, almost family.” Jahara shook her head. She didn’t think sharing breeders constituted a familial connection. Her mouth worked like a fish out of water. Brenimyn’s hearty laugh filled the kitchen. “Jahara my love, your thoughts betray you.” He threw his arm around her shoulder, kissing her gently on the head. “Xylice isn’t a former mate—she’s my sister.” “Ewww.” Xylice stepped back, wrinkling her nose. “Bed that man? I’m sorry you have to suffer through it.” She backhanded Brenimyn’s stomach. “He’s bad enough company at the dining table.” “Love you too, sis.” His voice softened. “Have you talked with Mother?” “I have. She misses you and told me to send her love when I saw you. But I didn’t dare approach you at the lake the other day. You never know when governmental spies are near.” The levity of their conversation was gone.

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“We’ve done well to keep our relationship a secret.” He ran his hand down her arm. “Obviously, Bresilee doesn’t suspect a connection or you wouldn’t be here today.” “And I intend to keep it that way, dear brother.” “Tell me more of Mother. I need to talk with her soon myself.” Brenimyn moved Jahara in front of him, folding his hands over her stomach, his heart beating against her back, the gesture as natural as breathing. “We’ve all waited a long time for Jahara’s arrival.” Xylice’s tone was ominous. “I called Mother on the secure line from the office just yesterday to let her know it will begin soon. She continues her vigilant prayers for our safety.” Xylice’s hand instinctively covered the babies growing within her. “The thugs out there didn’t tell me where I was going this morning. I never made the connection when they mentioned someone had committed crimes against the Governmental Body. They had me shaking with fear until I recognized Jahara’s name. They called me in because the security system had been disabled. And quite efficiently I might add.” Xylice looked over her shoulder and smirked. “When did you destroy the cameras?” “Last night.” Jahara snuggled in closer to Brenimyn. Concern once again shadowed Xylice’s face. “Then they’re watching you closely. Usually no one monitors the breeders’ residences. A cursory glance now and then, but I’ve been instructed to put hidden cameras in the bathrooms and high-power audio amplifiers throughout the apartment. The feed will go straight to Bresilee’s office and private computer. She’s suspicious of you both. Apparently there are spies among the flock.” “We figured that’d be the case. It’s not totally unexpected.” Brenimyn rubbed his face in Jahara’s hair, the gesture no doubt comforting them both. “I have a plan.” Xylice clapped her hands together. “But there’s a lot of work to be done and I’ll need your help.” She shook her clasped hands in front of her. “But please. Could you feed a starving pregnant woman?”

***** “Jahara, relax. This won’t work if it doesn’t look natural.” Brenimyn stood at the foot of the bed, his hand massaging the sweep of her neck. His thumb traced the line of her jaw. “Xylice is in the office. She can’t hear. Forget the camera.” He leaned in to nuzzle the racing pulse just below his fingers. “Just me. There’s only you and me and our love.” “They’re going to watch this over and over.” “And wish they had half the love we share.” Knowing how it thrilled, he scraped her lobe through his teeth and was rewarded with a shiver of pleasure. “Love me, Jahara. Let go and love me. No one’s watching now.” His lips found hers, nipping at her pouting mouth.

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Untying the sash of her robe, he slid his hand across her belly and up her back, loving the velvety feel of her skin against his palm. There wasn’t an inch of her body he didn’t know, hadn’t touched or tasted. She was so much more than anything he could have conjured up in his fantasies and he’d had plenty of those over the years. All other women he’d been forced to copulate with had become hazy memories. There was no other for him. Today, he wanted to prove it to her. Brenimyn wanted her to know by his touch just how much he loved her. Sliding his hand up her torso, he rubbed the satin material across the responsive tip of her breast. It pebbled beneath his touch. Jahara gasped, sending blood straight to his cock. His lips brushed the soft fullness of her mouth and she opened for him with a breathy moan that heated his blood. She tasted of honeysuckle tea and raspberries and an undercurrent of something uniquely Jahara. He closed his eyes, letting his thoughts wander into the mindless abandon of her. After her conversation with Merenith, he thought he’d lost her. Then just as quickly, she became forever his to love and cherish. Camera or no camera, he intended to do just that—make sure Jahara understood how much he wanted her. Running his hands up her shoulders, he pushed the robe off her body, leaving it to slide down her back to the floor. “Undressing you is a pleasurable experience. You’re a lovely woman, honorable Jahara.” He knew she disliked the stilted speech, but it was for the benefit of those who would see this later. Her full lips pursed in response. He hoped his hands communicated the sentiments of love flowing straight from his heart even if his words could not. Kissing the tender flesh of her throat, Brenimyn breathed on her skin, knowing how it melted her defenses. He lifted her hand, setting it on his shoulder. His fingers grazed the length of her arm, trailing bumps on the sensitive skin. All the while, their tongues tangled in a dance so familiar, Jahara’s body melted into his and all it promised her. Brenimyn kissed a path down her throat, stopping to graze the pulse beating a rapid tattoo at the base of her neck before continuing the journey to her luscious breasts. He worshipped them with his tongue, drawing long, deep moans from her throat. Biting gently on the pebbled nipple, he sucked it into his mouth, flicking it with his tongue and reveling in the little hitch of her breath. Her back arched, giving him better access. Rubbing the stubble of his unshaven chin against the sensitive skin, he smiled when she sighed his name. He would never tire of it tripping off her lips. Her body ground against his cotton breeches. He was dizzy from the lack of blood to his brain. His erection strained against the confines of his clothing. She tugged on the string at the waist, dropping the pants and taking his fully engorged cock into her hands all in one motion. The velvet softness of Jahara’s fingers drove him mad and he worked to slow his need. Brenimyn had forgotten until yesterday just how wonderful it felt to give himself over to the total release of his life essence. He thought probably it had more to do with

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sharing that part of himself with Jahara rather than the physical release itself. Either way, it had felt damn good to fill her with his seed even more so knowing it may create a new life. He swung her into his arms, his head dipping to suckle her breast. Jahara’s fingers tangled in his hair as she breathed out words of desire into his ear in a whisper no one would hear. “You’re my only love, Bren. My body wants you. Desires you. Needs you. Don’t ever stop loving me.” Then more loudly, “It would please me to mate with you, Brenimyn.” Her heated breath feathered across his ear, nearly boiling his blood. Gently laying her on the bed, he stood and admired her before stretching out beside her on the downy comforter. Brenimyn still couldn’t believe such an exquisite beauty had been gifted to him and harder still to believe she’d come of her own free will. He raked his fingers through the curly triangle of black hair, moving his fingers lower to dip into her wet heat. The sweet smell of Jahara’s arousal filled the air, wrapping around his nostrils. Knowing it was her desire for him that had her pussy weeping, pitched his need to another level. The love bites at her breast shivered down her belly and quivered along her internal muscles. Her thighs were moist with slick heat. Brenimyn would never tire of sharing this passion with her. She lay with her eyes open, watching his hands in the mirror above them as he stroked the length of her body. Winking at her, he pushed her legs wide, displaying her body for both of them to enjoy. Spreading her folds, he dragged the slick heat up and down her slit. He plunged his fingers into her hot depths, the muscles contracting to sheath them in her heat. Repeating this process, Brenimyn had her gulping for air. Her hips bucked against his assault. The shocking bliss jolted her body and left her squirming against his hand. The sight of her face as it contorted with pleasure had his mouth watering. He swallowed her moans of ecstasy with his kisses, feeling the tension in every muscle of her body building to the crescendo. He looked up to see her watching them in fascination, shuddering and quaking as her orgasm tore through her body. His eyes locked on hers in the mirror and she smiled even as she gasped for air, the last of the ecstasy trembling through her body. Good show? He spoke telepathically. “Not so bad.” Jahara laughed out the words. Brenimyn rolled to cover her body with his, but Jahara used the momentum to roll them both until she lay over him, her body stretched out the length of his. She sat up, straddling him. Her fingers played with his nipples, sending ripples of ecstasy straight to his cock. “I’m in control. Don’t forget that, breeder. And today I wish to take top.” With her back to the camera, she stared down at Brenimyn. Watch and learn. She mouthed the words.

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“Honorable woman, you are in total control.” He lifted his hands up as if in surrender. “I’m here only to pleasure.” She came up on her knees and straddled him. Laying his cock on his belly, she nestled it between her nether lips. Rocking her hips, Jahara slid her heated pussy the length of his erection. A growl of pleasure ripped from his throat. It took all his control to keep the mounting need from erupting. He filled his hands with the weighty flesh of her breasts, molding and reshaping them in a way that thrilled them both. He looked up, enjoying the sight of her riding him that way. The incredible sensation created a flow of hot moisture from her body and she ground harder against his cock. Her hands covered his at her breasts, and he watched her once again shudder in a quaking orgasm that nearly sent him spiraling into the abandonment of bliss. Though he would enjoy repeating this performance, it wouldn’t do for the cameras to capture them wasting his seed. “I love you, Brenimyn,” Jahara’s trembling voice cut through the haze of his own pleasure. She shouldn’t have said it out loud, but he no longer cared about the camera. Though she’d said the words before in the heat of passion, his heart swelled, knowing they meant so much more now. Falling heavily on his chest, Jahara’s breathing was labored gasps of contentment. He ran his fingers through her hair, feeling the thud of her heart against his, the soft mounds of her breasts pressed comfortably against his chest. Flexing his buttocks, his cock moved beneath her. With great effort, she lifted heavy lids, curving her mouth like a cat waking from nap. His heart swelled with his love for her. Coming up on her knees, she let his sex stand tall and thick, admiring it for a moment before sheathing it in her body. With incredible patience, Jahara lowered herself, stretching out the pleasure for both of them. They both watched her tight pussy swallow his cock. The velvet heat of her body sending a shiver of contentment the length of his body. “Ride, Jahara.” She arched her back, moving her hips. He looked into the mirror and saw her body milking his. Brenimyn loved watching her in the mirror, enjoying their lovemaking from another angle. She ground her clit against his blond curls. His cock pushed deep inside her. Jahara raked her nails down his torso, giddy with the power she had to excite him. His testicles pulled snug to his body. Tipping back her head, Jahara stared at him in the mirror. Her hips continued to rock. Their mouths curved in trembling smiles and Brenimyn told her he loved her with all his heart. But the words were only for her. Jahara reached behind her, running her hands down her back. Lifting his testicles, she fondled him and nestled them against her cleft, stroking the soft skin beneath. The sight of what she was doing to his body made the sensations coursing through him all that more incredible. He moaned out an oath as his stomach muscles contracted,

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pushing his cock impossibly deeper. In all his experience, no woman’s body fit so perfectly with his. He dug his fingers into her hips, his breath quickening. He continued to watch them in the mirror, enjoying that dimension of their lovemaking. Brenimyn took control of the tempo, lifting her, pounding her down on him, increasing the pace with each incredibly tight stroke of her heated pussy along his cock. Skin slapped skin and the sensual odors of sweat and musk and sex filled the room. His eyes remained locked on hers in the mirror, both their faces contorted in ecstasy. No longer able to stop the tidal surge of bliss, not at all sure he would ever be able to withhold himself again. His life essence rocketed out of him. Jahara’s orgasm pulsed her muscles around his cock until he could barely breathe from the intensity of the release. He called out her name over and over as the quaking climax slammed through him. Holding her hips tight to his body, he flexed his muscles until the last of his cum filled her. The smile on her face spoke of her satisfaction and love. Exhausted from their efforts, Jahara slumped onto his chest. His body content. His heart complete.

***** “So here’s the thing.” Xylice sat with Brenimyn and Jahara at the dining room table. The sun shafting through the windows made long shadows of the furniture. “When you tell the computer to dim the lights, it will automatically start the loop.” This was the third time Xylice had explained the system. Her technical jargon was confusing. Now she looked at Brenimyn and Jahara across the table as if they were school children unable to comprehend even the most simple of lessons. “You both need to be in the bedroom. At the foot of the bed the way you were this morning. No one else can be in the house. The other cameras were filming empty rooms.” She lifted her hand. “Got it so far?” They both nodded. Jahara felt foolish, but she was beginning to understand what Xylice had done for them. If anyone found out, she would also be considered a traitor to the Governmental Body of the Garden. “Once the digital feed loops, it will cut out everything else to the cameras and the audio amplifiers. You’ll be able to speak freely at that time and move about without detection. Nothing new will be picked up on the cameras.” “You’re sure they’ll see only the two of us in the bedroom?” Jahara asked. Xylice covered her hand. “Jahara, editing a digital image is easy.” Her cheeks turned crimson as her gaze dropped. “I know your lovemaking is private, but I had to watch it several times to edit some of the more touching aspects. There was a little too much emotion in your lovemaking. It wouldn’t be a good idea for them to hear you speak of love.” Shyly, she lifted her gaze, clearing her throat. “Anyway, with the

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lovemaking and the sleep tape, you’ll have about two hours from the time the program begins to the end. Be sure you’re in bed when the loop is finished.” Jahara rolled her eyes. There’s no way this could work. “Jahara, you need to trust. At the foot of the bed to begin. In the bed before the loop finishes. It’s only a small thing, but it may give you some much-needed privacy.” Xylice squeezed Jahara’s hand. “Obviously your relationship is making them nervous. They’re growing increasingly skeptical.” She looked at her sibling. “I fear for your safety, dear brother.” Brenimyn covered their joined hands. “We’ve known for a long time this change would not come about easily. But the time’s right. Everything’s falling into place.” Xylice’s communicator buzzed at her hip. “They’re becoming impatient. I’ve held them off as long as possible. I need to program the frequencies. Just remember—don’t rely on the looping too often or they’ll become suspicious.” Her personal communicator toned again. “I have to take this.” She inhaled. “There are many who will protect you, but just as many who will betray you at the first opportunity. Take care.” Standing up, Xylice walked away from them. “Xylice Kilyl here. Everything’s set.”

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Chapter Nineteen It had been a difficult week. Merenith had cancelled her visit after their conversation, promising to come next month with the computer disks. Jahara wondered if things would be different by then. She’d been called into Bresilee’s office and officially reprimanded for saving Lukiam. Her punishment was two months work in the well-check. There would be no repercussions for Nazaret. Brenimyn arranged to sneak Lukiam out of the healing facility before the security guards had been ordered to arrest him. He was being well cared for by apprentice healers somewhere among the rambling buildings of the agricultural section. Xylice had done what she could to allow them privacy, but they feared using the loop. Their conversations were clipped and unnatural. Without the safety of the bathrooms, there was no way for them to talk of plans for the movement—or their love. Xylice’s visit had only solidified Jahara’s growing angst over the impending change and her part in bringing about the new world order. Brenimyn seemed purposefully vague about her role in the vision. A foreboding sense of danger hung over her like a storm cloud ready to release a deluge of evil. At night, Bren pulled her to the bed, lulling them into a meditative state where they drifted into a dream world high atop a mountain or the serenity of a summer meadow. She lounged in his arms, too overwhelmed to do anything more than seek the comfort of his embrace. She’d fall into a restless sleep, exhaustion and worry mixing to create an endless string of meaningless dreams. During the day, Brenimyn slipped away from the constant surveillance and spent his time in secrecy meeting with breeders for the cause. If Bresilee granted his request, there was much preparation work still to be done on the presentation for the Governmental Body. Jahara wanted to spend time with him, but Bresilee required her presence at the healing facility. Obviously, the medical director was doing anything she could to keep them apart. It was just as well, Jahara needed to maintain some semblance of routine in a life suddenly out of her control. Brenimyn had left hours ago and she’d stayed in bed, but sleep had been elusive. She stood now in the bathroom, knotting her trembling hands together, willing herself not to stare into the camera hidden in the handle of the bathroom cabinet. She knew there was another behind her in the shower stall, camouflaged in the pattern of the tiles. Xylice had walked them through the whole apartment before she’d programmed the system, showing them every hidden camera and audio amplifier. Bresilee could be watching her right now. The thought soured in her stomach and brought up only bile as she heaved into the toilet. The stress was making her 142

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increasingly ill. Enough. Jahara scolded herself. She was a grown woman. Her Dame had not reared her to back down from a fight. Stepping into the shower, she hummed a Chinigan lullaby. The tension slipped away with the water swirling down the drain. She was strong enough to accept whatever came about. Lathering soap in her hands, Jahara let her fingers wander, her thoughts turning to Brenimyn. She smiled and hummed louder, letting the giddy happiness of love wash away her trepidation. She imagined her soapy hands sliding over her skin were his and grew damp with the thought of making love. “Stop thinking of him, Jahara. You’ll be late for work,” she scolded herself, briskly washing her body and trying not to let thoughts of his caresses excite her. The jolt ran up her fingers, taking her by surprise. Jahara jerked her hands away in disbelief, looking down at her body, almost afraid to touch herself. With trembling fingers, she made slow circles on her belly just below her navel. She wanted to yelp for joy but held it in, not wanting them to know her secret. There was no mistaking the thrum of life pulsing through her palm. It was barely discernable among the normal gastric rhythms, but it was definitely there. A baby. She and Brenimyn had made a baby. Jahara focused her energy. She could feel the embryo dividing and growing and knew, with absolute certainty, it had been their lovemaking in the pool that had created the life just beginning to grow within her. Brenimyn had told her he wanted to make a baby and that’s what they’d done as they’d loved each other. Rinsing off, she quickly toweled dry, wishing Brenimyn could share the thrill coursing through her. Just as well. He had too much on his mind. Her feet barely skimmed the floor and Jahara felt as if she’d sprouted wings as she rushed into the bedroom, hastily pulling on her blue tunic and skirt. They were going to be a family, in the way of the ancients—man, woman and child.

***** “It’s all right, tell me.” Jahara could only see the thick lashes flutter, but the young man would not look into her eyes. “Honorable healer, there is nothing wrong.” She watched his gaze flick to the red door. She stepped to the side, blocking his view of the end of the room. “And this doesn’t hurt?” She pushed gently on the protruding collarbone, feeling a twinge of guilt. He hissed through his teeth, dropping his shoulder from her touch. “It’s nothing.” “Then I don’t need to repair the damage.” Briskly clapping her hands together, Jahara made to move to the next man. “But…” His hand shot out, stopping her. He flushed, pulling it quickly back. “Forgive me.”

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“There’s nothing to forgive.” She bent to look at his face. He was no more than a boy. “Have you heard other breeders speak of me?” He nodded. “Then you should trust in what they say. I’ll heal only if you tell me you’re hurt.” She didn’t know why, but Jahara felt it was imperative these men believe in her. “I fell on the rocks while swimming at the lake.” She put her hands on him as he talked, her palms glowing with the power she had been gifted. “The rocks were slippery and I came down hard on my shoulder.” “How many days ago?” Jahara kept the boy talking. She already knew the answers to her questions, but she wanted to put him at ease as the broken bone mended beneath her hands. “A week, maybe more.” “Next time, don’t wait so long to come to me. There’s no need to be in pain.” Her hands heated and his skin glowed with the light of her power. The break mended and the awkward lump at the base of his neck disappeared. It hardly took any energy. She pulled her hands from his skin and his face split into a handsome smile that reached all the way to his dark eyes staring into hers. “Thank you.” He rotated his shoulder. “You’re all they say you are, honorable Jahara.” He continued rolling his shoulder, laughing and shaking his head as he walked out of the well-check. There’d been nothing unusual about the morning, but she was bone-weary nonetheless. Before coming to the well-check, Jahara had contacted Nazaret on the video-com, speaking in cloaked sentences about her horses, but actually inquiring about Lukiam. He limped weakly just within the camera’s range, but just as quickly ducked from sight. In that brief look, Jahara had seen the smile brightening the ashen face that only days earlier had portended death. His body required much more healing, but only rest, good food and Nazaret’s love would accomplish that. Nazaret had promised to keep him in bed for another week until his body completely healed. Jahara laughed, knowing the woman didn’t intend to let Lukiam get much rest, despite his healer’s orders. If all went well, she and Nazaret would deliver their babies around the same time. She hadn’t said those words out loud. No one else would know until Brenimyn heard the news. Rubbing her belly, she moved to the next curtain and found the cubicle empty and moved on, but there was no one there either. “Collin, where are the men?” Rotating her head, she massaged the strained muscles in the back of her neck and walked into the waiting area. Collin had made many changes in the last month. He’d found portable holograms and hung them about the walls. Decorative tables had been brought in, replacing some of the chairs. They held plants and light fixtures that brightened the formerly dreary space. Even the carpets had been cleaned, the rotten stench having dissipated with gloomy atmosphere.

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“It’s the noon hour already. You have some time. I hope you don’t mind, but I had some food sent up from the dining common.” Collin walked over to her, his breeches flapping with his quick, little steps. She was grateful the men were now covering themselves. The nudity had been another way to degrade the breeders and in her wellcheck, it was unnecessary. Unless they required healing, she had no desire to see any man naked except Brenimyn. Collin took her by the elbow, guiding her to the new wooden reception desk that had replaced the battered metal furniture. “If I may say so myself, you’re not looking at all well. I think some food will do you good.” For all his feminine qualities, the hands on her shoulders pushing her into the plush chair at his desk were strong and firm. “I insist you eat. You need to keep your strength up.” He set a plate of fresh fruit and vegetables in front of her. “You eating?” She filled her fork, not realizing how hungry she was until her stomach grumbled protests. “Already ate.” He pulled up a chair and couched his chin in his hands. “Everything all right with you?” Filling her mouth, she nodded at him. “You seem distracted this morning and a little more than tired.” The man was perceptive. “It’s been a long week. Brenimyn’s out again today. I’m worried for him.” She spoke around the food she shoveled into her mouth. “You’re not worried for your own safety in all that’s to come?” Her head shot up. His smile was slow. “I may not be a breeder, but I am a man, Jahara. I know about the prophecy and the new world order. I’ve heard Brenimyn speak. There’s very little happening here in the Garden that doesn’t get spread through this office. I hear the breeders talking. They think my brain was lopped off with my testicles.” They’d become good friends over the past weeks, but she’d never inquired about his upbringing. “Collin, how did you? I mean your situation…” She gestured at his lap, unable to ask about the castration. “Do you know nothing of the fate of the babies born here?” She shook her head, no longer interested in the food. “Some female infants are taken with their Dames to be raised in villages, the rest are dispersed to schools.” He waved his hand dismissively. “That part you know I’m sure. They’re educated and their gifts discovered and refined. But male offspring, that’s a different matter.” He settled back in his chair and crossed his legs. “In the past, no female wanted their male infants,” he said quietly. “They were discarded like tainted food. When boys are born, they’re taken from their Dames. No questions asked. It’s not a choice.” He smiled at her. “Brenimyn’s kidnapping is legendary among the breeders. There have been other Dames who’ve done the same

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over the years, I’m sure, but none of the men ended up back here at the Garden. He was fortunate to have his freedom.” Collin’s smile faded. “But most infant males are kept in a special place here in the Garden for less than a month. Even as a eunuch, I don’t know the location. We surmise it’s a nursery somewhere in the underground catacombs running beneath the Garden. Eventually, they’re all dispersed out to farms. They’re not enclosed like the Garden, but they’re isolated from other villages. They fear another plague.” Collin’s eyes focused on a faraway memory. “We’re all raised together until the age of three. The breeding stock is chosen early. The weak are sent away to a separate village and castrated.” He let out a derisive laugh. “They wouldn’t want poor quality genes to go into the next generation. Forget about intelligence or personality.” Batting his lashes, Collin splayed his fingers across his narrow chest. Jahara couldn’t help but smile at him. For all he’d been through, Collin had kept his sense of humor. “The breeders are raised by the Ginia clan, the same brawny women who work as guards here at the Garden. They beat the young ones into submission. No one is allowed to utter an opinion different from those drilled into them by the government. There’s always the threat of bodily harm if one tries to defy the laws or exert their independence. If they can’t be retrained, they’re punished and sent to cities as laborers. After the women demean the renegades and make examples of them, few dare to rebel. That’s why women don’t fear a revolt here at the Garden. They believe men would never disobey a woman.” Collin picked at some threads on his breeches. “Female breeding instructors go to the villages once a year, as soon as they go through puberty the breeding stock is trained in the art of copulation. Before they’re ready they’re sent here to the Garden to join the breeding stock. Some who arrive are still boys.” “What about you, Collin, and the others they castrate?” “The eunuchs? Not many people, male or female, care about our fate. When we’re young, the women raising us beat and humiliate us, make us feel worthless. At a very young age they train us to do demeaning work. Wash and clean. Service to others is our only lot in life. We’re lower even than the laborers. I have brooding brothers who work as servants at the villages of the young breeders. It’s how I know what transpires there.” Lifting one shoulder and the corner of his mouth, he looked apologetic for knowing the information. “Some of us are fortunate to be assigned here at the Garden to work with the male breeders. We do the jobs the females couldn’t lower themselves to do.” He spoke the facts with icy repugnance. “It’s still going on.” Jahara’s fork fell with a loud clang onto the plate. Her hands covered her belly as if she could keep the babe within her womb from hearing the words Collin spoke. “You mean they still take the children? They still castrate some of the boys?” She’d never really cared about the fate of infants until this very moment.

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He gently touched her cheek. “Jahara, breeders are not the only ones hoping the new world order will raise their status. Eunuchs are hoping the change will affect all.”

***** “It’s imperative we completely sever the bond between those two as soon as possible. Until we do, we’ll never have this foolishness under control.” Bresilee paced the floor of her office at the hospital, her hands wildly stirring the air. Her eyes darted everywhere, but the distressed faces of Mykilai and Kylie. “That computer person, Xylani, Xykile, or whatever her name is,” Bresilee impatiently brushed the name from her mouth, “has the feed from their apartment going to monitors in this office, security headquarters and my home. If Brenimyn and Jahara are planning some kind of coup we should be alerted in plenty of time.” Mykilai’s stomach flipped. After she’d witnessed Jahara’s unselfish efforts to save Lukiam, she was sure she didn’t want any part of a plan that would harm the healer or her mate. “Mykilai, did you hear me?” Bresilee stopped pacing and was focusing all her anger in her direction. “No, I’m sorry. I was thinking of one of my patients.” She didn’t feel any compunction about lying to the woman who seemed to have taken complete leave of her senses in the last forty-eight hours. “Except when she’s in the well-check, I expect you to stick to Jahara like a shadow. She can’t do any harm when she’s with those insipid creatures, but I don’t need her filling the women with any foolish rhetoric. As difficult as it might be, get her into your confidence. Befriend her.” Mykilai was already bonded with the woman. Lukiam’s blood had linked them in a kinship as tight as any familial tie. But she wouldn’t share that with Bresilee. “As you wish.” She inclined her head. “Kylie, have you heard about the other project?” The blonde hair and breasts bounced with the woman’s head. “Everything’s falling into place,” Kylie said. “Tomorrow afternoon we’ll convene a special meeting of the Governmental Body. Perhaps if we let Brenimyn speak, his own words will bury him.” Mykilai tuned in, wondering what they had planned for the couple, but their conversation was interrupted when the wall slid open. “What is it, Jacinta? I asked you not to bother me,” Bresilee yelled before she caught sight of the young woman. “There seems to be a problem.” Jacinta’s words trembled with fear. Six eyes focused on the amniotic fluid dripping from her skirt.

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***** Mykilai stood next to the delivery bed, holding Jacinta’s hand. The young woman’s eyes rolled in their sockets and her teeth clenched against the pain. Mykilai ran her fingers through the silky mop on her lover’s head, the white light of her palm working to find the pain centers in her brain. Nothing seemed to be helping. “Oh, it’s happening again.” Jacinta sat up as her uterus convulsed with the next contraction. “Can’t you make it stop?” “We’re trying, Jacinta. Be patient,” Bresilee said, her voice a high-pitched whine. “I paged Dr. Linsig, she should be here momentarily.” Mykilai wondered why Bresilee wasn’t beginning the delivery on her own. Pulling the machinery of the ancients from the corner of the room, Bresilee smeared Jacinta’s swollen stomach with jelly. “Let’s just have a look at the baby, shall we?” As Bresilee pressed a round knob to Jacinta’s stomach, Mykilai wondered why she didn’t just check the child with her own hands. The inside of her uterus flashed on the computer screen. “There it is. A girl.” Probing Jacinta’s skull, Mykilai was relieved to find the spot she was seeking. As the warm heat flowed through her palm, Jacinta’s nails released their grip on the flesh of her hand. “Is the pain subsiding, my love?” Mykilai leaned into Jacinta’s ear. “It won’t be long now. We’ll have our offspring in our arms.” She cooed in a sing-song voice. “Dr. Bresilee has everything under control.” The door flung open. “Dr. Linsig can’t be located.” The caretaker ran breathless into the delivery room. “We’ve tried everywhere. Shall I page Dr. Hriznek?” “No,” Bresilee shouted a little too vehemently. “Mykilai shall help me with the delivery.” “But I’ve only observed while you and Dr. Linsig performed the surgery,” Mykilai stuttered. “It would be wonderful to have you deliver our offspring, Mykilai,” Jacinta slurred. Perhaps Mykilai had dulled more than the pain receptors. “It’s not difficult. I’ll deliver the baby. You’ll heal Jacinta. It’s all part of your training.” Bresilee’s tone was once again a little too cheerful for the grave situation. She snapped gloves over her hands as the caretaker wheeled the tray of scalpels next to Bresilee. “Ready, Jacinta?” The young woman nodded, drool oozing from her lopsided grin. Bresilee made the first incision from hip to hip, exposing muscles and the uterus. The uterine walls convulsed. Mykilai glanced up. Thank the heavens Jacinta no longer

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felt the pain. She lay with her eyes closed, unfazed by the sharp blade invading her body. Mykilai stared at Bresilee, the woman unusually quiet in her concentration. Something was wrong, but she hadn’t observed enough deliveries to know exactly what was making her uneasy. Bresilee drew the blade down the uterus, an unusual amount of blood pouring from the wound. Perhaps it only seemed a lot because it was her love, Jacinta, lying on the table. Mykilai’s heart raced with dread. At Bresilee’s instruction, Mykilai parted the muscles, getting her first glimpse of the baby nestled in Jacinta’s womb. The tiny fetus was tucked into a ball. Her head snuggled below Jacinta’s pubic bone. “There we are. In a hurry to join the outside world, little one? You’ve arrived a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.” Bresilee maneuvered her hands under the baby, working her out of the cocoon. As she lifted the baby away from Jacinta, Mykilai could see the newborn’s coloring was wrong. The white mucus was plastered over blue skin, not the healthy glow of pink. The baby drooped unnaturally in Bresilee’s hands. Mykilai knew there should be more movement from the infant. “Mykilai, cut the cord immediately. Then help me with the baby,” Bresilee said tersely. “But first let me stop Jacinta’s bleeding.” Mykilai looked up at her partner’s beautiful face. The bronze skin had turned an unnatural shade of gray. Mykilai felt she was reliving the horror of Lukiam all over again. Blood poured from the uterine walls. She felt Jacinta slipping from her. “Help me,” Bresilee screamed at Mykilai, pulling her from her frozen stance. She cut the cord, obediently following Bresilee to the small incubator. The baby had not cried and Jacinta had not spoken. Icy panic coursed through Mykilai’s veins. “Mykilai. The child. Save the child.” Bresilee pulled Mykilai’s hands over the limp body. “Heal.” Turning to the caretaker, Mykilai screamed out the order. “Go get Dr. Hriznek. Now!” “Stay where you are.” Bresilee held up a warning hand, Jacinta’s blood dripping from her glove. The caretaker froze in mid-step. Still working Mykilai’s hands like she was operating a machine, Bresilee moved them over the baby. “Damn it, Mykilai. Make. Her. Breathe.” Bresilee’s fingers released her grip only long enough to sweep the baby’s mouth. She pressed them up and down on the little chest. “I can’t save her alone.” Mykilai didn’t give a damn about this baby. It was Jacinta’s convulsing body behind her that had Mykilai’s attention. She tried to pull her hands from the baby, but Bresilee stood behind her, holding her hands. “Save her, damn it.”

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“Not unless you get Jahara.” Mykilai stared into the evil slits of Bresilee’s smoldering eyes. Her own filled with loathing for the woman, who up until this moment had been her mentor and hero. “Get her from the well-check.” Bresilee nodded at the caretaker. “Now save the child.” Mykilai let the power flow through her. The child stirred and a tiny gulp of air entered the rosebud mouth. Time stood still as Mykilai’s hands worked on the baby, her ears tuned to Jacinta’s fading breath. The well-check was just down the hall, what could be taking Jahara so long to arrive? Mykilai expelled the air she hadn’t realized she’d been holding as the door hissed and Jahara stormed in, her tunic flapping with the motion of her feet. Darting her gaze around the room, she could tell Jahara was trying to make sense of the scene in the delivery room. “It’s Jacinta. Help her.” Mykilai’s voice and eyes implored Jahara. Hope flared momentarily. “What’s happened here? She’s bleeding out. What did you do to her?” “We delivered her baby.” Bresilee’s voice cracked with frustration. “Now shut up or leave. We’re working to save both the woman and the child.” Mykilai knew this would be the first healthy girl born in a long while. Bresilee placed a high priority on the infant’s life. But it didn’t make the child any more significant to Mykilai. All she wanted when this was over was Jacinta back in her arms. Even as her own palms heated, Mykilai stole a glance over her shoulder at Jahara. Once again the woman glowed with the intensity of the power emanating from her being. Jacinta glowed with the light filling her, her face angelic in the luminescence. Even Bresilee paused to watch the power flow from the healer. “The baby.” Elbowing Mykilai’s back, Bresilee made her focus on the child. “Something’s wrong. I can’t make her lungs fill.” The baby gasped at the same time Jacinta did. Perhaps they could both be saved. Jahara removed the placenta, shaking her head at the sight of Jacinta. “She’s lost so much blood. Bring me some along with saline.” Jahara spoke to no one in particular, but the caretaker once again ran from the room, returning only moments later with a bag of dark liquid. “Something’s terribly wrong. I can’t fix this child.” Mykilai focused all her energy to her palms, but only tiny rasps came from the infant’s blue lips. “Switch with me, Mykilai. Jacinta’s bleeding has stopped, her heart is beating in a regular rhythm and her lungs are working. All that’s left is to heal the wound on her belly where you delivered the child.” Jahara made to move to the baby. “No, you do it.” Bresilee’s hand flew into the air. “Mykilai will save the child.”

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“But I cannot.” Dropping her hands, Mykilai felt defeated. Given the gravity of the situation, it still confused her why Bresilee was not using her powers to help. In a seamless ballet, Mykilai and Jahara switched places.

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Chapter Twenty Jahara had no idea why she’d been summoned from the well-check until she entered the delivery room. Jacinta’s body convulsed in shock as blood pumped from her uterus. She wondered why both Mykilai and Bresilee worked on the baby when the mother required immediate attention. Fixing the problem had taken great energy, but not much time, and as Jahara moved to the infant, her heart sank. Though she had never seen a newborn, Jahara knew from her education that this one was too small by half. Her delicate skin held the dark tinge of twilight. Her impossibly small lips, the deep purple of a crocus. Her papery-thin eyelids quivered but didn’t open. The shock of red hair, which must have come from Jacinta’s mate, barely fluttered over the pulse point at the center of her scalp. Life was slipping from the child. As her hands ran over the infant gasping for life, the enormity of the situation slammed into Jahara with such force, it stole the air from her own lungs. “The child…” She spoke low, swallowing her heart which filled her throat. “She’s not formed right.” Bresilee looked at her, puzzled. Jahara understood why Mykilai hadn’t found the internal problems, she was only an apprentice, but Bresilee was an experienced healer. After all, she ran the healing facility. She should have discovered these deformities while the fetus was in utero. “Gabriella, there’s no amount of healing that will help this baby survive.” Touching Bresilee’s arm, Jahara stepped back. “See for yourself, she lacks some major organs. And her lungs are barely developed.” “I realize that.” Bresilee yanked her arm from Jahara’s hand, but not before Jahara felt the essence of her being. “Just. Fix. It.” Bresilee waved her hands in the air. “If you can save a worthless breeder, surely you can repair this female infant.” Her scathing tone cut through Jahara. “Dr. Jahara Hriznek, the great healer, prove yourself now.” Bresilee looked down at the infant, her chin trembling with emotion. “I can’t form what the Creator of this earth has not seen fit to give her,” Jahara said quietly. Her hands ran over the gasping infant, imprinting the child’s genetic essence in her memory. Something odd was happening in this room. Stealing a look over her shoulder at Mykilai mutely healing the mother, Jahara worried how Jacinta and her mate would react to the death of this child. She didn’t know how important the baby was to them. “I can only take the pain from the babe. I cannot save her,” Jahara said.

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Bresilee wailed. A plaintive cry filled with frustration and anger that echoed off the walls. Bresilee gently scooped the infant into her arms and stormed from the room, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jahara moved back to Jacinta. The rosy color was back in her cheeks. Though her breathing was shallow, it came at regular intervals. She watched Mykilai finish repairing the skin, the scar diminishing with each pass of her hands. “You’ve done well.” Squeezing Mykilai’s shoulder, Jahara smiled at her. Jacinta’s eyes fluttered open. “Mykilai?” She spoke in a mere whisper. Mykilai moved to her head, cradling her face in her hands. “It’s all right, my love. Everything’s all right.” She brushed her lips across Jacinta’s. Everything was not all right, but Jahara knew nothing about this day would make sense until she could discuss the unusual events with Brenimyn.

***** Hours later, the water washed over her, and Jahara stroked harder in the pool. She’d turned the unending current to a vigorous speed, hoping the exercise would clear her murky thoughts. As her arms swept over her head, and her feet pumped the water, nothing could keep her mind from replaying the scene in the delivery room. Like disjointed scenes from a video disk, pictures flashed, but nothing would come together in a logical pattern that made any sense. Jacinta and Mykilai were lovers. But Bresilee had fondled her secretary that first day at the office as if she possessed her. The infant she had futilely tried to save held very little of Jacinta’s genetic material, but a great deal of Bresilee’s. A surrogate? But why? Why would Mykilai allow her lover to be used that way? Jahara pulled harder at the water. But the most puzzling of all was Bresilee’s lack of effort to save either mother or child. Jahara had witnessed no healing energy coming from her. Perhaps she’d tried in vain to save the infant and had used up her reserves. Bresilee had been an enigma since the first day Jahara had met her. Exhausted from her efforts, but no more satisfied with her ability to solve the mysteries pursuing her, Jahara stepped out of the pool and slipped into her robe. “Hard day?” She started at his voice, recovered quickly and ran into his arms. “Brenimyn.” She sighed his name just before their lips pressed hotly together. He smelled of fresh air and sweat, and all she wanted to do was snuggle in close. She squashed her breasts seductively against his chest, enjoying the way his cock hardened against her belly. “Your eyes speak for you, Jahara.” His dimples danced around the curve of his smile.

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“And your body for you, Brenimyn.” She ground herself against the erection growing firmer with each stroke of her hand along the lean muscles of his back. We’re expecting company. Smiling down at her, he spoke the words telepathically. “Perhaps we could retire to the bedroom?” Speaking that sentence aloud, he reached for her robe and she knew immediately they were about to put Xylice’s cameras to the test. “I’ve missed you. I would like that very much.” There was no enthusiasm in her voice. The heat of her desire doused with his proclamation. Pulling her into the bedroom, he stood at the foot of the bed, his hands snaking through her hair. She tried not to let the disappointment show. They wouldn’t be making love as their bodies desired. “Computer, dim the lights.” Brenimyn pressed his lips to hers and held them there for a breath. “The light’s green.” He pointed up to the camera. “We have only two hours. There’s so much we need to talk about. Nathaniel met with the planning group today. He has a mate, Camille, who—” “Works in the dining commons.” “Right.” Brenimyn cocked his head in confusion. “I met her at Bresilee’s office. Kind of a weird exchange. Anyway, continue.” “Wait until you hear what she has to tell you about her last visit to Bresilee’s mansion.”

***** Jahara put the last of the clean dishes into the cupboards. “That was interesting.” Brenimyn stood near the kitchen door watching Nathaniel and Camille’s retreating backs. The broken lock jangled as it clicked shut. “What do you make of that?” When he turned, Jahara was disappearing around the corner. “Jahara?” He followed her into the office. She settled at her computer. “How much time before the loop’s finished?” “A little over thirty minutes.” Looking in the corner, Brenimyn confirmed the light on the camera in the office glowed green. “Might not be enough time.” Rifling through the disks in her files, Jahara selected one and popped it into her computer. “I hope I have the right one. Why I didn’t think of this sooner, I’ll never know.” She banged her hand to her forehead. “It’s all making sense now. All those female fetuses at the lake, what I felt today inside Bresilee and the baby, and the things Camille has experienced and witnessed at the woman’s mansion. I should’ve put it together sooner.” Jahara continued to mutter to herself and Brenimyn could barely understand the string of incoherent thoughts falling from her lips. Pulling up a chair, he sat next to her. “What’s going on, my love?”

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“I didn’t tell you about the birth—or death actually—of an infant that I witnessed today. If my hypothesis is correct, we’ve got a bigger problem on our hands than the inequality of breeders.” Jahara’s fingers flew over the keyboard, the images flashing in rapid succession. Brenimyn barely had time to read the titles of the articles she perused before she abandoned it for another. “Here we are.” Jahara sat back with a self-satisfied grin. He looked at the article title and whistled in disbelief.

***** “Shut it off. I’ve seen enough for one night. Those two copulate like animals in heat.” Gabriella waved her hand at the computer screen. “This is the second time in less than two hours.” Kylie paused for a moment, watching Brenimyn stroke his fingers across Jahara’s face. She didn’t much care for men, but she wished just once he’d looked at her with that bone-melting lust that now pierced Jahara’s eyes. Perhaps she could have found comfort in a love like that. But men were worthless animals. She knew it. So why did she pine for a useless thing like love? Flipping the switch, the screen went black. “I didn’t think I’d survive the blow of losing Jacinta’s baby today,” Gabriella said. “She’s carried a female child the longest.” Gabriella lay back comfortably in the chaise of her private office. Kylie had been here at the house long enough to watch Brenimyn and Jahara copulate. Gabriella’s face had pinched in disgust, but she’d watched everything in hopes of hearing them say something conspiratorial in the throes of passion. But they had whispered nothing more incriminating than each other’s names. Sipping her whiskey, Gabriella rattled the ice against the glass. The silk robe slipped, exposing the warped skin of the healer’s legs. “Thank you for joining me tonight, Kylie. I need your company.” “It’s a pleasure to be with you, Gabriella.” Kylie had been Gabriella’s partner since she’d first arrived at the Garden of Serenity four, no, almost five years ago now. She’d never taken a lover, male or female, before Gabriella. Even by society standards, theirs was an unusual relationship. It was beneficial that neither of them was the jealous type. She rationalized Gabriella’s affinity for young girls stemmed from the experiments. Gabriella brushed off her relationships with male breeders as a necessary evil to keep up appearances. But Kylie didn’t fool herself into believing any of that was how women built healthy relationships. “Brenimyn should’ve received the invitation to our special meeting just before the dinner hour,” Gabriella said. “The Governmental Body has also been informed of the meeting. But they won’t receive the agenda until just before the gavel drops. There’re

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some sympathizers to this new cause sitting on the board. I just haven’t been able to identify them yet.” Kylie watched Gabriella’s long nail drag seductively up her thigh. The robe separated another inch, exposing the thinning triangle of red curls at the apex of her thighs. The woman didn’t do subtle. “Brenimyn will have no idea what we have in store for him.” Gabriella smiled maliciously before taking a long pull of her drink. “It’s delicious, isn’t it, Kylie?” Gabriella stroked herself and Kylie had no idea if she referred to the scheduled meeting, the liquor or her body. She thought probably the last. “Delicious.” Stepping closer, Kylie knelt in front of Gabriella, knowing it was what the woman both desired and expected. “Kylie, my sweet.” Gabriella dug her nails into Kylie’s scalp. The air hissed through her teeth when Kylie’s tongue touched the moist heat of Gabriella’s sex. Tonight, there would be no nubile girls satisfying Gabriella’s sexual hunger—only Kylie.

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Chapter Twenty-One “I’ll be back in plenty of time for the meeting.” They stood in the kitchen, tangled in each other’s arms, neither of them wanting to begin this day. “I’m not worried about the meeting.” Jahara laid her cheek on the smooth flesh of Brenimyn’s chest, inhaling the warm aroma of the man she loved. “I just want to spend the day in your arms.” And tell you we’re having a baby. But she didn’t say the last thing out loud. There were too many other things distracting Brenimyn for him to celebrate their wonderful news. That declaration would have to wait. After they’d started the cameras in the loop last night, Brenimyn showed her the official document inviting him to speak at a general assembly of the Governmental Body. It had been hand delivered by couriers waiting outside for his return. The meeting, scheduled for this afternoon, was the reason he was going to the lake again today. Though he’d be the only breeder permitted at the meeting, many would be working to perfect the initial proposal requesting only minor changes in the bylaws at the Garden. “One small step at a time.” Brenimyn had told her. Jahara wondered what prompted Bresilee’s change of heart. No breeder had ever stood before the Governmental Body. The butterflies living in her stomach took flight as she mulled over the possibilities. None boded well for them. “Hey, something else going on here?” He cupped her cheek, turning her face up to him. Yes. “No, I’m just tired.” After the debacle on the horses, she kept her defenses up. Brenimyn didn’t need to worry about the safety of his child as well as himself. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She heard the whir of the vehicle pull up to their residence and pressed the button, retracting the door. “You need to go.” Brenimyn pulled her in for a deep kiss that weakened her knees. I love you with all my heart, Jahara. His arms held her tight. She didn’t need him to send the message telepathically. She already felt it in his touch. Jahara’s fingers brushed her lips then her chest, her sign to him that she felt the same. Brenimyn hurried down the walk, the heavy pack of books bouncing with his long strides. Closing the door, Jahara leaned against it, inhaling the scent he’d left in his wake. She wanted to crawl back in bed, pull the covers over her head and not let this day continue. But that was impossible. She felt inexplicably pushed forward. Was she truly destined to fulfill a prophecy, or had Brenimyn’s love made her believe in a false vision?

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Last night they’d settled on the bed in meditation. They traveled together to the meadow where they’d first made love. Lying in each other’s arms, they’d talked over her theories about Bresilee, or more accurately, she’d talked and he’d listened. Like any good scientist, she would now have to test her hypothesis then prove it, but then what? And did her knowledge of Bresilee have anything to do with the new world order they were ordained to accomplish together? She felt sick with the burden of the responsibilities being heaped on her and ran to the bathroom and puked.

***** The well-check was running like a finely tuned instrument. She and Collin were quite a team. Though Jahara did more thorough physicals on the men than Bresilee had done, she seemed to get them through more efficiently. The routine of the morning did nothing to keep her mind from meandering to Brenimyn and wondering how things were going for him at the lake. The anxiety that had been a mere flicker of wings in her belly this morning had become a tumultuous storm of rolling nausea rapidly migrating to fill her throat. “My name’s Jahara—” She stepped around the curtain, immediately assaulted by a squeal and a bone-crushing hug that left her arms trapped at her sides. “I know it hasn’t been long, but it seems like forever since we saw each other.” Attika’s red hair was the first thing that cued Jahara into the identity of her assailant. “Jahara, I owe you an apology.” Attika stepped back, and her color rose from her neck until Jahara didn’t know where the skin stopped and the hair began. “Attika?” “This is Zenick, my mate.” She pecked the bearded cheek of the man sitting on the end of the table. “I know this is the well-check and I should probably have gone to the clinic, but we came to the place you were working. We just didn’t trust anyone else. Zenick doesn’t need a well-check because he just had one, but there’s—” “Attika.” Zenick laid his bear paw of a hand on her arm. “Breathe.” Attika smiled at him. The deep timbre of his voice stopped the onslaught of her words. Evidently, he understood the woman and her problem with verbal diarrhea. “What Attika’s trying to tell you is that we seem to have a…uh…a little problem.” It was Zenick’s turn to blush. “It started a few days ago but has gotten continually worse. Until this morning, when I thought I would go mad with the discomfort of it.” Zenick scratched his genitals with desperation. “We both, well, it seems we’re sharing the same symptoms.” Zenick craned his neck to the end of the hall. Jahara pulled the curtain closed. She was tired of that damn red door. Despite her weeks working here, the men still feared being sent there. “Zenick, weren’t you my first patient?” His head bobbed bashfully. 158

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Jahara remembered the shy way he’d covered himself. Embarrassed by his nakedness, he certainly had nothing to be ashamed about. If she remembered correctly, it was the reason Attika had chosen him. “Zenick, Attika, there’s nothing to fear here. I can probably heal any problem you have. There’ll be no going through the door for others to fix your health problem.” Jahara looked from one to the other. “Now what’s this symptom you share?” Zenick stood, dropping the jade breeches on the floor. Attika hiked up her skirt, spreading her massive thighs. The foul odor filled the small space. Jahara didn’t react, though she knew immediately what they had and the probable cause. “It smells awful. I’m sorry. We’ve both washed, but nothing helps.” Closing her thighs, Attika straightened her skirt. “That’s why we could only come to you.” “Attika, remove your skirt and lie down on the bed. Zenick, I can treat you standing.” She looked down at his penis, the tip red and raw from the infection and his scratching. “I will need to touch you, Zenick, if I’m to heal.” He nodded, the freckles of his face blending into one seamless color. “Anything to be rid of this awful discomfort.” She knelt before him. “You’re right, you share the same infection. How many times do you copulate?” Jahara’s hands moved over Zenick’s genitals, lifting his large penis, she swept her palm down the underside and along his scrotum. The angry blisters diminished, leaving healthy skin. “Seven, maybe eight times.” Zenick turned toward Attika for confirmation. “A week?” That didn’t make any sense. Jahara looked up at Zenick. “No, each day.” She stifled a laugh. That explained it. “Zenick, I’m done. Does it feel better?” “The itching’s gone. Will it still hurt to…” Bending to pull up his breeches, he blushed profusely. “No, it won’t hurt to urinate or have sex.” She was pretty sure which one concerned him more. “I need to wash then I’ll heal you, Attika.” “Nothing. There’s nothing. It doesn’t hurt or itch.” He bent over Attika, capturing her mouth with his. “Oh, this is so much better.” Jahara heard the relief in Zenick’s voice over the chemical spray. She returned to the curtain. “Attika, I know you’re embarrassed, but spread your legs and I’ll heal you.” As her hand swept over the swollen lips of Attika’s vagina, Jahara tried to make them feel more at ease. The smell was overwhelming and they all knew it. “What you have is not uncommon. It probably started with Attika. It’s a simple yeast infection. Bacteria naturally in your body multiplied and caused this white discharge. Attika in turn infected you, Zenick.” She bit painfully on the inside of her cheek. She didn’t want to offend them, but Jahara was finding it difficult not to giggle at their situation. 159

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“If you’ve been copulating that much,” and she wasn’t sure how they found the time or energy, “since you met, then the vagina never had time to recover. It’s not uncommon in firsttime breeders.” That was only an assumption on her part since they were the first couple she’d treated, but she knew it would make them feel better. “You may want to slow down a little in the copulating department.” The odor dissipated as the infection died under the white light of Jahara’s palm. “There, you’re both healed.” She left to wash her hands. They were talking quietly when she returned the second time. Attika sat on the edge of the bed, Zenick’s arm protectively slung around her waist. “Thank you,” they said in unison. “No thanks needed. Just don’t let it get so out of control before you come to see me. There’s no need for you to suffer the discomfort for so long.” They didn’t leave. Zenick pulled Attika closer. “Tell her.” Attika smiled shyly, looking at Jahara through her lashes. “Jahara, the first morning we came to the healing facility, you tried to tell me about the breeders.” She looked over at Zenick. “I got angry and argued with you, but I’ve learned much since I got here. Zenick took me to the lake. I listened to Brenimyn…” She squeezed the woman’s fidgeting fingers. “Attika, none of us knew, did we?” Attika shook her head. “We all had much to learn about men. There’s nothing more you need to say.” “Thank you.” Attika’s hand engulfed hers. “Know that there will be many supporting the new world order. You and Brenimyn aren’t alone.” “Then I thank you.” Apprehension washed over her. Jahara knew there was nothing others could do to help her and Brenimyn fight the impending battle.

***** Rushing into the apartment, Jahara wasn’t sure how the day had slipped away from her. She barely had an hour before the meeting would begin and she still needed to shower. She nearly fell over the heavy pack of books on her way to the bathroom. Obviously she wasn’t the only one running late. She heard Brenimyn singing in the shower. Leaning against the doorjamb of the bathroom, Jahara took a moment to let the baritone resonance of his song ease the tension in her muscles. Things must have gone well for him today. She stripped without a sound and slipped into the shower. Jahara snuggled into the strong planes of his back. Slinking her hands around his belly, she pushed lower into the soft halo of curls. His fingers were busy scrubbing the soap through his hair. “I’m glad you made it.” She smiled.

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“Jahara will be home soon, we don’t have much time.” She stepped back, smacking his stomach as he turned around. “Oh Jahara, it’s you.” He let the water rinse the soap from his hair. “You were expecting someone else?” “You know us breeders. Busy, busy, busy. Always in high demand.” Brenimyn’s wide smile made his dimples deep and her heart skip in her chest. He bent over, lifting her in his arms, twirling them so the water ran down her back. “And as much as I’d like to enjoy a shower with you, I’m running late.” He kissed her briefly and was gone. She nearly fell over with the rush of his departure. “Hey, I just got here.” She peeked around the curtain. “And I’m glad you are, but there’s still much to do.” He dropped a kiss on her nose. “After the meeting we’ll have time.” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple working up and down his throat several times before he spoke again. “I have to leave ahead of you. I need to do a little more work on the presentation.” He turned on his heel, practically running from the bathroom. Jahara let go of the curtain, thinking he was more nervous than she’d realized. It wasn’t even fifteen minutes later she stood, staring at her meager wardrobe, his shadow looming in the bedroom doorway. Like the statues of the ancients, Brenimyn stood regally. His appraising stare roamed her nakedness. She felt his gaze kiss her skin soft as a gentle breeze. “I must go now, Jahara.” Why did she sense finality in the simple sentence? She walked to him, this man who had stolen her heart and at the same time, made her whole. “You look very handsome.” It was the only thing she could push past the fear burning in her throat. Self-consciously, Brenimyn shot the cuffs of the billowy shirt. Buttoned down the front of his broad chest, it tucked neatly at his narrow waist. He readjusted the buckle of the leather belt he’d worn the first night at the apartment. He seemed unusually fidgety. “I’ll be there shortly,” she said, unable to raise her voice above a whisper. “I love you with all my heart, Jahara.” He spoke the words before he leaned in to kiss her. “Hold on to that.” He turned and walked away from her. And though she wanted to run after him—to tell him they didn’t have to do this—she remained rooted on the threshold of their bedroom. It would have been futile to try to talk him out of this. They both understood that nothing could change the course of the events unfolding before them. She heard his sandals tapping across the kitchen tile and the creaky hiss of the broken door as it shut. She fell to her knees, her head falling into her hands, and cried. He’d just left her. Jahara wasn’t sure how she knew. Nothing else was making any sense, but of that fact she was certain. 161

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He would not be coming back to her apartment.

***** If Attika hadn’t agreed to pick her up, Jahara wasn’t sure she would’ve had the strength to make it to the government building on her own. The woman chatted incessantly in the vehicle and Jahara was grateful she wasn’t expected to respond. She thought the breeders would be lining the street when they arrived, but no one was standing outside. The meeting hall, however, was crowded with women and they had a hard time finding a seat in the gallery on the second floor. Peering over the edge of the railing, Jahara looked down on the wooden benches filled with chattering females, pondering just how many of them were governmental spies. Some in front leaned their bottoms on the heavy wooden railing separating the spectators from the floor of the assembly. Their hands moved animatedly as they spoke to those seated. The laughter filling the large room gave the whole scene a carnival quality. A large dais was set up at the far end of the room, elevated only a few feet higher than the assembly floor. Ten leather chairs for the women of the Governmental Body currently stood empty. A young girl moved along the back wall, placing papers on the table at each seat. “There you are, Jahara.” Nazaret came up to them. The woman looked radiant. Obviously pregnancy agreed with her. “Nazaret, my breeding sister Attika. Attika, Nazaret.” Jahara didn’t even try to feign enthusiasm as the women exchanged pleasantries. “Sit with us, Nazaret, we can make room.” Attika scooted across the bench and they squeezed Nazaret in next to them. The two women flanked Jahara as if to protect her. “Xylice wired a feed to the barn.” Nazaret leaned in casually, whispering the words in Jahara’s ear. “The men are watching from a safe distance.” She needn’t have bothered talking so quietly. No one could hear above the incredible din of the growing crowd. A hush moved through the multitude and Jahara looked up to see the women in long robes parading across the stage. She recognized only Bresilee and Linsig, settling themselves in the two largest chairs in the center of the dais. The rest of the women were strangers to her. Bresilee waited a moment until nothing stirred in the room save for the fans on the ceiling. The wrap of the wooden gavel reverberated through the assembly like a gong. “This special meeting of the Governmental Body is called to order.” She paused and swept her gaze over the crowd. “I am pleased so many of you have taken an interest in these proceedings.” Bresilee lifted a paper in front of her, perusing it. “The first order of business is the petition to be brought forth by…” She looked down her nose at the paper. “Brenimyn. Representative of the male breeding population of the Garden of Serenity.”

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A side door opened and Brenimyn walked across the expanse of the tiled floor. The only noise came from his sandals tapping out the seconds of tension filling the air. Though he kept his eyes cast down at the floor, he stopped and stood before Bresilee with unmistakable dignity. His pride would not allow him to cower before this gathering. Standing tall, he squared his broad shoulders in defiance. His feet were slightly apart, his hands clasped loosely at his back. For a moment no one spoke and, Jahara was sure, no one breathed. “This special meeting has been convened today, breeder,” Bresilee spoke the last word with contempt, “not because you have petitioned the Governmental Body to present a proposal,” Bresilee stopped to let the words sink in, “but because your mate has brought charges of rape against you.” The air that had been held in everyone’s lungs escaped in a loud whoosh. Maybe it was simply the blood pounding in Jahara’s ears. She wasn’t sure she’d heard Bresilee correctly. A low rumble ran through the crowd. The women watching seemed to be the only ones reacting. Neither Bresilee nor Brenimyn moved. Jahara thought she might vomit. She was only vaguely aware of Attika’s and Nazaret’s arms supporting her. Bresilee banged her gavel. “Please. These charges are very serious. If the gallery cannot contain themselves I will have the chambers cleared.” Of course it was an empty threat. Bresilee had staged this farce and what fun would it be if she couldn’t act it out in front of an audience? None of this was really happening. Jahara was sure she would wake from the nightmare at any moment. But the heavy gavel thudding on the table made it all too real. Jahara went limp with grief. She marveled at Brenimyn’s ability to remain so poised. He must have sensed something like this was coming. Hadn’t she found the speech he’d written lying on the kitchen counter before she’d left? Up until this moment, she believed he’d simply memorized it. But now she realized he’d left it for her as a warning. “I call forth Kylie Giavenic.” Kylie materialized out of the crowd. Her filmy dress swirled about her body like the murmurs filtering through the crowd. Meticulously, she picked her way around the others seated on the benches below. She walked slowly down the center aisle as if embarrassed to have all the attention on her. Slipping through the break in the wooden railing, she straightened the wisps of golden hair that had worked loose from the braid running down her back. Demurely she stepped behind a podium, which had materialized from the floor. There was no doubt every move had been scripted by Bresilee. Bresilee looked at the crowd as she spoke. “Kylie Giavenic, you have reported to the Governmental Body that this breeder has broken the first law of the Garden. Is that correct?”

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Kylie leaned into the voice magnifier, her eyes focused on Bresilee. “Yes.” The tremor in her voice could be heard in that simple word. This time Bresilee let the gasps die on their own before she continued. “Have you any proof?” “The surveillance video from my bedroom.” The tears trickling down Kylie’s face could be seen even from the balcony where Jahara sat. Jahara couldn’t fault the woman her incredibly acting skills. Motioning to the wall behind the dais, Kylie directed their attention to the hologram materializing over their heads. It was a picture of Brenimyn and Kylie standing naked. Fisted at his sides, his hands looked threatening. Her face held a startled grimace. “Play the video,” Bresilee’s voice boomed. “Kylie, you want me.” Brenimyn’s voice filled the room as the hologram went into motion. Kylie’s hand struck his face with such force, Jahara heard herself gasp. “I don’t want you. Why are you here? I am refusing you. It’s law.” Kylie’s voice was filled with fear. “Go back to Jahara.” The last words were spoken with her back to the camera as she walked away from him. He took two steps toward her, and she yelled, “No, no this isn’t right.” Her hands came up in defense or invitation, it was difficult to discern. Jahara couldn’t believe what she was watching. “Damn you, Brenimyn. Stop.” Kylie’s nails dug the ugly welts into his chest and his hands wrapped around her wrists. “Let go of me.” “Stop fighting me. You will do as I say.” The voice was male, but not Brenimyn’s. It was so close no one else would have picked up on the subtle nuances. Kylie dropped to her knees in front of him, taking his penis into her mouth. They looked at each other, Kylie with revulsion, Brenimyn with satisfaction. His fingers wound themselves into her hair. “It’s wonderful. Continue.” As Jahara watched Brenimyn’s body react, it was hard for her not to believe the video. She watched in horror as he hauled Kylie to her feet and swept her into his arms. The woman shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes as he dropped her roughly on the bed, covering her body with his, shoving his cock into her without any prelude. “I don’t want this.” Her voice trembled with emotion. He didn’t respond, only pinned her arms over her head and thrust himself into her. “No! No! Stop! Stop!” Her head flailed from side to side, but her pleas went unheeded. He continued to rock his hips, pounding against her even as she begged him to stop. The room filled with his cries of climax.

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When he rolled off her, he was flaccid, his need having been sated. The last image was of Kylie turning her back on Brenimyn, begging him to leave her. “We’ve seen enough.” Bresilee’s commanding voice broke through the heavy stillness. “This woman doesn’t need to relive the horror any more than that.” The hologram faded and with it Jahara’s hopes that people would see the video had been forged. Someone had masterfully manipulated the images to condemn Brenimyn. She knew firsthand how easily it could be done. Bresilee turned back to the crowd. “The video is enough to convict this breeder. I’m sorry to ask you this, Ms. Giavenic, but for the record, is there any more proof?” Linsig stood. “I can speak for the woman. As a healer, I examined Kylie Giavenic in the clinic where she came after the rape. Her vagina was torn from the violence of his actions and the life essence of this breeder was present within her.” She pointed down at Brenimyn. Jahara knew all that was a lie, but she would have no way to prove it. The audience sat in stunned silence. Bresilee looked from Kylie, to Brenimyn and then swept the faces of the crowd, milking the situation for every moment she could steal from them. “Charges against this breeder have been levied and proven. The first law of the Garden has been broken and a woman has been irrefutably damaged and emotionally scarred. The penalty for breaking this law is castration and exile.” The room exploded in disbelief. Brenimyn didn’t move. “So it is written, so it shall be done.” Yelling over the commotion, Bresilee slammed down the gavel. The sound assaulted Jahara like a knife through her heart.

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Chapter Twenty-Two The mob of security guards swarming the assembly floor came out of nowhere. With arms crossed over their muscular chests, biceps bulging, the women created a barrier between the maelstrom in the benches and Brenimyn. Jahara watched in helpless horror as four of them surrounded the man who only an hour ago had been wrapped in her arms. Now he was wrapped in chains. Though he hadn’t tried to resist, two of the guards held weapons at the ready. He said nothing but lifted his head in Bresilee’s direction. The woman who had commanded the attention of all cowered in her seat and Jahara wondered if he had threatened her telepathically. She hoped it had been something scathing and vicious. But knowing Brenimyn, it was probably nothing more than the steely glare of his ice blue eyes that had Bresilee recoiling. Jahara was bumped and jostled from all sides as women fought to move out of the gallery. She couldn’t be sure whether the commotion came from the disbelief that a woman had been raped or that their hero was being martyred. Some part of her brain knew Nazaret and Attika were talking to her, but she only had eyes for the man disappearing—perhaps forever—through the side door of the hall. He stole a look over his shoulder. Her eyes beckoned his to find her in the crowd. Locked in his gaze, she heard his words ring clear. Find strength in my love. Then he was gone.

***** “Please, let me take you back to your apartment.” Attika would not let go of Jahara’s arm. “I don’t think you should be alone right now.” Jahara stood on the empty sidewalk outside the government building. Nazaret had already left them to return to the barn. Jahara wondered what the men would be doing now and who they would turn to for guidance. Obviously, Nazaret worried about the same thing. Everything was falling apart and Jahara had no idea how to continue. The new world order couldn’t come about without Brenimyn, but he had been exiled. She had expected to do battle at his side. She’d stared at the women rushing from the room. None dared look into her eyes for fear they would be charged as traitors to the Governmental Body if they acknowledged her. Only Attika stood by her side. But even her doubtful expression weighed heavily on her. Jahara wanted someone to tell her what to do. Her gaze shifted from the vehicle to Attika then up to the crimson sky. There were no answers in sight. 166

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Castrated and exiled. Bresilee had made the pronouncement with evident delight. Cut off the head, the snake cannot live. Merenith had told her that once when Jahara had been threatened by a deadly reptile in the mountains. Apparently that’s what Bresilee had done. There would be no change without Brenimyn’s guidance and conviction in the vision. Bresilee knew it. At that moment something snapped. Later she would speculate whether it was Brenimyn’s telepathic prodding or her own belief in the new world order. Either way, she was pushed into action. The war had started and with absolute clarity, she knew where the next battle would happen. “I’ve got Bresilee fooled. It never occurred to her that it was a two-headed snake.” Jahara looked down at Attika’s face, wrinkled in confusion. “I’m not going home, Attika. I’m fine, dear friend.” Bending, Jahara kissed her cheek. “You’ve not deserted me and I will always remember that. But there’s still much to do.” Hadn’t Brenimyn said those words to her as he’d left? “Return to Zenick. You’ll know when I need you. For now, I have to go on my own.” “Jahara…” “Trust me, Attika,” she yelled over her shoulder as she ran into battle.

***** “Of course there’s great cause for celebration.” Pulling the gold robe over her head, Gabriella stood naked. “Don’t be such a fool, Kylie. Everyone’ll want to rejoice the demise of the new world order.” Gabriella fussed with the bun at the nape of her neck. “I should’ve planned this ahead of time.” Threading a hanger through the neck hole of the robe, she placed it in the closet of honor. The other women on the Governmental Body had already left the building. She and Kylie stood alone in the ante chamber. “The video was so much more than I could have hoped it would be.” Gabriella clapped her hands together like a joyful child with an unexpected gift. “Did you see their faces? Total disbelief that their guardian was such a villain? And how guilty did that breeder look? He just stood there, accepting his fate.” Gabriella stared through Kylie. “And Linsig? Well, that woman’s just a genius when it comes to acting. And you were just as delicious.” Pinching Kylie’s chin in her fingers, Gabriella shook it back and forth. “As proud of you as your own Dame would be, yes I am. If I hadn’t known any better, I would’ve thought those tears were genuine.” Kylie swallowed hard, working to keep from puking. The tears had been real. They had nothing to do with the accusations of rape and everything to do with exiling an innocent man whose only crime had been falling in love with a woman. “—and contact everyone on my usual list through the video system.” Gabriella looked up at the clock on the wall. “The dining commons should be able to deliver food within the hour. Ask the guests to arrive at 1900 with the usual waitstaff in uniform. I will definitely want some of those lovely young girls with their perky little breasts there 167

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tonight.” She pulled on her yellow tunic, covering the scars she hid from so many. “Then arrange to have computer technology do a pyrotechnic display over the mansion at 2300.” Gabriella didn’t think twice about what she asked of her. She knew Kylie would obey without question. She didn’t turn back as her clipped walk carried her from the room, leaving Kylie to doubt her own life path.

***** Hopping from foot to foot, Jahara slipped off the cumbersome sandals and ran barefoot past the little shops and flowerbeds lining the main street. Their front windows were as dark as Jahara’s future without Brenimyn. No one was in this part of the Garden. She wondered if they’d gone home to celebrate or mourn. What propelled her, she didn’t know. But Jahara’s next actions were as obvious as the false sun slipping below the horizon. Nothing in this place was real except her love for Brenimyn. Her shadow danced along the hedges decorating the walks of the hospital. Entering the building through a service entrance, Jahara skulked the murky hall and took a circuitous route to avoid the maternity floors. Only the emergency clinic and the wings housing the pregnant women losing their fetuses would be occupied this time of night. The rest of the facility staff had left long before the trial began. Bresilee never intended for it to be a meeting. She’d planned the charade days ago when she kidnapped Brenimyn. Jahara never liked Kylie, but even this seemed beneath her usual conniving personality. Pausing at the door of the well-check, Jahara listened for any woman having an unscheduled birth in one of the delivery rooms just down the hall. She heard nothing. No living soul knew what she intended to do and she wanted to keep it that way. Jahara crept into the waiting room, grateful for the portable holograms casting a feeble light on the chairs sitting in silent judgment of her actions. Ignoring the uneasy feeling, she hurried past them, through the arched door, into the exam room. Though she was sure it was only a figment of her imagination, the red door at the end of the hall cast a sinister glow. It beckoned her to tempt fate. Stepping closer, she felt it increase in size. Laying her palms on the smooth surface, Jahara was sure she touched the heat of Hades and wanted nothing more than to run from this most unpleasant task. But the thought of her true love being tortured on the other side of the door propelled her forward. She pressed the button and listened to the hateful hiss as it retracted. Adrenaline pulsed through her veins, preparing her to do battle with whomever was on the other side. Only darkness greeted her. Stepping through the portal, she let the door hiss shut behind her. Locks clicked in rapid succession and she turned, pounding on the exit, immediately regretting her decision. Bright lights flared, momentarily blinding her.

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“Wait for the others.” A disembodied female voice blared down at her from the ceiling. “We will heal.” The last word dragged out until it became a high-pitched whine that pummeled her. She fell to her knees, covering her ears in a futile attempt to protect them from the pain searing through her head. Rising exponentially, the volume became a throbbing sound that blurred her vision and stole the air from her lungs. The agony surrounded her until all that was left was a black vortex of pain, draining the life from her body.

***** She moved through the Ginia women, trying not to let the fear show. Kylie had no idea so many would congregate here. Perhaps this is where they always stayed, but she thought probably not. “I don’t need anyone to accompany me.” Looking at the one in charge, Kylie hoped her voice sounded strong and self-assured. She’d never done anything like this before. “He’s a prisoner. It’s for your own safety.” The guard stood two heads taller than Kylie. Her bulky arms were folded beneath breasts that were not softly rounded like most females but fleshy mounds over hard-packed muscle. Only the oversized nipples gave any hint the guard was female. Her hair was braided in tiny rows of her clan, elaborately pulled back from the flat face staring down at her. The tattoo on the side of her neck danced as she flexed her thick neck, sizing up Kylie. The guards were much more intimidating when one was on the wrong side of the law. She didn’t argue. No sense raising suspicions now. Besides, the corridors of the complex appeared to be a labyrinth of hallways. It was better to follow the two guards who had offered to escort her. The noise of the jovial gathering in the front room diminished when they turned the third corner, walking into the bowels of the building. Only the light padding of their feet slapping the cement floors echoed in the deep chambers where Brenimyn was held. The ghoulish orange lights did nothing to brighten the gloom. They stopped at one of the cubicles. The white glow of the electrical field around the opening cut through the darkness, illuminating the stark features of the guards. No wonder they had a tendency to remain in shadowed hallways. At her first sight of him, Kylie had to bite her tongue not to cry out and give herself away. Naked and bleeding, Brenimyn lay on his side in a broken heap on the floor. Drool oozed from the corner of his bloated lips. His eyes were nearly swollen shut. One arm wrapped around the bruised ribs, holding the shattered bones together. The other lay on the floor at an odd angle. Never, until this moment, had she wished she was a healer. “You’ve done well by your duties, I see.” Kylie held herself tall despite her desire to heave the contents of her stomach on their feet. “Dr. Bresilee will be pleased. Did he give you problems from the government building to this place?”

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“No, but he harmed a woman. It’s the worst offense. It was the least we could do for you, Kylie Giavenic.” Tipping her head down at Kylie, the guard could not hold back her smile. They’d done it for sport, not her honor. “Then I thank you for defending my reputation.” She bowed low to the woman. “You’re a great leader among the guard. Now, as a member of the Governmental Body and victim of the accused, I seek the right to face my attacker. I choose to be alone. Open the shield and leave me now.” “We cannot let down the shield and leave him to run. Though I’m not sure how far he’d get like that.” The guard let out a horrendous cackle. “Then open the shield and I will go in with him. You can close it behind me and leave us.” “But he may harm you again.” “You dare argue with a government official?” Kylie pushed out a laugh. “Besides, you said yourself he’s incapacitated. Leave me one of your communication devices and I’ll call you when I am done meting out my own justice. I’m tougher than I look.” “As you wish.” Kylie watched her punch the code in the panel and the electrical field dissipated. Taking the communicator the guard offered, she stepped into the small chamber. Brenimyn had neither moved nor uttered a sound since her arrival. After the current hummed again, she spoke to them. “Go back to the other guards. You’ve all done well. They should be rewarded. When I’m finished here, I’ll talk to Dr. Bresilee about sending some food and spirits for a celebration.” “Thank you.” The women bowed and Kylie held her breath until their laughter and congratulatory back slapping no longer echoed in the hall. “Brenimyn.” She knelt next to him, still he didn’t stir. “It’s Kylie. Are you conscious?” She wanted to touch him, but his entire body seemed to be aging into good wine before her eyes. “Hrere to grloat?” His words slurred. They’d broken some of his teeth. “Hraven’t you done enough hrarm?” One eye focused on her. The other was too damaged to work. She pushed herself up and looked down at him with contempt. “I have a right to face my assailant.” He tried to laugh but coughed up blood instead, spitting on the floor at her feet. “I demand you stand and face me. It’s my right.” She watched him roll to his stomach, fighting to bite back his cries of pain. Even in his brokenness, he maintained his air of nobility. The crowds had been right to believe in him. It took all her selfcontrol not to reach down to help him.

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He shoved himself up on his hands and knees, the effort making him wretch. He used his hands to haul himself up the wall until he was standing, albeit crumpled in the corner. His shaky knees barely held his weight. “Where am I?” “In the isolation section of the healing facility in the bowels of the Garden where you belong. These cubicles were originally built as disinfecting units. I’m not sure they’ve ever had to use them to cage anyone.” “Such an honor. Garden’s first prisoner.” He wheezed as he pulled air into his lungs. Kylie wondered how much internal damage had been done by the beating. “Breeder, you’ve gotten nothing less than what you deserve.” She shot a glance up at the camera, feeling the mechanisms click beneath her unyielding gaze. “You’ve broken the first law and you shall pay.” The red light blinked one last time then went black. Satisfied, she flicked her gaze back to Brenimyn. “Breeder, can you walk?” Her mind focused on the control panel for the electrical field. “I want you to stand before me so I may dispense my own form of justice. The guards aren’t the only ones who want a piece of you.”

***** “You’re nothing if not predictable, Jahara.” The words echoed in her head from a distant place. Jahara tried to open her eyes, but the bright light overhead brought back memories of the pain. Though it hadn’t killed her, the remnants of the agony it caused still throbbed in her temples. Attempting to shield her eyes, Jahara found her arms pinned at her wrists. “Don’t bother to struggle.” It was Bresilee talking. “You’re bound. But if the light is bothering you, I can shut it off. I’d like you to see where you are.” A fingernail ran the length of her torso. She’d been stripped and bound. “It’s no surprise you’re so desired, Jahara. You have a beautiful body.” Flattening her hand, Bresilee ran her palm slowly from Jahara’s knee, over her thigh and splayed her fingers into the thick triangle of curls. “It’s a shame you prefer men. There’s so much we could’ve done together here at the Garden. My intellect and your healing power.” Bresilee’s hand moved over Jahara’s belly and she only hoped the woman wouldn’t feel the life growing within her. But the director didn’t pause as her hand moved up to fondle Jahara’s breast. “You could’ve been part of something big, Jahara. A new era of woman is about to begin. There’s so much more going on here. But you chose poorly.” Bresilee emphasized the statement by painfully pinching Jahara’s nipple. “Alas, it’s such a waste that I must eliminate you also.” Sighing, the woman bent over Jahara’s face. The spit flew from her mouth, finding its mark just below Bresilee’s left eye. A hulking shadow moved into Jahara’s peripheral view but stopped when Bresilee lifted her hand. “Leave her.” Bresilee’s eyes never left Jahara’s. She swiped at the spittle

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running down her cheek. “I would’ve expected nothing less from you, Jahara. Bound, stripped and held prisoner like your lover, still you waste the last hours of your miserable life fighting a battle you cannot win.” Leaning in close, Bresilee’s hot breath flowed over her face, her nails dug angrily into the soft flesh below Jahara’s chin. “Lie here, thinking of how your breeder has been emasculated by my knife, never to give you the offspring you desire. He lies outside the walls, bleeding to death in the jungle as we speak. Surely he will die in the heat of the desert.” Even as her heart stopped beating, Jahara kept her stare fixed on Bresilee. “Your eyes betray you, Jahara. I see how that has broken you. Think about him and your own pitiful life. Your Dame, the great Ryniah Hriznek, will not even mourn your accidental death.” Bresilee’s tongue ran the length of Jahara’s cheek and she leaned in close to her ear. “I wonder who will remember you when you’re gone. I have guests upstairs celebrating the demise of the new world order. It’s time their hostess joined them. There’s nothing left to do for you here at the Garden, Jahara Hriznek. Think about that.”

***** Brenimyn hobbled through the dimly lit corridors. Time was not on his side. Kylie would only be unconscious for a few minutes before the guards were alerted. He’d slipped away as the electrical field had shorted out. Now he dragged himself through the odd labyrinth of hallways, not sure he was making his way out of the catacombs, but having no choice but to press forward. The whir of an approaching vehicle echoed off the walls and he searched in vain for a place to hide. Though the cubicles had given way to cement alleyways that crisscrossed in odd intervals there’d been no side hallways for a long stretch. His only hope was to stand and fight. In his battered condition, Brenimyn didn’t fool himself into believing it would be little more than a skirmish. The vehicle rounded the last corner. Its lights focused on him. There was no running now.

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Chapter Twenty-Three “I keep telling you, I don’t know where he went. He knocked me unconscious.” Kylie sat on the floor, useless tears running down her cheeks. But the pain in her face was all too real. Holding her chin, Kylie moved it from side to side, assessing the damage. She ran her fingers through her hair, gingerly touching the knot forming on the crown of her head. “We need to alert Dr. Bresilee.” The guard spoke to no one in particular. There was no cheerfulness in those assembled in the front room of the isolation complex now. “No.” The word burst from Kylie’s mouth with a little too much emphasis. “I require medical attention first.” Her voice softened. “Call for Dr. Linsig. I’m sure she’s at Dr. Bresilee’s residence. But tell her nothing more than the fact I require a healer. Tell her to send a car to pick me up. I’ll inform Dr. Bresilee myself when I arrive at her mansion.” She batted her lashes. “You shouldn’t have to shoulder the responsibility of the breeder’s escape. It is I who will take the brunt of Dr. Bresilee’s disapproval.” Hauling Kylie to her feet, the guards nodded. No one wanted to be on the receiving end of one of Bresilee’s tirades.

***** The car slowed, pulling close to Brenimyn. No doubt their shadowed faces were difficult to see through the slits of his eyes. Leaning against the wall, he lifted his fists, ready to fight as long as his strength held out. “Brenimyn.” He dropped his hands, relief at hearing her voice nearly crumpling him. “What in Hades did they do to you?” Emotion choked Xylice’s words. “Get him in the vehicle. Kiladryn, can you heal while we transport him out of here?” “I’ve never had to fix broken bones. Jahara had no reason to teach us how to do it.” They grabbed him, a gasp of pain escaping his swollen lips. They all knew time was critical, so they ignored his cries. Carrying him to the back of the vehicle, the men stretched him out, his head cradled in Kiladryn’s lap. “There’s so much damage.” Kiladryn sounded overwhelmed. “Focus, Kiladryn.” Xylice laid her hand on the healer’s arm. “You can do this.” Light glowed from the healer’s hands as the vehicle turned and headed back in the direction it had come. “Shahara?” The name came out of Brenimyn’s mouth on a labored breath. “Don’t speak, dear friend.” It was Lukiam talking to him from behind the wheel. “All we know is that she left the government building alone. We can’t find her.”

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“Kylie, she’s…” “We know. She’s our ally.” Xylice touched his arm in one of the few spots not dark from injuries. “It was she who called and told me where to find you. She figured out that I’d fixed the cameras at your residence. She doesn’t know you’re my brother, but she knew who could help you escape.” “She’s telekinetic. She turned off the cameras and the electrical barrier. She wanted me to hit her.” Brenimyn sucked air. “I couldn’t. She flung the communicator at her own face hard enough to knock her out. I watched her crumple to the floor. I wanted to take her with me.” Kiladryn had reduced the swelling in Brenimyn’s face so his speech was no longer slurred. “It’s not what she wanted. She made me promise to leave her, no matter how it looked.” Xylice held her brother’s hand. “With her still there, it buys us time to get you to a safe place. It’ll take them days to search the entire Garden. In that time, we can come up with another plan.” “I know, but Bresilee will figure out she helped me.” “After what I saw on the cameras today, I’m thinking Kylie can hold her own.” Lukiam shot an amused look over his shoulder. “I don’t think telekinesis is her only talent.” Satisfied with his face, Kiladryn’s hands moved lower to repair Brenimyn’s broken ribs. The cement ceiling of the tunnel gave way to the twinkling stars of the night sky and the vehicle turned sharply on the main road, heading toward the agricultural section of the Garden. “No, not there. Lukiam, turn around, take me home.” Brenimyn tried to sit up, but Xylice and Kiladryn held him down. “I can’t do what I need out here.” “What you need, dear brother, is to heal. Not run into the mouth of the lion.” Xylice tried to reason with Brenimyn. “When Bresilee finds out you’ve escaped, that’ll be the first place they look.” His eyes pleaded with her. “It’s also where Jahara may be.”

***** Kylie held her head still as Linsig moved her palm over her chin. The pain eased. “Tell me one more time.” Gabriella stalked about her office, pulling at her bottom lip. It was obvious the news she’d brought hadn’t been something the woman expected to hear in the midst of her celebration. “The breeder is more cunning then we thought. He overpowered me. It was his fist that did the damage to my face, but when he slammed my head against the wall, he rendered me unconscious.” Linsig’s hands moved to repair the damage she’d done to her own head. She’d told no one of her telekinetic gifts. “I don’t know how long I lay there. The communicator was broken on the floor when I came to. So I had to stumble 174

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my way to the front of the complex.” She looked over at Gabriella, her smile shaking under the woman’s probing gaze. “It was stupid of me to think the guards had incapacitated him with their beating. I take full responsibility for his escape.” “And you have no idea how he disabled the electrical field?” Kylie shook her head, not trusting her voice. “It doesn’t matter. With Jahara held prisoner here in my lab, it’ll take only a short time before we find him. It is she he’ll seek.” Kylie tried not to react to that news. Well, she’d done all she could. Brenimyn and Jahara were on their own.

***** “Computer, dim the lights.” Brenimyn stalked through the kitchen, not waiting to see if the cameras had shut down. It was totally moot at this point anyway. Though he wasn’t completely healed, Kiladryn had done a passable job of repairing the damage heaped on him by the guards and he moved with relatively little pain. “Jahara.” Calling her name, he made quick work of searching the small residence, not really expecting to find her here. Grabbing breeches from the bedroom closet, he hopped into them, nearly colliding with Xylice in the dining room. “Brenimyn, anyone watching will know the feed isn’t real.” Xylice waddled after him down the short hall toward the office. “It doesn’t matter.” He tied the strings together at his waist. “I won’t be here long enough for them to discover the loop’s begun.” Stopping, he turned to look down at his twin sister. “You should’ve gone with Lukiam and Kiladryn back to the barn. They’ll know what you’ve done for me.” He dropped his hand to her belly. “It’s not safe for any of you now.” The babies moved beneath his fingers. “You’ll need my help to find Jahara. I’ll stay with you until we locate her. We’ve known for a long time ours would be a difficult journey.” Xylice covered her brother’s hand. “It’s why the Creator of this earth placed us together in the same womb. We have more strength together. We’ll see this through to the end.” He saw the love glisten in her eyes. “Hurry, there’s not much time.” Xylice pushed on his stomach, breaking the emotional contact between them. “I’m sure they’ve cut your communication lines, it’ll take me a few minutes to rig another line to the outside.” She was right of course. The video-com was dead. Xylice was undeterred. Standing back, Brenimyn watched his sister pull wires from the back of the communicator, hauling them to the broken camera. Her fingers pulled and twisted at the countless wires hanging from both devices until the communicator sparked to life as she stood on a stool. “It’s not my best work, but you should be able to get through.”

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Brenimyn pressed the buttons, praying he would find her at home. Relief flooded through him when her grainy face smiled at him. “Brenimyn, such a pleasant surprise.” “Merenith…”

***** Jahara wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it had been several hours at least. Though she lay on the stretcher, her muscles grew stiff. Her hands and feet prickled from the bindings cutting into her skin. She craned her neck to look at the guard standing by the door and caught the woman with her mouth gaping open in a wide yawn of boredom. “Time would pass faster if you’d talk to me.” The guard started at her voice but didn’t respond. “Whatever, suit yourself.” Jahara began to sing again, preferring her off-key tune to the heavy stillness of the brightly lit room. “Has she been doing that all night?” Bresilee’s booming voice reverberated off the walls. “Yes, Director.” “I’m sorry you had to endure it. I’ve had food and spirits sent to the isolation complex. The rest of the guards are there save for the two I just sent to recapture the breeder. We’ll have him shortly. The fool returned to Jahara’s residence.” She looked over at Jahara. “Very clever of you to loop the camera feed. But we were pretty sure you weren’t with him copulating when the head of security watched the two of you in bed this time. She just called to inform me of the deception.” Jahara let out a sigh of relief. Brenimyn had escaped and now he was looking for her. Hope blossomed. Bresilee addressed the guard. “When Mykilai arrives, you can join the party with the other guards. This woman will be no threat to me with this in my possession.” Bresilee pulled a small gadget from her dress, waving it over Jahara’s face. “Do you know what this is, oh honorable healer?” The curved metal of the contraption fit snugly in Bresilee’s palm. Elaborately carved wooden inserts decorated the handle. A small loop with a piece of metal protruded from the round cylinder and curved up from the grip. A boom sounded in the distance. Bresilee turned her head toward the ceiling. “The pyrotechnic display has begun. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. It will disguise the sound of your death.” She rubbed the cool metal of the small device against Jahara’s breast. “I hate to miss a celebration, but killing you will be so much more fun. Have you guessed what it is yet?” Jahara shook her head, trying to keep the fear of death from consuming her thoughts. Something unnatural had snapped in Bresilee. Her eyes held the glazed look of a trauma victim. 176

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“It’s called a gun.” The words came out on a seductive whisper. “A weapon used by the ancients.” Bresilee pointed the relic at the guard and squeezed the small metal hook. The noise was deafening as it bounced around the room. Jahara saw only the smoke rise from the weapon. It wasn’t until she heard the guard’s body crash to the floor that she cocked her head toward the door. The woman sat motionless, her eyes staring blankly at Bresilee. Crimson fluid oozed from a gaping hole in the guard’s right shoulder. Jahara fought the restraints. “Release me, I can heal her. She’s done nothing to you.” Mykilai ran breathless into the room, her gaze sweeping the scene. Without asking permission, she knelt in front of the guard. Her fingers disappeared into the hole in the shoulder. Evidently it wasn’t the first demonstration she’d seen of the gun. Pulling something from the gaping wound, she threw it to the floor, leaving it to bounce on the tiles. “That’s a bullet,” Bresilee whispered into Jahara’s ear. “Mykilai is getting very good at healing gun wounds.” The white light glowed strong from Mykilai’s palms. Jahara watched as the blood clotted and the cavernous hole healed. The guard’s eyes fluttered open, her confusion evident in the lines creasing her forehead. Outside, the booming display of fireworks continued. “Leave us now.” Bresilee spoke over her shoulder to the guard still nursing the tender spot on her shoulder. “Mykilai will help me with the prisoner. I don’t want any other witnesses to the healer’s death. Tell no one what you saw here tonight.” The guard stood on wobbly legs, running from the room as fast as her feet could move. “Untie her, Mykilai. She won’t try anything now.” Bresilee held the gun in two hands as Mykilai moved to the stretcher to remove the restraints. “You have seen what this little toy can do. I won’t hesitate to use it on you, Jahara. I understand the pain is quite substantial. Mykilai has no desire to save you. We will gleefully watch as your life drains onto the floor.” Jahara swung her legs over the side of the bed, rubbing blood back into her feet and hands. “You won’t get away with this, Bresilee. I know what you’ve been doing. I’ve sent word to my Dame about your unsanctioned experiments. Even if I die, there will be a full investigation.” Bresilee’s smug expression faltered. “You lie. Your video-communicator’s offline.” She was right of course. Jahara had tried to contact her Dame before the meeting, but the blasted thing hadn’t worked. She’d intended to have Xylice fix it tonight. But Bresilee couldn’t be sure of all those facts. They had rigged the cameras after all. “Ha, you think sabotaging my communicator would keep me from telling the world about your clones?”

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Bresilee’s face deepened in color by several shades. The gun shook in her hand. “Who told you?” “Jacinta’s child.” Jahara put her feet on the floor, her confidence growing as Bresilee’s weakened. “I am a healer, Bresilee. Unlike you.” She spat the words out with venom. If she was going to die tonight, she would die having proven her hypothesis. Bresilee hadn’t felt the baby in her womb, because she had no power. “You know nothing.” “Oh but I do. You didn’t save Jacinta because you couldn’t. You rely on Mykilai to heal. You’ve studied and know the old ways, but you have no gift. You can deliver babies. But you can’t save them.” The gun went off, sending another shock wave of sound through the room. Both Jahara and Mykilai ducked, but the bullet was not intended for them. “Shut up, you insipient woman. I have my intelligence. How else could I have risen to be leader of the Garden? And what do you know of babies? You’re not a Dame yourself.” “I know you’ve broken all laws and cloned yourself. You implanted the embryos in innocent breeders. I felt your genetic essence in Jacinta’s baby and several of the pregnant women I examined at the lake. Their infants carry your life being, not the mother’s. Do you really think you’re so much better than the rest of us that the world needs your clones?” “That’s a lie!” With the gun still pointed at Jahara’s head, Bresilee ripped open her flowing gown. “I clone myself to make a better copy.” Her hand skimmed the length of the wrinkled flesh of her burned torso. “No one could truly love this.” Pity swept through Jahara for the woman no one had properly healed. There was no reason for her to carry those scars. Evidently they ran deeper than the ones she could see. No amount of physical healing could cure Bresilee’s emotional pain. “I wouldn’t have these scars if it weren’t for men. They’re vile creatures who should be eradicated from this earth.” “Why would a man do that to you?” “The scars they left aren’t visible.” Bresilee breathed out a derisive laugh. “I lived at one of the schools when I was young until a wonderful woman came and took eight of us into her home. She told the elders at the school she wanted to be our Dame.” Bresilee’s eyes focused on a distant vision only she could see. “It was wonderful at first. She loved us and we were happy.” Her voice grew hard. “Then they came.” “Who?” “The men, you stupid woman. At night, when no one knew. They worked the mines in the nearby village. Dirty men with only sex on their minds. They had no desire to procreate, but they fornicated with us over and over. They paid the old woman to make us do things—unnatural things. We complained and begged to go back to the

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school, but she beat us and threatened our lives if we ever told.” Bresilee’s voice was hollow. “Finally, I’d had enough. I made myself sick with herbs in my food. No man wanted me that night and that’s when I knew I’d rather die than endure a life of sexual slavery.” It was ironic she used that term. “So, while they were all occupied, I started the fire under the house. It was wet under there and took much effort with the flint, but when it caught, it traveled along the floorboards rapidly. I wanted to see them burn, the woman and the men. I felt bad for the girls, but it was a horrible life. They’d thank me in the next realm for saving them from a life of sexual servitude.” Her hand absently ran up her torso. “I went into the building, knowing the flames would bring me peace. It was hot and I felt the fires of Hades join the blaze to swallow the evil. I walked through the house that wasn’t a home and heard the crackling of the fire, pleased it was consuming everything. Everyone was busy on the second floor, even the old woman. They never knew until it was too late. The smoke became thick, blotting out even the bright light of the flames. I heard their screams of terror replace their cries of pleasure. It was too late for all of them.” Bresilee’s mouth curved in a frightening smile. “They all perished that night.” Bresilee looked at Jahara and for the first time she saw the gentle features of a woman, not the hardened visage of a bitter leader. Tears pooled in Bresilee’s eyes, softening the deep roads of pain. As quickly as it had come it disappeared, replaced by the shadow of anger. “Except me.” The words were hard, spoken through clenched teeth. “Someone came into the house and pulled me out. The idiot didn’t let me die. The young healer they found did the best she could, but she hadn’t been trained. She left…this.” Once more Bresilee looked down at her body. “When I was healthy, I went back to the school. I told them I had the gift of healing. No one questioned because I survived. I studied the ways of the ancients and learned to heal with my intellect and cunning. The fire damaged so much. I am unable to bear offspring. I came here as an apprentice healer and look what I’ve made of myself.” Bresilee held up her hands, modeling for Jahara. “Healers have offered to fix my body, but it’s too late. I wear the scars to remind me why I must continue the experiments. All men should be eliminated. With cloning, we’ll no longer need their life essence to create woman. It’s the only way to keep bloodlines pure.” Her lips pursed into thin lines of hatred. “You speak of a new world order and it shall come, but not as you dream. Men will never stand with women as equals.” Bresilee attempted to cover herself, but she’d ruined the clasps of the dress. “Mykilai, hand me some scrubs.” Without ever moving Jahara from the path of a bullet, Bresilee shimmied out of the dress and into the cotton tunic and breeches. “Enough of this chatter and melancholy.

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The fireworks will be over soon and I wish to be available for my guests.” Bresilee slipped into her usual poise as easily as she’d slipped into the clothing. “Mykilai, I require your help driving us back to the well-check where all this began. I have some special plans for Jahara.”

***** “Xylice, it’s taking too long.” “Bren, stop pacing. You’re making me nervous.” Her fingers flew over the keyboard. “Do you have any idea how many cameras there are in the Garden? They’re all rolling twenty-four hours a day. I can’t even begin to tell you how much footage the computer’s going to have to search through. Even when I put in the time parameters, it’s going to take awhile.” A picture of Jahara standing in front of the government building filled the wall monitor. Brenimyn’s heart nearly stopped at the image of her. She looked lost. He knew he couldn’t have saved her from that moment, but guilt knotted his gut. He hadn’t told her how things would go today. The vision his sister had shared with Brenimyn made him the scapegoat. No one had known how the Government would accomplish it, but he was here only to pave the way for the true warrior. The battle was Jahara’s to win or lose. He was never meant to stand at her side while she fought. He slammed his fist into the wall, wishing it were Bresilee’s face. “It’s all such crap.” “What is?” Xylice kept her focus on the screen. “My program? It really isn’t, I’ve worked—” “No, Xylice, not your program.” His voice softened. He felt very tired. “I let you talk me into trying it, didn’t I?” Brenimyn stared as the computer drew green lines across Jahara’s brow and down her cheeks. “I should’ve taken her from here. What in the name of Hades was I thinking? A new world order? Right now I don’t give a damn about some friggin’ revolution. I want Jahara.” “We’ll find her, Bren.” Xylice’s fingers clicked the keys in rapid succession. One side of the monitor ran dizzyingly fast through computer footage, the other showed Jahara’s confused face imploring him to find her. Brenimyn tore his gaze from Jahara and walked to the window, staring at the first bright colors of a pyrotechnic display lighting the dome of the Garden. He carried his helplessness like a heavy weight pressing the air from his lungs. “I should’ve told her, Xylice. But I was afraid she’d talk me out of it.” Swallowing hard, he worked to control the emotions threatening to spill out of him. “Who was I to keep things from her?” He didn’t turn around, but the persistent clicking of the computer keys stopped abruptly. “She knew.” “What did you say?”

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Xylice came to stand with him at the window, her eyes fixed on the explosions sprinkling lights down on the Garden proper. It was amazing how much he could see from Xylice’s plush office on the sixth floor of the computer complex. “I said she knew,” Xylice’s voice was soft. “I saw the conviction in her eyes the day I rigged the cameras at your apartment. But that was nothing compared to the determined strength I saw in her today when I left the government building. All around her pandemonium reigned, but she held her head high and walked with pride even though her mate had just been sentenced to a certain death outside these walls.” Xylice turned her head up to him. “Don’t beat yourself up, Bren. She knew what the vision asked of her and she accepted it.”

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Chapter Twenty-Four She wondered if anyone even knew she was missing. Jahara hadn’t told Attika where she was headed. Nazaret had left long before she’d run down the sidewalk. And Brenimyn might be in custody, or he could be free, either way he wouldn’t know where to search for her. No one had seen the trio leave Bresilee’s lab with Jahara at gunpoint. The only person she could depend on to save her life was her. Jahara’s mind raced through possible scenarios, but all of them left her with a bullet hole in her body. What she needed to do was distract Bresilee and trust the bond she shared with Mykilai would be enough to disarm the maniacal woman pointing a gun at her head. But the automaton blindly following Bresilee’s orders didn’t look like the healer who’d been elbow-deep in Lukiam’s blood or the same woman who’d begged Jahara to save her lover. Steering the vehicle through some underground tunnel system between Bresilee’s mansion and the hospital, Mykilai stared mutely into the darkness. Illuminated only by the feeble headlights of the electric vehicle, her face was planar and vacant. Jahara wondered if Mykilai had been drugged. “Is this how you got me from the well-check to the mansion?” Jahara looked hopefully at Mykilai. “I only remember the piercing noise but nothing until I woke in the lab.” Still, there was no reaction from the healer. Was she to be the only other witness to Jahara’s passage into the next realm? Jahara shook her head, clearing the unproductive thoughts. She couldn’t think like that. “I was just—” “Shut up.” Bresilee’s voice startled Jahara, but Mykilai didn’t even flinch. “I’m tired of your whining. You’ve been a thorn in my side since you arrived. But that will all be over tonight.” Bresilee rubbed the cold cylinder of the gun against Jahara’s cheek. “The breeder is in custody by now, I’m sure. And soon he will join you in the next world, Jahara.” Bresilee’s hacking laugh made her sound like she’d taken a dive into a deep pool of insanity.

***** “We’ve got something.” Xylice waddled back to the beeping computer. They stared down at the screen. “Well, that can’t be right.” “Xylice, I can’t make sense of that mess on the screen, what is it?” “The computer should’ve kept going.” Brenimyn was growing impatient. Though it had taken less than thirty minutes for the computer to search the film archives, it felt like hours had raced by. With every tick of the clock, his hope of finding Jahara alive slipped. No one knew how events would unfold. Visions were never that clear.

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“Xylice, what am I looking at?” He saw numbers flashing on the screen and Jahara’s face, but none of it made sense to him. “Patience, Bren, I need to make sure I used the correct parameters.” Settling her bulk in the chair, Xylice’s fingers tapped the keys. “Huh.” She leaned back. “Xylice. What?” he screamed at his sister. “Her last known location was around 1830, but that was five hours ago. The cameras should’ve picked up something more.” Focused on the program, Xylice leaned forward and punched more data into the computer. Whatever information they had was enough for him. Covering her hands, Brenimyn looked down at his sister. “Where, Xylice? I don’t care if it’s accurate, I can’t stand around doing nothing.” “The well-check, but—” Hearing his heavy footfalls race from the office, Xylice turned in time to see the fleeting image of Brenimyn’s back before the door hissed closed behind him. “May the Creator of this earth protect you, dear brother.” Xylice dropped her head in her hands, shedding tears for the brother she might never see again.

***** “This is the place you sought.” Bresilee waved the gun around the little room. Mykilai stood with her back to the red door, a blank expression on her face. Jahara leaned casually against the shelves running along the wall opposite Mykilai. Her heart pounded so hard she was sure Bresilee could hear it from where she stood in the center of the room. “This room was built off the well-check as a triage for infected breeders. Here they were to be healed or sent to isolation. That’s why the security elevator goes directly to the tunnel. Diseased breeders could be transported to the isolation complex without coming in contact with the general population. But it was never used.” Bresilee ran a finger lovingly over the bindings on the stretcher at her side. “Not that way.” Jahara’s gaze skittered about the room, looking for an escape route. Without windows, the only access to the room was the red door near Mykilai or the elevator, left of Bresilee. Either one required her to disable one or both of the women. “—no one had used for years. So I took it over when I got here. I’ve been using it for my own secret purposes.” Bresilee’s wistful smile lifted the corners of her lips as she looked up at Jahara. “I filled the cabinets with the instruments of the ancients. Perfect for experimenting on unsuspecting breeders.” She waved the gun nonchalantly over Jahara’s head. The wooden cabinets, at her back, above and below the shelf were faced with glass. The contents were foreign to Jahara, but they looked more like instruments of torture rather than healing.

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“It’s really how I learned to become a healer. I’d send perfectly good specimens through that door and they’d become trapped until I could get to them. Stupid men were all so docile, so trusting. They’d lie on the bed, convinced I’d save them from some horrible disease.” She rubbed her palm over the stretcher like a lover. “They even let me bind them when I told them it was for their protection from the strong healing powers I would use. Instead I cut them open while they were still alive. I studied how their bodies worked. I’m sure it was quite an unpleasant experience for them, but it was fascinating to see the human body at work. And it was nothing they didn’t deserve.” With Bresilee lost in the memories of her past and Mykilai slumped in a posture of defeat against the wall, it was easy for Jahara to peruse the instruments in the cupboards, sidestepping toward Bresilee. “When I was promoted to run the hospital, I had someone create the alarm system.” Bresilee kept talking, caught up in her need to relive her rise to power. “The noise disables the occupant and alerts me directly that someone has entered the chamber.” She looked up at the large speaker hanging from the ceiling. Jahara took another step toward the woman. “It’s how I knew you were in here, Jahara. But from here, I can also disable it.” Bresilee turned to a panel behind her, running her fingers over several buttons. Without thought, Jahara lunged toward Bresilee. Mykilai did the same. Bresilee saw them move and stepped out of the way. Mykilai collided with Jahara. They crashed to the floor in a heap. “Jahara, you’re a fool if you think you can get away from both of us.” Bresilee’s voice trembled. The gun pointed at Jahara’s face shook in her hands. “Stand up and move away from me.” Mykilai hauled Jahara to her feet, shoving her to the opposite side of the stretcher. The anger made slits of Mykilai’s eyes that sent a shiver of panic through Jahara. Two against one, how would she ever escape with her life? “My apologies, it won’t happen again.” Jahara tried to sound contrite as she backed away, her hands in the air. “You lie,” Bresilee said. “You’re not sorry. Not for having gifts. Not for your privileged life. Not for your beauty. And especially not for choosing a man.” Spittle flew from Bresilee’s mouth with the words. “I should shoot you through the heart just for that transgression alone. Even Mykilai can’t heal a broken heart.” Another crazed cackle escaped Bresilee’s lips. “But you wouldn’t suffer in that death. And oh how I want you to suffer, Jahara. To know your life is being taken from you in small, painful increments.” In the bright lights of the room Bresilee’s eyes glowed with the evil inside her. The director took a step back, her fingers working the buttons on the panel. “I had one more thing added to the room.”

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The tiles beside Jahara tilted down into the floor. She heard the whoosh of an explosion. Waves of heat rolled up from below. Having no idea what was causing the roaring noise, Jahara took a cautious step away. “It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Bresilee cocked her head. “I take it, Jahara, that you’ve never seen an incinerator. I learned about it at the mines where they burned the debris. I knew it would come in useful one day, so I asked them how it was built. Stupid men, little did they know I’d use it against them.” She paused. “No one knows it’s here. I’ve been using it more frequently these last few months as I dispose of my failed experiments.” Jahara swallowed the bile rising in her throat, knowing she meant the bodies of the cloned infants. “Jacinta’s child slid into the next world that way.” Mykilai’s head shot up at the same moment the red door flung open. Distracted, Bresilee aimed her weapon in that direction. Jahara seized the opportunity for escape and flung herself at the stretcher. With the battle cry of a warrior screaming from her lungs, she rammed Bresilee. Jahara saw the flash from the gun seconds before she pinned Bresilee against the wall. The weapon clattered to the floor. Heat filled the tiny room, but she ignored the discomfort. Throwing the stretcher aside, Jahara grabbed Bresilee. Focusing all her energy, Jahara swung a fist at Bresilee’s face. Her hands were meant to heal. Tonight, they were capable of murder. Bresilee fell back on the floor. Her hands shot up, the long nails raking down Jahara’s cheeks. The searing pain fueled her fight. Jahara raised her fist once again and slammed it into Bresilee’s nose. The bone-crushing blow splattered blood over both of them. Bresilee’s arms and legs flung wildly into the space between them, pummeling Jahara. “That’s enough.” The commanding voice stopped them. “Stand up, both of you.” Mykilai held the gun pointed down at them. Jahara looked over her shoulder and screamed. It was Brenimyn who’d pushed through the door. He lay in a heap at Mykilai’s feet, his shallow breath gurgling unnaturally out of the hole in his chest. “Brenimyn.” Jahara crawled toward the man whose life’s blood was spreading into a puddle beneath his body. “Stay where you are. He’s not worth saving.” Mykilai’s voice was deadly calm. “Mykilai, you’ve done well.” Rising on shaky legs, Bresilee brushed at her clothing and casually straightened her hair. “I’m better with a pistol than I thought.” Stretching out her hand, she took a step toward Mykilai. “Give me the gun.” “No.” Mykilai’s stony features barely moved as she spat out the word.

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“Then you do it. Shoot Jahara and we’ll dump both bodies. Even as we speak, the breeder dies.” Bresilee waved callously toward Brenimyn. “We can say they slipped. That Jahara and Brenimyn had found this room and accidentally fell. It’ll be so easy.” “That’s how it is for you? Life. Death. You control both at your whim.” Mykilai stepped over Brenimyn’s motionless body. “Jacinta and I loved that baby, even though we knew it wasn’t hers.” Tears welled in the healer’s eyes. “And yet you treated the infant like a piece of garbage to be thrown out? How dare you? And after all I’ve done for you? You were willing to let the woman I love die in order to prove to the world you had the power of the Creator? You speak of a new race of females, but they are molded in your likeness. I don’t think that’s a world I can live in.” The gun exploded, but the bullet crashed into the cabinet behind Bresilee, spraying shards of glass. With amazing agility, Bresilee dove for the gun, struggling with Mykilai only a moment before a third shot rang out. Jahara watched in horror as the stunned expression on Mykilai’s face disintegrated. She slid away from Bresilee. Only a small gasp of surprise escaped her lips before she fell. Two more were dead at Bresilee’s hands, both willingly sacrificing themselves to stop a mad woman. “Mykilai! No!” Bresilee moaned out her name. “Look what you made me do.” She turned the gun toward Jahara. With nothing more to lose, Jahara bent low, crashing into Bresilee’s legs. The momentum carried her to the floor, precariously close to the yawning opening. The impact sent the gun into the black heat of the incinerator. Bresilee rolled them until she lay sprawled over Jahara’s chest. With incredible strength, Bresilee pushed Jahara’s head over the edge of the fissure. Her nose filled with smell of her own hair melting. Heat prickled her skin and seared the flesh. “You will die today, Jahara, and join your lover in the next world.” Bresilee spoke through clenched teeth, the effort of the struggle making her pant. “That’s not how it’s meant to be.” With one last Herculean effort, Jahara bucked her hips and swung her legs high in the air, flipping Bresilee over her head. Suspended in midair, Bresilee’s hands grabbed at empty space. She didn’t even cry out for help as she slid down into her own Hades. Jahara reached for her, but the woman was gone. She hadn’t intended to kill the woman, but perhaps justice had finally been served. The gaping hole in the floor closed, probably triggered by Bresilee’s weight on the ramp. Ignoring the burns to her face and hands, Jahara ran to the lifeless forms on the floor. Each of them had tried to save her. With instincts honed from years of practice, she assessed their wounds. They were close to death and she didn’t know how she would save them both. Mykilai bled profusely from her belly, Brenimyn from his chest. From the amount of blood spreading across the floor, the bullet had very likely pierced his heart. Jahara wasn’t sure he could be saved. “She dead?” Mykilai’s eyes fluttered open momentarily. “Yes.” 186

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“Good. I’m sorry. I tried to save you…she was too powerful…” Mykilai gasped for breath. “You’re gifted, Jahara. She knew. She knew…and it frightened her.” “Shh, don’t talk, let me heal.” “No…not me. Don’t save me…save Bren. I don’t deserve life.” Mykilai mumbled out the words on a shallow breath as Jahara reached in to remove the bullet.

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Chapter Twenty-Five Three months later

Sitting sideways on the horse, the flowing skirt of the white dress making it impossible for her to ride any other way, Jahara looked down over the crowd gathered in the field. The river beside her cascaded with incredible power to the rocks below. Its mist sprinkled shimmers of light over the lake. Looking up, she shielded her eyes against the sun peeking through the disassembled panels of the Garden roof. Her Dame had ordered the reorganization of the Governmental Body and the procreation law of the ancients rescinded. The Garden as its founders intended no longer existed. It had been reorganized into a village and christened “Serenity”. But it would take at least a year before nothing remained except the legacy of the breeding facility. She smiled at Merenith mounted on the horse next to hers. Her dear friend was trying desperately to fill the voids Brenimyn had left. “You ready? It looks like your Dame has everyone assembled.” Merenith lifted her chin toward the outcropping of rock where Kylie stood regally next to the leader of the Eastern Territory. As the new head of the Governmental Body of the village, Kylie would perform the commitment ceremony in conjunction with her Dame. The rest of the officials of both governments were gathered on the grass, their robes of distinction decorating the field with a mosaic of color. “Are you sure this is what you want?” Adjusting the halo of flowers adorning her head, Jahara brushed the short strands of hair out of her face. Though it had grown out since the accident, she thought probably she’d keep the sassy style framing her face. Her hand fluttered over her exposed breasts, settling on her still-flat belly. The life stirred under her touch. “I’m sure, Mer. There’s nothing more I could wish for.” Emotion clogged Jahara’s throat, filling her eyes with tears. She laughed. “I told myself I wouldn’t cry today.” “It’s a new beginning for all of us.” Reaching over, Merenith squeezed her thigh reassuringly. “You look beautiful by the way.” “Thank you.” The trumpets sounded. Mykilai’s sweet voice carried melodic strains over the amplifier, signaling the beginning of the ceremony. Jahara had chosen this song, finding the lilting words of love in one of Bresilee’s books of ancients. Everything that would happen today would be a unique blend of the old and the new. It had been a stressful task figuring out what which traditions to keep and which ones to begin.

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Jahara’s horse rocked down the slope and the throng of thousands parted as she and Merenith wound their way toward the swathe of grass cut to make a center aisle. The ancients had performed this ceremony in sacred buildings called churches. For Jahara there was no ground more hallowed than the spot where’d she’d first come to believe in love and the vision Brenimyn promised those who followed him. “…and I will love you forever in the Garden of Eden, our lives joined as one until the end of time…” It was Jahara’s favorite part of the ballad. Mykilai’s rendition added a poignancy that swelled Jahara’s heart. She thought of all that had come to pass and all that was yet to be. In the last month, Bresilee’s mansion had been leveled and her cloned embryos destroyed. No one believed they would grow into viable fetuses anyway. The wellcheck had been expanded to encompass the room where Bresilee had tortured men and now physicals for both men and women were conducted there. The red door was the last item swallowed by the incinerator before the furnace was destroyed and the chute filled with sand. The accumulated ashes of Bresilee’s countless victims were blessed and scattered throughout the flowerbeds of Serenity. Merenith had moved here to work with Nazaret at the farm. After Brenimyn’s call on that tragic night, it was Merenith who had alerted her Dame. The imperial guard arrived at the Garden only hours after Bresilee’s death. Imposing martial law, they sorted through the mess until the new government could be established. Breeders, both male and female, were given the freedom to remain or return to their homes. Many committed couples had chosen to stay. This would be the first sanctioned village allowing men and women to reside in the same dwelling. There was still so much to do to sort out work assignments, but for now everyone lived communally, each service provided for the good of all. Dr. Linsig, along with several high government officials, unable to accept the new laws, had chosen to leave the Garden for territories unknown. Accepting the position as chief healer, Jahara had resigned her post at the hospital in the capital city of Lexington. Over the past few months she worked with many breeders to heal both emotional and physical scars left by Bresilee’s reign of terror. The clinic now provided medical attention for everyone and several male healers were being trained as apprentices. Having proven her healing skills, Mykilai was promoted to head resident in charge of the healing facility and would be Jahara’s second-in-command. As it turned out, the night in the well-check, she’d been trying to save Jahara, not harm her. Mykilai intended on sacrificing herself to Bresilee’s gun in order for Jahara to escape. Jahara was grateful she had saved the woman’s life. The future held so much promise for all of them.

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Looking up, she finally caught sight of him. Riding tall and proud next to Lukiam, Brenimyn approached the ceremony on horseback from the opposite side of the field. He was dressed in the finest clothing of white satin, the deep neckline of the tunic revealing the bronzed muscles of his chest and the small scar over his heart. No amount of repair by either her or Mykilai on the night of the shooting could completely remove the offensive mark. It reminded Jahara every day of the sacrifice he’d been willing to make for her. It felt like months had passed since Jahara had seen him. Even with her Dame, her birth-sisters and Merenith living with her, Jahara thought she would perish with the emptiness his absence left in their new residence near the hospital. With five bedrooms, he promised to fill them all with children and love. In the tradition of the ancients, he’d moved out of their home only a week ago. Sequestered somewhere in the village of Serenity with the other men, he’d refused any communication from her. Though he knew she already carried his child, Brenimyn wanted their first night as husband and wife to have a virginal quality. The man had no idea how much she desired him if he thought she needed the isolation to make her feel that way. Every joining with Brenimyn was like opening a rare gift of true love. Dismounting, they handed the reins to Nazaret. Lukiam and Merenith walked ahead of them to the altar at the base of the rocks. They had agreed to stand before the crowd and bear witness to the eternal love Jahara and Brenimyn shared. This ceremony would legally commit them only to each other until the Creator of this earth brought them into the next realm. Bending down, Brenimyn kissed her nose. “I’ve missed you, woman.” “And I you.” Everywhere, faces reflected the love exploding in her heart. Threading their fingers together, Brenimyn and Jahara walked past the friends and family gathered in eager anticipation of the monumental reform about to take place. Together they would herald in the true beginning of a new world order.

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About the Author Nina Pierce lives in northern Maine with her soul mate of thirty-two years, her three adult children and a menagerie of pets. She is a multi-published author of erotic suspense stories. Her passion for bringing out the sensuality in her characters continues to drive her to find new and exciting stories to bring to readers. Nina welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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Also by Nina Pierce Bonded by Need Divine Deception

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