The Healer's Garden Read online

"Xylice, I don't know. Hold on a minute.” Elona hesitated.

  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."

  "The breeder is 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..."

  "No buts about it, Xylice. 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 gotta 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. Something about this situation felt wrong.

  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. He 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 whole world had become lighter. The reunion with Merenith was over. Neither of them was a visionary, but they had known and not been able to acknowledge to themselves, theirs was not an enduring love.

  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 her 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 there 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 kissed her cheek. “Be safe, my love."

  "And you also."

  In the end, they had parted sisters. It was what Jahara had hoped 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 had 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 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.” Brenimyn pointed at her. Pulling on breeches as he ran, he left the bedroom.

  She didn't obey. The last time someone had come into her apartment, they'd kidnapped him. That would not happen again.

  Two women from the security guard stood in her kitchen. The tattoos on their necks looked particularly sinister as the chords 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...” Trying to step around Brenimyn, Jahara halted as his arm shot out in front of her. He sidestepped, putting his body between her and the guards.

  "What is this about?” Brenimyn asked.

  "We have no business with you today, breeder.” The same woman smiled maliciously. She had 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 am 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 her 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 can stand down. There's no danger here. Go out to the vehicle and retrieve the gear in the trunk.” She winked at Jahara.

  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 will do. I have much work ahead of me fixing these faulty cameras. Please close the door as you leave, if you did not completely ruin it with your rude entrance. I will 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 am doing is highly technical and secret. Dr. Bresilee would not like to hear that you did not 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 am doing? Already you have brought overmuch attention to this highly classified situation.” Xylice waved her hand into the bright sunlight, where several people 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 arms.

  "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 Seventeen

  "Xylice, I lost track of you.” Brenimyn rubbed his hand lovingly over the mound of Xylice's stomach. “You're looking well. Pregnancy agrees with you. Your skin radiates with happiness.” He bent to kiss her cheek again, holding her close to him as he did so.

  Turning, she modeled for him. “Not so bad for six months and two babies?"

  Brenimyn laughed. “You're having twins?"

  Xylice's hand 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 nausea filling her throat must have been what Brenimyn experienced last night. Jealousy was an ugly emotion. Though she couldn't put her finger on it exactly, it vacillated between anger and betrayal. Jahara's chest grew tight, making it hard for her 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.” The words came automatically, that wasn't even close to the truth.

  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, sister.” 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. You do favor my good looks.” She flipped her hair.

  "We've done well so far to keep our relationship a secret, sister.” He pinched her nose. “Obviously, Bresilee doesn't know of our connection or she wouldn't have sent you here today."

  "And I intend to keep it that way, dear brother."

  "Tell me more of Mother. I hope soon to talk with her myself.” Brenimyn moved Jahara in front of him, folding his hands over her stomach. His heart beat against her back.

  "We have 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.” Xylice looked over her shoulder and smirked. “And quite efficiently, I might add.” For a moment, Xylice didn't think about the gravity of the situation. She giggled. “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.

  "I have a plan.” Xylice clapped her hands together. “There's much 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?"

  They all laughed.

  * * * *

  "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 pleas
ure. “Love me, Jahara. Let go and love me. No one's watching now.” His lips found hers, nipping at her pouting mouth.

  Untying the sash of her robe, he slid his hand across her belly and down 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 of 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. He wanted her to know by his touch just how much he loved her.

  He slid his hand up her torso, rubbing the satin material across the responsive tip of her breast. It pebbled beneath his touch. Jahara gasped, sending blood straight to his groin. He devoured her mouth, deepening the kiss.

  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.

  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 are 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.

  Kissing the tender flesh of her throat, he 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.

  He bent and ran his tongue up her breast, then in circles around the fleshy pink point. His teeth bit gently on the nipple and he reveled 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.