The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 13

  The sleep pack barely fits around her, so I have no idea where Fenton plans to squeeze himself in. Without another request, he dives at Kani and disappears inside the sleep pack. It quickly becomes a lumpy mass with Kani erupting into a fit of giggles.

  I shoot a lopsided grin at Trae, who looks conflicted as he leans down and grabs the other sleep pack.

  “Well, here. Let’s get some rest, huh?” He says, handing it to me.

  I blink hard and cling onto the pack as he walks away.

  “Trae, wait,” I hold the pack out to him, “You should take this. You’ve done so much for me already. Really. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep anyway.”

  He stops walking and shakes his head, “No deal.”

  “If you won’t—I mean, if I can’t get you to …” my heart thumps unevenly, “I think we should share. You can’t sleep out in the cold. That isn’t right, either.”

  “Yeeeaaahhh!!” A rumble emerges from the lumpy sleep pack, “Listen to tha woman, Trae.”

  I bite down on my lip to suppress a grin, but Trae remains unreadable.

  My resolve falters, and I close my eyes, shaking my head, “I just thought …”

  “I can’t, Runa,” he says, his eyes blazing, “It wouldn’t be right of me. Let me be the gentleman here, okay?”

  A wave of disappointment washes over me. A part of me really hoped to be nearer to him before he leaves. I don’t understand this connection—but I wish I had more time.

  “Fine. Okay,” I whisper.

  I spread the pack on the ground and slide in, rolling away from Trae and his rejection. Fenton growls, making Kani giggle again and I swipe at the tears on my cheeks.

  Why do I have to feel so alone?

  Trae shuffles around behind me and clears his throat. A second later he says, “Did you know those are called stalactites?”

  I inhale and roll over. He’s lying on his back with one leg bent, an arm behind his head. When our eyes meet, he points to the cavern ceiling.

  “See, the things dripping down like icicles?” he says.

  “Oh.”

  “The ones on the ground are called stalagmites,” he says, an easy smile gracing is lips. The shadows play across his face, and his dimple deepens because of it.

  “Trae, what do you think attacked my brother?” I ask, “Have you seen anything like that before?”

  “I honestly have no clue. Never seen something like that before,” he says, “Seems to be happening a lot since I met you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Odd occurrences. Things I’ve never seen happen before. And believe me, I’ve seen a lot.”

  “What’s the strangest thing that’s happened since you met me?” I ask, not wanting to let our conversation fall into another uncomfortable silence.

  “Hmmm … well, besides your attack, or the tree that spit us out … or your fast healing … the seismic activity—which we never pinpointed the source … your brother … the Morph that isn’t a Morph. This hunt for a guy named Videus. I think a better question would be what’s been normal since I met you,” Trae says, chuckling.

  “I’m guessing not much, then?” I say.

  “Not really,” he says, shaking his head, “You know, Runa, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this mission I have to go on. I wasn’t entirely sure how things were going to play out after I brought you in to the mix.”

  “Play out?”

  “I wasn’t sure if you were going to wake up at first. Then, when you did … ” His voice trails off.

  “When I did?” I urge, wanting to know where this is going.

  “When you did,” he pauses again, staring deeply into my eyes, “then I kinda didn’t wanna go.”

  I bite my lip as my heartbeat thumps louder.

  “Why not?” I ask.

  Trae takes a moment, his eyes distant as he searches for his words.

  Finally, he says, “Runa, I know all of this is new to you. Adjusting to life without the Helix methods. But for me … There isn’t much I haven’t done. Much I haven’t experienced. Which also means, there isn’t much that will make me pause or second guess myself. Since I’ve met you … I seem to be doing it a lot.”

  “I don’t— ” I begin.

  “Runa, I like you. I like being around you and it’s sorta messing me up,” Trae confesses. “You haven’t really had time to adjust or to sort out your feelings.”

  “I like you, too, Trae. A lot. You’re the first one who’s made me feel included or wanted. You never had to do that.”

  “I don’t think you understand what I mean, yet— and I shouldn’t push you. Hell, I shoulda never let things get complicated like this … but I just feel— a connection with you. And I can’t seem to shake it.”

  “And that’s bad?” I ask.

  “No, not bad. Just … complicated,” he says, looking beyond me to the now quiet sleep pack behind me, “I have this strange desire to protect you, to be near you. Then, the other part of me feels I shouldn’t get too close. When I’m done here, I need to leave and I don’t know when I’ll be back. That’s not fair to you.”

  “Let me be the judge of what’s fair. Okay?” I say, raising an eyebrow, “I can handle myself.”

  “I know you can. I just don’t want to make things worse for you.”

  “Well, you’re not,” I say, rolling onto my stomach and propping up on my forearms.

  “You don’t know that yet. Give me time,” he says, smirking, “Well, I suppose we should get some rest … Sleep well, Runa.”

  He covers his eyes with his free arm.

  “You too, Trae.”

  I settle into the sleep pack, trying to relax. After a few minutes, Trae’s rhythmic breathing sets the tone, and I will myself to give in to the darkness …

  Those hands ...

  Strong arms wrap around my body, pulling me into his warm embrace. The blood coursing through my veins sparks at the point where my fingertips trace the nape of his neck. He groans and angles his head to the side, leaving his neck exposed. My legs straddle his, so I rock forward and nibble my way from his ear to his shoulder blade.

  With a growl, his hands leave my back and firmly cup my jawline as he guides my mouth to his. His lips burn on mine, and warmth radiates from deep in my belly as I press closer. My hands fly to his gorgeous hair, and I entangle my fingers in the soft waves. I love the way it feels. Our mouths move in rhythm with one another, a simple knowing beyond words. He tickles my tongue with the soft, fleshy part of his lower lip, and I lure it in, gently nipping.

  He pulls back, hunger lurking in his dark eyes, “You think so?”

  A wicked grin plays across his features, the faintest hint of his dimples appearing. I brush a strand of blue hair from his forehead and giggle. Like a predator on the hunt, he pounces, attacking my neck in a movement so swift, I’m rendered immobile. Returning a hand to the small of my back, he softly traces my jawline with his tongue …

  My eyelids pop open, and I blink, wide-eyed, at the cavern walls. The shadows flicker with the lantern light, and I shudder away the emotions rolling through me. My eyes dart to where Trae lies, sleeping. The mere sight of him restarts my pounding heart and I turn away, staring at the rocky wall.

  What was—that? How can my lips still tingle from—was it a dream? It felt so real.

  We were sitting on the bench at the Lateral—the same one where I watched the couple kissing— My fingertips brush against my lips, and I sneak another glance at him. He’s facing me, his head resting in the crook of his arm. The concern weighing down his expressions during the day has evaporated, and what’s left is the little boy inside. I roll to my side, facing him, and smile.

  What was he like as a child? Was he adventurous? Was he like me, sneaking out into the woods? What were his aptitudes like? Where was he headed with his scans?

  Still … why blue?

  With my right hand out in front of me, I rub my fingers together. The texture of his hair lingers in my fingertips�
�as if I’d actually run my fingers through those blue strands. His hair was longer in my mind—and more vibrant.

  A strong hand drapes across his torso, and a tickle runs down my spine.

  Shivering in his sleep, Trae’s forehead furrows and he jams his hands under his arms. As he rolls onto his back, his exhalation billows in clouds as it escapes.

  I bite my lip, and shift onto my back, staring at the stalactites.

  What would he do if I moved closer? Would he be upset?

  The sleep pack is wide enough for both of us to fit underneath if I unzipped it. Having a layer on top is better than nothing at all, right?

  Peering cautiously at him through the corner of my eye, my teeth almost pierce the skin on my lip. I can’t stand the thought of him being so cold. Not after everything he’s done for me— not after his confession tonight.

  If I’m going to do this, it’s now or never.

  Shifting to a seated position, I slide out of the pack as silently as possible.

  Am I actually doing this? What if he wakes up? What if he freaks out?

  What if he doesn’t notice at all?

  Trembling, I gather the soft, cool sleep pack in my arms, and move tentatively toward Trae. Within inches from him, the pull to him intensifies.

  Before I have time to over-think, I place the sleep pack on top of him. He exhales loudly, making me pull my hand back, and freeze. When nothing else happens, I take another slow, deliberate breath, and slide in beside him.

  His clean, earthy scent does little to level my head. It transports me to my early moments in his arms, and to the vividness of my dream. Inches separate us, but I shift uncomfortably. There’s nothing to rest my head on, and lying here is anything but restful.

  Would he wake up if I moved his arm? I’ve already risked so much to get to this point. Do I dare risk even more? At some point, he’s going to know I’m here.

  I take shallow inhalations and grab hold of his right wrist. It’s held in place by his other arm, so I tug gently until it releases. Trae stirs slightly as I lay his arm on the ground beside us. Shaking, I slide my shoulder under his and rest my head on his broad chest. Fire burns through my cheek at our point of contact, but I move closer. Heat radiates from him, along the entire length of my body. He sighs, and my head rises and falls with the movement. From this place, his scent is stronger, and I sink into it. Relief floods through me, as though I’ve appeased an itch needing to be scratched.

  It doesn’t take long before his unconscious shivering subsides and a smile creeps across my lips.

  This was worth it.

  His heat, the way he smells … the rhythm and familiarity … My heartbeats slow, and I close my eyes. Surprisingly, I don’t think anything is more relaxing than this.

  In the moment just before darkness consumes me, his hand wraps around my waist, gripping my back, pulling me closer.

  “Thank you, Runa,” he whispers.

  14

  Traeton

  RUNA LIFTS HER HEAD from my chest and props up on her elbow. Her face is inches from mine. Her scent, a subtle hint of vanilla, tickles my senses and makes it impossible to think clearly as I blink away the remnants of my uncomfortable sleep.

  She’s here? With me?

  Why?

  My hand smolders at its point of contact against her waist, but I’m too afraid to let go. Each place where her body meets mine is more alive than it’s ever been.

  Runa’s multicolored eyes penetrate mine, and the corners of her mouth tug downward. She looks like a child who’s been caught doing something mischievous, but with her mesmerizing lips—she’s anything but a child.

  “Please don’t be mad,” she whispers, “You seemed so cold.”

  She struggles, trying to sit up, but my hand reflexively pulls her closer and I tell her, “You shouldn’t have, but thank you.”

  “Are you sure? Is this—okay?”

  Alarm bells sound in my head. There is no way this is okay. I shouldn’t be here, getting myself involved like this, but I can’t bring myself to care.

  “Are you comfortable?” I clench my jaw, partly hoping she’ll say no.

  The first real smile breaks across her face, and she nods, “Very.”

  An explosion of anxiety mixed with elation erupts in my chest, and I swallow hard, “Then, that’s all that matters.”

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Runa’s warm exhalation sweeps across my cheek. I can tell there’s something she’d like to say as she hesitates, her eyes locked on my lips. I hold my breath as she bends in, her lips centimeters from the surface of my own.

  What is she doing?

  Suddenly, she pulls back, her eyes wide, “I don’t know what I … ”

  Unsure how to respond, my tongue sweeps across my lips, echoes of a near kiss left behind. I shiver but try to recover, “Uh … the RationCap flush. Remember? Probably still …”

  “Oh, right,” her eyes go distant, “I didn’t think of that.”

  She frowns slightly and returns her head to my chest.

  “So, uh … no worries,” I offer.

  She inches closer and places her right hand above my heart. The tips of her fingers gently rest on my collarbone, and I take slow, deep breaths to center myself. My heart’s pumping so aggressively, I can feel it pounding—everywhere. My eyes widen, and I fixate on a single piece of jutting rock above me. Please don’t let her notice.

  This situation couldn’t get any more awkward and yet, part of me is maniacally giddy about that fact. I need something to do. Something physical.

  I remove my hand from her waist to stroke the tips of her hair. Runa snuggles her cheek against my chest, and her exhalation sounds like music.

  Sleep. That’s why she’s here.

  That’s why I’m here.

  Sleep.

  Woodworking—yep. I’ll think about woodworking. What project would I work on now, if I could? I stare blankly ahead and return my hand to Runa’s back. The only wood that comes to mind is the burning kind. Hot and fiery …

  This is so ridiculous. I’ve been attracted to other women—why is she so different? It doesn’t help having all of Fenton’s tales raging through my mind like a disease—I wish he’d keep his comments to himself.

  Who am I kidding? I may very well be worse than Fenton. At least he’s honest with himself. Sure, he’s always been more flamboyant about his … desires, but at least he’s never felt a need to hide from them. Damn, I envy that. I don’t want these attachments … I don’t want to hurt anyone else.

  The enticing tickle of an alternative twists in my brain. What if Fenton’s right? What if things can be different with Runa? What if I can find a place in her eyes? Her heart? What if—

  Sighing softly in my arms, Runa sinks deeper into me. Sleep would be so much easier to deal with than reality right now. My forehead creases, and I press my lips together. She’s so innocent. Even if we had kissed—she’d have no context. Maybe the Helix wasn’t so far off by restricting these types of impulses, after all.

  My eyes travel the length of our bodies, resting on the rhythmic way Runa’s head rises and falls. Oddly enough, it’s relaxing.

  Before Landry filled me in about the hormone control in the RationCaps, I thought I was going insane. But no—the Helix, for whatever reason, wants to control these … urges. Despite being uncomfortable at first with our conversation, I felt better afterward. Relieved I was normal. Not Helix normal, but nature normal. I wasn’t going to die because of it. One day, this would equalize. It wouldn’t be so … intense.

  And for a while, it wasn’t.

  For someone who’s never lived inside the Helix, Landry’s been a fount of knowledge. Not everyone in the Lateral is as open to discussing things as he is. Hell, I’m not. I’ve just learned control. Focused my energies elsewhere. Runa’s fingertips slide toward the edge of my neck, and another wave of heat washes over me. This situation—is completely different.

  The ph
ysical attraction is obvious, but it’s more than that. She can be open, despite the pain hiding in her eyes. She has this … gentle kindness about her. And she’s been so accepting of our band of outcasts. Of me.

  Runa shivers in her sleep, making me hyperaware of each part of her body touching mine.

  I stiffen at the intensity— but I still wouldn’t change a thing. I’ll stay here, locked like this for as long as she likes.

  The heat is intense, and beads of sweat drip down my back. I walk purposefully down the hallway, but the anxiety builds to a crescendo. She’s down here, and I need to get to her. This was all my fault.

  Now I need to set this right.

  I turn the corner and creep toward the heavy wooden door. My footsteps are barely audible on the cold, hard ground, but I still hold my breath.

  This door. I can feel her inside. There’s no way to explain it; she’s just in there.

  The scorching metal handle blisters the inside of my palm, but I manage to pry the door open. Lying on a stone slab in the middle of the barren room is my sister Ava. Her emaciated frame is only a shadow of her former self. Dark hair is matted to her head, and large, pearly beads of sweat seep from her pores, puddle beneath her.

  I clutch her shoulders, “Ava—Ava, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t realize what I said would cause this—”

  But it isn’t true. I knew back when I’d turned her in I was being overheard, and at the time it didn’t matter. I couldn’t take the agony anymore. The constant hovering over her. The way we had to live our lives. The impending doom of what may happen. I wanted it to end. I needed it to end.

  Deep brown eyes fly open, locking with mine, and Ava wrenches forward. Her skeletal fingers claw at the front of my NanoTech jacket as she tries to pull me in.

  “You—you did this. Every last eternal pain I suffer … it should be yours.”

  Blood spews from her mouth as she rasps. Her tiny arms drop, and I reach forward to catch her.

  Blue flames erupt from torches in all four corners of the room and the heat is incredible. Ava’s head lolls to the side and her eyes begin to radiate, glowing like hot embers. In an instant, her whole body ignites, and she flails backward onto the stone slab. Her high-pitched scream makes me feel sick and the hairs on my neck stand on end.