Cloud Rebel (R-D #3)(10)

"How is that possible?" Katya breathed.

"This race we speak of was an abomination that should never have been created," Val snorted. "The same drug administered to your father also recreated a Sirenali."

"What happened to the ones who captured Sergei?" she asked. I could see that talk of Sirenali upset her, and the fact that her father was obsessed upset her more.

"Corinne blew them so hard against a wall, I believe they may not wake again," Valegar explained. "I'm sure many will appreciate that fact."

"Russian *s," I muttered.

"What do I tell Papa?" Katya asked.

"Tell him the Larentii happened," I said. "He'll accept that. If he asks for names, say Rinnelar and Valegar."

"Do you still love him?"

"More than anything." I held up my left hand so she could see the ring on my finger.

"This is so sad. Thank you—for Sergei's life."

"You're welcome."

*

"Did you find him?" We found Auggie still in his office two hours later.

"Yeah. He's okay, now."

"Look—I didn't know about Rafe's daughter until he admitted she was part of the underground about six months ago," Auggie said.

"I know. We just wanted to check in; we need to find sunlight somewhere, to recharge."

"All right. Thank you. I know Rafe would be grateful, if he just," Auggie floundered.

"Yeah. I know."

"Come," Valegar took my hand and folded space.

*

Notes—Colonel Hunter

When they disappeared, I leaned back in my chair until it creaked. I sat there for several minutes, wondering how many times Cori would have to pull all our fat from the fire.

*

Ilya

I heard from Katya two hours after I received the frantic call from her. "Sergei's fine," she reported. "Now. After two Larentii showed up to save him. Those animals tried to electrocute him, Papa."

"You need to move—they know where you are," I stated flatly.

"I know. Three of our friends are here—we'll move Sergei in a few hours. If those people hadn't shown up, he'd be dead."

"I understand," I sighed. "I wish I were there with you—to help you find a new place." My other phone rang—I looked at the caller ID. "Katya, hold on," I said. Setting the first phone down, I answered the second.

"Get Colonel Hunter to bring them to the U.S.," the voice said. I understood it was Rinnelar—and I forced myself not to delve deeper than that.

"I will make the call," I agreed.

"Good."

The call was ended. Working to even my breathing, I lifted the first phone. "Little moth, let me call Colonel Hunter. I hope he will allow me to bring you and Sergei to the U.S."





Chapter 3

Notes—Colonel Hunter

I had no idea how this meeting would go; I'd already given permission to move Rafe's daughter and her husband to the U.S. Matt agreed readily when I called him. He'd already arranged transportation before we got off the phone.

They'd arrive in two days. For the moment, I'd allow them to stay with Rafe at the Silver Spring townhouse.

I waited for Rafe to put things together, though, and go after Corinne in her new guise. While she wouldn't harm him if he attempted to attack, I had no idea how Valegar would react. As much as Rafe had loved Corinne, I believe Valegar did the same.

"We're here," Matt walked in with Opal. He wore a grim expression—it appeared he wasn't looking forward to seeing Corinne again. I wanted him to explain that, but didn't expect the information to come my way. I hesitated to attach the word subterfuge to my curious observations, but I couldn't rule out the idea that something was going on.

*

Corinne

"How do I look?" Valegar asked.

"You look great," I said. He did—he wore his blond hair slightly longer than many Larentii, and it brushed his forehead nicely as he turned before me, showing off his black jeans, turtleneck, Loafers and bomber jacket.

It was winter in the U.S.; Val could warm himself with power, but he'd look strange to any human if he were dressed only in a short-sleeved shirt and jeans.

"Humans get cold easily," Val observed.

"Honey, you should talk to people in Alaska, Canada and other places that get really cold before making such a broad statement," I said.

"I merely wanted to see whether you'd point out the flaw in my observation," he smiled. "You did well."

"Are all our conversations going to be tests?" I asked.

"No, I merely wanted to distract you for a moment."

"Ah. That."

He was right—I needed a distraction. The closer the meeting time, the more worried I felt. I wanted to fling my arms around Ilya. Have him kiss my worries away. That wasn't possible and might never be.

"Val," I said, "Has there ever been a Larentii with an anxiety disorder or PTSD?"

"Are you feeling the effects of those, my love?" He came to me immediately.

"I just—this is so f*cked up," I flung out a hand. I felt like crying and it wouldn't do to show up in Auggie's office sniffling.