Rebel Ice (37 page)

"I want you to come with me." He took her hands in his. "Be with me, Resa. Not as a kedera or a bondmate, but as whatever we will be to each other."

Resa thought of Jarn's prediction and smiled. "Yes. I will be with you."

Reever went immediately to his quarters as soon as he was off duty. Xonea had offered to give him several days to spend with Cherijo and Marel, but he had refused. "She needs time, Xonea," he told the captain. "Time to heal." "She has become a stranger, Duncan. She refuses to answer to anything but this 'Jarn.' She walks the

"We will travel it together. She is with us. That is all that matters."

Reever entered his access code and walked into his quarters. Most of the furnishings were gone, as they made Cherijo uneasy. Pillows and bed coverings littered the floor. The cats had taken refuge with Salo and Darea Torin, for neither of them had recognized Cherijo, and Reever had been worried she might try to kill and eat them while he was on duty.

He looked in their bedroom, but the sleeping platform was empty. An arrow of fear shot through him as he strode across his quarters and opened the door to his daughter's room. Her bed was also empty.

Reever was about to summon security when he heard a soft sigh come from under the bed. He got down on his hands and knees, and saw Cherijo and Marel nestled together on a blanket under the sleeping platform. In Cherijo's right hand was a wicked-looking blade. Her left arm was curled around their daughter. Both were fast asleep.

Reever stripped out of his tunic and crawled under the bed. He would have to do something about the bed. Perhaps raise it. He stretched out behind Cherijo, and put his arm around her before closing his eyes.

She is with us. That is all that matters now.