Obedience on Fire by J D Morganne

Author:J D Morganne [Morganne, J D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798616964526
Published: 2020-04-21T22:00:00+00:00

18

They trekked downhill to get to the Tite Skyrail. Because of Beck, they passed through the gates with no wait time. The skyrail took them halfway up the mountain, to another platform, active with men and women dancing in vibrant, showy costumes. Someone was howling in tune with scattered drumbeats that echoed through the mountains.

Over Beck’s shoulder. Jaxon slouched and shrank himself to get through the crowd. Nano had him carrying most of the bags, even though he was already panting. “Because he’s back on two feet,” he had said. “Need to tone those calves.”

The rest of the hike up Mt. Garrida was quiet, save for chirping insects and birds. Aria lifted a Restricted sign and chain that opened to a sequestered path.

“This spot’s ours,” Beck heard Nano say.

Cayman had disclosed more than he knew, but what resonated with Beck was the idea of Jaxon having fought in wars he couldn’t remember. It was hard to believe his face was the face of danger. Nothing about him was threatening. He still hadn’t learned how to live in their environment. This was his first time hiking since he got his casts off and if he tripped one more time, Beck would have to call a rescue team.

Aria shrugged her bag up on her shoulder. “I’m gonna go ahead,” she said.

Beck trusted Aria, but she didn’t trust the ears in the trees. Everything they did around Jaxon would have to be in private. If she could speak kit fluently, they’d hold all conversations in Terramulken around him. She racked her brain, but she hadn’t come up with a conclusive reason why Cayman would want Jaxon. She knew he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, even if that meant crossing the border.

“Cayman says he learns fast,” she said, after being quiet for too long.

“We knew that. What else?”

“That’s it.”

“Ya eyebrow’s doing that twitchy thing. You’re lyin’.”

“We’re not talking about it out here.” Beck nodded at their gear. “Let’s set up.”

They stopped a short distance from the cliff edge and went to work setting up a camp and building a fire. Laughter broke through the trees nearby, but they had this spot to themselves.

Mt. Garrida was about swimming away depressions. When Beck was younger, her mom would hike the three of them to the top and take turns cliff-diving. Those hot days, her cheek pressed to her mother’s bosom, the warmth of her strong arms, resided in Beck. She was dying to drown it all out. “Jax.”

“Yes, Emiir?” He was in the midst of unpacking Aria’s sunscreen and reading over the label and didn’t stop to give her his attention.

So tolerant. So obedient. There was no way he was who Cayman said.

Beck wouldn’t let Jaxon’s disregard annoy her. “Let Aria put some of that on you.”

“Some of?” Nano said, rubbing on his own sunscreen. “I bet not. He’s a grown man. He can do it his-self.” The sunlight brightened all the twists and creaks of jealousy at Nano’s mouth and eyes.

“I’ll do it,” Beck offered, holding out her hand.

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