Origins by Mike Resnick

Author:Mike Resnick [Resnick, Mike]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-03-07T17:59:34.203000+00:00

When he awoke, Joy was yelling. He opened his eyes and looked around. They hadn’t moved, but they were tied up.

“You goddamn mother fucker. He trusted your fugly ass. You talk about betrayal? Look in the mirror. Let us go. Now.”

“Calm down. I will not harm you, and I have to do this.”

“No you don’t,” Joy snarled.

“It is not like I can take your power away. You are drained, but it will come back. Zareb could get out of his ropes easily. It has to look good or they will come after me. The shaman is powerful. I want a fresh start and Zareb wouldn’t let me explain—this gave me the time I needed. Now he can listen. Thank goodness you are awake, Zar. Your woman has a mouth on her.” Kir looked over at him, his eyes pleading with him to understand.

And he did. Kir would not go against them, not again. He’d seen the error of the side he was on—that was good. He would be an asset to the Masters pack and this would prove that he could be trusted. There would be no mistake once they got to the others and released Ive and Dji. It would be good to have two members of his original pride with him.

“It will be all right, my siel,” Zareb reassured Joy.

“How can you say that? You were unconscious when I woke up. He drugged you.”

“He speaks the truth,” Zareb insisted.

“How can you tell? I can’t read auras like V. And in this instance I trust action over words.”

“You are feisty and I am so very happy you are mine. You told me you had faith in me. Believe me when I say I would never place you in danger on purpose.” He looked right into her eyes, letting her feel his love.

“Thank you, Zareb. I am ready when the two of you are.” Kir stood and backed away, giving them space.

“This is a very bad idea, Z. Very bad.”

“He is correct, though, we have our magic. You drained yourself, but if need be you can use it. It is my hope that by the time we get there, Dji will be free on his own and we can gather the pups and be on our way. Worst case scenario is we go in and let Kir have a good show of faith, and take them down.”

“Take them down—I’m good with that.”

“I thought you might be. Are you ready?”

“Yeah.”

Zareb got out of his ropes and stood. Moving closer to Joy, he pulled her close to undo her bonds. Once she was free they hugged, her arms wrapped around his neck, and she jumped, putting her legs around his body.

He supported her with his arms and let her draw him into a kiss. Joy placed her palm on his cheek and caressed him, the gesture so intimate.

“It is time. We should go,” Kir interrupted them.

Joy moved off him and strode to Kir. “I’m still not a hundred per cent on your side.

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