The Calling by D. Jackson Leigh

Author:D. Jackson Leigh [Leigh, D. Jackson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781626392977
Google: SFQABwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 24978957
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2015-02-15T03:00:00+00:00

*

“So, the day went well, I gather?”

Jael nodded. When she’d returned to the clearing, The Guard had been ready, and they flew several mountains away for their nightly aerial drills and flame-throwing practice. Now, the dragon horses had been released to prowl the night on their own, and The Guard was headed to their bunks.

It was late, and, while she didn’t want to sleep, she longed to be alone with her thoughts and memories of her day with Alyssa. It had been a very, very long time since she’d kissed a woman and felt something more than raw lust. Kissing Alyssa had fueled her fire rather than doused it. That wasn’t something she was ready to share with Second, even if her cousin was her closest confidante.

“She freaked at first when Specter’s transition began, but that was helpful because I know now that I’ll need to better prepare the prospects before we let them witness it. Giving her a preview was a good strategy.”

“Is that all it was?”

“What do you mean?”

“I might not be an empath or telepath, but it sure felt like there was a little more than just strategy going on between you two.”

Jael shrugged. She’d never hesitated to admit a physical liaison before. Dung, it was just biology. “I kissed her and she didn’t slap me, if that’s what you mean.” She shifted under Second’s gentle scrutiny. “The problem is, I don’t know if I’m endangering or fulfilling our fate. I don’t know if she’s here to test me or help me with our mission.”

“Your instincts have always been good, Jael. What does your gut say?”

Jael glanced away, then returned her gaze to hold Second’s, unable to stop a small smile. “My gut wants to kiss her again.”

“So, what’s stopping you?”

“This is going to be a bumpy ride for her,” Jael admitted. “I haven’t explained the elixir or the bonding that will follow. I don’t think she actually realizes that we’re gearing up for a battle, not a rescue. She’s never experienced physical suffering or violence.”

“Didn’t she tell you that she’s worked with hospice patients before?”

“Yes, but hospice is about accepting death that can’t be prevented. This will be about intentionally inflicting suffering. I think she’ll find that very different.”

“She knows death is but a gateway to rebirth.”

“She accepts it because she believes in The Collective. But she’s a first-life. She has no memory of previous lives as proof. Suffering can shatter belief with no foundation of proof. That’s exactly why this uprising has gained a foothold.”

“Don’t underestimate her, Jael. She’s stronger than you think. And, if she wavers, you must be her foundation, her proof that everything—no matter how brutal—is as it must be.”

“I’ve never been good at taking things on faith myself,” Jael admitted. “How can I ask her to do what I can’t?”

“How can you not? The unity of The Collective is at stake.”

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