Harbinger (20 page)

“Try to stay busy,” Berlynn advised. “Keep your mind occupied with something else, anything else.”

“I will.” She pushed her plate aside and picked up her mug of herbal tea. She was craving a cup of coffee, but coffee was always hard to find on Rodyte-controlled facilities. “Is Ulrik still here or did Garin let him go back to Earth?”

Berlynn’s expression revealed frustration and disgust, a common combination when dealing with Ulrik. “He caused a commotion yesterday on one of the commerce tiers, so now he’s restricted to his apartment. I had dinner with him last night. As you can imagine, he was in a seriously shitty mood.”

“How could you tell?”

The sarcastic question made Berlynn smile. “It’s hard to feel sorry for him when he’s brought most of this on himself.”

Guilt rushed in on the heels of Berlynn’s smile. Haven had avoided this detail since she first came to Lunar Nine. There would never be a good time for this conversation, but Haven wanted the last of her secrets aired so she could focus on the future. “B, there’s something I need to tell you, something you deserve to know.”

Berlynn tilted her head as her golden eyes narrowed. “Is this about Dad?”

Haven nodded, throat so tight she couldn’t swallow. “It’s my fault.”

“What’s your fault?”

Forcing the words out past dry lips, Haven rushed through her explanation. “Milanni mentioned that the battle born were in Boulder, so I figured Vinton might need help. I sent a message to him offering whatever support I could provide, but I sent it through Milanni.”

Understanding gradually widened Berlynn’s eyes. “Are you expecting me to be angry? I was there, Haven. I saw how it happened. Dad freaked out and attacked Milanni. She was basically defending herself.”

Tears blurred Haven’s gaze. Berlynn was always understanding, but this was… Haven rushed around the table and gave her niece a hug. “I’m so sorry I played any part in what happened. I’m just so very sorry.”

Berlynn looked into her eyes and slowly smiled. “I’ll miss Dad until I see him again in the next reality, but his death was an accident, a horrible, tragic accident.”

Haven heaved a long, purging sigh. “I’m not sure I could be so rational.”

“Ulrik sure as hells won’t be,” Berlynn pointed out as Haven returned to her seat. “That’s why you’re not going to tell him.”

“I’m not?” Haven felt slightly shaky, but she also felt light, free of a massive encumbering weight.

“All it would do is give him one more reason to be pissed off. Don’t lie if he asks you point blank, but don’t intentionally go there.”

Haven nodded, seeing the wisdom in Berlynn’s suggestion. “I can live with that.”

“So can I.” Berlynn paused for a bite of her fluffy omelet then her smile turned mischievous. “I saw Danvier leave your apartment early this morning. Was he there all night? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

Only three years separated their ages, so Berlynn had always been more sister than niece. Haven was thrilled that Berlynn was here, so they could support each other through this challenging transition. “You know he’s a potential mate, so you know the answer.”

Berlynn’s brows arched. “Is he still a
potential
mate, or did you let him claim you?”

“He’s ready, willing and able. I’m the one who’s holding out.”

“After what happened with Javin, no one can blame you for being cautious.”

Haven sighed and set her mug down by her plate. “Danvier is nothing like Javin. Javin was secretive and moody. Danvier is…solid as a rock.”

“Unfortunately, he’s as expressive as one too.”

That made Haven chuckle. “You don’t know the real Danvier. He’s continually struggling to control his power.” Just remembering the vast store of energy he had at his command made Haven tingly. “That’s why he’s so serious so much of the time.”

“Does he make you happy?”

Happiness was far more elusive than Haven had once believed. “I’m not sure yet. He honestly seems too good to be true and we both know what that usually means.”

“If something seems too good to be true, it generally is.” Berlynn nodded, clearly in agreement with the adage.

“Besides, we’ve only known each other for a few days. I’m not going to rush in this time.”

“I understand.”

Danvier walked up to their table a few minutes later, looking freshly scrubbed and neatly groomed. His thick braid hung down over one shoulder, accenting the silver embroidery on his dark blue tunic. “If you’re finished eating, the others are waiting for us in Garin’s office.”

“What others? I thought we were going to update Garin.”

“Just Raylon and Chandar, but Garin would like you there as well,” he said to Berlynn.

“Me? Why? I’ve been cooped up here for the past few days.”

Translation, she had nothing to do with Pyre’s death. Haven didn’t blame her for being reluctant. These sorts of things were never pleasant.

Much to her surprise, Danvier smiled and merriment sparkled in his eyes. “I think he’s inventing reasons to keep you around.”

Berlynn gasped and her cheeks pinkened. “He is not. I annoy him.”

Danvier laughed. “If you say so.”

Haven looked from Berlynn to Danvier and back. “Is something going on between you and General Nox?” The possibility was intriguing to say the least.

“Absolutely not.” Her assertion came a bit too quickly and with a bit too much vehemence.

Haven shifted her gaze back to Danvier and he winked at her.
Watch them during the meeting. Each time they’re together sparks fly.

Thrilled by the pleasant diversion, Haven pushed back from the table. “Well, let’s get this over with.” She moved to Danvier’s side and he took her by the hand. This was the first time he’d touched her in public and yet it felt strangely comfortable, as if PDAs were nothing out of the ordinary for them.

Berlynn followed as Danvier led Haven toward the elevator. He dismissed their guard/escort as they passed, hardly breaking stride. Haven would have preferred to take the stairs, but the others were already waiting. Rather than assembling chairs in front of Garin’s desk, everyone sat around the round table in the back corner of his office. It created the illusion of equality.

The general sat beside a severe-looking man with a scar marring one side of his face. Scars were a novelty in this day and age. Regeneration had made such disfigurements a thing of the past on Rodymia. It was obvious from their relaxed poses and frequent smiles that they were well acquainted and comfortable with each other.

Next to the scarred man sat a stunningly beautiful female. Her silver hair and pearlescent skin identified her as an organic harbinger, but the sculpted perfection of her features linked her to Danvier. It was hard to believe that either sibling belonged to the same race as the tall, dark and deadly battle born soldiers.

Danvier sat down beside Chandar, so Haven slipped onto the chair on his right. The only seat left for Berlynn was the one between Haven and Garin. Danvier made the introductions, which drew Garin’s attention and ended his conversation with Raylon.

“We have plans to make, so I’ll come right to the point,” Garin began as everyone settled in. “Word of Pyre’s death has already reached Rodymia.”

“How did they find out so fast?” Haven’s heart lurched and heat crawled up her neck. Now she wasn’t just a fugitive. She was also a murderer.

“The IG has spies among my men just like I have spies among their ranks. Is there some reason you didn’t want them to know? You acted in defense of your mate. Your actions were completely defensible.”

She’d been defending her mate? Had everyone decided that her mating with Danvier was a foregone conclusion? Rather than commenting on the slip, she shook her head. “It has always taken Tandori Tribe weeks to send a message to Rodymia. I keep forgetting that our technology is seriously antiquated.”

“Is that by choice?” Garin asked. “I know you’ve had interaction with Rodytes since the exile. Why has no one updated your technology?”

“The approach has been hotly debated down through the years,” Haven admitted. “Our primary defense has always been neutrality. We blend with humanity and don’t give Rodytes a reason to come after us. That’s what has kept us safe.”

Garin acknowledged her statement with a nod, though the tension in his jaw made her wonder if he disagreed. “If your position changes, let me know. Not being able to contact your people from off world is a pain in the ass.”

She smiled at the offer. Vinton had been the one who bordered on xenophobia. She wasn’t sure how the other territorial leaders would feel about the opportunity.

“Letos is interim guild master,” Garin went on, “and he has requested a meeting with a representative from the battle born.”

“Is Letos acting on behalf of the IG or the steering committee?” Raylon wanted to know.

“He didn’t specify and I’m not sure it matters. Whoever controls the IG, controls the steering committee or at least has the power to control it if they want to use it. Every person on Rodymia depends on the IG in one way or another.” Garin turned back to the table at large as he continued. “I’m not opposed to negotiating with Letos. The problem is, the human task force is still waiting for a representative as well. Both situations are equally important and neither can wait until the other is resolved.”

Raylon nodded. “So who’s going where?”

“That’s what we’re here to decide. There are inherent risks for most of us if we return to Rodymia.” He looked at Haven. “Your cover was blown thanks to Pyre, but Quinton has troops out hunting all the known leaders of this rebellion. That includes Raylon and me.”

Last she’d heard it was just the Nox brothers with prices on their heads. Apparently, Quinton had expanded the list of targets considerably. Not surprising. The crown stirate was growing progressively more desperate as the crowd of Garin’s supporters swelled.

“Would Letos be willing to come here?” Raylon asked. “It would be a lot safer.”

“Perhaps, but I’d prefer to handle this quickly. Without a
Phantom
, it takes the better part of two days just to reach Earth. I’d like to have a clear direction by then.”

“Good point,” Raylon grumbled. Clearly, he didn’t relish the idea of leaving Lunar Nine.

Chandar followed the conversation attentively, but didn’t speak.

“I think it’s important that someone from Tandori Tribe be included in each of these negotiations.” Garin glanced at Haven, but his penetrating stare lingered on Berlynn. “That’s why you two are here.”

“Sounds like you want Danvier and Haven to return to Rodymia,” Raylon concluded. “Am I meeting with the human task force or holding down the fort?”

“Haven can’t return to Rodymia. It’s much too dangerous.” Berlynn sat up straight and looked directly at Garin, defiance shining in her eyes. “I won’t allow it.”

Haven looked at her niece, shocked by her outburst. “It’s not your decision to make.” She might as well have kept silent for all the attention Berlynn paid her.

Berlynn was completely focused on Garin and determined to start a fight. “It’s reckless and foolish that you would even consider sending her back into danger. She’s not one of your men.”

“I’m aware of the risks, Miss Tandori.” The growly tone in Garin’s voice was undeniably sensual. Danvier was right. These two had serious chemistry. “The choice, of course, is Haven’s.”

“And Haven chooses to assist wherever she’s needed,” Haven stressed. “The Tandori supporters on Rodymia can arrange the meeting with Letos. And bio-streaming will allow us to forgo spaceport security.”

“Or we can remain shielded as we did at Stargazer Ranch,” Danvier suggested. “We just need a location secluded enough to facilitate the landing.”

“Is that satisfactory?” A wry smile twisted Garin’s mouth as he looked at Berlynn. He was doing a lot of that, come to think of it.

“Don’t mock me.” Berlynn’s voice was needlessly sharp and her cheeks were flushed again. “I recently lost my father. I’d rather not lose my only aunt.”

“Of course. I apologize.”

See what I mean.
Danvier deftly pushed the thought into Haven’s mind.
Garin won’t admit it yet, but he has his sights set on Berlynn.

Poor Berlynn
. Haven fought back a smile.
Despite her current flash of feistiness, she’s actually quite innocent.

Garin is an honorable man. He would never harm a female, innocent or not.

“I’d prefer to deal with the humans myself,” Garin was saying, drawing Haven back to the subject at hand. “I’m not worried about Nazerel or Morgan, but I suspect our needs will necessitate approvals beyond their jurisdiction.”

Raylon’s only response was a thoughtful nod.

Garin looked at Berlynn and awareness pulsed again. “Will you please accompany me to Earth as an official representative of Tandori Tribe?”

With her cheeks flaming again, Berlynn looked at Haven. “The council appointed you, not me.”

“And I’m appointing you as my proxy. I can’t be in two places at once.”

“I suppose you can’t.” Berlynn glanced at Garin then back at Haven. “Do we need the council’s approval?”