Loving Deviant (Cyborg Seduction Book 9) (11 page)

“Where do you want her, Maze?”

The medic bent, placed his case down, and removed a scanner. “She’s fine there, Deviant.” The male straightened, turning on his device, and then spoke directly to Venice. “My name is Maze. I’m going to scan you.”

“Okay.”

Venice held still as Maze began at her head, lowered the scanner over her face, throat, chest, and continued all the way down to her feet. The medic crouched on one knee, scowled, then ran the scanner over her again from her shoulders to her feet.

His mouth parted, his gaze lifting to Deviant’s.

Deviant knew what the medic would say so he stated it first. He trusted Venice. “She has three artificial limbs, correct?”

Maze nodded. “Yes. There’s more.”

“The left shoulder blade, part of my rib cage, and I have some replacement organs,” Venice volunteered. “I was in an accident on Earth. Do you want a list of all the work done on me?”

“I can see it.” Maze stood, running the scanner over her face. “The fractured skull you suffered has completely healed but there is some deep scarring on one side of your face. It’s not visible to the naked eye. Skin grafts?”

Venice nodded. “From burns.”

Maze lowered his scanner and held Stag’s gaze. “This female has suffered extensive damage.”

“Any trackers embedded?”

Maze shook his head. “No.” He looked back at Venice. “What happened to you?”

“I was in a road vehicle accident on Earth.”

“Amazing. I’ve never seen work like that before. I request to take more extensive scans of your prosthetics.”

Deviant shifted his body, pulling Venice behind him a little. “Not if it will cause her any pain.”

“My job is to heal, not cause harm. The scans would be painless. The medical advancements are fascinating.”

“So she could have a tracker in one of her limbs you can’t detect?” Stag pushed away from the wall.

“No.” Maze turned to face the commander. “There are no transmitters inside her.”

“Are you certain?” Stag seemed determined to view Venice as a threat.

“I am certain. The female isn’t a cyborg but she’s still been modified by technology with her three limbs. They are harmless prosthetics. The design and function of them is more advanced than what we have. It would be beneficial if I could copy and reproduce them for our people.”

That news caused Deviant to relax. “She could help our race. Is that what you’re saying, Maze?”

The medic glanced back at him and gave a sharp nod. “Yes. I’d love to examine her at length and ask her questions.”

“No tracking devise? No transmitter? You’re one hundred percent certain?” Stag’s voice lowered, his anger still present.

“One hundred percent,” Maze swore.

“Hacking capability?” Stag wasn’t about to discount her as a threat easily.

“The only tech inside her head is a small device that conducts signals to her artificial limbs. I’m familiar with the unit. That hasn’t been upgraded from the tech we have. She wouldn’t be able to remote hack our systems, even by touch. Her synthetic hand is amazing but not designed for that function.” Maze turned and stared down at Venice. “It doesn’t quite read as human-cloned skin. The organic components are unique. What is it?”

“I’m not sure.” Venice leaned against Deviant, pressing tight to his side. “It feels real.”

“Amazing. If I took a small clip of skin, would it scar or heal over?”

“It would heal.”

“Would you allow me to take a sample?”

“You’re not taking her skin.” Deviant had had enough. “Back off, Maze.”

The medic did as asked and returned his scanner to his case. “A tiny clipping is all I’d require. It could help our children born with skin defects.” Maze rose up, gripping his equipment. “It might even help with
your
defect, once I figure out how to replicate what they grafted her with, Deviant.”

“There’s nothing wrong with Deviant.” Venice pressed against him tighter. “I won’t agree to help you if you so much as
think
about messing with any part of his body! That’s the deal if you want samples of my skin.”

Deviant couldn’t help but smile. Venice was defending him, her fear gone. His female was smart. She’d quickly figured out she held value and was using it for leverage.

“Is she similar enough to a cyborg?” Hellion shifted his stance. “That’s what I want to know. Do you believe the council will consider placing her in that status?”

Maze shook his head. “She was born to parents and her DNA wasn’t enhanced. She’s just had a lot of work done, but that won’t qualify her as one of us.”

“I want a report immediately from the both of you,” Stag demanded. “How you found her.” He glared at Deviant, then turned his attention to Venice. “And what happened to you, who you are, where you came from, and how you ended up on
my
ship. You go first, Deviant. Speak—and don’t lie to me.”

Deviant licked his lips. It was going to take hours to go over those details, and the cyborgs in the room looked as if they had no intention of leaving until they got answers. He guided Venice to the bed and both of them took a seat.

He began first. “My father demanded I visit the automated brothel.” It was embarrassing to admit the reason to the crew, but necessary. He would do it for Venice.

Venice watched the cyborgs leave and blew out a relieved breath. “Stag is kind of paranoid, isn’t he?”

Deviant nodded. “I apologize for the way he kept asking you to repeat parts of what happened to you.”

“It’s okay. I
am
a stowaway on his ship. I can see why he’d be so upset. I’m just grateful he’s allowing me to stay with you and not locking me up inside the cargo hold.”

“I would have gone there with you if that was the case. I’m not leaving your side, Venice.”

He was so sweet, and she definitely appreciated it. “Thank you.”

Deviant smiled, stroking her fingers resting in his hand. “It will be fine. I’m glad you picked up on what Maze said about your unique skin and upgraded prosthetics. The council may actually be relieved I found you. Do you mind allowing him to scan them and taking a skin sample from you? We’re always trying to advance our medical knowledge. It’s been more difficult since we left Earth. They have at least a hundred thousand scientists working on those things but we only have a few dozen cyborgs who took up that work. We’re smart but our resources are limited.”

“I don’t mind. I hope anything Maze learns can help others. Do cyborgs get hurt often?”

“Occasionally. Sometimes they are born with birth defects. We’re uncertain why. It makes no sense. The first generations were engineered to be perfect, yet it doesn’t always get passed down to their children.” He glanced at his hand, seeming to study it.

She guessed what he was thinking. “Your skin and eyes
aren’t
a defect.” He was beautiful to her, and she wasn’t about to let him forget it. “Promise me you’ll never allow some doctor to mess with either.”

He inclined his head. “You’re the only one who sees me as unflawed, but I’ll agree. I’ve spent thirty-five years this way. I am unsure I’d know how to be something else.”

“Good. Cyborgs are morons if they want everyone to look the same. There’s a name for that.”

He met her gaze and arched one eyebrow.

“Androids.”

A smile touched his lips. “Ah.”

“They pretty much all look the same. I used to go to the market and see them shopping for their owners. I never could afford one, but they’re eerie. I won’t lie. There would be at least fifty or sixty of them walking around and a lot of them wore the same clothing, factory-direct. Imagine seeing that. All the same height and size, dressed alike, same faces and wigs. They even moved alike.” She grimaced. “I never
wanted
to own one. They creeped me out.”

“They made cyborgs gray so we couldn’t be mistaken for Earthers.”

“Your size and physique would have done that. I’ve never seen guys who are as handsome or as in shape as any of you are.”

“That actor in the vid, the bad one, was attractive and muscular.”

“And had more work done on him in a surgery center, most likely. They also edit the vids to make some of those men look way better than they do in real life. I saw a celebrity once. He had a pot belly but they removed that from his vids. It’s all special effects.”

“I see.”

“I heard people used to go to these places called gyms to get in shape, before they created surgeries that could remove any excess weight and implants that make you look as if you have muscles. It’s costly though, so few can afford the upkeep as they age.” She glanced at his exposed arms. “Those aren’t implants.”

“No. They are not.”

She leaned in and surprised him with a kiss on his lips. He released her hand and she laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and easily lifted her, proving how strong he was. She straddled his lap, snuggling in close.

“I think we should celebrate,” she whispered against his lips. “I know the perfect way.”

“Me too.”

The door chimed.

Deviant groaned, and she could totally relate as he pulled away and lifted her once more, setting her on the bed next to him.

“What do they want now?” His irritation sounded in his voice as he stood, crossed the room, and slapped his hand on the pad by the door.

The door opened and Mavo pushed past him, entering the room. “Are you both well? I couldn’t leave Control. But Stag just relieved me of duty for the rest of the flight home. He’s furious.” Mavo ran his gaze over Venice, looking relieved. “He didn’t take her from you.”

“I wouldn’t have allowed it.” Deviant closed the door. “He was very angry.”

“He still is. I didn’t know what was going on. He stood up in Control and told me to take his seat, then contacted me to change course away from Garden. He just returned to Control, snapped at me about how he knew I was aware of the Earther’s existence, then ordered me out of his sight for the remainder of our time on the
Varnish
.”

“I’m sorry, Father.”

Mavo waved a hand. “It doesn’t matter.”

“My actions have resulted in Stag disciplining you.”

Mavo stepped close to his son, gripped both of his arms, and held his gaze. “Don’t think of it that way. Do you hear me? I know you too well. I don’t care about that. Stag has a reputation for being harsh with his crew. It won’t affect any of my future assignments. I would consider it an honor if he writes me up for this offense. Your happiness is always my priority.”

Venice really liked Deviant’s father. He didn’t seem upset in the least that he’d been chewed out by the menacing captain she’d met.

Deviant gripped Mavo’s arms too. “Thank you, Father.”

“Has Stag confined you to quarters?”

“Yes.”

“I am only banned from Control. I’ll take care of bringing you all of your meals. We reach Garden in the morning. Stag changed course again and increased our speed. He wants the Earther off his ship as fast as possible. That’s good news for us. We’ll be home soon.”

“He really hates me, doesn’t he?” Venice said.

Deviant released his father and approached her, sitting close. “It’s not personal, Venice. You’ve done nothing to deserve his ire.”

“Stag has always had issues with Earthers. It’s common knowledge.” Mavo held her gaze. “He suffered major losses of the cyborgs assigned with him on an Earth battle cruiser. Some of his close friends were murdered by the crew. I was told he was one of the first batches of cyborgs produced, and saw a lot more death than most of us because of his age.”

“Father had it rough as well, but he met one Earther who gave him hope that not all of them meant us harm.”

Mavo smiled. “My Emily. She helped cyborgs escape, and now she’s my daughter. We call her Cyan though. It’s a long story.”

Venice glanced at Deviant. “You didn’t tell me you had a sister. Is she from an Earther mother?”

He smiled too. “It’s not a biological tie. Father adopted her. She was born on Earth, with health issues, but her father was the one who created cyborgs. He built her a new body to replace her failing one. It took her a long time but she found us. She’s married to Krell. He’s the cyborg I spoke of, the one for whom my father petitioned the council to force my mother to birth me, in order to ensure Krell’s obligation to have a child was technically met.”

Venice wanted to hear more and had a lot of questions. Mavo had other ideas.

“May we talk alone, Deviant?” He gave an apologetic look to Venice. “This isn’t about you. It’s about a family matter concerning his mother.”

Venice stood. “I’ll go wash my face.” Deviant wasn’t allowed to leave and the only way to give them privacy was to enter the cleansing unit.

“That was rude, Father.” Deviant didn’t want Venice to think she wasn’t trusted.

“That wasn’t my intention. I didn’t want to frighten her. She’s been through enough after Stag discovered her presence aboard. Your mother will find out about the girl and cause trouble. I wanted you to be prepared for it.”

“Venice isn’t a girl, and Mother will have to accept her in my life.”

“This is your mother we’re speaking of. She is determined to find a female cyborg willing to accept you into a family unit. You agreed to allow her to make those arrangements.”

“I didn’t foresee Venice.”

“I understand. You approved of your mother’s plans because you didn’t wish to be alone anymore, regardless of who she found to accept you. Now you’re not alone. But your mother won’t see Venice as a viable option. She’s similar to Stag on her stance of Earthers.”

“She allowed you to adopt Cyan.”

“Cyan is revered by cyborgs. She helped us escape Earth’s tyranny. For your mother to say no would have been seen as offensive by our race. And your mother aspires to one day gain a seat with the council. She evaluated my request and felt her generosity to allow the adoption would make her appear a favorable candidate to the populace.”

Deviant didn’t try to hide his surprise. “I didn’t know she hoped to join the council.”

“The female holds grudges. She only wants the position to make their lives difficult.”

That hurt. His father didn’t say it, but they both knew why she would hold a grudge against the council. They’d ruled against her wishes and forced her to become pregnant with a child she hadn’t wanted. Deviant. “You believe she’ll see Venice as a threat to her accomplishing her goal?”

“Yes.”

“Some of the council members have joined into family units with Earthers. They hold no ill will toward them. She will see reason. I’ll reminder her.”

“Good. I just don’t want her to disappoint you.”

Again.
They were both probably thinking it. “Thank you for the warning. I’m aware of my mother’s flaws.”

“I’m so sorry, Deviant.”

“Her actions and words have always been her own.”

“I am aware, but I still wish she had been a kinder female.”

“Why did you choose her? May I ask?”

His father broke eye contact and glanced around the room.

“She chose you,” Deviant guessed. “Do you know why?”

“I had earned respect for my part in our escape. At one of the Anniversary of Freedom celebrations, the council singled me out during a speech. They thanked me and shared stories of my contributions. It was a high honor, and she offered to contract with me. I agreed. I felt fortunate to be asked.”

“She chose you to gain favor with the populace as well.”

Mavo nodded. “The reason didn’t seem important at the time. I believed she’d get to know me and learn to value my contributions to our family unit.”

Deviant reached out and pressed his hand to his father’s chest, knowing that had never happened. “
I
value you. You are and have always been an excellent father.”

“Thank you. Are you and Venice hungry? I’ll go get you food.”

“That would be appreciated.”

Mavo backed away and left, leaving Deviant to go to the cleansing unit, where he opened the door. Venice leaned against a wall looking bored.

“I apologize.”

“Space is limited in your quarters.” She smiled. “It’s okay.”

He offered her his hand, gently leading her out and to the bed. They sat. “I don’t want you to believe I don’t trust you. My father just wanted to speak to me about my mother. She’s difficult, and might object to my bringing you home.”

“You’re a grown man. Can she do anything?”

“No.” He was amused by her terminology. “I
am
an adult and have my own living quarters on Garden. It will be fine.”

She released his hand and leaned in close, then reached up and cupped his face. “I’m nothing but trouble for you, am I? I’m sorry.”

“Don’t ever apologize. I’m glad that you came into my life. My mother rarely requires my attention. I believe my father is more worried than he should be. That’s what he does. He worries about me.”

“He seems like a really great father.”

“He is. Don’t give my mother a second thought.”

Venice smiled and his mood lightened. He hadn’t lied to her. His mother would probably be relieved the pressure was off her to find females willing to test him for a family unit.

“My father is bringing us food. Once he leaves, I believe we should indulge in our delayed celebration.”

“I agree. I’m for any reason we can get naked.”

Deviant felt warmth spread through his entire body. It was nice to finally be wanted. “You are special to me, Venice.”

She leaned in and kissed him on the lips. “I feel the same way about you.”

“Tell me about your parents.”

Some of her happiness faded and he regretted the question. She spoke before he could tell her it was fine if she didn’t answer.

“They had my sister and me late in life. Our family wasn’t exactly well off. They had to bribe officials to get permission to even have children, so they saved up for a long time. They were wonderful parents.” Her smile returned. “Dad was funny and my mom was very affectionate with us. They were truly and deeply in love. They were always hugging and kissing each other, as well as us. I had a great childhood.”