Page 18 of Dark Witch: Twin Destinies

She canted her head. "Does it mean infertility?"

"Almost but not quite." Gabi cast her a sad smile. "Fertility is severely diminished after the transition, but it's still possible to conceive. We don't menstruate, so we don't waste eggs."

Jasmine wasn't sure she understood how that worked, but she didn't like how it sounded. Being a mother hadn't been a priority for her, but she'd always assumed that she would one day marry and have kids. Having the option taken from her was disturbing.

Perhaps she could wait to transition into immortality after having children?

Taking for granted that she had godly genes and could transition was probably a mistake because it wasn't a sure thing at all, but Jasmine was an optimist at heart, and she believed that she had what it took to become immortal.

Provided she understood things correctly, she didn't need to become immortal for her kids to have the godly genes. Any children born to her would inherit them from her whether she was still a Dormant or had transitioned already.

Had Margo and Frankie known about the fertility thing before turning immortal?

Glancing at them, she didn't see surprise or alarm, so she assumed that they had been told, and if they didn't seem troubled by it, maybe she shouldn't either. Maybe there was a solution to the low infertility that no one had mentioned yet.

Jasmine wanted to ask, but Aru and Negal were discussing the intricacies of high-altitude trekking. Since she knew nothing about it and couldn't contribute, she dug into the tasty morsels on her plate and listened to the conversation.

It occurred to her that she wasn't in the greatest of shape and that she would probably be a burden on the team of immortals. But then she was the witch, the conduit for the divine that would guide them to the alien pod, and without her, all their formidable abilities were worthless.

13

MARINA

Marina sipped her coffee with grateful abandon while the others chatted about the cruise's highlights and the future of the rescued women.

Peter put down his cup and leaned forward. "I requested this meeting because Marina and I got close during the cruise, and we would like to be together. Marina has spoken to Amanda about moving to the village, and Amanda suggested that she submit a transfer application. All I ask for is that you expedite it." He trained his eyes on Emmett. "As a personal favor to me."

Eleanor's brow furrowed. "You know the clan's stance on relationships with humans. It's not done to be cruel or restrict members' liberties but to protect both from heartache."

"I know," Peter said, his jaw tightening. "Which is why I think it's important that Marina and I downplay the depth of our relationship, at least for now. Let Kian and the others believe it's just casual and that she's moving in with me temporarily until she finds her footing in the village."

Emmett smiled indulgently. "I'm not sure that's the best approach, especially since it is easy to see that the two of you are in love. Kian's a romantic at heart and won't stand in the way of true love."

Eleanor shook her head. "Kian is also pragmatic, and he's more likely to approve the transfer if he thinks it's only for Marina's benefit and has little to do with Peter."

Marina didn't know which of them had it right, but Eleanor was the more sensible one, and she was immortal. She probably knew Kian better than Emmett did.

"I agree with Eleanor," Peter said. "I don't want to lie to Kian, but not mentioning me in the application is not lying. Marina's command of English is impressive, and she can help the Kra-ell in the village who are still struggling with the language. She can also serve as an interpreter or fill any other positions currently offered and desperately seeking applicants."

Emmett nodded. "Naturally, I will do as you ask." He looked at Marina. "Is that your wish? Do you want to move to the village?"

"Very much so."

"Then it's done." Emmett tapped his palm on his desk. "I'll fill it out today and submit it tomorrow."

"Do I need to sign it?" Marina asked.

"No need." Emmett lifted his coffee cup. "You will be invited to an interview, and your wish to transfer will be verified in person." He took a sip, carefully keeping his mustache and beard from partaking.

Marina swallowed. She should have expected that, but she hadn't, and the thought of a face-to-face meeting with Kian terrified her.

"Thank you for your help," Peter said. "And now to my second request. I'm stationed here for the next two weeks and would like to use one of the bungalows so Marina and I can be together. Are any still available?"

"They sure are." Eleanor slid off the desk, leaned over its other side, and opened a drawer.

Was she looking for a key?

"This is the list of codes for the locks on each bungalow." Eleanor handed Peter a piece of paper with a list of numbers. "Make a photo of it. You can choose any of the bungalows marked as available. At this time, the entire section is at your disposal."

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