Page 80 of The Edge of Dawn

Freedom.

For the most unexpected of things.

And he had an idea.

At last, Dragek reached the nondescript Qualum doors that marked the entrance to his quarters. The tiny fibers unraveled as he entered, admitting him into a room that was similar to Jade’s, except his furnishings were starker and less comfortable.

It was the quarters of a warrior.

Nothing more, nothing less.

He laid his skinsuit and mask down on the sleeping pod and lowered himself to a sitting position on the floor, where he felt most comfortable.

Then he leaned back, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply.

It’s you who will decide your fate—through the choices you make.

Did that include following an instinct he could barely comprehend? This urge to be with her? Merely thinking about her was enough to make him hard again.

And the thought of being in a dream together…

It made him a little wild.

Because everything was different now.

Come, Jade. Let me show you. For one such as you, it will be easy to walk in the world beneath consciousness once you know how.

TWENTY-SEVEN

She was wired.

Restless.

Filled with heat and yearning, Jade clung to the sound of his mindvoice.

She couldn’t believe it. She could actually talk to this man across hundreds of meters… maybe even further than that.

I want to see how far you can go.

She didn’t know whether it was a challenge or a taunt. Maybe both.

She could never have predicted that he’d be so free with her, almost mischievous.

And now, he was saying he could teach her how to sleep in an instant? He was so certain of it, too.

Yeah, right. Cocky bastard.

She was looking forward to proving him wrong.

Besides, he had no idea how much he was to blame for her current state.

I can feel your skepticism, you know.

Startled, she pulled the sheets around her body, instinctively curling her knees up to her chest. Are you reading my thoughts, Dragek?

As much as it would make my existence easier, I can’t do that. But I can feel your ka’qui.

How is that any different?

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