Page 12 of Nyanine's Divide

I reach out and take the offered laptop, settling it in my lap as I begin skimming the notebook. “These features seem pretty advanced. Are you sure I can figure this thing out?” I chuckle, looking up at him nervously.

“If you have any trouble, call the shop. Ayira works reception, her mate is the one who programmed it. She’ll be able to get you the answers you need. As far as I was told, it should work like a normal laptop, he’s simply added security software to the browser and such so you can search without pop up ads and other viruses reaching you. He told me he added an additional browser for deeper digging, but knowing Kij, it’ll probably need a tutorial, and he’s not good at those.” He chuckles, running his hand through his hair as he shifts on his feet. “I also had him add a music app from Earth for you. I thought you might like something from home to enjoy while working. I know I always have music playing while I work.”

“Oh, thank you, Charlie, that’s so sweet. Tell me about this Kij person. Ayira, I’ve not heard these names. Can I trust these people?” I stare at him questioningly. I haven’t known Charlie long, but the kid seems like the kind to be very particular about his friends. He’s a good apple, and I hope that he’s surrounding himself with other people that share his missions and passions.

“Oh, right, you aren’t up to date. We’re so far apart. This time dilation between our galaxies sucks, huh? May I?” He gestures to the chair beside me, the one Kosiiba usually occupies when he isn’t jogging the perimeter. I nod my head, letting him sit, as Kosiiba rounds the corner and waves, pausing and stepping onto the porch. He leans his shoulder against the beam, his hair loose around his bare shoulders.

“Hey, Charlie. What’s going on?” Kosiiba greets politely, and I realize they’re probably close in age. Too bad they don’t live closer, they could be good friends, I would think.

“Charlie is about to catch us up on his missions as of late. Apparently, the time dilation between our distant galaxies means he’s been a busy bee.” I grin at Kosiiba before turning my attention to Charlie, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

“Yeah.” He shrugs, rubbing his neck before launching into his story. He starts at the beginning, telling us all about his adoption, his parents, moving, Ethan’s kidnapping, his sister Molly's kidnapping, and the subsequent deal he’s made with her captors, the Nobodies. Before he came to meet Tavionna, they had completed yet another mission to rescue a young girl named Maya. Her best friend had been rescued with Ethan and was desperate to find her. With the help of the Nobodies, they managed to find her and save her.

“So, these Nobodies are the people who have helped with this laptop? Kij and Ayira?” I ask, my head cocking to the side to make sure I’m understanding all the details properly.

“Yeah, Ayira is the leader of their group, all other members are her mates, except for her adopted son, Aisen. Their story is apparently long and complicated, she still won’t share it with me, but they somehow ended up in the criminal world. However, they used that to their advantage, to help those in desperate need. They used criminal means to do good deeds, kind of like a universal Robin Hood thing.”

“Ah, okay.” I nod, fully understanding, as I feel confusion radiate from the two bonds in my chest. Turning, I see identical puzzled looks on Kosiiba’s and Vahru’s faces, and I chuckle. “Robin Hood is a kids story about a man who stole from the rich to give to the poor. He used criminal means of stealing to help those who needed it most.”

They both open their mouths in an epiphany, and Charlie and I laugh together. It’s a human thing, obviously.

“Anyway, they now work for… with… me? Either way, Ayira helps out as reception for the free clinic I’ve opened with Ethan. Her doctor mate helps run it, my sister shadows him to learn until she’s eighteen and can join him working there. Aisen will be her personal nurse assistant, basically, and Kij, Blob, and Rygen act as security and muscle. They help make sure all runs smoothly and no one causes problems. We just want to help those who can’t help themselves.” He shrugs again, his gaze dropping to the porch as if in embarrassment. Vahru sits up, leaning back as intrigue and suspicion radiate through our bond, and I make a mental note to ask about that later so I can focus on the boy in front of me.

I reach out and grab his shoulder, forcing him to look up at me. “I think what you’re doing is amazing. And for someone so young to be able to afford such things and make it all a reality, it’s all the more impressive. Be proud of what you’re doing, Charlie.”

He gives me a bashful smile and nods.

“So, what will you do now?”

He lets out a heavy sigh. “Well, it looks like we have one last mission to work on because Zaynt is dead set on it. He wants to take down the Reapers, the notorious crime bosses of the universe. It’s not going to be easy, and I’m afraid it’s way too dangerous, but he’s not dropping it. He and Kij have been working like crazy on research and plans. Who knows, maybe bythe next time I see you, it’ll be over with and I can tell you the results of our efforts.”

“Wow, that sounds like a massive mission. I wish you all the luck, and hopefully, it all goes smoothly and you don’t lose anyone. If you do happen to need any backup, we’re here.” I nod at him, his hazel eyes meeting mine as he nods back.

Before he can respond, his comm rings, and he jumps up. “I have to go, this is urgent. It seems Zaynt has been blown up…. Uh, we’ll be in touch. Remember, if you need anything, call the shop. Ayira can get you to the right person for help.” He’s jumpy and fidgety, rushing to get up and gather himself, and I can’t say I blame him. His friend is in danger, possibly hurt.

“Be careful, Charlie,” I call after him as he rushes off the porch, his focus on the portal watch on his wrist.

He looks back and nods, waving a quick goodbye as he runs through the portal. There’s silence for a long moment as we all soak in his words, what he’s been through in the last few years, for him, and what he’s attempting to do. He’s going on a mission as big as the ones I’ve been on, if not bigger. All I can do is pray to the Guardians that he comes home safe, he and all his friends.

“Well, that was a lot.” Kosiiba shakes his shoulders out, standing up straight before stepping over and dropping into the vacated chair.

“Yeah. Hopefully his efforts aren’t in vain. And hopefully Kij’s weren’t with this laptop. I’m not sure I’ll be able to figure this out. It seems super advanced, even for me.”

“You know I’ll be here the entire way, Princess. One thing at a time.” Vahru reaches out and grabs my hand, kissing my knuckles. I smile at him, my heart fluttering for a moment.

“Well, I guess I better get to work on my research, see if I can dig up anything new now that I have the resources. You guys going to keep me company?” I look back and forth between the two of them, catching nods from each of them. My bonds humwith gratitude and love for each of them as I focus my attention on the task at hand.

Chapter 9

Willa

Rolling over in bed, I feel the cold sheets for Jeff, but I sit up to find he’s not in the bed or near it. Hearing sizzling and inhaling the smell of bacon, I smile and stretch before slowly climbing from the bed and slipping on a dress. It’s one of my favorites, a simple yellow with shells along the bottom hem that sits just below my knees. I quickly brush out my hair and tie it up for the day of washing I have ahead before padding across the house to the main room. We’re going to need a bigger house with actual bedrooms if we’re to have kids in the future. I wonder what sort of house Jeff would like to live in….

Jeff stands, shirtless, over the fire in the living room area, a plate of bacon piled beside him, a stack of pancakes on the table. He pulls the last pieces from the pan over the flames before turning to me and grinning. “Good morning, Kitten. I hopeyou’re hungry.” He walks over with his usual confident stride, setting the plate down before pulling me against him and kissing me as if he’s been missing me for months.

“Hmmm, I’m definitely hungry now.” I bite the air between our faces, making him chuckle with a shake of his head. He pulls the chair out for me, and we sit and eat in silence for a few moments before discussing our plans for the day.

“You’ve got a busy day, huh?” he asks around a mouthful of pancake. His hazel eyes stay focused on me, and I smile, nodding.

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