Page 8 of The Cyborg Way
Her fingers slid easily between her damp folds and she shuddered again as she brushed a finger over the swollen nub of her clit, imagining that it was Levi’s hand touching her. She was quite sure that even a single one of his fingers was probably twice as large as hers, so she added another finger, testing the thickness as she slipped them between her legs. Oh, yes, that was even better. How much better would it feel if he were touching her? Would he watch her with that intense grey gaze as his thick fingers explored?
She rubbed harder, imagining him bending over her, perhaps even using his mouth on the aching peaks of her breasts. The hand still on her breast tugged on her nipple, a line of excitement streaking straight to her clit and sending a shockwave of short intense pleasure washing over her. Her pussy clenched, feeling strangely empty, and then her body relaxed.
That had been… unexpected. She was usually too tired and too preoccupied at the end of the day to have any interest in attending to any needs other than food and sleep. Even herprevious dreams about Levi had been primarily platonic, but something had shifted now that she’d kissed him…
A previously dormant part of her was definitely waking up, she realized, then smiled as the thought was followed by a yawn. She snuggled down under the covers as Henry gave a small purring chirp.
Her dreams that night were definitely not platonic, and she awoke feeling achy and aroused. She was tempted to explore that arousal more in the shower, but since she hoped that Levi would be coming back today she hurried through it instead. Despite her hurry, she was just pulling her robe back on when there was a knock on the inner door of the airlock.
CHAPTER FIVE
The sun was still below the horizon as Levi rode back towards Ellie’s homestead the next day. After he’d left her the previous day, he’d gone straight to Sam’s home. Former Major Sam Wilson, nicknamed the Judge, had operated as de facto law enforcement for the territory until he limited his duties in order to spend more time with his human wife. Not only did Sam have an indisputable reputation for integrity, Levi had served under him back on Earth and knew that he would understand Levi’s concerns.
He found Sam in the vehicle shed outside his habitat, working on one of the big six-wheeled rovers used for transportation across the rough surface, but he looked up and nodded as Levi dismounted. As soon as he released Blaze, the horse wandered over to join Blackie, Sam’s horse, and the two animals touched noses. He shook his head ruefully, remembering Ellie’s insistence that the cybernetic horse was alive.
The two horses remained at the edge of the plateau where the habitat was located. Because Sam’s wife was a scientist, he didn’t need land for homesteading and instead had chosen thiselevated position looking out over the valley floor. After Levi’s years in the military, he understood the desire for a defensive position, even though the only predators on Mars were human. He appreciated the fact that Ellie had also chosen a slightly elevated position for her habitat, although he didn’t believe her intentions had been for defense.
He thought that Ellie would appreciate other aspects of the well-established residence. In addition to the central living dome, there were workspaces for both Addie and Sam. They had even added separate bedrooms for themselves and their daughter. A daughter. Had Ellie considered having a child one day? The thought of her lush body swollen with child—withhischild—sent most of the blood in his body rushing to his cock, despite the efforts of his nanites to control it.
I’m too old for such things, he told himself as firmly as possible, and went to join Sam. After one penetrating look at his face, the other male returned to his task.
“What can I do for you, L-485?”
“I need to ask your advice.”
Uncertain of how to begin, he paced to the end of the shed and back. He didn’t want to betray Ellie’s trust, but what if the tiny creature was dangerous? Or what if there was more at stake than just an unexpected visitor?
“There have never been any signs of life on Mars, have there?” he asked at last.
“We have never discovered any,” Sam said slowly, but there was something in his voice which made Levi frown at him.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“My wife believes it is possible that there was a civilization here, even a quite advanced civilization, that did not leave any traces of its existence.”
“How would that be possible?”
“Her theory is that they only manipulated natural materials and those eventually returned to their original components—like pottery crumbling back into dust.”
“But it’s just a theory?”
“Yes.”
Again there was an odd note in Sam’s voice, but he didn’t elaborate. Even if there had been life on Mars in the very distant past, he couldn’t see how it would relate to Henry. He turned to the more likely possibility.
“Do you think GenCon is attempting to create a species capable of surviving on Mars?”
Sam frowned.
“Creating? Are you referring to the fact that they’ve been making genetic alterations to the chickens and goats to improve their chances of survival here?”
“Not exactly.” He paced again. “Those are both native Earth animals with a practical use. I meant something more… unusual.”
“L-485?—”
“Levi,” he interrupted, remembering how pleasant it had been to hear his name after all these years.
“Levi. I have the distinct impression that you have a very specific question but you don’t want to ask me directly.” A flash of humor crossed the stern face. “I should let my wife drag it out of you.”
