Page 38 of Xefe
Querida’s shaking got worse.
I couldn’t look at Loxo’s stupid face anymore, so I focused on Sunny. I couldn’t lose Querida. She might be a mess, but she wasa ruthless fighter. We had to work together to win. “Sunny, what the hell is he talking about?”
“The supreme has not mentioned anything about the Pleasure Zone.” Sunny frowned at Loxo, probably thinking he’d revealed too much information. “You will not procreate. With anyone. Your cells will be removed surgically.”
Surgically? My hands splayed against my lower stomach. “They’re going to take my babies?”
“No, no,nooooo.” Querida melted down.
Nieve wrapped her in her arms. “It’s okay,mija. We’ll figure this out.”
“What is wrong with her? Why is she upset?” Loxo looked crazed. “She is losing fluid!”
“She doesn’t want to be violated,pendejo! What don’t you understand about that? They have no right to take what’s ours. Our cells, our future children.” Nieve tucked her face in Querida’s neck. “Not without consent.”
Loxo slammed his hands over his temples and pressed. Was this the alien version of… anxiety? “But that is the way it’s always been done. Even warriors have to donate their cells. We are required to release daily. To give and give—”
“Loxo.” Xefe shot both hands down in a chopping motion. “Enough.”
“If that’s what the winners get, what happens to the losers?”
The aliens looked at one another. Finally, Nime answered, “They work. To mineGlrtsstlllloroggg.”
That didn’t sound so bad, although I was allergic to manual labor.
“Which ensures delirium within six months and certain death after that,” Loxo chimed in.
“That’s why you must work together. You must win. You must.” Xefe’s deep growl made me jump. He was obviously having a flare of emotion.
“If you fight and win, you can remain here. You will be well fed. You’ll train and have no other responsibilities but winning. And sharing your cells.” Loxo spread his arms as if to say.See, easy-peasy.
“And pleasing your supreme,” Querida whispered.
“Earther, do not worry…”
“Querida.”
“What?” Loxo blinked.
“My name is Querida. I’mhuman.” She wiped tears from her cheeks. Her dead-eyed look had returned full force.
Loxo’s hand shook as he reached for Querida. “You… you would share your name with me? Allow me to use it?”
Querida rolled her eyes and slapped his hand away.
“She touched me. Voluntarily.” He looked like he would die from delight. “Thank you, tiny earther. But you mustneverspeak of the supreme.Ever.Do not say his name. You will be killed on the spot if you speak against him. It is treason.”
Worried he might rat us out, I went back into survival mode. I smiled and batted my lashes. “Sorry about that,chulo. We didn’t mean any harm. It’ll never happen again. Right, Querida?”
Loxo’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Good. Good.”
“Stop smiling.” Xefe bunched his shoulders, his face thunderous. He looked at Loxo. “She is manipulating you.”
Loxo looked at me. So innocent. “You are?”
“Never.” I winked and glared at Xefe, daring him to contradict me. He said he’d keep my secrets. I ignored the part where he agreed as long as it didn’t affect his warriors or supreme.
“You see, First. You misunderstood. She isn’t lying. She said so.” Loxo’s laughed and tapped Xefe on the chest.
