Page 72 of I Married Kayog
It was intoxicating.
I bombarded them with kinetic blasts while dodging long-range attacks from the creatures that could throw darts and even some sort of lightning bolts. As I loved flying, the aerial acrobatics required to avoid getting hit only made the experience even more exhilarating. On a few occasions, that odd ability manifested itself again, some strange heat in the center of my brain that sought a target. It took me a moment to realize which of my enemies got struck by it. But I recognized the spasms that shook them as if they’d been zapped.
When I finally cleared out the onslaught, I almost felt cheated. My blood was pumping full of adrenaline, and I wanted to obliterate more abominations. The simulation ended, the city setting I had been fighting in fading and turning back into the clear glass walls enclosing the holodeck.
A clapping sound startled me, snapping me out of my blood thirsty trance. Jerking my head around, I saw Colin standing next to Yinric. My heart leapt in my chest. I had been expecting a visit from him from the moment I awakened, eight days ago. I could speculate as to why he had waited this long to finally pay me a visit. The part of me that was relieved that this would hopefully be settled at last couldn’t silence the other part that feared that the comfortable routine I had established with my mate might be upended.
I bowed in gratitude at their applause as I gracefully landed. Both males stopped clapping, and Yinric enthusiastically gestured for me to come out of the holodeck. I complied, forcing myself to plaster a neutral but friendly expression on my face while reining in my emotions.
“We meet again,” I said nonchalantly. “I wondered how much longer before it happened.”
He smirked, indicating he understood my underlying disapproval that he should have kept me in limbo for so long.
“Believe me, I wanted nothing more than to come see you sooner. However, it felt a lot more sensible to allow you some time to heal and get your bearings,” he said with an empathy that didn’t fool me, even with my powers to read his emotions still being blocked.
There was no question in my mind the delay wasn’t so much for the reasons he gave but rather for him to get a better sense of just how powerful I could be.
“That makes sense,” I replied politely.
“As Yinric has a date with a charming woman, I’ve decided to kidnap you for the rest of the day,” Colin said, casting a teasing look at the Raithean.
“A date?!” I repeated, my eyes widening in surprise.
I couldn’t help but chuckle when Yinric’s charcoal scales took on an even darker shade, betraying his embarrassment.
“I’m going out with Ellen,” he mumbled shyly.
“That’s excellent!” I exclaimed in an approving tone.
Not wanting to pry or meddle in other people’s business, I had not prodded either Ellen or him since the first time I informed Ellen that she and Yinric were soulmates. It pleased me beyond words that they would pursue what would inevitably result in their happily ever after. I couldn’t wait to be in their presence at the same time to bask in the perfect harmony of their souls.
“She’s very charming,” Yinric said, still sounding a little timid, in sharp contrast with his usually more assertive and overly enthusiastic demeanor. “Thank you for helping initiate that connection.”
“My pleasure. Everyone deserves to find the other half of themselves,” I said with a gentle smile before turning my attention back to Colin. “Would it be okay for me to shower first?”
“Of course!” Colin replied. “Take your time. Anyway, I have a couple of things to discuss with Yinric.”
For a reason I couldn’t explain, that instantly made me uneasy. My reaction made no sense to the extent that there was no question Colin was apprised of absolutely everything that happened with me during my training and medical exams. So any additional detail he might get from the Raithean couldn’t be more harmful than any data he already possessed. Still, I couldn’t help the wariness weighing on my shoulders.
I showered quickly then hurried back out to the training room only to find Colin standing on his own by the Control Board, my latest simulation replaying on the giant screen that filled the back wall.
“Impressive work,” Colin said, as I closed the distance between us, his eyes still glued to the screen.
“Thank you,” I said in a neutral voice as I stopped near him.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself,” he continued before giving me a sideways glance.
I shrugged. “I do. I always loved competitive sports. This almost feels like playing Lazgar, but with combat. The only thing missing is a high score for me to try to beat.”
He snorted, an approving glimmer shining in his eyes.
“Come, let’s have a seat,” he said, stopping the simulation replay before heading to the worktable in front of the screen.
Just as we were taking our seats, a server walked into the room with a hover tray laden with snacks and drinks. I repressed a smile upon seeing the grain crackers I had gotten Linsea addicted to.
“Hungry?” he asked, sounding like the perfect host.
I shook my head with a smile. “No, but I wouldn’t mind a drink.”
