Page 87 of Stealing Jia

“This is getting to be a regular occurrence,” I muttered.

Zarek smiled grimly. “Yes, it is.”

An explosion rocked the ship.

I looked up at Trayon.“Where are the kids?”

“In your father’s quarters.”

I started for the door.

Trayon pulled me back. “Soval needs a blood sample.”

“Fine.” I turned my attention to Soval. “Let’s get it done.”

Soval ran his scanner over me. “Your conversion is complete. Other than being a bit anemic, you are healthy.” Without any warning, he jabbed a pressure injector against my neck and triggered it.

I hissed in pain and rubbed the throbbing spot. “Next time give a girl some warning.”My right hand curled into a fist. “I don’t like surprises.”

“Take your blood sample and leave us,” Trayon instructed.

“As you command.” Soval quickly and painlessly drew my blood. “If there is any sign of fatigue, summon me immediately.”

“I’m not tired, I’m hungry and thirsty,”I complained.

Zarek handed me a glass of Merlot. “How did you know LoLin was a terrorist?”

“His aura.” I drained the glass and before I could get a refill at the food processer, Trayon took the glass away from me.

“No more.”

“But I’m still thirsty.”

“You need to eat first,”Trayon said firmly.

“A thick, bloody steak does sound good.”

“How do you feel about blood worms?”Trayon asked.

I wrinkled my nose. “Ugh.”

Zarek interjected,“Can you show me LoLin’s aura?”

“Sure.” I visualized his black aura. “Does that help?”

“It does. Your conversion has given you a new talent and has strengthened your other abilities.”

“It will be interesting to see how strong she will become,”Sariel commented.

Zan added, “Jones females always do the unexpected.”

“Yay us. Now can I get something to eat?”

Chapter Nineteen

Dinner turned into a war council. I ate my way through two steaks, three pieces of chocolate cake and four glasses of Merlot while they debated plans. I rolled my eyes when they settled on bombarding Denebola with the equivalent of nuclear bombs to drive Mallox and Giovanni out of hiding. Not only would the bombs kill every living thing on the planet, but I also doubted our evil scientists would make a run for it. I linked with Trayon. “Before you radiate the planet, why don’t you let me and Chiara search for their auras. If we locate them, you can send your tactical teams in.”

“An excellent idea. I will have your father bring Chiara to us.”

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