Page 51 of Human Required
“Dr. Parker!” A young cyborg trainee burst through the doors. “Group C is refusing evacuation. They’re saying they won’t leave without you there.”
Olivia sighed. “Tell them I’m on my way.”
I caught her arm as she started to leave. “I’m coming with you.”
She didn’t argue. That alone told me how tired she was.
The day stretched endlessly, the jungle sun beating down as we moved from crisis to crisis. By nightfall, my muscles ached with fatigue, but my mind remained sharp, hyper-aware of every potential threat. The adrenaline coursing through my veins wouldn’t let me rest.
“Come on,” I said to Olivia as she finished instructing the last medical team. “You need rest.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, swaying slightly on her feet.
“My quarters. I’m going to guard you personally from now on.”
She didn’t protest as I led her through the darkened pathways of the colony. Stars pierced the canopy overhead, and the night creatures of the jungle sang their discordant symphony. When we finally reached my quarters, I secured the door behind us with my three separate locks.
“You should sleep,” I told her, gesturing toward the bed.
“And you?”
“I’ll keep watch.”
She stood near the door, suddenly looking very small and very human. “Aeon, are you not telling me something?”
I turned away, unable to meet her gaze. “When the Earth forces come for you, I’ll... ensure your safe return.”
“What?”
“I’ll surrender you to them.” The words tasted bitter. “It might prevent bloodshed. They want you back unharmed. That’s their mission. If I give them what they want?—”
“No.” Her voice cut like a blade.
“Olivia, I won’t let you be caught in a war?—”
“You don’t get to make that choice anymore.” She moved into my space, forcing me to look at her. “I told you before—if they won’t listen to me, I’ll stand with you. I’m not leaving.”
“But—”
“No buts. No more decisions about my life without my input. That was the old you. The one who thought kidnapping me was an acceptable solution.” Her eyes flashed. “I’m choosing now. And I choose to stay with you.”
Something broke loose in my chest—a flood of emotions I couldn’t name. I stared down at her, this fierce, tiny woman who’d somehow become the center of my world.
“They could kill you,” I said hoarsely.
“They could kill us all. That’s war.” She stepped closer. “But I’ve seen enough death to know when something’s worth fighting for.”
I steeled myself, understanding at last that what lay between us had grown far beyond practicality or necessity. This was personal now, messy and complicated and terrifyingly real.
“Then we fight,” I said, my resolve hardening. “Together.”
TWENTY-ONE
OLIVIA
The harsh beep of Aeon’s wrist communicator jolted me awake. I blinked in the darkness, momentarily disoriented by the weight of his arm across my waist, our legs entangled beneath the sheets. My heart skipped when I remembered where I was—in his bed, where we’d fallen asleep after... well, after not sleeping for quite some time.
Aeon snapped to alertness instantly. “Report.” His voice was rough with sleep but clear.
