Page 17 of Hyperspeed
“But I didn’t . . .”
“There are so few Iskari left in the galaxy.” Grandma’s words came low and firm, sharper than any shout. “And you want to risk dropping that number further because of a silly trophy?”
“No, but—”
“And how can I flaunt my grandson to the knitting club if he’s busy being a smear on the road, huh?”
I didn’t bother arguing, just sighed, knowing she’d never understand.
I understood her concerns, but I’d chosen not to tell her the real reason I was desperate to be in the league. As far as Grandma knew, my reasons were superficial—a need for fame, fortune, and trophies on a shelf. She had no clue I was fighting for our people. Battling to improve the lives of my family.
I looked down at my lap, noting the shame-filled coral glow on my arms. “Sorry, Grandma,” I muttered, my bowl ofluzari’ethforgotten.
No one spoke, and the tension hung heavy in the air. It changed what should have been a celebration into something awkward.
Grandma cupped my face, urging me to look at her. I tried to resist, but she pinched my cheek until our eyes met. Hers were dark and full of stars, just like mine, and the coral glow of my markings faded as if her soft touch had eased away my shame.
“I may not agree with all your choices,va’tari, but I will always be proud of you.” Then she pressed a soft, wet kiss against my temple.
“Love you, Grandma,” I whispered.
“I love you too, my little supernova.” She reclined back in her chair, spooning up a mix of cream and fruit. “Anyway, I’m glad you put that arrogant wanker, Kai Mercer, in his place.”
Dad choked on his mouthful of dessert, while Mum brought a hand to her mouth, trying and failing to hide her smile.
Grandma may be old, but she’d hung onto her colourful vocabulary. “Who does he think he is?” She huffed. “Calling my grandson reckless! The nerve of him.”
“Youjust said I was reckless, Grandma.” If she noticed my side-eye, she didn’t comment on it.
“I’m your grandma. I can say whatever I want.” Because of course, old-lady logic always won.
“I think we can all agree he was fantastic,” Mum said, turning the conversation back to lighter topics.
“Not too shabby, my boy.” Dad nudged me. “You’re going to be a nightmare for the rest of the season.”
I smiled at him, flashing a honey-covered fang. Fourth placefelt likea victory. Way better than I’d expected for my first race.
But I hungered for the top spot, and a certain egotistical prick was standing in my way.
“You held your own out there,zyli. Even after the drama with the press conference . . .” Mum trailed off. She glanced at Grandma, who was too busy licking her bowl clean to comment. The woman lovedluzari’ethjust as much as I did. “Maybe a little less drama next time, yeah?”
“Can’t promise anything,” I tossed back with a crooked grin.
“You always have to make things harder than they need to be, don’t you?” She sighed, but her answering smile was fond, full of motherly love. “I think you get it from your father.”
Dad scoffed and flicked a piece of luzar fruit at her head, making her giggle like a teenager.
“Nah, I think I get it from Grandma.” The woman in question sent a cheeky wink my way.
“You know,” Dad drawled, resting his elbows on the table. “I didn’t think I’d be saying this so soon, but I could get used to this ‘famous racer for a son’ thing. I can’t believe how many times I’ve seen your name in the news over the last two weeks.”
“Great. Guess I should get used to the reporters and paparazzi following me around.”
“Racing’s not all bad, huh?” Mum teased. “Next they’ll be writing about your skills rather than your recklessness.”
“Not if Kai Mercer has anything to say about it,” I mumbled, slipping a spoonful of cream into my mouth.
The conversation slipped into a more comfortable silence, and we all finished our desserts. By the time I finally dumped my spoon into the empty bowl, I was bloated and convinced I might fall into a sugar coma.
