Laura Jo Phillips Read Online Free PDF

little how difficult it is for us, so long as it is of benefit to her.”  He looked questioningly to Tor, who nodded in return. 
    “It is the greatest gift we can give her at this time,” he said.  “And the one she most needs.”
    He opened the small black case and tapped the bottom carefully until a tiny silver disk spilled into his hand.  “We will ask Jackson to give her this,” he said.  “I think he will agree.  This is the gift we shall ask of her.”
    “Afterward, I think we should return to Berria,” Merrick said.  “We can take that job at the Council analyzing signals intelligence.”
    “You know we’re going to hate that,” Jerri said.  “It’s deadly dull.  That transponder will send a signal throughout the Thousand Worlds.  We don’t have to stay on Jasan.”
    “No, we don’t,” Merrick agreed.  “But if she activates the signal, do you want to be a month away from her when we receive it?”
    “No,” Jerri replied, shivering at the thought.  To know their Arima needed them, and to be that far from her would likely drive them all to insanity.
    “We might as well get some sleep,” Merrick suggested.  “Once Jackson delivers Berta’s verdict, we’ll catch a ride back to Berria and talk to Elder Vulpiran.”
    “I will not sleep,” Tor said.  “I think I will fly into town and purchase a gift for our Arima.  Something to attach this transponder to.”
    “Excellent idea,” Merrick said.  Jerri nodded and all three of them turned and left the Katres’ house.  Within moments they were all in their falcoran alter-forms, climbing into the cool, lavender sky.

 
    Chapter 4
     
     
    Berta heard the soft knock on her door, but she didn’t want to respond to it.  She had a feeling it would be Jackson and she didn’t really want to hear how the Falcorans had reacted to her decision.
    Stop being such a wuss , she admonished herself.  “Enter, please,” she called before she had time to change her mind.
    “I’m sorry for intruding on you again,” Jackson said as he entered her room with Hope.
    “How bad was it?” Berta asked, wanting to get it over with.
    “Not bad at all,” Jackson said.  “They realized that you were not yet ready for this, and were prepared for your answer.”
    Berta felt a surge of disappointment.  Had it been that easy for them? she wondered.  Then she remembered what she looked like, and sighed.  Yes, they had probably been relieved by her decision.
    “It wasn’t easy for them,” Hope said, guessing Berta’s feelings even though she hid them well.  “When a male-set finds their Arima, she becomes the most important person in their lives.  Whatever is best for her health and happiness they will do, regardless of the cost.  The Falcorans know that, for now, leaving you where you are is the best thing for you.  Otherwise, they would not be able to do it.”
    Berta nodded in understanding.  “I don’t know why I should feel hurt that they are leaving without a fight, since that’s exactly what I want.”
    “You are their Arima,” Jackson said.  “This is not easy for you, either.”
    “Thank you, Jackson,” Berta said.  “For everything you’ve done.”
    “There is no need to thank me, Berta,” Jackson said.  “You are as family to us, and we protect our own.”
    That brought tears to Berta’s eyes.  She’d been alone in the universe for so long, she’d forgotten what it felt like to be considered family. 
    “There is one other thing,” Jackson said, turning to Hope.  Hope opened one hand, revealing a pair of gold and sapphire stud earrings. 
    “Those are beautiful,” Berta said. 
    “These are for you,” Hope said.  She dropped them into Berta’s hand.  “From the Falcorans.”
    “Why would they give me a gift?” Berta asked in confusion as she stared at the brilliant blue sapphires.
    “Here, let me show you,” Jackson said, moving to stand beside Berta.  He took one of the earrings and turned