Numb Read Online Free PDF Page B

part of the temple itself.
    Arez remained outside while she entered and reshaped the building to her own personal taste. The perfect image of serenity and welcome in her mind.
    When she emerged, she smiled at those who had gathered. A meal had been arranged, and she and Arez were invited to sit and join the locals for a celebration.
    She paused after starting the meal to ask the woman nearest her. “So, when are you due?”
    The woman smiled. “We are all due at the same time. We got pregnant during the Yodin festival. Aster arrived, and they joined near the temple.”
    She looked to Arez, “Joined?”
    “Fucked.”
    “Ah.”
    Arez nodded. “When Aster and Yodin get together, there is a fertility wave for five miles. With Rekfa’s blessing, they have been screwing all over the globe.”
    Silently, Rekfa confirmed it. He wanted an indigenous population, and breeding it was one way to get it. The variety of species on Rekfa were not normally compatible, but the energy put out by Yodin and Aster was a potent mix that managed to fuse even moderately compatible genes into a working biology.
    “Interesting technique for building a natural population.”
    Arez grinned. “Isn’t it?”
    The mix of foods was heavy on the vegetation, but there was enough meat for Gala’s taste. With each bite, Rekfa played out the image of the plant or animal she was eating.
    Silently, Gala asked why she didn’t just get the information in a download from the world itself.
    I do not wish to overload you with information. It is best that you absorb information organically. Learn as you go.
    She smiled and took another serving of vegetables in a light oil and spice dressing.
    “That is an amused smile.” Arez ate next to her.
    “It is. I am talking with Rekfa. He doesn’t want me to stress myself.”
    She crunched into the vegetables and enjoyed the texture.
    “It will be odd.” He observed quietly.
    “What will be?”
    “Pursuing you with a planet’s consciousness in your head.”
    The locals who could hear them were fascinated.
    “You plan on chasing me? I can guarantee you that Rekfa is not a fan of running.”
    “I used to drink and whore with Jurad. Knowing that part of him is still in there is a little off-putting.”
    “You seem pretty sure that this is a line of pursuit you want to engage in.” She glanced at him through her lashes.
    “I do, but given your lack of experience, it is difficult to come up with a means and method for beginning.”
    The locals were staring at them as they spoke softly.
    When the meal was done, the men picked up the dishes and joked as they elbowed each other for the best spot at the washing sink. Even Arez took her dishes and scrubbed up.
    Silently, she asked Rekfa. If he can have any woman here, why does he want me?
    You will not die in the next forty years, or in the next four hundred. He has wanted a mate, but he had no one to choose from.
    So, my lifespan is my attraction?
    Part of it.”
    Well, it is better than being wanted for my boobs. She chuckled silently and smiled as Arez rejoined her.
    The gathering moved to the sides, and the men shifted the tables. A band tuned up and the songs started. Couples joined and began a dance of steps and turns.
    Arez smiled. “Will you dance?”
    Before Gala could say that she didn’t know how, instructions were given to her. “Sure. Let’s dance.”
    It took more coordination than she normally had, but Arez managed to help her take the first few steps in the dance until she was able to get the hang of the motion. After that, she was stepping, twisting, turning and gliding with the rest of the dancers.
    When she collided with him during a slow turn, the full-body contact sent a shockwave through her. The exhilaration of the connection rippled through her.
    Arez froze at the same time, and his rapid breathing told her that he was just as aroused as she was.
    Rekfa took over. “Come with me.”
    Rekfa wrapped her arms around Arez, and they left the