A muscle in her cheek twitched. “She’s beneath you. I didn’t realize you were that desperate for companionship. I’ll make you an appointment to test your compatibility with Dorania this evening.”
“Don’t.” He had no interest in his mother’s longtime friend, or becoming the fourth male to join her family unit.
“I realize she might not be an ideal match but she owes me a few favors.”
“No.” Deviant tired of her game.
Her eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’ve become attached to that Earther? I was told it’s only been a matter of days that you’ve been subjected to her.”
He gauged how his mother would react to hearing the truth but decided he didn’t care. Warmth spread through his chest at just the thought of Venice, and he decided to be blunt. “She isn’t what you’d expect.”
“She’s from Earth. Nothing good could come of it. I know some of the males you associate with have created family units with them, but it’s an outrage! You may carry genetic flaws but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a substandard female to share your time with.”
The insult infuriated him. “She’s not substandard.”
His mother advanced until she had to tilt her head to keep meeting his gaze. “You aren’t considering breeding offspring with this Earther, are you? It would be irresponsible and incomprehensible to burden your children with not only your flaws, but hers as well!”
He identified the familiar stabbing sensation inside his chest as bitterness. “Do you regret birthing me? Would you have terminated the pregnancy if you’d known the drug you took to help you conceive would affect my appearance?”
The seconds she took to answer were revealing to Deviant. He clenched his teeth, the pain an old wound.
“Those are your words,” she stated calmly, backing away.
“That doesn’t make them any less true. I apologize for being a disappointment.” He didn’t bother hiding the snide tone. “It must be so difficult for you.”
She spun and crossed the room to her desk, taking a seat. “I don’t have time for your insolence. Get rid of the Earther and be at Dorania’s residence at six this evening. She’ll be expecting you. I’ll transmit the address.”
“Don’t bother. I won’t go.”
Her blue gaze lifted to shoot him an infuriated look. “You will make that meeting and be on your best behavior to complement our family name! Don’t disgrace me, Deviant.”
“You mean more than I already have by not appearing more to your liking?”
She rose up. “Don’t speak to me in that tone again. My patience with you wears thin!”
“We have something in common. Don’t order me to give Venice away or ask me to pretend interest in one of your friends when none is present.”
“You should be appreciative Dorania would even consider you for her fourth. And stop mentioning that Earther! I am trying to forget her existence altogether. It was an embarrassment being told my son burdened our society with another one of them.”
“Venice isn’t a burden.”
“Dorania will expect you at six sharp. Don’t be late.”
“Why should I have to pretend I’m grateful for joining a family unit with one of your friends when that isn’t what I want? Dorania is contracted with three males already. The only gratitude I feel is because the female who shares my bed only wants me.”
Bazelle sat down hard. “You are having intercourse with her. I suspected as much.”
“It’s more than that. Your term implies a lack of intimacy or feeling.”
“I’m contacting Mavo.”
“Leave my father out of this.”
She ignored his demand and touched the pad on her desk. She glared at him during the silent transmission, until whatever she’d relayed ended and she shifted her hand away from the device. “He’s on his way.”
“Why bother? He can’t talk me into making that meeting either.”
“You’ll do as you’re ordered, Deviant! You need to assimilate into proper cyborg society at some point. That’s fitting for your station in life as my son.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t have labeled me with my name if that’s what you expected.”
Her expression revealed her growing anger. “I’m going to request you no longer leave Garden on those space missions. I believe the males you associate with are compromising your integrity. And I’ll demand the Earther be immediately removed from your household. She is a bad influence. I’m contacting security to go there. They’ll find a use for her. Perhaps she could work with the cleaning staff.”
“I’m no longer a child. Don’t interfere with my life.” He advanced, curling his hands into fists. “I won’t abide your threats. Venice stays where she is, and I’ll be assigned to any duties I wish.” He halted on the other side of her desk. “I would not recommend you placing your palm on that communications device and speaking her name in any context. Do you understand? Venice belongs to me, and neither you nor anyone else has the right to take her from my household. It would be a grave mistake for anyone who attempted it. I’d fight them with deadly force.”
Her mouth parted and her eyes widened. “Deviant, do you hear your words?”
“I mean every one of them. Venice stays with me, and I don’t give a fuck if you are embarrassed by that or not. You’ll learn the real definition of shame by my actions if you continue to make your threats. I spoke to the council this morning. She belongs to me. They were fine with our verbal contract. You have no right to interfere.”
“The council has already spoken to you?” She paled.
“Yes.”
“They called you into chambers over your Earther already?” She reached up and touched her throat. “Why wasn’t I notified? I was told it wouldn’t happen until later today.”
“Why would you be told? They wished to talk to me about Venice. That’s her name. You need to start using it.”
“Are you being disciplined in any way?”
“No.”
She dropped her hand to her desk, fisting it. “I don’t understand. You brought an Earther to Garden! You broke the rules by taking her off that Earther station and didn’t even get permission to do it—from the council or Stag. That’s his personal vessel!”
“The council isn’t as narrow-minded as you about those from Earth. They realized why my actions were necessary. They were actually very understanding.”
Her com chimed and she unclenched her fist, touching it, scanning the screen. A long minute passed then she glared up at him. “She has important medical implants?”
“That didn’t take long. Your spy isn’t totally accurate.”
She stood quickly. “What kind of medical implants were so valuable that the council allowed you to bend the rules and let you off without any disciplinary actions?”
The door chimed and opened a second later. Deviant didn’t need to turn to know his father had arrived. That was also too fast—and he suspected his father had his own spies in Bazelle’s ranks. The lack of surprise in his tone confirmed it.
“You brought our son in for a meeting. Why?”
Deviant took a few steps back. “Mother and I just had a disagreement but I’ve made my position very clear to her.”
Bazelle looked to Deviant’s left. “Look what you’ve done, Mavo! Your son brought that Earther to Garden, and now he’s refusing to be rid of her or interview with a family unit prospect. He’s also sharing vulgar Earth language that he’s obviously picked up from being around her. Talk to him.”
“Is the vulgar use of language true, son?”
Deviant faced his father. “Yes.”
Mavo glanced at Bazelle, his expression clearing of all emotion. “He is probably frustrated.” He met Deviant’s gaze again. “You knew Bazelle wished you to interview with some of her friends. Did you make it clear you no longer held an interest in doing so?”
He nodded.
His father’s features softened and he addressed his wife.
“He no longer wishes to join in a family unit with a cyborg female. It will only frustrate him if you’re not listening to his wishes.”
“There is no excuse for his disrespect.”
“I see.”
Deviant glanced between his parents, noticing the rising tension between them. He didn’t want them to argue on his behalf. “Venice is mine, and the council agreed. You have no authority over me, Bazelle. I’ve made my decision. I choose to keep Venice. I never have to share her with other males, and she makes me happy. It’s nice to finally be viewed as unflawed by a female.”
Mavo blinked rapidly. “I’m so sorry, Deviant.”
“You never made me feel less than perfect.” He knew his father loved him and had done his best to make up for his mother’s lack of caring. “You are an excellent parent.”
“Mavo,” Bazelle prompted, her voice stern. “Handle this.”
Mavo regarded her. “Our son is happy. He wants to keep the woman from Earth instead of joining into a family unit with a cyborg female. I don’t see a problem.”
“What?” Bazelle gasped.
“You haven’t met her. Venice is pleasant, and I viewed real emotion from her. She’s fond of our son as well. They appear happy together.” Mavo stepped closer to Deviant. “Our son’s wellbeing is the ultimate goal we must achieve as parents, and this seems to be what he wants. I see no reason to disagree with him on the matter.”
“I require your support!” Bazelle demanded. “You will talk sense into him!”
Mavo tensed further.
“Did you hear me, Mavo?” Bazelle approached and stopped directly in front of him. “That’s a direct order issued to you.”
Deviant watched his parents glare at each other. He cleared his throat, attempting to draw their attention. “Bazelle, don’t bring him into this. He couldn’t change my mind. My father has to follow your commands as a male in your family unit, but your disagreement isn’t with him. I’m the one defying you.”
Bazelle spun, shooting him a furious look. “Your father assigns your duties. You will be refused permission to take your Earther on missions. I have changed my mind. I want you off-world for long periods of time. I will not allow your perverse relationship with her to continue!”
Rage filled Deviant. “I’ll refuse to leave Garden if that’s the case. I’ll resign my position.”
Her mouth dropped open and shock paled her features. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“He won’t have to.” Mavo spoke low. “I would never do that to you, Deviant. Venice is important to you, and I’ll make certain you can keep her as your constant companion, regardless of your next assignment. I’ll be sure to request family quarters on whatever ship you are sent to.”
Bazelle hissed as she faced Mavo. “You will not.”
He held her gaze. “Our son’s happiness is my first priority.”
“I’ll terminate our contract!” she threatened.
“I knew you would.” Mavo bowed his head slightly. “Do as you will.”
“No other female will accept you,” she snapped. “I’ll make certain of it! Comply or face the consequences.”
The conversation horrified Deviant. “Father, don’t.”
Mavo ignored him. “Do your worst, Bazelle. I would expect nothing less from you. Tarnish my reputation as an acceptable family male, but I will not sacrifice our son’s contentment to please you. He has someone he values too much.”
“Dad,” Deviant whispered. “Don’t do this. It’s not necessary. I can find another position that would suit me here on Garden. I’ll resign from my current duties so you’re no longer involved. Don’t sacrifice what you have with Bazelle for me.”
Mavo reached out and clasped his shoulder. “You enjoy traveling and working with the males you’ve become friends with. You shouldn’t have to choose between the woman you want and the life you know.” He glanced at Bazelle when he released Deviant. “There isn’t anything to lose. Trust me. It’s a relief to be rid of her.”
“How dare you!” Bazelle shoved Mavo.
“Don’t touch me. You just stated you’re ending our contract. I might hit you back for once.”
She retreated and stared at Mavo in horror.
Mavo forced a smile, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re an exceptionally unpleasant female. Did you think I’d forgotten the abuse you unleashed upon me over the years, blaming me for your difficulty in conceiving? The problem wasn’t mine alone. You purposely chose not to get pregnant, and had to be forced to after you gave away the rights to my first son.”
He glanced at Deviant. “I should have stripped her of any custody and raised you without her influence. You’d have had a better upbringing.”
“You couldn’t have taken him from me,” Bazelle spat.
“It would have been easy to prove you unfit to be his mother to the council. Most females live with their children full time, but that’s not what you did with our son,” Mavo countered. “You only saw him when it was my turn to host you in my home, and you were too stern with Deviant. I’ve grown to dislike you a great deal. End the contract—or I will, Bazelle. I’d prefer to be alone than ever suffer your presence again. Remove yourself from Deviant’s life as well. I’ll fight you at every opportunity if you attempt to interfere with his future from this day forward.”
“Get out!” She glanced between them. “Both of you!”
“With pleasure,” Mavo muttered. “I’ll pack your belongings from my residence and have them delivered to your current home. Who are you with this month? I stopped keeping track.”
“I’ll send Cluster to get my things.”
“Ah. He’s your favorite. I’m not surprised. Tell him to give me ten minutes. It’s not as if you stay with me often or kept many possessions in my home.” Mavo jerked his head toward the door. “Let’s go, son.”
Deviant followed, stunned by the turn of events. They didn’t speak until they were enclosed inside the lift. No one shared it with them.
“Dad, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Mavo looked sincere. “It wasn’t an ideal match. I should have ended the contract a long time ago but I stuck it out for you.”
“No other female will consider adding you into their family unit once she spreads the word that you defied her.”
“Sometimes it’s better to be alone than with someone unworthy. I hope that’s a lesson you never learn. Treat Venice well and hopefully she’ll treat you in kind. I envy the bond you seem to have established with her. I never had that with your mother.”
“What can I do?” Deviant still felt guilt. His father had stood up for him and it had cost him, regardless of what he stated.
“Be happy. Don’t allow Bazelle to retaliate in any way. You have my full support to stand up to her.” He paused. “And watch your back. She’s vengeful. Venice is your weakness. I wouldn’t put it past Bazelle to target her.”
“She threatened to send security to pick up Venice.”
“Exactly. Make certain that doesn’t happen. Officially notify security of Venice’s statues as belonging to you, as the council agreed to. You might even want to upgrade her status in your life.”
“You believe I should form a family unit with her?”
The lift stopped and the doors opened. “I would.”
Deviant smiled. “I had considered it already.”
They walked outside and stopped on the sidewalk. “You should have a child with her, if it’s possible.” Mavo smiled back. “You are the best thing I ever produced, Deviant.”
“My genetic defect has a high probability of being passed on to my offspring.”
His father grabbed his hand and raised it, studying his skin. He looked up and met Deviant’s gaze. “This isn’t a defect, in my opinion. It makes you special and unique. Be proud—as I am proud of you.” He released him. “I need to go pack your mother’s things before Cluster arrives. I’m sure she sent him that order before we were out of her office. We’ll ta
lk later. I’d like to get to know Venice better. I view her as family now.”
“You aren’t disappointed with me for choosing her above a cyborg?”
“No. You won’t have to share her with anyone else or suffer loneliness. I never believed cyborgs were superior in all ways over Earthers. We’re just genetically enhanced to be more physically durable. Their best qualities are their emotions and their ability to express them. I always found that attractive. Appreciate the differences and enjoy them to the fullest. You never would have received such emotions from a cyborg.”
“I understand.”
“I knew you would. You’re my son. Go home. Venice is waiting for you.”
Chapter Twelve
Deviant entered his building, his thoughts distracted by everything that happened. All he wanted was to see Venice. The lift carried him up to the right floor and he entered his home. She walked out of the hallway from the bedroom and smiled. His mood brightened at the sight of her in nothing more than one of his t-shirts. She approached, obviously happy to greet him.
“Hi! How did it go? Is everything okay? Are they going to allow me to stay with you?”
“Yes.”
“Thank goodness!”
He tensed for just a second when she lunged right at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. The hug was unexpected but nice. He put his arms around her too and held her in his embrace. Her chin lifted and her smile faded.
“There’s a but, isn’t there? What is it?”
He didn’t understand her question. Something on his face must have conveyed that.
“What’s wrong?”
He masked his expression. “Nothing.”
She studied him. “I don’t think that’s true. Is the council mad at you? Are they going to punish you somehow?”
Venice could either read him too well or she had good intuition. “The meeting went exceptionally well. I’m in no trouble and no one will ever take you from me. But I visited my mother right afterward. That’s never pleasant,” he admitted.
She released his waist and backed away. He let her go with regret but she latched onto his hand and tugged. “Come sit down. Talking sometimes helps.”