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Note to self-don’t make Ever mad.
Theo wiped his eyes before straightening his shoulders. He slipped out of Aria’s hold and spun around to hold out his arms. Marley crossed the room and deposited Ever into them, Theo snuggling her to his frame.
The dining hall had gone silent at the sight of Theo holding Ever. I scanned the room, seeing a sea of unfamiliar faces, and all of them seemed fascinated by the two cyborg children.
Ever’s brow furrowed. “Theo sad. Kiss better?”
Theo turned his head offering her his cheek, and Ever smacked her lips, planting a kiss to his gray cheek. “Better,” Theo declared, making Ever grin. Her eyes flashed as she pressed Quaker’s face to his other cheek, giggling.
Theo wrinkled his nose. “Ugh, Ever! That thing needs a bath.”
I had to agree. That poor duck was filthy.
Ever shook her head furiously. “No bath! No bath!”
Acer chuckled. “Good luck with that. I’ve been trying to get that thing clean for weeks.” His tone was lighthearted but turned serious as he gripped Theo’s shoulder. “You good? You can kick me if it would help.”
Theo’s face darkened. “I’m good right now. Maybe later?”
Acer grinned. “Anytime, kiddo. Anytime.”
The pain in my chest eased a tiny bit watching the exchange.Maybe we would all be okay.
A sharp whistle rang out. “Your breakfasts won’t eat themselves. Stop staring!” Lennox strode into the dining room followed closely by the four cyborgs who had aided us.
The room broke out with the sounds of eating and conversation, though Lennox’s people still snuck glances at all of us.
I understood. To them we were the outsiders, taking up space in their home and potentially bringing trouble to their doorstep.
After we grabbed food, I directed my guys to an open table so we could sit down. I managed a few bites before the thud of heavy footfalls had my head snapping up. My eyes shot to the doorway. Brone ducked his head, stepping into the dining room, his eyes roaming over every face before landing on mine.
His face lit up at the sight of me and my stomach swooped. Lifting my hand, I waved.Oh god, had I just waved at him like some kind of dork?I ducked my head, my face burning hot as I pretended that my breakfast was the most interesting thing I had ever seen.
Forget DNA, scrambled eggs hold life’s real mysteries.
“Mind if I join you?”
I swallowed, glancing up to find a grinning Brone with twinkling eyes.
Core gestured to an open seat across the table. “Sure! We would love it if you sat with us, right Miss Nara?”
Brone raised an eyebrow. “Is that true,Miss Nara?”His grin widened.
Damn Tank Class. He was enjoying this.“Of course. Have a seat.” I picked up my fork and shoved a bite of egg into my mouth, my eyes looking anywhere but at him.
Reaper waltzed into the room catching my attention, the Military Model’s face completely repaired from the damage it had taken yesterday. The arrival of the leader of the cyborg rebellion caused another hush to descend over the room.
Reaper frowned, scanning the faces and assessing the room. A Service Model cyborg rose up from his seat. A scar ran down his left cheek, one of his arms missing.
Determination arose in his step as he walked to Reaper, holding out a trembling arm. Lennox’s people waited to see what Reaper would do.
Reaper’s face softened as he grasped his forearm, clasping it and tightening.
The Service Model smiled as he clasped Reaper’s arm in return. “Welcome. I’m Alloy.”
“Reaper.”
Alloy grinned. “Oh, trust me. We all know who you are.”
