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“What happens then?”
“The petals peel back very slowly, over months, teasing those who wait to see the beauty inside. No two magdalas are the same. Inside, thousands of tiny filaments weave into intricate patterns. The flower’s beauty extends beyond these patterns to the individual filaments. They may display several colors or none at all. The color may change as the sun’s rays strike it, or when exposed to moonlight. Even sound causes changes, a pulsing of color that mimics the mathematics of music, though without sound. No one knows why or how the filaments change. The magdala is the beauty of the universe condensed into one flower.
“That’s you, Magdalena. You are very complicated, and yet full of beautiful layers I have yet to discover. So when I call you by your full name, I hope you will think of the magdala, a true wonder much like yourself.”
Maggie swiped at her eyes again, except this time the tears came with the joy of having Zirkov by her side, treating her as if she were that very special flower. “I want to see this magdala flower one day, Z.”
“I would like to show you the magdala… Magdalena.”
For the first time in her life, she smiled at hearing her full name. “Thank you. For explaining… and for giving my name a worthy meaning.”
“You did not need me or knowledge of the magdala. You already give your name meaning. But I’m pleased learning of the magdala has cheered you. As for what’s happening in GI7, you are innocent. Like the many witnesses we’ve protected over the years.”
“You mean witnessesyou’veprotected. Apparently, I’m who you’ve been protecting them from. The wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“I would find you quite beautiful in any clothing, though the garments in these hospitals are dreary.”
She laughed. “Stop being funny.”
“I’m serious. It’s why I brought clothing from your apartment.” He pulled out her dark gray silk lace trim split nightgown from the hospital closet.She’d been saving the lingerie for a special occasion, like when she had someone special over.Him.
“I’d much rather see you in this dress.”
Damn, he was cute. “It’s not a dress.”
His brows pursed together. “Then what is it?”
She looked away. “It no longer matters.”
“Don’t do this. You’re too smart to give up. You’re not the first marshal to get caught in a lousy situation. We will resolve this, together.”
“But I betrayed you, Zirkov. All of GI7.”
“Someone used you. There is a difference. You do not have it in you to betray anyone, especially your people.”
“How do you know? I have fragments of memories, but worse. It’s like this haze has infected every memory, tainting them so I don’t know what I did willingly and what I didn’t.”
“You’re thinking of our mating.”
When she turned her head away, his large hand on her cheek stopped her. “Magdalena, I do not regret being with you. Only that you do not feel the same way. If it distresses you, then put it out of your mind and we will start over.”
“How?”
Zirkov stood tall, horns pointing straight up before he bowed his head ever-so-slightly. “Let me introduce myself, Marshal Walsh. I’m Commander Zirkov Kesk, head of GI7. While you are the liaison between our organizations, I will cooperate with your requests as long as they, and you, do not interfere with my work. Is that understood?”
She remembered the little speech he gave her two years ago. “I’m not a marshal anymore. Or the liaison officer.”
“I used your former title as a temporary designation until we settle on your new role.”
“New role?”
“Working for me, in GI7.”
He didn’t see the risks that entailed. Accepting her into GI7 would cast suspicion on the entire team.
“It’s a lovely gesture, Commander Kesk, but I can’t work for GI7. But if you agree, I’d like to hire you to help me find the bastard who used me.”
The edge of Zirkov’s mouth hitched up into a seductive and beautiful grin that wrapped around her heart.
