Nate's Fated Mate(45)

She also understood the alternates could be returned, but the results were riskier and it had to be to the exact moment they were taken. Keeping them here was the safest bet for all universes to her way of thinking. It was only the fair-minded scientist in her that made her want to offer Angus and Erin the chance to make the decision on their own.

Bri returning to their quarters had her head lifting. She watched her sister walk to the table and look down at her from her towering height. "You look fantastic today. Nate's the only one who ever erased all those worry lines from your forehead."

Sheena snorted. "Thanks. I guess. Sorry, I didn't let you know where I was."

Bri snorted back. "Are you kidding? You left with Berg. He wouldn't have let anything happen to you. Ergo, you had to have been passed off to someone relatively safe. It wasn't too hard to conclude who took responsibility for you. I get how this place works. I think the safeguards are stupid, but the system is simple enough." 

"I just found out the alternates can be sent back," Sheena said.

Bri frowned. "Well, don't tell them. I don't want them to leave."

"Neither do I, but it's only fair, Brianna. They were abducted. They didn't ask to be brought here." Bri reluctantly nodded and Sheena blew out a breath. "I'm sorry. I almost didn't tell you."

"It's alright. If it happens, I guess I need to be prepared. I just … " Bri stopped, shrugged. "It would be like losing mom and dad all over again.

Sheena nodded. "I know."

They both let the silence spin out as they came to grips with their understanding.

"Change of subject," Bri said finally. "Darcone told me there was a transmission this morning from Nate's father. He said the Admiral was indisposed and had missed the call. Got any idea what's going on."

Sheena rubbed her no longer smooth forehead as she thought about it. "No. We were in the shower together until I left."

Bri snickered. "Glad to hear Nate put out the do not disturb notice, but his father … "

"Works directly for the Guardians …  yes, I know," Sheena said, sighing.

"Darcone said he was coming here."

Sheena looked at her sister. "Why would he do that?"

Bri crossed her arms. "On a guess? Because of me. What he plans to do is another matter. I'd sure like to know who those people were that were killed."

"So would I," Sheena said, thinking about it.



Interruptions usually consisted of news about alien arguments in the common area or malfunctioning engine parts that required short landings for repairs. Rarely did they involve the arrival of a direct representative of the Guardians. Never did they involve either of his parents, least of all his father, yet Nate hurried now to meet the man coming off a special shuttle that had just docked.

Nate straightened as he strode quickly across the floor. The man coming down the ramp looked like his grandfather. It was only up close, once the man had stopped in front of him, that Nate realized it was his father who had aged as most on New Earth did eventually.

"Nathaniel."

"Greetings, Father."

"You're looking very …  young," his father said after a long pause.

"Medical testing that paid off," Nate said, hoping not to have to explain further. His cover story had weakened over the years. Fortunately, his mother had gotten used to his sustained youth. His father hadn't seen him enough to do so.

"Glad to see the alien bastards are finally giving us something useful."

Frowning and yet relieved, Nate turned when his father started moving forward. "Yes. What brings you to the AAS ship? Does Mother know you're here? I'm sure she would have come if she'd have known."

"No. And you're not to tell her. This is not a personal visit. It's …  Guardian business."

Nate's brow lifted. "I see. Very well. What can I help you with today?"

"I'm here to see the new matchmakers. I understand both daughters of the originals are here as well. How's that going?"

"Sheena has filed for ownership, as you might have expected. She thinks they're clones."

"Good. Good. In fact, that's perfect. And the other one?"

"Brianna? She's fine. Why?"

Nate was startled when his father gripped his jacket by the arm and dragged him along faster.



       
         
       
        

"I have information indicating the youngest MacNamara is a double-agent. She must be constrained," his father said.

"Bri? A double agent? No, I don't see that being the case. She's in the program and next up for an alien mate."