The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Five

What is that saying about plans and laughs again?

I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less. Despite knowing the danger, I tempted it by leaving the compound and exposing myself to the outside world. Even though I told no one where I was going and told no one of the trip, somehow, someone found out and they followed me back home.

That's the only solution, right? I'm the cause of the chaos and deaths? And I'm the one to blame for my current predicament.

"Just do it. Finish it."

"No."

"Ryker...." I drift off, studying him. Steadily, he stares back, defiance in his gaze. "I don't have any choice."

I didn't have a choice—not anymore. The attack took away my choice to remain normal or to augment. Now, I needed it. It was the only way to have a somewhat normal life.

"You're still weak and recovering. Give it a few days. I'm begging you, Blue."

"No." Shaking my head, I drop back against the thick hospital mattress. It squeaks under me, groaning from the half-temper tantrum I want to throw. "Get it done, now. While the pain is fresh and my body will accept it. There's no reason to deny the inevitable."

The attack on Oleum Hold did far worse damage than we thought. My compound is gone, and with it, my security. And worse, they attacked while I was under anesthesia and the machines cut open my spine.

I can't complain. The nanites did a wonderful job of repairing my body, but it would never be the same. There are internal injuries, things they cannot repair, still broken and the best option I have is to undergo the augmentation.

It's no longer a want—it's a necessity.

"I can barely move my arms and legs, Ryker, and when I try, I break into a sweat."

"Blue, we can—"

"No, we can't." I hiss. "Waiting around for some miracle to happen won't make this better. They attacked while I was vulnerable and I paid the price. The only option I have is to finish the augmentation."

He sighs and looks away from me. Stress mars his face, making lines appear on his forehead and bringing tension to his shoulders and neck. For the last two hours, he's fought to argue me down, but I'm not changing my mind.

I want the augmentation, and I want it now.

"And if they attack again?"

"I can't control what others do."

"You can die, Blue." He says. "You can die and I could lose you. Do you have any idea what I'd do if you went to sleep and never woke up?"

"You'll never have to worry about that," I promise. "I'm not going anywhere, but I need to strike while the iron is hot—while they think I'm running scared or they believe I'm dead."

"It could take months to get you back in shape, or have you forgotten?"

How could I forget? Possible months upon months of physical therapy to relearn to walk, write, and maybe talk. If things don't go as well as I theorize, I could be locked in a broken vessel forever.

"I haven't forgotten, and it's a chance I have to take. I've already bet everything I have on this."

Silence falls over us as he mulls over my words. Slowly, he turns to walk toward the wall of windows to my left. They're floor to ceiling, exposing a vast forest beneath us. It goes for miles in every direction, shielding us from the city and prying eyes.