I hoisted his head higher. “Which is?” I couldn’t help asking, curious to hear it.
“Fuck that leash shit. When Voss tries to transfer control of her—you super-science it over to me.”
I stared at him wildly. “That’s...the entire reason I’m here. To see if I can.”
Kelly gave me a smug look. “Obviously. I’m indestructible. Whereas if you were to transfer control to someone else, or yourself?—”
“They could die and take her with them.” I finished his thought, because it’d also been mine. Sirena wasn’t the only one who’d realized her mortality during sex—and I couldn’t risk losing her if something happened to me.
“I’m a great tactician, seeing the future and all. Not my fault no one ever consults me first,” he went on. “But, also, being in charge of other people is mostly a drag. Unless you’re in a sexual situation. And speaking of—you and Sirena could invite me in. Any time. ’Cause like my eyes were only ninety percent closed earlier?—”
“No,” I said sharply, and Kelly laughed.
“Fine. Sheesh. A head can dream,” he said, sticking out his tongue. “Okay, so—how’s this going to go down?” he asked, readily changing gears.
“I’m not sure yet,” I said, blinking. “I needed to see if it was possible first.”
“Well, if it’s an implant, that won’t work. Nothing gets under my skin. But—I could easily keep something trapped under my tongue. I was addicted to chaw for a century.”
“That could maintain contact with your ever-present vitals—enough to ensure her safety.” I put Kelly’s head six inches awayfrom my face. “As violently unwilling as I am to share Sirena with you, I’m almost tempted to kiss you right now!”
Kelly laughed. “Save it, loverboy—go get your girl.”
“You’re coming with me,” I said, tucking his head beneath my arm.
52 /SIRENA
I paced backand forth in my pen.
The weight of waiting was becoming oppressive.
Ididn’ttake my dress off. I would bedamnedif I died wearing a hospital gown.
That, plus, I didn’t mind if I looked a little rough.
At the MSA, I always had to be polished and pulled together. Not just as an agent, but because I was representing the agency, as the next in Royce’s line.
But I’d spent almost seventeen years of my life beneath the sea before going onto land, and unlike representations from eighteenth-century art, people who looked like mermaids didn’t just sit around combing their hair.
We traversed dangerous waters, with creatures bigger than we were—and we hunted.
With spears and speed and teeth.
And then I felt someone move against my mind.Daughter?a familiar presence asked.
Mother!I squealed back in glee.
You are still in danger, yes?Her concern slammed into me, barely restrained.
Yes. But—we are working on things.I had no doubt Nex would come up with a solution.
He loved me—one hundred percent.
We...will investigate that later,my mother said, sensing the change in me.For the moment, we await your command.
And now that I was more receptive, I could feel other minds waiting below—krakens. Friends.Cepharius?I thrilled.
Of course,he thought back.Don’t tell your father.
