Psy (Alien Castaways #3) - Cara Bristol Page 0,49

was oblivious to my presence until it was too late.”

“She never gave up trying to attack Cassie. I repelled her at least a dozen times,” Psy commented.

So many? She’d been aware of a few attempted mental assaults but had no idea how persistent Mentira had been. She shuddered. “But sh-sh-she still feels j-j-justified.” The way she’d glowered at them as she left—if looks could kill…

“Her emotions remain her own. I altered the bare minimum to secure her capitulation because violating the code for any reason is no insignificant matter.”

“The fact she isn’t remorseful but will confess anyway, will be galling for her,” Psy said, his satisfaction evident. But then his expression turned remorseful. “I’m sorry I had to drag you into this.”

“You didn’t drag me. I’m glad you called. I needed to do it. Someone had to block her assaults on Cassie—you couldn’t have defended your genmate and entered Mentira’s mind. It required both of us, and I accept responsibility for her. She belonged to my group. When she disappeared years ago, I should have tracked her down and found out why.” He regarded Cassie. “I’m so sorry for what she did to you.”

“It’s not your fault,” she replied, noticing Mysk appeared drained by the experience. She recalled that breaking into someone’s mind caused pain. He’d suffered for her. “Thank you for everything.”

“I second that,” Psy said.

“You’re both very welcome. This whole situation has brought to light the need for us to establish a law-and-order tribunal. Can you imagine what would happen if a Luciferan went on an arson spree? Earth authorities couldn’t deal with them any better than they could a Verital.

“While there are only a handful of first-generation Veritals, most have bonded with human genmates, and their offspring who have full powers are coming of age now,” Mysk said. “Earth now has two and a half times more second-generation Veritals as first.”

Cassie widened her eyes. Did that mean…

Our children will have mental powers, Psy confirmed.

“I’ll get with my people about establishing a tribunal if you’ll approach Tigre about sending a rep?” Mysk asked.

Psy nodded. “I’ll talk to Tigre, but I would like to volunteer.”

“Great! We have one member already.” Mysk grinned, but his smile appeared weary. “You two have a lot to discuss, so I’ll head home to Seattle.

He looks exhausted, she said. Is it safe for him to fly?

He’ll plot the coordinates in the CUF, and it will take him home. He could even nap on the way.

After Mysk left, she studied the living room with distaste. Once, the house had been a cute bungalow on a quiet street in a small town. She’d considered it her home. It was still a cute house, but too many bad memories were trapped inside for it to ever be a home again. She couldn’t stand the idea of spending a single night here. What if the police didn’t believe Mentira’s story and didn’t arrest her? What if she got out on bail? Mysk had fixed it so she couldn’t infect anyone’s mind, but Cassie would never feel safe around her again.

Psy put his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go home—to the farmhouse.”

Relief washed over her, and she nodded gratefully. She could stay there tonight, and tomorrow she would begin hunting for another place.

“I mean, come live with me. If you wish to rent your own place—I know that was important to you—I’ll support you, but my preference is for us to be together. Always.”

Live in that homey farmhouse with her genmate whom she loved and enjoy the company of his three castaway brothers like one big happy family? She broke into a big grin. “My p-p-preference, too!”

Chapter Twenty-One

His plans to be alone with Cassie got thwarted when they arrived to a full house. All the castaways and genmates were present: Tigre, Shadow, Inferno, Chameleon and Kevanne, and Wingman and Delia.

“Chameleon and I have heard so much about you, Cassie. It’s so great to finally get to meet you!” Kevanne gushed.

“It-it’s a pleasure to m-meet you, t-too,” his genmate replied.

“Oh my gosh! You’re speaking!” Delia burst out.

“L-l-learning to,” she replied with a big grin and set her cookie jar on the coffee table.

Is it okay if I tell them what happened? he asked.

Yes. I want everyone to know what she did.

He explained how Mentira was a Verital who had kidnapped her and brainwashed her into silence—literally.

Shock reverberated around the room.

Delia gasped. “That’s awful. That’s criminal. She has to be arrested!”

“We can’t let her get away with that.” Chameleon glowered.

“She won’t.