Broken: The Discordant Earth Series 1.0 Read online

  “Your brother thinks he’s a comedian, apparently.”

  “Nothing new there,” he said, shrugging it off.

  Looking over Sebastian’s shoulder, Alyssa spotted Zirena sitting alone, four tables away, scowling at them. When they made eye contact, she didn’t look away as most people would when caught staring, instead Zirena’s eyes narrowed to slits as her mouth puckered into a deep frown. The anger directed her way startled Alyssa, sending a chill down her spine.

  “I thought Zirena went back to California with Cecily…”

  “She stays behind sometimes. Z has a few friends here.” Sebastian stuffed a fork-full of eggs in his mouth before stabbing at a sausage link on Jordan’s plate.

  “Hey!” Jordan fended his brother off with a butter knife.

  “Why does she look so angry? It’s like I killed her puppy or something…”

  They all turned to stare at Zirena, who blushed beet red before looking down at her food, and Sebastian half-shrugged, returning to his food. Kora looked at Alyssa with her eyebrows raised as Jordan chuckled to himself.

  “She’s into Bas.”

  Sebastian nearly choked on his eggs, gulping down juice to clear his airways. “What the hell, bro? She’s not into me.”

  “Pfft. Ever since she came here, when the commander booted her to the curb, she’s totally been into you. You should have seen her face when you made me tell her she had to go with Cecily. Dev-a-stated.”

  “I didn’t make you—I mean… it was for her own safety. I thought it was best if she wasn’t so close to the commander. I didn’t know she was upset…”

  “Oh, she was. Nearly ripped my head off. Z’s got one hell of a temper. Makes me glad you didn’t hook up with her.”

  “Dude! I don’t hook up with anyone.”

  Alyssa and Kora grinned at each other, amused by the banter.

  “No, bro, I know you don’t hook up… often.”

  “Jordan!”

  “What? You’re only human. It’s been twenty years since Becky died, and besides, you were just a kid. No way can a man go that long without getting la—”

  “Dude! Shut it!” Sebastian glanced at Alyssa, his face flushed scarlet, the angry lines of his face softening when he saw her biting back laughter. He turned to Kora, who looked ready to burst, and let out a guffaw, setting the whole table off.

  The foursome took their time eating breakfast. Gradually, Kora added more and more to the conversation, becoming open, assertive, and energetic, her usual frail, beaten-down appearance starting to fade into a bolder, friendly demeanor.

  On Kora’s lead, they left the cafeteria and made their way to the recreation room where, for a short time, she sank back into herself, too shy to interact with strangers, but with a little encouragement, began to make more of an effort. Several people dropped by the rec room, and after a while, she stopped shying away from them.

  Sebastian had put the word out that everyone should treat Kora like a wounded animal and only approach her with care, which Alyssa felt was an appropriate analogy.

  The four of them spent the morning playing games, watching broadcasts, and eating a picnic lunch in a small, grassy courtyard behind the dormitory. Alyssa covertly observed Kora’s interactions with Jordan. She sat close to him, seeming to hang on his every word, whereas he took on a guardian role with the fragile woman, carrying her food tray and holding the door for her. Before she could sit on the grass, he insisted on clearing the spot of any unwanted dirt or bugs.

  When Jordan started to regale Kora with stories of traveling with his mother, they seemed to disappear into their own little bubble, so Alyssa leaned back on her hands, soaking in the late spring sun, while Sebastian lounged with his head in her lap. She studied the calm, satisfied look on his face, marveling at how life had led her to this beautiful man.

  Sebastian opened an eye to peek at Alyssa, and she beamed at him, placing her hand on his chest, which he picked up to kiss her palm, warming her heart. Jordan cleared his throat, drawing their attention, and he had a huge smile plastered across his goofy mug as Kora hid her own smile behind her hand.

  “What’s up?” Sebastian ignored their amused expressions.

  “I’m going to take Kora back to her room for a nap.”

  Sebastian looked up at Alyssa. “You need a nap?”

  She shook her head, not ready to leave the tranquil courtyard. “I’m good.”

  “Looks like we’re settled here, for now, bro.”

  “You need me for anything, Kora?” Alyssa asked.

  “No, I’m just a little tired. The baby’s been kicking me all day.”

  “Yeah, it’s the coolest thing ever,” Jordan said, bobbing his head comically.

  “You’re so weird.” Alyssa squinted and stuck her tongue out at him.

  He tipped his head back, nose in the air, and said, “I prefer to think I’m unique.”

  “You sure he’s your brother?” She peered at Sebastian, poking his arm.

  “That’s what my mom says, but I’ve had my doubts.”

  Jordan slugged Sebastian’s shoulder, and they all laughed when he pretended to be wounded. Jordan grabbed Kora’s hand, pulling her up from the ground, looking as if she might topple over any minute with her enormous belly.

  “Be good, kids.” Jordan called back to them before the door closed behind them.

  “Hmph, he’s one to talk,” Alyssa said with a snarky scoff.

  “He does seem very focused on that girl. I guess he’s over his crush on you.”

  “Sure seems that way, and I’m quite relieved.”

  “Me, too.” Sebastian closed his eyes again. “I didn’t want to step on his toes, but since you already said you weren’t interested in him, I couldn’t resist your adorable face.”

  “Aw, you think I’m adorable.” Alyssa gushed, flushed with happiness.

  “Yes, I do. Besides, unless she changes dramatically after escaping her asshole mate, I think Kora’s exactly what Jordy needs. He’s got a nurturing side to him that he must have gotten from our mother.”

  “Well, you’re not exactly cold-hearted, you know.” She poked his side, making him jump, and he snatched her hand, holding onto it.

  “Depends on who you talk to.”

  “I guess you have to be pretty hard-nosed to be a leader of a rebel alliance.”

  Sebastian shrugged, kissing her palm. “Eh, not as much as I used to.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I had a lot to prove when I was younger and trying to pull the coalition together.”

  “I can’t imagine organizing so many groups that are so far away from each other.”

  “I had a lot of help.”

  “What about your mother?”

  “What about her?”

  “Where is she?”

  “Not sure. We can’t tell her about the coalition so we don’t talk to her much. She still moves around a lot. Makes it hard to keep track of her.”

  “How sad.”

  “Doesn’t bother me, but I know Jordan misses her.”

  “I miss my parents terribly.” Alyssa sniffled as a wave of sadness rolled through her.

  “Oh, darlin’, don’t get bummed now.” Sebastian sat up to scoot next to her. “I doubt they would’ve wanted you to be sad all the time.”

  “I know... you’re right.”

  “Here, lean on me. I’ll take care of you.”

  Alyssa laid her head on his shoulder, letting the wave of depression flow away as his kind presence soothed her. Sebastian wove his fingers with hers, lifting her arm up, and with his thumb, grazed the lines of her brand. She peeked up to see a him frowning, a hint of anger in his eyes.

  “It didn’t hurt…”

  “I know, but it shouldn’t be there. You aren’t cattle. He can’t own you.”

  “Well, I thought it was a mark of honor, an achievement. I didn’t realize he was marking me as his property, and I didn’t know about Zirena or the other women. I feel so stupid.”
>
  “Don’t. It’s not your fault. Don’t ever feel bad about yourself. You had no way of knowing what he had planned for you, and hell, more than half the human population believe the aliens are saviors that do no wrong.”

  “Still, if I’d learned the truth sooner, maybe my parents would still be alive.”

  “I’m sorry, Alyssa. I waited too long.”

  “Don’t blame yourself. You had to be sure I’d believe you, and before I got pregnant, I wouldn’t have. I thought my life was perfect. I was complacent, willing to be whatever he wanted me to be until it was time to go to Zion, so I wouldn’t have believed anything you told me.”

  Alyssa wrapped her arms around his chest, hugging him tight, and as she draped her legs over his lap, he put a hand over her knees, laying his cheek on the top of her head.

  Cuddled as they were, Alyssa couldn’t wish for a better moment. Slowly, Sebastian leaned back, pulling her down with him to lie on the grass, their bodies entwined, basking in the sunlight. Alyssa relished the sense of peace she felt in Sebastian’s presence, a feeling she realized she’d never had before.

  Chapter 16

  “So, you’re leaving tomorrow?” Kora asked, leaning back against the wall with her massive belly weighing her down and her legs sprawled out in front of her, plucking blades of grass.

  “Yes. As much as I love hanging out with you, Jordan, and Sebastian—” butterflies fluttered in Alyssa’s belly “—I’ve been gone more than a week, and Granny can’t keep making excuses to Kayn for the both of us. I need to make sure he doesn’t go looking for you at the house.”

  “Thanks, Alyssa, you’re an angel. I wouldn’t have gotten away from Sen without you, or met Jordan.” Kora glanced away, blushing with watery eyes and a little smile.

  “You two sure are tight now, attached at the hip, it seems. Is that okay? Are you comfortable? If Jordan is coming on too strong—”

  “It’s okay,” she said. “Actually, it’s great. I’ve never been treated so well, Aly. Sen never did anything nice for me, only called me awful names and pushed me around, but Jordan’s completely different. He makes me feel so special, always bringing me food and stuff to make my room cozy, and doesn’t force me to pick up after him, or you know, do stuff to him. And, he keeps the nightmares away.”

  “That’s fantastic,” Alyssa said, astonished by this newer, chattier Kora. “It seems like we both met some great guys, brothers no less.”

  “You and Sebastian sure spent a lot of time in your room,” she said, giggling behind her hand. “Are you two, uh, you know, practicing?”

  “Practicing? Oh, you mean, because I’m already pregnant?” Alyssa rolled her eyes, smirking as she basked in the sunshine. “No, we’re not, we’re just getting to know each other, you know?”

  “Uh huh,” Kora said, nodding her head slowly, biting back a grin.

  “Kayn never abused me, but the more time I spend with Sebastian, the more I realize he didn’t treat me right. I’m just another human to him, someone to use until he gets rid of us all. When I’m with Sebastian, it’s as if all the bad in the world disappears… at least for a little while.”

  “Yes,” Kora murmured, her eyes losing focus, like a lost little girl, “a little while.” She winced, pain flashing across her face.

  “You okay, sweetie?”

  “Huh? Oh, uh, yeah, the baby just kicked real hard, and I was thinking about Sen. What if he finds me? What if he takes my baby?”

  “That’s not going to happen,” Alyssa said, sitting up to put an arm around the shivering young woman. “The coalition will protect you. You’re going to have your baby here where it’s safe, and if there’s any hint Sen might find you, we’ll get you somewhere else.”

  “Okay, Aly, I trust you. As long as Jordan is with me, I know I’ll be happy.”

  ***

  Later that evening, Alyssa and Sebastian had a quiet dinner alone in their room, snuggled up on the sofa together. The cozy atmosphere made her feel as if they were in their own little world, a place she felt reluctant to leave.

  “Kora and I had a nice chat today.”

  “Yeah?” Sebastian crunched on an aromatic apple that Alyssa promptly snatched for a bite, giggling when he grabbed it back, bonking her on the nose.

  “Yeah,” she said, beaming at him while chomping on her chunk of apple. “Other than the awkward run-ins with Zirena, I think she might be ready for a permanent room in the dorm.”

  “Uh, yeah, I’m going to have to talk to Cecily about Z,” he said, his face scrunching up in annoyance. “She’s been following me around, showing up for all the meetings, even the ones she wasn’t called to join, and you’ve seen her hover when we’re in the rec room.”

  “That chicks got issues, Sebastian,” Alyssa said. “I haven’t had to deal with her kind of attitude since school, it’s quite immature, but I won’t let her get between us, you know?”

  “Well, that’s good to know,” he said, giving her a big, lopsided grin.

  “Don’t let it go to your head, mister.” She burst out laughing, nearly spilling milk down her blouse, when Sebastian gave her a sharp salute.

  “So, when should we move her?”

  “Let’s talk with her in the morning. She was pretty tired and breathing hard when we walked back from the courtyard.”

  “You’re the boss,” he said, trying to hold back a laugh as Alyssa gaped and pounced on him.

  ***

  Knocking on the door, Sebastian fidgeted while they waited outside Jordan and Kora’s door.

  “You nervous about something?” Alyssa asked, biting back an amused smile.

  “What? Uh, no.” He blushed, weaving his fingers with hers. “Actually, I was just thinking about how you’re going to be leaving after we move Kora.”

  “Aw, you’re sad.” Alyssa leaned into him, batting her eyelashes as he gazed down at her.

  “Yeah,” he said, just as the door opened.

  “Hey guys, what’s up?” Jordan poked his head out, asking in a hushed voice.

  “Is Kora up yet?”

  “Come in, she’s in the bathroom. She just woke up, and I don’t think she’s feeling too well.”

  “Oh no,” Alyssa said. “Can we get her anything?”

  “Naw.” He ushered them to the sofa. “I got her some crackers and juice. She probably just needs to rest today, so no rec room time, I guess.”

  “Good call.” Sebastian clapped his hand on Jordan’s shoulder before he sat down. “We just want to talk to her about the move, then we’ll be out of your hair.”

  “No problemo. She should be out soon.”

  Jordan straightened up the room while they waited, and Alyssa wondered if he was going through that nesting faze some people get when they’re expecting a baby. Whatever it was, she admired him for taking care of her friend, and couldn’t be happier for Kora.

  That girl deserves every good thing anyone can offer her. I hope she and Jordan can make a go of it.

  “Hey, guys.” Kora called to them, in her quiet tone, when she emerged from the bathroom. “What are y’all doing here?”

  Since they’d rescued Kora and brought her to the coalition, Alyssa noticed a little bit of southern vernacular had worked its way into her vocabulary, words like y’all and fixin’. When asked about it, she explained that Sen didn’t like the backwoods talk of southerners.

  “We came to see if you’re ready to move,” Alyssa said, perched on the edge of her seat.

  “You seem to be getting along with everyone well enough,” Sebastian said, “so we figured it’s a good time to check if you feel ready. No pressure, though.”

  “Thanks, Bas.” Kora smiled weakly, with a faint green tint to her pale skin.

  Alyssa tilted her head and frowned. “Kora, you feeling okay?”

  “I’m not sure...” She rubbed her swollen belly. “My stomach aches, the baby hasn’t moved all night, and I’m bleeding a little bit.”

  “Oh no, sweetie, that’s not good. Se
bastian, you need to call Shar right away, please.”

  “I’m on it,” he said, rushing out of the room.

  Alyssa followed Jordan as he went to help Kora get back in bed.

  “Kora, sweetie,” she said, in a soothing tone, “lie down and rest. We’ll get someone here real soon to look at you. Jordan, can I talk to you a minute?”

  Jordan followed her over to the door, so Kora wouldn’t overhear anything that might upset her.

  “What’s wrong with her?”

  “I don’t know yet, but she may be going into labor. Has she been sick for very long?” She glanced back at Kora. “I thought she looked pretty good yesterday, a little tired looking but not sick.”

  “She says she’s been extra tired but thought it was because she’s almost due. Last night she couldn’t eat much dinner and puked up what she did eat just before she went to bed.”

  “Not good, Jordan. She could be having this baby now.”

  “Oh, crap—” Jordan rocked back on his heels “—a baby.”

  “You okay, buddy? You look a little green.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I just, uh… guess I thought there’d be time to get her moved and adjusted before adding the baby to the mix.”

  “You two have gotten pretty close since she got here, she’s quite attached to you. You’re planning on sticking around when the baby comes, right?”

  “Of course!” Jordan sputtered. “I’m not that kind of guy, Alyssa. You know that.”

  “I know, Jordan, I know. I was just checking, you know, with everything that girl has been through, she needs someone to support her. You need to be ready for that.”

  “She can count on me.”

  “Well, get over there and support her then.” Alyssa pushed him toward the bed.

  “Kora, honey,” Jordan said, “Alyssa says you might be going into labor, and I just want you to know I’m here for you. Now and after. Tell me if you need anything, and I’ll make sure you have it.”

  “Thank you, Jordan,” Kora said through clenched teeth. “I really appreciate that. Can I have something to drink?”

  Jordan grabbed a juice from a small fridge as Alyssa stepped up to Kora’s side to feel her forehead, rushing to get a damp cloth.