Read Online Storm of Arranon Fire and Ice by Robynn Sheahan - Free Book Online

beoir.
“There’s a boy in the hospital wing. His name is Cace, and he just
turned fourteen. He’s not exactly a boy, I guess. Cace never
complains. He was born with multiple birth defects, but it hasn’t
affected his mind or his spirit. His mother has raised him by
herself since his father left them.”
    Nev paused, glanced out at the dancers, and
took a drink. “Cace spends a lot of time in the hospital.
Complications with his immune system. Every few weeks, one of his
vital organs begins to fail. We can’t pinpoint the trigger causing
the recurring inflammation. We’ll keep trying. Anyway, Cace talks
constantly about Interceptors, pilots, and flying.” Nev dipped his
head. He lifted the right corner of his mouth in a crooked and
completely charming half smile. “Cace would appreciate… I would appreciate it if you could come visit him. I guarantee you,
he will test your knowledge of Interceptors.”
    A slight smile relaxed Erynn’s guarded
expression. “When?”
     
     
    Erynn found a message from Jaer waiting for
her in her quarters.
    His face cleared into view on her computer
screen. Those brown eyes that stole her heart each time she saw
them had lost their shine. “I have been called away on a…family
matter. Everyone is fine. Do not worry. An issue needs my
attention. Aven is with me.” He paused, staring out at her from his
three-dimensional likeness. He smiled, but the expression was
forced. “No matter what happens, Kipa, know that I have loved only
you.”
    Erynn’s stomach lurched, and the floor
wavered under her. She tried to breathe but her lungs had filled
with a solid substance that refused to yield to the air she
required. She dropped onto the chair. The force of hitting the seat
unlocked her chest muscles.
    Not remembering how she got there, she moved
through the hall outside her quarters. Zach was back in the common
room, guarding. She needed to talk to Jaer. Now. Find out what this
was all about. She walked up to Zach, speaking before he
acknowledged she was there. “I need to talk to Jaer.”
    Startled, Zach glanced up. “Jaer will be back
tomorrow or the next day, at the most. Can it wait? I’m not sure we
can contact him.”
    Erynn leaned over, her hands fisted on the
arms of Zach’s chair. “You’re in communication with Jaer. Don’t
tell me you’re not.” Her hard gaze bore into him.
    “I can’t do that, Erynn. I have my
orders.”
    “Fine. I’ll find Roni.” Erynn straightened,
glaring down at Zach.
    “Roni’s out on patrol, checking the sensors
below the base.” Zach stood up, holding his hand up, palm toward
her. “Okay, Erynn, I’ll tell you what I know.” He glanced around
and lowered his voice. “A friend of Jena’s, Jaer’s sister, showed
up. This friend’s family and everyone in her hometown thought she
was dead. Her return has caused some problems between her family
and Jaer’s. It’s a long story, and I don’t know all of it. Jaer
will explain everything when he gets back.”
    “He seemed so upset in his message. Are you
sure?”
    “Jaer takes anything concerning his family
quite seriously. Family is very important to him. You’re equally
important. Erynn, Jaer is fine. It’s going to be okay.” Zach
smiled. “Don’t you have a class early tomorrow on the Interceptor’s
advancements? At least we got something from the aliens’
technology. A more powerful engine design and weapon upgrades.”
    Erynn frowned. “You’re changing the subject.
If there’s nothing wrong, why can’t I talk to Jaer? I need to hear
this from him.”
    “I’ll contact Jaer tomorrow. If he’s not
already back, I’ll arrange for you to speak with him.”
    She stared at Zach.
    He’s stalling, but what can do ?
    “I want to talk to Jaer tomorrow. Please.”
Something was wrong. She sensed it.
    Her communication link vibrated. She pulled
the clip from her pocket and slipped it around her ear.
    “Erynn,” Cale’s voice transmitted through the
device, “I need