Defeated, but comforted by the promise that they wouldn't be kicking her out yet, Sal answered. "I heard you say I had a bruise, that you didn't want to get someone's hopes up, that you can shut the thing down, and then you called my name."
"And did you hear the other person?" His eyes scanned her face. "Don't worry, I just need to know."
Relaxing slightly, Sal said, "No, sir. Just you, sir."
"At least there's that." He sighed, running his fingers through his long dark hair. "No, you're not losing your mind. What you're hearing is a trick of my own iliran ancestry. Usually, I have to consciously allow someone to hear our thoughts. When did it start?"
She thought back. "When you touched me, sir."
"Ah." He nodded to himself. "Physical contact. That makes sense. I guess you came with the switch on. Look, I can't lock you out, not yet – since I'm not sure exactly how you got in – but I'd appreciate if you keep this to yourself for the time being."
A chuckle escaped. "And who would I tell, sir?"
"Good point." His shoulders relaxed and he tilted his chin behind her. "Now go find Shift. He'll assign you rooms." Arctic turned away before she could salute.
Confused, she tried to push the strangeness out of her mind. She wasn't here to wonder about the mysteries of the world or believe in miracles. She just had to get a position as an elite soldier. Maybe the whole thing was some practical joke, intended to make her look crazy. That would be a good way to get her excused from the trials, but it seemed she hadn't ruined her chances yet.
Sal jogged to the meeting area just on the other side of the fountain. The man called Shift leaned casually against the fence, three soldiers in blue uniforms standing before him. The color of his skin hinted at iliran ancestry in him, as well. He looked up before she got close, pushing away from the wood rails to offer his hand. Sal took it out of habit, then fell into place beside the other soldiers.
Don't worry, Shift said inside her head, I've already been told. I'm pretty sure you can hear me.
I really can, Sal thought, amazed, her eyes widening.
Nice, and I can hear you easily. Looks like you're a natural. His face showed no hint of their conversation, the thought ending as he switched to his voice. "Glad they finally let you go, Private," he teased. "You almost missed getting a room. The rest of you have your cabins and meeting times. Luxx, you'll have cabin 12. That's with the rest of the Black Blades. Being the only woman in the group, the Lieutenant wants to discourage extra curricular activities. Now, the rest of you are dismissed. Luxx, he'd like to meet with you now, rather than in the morning." Don't worry, he doesn't bite. We just need to sort out the incident earlier, he assured her.
Sal nodded. Am I going to be dismissed? she wondered.
Nah, Shift thought while he escorted her across the compound. Pretty sure you didn't mean to send that, but you did. Look, we're not a bunch of assholes, ok? You won't be dismissed because some damned primates try to harass ya. And this little deal, Shift gestured between their heads, can't exactly be ignored.
She nodded professionally but her heart was hammering. She'd already been noticed, and she wasn't sure it was in a good way. When Shift gestured for her to follow, she fell in beside him, careful to stay just behind his shoulder. He might not be completely human, but she didn't want to cause any more problems than she already had. Obviously, they accepted the crossbreds well enough. Maybe if she could convince them she was tame, they'd give her a chance?
He slowed his steps until she was beside him. Don't do that. You're not in shit, we just need to sort out a few things.
"Sorry, sir," she muttered.
And don't fuckin' 'sir' me. Look, we're not like that, ok? I don't care what some human says you should do, we know what you are. If anything, I should be walking around behind you.
His thoughts shocked her. What?
Shift looked over to her quickly. You weren't raised by an iliri, were you.
It wasn't a question, but she decided to try answering. No. I was purchased young, as a pet and servant. I've never really met any other iliri.
Well, that's going to make things harder. He gently touched her shoulder. It's ok, though. You're not alone anymore. Just breathe, I'm sure you can smell it.
Smell what?
Shift grinned. The truth. There's so much more going on than you could ever guess. What we're about to show you is just a hint.
Chapter 2
Rise of the Iliri: BloodLust: Book 1
Shift grabbed the plain wood door before them and pulled it open, gesturing for her to go first. Sal pulled off her cap as she entered and took a deep breath, looking around. The ever-present sweet smell was faint, little more than a tickle in her nose. Instead, she savored scents that felt natural and comforting. They reminded her of something from long ago.
Across the room, Lieutenant Blaec Doll stood with his bare back to them. At the sound of the door, his head tilted, he grabbed a clean shirt from the chair beside him, and shoved his arms into the sleeves as he turned. His chest was smooth, perfect except for one pale line across his hip that vanished under the waist of his pants. She wondered how a soldier could've fought for so long without the marks to prove it. When her eyes finally made their way to his face, he was waiting.
"She doesn't have a clue," Shift said, leaving her side to drop into a chair before a massive desk. "Pretty good instincts, though. We've been chatting."
The Lieutenant nodded. "I see that. Any reason you didn't give me a warning?"
"Nope." Shift grinned and leaned back, the chair creaking in protest. "Brought her to the office like I was told. Not my fault you're half naked."
He chuckled. "If you'd been any earlier, I would have been all naked."
"What," Shift teased, "didn't want to stay in armor all day?"
"Nor show my bare ass to the recruits." The Lieutenant grinned before turning to Sal. "So, Private. Heard you've been making things interesting."
Sal wasn't sure if she was already off to a bad start, but dared to hope that Shift was right. "I'm sorry, sir."
He stopped just a step away, his hard green eyes boring into hers. When she refused to look down, he smiled slowly. "I see. And how long can you keep that up, little iliri?"
He was challenging her intentionally! As long as I need to, she thought, but said, "Pardon me, sir?" Her ears flicked forward, locked on him, wondering what he was trying to do.
"Her mind and her tongue don't agree," Shift said. "I'm getting a drink if you're gonna start that shit."
