27. Aru

27

ARU

" E verything has healed remarkably well," Merlin said as he put large Band-Aids on both of Marcus's arms. "Keep the area clean, and if it itches, rub this cream over it." He handed him a tube. "I don't expect you to experience any other side effects from these immunizations, but if you do, give me a call." He handed the guy an old-fashioned business card. "Program your phone with my number."

The guy flexed his arm, frowning at the Band-Aid. "What did you say these were?"

"Immunizations," Aru said, while reinforcing the word with a thrall. "You need them for where you are traveling. It's just additional protection."

The three men nodded, their eyes slightly glazed over as the new memories settled into place, replacing any recollection of the tracker implantation procedure.

The one from Anumati was so small that they couldn't feel it even if they rubbed their arms. The one William's team had made was slightly larger, so they might feel a small bump, but they would think it was from the immunization shot.

"Remember to keep the injection sites clean," Merlin repeated. "And if you experience any unusual reactions, contact the number I provided."

"Will do, doc." Marcus grinned, his attention shifting to Hildegard. "Thanks for taking such good care of us, sweetheart."

Hildegard had spent the night with Marcus, and Dagor had to redirect the surveillance drone attached to the guy to give them privacy. Other than that, the drones had kept the men constant company since they had left the keep's clinic the day before, and Dagor had reported that they had not done or said anything suspicious.

"All part of the service." Hildegard gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Have a good time in Tibet."

As the men gathered their backpacks, which were stuffed with their newly purchased supplies, Aru escorted them outside through the lobby, where a Lyft was waiting for them to take them to the airport. It wasn't an actual Lyft, of course, or a human driver behind the wheel. It was a Guardian, who would not only get them to the airport but would also thrall them to forget where they had come from and make sure that they boarded the plane.

When the three loaded their belongings in the trunk and got inside, Aru allowed himself to feel actual relief for the first time.

The trackers had been successfully transferred, the hosts were none the wiser, and soon he and his teammates would be free to join their mates in the village.

"I can't believe we've actually pulled this off," Dagor said once Aru returned to the penthouse.

"Time to celebrate?" He walked over to the bar.

"It's barely past noon," Negal pointed out, but he was already reaching for glasses.

"Where are Merlin and Hildegard?" Aru asked. "They are our ride to the village."

"Down in the clinic," Negal said. "Cleaning up and making a list of supplies they need to order."

Aru accepted a glass, feeling the smooth crystal against his palm. It seemed surreal that, after all this time, they were finally free to stop pretending to search for pods that would likely never be found.

"To our freedom," he proposed, raising his glass.

"To our mates," Negal added.

"To the village," Dagor concluded, and they clinked their glasses together.

The whiskey burned pleasantly, going down, warming Aru's chest. He savored the sensation, knowing it would be one of his last memories in this place that had been their base of operations for so long.

It had been lovely, but according to Gabi, the village was even lovelier.

"We should start packing," Negal said after emptying his glass. "Margo's waiting for me to get there to choose our house. She's been sending me pictures of potentials all morning, but to be frank, they all kind of look the same and not nearly as nice as this place. I'm not complaining, though, especially since we are getting them rent-free."

"Yeah, that's an important factor, given that our budget is significantly diminished now that we are paying our replacements and covering their expenses. I hope we all can get jobs in the village and earn an income."

Negal waved a dismissive hand. "Stop worrying so much about finances, Aru. Toven said he's going to help us if we need it."

Aru winced. "I'd rather not accept charity when I can work."

He also hoped Kian wouldn't demand the rest of their Anumatian tech as payment. They needed it in case someone came for them. It was possible that the commander would call and announce that they were about to get picked up.

The chances of that happening were slim but not negligible.

In addition to the trackers that had to be moved, their Anumatian communicators had to be rigged with a gadget that William had come up with, and although it had worked when they had tested it, there was always a chance the commander would notice that there was something wonky about the signal.

Dagor put his glass down and headed to his and Frankie's room. "Do you know if we are supposed to clean up before we leave?"

Aru shrugged. "No one said anything about it, but we should leave the place in a decent state. Making the beds and putting the dishes in the dishwasher should do it. Kian will probably send a cleaning crew to do a more thorough job."

"Then why bother?" Negal asked.

"Because that's the decent thing to do after enjoying the guy's hospitality and getting to stay here for free."

Negal grumbled something under his breath before heading to his room.

When Aru closed the door behind him, he didn't start packing right away, though. He stretched out on his bed, which he had already made, and closed his eyes.

Reaching out with his mind to his sister, he waited until the familiar sensation of connecting with her washed over him.

He could feel Aria's joy through the tether connecting them.

Hello, Aru , she greeted warmly. I was just thinking about you .

I was thinking of you, too. I have good news. The transfer of the trackers was successful; the humans are on their way to begin the search for the pods, and we are moving to the village today .

Her excitement bubbled through their link. I'm so happy for you all. You can finally start your life in the village. Did you have any problem with the transfer? Tell me everything!

Everything went smoothly , he shared, sending her mental images of the three men. They are former Special Forces—disciplined, discreet, and eager to travel. They think they are on a long-term assignment that just happens to pay very well .

Clever. He felt her satisfaction mix with a touch of wistfulness. I wish I could see the village. See you and Gabi in your new home .

I wish you could . The thought of his twin being unable to share in this new chapter of his life brought a familiar ache. I will send you a mental image once I get there. Gabi is already in the village, celebrating Jasmine's transition into immortality with her friends .

Give her my love . Aria's mental touch was gentle.

Thank you, I will . He poured all his love for her into the thought. One day, we will find a way for you to visit and see it all for yourself . Maybe even move in.

It was an impossible dream, but they were immortal gods, and no one knew what the future would bring. Besides, there was no harm in dreaming.

One day , she agreed. For now, live well and prosper, my brother. Make the most of your freedom .

As their connection faded, Aru opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling of the room he'd called home for so long.

Soon, it would be just another memory.