Plague of Memory by S. L. Viehl Page B

in your heart... or perhaps I have not." He rested his forehead against his fist. "I did not want you to know of him, so I erased everything she wrote about him in her journal files."
    That explained the periodic gaps in the data. I couldn't understand why he would do such a thing, but I saw no shame in it. Indeed, I thought his endless obsession with my former self unhealthy. Such fixations had nearly driven Teulon insane, although it had been more understandable in his case. He had lost his bondmate and every member of his House-Clan except his young son.
    Discovering Xan had survived the Jado Massacre had given Teulon hope and renewed interest in life. Could not Marel do the same for Reever?
    "I am not interested in the dead," I said. "We are together, and even when we do not agree, we suit each other." I glanced at the bedchamber. "If last night did not convince you of this, remember that we also share a daughter. She needs both of us. Can that not be enough for you?"
    "For me?" His head came up. "You don't care that I destroyed some of your past?"
    It is not my past. I shook my head. "I might erase the rest of it myself; it would save me much confusion."
    He seemed shocked by my words. "You should know how you came to be."
    "I know I was made from a man and grown inside a machine instead of a woman's belly. I cannot get sick and I may never die. If there are more unnatural things involved, please, do not tell me of them." He did not respond. "You understand the Hsktskt better than I, Husband. I will need your wisdom when we reach Vtaga. And I.. . care for you. Do not let this become another wall between us."
    He was silent for a long time. "If I agree, you must also make a concession."
    "Anything."
    "When we are among the Hsktskt, you must 1 ten to me and do as I say." Before I could speak, he put his hand over mine. "I know this species intimately. I served as a member of the Faction for years. Your death on Akkabarr may have lifted the blood bounty, but there are other dangers. You cannot recognize them, but I will."
    I hardly heard the last of what he said, so busy was I trying to absorb the fact that Reever had once belonged to the Hsktskt. Cherijo had said much about him in her journals, but never this. That he had once been a slaver changed everything. "Perhaps it will be better if I summon Teulon."
    "No." His hand tightened. "I did not join them. I made a pretense of it. I never enslaved anyone." When I jerked at his hold, his mouth became a thin line. "You will listen to me this time."
    I felt a curious paralysis move up my arm. Before I could react, some unseen force rendered my body immobile. I tried to cry out, but something besides myself filled my mind.
    J can do more than read your thoughts, Jarn, Reever's voice said inside my head. / can use your mind to control your body.
    My heartbeat raced as I tried to escape the invisible force he used to hold me in place. At the same time, I felt Reever's own cool, focused thoughts enclose me as he somehow slowed my pulse and relaxed my knotted muscles.
    I had never felt such an invasion, not even when we had coupled. I should have been terrified, or outraged, but his thoughts held me as gently as his arms. How can you do this?
    I don't know. I have never been capable of such a link with anyone else but you. Reever spoke as if my thoughts were my voice. It is the bond we have shared since the moment we first saw each o*her. Kiss me.
    The paralysis lifted, and I shifted forward, leaning across the table to press my mouth against his.
    He took his time enjoying the kiss before immobilizing me again. J can make you say or do anything I wish.
    My lips tingled. Why have you never done this to me before now?
    It is wrong to control another person. His fingers threaded through my hair. I'm only demonstrating what I can do. I will not lose you again. It nearly drove me mad when they took you from me the last time.
    The mild affection I felt for Reever tightened inside me. I