Free Laura Jo Phillips by Berta's Choice Page A

“I know, you don’t owe us an explanation.  But we know at least some of the difficulties you suffered in your life.  We do not understand why you would hesitate to take the opportunity for a new, happier life.”
    “Well, that’s just the problem,” Berta said.  “I didn’t see it that way.  My life was stolen from me when I was very young.  When I became old, I felt safer in a lot of ways.  I could be free, allowed to live my life as I wanted because I no longer had anything to take.”
    “You were afraid that if you became young and beautiful again, someone would steal your life again,” Tor said.
    “Yes,” Berta said.  “It was age that made me safe.  I saw becoming young again as a risk, rather than an opportunity.  Eventually I decided it was a risk worth taking.” 
    “Did you think we would want you only if you were young?” Merrick asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer, but knowing the question had to be asked.
    “No,” Berta replied.  “You made it pretty clear that you wanted to know me when I was old.  But, I admit, I had some other worries.”
    “If you will tell us your worries, we will do our best to put them to rest,” Merrick said.
    “I appreciate that,” Berta said with a smile.  “But to be honest, most of my worries were not about you three specifically.  When Prince Garen appointed me as supervisor of Arima House, he asked only one thing of me, and that was to learn more about Clan Jasani than is usually told to those who are not Clan Jasani or Arimas.  I agreed, and I’m very glad that I did because I learned enough to put most of my fears to rest.”
    “We are glad of that, of course,” Merrick said.  “But if you would tell us, in general, what sorts of fears you had, we would like to know.”
    “For now, let’s just say that I was not treated well by males in my past life,” Berta said.  “I feared to be at the mercy of males again.  But I know more about Clan Jasani now.  Even if the three of you turned out to be different than I expect, I know now that other Clan Jasani would protect me, if necessary.  They would not allow any woman to be abused for any reason.”
    As Berta spoke she saw Merrick’s expression become stern, his violet eyes became cold and hard.  She glanced at Tor, then Jerri, and saw that their expressions had changed as well.  All three of them sat stiffly now, their fists clenched against their thighs, their chests rising and falling as their breathing picked up. 
    Her heart began to race, but she was armed with knowledge now, and quickly understood the problem.  Her mouth was dry with nervousness, not fear, as she reached out to Merrick on one side of her, and Tor on the other side, placing her hands on their arms very lightly while catching and holding Jerri’s gaze with her own.
    “It’s all right,” she said gently.  “I am not in danger now.  Those who harmed me are either dust, or so far away as to no longer matter.”  As she spoke she saw the effect her voice and touch had on the three Falcorans.  They visibly relaxed, Jerri’s eyes going from cold metal chips to warm golden pools as she watched.  Tor reached over and placed one hand over hers where it rested on his arm, and stroked her gently with his fingers.  Merrick lifted her hand from his shoulder and raised it to his lips, kissing it gently.  Berta’s entire body shivered at the feel of his warm breath against her skin and she swallowed hard, but did not pull her hands back from either of them.
    “Thank you, Berta,” Merrick said.  “We are grateful to you for understanding our need, and helping us.  It is very difficult for us to imagine you being harmed in any way.”
    “It is thanks to Prince Garen that I have the knowledge to see what was happening,” she said.  “Otherwise, I confess, I might have been very frightened just now.”
    “That was inexcusable of us,” Tor said, his jaw clenched tightly with anger.  “That you