Free Hara's Legacy by Bianca D'Arc

him. “I know. But it’s an adjustment we have to make if we want to survive. If we want to give humanity a chance.”
    “Humanity? Since when did we become the saviors of the entire race?” Mick wanted to know.
    Caleb rounded on him. “Since Justin impregnated an alien woman with the power to say whether we live or die. Everything hinges on her and her child. Justin’s child will have powers we can only dream of, and he will be able to change the world.”
    -56-
    Everybody looked at Justin with varying degrees of suspicion and respect.
    “Wow. Damn, Jus, sounds like you fathered the second coming.” Caleb snorted at Mick’s hushed words. “Think more along the lines of Merlin instead of Jesus and you might be right.” Now that he had their full attention again, he continued, “Regardless, we have to do everything in our power to change Mara’s mind, to give her some inkling of understanding of human emotions. For our own sakes and for the sake of our people. If we do this right, Justin’s baby will change the world and make it safe for humans again. Maybe even within our lifetimes.”
    “But, Caleb, that woman is made of ice. Her DNA has been altered so that no emotion remains. How do we show her what it means to feel?” Justin sighed wearily as he ran one hand through his dark hair.
    Caleb’s gaze zeroed in on Jane. “We have our sweet empath to show us the way. And if she’s pregnant at the same time as Mara, they can compare notes on their conditions. Mara is a scientist. She will want to study Jane to see what a human gestation is like compared to her own. If the test includes a fetus that’s from your DNA, Jus, it will be more appealing to her scientific mind. Sorry, Mick.”

     
    “Jeez!” The youngest brother winced. “Don’t apologize for not wanting me to cuckold you!”
    “You’re still thinking of the old days, Mick,” Jane turned to him. “And even then, some people had open marriages. Many cultures allowed multiple wives. Just think of this as female revenge. I get to have three husbands.” Her teasing tone tried to lighten the mood, but the subject was too serious for laughs.
    “Is that what we’d be? Second and third husbands?” Justin wanted to know.
    “There’s no second or third about it,” Caleb said firmly. “We would all be her husband. And she’s our wife. Not just mine alone any longer. I’ve been selfish.”
    “And I’ve been insensitive.” Jane chuckled. “Imagine that, with all my empathy, I couldn’t bring myself to release the old ideas long enough to
    -57-
    realize I could ease your pain. I know what you two have been feeling around me for months now.
    Justin’s better since his trip into town, but Mick, you’re so on edge, it hurts just to be around you.”
    “Then don’t be around me,” Mick said angrily. “I’ll clear off so you won’t be subjected to my anger and my unnatural desires.”
    But Caleb raised his hand calmly. “That’s not the answer. And your desire for Jane isn’t unnatural.
    You’ve wanted her since she was sixteen and you saw her come down the stairs in her prom gown. You told me that back then, remember? You told me that when she was old enough, you’d marry her come hell or high water. You just didn’t count on me swooping in and claiming her before you got your chance.” Caleb shook his head in guilt and regret. “But we’re going to fix that now. We’re all going to put aside the old ways and make this family work. I know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s the only way for us all to survive. If even one of us leaves, we all die, and humanity doesn’t stand a chance.” Mick shook his head angrily. “You don’t cut us much slack with your visions, do you, Caleb? Jeez! Our little family, responsible for the fate of humanity? As if keeping just ourselves alive wasn’t hard enough.”
    “I hear you, brother. But we don’t deal the cards, we just play the hand we’re dealt. And I’ve never had a clearer