Drop of Hope (The Omni Towers, #4)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Ariana ducked beneath the low-hanging beam and stepped into chaos. The heavy din of construction competed against a myriad of voices shouting to be overheard. She took a few steps forward, her soft, gray slippers leaving a trail of footprints in the construction dust. Someone bumped into a crate and it crashed to the ground, the noise not even beginning to mask the reverberations of the pounding and thudding that echoed throughout the building. It was a maelstrom of confusion, and Ariana was very much out of her element. She loved every minute of it.

A group of workers almost plowed into her, distracted by the heavy crates they carried.

“Watch it,” someone snapped in her direction.

Ariana gasped and jumped backward, squeezing between a few stacked boxes so the workers could pass. She managed to voice an apology, but they were already halfway down the corridor before the words escaped her. They disappeared to whereabouts unknown. It was tempting to try to follow them to see where they were headed, but she doubted they'd be interested in trying to assuage her insatiable curiosity.

This time, Ariana was cautious before stepping out into the busy workroom. She had to remember to pay attention to her surroundings because a different set of rules applied here. The change was more than a little refreshing. Over the years, it had become commonplace for people to cater to her needs. Those workers weren't concerned with who she was or which tower she'd been born into. She'd been in their way, and they'd yelled at her.

She grinned at the thought and brushed the construction dirt off herself, hesitating as she caught a glimpse of her dusty dress. The casual dress she'd chosen that morning, with its soft grays and whites, was acceptable to wear within the Inner Sanctum of OmniLab's towers but clearly marked her as an outsider here. If she managed to get another opportunity to return, she'd have to try to blend in more. Maybe she could try finding someone to make her more functional clothing.

Ariana walked through the workroom area, avoiding the workers and observing their utilitarian-style dress. Even more impressive than their practical clothing was their streamlined efficiency. They somehow managed to all have a purpose, and no one was tripping over anyone else. It was like a carefully orchestrated dance, with the symphony of tools in the background playing as an accompaniment. A group of people argued loudly in one corner of the room, pointing to a design diagram and then upward at the structural members overhead. In the center of the cluster was the petite woman Ariana had been seeking.

Kayla stood with her hands on her hips, her green eyes flashing with anger as she argued with a tall, thin man wearing what looked like a permanent frown. “No, Leo, I don't care if you're the foreman. Get your head out of your a*s and learn how to read the damn blueprint. The east area of this level is designated for the entire community. The offices go on the west side.”

The annoyed man pulled off his helmet, the temporary lights reflecting off his balding head. His face had turned an angry, mottled red. “Dammit, girl, I know how to read a damn blueprint. I've been reading blueprints since before you were born. I'm telling you your plan is s**t. What the hell are you thinking trying to put f*****g Omni offices in the same space with the ruin rats? We'll kill each other. It'll be a f*****g bloodbath. Omnis will be stringing up ruin rats by the rafters and we'll have a mutiny on our hands. It'll be s*******r. f*****g s*******r. They need to stay in their own damn tower.”

Kayla scowled, tapping her foot impatiently as though waiting for him to take a breath. She caught sight of Ariana and paused, a wide smile spreading across her face in greeting. She held up a finger asking her to wait a minute and turned back to the foreman.

“It's not for the Omnis, Leo,” Kayla snapped at him. “It's for the Coalition and ruin rat camp leaders, and one of those offices is yours. Now figure out how to build it and quit bitching at me.”

As the man sputtered in shock at the announcement, Kayla trotted over to Ariana. “There. That should keep him busy for a while.”

Ariana glanced over Leo, who had been Kayla's former camp leader. He'd swiftly regained his composure and was now almost giddy in his excitement as he began dictating orders to the other men. Ariana ducked her head and smiled. “I think you made him very happy.”

Kayla shrugged, but her eyes shone with humor. “I've been dying to spring that on him all day. Come on, let's get out of here. It's too noisy.” She linked her arm with Ariana and led her into one of the more finished rooms.

Ariana glanced around, once again surprised by how much they had accomplished in such a short period of time. It had only been three months since they started on the construction of the new tower. She'd heard rumors about delays, but based on what she was seeing, it was difficult to tell.

Ariana moved over to stand beside the desk where more images and diagrams of building plans were scattered. She looked down at them, trying to imagine how everything would appear once it was completed. According to the agreement between OmniLab and the Coalition, they only had a year to finish the construction. She didn't know how such a feat would be possible, but she was hardly an expert.

“I'm glad you could make it.” Kayla reached into a small cooling unit and pulled out a couple of hydrating packs. “I didn't think you'd be able to get away from Jason or the Inner Sanctum. I can give you a partial tour, but we'll need to get you some UV gear to tour some of the open areas.”

Grateful for the offering, Ariana accepted it and took a drink, trying to decide how to begin. She absently threaded the water energy from the hydrating pack into the carefully crafted metaphysical barrier around her, which was designed to protect against any outward stressors. Unfortunately, being in close proximity to so many people could be draining. The water was a welcome insulator.

Ariana considered Kayla for a long moment. Even though they were close in age and shared the same origins, their lives had been vastly different. Kayla was unlike anyone she'd ever known and much worldlier. Over the past few months, she had gotten to know Kayla better, and it had become apparent how much Ariana had been missing in her sheltered existence.

When dealing with Kayla, Ariana had found frank honesty was usually the best approach. Kayla didn't have much patience for anything else. It was rather refreshing compared to all the innuendo and double-talk within the Inner Circle.

“I didn't exactly get away,” Ariana admitted, not wanting to think about how annoyed her brother would be when he discovered where she was. “I ran into Alec a few days ago on my way to help Mira, and he asked me to speak with you. Since you're over here quite a bit, I decided it would be a good opportunity to check out the construction tower.”

Kayla raised an eyebrow, finished off her drink, and tossed the empty container into a recycler. “Mira's the little girl who got burned, right?”

Ariana nodded. “Yes, she's doing much better now. We were able to repair the damaged nerves and tissue, and it doesn't look like she'll have any scarring. It's a terrible lesson to learn, but I don't think she'll set any more fires without proper supervision. Her trainers will also be paying much closer attention now.”

Kayla c****d her head. “This sort of thing happens a lot?”

“It's not usually this bad,” Ariana admitted, remembering some of the other injuries she'd help treat in the past. “Most injuries are usually minor, and they typically happen outside the training facilities when our children aren't being supervised by their instructors. It helps reinforce our need to make sure all our people are properly trained.”

Kayla wrinkled her nose. “Let me guess… the reason you're here is because Alec wanted you to give me a hard time about training?”

Ariana winced and put the hydrating pack on the edge of the table. “I'm not sure I would have put it quite so bluntly, but yes. I know you've been working with your mother on your earth talent, but Alec would also like you to explore your water abilities. I'm available whenever it's convenient for you.” She bit her lip, unable to hide her excitement and added, “But now that I've relayed his message, I have to admit the whole truth. My reason for coming here was much more selfish. Everyone keeps talking about the construction, and I've been dying to see it for myself.”

Kayla laughed and gestured to the drawings. “It's not much to look at yet, but we're getting closer every day.”

Ariana ran her fingers over the graceful slope of the images. “It's wonderful, Kayla. You've managed to take an idea and breathe life into it. Your actions have merged so many different groups together to unite them under one cause.” She lifted her gaze to meet Kayla's eyes. “Do you have any idea what you've accomplished? You've given all of us renewed hope for the future.”

“Kayla has many talents,” someone said from the doorway.

Ariana turned and recognized the Coalition ambassador. She'd only met him once before, during the Coalition's attack on the towers. Since then, she'd seen his image onscreen in various videos, but his physical presence was far more imposing. His blond hair was pulled back away from his face, emphasizing the strong lines of his jaw and drawing attention to his steely-gray eyes. He took a handful of steps into the room, his movements reminding her of a powerful predator.

His gaze caressed her intimately as he eyed her up and down. Ariana swallowed, her throat suddenly dry, unaccustomed to having this type of reaction to anyone outside the Inner Circle. The sheer magnetism of his presence was a force in itself. As though sensing her thoughts, the corner of his mouth twitched into a small hint of a smile.

“Kayla, you have the most interesting friends. We have met before, correct? I would never forget such a beautiful woman.”

Kayla raised her eyebrows, a thoughtful expression on her face as she looked back and forth between Ariana and the newcomer. “Um, Sergei, this is Ariana Alivette. She's Jason's sister.” Then she frowned and added, “You remember Jason, right? The zap-happy Inner Circle member who would love any excuse to send you into next week?”

Sergei's smile deepened as he moved even closer, his eyes dancing with amusement. Ariana had the sensation even the energy threads in the surrounding air parted in his wake. When he took her hand, the warmth of his skin against hers was like a shock to her system. She blinked up at him as he leaned over and brushed his lips across the back of her hand.

“It is my pleasure to see you again, Ariana.”

She tilted her head at his accented words, studying him curiously. It was strange that someone with his compelling presence didn't accompany his gesture with the normal metaphysical greeting of their kind. It was just one more reminder he wasn't one of them. Even so, she couldn't help but be intrigued. How was she drawn to this man when he wasn't using energy to entice her?

Suddenly aware she hadn't responded, Ariana blushed at her lapse in etiquette. “Please forgive me, Ambassador. I didn't intend to be rude. I'm not accustomed to meeting someone and not experiencing their energy signature. I have to compliment you on your excellent grasp of our language. It's improved a great deal since I last saw you.”

“You must call me Sergei,” he insisted.

She smiled and lifted her head to study him. He returned her intent gaze, and Ariana was once more struck by his magnetism. Not only was he incredibly attractive, but there was something about him that called to her on an elemental level. She took a small step forward, lifted her hand, and pressed it against his cheek. He froze, his eyes widening the barest of a fraction at the contact. He remained still, though, except to continue watching her.

Ariana traced her fingers over his cheek and down the line of his jaw. The light stubble on his cheeks tickled her fingertips. Sergei was coiled with energy, but the sensation was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. He couldn't be a Drac'Kin like her, but there was something different about him from other non-sensitives. Her cooler water energy was drawn to the heat contained within him.

Itching to explore him further, she moved her fingers down his neck toward the open collar of his shirt. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, and his shoulders tensed. Ariana's eyes shot up to meet his heated gaze and she pulled her hand away, realizing her mistake.

“I shouldn't… I'm sorry…” she floundered, wondering what had come over her.

What was she doing touching a non-sensitive like that? Her brother would kill her, but before that, he'd remind her for the hundredth time why she shouldn't leave the Inner Sanctum. She glanced over at Kayla to find the former ruin rat barely suppressing her laughter. Ariana bit her lip. How on earth did they manage to get to know one another without exchanging energy? The entire thing was baffling.

Sergei captured her hand and brought it to his lips again, pressing a kiss against it. “Do not apologize, Ariana. You are welcome to touch anytime.”

Ariana blushed again, still embarrassed by the social faux pas, but she didn't pull her hand away. She wasn't making the best impression, but this stranger was arousing every inch of her curious nature.

Kayla snorted. “Funny. I remember a time not too long ago when you said the same to me.”

Sergei chuckled, but his gaze never left Ariana. “But that was a game. One you played very well.”

His expression turned more thoughtful, and he reached up to brush Ariana's cheek with his hand. Unable to resist, she leaned into his hand, feeling his warmth once again brush against her cool water energy. If he was touching her, perhaps touch was just as accepted amongst their kind. She needed to better understand their ways. Sergei was almost reverent as he caressed her cheek.

“You do not play games, do you, solnyshka? Your heart shines in those beautiful silver eyes.”

Entranced and curious by the foreign word, she parted her mouth slightly. Sergei leaned forward, and she lifted her head, caught by the intensity in his gaze. His mouth hovered just over hers, close enough she could feel his warm breath against her lips. Ariana closed her eyes, the awareness of his nearness heightening as his scent and heat surrounded her. It wasn't normal energy she was feeling, but some other sort of pull. Was he really going to kiss her? Excitement and apprehension flooded through her at the possibility.

Kayla cleared her throat and made a strangling noise. “Uh, Sergei? Not a good idea.”

“What the f**k is going on?”

Ariana's eyes flew open when she heard the familiar voice. Sergei froze, his entire body tensing as he lifted his head. His face was an expressionless mask as he pulled Ariana behind him. She pressed her hands against his back, once more intrigued by his warmth through his shirt. Shaking her head to try to clear the distracting thoughts, she looked around him to see the newcomer.

Uh oh.

Her brother's expression was thunderous as he glared at the foreigner. Sergei, however, appeared unconcerned and leaned against the edge of the desk, positioning his body in front of her in a protective gesture. The only sign of his annoyance was a slight rigidity in his shoulders. Ariana wanted to reach up and touch his shoulders to ease away the tension. She frowned and flexed her fingers, reminding herself her energy wouldn't work as well on a non-sensitive. It was tempting to try though.

Sergei nodded at the other man. “Jason, it is good to see you again. I was making your lovely sister's acquaintance.”

“Is that what you call it?” Jason snarled, clenching his fists and taking a step toward Sergei. “Get the f**k away from my sister, or I won't be held responsible for my actions.”

Ariana moved to stand beside Sergei, refusing to hide behind a man she barely knew, especially against her twin brother. “Jason, that's enough. I came here to meet with Kayla. Sergei happened to come in a few minutes ago. I was curious.”

She glanced again at Sergei to find him still watching her with that predatory gaze. Why that gave her a thrill, she wasn't sure. She reached out and touched his bare arm, intrigued by the energy just out of reach that called to her. Almost unbidden, she took a step closer to the fascinating man.

“I've never met anyone like him before. He reacts with the energy in the environment. I can sense his energy below the surface, but it's so different from ours. It calls to mine.” She glanced at her brother. “Why can I sense him better than other non-sensitives?”

Jason squeezed his eyes shut and muttered a curse under his breath. Opening his eyes, he ran a hand worriedly through his dark hair. “Ari, you need to step away from him right now. He's not one of us.”

Sergei's eyes narrowed at his words. Pushing away from the desk, he straightened his body to his full and imposing height. Ariana bit her lip and glared at her brother in frustration. Of course Sergei wasn't one of them, but there was something there. She just didn't know what it was nor was she willing to ignore it.

“Jason,” Kayla intervened, “just chill out. There's obviously some attraction between them. Believe it or not, it can happen. I can't imagine my life without Carl in it, and he's not one of you. Maybe it's the same sort of thing.”

“You're not my sister,” Jason snapped at the petite brunette. “If you spent a little more time focusing on developing your own abilities and training, you'd understand the dangers of what you're suggesting. Your talents are nothing like Ariana's, and you cannot begin to understand our world with just a few months of exposure.”

Kayla's mouth dropped open, and she looked ready to spit daggers at him, but before Kayla could launch into a verbal assault, Jason focused again on Ariana. She could feel every ounce of disapproval in his stare but also sense his underlying worry and fear.

“Ari, please. This is why we didn't want you to leave our tower. You cannot help him.” He took a step toward her. “Let me take you back to the Inner Sanctum.”

Ariana closed her eyes, remembering the warnings of her elderly teacher before she'd passed away. Was her psyche truly unable to withstand being around non-Drac'Kin? It didn't make sense. Something about her teachings wasn't right. Ariana had been trying to do some experiments on her own and expose herself to others in secret. She'd been careful, but this was the first time she'd really been drawn to one of them. She hadn't had the same reaction with anyone that she felt with Sergei.

As she hesitated, the air in the room started to crackle with frozen energy. Her awareness opened, and her eyes flew to her brother. Jason's worry and fear were quickly reaching a crescendo. The closer he came to his breaking point, the more his control started to slip. No matter what, she couldn't allow anyone to be hurt.

“All right,” Ariana agreed in a rush, but she let Jason feel the warning snap of her energy in the air. “I'll return with you for now, but you would do well to remember you're not my keeper. You will not dictate who I decide to spend my time with. I'll consider your words, but my decisions and the consequences of those decisions are my own.”

Jason's jaw clenched, but he nodded and held out his hand. She started to take it but hesitated. She couldn't leave things this way. Above all else, Sergei was an ambassador for another powerful group. He deserved their respect.

Ariana turned back to Sergei. “I apologize for my behavior and my brother's words. I'm glad to have met you and…” Her voice trailed off, and she frowned. Energized emotion vibrated around them, but she wasn't sure how to translate it into words. Nothing seemed sufficient. How did non-sensitives express their feelings when simple words weren't enough? She paused, wondering if Sergei could sense her energy the same way she could detect something within him.

Ariana took a step toward him and stood on her toes. Brushing a soft kiss against his cheek, she sent a wave of her energy over him and whispered, “Thank you.”

With a small smile, she turned away and took her brother's outstretched hand, letting him lead her away from the room.