Artificial Mates - Chapter 126

There were more activities around our complex when we reached home. Grant left the car outside saying there was no way someone could steal a car on this island. Not under Atlas’ scrupulous gaze, that’s for sure. Grant took the cyborg who usually tends to our yard aside. They chatted for a minute then he came back to join me by the gate of our house.

“What’s going on?” Grant frowned at me, he pulled the gate open for me.

“They are installing the new cable that will link us with the grid. I think it has something to do with Demos,” I followed him inside. He paused and went to water the plants. It has become a habit that he takes care of the garden when we get back home.

“Really? That’s—” I stopped, “Shouldn’t we be happy about it?” He directed the hose towards the roses with his gaze lost in the distance.

“It also means Altas will have access to our house,” I turned my focus as the garden, the plants have grown taller, covering the bare soil with fresh grass. Demos will be happy to see that his hard work paid off. Still, it was painful to know that he was trapped inside Atlas.

“Can we like go to the beach,” he looked up from his task and nodded. He quickly turned off the tap and put the hose safely away.

“Do you want to shower first or will you do it after we come back?” our conversation was urgent, everything else could wait. I shook my head. “Then let me check something with Jil and we can be on our way,” I waited outside and he slipped through the front door. A couple of minutes later he was back. We exited the complex in silence. Some of the cyborgs eyed us as we disappeared across the field. I didn’t dare voice my worry. We had to wait until we were out of earshot. Damn, that was terrible on my nerves. Once we got in the shade of the tall tree, I left out a sigh of relief.

“Grant,” I started. But he rose his palm.

“Wait, till we are at the beach,” I opened my mouth to protest then I closed it again. Grant was right, better be cautious. We picked up the pace and soon reached the cliff. Grant helped me climb down the rumbles to the deserted white sand beach. Flashes of our last visit assaulted me. It was almost painful to stand here without Demos.

“Liliane,” his voice startled me. I looked up with panic.

“Sorry, I was a little lost in my thoughts,” I gave out a nervous laugh.

“I know, all those memories of this place—” our eyes met, he held it. “Tell me, why did you suggest we met here?” I took a deep breath.

“Earlier when you left me in the infirmary—Altas came,” there was a slight quiver in my voice. I wanted to hold him, to touch him. The craving was almost unbearable, but I resisted. I had to, else I’ll become addicted and won’t be able to stand on my own. “Atlas, he is definitely playing around. This is all a game for him,” Grant listened while nodding. “He said he likes to see our reactions that it amuses him,” I spat through gritted teeth.

“the little I’ve seen from him, says otherwise. I don’t think he knows the differents between a game and reality,” commented Grant.

“What? That’s nonsense! Wasn’t he like a supercomputer?” Grant sighed and swirled around facing the slow crashing waves.

“Liliane, Atlas wasn’t designed to experience feelings and interact with humans. My goal is to love and protect you at all costs, even if it involves disagreeing with you. I don’t think Atlas has the same priority. I have no idea what are his notices. I have to admit, I’m scared—really scared for Demos,” he looked up at me. I opened my arms and he rushed to hug me. We both needed it. It was vital as much as breathing.

“Grant, what will we do?” he pushed away from me then stroke my hair away from my face.

“Come, I have something to show you,” he took me by the hand and guided me to the left of the beach where the sand narrowed between sharp rocks and further down. The beach completely disappeared giving way to jagger rocks poking out of the foaming sea.

“Where are you taking me,” I hopping over piles of seaweeds and slippery stones. In the shadow of a cliff as a hole in the wall. Grant let go of my hand and walked towards it. He whistled and in the depth of the shadows something stirred. I took a step back fearful of what was hiding in there.

“It’s ok,” Grant peeked over his shoulder. A pale face appeared in the entrance. I recognized it—him.

“Grant!” smile the tall artificial. He ran and lifted Grant off his feet.

“Alter!” he giggled. “I just talked to Captain Thomson and he said he dropped you off on the shore. I’m happy you found the place. I was scared you wouldn’t make it,” he set Grant back on his feet and turned to me. There were other little faces peeking from the entrance. Grant waved at them.

“Come on out, it’s safe here,” smiled Grant. I instantly spotted Nicolai. Grant and he gazed at each other for a second in silence. A dozen artificial flooded out of the cave to hug Grant. Each happy to see each other. There were the three women who were at Adrien’s club too. I stayed some distance away from the cheering. I was a little shocked to see them all—alive.

“Nicolai,” Grant took him in his arms. “I’m thankful you are here. How did the funeral go?” the dark-skinned artificial lowered his eyes. Then with a sad smile, he nodded.

“It was difficult, but I was able to overcome the loss. I’ve transferred Adrien’s asset to his relative, who was very happy to receive such a large fortune out of the blue. I’ve followed the bread crumbs and met with Alter at the docks. We were desperate but when we got the news from Captain Thomson, we met it will be ok,” they exchanged back pats and nods then Nicolai looked up.

“Where are Demos?” he asked searching around the perimeter. Grant lowered his head.

“His situation is complicated,” he gave a brief summary of what happened. Gasped and rage went around in the crowd. Then the group gathered around grant, each touching the other like contact helped to share the pain.

“We’ll help. We are here because we believe in you,” said Alter.

“Yes,” simply added Grant, Nicolai rubbed his hair in a childish way. This was an odd sight. I didn’t know how to react. He looked up as if now remembering that I was there. “Liliane, please come. We need to elaborate a plan to get Demos back,” he announced. Each member of the group nodded in silent agreement. Grant really looked like a cult guru. I reluctantly join them, Grant pulled on my hand and guided me next to Alter and Nicolai towering over us.

“Please, make sure to protect my most beloved mate,” he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. Everyone nodded with a smile.

“We’ll protect both of you with our lives,” they said in unison. Somehow, it was a little scary. Alter smiled at me then turned to Grant.

“More will come, we have converted a small group of 6 when we were waiting on the docks. One of them is a particular model. His name is Ranger, I think you’ll like him,” said Alter with a hint of pride.