Chapter Eight
Ryder was quite an anomaly, and she knew some of the women on the planet had never seen an Alpha. Their responses were somewhere between open hostility and blatant curiosity, though most of them just tended to stay out of his way as they all sat down for dinner.
It was a quiet, subdued affair, and she was used to it being more boisterous and filled with conversation. Ryder’s presence definitely stifled them, and she had a new appreciation for why Mother Risa no longer considered her one of them. Now that her other half was Ryder, his presence had to be considered as well. He would have an inhibitive effect on the sisters, and she didn’t want that.
With that in mind, she said to Mother Risa, “We plan to leave in the morning. I’d like to see what data you have about me.”
Mother Risa nodded. “Of course. Once dinner is finished, I’ll take you into the office and share what information your mother left about you.” She sent Ryder a look, as though feeling defensive. “I would’ve given that information to Daisy any time she asked. I’m not trying to hide the truth from these women.”
If Ryder had considered that, he didn’t show it. “I didn’t think you were, Mother Risa. The women don’t seem afraid or coerced to stay here. I do worry they might be hearing some untrue things about Alphas though.” He frowned.
The mother scowled. “What might be untrue, Alpha…Mr. Strang?”
Daisy looked at Ryder, taking his hand in a silent reminder not to be too harsh or assertive. He nodded at her once before looking at Risa. “I’m afraid they think all Alphas are selfish, bestial sex machines, who only want one thing and will do anything to take it. Some are like that, but not all.”
Risa sniffed. “I shall have to take your word for it, Mr. Strang. From what I’ve heard, the first assessment is far more accurate. Ones who are supposedly like you are far rarer than the other kind.”
His eyes widened, and Daisy opened her mouth, prepared to intercede. She didn’t want Mother Risa sending them away from the planet before she had a chance to learn more about her family.
It was unnecessary though. Ryder said, “I only know what I’ve experienced myself, but I know several decent Alphas, my brother among them. I met a man recently who was an incredibly good Alpha to his Omega, Maya. They had a child, a little girl, and it was obvious he would’ve died to protect her too.”
Risa’s eyes widened slightly. “As I said, I’ll defer to you on the assertion. I haven’t met any besides you.”
His eyes widened. “You’ve never met Alphas besides me?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “Why would I have? My mother was a founding member of the convent, and I’ve never left Paladin. I’ve never wished to.”
Ryder let out a sound that was similar to choking, and Daisy gave him a repressive look. His lips twitched for a moment, but he didn’t say anything more. He just finished his meal quietly, and she was relieved when they were done eating, and Risa had finished as well.
When she rose, they got up and followed her from the dining hall through the hallways of the convent to her office. She gestured for them to sit in front of her desk as she moved to a wall of microdisks, using A.I. to call up Daisy’s. Less than a minute later, she presented a small chip to Daisy. “This is everything I know about your origins. I hope it helps you find what you’re looking for, Daisy.”
Daisy sensed it was time for them to leave, and she knew everyone at the convent would rest easier if they weren’t there. They would sleep on the ship for tonight before heading out in the morning. At least, that was her plan unless Ryder had a reason not to.
She stood up, moving over to Mother Superior and hugging her spontaneously. “Thank you for everything, Mother Risa.”
Risa looked like she might cry for a moment as well. Her eyes blinked rapidly, but then she regained control. She smoothed curls off Daisy’s face and cupped her cheek lightly for a moment before saying, “It was a pleasure to have you here with us. Take care of yourself, dear.” She looked at Ryder then, her expression hardening, and her voice stern. “And you take care of her as well.”
“I certainly will, Mother Risa.” He bowed his head deferentially.
Daisy stepped away from Risa and moved over to Ryder, wrapping her hand around his as they quickly departed the office, and then the convent a few minutes later. Azaria was waiting in the garden as they walked by, and she paused long enough to trade goodbyes with her dear friend. “I hope to see you again, Azaria.”
Azaria smiled. “I hope to as well, but I suspect that won’t be happening. We’ll have to content ourselves with communicating electronically, since I have no plans to leave Paladin, and I think you know you can’t come back.”
Daisy absorbed the information, though she already knew it, with a stoic nod. “I realize that. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too, my friend.” Azaria looked over Daisy’s shoulder to Ryder. “Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Strang. And thank your brother for me as well.” Her expression closed as soon as she mentioned Quinn, and she turned away from them without another word.
Daisy was curious what had happened, but she couldn’t push her friend to disclose it, especially under the circumstances. Perhaps when some time had passed, Azaria would feel like confiding in her if she needed an ear and a shoulder, even if it were offered remotely.