again, noting the purple trees surrounding the area, and a sea of rainbow flowers moving with the wind, creating a soft wave of multicolor. If she wasn’t on another planet, then she’d been brought to some undiscovered part of earth. Highly unlikely.
“Have you been mentally evaluated, Bella?”
Bella grinned. “Trust me, I would have been the first person wondering what the hell kind of joke this is, but I used to work for Gerri and I came here wide awake. It is probably harder since you passed out mid-travel.” Bella shrugged. “I won’t ask you to believe me, because it’s something you have to see for yourself. Just look outside. The oceans are pink. The forests are purple. Snow is blue! I can go on and on, but this room alone should show you how far advanced this planet is,” she said, pointing to the walls. “Mood walls. Everything changes based on your feelings and what you want.”
Okay, yes. That was unarguable. She’d seen the damn thing change in front of her eyes.
“This is kind of hard to believe, you understand. I was in my bed a few hours ago.” After the most amazing orgasm of her life, she left unsaid.
“I come from earth, too.” Bella walked in and sat on a chair, sighing as she did. “I fell in love with Alyx and this is now my home.” Her gaze pierced her with curiosity. “You obviously feel strongly for Karel or you wouldn’t be here.”
That was true. She’d gone on blind faith where Karel was concerned; something she’d never, ever done. She hadn’t even bothered to send her grandmother a message she was going away. Their last argument left a bad taste in Liv’s mouth and all she wanted was to keep her grandmother at bay for a while.
“I’m just having a hard time with this other planet thing.”
Bella nodded. “Well, think about it. Karel is probably taller and beefier than any man you’ve ever dated. His eyes are a distinct color and he will do anything to protect you. Anything.” Bella raised her brows. “Met many men like that on earth?”
That was easy to answer. No. She shouldn’t ignore common sense. Her mind told her Bella spoke the truth. But how and why were answers she probably wouldn’t get until she spoke to Karel, and even then, she might not be in agreement with what he said. But she was on another planet. Another planet!
She glanced out the window again and gasped when she saw a dragon fly by. “Holy crap!”
“Yes, we also have dragons in this world. Very real dragon shifters.”
She was on another planet. Now was not the time to explore, even though she wanted to. They were there to see Karel’s mom. She wanted to support him. He’d looked so torn when he’d told her.
Someone knocked on the door and a tall woman entered with a tray.
“Ah, there’s our tea and cookies.” Bella sat up, eyeing the platter like she was going to consume it all with her eyes.
Liv guessed the woman was a family member from the adoring smile she gave Bella.
“Enjoy,” said the woman as she left the room.
“Come on.” Bella turned to the table next to her where the tray had been placed. She grabbed a thin bite-sized square and munched.
Liv’s stomach growled. She was starving. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep, but figured probably longer than shorter. “Let me go to the bathroom.”
Bella nodded, chewing on a green cookie. “There’s toiletries in there. Just wave your hand in front of the lower part of the mirror by the sink.”
She rushed to the bathroom and noticed how bare it was. Wave a hand? She did, feeling stupid until the glass slid open and a tray popped out with a brush, toothpaste, and a full grooming kit. It was like the coolest five-star hotel ever.
Once she’d brushed her teeth and washed her face, she returned to the bedroom where Bella sat, drinking tea.
“Great, you’re here. I was hoping you’d return before I ate everything. That was going to make me feel all kinds of guilty.” She grinned.
Bella’s
Learning to Kill: Stories