Terminal Blend

By Lori Pescatore

An Epic battle is brewing. Can Julie's newly unleashed abilities help save her and her friends? Prepare for a war of otherworldly proportions where the unexpected becomes the norm and nothing is what it seems. Is Julie the key to saving the Earth and her people or will she once again need the help of her Earthling friends? Not everyone will survive as the playing field shifts and consequences will extend throughout the universe.

Terminal Blend is the final installment in The Blend Trilogy. In Human Blend we met a girl named Julie on the run from her past. Her unique abilities made her hunted prey. Along the way she encountered some amazing people like Eli, an Earthling who wanted nothing more than to protect her, and Marcus, who was like her and explained the truth of their origins. Add into the mix a boy named Austin, who unearthed a few secrets of his own. In Earth Blend we heard the back story to the supernatural creatures introduced in book one. In the final installment, the lies mount and Julie must find a way to cope with the new threat that could destroy everything and everyone she holds dear. Come immerse yourself in the final chapter of this amazing trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lori Pescatore
• Release date: Oct 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301840755

Lori Pescatore

Retired Preschool teacher, married mom of two grown boys. Currently battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancerThe Blend SeriesHuman Blend Book #1Earth Blend Book #2Terminal Blend Book #3 (Final in the series)

Book preview

TERMINAL BLEND

BOOK THREE

BLEND SERIES

LORI PESCATORE

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All Characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

SMASHWORDS EDITION

New Edition Copyright© 2009-2015 Lori Pescatore

New Terminal Blend Edition Editor- Leanore Elliott

Formatting & Book Design

By

Wicked Muse Productions LLC

PREFACE

His body shook from a sensation he had never known…cold. Pulling his knees up, he tried to gain warmth from his Mother, but she too, was cold and silent.

I can’t believe this is happening to me. I don’t deserve this.

The thoughts he sent out were not replied to. Either he was being ignored or that ability was no longer accessible to him. His commands to the leaves to cover him were not followed.

Why do you hate me, Mother? I’m a good son...I’ll be a good son...please.

He felt very weak as despair vibrated throughout his body.

A rustling sound drew his attention. One of the sisters, Vena, appeared carrying several bags which she set near him. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, she said.

He shouted at her in thought to go away and leave him alone.

You are gonna have to vocalize everything, Percone. Only Earthlings can communicate in thought. According to my calculations, you still have three hundred sixty-four days of being human.

He glared at his sister. If I were still an Earthling I would have the ground open up and swallow you.

"Yeah, but you’re not, so toughen up. I drew the short straw which means I get the pleasure of getting you started on the right foot. In bag number one is clothing. If you are going to mingle with the masses you need to wear them."

Never.

This is not a choice. Mother wants you to live as a human. You don’t get to say no. Besides, a naked human walking around will get you thrown in jail. A lot worse things can happen to you in there. Now, in this other bag is food. Being human, you need to eat, drink, and sleep.

"I’m going to stay right here until Mother changes her mind.

Fine, whatever. I did all I can do. Just keep in mind, if you do not eat or drink, that human body of yours will wither and die. You will blow any chance you have of ever becoming an Earthling again.

Percone watched as she disappeared into the forest. Curling up into a fetal position, he closed his eyes and groaned.

This sucks.

1

Returning a Favor

The twelve hours of driving had taken a toll on him. He would have made it home sooner had he not stopped to eat.

It felt good to be home in his lush cabin in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Gregg sighed. He had come a long way.

He’d planned to spend a lot of time in Marion, Virginia.

His future and the future of his kind were back there. But something—a feeling, really—in his gut told him to come back home. He needed to try and make contact with the home planet.

Gregg was a Human Blend. To aid in his quest, he had many physical traits of an ordinary human. Soft brown hair and eyes, plus a well-built but short stature helped him to walk unnoticed among regular people. He was born on Earth many years ago, although he appeared to be the human age of about thirty-nine. A creature from his planet, Flutara, came to Earth and manipulated the DNA of a pregnant human to create him. Along with slower aging, he was born with unique abilities that enabled him to continue the mission. By creating as many Blends as possible on this planet, they hoped to one day return home. Their planet was under siege from the Quintorons, a group of pirate-like creatures obsessed with being the only blended creatures in the universe…intent on destroying his people.

Blends were self-healers. It was very hard to kill them, although it could be done. Most were adept at healing themselves from any injury. In fact, many planets asked for their help in keeping their inhabitants alive. Their ability to blend with any race helped keep some cultures from becoming extinct. Now, with the arrival of the Quintorons, their own survival was at stake.

His creator, nicknamed Flute by Percone, had built a communications lab in a sub-basement of the cabin. At the time, he had to use available technology from the humans to create it. As decades passed and humans made more advancements, the system grew to be more reliable. He lost contact with Flute a few weeks ago. If the Quintorons had captured Flute, the Blends’ mission on Earth would be compromised.

After adjusting the controls, Gregg used a special headset to help in the translation and once again tried to reach Flute. He was so engrossed in his attempts that he nearly jumped through the ceiling when he felt someone touch his shoulder.

I didn’t mean to scare you, G, Vena said.

Gregg removed his headset and placed a hand over his heart. It’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting anyone.

I’m not just anyone.

No, you’re not. Gregg smiled and opened his arms to embrace her.

Vena was much more than just a good friend. Tall with dark bronzed skin, short-cropped dark hair and dark eyes, she’d been like a mother to him from the very beginning. She nurtured and raised him with help from Flute.

He hugged her tightly. It’d been a while since they’d seen each other. How have you been? Gregg asked warmly.

Better than you, obviously. You look flustered. What’s going on?

I’ve lost contact with Flute and the home planet. I’m just a little concerned.

This has happened before, am I right? It may have more to do with technology than anything to concern yourself over.

Gregg wanted to believe Vena’s analysis. Her striking stance made it hard to disagree. He realized she must have a purpose for seeking him out. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?

I need a favor. You may not like it, but I think you may be the only one to whom he’ll respond.

He?

"Percone. Not that I give two shakes of a maple tree what happens to him, but I was deemed the lucky one. I have to make sure he doesn’t let himself die. He won’t listen to me but he will listen to you."

You have that much confidence in me?

Despite his overreactions to anything human, he does have a soft spot for you.

What can I do to help?

Take him in. Help him be human.

I—have my hands full at the moment. There’s a lot going on.

Now, G, what would have happened if I’d said the same thing when you were a baby and Percone needed me to care for you? She placed her hands on her hips.

Using the trump card, huh?

Tell me it worked and we’ll be cool.

I’ll do what I can. Where is he?

Come on, I’ll show you.

Gregg took one last look at his lab before following Vena. He hoped her scrutiny of the situation was right.

Vena took Gregg to the location she last saw Percone. The bags were where she left them but Percone wasn’t.

A moaning sound drew their attention.

Percone? Gregg called out.

Who is that? Go away! Percone’s voice came from somewhere to the right of an evergreen.

Percone, it’s Gregg. Where are you?

I’m over here. Percone crawled out from behind a bush.

Vena stayed hidden.

When he got closer, Gregg noticed that Percone’s blond hair had tinges of red in it. Percone! You’re bleeding. He knelt beside him. What happened? He placed his hands on the young man, assessing his injuries.

I fell. I mean, I jumped from the tree and heard something snap. I thought it was a branch but then this excruciating feeling shot through me. I can’t move this leg and my head has pain. What’s happening to me? Am I dying?

Gregg had already set about healing Percone’s injuries, of which there were many. He needed to get Percone back to the cabin, so he could do a more thorough job of it. He placed his hands on Percone’s face. Listen to me. You’re going to sleep now. You will feel no pain and only wake up when I tell you. Do you understand?

Yes. Percone’s voice was soft and entranced.

Sleep.

Percone’s head dropped softly to the ground.

So, he’s not going to wake up until you tell him? Vena had wandered closer.

That’s correct. It’s an ability I have. It comes in handy convincing pregnant females to allow me to blend their children.

And here I thought you just charmed the pants off them.

I try that first. Gregg smiled and stood. If you could follow me with the bags, I’ll carry Percone back to the cabin and finish healing him there.

Just don’t try any of that stuff with me. Percone used to be able to do something like that.

Mine only works with humans. You have no worries.

Vena and Gregg made their way to the cabin. She wished him luck before leaving, promising to check back in every so often.

Gregg finished healing Percone as he slept. Afterward, he hooked up an intravenous line into the tall young man, so he would receive fluids. Tomorrow, after he himself had recuperated, he would wake Percone. Blends needed to rejuvenate with food and rest after using their abilities. Gregg knew how combative the boy could be and wanted to be well-rested before he had to deal with him.

He tried one last time to raise the home planet on the communication band before he went to bed, but to no avail. Exhaustion claimed him and he curled up on the sofa. Tomorrow would be here soon enough.

2

Physical Changes

His blue eyes opened to see her brown ones watching.

Her cheeks flushed a deep red and then she turned away.

Spying on me while I sleep? He snuggled closer to her body.

No—I was—I mean—okay, fine. Yes.

Did you like what you saw? He ran a hand down her body and smiled as he felt her shiver.

You’re changing.

My body? He began kissing her shoulder.

Yes, she answered with a breathless sigh.

For the better or worse? He turned her towards him.

Better. I mean—not that there was anything wrong before. It’s just that y-you know? She stammered.

He pulled her on top of him. Pushing back the blonde hair, he kissed her softly then whispered, Show me. Kiss every part that is different. He felt her body quake.

Austin. Smiling, she began the request.

Jules. He moaned as her lips caressed his body. Their sensuous movements continued until both blue and brown eyes closed to rest once more.

~* * * *~

Julie opened her eyes and gazed at the digital alarm clock on the night table. Crap. She jumped up. She had twenty minutes before she had to leave for work.

She glanced down at Austin who was still sleeping. His dirty blond hair seemed to be longer than it was before. The muscles in his upper arms were more defined. She was sure it was due to his body adapting to the changes in his genetics.

Both Austin and herself were Blends. She was created by Gregg; her human mother died during childbirth, as all mothers did when giving birth to a blended baby.

Austin’s creation was different. His father was a Blend and his mother was an Earthling. He was the first and only of his kind. His Earthling mother, Crysa didn’t die at birth but kept Austin a secret from her people because they were not allowed to procreate. The Earthlings were created from the Earth to help protect Her from the toxic damage done by humans. Some lived solitary lives close to the Earth while others lived as humans blended into society.

Austin recently began showing Earthling abilities along with his Blend abilities.

Julie lightly kissed her Earth Blend boyfriend on the arm then went to shower and get ready for work.

One of her blended abilities was healing through touch. She volunteered at a local hospital and enjoyed being able to help other people feel better.

Showered and dressed, she wrote a quick note for Austin and quietly closed the bedroom door. Her footsteps froze when she heard shuffling coming from the direction of her kitchen. She peeked around the corner and breathed a sigh of relief; it was her father. Dad, what are you doing here?

Julie only recently found out her father, Trevor, was alive. Bad men had taken her after they discovered she was a Numera. Like other Numeras she could predict lottery numbers, horse race winners, and even safe combinations. Decoding the genetic code of other life forms was the main purpose of this ability.

She smiled at her young dad, who was tall and lean with light brown hair that he constantly blew away from his blue eyes.

Hey, pumpkin. I just wanted to stock your kitchen. I know you haven’t had time.

Julie’s apartment door opened. In walked Marcus, carrying more grocery bags. I’d better get a meal out of this.

I’ll cook something for all of us, Trevor offered.

Marcus was also a human Blend and worked at the hospital as an intern. His dark wavy hair and boyish grin made him a hit with all the nurses even when he didn’t use his Lure ability. Awesome. Marcus placed the bags on the counter. Good morning, ice queen, he addressed Julie as he took out the orange juice Trevor had just put away. Where are your glasses? he asked, opening up random cabinets.

Third one down, Trevor answered. Sweetie, I put your pans for cooking in the bottom one here next to the stove, so they are more easily accessible for cooking.

Julie was silent for a moment before finally speaking, Okay, everyone just stop. I think we need to get a few things straight. This is my apartment. No one should be in here, unless I invited you in.

We’re not vampires, we don’t need to be invited in, Marcus retorted.

Vampires are mythological creatures. Should I be laughing that you know the lore? Julie smiled.

"Mythological? Sorry to burst your bubble princess, they are real. Almost all those scary monsters are real. They might not exist on this planet, but they do exist somewhere. Marcus gestured with his hands toward the ceiling. Ask Gregg. Aliens used to be thought of as mythological at one point. That or the ravings of a disturbed mind."

Julie shook her head, She didn’t know whether to believe Marcus or not. Either way, she didn’t have time for this. Dad, thank you for the food. I do appreciate it.

"Here comes the but…" Marcus interjected.

Julie walked over and took the orange juice from Marcus. I can do without the commentary. I love you, Dad, and I am so glad you are back in my life, really, I am. I just need time to be by myself.

Before anyone could respond, a loud yawn resonated through the apartment. Hey guys. Austin joined them in the kitchen.

Julie turned in his direction and yelled, Austin!

What? he asked, looking puzzled.

Pants! she shouted.

He peered down at himself; he was naked. Oh, I’ll be right back. He went into the bedroom. Sorry, Mr. Landon! he shouted.

Julie couldn’t look at her father, she was too embarrassed. She instead, looked at Marcus.

So, I guess naked Earth Blends are an exception to the ‘be by myself rule’, huh? Marcus began laughing