Free Web NovelChapter 84: Chapter 84 Pet Name Games
Elara’s POV
"Your clothes are filthy," Alistair said, his tone deep and quiet.
He could tell I’d been in another scuffle.
Even speaking through the robot’s frame, I caught that familiar note of gentle worry in his voice.
"Commander Alistair..." I began, then stopped dead in my tracks.
Alistair wasn’t expecting the sudden halt and nearly crashed into me, but I smoothly sidestepped at the final moment.
Alistair froze, likely wondering why I didn’t want his touch and what was with my sudden formality.
A wicked smile crept across my face. Without warning, I leaned forward, stopping mere inches from his mechanical features.
The Alistair standing before me might’ve looked composed, but I knew the real him—lying in that hospital bed—was probably breaking out in scales. His ears likely stretching to points, scales along his neck shimmering as complete flustered panic set in.
"Concerned about me?" I asked, dropping my voice to a whisper. My gaze wandered across 007’s face.
This little game was exactly what I had in mind. Through this metal shell, I could easily imagine the real, grown man getting completely rattled over me.
It was so obvious too—the breathing from 007 was way too unsteady.
See? Men beat zombies every time!
Especially the ones in uniform.
I’ve definitely earned this kind of entertainment.
"Yes, I was concerned," Alistair confessed softly.
Last time, I’d returned battered and bruised. I knew the memory still twisted in his chest—especially since he had no healing abilities to offer me...
That thought made Alistair tighten his lips.
"My charm, I’m resilient," I said, moving even closer, flashing him a bright, teasing grin. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
"Charm?"
"That’s right, Alistair. Charm," I clarified.
I loved creating pet names. Everyone deserved their own special one.
Alistair released a quiet, defeated laugh and lifted his hand to mess with my hair. He exhaled softly, "You need to be more cautious out there."
Alistair possessed an incredible voice—rich, steady, mature, soothing. I was completely hooked on it.
"I know, I’m being cautious," I replied.
But what can I do when psychos keep hunting me down—Beatrix, Cassian...
Me included.
Right now, I just want to mess with this snake...
"Alistair," I said, "has anyone mentioned you’ve got an incredible voice?"
Alistair shook his head.
I laughed quietly, "Perfect. Then I’m the only one who notices. Next time, breathe right against my ear, alright?"
Silas was skilled at that. Apart from him, I was genuinely wondering if the other six could pull it off too.
"Elara," Alistair said, backing away, his voice turning serious. "I might actually follow through on that."
I stared, bewildered.
Wait, I wasn’t even finished. Follow through on what?
"Hold up—clarify," I demanded.
Two legs couldn’t match wheels. Alistair was totally playing dirty, racing off.
I chased him down, finally catching up—only to discover he’d signed out.
There I stood with 007, looking completely lost. Its front lights blinked twice before it rolled away smoothly. Recently, the robot had been behaving oddly, almost like something was controlling it.
Premium robots really were something else. When I spotted 007 later, I noticed it had attached a tiny cross to itself.
Really? Do robots actually buy into that?
Even though Alistair had bolted quickly, he’d still handled business. He’d already stored everything I’d purchased that evening.
"That was efficient," I said, pulling out the geoduck. I was definitely cooking this tonight!
I scrubbed it, stripped the skin, cracked it open, and cleaned out the sand—all within moments.
I poured myself some ale, going for that sophisticated atmosphere.
With the prep work finished, I decided to shower first. Racing around all evening had left me feeling disgusting.
The instant I settled into the bathtub, I let out a complete sigh of relief. After a night of combat, I finally felt semi-human again.
The other half of my joy? It was waiting in the kitchen!
I showered quickly and towel-dried my hair partway. I threw on an oversized gray shirt that just barely covered my thighs. Then I padded down the silent corridor in flip-flops, the gentle smacking sound trailing behind me.
When I entered the kitchen, Alistair had returned. The moment he caught sight of my outfit, he instinctively spun around.
"What are you turning away for? We’re together now," I said.
Then I slapped 007’s backside firmly. The smack was so hard that not only did the robot jerk—Alistair’ actual body in Chamber Five trembled completely.
"Elara..."
"Right here, sweetie," I responded immediately.
The difference between me, casually tossing out pet names, and the shocked Alistair was crystal clear.
"Sweetie?" Alistair whispered, clearly adoring the nickname.
"Use that for me from now on, okay?" he requested.
Given his maturity, Alistair didn’t get jealous as quickly as Silas, but that didn’t mean he was completely indifferent.
The system had matched all of them with me, and we were all going to share the same space. If everyone got that possessive, none of us could function normally.
