"Ann Maxwell - Change" - читать интересную книгу автора (Maxwell Ann)

"I never was around any children of my own age. By the time I was old enough to have friends, it was
too dangerous. My parents made it quite clear that the only way to keep a secret is to share it with no
one. No one."

"And you were the secret."

"Yes."

"It's hard to believe that you had no friends after your parents died. Especially when you became a
woman."

Selena sighed. They had been over this one many times. His Eminence must still be hopeful of uncovering
other parans through her. She spoke at the machine. "No person or friendship is worth dying for."

"Your parents died for you."

"They had each other. For all I know they still do."

"That's all their sacrifice meant to you?"

"I loved them and then I was left behind. Even if I were normal I wouldn't love again. There is nothing
worse than being left behind."

"Yet," he said, reaching out and touching her face, "you show no reluctance, no fear…"

Selena laughed, but there was little joy in the sound. "No, I'm not afraid of your friendship, Mark. Even
should I love you," she said deliberately, "I'll be dead long before your love could hurt me."

When he would have protested, she said, "No. I believe everything you say, except that I'll live."

"You want to die," he said bluntly.

Selena drew in her breath swiftly. "I could have died many times. I fought to live. I gave up everything to
survive."

"You gave up too much. You left yourself no reason to live."

"That's enough," she blazed. "When you've lived my life you can criticize it. Until then your opinions aren't
worth a cold turd."

Mark's eyes narrowed, but all he said was, "I guess I should be grateful for your belief. It permits you to
be a woman for the first—and last—time in your life."

"Next question," she said coldly.

Silence stretched, then Mark said, "All right, Selena, we'll do it your way. For now."

"Now is all there is."