Implanted (The Ascension Series Book 2) Read Free

sometimes he could just enjoy the fruit without the science. But in Ret’s world, science and nature were weaved into his genetic makeup as tight as the sprigs of his newly fashioned bowl.
    When he reached the place where the tributary snaked along in a lazy, pre-summer crawl, Ret squatted on the muddy banks and dragged his fingers through the cool water. This quiet section had been one of his favorite childhood spots. He’d learned to swim here and caught his first fish on these banks. He laughed out loud remembering how he had sprinted barefoot along the shoreline with a newly crafted spear. With slick mud oozing between his toes, he’d slipped, landing on his bottom several times as he chased his game. Although at the time he felt like a true hero, he now realized the skinny boy with the sharp stick probably rendered little more than a lucky shot on that day. Nevertheless, mother had deemed him a fine fisherman which had birthed a daily desire for a fresh catch.
    The long rains of spring had awoken the rapids a hundred yards or so downriver and he saw the break where the water became a fast-moving torrent. Although those waters weren’t the place for the faint of heart and definitely not for weak swimmers, for Ret the rapids were an adrenaline-filled afternoon of fun. But not today. Today was for resting and reflecting.
    The hot sun felt good on his overworked muscles, easing tension from his shoulders. He leaned back and released a lazy exhale, closed his eyes, and let his mind wander through the hills and valleys of his recent adventures.
    He touched the missile launcher tethered to his side, and his fingers itched for a little practice. His pulse picked up while thinking back on last fall’s pheasant hunt. He’d used the long winter to hone his skills and now felt impatient for the upcoming hunt this fall. 
    Before standing with a lazy stretch, he unearthed a sharp stone and decided upon a knobby protrusion from an old oak as his target. After a few warm-up swings, Ret placed the rock into his sling, swung the rope in high-arcing circles until the perfect moment, and … There !
    Ret released the launch, and the stone whisked through the air before hitting its mark with a solid thud. He smiled and loaded his leather pouch with more stones.
    After a few more hits, the stationary target lost its appeal, and Ret skipped his remaining ammo across the surface of the river. As he gazed into the water, watching the final ripples shimmy away to the opposite shoreline, he heard the distinct bellow of a mama bear.  Sophie must be out with the new cubs .
    Ret had named the twin cubs Otto and Bo and had enjoyed a romp through the clearing with the boys on more than one occasion. He remembered how Sophie would reprimand her offspring with motherly grunts and decided to pay them a visit. He stooped to collect the bowl sitting at his feet knowing his furry pals would enjoy an afternoon treat.
    Suddenly, another bellow filled the air, causing tiny bumps to rise on Ret’s forearms. He dumped the bowl and swiped an extra rock from the dirt, tossed it into his pouch and took off in the direction of Sophie’s wails.
    As he raced along the river’s edge, Sophie launched another battle cry. If she was this upset, her cubs must be in danger. Ret broke into a full run, loading his sling as he followed the sound.
    But when he reached the clearing, the cubs appeared safe, wrestling and rolling in the meadow as usual. Sophie, on the other hand, stood on her hind legs, knee deep in the river, with the rapids splashing up high on her furry form. Her cry of distress continued and Ret wondered if she’d been injured.
    He slowed to a walk as he approached, clucking his tongue in a soothing manner. What had always worked in the past, however, didn’t seem to faze the mother bear. Once near enough, Ret assessed her from head to toe. No obvious wounds. She stood upright and strong, and bellowed again, filling the air with thick