Brothers Grim

Braith Shepard finds herself in Colorado on Earth in 2192, encounters a brother-in-law of Thane Krios, living a life of isolation in a small town impacted by a comet years before the Reaper War came to pass for their cycle….Both become involved with each other, not certain about the other's past, and Braith inexplicably becomes pregnant.

This is a work of fanfiction. "Mass Effect" lends its inspiration. Artwork belongs to the author. (Think "Grim Reaper et al." reloaded.)

Rated M.

Chapter 1

Cherry Lake, Colorado, Earth, "….In an alternate universe….", 2192

The bar was packed. He was at his table. She came in at seven. Everyone looked with their eyes, a few with their heads as she entered by the old vintage door with its bell and handle. She wore dark jeans, ripped at the ends above the heels of her boots. Tight enough to look nice, but not tight enough to hinder her movement or when she sat on the stool at the bar.

She had a nice way about her that drew one to dark places in his mind, but with a look she could usually deter even the more brash of the Blues hanging out there at Verne's. She was real nice to look at….Wasn't fair, what with the story of her resurrection….She had youth that should have told anyone with a brain to stay away, because according to her timeline, she was too old and died one too many times to look as fresh as she did.

Everyone she'd walked by on her way from the door to the bar had a smile ready for her as she passed. She gave them all the cold shoulder. Only woman for miles around….She had to give them that, even if a few didn't like it, even if a few took it the wrong way, and went the wrong way to get her to notice them.

She had steel-grey eyes. Her body looked as though it could give as well as demand what it wanted. She certainly was no kitten, those who knew her story.

And he was the only one she looked at that night.…He was the one who got her smile. She gave him her nod.

She was a war hero. She'd been retired for some years….Her name was Braith Shepard, and he was what happened to her after the Reaper War.