Page 43

43

The Proposition

*Jalen*

A s the door swung closed behind my mate and her friends, Rhelt stared at me, a myriad of emotions swimming in his eyes—anger, sorrow, self-disgust. In some ways, it was like peering back in time. I could recall so clearly feeling the same in the moments after challenging him to a duel over Cassidy.

“You see? We’re not so different after all,” I said softly, fighting to tamp down my own emotions.

It’d be easy to let the rage at what he’d done to my mate consume me. But Ren was right. We’d both made mistakes. If we wanted to move forward as a family, something had to change. It might as well start with me.

Rhelt dragged a hand through his long blue hair, mussing it horribly. “Cassidy… I should’ve told her. I-I just never wanted to hurt her.”

“She’ll understand. I’m certain Ren’s out there now, explaining everything.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Rhelt spat, “Explaining what? That I’m an idiot who can’t tell who my mate is when her back is turned?”

My hands clenched into fists at my sides at the reminder. “No.” I forced my tone to lighten. “If you’d have just listened earlier, she’d have told you, too. We found out why this is happening. It’s because they’re twins. Something about twins and Dionion mating bonds doesn’t mix well.”

Rhelt scoffed. “Is that your excuse?” He rounded on me, eyes flashing. “Do you even feel anything for Ren, or did you mate with her to get back at me?”

I grabbed hold of his vest, jerking him roughly. “Harlx’s bane! Do you think I’m a monster? Ren means everything to me!”

He shoved me back, wrenching out of my grip. “You said the same about Cassidy once. You were wrong then. What if you’re wrong now?”

“I’m not. Ren felt it too. The mating heat.” I sighed heavily. “I can’t blame you for thinking that, though. I thought the same at the beginning, but it was so much different from what I experienced when I met Cassidy. So much more intense. Then Healer Asani confirmed it.”

Rhelt’s brows pinched together. “You went to a healer?”

“After Ren collapsed in the jungle from the heat.”

Silence fell over us, and just as I opened my mouth to explain everything that happened on our trip in detail, a curious sound stopped me.

“Are you laughing ?” I stared at him, my jaw hanging so low I was surprised it didn’t ache.

“She’s your mate… and I ordered you not to touch her,” he choked out between big hearty chuckles. “Ellios’ sake! What are the odds?”

I scowled, crossing my arms. “Glad you find my hardships so amusing.”

Rhelt pulled himself together, only to narrow his eyes at me as his laughter subsided. “So, you want me to believe that this was some… strange consequence that only happened because Cassidy and Ren are twins?”

“It is. Ren and her crew have research to back it up. I bet they’ll be happy to show it to you.”

Rhelt shook his head. “Still, that doesn’t change what happened. It didn’t stop you from trying to take Cassidy from me.” His voice was cold—so cold I knew that memory still haunted him.

“I know it doesn’t. And it doesn’t change the fact that you put your hands on my mate without her permission.”

We squared off, facing each other, nostrils flaring, both of us full of rage. It burned inside me hotly—the injustice of everything that had happened to Ren. Fury overwhelmed me as I thought of all those men who’d taken what she hadn’t been inclined to give, my cousin included. I’d never be able to go back and tear them apart like they deserved.

But I could take out my frustration on Rhelt.

Perhaps that was exactly what we needed. An outlet for our suppressed rage.

With a grin, I pounced, slamming into Rhelt like an avalanche. We tumbled to the floor, a blur of punching fists, pounding knees, and wild elbows. Pain slammed into me just as hard, but I ignored it, giving as good as I got.

Then the door flew open, and a chorus of gasps joined the grunts and slapping skin reverberating around the room.

Two voices, so similar, called out at the same time.

“Rhelt, get off him!”

“Jalen! Stop!”

Rhelt and I peeled apart, breathing heavily and cradling superficial wounds.

“What the hell is going on?” Cassidy stomped up to Rhelt. “I was ready to talk with you, but if you can’t stop behaving like a child, then maybe I shouldn’t.”

Rhelt stared longingly at his mate before hanging his head. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s my fault.” I shot Cassidy a chagrined look. “I started it.”

Then Rhelt—for the first time in three damn years—smiled at me. “No. We’re both to blame.” He drew a deep breath in through his nose. “I’m sorry, Jalen. For everything.”

As pain radiated through my body and I locked eyes with my cousin, a massive weight lifted off me. We might not have settled things the way the girls had, with tears and calm voices, but that scuffle had been exactly what we’d needed to drop our mutual animosity.

I shuffled to my feet, then thrust out a hand to help Rhelt off the floor. “Brothers?”

He lurched to his feet, then clasped my back in a one-armed hug. “Brothers.”

Karsen snickered. “Men. I’ll never understand how a fist fight can make everything better.”

“You might be a genius, Kar, but I think that’s one mystery you’ll never solve,” Arda said.

I pulled away from Rhelt and turned to find Ren. She stood behind me, her eyes glossy. She stepped close to me, smoothing her fingers down my new wrinkled skinsuit. “Well, what’s the verdict? Are we heading back to your cabin?”

“You’d go back there with me?”

As she lifted her gaze to mine, I saw the truth shining clearly in her eyes. “Yes. I don’t want to, but I would. You’ll never be alone again. Now you’ve got me.”

That right there meant more to me than words could ever say. “Together forever,” I whispered, dipping down toward her luscious lips. Before they connected, a gruff voice cleared loudly behind us.

“You don’t have to go to the cabin. Either of you,” Rhelt said gruffly.

I grinned at Ren. “Hear that?”

She nodded. “Yep. You’re all mine.”

Then I kissed her, and for one moment, everything else in the universe, including the pain from the fight, faded away.

“Not this again. Get a room, you horny devils!” Arda exclaimed.

Ren broke the kiss, only to spear her friend with a murderous glare. “You did not just say that! After everything I’ve caught you and Lux in the middle of, Kar ought to be back in the med-bay treating me for bleaching my eyes clean.”

Arda chuckled. “All right. Fine. Kiss him again.” She plunked on the couch and made a show of getting comfortable. “You guys have any popcorn in that kitchen?”

As laughter spilled out of my chest and filtered through my ears, I said a silent thank you to fate. I hadn’t just found a mate when I met Ren. I found the answer to reuniting with my cousin and lucked into a whole new family when her friends accepted me. And for a male who started out so lonely he had more friends that photosynthesized than breathed, that was pretty damn amazing.

*Jalen*

Later that afternoon, my new crewmates and I gathered together once again in the Verne ’s mess hall for an impromptu meeting at Arda’s behest.

“All right.” She steepled her hands on the table, her demeanor instantly shifting into that of a natural leader despite her petite size and youthful appearance. “We have some important decisions to make about our next steps, and I’d like your input.”

Everyone gave her their full attention, me included. I had a feeling this would be the moment where I learned whether we’d be taking Official Minra up on his job offer.

“Before we get started, we need to consult with an expert.” A grin split her lips as she tapped away at the tablet on the table.

“Hello? Zenda speaking.”

A quick chorus of hellos erupted from everyone. Well, except for me.

“Thanks for agreeing to chat, Zen.” Arda set the tablet down. “Have you had time to look over the blood sample I sent you?”

Blood? I froze, wondering what in the universe this was about. Just as I recalled Zenda was their former medical officer who had left to pursue a job in animal research, her voice rang out over the speaker.

“Yep. It’s positive. Smudge is gonna be a momma.”

“Truly?” I clasped a hand to my chest. “Trivet’s a father?”

Laughter filtered over the line as Lux’s hard gaze tore through me like a knife. But I refused to let the grump bring me down. This was incredible news!

“Hey, new guy! You must be Jalen. Nice to meet you. Well, kinda,” Zenda said.

“You too, Zenda.” It wasn’t much of a meeting, but I could already sense that I would like her once we met in person.

Arda cleared her throat, all business. “Thanks, Zen. Can you work up a timeline for us? We need to know exactly what to do and when to ensure we give Smudge the best care during her pregnancy.”

Lux finally tore his angry glare off me, gazing at his mate with so much admiration it was obvious he was hopelessly smitten.

“Already sent. If you bring her to the Terran system before she goes into labor, I’d be happy to assist with the birth.”

“That’s the plan.” Arda swiped the tablet, presumably looking over the data Zenda had sent her.

“Where are you off to next?” Zenda asked.

“That’s the question we’re trying to answer.” Arda pursed her lips. “Have you heard of the Thrin?”

“Sure. They’re, what… one hundred and fifty light-years from Earth?” Zenda replied.

Lux cut in. “One fifty-seven.”

Karsen tapped her chin. “With jumps, that’s not too long of a trip. We should be able to make it from Dionus to there and back to Earth with plenty of time to spare.”

Arda frowned. “The issue is that I’m not even sure going there would be a smart play. The smugglers you encountered said it was Prince Zan behind everything, yeah?”

Ren nodded. “That’s right.”

Arda leaned back in her chair. “What we really need is to meet with someone close to him before we make a move. Gather some intel so we aren’t flying in blind. Don’t suppose any of you have any connections we can lean on?”

Her question was met with silence until a computerized voice echoed through the space. “Captain Arda, an unidentified man is seeking entrance to the Verne . How shall I proceed?”

I shuddered, still a bit weirded out with the ship’s computer chiming in out of nowhere.

Lux stood. “I suspect that is the port master. I will handle this.”

“Thanks.” Arda smiled gratefully as he disappeared into the corridor.

Zenda cleared her throat loudly. “Um, that was perfect timing. I actually do know someone, but I wasn’t sure if I should say anything with Lux listening in.”

Arda lifted a brow. “You know I don’t keep any secrets from him, Zen.”

“Yeah, it’s just… I met her in the VIP room back at our favorite old haunt in the outer rim.”

Arda’s lips formed an O shape before she said, “Ah. I see.”

Ren leaned close to me and stage-whispered, “They’re talking about a brothel. One where the horny ladies of the Terran system get their lady parts serviced by sex-bots.”

“Interesting…” I’d read about those during my studies, back when I’d expected to become an ambassador for my planet, but I wasn’t an expert by any means.

Arda rolled her eyes. “It’s an old haunt—clearly. Which begs the question, do you think your contact will still be there? It’s been ages since either of us paid that place a visit.”

“Oh, she’ll be there. We struck up a friendship of sorts. She told me she had a standing appointment. Last weekend of the month, every month.” Zenda’s words spilled out excitedly. “And get this, she’s basically Thrin royalty. Her niece was promised to marry Prince Zan as soon as some big trade deal was finalized. They might even be hitched already, for all I know.”

Arda clapped her hands. “That’s fantastic, Zen. Do you think she’ll talk to you?”

Zenda chuckled humorlessly. “Um, no. Definitely not.”

Karsen scowled. “Jeez, Sis. Why’d you get our hopes up for nothing?”

“Because I might have a plan that could work. See, we’d always shoot the shit, but whenever things got personal, Diarra would clam up. At first, I let it slide. But one day, after I’d spilled a particularly embarrassing story, and she hinted at something similar happening to her but refused to tell me the dirty deets, I asked her what the deal was.”

I leaned forward, my gaze glued to the tablet, as she paused for breath.

“I said something like, ‘C’mon, if you can’t confide in me, who else will you tell?’ and do you know what she said?”

Arda asked, “What?”

“She leaned in, real coy, and said, ‘I tell the bots.’”

Karsen whistled. “That’s actually genius. They’re programmed to keep everything that happens between them and their clients strictly confidential.”

“So, what do you suggest we do?” Arda’s fingers drummed the table. “Hack the bot she hires and find out what they chatted about while they did the deed?”

Ren shook her head. “Not possible. They’re equipped with a failsafe. If anyone even attempts to hack into one, they auto-reboot to factory settings. I read an article about it once in Visionary Tech Magazine .”

Zenda said, “Damn. That was what I was thinking. Sorry, guys.”

Karsen’s eyes narrowed. “Wait… What if it wasn’t a bot?”

“Huh?” Arda blinked repeatedly.

“We could hire someone to take the bot’s place, couldn’t we? Then we’d have a spy in place who could feed her the questions we need answered.”

My lips twisted. “But that would mean the male would have to… you know…”

“Fuck her,” Ren finished for me, and the crude phrase spilling off her lips had my loins tightening uncomfortably.

Karsen shrugged. “I’m sure we could find someone willing—for the right price. Unless… is she hideous?”

“Not at all,” Zenda replied. “Honestly, she was a knockout. I can’t imagine that’s changed much since I saw her last.”

I cleared my throat. “What about pregnancy? Won’t it look odd if our stand-in bot takes precautions against it?”

Ren pursed her lips. “True… I hear the Thrin are into keeping things natural. No birth control implants allowed. They even learn Galactic Standard the old-fashioned way, without a translator implant.”

Zenda said, “I’ve heard the same. Still, there’re lots of guys in the Terran system shooting blanks with all the radiation leftover from the old wars. If we find one of them to hire, it might work. But there’s one problem. I saw some bots she chose, and she definitely has a type.”

“What is it?” Arda asked.

“Fit as fuck. Dark hair. Human. And here’s the tough part—she always sets their language controls to Thrinian—not Galactic Standard.”

Arda sighed. “Well, fuck. Where are we gonna find someone who fits that bill to a T?”

Footsteps echoed down the hall, and we all turned once it was apparent from the low hum of voices and extra steps that Lux hadn’t returned alone. Soon he appeared in the doorway, with someone in tow who made a wide grin cross my mate’s face as she spotted him.

“Demetri! You made it!” She hopped up from her chair beside me and pulled her foster brother in for a hug.

Lux grunted where he hovered in the doorway. “He says you offered him a ride aboard the Verne out of the Dionion system.”

Ren grinned. “I did. This is my brother, Demi.”

Demi smiled brightly, making his way around the room and shaking hands with each of Ren’s crewmates. “It’s so nice to meet you all. I’m really grateful for the ride.”

He reached me last, and as he stuck his fist out in the greeting of my people, a tidbit of conversation from our night around the fire flashed in my mind. “Hey, Demetri. You’re a linguist, right? Do you speak Thrinian?”

Ren gasped. “No…”

Demetri shot her a perplexed look. “What are you saying, Sis? You know I do. I’m fluent, in fact.” He puffed up his chest, grinning proudly.

“You don’t say…” Arda slung an arm around his shoulders. “Are you single, Demi?” Lux growled a warning, but Arda waved him off, staring at Demi closely.

“Um… Yep. Hard to find time to date when you’re trekking through alien jungles.”

Karsen barely let him finish before she asked, “Any chance you’re shooting blanks?”

Ren groaned. “No! Absolutely not!”

“Actually, yeah. Though I’m not sure what that has to do with anything.” Demi muttered to Ren, “Your friends are really weird.”

“Let him hear us out, at least.” Arda directed the statement to Ren, but patted Demi’s shoulder, propelling him out of the mess hall and into the corridor. “Let me show you to your room, and while we’re at it, I have a proposition for you…”

Ren rushed into the hall after them, and Karsen sped out on their heels, leaving me and Lux alone in the mess.

“Is it always like this?” I asked, confused, but also slightly exhilarated at the prospect of conducting a spy mission at a brothel as my debut journey into space.

Lux clasped a beefy four-fingered hand on my shoulder. “Welcome to the chaos. Wish I could say you get used to it, but that would be a lie.”

I grinned. “Perfect. I can’t wait.”