Page 9 of Delivered to My Alpha Alien Lovers (Mail-Order Matings #20)

Amaris

It took only a half dozen messages for me to know Tylan was something special. His bond mate was Farsel and that was the person who had messaged me before, claiming I was his mate. Their pictures matched what I had seen before, and soon they sent me more as the trust between us built. They asked for more pictures of me, but I wasn’t as confident in my body and my beauty as they were.

After all, they looked like tall, lean, tattooed gods. What was there not to be confident about?

I sent them some selfies, but a lot of them were no makeup, hair twisted on top of my head, sitting on my couch ones. If they couldn’t love me in my jammies, then they weren’t worth the effort. Because I spent a good deal of time in my pajamas by choice. Jenny swore I owned more loungewear than regular clothes. I had no argument.

Your profile says shifter but doesn’t tell me what kind? What are you and Farsel? Is it rude of me to ask?

He responded saying it wasn’t rude to ask. He and Farsel wanted to tell me, but maybe it was better if we discussed it in person.

Why? Lol. Are you two elephant shifters or something mystical?

Tylan answered back. Not elephants, Amaris. Nothing mystical either, though it would depend on your definition of the word.

Huh. That didn’t sound weird at all.

Mermaid? Unicorn? Gryphon?

I texted them back, nestling in deeper under the warm comforter on my bed. Sometimes Tylan seemed so formal in the way he spoke, which I kind of loved, but if he didn’t have a sense of humor, well, it might be a no go, no matter how sexy they were.

Female, you are funny. Not any of those either. I think the truth should be seen and not typed out here, on an app.

My stomach sank. Was he saying what I thought he was saying? Did they want to meet me? The thought thrilled me and made me nervous at the same time. Mostly excited. I was ready to meet them and solve the mysteries they were shrouded in.

We clicked online, but, more than anything, I wanted to know if that spark extended to real life. I had some online friends and, once we met in person, the vibe wasn’t the same.

I hoped that wasn’t the case here.

What exactly are you suggesting?

Sitting, up, I held my breath, waiting for the reply.

We would very much like to meet you, Amaris. We, of course, don’t have your specific address, but the area the app gave us is only an hour away. Would you allow us to meet you for a meal? In a public place where you will feel safe?

Well, didn’t that cover all the bases.

I would love to. I can text you an address. How soon would you like to meet?

Their answer came faster than mine had. As soon as possible. We are eager to hear your voice. See your smile in more than a picture.

My chest and cheeks heated up.

Tomorrow morning? My favorite diner. Eight o’clock? Is that too early?

I didn’t sleep a wink that night. While I was excited to set the date, overthinking and questioning soon took over.

What if they didn’t like me? I mean, I thought I was nice enough, but what if they came all this way and we had this incredible emotional connection and in person, it was all a flop?

As I parked in front of the diner, I shook the thoughts away. They were sitting at a table near the front window. There was no missing them. Their shoulders stood above the rest, even sitting in the booth.

Here goes nothing.

As I exited the car, they turned toward me, rising to their feet as I entered and sat across from them in the booth. Though this was my favorite spot in town, the butterflies in my stomach overruled any hunger.

“Hi, Tylan, Farsel.” My voice cracked on the words. Goddess, help me get hold of myself.

“Amaris,” Tylan said, sliding back into his seat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re more beautiful in person than in your pictures.”

“Oh,” I whispered as heat rushed mostly to my cheeks but to all parts of me at the same time. “Thank you. I could say the same about the both of you.”

“Are you hungry, female?” he asked.

Female. The word or maybe the incredible tone in his voice got to me in the best way possible.

“Maybe just some coffee first. I’m very nervous all of a sudden.”

Farsel moved his fingers restlessly, as though he might reach across the table to touch me. I would welcome it, sensing that the move might just calm me. “There is no need to be nervous around us. We would never harm you. You are safe with us. And even if you cannot feel that now, we are here, and there is one of your human police officers over there.”

I’d seen him as I came in.

“Tell me, then,” I said.

“Tell you what?” Tylan asked.

“Tell me something you didn’t put on the app. Tell me everything.”

“You have to promise not to make a fuss.”