Page 101 of Exiles on Earth

Ysura grits his teeth so hard I swear I hear one chip. Even Frion gives me a sidelong look.

The pleasure training didn’t give me any indication of how to deal with the politics of a new male coming into an already established group, but I’m a Gerverstock. I can navigate group dynamics. Frion is clearly the calmer influence, Belora empathetic. Ysura is new to the mate bond, eager and perhaps feeling a little insecure next to the towering presences of Imaya’s other mates.

A strange sensation washes over me. It’s a longing for El-len, yes, but also for my crew. What I wouldn’t give to have Gara at my side with his quick thinking, Arture helping me charter a course through the turbulent days ahead, Dom, Arik and Nevare to remind me of my duties.

I’ll never see any of them again. Instead, I have to ingratitate myself with these True Borns, even though I don’t want any of this. I want El-len, with every beat of my hearts.

But when has what I wanted ever mattered?

Taking a deep breath, I say, “What’s Imaya’s schedule? I’d like to serve in the best way I can.”

Frion’s lips twist. “We’ll look after our mate. Your room is here.” He touches a pad to let me into a windowless, small space. There’s not even a bed or a bunk, just a few pads piled in one corner.

“It was a closet for Imaya’s shoes,” Ysura points out.

I shake myself. Well, I can’t be expected to hop straight into Imaya’s bed, although that was the impression from the pleasure training.

Frion gestures for me to go inside. “Stay in here for now, Gerverstock.”

“Very well.” I lift my chains up for him. “Is there a way to unlock these?”

He shuts the door without answering.

I sit on the edge of the pads, thoughts as blank as the whitewalls. Another longing cuts through me, this time for Earth. The wide open spaces, the fresh scented air, even the rain. Working hard all of El-len’s short days before a brief rest at night were some of the happiest times of my life.

And although I’m still alive, it doesn’t feel like it. Not yet. Maybe when Imaya gets back, and we bond.

Perhaps then it won’t feel like my hearts have been carved out of my chest.

Hours later,Imaya comes to the door. I scramble to standing, still holding my chains in my fists.

“Ilia, wasn’t it?” She turns my name over in her mouth.

I nod, unsure whether to meet her eyes or stare at the floor. I choose the latter as the safest option.

“Well, you’ll be safe enough here. I’m afraid we won’t be able to let you roam around the compound; there’s delicate experiments about, and we can’t have you accidentally affecting one.”

I blink as that sinks in. “Then perhaps you would like me to roam the stars for you, collecting specimens?” It’s not what I’d imagined, but maybe that’s why Imaya wants a Gerverstock as a mate.

She laughs. “Oh, no, I already have teams of Gerverstocks doing that for me. Besides, it’s not safe for you to leave.”

“Then… I can lead. Do you have a need for a commander?”

“Oh, my, no. That would upset my mates.”

My mates. Not my other mates.

I can’t ask, can’t question. Can’t complain. But I have to know.

“When do we bond?” I ask quietly.

Immediately there’s a scuffle outside, and my head swingsup. Ysura’s trying to get in, Belora holding the younger True Born back.

“He’s a mate in name only. Name only! You promised, Imaya.”

My gut twists. “What does that mean?” I look between their faces, Belora’s patient but sad, Ysura triumphant, Frion not looking at me.

And Imaya, with a frown on her face.