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Nodo gasped loudly. “Get away from my bond mate!”
Sara ignored her, peering into York’s beautiful blue eyes. “You said some of your crew were bonded to humans. I know we don’t know each other well but I promise I’ll be nice to you. I won’t be anything like her.” She waved her hand at Nodo. “Pick me instead. I’ll be your mate.”
Nodo snarled. “This pathetic alien is attempting to lure my future bond mate away. Call a guard!” She screeched louder. “Guard!”
York appeared stunned for a heartbeat or two but recovered quickly—and smiled. “I wanted to ask you yesterday when I walked you home, but you said you weren’t looking for a mate. What changed your mind?”
Sara began to tell him but Nodo’s friend stepped closer, drawing her attention.
“Ugly alien! Scat!” The yellow woman tried to shoo Sara away, waving her hands as if she didn’t want to touch her.
Sara shot her a scowl before staring back at York. “You’re lonely. I’m all alone, too. And neither one of us wants to be unhappy. We can make it work—together,” Sara said quickly. The strangers around them had backed off, and Nodo was screeching for a guard again. “I’ll bond with you, York. Please say yes!”
Loud footsteps sounded, and Sara turned her head, fear lancing through her as two Relons in police-type uniforms rushed toward them. One of the males reached out to grab her arm, but York suddenly lunged, stepping in front of her.
“Leave the human alone. She’s going to be my bond mate.” York’s voice came out deep and clear.
“What?” Nodo gasped.
York turned, gently placed his hand on Sara’s lower back, and pulled her closer to his body. “I don’t want to bond with you, Nagway.”
Sara grinned. She couldn’t see around his bulky body but she heard the screech coming from his other side.
“That’s not my name!” The blue bitch sounded outraged.
“Now you know how it feels.” York stepped away from her, pulling Sara with him. “I revoke my offer to bond with you.”
“You promised to buy me clothes, to take me off this horrible planet! You’re going to give me a better life!”
“And I thought you’d be nice. You’re not.” York turned, keeping Sara against him, and met her gaze. “Let’s do this.” He smiled again.
Sara grinned back. “Let’s.”
“Yard!” Nodo yelled.
He turned his attention to the police. “You should take her away. I don’t want some outraged Parri female scaring my timid human.”
Sara didn’t correct him. Maybe it was best he thought of her that way until after they were bonded.
She watched as the police herded an angry and outraged pair of females away from the building. Nodo yelled threats at York, promising she’d tell her father about what he’d done and make him pay. She even screamed about getting him fired from his job.
That last threat worried Sara. “Can she do that? Get you fired?” She didn’t want him to suffer in any way.
York shook his head. “No. What really made you decide to bond to me, Sara?”
Another loud screech came from Nodo down the street. “He said he’d buy me new clothes! I want my clothes! Do you hear me, Yavor? You owe me an expensive wardrobe!”
Sara bit back a laugh, not feeling one ounce of pity for Nodo. “I had to save you from that. Isn’t that reason enough?”
He chuckled. “Yes. And I’m grateful.”
“You don’t even have to buy me clothes,” she boasted with a grin. “I have a few other sets where I live. We could swing by the shelter to pick them up.”
“Do you like them?”
Sara shrugged. “They were assigned to me.”
“Do you have any personal belongings at the shelter that matter?”
“No. I left Earth with the clothes I had on that day. They wouldn’t allow us to get any of our possessions.”
He held out his hand to her. “Then I’ll buy you clothes. It will be a privilege. Parri enjoy spoiling their females.”
“I’m not like her, York. You don’t need to do that.”
“You need clothing, Sara. Allow me to provide for you as your bond mate.”
He really was as nice as she’d thought. She gripped his big hand and relaxed for the first time since leaving Earth. Maybe it wouldn’t be a huge mistake after all to marry an alien.
The doors opened at nine and York led her inside the records department. It took some time to find the right office for bonding ceremonies, and the robed Relon male scowled when he saw the bracelet on her wrist.
“What is this? She’s under the protection of the shelter for freed slaves.”
Sara released York’s hand and tapped in the code she’d been given when the bracelet had been put on, taking it off. “Not anymore.” She placed it on the desk. “I want to bond with York.”
The Relon leaned in closely to peer at her face. “I detect no fear or stress. This is your free will? The male isn’t threatening you?”
“No. I mean yes. No, he isn’t threatening me. Yes, I want to do this.”
“Understood.” The Relon took out a pad and held it toward them. “Place your hand on here.”
York went first. The Relon read off the pad after York pulled his hand away. “One hundred percent Parri. You work for the Tryleskian ambassador. Your last health scan was only a few days ago when you applied to find a bond mate through the matching agency.” He paused, glanced at Sara, and then eyed York. “This is not the Parri female who chose you.”
“Sara is better.”
The Relon looked at Sara, holding out the pad. “I see. Your turn. The male is healthy, has never bonded before, and is free to join with you. No arrest warrants or criminal history.”
She was impressed with the information the Relon clerk shared with her. They sure didn’t give any information about grooms on Earth. She placed her palm on the pad.
He pulled it back, reading what it had returned on her. “Rescued from a slaver transport. Born on Earth. One hundred percent human. Medical cleared her as heathy and gave her all updated vaccines and a translation implant.” He glanced at York. “No previous life records of any kind are available from her home planet. The medical scans taken have shown she has all reproductive organs in place.” He stood. “Let’s find out if she’s compatible. Blood samples now.”
It was both odd and impersonal when each of them were jabbed in the finger with some alien needle attached to yet another pad, but the Relon deemed them compatible. She had questions about what exactly that meant, but he shoved still another pad at them, asking for their handprints after extracting promises that they swore not to maim or kill each other. York had to swear not to sell her, possibly because of how she’d ended up on the planet. They each pressed their hands to the pad and the Relon retook his seat.
“Your bonding is recorded. Take her to exchange fluids to seal the bond. You have three days to contact records if you wish to nullify.” He hit a button. “Next!”
Sara was dazed. That was it?
York led her out as another alien couple entered the room. They didn’t speak until they were back on the street. York stopped, peering at her. “Are you feeling regret?”
“No. That wasn’t what I was expecting. I’m just a little stunned over how fast it happened. I thought it would take longer. That’s not a bad thing, though.”
“How do humans record their bonding?”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re not on Earth. When the clerk said we’re compatible after talking about my reproductive organs, does that mean we can have children together?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
That revelation left her feeling uncertain. He was a big alien. She wasn’t sure she’d survive if she ever got pregnant. Parri babies were probably larger than a human one would be.
York bent forward a little, catching her attention. “It will work out between us. I would never hurt you in any way, Sara. Are you worried about sealing our bond?”
“Sex, right? He said exchange fluids.”
“I won’t rush you, and when you are ready, I will be very gentle.”
That was a relief, at least. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Sara. You saved me from Nodo. I think my crew would have hated her.” He suddenly grinned. “But they will love you. I’m bringing home another human.” A deep, rumbling chuckle came from him. “Dovis and Cathian will be surprised.”
“Your best friends, right?”
“Yes. Let me take you shopping. Are you hungry?”
“I ate breakfast already.” And she almost felt like throwing up. The reality of what she’d done began to sink in.
She’d married a big blue alien. Her life had changed drastically in the two weeks since she’d been taken from her workplace.
* * * * *
York was worried. Sara hadn’t spoken much since they’d left the bonding ceremony. Unlike Nodo, she also wasn’t demanding. She acted shy and seemed hesitant to allow him to buy her outfits. He helped her pick each item, assuring her she’d need many. He kept reminding himself that Relon was the first planet she’d visited after leaving the one she’d lived on since birth. It must be frightening for her. He needed to be extra sensitive to her needs.
“Are you well, Sara? I’m concerned.”
She gazed up at him. He found her extremely attractive. She had light brown hair that fell to her shoulders, and big green eyes. Her figure was pleasantly rounded. He guessed she was inches taller than Nara and Mari, and he liked her delicate features. She had pale skin, generous lips, and her voice was pleasant to listen to. Her hips were wide, too, which boded well for breeding and being with a male of his size. He wasn’t worried about accidently harming her when they did complete their bonding.
“Yes.” She placed her hand on his arm. “It’s just nerves, and I’m worried about the money you’re spending on me. I don’t want you going into debt over me. That’s no way to start a marriage. You don’t need to impress me, York.”
He relaxed. “I make good credits working for the Tryleskians. We will live on The Vorge. That means you’ll need clothing and other things, since we travel all the time, and often don’t stop for weeks. The replicators on The Vorge are good, but they don’t have many choices like the stores on the planets and stations offer. Allow me to spoil you. You’re my bonded female. I want to take care of you, Sara.”
She smiled, the tension in her face easing. “Just don’t overdo it by spending too much. I wasn’t raised with a lot of possessions. I don’t need much. I have no idea how money works off Earth. We had classes every night at the shelter but I have a lot to learn. Everything is still so new to me.”
“I’m going to take care of you.” He felt his chest swell with pride. Sara needed him. And unlike Nodo, she cared enough to be considerate. “Are you hungry? Be honest with me.”
“No. Did you eat? We could stop somewhere if you haven’t.” Her smile widened. “I’d be honored to sit with you.”
“I ate.”
“Then we’re good.”
The merchant packed a few bags with the clothing York had purchased and he accepted them. He offered Sara his arm and led her to another store that sold female products he thought she might enjoy. He had to tell her what things were, and she picked a few scented washes for her hair and body.
Before long, they headed toward the shuttle port, where they’d catch a ride off the planet and go to The Vorge. He couldn’t wait to introduce her to the crew.
He was grateful he’d cleaned his cabin before coming down to the surface, since he’d planned to find a female to bond with. It would have been a bad start to their relationship if Sara knew he tended to be messy. It hadn’t mattered when he’d lived alone. There had been no one to impress. Now things were different.
He still felt a little stunned that Sara had found him and offered to be his bond mate. The grin on his face wouldn’t go away. She was much nicer than Nodo. Now, instead of being worried about how his crew would react, he felt excitement. Nara and Mari would love Sara as much as he was already beginning to.
The transport shuttles came into view—but York abruptly halted, spotting a small group of Parri waiting. He identified one of the angry-looking males immediately.
A grumble of irritation escaped his lips.
“What’s wrong?” Sara pressed her body against his side, and then she softly cursed. “Shit. I see the problem. Is that Nodo’s dad, and maybe her two brothers?”
“I don’t know who the other males are, but yes, that’s her father. Nodo has no brothers. They are probably males from the settlement who are friends with her family.”
“Will they attack us?”
“You, never. Me, yes. I’m sure they will try.”
“Do you think you can take them? They don’t look nearly as fit as you. Should we just avoid them by getting the police to escort us past them?”
“Parri males don’t involve guards or others in our squabbles. And yes, I could win in a fight against those three.” Suddenly, York felt sick inside. “But I don’t want you to see that side of me, Sara. It might frighten you. Blood may be spilled.”
She stepped in front of him and frowned, holding his gaze. “Tell me the truth. Can you really take those three in a fight? No male-pride bullshit.”
He knew the word she used since it was one of Nara’s favorites. “Easily. That’s the truth.”
Sara did the oddest thing—she smiled.
“Okay. Give me all the bags then.” She held out her hands. “You kick their asses. I’ll try to stay far enough away to avoid blood splatter. These are shelter clothes I’m wearing, though, so no biggie if that happens. All the new stuff you bought is protected in these sacks.”
He gaped at her. She was encouraging him to fight? It didn’t make sense.
She stepped closer, gripping the handles of the bags and tugging them from his hand. “Give.”
He released them.
“I grew up in a very poor section of Earth, York. Remember when I said I hate being hit? Bullies targeted me all the time. And my mom…she, um, sometimes took boyfriends to make our lives better. Not a prostitute, exactly, but let’s just say she used men on a regular basis to get better-paying jobs and housing for us. You aren’t going to frighten me if you kick some ass. As a matter of fact, I respect you for standing up for yourself and protecting me. I’m no lightweight in a fight, either. I’ve been in plenty of them in my life. Just not against big blue guys. I’m smart enough to know they’d hand me my ass. Not you, though.” She glanced up and down his body. “You’re built like a fighting machine. Let’s get this over with so we can go up to your ship.”
“It won’t frighten you to see me fight? Disgust you? Make you worry I’ll harm you?”
“Not one bit.”
He saw sincerity in her eyes, and finally grinned. “You are perfect, Sara.”
“Just protect that pretty face of yours. You owe me a kiss since we got married. On my planet, that’s what we do.” She winked, grinning wider. “Be careful.”
“Stay behind me.” She thought he was pretty? Now he couldn’t wait to take her up on that offer of a kiss. “I’ll make this fast.”
“Kick butt, York.”
He stormed forward, hoping that Sara meant it.
Chapter Four
Sara was nervous but tried to mask the emotion from her face as she followed York. Nodo’s father pointed at him the second he saw them coming, and the two men with him converged on her new bond mate.
York motioned for her to stop and stay back. She didn’t hesitate to do just that. Those guys were big, and she didn’t want to accidently get hit.
York looked really muscular, but did that actually mean he knew how to fight? She was about to find out.
Her body tensed, and she glanced around, looking for a anything that could be used as a weapon in case shit went bad. She came up with nothing. There weren’t even any rocks scattered around the space port. Just smooth pave
ment.
The aliens around them looked excited when one of the Parri men yelled at York. “You can’t do this to one of our women! And for what? That?” He jerked his head toward Sara. “It’s hideous!”
She flinched at the insult, praying that wasn’t true. Did she really look ugly to a Parri? She hoped her new man found her attractive.
Then York spoke, his voice more of a snarl, and his words soothed her. “Don’t insult my beautiful Sara!”
“I demand you void your contract with that alien and bond to my daughter!” The older Parri got in York’s face.
“No.”
“No?” The older man sputtered—and threw a sucker punch.
York moved lightning fast and avoided the blow. He grabbed the elder Parri by his arm and shoved him back without otherwise harming him.
The other two Parri went nuts regardless, instantly attacking.
Sara gripped the bags tighter, prepared to start swinging. They had some heft to them, since York had insisted on not only buying her at least a dozen outfits, but also items like shoes and shampoos. She figured it might do some damage if she swung them at the bastards who didn’t fight fair. Three to one odds were cowardly.
She took a step in their direction…before it became obvious York didn’t need her help.
He threw a punch at one guy, knocking him on his ass, hard. The sound of the strike made her flinch, since she was pretty sure York had broken the guy’s nose.
Parri blood was red, she discovered, watching a whole lot of it pour out of the downed guy’s face.
York spun fast and kicked out, taking the second Parri down. That one was thrown so hard, he hit the pavement and almost flipped ass over end before crumpling.
Then Nodo’s father jumped on York’s back.
York crouched forward swiftly, sending the elder man flying over him. He landed with a painful grunt at York’s feet. The one with the broken nose got up and tried to throw another punch. Her alien caught the man’s fist in his hand and more bones popped. She only heard the noise for a split second before the Parri getting his fist crushed began to scream in agony.