Prologue

PROLOGUE

T he aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pastries, enveloping Gerri Wilder in a comforting embrace as she settled into her favorite corner booth at Café Amour. Soft jazz played in the background, a perfect accompaniment to the lazy Saturday afternoon.

She took a sip of her Earl Grey, savoring the bergamot flavor as she unfolded the cream-colored envelope in her hands. A smile tugged on her lips as she read the elegant script:

"…request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage..."

Gerri's heart swelled with pride. Lena and Alex was her first match from her Matchmaker's Book Club. Gerri had known they were perfect. It was like that every time. All she had to do was think of someone and she immediately knew their mate. It wasn't magic. It was her gift.

"Excuse me," a cheerful voice interrupted her musings. "I hate to bother you, but would you mind if I shared your table? It's packed in here today."

Gerri looked up to see a young woman with long, wavy dark-brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. She radiated an infectious energy that immediately brightened the already sunny café.

"Not at all, dear. Please, sit down," Gerri replied, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. "I'm Gerri."

"Thanks so much. I'm Sia," the woman said, plopping down with a grateful smile. She set her oversized latte on the table, the whipped cream tower wobbling precariously. "Whew! I thought I'd never find a seat. It's like the whole city decided to get coffee at the same time."

Gerri chuckled, tucking the wedding invitation back into her purse. "It does get busy here on weekends. But the drinks here are worth it, don't you think?"

"Oh, absolutely," Sia agreed. "Plus, after the week I've had, I need all the caffeine I can get."

"Rough week at work?" Gerri inquired, her matchmaker's instincts piquing with interest in this vibrant young woman.

Sia laughed, a melodious sound that turned a few heads in the café. "Actually, I just got back from the most incredible vacation. My cousin Tiffany and I went skydiving in New Zealand."

"Skydiving?" Gerri's eyebrows shot up. "That sounds absolutely thrilling."

"It was amazing." Sia's eyes lit up as she launched into her story. "Picture this: we're up in this tiny plane, thousands of feet above the most gorgeous landscape you've ever seen. Mountains, lakes, forests – all spread out below us like a living map."

Gerri leaned in captivated by Sia's animated storytelling. The young woman's hands flew as she spoke, nearly knocking over her latte more than once.

"So there we are, sitting on the edge of the open door. The wind is whipping around us, and my heart is pounding so hard, I swear the instructor can hear it over the roar of the engines. Tiffany goes first – she's always been the braver one – and then it's my turn."

Sia paused dramatically, taking a quick sip of her latte and leaving a small, whipped cream mustache on her upper lip. Gerri bit back a chuckle, not wanting to interrupt the story.

"I'm terrified, but excited, you know? And then... I jump. For a second, it feels like my stomach is trying to climb out through my throat. But then, it's like... flying. No, better than flying. It's like being completely free."

Gerri nodded, entranced. She'd done her fair share of adventuring in her younger days, and Sia's description brought back a flood of exhilarating memories.

"The freefall is incredible, but when the parachute opens – wow. Suddenly everything is quiet, and you're just floating there, taking in this breathtaking view. Tiffany and I were whooping and cheering. I swear, I've never felt so alive."

"It sounds absolutely wonderful," Gerri said warmly. "You and your cousin must be very close."

"Oh, we are," Sia nodded, her expression softening with affection. "Tiffany's like a sister to me. She's always been there through thick and thin. I don't know what I'd do without her."

Before Gerri could respond, a couple approached their table. The woman, a petite blonde with a radiant smile, spoke up. "I'm so sorry to interrupt you, Gerri but we just had to stop when I saw you."

Gerri turned, a welcoming smile spreading across her face as she recognized the pair. "Melissa, David. What a lovely surprise. How are you two doing?"

The couple beamed, their hands intertwined. "We're fantastic," David replied, his deep voice filled with warmth. "We just wanted to thank you again. If it wasn't for you, we never would have found each other."

Melissa nodded enthusiastically. "You changed our lives, Gerri. We can't thank you enough."

Gerri stood, enveloping them both in a heartfelt hug. "Oh, darlings. I'm just so happy you found each other. You two are perfect together."

As the couple said their good-byes and left, Gerri settled back into her seat to find Sia staring at her with wide, curious eyes.

"Okay, I have to ask," Sia leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "What did they mean by that? Are you some kind of relationship guru or something?"

Gerri laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Something like that. I'm a matchmaker, dear."

"A matchmaker?" Sia's eyebrows shot up. "Like, professionally? That's so cool. I didn't know people still did that."

"Oh yes, there's quite a demand for it," Gerri replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips. If only Sia knew just how diverse her clientele really was. Humans, shifters, aliens – love knew no boundaries in Gerri's world. "I help people find their perfect matches."

"Wow," Sia breathed, clearly impressed. Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, she straightened up. "Wait a minute. Gerri, I have a huge favor to ask. It's about my cousin, Tiffany."

Gerri raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What about her?"

Sia's expression turned earnest, her previous excitement replaced by genuine concern. "Tiffany... she's amazing, you know? Smart, funny, beautiful. But she's been so lonely lately. I mean, she puts on a brave face, but I can tell. Especially after our grandmother died. She just seems so…alone."

Gerri nodded sympathetically, sensing the depth of Sia's worry for her cousin.

"The thing is," Sia continued, her words tumbling out in a rush, "Tiffany's never really seen true love. Our family... well, let's just say we don't have the best examples. Her parents' marriage is more of a business arrangement than a love match. And she's had some pretty awful experiences in her own relationships. She even left a guy at the altar."

Sia's hazel eyes pleaded with Gerri. "I know we just met, but... do you think you could help her? Help Tiffany find her perfect match? She deserves to be happy and find someone who'll love her for who she is."

Gerri sat back, considering Sia's request. It wasn't uncommon for friends or family members to approach her about potential clients, but there was something special about this case. The genuine love and concern Sia had for her cousin was touching.

"Tell me more about Tiffany," Gerri prompted, her matchmaker's instincts kicking into high gear.

Sia's face lit up. "Oh, where do I start? She's a high school teacher – History and English and sometimes Drama just for fun. She's brilliant at it too. The kids adore her. She has this way of making everyone feel special. And she's got the best sense of humor – snarky, but always kind."

As Sia continued to sing Tiffany's praises, Gerri found herself more and more fascinated. A passionate teacher with a kind heart and a quick wit – now that was someone with potential.

"She sounds lovely," Gerri said when Sia paused for breath. "But why do you think she needs my help? Surely a woman like that would have no trouble finding dates."

Sia's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "That's just it. Tiffany doesn't have trouble finding dates. She has trouble finding the right person. Someone who challenges her, who sees beyond her family name and really gets her. Her dad is always on her ass about getting married to one of his perfect clones and I think she's afraid to end up with one of them."

Gerri nodded, understanding dawning. "Ah, I see. And you think I might be able to help with that?"

"I hope so," Sia said, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and desperation. "Tiffany deserves someone special. Someone who'll make her laugh, who'll support her dreams. She needs an adventure, Gerri. Something to shake up her world and show her what real love can be like."

Gerri sat back, mulling over Sia's words. An adventure, hmm?

"All right, dear," Gerri said, her decision made. "I'll help your cousin, but you must remember I cannot control how she and her…match interact or how they handle their romance."

Sia's face lit with a wide grin. "Oh, thank you, Gerri. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me – to Tiffany."

As Sia continued to express her gratitude, Gerri's mind was already whirring with possibilities.

Later that day, Gerri settled into her plush chair, pulling out her notes from the coffee shop encounter. A soft chime filled the air. Her otherworld communicator glowed, indicating an incoming call.

With a smile, Gerri activated the device. A holographic image flickered to life above her desk, revealing the regal figure of Queen Astra Larkana of Nova Aurora. Despite the sorrow evident in her golden amber eyes, the queen's beauty was striking. Her silver hair, streaked with remaining black, was elegantly coiffed, and she wore a simple yet exquisite gown of deep forest green.

"Gerri, my dear friend," Astra's melodious voice filled the room. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all, Astra," Gerri replied warmly. "It's wonderful to see you. How are you holding up?"

A shadow passed over Astra's face. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. Zak has been a pillar of strength, but..." She trailed off, her gaze distant.

Gerri nodded sympathetically. She'd been devastated to hear of King Yerik's passing. He'd been a good man and a wise ruler. "I'm so sorry, Astra. Yerik was one of the best. How is Zakhar coping with his new responsibilities?"

Astra's expression softened with maternal pride, tinged with worry. "He's taken to his duties with admirable dedication. Perhaps too much dedication, if I'm honest. Which is... well, it's why I'm calling, Gerri."

Gerri leaned forward. "Oh? What can I do for you, my friend?"

Astra took a deep breath, her regal composure slipping to reveal a concerned mother. "It's Zakhar. He's thrown himself into his role as king with such intensity, I fear he's neglecting his own happiness. He needs a mate, Gerri. Someone to stand by his side, to support him, to... to love him."

Gerri nodded, understanding dawning. "And you don't believe his mate is on Nova Aurora?"

"No," Astra shook her head. "I've watched him interact with every eligible shifter in our kingdom and beyond. There's no spark, no connection. I believe... I believe his true mate might be on Earth."

Gerri gave a nod, inwardly smiling at what she knew was coming. "I see. And you'd like my help in finding this mate?"

"Please, Gerri," Astra's voice was tinged with desperation. "You're the best matchmaker in the galaxy. If anyone can find Zakhar's perfect match, it's you. He needs someone who can challenge him, who can help him see beyond his duties as king. Someone who can bring laughter and light back into his life."

As Astra spoke the image came together. A passionate teacher with a quick wit and a kind heart. Someone who needed an adventure, a chance to see what true love could be. Tiffany Whitlock.

"I'll do my best, Astra," Gerri said. "But I must warn you, it won't be easy. Human-shifter relationships are complex enough on Earth. Add in the interplanetary element..."

Astra's laughter, warm and melodious, filled the room. "Oh, Gerri. That's exactly what I'm hoping for. Zakhar needs a challenge. He needs someone who will rock his world, who will make him see things differently. The harder he has to work for it, the better."

Gerri couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, when you put it that way... All right, Astra. But remember, I can't guarantee anything. You know you can lead a horse to water..."

"I understand," Astra nodded, her eyes shining with hope. "Thank you, Gerri. You have no idea how much this means to me – to our kingdom."

As they said their good-byes and the holographic image faded, Gerri sat back in her chair, a smile playing on her lips. Oh, this was going to be interesting indeed.

She pulled out her notes on Tiffany, reading them over with fresh eyes. A dedicated teacher with a passion for her work. Someone who needed an adventure, a chance to see what true love could be. And Zakhar – a young king, dedicated to his people but in danger of losing himself in his duties. Both of them yearning for something more, something real.

The cultural differences alone would be a significant hurdle. And then there was the small matter of Tiffany adjusting to life on an alien planet...

But that was half the fun, wasn't it? Gerri loved a good challenge, and this promised to be one of her most interesting matches yet.

She reached for her phone, ready to set things in motion. First, she'd need to arrange a meeting with Tiffany. Perhaps at that education fundraiser gala next week? Yes, that would do nicely.

As Gerri dialed, her excitement grew. She had a good feeling about this match. Tiffany and Zakhar might be from different worlds – quite literally – but they were exactly what each other needed.

A sly grin spread across Gerri's face as she listened to the phone ring. Oh yes, this was going to be fun. After all, love knew no limitations – not even interplanetary ones.

"Hello, Sia? It's Gerri. I think I might have an idea for your cousin..."