Chapter 20

Chapter

Twenty

Allie

I stood in the middle of my bedroom, surrounded by chaos. Clothes were strewn across every surface, drawers hung open, and my suitcase was already jammed with my necessities. It perfectly reflected the tumult in my mind.

"Allie, are you sure you packed enough underwear?" Bryce's voice quavered as he dabbed at his eyes with a tissue. He cradled Dinah in one arm, the cat looking as unimpressed as ever.

I couldn't help but smile at my friend's concern. "Yes, Bryce. I packed enough underwear to last me a year on that space station."

"You aren't going to be there for a year, are you?" He looked like he might swoon.

"Of course not. I told you that I'm coming back."

"I don't know how you figure that. It's the tribute bride program, not the tribute try-it-out program."

I turned back to my suitcase, throwing in a few more items haphazardly. My hands trembled slightly as I zipped it closed. He was right. I was taking a huge risk by signing up to be a tribute bride when I didn't have any intention of being mated to a stranger.

I pushed that aside and pivoted to Bryce. "Now, remember, Dinah likes a can of wet food in the evenings. And Drex—" I glanced at the dog, who was watching me with sad eyes from the bed I'd gotten him to assuage my guilt, "—he needs a morning walk and an afternoon walk. Oh, and don't forget to water my plants!"

He narrowed his gaze at me. "You don't have plants."

"Right." I slapped my hand over my mouth to muffle the nervous giggle. "That's just what people say when they travel, don't they?"

Bryce put a hand on my arm. "I've got it all written down, but when exactly are you coming back? You didn't give up your apartment, and you only took a leave of absence from Marlene's Mementos. What will happen if you can't get back?"

"There are new rules now," I said, even though I was not privy to all the new rules. "I can come back if things don't work out."

That was an absolute lie. None of the paperwork I'd signed had mentioned backing out or coming home, but that was because none of the other women knew a Drexian warrior on the station. Once I found Maxxon, everything would work itself out. I was sure of it. Or at least a bit sure.

"Really?" Bryce's expression brightened.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I hated lying to Bryce. He was my closest friend, but I couldn't tell him the truth. As much as I loved him, I knew he was the worst gossip in town. If I told him what really happened with Maxxon, it would be all over town before I even left Earth's atmosphere. He might even make a coffee drink named after us and post it as the day's "barista special."

And honestly, I didn't want him to think I was that kind of girl. The kind who has a wild fling with a stranger and then stalks him. Even though Bryce probably wouldn't judge me for going after Maxxon, I didn't know what the rest of the town would think.

"Allie?" Bryce's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Are you okay? You look a million miles away."

I forced a smile. "Just nervous about the trip, I guess. All those jumps through space... it's a lot to take in."

Bryce nodded sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. And then to be matched with a Drexian after you just got rescued by one. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

My stomach churned at the thought, but I reminded myself that once I found Maxxon, everything would be okay.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I glanced at the clock and felt a jolt of panic. "Oh shoot, I need to go. My Lyft will be here any minute."

Bryce set Dinah down and pulled me into a tight hug. I could feel him trembling slightly, and I squeezed him back just as hard.

"I'm going to miss you so much," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"I'll miss you too, but I'll be back soon." I relaxed into his embrace. "And thank you for taking care of Dinah and Drex."

He pulled back and gave me a watery smile. "Of course. And if the Drexian they pick for you gives you any trouble, you just let me know. I'll hop on the next spaceship and give him a piece of my mind."

I laughed, the sound a bit strangled, then I knelt down next to Drex, burying my face in his soft fur. "Be a good boy," I murmured, scratching behind his ears. "I'll be back before you know it."

Then, in a whisper so low that Bryce couldn't hear, I added, "And I'll bring Maxxon back with me. I promise."

With one last pat, I stood up and grabbed my suitcase. I took a deep breath, looking around my bedroom one last time. The familiar posters on the walls, the collection of seashells on my dresser, the photo of Bryce and me at last year's Pride parade. I told myself I would see it all soon.

Doubts began to creep into my mind as I walked to the front door. What if I couldn't find Maxxon? What if he didn't want me? What if this whole crazy plan blew up in my face?

Nope. There was no room for doubt now. I'd made my decision, and there was no going back.

Bryce held open the door for me. "Go show those aliens what Earth girls are made of, sweetie."

I laughed, grateful for his attempt at lightening the mood. Like the drama queen she was, Dinah waited until the last moment to sashay from beneath the couch and rub against my leg. I picked her up and buried my face in her belly, ignoring her wriggling attempts to get free. She finally nuzzled my chin and purred before leaping down to the floor and flouncing away.

"That girl stays on brand," Bryce said under his breath with a laugh. Then he waved me off as he choked back tears and watched me walk from the building to the waiting car.

As the driver loaded my suitcase into the trunk, I turned to look back at my building. My home for the past few years, the place where I'd returned to build a real life. Was I really leaving it all behind? And for a guy? I almost snatched my suitcase from the trunk and bolted back to my apartment.

But then I thought of Maxxon. The way he'd looked at me, the electricity I'd felt when we touched. It had been more than just a fling, more than just physical attraction. There had been a connection there, something deep and real.

I climbed into the cab, giving the driver the address of the Drexian recruitment center. As we pulled away from the curb, I watched my building recede in the rearview mirror.

"Please," I whispered, not sure who I was pleading to, but hoping they were listening. "Please let me be right about this."