4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Renick

"You're not buying a person, Renick," Arik said. "They're willing participants. It's like paying a dowry."

"Oh so you've tried this already?" I asked.

Arik shrugged. "I've looked, but so far no one caught my eye, so I haven't bid on anyone." I narrowed my eyes. "They're all vetted." Arik tilted his head, his mane flopping over his forehead. "Well, perhaps not to your security needs. That's why you need an off-worlder to make sure they don't know anything about you and your family. How could they have any political motivations if they know nothing about you?" he asked.

"I really don't want a bride."

"I understand. There's a lot of changes in your life in a short amount of time. What's the harm in having a look? See if anyone catches your eye. There's no commitment unless you're the highest bidder. And you don't have to bid - looking is acceptable." Arik shrugged. "Might be worth it."

"Fine. Give me your tablet. I'm not putting this on mine."

"All right. Anybody you bid on will be under my name. Click here. Now there." Arik pointed. "You can't be too careful."

"I understand." I started looking up the next auction. "These are the females?"

The first female was a Wora, with leathery wings, jet black skin, piercing onyx eyes. "They're empaths. She has potential," I murmured. I flicked to the next image, this one a gorgeous Deragona, a dragon shifter alien known for exceptional strength. Long green hair flowed loose around her face, with green scales forming diamond shaped patterns across her cheeks, neck and shoulders. "Maybe." I scrolled to see a female Klagan, known for their peacekeeper warrior males. It was unusual to see a female Klagan, especially since their males tended to be possessive. I scrolled past the Toxuks female immediately. Nothing about the yellow blobs and their poison held any attraction for me. A few Olgek females, minotaur-like creatures with rings hanging from their noses were next. If I bid on one of them, she could potentially serve as my bodyguard and my bride. I snorted, putting the communication tablet down.

"What's wrong?" Arik asked.

"I don't know. I don't want to pick somebody to meet with based on looks alone."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to make a list of what qualities I want my potential mate to possess. I probably will have to settle. Some species I've heard of, naturally others were new to me, from different sectors, I suppose." The open app on the tablet flashed again, showing another Toxuks female before a banner filled the screen.

Newest Auction Additions: Six Human Women the ad screamed.

Humans, I thought, rolling the word around on my tongue. From my limited knowledge of humans formed from those who served on the ships I'd been assigned to, they were intriguing; soft in all the right spots with no natural defensive mechanisms. They lacked the fangs, claws, wings and poison other species possessed. I could be her protector. For whatever reason, the idea warmed my dual hearts. Humans were known to love fiercely and with abandon. My fingers stroked the ad on the tablet. Yes, if I could afford one, my bride would be human.