8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Renick

I paced the confines of the small room I'd claimed on the shuttle with Arik, still wearing military gear. Now, I questioned every decision I'd made since Father passed.

I still didn't feel ready to be a politician, yet I made sure my boots were polished to the highest shine where I could see my reflection looking back at me. I fiddled with the belt buckle making sure the ornately carved shiny gold was perfectly centered at my waist. Now I questioned my sanity regarding how many ribbons to put on my uniform. I didn't want to put too many on so she thought I bragged about my exploits. In the end, I pinned on a few of the most dangerous missions I'd been sent on and survived.

Would she even know the significance of the tiny ribbons? Probably not, but I wanted to make a good impression. After all there's only one chance to make a first impression.

Arik pounded on the door. "We're landing at the station momentarily," he said. "The ship is in the docking sequence for Sancus Station as we speak."

I bounced on the balls of my feet, like a youngling eager for their first vacation. We hurried to the GBA office on the station where my bride would be arriving in a matter of minutes.

"Calm down, Renick," Arik said. "You don't want to meet your bride covered in sweat."

"You're right." I stood with my feet spread apart shoulder width, hands behind my back, as I'd seen so many human military men do. A small squadron of human men had been stationed on my ship once, and I'd quickly taken to their ‘at ease' posture. I thought it was a quite comfortable position, and adopted it into my routine.

Arik was dressed like the sharp Temerlan Warrior he was, wearing his finest military garb as well his sash over his fur covered chest. The sash was adorned with metals earned through the various campaigns he'd served on. Apparently he was unconcerned with bragging. I wished I had a sliver of his confidence. He fluffed his mane and slapped oil on his fur in the hopes of catching the eye of his own mate.

"Ship incoming," the tinny voice announced in the room. My two hearts beat in sync. Blood rushed from my face and I felt faint. Would she even like me? Shiny silver doors made of the finest materials parted down the center, inky blackness of the walkway fading as my female walked toward me, her chin held high, dark tresses flowing down her back. She pulled a small wheeled box. I rushed to help. From the videos I watched about human women, I knew most of them appreciated help, so I plastered a smile on my face and went to see to my mate's needs.

"It is nice to meet you," I said, forcing my voice to remain calm though my hearts thudded wildly in my chest. "I'm Renick. Please allow me to take your box."

She blinked. "I'm Summer, nice to meet you too. My box?" She sounded confused before glancing down at my pointed finger. "Oh! My suitcase. Thank you." She left the wheeled cart with me and hurried toward Arik.

She rested her hands on his shoulders and stood on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. "It's nice to meet you, Arik. I've heard so much about you." In her hand, she held a small tablet up, and snapped an image of her standing in front of Arik. Her fingers nimbly danced across the screen. "There. That should do it. Are we heading home now?" she asked.

"We are," he said, extending his arm. As he did, he turned and shot me a quizzical glance. I was equally confused. She, no, Summer, placed her small human hand in the crook of his elbow and the three of us headed back toward our ship with me pulling up the rear.

"What's that smell?" she asked after passing a few food stalls hawking their wares on the side of the main promenade. I heard her stomach rumble and ran off to buy some samples of different foods to sate my bride's hunger.

The entire time, she ignored me, chatting only with Arik. Her eyes scanned the crowd, drinking in the varied species filling the station. Due to their extreme height difference, Summer didn't seem to notice Arik's wandering gaze as his head occasionally turned following an attractive female.

She didn't notice when I dropped back, making my way to one of the numerous food vendors. I wanted my bride happy, but she seemed to want nothing to do with me. Another of the videos I'd watched proclaimed food to be many humans ‘love language', whatever that meant. "Here," I handed her a stick of luklak.

I watched as she brought it to her lips. "This is luklak, right?" she asked.

"It is."

"I've heard it tastes like chocolate and bacon." She eagerly took a bite, cheeks flushed. "This is wonderful!"

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." I sat with my bride at a small table, while Arik excused himself to wander off to chat with a group of females.

The females laughed, putting their hands on his arms and shoulders. A deep frown crossed Summer's face. "What's the matter?" I asked. "Why are you so interested in Arik's reaction?"

"Because he's my mate."

"Excuse me?" I dropped my food on the table, uncaring if it splattered. I'd never considered myself a violent male until that moment. She was mine. I tamped down the feral growl I'd learned to do from the Temerlans I'd served with for so many revolutions. Somehow, I managed to keep my temper under control.

"What are you talking about?" Arik asked, walking over, sensing my simmering rage.

"I'm Summer, your bride."

His eyes widened. "I didn't order a bride," he said.

"You did. You bid five million dollars on me."

"I did no such thing," Arik countered. "I don't even have that much!" Arik looked at me. "How much?" he gasped.

"You did. I saw your picture on the screen," she explained.

"No, I encouraged my friend to pick a bride."

Summer put her hands on her hips and huffed indignantly. "I will not be shared. Do your people share?" I have to call the GBA right now." She fumbled in a small bag I hadn't noticed before, the strap hanging on her shoulder and removed a small communication tablet. Before she could press the send button, I groaned and her finger stopped its descent, hovering over the screen. "What?" she snapped.

"We seem to have a misunderstanding. I am your groom; your mate."

She shook her head. "Nope. The alien who purchased me is Arik."

"No, I did," I explained.

She walked over to me and poked a finger in my chest. "Listen, I don't know who you think you are, but the male I saw on the screen looked just like him."

A damning realization hit me. "Arik, I used your account to bid on my bride." I slapped my hand against my forehead.

"Oh," Arik said. "I understand."

"Would someone care to explain it to me?" Summer fumed.

Arik stood back, allowing me to take charge.

"Come on board, we will explain everything. Some things are best left for private conversation and not a public station." I held my hand out to her. She hesitated a moment before placing her hand in mine.