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  “Honestly? Around ten years or so.” She could not meet his gaze, she knew that his race rarely went ten days without sex, especially when not mated.

  He must have gotten over his shock because he lifted her chin with his knuckles and he gave her a sweet kiss. “Then we will not mate until you are ready.”

  “But I am ready!”

  “The Nyal mate for days. The Azon not too much different. I am not designed to stop and start my mating process. Knowing that you are the next thing to a virgin has awakened my mating instincts to their highest, and I want a full mating for and from you.”

  “Oh.” She hadn’t expected that answer. “I don’t know about that.”

  “I know you don’t so why don’t we get dressed, go back to the shelter and wait for the rescue party.” He gave her a kiss on her nose and moved off her. With a valiant grin and a sharp salute, he engaged in a flying back flip into the cool water below.

  “Oh, god. Why can’t I be into casual sex?” She shrugged and did a cannonball after him. When on vacation, what the heck?

  Chapter Nine

  The rescue crew was a bit of a non-event. They showed up, took them both to a shuttle and, before you could say home, Jeeves, they were back on Kalish Station. Xara was still on the ground with her two guards and charges were pending for her return to Alliance space.

  “Are you sure that you want to do this?” Seval was interrogated while she was being patched up in Medical.

  “Yes, I am. Contact the Azon government and get me residency clearance. I will contact the Alliance Rep and get permission on my end.” She had a thought, “To hell with it, call Kyra and Tiergar and we can do both at once.”

  He was watching the repair of her temple with serious attention. He nodded as she spoke and then picked up a communicator to order the call for an hour later. The doctor had been set straight as to the events that caused the damage to his face.

  “There, all done.” He stepped away, but Ben forestalled him.

  “When we mate, are offspring likely?”

  The doc looked surprised and then ran a few more tests while bringing up some of the information from their physicals. “I don’t see why not. There is nothing to stop it that I can see. The rest is up to fate.”

  Seval took the hand that a beaming Vorabenik held out to her. He was happy, she was happy and now they just needed to get permission to be officially happy.

  “What do you mean, yes, of course? Isn’t there more to it than that?”

  Kyra looked at her, bouncing a little boy on her hip, Tiergar had the girl. “Not for humans. You could ask to go anywhere in the galaxy and, if you were mating with a local, they would welcome you.”

  “Isn’t it a little disrespectful to the men?”

  “Not at all. They have picked a winner as far as their government is concerned. That is it.”

  “Wow.” Ben was silent beside her, holding her hand and letting her babble.

  “Okay, so Vorabenik still has family so you will be mating at their home, the meeting will be here. Wardrobe will be settled here, but you can shop for your trousseau on Kalish station. When can you leave? There is a shuttle in nine hours.” Kyra was adding notes on a docupad, when she finally looked up.

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it. There will be replacement Agents there in two days and all contracts have been postponed until then. Just go shopping and then get on that shuttle. See you when you get here, sweetie.” A bright wave and the screen went blank.

  Stunned, Seval turned to Ben. “I guess I had better pack.”

  “And go shopping. I have clothing on Azon, but you only have the uniforms.” Ben hugged her then let her go.

  She walked in a daze to her room and piled her clothing in a carryall. “I guess I have to shop now.”

  “I will meet you in the shopping arcade. Don’t go to crazy with purchases, it is Kyra’s responsibility to get you a new wardrobe.”

  “Why?”

  “She is acting as the female’s family. She will host my parents for the first meeting, and you for the meetings, and then we will adjourn to my family home for the ceremony.”

  “Oh. See you later.” Completely adrift, she moved out of the small adjoining rooms that they had occupied and down the hall. She had to go shopping.

  “Hello, can you help me? I have to get some clothing to wear on Azon, but I don’t know what to pick.”

  The shop mistress eyed her Alliance uniform and smiled. “Why are you attending?”

  “I am getting married. Mated. Whatever.”

  Instantly, the woman became so friendly it was overwhelming. “Let me show you what we have that we could design for you.”

  “Um. I am leaving in…” She checked her chronometer, “Seven hours. Do you have anything ready made?”

  “Seven hours is plenty of time. Now just let me show you…” And with that, hour after hour of fitting whirled past. Colours of fabrics that she could not put a name to, types of fabrics made from animal hair across the galaxy and shoes that were just too cute. She rejected the furs in favour of the l’nal silks, and when her decisions were made, the tailors got to work.

  While she had been in her fittings, part time staff had been pulled in from across the station. Now they earned their pay.

  Seval wanted to wait, but the proprietress sent her to the groomers to have her hair and nails trimmed, as well as a good depilation. It hurt just as much as on earth. Nice to know that there were constants in the universe.

  She was served relaxing beverages and massaged in a very calming manner. In next to no time, she was napping.

  The hand on her shoulder shaking her gently brought her awake with a sharp gasp. She went invisible for a moment before she calmed herself. Ben was looking a little embarrassed. “Sorry, Seval. I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

  “Its okay, Ben. I guess it is time to get going?” She sat up slowly, her head still light from the drinks and the massages.

  “Yes, and could you do me a favour please?” He was studiously looking over her head.

  “What?”

  “Please get dressed.”

  She went invisible and gathered her clothing. She remained invisible until her face was no longer on fire and her clothes were in place. “There. All dressed. Shall we go?”

  “Yes, Agent Seval.”

  His lips twitched as she brushed past him to the front counter. His hand grazed her invisible backside and she jumped in consternation.

  “Now that you have a scent, I can be a little more accurate when I follow you.”

  “Fine. But can you lay off while I settle my bill?”

  “You will have to regain visibility for them to scan you so that you can pay your bill.” He sounded sinfully amused.

  He was right. The attendant jumped when she reappeared and gave her a tremulous smile as she swiped her credit slip over the plate on the counter. The instant that it cleared, the attendant wished her a lovely day on Kalish Station and looked relieved to have her leave and disappointed that Vorabenik was leaving with her.

  “That was a lucky grab and we have to stop and pick up my clothing. I haven’t paid for that either.”

  “You really did go shopping? I am impressed. I thought you would just hit the gift shop and wait for your fittings on Azon.”

  “It is a one week trip. I want to practice wearing something other than a uniform.” She walked next to him through the corridor and he put his arm around her as she moved against him to dodge foot traffic. She missed using her repulsor, but the comfort of his arm was nice.

  Two travel cases were neatly lined up against the counter when they entered the shop. The proprietor looked at Ben speculatively. “Will he be paying?”

  It was enough to make her flicker. “No. I will. I don’t think the clothing will fit him.” The proprietress was startled and prepared the bill. She nodded at the total that was presented and once again swiped her credit slip. She still had enough to buy a nice island on a se
mi-developed planet and so she was not worried about spending a little on her back.

  “Allow me.” Ben picked up her cases and led the way to the shuttle bay.

  She kept her carryall on her shoulder and followed closely. She used a blocked and crowded hallway to repay him for the ass-grab. “Oops, was that you?”

  “I certainly hope so. If not, you may just be engaged to that Tilsi over there.” He nodded with his chin and she giggled.

  “It isn’t my type.” She was moving in for a kiss when a voice broke her focus.

  A voice like poured gravel gave the order, “Step away from your intended mate.”

  Ben stepped between her and the large male who had issued the order. “Who are you to make such an order?”

  The battle-hardened warrior crossed his arms and stared Ben down. “My name is Kennek, and I am her chaperone.”

  Chapter Ten

  The shuttle was small and cramped, especially with her chaperone sitting wedged between them. This was not the shuttle trip she had had planned. At least one of the lingerie selections that she had made had been with this trip in mind. The big bruiser was putting a crimp into her seduction plans.

  Kennek had been assigned to her by Kyra Dannick Ni Tiergar, the wife of the Representative and occasional Ambassador of Azon. The first Champion that Terra ever had, Kyra had made her way in the worlds with her wit, her charm, keen intelligence and a right hook, which could even lay her mate low if the occasion called for it. Kyra was a legend amongst human women in the Alliance. They all wanted to be her when they grew up. Moreover, she was taking a personal interest in Seval for some reason. The mind boggled.

  And the hormones raged. With every second of separation, she wanted Ben more. When the men started to glance at her and Ben began to shift in his seat, an erection tenting his uniform trousers, Kennek moved a little more forward to block any eye contact. “Captain? Is there a private room on this shuttle?”

  “Yes, Agent Morthar. It is back and to the left, next to the engines.” The Captain turned his head slightly to view the trio in the main cabin, and just as rapidly, straightened his view back to the front of the shuttle. “We will be docking with the Ecalla in two hours so it won’t be long if you choose to confine your charge.”

  “Thank you.” Kennek stood and dragged Seval with him. “My Lady Wythin. You are confined to quarters until we reach the Ecalla. Your scent is overpowering and Vorabenik is having trouble keeping his self-control. We don’t want your oestrus to distract the pilot as well.”

  She went invisible. It was not to escape, just to hide her embarrassment. “I am sorry.” She went quietly and moved to the vid screen in the small cabin. She punched up the basics of Azon life and started to learn all she could about Ben’s home.

  Shouts of anger emanated from the main cabin, but the shuttle did not change course so the captain was not involved. That left Ben and Kennek. Her embarrassment surged all over again as she figured out that she had to be the topic of conversation.

  A quiet knock on the door made her curious and she opened it with a little hesitation. Kennek stood there, slightly the worse for wear. His lip was cut and one eye was swelling.

  “Seval. I would like to apologize. I did not mean to embarrass you.”

  His line of sight was aimed at the vid screen and she looked down to realize that she was still invisible.

  “It was rude of me. Vorabenik has explained that you have not yet consummated your mating, and will not until you have been formally joined. He will bear up under the strain of controlling himself, and I will guard you against advances made by unmated males as I was contracted to. You are welcome to rejoin us in the cabin. Please, rejoin us.”

  She thought about it for a moment. “I am enjoying the studying of your planet, but I could use a guide. Could you explain some of the details to me if I joined you in the main cabin?”

  He jumped up about a foot. His eyes were wild around the edges as he tried to pinpoint her location. “Oh. You are here. Yes. That would be most enjoyable.”

  With a truce of sorts struck, she followed him back into the main cabin, keying up the main screen as she did so. A quick glance at Ben showed him glaring at Kennek, and unlike her chaperone, he was in perfect shape. None the worse for wear. Her hero.

  On the Ecalla, she began to get herself used to the new wardrobe that she had purchased. Ben was busy doing something in Medical.

  The skirts stopped tripping her after her third day and the shoes after four. Kennek taught her some dance moves for formal Azon dances and generally stopped being so stuffy around her. Whatever Ben had said, stuck.

  He was acting more like a lady’s companion and less like a thug with every day. She had to be careful or she just might make a friend.

  Chapter Eleven

  Meeting your fiancé’s parents was always tricky, but when alien formalities were involved, it got very awkward indeed. Luckily for Seval, she already had the clothes for the occasion and Kennek had prompted her on etiquette.

  She greeted them with head high, face forward and eyes front. Kyra and Tiergar had greeted her warmly when she arrived and it was that confidence that carried her to her new prospective in-laws. Fully visible. Her formal kimono style gown rustled as she stopped in front of them.

  “Greetings, daughter.” They extended their hands to her and she extended hers in turn. Vnash and Rabeni were Ben’s parents all right. Rabeni’s skin and Vnash’s hair and warrior build. His mother was willowy but no less fierce than her mate was. Truly, Seval would not like to meet either of them in a dark alley if they were holding a grudge.

  “Greetings, Mother, Father.” She bowed low over their joined hands and they raised her up. It was done. The great and fateful moment was done. Now they could all go and have a cup of tea.

  His father’s voice growled, “Vorabenik, you have chosen well.”

  Oh, right he still had his thing to do.

  Ben took up his post next to her and touched her arm with his. “Thank you father, she is truly the mate of my heart.”

  “Is she worthy of you, my son?” His mother was having a problem fighting a grin. She obviously was the source of his sense of humour.

  “I am not worthy of her, Mother. I am honoured that she will accept me.” He dropped to his knees and pulled Seval to face him. “Thank you for your life, your honour and your body.”

  She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his forehead, both cheekbones and finally his lips. “I accept you, your heart, your life and your family. The jury is still out on your body.”

  The burst of laughter from all spectators lightened the seriousness of the mood set by the formalities. The glint in Ben’s eyes promised retribution, but he had to wait until she said, “Now rise and join your mate by standing at her side.” He did indeed come to his feet to take his place at her side, but the pinch that he landed on her tush was less playful and more a subtle punishment.

  The small flash of pain made her flicker and his parents looked at her in surprise and then blinked. She read the disbelief in their faces. They did not believe what they had seen. Kyra piped up, “Anyone for tea?”

  They were all seated around the table, sipping tea with the two children of Kyra and Tiergar scampering around them. Ben decided to come clean with his parents about what they had seen, “Mother, Father, Seval is an Agent with the Alliance. She has the talent of invisibility.”

  “Oh. So that is why…” Rabeni trailed off. Then she turned to Seval, “Do you think that the talent will extend to your children?”

  Shock took over her. “I hadn’t thought about it. What if I had a baby that could turn invisible?” Her mind reeled and Ben’s warm hand on hers brought her back to the moment.

  “We haven’t really spoken about the genetic possibilities of our offspring, provided that we will be blessed.”

  The table was stunned to silence. Tiergar broke it up with the most important question, “When do you want to hold the ceremony?”

&nb
sp; That was a no brainer, they answered as one, “Now!” Her hormones flared at the thought, and his did too as a sharp musk assailed her senses.

  The rest of the table erupted in laughter. Kyra held up her hands to quiet the crowd. “Is tomorrow soon enough? Everyone has been invited and we will have the initial ceremony here, with the rest continuing at your family home.”

  “Done.” Ben stood and offered his hand to Seval. “Would you care to see some of Azon?”

  “Not without me, you don’t.” She had almost forgotten about Kennek until he spoke. “We need to have Seval back in time for a fitting, but you have four hours to show her some of the sights of the city, with me in tow, of course.”

  She shrugged and followed her fiancé and her chaperone, bemused by the whole formality of it.

  The city was gorgeous. Spires reached to the sky, fountains sparkled and robes of rainbow tones covered the populace. Kennek actually had to act in his capacity as chaperone twice when they crossed through crowds of a mixed gender. Two unattached males decided that she was fair game and tried flirting with her. Ben was displeased, but Kennek delivered two sharp blows that drove off the young courtiers.

  It effectively killed her mood for sightseeing so they returned to Kyra and Tiergar’s home.

  “You are back early!” Kyra could not help herself, it just came out.

  “Don’t ask.” She sighed and made a note to herself to try to see the sights again one day. “There was mention of a fitting?”

  “Sure, this way. We got most of your measurements from the station. Uniform sizes and such so there will only need to be some fine adjustments for your bust.”

  “I use a flattener at work. It keeps them out of the way.”

  “Yeah. I used to bind myself with leather in the arena. It was easier to manoeuvre.” She led the way, her hair trailing down her back. “Here is your new victim, Darven. Have at her.”

  A small Azon woman strode forward with the bearing of an empress. “Arms out, head up, chest out and hold still.” In seconds, she was draped, pinned, prodded, tucked, measured and confined. She could not help it. She flickered.