Daliya didn’t belong and didn’t want to stay in the house that had been hers for only a handful of weeks. In fact, it didn’t feel right being in that big empty house without Ahmil. She knew that as soon as she picked another mate, she’d be moving out anyway. Ahmil’s parents’ actions only sped up the process.
Now, after only one night in her miserable apartment She’d awakened with messages from an unknown caller.
“I can’t wait for us to meet.” The man breathed heavy on the message. “You’re going to like me as much as I already like you.” Rustling was heard in the background. “What should we name our female child? Girty? I like that name.”
The message sent chills down her spine. Daliya deleted the message. She didn’t want to mistakenly play it again. Something about that voice wasn’t right. It sounded and felt deranged.
She glanced around her meager apartment. This wasn’t home and would never be her home. There wasn’t even a window to look out of. It was depressing. She let out a sigh. She would have to stay here until her situation improved.
The communication board chimed with another incoming message. She played it.
“We need to meet. Now. I’m already growing impatient. I’m ready to fill you with my seed.”
She quickly deleted that message as well. She pressed the button that was programmed to call Jasmine.
“Hey, girl.”
Daliya was happy to hear Jasmine’s chipper voice. “Can I come stay with you for a few days? Things are…lonely here.”
“Aw, honey. Of course. I’ll send our hovercar for you. Pack all your things. You’re staying with us.”
Teardrops wetted her cheeks. What would she do without Jasmine?
* * *
Cohn hated going to high-profile functions. As the top enforcer at the Teague Security Agency, it wasn’t his job to attend, but his boss had called in a favor. Since his boss couldn’t attend and a representative was needed, he’d tasked Cohn with the job.
Cohn had an ulterior motive for attending, though. His oldest friend, Ram, was also supposed to be here. He hadn’t seen Ram in ages. They had gone from best friends whose mothers were also best friends, to brothers when Ram came to live with them after his father’s death. Now, they hardly spoke and saw each other even less.
As Ram grew, he began taking on more and more responsibilities in his family’s company and with that, he’d become busier and traveled off-world a lot. Ram’s father had taken the family business and grown it exponentially, but Ram had taken the business to new heights. Nothing came on or off Teague that didn’t have a Takeria family crest on it.
Cohn couldn’t lie to himself. He missed the relationship they used to have but he understood. He couldn’t imagine losing both parents and on top of that, Ram had been signed up to participate in the human mate program without his consent.
Granted, Ram had been an infant when his parents had signed him up, but it had always been a contentious subject for Ram to discuss, so Cohn didn’t discuss it with him.
Cohn scanned the crowd, looking for his friend. Everyone, including Cohn, wore their finest to be seen. Expensive jewelry accentuated glitzy dresses or well-tailored tunics for the males.
Ram, of course, hadn’t arrived at the start of the function. Cohn had looked. Then Cohn had gotten sidetracked with talking to different stakeholders in the Teague Medical Facility, specifically those who dealt with the humans. He had an agenda for speaking with those individuals as well. He’d just received notice that his next assignment was to guard one of the human females while she selected a new mate.
As assignments went, this one was well beneath his skill set. No one was trying to kill her and she wasn’t a dignitary from another planet. In Cohn’s eyes, Daliya Tempeshi was insignificant—a female he’d had a few run ins with that he’d hoped to never see again. But, to his boss, this was a high-profile assignment. Everyone, including the other human females, were watching to see what would happen with the discarded human.
Her mate had died in a tragic accident and his family had kicked her out of the family home. They’d released all claim on her after it was confirmed that she wasn’t pregnant with their son’s child. The government officials who oversaw everything regarding the Bride Program had planned to hold a lottery and select another available mate for her, but someone had recommended that she be able to select her own mate.
So, a compromise was struck. She would be given one month to select a mate or one would be appointed for her.
There were many desperate Yaturs who wanted a female child and saw the lone human without a mate as the means to complete that dream. Cohn was tasked to watch over her while she dated and made her selection. His job was also to keep her suitors in line until she made her decision. Regardless, his assignment would end in a month or less. Then his time would be his again.
From what he learned about the humans during his brief investigation, they were fickle, easy to comply if gifts were given and they liked praise. A complex species, the humans were not.
Cohn yawned and glanced at his comlink. He didn’t drink much but when he did he preferred one of his father’s favorites which he currently held in his hand. It was the perfect drink on a cold night—which was every night on Teague.
A gust of wind roared across the building, whistling past the windows and making them rattle. Cohn loved the sound. He tried to focus on it while simultaneous blocking out the music from the band. If he were home he would be in his living room, reading a good book while sitting in front of the fire with the only noise coming from the elements outside of his humble house.
A distinctive scent wafted to his nose. Cohn knew that scent very well although he hadn’t smelled it in ages. “Zephon.”
The deep, smooth voice followed. “Cohn.”
Cohn glanced over his shoulder at the male that he’d spent most of his childhood with. Zephon was shorter than Cohn and Ram, but if anyone thought that made him any weaker, they were wrong. Zephon had spent most of his early years fighting because of his height. The other kids also targeted Zephon because he was worth a fortune. Something Zephon couldn’t do anything about.
His family owned the largest precious jewel mining company on Teague while Cohn’s was a working-class family. The only reason Cohn had met Zephon was because of Ram. Zephon and Ram’s family had the same connections and were part of the elite class.
Zephon was expensively dressed as usual, wearing the jewels his family was known for on his fingers, ears and around his neck. His hair was cut ruthlessly short, but unlike Cohn’s, it lay in disarray about his ears. Zephon didn’t worry about styles, since he was the one usually setting them.
Cohn raised his cup to Zephon. “Did you come to tell me how handsome I am tonight or are you going to sit down and have a drink with me?”
One side of Zephon’s mouth lifted. The gesture should’ve made Cohn smile, but it didn’t. Zephon had once been a fun child—happy, even despite the constant fighting with other kids.
Now, he projected a cold, distant and serious manner. “I can’t stay for long. I saw you across the room and wanted to come say hello. It’s been a while.”
That garnered a shocked lift of Cohn’s brow and a sarcastic twist to his lips. “I’ve seen you a few times across different rooms and all I usually got was a head nod.”
Zephon shrugged. “You were always working. I didn’t think you would appreciate me bothering you.”
Cohn made a noise in his throat and took a drink. That was a sorry excuse not to acknowledge a friend and Zephon knew it.
When Ram left Teague, spending most of his time on neighboring planets for business matters, Zephon and Cohn had become closer. That had changed this past year as Zephon eagerly prepared for the arrival of his human mate and Cohn’s responsibilities at the Security Agency had grown.
“What are you doing here? This event isn’t your thing,” Zephon asked, speaking into the awkward silence when it became apparent Cohn didn’t plan to continu
e the conversation.
“A favor from my boss. I’m only sticking around to see Ram.”
“That’s why I’m staying as well. He’s trying to bid for a contract of mine.”
“Oh?”
Zephon nodded. “I’m expanding my reach.”
As far as he knew, Zephon and Ram hadn’t spoken for years. Their businesses had kept both males busy. “Ram owns the biggest transport company on the planet. It’ll be a good partnership.”
“I know and Ram knows, too. But I’m going to make him work for it.”
Cohn chuckled. “Why?”
Zephon attitude shifted. The cocky youth he’d known peeked out. “Because I can.”
“Oh, that’s mean,” Cohn laughed.
“When you see him he’ll probably try to get you to talk to me about it. Let him know that he’s on his own.”
“What’s in it for me?” Cohn asked.
“I have lunch with your mother once every week. When I meet with her again, I can either tell her not to press you about mating—which I always do, or I can agree with her that she needs to set you up with one of her off-worlder friend’s daughters.”
Stunned, Cohn set his cup down. “Since when do you meet with my mother?”
“Since years.”
Cohn didn’t know how to take that. His mother hadn’t said anything. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“I asked her not to and seeing she kept our secret confirms she loves me more than she loves you.” Zephon wiggled his brows in a superior way as he used to do when he was young, then walked backward, fading into the crowd.
Cohn took another drink and shook his head. When Zephon had become distant with him, Cohn had assumed that had also extended to his mother. He hadn’t brought it up to her because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She’d taken to Zephon and he, her. Zephon’s own mom wasn’t a very motherly person.
Cohn sighed. This revelation was something for him to ponder in the morning. Fatigue plagued his weary bones and he was ready for the night to end. He’d came and mingled, just as his boss had asked of him. Now he could leave.
After he gave Ram an earful for sneaking onto the planet without notifying him.
The crowd parted and murmurs rose over the band. Cohn caught sight of what had caused the disruption. A gorgeous Dorian was making her way toward the dance floor. She was stunning. Dorians were naturally attractive. This female had on a strapless dress that matched the silver braid hanging over her shoulder. She was tall and slender with pink radiant skin. Only one person would have the confidence and ego to bring a Dorian to an event like this.
Ram.
Cohn made his way toward the melee and spotted Ram’s tall broad back walking toward the food processor area. Cohn maneuvered through the crowd following behind Ram as he made his way toward the console. When he stopped to order a drink, Cohn approached him from behind.
“I thought the rumors were untrue,” Cohn said to his old friend.
Ram turned toward him. Expensive jewelry adorned his person and clothes which meant he was trying to impress Zephon.
“Pray tell, what rumors might that have been?” Ram asked smoothly.
Cohn moved around Ram and punched in his order on the processor, getting the same drink Ram had. “That you’re visiting Teague.”
Ram snorted. “I live here.”
Cohn grabbed his drink and lifted the cup toward Ram. “You hardly ever come back. I thought you ran off and found a new love and new friend.”
“Not a love. Someone for right now that I’m about to end things with.” Ram glanced toward the dance floor, sighed, then turned back to Cohn. “New friend? Someone better than you? I could find dozens.”
“Replace me? Never?” Cohn let out a boisterous laugh and took a swig of his drink then grimaced. “This is awful.”
Ram set his empty cup on the receptacle. “But it does the trick.”
“Why didn’t you let me know you were on planet? I could’ve tried to clear my schedule.” Between Zephon’s distance and now this, Cohn’s feelings took a hit.
“It was a last-minute decision and I don’t plan on staying long. On that note—you’re close with Zephon. Do you think you can sway him to give me his contract?”
Cohn chuckled. “We’re friends, that’s exactly why we separate business and personal matters.”
Ram lifted a shoulder. “It was worth a try. If you’re free, we can meet tomorrow and catch up before I leave again. How are your mother and father?”
“They’re good. I’m sure they would love to see you before you leave.”
Ram nodded. “I’ll make sure to stop by. So, what about us taking lunch or dinner tomorrow?”
With his schedule as tight as it was, that wouldn’t work. Cohn shook his head. “If I’d had a few days to prepare, I could. But I just received a special assignment. I’m meeting with one of the humans tomorrow.” Cohn thrust fingers through his hair. “Her mate passed away.”
Ram frowned. “Really? While she was en route?”
Cohn shook his head. “No. Earlier this week. She was allowed time to grieve but the officials are eager for her to find another. They’ve given her a month to pick someone new or they will assign her a mate.”
“Make someone mate with her is more like,” Ram corrected.
Cohn chuckled. “For every one person who grumbles about the humans and don’t want them here, there are one hundred who do. The human relations office is already fielding requests for potential suitors. If she doesn’t pick a mate, there won’t be a problem finding her one.”
“Can mine be taken off my hands?” Ram asked on a chuckle.
That could be done. Ram obviously had no idea how coveted the human females were. “It’s only a matter of releasing her from your contract. If you don’t want her someone else will.”
Ram ordered another drink. “Mmm. Something to think about.”
Cohn tapped him lightly on the arm. “I have to call it early for tonight. I just wanted to show my face. Don’t forget to see the parents before you leave.”
“I won’t.”
Cohn said his goodbyes and left the building. Hopefully the female would pick a mate soon so his life could return to normal.
Chapter Four
“How do I look?” Daliya turned in a circle with her arms out. Her heels clicked against the warm marbled floor of Jasmine’s living room.
The past two weeks had been rough. She hadn’t told Jasmine about the messages from her stalker yet because she didn’t want to be a bother. Daliya had intended to stay with Jasmine and Synit for only a few days, but every day she’d checked her messages, the same guy had left more. Daliya hadn’t checked her messages in two days for fear of what the escalating male would say next.
“I like how it hugs your boobs and accentuates your small waist.” Jasmine lounged on her sofa with her feet propped on Synit’s, her mate’s, legs.
“The shoes aren’t appropriate for the weather here,” Synit stated in his deep and gravelly voice.
When Daliya completed her turn she saw Jasmine thump Synit on the leg. Jasmine and Synit’s relationship was easy. They’d hit it off from the start and Daliya was happy for her friend.
“Your shoes are fine,” Jasmine said. “You probably won’t have to walk in the snow anyway. Does the restaurant you’re going to have indoor parking?”
Daliya glanced down at her heels. She hadn’t packed the dress or the heels. After she’d arrived on the spaceship and opened her suitcase to settle into her room, she’d seen the items her mother snuck in her bag. Her mother had packed two other dresses with matching heels, a strapless bra, lacy bra and panty sets, flannel pajamas, warm house shoes and a box of handwritten notes with instructions to open one each week.
Daliya hadn’t been able to read her mother’s notes yet.
“Should I wear my boots?” Daliya asked, suddenly doubting her choice of shoes. She’d wanted to look nice and sexy for her first date, not like she was planni
ng on hiking afterward. With Ahmil she’d wanted to be her authentic self, no holding back. Now…she wasn’t entirely sure.
She glanced down at the ridiculous dress and shoes. Neither were appropriate for the climate on Teague but she’d wanted a change from what she would normally wear.
“That would be a good idea,” Synit chimed in.
Jasmine sent him a sharp look meant to shut him up then turned toward Daliya. “I like the heels but if you’re going to struggle to walk in them, then you can wear my boots.”
Right. Her Earth boots were really no match for Teague snow even though they were waterproof and snow proof. When she wore them her feet still froze. Jasmine had Teague boots Synit had bought for her. Jasmine’s boots were made especially for this weather.
“I-I have some winter boots. They’re my lucky boots. I wore them when I scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and when Ahmil and I…” Daliya’s eyes instantly watered and she lowered her head.
The boots weren’t lucky at all. She’d been wearing them when Ahmil had fallen to his death.
“Oh, honey!” Jasmine was up and hugging Daliya before she could catch her breath. “Don’t listen to Synit. You look absolutely stunning. Any Yatur male would be lucky to have you for a mate.”
“I killed my last mate,” Daliya said between sniffles. “I came here and killed someone.”
Jasmine rubbed her back. “You didn’t kill anyone. It was an accident.”
“We want female children. Your new mate will not mind how the last one perished. He will learn how to climb before venturing out with you,” Synit helpfully added.
“Synit!”
Synit raised a shoulder. “What did I say wrong?”
Jasmine glared. “We’re supposed to be encouraging her, not making her feel even worse!”
“You look pretty and your dress has pockets,” Synit said.
Cohn: The Teague Bride Experiment: Intergalactic Dating Agency Page 3
