by Shyla Colt
"How are you going to do this on such short notice? It's five o'clock now."
"A master never reveals his secrets. You already getting cold feet?"
"No." Yes.
"Good, we'll head over to Shar Bar. Good thing about going to a place run and frequented by Shars, if you flounder people will have sense enough to keep it to themselves!"
"Hey!"
"I'm just saying, emotions aren't your forte. You might want to hit the Internet for some dating tips, because you're going to need them!" Mars chuckled at his own joke as Bastien scoffed.
"Worried I'll have more game than you?"
"Not a chance," Mars said.
"We'll see," Bastien countered.
"Why don't we add to this comedy of errors by inviting Kade. The kid needs to get out."
"Says the youngest brother," Bastien said.
"Hey, don't hold my birth order against me."
Bastien chuckled. He'd never admit it but having Kade come with them was a security blanket. He wouldn't be miserable alone. Plus, Kade had a real talent for smoothing rough waters.
"It isn’t your birth date. It's that cocky ass mouth of yours," Bastien said.
"Hey, it's part of my charm." Mars’ protest was tinged with humor.
"Only to the ladies."
"Harsh."
"Someone's got to keep you grounded," Bastien said.
"Yeah, you boys do a great job of that." His voice was dry, but full of the humor that helped keep the four men with very distinctive personalities close.
"It's part of the big brother code of honor."
"I guess I'll have to take your word for it. Let me get off here and rustle up some dates. We'll meet you over at the house around eight."
"Thanks, Mars."'
"No problem. I'm busting your balls, but I'm happy to see you getting out there finally. Earth isn't Tagget. There are no wars to be fought to keep away invading armies looking to take over. You can have the life back you once gave up to keep us safe. I want that for you." His brother's words made warmth spread through his chest cavity. "Now before I get any more emo I'm going to get off here and make arrangements. Call Kade for me and let him know he's coming. He always blows me off when I try to get him to do anything," Mars muttered.
"I got you," Bastien said.
"All right, see you soon, and both of you, please dress to impress."
The dial tone sounded in his ear before he could respond.
"Smart ass," he murmured, shaking his head.
Chapter Three
Dressed in a pair of black slacks with a black button up and a v-neck black sweater, Bastien headed downstairs. It’s a group date, not a battle, man up. He couldn’t remember being this nervous since childhood. He always knew what needed to be done and did what it took to accomplish the objective. It was a simple way to live. I miss my world of black and white already. The Purge had shielded him from much more than The Wanting. He glanced down at his watch. Ten minutes until Mars was due. Who would believe the General is terrified of a date. He shook his head and left the room to meet up with Kade in the living room.
“You look nice,” Kade said.
“So do you.” His brother was dressed in a pair of gray slacks, a white button up, and a black vest.
“Thanks. I’m never sure what to wear at these things.” He shrugged.
“Dates?”
“Yes, but blind dates especially. I’ve never been to the Shar Bar, and I don’t know the women we’ll be going with, so I have nothing to go on.” He shook his head.
“You’ve got a way with words, Kade. It’ll be okay.”
“Yeah, funnily enough that skill doesn’t extend to women I’m actually interested in.” He rolled his eyes, and Bastien snickered.
“I’m just glad to know I’m not the only one nervous.”
A horn sounded outside.
“I guess that’s us,” Bastien said. They shrugged on their coats and stepped outside to see Mars’ Black SUV. The passenger window rolled down.
“Don’t look so nervous, boys. The girls are meeting us there.” He grinned.
“Funny.” Kade walked to the back of the car, and Bastien took the passenger seat.
“I figured this would give me time to give you a rundown on your dates. They’re all really nice. I’ve been dating C.J. for awhile, and Ursula and Beckey are two of her best friends.”
“Kade, Ursula is your date. She’s the perfect balance: outspoken, bubbly and highly intelligent. She’s a brunette too, your favorite.”
“Do you think we’ll suit?” Kade said.
“She was excited to meet you one on one. Said you always seemed nice and studious, which she appreciates because she loves to read and learn new things. Bastien, I set you up with Beckey, a lovely blonde librarian with killer blue eyes, a wicked sense of humor and instructions to take it easy on you because you’re very rusty at the dating game.”
Kade burst out laughing.
“Please tell me you’re kidding,” Bastien said.
“Okay, those weren’t my exact words, but I hinted that it’d been awhile since you were out. Had to err on the side of caution.”
Bastien rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Bro.”
“Any time,” Mars said, a slight smirk on his face. Bastard’s enjoying this way too much.
They pulled up in front of a two-story building with Valet parking. Mars swapped out his keys for a ticket and they piled out, entering the club. They worked their way through the crowded space. “Is that the General?” someone said.
“I don’t know, it looks like him, but I’ve never seen him out. Wonder who he’s here with.” The whispers continued. Assumptions flew and rumors grew more lavish with each re-telling. Bastien squared his shoulders and ignored the ridiculous scenarios being tossed around. People loved to gossip. They stopped in front of bar where three women sat chatting. So this is the woman who’s held Mars’ attention lately. C.J. had dark brown skin, chin-length black hair, and cat-like yellow colored eyes common among their people who lived in the northern hemisphere of Tagget.
“Hello ladies, there are my brothers, Kade and Bastien. Guys, these are my friends, Beckey, Ursula, and my date, C.J.”
“Hi.” They exchanged awkward hellos. I feel like a fish out of water.
“What do you say we move this to a table?” C.J. asked.
Murmurs of agreement came from the group, and they walked over to a set of stairs sectioned off by a rope.
“Mars, good to see you, man,” said the broad-shouldered bouncer with close-shaven, emerald-colored hair and blue eyes.
“Good to see you too, Verx.”
Verx removed the rope. “Go on up.”
As they rounded the stairs, the vibe of the club changed. The V.I.P. area was sparse. There was space to move, and the music wasn’t as loud. Much better. Plush, round seats lined the area, and a swanky black bar was set up on the far side of the room. C.J. and Mars broke off to talk among themselves, and he and Kade followed the example, branching out to go their own way.
He glanced down at Beckey. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes, that’s would be great. Thank you.”
“After you.” He gestured toward the bar with his hands.
A few minutes later they were seated at the bar with an Apple Martini and a Whiskey Sour.
“This is my first time at Shar Bar. It’s nice.” Lame, Bastien.
“It is. The girls and I come here about once a week for a girl’s night.”
“Aaah, we have a wings place like that. We go there a lot to watch games and unwind.”
“I’d imagine you’d need it given your jobs.”
He chuckled. “I can’t disagree with you there. Lots of weight on our shoulders, but we’re made of stern stuff.”
She smiled. “I believe you are. Shall we do the cliché conversation? I’ll ask what do you like to do in your spare time, and what your interests are. Then we’ll make small talk.”
She was witty. He liked that.
“I like Sci-fi shows and movies. The past five years have been all about work. So I’m working on filling up spare time.”
“Good answers. If I said I liked to read would you hold the fact that I was a Librarian against me?”
“Not at all.” He shook his head. “I’m a fan of historical literature myself.”
“Really?” She leaned forward, interest clearly sparked.
“Oh yeah. I’ve read many of the ancient tomes over the years.”
“From the royal library? The very thought of being inside that place makes me drool.”
“Perhaps you could stop by and see it sometime. My brothers like to tease me about it. So, it’s nice to meet someone who shares my passion.”
“Let’s see if we can make it two for two. Do you like to cook?”
“I don’t burn water, but I can’t make anything complex. You?”
“I love to cook, admitted Food Network junkie.”
“Not a bad thing.” Her smile grew brighter. This wasn’t bad at all. Beckey had a way about her that set him at ease. It was like talking to an old friend he’d known forever.
****
“What’s the verdict?” Mars asked on the way home.
“Beckey’s beautiful and easy to talk to, but there was no…”
“Zing?” Kade’s voice chimed from the backseat.
“Exactly.”
“You have better luck, Kade?” Bastien turned to face him.
“I’m not sure. We exchanged numbers and talked about getting together sometime next week.”
“Look at Kade growing up and on his way to getting a girlfriend,” Mars said.
“Shut up.” Kade sounded almost bashful. Bastien coughed to his laugh. There was no point denying it; The Purge had begun to fade.
Chapter Four
A knock sounded. Who would be stopping by at such a late hour? She'd be asleep if it weren't for the ceremony she was sketching out for a new couple she'd met with earlier. Concerned, she grabbed her fuzzy, baby blue robe off the back of the chair she'd been seated in and hurried to the door, peering through the peephole. It was her best friend and fellow priestess, Drusi. Her round face was pinched in a pained expression, and her blue eyes were wide and full of panic.
She opened the door and the petite woman hurried in, wrapping an arm around her waist as she shifted her weight from side to side. Nervous energy poured from her in waves. "Drusi! What's wrong?"
"I saw him tonight— my mate. At first I wasn't sure, but now he is all I can think about." Her body swayed like a branch in the wind, and Rivka jumped into action, guiding her to sit in the chair she'd vacated.
"Sit down, honey. What happened?"
"I was at the M'Shar birthing, and he was a family member. The brother of Tersen, the newborn's father. His name is Likron, and the minute I set eyes on him I knew he was different. At first I thought it was a simply attraction. I noticed him but then work engulfed me. I didn't give a second thought to it until I was in the car, fighting the urge to go back to the home I'd just left." Drusi shook her head and laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. "How can I care so much about a person I didn’t even know existed up until three hours ago?"
Rivka rubbed her back. She was happy for Drusi, but saddened. Now she was the last. At thirty-one, Drusi had been right behind her in the line of those who'd yet to find their mate. Now it was a lonely road she must travel alone.
"It's okay, Dru. This is the way of things for us. Right now he's going through the same thing wherever he is. Tomorrow he'll seek you out, and you'll go away for the seclusion where you can bond in peace! This is the moment we've waited and prayed for!" Rivka bent and embraced her friend, savoring the warmth and comfort she'd always brought with her presence. Tomorrow everything will change.
"I never expected it to be so scary," Drusi whispered.
"Drastic change always is. This is an end of a lifestyle for you. You'll continue to practice of course, but you'll move out of here and away from us. Your first priority will be Likor for awhile, at least until the intensity of The Wanting decreases." Each word of encouragement she spoke twisted a knife deeper into her heart. When will someone be giving me this advice? Drusi took a deep breath and nodded.
"You're right. I just need to take this one step at a time."
"Exactly and enjoy this moment! You've waited thirty-one years for it."
"I have, haven't I?" Drusi said. A shaky smile spread across her lips. "My time has finally come, Rivka." Fear turned into joy as the small woman turned to face her in the chair. "You'll oversee the ceremony, won't you?"
"Of course I will." ‘Cause there's nothing else that will make me happier or more upset at the same time. The bitter thoughts shamed her. She had to change, or she was going to end up a twisted, shell of a woman.
"Thank you, Riv. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Get through it, the same as always. You're made of sterner stuff. I think right now you're just in a bit of shock."
"I am—to be honest I started to think it might not happen for me. I was even considering the Shar Connection."
"Shar Connection?" Rivka asked.
"It's a dating service for our people aimed at those who haven't experienced The Wanting. Whether you're looking for some fun, or finding the one, this site will match you with humans and Shar alike. A lot of chatter has been rising up in the community since Phelan mated with the human, Zasha. What if our bond mate is a human? How will we ever find them unless we immerse ourselves in their culture and venture out from our friends and family?"
Rivka nodded. It was a thought that'd crossed her mind more than once, but she knew her mate was Shar, a strong man with a sense of honor, duty, and family. The memory seemed like the whimsical dreams of youth, but she'd never forget the reading given to her when she was just a young woman in training with the Star Maiden.
****
Fifteen Years Earlier
Rivka went stock still and set down her text as Estria froze in mid-sentence. Her eyes went glassy, and her breathing slowed. Estria was going into a trance! Incenses burned around them, releasing their sweet smell as the smoke made the air hazy. She’d been trying to teach Rivka how to fall into a meditative state to see how it could be when you were the one in control. It looked like that had backfired. Rivka held her breath as she watched the slender woman rock back and forth. Her hair flashed from emerald, to cyan, and then red. Her amethyst eyes glowed, and she hummed. It was like nothing Rivka had ever witnessed. When her visions came they were sporadic, unexpected, and not in the least bit controlled. Admiration filled her. If she could one day be half the Priestess Estria was, she'd be blessed by the stars that provided them with their powers. The high-pitched noise stopped, and Estria fixed her jewel-like gaze on her. Rivka’s muscles tensed. Goose bumps broke out on her arms.
"Your mate will be a great man." Estria's voice was not her normal light lilt. There was an otherworldly power unleashed that made her tone deep and compelling. "Loyal, strong, and family orientated, he will serve you well once you've overcome the many obstacles that lie between you. Yours will not be an easy road. But if you triumph in the end you will know a love not seen many times in history. Your souls have done this dance time and time again. Each time ending in great tragedy. This time I am hopeful. You have both paid the debt for the choices you once made."
"Wait—? What did we do to deserve such a dark mark?"
"It is not my story to tell. But when you learn of it—I beseech you, forgive and move forward. Do not let the weight of a life lived long ago ruin the happiness offered."
The words may have been meant to comfort, but they alarmed. What could I have done that was so heinous? Fear spread through her body like an inky blackness. Her blood ran cold in her veins. She wrapped her arms around her waist. Dread encompassed her. Some part of her remembered the events Estria spoke of. Devastation was the only word to describe the despair that welled inside, d
rawing tears from her eyes. A sharp intake of breath drew her attention back to Estria. Her hair had returned to its normal dark brown, and her eyes no longer held the strange glow.
"Did I say something?" she asked.
"Yes, about my bond mate," Rivka said. She relayed the story, and Estria listened, a serious expression masked her face.
When Rivka was finished Estria placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You must tell no one, expect your bond mate when the time is right. When linked souls find one another like this, others are usually not far behind and not all of the souls mean well."
"Do you know who I was?"
"I think I so, but now isn’t the time to focus on that. You must be vigilant in your studies. Be true to our creeds, and love as hard, and as much as you can. That is the key, Rivka, love and happiness."
****
Present
She'd nodded and agreed then, not knowing how difficult that request would grow to be.
"You should try it, Riv." Drusi's eyes lit with excitement.
"I-I don’t know."
"Come on, let's start up an account. It'll take my mind off things." How can I deny a request like that?
"Argh, all right."
"Yes!" Drusi said, wiping the tears from her face. Her cheery yellow aura calmed, and her hair returned to its normal golden brown hue.
"One thing we've learned from humans these past few years, being single can and should be fun. It's time to take a note from their book," Rivka said, suddenly filled with a sense of purpose. She could show others like her that not finding your bond mate wasn't a sentence to loneliness. She'd never let it stop her back home, so why should Earth be any different? She'd had dates, the occasion dalliances, and a few failed relationships. The last had hurt so bad she'd been put off until now. Clearly, it was time to come out of her shell, because waiting around doing nothing was driving her to think dark thoughts best left untouched. She pulled up another chair and opened up the silver laptop that rested on the desk they were sitting in front of.
"This is kind of exciting," Drusi said.
