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Glendar (The Mating Games Book 3)

Page 2

by Catty Diva


  Reaching into the only cabinet on the wall at this point, he pulled out a bowl. Eating quickly, he cleaned up afterward and got ready for bed. Tossing and turning for a while he thought about all the things he had to do tomorrow. Once he finally fell asleep, he slept solidly for six hours before waking.

  Now it was morning and he would go to the temple. He made it there in half an hour and was greeted at the door. “Wellness and health to you, Glendar.” Judls said as he rushed around the counter to lead him to a room where he would undress.

  Judsl was a devotee to the temple. He was a few years younger than Judsl and had already been a devotee while they were all imprisoned. The warden had allowed a small group to take care of the religious needs of them all. The young priest would probably apply to mate soon because it wasn’t restricted by their religious requirements. He left Glendar alone to bare himself and to begin the cleansing that began every important part of their life.

  Glendar got naked and put on the robe before meeting Judsl in the hallway. He now could see that Judsl had left to get another male ready to cleanse. Since Judsl was busy he went ahead and found an empty bath and got started. He moved along from bath to bath with the practice of a lifetime. Once done with the row of different colored baths, he showered to remove any lingering minerals. Now he stood before another priest and was sprayed with a liquid. He walked through a room thick with smoke that made him cough and gasp until Judsl appeared and motioned him out.

  He smiled at him and slapped him hard on the back. “You’re ready my friend. Happy hunting.” Judsl led me to the door and hurried me out. A line was forming of males that had waited until the most common time to cleanse. Glendar was relieved he was done and prayed the gods and goddesses would bless him.

  The rest of the day was spent double checking all his supplies and making a quick run over the expected route. Once that was done, he had time on his hands and nothing to do. He headed over to Razar’s because it was where Travlr and his mate went more often than not.

  Once he arrived, he pounded on the door which was answered right away. “Hello, Lista.” He said as he grabbed her and hugged her hard. Razar growled but Glendar just laughed.

  “Well don’t just stand there.” Razar grumbled as he motioned him in.

  Just as he expected Travlt and Tammie were sitting on the couch. He dropped into a chair and looked around expectantly. “What are all of you doing tonight?” Glendar asked.

  “We were just talking about Lista’s mother and young brothers. Razar sent for them and they were ready to come. None of us know why they aren’t here yet.” Tammie explained and it was clear she had sympathy for Lista. It was also clear Lista was concerned about her family.

  “What will you do?” Glendar asked as he turned to look at Razar who was in the kitchen cooking. They had an open floor plan that made it possible to see their guests from most places in the kitchen.

  “I need to find out what the delay is. Lista’s mom wasn’t listed as one of the females that had to stay. As far as we know, the father of the boys is not an important individual and he has no interest in the boys. The whole matter is a mystery.” Razar explained with a shrug of his shoulders. It was a very human habit he had developed.

  “How is your business going Tammie?” Glendar changed the subject because Lista seemed to be worried. Razar sent him a look of appreciation. He couldn’t stand his female to be upset especially now that she was showing a bump with their first offspring.

  “I’m getting more work than I can keep up with. Grab a mate that can help me out.” Tammie said laughing.

  “Sorry, Sister. We have no choice the goddess selects for us.”

  “It’ll be alright.” Tammie said trying to reassure him he would do well in the hunt.

  “It will be as it should be.”

  They talked until Razar had food ready and then they fell over it. By the time they were finished, it was time for him to leave. His family wished him well and he did feel better. Nothing but grabbing his bride would make him feel right at this point. Rushing home, he didn’t shower remembering it wasn’t allowed. Stripping, he went to bed with his mind only on his mate. When he woke in the morning, it was still on his fated one.

  Choking down some cereal for breakfast, he dressed and left the house. It was a relief to finally be on his way. His soul felt a call to find its other half and nothing would hold him back. He arrived with many other males ready to answer the call all of them had felt for a long time. He could see Horlar up ahead of him. The male was a distant cousin of some kind. The horn blown to start the hunt was placed firmly against his lips and he heard the strong sound echo all around them. The time had come to begin the chase.

  Glendar saw several males grab the females that had decided not to run. More had run than not and searching through those that had stayed behind he quickly saw his female wasn’t among them. A smile stretched across his lips. It was true he might regret it later, but he loved a female with spirit. Taking a deep breath, he scented her and headed the way she had left. Looking at her footprints, he could see she had taken off at a steady pace but she had not run. It was smart to pace herself.

  He paced himself too but at a slightly faster pace. Glendar intended to catch her sooner rather than later. The first water stop loomed in front of him half an hour later. From what he could see, he was gaining slowly but surely. Taking a drink, he also filled his bottle and then he continued on. Her speed hadn’t slacked and he was impressed. His brothers had both gotten strong females and it looked like he would have one too.

  After traveling several hours, he had cut her lead in half. The sun was slowly setting and she would have to decide whether to settle in for the night or continue on. It was his hope she would settle in and he would catch her before she woke. It didn’t look like she was going to do that. A wolf howled in the distance and he wondered if Razar had loosed his pet beast or if the creature had kindred nearby. A similar animal represented his family’s house and he had no fear of them, not for himself anyway. What would happen to his mate if she ran into one alone was anyone’s guess. Glendar’s speed picked up and he gained more ground every hour.

  A puddle of water was on his path and he wondered if she had spilled it. He wouldn’t know until he caught up with her. The mountains were getting closer in the distance and he remembered exploring them after Travlr’s mate hunt. Several of the caves had been sealed off to prevent potential mates from being harmed by the wild animals and carnivores vines that lived inside. They had been lucky no mates had been hurt on the first two mating hunts. There was much about the planet they didn’t know but since they shifted into beasts many called demons, the danger wasn’t to them.

  It was true Glendar could change form and catch his female in less than half the time, but he wouldn’t do that. He didn’t mind the challenge and it would be wrong to overwhelm her with his beast. Besides, there was a chance she would refuse him if she was to see what he could be before she got to know him. He was a nice enough guy and he felt certain they would bond. At that point, his mate would accept his other side. It’s not like there weren’t benefits to their mates. Their life was extended and their health improved. Offspring came in six months and were stronger and tougher.

  She will accept me. He had to think positively or he would despair. Glendar stopped and breathed in deep. Yes, her scent was strong and it warmed his body. Desire ripped through him and he could only hope she’d feel the same. A Mazlan rejected by his one was a horrifying thing to be around. Such a male had no hope of happiness and his heart was surrounded by ice. Anger consumed him and he lashed out at everyone including those he loved. It often was so bad he had to be put down. It was not a thought he would keep in his mind. That was something males only thought of when there was no choice. If and only if there fated love rejected them for good.

  Chapter 3

  The Chase

  Bernie heard the howl and hoped it was the friendly wolves they spoke about on the vid of Oison.
Her luck was mixed because she couldn’t claim it was all bad since she had escaped her pa. Right now she was feeling pretty good because she had her back pack filled with far better food than she ever ate back home. She was wearing clean and serviceable clothes and her shoes were sturdy and new. Life was good right now, much better than she was used to. Taking her pack off, she took a break eating her fill in five minutes flat. That included the time to drink until she was no longer thirsty and take her sneakers off to check her feet and rub them a minute.

  Ready to move on, Bernie moved on following the trail as the night flowers bloomed all around her. At home flowers bloomed all through the day, but here in the desert it was at night. The heat during the day was too taxing on them and if they bloomed they would dry up. At night the heavy perfume scented the air and she loved it. If she wasn’t being chased, she would pick some flowers and soak them in oil or alcohol to make some cologne like she had at home. It was amateur hour but it was all she ever had.

  Maybe she should have watched her step instead of the flowers because she tripped on something and slid into a ditch. It was sheer luck that she was able to crawl out, but she could have broken a leg. Bernie was much more careful after that. If she knew the male chasing her was a good guy, she would have just sat down and waited on him. It would be hard to make her life harsher than her pa had, but he had never abused them and that was something she never wanted to face.

  She was close to the mountains and she saw an opening. It was tempting to go inside and hide for the night but she had heard about plants that ate people and huge animals that no one knew much about. Bernie was moving past the cave when her feet went out from under her. This time whatever had tripped her was still wrapped around her ankle. Her flashlight was easy to find and she turned it on. Purple and green leaves covered the vine that was firmly wrapped around her ankle. Reaching in for her knife, she pulled it out and opened it.

  “Let me loose right now or suffer the consequences.” She threatened as she brandished the knife. Could the thing see? It quickly unwrapped itself and took off dragging on the ground. Bernie had felt silly talking to the thing but now she didn’t feel as weird. There was no doubt in her mind it had understood her.

  A noise echoed against the mountains. Was it her pursuer? If so, how had he gotten this close so quickly? Now she just took off at a dead run. Her heart beat like a train and her breath rasped in her throat. She hung on to her back pack with fingers that ached from her tight grip. Ten minutes later she still felt all that and more. The back of her legs pained her and her feet felt like blisters had begun to develop. Her throat was raw with each breath burning like fire. It wouldn’t be long before she would collapse on the ground and be unable to move. She would lie there like a gift waiting for her pursuer to capture her.

  Her brain raced but there was no escape, it was just a matter of time. She felt unworthy to be caught so soon because any moment she expected hands to grab her and pull her backward. Still she raced on wanting to give the best showing she could even if it was a poor one. Now she imagined she could hear the sand shuffled behind her as he ran ever closer. The heat of his breath on her neck made her put out just one last burst of speed so she could make him work for his win. At last, it was all she could do and she collapsed on the ground in an unmoving pile waiting to be picked up and thrown in the back of a wagon.

  “Why did you fight me so hard?” A tall handsome male asked.

  “How could I know if you would treat me well?”

  “I will promise this to you, you will always be cared for as well as I am able.” His eyes stared steadily into hers as he swore it.

  “I am Bernice. My family and friends call me Bernie.”

  My name is Glendar but you can call me anything you want.” She recognized he was flirting. Never had she wanted to flirt back until now. She hoped this was a good sign and he was the male he appeared to be.

  He pulled out some type of communicating device and took her picture before calling someone. “Come, let’s walk back toward home. Someone will pick us up soon.”

  They walked along the path back the way they had come. Bernie felt shy and unsure of what she should say. Glendar began to talk telling her about the large house he was building for them and the family he hoped they would someday have. It sounded like paradise and she couldn’t wait to see it.

  “How much have you built so far?”

  “The outside walls are up and one bathroom is finished. Our bedroom needs finishing but our bed is there ready to sleep in.”

  “Where do you cook?”

  “I can fix things in the slow cooker if I need to. We also have a Zippy Done which is like a microwave only better.”

  Bernie was sure most people knew what a microwave was but she had never seen, much less used, one. She didn’t want him to think she was stupid so she just nodded. It wasn’t long before someone stopped to pick them up. A male and a female sat in the front seats so they got in back.

  “This is Bernie. Bernie, this is my brother, Travlr, and his mate, Tammie. Tammie has a company that does building on Oison.”

  “That’s wonderful. Your own company and you build things.” Bernie smiled with delight. Back home her pa didn’t like her to meet important people. She still got to meet a few, but most of the business people that came around he took away.

  Bernie didn’t know if he didn’t think females should meet with important people or if he feared they would steal his daughters away. Here, it looked like she would get to meet everyone. Maybe she could run a business of her own or do something else important. All she had ever dreamed of was to do something of her own, something important. Travlr’s brother dropped them off then whisked his mate away.

  “I think they would hang out but they are still newly mated. It’s an exciting time for them and a lot is happening with her business and he manages the Oison weed factory.”

  “Oison weed? Is that what they use in those cigars? My pa loves those.”

  “I’ll get you some to send him.”

  “That might not be a good idea.” She knew she needed to tell him even though she feared what he might say or do. He might even send her back so he wouldn’t have to deal with the trouble that might come his way. Hesitation shot through her as she stared at him.

  “Come on Sweetheart. Just tell me what worries you so.”

  “My pa didn’t want me to go.”

  “How old are you?”

  “I turned twenty one on Earth 2 on the way here.”

  “Eighteen is legal here and I believe twenty-one is on your planet. Did he fear being so far away from you?”

  “No, Pa planned to sell me to a local man.”

  “My English must not be as good as I thought. Can you explain it in a different way?”

  “In exchange for money, he was going to give me to a local guy.”

  Glendar turned nearly purple. “Is that legal?”

  “Yes, they call it brokering a marriage but the girls have no choice in the matter and the father keeps the money.”

  “Why have we not heard of it?”

  “It’s not publicized. Locals don’t want off-worlders to judge them.”

  “I bet they don’t. That’s barbaric. So I guess you ran and now you think he’ll try to get you back?”

  “He will if he figures out where I went.”

  “That man won’t ever have control of you again. We will mate and our law will protect you.”

  “My pa, he’s the leader on my planet. He may threaten not to allow you to set foot on the planet again.”

  “Believe me, with what he receives in bride taxes, he won’t do that.”

  “I guess he made money off me anyway. That makes me feel sad. I didn’t put up much of a run against you either.”

  “Are you kidding Sweetheart? You were the last mate caught this time.”

  “I was?” She asked feeling much better.

  “I worried that I wouldn’t catch you before you were deeper into the mount
ains.”

  “A vine tripped me. After I walked a little further, it grabbed me and didn’t want to let go until I showed it my blade. It amazed me it could see and hear me. The vine let go and dragged itself back into the cave. That was when I first heard you close behind me.”

  “Those vines will have to be corralled before they hurt someone. There are giant pods deep in the caves that the vines drag their prey to. Large animals take a few days, but small animals disappear overnight. The fluids in the pods are highly acidic just like our own digestive juices.”

  Bernie shuddered at the thought of the fate she had avoided. It had to hurt to be dissolved alive. That would be slower than being burned but the pain would be similar. Dear God, how horrific. “Are you alright?” Glendar asked as he pulled her into his arms. “I shouldn’t speak so graphically. You were frightened and I’m sorry.”

  “It’s alright. Those plants are just something new to me.” Bernie had been around thorny plants and poisonous ones, but never ones that attacked you or tried to eat you. Animals were the danger on her planet and there were many vicious kinds.

  “There are some dangerous animals here too.” Oops, she must have spoken out loud.

  “Let’s go in and we can clean up before we go to bed.” Glendar grabbed her hand and led her in the huge house.

  Bernie was excited about having such a large and new place to live. Maybe they would have kids and family of their own. Deep down she had always wanted that but been afraid to dream of a good man to take her away from her poor existence. Glendar seemed like the best kind of male so far. He led her into a bathroom that dreams were made of. The toilet was in a small room of its own. In the main room was a large walk in tub as large as a pool. The tiles were blue and white with the loveliest patterns of sea dragons and mermaids on them. A shower stood in a corner with multiple sprays all over the wall. In another corner was a vanity where a lady could brush her hair.

 

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