“Less than a dozen, but everyone is great. You’ll love them. Kristin used to be in the FBI. Mikki’s from Hawai’i. Caroline is busy with her twins, but she’s lovely. Lindsey does all of our PR and came up with the idea for Bachelor Beast. Did you watch?”
“She did.” Tazo answered for me and he sounded pleased. “She understood much about the beast without needing explanation. I believe it made her transition easier.”
“Excellent. That’s what we were hoping for.” Rachel’s genuine smile made my heart feel lighter. “I’ll have to let Lindsey know. We’re gearing up for another season.”
I laughed. “Even though every other season has been a total disaster?” Not one of the Atlans chosen to be the eligible bachelor had ended up with a contestant. They’d all gone off script and chosen random women. “Not that I’m complaining. ThatCinderellaball was pure genius. I think I watched that episode at least three times.”
“The crazier it gets, the more people love it.”
“That’s true.” At least it had been for me. “When Warlord Wulf stormed offstage and claimed the make-up artist on live TV?” I waved my hand in front of my face in a fanning motion. “So hot.”
Rachel laughed, her gaze darting from me to Tazo and back. “I guess it’s a good thing you like the beasts.”
I squeezed my mate’s hand. “I guess it is.”
The governor cleared his throat. “Back to the business at hand. Everyone here contributes in some way. I assume you would like to participate in our society as well.”
“You mean, like a job?”
“Yes.”
Thank god, because if all I had to do was eat, sleep and have sex with Tazo, I’d be crazy in a few weeks. Rest and relaxation were a fine idea, but boredom? No, thank you. “Back home I worked as a vet tech. I was taking classes at night so I could go to vet school someday. That was my goal, anyway.”
“How would you feel about taking your medical aptitude for animals and training with the medical team here?” Maxim asked. “We are always in need of additional medical staff. In rare instances, especially after large battles, the Coalition will transport injured fighters here.”
“And every ReCon mission transports directly to our medical team, as long as the fighters they rescue are stable enough to be moved,” Rachel added.
“I’d love that. Thank you.” Yes, I loved working with animals, but what I really loved was the idea of helping something—or someone—hurt to heal.
“Excellent. It’s decided. I’ll alert Doctor Surnen to expect you when you are ready.” He glanced from me to Tazo. “Let’s say, in a week?”
Tazo grunted. “Two weeks.”
The governor grinned. “Understood. Two-week honeymoon, then back to work.”
Did my beast just inform the governor of this place that he was going to keep me so busy in bed for the next two weeks that I wouldn’t be able to start a new job? Yes. Yes, he did. And I had to admit, I was very much looking forward to the next two weeks.
Rachel leaned into Maxim’s side and he wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her in close. “So, what are you two going to do now? I can take you to meet the other women. The dining room is open 24-7, but most of us have an S-Gen in our quarters, so it’s more a social thing. I could give you a tour?—”
Governor Maxim interrupted, his gaze locked on Tazo. “I believe the final round of the pit tournament has begun. You should check in as soon as possible.”
Pit tournament? What was that?
“I’ve been busy.” Tazo chuckled behind me. “Any particular reason I should make an appearance?”
“Fuck yes. You were in first place, and I placed a large wager on you to win it all. Now that Tyran is out of the fight, I expect you to continue your winning streak.”
They were talking about fighting? Like what? MMA? Boxing? I tilted my head to study the governor. He seemed in a playful mood, something I’d not seen from him before. “What did you bet on my mate?”
Rachel’s blush returned. “That’s private.” She giggled and looked at me. “But if you want to do your new best friend a favor, talk your mate into taking a fall.”
Tazo’s hand on my shoulder squeezed me gently. “Who is it you believe can best me, Lady Rone?”
7
Lavender, The Fighting Pit, Two Hours Later
“There they are.”Rachel pointed to a pair of Prillon warriors walking out into the middle of the sand-filled arena. About the size of a basketball court, the fighting pit was nothing more than an empty area for crazy alien males to beat the crap out of each other. At least, that’s all I’d seen so far. This was worse than boxing or MMA. There appeared to be no rules what-so-ever. Well, except no killing, as these were supposed to be friendly competitions to help the males sent to The Colony blow off some steam.
