“Why are you all marked? Is this something that was done to you to show ownership, or mate status?”
Qwin laughs, “It’s complicated as each race is different, but from our experience once you do … you know, the deed, they just kinda pop up. EvO and I dream fasted, and the moment our hearts linked, this symbol appeared on my lower stomach. Each one of us has a similar story. It’s not always sex based, but really, it mostly is. The guys are born with mating symbols, and so far, other than us clueless humans, all the other species seem to know the significance. Their bodies know, and when that mate is shown to them, they will do anything for that person. Nothing is more precious or more revered in their world than a true mate. I mean, they can mess around beforehand, but once those marks pop up, they are all one-woman men. I’m not saying they’re blind, I mean we all look … how could you not when surrounded by so many hotties? But their bodies will not work for anyone besides their mate.”
Her words echo through my thoughts, and I blurt out, “Are you saying they can’t physically cheat?”
“Nope, dead from the waist down.”
“Qwin? What if that person dies or their mate dies?”
“Most of the time, the mated one follows close behind.”
“What if they’re turned down?”
Rylie speaks up, “I don’t know firsthand, but I’ve been told some can die if the bond isn’t sealed … they seem to fade according to the medical records we have.”
“So, we’re just forced to accept what their bodies say?”
“No, you are not! And as long as there are honorable males like EvO or DaR, you never will be. But their Gods take these matches seriously, and I would hate for you to regret your decision when it’s too late. I’ve never seen a mate pairing fail. The men are too dedicated, or maybe I should say determined, to keep their women happy. I know you’re concerned since you are facing this head-on Edie, but were you not able to talk to the other girls mated to his kind?”
“I don’t people well … When they showed up, I stayed in my rooms avoiding them at all costs. That’s why all this took me by surprise. Falon didn’t even know my name until earlier today. And I’ve never been one to follow anyone blindly, and that’s exactly what he thought I was supposed to do. Like I was just supposed to consider it a privilege or a great blessing or something. I was … am, just another piece of ass on a list of many others for him.”
“Edie, if you were only another piece of ass, he wouldn’t have jumped on a star cruiser to follow you across the cosmos only to face death if caught. I understand he may not be a stand-up citizen or something like that, but in his mind, you are his mate, and he will do anything to at least be close to you.”
The entire room trembles and I see Ginger’s eyes get large as panic quickly sets in. I grab her, pulling her close, my arm wrapping around her shoulders, only for the shaking to suddenly stop. “Destiny report,” Qwin yells out.
“Just an unsettled geomagnetic storm, Mistress. All is well; no reason for concern.”
Ginger gets up, heading to her room. “I can’t wait to set foot on solid ground. If I never see the stars from this vantage point again, that will be fine with me.”
Laura starts to rise and chase her, but I reach out and stop her. “Don’t; she’s just upset and is handling it the best way she can. I’m going to turn in for the evening myself. Thanks for all the answers, guys. The food was great, and it was nice to be included in this girl session. I say all the words they all want to hear, hoping to escape.
Later, after I’d changed into the new pair of jommies Destiny made for me, I lay there replaying their words and the look on Falon’s face when I touched his arm. Then his reaction when he showed me the symbols on his chest. He didn’t push, just wanted me to know, and I wonder if I hadn’t caught him in the act, if I’d be more open-minded, but isn’t it better that I know ahead of time? God, I hate my mind going back-and-forth. As stupid as most of my past choices have been, if the gods really wanted to do something, they should’ve given us dumbass humans mate marks! Maybe then heartbreak wouldn’t be a possibility and the one thing I’m most terrified of.
CHAPTER 12
EDIE
I find myself second-guessing this lunch date, and several times I almost tell Destiny to inform Falon that something has come up, but Qwin’s words keep flowing through my mind, ‘One-woman, man’. I feel like there are just some things that need to be answered before I can move forward or I’ll keep looking back.
What I’m not shocked to find is him waiting for me in the viewing area. Nervously, I smooth the dress down I’d finally decided to wear after trying on everything in that closet, biting my lip as his eyes seem to devour me.
“Good rising, little morsel. I will admit I did not sleep as I was convinced you would not show.”
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had second and third thoughts, but I was the one to ask you, and it’s only right that I show. Destiny said she would have the food delivered in just a little bit.”
“Come, have a seat with me, and let us enjoy the view.”
“I’m sure you’ve seen view many times.”
“I have not seen it with you.”
Awkwardly, I sit down next to him on the oversized chair, but he’s still so close that I can feel the heat off his legs on mine. Scooting as close as I can to the arm, I stare out at the stars, completely blank on how to start a conversation.
“Is your room nice?”
“It is bright and everything is white. If I get in too big a hurry, I can almost bounce off the walls it’s so small, but it has all I require. A place to lay my head and a place to get clean, as this is the only set of clothes I have with me. For that matter, all that I own is on my body. I am credit-less and world-less at the moment. I have so little to offer a female right now, it is no wonder she is running away and not toward me.”
“Falon, we’ve had so little for so long that having a change of clothes and a soft bed has taken some getting used to. Not to mention that Destiny is trying to feed us every two hours like we’re stray kittens that need constant nutrients.
