Page 19

Faron hung his head, giving up on any attempt to find pleasure. He truly was defective if all he could get aroused about was that human and what she looked like beneath her jumpsuit. He shouldn’t find the memory of their kiss arousing, and he shouldn’t wonder what her skin would taste like as his tongue traveled over it. And he should definitely not dwell on what lay between her legs and the pleasure he might seek as he pounded into her.

It was illogical to think otherwise. He was not going near Kendra again. She’d shown her distaste, and he understood she was wrong for him. That was all that mattered.

Faron finished his shower and grabbed a clean jumpsuit. His comm link announced an incoming message from his mother, Siblis.

He grimaced and was tempted to ignore it. There was only one topic of conversation she was interested in, and it wasn’t how successful he was in his work. All she was interested in was having more grandchildren.

He ran a hand down his face as he opened the link. His mother’s broad, flat face stared back at him, her dark eyes narrowing slightly as if she could sense he wasn’t keen on speaking with her.

“Mother. I trust you are healthy.”

“As always.”

He noticed she did not ask about his health. Why should she? She knew of his failings.

“I have had friends asking about you.”

“What do they want to know?” Faron grabbed a strong ale from the shelf before moving to the only seat in his lounge, which he perched on.

“We attended a dinner with the ambassador. He has finally agreed to add us back to the guest list after four months of requesting re-admittance after your... issues came to light.”

“That must give you pleasure,” he said through gritted teeth.

“It does not give me displeasure. However, some of the conversations forced upon us were of a difficult nature. Several individuals asked after you.”

Faron grunted. “I imagine they did. Did you tell them how proud you are of your son?”

Her mouth tightened. “Do not be glib. Although I do not agree with your father’s preference to say you have died, I do not appreciate having to reveal where you are and your current situation.”

“I apologize again for inconveniencing you.” Faron must have said sorry for surviving his accident a hundred times.

“It’s an inconvenience we struggle to bear, as is your lack of a mate.”

There it was, the real reason for the contact. “I would welcome a mate into my life if a suitable one can be found.”

“Which we know is highly unlikely,” Siblis said. “Is there not somebody on board that space station you linger on?”

“There are few female Tolongs here. They don’t stay for long.”

“There is nobody? Even another advanced alien might be more suitable than remaining without a mate. Despite your problems, your genetics are strong. You get those from us. I would like to have more grandchildren.”

He winced as she said the dreaded G word. “Then ask one of my brothers to assist you.” Faron was one of twenty children. His mother’s demands for more grandchilden grew on an almost monthly basis.

“They do their best. We need more, a dozen at least from you.”

Faron repressed a sigh. “I will happily contribute if I have a suitable mate.” His thoughts went to Kendra. She was not suitable. What kind of offspring would they have together?

“You have not been making attempts to join with anybody in your time away?” Disappointment filled his mother’s face. It would seem her desire to have many grandchildren was overcoming her disgust of his defect.

Faron looked away and took a long swig of ale. “There is somebody.” The words came out before he’d had a chance to think them through.

Siblis’s face filled the screen. “Who is it? Tell me everything about her. Send us her genetic history immediately. And what about her sexual history?”

Faron closed his eyes for a second and rubbed his fingers against his forehead. Why had he said that? There was no one, but the demands of his mother flooded him with insecurity.

“It is a new relationship. I have made inquiries about the important things. She will provide that information if we decide to couple.”

“Let me speak to him,” a gruff, deep voice said.