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“Are you actively trying to ruin this family? A human. You waste your time on a female human.”

“It is not a waste of time.”

Bartlek scowled at him. “You are dressed to dance for her?”

“You have made it clear I am not worthy of a Tolong female. I seek attention elsewhere.”

“Pick somebody else. An alien worthy of being associated with, not a human.”

“What makes you think she is not worthy?”

“Humans barely have the intellect to travel safely in space. Their technologies are primitive, and their desire to destroy everything is apparent by the devastation on their planet. You cannot join with a human.”

“I join with whomever I choose. Besides, I have few options left.”

“Then choose abstinence. Imagine the shame Mother will feel if you bring a Tolong hybrid into the family when you impregnate this human.”

“She should be happy for more grandchildren, regardless of their parents. She’s constantly asking me to provide her with more grandchildren. Perhaps the ones you give her aren’t enough. Do your children lack in some way?” It was a low blow, but he was sick of his brother’s taunts.

Bartlek hissed at him. “My children are perfection.”

“Mother doesn’t think so.”

His brother bared his teeth. “It is no matter. You will soon realize this human is not of any importance.”

Faron’s emotions were a mixture of anger and despair. He hated that a part of him agreed. If he joined with Kendra, it would not be approved of. As far as he knew, there were no Tolong and female human matings. This would be the first. That was if Kendra agreed to it.

Bartlek drew closer to the screen. “After our last conversation, I felt pity for you.”

Faron squinted at him. “I do not need your pity.”

“It is my default feeling whenever I speak with you. You’re a pitiful excuse for a Tolong. But we are still blood, and I cannot abandon you.”

“Really? That’s exactly what you and the family have done.”

“That was to preserve the family name. It’s a heavy burden we bear that you are still alive.”

Faron snarled. “Those words show me how much you think of me.”

Bartlek smirked at him. “Forget your human. After much investigation, I have found a match for you.”

Faron’s eyebrows shot up. “You are mistaken. No female will want me after my incapacitation.”

“Your damage made it hard to find anyone willing to join with you. But we have influence, and I was able to persuade her that joining with this family will be advantageous.”

“How kind of you.” There must be trickery behind this. Bartlek never did anything that would benefit Faron. There was always some catch.

“She is not attractive, and her mental acuity is not what it should be, but she is Tolong and will produce good offspring.”

Faron’s heart sank. His brother had discovered an unattractive, simple-minded female. That was the only way he would ever join with a Tolong. “Do you have more details?”

“I’m sending you a picture now.”

Faron opened the incoming image and sighed. She was a plain female. He felt not a shred of desire when he looked at her. It shouldn’t matter. If they were genetically compatible, that was the main thing. He could join with her, have offspring, and make his family happy. The hollow feeling in his stomach was not relevant.

“She is the best offer you’ll get,” Bartlek said. “I’ve been searching for a suitable female for months. You would be wise to accept her.”

Faron knew this was the logical course of action, but his heart thudded uncomfortably at the thought of spending the rest of his days with this female. She left him cold. He doubted he’d grow hard for her. They would have no offspring if that was the case.