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Blood pounded in Kendra’s ears, and she thought she was going to faint as black dots danced in her vision. Faron had just rescued her, but she now faced an even greater challenge. His family had made it clear they considered her worthless. Their cold stares and cruel words dug into her and raised her old fears of worthlessness.

She continued to stare up at Faron and saw the turmoil on his face. She didn’t want to force him, but he had to choose. It was either her or this Tolong female.

Kendra blinked slowly, making sure to keep control of the tears in her eyes. She did not want to appear an emotional wreck in front of Faron’s family. They already considered her inferior, and if she caused a scene, it would make things worse.

“Faron, we are all waiting for your answer,” Siblis said.

“You have no reason to pause for thought,” Bartlek said. “You have been ruined in your time away from us. Emotions have tainted you.”

Kendra glared at him. She’d only known Bartlek a few minutes but already longed to slap that smug look off his face. What did he have to gloat about? He was cold, and his eyes were devoid of all emotion other than bitterness.

“Your incomplete form appeals to few on our planet. You must take this opportunity. There is no reason for you to reject it,” Bartlek said.

“Your brother is correct,” Rhodan said. “I do not understand your resistance. It reminds me of when you were young, and you had to be disciplined in order to see sense.”

Kendra swallowed slowly as she saw the indecision play across Faron’s face. She had a good idea of what that discipline had involved. The scars were evident all over Faron’s body.

His family was brutal and cruel, but she recognized Faron’s desire for acceptance. Kendra sensed the war inside him that told him to remain loyal despite everything they’d done. She knew how that felt, how far you let yourself get pushed and taken advantage of in the hope you’d be included and loved, rather than rejected.

“Perhaps I no longer wish to be with him.” Donik spoke for the first time.

“No! The agreement is made. You find the terms acceptable, and you have received your first payment,” Bartlek said swiftly. “You will be joined with my brother by the end of the month. Do not concern yourself with this human.”

Donik’s hard gaze shifted to Kendra. “I am not concerned about my challenger. She is no match for me.”

Kendra glared at her but knew she was right. Donik could crush her in a heartbeat. She was better than her. But Faron had to choose. He had to make the decision.

“This is ridiculous,” Rhodan said. “Dismiss the human and let’s move on.”

Kendra looked at Faron again. She silently willed him to choose her. It was a selfish decision. He would have to give up everything, but she needed him.

Faron shook his head. “I know what I want.”

“That is a relief. Let’s make this agreement final, and we can leave. I have had enough of this station,” Rhodan said.

Kendra flinched as Faron touched her hand. She knew what he would say. He’d chosen Donik. He’d chosen his family over her. Of course, it was the right thing to do. Family means everything to Tolongs. They were nothing if they didn’t have the right social connection.

She could survive this rejection. She was not in love. She would not miss Faron. She repeated the words in her head, willing herself to believe them.

She should have expected this, but it still felt as if someone had shoved a knife in her gut and given it a good, hard twist.

After everything they’d been through, Kendra thought she’d stood a small chance of a future with Faron. Who had she been kidding? She wasn’t even looking for love. She shouldn’t be, anyway. It messed you up. She’d made one mistake and lowered her guard to Faron and was about to be punched in the heart because of it.

It served her right. This was the lesson she needed. A reminder not to love. A reminder of what love did to you when you tried to find it.

Kendra shook her hand out of Faron’s grip and backed to the door. “It doesn’t matter. I barely know Faron. You are his family. He should be with you and his new mate.”

Faron’s eyes widened as she continued to back away. “Wait! I need to explain things to you.”

Kendra punched at the door access blindly until it slid open behind her. “There’s nothing to explain. I don’t know you. I don’t want to be with you. You have one option here. Remain with your family.” She turned and fled out of the room, the tears she’d been holding back finally overflowing.

“Wait! You don’t understand.”

She ignored Faron’s shouts to return as she ran away. She understood just fine. Although Faron appeared conflicted, there was only one outcome. He would join with his Tolong mate and leave with his family. Why would he do anything else? They weren’t a couple. They didn’t love each other.

Kendra had allowed herself to become embroiled in the nonsense of their dates, thinking something could come of it. The only outcome was the misery and heartbreak she now experienced.

She swiped the tears from her cheeks as her heartbreak was replaced with anger. She wasn’t to blame for this, but she knew who was. It was time for them to pay.