From Vegas’s reaction, she did not like this new arrival.

“Thanks, Heather. I’ll join you in the docking bay in a minute. Let me check to see what we have planned for Boros.” She grabbed the tablet from the desk.

Heather glanced at Solan again before pulling the door shut behind her.

Solan followed Vegas out of the training room. He was not finished with her. “Who is Boros?”

“A new client.” Vegas didn’t look at him as she sped along the corridor, her hands running through her hair several times.

“Boros is a Galaxar name. Who is he? Do you know him?” Solan’s stomach grumbled as if he was hungry, but he had no desire to eat.

Vegas glared at him. “It’s time for you to take a break. I’ll let you know when your new trainer has been assigned to you.”

He grabbed her arm and spun her toward him.

Vegas clamped a hand over his and tugged at his fingers. “I am not your property. I am not your mate. You do not get to touch me unless I tell you to.”

“You are meeting with another Galaxar?” He ignored her admonishments.

Vegas gave up on trying to pull herself from his grip. “Yes. Boros is a Galaxar. He’s a brigadier.”

Solan’s anger flared. There was only one brigadier he knew of named Boros. He was space scum, a twisted, brutal liar, with a liking for sadism. “You cannot trust him.”

Vegas’s eyes widened. “You know him?”

“I have encountered Boros on numerous occasions. He is in charge of several squadrons in the star system Oidua.”

“I’ve heard of that system. Isn’t that where outlaws go when they wish to evade capture?”

Solan nodded as he relaxed his hold on Vegas and dropped his hand. “The laws in that system tend to bend more easily than anywhere else. It was why Boros chose that posting. He is not a loyal Galaxar. He makes up his own set of rules.”

Vegas looked down at the tablet in her hand. “There is no mention of that in his application. We ran the usual security checks on him. He’s clean.”

Solan scowled. “Boros should not be allowed to breed. He is not an honorable Galaxar.”

“I only have your word for that.” Vegas’s eyes narrowed. “He passed the tests. He’s paid his money. Just like you, he’s entitled to a mate.”

The thought of Vegas being anywhere near this treacherous skull crusher did nothing to settle Solan’s stomach. “I shall accompany you.”

“I can accompany myself.” Vegas placed a hand against his chest. “We got our wires crossed back there. I made a mistake. We shouldn’t have done any practical sessions. I did not mean to lead you on.”

“You are leading me to where I wish to be. I require a mate, and I have found one in you.”

“But you haven’t.” Vegas’s gaze dropped. “Let’s forget it happened. You can complete your induction tomorrow and then meet your actual mate.”

Solan felt queasy as his stomach twisted. Perhaps it was the air in the space station. The oxygen and nitrogen mix was different to his home planet. He would be sure to acclimatize himself to the environment before undergoing anything strenuous. “If you insist, I will meet this mate you have chosen for me. But I know I do not have to accept her if I consider her unsuitable.”

Vegas’s hand dropped from his chest. He realized he missed her touch. “That is your privilege. Now, you must excuse me. I have other clients who need my attention.”

Solan matched her stride as Vegas continued along the corridor.

She glanced at him. “You don’t have to come with me. You can be unaccompanied on the space station.”

“Yet, I am with you. I have encountered Boros before. It is never pleasant.”

“You’re free to move around the space station as you see fit. I cannot prevent you from walking alongside me if you insist on it.”

Solan nodded. This female intrigued him as much as she irritated him. He sensed a determination inside of Vegas. He was in no doubt that she was attracted to him, yet she resisted. Most women would have given themselves to him by now. He wanted to know what would make Vegas succumb. Could he tempt her enough to become his mate?

“There he is,” Vegas muttered as they entered the docking bay. “He’s even bigger than you.”

Solan scowled. “He’s a brigadier. They need to be larger than colonels. He would never have achieved that rank if he was puny.”

The smile that traced across Vegas’s face appeared genuine as she looked at him. “Don’t worry your handsome head, big guy. You’re not that small. Compared to Earth men, you’re a giant.”

It sounded like an awkward compliment, yet Solan accepted it. He knew human males were pathetic in their size and muscles. It was only appropriate he gave Vegas a suitable compliment. “Compared to my planet’s women, you’re a...” Solan struggled to find the right comparison. Vegas looked fragile, but she was strong.

She turned her head and looked up at him. “I’m a what?”

“A very small female.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Thanks, I guess.”

He gave a quick nod. “You are welcome.” Solan spotted Boros’s craft as they headed toward the group of Galaxars. He had his own brigade insignia splashed along one side: a scarlet and yellow desert devil. Solan considered it tacky. His own craft had no such insignia.

As they strode to where Heather waited, Vegas slowed. “You will behave yourself? If you two have issues you need to resolve, now is not the time to do it.”

“I will not embarrass you.”

“I don’t mind if you embarrass me,” Vegas said, “but I don’t want you to start a fight with Boros and damage the space station.”

“That would not be logical,” Solan said. “If the space station is damaged, everyone will die.”

“That’s my point,” Vegas said. “Be on your best behavior.”

“My fighting skills are excellent. I would not blunder through a wall and damage the station.”

Vegas sighed. “You’re missing the point.”

“As much as I detest Boros, he’s a brigadier. I have little choice but to be on my best behavior when I am in his company.”

She flashed him a smile. “I’m glad we understand each other.”

Heather turned to meet them. Her cheeks were pale, and she chewed on her bottom lip. “There are more Galaxars on board than there should be.”

“Boros didn’t make any changes at the last minute?” Vegas scanned the data on her tablet. “You’re right. Four more passengers than were logged on the original form.”

“This is typical of Boros,” Solan said. “He never sticks to the rules.”

Heather looked at Solan. “Are you two friends?”

“I would rather fall on my blade than be friends with him.”

Heather opened her mouth and then looked at Vegas.

“Solan is concerned Boros is not safe to be around.” Vegas waved a hand at him. “It’s not uncommon for manifesto details to be out of date. Passengers get picked up on the way. This is a central meeting point for many and handy because it’s so close to the wormhole. I don’t consider it a problem.”

“You will if Boros has more armed Galaxars in there than he’s supposed to,” Solan said.

“Why would he do that?” Heather asked.

“Because he is not to be trusted,” Solan said. “I have told Vegas this.”

Vegas shook her head. “They have a... thing.”

“A thing?” Heather looked even more confused. “Solan doesn’t like Boros. I’m getting that.”

“It is not a thing,” Solan said. “My previous encounters with this Galaxar ensure I am appropriately cautious around him.”

Heather stepped back. “If you don’t need me, I’ve got Diadora breathing down my neck. She wants amendments to some reports about recent matches. I need to get them to her by the end of the day.”

“It’s fine. I’ll deal with Boros and his unaccounted crew. I don’t want you getting in trouble because Diadora doesn’t get all her tedious reports on time.”

“Thanks. Good luck.” Heather hurried away.

As Vegas turned back to the Galaxar ship, Solan took a moment to examine her features. For a human, she was not unattractive. If she was to be his, he would need to build her up. She needed more muscle and fewer clothes. Galaxar women do not conceal themselves the way humans did. It made it harder to determine how appealing they would be when naked.

“You’re staring.” Vegas didn’t turn her head. “Stop creeping me out.”

“I am admiring your physical form.”

“Well, stop it.” A hint of color ran up her neck. “On Earth, we call that leering. Nobody likes to be leered at.”

“I did not mean to... leer.” It was a word he was not used to. Galaxar females enjoyed being looked at and being told how attractive they were. “If you find it uncomfortable, then I will stop.”

“Please do.” Vegas cleared her throat before closing the gap between her and the Galaxars.

Four armed officers strode in front of Boros, their weapons raised.

Solan didn’t bother to hide his disgust. A brigadier should be front and center of his troop. He should not allow his officers to come out first. That was the sign of a coward. It was exactly as he’d expected Boros to behave.

“You’re growling,” Vegas muttered.

Solan stamped down on his emotions. “Boros brings out the worst in me.”

Vegas arched an eyebrow at him. “Do I need to ask you to leave?”

“I won’t say another word.”

“Or make another growl?” Vegas stopped a healthy distance from the guards. “Welcome to My Single Alien.”

Several seconds passed. The armed guards glared at Vegas and Solan.

“At ease, warriors.” Boros emerged from the troop. His protective plates gleamed as if they’d been polished for hours. Some foot soldier had probably been given that unenviable task. Boros’s chin was raised as he surveyed the docking bay. From the narrowing of his dark eyes, he didn’t seem impressed with what he saw.

Vegas pasted a smile on her face. Solan had seen this facial expression the first time he’d met her. He could tell now it wasn’t a genuine one.

“Brigadier Boros. It’s a pleasure to have you and your crew with us.”

“I imagine it is.” Boros’s gaze flicked straight to Solan. His top lip curled back. “I see we are not the only Galaxars using your service.”

Solan forced his features to remain impassive as he bowed at the waist. “Brigadier Boros, I did not know you would be here.”

“Evidently not,” Boros said. “If I’d had known you would be on the space station, I would have delayed my visit.”

“You have met before?” Vegas’s voice sounded artificially high.

“We have encountered each other a few times,” Boros said. “It is of no importance.”

Solan pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. He had to keep all his insults inside. Boros was quick to anger and held a grudge for the smallest of slights.

“Where is your leader?” Boros asked, his gaze fixed over Vegas’s head.

“My leader? Who are you expecting to meet?”

“The male in charge of all of this.” Boros waved a meaty hand around.

Solan snorted, unable to keep silent. “This female will look after you. She is capable.”

Boros’s gaze fixed on Solan. “I did not realize you work for My Single Alien. I always wondered about your ability as a warrior.”

“I do not,” Solan growled. “Miss Munro is a proficient human. She has been providing me with an excellent service while I have been here.”

“Has she now?” Boros didn’t hide the fact he stared at Vegas’s figure as he spoke.

Solan placed his hands behind his back to hide his fisted fingers.

“Will you offer me and my troop the same service?” Boros asked.

“I will. Everyone involved in the business of finding a match can be confident they will receive an excellent, professional service.” Vegas’s spine was straight, her fingers tight around her tablet. “But before we proceed, I need to double check the number of Galaxars you have brought on board the space station. We have records of you and six commanding officers who wish to use our services. Our scans recorded an additional four members of your crew.”

Boros shrugged. “What of it?”

“We do not have accommodation prepared for them,” Vegas said. “Will they want to use our services as well?”

“They will. I will reimburse you for any inconvenience. They are part of my command unit. They are excellent specimens. Your females will be content with them.”

“I’m sure they are all fine examples of Galaxars,” Vegas said. “But making matches for them could take time. As you know, it has taken several months to find a suitable match for you.”

“They are not particular. They simply desire a female.”

“For breeding?”

“Perhaps for breeding,” Boros said. “I intend to be the first in this unit to sire offspring. My warriors are seeking pleasure at this time.”

“My Single Alien is a matchmaking service, not a brothel.”

Boros’s dark eyes gleamed with anger. “Are you available, human? Are your services an option for my warriors?”

Solan’s nostrils flared. His urge to protect Vegas from Boros’s insults made his bones ache as he kept himself in position. Vegas said she wanted him on his best behavior, and Boros would grab any excuse Solan gave him to start a fight. Of course, he’d be surrounded by his warriors. Boros was no fighter.

“Brigadier Boros, I am an employee here. If you and your warriors seek the services of a brothel, you’re at the wrong space station.” Vegas kept her head up and her expression neutral.

Solan detected the faintest of tremors run down her spine.

“We are in the correct place.” Boros took a step closer to Vegas.

Solan instantly stepped forward. “She said she is not available.”

Vegas whipped her head toward him, her gaze holding a look of warning. “It’s fine, Colonel Solan. Perhaps you should go and investigate your accommodation. You have yet to see it. You need to let me know if it is to your standards.”

He shook his head. “It will be fine. I can sleep anywhere.” There was no way he was leaving her with this space scum.

“I have everything in hand here.” Vegas jerked her head to the left.

“Why don’t you run along?” Boros sneered. “I would like to get to know Miss Munro better without your interference.”

A flare of battle anger rolled through Solan. It took every ounce of his willpower to stop from punching Boros. Boros was interested in Vegas and made no attempt to hide it. He was also disrespecting her by making the presumption she was available as a source of his pleasure.

“Colonel Solan.” Vegas turned her full attention to him. “Everything is fine. This is business, nothing more. I need no protection.”

He searched her expression, trying to determine how sincere she was. She was unsettled but not scared. “If you are certain.” Solan had assured Vegas he would do nothing to cause problems for the space station. Perhaps he should leave. Every second he remained close to Boros, his desire to attack grew. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to walk away.

“Thank you.” Vegas turned away from him. “Brigadier Boros, where would you like to start? I can show you and your warriors your quarters, once I have logged everyone’s details.”

“That is acceptable,” Boros said. “If this is a success, I have plans to bring a hundred warriors to this station. They all need mates.”

“A hundred warriors!” Vegas took a step back, almost bumping into Solan. “That will require considerable planning. Human females are in high demand.”

“You will be compensated for the extra work. I wish my troop to become the most respected. To do that we all require offspring.”

“I’m sure we can accommodate you,” Vegas said, sounding breathless. “It will take a little time.”

“If I give you the right incentives, the amount of time it will take will decrease. You humans seem motivated by financial gain.”

Vegas’s cheeks colored. “Naturally, we will do everything we can to assist you. Do you have a planned date for when you want these warriors matched?”

“This is a trial run,” Boros said. “I will assess the suitability of my own mate and how quickly she gets with squib. If that is a success, then our plans will expand. My warriors will also breed.”

“The female we have matched you with is excellent,” Vegas said. “You will not be disappointed with her.”

“Let me be the judge of that. My tastes are... particular.” Boros stroked a hand across his chest.

Solan looked away. He’d heard about Boros’s particular desires. He liked to shackle his females. He was a dominant. He was not popular among female Galaxars because of that. They were his equal. He hated that. There was a tale of a female Galaxar knocking Boros on his ass because he’d tried to strap her to his bed. Females should not be shackled unless they desired it.

“Do you have something you wish to say, Colonel Solan?” Boros’s tone was acidic.

Solan turned and met his gaze. “My own experience of My Single Alien has been positive. I’m sure yours will be the same. May your coupling bring you many squibs.”

“That is the plan,” Boros said. “Perhaps I have already met somebody I would like to mate with.” He took hold of Vegas’s hand and kissed the back of it.

A forced sounding laugh came out of her. “You’re very kind. But I assure you, I have found you a much better mate. She will give you many children. She will make you happy.”

“And I will her. She will want for nothing, providing she gives me what I need.” Boros kept hold of Vegas’s hand.

Solan ground his teeth together. That strange twist in his stomach happened again. He would definitely get a member of his troop to assess the suitability of the space station’s air quality. He could not spend his time here feeling unwell. He needed to be on his guard with Boros around.

He watched Boros as rage swept through him. Boros continued to hold Vegas’s hand, despite her showing her discomfort as she shifted from foot to foot and talked too rapidly.

“Brigadier Boros, I heard rumors of an unsuccessful mission in the Bacchar Quadrant. Several of your warriors were killed.”

Boros swung toward Solan, dropping Vegas’s hand as he did so. “Those rumors are wrong. We were victorious.”

Solan took a second to look at the warriors accompanying Boros. There were several new faces. He was lying. “An attack from the Mehab, so I heard. They are ruthless fighters. I understand if you suffered losses.”

“I experienced no losses,” Boros said. “As you can see, I have a full quota of warriors.”

“I don’t recognize all of them.” Solan knew he was riling Boros, but he needed to keep his attention off Vegas. If he received a beating because of that, then so be it.

“You know each of my commanding officers well?”

“We meet from time to time,” Solan said. “Where is Dathar? He owes me on a game.”

Boros slammed his fists into Solan’s chest. “You accuse me of lying?”

“Hold on a second!” Vegas said, her hands raised in protest. “No one is accusing anyone of anything.”

Solan stood his ground, despite his bones jarring from the attack by Boros. “It was an observation. I wondered if he had found his own mate and was nesting with her.”

“He has not,” Boros growled. “You do not get to question a brigadier about his commanding officers. You forget yourself, Colonel.”

Solan lowered his head a fraction, accepting he was of a lower rank than Boros, even though it made his blood boil at the thought of this corrupt Galaxar having any say over him. “I did not mean to cause offense.”

“You have.”

Solan raised his gaze to meet Boros’s. The challenge there was clear. Boros was spoiling for a fight. Solan would gladly give him one.

Vegas squeezed herself between the two Galaxars and placed a hand on each of their chests. “Brigadier. Colonel. There is no need for this. I understand everyone’s excitement about being here. Your experience with My Single Alien is not one you will forget. You are here to find your mates. Focus on the fact you will both soon have a squib of your own. That is a reason to celebrate, not to be angry.”

Boros looked down at Vegas. “You are defending this Galaxar?”

Solan was amazed when Vegas didn’t cower before Boros but placed both hands on his chest and stared him down. “What I am protecting is this space station and everyone in it. I am protecting the reputation of My Single Alien, and I am protecting the women who have signed up to offer you the chance to have a child. I am protecting an asset you consider more valuable than anything else, an asset you have paid handsomely for. I want to ensure you get that, but I will not do it if you threaten others on the space station.”

“He dishonored me,” Boros growled.

“Colonel Solan has acknowledged his inappropriate behavior.”

Solan opened his mouth to protest but then stopped. Vegas would be crushed between them if they fought. He bit his tongue.

“Do not mark your time here with petty rivalries,” Vegas said.

“Perhaps our rivalry isn’t so petty,” Boros said.

“But your quest for a child is much greater than that. You are greater than that.”

Solan allowed himself a smile. Vegas knew her Galaxar history. Missions and quests were a key part of being a warrior. You prided yourself on achieving challenging quests. What could be more challenging in these times than siring a squib?

Boros scowled at Solan. “The human female is correct. Our battle should not be here.”

“I am correct,” Vegas said. “No fighting while on the space station. If you do, I have it within my power to remove you and your warriors. You will leave with no mate and no chance of a squib. You will be banned from using our services forever. And since we are the only licensed agency offering this service, you will remain childless.”

“You cannot do that,” Boros said sharply. “I have paid for the right to have a mate.”

“You’ve read the terms and conditions of your agreement with us,” Vegas said. “It is laid out there clearly. If you cause or are perceived to have caused harm to the space station, or any recipients on it, then you will be escorted from the space station, as will your associates.”

“Are you intending to escort us off yourself?” Boros’s fingers touched Vegas’s hair. “That would be most amusing.”

Solan kept his hands behind his back again. Boros was touching Vegas. That should not be allowed. Solan wanted to be the only one to touch this female. If she were his, he would ensure no other Galaxar would touch her. He would scent every inch of her skin with his musk, claiming her as his mate. The idea sent a trickle of desire down his spine.

“I’m sure it would be amusing for me to attempt to make you do anything you don’t wish to.” Vegas’s tone was saccharine sweet. “But you know of our security cyborgs on board the space station. They are on hand to ensure order.”

Boros snorted. “Cyborgs are no match for Galaxars.”

“That is not a battle I wish to see.” Vegas turned to Solan. “I trust we will have no problems while you are both on board the station?”

“Not from me,” Solan muttered.

“I assure you, my warriors and I will not disappoint.” Boros took a step back and raised his fist.

Vegas fist-bumped him before running a hand through her hair. “Excellent. Now that everybody is happy, let me finish the security checks and then show you to your quarters.”

Solan noticed the manic glint in Boros’s eyes as they waited for Vegas to check the unaccounted crew members. A low grumble rumbled in his chest. He’d need to watch Boros. He was not a Galaxar who kept his word. Vegas was vulnerable when she was around Boros. That made Solan uneasy.

This female might not realize she needed his protection, but Solan would be on hand to provide it when Boros showed his true colors.