“It might take an extra layer of concealer to cover your tiredness,” the makeup artist, Taylor, said as she fussed over Kendra’s face.

“Do whatever you need,” Kendra said. She’d barely slept the previous night as hurt and anger had churned in her gut.

After being so coldly dismissed by Faron, she’d tried to move on and put it behind her, but nothing had worked. Every time she’d pushed the image of his face out of her head, it had returned with vigor, taunting her. Kendra had tossed and turned the whole night, her thoughts lingering on Faron and his new mate and how happy he would be with her.

She gripped the arms of the chair she sat in. She didn’t care that Ivy was pimping her out to some stranger for this date. All she felt was numb. She should never have opened herself to Faron. She knew he’d reject her when he came to his senses and realized their relationship was ridiculous and could never work.

Kendra scowled at her own reflection. It wasn’t even a relationship. It had been a few dates and a few kisses. Sure, he was an intense guy and had wanted to move things at hyper speed, but they’d have found a balance. It had shown promise, but a few words from his family and the offer of a female, and he’d ditched her.

She grunted to herself as she mindlessly ate a muffin placed in front of her. She barely tasted its sweetness as she stuffed it down, trying to soothe her aching heart with sugar.

“Are you looking forward to your date?” Taylor asked.

“Can’t say I am.”

“Is it a blind date?”

“Pretty much. I don’t even know the guy’s name.”

Taylor swiped a blusher brush across Kendra’s cheek. “How exciting. It must be fun looking for love.”

“I can think of better things to do with my time.”

Taylor squinted at her. “Why are you doing this if you don’t want to find love?”

“It’s business. I had my arm twisted.” She shrugged. “Besides, I’m single. There’s no one waiting for me at home.”

“I wish someone would twist my arm to date lots of hot aliens.”

“You should sign up to My Single Alien,” Kendra said. “They’d love you. I’m sure you’d find true love in no time.”

“True love.” Taylor sighed. “I’d settle for fun dates and a few great nights out with a hot alien. I’m not ready for my one true mate yet.”

“Lucky you. Being in love sucks. I don’t recommend it.”

Ivy sauntered over and studied Kendra’s reflection. “You look exhausted.”

“Well-spotted.”

“Are you ready for your date?”

“It’s not like I have a choice in the matter.”

Ivy quirked an eyebrow. “You can always say no if you have the balls to do so to Diadora.”

“I said I’d do it.” Even in her foul mood, Kendra didn’t want to go up against Diadora. If she lost her job on top of losing Faron, she might decide it was time to step off this space station without a safety suit.

“We’re sending you on a date, not to prison. The least you can do is smile.”

“You try smiling when your dating history is displayed for the world to see.”

“What’s your problem? You’re getting the chance to date loads of hot guys, and it’s all being paid for. Most women would jump at this opportunity.”

“I don’t want to date any guys.”

“Your behavior around Faron suggests otherwise. You can barely keep your hands off him.”

“That was a mistake.”

Ivy smirked. “Oh, I get it. You’ve had a tiff. Has your thong wearing lover gotten wind you’re dating someone else, and he’s not happy?”

“We’re not lovers.”

“You’d like to be, though. And why not? He’s a decent looking guy. He’s a bit rough for my liking, but we all have our specific tastes.”

“There’s nothing between us. Faron is not available.”

Ivy rested her chin on her hand. “He’s ditched you?”

“Since we’re not even a couple, it would be impossible for him to do that.” Kendra wished Ivy would get lost. She did not want to share details of her fight with Faron. It was none of Ivy’s damn business.

“You need to smooth things over with Faron. Depending on which way the public votes after this date, you might be going on more dates with him. We can’t have you bickering in front of the cameras.”

“There won’t be any more dates with anyone. I’ll do this one but no more.”

Ivy shook her head. “Diadora won’t be happy about that.”

“Screw Diadora. I might work for My Single Alien, but I’m not her bitch.” Kendra blew out a long breath. She needed to keep her cool. She wouldn’t lose her job over some dumb misunderstanding with an alien she should never have been involved with.

Ivy touched her shoulder, an uncharacteristically sympathetic look on her face. “These aliens know how to get under our skin. You have to remember they’re different to us, and they have different ways of handling things. You’re going to mess up and get crossed wires. If you really like Faron, you need to cut him some slack, or this will never progress.”

Kendra wavered at this unexpected behavior from Ivy. She lifted her chin. “This date is what I need. You’re right. I was getting in too deep with Faron. I’ve had enough of being messed around to last me a lifetime. Maybe this new guy is what I’m after.”

Ivy shrugged. “Whatever you think. You know what you really want out of a relationship.”

Kendra nodded. She’d had enough of being hurt. Things with Faron were too complicated, and she had to move on. She ignored the ache in her chest at the thought of not seeing him again. This was the best thing for both of them.

“She needs more color on her cheeks,” Ivy said to the makeup artist. “This date will be filmed and aired live. We’ll have a thirty second delay in case we need to edit anything too pornographic. I know what you’re like when you get with a hot alien.”

Kendra’s eyes narrowed. “I won’t do anything inappropriate.”

“The public decides if you get a second date with this new alien or if they’d prefer you to remain with Faron.”

Kendra simply nodded. It felt like she had no control over her life. Everything was being decided for her. Her heart sank as she recalled how similar this felt to her childhood, when she was shipped from family to family, often at a moment’s notice, never having a say in where she would live, who her new family would be, and whether they’d find space in their hearts to keep her.

She straightened her shoulders and blinked her eyes. She had no say in anything, not even her own love life.

“Let’s move,” Ivy said.

“Are you going to tell me anything about him? I don’t even know what kind of alien he is.” Kendra stood and stared at herself in the mirror for a second. She didn’t recognize the person looking back. Her eyes looked large and defined with shadow, and her lips were glossy. This wasn’t her. Maybe it was good that she looked so different. She could pretend to be someone else and forget her worries.

“Let’s just say he’s big and strong and knows what he wants.”

“He sounds like a dream man.” Kendra followed Ivy out of the room and along the corridor.

Ivy stopped outside a door. “We’ve given you a private room. There will be one camera bot watching, but I’ll make sure it’s discreet. We’ve lost too many of those during your dates with Faron.”

Kendra had to smile at the memory of Faron repeatedly punching the camera bots out of her way. He’d always been good at looking out for her. She’d have to get used to looking out for herself again like she’d always done.

Ivy opened the door and gestured for Kendra to go inside. “Enjoy yourself and don’t forget to smile.”

Kendra pasted a false smile on her face as she walked in the room. A table had been set in the middle with bowls of nibbles and a bottle of alcohol.

Kendra couldn’t think about eating as she settled in her seat and waited for her date to arrive.

She’d only been there a minute when the door slid open again. Her eyes widened as a tall, broad-shouldered Rolon entered. Rolons looked a little like upright wolves, with a covering of silver-gray fur and elongated jaw lines that made them look more canine than anything else.

They weren’t unattractive, with powerful muscles and a strong protective streak when it came to their mates, but Kendra had always preferred smooth skin to fur. Skin like Faron’s. She gritted her teeth. She had to stop thinking about him.

Kendra stood and held her hand out to the Rolon. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kendra.”

He smiled, and his brilliant blue eyes gleamed. “Such a formal greeting.” He took her hand between both of his. “I’m Fridolph.”

They both sat at the table and stared at each other for a few seconds.

Fridolph ran a hand over the fur on his head. “I’m not what you expected?”

“Oh, no! Sorry, you’re fine.” Kendra shook herself into action. “I wasn’t told anything about you. I expect you’re lovely.”

He grinned at her. “Thanks. I expect you’re also lovely. Shall I?” Fridolph gestured at the bottle.

It was the last thing she wanted, but maybe alcohol would help. “Go ahead.”

He passed her a glass and smiled at her.

“I’m surprised you’re not wearing your collar.” Rolons were only permitted around humans if they wore shock collars. They had issues with control in certain circumstances, and these collars reminded them when they stepped over boundaries.

Fridolph stroked his bare neck. “I have an even temper and thought I looked better without it. Besides, my collar chafes.”

Kendra ducked her head. “That was a terrible topic of conversation. I’m rusty when it comes to dating. I’ve never been great at small talk.”

Fridolph inhaled sharply and sat up straight in his seat. “Some females don’t need to do much talking to interest a Rolon.”

Kendra’s eyebrows shot up. “I hope you think there’s more to me than the way I look.”

Fridolph shifted in his seat. He grabbed a handful of chips and stuffed them into his mouth.

Kendra studied him over the rim of her glass. He seemed nervous. She needed to make more of an effort. This wasn’t just about her. Fridolph was here to find love, and she shouldn’t mess him around. She should at least show him the courtesy of getting to know him better. Kendra was not on the market but would help Fridolph find a suitable match. She would use this opportunity to interview him and find out what kind of women he liked. Then, when she got back to work, would set him up with someone amazing.

“I see you like your food.” Kendra smiled at Fridolph as he polished off a bowl of chips.

Fridolph nodded as he brushed crumbs from his fur. “I do. I also like you.”

“You barely know me. This is the first time we’ve met.”

His gaze bored into her so intently Kendra had to look away. He was creeping her out. “Rolons have an excellent sense of smell. It’s easier to smell a person and gain a sense of their character and desires than it is to talk to them. It’s easy to lie with words. A scent never lies.”

“Okay. What does my smell tell you about me?”

“That I will like you very much. You will make an excellent mate.”

“Mate! This is our first meeting. I need more to go on before we even think about getting cozy.” Aliens were so obsessed with getting naked. What was wrong with a chat over a glass of wine and some chips? It always had to get hot and heavy fast with this lot.

Fridolph sniffed the air, his top lip curling back. “We will be perfect together. Is that why you were chosen for me?”

Kendra frowned. “We have a misunderstanding here. This is just a date, nothing more.”

“Your fertility calls to me.”

“It does what?” Kendra’s breath hitched in her chest. She slowly placed her glass down and did a quick calculation in her head. Her stomach clenched as the intensity in the Rolon’s eyes grew, and a slow feeling of dread ran through her. Oh, crap, she was most likely fertile and sitting in front of a Rolon. Things were about to go very wrong.

“We need to reschedule our date.” Kendra eased her chair back, being careful not to make any sudden movements. “There’s been a mistake. We shouldn’t be alone.”

Fridolph matched her movements, his gaze running over her body as his tongue shot out as if he tasted the air. “You are perfect for me.”

She shook her head. “I’m not. If I’d have known I was going on a date with a Rolon, I’d have been more careful.” The calculation Kendra had done wasn’t a hundred percent accurate, but from the way Fridolph stalked her, it meant she was definitely fertile. If there was one thing that incensed a Rolon, it was being around fertile human women. And this one wasn’t wearing his shock collar, so there was no way to control him.

“You stay right where you are. I’ll move slowly, so I don’t encourage you.” Too strong a whiff of her hormones would drive Fridolph crazy with desire. She had to stay calm and not become stressed, or it would make things worse.

“It’s too late for that.” Fridolph grabbed Kendra’s arm. He yanked up the sleeve of her jumpsuit and licked her skin.

“Stop! I’m not here for that. There’s been a mix-up.”

“You taste like nectar.” Fridolph pulled her arm up and took a long, deep sniff of her armpit.

“Cut it out. That’s nasty.” Kendra shoved against Fridolph’s barrel chest, but he barely moved.

Fridolph grabbed Kendra by the hips, lifted her off her feet until her groin was level with his nose. He took another, long deep, intrusive sniff.

“Put me down and stop sniffing me. I am not yours.”

“You are now.” Fridolph tossed her over his shoulder, turned, and raced out of the room.

“Let me down.” Kendra thumped against his back as Fridolph raced along the corridor. He turned right and headed to the service tunnels of the station.

“I must have you. You are fertile. You can give me a child.” His voice had a gravelly quality to it as his desire grew.

“That’s not going to happen. I do not agree to that.” Kendra sucked in a breath and screamed. The service tunnels were not well-used, and there was nobody around to hear her.

“I will not harm you,” Fridolph said.

“You already have. Put me down right now.”

“I am sorry. I have to do this.”

Damn it to hell, she was in so much trouble. Rolons were unable to control their behavior around fertile humans, which equaled a sex-crazed nightmare.

Kendra was falling headfirst into this disaster with no one around to stop this muscled ball of fur from getting what he wanted.