Desire flowed through Solan as he inhaled Vegas’s pheromones again. Even from this distance, he could tell she was fertile. Her body was showing she was lying to him. She wanted him.

Surprise hit Solan. She wasn’t his mate. Why should he want her? “What if I don’t approve of the mate you have selected for me?”

“You will need a valid reason why you don’t approve of your chosen mate.” Vegas’s voice sounded husky. “If she is fertile, then there is no reason not to want her.”

“What if I have set my sights on somebody else?”

Vegas swallowed. “You have a potential mate on your home planet?”

“Not on my planet. I have searched for a fertile Galaxar without success.” The few remaining fertile females were for the exclusive use of retired generals. No one else could touch them unless they wanted to be sliced into tiny pieces during a public execution.

“This female would have to be a member of My Single Alien for us to match you. Has she registered an interest in our service?”

Solan watched Vegas’s chest rise and fall beneath her fitted jumpsuit. Her curves would be pleasing to almost every eye. He would like to explore them when they weren’t covered. “I am not certain.”

Vegas took a step closer, seeming to do it without realizing. “You cannot request any woman. That’s not how our business operates.”

“I expect she will want me to declare my love for her.” Cynicism traced through his words. Galaxars had no time for love. Love was a problem, not a solution. It made people do ridiculous things. It made them weak.

Vegas turned her back on him and lifted the tablet from the desk. “If you did, at least she would know you cared for her.”

When Vegas turned to look at Solan, he could see she had her emotions back under control, her breathing calmer and her cheeks less flushed. How easy would it be for him to let those emotions loose again? He wanted to test her boundaries.

“Love is not needed.”

“So you say,” Vegas said. “Tell me about your past successful relationships.”

His spine stiffened. Her words sounded like an insult. “I have had numerous successful matings.”

“I’m not talking about your one-night stands or the women you fuck and then forget. I’m talking about the emotional connections you have formed with members of the opposite sex. I want to know about those.”

“Emotions are a problem.”

“But you do feel,” Vegas said. “I’ve seen Galaxars when they are angered.”

“Anger is a positive emotion.”

Vegas hummed under her breath. “It’s useful when fighting but not when you’re trying to show you care.”

“We are never angry when we engage in combat. That clouds the judgment.”

“What do you feel when you fight?”

“I feel calm. It is what I have been created to do. If I’m not fighting, then I’m not fulfilling my purpose.”

“You sound like a cyborg.”

Solan snorted. “Galaxars are more advanced than cyborgs.”

“They have metallic components. You’re just flesh and blood. You must be easier to hurt than a cyborg.”

“Feel my flesh.” Solan extended his arm.

Vegas’s eyes widened. “Why would I want to feel you?”

“You say our genetic tinkering caused problems. But that tinkering created a tough, protective skin. It’s as if we have armor covering our bodies.”

“That doesn’t sound comfortable.” Vegas moved closer. Her fingers hovered above Solan’s arm.

The heat from her skin felt like a magnet, drawing his arm closer. “Touch me.”

Vegas gently stroked her fingers across his arm. Her touch made his cock twitch.

“You do feel different. It feels almost like leather.”

“Dig your nails into me.”

She pulled her hand back. “No way.”

He shook his head. “I’ll barely feel it. You cannot hurt me.”

“I don’t need to do that to know how tough Galaxars are,” Vegas said. “Everybody knows your reputation. You need to understand that this coupling cannot simply be about producing a child if you want it to be a long-term success.”

“Who said it needs to be long-term? Once I have my child, I will have no use for the female.”

Vegas’s eyes narrowed. It excited him to see her anger grow. There was a passion inside this woman.

“It might not bother you, but your mate will not give up her child easily. She will expect you to bond.”

“You are referring to your marriage ceremony again?”

“You don’t need to be married, but you will need to remain committed to her. The women who join the agency don’t hand over their children. Human women grow attached to their babies before they are born.”

He shrugged. “I will arrange a suitable sum of compensation for the child. My match will be able to have more. She will not miss one infant.”

Vegas’s hands balled into fists. “She will miss every child. We’re not here as baby making factories. You are here to find your mate. You are here to complete your family.”

“My match will understand. I am hoping she is not as emotionally driven as you. Unchecked emotions cause problems.”

The scowl on Vegas’s face made her no less attractive. “All humans are emotionally driven, you pig-headed alien.”

Solan checked the translator chip in his neck again. The last part of Vegas’s sentence made little sense. “You can see for yourself, my head is not the shape of a pig.”

Vegas threw her hands up in exasperation. “You see! There is much to learn about our culture.”

“I can say the same to you. My mate will need a good understanding of Galaxar customs if we are to be a successful couple and breed quickly.”

“All our females are vetted. They know what they’re going into when they sign up at the agency.”

“They are also rewarded for their services,” Solan said. “If it weren’t for our interest in you, you would all be stuck on a dying planet.”

“Our gratitude is eternal.”

Solan frowned. “I do not see the problem. You receive financial compensation, a safe place to live, clean air to breathe, however much food you require to sustain yourself, and an infant. You are given everything.”

“A second chance is always gratefully appreciated. All us pathetic humans are indebted to the advanced civilizations who want to rent our wombs.”

“Your womb is for rent?”

“No! And if it was, I wouldn’t let you anywhere near it.”

Solan sniffed the air. “I smell your fertility.”

Vegas’s mouth fell open. “You can’t.”

“You must know Galaxars have an enhanced sense of smell.”

“Of course. What I meant is, I’m not fertile.”

“You are mistaken. If I were to mate with you now, you would become pregnant.”

“You’re unbelievable,” Vegas said. “Not only are you trying to convince me that love is ridiculous, but you also think you have a better handle on my monthly cycle than I do. Believe me, I check all the time. Everyone at My Single Alien is obsessed with fertility.”

Solan’s gaze ran over Vegas. The slight swelling of her belly, the faint hint of color in her cheeks, and the puffiness of her lips all indicated she was fertile. “Check your cycle. You will see I am correct.”

Her lips pursed. “Give me a second.” She picked up the tablet on the desk.

“What are you doing?”

“Proving you wrong.”

He leaned back, watching as her fingers danced across the tablet. Her stubbornness reminded him of the females on Miran. They hadn’t always been as dominant as they were now. You only needed to go back a thousand years, and the men had led on all aspects of military prowess.

As the exploration of the stars expanded, and there was a clear need for a race to take over as protectors of the stars, the Galaxars had stepped up. There hadn’t been enough men to fill all the roles, so the women came on board. To begin with, they were given basic roles, never front-line duties. There was always a need to breed warriors.

As demand had grown for their services, the Galaxars turned to their Gods, the Science Makers. Their Scientists were revered for their abilities to cure illness, create endless supplies of crops in monitored, controlled pods, and manipulate the environment to make the harsh terrain of Miran bearable. When they’d suggested genetic modifications to females, there had been no protests. The Science Makers knew best.

As the fertility of females had declined, the Science Makers accused another God of ripping away their females’ fertility. It was a cruel attack on the Galaxars and a sly attempt to stop them from being totally dominant in the stars.

“Oh, crap.” Vegas pulled Solan’s thoughts back into the room.

“I am correct?”

She stared at him, her features sharpening. “My fertility has nothing to do with you.”

Knowing that Vegas could give him a squib filled him with longing. Solan had wanted squibs for years. Not only because it was a demand of the Science Makers to produce squibs, but it was something primal inside him. He needed to be the protector of an innocent being he had a hand in creating. Solan didn’t think he would feel whole until he’d achieved that goal.

“Let’s continue with your induction,” Vegas said, “unless you want to postpone for another day.” There was a note of hope in her voice.

“I still think a practical demonstration will be the most effective way of inducting me.” He watched as Vegas’s gaze ran over him. He resisted the urge to pull his shoulders back. She could see what he had to offer.

“What about romance?” Vegas asked.

“The dead flowers option?”

She sighed and shook her head. “No, this has nothing to do with giving a woman flowers. We could try some basics if you insist on a practical demonstration. Something safe for both of us.”

“What are the basics?”

“Do you hold hands with a female companion?”

“I hold the hand of an injured comrade,” Solan said. “Someone who is close to death. Often they appreciate knowing they are not alone.”

“Not that kind of hand holding,” Vegas said. “This is to show you care. It’s something you do with your female companion.”

“I have never done that.” The idea appealed to him, touching the soft flesh of a human.

“Try it now.” She walked closer, her hand outstretched. “Take hold of my hand.”

Solan’s brow wrinkled. Her hand bones were tiny. He would need to be careful not to crush her. He reached out and engulfed her hand in his. “Like this?”

A hesitant smile crossed her face. “Not quite like that. Link your fingers between mine.”

Solan dropped her hand and tried again. Her fingers fit between his perfectly.

“Not so hard,” Vegas said.

“My apologies.” Solan relaxed his grip. “Is that better?”

“That’s not bad.” Her fingers curled around his. Her hand was warm and soft.

“Now what?”

“Now nothing,” Vegas said. “Couples hold hands all the time. They might do it when they’re walking side by side. They could do it when they’re sitting together. It’s a way of showing you like the person. It will be a nice thing to do with your female match.”

“Her hand will feel the same as yours?”

“I imagine so,” Vegas said. “One woman’s hand is similar to another’s.”

Solan wasn’t certain. He could pick up the faint trace of Vegas’s heartbeat as her wrist touched his. It was racing faster than it should. “Are you unwell?”

She shook her head. “No. I feel fine. Why do you ask?”

“Your heart is pounding. You might like to see a doctor about that.”

She yanked her hand away and rubbed her palm on her thigh. “That’s enough of that. There’s nothing wrong with my heart.”

“You might be sick. Your color is up as well.” Although Vegas was stubborn, Solan didn’t like to think of her becoming ill.

“Let’s skip the hand holding part.”

“Very well. What else do couples do?”

Vegas looked around the room. “Well, they play with each other’s hair.”

“That sounds annoying.” Solan’s hand went to his long, dark braid. “I would not enjoy that.”

“It’s a nice sensation,” Vegas said. “I like it when a man runs his hands through my hair.”

He regarded her short chocolate-tinged hair. The color intrigued him. All females on his planet had the same black color, just like their male counterparts. They wore it in a braid tied off their faces, so it wouldn’t get in the way during battle. “Might I touch your hair?”

“If you’re careful,” Vegas said. “In return, you must let me touch yours. Women will be fascinated by your long hair.”

To touch his hair, Vegas would need to get even closer to him. He’d be able to inhale more of her enticing scent. “I agree to those conditions.”

A faint smile traced across Vegas’s face. “A wise idea. I promise you, you will like it.”

Solan raised a hand and stroked it down Vegas’s hair. The softness surprised him. Galaxar hair was much coarser. He’d once used his braid to strangle an enemy. It had not snapped.

“Run your fingers through it,” Vegas said. “Don’t just stroke the top.”

Splaying his fingers, Solan grabbed a handful of her hair. It felt like silk. He did it again, losing himself in the floral scent that drifted from the hair shafts.

“Ouch! Watch out for the tangles.”

He softened his touch. “Your hair is beautiful.” His hands curled around the strands. He pulled her head back gently, watching as her slim neck lengthened, exposing lickable skin.

Vegas’s gaze went to his mouth. “What about kissing?”

“I know about that.” Solan looked at her swollen lips. “It is something we do with our mates.”

“Have you ever kissed a human woman?”

“I have not.” He lowered his head, making sure not to break eye contact. He wanted this delicious creature.

A sexy smile tilted Vegas’s lips. “You don’t have to worry. I don’t bite.”

Giving a deep growl, Solan pulled Vegas toward him. His lips crushed against hers. She tasted of mint. But it wasn’t that that intrigued him. Her scent was intoxifying. He could drink her in all night and never tire.

The kiss intensified. His hands wrapped around Vegas’s waist.

A surprised gasp came out of Vegas, and she made a startled sound into his mouth.

Solan broke the kiss. “What’s wrong?”

“You’ve lifted me off the ground.” Vegas looked at her feet, which dangled several inches off the floor.

A satisfied smirk crossed Solan’s face. “You’re so small. I could carry you around forever.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Vegas licked her lips. “So, what do you think of kissing?”

“I approve.”

“It will be an important part of your relationship with your new mate.”

“I don’t protest about that. Kissing is good.”

Vegas rested her hands against his chest. “That’s excellent. We’ve made progress. I will get you to believe in love.”

“I’ll believe anything you tell me if we can continue kissing like that.”

“Wait!” Vegas pressed a finger against his lips before he touched her again. “You need to practise with your new mate when you meet her.”

“You misunderstand me,” Solan said. “I want you as my mate. I intend to breed with you.”