Page 53 of Accidentally Abducted

"It was more complex than that." Zeph's fingers trace my collarbone, leaving trails of fading luminescence. "The communicator was meant for true emergencies only. Any unauthorized usage would have been detected immediately and viewed as a breach of protocol. Such a breach could have resulted in my removal from the program."

"And that would have meant..."

"That I would never have been permitted to return to Earth. To you."

The implications sink in. He wasn't ignoring me. He was ensuring he could come back.

"So what changed?" I ask, leaning into his touch despite my lingering frustration. "Why are you here now?"

"The Council determined that our... connection represents an unprecedented opportunity." Zeph's formal tone slips in, the researcher briefly overtaking the lover. "I have been appointed as official emissary to Earth, tasked with offering you a formal position as cultural liaison for the integration program."

I blink at him, trying to process this. "Cultural liaison? What does that even mean?"

"It means," Zeph says, his voice softening again, "that you would be officially recognized as a representative of human culture to the Nereidan people. You would help facilitate understanding between our species as we begin wider contact."

"And where would this liaison work happen? On your world or mine?"

"Initially on my world," Zeph admits. "Though there would be regular returns to Earth as the program develops."

The enormity of what he's suggesting hits me. Leave Earth. Go to an alien world. Become some kind of interspecies diplomat.

"That's... a lot," I say, understatement of the century. "I mean, a week ago I was applying for barista jobs."

"I understand the magnitude of what I am asking," Zeph says quietly. "It is not a decision to be made lightly. But Jake..." His hand comes up to frame my face, golden eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. "The Council has authorized me to tell you that you would not be going alone."

"You'd be coming with me," I say, not quite a question.

"I would be your guide, your partner in this endeavor. In all endeavors, if you wish it."

The formal language doesn't hide the emotion behind his words. Through our empathic bond, I can feel the depth of whathe's offering; not just a job, not just a trip to another world, but a life together.

"And if I say no?" I have to ask. "If I'm not ready to leave Earth?"

Zeph's glow dims slightly, but his gaze remains steady. "Then I will respect your decision. The position would remain open should you change your mind. And I..." He hesitates. "I would request reassignment to Earth to continue my research. It would not be the same as what I am offering, but I would not abandon our connection again."

The fact that he's considered this, that he's prepared to stay on Earth if that's what I want, makes something warm unfurl in my chest.

"There is more you should know," Zeph continues. "My brother, Kav'eth, has been assigned to assess Derek. They have arranged for him to be in a specified location for the retrieval this time. The Council was quite insistent there be no... mix-ups."

"Derek?" The mention of my ex jolts me. "Wait, your brother is going to abduct Derek?"

"Yes," Zeph admits without hesitation. "The Council wants to verify my findings with their originally selected subject. They've assigned a different research vessel to Kav'eth for this purpose."

"Holy shit," I say, remembering Derek's text about the mysterious "international fitness ambassador program." So it wasn't just paranoia. They really are coming for him. "Derek has no idea what's about to happen."

"My brother is not..." Zeph pauses, searching for the right words. "He is not like me. Kav'eth believes in strict adherence to protocols. He will conduct the assessment with scientific precision, but without any consideration for human emotional needs."

"Your brother," I say slowly. "Is he that opposed to the whole compatibility program?"

Zeph's mouth quirks in what might almost be amusement. "No. Kav'eth is a Council member, not a researcher. He views humans as inferior and potentially dangerous. This assignment is his punishment for opposing the compatibility program. He will be clinical, methodical, and completely unsympathetic to whatever discomfort Derek experiences."

"Poor Derek," I say, though I can't help a slight smirk at the thought of my fitness-obsessed ex being subjected to alien tests by someone who has zero interest in his Instagram following. "So your stick-in-the-mud brother gets Derek, and you get... me."

"I get you," Zeph agrees, his arm tightening around me. "If you will have me."

The possessive note in his voice sends a shiver through me, reawakening desire despite our recent activities. Through the bond, I can feel his uncertainty, his hope, his absolute commitment to whatever choice I make.

"When do we leave?" I ask, surprising both of us with how quickly the decision comes.

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