Page 21 of Alien Wants A Wife

Ilook up from the private chatroom conversation I have going on my datapad as Sorin takes the seat recently vacated by Briar. Already, the kitchen feels empty without the Females. It is a strange feeling, after so many years of there only being the three of us.

“It is my fault,” I say, making my confession. “I convinced you both to apply to LOVE GALAXY. I never…” But my voice fades away.

I had been about to sayI never should have pushed us to apply,but I cannot confess to wishing Harlee, Briar and Lydia had never come to Ril II, even now I am in full possession of the facts of their abduction.

Traitorous thoughts circle my head. I hate that the Females had no choice in coming here. But here they are, and I want with a need that is bone-deep for LOVE GALAXY to be real. After all of John Smith’s lies about willing Females, I want some of what he promised us to be true.

I want the chance to prove myself a worthy Mate. I want the chance to explore the possibility of a viable relationship between me and… Harlee?

Lydia reminds me too much of Killan.

And Sorin has already set his claim on Briar.

I think of Harlee and the way her voice disappeared along with her confidence when she learned the full extent of her abduction and John Smith’s betrayal. I think of how heartbroken she must be. Of how lonely.

Of how I could offer her comfort. Protection. A new home…

“I choose Briar,” Killan mocks, in a voice that is clearly supposed to be Sorin’s. If he remembers that we are being filmed, he pays the cameras no heed. “I choose Briar.”

Sorin grits his teeth and growls.

“Scudding fool,” Killan scolds. “And you, too, Roan, for getting us into this scudding mess.”

“Fek you.” I cross all four arms. I am not above admitting fault, but Killan knows exactly what to say to set a fire burning in my stomach. Being the oldest, he always thinks he knows best. But if we left everything to Killan, nothing around here would ever change. All our days for the rest of our lives would be identical until we died of boredom or old age.

“How did you meet Briar before the first filming?” I demand of Sorin. “Why did you not tell me so I could meet the Females early, too?”

“It was an accident,” Sorin answers.

“You wanted to keep the Females to yourself. That is why you did not tell?—”

“Listen to yourselves,” Killan interrupts. “Already sounding like stubborn fools, fighting for Mates.”

“We are not fighting for Mates,” I grumble. It is not Briar I want.

“And do not get any ideas about following Sorin’s example,” he snaps, pointing at me. “We will respect the Females’ desire to return to their home and do everything we can to assist.”

“I know that,” I say, ignoring how churlish I sound. And ignoring Killan’s order. If Sorin can claim a Female, so can I. Quietly. Secretly. So my brothers do not know what my plan is until after I have succeeded.

Harlee might not have come here by choice, but surely she can choose to stay. I need only spend these twenty days of filming convincing her that a life on Ril II with me will be a goodlife. A life of love and companionship. A life worth giving up her home for.

Once she has gotten to know me, she will not want to leave.

I stand, trying to keep my movements as unhurried and inconspicuous as possible. Killan might be my older brother, but he is not the boss of my decisions. He can tell me what to do until his face turns blue, I do not have to comply.

“Where are you going?” he demands, standing, presumably intending to follow me—or to stop me.

“Nowhere.” I shrug, stepping away from him, putting distance between us. “To John Smith’s ship. He said he wanted to interview everyone. There is no harm in me going now, is there?”

“Akh…” Killan glances between Sorin and me, clearly thinking the two of us are conspiring behind his back, although we have had no time alone together since meeting the Females. And as if I would tell Sorin my plan, anyway, and risk him getting in my way as he tries to convince Briar to copulate with him.

I meet Killan’s gaze, keeping my expression innocent.

If, after the twenty days are over, Harlee still wishes to return to her home, I will do everything within my power to make sure that happens. But, until then, there can be no harm in showing her what an excellent Mate I can be.

I take a slow step toward the staircase, inching my way out of the kitchen and away from my brothers, even as Killan points a finger toward my chest.

“Be smart,” he warns, teeth gritted. “Leave the Females alone. It would have been better for us had they never been brought here.”

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