Page 1 of I Dated the Lost Song

Chapter One

Cadence looked at therequisitions for the new broad-spectrum product launch and went through them one by one. They were holding a cocktail party in addition to the publicized launch, and everything had to be perfect. Z-Corp’s public arm was ready to release a new thermal unit that was being advertised for intimate cold winter nights, camping, or any outdoor activity that could be imagined. It maintained body heat even under heavy winds.

The shielded version had already made its way into military usage.

One more confirmation with the caterer, and everything was finalized. Her com chimed, and she got up, grabbing her clipboard and heading to the mysterious meeting with the head of the company.

Cadence left the advertising department and headed for the lift. She swiped her credentials, confirmed with an ocular scan, and then was on her way to the subfloors.

The moment that Cadence had dreaded was here. Arcady met her at the lift. Arcady smiled brightly. “Cadence?”

Cadence nodded.

“Come with me. Zera is super nervous about this.”

Cadence nodded again, and Arcady picked up on her dislike of contact. They walked side by side.

Arcady chattered, “So, you work in advertising?”

“Yes.”

“How long?”

“Eighteen months.” Cadence kept her voice low.

“You don’t like being touched?”

“Not particularly.”

“Do you know what Zera is going to ask you?”

“I have an idea. Something came up at my last annual physical.”

“You could say that.”

She nodded. “Then it could be any of a number of things.”

“You are really tall.”

“Not really. Just slightly above average, by about six inches.”

Arcady laughed.

They walked through the BDC hallway to an office where Zera was seated and looked a little nervous.

“Cadence. I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”

“I am still on the clock, so my time is yours.”

The dark-haired scientist nodded. “Right. Well, we have had a singular request, and your genome would fit perfectly.”

Cadence blinked. “I am not suited to being an escort.”

Zera waved that away. “No. This is not for an escort position. There is a badly injured agent, and he is going to die without a genetic heir.”

“He has to get a woman pregnant, or he dies?” Cadence blinked. “I think I know where this is going.”

“In order to fulfill his obligation to Aksalla, he needs to provide an heir for his family. His girlfriend had tried twice, but he makes babies with vibrational harmony. She miscarried.”

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