Page 2 of Alien's Heart
“He means a black widow. It’s an Earth arachnid that eats its mate.” How Geral even knew about black widows, Ruth had no idea.
Her friend gasped. “He’s gone too far. Show this to the authorities.”
“The cameras were all taken offline. I don’t have proof it was Geral.” But she knew. He had a grudge against her since she inherited his father’s property. Yes, the professor’s health had been poor, but she hadn’t known that he changed his will.
Her sudden windfall set tongues wagging in town. She knew what they said about her. Or rather what Geral said about her. That she came from Earth to this planet, to this small rural community, for the sole purpose of robbing an old man. She used her strange human powers of seduction—she really wanted to know what those were supposed to be because she was the least seductive person she knew—and caught the old professor in her trap.
She worked for the professor. That was the extent of their relationship. His research intersected with her interests, and she respected the man. He was a mentor and almost a friend. That was all.
Now she had…a farm that made more work than one person could ever do on their own. An obligation to finish the professor’s research. And an entire community that hated her.
Some inheritance.
“I don’t even know why he’s so bothered,” Ruth said. “He never expressed any interest in the farm while his father was alive. And honestly, the land isn’t worth that much. It’s not like I stole a fortune from him.”
“He is a spoiled kit, throwing a tantrum.”
Yeah, but this was more than a tantrum. This was something far more insidious. Geral had been at the house last night, outside her door, and she had no idea.
Rather than share her unease, Ruth unloaded the rest of her purchase. In addition to the cleaning solvent to remove the paint, she had her regular shopping list.
“You should not be alone,” Serene said, scanning the rest of the items.
“I tried hiring a farmhand. No one’s interested,” Ruth replied. The wage she offered was more than generous, including room and board. There were always farms needing labor and usually enough people to fill the positions. Still, not a single person applied. “Geral’s turned the town against me.”
“Hire someone from out of town.”
Ruth’s shoulders slumped. That was the obvious solution, but just the idea of advertising and scheduling interviews exhausted her. She already needed more hours in the day just to maintain the farm, forget about interviews and background checks. “Is there an agency that can do this for me?”
Serene’s entire body perked.
“Oh, no,” Ruth said. She knew that look. That was the look of trouble.
“Oh, yes,” Serene replied. “I have the best idea.”
“Serene, no.”
“Ruth, yes. You are about to be amazed. Prepare yourself,” Serene said in a grandiose voice. She reached over the counter and pulled Ruth to her, the countertop digging into Ruth’s gut. Serene waved a hand, the tips of her claws catching the shop’s light. “You need a mate,” she announced.
“Oh, hell no.” Ruth pushed away. “I am not marrying some random dude.”
“Why not? You’re an attractive female. A matchmaking agency will find you a mate who wants to work the farm and plow your fields.” She winked, and her ears twitched with amusement. “Is that not the correct euphemism for sex? I know humans are very prudish.”
“I’m not prudish,” Ruth protested, knowing this was the wrong move. No matter what she said, she’d come off sounding up tight and in desperate need of getting laid. Which was accurate, but none of Serene’s damn business. “It’s a terrible pun. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Oh, the shame on my family is immense,” Serene agreed in a good-natured tone. “If you do not like the idea of mating a stranger, I have a cousin—”
“Tell me more about this agency,” Ruth said quickly. Serene’s cousin was probably a lovely person, but if they didn’t get along or the romance soured, she didn’t want that to ruin her relationship with her only friend.
“This is a good decision,” Serene said.
Somehow, Ruth doubted that.
Nox
Nox leaned against the counter. He flashed his most charming smile. He could be extraordinarily charming when he put his mind to it, and if the target remained immune, he had enough credits to sway the noblest of hearts.
What was the point of wealth if he couldn’t use it to get his way? His cousin always said his willingness to compensate for his terrible personality was his best feature. She said it in jest, of course, as his sparkling personality was his best feature. It was known.
