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“It is a small thing,” Bartlek said. “The rest of him works fine. Faron is eager to please because he’s so desperate to return home. He will make you an agreeable mate.”

Faron flashed his brother a death stare. He was not weak, nor would he be agreeable with this female. He could sense her dislike. This would not be a happy match. He would not be able to couple with her.

“The rest of him is not displeasing,” Donik said as she walked around him.

“He will make you a fine mate,” Siblis said. “We have agreed you can join on a trial basis, so you can test him and ensure he is suitable for you.”

Faron glanced at his mother. He was not aware of this trial but felt relief at the opportunity he’d have to shake loose this female. Their coupling would not work. He was certain of that.

“And the payment?” Donik asked.

“Payment?” Faron said. “What is this?”

Siblis raised a hand. “It is nothing. A sweetener for this less than ideal arrangement Donik must endure.”

“By sweetener, Mother means we had to pay Donik to consider you.” Bartlek sneered at Faron, daring him to attack again.

Faron scowled and returned his stare to the wall. Humiliation ran through him like poison. They’d paid this cold, mean-spirited creature to consider being with him. He was not that much of a monstrosity.

“Give us a moment, Donik. This is overwhelming for Faron.” Siblis led him away from the group as Donik and his brother talked about the payment. “Do not ruin this by being sullen.”

“I am not.” Faron glanced over his shoulder. “You should not have to pay her to take me.”

“It is our only option.” His mother pinched his arm. “This is a Tolong female. This is something you never thought you’d have. Be grateful for what we offer you.”

Faron looked at Donik. His mother was right. He should be practical about this. It was what he wanted, wasn’t it? He should accept her.

“I didn’t want you to leave home,” Siblis said quietly.

“You don’t care about that. All you want is more grandchildren,” Faron said. “Bartlek and my other brothers are not giving you enough, so you turn to me because you are desperate.”

“Of course I want more grandchildren.” She cuffed him around the head. “I will not be looked down on because you refuse to provide.”

Faron looked back at Donik. It wasn’t so much that he didn’t find her physically attractive, although there was nothing soft or sweet about her like Kendra. It was her attitude. She radiated contempt for him. How could he get aroused around somebody who despised him?

“Her genetic lineage and fertility are solid,” his mother said. “This works out the best for everybody.”

Faron sighed. He should do what was best for his family, but how could he be with someone he didn’t find appealing? There were no other options for him, though. He’d tried with Kendra, and all he’d discovered was a feckless human who’d already moved on to somebody else. This was his future. If he joined with Donik, Faron could return home and make some sort of life for himself. It would not be the one he’d hoped for but would give him an opportunity to have a large family. He’d treat his children with kindness. He would not scar them and beat them with sharp words and fists. That was one small comfort.

The problem was, Faron had experienced a taste of what real love could be like, and it had changed him. Some would find that a weakness. He knew his family would, but he felt differently now. His time with Kendra and the way she’d opened his emotions and revealed there were other ways to be had shown him a new truth.

“Come, we will discuss the terms of your joining,” Siblis said. “You see this makes sense. This is your only option.”

Faron nodded as he joined the group. She was right. He would do this. He could make this work.

The door alert pinged again then a thumping came on the outside.

“We are not expecting anybody else.” Bartlek strode to the door and opened it.

Faron was surprised to see Kendra’s colleague, Sinead, standing outside, her breath gasping out of her and her green eyes wide with panic.

He strode over and shoved past his brother. “Is something wrong?”

“Who is this?” Bartlek asked. “This is not the human you’ve been associating with.”

“Keep quiet,” Faron snapped. “What is wrong? Is it Kendra?”

Sinead nodded. “I need your help. Kendra’s in big trouble. She’s been taken by a Rolon.”