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“Ah, yes. I am here to see Vanessa. I am Zorak, the new Orkarian ambassador,” I explained, trying my best to follow the formalities I’d learned in my diplomatic training.
And if the receptionist thought I was here on behalf of the embassy, all the better.
“Of course, Ambassador Zorak! What an honor” she replied with a smile, clearly impressed by my title. “Vanessa is in her cubicle down the hall.”
Nodding graciously, I thanked the receptionist before departing to the elevators. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Vanessa’s face when I surprised her with this thoughtful gesture.
As I approached her office, I could hear Vanessa’s muffled voice coming from behind the door. She was likely on a call with a client, but I knew she’d appreciate the break I was about to offer her. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the big reveal.
“Vanessa?” I called gently, tapping on the door. The sound of shuffling papers followed by a brief silence preceded her response.
“Can you hold really quick? Thank you – I’m sorry, did I miss my eleven o’clock?” she asked while looking up, her eyes wide, as I stepped into her office, carefully balancing the coffee and sandwich in my hands.
“No, but you missed your ten o’clock snack break,” I assured her, revealing the lunch I had brought. “I thought you might enjoy a meal from that little cafe down the street.”
She stared in surprise as she took in the sight of her favorite sandwich and coffee. “How did you find me?”
“Your office has done some work for my embassy,” I replied with a warm smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Each day the bond strengthened its connection and the power I felt in it. “It’s like we’re fated to be, don’t you think?”
Vanessa looked alarmed, which was good – I needed a mate to be alert for danger at all times. She was also starving. I could feel her stomach growling through our bond.
As Vanessa took a bite of her sandwich, looking at me with questions in her eyes, I decided that now was the perfect time to display my affections more openly. After all, sharing a meal together was a significant part of Orkarian courtship rituals. I took a deep breath and began with the first ritual I could remember.
“Vanessa,” I said, puffing out my chest and stomping one foot on the floor. “I present myself to you as a worthy mate.”
Her eyes widened in confusion, and she nearly choked on her food. She coughed, swallowing hard before speaking. “What the fuck are you doing?” she asked, clearly taken aback.
“Showing you my dedication,” I replied, not realizing that my actions might be misinterpreted in this human environment. I continued with another ritual, reaching for her hand and placing it on my chest so she could feel my strong heartbeat. “Can you feel the strength of my heart, beating only for you?”
“Oh my gods,” she hissed, pulling her hand away and glancing around nervously. I hadn’t noticed until now that several of her coworkers had been passing by the door to her office trying to sneak in glances at what was going on. Their expressions ranged from amusement to discomfort.
“Ah, yes,” I said, attempting to salvage the situation by incorporating what I believed to be a human courtship ritual. “I have also written you a poem.” I cleared my throat and recited the verse, which detailed the beauty of her eyes and the way they shone like the stars above our home planet.
“Listen, Zorak, this is really sweet, but...” Vanessa trailed off, her cheeks flushed as she glanced at her snickering coworkers. “Maybe we could continue this conversation later, outside the office?”
“Of course, my love,” I said, not understanding why she seemed so flustered. I thought I was doing everything right.
“Hey, Zorak,” called one of her coworkers, a lanky man with glasses. “If you’re handing out food and affection, count me in.”
“Me, too!” chimed in another, smirking as she leaned against the doorframe.
“Enough!” Vanessa snapped, shooting them a glare that sent them scurrying back to their desks.
As I took in her reaction, it dawned on me that perhaps my courtship rituals were not appropriate for this setting. I felt a pang of guilt for causing her distress, but at the same time, I couldn’t deny the warmth that filled me when I saw how fiercely she defended our budding relationship. It was clear that we still had much to learn about each other’s customs, but I was more than willing to put in the effort – for her sake, and for ours.
“Vanessa?” We both turned to see a tall, thin man standing a short distance away, glaring directly at me. “What is going on here?”
She shot to her feet. “Lyle.” She shot me a panicked look and my anger flared. “Sir, it’s nothing–”
“Who is he?” I demanded.
Her eyes widened. “My boss.” She stepped in front of me. “He’ll be going soon.”
Lyle’s eyes cut to me again before he told her, “Now. He’s being disruptive.”
She nodded. “Of course.” He turned and walked away.
I tried to read her answer through her eyes. I could see she was flustered and annoyed by my failed attempts. Determination welled up inside me as I decided to show her that we were meant to be together, regardless of our differences.
