Page 5 of The Bride Auction

Renick

“You’re not buying a person, Renick,” Arik said. “They’re willing participants. It’s like paying a dowry.”

“Oh so you’ve tried this already?” I asked.

Arik shrugged. “I’ve looked, but so far no one caught my eye, so I haven’t bid on anyone.” I narrowed my eyes. “They’re all vetted.” Arik tilted his head, his mane flopping over his forehead. “Well, perhaps not to your security needs. That’s why you need an off-worlder to make sure they don’t know anything about you and your family. How could they have any political motivations if they know nothing about you?” he asked.

“I really don’t want a bride.”

“I understand. There’s a lot of changes in your life in a short amount of time. What’s the harm in having a look? See if anyone catches your eye. There’s no commitment unless you’re the highest bidder. And you don’t have to bid - looking is acceptable.” Arik shrugged. “Might be worth it.”

“Fine. Give me your tablet. I’m not putting this on mine.”

“All right. Anybody you bid on will be under my name. Click here. Now there.” Arik pointed. “You can’t be too careful.”

“I understand.” I started looking up the next auction. “These are the females?”

The first female was a Wora, with leathery wings, jet black skin, piercing onyx eyes. “They’re empaths. She has potential,” I murmured. I flicked to the next image, this one a gorgeous Deragona, a dragon shifter alien known for exceptional strength. Long green hair flowed loose around her face, with green scales forming diamond shaped patterns across her cheeks, neck and shoulders. “Maybe.” I scrolled to see a female Klagan, known for their peacekeeper warrior males. It was unusual to see a female Klagan, especially since their males tended to be possessive. I scrolled past the Toxuks female immediately. Nothing about the yellow blobs and their poison held any attraction for me. A few Olgek females, minotaur-like creatures with rings hanging from their noses were next. If I bid on one of them, she could potentially serve as my bodyguard and my bride. I snorted, putting the communication tablet down.

“What’s wrong?” Arik asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t want to pick somebody to meet with based on looks alone.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to make a list of what qualities I want my potential mate to possess. I probably will have to settle. Some species I’ve heard of, naturally others were new to me, from different sectors, I suppose.” The open app on the tablet flashed again, showing another Toxuks female before a banner filled the screen.

Newest Auction Additions: Six Human Women the ad screamed.

Humans, I thought, rolling the word around on my tongue. From my limited knowledge of humans formed from those who served on the ships I’d been assigned to, they were intriguing; soft in all the right spots with no natural defensive mechanisms. They lacked the fangs, claws, wings and poison other species possessed. I could be her protector. For whatever reason, the idea warmed my dual hearts. Humans were known to love fiercely and with abandon. My fingers stroked the ad on the tablet. Yes, if I could afford one, my bride would be human.

Chapter 5

Summer

My hands trembled and I had to breathe through my mouth to keep from vomiting from nerves when the bus pulled into the station. I almost tripped going down the stairs. The GPS coordinates of the building blinked on my phone. I double checked the address of the building, expecting a grander place than a nondescript business office painted with neutral colors.

Before going in, I noticed a small ice cream shop with signs proclaiming everything was made with local ingredients. Though it was bitterly cold, I treated myself to a vanilla ice cream cone. I sat by myself at a high top table and watched the doors to the GBA, as if I were a detective on stakeout monitoring for signs of trouble, collecting information and processing it.

A few times, the door opened and smiling women walked out followed by some men in suits carrying briefcases. I caught a glimpse of some aliens. Three appeared to be members of the Klagan Earth Force, with their bronze horns and tell-tale white hair streaked with colors that matched their skin tone. At first, residents of Earth were apprehensive of them, but they had proven themselves true allies in the eradication of the invading Elodians. I wouldn’t mind mating with a Klagan or some of the other more humanoid species that had made their presence known to humans after the invasion.

To be honest, my nerves calmed watching people enter and exit the building. Everybody looked like they were dressed professionally as if they worked in a bank or a high-end office building. For all I knew they were lawyers sent there or who worked there to draft up the legal terms of being a mail order bride. Perhaps some were there to claim their brides. My imagination ran wild with possible scenarios. Once I finished my ice cream I gave myself another mental pep talk, then smoothed my blouse over my work khakis and headed across the street.

The plain exterior hid a modern office building with all sleek black and white marble with plush furniture that begged someone to sit. Behind the reception desk welcoming a middle-aged woman with salt and pepper hair, stood when I entered. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” She extended her hand. “I’m Lindsey.”

“Summer Hughes,” I said.

“Do you have an appointment?”

I flushed. “No. I saw an advertisement. It said walk-ins are welcome, but I do have an account.”

“Oh, you’re fine.” Lindsey’s blue eyes gleamed. “Walk-ins are fine. I can help you with anything you need. What brings you to the GBA?”

Something about Lindsey’s voice put me at ease and I trusted her immediately. “I need to help my family with money. Can you explain the process of becoming a bride to me, please?”

“Of course.” Lindsey fussed with paperwork behind her desk, explaining the process in a simple, straightforward fashion. “Before we continue on you’ll have to meet with one of our matchmakers and have a more in-depth interview.”

“All right.”

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