Page 6 of The Bride Auction

Lindsey led me to a back office down a crip white hallway to a waiting room. “Have a seat.” She handed me a tablet and a few papers with a pen. “Here is our questionnaire. Please fill it out to the best of your ability.”

The first few questions were basic background information, but as I continued filling it in, there were sections about my medical history which I glossed over, and another entitled ‘kinks’. It mentioned wings, tails, horns, forked tongues, scales, teeth and tentacles. I didn’t really know what to make of it, but I supposed these people were in the business of making the best matches and making sure their matches were as compatible as possible. I didn’t have much experience with anything other than vanilla in the bedroom, but I had read some paranormal and alien science fiction romance books, so I wasn’t opposed to most things. I answered as truthfully as I could, even going so far as to say unsure on a few of the weirder-to-me ones.

The last question had my marital status, and it pained me to check the box marked widow. I’d long ago decided David would want me to find happiness; he wouldn’t want me to live alone. Maybe it’s why I felt the need to leave Earth and find my mate among the stars.

“Congratulations,” Lindsay said. “All the paperwork is filled out. It’s time to meet the lawyer who will draw up the contract for the GBA. Follow me.”

We walked down the hallway where I met my first alien, and he was my lawyer. At first, I recoiled at the sight of a brawny red minotaur with wickedly sharp horns jutting from his skull. “How can I understand you? I presume you’re not speaking English or Galactic Standard.”

He smiled, an all toothy grin. “No, it’s a translator that you’ll get if you sign with us. Sit, let me explain and show you the contract.” Meticulously, he went over each clause in the contract, asking if I needed clarification multiple times, until he was sure I understood the ramifications of my decision. “Do we have a deal?” He looked me in the eye, his voice oozing confidence.

I had visualized this moment, and my brain knew I was ready for my leap into the uncertain future. Life as I knew it was over. There was no going back now. My family needed my help, and if this was what I had to do to get them that help, then so be it. I made a concerted effort to keep my hand from shaking as I reached out and took the alien’s much larger hand in mine. “We have a deal,” I replied. Now, all I had to do was walk up onto the auction block and step into my unknown future.

Chapter 6

Renick

“Did you decide yet?” Arik asked.

“No.”

“There’s some beautiful females up for auction tonight.”

“Beauty doesn't make everything,” I said. “The next auction begins in four standard hours.”

“Are you going to participate in this one?”

“I don’t know. I’m going to work out first and see how I feel at the end.” Working up a sweat usually brought clarity whenever I needed help making decisions. Stretching my muscles for a workout tended to bring a certain peace and calm to my soul. To add to my errant thoughts, I played news reports of my fathers untimely demise, the grief rolling in waves through my body. I knew I’d not properly taken the time to mourn, and suspected waves of anguish would emerge randomly.

Decision still unmade, I hopped in the shower, sweat dripping from my skin. Being around water was another source of comfort to my bruised soul. Once out of the shower, sitting on my bed, I tapped my mothers communication number into the tablet, thinking I could ask her advice.

When she finally answered the communication, I gasped at the state of my mothers appearance. She looked as if she’s aged significantly in the rotations since my father’s passing. “Have you slept, Mother?” I asked. Her skin appeared dull, no longer the vibrant blue; the spark fell out of her eyes.

“A little,” she said, her voice weary. “There’s much to do and your brothers are unable to perform the tasks.”

At that moment, staring into the azure eyes of my beloved mother, I decided to give her hope; a reason to keep living. Mates can, and often did, die soon after the other from a broken heart. Almost as if she was adrift, anchorless, in a sea of grief. Ever since I could remember she kept busy with social activities, organizing events for Father raising my siblings and me. She’d done it all - the least I could do is give her hope.

“Renick, you look lost in thought,” she said. “Are the weight of your responsibilities finally hitting you?”

“To an extent,” I said. “I have further news Mother.” Her eyebrows arched and she waited silently for me to continue. “I will not be arriving alone. My bride will be at my side. If you’re up to it please begin preparations for our bonding ceremony.”

Chapter 7

Summer

My parents drove me to the GBA office three days later. They both remained remarkably silent after the initial barrage of questions.

I lost track of how many times they asked, “Are you sure this is what you want? You’re not being coerced into it? We can make things work at home. Don’t worry, you’re not a burden to us.”

I answered every question they had with simple honesty. As my father dragged my suitcase to the car, my youngest sister, Hannah, asked the only question that broke my heart. “Can I come with you?” Hope filled her eyes.

I shook my head. “No, not now. Maybe my husband will be rich enough that you can visit me one day or we can come back to see you.”

“Don’t do this Summer,” my mother said for the umpteenth time. She helped me out of the car while Dad removed my one large suitcase from the rear seat.

My parents and I walked into the pristine foyer of the GBA where Lindsey greeted them as old friends, a huge smile plastered on her face. “A pleasure to meet you. Summer told me all about you.”

It was a lie. Though pleasant, but a lie nonetheless. “If you would be so kind as to wait here while Summer changes into a gown.”

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