Page 30 of Revealed

She glanced at me and smiled. “Hi!” Then something flickered across her face. “Was I supposed to send you something or meet with you? Did I forget to authorize something?” She ran a hand through her long, brown hair. “I’m sorry. I’m not getting a lot of sleep lately with the baby.”

“No,” I said quickly. “You didn’t forget anything, but I did want to talk to you.”

Her shoulder sagged and her smile widened again. “Okay, what’s up?”

As many trips to Earth as I’d taken, I was still caught off guard by humans’ casual way of speaking and their figures of speech that meant nothing close to what you would expect. I fought the urge to, indeed, look up, although I was familiar with that expression. “I would like to volunteer to lead the on-planet coordination for the volunteer tribute bride program. Or be involved in some way.”

Her brows lifted as she eyed me.

I gave her what I hoped was a charming smile. "Who better than a former procurer? I know Earth, I know the challenges we might face, I understand human women.”

As much as one could understand the baffling creatures, I wanted to add but wisely decided against.

She studied me for a long moment, and doubt flickered through me. Then she nodded. “You’re right. Your experience makes you a real asset.”

“Thank you.” I almost released a heavy sigh of relief, but I stopped myself. I didn’t want her or anyone to think that I had ulterior motives for going back to Earth. Even though we were now taking more tributes from Earth, I was walking a dangerous line by pursuing one for myself.

Mandy slid her gaze to a device in her hands. “You’re in luck…”

“Maxxon,” I told her, my cheeks warming at the realization that I hadn’t introduced myself.

Recognition flickered behind her eyes. “The procurer who was trapped on Earth during the battle. I heard about your adventures.”

Notallabout my adventures, I thought as I nodded.

“Well, Maxxon, we have a transport returning to Earth right about now, so if you’re ready to get to work, you’re welcome to hop on it.” She waved at a vessel with its ramp down and engines already humming. “Good luck.”

I gave her a quick bow with my head before a burst of laughter drew both of our attention. Serge had rushed up the transport ramp as soon as it had touched down, and he was now waving at a group of newly arrived women to follow him. Their excitement was palpable as the volunteer tributes smiled and peered around the hangar bay with expressions of wonder, a stark contrastto the expressions of shock I’d grown accustomed to when I’d returned with tribute brides.

Despite his small stature, Serge was unmistakable in a shimmering turquoise suit that seemed to change color with every movement. He gestured wildly while explaining something to a tall blonde tribute, his purple hair standing straight up in short spikes. Reina, her blue swirl of gravity-defying hair swaying with each step, was guiding another cluster toward the wide double doors, her chirpy voice audible even over the din of the hangar.

The enthusiasm of these women was a good sign, wasn't it? If these volunteers were so excited to be here, surely Allie would want to come. I'd tell her that she was more to me than just fun with no strings attached, that I couldn't stop thinking about her, that I—

I cut off my runaway thoughts with a hard jerk of my head as I spun around to the departing transport. First, I had to find her. I had to see if she even wanted me.

A sick feeling settled in my stomach. What if she didn't want me? What if I was making a colossal mistake? The thought of her rejecting me, of seeing shock or worse, pity, in her eyes, made me want to turn around and forget the whole crazy plan.

"Maxxon!" A familiar voice boomed over the chattering women and clanging tools.

I turned to see Torven and Dakar approaching. As usual, Dakar was grinning and Torven looked like he was ready to challenge someone to a fight.

Dakar clapped me on the back when they reached me. “Heading back to Earth?"

Torven grunted, his perpetual scowl deepening. "Why are you going back? We don't need to snatch women anymore."

"I'm helping with the volunteer program.” I fought the urge to drop my gaze under the Drexian’s scrutiny. "On-planet coordination."

Torven grunted again and stomped up the ramp into the transport without another word.

Dakar laughed and shook his head. “Don’t mind him. He’s just grumpy to have to leave his bride again. He’s a Drexian besotted, but don’t dare say that to him.”

The thought would have never crossed my mind.

As Dakar and I started up the ramp behind Torven, another transport burst through the wide-mouthed energy forcefield and landed faster and with less grace than usual.

“Heavens to Betsy!” Serge's shrill voice cut through the noise as the ship powered down. "Now there are too many brides! How am I supposed to keep up? I'd need to clone myself!"

“Heavens to Betsy?” I muttered.

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