Page 12 of His Brazen Bride

She shakes her head. “No, it can’t.”

I press my lips together and pull her into a quiet place nearby. Gwen’s put me in a surly mood. “What is it?”

“It’s about Gwen,” Xi says, biting her lip.

“What about her?”

“She’s your”…Xi cringes as if anticipating my response…“mate.”

I rear back as if I’ve been punched. “What?”

“The feelings, Ryz. They’re telling me she’s your fated mate.”

I shake my head. “Nonsense.”

“No. From the moment I walked into the room and saw her, the knowledge came crashing over me.”

I roll my eyes. “You know I don’t believe in that foolishness.”

She huffs. “I knowyoudon’t, but the people of Ydris do, and I have… an idea.”

There’s a gleam in her yellow eyes, and despite my feelings concerning her so-called oracular gifts, her “ideas” have never steered the Urralix family wrong up till now.

“Okay. How about you tell me and Zadren this idea?”

She smiles, and we head to the control room where Zadren is monitoring the screens.

“Commander,” he says, his blue fist going to his chest in a Ydris warrior greeting. “Xi,” he continues, bowing low to her, his tall onyx horns nearly touching us. So often I forget he’s an Ocrevv, a species notorious for their nefarious dealings. He came to me long ago, renouncing the ways of his people and wanting a position. I took a chance on him and have never regretted it. I would trust him with my life.

I quickly update him with the information Gwen gave us.

“I don’t like the sound of that,” he says. “The dealings of the dark markets usually stay hidden. Whoever is behind it is getting much too bold.”

“Agreed,” I admit. “Unfortunately, we’re not in a position to do anything about it.”

Zadren’s chest rises and falls. “I know.”

“Also, Xi has told me the Earth female, Gwen, is my fated mate.”

His eyes go wide, and he turns to her. “Truly?”

She nods. “I haven’t been able to feel anything else since the moment I saw her. There’s something about her. I’m positive.”

“Fascinating,” he says, and glances at me. “I’m assuming you don’t agree, Commander.”

“Not in the least,” I answer with a sigh. “But she insists she hasan idea.”

Zadren rests his hands on the console beside him. “I do love Xi’s ideas.” He smiles her way and my sister blushes, her cheeks taking on a dark blue hue.

She’s had a crush on him forever.

“You won’t like it,” she finally says to me.

“I’m still willing to hear you out.” I turn to gaze out the large window to the valley beyond. The planet’s in bloom and the flowers are striking.

“Marry Gwen,” she says quickly.

I choke and start to cough. Zadren pats me on the back.

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