Page 22 of Alien Protector's Mate

“You,” he confirmed. Then he smiled, amusement in his green eyes. “Unless you’d prefer the shuttle, of course?”

She arched an eyebrow. It was a job, which meant a legitimate reason to stay on the station. Which… seemed too good to be true, and a lifetime of disappointment had taught her that something that looked too good to be true often was.

“Why?” she asked, unable to keep the suspicion from her voice. What was his deal? What game was he playing? “Why would you help me?”

His expression softened, just for a moment. “Because everyone deserves a chance at a better life. Let me be that for you.”

She searched his face, but his expression didn’t alter.

“I…” she began but then stopped. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. It couldn’t be any worse than that she’d been through with the Morgans surely? “What would the job entail?”

“Mostly data entry and organization,” he explained, stepping closer as the crowds on the promenade around them thickened.“My work generates a significant amount of information that needs to be processed and filed. Your familiarity with human languages and writing systems would be invaluable.”

She nodded slowly. It sounded simple enough.

“Where would I live?” she asked, hating how small and vulnerable her voice sounded. She cleared her throat, trying to pitch it lower again. “I mean, I don’t have any credits for housing.”

He frowned, his expression thoughtful.

“We have quarters available for program staff,” he said after a moment. “They’re not luxurious, but they’re secure and comfortable. You would have your own space with access to communal facilities. I’d have to apply for them, so we’d have to figure something out for the next few days, but it can be done.”

The idea of having her own space, somewhere safe and private, was almost too much for her. A lump formed in her throat and she blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. She couldn’t cry. Not here. Not in front of him.

“Sounds too good to be true,” she grunted, glaring up at him suspiciously. “What’s the catch?”

His massive hand clapped down on her shoulder, the weight of it surprisingly comforting.

“No catch,” he said. “I assure you this is a genuine offer. The work may not be glamorous, but it is important. And will give you a purpose on the station.”

“Okay,” she said, squaring her shoulders and meeting his gaze. “I accept. Thank you… for the opportunity.”

He nodded, and she thought she saw a look of approval cross his features.

“Good,” he said. “Now, let’s get you settled and introduce you to your new responsibilities. This way.”

She turned and walked with him down the promenade, the crowds parting before them when they saw S’aad’s tall figure approaching.

“I never asked your name,” S’aad said suddenly, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

“It’s, uh, Jared,” she said, thinking quickly. “Jared Ash… field. Most people call me Jay.”

“Well, Jared Ashfield.” S’aad nodded. “Welcome to your new life aboard Devan Station.”

8

He had no idea why he’d offered the scrawny human boy a job and a place to stay.

As they walked, S’aad studied the human walking beside him from the corner of his eye. Jay was diminutive, his slim frame and delicate features marking him as a youngling. S’aad shook his head, trying to figure out what the wave of protectiveness that washed over him whenever he looked at Jay was about. It was odd.

He’d only met a few human males, and he hadn’t reacted this way to any of them. But then, theyhadall been fully grown males, and if he was honest, he was half-convinced their DNA had a higher-than-average level of Latharian in it anyway. They just looked a little shorter than the average warrior.

He cut a glance at Jay again. Jay was a different matter. He was way too slender and slight to have practically any Latharian DNA and appeared entirely human. It must be because he was so young. As young as S’aad had been when he’d been forced to leave home for the first time.

“You can stay with me until we can get you registered with station administration and they assign you quarters of yourown,” he said, keeping his tone even and unthreatening. The last thing he wanted was for the young human to think he had ulterior motives like many of the predators that lurked on the station.

“I’m lucky,” he continued talking, covering the silence from the little human as he paused in front of the door to his rooms. “I actually have a two-bedroom quarters. Most unmated warriors only rate a single room, but this was the only available unit near the mate program sector when I transferred here, so they lodged me in this larger space.”

Standing back so as not to crowd Jay, he gestured for the human to go first.

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