Page 20 of I Married A Catman

I snorted, and Kayog wrapped his right hand around his beak in that typical fashion bird folk often did to repress their laughter or to express mortification. A sideways glance at the priestess indicated that she, too, was biting the insides of her cheeks to keep from smiling.

“It’s okay,” I said reassuringly. “You did pretty good for a first time.”

Although unconvinced, he gave me a grateful smile. Still, it bummed me out a bit. I loved kissing. But my gut said he was thoroughly unimpressed by this first experience.

“Before we take our leave as we have another appointment elsewhere, let me remind you of the very basic rules new couples are expected to follow,” Kayog said in a friendly tone. “Normally, you would have a Nazhral wedding according to your customs today as well. But as your people do not have formal rituals for bonded mates, that requirement is waived. The human wedding will suffice for the Galactic Hall of Records.”

Despite being relieved to have him clarify this aspect, it still saddened me that we wouldn’t be married according to their culture. For some silly reason, it felt as if I was making a bigger commitment than he was. But then, it would make no sense for him to invent some sort of ritual just for things to be even.

“As I mentioned to you before,” Kayog continued in the same factual manner, “you are expected to consummate your union tonight. I know many find that a huge pressure, especially since you’ve only just met. But trust me, it does wonders to help bring the couple together faster Instead of dragging the tension and uncertainty of that first night for days and weeks.”

This time, I couldn’t help shifting on my feet. As I’d been celibate for a while, I was more than ready to get back in the saddle on that front. That my new husband was extremelylickable didn’t hurt. But as I wasn’t the type to get down and dirty on the first date, I expected plenty more awkwardness once we got around to it. However, the subtle but undeniable way Gaelec’s back slightly stiffened at that seriously stung.

Granted, he had a bigger burden. If he couldn’t get it up for me, we would have a serious problem. Was he even half as attracted to me as I was to him?

He merely gave Kayog a stiff nod, and I quietly imitated him.

“You are both expected to give this union a genuine try for six months. If at the end of the trial period, either one of you truly believe it cannot work between you, then the PMA will handle the dissolution as well as handle your relocation wherever you wish to go, Ophelia—not that it will be necessary,” he added smugly, making us both smile.

To my relief, Kayog didn’t bring up the part about me being able to leave the marriage before the end of the trial period if Gaelec fell back into a life of crime. The PMA contract already outlined a series of events and behaviors that would automatically make the contract null and void, especially anything related to violence or that would put one of the partners in physical, mental, or legal jeopardy.

“Last but not least, as per tradition, the Prime Mating Agency will give you a wedding gift. However, there will be a slight delay before you receive it,” Kayog said in a mysterious tone. “But expected in the next few weeks.”

“Oh, it’s not necessary,” I said with a smile.

“I know, but I promise you will be happy about it. And with this, I bid you both farewell and all the happiness in the world.”

We exchanged our last goodbyes and watched them exit the room. I peered at Gaelec to find him staring at me. It wasn’t intimidating. He looked like someone who just got home after a shopping spree and now wondered what the heck to do with all that stuff they shouldn’t have bought in the first place.

“Well, we should head back to the village. Your belongings will have been loaded in the shuttle by now,” he said in a polite tone.

“Okay,” I replied in a subdued voice.

We walked in an awkward silence back to the docking bay and straight to the section where all the small and personal shuttles were parked. He made a beeline for a dark-grey, four-passenger vessel with a respectable amount of storage at the back. Although well-maintained, it wasn’t a high-tech or recent model. As Kayog mentioned he’d been released from prison less than three weeks ago, I assumed he bought or rented a used model to be able to move around.

“That’s a very nice shuttle,” I said as we settled inside to break the silence.

“It’s not mine,” Gaelec replied, sounding slightly apologetic while taking flight. “It is collectively owned by the Pride. Our people do not travel all that much away from the village, so it’s not really required. Or at least, we couldn’t justify everyone having their own.”

“I see,” I said with a frown, my curiosity piqued. “But don’t you visit other Prides?”

He snorted and gave me an amused look. “As a male? No, never. That is unless you are trying to join them, or you want to get hunted down.”

“Oh wow!” I exclaimed, stunned. “I couldn’t find much information on the life of Prides. Most of the articles and videos about your people focused on life in the main cities.”

He nodded. “City life and Pride life are extremely different. We are more comparable to your human tribes than your industrialized countries and cities. You will not find off-worlders living among us. They come to work or do business in the cities.”

He hesitated and cast a sideways glance at me, a frown marring his forehead. “Although we possess every basiccomforts one requires, we do not have all the conveniences of a city or some of the more advanced technologies. You might find life in a Pride to be difficult.”

I smiled and shook my head with confidence. “Nah! I’m not worried about that. In case Kayog didn’t mention it to you, I’m used to rougher conditions. I lived with many tribes over the years and love learning and adapting to new cultures. In truth, big cities feel too overwhelming and cold to me. Everyone is a stranger, just rushing left and right instead of enjoying the moment. There’s something wonderful about the sense of closeness and community found in smaller tribes.”

To my surprise, instead of appeasing him, my words appeared to trouble him further. And then it struck me.

“You mentioned that no off-worlders live with the Prides. Is that your way of saying that my presence might be a problem?” I asked carefully.

My heart sank when he once again hesitated and seemed to search for his words before answering.

“Every member of a Pride is expected to contribute in some way and pull their own weight. Females are our primary hunters. You...”

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