Page 6 of Ulfar

SARAH

EARLIER

The shuttle is more luxurious than a private jet, with plush seating and a full buffet for each of the surrogates on board. The ladies chatter and talk among themselves, the excited tension in the air only building the closer we get to Aesirheim.

I stare out the window, trying to ignore the burning feeling in my gut. They said this would happen, but it still doesn’t make it any easier.

Vi got scheduled for the next shuttle, so we didn’t even get to ride together. We’re far from friends, but she’s the only one I’ve talked to even a little bit during this whole ordeal. Being around her makes me feel almost normal. As ‘normal’ as this whole situation can be.

But now here I am, alone and fighting these strange, primal urges I can’t explain...

I’ve never been one for large parties or loud celebrations. Not then, not now. And the closer we get to Aesirheim and my inevitable fate, the more nervous I feel. While the rest of the passengers are practically having a bachelorette party on the shuttle, I’m holed up in the back, trying to ignore the flood of hormones and get a moment’s peace.

Books have been my refuge for as long as I can remember. So I’m on my tablet looking up everything I can about this strange species before we’re face to face.

The more I read, the more I realize I might be in over my head. I learn that they are a warrior race; fierce and proud, with a powerful army at their command. Their strongest soldiers—or warlords, as they’re called—underwent special treatment and saved the planet from a war long ago. That’s why they need us, apparently. The treatment caused fertility issues among their own kind, but with a close enough genetic match...

Enter the Intergalactic Surrogacy Agency.

Enter me.

I can’t help but feel a little intimidated by the thought of being paired with one of these warriors. I’m just a librarian—what could I possibly offer someone like Ulfar?

A womb, for starters.

My stomach twists at the knowledge of what I’m going to have to do. No matter how glamorous the agency makes it sound, I won’t be following their rules. This baby won’t be mine, and it won’t be his. I’ll never see it again.

I won’t just be depriving myself of a child, but their people as well. Is it really all worth it?

I squeeze my eyes shut against the tears beginning to form. It doesn’t matter. I have to see this through.

I don’t have a choice.

* * *

At the cottage...

“And, uh, this is where you will sleep.” Ulfar’s scattered, unsure voice is nothing like the hardened warriors I read about on my tablet. Maybe they aren’t all like that.

Or maybe I made things totally weird by nearly bolting at the sight of him.

We continue the awkward dance, neither of us wanting to step on the other’s toes. Part of me—a secret part I haven’t acknowledged yet—almost wishes he would.

Because despite my hesitance, I can’t deny the intense chemistry between us. He’s a warrior in every sense of the word; strong and muscular with a deep voice that stirs something deep inside me. But there’s also a gentleness to him that’s impossible not to notice. It’s like something beneath all that steel is begging to be released; I want nothing more than to be the one who unlocks it.

The only thing stopping me is my own fear. What if this goes wrong? What if I get too attached? What if someone finds out my plan? I gulp. And what if the Syndicate doesn’t uphold their part of the bargain?

If I get caught, that’s it. I’m going to live out my days on the coldest prison planet in the system, and not even the Syndicate will lift a finger to help me.

But I can’t think about that now. I have to focus on survival. One day and one step at a time.

Which means I may as well get this over with as soon as possible, for both our sakes.

I give him what I hope is a seductive glance and step closer to the bed, focusing on the feel of my shirt beneath my fingertips. My heart pounds as I slowly strip off my clothes.

My brain tries to compartmentalize it all and wants to remain as clinical as possible, but my body’s having none of it. Once the air hits my bare skin, goosebumps rise and I shiver despite myself, a wave of unmistakable pleasure coursing down my spine.

I’m acutely aware of Ulfar’s gaze on me, even though his face betrays nothing. I can’t help but feel inadequate and inexperienced. I’ve never done anything like this before. As I drop the last article, I instinctively close in on myself, trying to cover my skin with my hands and avoiding his gaze.

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