Page 28 of Princess for the Space Cowboy

We reach the ship, and it’s all business as we get on board.

Chapter Twenty

JANE

I’ve already told Helena and Asher that it’s important for the women coming with us to get a debriefing on the ship so they can be prepared when we land on Aphroditea. Helena has arranged for a conference room on the ship to be made available. It’s very utilitarian, like the whole ship.

Helene leaves me with the four women, gesturing toward me before she departs. “This is Princess Jane. She will help you prepare for what happens next.”

I smile around the women. We’ve selected Nadine, Anna, Beth, and Emma. Even if she doesn’t fully grasp what it means, Nadine is already matched. I recognize the look in her eyes. They are wide and swirling with a combination of anticipation and uncertainty.

So are the others, but they have yet to experience that feeling of meeting their mate. I can’t even believe how experienced I feel. I’ve only been on my new planet for a few weeks. Even if it’s still all fresh and almost shocking, I do understand what it must be like for them.

I look among them. “How do you feel?” I begin.

One of the women clasps her hands together, her thumbs twisting nervously as she looks among the group.“Overwhelmed. I can’t believe I did this. When I saw the ad, I thought it had to be a scam.”

“I thought it was a joke when I saw it,” I agree. “I applied anyway because Earth is dry and hot.”

“And the women are treated like shit,” another woman chimes in bluntly.

“We have very few opportunities there. I promise you Aphroditea is much better for us. They revere women there,” I add.

Nadine glances from me to the other women. “So, um, what was that thing with your husband when he said I would marry?”

“He believes you are experiencing a infinity pulse with Kayden. It’s intense, isn’t it?” I prompt.

She takes a deep breath, letting it out in a shuddery sigh. “Yes. But he didn’t say we would marry.”

“Give it time,” I offer encouragingly. Asher had seemed confident about it, but I’m still getting to know Kayden.

“What’s the planet like?” another woman asks.

“I imagine it’s a bit like Earth used to be. There are mountains and lakes and sunshine and rain. The sun there is not as hot and bright as Earth’s sun.”

Another woman asks, “What if we don’t mate with someone?”

“I’m confident you will.”

Nadine drums her fingertips on the table. “Why do they need women there?”

“Every year, they have a festival in honor of women. Two years ago, a large space storm during the festival killed many women. As a result, far more men than women now inhabit the planet. It’s a concern because they need women for families. They have mated with humans for centuries. Asher and his kind are all descended from cowboys who traveled there from Earth several centuries ago. They have evolved since then.They’re taller and stronger, and their skin is scaled and bronzed. Genetically, they can mate with humans. It makes the offspring stronger than either species individually.”

“Oh, well, that makes sense,” Nadine replies.

“So we’re not just going to be there by ourselves if we don’t meet someone fast,” Anna prompts.

“Of course not. You’ll be staying together so you don’t feel alone. The planet’s environment is much better than Earth’s. You’ll be safe,” I assure them.

The women pepper me with other questions. I answer as many questions as I can and ask Helena and her assistant for more information. It’s not too long before we land on the planet.

I’m surprised to feel a sense of relief inside. It’s amazing to me how quickly this place has come to feel like home. I’m excited to be here and feel safe with Asher again.

Chapter Twenty-One

ASHER

Jane glances over at me. “Wow,” she says.

---