Page 46 of Return of the Nine

Falling head over heels for the alien ambassador wasn’t precisely a good career move.

Her com unit chirped, and she smiled as images of the new embassy came in. The Nine were sending the building down in complete chunks. The sole delay of the opening of the embassy was the landscaping necessary to create suitable environments for the members of the Nine who decided to visit.

She got to her feet and knocked on the doorframe of Ambassador Leoraki’s office. “Ambassador, the construction update is in.”

He inclined his head and smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Harrow.”

There were intercoms in the office, but he preferred to have her announce the markers of the day. She was beginning tosuspect that he enjoyed seeing her and that was the sole reason for the announcements.

With a short nod of her head, she returned to her desk and continued her education in the ways of the Nine. There was a ton of information to absorb, and she did love to learn.

Apolan watched Daphne disappear around the corner once again. Moryk and Devokian watched her as well. He cleared his throat.

“Now, you were saying that you have both chosen Gaians to pursue?” He brought their attention back to him.

Moryk nodded, the shadows that cloaked his body shifted. “I have seen her, but I am unsure how to proceed. I am not fond of the idea of seducing her first and wedding her second. It is not our way, as you know.”

Apolan grimaced. “Try to think of it as an extended courtship but draw the line at physical intimacy. From what I have been able to ascertain, the Gaians take to the courtship easily, and you do not need to tell them what your intent is.”

“Your courtship seems to be coming along.”

“I plan to take her as my bride the night of the embassy opening.”

Moryk whistled quietly. “That is a week away. Can you hold out that long?”

Apolan looked to the wall that hid his view of Daphne. “I will have to. She does not know where the new embassy is to be located, and I am sure that she will be a little upset when she finds out.”

Devokian cocked his head, “How can she not have seen it? It is right in her back yard.”

Apolan smiled, “I keep myself between her and the construction site at all times. There is a reason that she does not know where I sleep, but I have to admit that the proximity istempting.”

The men laughed at the shared amusement, and Devokian asked, “Will there be a bonding garden?”

“That is the delay. The construction is almost complete. It is the gardening that is taking the time.” Apolan kept his gaze on the wall. “It is almost complete.”

Moryk chuckled. “I hope so, for your sake.”

“Invite your Gaian to the opening gala. It will let you get close enough to mark her.”

“Our marks are not as obvious as yours, Apolan. I am not sure that I can convince a Gaian to take a piece of me inside her on a dance floor.”

Apolan laughed, “Don’t put it to her like that. They will think it is something sexual, and she might balk. Suggest that she absorb a piece of the shadow. It might sound better.”

“We can’t all simply give our beloved jewellery that links her mind to ours.”

“You know it only works if we are compatible. I have to tell you, it is exhausting to keep up with her mind. She has gone through all of our food requirements, clothing, planets of settlement and, tomorrow, she is going to work on courtship. It will be difficult to concentrate.”

“Isn’t tomorrow a rest day for the colonists?” Devokian asked.

Apolan smiled, “I believe you are correct. I think I will ask my assistant to show me the sights.”

The men chuckled, and Apolan leaned back. A day off was just what Daphne needed. She was way too tense. A day of picnics and walks in the green might just help her breathe again.

Chapter Six

Spending her first worry-free day off with her boss was peculiar to say the least.

“Are you sure that you want to spend a whole day with me?” Daphne bit her lip.

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