Page 76 of I Married Kayog
“Like any major organization, the UPO and the Enforcers will always want anything that can benefit their members, increase their influence, or give them something they can leverage later. These organizations are not saints, but beneath all the politics and power grabs, their mission remains something I am proud to associate with. So yes, they would love to receive any juicy tidbits that can serve their purposes,” Colin said in a factual manner.
“Fair enough,” I said, appreciating his candor. “And what about you?”
“I’m building a team of people who, like me, want to serve the true purpose of these two organizations. You’ve met our doctors and trainers here. Even with your empathic abilities blocked, you can see what professional, dedicated, and good people they are. You and your mate are exactly the type of personalities we’re looking to add to our ranks. You’re both highly qualified in your respective fields, truly devoted to protecting the people our organizations were created for, and possess remarkable moral values. We don’t care about politics here. We care about doing what’s right for the most vulnerable.”
The passionate way in which he spoke once more screamed of sincerity. I also couldn’t argue with his description of the team I got the pleasure to interact with here. If the rest of the staff under his supervision matched this one, then I could definitely see myself wanting to be a part of it.
“The Prime Directive is being trampled at every turn,” Colin continued with a frown. “Many of these primitive species either get taken in by those who violated the rules or develop resentment towards off-worlders in general. You could help reset the balance. In many ways, you would act as an informal ambassador and help establish more positive relations with those species. With you bringing happiness to their people, with the endorsement of the UPO, you can help us be seen as friends as they grow into their own powers. It’s a long-term game. And who better than you to provide recommendations as to how we can assist or raise red flags about current threats or existing rules that need to be revisited?”
To say he had me seriously excited would be the ultimate understatement. But still, I had countless reservations. Of all the ways this conversation could have gone, never in a million years would I have expected this one.
“You have given me some serious food for thought. But a matchmaker?” I said, my hesitation clearly audible in my voice.
He chuckled and eyed me with a smugness that pissed me off. In his mind, he had already won me over. Knowing that he was probably right made it even more annoying.
“Take the next two days to think about it, and then draft a plan for your matchmaking agency,” Colin said in a commanding tone.
“Two days?” I repeated, confused by what seemed like a random timeline.
“Yes. My firstborn son is due tomorrow. My wife will skin me alive if I’m not there—not that I would want to miss the birth of my little Tedrick for anything in the world. Talk it out with your mate and come back to me with a plan detailing everything you want. Go as wild as you deem necessary. With these things, you’re always better off asking for too much to get what you want than not asking for enough and screwing yourself over.”
I gaped at him as he rose to his feet, gave me an almost taunting nod, then casually strolled out of the room.
Chapter 16
Linsea
Sitting on the couch, my legs folded to the side, I couldn’t stop laughing at my poor mate’s dismayed expression. Caught up in my own work, I’d returned home a little later than usual to find him pacing back and forth in the living room, his emotions all over the place.
“Seriously, Lin, a matchmaker?” he repeated for the hundredth time. “In the next couple of years, you will become a big shot ambassador for the UPO. And me? Can you imagine talking with some of the most influential people in the galaxy and then introducing them to your matchmaker husband?”
“Hey! Don’t be elitist!” I said with a frown.
He stopped pacing and turned to look at me with a slightly offended expression. “I’m not being elitist. But what about your image? You know how people in these upper circles get when they deem someone inferior.”
“First off, I’m not elitist either. And judgy people can fuck right off,” I said in a tone that brooked no argument. “It doesn’t matter what career you end up doing. Mean-spirited peoplewill always find something to bully others over. During my internship, I’ve seen how nasty some people got purely out of malice. The real question is whether this is something you would like to do.”
“Pairing soulmates while getting to hang out with countless primitive species under strict Prime Directive guidelines? Fuck yes, I would love that! But the odds of me ever making successful matches are next to nil,” he said, his broad shoulders slouching.
“The odds may be slim but not impossible,” I countered gently before extending a hand towards him.
He approached the couch and took my hand, allowing me to tug him closer. Kayog settled down next to me, and I snuggled against him. Maker, I would never tire of the wondrous feel of his body against mine, the possessiveness with which he wrapped his arm around me, and especially the incredible emotions that always emanated from him towards me. Kayog literally adored me. I never imagined anyone could be this happy just being in my presence and passively make me feel worshipped like he did.
“No matter how many or few of them you manage to make, every pairing is a blessing. In the end, it is just a really fun cover for your real goal, which is to help define the Prime Directive guidelines and intergalactic policies regarding primitive species,” I said in a soothing tone.
He made the most adorable pouty expression that had me chuckling again and rubbing my temple against his.
“But I like excelling at everything I do,” he said in a slightly whiny voice. “Being content with only making a few matches isn’t up to my standards.”
“You silly male. Stop fretting so much. There’s no doubt in my mind that, against all odds, you will excel at this, too.”
He grunted in an indistinct fashion, still pouting and unconvinced. Kayog was unbearably cute.
“You know,” I said, sobering. “Colin is taking a huge leap of faith in you. The UPO is extremely picky when it comes to who gets to interact with primitive species. They did an incredibly thorough background check on you over the seven months that you were in stasis. Arafin has nothing but endless praises for you, which played a considerable part in tipping the scale.”
“Colin said as much,” Kayog mused aloud with a slight frown. “But it feels like too big of a leap of faith. After all, my emotions while getting examined only reveal a limited amount of information about who I truly am as a person.”
I hesitated, which immediately piqued his curiosity.
