Page 6 of Baby For The Tark Commander

Anitra smiled. “It’s an old family recipe, though the synthicator does the cooking these days.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes before Roshan spoke again. “Sarko, tell us about yourself.” His eyes were dark and probing. “What do you want from my daughter?”

“First and foremost, a family.” He made no effort to hide his desire to have a child and carry on his line. “I also want to be a good partner to Rana, to provide for her and support her in whatever she wants to do.”

Roshan nodded, seeming satisfied with his answer. “And what about your people? What do they think of this arrangement?”

“My people believe that all life is sacred, and that all beings should be treated with respect and compassion. We don’t believe in slavery or coercion, and we value free will above all else. Rearing a nestling is the highest achievement of my people. Our children are our everything.” He cast a quick glance at Rana. “Though we are still utterly devoted mates, and that’s a bond that lasts for life.”

“I’m sure Rana will appreciate that,” said Anitra, giving her a warm smile. “Isn’t that right, Rana?”

Rana nodded, her cheeks flushing. “Yes, I think it’s very admirable.”

After dinner, they sat in the living room, continuing to talk and get to know each other. Sarko could tell that Rana’s parents were still worried about her, but he hoped they would come to see he was genuine in his intentions.

“You have a lovely home,” he said, glancing around the small space. “I can see why Rana enjoys living here.”

Roshan smiled, pride evident in his voice. “Thank you. It’s not much, but it’s ours.”

Anitra nodded. “It’s a good place to raise a family.”

“I live with my friend Priya a few PODs over these days,” said Rana a moment later.

He nodded at the information but continued to look at her parents for a long moment. “I hope to make a good home for Rana on Baxa.”

“I’m sure you will,” said Anitra. “I must confess to fearing our daughter’s fate when we first heard she’d been matched.”

“I was scared too,” said Rana softly.

“And now?” asked Sarko, almost holding his breath.

She smiled. “Now, I’m hopeful.” She reached out and touched his arm. “I feel like I can trust you, and that means a lot to me.”

He covered her hand with his, feeling the warmth of her skin against his scales. “I will do everything in my power to deserve that trust.”

After a little more conversation, it was time for them to leave. Rana hugged her parents, and Sarko thanked them for their hospitality. As they walked back to the ship, Rana slipped her hand into his, and he felt a surge of happiness.

“Thank you for coming with me,” she said softly.

“I’m glad I could be there. Your parents seem like good people.”

“They are.” She paused. “I know they’re still concerned about me, but I think they can see that you care about me.”

“I do,” he said, stopping to face her. “I know this is only the beginning, but I want you to know that I will try to make you happy. I want this to be a partnership, not just an arrangement.”

She smiled up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. “I want that too.”

As they boarded the ship, he was hopeful about the future. Perhaps this could be the start of something wonderful for both of them.

***

HE MADE HIMSELF AS comfortable as he could in the captain’s chair again that night, torturing himself with images of Rana stripping the sari from her body to reveal tantalizing curves and copper-brown skin. She wasn’t a lot like him physiologically, but either the injection had modified her to pique his sexual interest as much as his affection, or she was just naturally enticing.

He suspected it was the latter. Her scent had been driving him mad since the moment he’d met her. It was sweet and spicy, with a hint of musk that made him think of the wild forests of his homeworld. And the way she moved, graceful and elegant, like a dancer.

He groaned softly as his cock hardened, straining against the fabric of his pants. He couldn’t take it anymore. He had to have her. He got up from the chair and made his way to the sleeping quarters, pausing outside the door. He heard her breathing, steady and even. She was asleep.

He hesitated, not wanting to wake her. With a soft sigh of disappointment, he turned to go back to the bridge.

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