Page 24 of Invasion of Sorority Z

The thought fills my chest with a kind of hope I have long lost. Does Stee-vee see me as more than a powerful companion?

Her small and pale throat bobs. “I guess it’s a little unconventional, sure. We’re different species, but are we really so different? If being together could make both of them happy, shouldn’t they at least give it a try?”

“I believe they should. Rem has been gifted with the chance for love that many believed he would never achieve. It would bring many of us great joy to see him with such a thing.”

Her brows draw close. “You thought he would never have a mate? Because of the lack of females on your planet?”

“In part,” I say carefully. “Women of Aprix are not like the women of your clan. Their interactions are not filled with smiles and laughter. They do not find joy in humor or teasing. Most are very serious in nature.”

“Oh.” Her lips turn down into a frown. “So they don’t like Rem? But he’s so sweet…”

“Doyoulike Rem?” I ask, trying not to shout. “You sing his praises very often.”

She snorts with a joyful laugh. “Rem is great, but I don’t want topursuehim. He’s a good buddy, and I think he’s just what Sarah needs.”

I grunt in agreement. The silver-haired one would make a fine match for Rem. He already views her with stars flashing around his eyes. “What doyouneed?”

“In a man?”

No.Not a man. An Aprixian. But I do not say this. “In a mate,” I correct.

Her cheeks tinge with more pink for me and her blunt teeth sink into her lip. “I never really gave it much thought. I guess, I just want someone who values me. Someone that is interested in spending time with me and doesn’t take me for granted. Mutual respect and mutual desire are what build strong relationships. My grandma used to tell me that.”

She demands so little in courting? Does she not know how many lengths an Aprixian male would go in order to win her favor?

“This is all?”

“Well, yeah.” She twirls her fingers in her lap. “What about you? What are you looking for in a mate?”

You,I long to say. Stee-vee is what I wish. “I do not believe I will ever have one.” The Mother has not given me many gifts, and I do not believe she will grant me many more. I was able to provide for my planet. I do not delude myself into believing I am worthy of more.

“Can’t you just pick someone? Even if your soul seed doesn’t choose?”

I nod stiffly. “Many Aprixian do this, yes. But it is a suspicious kind of match to have.”

“Suspicious?”

“If your soul burns bright for another, you know that they are yours. If it does not, you cannot trust why they wish to be with you. Do they seek your attention for your glory or foryou? It is impossible to tell until it is too late.”

Stee-vee finds this troubling. “That sounds horrible. Don’t people ever just date because they like one another?”

“Many females have told me theylikeme,” I grumble. “They do not like Marrec because he is Marrec.” Few Aprixian do. “They like my medals and my name. Some have askedThe Motherto make their seeds light up for me, because I will be worthy of showing off. So, no, I do notdate.”

“Oh, Marrec.” She sighs, taking my hand. It is a breathtaking feeling. “I’m sorry. There are people like that on Earth too.” Her little thumb drags over the top of my knuckles. “Well, those Aprixian women don’t know what they’re missing out on. I like you for you. I don’t care about some silly medals. I liked being near you before I even knew about that.”

She pauses and then continues. “I like that you’re naturally protective, and you make me feel safe. I like that you pet Ch’ta even if he’s bothering you. I like how you listen and how you make me laugh. You’re a great male, Marrec.”

This is… I do not have words. She speaks so freely of her emotions, so genuinely. She is correct, as well. The hu-nims know not of the true caliber to my fame. They care not of battles won, nor blood shed. They seek only for our presence. It is true that we make them feel safer than they once felt, but this is hardly a cost. It makes our souls feel just as content as their own. Protection is in our blood. In the very fibers that make up our cells.

Offering a teasing smile, she adds, “You are also nice to cuddle with.”

“Your words touch my heart with gentle hands, Stee-vee. No hu-nim nor Aprixian are better than you, to me.”

As if suddenly becoming nervous, she fidgets in her seat. “I promised the girls I would sleep in the house tonight. Are you going hunting? Or will you come with me?”

“I will come with you,” I say without consideration for the other option.

She smiles brightly. “Cool.”

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