Maxar (The Mating Games Book 4) (7 page)

“It appears some bacon is missing.” He said sternly.

“That’s Mama, she loves it and she ate some while you were cooking.”

“Shandra, you told on me.”

“You say I should be honest. It’s not like you will get in trouble like I would.” Shandra said matter of factly.

Ernie blushed again which Maxar found cute. He couldn’t care less about the bacon he preferred pancakes like Shandra did. “Since you’ve been naughty I’ll have to punish you.”

“You won’t hurt Mama, will you?”

“Of course not. I’ll make her go to bed early.”

“That will teach her. She always stays up after I have to go to bed.”

“It’s settled then. She goes to bed when you do.”

Shandra giggled clapping her hands together. “That’s funny.”

Ernie started on the dishes while Shandra took her dishes to the sink then left. Today wasn’t a work day so no one was in a hurry to get things done. Maxar helped with the dishes hoping she would let him stay once they were done. Ernie was quiet but mellow today. Maybe them catching Jerry had eased her worries or making love had sated and calmed her. It had certainly done a lot for him. He wanted to do it again and again. A bulge appeared in his pants making him uncomfortable.

When they finished the dishes Ernie invited him to take his coffee to the living room where they would be more comfortable. “I’m not sure what we should do now.” Ernie gave him a serious look.

Maxar thought he knew exactly what they should be doing and talking wasn’t necessary but she might not agree or even appreciate his opinion. “What do you want to do?” He asked instead. Playing this cool would be best right now.

“That’s the problem, I don’t know. I didn’t think I would want to get involved with a man again but you are making me question that.”

“If we aren’t involved after last night, what are we sweetheart?”

“That is another question I can’t answer.”

“Let me tell you what I want. I want to make love to you every night waking up next to you every morning for the rest of my life. We’ll add to our family so Shandra has siblings to boss or play with. We’ll live with love and laughter in perfect happiness if you only give me a chance.”

Ernie moved closer throwing her arms around him. “That was beautiful. But we still have things to work out. Where would we live? What would I do about my job? Shandra needs to know about her father. He was a good man and he loved her.”

“Let’s do this one question at a time. I agree Shandra needs to know about her father. He’s part of who she is and I don’t want to take his place but I would be another father to do the things he can no longer do. You can tell her about him, share pictures and stories. Never would I ever want to erase him from her life or yours.”

“You’re almost too good to be true.”

“Next your job is there for you if you’re willing to come back. Razar authorized a raise and improved benefits because he feels bad.”

“That had to hurt. He was so sure I was pure evil.”

“The truth showed him the error of his ways. Now about the house. This one will do while we finish building the house I’ve already begun to build. It’s a shell and together we can decide how we want it to look.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“About work, I need you Monday if you are ready to come back but there’s more. Jerry was sabotaging us on the inside but equipment is coming in already damaged. I need you to check out each piece as it enters and make a log of any problems you find.”

“You know who is doing it?”

“No, but all the damaged equipment traces back to one transport. It’s someone on that ship.”

“Now will we find out who?”

Maxar smiled to himself. Ernie might not realize it yet but the bonding process had already started. She considered them a team. “Cravr will put someone on the ship undercover. We will know by the end of the next trip.”

“I’m glad. It’s hard on everyone when we live in fear and suspicion. At least Jerry will be gone. He is gone, right?”

“He’s gone for good.”

“Thank God.”

“You did good. If you hadn’t had the cameras put in, we would have never known Jerry was up to no good. He was packed up, planning to leave that night. There was even a note he intended to leave about how working for us was too dangerous with all the accidents causing him to fear for his life.”

“That guy is a piece of work. What will happen to him?”

“He’s giving information hoping to make a deal but he will get some jail time.”

Ernie nodded. “He deserves it.”

“If his information is helpful, he’ll get less time than he deserves but we need information.”

“I understand. Thank you for telling me.”

“I would tell you anything you wanted to know.” Ernie blushed again then looked at the floor as if she didn’t know what to say. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Not wrong. Never be afraid to tell me what you need but you are so intense. I don’t always know what to say or do.”

“You make me feel things I’ve never felt before. It’s like you hold my heart in your hand. I feel the need to share everything with you. Maybe you and Shandra would like to go see the house that’s being built?” He looked up at her hopefully.

“Shandra always likes to get out of the house.” He heard a squeal come from the room Shandra was in and she came tearing out of it.

“Where are we going?” She asked excitement evident in her demeanor and a sparkle in her eyes.

“We’re going to look at a house Maxar is building. He’s invited us to come live with him. What do you think about that?”

Shandra squealed again. It must be her happy noise. “I want to go see it.”

Maxar was only too happy to take them. Moving to the door he held it open. “Come on Ladies.” He closed it after they were all out. Going to the hover car he helped them both inside.

Once he was in the driver’s seat, he got the car underway. The house wasn’t far from here since Maxar had chosen the spot with his job in mind. It was along the sea but at the closest point to the factory. Not having to follow roads shaved some time off too so in fifteen minutes they pulled in the driveway. He tried to look at it the way someone who had never seen it might but it was too familiar to see it that way. Several different rocks from the local area had been used in shades of white. Pink, and lavender. Pink could be seen as a feminine color but he didn’t care because there was nothing feminine about male Mazlans.

“It’s beautiful.” Ernie gushed.

“I like it.” Shandra agreed.

“Just follow me ladies.”

“I’m just a little girl.” Shandra said giggling.

“Let’s just follow Maxar.”

They followed him and he found he was nervous about what Ernie would think. Shandra had been easy to please but Ernie was more complicated. He led them up the stairs to the door. Opening it he let them walk following behind. It was a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life. It could take vibrant colors or neutral tones. Whatever his mate wanted suited him as long as she was at his side.

“What do you think?”

“Ernie smiled warmly. “I love it. There are unending possibilities.”

“Whatever you want.” He swore as he pulled her into a hug. “Together, Ernie. We’ll do this together.”

“I found my room.” Shandra yelled.

They followed her voice to where she was. “Honey, this is the master suite. The adults get the biggest bedroom because they are bigger and they share.”

“Okay.” She took off looking for another room. They followed behind her hoping she wouldn’t be disappointed. She found a room with a window seat that opened and had storage inside. It was one of the few built in items already in the house.

Ernie looked at him questioningly. “I had one in my room when I was young. They are nice for kids.”

Once they had toured the whole house, they went outside to look at the yard and surrounding area. “It’ so close to the water.” Ernie was concerned.

“I’ll teach Shandra to swim and to respect the water.” That seemed to ease her concerns.

“Look at that tree. Can I have a tree house?”

“I’ll build you one but you have to wait until the house is done.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Maxar smiled. He’d noticed his mate had been trying to get Shandra to use the
magic
words, please and thank you. It looked like her lessons and reminders were taking root. “You are welcome.”

They walked around for a while before it was clear Shandra was tiring. That’s when they decided to head back to Ernie’s house. Once they arrived, his com pinged. It was Razar.

“Hello?”

“I’ve discussed you mating with Dad and he wants to meet her before he approves her. She’s met everyone else except Mom and Dad. They’ve invited the three of you to supper tonight.”

“Let me see if she’s willing to go. We had a busy day today.”

“I bet you did.” Razar replied with a snicker.

Maxar ignored his teasing. “Ernie?”

“Yes?” She appeared from the kitchen.

“My parents have invited us to supper. Would you like to go?” Ernie rung her hands together. It was cute that she was nervous and it showed she cared. Still he hoped she would go.

“Um, yes. I guess so. What about Shandra?”

”She’s invited too.”

“Okay.” Maybe Shandra used that word so much because her mama used it?

“Razar?”

“I’m still here.”

“She said okay.”

“I’ll let Dad know. Don’t be late.”

“We’ll be there.” Shandra was napping but they needed to get ready. “Supper at Mom’s house is in an hour.”

“So early?”

“Most of us are in the habit of getting up with the sunrise. Mom would fix supper early so we had time to hunt, fish, or roughhouse before bedtime.”

“I’d best hurry.” She raced off to get ready and about half an hour later she came out. She had struck the balance between casual and dress up. Black slacks molded her lower body giving him wicked thoughts. A pretty top, black also but with a colorful design showed a hint of cleavage. Her boots had short heels so it wouldn’t make it hard for her to walk. Maxar had seen pictures of stilettos and he couldn’t imagine a female walking in them though he would admit they looked sexy.

Since she was ready he went to get Shandra. He let her sleep just picking her up and carrying her. The little girl was just worn out. They loaded into his hover car which he started and took off for home. He and Ernie would soon have a home together but this would always be home too.

“Do you think they’ll like me?” She asked quietly.

“They’ll love you. How could they not?” She took a deep breath but didn’t answer. His mate was nervous and he’d probably never understand how much because she had no family for him to meet. He reached over to grab her hand squeezing it lightly in support. Every step of the way he would be by her side. “We’re here.”

He felt her shiver. Her nervousness had just increased. After her encounter with Razar it wasn’t hard to understand that she’d be concerned. Hopefully Lista would be there too and she would help ease Ernie’s way. Lista had been nothing but a champion for Ernie’s cause. Razar was there so hopefully he wasn’t alone.

Maxar got Shandra out of the car carrying her to the door as Ernie trailed behind. Ernie knocked on the door when they got to it. Razar let them in looking a little bit sheepish around Ernie as he should. No one said anything, but they would have to come to terms with each other eventually since Ernie would be Razar’s new sister. He laid Shandra on the couch as she continued to sleep. The house was full, most of his brothers were in attendance.

“Son, introduce me to your friend.” The word was carefully chosen not to imply any particular relationship. He had to believe his father would see Ernie was the one for him. Nothing, not even family would change that.

“This is Ernie. Ernie this is my father. Shandra is on the couch.”

“Well nice to meet you Ernie. Come into the living room where you can sit down until the food is on the table.” Maxar tried to get a feeling for what his dad was thinking but couldn’t. They sat down beside each other and Maxar pulled her up against him with his arm. It was obvious he was staking his claim.

It wasn’t long before the food was served and everyone sat at the table. Conversation flowed but Ernie was quiet and Shandra still hadn’t woke. Supper was usually a fast meal everyone eating quickly so they could go to some activity or another. This was no exception. One by one his brothers left until only his parents, Razar, and he and Ernie were left.

“Where is Lista?” Maxar asked.

“I don’t like her leaving home right now. She’s been ill.”

“In other words she wasn’t invited?”

“There was no need for her to be here.”

Maxar gave Razar a hard stare. “Why don’t you help me with the dishes, Ernie?” His mom asked. As soon as the females were gone the discussion started.

“It’s not our way son.”

“The old world is gone. It’s time for new ways on a new world.”

“It’s not that easy. Certain things must be observed. If you object to the hunt, you must still go through the ceremony to be sure you are well matched.”

“What else?”

If the ceremony proves you incompatible, you must give her up.”

“What I feel is too strong. I think I would go crazy.”

“If that is true, the ceremony will only confirm it.”

“Alright. When do you wish me to do this?”

“Tomorrow. Why wait?”

“Okay.” Maxar knew there was no point in delaying or arguing. His dad would have his way in the end regardless.

They stayed until Ernie had helped his mom finish the dishes and Shandra woke up and ate supper too. After that they headed home. “Did I pass inspection?” Ernie asked.

“They weren’t testing you.” Technically that was true. What his dad was doing was negotiating for their relationship to be tested by the priest at the temple.

“I’m not a fool. Something was going on there.”

“We have a certain way we choose our mates. I don’t want to do the hunt. He said I didn’t have to as long as we go through a ceremony at the temple tomorrow.”

“What kind of ceremony?”

“It isn’t anything scary. They’ll cleanse us and give us a drink. We’ll be together and it will show us if we’re right for each other.”