Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor (15 page)

"I don't know what to say, it's amazing.” She glanced up at him, “So that's how

you keep your wives happy on
Arrak
,” she teased.

He grinned. “Very few will sport a
Cornoss
wedding bracelet. You will be envied."

Amber suddenly felt awkward. “What now?"

"What now,” he repeated, reaching and pulling her into his arms. “You give me an answer.” Without waiting for a reply, he kissed her.

"Your lips say yes,” he murmured against her mouth.

"If you would give me a minute, I was about to say yes."

"I love you,” he whispered, capturing her lips in a hot kiss that slammed her heart into overdrive.

"I love you too,” said between kisses.

"Are you ready for the binding words?” He stroked the side of her face, and she leaned into it.

"Yes, just give me a moment to gather my thoughts.” Her mind flashed over their possible future—traveling through time, not only on this planet, but others as well, and setting up a permanent home on his world. She was excited to see
Arrak
. Ryja's descriptions were awe-inspiring.

"Children?” Amber voiced the question that had popped into her mind. Did Ryja even like kids? Could two such diverse species even produce offspring?

"What about them?” He smiled, as if guessing her concerns.

"Can we have any?"

"Sure. Didn't I tell you our species has been intermixing for thousands of years."

"No!” She eyed him. “What do you mean?"

"Um, some explorers from
Arrak
discovered Earth when your people were primitive. They found the women attractive and had sex. Legend says they were surprised when some couplings produced children."

"You don't say.” She couldn't keep the sarcasm from her voice.

"Really. There are not too many humanoid species that can intermix."

"Oh. I'd like two kids. What about you?"

He shrugged. “Never thought about it. But my uncle Laav had twenty seven rug rats."

"Twenty seven!"

"Of course he's been married four times."

"But that still would be an average of seven children for each wife."

"No.” He laughed and counted on his fingers. “Aunt Ekas had a litter of twelve."

"Litter?"

"Don't ask.” He continued. “Aunt Marmas had five children, Aunt Nu had three, and Aunt Boo had seven."

"Aunt Boo."

"Nickname, we can't pronounce her real one."

"Are they all normal?” At his puzzled look, she added, “You know, breeding between different species."

"Oh, sure. Aunt Ekas's kids had extra nipples."

"Right, the litter one."

He nodded. “My other aunts were all similar to Earth women except Aunt Boo."

"Should I ask?"

He grinned and said, “Okay, three of the kids inherited an extra set of arms, and five have the blue skin of their mom."

"I see.” Amber couldn't even imagine family reunions.

"You know what, forget about the number of children. We'll work on that later."

Ryja unclasped the bracelet and held it above her right wrist. She nodded and he closed it. She took a deep breath. This was a big step.

One more question.” She stared into his eyes. “Are you always going to work as a historian, or will you go home and take some other job?"

"Don't worry my little adventurer,” Ryja wrapped his powerful arms around her. “We'll spend the rest of our lives studying history. Earth is interesting, but there are so many wondrous planets I'd like to show you."

She stared at the gorgeous bracelet and then up at him. “I'm ready."

"
Heart to heart, soul to soul. I am bound to you throughout our lifetime
.” He kissed her gently. “Now you repeat the words."

She did, touched by the simple beauty of them. “We are engaged now?"

"Yes, once we travel to
Arrak
, we'll have the marriage ceremony and repeat the binding ceremony."

"Oh.” She stared at his loving face. So much to think about. Ryja's home was another world. It would be exciting but also sort of scary.

"What about my friends?"

"Hmm.” He furrowed his brow. “You want to bring them to the marriage

ceremony?"

"No,” she shook her head. “I'd like to say goodbye to them, tell them what has happened to me. I don't want Brenna and Sarah to think I've been kidnapped, or that I'm lying dead in a ditch somewhere."

"Of course."

"You're not going to wipe out their memories, are you?"

"No.” He wrapped his arms around her. “You can say goodbye, and I'll even go with you.” His eyes twinkled. “Who would believe them anyway, if they do tell anyone?"

"That's true.” She hugged him back. “Thank you. I know Sarah and her husband will be pleased that my wish came true. Brenna is going to be harder to convince since she didn't know about the River Goddess."

"Interesting concept. I remember when you told me about this Goddess a few weeks ago. But you conveniently left out your own wish.” He caught her eyes, smiling. “There are planets where magic is as real as your science."

"I can't wait to explore them with you."

Picking up her hand, he kissed the back. “It will be fun.” He was staring at her and said, “Your eyes sparkle as beautifully as the
Cronoss
gems on your wrist."

Amber blushed. She was happy he liked her eyes so much, and even happier with the wedding bracelet.

She glanced over his shoulder. Good, Mica had not left the room.

"Ryja, do you know on Earth it's a custom for the man to give his betrothed a gift?” She was fudging some, but for a good cause.

"This is not enough.” He fingered her bracelet.

"Oh, of course. It's just the beloved tries to please his fiance by giving her something she really desires."

"And what could that be?” His brow wrinkled. “I've given you my heart, my body.” He spread his arms. “My ship."

She was his too. Her body, her heart, and even her will. She had to giggle though at his confused look. “I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

Ryja wrapped her in his embrace again. “Anything you want, if it's possible, I'll get it for you."

She ran her fingers lightly over his exposed chest where the V of his shirt opened. He shivered. Ryja was very ticklish. “I'd like you to take Mica to see his girlfriend."

"Has he been cajoling you?"

"Of course not.” She glanced at the android. He was listening intently and trying to act like he wasn't. “Mica's my friend, and I know how much it would mean to him."

"Are you aware that he has manipulative skills in his programming."

Amber pushed out of his arms. “That is cruel and thoughtless.” Tears gathered in her eyes.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry."

Ryja's face was stricken, probably with guilt, but enough that she calmed down. He reached for her and she resisted momentarily, but then let him draw into his arms again.

"If it means that much to you, I'll take him.” She was watching Mica while Ryja spoke. He was fiddling with dials on a panel, but he was facing them.

"Mica is my friend too. We've been together ten years."

Though Mica's eyes were down, at Ryja's words, he looked up. There was a glimmer in his brilliant eyes. Was it the light or did android's cry?

"But you owe me big for this.” He grinned.

"I don't have any money on me.” She giggled at his contagious smile.

"I'll think of something."