I understood the meaning and his attempt to resolve my anger. Now was not a good time for me to take a mate. Thinking with my scent would cause my kingdom to fall to fellow Volardi or even the Ryba that resisted our rule. However, he was right. There were other Volardi desperately seeking a mate. The chances I would be matched were as rare as plucking a slippery pouka from the waves with my bare hands.

It will never happen.

***

Chapter Seven

PETER

I stared in the doorway while my heart pounded. The machine’s European accented voice continued. “Please report to your local Human – Volardi Relations Center at Ten o’clock in the morning, local time.”

“Uh, wait!”

I wouldn’t say it tilted its head, but it leaned toward me. I couldn’t shake off how much it reminded me of a spider about to pounce toward its prey.

Or mate.

“Don’t I have time to think about it? You know? To make sure…”

The center mass stood still while red and black metallic tentacles flailed about like reeds in a breeze.

“We gave you twelve of your hours to double check your answers and to confirm your desire.”

Damn that alcohol. Most people had to care about a hangover. I’m worrying about this.

“At several spots were thumbprint confirmations.” It paused for an electronic heartbeat. “What has changed since your sleep cycle and now?”

Nothing. That’s the trouble.

“Uh, family issues.”

“Explain...”

I wasn’t sure how ‘alive’ these things were. It wasn’t like using Human automated telephone services. They could interact like they were people... or I guess in this case Volardi. My lips pressed together, and I explained how my Pa needed medical care and we were about to lose the farm. I did my best to look worried which wasn’t hard considering the situation.

“... he’ll need me to take care of him since he’s sick... and to work so we won’t miss payments.”

I smiled back even if I wasn’t sure if that was necessary.

“Medical care and monetary compensation are well within the standard rate.”

Becky’s voice drew out as she leaned in and stared at it. “Oh wow...”

She never saw one this close or at least I didn’t think so. Even yesterday, she kept her distance.

The words were out of my mouth without thinking. “They accepted me…”

She blinked a few times before her eyebrows rose. “Seriously?” She grinned wide and shrugged. “Congratulations?”

If this multi-tentacled thing wasn’t here, I’d let her have it. Still wasn’t sure how smart it was but since it was Volardi design, I didn’t feel like taking chances.

“Well,” I said slowly. “You know how I took the test because I had questions about my... uh, possible pregnancy.”

She looked back with a smile. “Yep. Lots and lots of questions. Why you didn’t have many girlfriends, thoughts on how you might be gay. Hell, even how you looked like an Omega since you’re so short.”

Not helping.