He sat on the bed and I inhaled deep. I had plenty of insults over the years. Always something about me being a gay man. And yet, questions aside, I was more than that. This wasn’t just a sexual situation. It was mating. Just like on the farm. I was fertile in every way that mattered, and a virile man was on a bed next to me. This was a man who could impregnate me.

This should have worried me. Instead, I found myself looking at his carved muscles. Despite his alien nature, he was a man’s man. The type that would put most humans to shame. Definitely masculine. Anyone that thick had to be. And yes, he was attractive. Anyone gay or straight could see that.

“The only way to leave is for you to accept me as your mate. We would then leave, and I could return to my kingdom. This would solve my problem.”

“And me as your husband... uh, Bond Mate.”

“Well, yes. You aren’t... unpleasant to look at. I wasn’t looking for an Earth Omega.”

“Nor I a Volardi male.” Or any male.

We both frowned in unison. “Is there anything I can do to get out of this... I mean the whole thing?”

I let the question hang while he got it. “For practical purposes, no. There is little chance they would not pair you up with another, if you refuse me. There is too large of a need for Omegas. Although… we are a practical people. If you are ill-suited, there may be a sliver of hope for you.”

“Like what?”

“Medical illness for yourself or family. However, you are healthy.”

My eyes widened. My Pa was sick although his treatment was part of ‘The Standard Package’. I didn’t have time to check on him, but he was sick. Certainly, wouldn’t wish an illness on my Pa, but it was already there. I might as well use it.

His lips thinned while I explained the situation.

“You would have to travel to the surface. Most humans – barring government representatives are not allowed on Volardi ships. Hence they would allow you to travel.” He leaned forward, and I got the feeling he was hinting at something. “Your parent would have to state he is not feeling well. At that point, I could speak to several Volardi I know. They could revert your changes with a minimum of incident.”

“Would I be free?”

“Yes, Human. If we succeed, you would be free as I’m sure you want.”

My nostrils flared, and I inhaled something that smelled like rotting vegetables. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he almost sounded sad at the thought of me leaving.

“Again, the other thing that would skip the monthly wait, is for you to pick me as your mate now. You would then be considered Volardi. Yet I’m sure you will not do this. Hence, we would be forced to wait and do nothing. I have no desire to endure a month away from my duties. I suspect the same for you.”