know that.”
“You do? Why didn’t I know that? I thought at first they just wanted a one-night stand with me. And I was all nope.”
“Where have you been? Living under a rock? No, the Drokten are special because they’re virgins until they mate. All of them, male or female, never mate until they find the person who is the one they’re going to marry. It’s actually pretty romantic. It’s just that it’s um, three people in their marriage instead of two, which lots of people find problematic. I don’t, but other people do.”
“I didn’t know,” Jenna repeated dully, her voice flat. “And I didn’t read the fine print of the contract, so I didn’t know they thought I was their mate and could just whisk me away. So, they totally weren’t trying to kidnap me. They just didn’t know I didn’t fully understand the contract. And no, we haven’t had sex yet.”
“Hmm… Okay, back up. First of all, congratulations,” Jade said. “Second of all, why aren’t you excited about this? Isn’t this a good thing?”
“Don’t congratulate me just yet. It’s complicated,” Jenna warned.
“How so? They’re heroes. You’re wonderful and they’re lucky to have you. You’re all destined to be together. What’s the problem? I’d be all over that shit if I were you.” Jade paused and took a deep sip of her wine.
Jenna fumbled for the right explanation. “I feel the connection, too. I was taking it seriously. It’s just that I was worried at first it would never work out because they wouldn’t be able to accept Noah and Bea. But then they went through the bother of coming here to the apartment to meet my brother and sister.”
“Oh, that was nice.”
“Yeah, and they brought food and stocked my kitchen and hung out for a long time with us. It was sweet. We talked a lot and… whenever I’m close to them, it feels right… good. They’re easy to talk to. I want to be with them more than anything, except… I’m still worried it’s not possible.” Jenna groaned and raked her fingers through her long hair. “The thing is, Secretary Wells is blackmailing me.”
“Blackmailing you? Jenna Perry? With what?”
“Well, one of his aides got me alone today at Drokten Main and yelled at me. He told me he knew I was with Hiren and Sevith, and I had to join their crazy plan to eliminate the Drokten and I’d better spy on the commander and the ambassador for them. If I don’t give them secrets to help them destroy the Drokten, they’ll take the kids from me. I just don’t know what to do.”
“Whoa,” Jade let out a low whistle. “That’s a lot. Oh my god. I’m so sorry.”
“Exactly, it’s too much. They want me to betray Hiren and Sevith! How can I possibly do that? I don’t want to hurt them. I don’t want anybody to get hurt. And I think it’s stupid to get rid of the beings who are protecting us from the Zignill. Who knows what other bad aliens might want to take us over?”
“Right? I’ve heard of that Drokten resistance fringe-group. They’re off their rocker. I think the FBI just declared them domestic terrorists. I didn’t realize their organization went so far up the chain, though. I can’t believe the freaking secretary is part of that.”
“They’re scary. And meanwhile, Hiren and Sevith want me to complete their claiming bond and become their Oso and move in with them. But I’ve got Secretary Wells blackmailing me to give up Drokten military secrets or he’ll take the kids from me and I’ll never see them again. If I marry the men I’m falling in love with, I’ll be forced to spy on them.”
“Damn, girl…and, you’re falling in love with them?”
“Yes.” Jenna’s throat started to thicken, and her eyes stung. “Yes, I am. They’re wonderful and I just don’t know what to do.” She paused for a breather and to take another sip of wine before continuing. “And then there’s the fact that if I mate with them, I’d be leaving everything behind—everything I’ve ever known. They’ve been very clear that their objective is for us to live first on the battleship but then eventually return to their home planet. Don’t get me wrong, Sevith and Hiren took me to see the Avash and I know how amazing it is. It’s beautiful. The technology they have there is incredible. You’d lose your mind. But it’s not home for me. This is my home—Earth. My apartment. My