Chapter 1 #3
“That is good news,” Draevan replied. “I will visit him soon. And perhaps he will wish to join my unit and serve under my command. I could use another strong warrior.”
“I would imagine that after months of traveling the galaxy as a cage fighter—and never losing a battle, I might add—our old friend will be in top form,” Feral said with a laugh. “I look forward to sparring with him on the training field.”
“I’ll bet you five hundred galactic credits that he has you on your ass in less than two blinks.”
“It’s a deal.” Feral suddenly stopped and gestured for Draevan to follow him to a secluded, overgrown area along the side of the building.
Curious, Draevan followed his friend. “What is it?” he asked once they were alone.
“I feel I must inform you that I applied for the VAMOB program myself just this morning. I expect to hear back soon. Since human women are so desperate to escape Earth, the Intergalactic Dating Agency is matching Vaxxlian-human couples quickly these days. If I’m not at training tomorrow or the next day, you’ll know why.
As soon as I receive a match, I intend to travel to Earth and retrieve my mate. ”
Draevan stared at Feral in shock. He hadn’t expected Feral, a male with a dark past and even darker, unusual skills, to apply for the VAMOB program before Draevan himself had gotten around to it. Perhaps Feral was lonelier than Draevan had thought. But Feral’s next words shocked him further.
“Lately, I have found myself quite eager to take a mate, settle down, and start a family. It’s honestly all I’ve been able to think about. I am ready for a change. Ready for a new beginning. A more peaceful existence.”
Ready for a change.
Ready for a new beginning.
Feral’s words echoed in Draevan’s head.
“I am happy for you, old friend, and I wish you all the luck and happiness in the universe in your new mating union,” Draevan finally said.
Then he paused as he gathered his courage to announce his own news, the decision he’d reached just this morning.
“I haven’t filled out my application yet, but I am also planning to take a human mate soon.
Meela needs a mother. Someone who is more caring and nurturing than I am.
Someone who is more capable of taking care of a baby. ”
Feral displayed a rare smile, then a wistful look entered his eyes.
“I think it is a good idea for you to take a mate too, Draevan. I am sure the human woman you’re matched with will adore Meela and help take care of her.
But I must speak my mind about something.
You are very caring and nurturing with Meela.
I see the way you look at her, the way she looks at you, and how she reaches for you when you pick her up from daycare each evening.
It is my opinion that you are capable of raising her yourself, and you are already doing a fine job, but I understand your desire to bring a human female into her life who can treat her as a mother would.
Meela is a sweet baby, and she deserves even more people to love her. ”
Draevan rarely found himself at a loss for words, but he couldn’t speak for several moments as he stared at Feral, stunned by the little speech his friend had just given.
Did Feral mean it? Did he really think Draevan was an attentive and nurturing caregiver?
Draevan tried his best to take care of Meela, he really did, but the effort he put forth couldn’t seem to vanquish the inadequacy he often suffered.
Perhaps it was simply that being a parent was a wholly new experience for him, one that had been thrust upon him in the aftermath of a terrible war.
But the last thing Feral had said only reaffirmed Draevan’s desire to take a human female as his mate—that Meela absolutely deserved even more people to love her.
Draevan prayed the Intergalactic Dating Agency came through for him.
He prayed they would match him with a woman who truly loved babies and was eager to take care of Meela. He prayed they matched him with a woman who was sweet and nurturing but also strong, one who could be fiercely protective.
“Have I stunned you into silence?” Feral asked with a smirk. “I meant every word, old friend.”
“I appreciate your confidence in me as a parent, Feral, and I suppose I ought to thank you for your kind words regarding my treatment of Meela. But whether I’m an adequate caregiver for her, I still believe she deserves a mother figure, and I still plan to apply for the VAMOB program.
Perhaps warrior training will end a bit early today, and I will take Meela home and finally fill out the application. ”
Feral gave a deep nod, showing his approval of Draevan’s plans.
The two males entered the arena and started the day’s training with a series of exercises and a few sparring sessions. But Draevan had difficulty concentrating and finally gave up trying. Just after midday, he dismissed his warriors, picked Meela up from daycare, and rushed home.
It was time.
Time to fill out the mail-order-bride application.
Time to find a woman to help take care of Meela.
And it was time for Draevan to finally take a mate.