9781631053283HeartsLastChanceMichaels by Kenzie Michaels Page B

for I don’t intend to let you get away.” Brock curled
his arm around her waist as they went back downstairs. “Relax and be yourself.
They don’t need to know every intimate detail about our weekend. This is pretty
much routine questions about your acceptance level.”
    ReNei met them in the living area.
“We will feast when you return. Blessings, BaRock . Blessings, TriSha .”
    “Blessings,” they each murmured in turn.
    Brock turned to Tricia. “Do you trust me?”   He took her hands in his.
    She nodded.
    “Take a deep breath.”
    Tricia inhaled as she felt her body being sucked into
nothingness.   She gripped Brock’s
hand as tight as she could. Her feet landed on a solid surface, while Brock
steadied her as she exhaled.
    “What the hell was that?” She shook her head to get her
bearings.
    The room they stood in was decorated in tones of blue and
gray, accented with touches of bright red. A scarlet lampshade matched various
pillows on low couches. A huge wooden conference table dominated the space, and
seven Elders were seated, facing them. RiKar was
third to the right of the center.
    “Greetings, BaRok .” The man in the
center stood and held out his hand. “You may approach.”
    “Thank you, BeHah . May I present
my Chosen , TriSha . ” Brock held her
steady as he guided her forward.
    It was faster to
teleport you, since time is of the essence.
    I wish you’d given me
more warning.
    “ BaRok , you have observed her for
over twenty years, yet your prior three times were unsuccessful. Why has she
now accepted you?”
    “I did not know how best to approach her. The first time, I
thought I knew what kind of man she wanted, but that turned out to not be the
case. The second time, I tried again, but discovered with Earthlings, no matter
how well you think you know them, they still manage to surprise you. So with my
final effort, I decided to be in her home as a pet, but chose the wrong body.
With the blessings of this Council last month, I was given a fourth and final
chance. I started fresh, no games. I showered her with attention, and
discovered if I simply relaxed and showed my true personality, she was more
receptive. Even when I revealed my identity, her affection for me did not
change. And she has proven to be accepting of my family.”
    “Thank you. TriSha , I understand
you were brought here while you slept, and have adapted somewhat to our
planet?”
    “Yes. I’ve learned to only drink your water, since the wine
is too spicy for me. Brock—forgive me — BaRok’s cook made me a wonderful fruit drink. I’ve also
enjoyed some of your food.” Gripping Brock’s hand, Tricia spoke in a clear
voice.
    “What of the pressures BaRok and
his family have endured while you have been here? Has there
been any issues ?” A silver-haired Elder asked.
    “ BaRok and his family have been
well informed of the events, and since I’m not exactly sure what has taken
place, the only thing I can do is provide support and comfort to his family,
and do what I can to help out in any way.”
    The Elders nodded and murmured. RiKar cleared his throat. “Since none of our people have ever Bonded with anyone from Earth, how do you know if any offspring will soon follow?”
    Brock squeezed her hand. “If we’re lucky to have offspring,
I’m sure they will arrive when the time is right. According to the medical
scans, her body should have no problem carrying any progeny.”
    Medical
scans? And how do we explain
to our child you live on another planet? Or for that matter, he or she is
half-alien!
    I’ll explain later.
Trust me.
    Tricia bristled, but remained silent.
    One of the other Elders squinted at the screen in front of
him. “It says here if you are Bonded, you wish to apply for bo’sai’che status? What will you
do on Earth to support yourself, and what happens if
your family needs you?”
    “As you know, I have enjoyed favor as Financial Advisor to
the Council of Elders and also to our Supreme