The Alien Chief's Bargained Bride Read online

  “You realize that if someone screws up, my life will be first in line to deal with any blowback?” I demanded, slapping my hands on the table in front of me as I stood.

  “Well-”

  “No. Either it’s done to my specification or you can find someone else to play the dutiful bride to our alien neighbors.”

  “Mallory?”

  I glanced from the scenery outside the window and towards the two men at the table. “Sorry. What did you say?”

  Councilman Collins’ had an expression of anger cross his face, but I didn’t allow him to intimidate me.

  Councilman Jones spoke up, “We were able to find tenants that will be able to move inside the residence shortly for the duration of your sisters recovery.”

  I nodded. “That’s good. And it was set up so the credits are sent to my sister, correct?”

  I didn’t really trust those greedy men as far as I could throw them. Hell, it was why I made sure my sister got to the Spaceport for her treatment, and that the credits were on her card. It could have been delayed indefinitely and I wouldn’t have been able to do much of anything if I’d rushed into it.

  As if offended, Councilman Collins’ face turned bright red. “Of course.”

  “Mmhmm,” I pursed my lips, “Well, of course, I’ll want to see the contract and any related documentation.”

  “I’ll make a note of your request.”

  “I’m sure you will. I want it by the end of the meeting.”

  He huffed in frustration, shoving his sleeve up to tap on the communicator located on his wrist. Stephanie and I had never been able to afford communicators. Hell, I doubt anyone in the village could. Just another blatant reminder of how poor the outlying villagers were in comparison to the city folk.

  After a moment, he bit out, “My secretary will have a hard copy available for you when you leave.”

  “Thank you. So was there anything else we needed to discuss? Surely you didn’t have me come by just for that.”

  “No. From our communications with the Striss, they will be coming to retrieve you sometime in the next few days, though we’re not entirely sure when it will happen.”

  What the hell does that even mean—they’re not sure. I had to refrain from groaning aloud at their incompetence.

  “So what does that mean for me? Am I supposed to come here every day, hoping they show up? Because if so, I’m not paying for it.”

  “No, no,” Jones interjected. “When they show up at the office, we will notify you immediately via courier and arrange transportation.”

  I nodded. They really hadn’t thought this through. That was politicians for you. I had no way of knowing if I was being picked up by wagons—if they used those—horses or what. The Striss had very little contact with humans to begin with. Personally, I’d only seen them myself a handful of times when taking Stephanie back and forth for her treatments. And never close up.

  “What if they change their minds?” I blurted before I could bite my tongue. After all, it was a possibility, however slim. The thought had crossed my mind a time or two. “What if they never come?”

  “Well then, you might want to think about picking a more lucrative trade to pay for your sister’s surgery,” Collins informed me before standing abruptly and stalking out of the room. I felt the blood drain out of my face.

  Surely they couldn’t do that. It shouldn’t fall on me if the Striss backed out of the deal. Not if I kept up my end of the bargain.

  Councilman Jones offered me a smile. “He’s joking, Mallory.”

  Swallowing hard, I murmured. “I sincerely hope so.”

  ***

  Alek’dar

  “I won’t lie, I’m surprised with your appearance,” I said, eyes shifting to my brother as he took a seat next to me; our women kinfolk moved to include him in the preparations for the evening.

  “As much as I don’t agree with this… method, you are my brother and I will support you with your harati as is the tradition.”

  The harati--the taking.

  It had been a tradition for the entirety of our species long before spacewalkers came here, and I would not be denied my own. Stealth was most necessary for us to make it into the human settlement and back into our territory with my bride to be. And whereas our women expected to be stolen in the night, I doubted that the human woman would be prepared for it. I didn’t plan on entertaining any human males with a fight for spiriting off with one of their women.

  I gave him a brief nod. “Thank you.”

  After a moment of silence, my mother decided to speak up, setting aside the paints with a sigh. “Putra, I find myself hesitant in this as well.”

  “I understand, maata, however, we must adapt to the changing world or we shall be left behind.” Another moment of silence passed before I murmured for their benefit, “Should the humans go back on their word, I shall make them eat them.”

  Chapter Three

  Mallory

  At the sight of the stranger leaning over me, her long brown hair tickling my nose, a scream rose from my throat. A look of satisfaction crossed her face.

  “Quiet, human,” She commanded.

  I complied almost immediately, my scream falling silent as I sat up and took in the unfamiliar surroundings.

  I was startled that I could understand what she was saying, until I remembered the translator nestled at the base of my skull.

  I waited for her to explain what was going on. Like, where was I? Because a quick glance around told me I wasn’t at home. Or who she was? Clearly, an alien because she wasn’t human.

  The first thing that gave it away was the feathered wings sprouting from her back. I could see the muscles of her uncovered back flex as she fiddled with something I was unable to see. Her wings were a mix of beige and browns feathers with no distinct pattern.

  She was also about six and a half feet tall in height. While not completely unheard of in the human colonies, it was kind of frightening when she was almost a head taller than me.

  She also had clawed feet.

  From the looks of it, she was a Striss.

  A female Striss.

  Huh.

  Honestly, when we first came across their species, humans mistook them for angels. Some of the religious zealots still did even after communications with the Striss began. Hell, it served to solidify some of their stances, causing a surge of people to worship the Striss as messengers from God.

  Most of the villagers furthest from the Settlement adhered to that belief, but I definitely wasn’t one of them.

  She was the first female of their species I’d ever seen—that any human had ever seen if I was being honest. All known contact had been with males of their kind only. There was speculation going around that they didn’t have women folk because no one had ever seen anyone remotely resembling one. After all, their males were very similar to human males, in that they were humanoid in shape. It stood to reason that they would have females that looked similar.

  She was beautiful, almost ethereal with her grey skin. When she turned towards me, I had to avert my eyes at the sight of her bare chest, cheeks flushing in mortification. Thankfully, she at least had a wrap-like skirt settled low on her hips.

  I somewhat relaxed upon realizing that I was with the Striss. I was still unsure how that happened because I distinctly remembered going to bed in my own home, after meeting with the Council—though they never did clarify how they were going to hand me off for the marriage.

  It was times like this I cursed myself for being such a heavy sleeper.

  “What…” I broke off to clear my throat before continuing, “What’s going on?”

  “This is the harati.”

  The what? I opened my mouth to ask what that word meant because it didn’t translate, but she abruptly exited the room.

  Okay….

  I scrambled to my feet unsure what to do with myself. Should I stay put or follow after?

  Before I could come to a decision, a pair of d
ifferent Striss women entered the room—one with tawny wings and the other a pair of dark grey. Both were closer in height to me and both equally as bare-chested as the first. It was beginning to look like that might be a thing with their culture.

  To say I was overwhelmed couldn’t remotely begin to describe how I was feeling.

  Before I could really gather my bearings, the woman with tawny wings stepped in front of me, grasping at the flimsy fabric of my nightgown. “Strip.”

  Color flooded my cheeks at the command. Swallowing, I began, “I-”

  “You cannot go through with the harati in those,” she interrupted, disgust filling her voice.

  I took a step back and put some distance between us.

  “What’s a harati? I don’t understand what’s going on.” Nor did I understand how she—or the prior Striss woman—could understand me, but I was just rolling with it. Maybe they had translators too?

  “It means the taking. You are to be mated to your nara—your male,” she added upon seeing the look on my face.

  “Oh.” I guess I should have expected that. Maybe. I don’t know what I was expecting really. It wasn’t to be stolen from my house in the middle of the night, that's for sure. “So this is it then.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing, it’s fine. Just ignore me.” I dismissively waved my hand. “So um…. I’m not going to have to be naked, am I?”

  She scoffed, tossing her long sandy blonde locks over her shoulders. “Of course not. We’re not barbarians.”

  My cheeks flushed. “I didn’t mean to imply-”

  She waved off my apology, a hint of a smile twitching at her lips. “I understand. You humans cover up most of your fleshy bits.”

  I let out a breath of relief, nodding enthusiastically, eyes flickering towards the other Striss woman who had been silent during the entire exchange. “Yes, we do. Well, before I strip, maybe we should introduce ourselves. I’m Mallory Delour. And you?”

  “She’s In’ka. And I’m Rinna,” the silent one finally interjected, coming to stand before me.

  In’ka, as Rinna had stated, moved back to create some space for Rinna. I turned my attention to Rinna, noticing for the first time that she looked… a bit older than In’ka, if the wrinkles around her eyes were anything to go by. She also had streaks of silver in her long black hair, and she actually looked like an older version of In’ka when I compared them.

  From the looks of it, they both must be related. I guessed they might be mother and daughter.

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “I suppose so,” she replied eyeing me. After a long moment of silence, Rinna continued. “Please, remove the gown.”

  “Right.” I nodded, turning around to have what little bit of privacy I could.

  Taking a deep breath, I grasped the bottom of my nightie before pulling it up and over my body. Once naked, I shivered, clasping the bunched up fabric to my bosom and glanced at the other women in the room.

  “So, um what now?” I asked, eyeing them.

  In’ka piped in, lifting a bowl in her hands, bringing it to my attention, “You will be painted as is the tradition. After you’re prepared, Alek’dar will come and take you to your new dwelling.”

  Alek’dar.

  “Is he…?” I trailed off at the affirmative nod.

  “Yes. Alek’dar is your betrothed. And my big brother.”

  My mind latched onto the name immediately. The Striss man I’d promised my future to.

  I couldn’t help but wonder what he was like—if I might find him attractive and what kind of man… alien man had I promised my hand to?

  ***

  By the time In’ka and Rinna finished preparing me, painting my skin in elaborate swirls that seemed to have no rhyme or reason, the sun had long since set. Thankfully, they did let me attend to my needs—like eating and going to the bathroom—without having to awkwardly ask for breaks.

  From what I gathered, this was kind of like a doctor’s office. The room I had woken up in had the examination bed. There was an office for the other Striss woman I’d seen, and some other rooms, though I hadn’t been permitted in those. In’ka and Rinna took me to another part of the structure, which, from the layout I thought might have been someone’s home?

  I wasn’t entirely certain why I’d woken up here, but then I didn’t really have any other kidnapping experience to compare it to. Though, could it be considered a kidnapping when I wasn’t as much of a prisoner but actually a bride?

  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I wouldn’t have to go to the bathroom in the bushes, but there wasn’t a shower or bath to be found. And while I was extremely curious as to how they might bathe, I was nowhere near comfortable enough to ask them about it.

  I’d also been introduced to several new edible plants and dishes since they didn’t have any human crops on hand. Which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing since I now knew that their foods were compatible with the human digestive system. Well, how they prepared them anyway.

  To be honest, I was kind of frightened of the paints because it was made out of native flora to the planet.

  Most of the plant life in the plains where humans had settled wasn’t too compatible with us, and in the beginning, caused a lot of harm and even death in some cases. Now the crops that were produced were hybrids that had been carefully bred to keep humans from getting sick and to lower the cost of importing food from other colonies.

  Most of the native plants were still quite poisonous, ingested or not. But several hours later and there was still no burning or tingling in sight. Thank the Lord. I really wasn’t up for dealing with an allergic reaction.

  When they finally left me alone, I took the time to check out the view. I hadn’t had a chance while they were working and breaks had been short. So, I found myself leaning on the opening of one of the windows, marveling at the gorgeous sight.

  I was deep in the forest from what I could see, and the trees were in the midst of changing colors as the season faded into autumn, their leaves were beautiful shades of blues and purples.

  On occasion, I would be able to make out another structure built high in the trees, but they blended in so well with the surrounding forest that was almost impossible to see them. I made it into a bit of a game to entertain myself as time passed.

  I couldn’t really see any distinguishing features on their structures so I didn’t know if they were homes or not.

  Every so often, I would see the flash of the wings of a Striss through the trees, wondering which one could be Alek’dar.

  In’ka told me it wouldn’t be long before her brother came to claim me.

  I tried to calm my nerves, but of course, that wasn’t happening. The thought of this harati… being claimed… It gave me goosebumps.

  It didn’t help that I wasn’t wearing a top. As much as I had protested, they said that I had to abide by their customs and that meant going topless. At least for the harati.

  Almost as if he were summoned, a powerful gust of wind blew through the room behind me signifying someone’s arrival. I glanced over my shoulder towards the entrance, heart in my throat.

  And there he stood.

  Alek’dar.

  All six and a half feet of him.

  Instinctually, I could feel it in my gut that he was the Striss to become my husband. That instinct was confirmed when I caught sight of his massive black and red wings folded behind him. From what In’ka had told me, he was the only Striss in their flock with that coloring.

  I felt my breath catch as I took in his appearance. A fabric loincloth was wrapped around his hips, though it did little to clothe him or conceal his… junk.

  I could feel my heart leap to my throat and my cheeks flood with color as I forced my eyes upward.

  He had an impressive set of horns that curved out of his skull, almost blending in with his inky black hair. Before today, I’d only seen the Striss from afar. He brought to mind the thought of a fallen angel, and I now
knew why people mistook them for the beings depicted in our religious texts for millennia.

  I worried my bottom lip between my teeth.

  Without so much as a word, he strode across the room closing the distance between us in a few short strides. Up close, I could see that his eyes were dark, though I wasn’t entirely sure of the emotion behind them. I crossed my arms for what little modesty they would provide, my heart thudding loudly in my chest.

  This is it, I guess.

  He made a grab for me, and I allowed him to lead me back towards the entrance. After all, I had signed up for this and had plenty of time to come to terms with it.

  He briefly pulled me into his arms before stretching out his wings. With a powerful thrust, we were airborne, my screams of terror caught in my throat.

  Only just barely.

  Even with my added weight, he was able to maneuver the trees with ease, his grip around my waist never slipping.

  Chapter Four

  “Are you...?” I trailed off unsure of myself, though I was just looking for validation of my assumptions.

  I knew that he had to be the one - the one I’d essentially sold myself to for Stephanie’s treatment. After all, In’ka and Rinna had told me that I would be retrieved by him, so it couldn’t be anyone else.

  Alek’dar.

  He looked at me with those piercing dark eyes from across the room. I fought the urge to duck my head in submission.

  After what felt like forever, he finally took a step towards me, speaking, “I am Alek’dar, your bhavi.”

  I shivered, tightening my arms about my bare breasts, trying to calm my rising panic. All of these words without translation were getting to me. “What does that mean?”