“Stronger, for one. Faster. Our eyesight, hearing, and neural perception are all far more developed.”
“But you can’t have children?”
“Not for a long time now. It’s been a worldwide emergency for decades. Nothing we have researched has helped, and if it continues, we’ll eventually go extinct.”
“But we’re from different planets. I mean, cats and dogs can’t have babies.”
“Cats and dogs?”
“Different species usually can’t procreate, never mind ones from opposite ends of the universe,” she said.
Her theory made logical sense, only Dhiro had done his research. He made certain their DNA was compatible long before starting his voyage. “We are compatible.”
“Why me?” she asked. “I was probably just the first woman you found near your ship.”
“Yes, you are correct.”
“So, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is definitely no fairy-tale romance.”
He frowned. There was so much about Earth culture he didn’t understand. “Ella, males on Trenu Zel can feel a connection with their potential mate. I felt that with you. Fate was at work when we met.” He cautiously approached her, tilted her head up. “I haven’t stopped giving thanks since the moment I found you. I’m proud to have you as a mate and feel positive about the future for the first time in a long time.”
“How do you know I’m not already taken by a man back on Earth?”
He smirked, then leaned in low to take a breath at her neckline. “You’re a virgin. Untouched by males. You’re my prize, Ella. A rare gem.”
Then he remembered what he’d wanted to give her. She was a scientist who researched rocks and meteorites. He took her hand and led her to the other side of the room. The cabinet in front of them held his most cherished possessions. He carefully opened the glass door and reached for the luminescent blue stone.
“What is that?”
“One of the earliest stones from Trenu Zel. They say it’s from the core, when the planet was created billions of years ago.”
“Does it always glow like that?”
“Yes.”
He handed it to her, and she cradled it with care. “This is amazing.”
“It’s for you. Everything mine is now yours.” His cabinet was full of rare gems and artifacts she’d likely be interested in.
“I can’t…”
“Why not? I’ve given it to you.”
“Look, Dhiro, I’m trying to hate you. You’re not making it very easy,” she said, still admiring the stone.
“Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it, Ella. I’m not a human male, so you’ll have to teach me how to pleasure you.”
“As much as I’m intrigued about this actually working, I still feel uncomfortable with the idea of never going back to Earth. For starters, we should get to know each other. Humans court for months or years before getting married.”
“Yes, I’ve read about human marriage. Many of these matings end with the signing of a paper. Marriage is disposable. I want more for us.” If she wanted to bond by getting to know each other, he’d ensure they spent lots of time getting better acquainted. She’d be more willing to breed if he satisfied all her requirements.
“I guess you’re right there,” she said.
“Once I get you new clothing, we will go exploring together.”
“Will your entourage be coming along?”
He frowned until he realized what she was talking about. “No, it will just be the two of us, as it should be.”
“That’s a start. Can you tell me more about you? Anything to make you feel less like a stranger.”
He sat down on his study bench. She sat next to him without being asked. Dhiro stroked his chin, wondering what information she’d want to hear first. His people were more formal than humans, usually keeping up a stoic outer appearance. Emotions were often considered a weakness.
“I am one of three sons. I am the eldest.” This was harder than he expected. “Our father has moved on from this life. He was injured during his work at a mine. Our mother will never mate again. She has devoted her life to her sons and dreams to spread her affection to grandchildren.”
“I’m sorry about your father.” She put her hand on his knee.
“He was strong, brave, and innovative. I can show you many inventions he built with his own hands. We still feel his loss, especially my youngest brother.”
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry, Dhiro.”
“You had no part in his death, Ella.”
“It’s an Earth expression.” She bit her lower lip. “I envy you for having a close, loving family. I never had that.”
“Tell me about your experience.”
She shrugged. “Nothing much to tell. I was an only child, and my parents were hoping I’d take a different path than I did. They were disappointed with me to the point they basically cut me out of their lives.”
“It’s good I took you away from that planet,” he said. “I can’t imagine parents not valuing their children.”
“I know I asked to talk, but can we change the subject? Maybe something a bit more cheery?”
He agreed. His own emotions were bubbling up when he needed to be strong during her transition. “I can introduce you to my pet. He’s well trained and lives in my garden.”
“You don’t let him inside?”
“Pets do not belong inside.”
She wasn’t happy with his comment. He was certain Earthlings valued pets above all else by the research he’d conducted.
“I was too busy traveling on expeditions to have a cat or dog. I would have loved to have a pet, though. What else could we talk about? What about your job?”
“I work on the taskforce.”
“What does that do?” she asked.
“We keep the order and maintain safety.”
“Kind of like police, I guess.”
She didn’t need to know all the details of what was required of the taskforce. He nodded.
“And Ella likes to find new rocks.” He cupped her hand holding his special stone. The glow peeked out through their fingers. “I’ll show you things you’ve never even dreamed of. One day, I hope you will love me as your mate.”
****
The moment felt intimate. Dhiro was so genuine, honest, and sincere, unlike just about every man she’d ever met in her life. She didn’t have to worry about being lied to or coerced as he was refreshingly blunt and straightforward. His demeanor was already growing on her.
“What happens if your females become fertile again, but you’re already stuck with me?”
Compared to the women on his planet, Ella looked like a scrap to be tossed. She’d only just arrived, and her insecurities were already rearing their ugly head. If Dhiro lost interest, she’d be stranded alone on an alien planet for the rest of her life.
“I’m not stuck with you, Ella. I’ve chosen you. I will always be proud to have you as my lifemate, and nothing will change that fact.”
“This all sounds well and good, but I’m not certain we’re compatible.”