Worth Fighting For (Little Blue Book 1) (11 page)

****

Juno was a bit put-out by their idea being brushed off, but she didn’t let it get to her. He did say they would talk about it another time, which may give him time to make up a better defensive argument, but the flip side to that was it gave her more time to make up her own arguments. Besides, she could see this wasn’t the time or place to make those kinds of decisions.

Sharrow and Jeri followed as Tasid led them all over to the stands and up to a Zori couple. The couple stopped talking and turned to face them. Juno suddenly got a terrible bout of nerves. Though the female looked kind, she was much taller than herself, and the male—well, what wasn’t intimidating about him? He was as tall as Tasid and oozed confidence and power.

“Juno, I present to you my father, Ambassador Jurresh, of the United Planetary Alliance League, and his mate, and my mother, Adonna. Father, Mother, this is my mate, Juno.”

Yup, I’m intimidated all right.

The ambassador smiled a genuinely friendly smile at her. “You can call me Jurresh, or Father,” he told her pleasantly.

Before she could respond, the tall woman wrapped her arms around her.

“I have waited so long for a daughter. I’m so happy to meet you.” She pulled back and looked down at Juno. “And you are so beautiful,” she continued. “Would you just look at those eyes? Jurresh, look, they are so mesmerizing. They look like polished sky jewels.”

Adonna returned to stand beside Jurresh, who promptly wrapped his two left arms around her.

Juno felt herself flush with embarrassment, just a little. “Uh, thank you.”

Tasid motioned behind him, and Sharrow moved up beside them, pulling Jeri close to his side. “Father, Mother, you remember Sharrow, my weapons specialist and head of security. That is his mate, Jeri, who is a sister to my mate, Juno.”

Juno didn’t expect for Tasid to introduce them as sisters, but she wasn’t about to correct him. The girls did feel as though they were as close as sisters, and if Tasid saw it that way, then it was just more of a power point for their husbands to allow them to all keep in close touch with one another.

Adonna’s face lit up, and she gasped. “I have two daughters!”

Juno held back her snicker—but not her wide grin—as Adonna hurried over to wrap her arms around Jeri. Jeri looked like she felt even more awkward than Juno had felt.

“Actually, Mother, you have more,” Tasid said, dipping his head in the direction of an approaching couple.

Juno turned her head and squealed, running to embrace Benny, with Jeri right behind. They were gently pulled back by their mates, so she could be introduced.

Errim looked proud as he introduced her. “Ambassador Jurresh, Adonna, this is my mate, Benny.”

Jurresh smiled broadly but seemed to be staying quiet as his mate enthusiastically greeted Benny. Juno was really starting to like this female.

“Oh, look at you, you are so small. Errim, you be careful not to crush her,” she said, giving him a warning look.

Juno nibbled worriedly on her lip and hoped she wasn’t out of line, but she wanted to tell her about Kaycee. “Uh, Adonna?”

She turned and answered, “Yes, little one.”

“Me, Jeri, and Benny have been all each other’s got, for a long time. We consider ourselves to be family, sisters even. Well, if you want to know, there’s one more, but, uh, she’s not here right now.”

Adonna’s eyes widened. “I’ve gone from no daughters to four, all in one day. Oh! Could a mother be happier?” Her hands covered her mouth, and Juno’s eyes misted again. Adonna’s blind acceptance was warming.

Jurresh finally spoke up. “Where is she?”

Tasid answered for her. “She is to be mated in one of the Nanstrahi ceremonies, but I am not certain if it will be in today’s or later.”

Jurresh nodded. “Let me make a few inquiries and see if I can find out where she is. What is her name?”

Juno froze in shock. She heard Jeri answer. “Her name is Kaycee Evens.”

“All right, give me a moment.” Jurresh turned away as he used some sort of holo-device.

Adonna’s smile beamed brightly at them. “Just think of all the babies I will get to spoil and enjoy.”

“Babies?” Jeri asked. She felt shocked and just a little bit frightened.

“Already?” Juno asked, a bit nervously.

Benny jumped up and punched the air. “Yes! Now you’re talkin’. Lots and lots of babies. And they get a grandma. I never thought my kids would be able to grow up with a grandma. You rock, Adonna.”

Adonna looked well pleased, but as Juno looked over at Benny’s mate, she thought his dark purple skin grew several shades lighter. The look on his face was definitely one of fear.

Jurresh rejoined them. “I believe I have found her. She is scheduled for one of today’s ceremonies not too far from here. If we leave now, we could probably make it. Shall we?” he asked, holding his arms out to his mate.

“Yes, thank you,” Adonna answered, and the group exited the stands.

Chapter Thirteen

Juno listened to Tasid as he was quietly explaining the traditions and protocols for the Nanstrahi ceremony they were waiting to see.

“Where the Zori males use their strength, skill, and endurance to win a mate, Nanstrahi males use their charms and looks.”

Juno frowned. “That’s horrible to judge someone based on their appearance.”

“Not for them, it isn’t. Zori males focus on protection for their mates, and though the Nanstrahi are formidable, they focus on their mate’s pleasure. That is why the female chooses, based mainly on their appearance. His looks need to please her.”

“But what if he’s injured in a battle or something? It doesn’t make him less of a mate,” Juno said, giving him a disapproving look.

“No, it doesn’t, and if he is already mated, he will stay mated, of course. Their females aren’t as callous as you are thinking. There are those who have been scarred or had other imperfections who have been chosen. The female is the one who chooses who she wants. Some females like scars. Others like the courage they display for trying, even though their chances might be less. And a male’s personality isn’t unnoticed. As I said, looks
and
charm. If the female doesn’t like any of the males displayed, she can continue to participate in the ceremonies, until one is found.”

“What if the female is a real bitch? That’s a really bad person,” she explained. “Can he refuse her?”

“That gets a bit more complicated. He can, but only with a genuine claim against her, not just a male who is disappointed in who has chosen him. He can’t decline her for being of a more humble family line or for her appearance, but there have been cases where a female had been accused of being abusive towards others or a thief even. An investigation is made and then judgment is dealt based on their findings.”

Juno tilted her head and leaned it against Tasid. She enjoyed his constant touch, and his natural body odor smelt like a pine tree.
No need to go Christmas tree shopping. I’ve got my own … complete with ornaments.
She smirked at her private joke.

She sat forward when the males, completely naked, walked out onto the field of a football stadium. There had to have been hundreds of males, all brightly colored.

“Kaycee said that if more than one female wants to choose the same male, that he gets to choose between those females. Is that true?” she asked him.

“Yes. Though it doesn’t happen a lot. There are always more males presented than females choosing. This is to give the female as many options as possible for her happiness.”

“Huh, that sounds kind of similar to the Zori ritual,” she mumbled distractedly as her eyes scanned the males.

“It is, but ours is to bring out our strongest competitive nature so that only the fittest of us succeeds. That is why the Zori male must choose and catch the female, where the Nanstrahi allow the female to choose, thereby giving her many options.”

The males were lined up, and the girls were let loose on the field. Some were running; some walked. The males fanned out their wings and fluttered them in an impressive display of brilliant colors. They turned, and flexed, and smiled widely at them. She couldn’t hear what was said, but from the tones, she believed they were flirting with the girls.

Juno kept her eyes open for Kaycee. Luckily they had VIP seats. Being mated to the Advocate of Earth had its privileges.

“I do not see your communications officer. Is he participating in a different event, elsewhere?” Jurresh asked.

Tasid shook his head. “No, not today. Many of my officers and crew all have different reasons for not participating, but one of the most agreed upon reasons is that we have so little room for mates. They sacrificed today’s opportunities, for others who desired a mate the greatest. Once we get the new ship, most will be considering taking a mate in the very next set of ceremonies.”

“Oh, look, look! There she is!” Benny hopped in her seat and pointed.

Juno tilted and angled her head around until she saw her. “I see her! Wow, is she really just in jeans and a t-shirt?”

“The Nanstrahi females are plain looking,” Jurresh told her. “So they decided to have the girls wear some of their everyday clothes.”

“Oh, so she can be comfortable while she chooses her mate, while I had my lady parts exposed to the galaxy. Where’s the justice in that?” Her tone was sarcastic, but there was a hint of bitterness to it.

“Hey, you’re mated to the Advocate of Earth, whose father is an ambassador in the galaxy’s biggest alliance.” Jeri’s tone was light, but Juno took it to heart.

Benny piped up. “And don’t forget he has the most perfect mother.”

“Oh!” Adonna gushed at the compliment, but Tasid frowned down at Juno, and suddenly she felt guilty for her thoughtless comment.

“I’m sorry, Tasid,” Juno said remorsefully. “I meant no offense.”

“I understand that your culture is easily uncomfortable, and some even offended by nudity, but we had to insist we keep that part of the tradition.”

Tasid’s tone was gentle, but Juno believed she’d really hurt his feelings.

“I understand, I really do. They explained it during orientation. It’s the only reason why I didn’t put up a bigger fuss. I was almost going to demand they let me choose the other race, but I’m really drawn to yours, for some reason, and when they explained the reasons for the naked part, I stopped fighting it. Who knew so little could mean so much? It was just traumatizing, and sometimes I get sarcastic as a defense mechanism, to help me cope. And I don’t know what traumatized me the most, the naked part or the falling part. You’re lucky I didn’t throw up all over you.”

“Don’t worry, little one,” Adonna cut in. “Everything is so new for all of you. Suddenly, a whole galaxy has opened up to you. It’s going to take time for everyone to adjust. You’ll be all right, just you wait. You’ll see.”

Adonna’s friendly smile helped to ease her worries just a bit. Between the riots, the aliens, and being suddenly thrown into a lifelong commitment to a stranger all at once, it was true Juno had suffered several extreme shocks, in a relatively short amount of time, but it wasn’t an excuse. She needed to be more careful about what she said.

“My mother’s right,” Tasid said. When Juno looked up at him, she saw remorse on his face. “You have gone through many extreme shocks recently, one which caused you great physical harm. I am sorry for making you feel like you had to defend yourself.”

“Physical harm?” Jurresh’s harsh tone almost made Juno jump. She looked up at him and saw a thunderous look on his face, but fortunately it wasn’t directed at her. It was, however, directed at Tasid.

“It was during the riots,” Tasid answered.

Juno leaned into Tasid when the look on Jurresh’s face amazingly enough got even more thunderous.

“You mean the riots that you are responsible for?”

“Jurresh, stop, you’re scaring my daughter,” Adonna said with irritation.

Jurresh looked down at Juno and gave her an apologetic look. “Forgive me, Juno.”

Juno simply nodded her head, then replied. “To be fair, our people would probably have rioted no matter what. Some people don’t need much of an excuse. It’s on them for their actions, not Tasid.”

Jurresh gave her a tender and proud look, which caused her relax.

“They’re just standing around. What are they waiting for?” Benny asked, interrupting the moment.

Juno looked out into the field to see what she was talking about. There were a few girls still walking about, one being Kaycee, but most of them were standing in front of a male, facing him.

Errim was the one who answered her. “They have to wait until all of the females have made their choice, in case more than one female is interested in the same male.”

“Oh look, Kaycee finally chose one,” Benny said excitedly.

“Oh, that’s Norlo, my head cook,” Tasid said.

Jeri guffawed. “Ha! Looks like I’m not the only one touched by Providence.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Jurresh asked.

“Oh, see,” Juno began, “Jeri there worked as a security guard. She can kick butt. And who catches her? The head security officer and weapons specialist.”

Benny gasped. “Really? You didn’t tell me that. That’s so funny,” she laughed.

Juno glanced at Benny and giggled. “I know, right?” She turned back to Jurresh. “Kaycee there, she was a barista and a waitress. Baristas serve beverages like coffee and tea, and a waitress works in a restaurant, serving food to people. She will understand his job better than most anyone.”

“And,” Jeri added, “she’ll be able to help him better understand what we humans would like to eat. Well, the ones from around here, anyway.”

Jurresh nodded in approval. “Ah, I see. This will indeed be beneficial to him, to better provide for the Earth females on your ship, Tasid.”

When the final girl chose a mate, the officials for the ceremony announced the event completed. The men chosen shouted victoriously and picked their mates up, some swinging them around.

Juno cheered for Kaycee, along with Jeri and Benny, but she felt sad for the crestfallen males who were departing from the field.

Kaycee’s new mate happily carried her over to them. To the shock of her new mate, the three girls swarmed Kaycee and joined in a four-way bear-hug. Juno laughed when a large body with four arms joined in. Adonna’s arms reached all the way around the girls.

She heard Tasid talking further behind her. “Welcome to the family, Norlo. These females are sisters.”

The girls let go and backed up a bit, letting Adonna in for some one-on-one, while Benny introduced them, and the males talked amongst themselves. Juno smiled at the sight, so proud of her family. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she wasn’t paying attention to what the girls were saying until Benny turned excitedly to Errim.

“Can we go?” Benny asked, the expression on her face clearly pleading with him.

“Go? Go where?” Juno asked.

Kaycee was leaning against her new mate’s side. She turned her head and answered her. “Benny wants to go watch Maggie’s mating, since you guys were able to watch mine.” She turned her face up at her mate. “I’d like to go, too, please?”

“I don’t mind, sweet-cake,” the Nanstrahi male answered her benevolently.

Juno looked up at Tasid. “Can we?”

She immediately felt disappointment when she saw the look on his face.

“I’m sorry, my mate, but I promised one of my officers that I would attend his ceremony,” he answered.

Juno’s shoulders slumped. She appreciated Tasid letting her come to Kaycee’s mating, and figured she owed him the same favor. She immediately dismissed the thought of letting him go, while she went with the others. If she didn’t show up, it might lead his officers to believe she didn’t support Tasid or his officers.

Juno forced a smile on her face and tried to sound upbeat. “Okay, we’ll go see your officer’s ceremony.”

“Hold on, Juno,” Jurresh told her. He was already tapping away on his small floating holo-screen. After only a minute, he closed it out, looked up, and smiled at her.

“When Benny asked about Maggie, I started to look her up. If Tasid is referring to his head physician, Yebiri—” He paused.

“I am,” Tasid answered.

“Then they should be at the same ceremony,” Jurresh finished with another smile.

Juno joined the girls as they cheered.

On the transport, en route to the ceremony, Tasid leaned over and spoke quietly to her.

“I expected you to argue with me and insist on going to see your friend. I am curious, why didn’t you?”

“First, because a marriage, or mating, whatever you call it, is a union of two people. To make it work, you have to compromise. You have to give no less than you take. Second, not going would tell your officer that his life isn’t important to me. Just like how it’s important to me that you like the people I care about, it is also important that I care about the people who are important to you.”

The look that crossed Tasid’s face made her belly flutter. It was a mix of a pleasant surprise and heated adoration. She also thought she saw a flicker of gratitude.

“How did I become so fortunate as to have been blessed with you?” Tasid ran the back of his fingers gently down her face. She felt treasured.

“Ehem,” Jeri said loudly. “Find a room, you two.”

“Yeah,” Kaycee joined in, “if I can’t mount my mate in front of y’all, then you shouldn’t be allowed to either.”

The girls laughed. Juno stuck her tongue out at them, which made them laugh even more. Then Juno joined in, when she saw the look on Kaycee’s new mate’s face.

Bet he wishes for a private room right about now.

****

Tasid’s dick was so hard, it hurt. In fact, to his recollection, it had never been so hard. His new little mate was beautiful, both on the outside and on the inside. Unfortunately, he couldn’t just pin her to the nearest surface and give her a sample of the pleasures to come. If it wasn’t for his promise to attend Yebiri’s ceremony, he would already…

Tasid groaned.
Those thoughts aren’t helping.