Unexpected Read Online Free PDF

their own encounters at large parties involving
the entire contingent. “Some of our colleagues were unimpressed.”
    Unimpressed
did not translate to discipline and being banned from Earth. Felix relaxed
slightly. “We only scaled the wall because she was injured.”
    Ivar
waved his hand with impatience. He’d heard the story from beginning to end
already. “Of course. But it does raise a point I’ve
been meaning to bring to your attention.”
    Their
commander paused, and Felix braced himself. Perhaps they were being transferred
elsewhere on planet? It would make seeing Alisa more difficult, but he was
determined to win her over. A few continents or oceans between them wouldn’t
hold them back. Although a few walls and doors seemed to be
succeeding at the moment.
    “I’ve
been laying the groundwork for you back on Alpha. As my protégées, your
successes reflect on me and enhance my reputation for sound advice and clever strategy.
You’ve passed all your physical and genetic fitness reports, and your service
record is exemplary, today’s episode excepted . So it’s
been my pleasure to submit you as candidates for consideration by the next
available Alphan woman.”
    Silence
reigned for a few beats. Just a week ago, this would have been the best news of
his life, but now Felix wanted to shake his head, stand up, and leave the room
just to emphasize how uninterested he was. Mikel leaned back and narrowed his
eyes but fortunately refrained from one of his recent bouts of verbosity and
said nothing. It was a high honor, an enormous compliment, and one usually paid
to bondmates with far more influence and experience than he and Mikel possessed
at this time. But destiny had provided Alisa, and even the vision of a
beautiful Alphan woman couldn’t distract him.
    “According
to my sources, the next few girls who come of age will be presented at court in
a few months, so if you both manage to avoid any more human entanglements, you
can anticipate an unprecedented opportunity. Imagine the prestige and potential
of such a union.”
    Ivar
stared at the ceiling as he contemplated it, and Felix wondered why his
commander hadn’t submitted his own pedigree and bona fides to the Alphan
population managers. Considering all the favors the commandant must have called
in to get him and his bondmate on the shortlist, Felix knew he couldn’t reveal
their disinterest in this plan quite yet. Let them bond with Alisa and make
their pact, then deal with the fallout. He was glad they hadn’t mentioned Alisa
to Ivar. It was clear their commanding officer would object to the idea that
they’d decided on a human bondmate in the last tumultuous hours.
    “Sir,
that’s quite an honor. I’m, we’re … staggered,” Felix offered as he gave Mikel
a cautionary look. His bondmate now looked ready to argue, and that would only
cause more strife in a day that had already turned out not quite as planned.
Alisa was tucked back in the women’s quarters, a bruise on her forehead and a
bad impression of them in her mind. They had been in turn reprimanded and
offered a prize they didn’t want, so the last thing they needed to do was to
antagonize Offen before they had to.
    “Keep
it in mind as you conclude your tenure here. Any tales of untoward conduct
could easily make their way back to Alpha, and what parents would want their
precious daughter exposed to ruffians? Find your amusements with human women
all you like, but keep them superficial.” With that, their commander gestured
at the door behind them in a clear dismissal.
    As
one, he and Mikel rose and exited the office. As soon as the door closed, Mikel
let out a sigh and leaned against the tiled wall, his head thudding back as he
closed his eyes.
    “Felix,
I want to see Alisa.”
    “I
do, too.” The longing to find her filled him, wiping away all the petty
concerns about appearances and rules in a heady, hormonal rush. They belonged
together, even if she didn’t realize it yet. How