That got the guard’s interest and he scratched his chin, releasing his hold on me. Corran scooped me toward him, folding me into his arms, his lips on my brow. I let myself melt against him, yearning for more than anything to have them by my side.
The guard finally nodded and he and Derrial walked to the door, lost in whispers I couldn’t decipher.
When he returned, Derrial and Thane closed in on me while I remained in Corran’s arms.
“Plan has changed.” Derrial’s voice sounded deflated. He ran a hand through his golden hair, worry etched on his face. “I assumed the Council would approve our request but that was foolish on my part. So, now we need to make sure you win them over in the mating ritual.”
“And what exactly are these mating rituals?”
Thane took my hand and placed it on his chest. “On our planet, the only way to select your true mate is for several females who accept the call of mating to undergo three compatibility tests. Then the Vepar chooses the one who made the biggest impact on them, who survived the three tests.”
I blinked hard and stared at him with bewilderment. “Survive? Why can’t it just be something easy like I don’t know… falling in love with someone.”
“Because our race has always believed finding the most compatible mate will produce the strongest offspring and ensure a lifetime of mating bliss.”
“So I am fucked then. The Council will select your best mate, so how in the world am I meant to survive something that is foreign to me? And if fail, I become their property?” My voice sounded hysterical.
Derrial nodded, his expression grim. He looked away like he couldn’t hold my gaze.
How did I end up in this mess? “You’ve got to end this. Tell the Council you’ve changed your mind and all three of you aren’t ready to settle down yet.”
Corran hugged me tighter. “Once the Council makes a decree, it must be completed or it comes with a punishment of death.”
I rubbed a hand down my face. “So, what am I meant to do?”
Just then, the guard re-entered the room. “Time’s up.” He stood there, hands crossing his broad chest.
Panic curled in my chest, and I grasped onto Corran’s arm. He kissed my head and whispered, “Go. We’ll be in contact shortly as we have a mating ritual to prepare.”
My gaze swept each of the Vepar who each offered me a confident smile, a promise all would be all right. I prayed they were right.