Enforce

Gwen has been living a life of duty and responsibility. Her first Alliance assignment was as an Enforcer, her next the polar opposite, Matchmaker. She has fought rabid crowds with ease and control, but facing an endless supply of bridezillas is too much to handle when her old boss comes knocking. Etien Mathijen has pulled in every favour he was owed to get his true mate to his planet in a capacity where he can court her. Now he just has to get her cooperation and they will be able to live happily ever after. With her mind on duty and responsibility, can he crack her shell of reserve in time to save her from her own mindless obedience?

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Enforce A Terran Times Novella

By Viola Grace

Prologue Steryio took three strides into the riot and Gwen sent out a bio-pulse. In seconds, only the constabulary who carried the tiny pulse-blockers were standing. “Enforcer Steryio, well done.” “Thank you, Commander Mathijen. It is a shame that I am being reassigned. The people of this world were very easy to subdue.” She grinned at the multi-shifter and let some of her regret leach into her eyes. She had enjoyed her time on the riot patrol. The protestors were fighting against increased trade with the Alliance and most of them didn’t even know what it actually entailed. Fear mongers and the religious right had taken over the media outlets leaving panic in their wake. The rioters would be given a complete list of trade items being sent into the Alliance, most of which were considered garbage by the Elek population. “They may have been easy for you to subdue, but we will send our thanks to the Citadel once 1

Viola Grace again for your particular skill set. Few could knock out two hundred with only minor injuries and no toxins involved.” It was nice to be acknowledged, especially by the striking man in front of her. She had harboured a crush on him since the day she had been assigned. “Thanks. I have no idea what they are going to shape me into.” He chuckled. “I know that feeling.” That surprised her. “You were trained at the Citadel?” He laughed. “No, but I was given my multi-shifter training. We had a new assignment every day. New shape, new learning curve.” She wiped her hands on the trousers of her uniform. “I am glad I had the opportunity to work with you, Commander Mathijen. It was a very interesting experience.” She extended her hand in a formal greeting and was shocked to her toes when he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her in for a kiss that heated her blood. His hands pressed her tightly against him from chest to knees. He tasted like wild honey and once she got over the shock of his kiss, she returned the embrace with as much enthusiasm as she could muster, until a few snickers caught her ear. She pressed her hands against his chest and 2

Enforce levered back in his embrace. Her lips were damp and swollen, her skin hot and her crotch was wet with her own heat. The slow applause must have reached Commander Mathijen’s ears as well, because he reluctantly let her go. Their crew surrounded them and was watching avidly. The grins on the masculine faces made Gwen a little more than slightly uncomfortable. She raised a trembling hand and patted her immaculately restrained hair. “Well, yes then. Nice working with you. Bye.” She turned and pushed through the crowd as they sighed in disappointment. Gwen didn’t look back, afraid that tears would well and spill. That one kiss was going to have to last through months of training and a lifetime of loneliness. **** Commander Etien Mathijen watched his true mate scuttle away in a confused haze of lust and embarrassment. The heat pooling in his groin throbbed insistently, telling him to go after her. Mentally, he kicked himself for not filing his request for mating privileges with the little Terran. He only hoped that when she finished retraining it would not be too late.

3

Viola Grace

Chapter One Five months later

T

he couple in front of her were glowing with happiness. Tomas was just as excited as his fiancée. “Matchmaker Steryio, we are so excited. This weekend is our ceremony and we want you to be there.” The multi-racial colony world of Raxos was Gwen’s new home and in the last two months, she had matched three couples. An invitation to the wedding was always appreciated. “Thank you very much, Tomas and Wellia. I would be delighted to attend.” She shifted in her chair, her new white and blue robes rustling quietly. “Excellent. My uncle has finally been released from duty, so it will be a larger than normal family event.” Tomas grinned and lifted his fiancée’s hand to his lips. “We will send a skimmer for you with a driver. The mountain passes are a little 4

Enforce treacherous and we don’t want you getting lost.” Wellia smiled. “After all, you are the reason we found each other. No one else would have thought to combine our races.” Her pale lavender skin was complimentary to his bronze with a hint of grey. “That is why Matchmakers like myself are being assigned to the blended colonies. All possibilities have to be considered or someone may miss out on the perfect match just because they are not in the same social circles. Sorry, I already gave you this lecture.” She blushed. “It’s fine. We are happy that the Citadel authorized a Matchmaker for this colony. We are more than happy, we are ecstatic, as are our families. I guarantee that after our wedding, you will have a line out of the door for your services.” Wellia was smiling as well. Gwen sat back and looked at the unlikely couple. Tomas was from an enclave of multi-shifters and Wellia was born of the bio-farmers that were planting new species of grains and experimenting with farm animals here on Raxos. Tomas had come to her at his family’s insistence. He was the firstborn and he had to get married before his younger siblings were able to tie the knot. Gwen had run into his sister, Thara, at a local meeting of the ruling bodies. Thara had begged her to take Tomas on as a client and Matchmaker 5

Viola Grace Steryio had agreed, provided that he came in to speak to her without being under duress. Tomas had called, made an appointment and he had kept it. The moment she met him, she knew that Wellia Dorfirth was his true mate, but she had to go through the motions of a questionnaire and an interview. She set up an introduction at her offices, including tea and light snacks. She confirmed the suitability of the match with both sets of parents on three occasions as the courtship spiked. The community watched the whole thing carefully and when the proposal was finally issued, the relief was tremendous. “The multi-shifters enjoy sensing their mates at first sight. It was kind of you to accept my intervention, Tomas.” “Oh, I knew she was mine when we first met, but I would never have met her if you had not brought us together.” Wellia blushed. “The driver will pick you up at five AM for the dawn ceremony. We will make arrangements for you to be driven home after the nuptials as well. Thank you so much.” They got up and she gave them each a hug before they left her offices. She had no further appointments that day and the market was in full swing. Time to do some shopping. Gwen spoke with the vendors about their 6

Enforce products at length. The new crops that were constantly being planted all had slightly different properties in the Raxos soil and it was nice to know which would and would not be a problem. She selected meat, grabbed a loaf of bread and returned to her home and office to make dinner. Cooking for herself was a pleasure. She had missed it when she was on rations with the pacifier crews. With her workday over, she changed into a loose tunic, trousers and slippers. She fixed her meal and took it with her into her living room. The entertainment unit had a number of her favourite programs saved and she selected one to enjoy with her meal. The ultimate irony for Gwen was that as a Matchmaker, she was more alone than she had ever been while an Enforcer. Having the ability to subdue large groups of people had been her previous life, but she had never guessed that the flip side of her talent was the ability to seek out and identify components in a living brain that would be complimentary to another. Her three months of training at the Citadel worked over and honed a skill she didn’t know she had. Intensive analysis of her clients created a map in her mind and as soon as she got another client with a matching map, she made her match. She had even matched a few members of the Citadel 7

Viola Grace before they stopped her by sending her to Raxos. Citadel personnel were not supposed to make matches without authorization. She snickered at the memory as she dug into her salad and watched a light romance. Her matches had shocked, but they were one hundred percent accurate. Unfortunately, two of the matched personnel were supposed to live lives of celibacy because amongst their own races they were unmatchable. She had simply given them the information of who their perfect match was and waited to see what would happen. Her supervisors had not been pleased and she could not have cared less. They had pulled her away for training from the one man she wanted. It was wrong to make a match with personal irritation as the motivator. Picking on her fellow Citadel trainees was wrong and she didn’t do it again. Gwen sighed and extended her feet as she watched the program. Another wedding to attend. Her formal robes were getting a lot of action. She thought of the wedding day and mentally groaned as she worked out her schedule for preparing for the dawn wedding. She was not a morning person and this constant waking before dawn on weekends was not her favourite part of the job. After her show was over, she watched the 8

Enforce evening news while tidying her kitchen. The Oefric multi-shifters were having a festival, the farmers had a new crop of succulents and the small rash of thefts on the outer edges of the city had been solved. Life in a colony world definitely moved at its own pace. Fast or slow, the details were all about survival and that included reproduction. With more colonists arriving on the surface every day, Gwen was about to get a lot busier.

9

Viola Grace

Chapter Two

I

t took her alarm clock three tries to get her out of bed and into the shower. She moved quickly to make up for lost time, scrubbing her teeth with the minty-fruity paste that passed for toothpaste on Raxos. Her brown hair fought the brush, but she got it arranged in a formal but relaxed twist. A headpiece that she had gotten from a friend back as an Enforcer kept the fine strands from flying away. Beads and flat panels of shells covered her forehead and kept folks from staring into her eyes, a very handy thing when she tended to start rifling through open minds when they stared at her. Her formal gown was next, a simple white dress with a dusty violet tone. She slipped on knee-high boots under the gown and then shrugged on her open outer robes. Gwen quickly checked her chronometer. She had five minutes to spare. She waited in her kitchen, her small travel bag with long gloves ready while she had a drink of 10

Enforce water. A light outside her building tipped her off to her ride’s arrival. She drew on her gloves against the early morning chill and picked up her bag as she walked to the door. She opened the door and saw the shadowed figure waiting by the skimmer. “Are you my ride?” She heard a smile in his voice. “I am here to take you to Tomas’s wedding. Anything after that will depend on how much you drink.” She caught the reference and snickered as she let the figure assist her into the skimmer. She was in the back seat and buckled in before he had resumed his seat in the pilot’s area. “How soon until we arrive?” “You can have a nap, Matchmaker Steryio.” He lifted them smoothly from the open field in the centre of her cul-de-sac. Hers was the only home in the area, so there was no worries about waking the neighbours. She settled down in the comfortable seat and dozed off as he flew them around the city and into the mountains. “Gwen, time to wake up.” She obviously didn’t respond fast enough as he tipped the skimmer from left to right to wake her. She yelped and clutched the arms of her chair. “What was that for?” “Time to wake up, Enforcer. Your public 11

Viola Grace awaits.” His voice was familiar. “Do I know you?” He didn’t say a word, merely landed the skimmer and opened the pilot’s door. He was gone only a few seconds when the passenger door swung open. In the light of pre-dawn, she swallowed heavily as the man in her dreams stood in front of her. “Commander Mathijen?” “Etien, please. I am retired from active service.” He extended his hand and she took it blankly, letting him draw her out of the skimmer. Her heart was pounding in a runaway beat. “I was not expecting to see you again.” “Well, I was expecting to see you. Please, the ceremony is about to begin.” She took his arm and let him lead her through the darkness to the ceremonial grounds. The Oefric liked to start their events before dawn. It indicated life starting in darkness and developing through the day, only to fade in the evening. The crowd was silent—meditation was how all were expected to spend their time before the start of the event. Etien helped her to a kneeling pad and he knelt next to her. Her robes and gown foamed around her knees and she settled in, her mind whirling. He was here. He was next to her and she was bound by the Citadel from pursuing him 12

Enforce romantically. There was no restraint against him pursuing her, but she didn’t have the nerve to consider that option. As light peeked through the mountains, a lone flute wound its song through the air. The groom came from the north, the bride from the south. They met in the first light of dawn. He was handsome, she was radiantly beautiful. They made a striking couple as the official came forward and musicians played wild and sweet music. Tea was served to the couple and then to their friends and family. Gwen was shocked to find herself seated with Tomas’s family. Specifically, his mother’s side of the family. She kept her silence and sipped her tea in the five ritual sips, replacing the cup on the tray that was held out for her by an attendant. The official proceeded to the speaking portion and gave a long rambling speech about true mates and love beyond time. He continued his speech until the sun was firmly up in the sky, and then stopped to have the young couple exchange vows. While they promised to love and cherish each other, Etien reached out to grip her hand and as the young couple followed the official, word after word, she threaded her fingers through his. She mentally cursed the gloves she was wearing, wanting to feel the stroke of his thumb on her palm. 13

Viola Grace Her robes kept her warm in the early morning air, but they rapidly became too warm when the sun approached noon and the third round of tea had been served. Etien pressed his thigh against hers and a whisper rippled through the crowd behind them. She gave him several uncomfortable glances as a variety of family members murmured after they saw their proximity. “I now introduce you to Tomas and Wellia Essher. Join us now in celebration of the new life they start today.” This was the tricky part of the ceremony. Everyone rose to their feet after sitting for close to six hours. Several people in the crowd toppled over, but most managed to brace themselves on the people next to them. Citadel training had gotten her used to kneeling, so she rose to her feet with no difficulty. Etien rested a hand on her shoulder and she felt the weight behind it. He was wobbly. It probably looked like he was simply making the contact for the sake of seduction to the casual observer. Gwen had to keep a straight face with some effort. The happy couple walked through the crowd and to the dais where they would greet all of the guests by rank and community status. As the crowd surged forward, Gwen worked her way to the back. She was not a breeder, not 14

Enforce part of the community, merely a hired service. She lined up to go last. The line moved slowly, but when she made it to the happy couple, it was worth the wait. In a move that caused a rustle of comment, the newly wedded couple rose from their chairs and gave her a hug. Tomas whispered in her ear, “Sit next to my Uncle Etien or he will come and get you. Just a warning.” She leaned back and then formally bowed and kissed each of their hands. “I wish you well and all the luck in the worlds.” “Thank you. The luck of your presence is all the luck we have ever needed.” Wellia winked and pressed a kiss on her cheek. Gwen turned and moved into the ranks of tables assembled in order of social standing. As she approached him, Etien Mathijen stood and held out the chair next to his. She hesitated until she saw his jaw flex in irritation and then she moved forward to join him and his family. Before she sat, he helped ease her robes off her shoulders. She took the chair he held out and drew her gloves off one by one, slipping them into her purse. The Oefric faces were a little appalled to have her in their midst, but Thara smiled. “So, Matchmaker Steryio, how did you enjoy the 15

Viola Grace ceremony?” “It was very nice. I have not seen that much daylight in a very long time and the bride and groom were beautiful in the light.” She placed her hands on the edge of the table as some of the others were doing and Etien wasted no time in placing his hand over her own. She felt like he had just placed a territory marker on her. Thara’s mother, Sevinina Essher, smiled at her. “My brother tells me that he has met you before.” Gwen laughed. “You could say that. I was the Enforcer for his team before my matchmaking skill was discovered.” The men’s jaws opened in surprise and she felt Etien chuckle. Sevinina cleared her throat and searched for more details. “The Enforcer?” “Yes. When there was a riot, I was sent in to subdue the crowd before the violence could escalate.” “Which you did…” “By reading the brain patterns of the rioters and simply turning them off. The mapping technique is similar to the one I use when matchmaking. I create a template and then compare it to any likely candidates. Currently, I have forty-two templates in my head with no matches.” One of Thara’s other siblings spoke. “So, you just stare at someone and read their minds?” 16

Enforce “No. Never without permission while I wear the robes of Matchmaker and never without an assignment as an Enforcer. I am bound by the restrictions of my training and position.” An attendant began serving the people at their table and it suddenly struck Gwen that she was at the head table. The bride and groom sat separately, but she was at the table with their parents and siblings. She leaned over to Etien and whispered, “I shouldn’t be here.” He whispered back, “Why not?” “I am not family and my social standing on Raxos is just above the guys who clean shuttles at the space port.” She tried to work her hand free of his grip. “I can’t be here.” “You are going to keep your butt in that chair until I tell you otherwise. That is an order, Enforcer.” His growl was the same one he used before an incursion into a violent situation. She looked into his dark grey eyes and saw that violence was a definite possibility if she tried to escape. “Fine.” She sat up straight and tried to ignore the situation in which she found herself. The other weddings that she had been to included organizers who made sure she knew what her place was in the grand scheme of things. Conversation was foregone in exchange for 17

Viola Grace eating and silence slowly filled the covered area. Five courses came and went as they sat and eventually silence fell away to leave quiet conversation in its place. She waited until her dinner companion had ceased speaking to his sister. “So, Etien, what have you been up to?” She tried to keep it light. “A little of this and that. We finally subdued the food riots on Delkin.” She smiled wistfully. “I wish I had been there. This job is nice, but none of the races here really embrace the idea of matchmakers.” “And they give you none of the respect you were used to as an Enforcer.” “That, too.” She sighed and picked at her frozen dessert. “It has been an adjustment. Oh. How is Skeeter?” “He has been promoted and is now running one of the tactic teams.” She winced. “That is a disaster waiting to happen. Why did you retire?” There it was out. “I came home to get married and start a family. Can you help me with that in your professional capacity?” She just about threw up. Her body battled with nausea at the thought of matching Etien Mathijen with one of her waiting ladies. “I will consider taking you on as a client.” It was the only polite manner to respond to his question 18

Enforce even though her mind rebelled at the very idea. “Thank you. Your attention is appreciated.” He lifted her hand to his lips and the kiss he pressed there made her breath lock in her chest. The official stood and clapped his hands. “Now that we have eaten at their table, the games may begin.” A surge of young males ran out of the table area, laughing and shoving each other in the shoulders. Gwen whispered, “Where are they going?” Etien rose to his feet and pulled her with him. “They are going to have shifting competitions for the attention of those young women who are now following with their families. This is how most of the true mates are found. The women and the men see each other for the first time at these events.” She took his arm and moved with the surge of interested parties who were walking out to the field that had so recently hosted the marriage ceremony. She laughed softly. “I am trying to remember when I first saw you.” “It was during my tour of the Citadel. I saw you practicing on a herd of sheep and you dropped the group so effectively that I knew you had not incited the panic that many other Enforcers do. I was smitten and wanted you on my team at that moment.” On his team. He hadn’t wanted her. The kiss must have just been a fluke or a goodbye. She was 19

Viola Grace considerably depressed as they took up a front-row position to watch the young men shift.

20

Enforce

Chapter Three

“T

he males who compete are all of ages and will try to match whatever beast is brought out. Their success will be determined on the complete matching of the form of the animal in every detail.” Etien filled her in on the rules of the game. The twenty young men were facing the crowd, wearing nothing but minimal loincloths. “The elder will bring out the animal and they will have a minute to examine it before starting the shift.” He moved to stand behind her, using his body to block the light jostling of the crowds. She looked up at him. “Did you do this?” “Before I went to join the Alliance. Fifteen years ago was my last shift at a wedding.” “What did you turn into?” He chuckled. “If I remember, it was a small rodent.” “What is the smallest thing you turned in to?” “A small songbird, but I was stiff for a week after that. Oh, here comes the animal.” 21

Viola Grace The crowd murmured in approval as a snow-white pony was brought into the game area. A few of the young men blushed at the thought of turning into something pretty, that much was clear on their faces. They approached the pony and caressed him, some with blind looks in their eyes as they took in the skin and hair texture. The first male stepped aside and made his shift into a pony that looked remarkably like the original, but with black eyes instead of the bright blue ones. Etien murmured, “Some shifters can’t change their eye colour. His shape is perfect, but his eyes will always give him away in a stealth event.” The elder shooed the shifted pony away and turned to judge three more of the young men who had changed into a pretty pony. Gwen watched the game and smiled when one of the young males got it perfect. “My brother’s son. Nassol.” Nassol was the leader in the shifters and he kept his position until all the men who tried to replicate the pony had either succeeded or given up. Applause broke out and Gwen saw several young women giving the shifted men speculative glances. They were selecting based on genetic fitness and there was nothing wrong with that. She stifled a chuckle and Etien leaned forward to ask her, “What?” 22

Enforce “When I was a little girl, I always wanted a pony. These young ladies can live the dream.” She kept her voice low, but a middle-aged woman next to her grinned. Her host pulled her back against him and she felt far more than just his protection at her buttocks. “A horse can be arranged. I have outgrown becoming a pony.” The woman next to them covered her mouth as she snorted with amusement. The next shifting competition was smaller. A young goat was brought out and the ponies shifted into the new shape. The afternoon flew by as the shifting competitions changed into feats of strength and speed. Relays were set and some of the older men joined in. The crowd shifted while guests to the wedding ebbed and flowed for food, drink and conversation. She shivered as the temperature took a sudden drop. “Are you cold?” “Yes. I will go and get my robes. Excuse me.” She pried herself away from him and made her way through the crowd. Her robes and gloves were right where she had left them. She quickly dressed and drew the hood down to cover her face as she wandered casually over to the skimmer she had arrived in. 23

Viola Grace Etien was leaning against the door and waiting for her. “I didn’t think you would try and escape, Enforcer. I gave you credit for more courage than that.” She nodded. “I am sorry, Commander. I am really a gutless wonder when it comes to this kind of thing.” He crossed his arms. “What kind of thing?” “Attraction, romance, anything to do with intimate moments. That kind of thing.” She shrugged and hugged herself. “When were you last with a man?” His raven’s wing of an eyebrow lifted in a challenge that dared her to answer truthfully. “Seven years ago.” She hid her face in the shadow of her hood and hoped that her skin wasn’t glowing with embarrassment. “So, you are either patient, shy or insane by now.” He nodded as if a piece of information had now been given to him. “I try to believe it is patience.” “Come here, Matchmaker Steryio.” Bemused by the husky tone in his voice, she stepped forward until they were less than a foot apart. “If patience is your virtue, then let’s start with a kiss.” He took her hands and pulled her to him. From his greater height, he had to bend down a foot to press his lips to hers. 24

Enforce She went up on her toes and pressed her lips more firmly against his. The sweetness of the tea flavoured his lips and his woodsy scent filled her nostrils. When his lips parted against hers, she sighed and tasted him with her tongue, spurring a groan from him. His hands still held hers and their mouths were the only place that they touched as their kiss went on and on. He finally broke away from her and leaned back against the skimmer, breathing heavily. “Apparently, it was not lack of skill that has kept you from men.” “No. Rather it was lack of opportunity and nerve.” She backed away from him, but he didn’t let her hands go. “You know that nothing can come of this, right? The Citadel has put a restriction on any matchmakers making a match for themselves.” He turned her and led her back to the games. “That may be, but there is no restriction on you starting a relationship or even cementing one with an old friend, now is there?” “No. I suppose not.” “Then put the worries aside for now and simply enjoy your time on Raxos.” There was an undertone to his words that she couldn’t decipher. “I will try, but I can’t make any promises. The brainwashing was fairly intense.” In the distance flutes took up a tune and drum 25

Viola Grace beats followed. “Dance with me and we will worry about the rest when it comes.” “Fine. But don’t step on my toes. These are new shoes.” She winked and tried a little of the banter that they used to have when they were on the riot squad. “As you wish, but if I make it through the dances without stomping on you, I get another kiss before I drop you off at your home.” “Done. Shall we scandalize your relatives?” “By all means. I really hope that Tholni picks a fight before the end of the evening. He has been eyeing you like a piece of meat all day and seeing us together on the dance floor might just be the impetus he needs to try and make a move.” “He has been what now?” “Many of the Oefric have been eyeing you. You have lovely shoulders and your gown shows them off to great advantage.” Her blush was hot when they reached the enormous tent where the meal had been served. The musicians were playing a light tune and couples were swaying on the floor that had been installed over the grass. It was warmer in the tent, but she kept her robes on as Etien pulled her against him and started to sway to the music. Couples passed them and a few greeted Etien and received introductions to her in return. 26

Enforce When the music turned into a faster beat, she looked up at her companion, “Etien, can I sit this one out?” He nodded and led her back to their table. He left to obtain a fresh pot of tea. Thara was seated and had a look of relief on her face. “Gwen, how are you holding up?” “Fine. Etien is standing between me and social disaster. Are you eager to start your own courtship?” Thara grinned. “He is here. We are just waiting for the release of the butterflies at the end of the night and he will ask my parents for permission to court formally.” That was a new tradition. “Butterflies? Is that an Oefric thing?” Etien sat next to her and poured tea into a fresh cup before handing it to her. “The butterflies are silver snow fliers. They are said to follow the woman who will be the next bride.” Thara nodded. “Many have tried to cheat and lure the butterflies to them, but they seem to be accurate. It has been said that they will find the woman most in love at a gathering.” Gwen sipped at the tea. It was sweetened just the way she liked it and she smiled at Etien in thanks. “Do the butterflies ever follow men?” Etien shook his head. “No. Something to do with pheromones. They like women, women in 27

Viola Grace love especially.” “Etien, why did you leave your family to join the Alliance?” Thara smiled and buried her face in her teacup. Etien looked at her and tilted his head. “Do you not wonder why I am the elder in my family, but my brothers and sisters are all married?” “I never really considered it.” “I left because I could not find my true mate. To enable my siblings to marry, I had to leave home. So, I left. When my parents died, I returned for a few years and then I returned to the riot squad when there was news of a new Enforcer being trained at the Citadel. Something in that called to me and there you were.” His eyes were gleaming with something she was not used to seeing directed at her. A mix of concern, affection, lust and a wistfulness that shook Gwen to her core. “Me?” Thara got up and left them alone at the table. “Whether you want to admit it or not, you are my true mate, Gwen Steryio. Enforcer and Matchmaker, quite the combination.” His eyes still held that indefinite emotion, but he was dead serious. “You are telling me that we worked together for three years and now you are announcing that I am your true mate? Why now?” He grinned and pressed his forehead to hers. 28

Enforce “Do you have any idea how many strings I had to pull to get you assigned here?” She blinked. “You got me assigned here?” “You are the best in your field, you have a talent for finding the key portions of personalities that will make for solid matches and I really want you near me at all times. The Alliance was co-operative once I agreed to allow them to search for wild talents on Raxos.” “You sacrificed your fellow colonists to have me posted here?” He snorted. He put her cup down and hauled her to the dance floor. Once he was holding her tightly and swaying to the music, he leaned down and whispered, “I would never do something like that. I sacrificed my fellow colonists for breeding privileges with you.” Her shriek of surprise stopped all the dancers on the floor. “You did what?” He smirked, then ducked as she tried to strike him. She swung twice and then kicked out, her gown slowing her foot, but not enough to stop the contact with his knee. He went down hard. “Lady, if you find your companion unacceptable, please allow me to escort you outside for some fresh air.” The man had blood red hair and a grin that was aimed down at Etien. “Fine. I need some more pleasant atmosphere.” She took the man’s arm and he led her out into the 29

Viola Grace falling darkness. She was glad that she had her robes on and wrapped her arms around her torso to keep warm. “He is insensitive. Did he insult you, lady?” “Yes…no…I don’t know.” “Get away from her, Tholni.” The inhuman growl came from behind her. “She wanted to get away from you, Etien. You should take the hint.” Tholni’s voice was rough. Gwen looked from male to male, their faces were distending, canines elongating. She stepped back and ran into a post. She didn’t want to be too close to Oefric males while they attacked with tooth and claw.

30

Enforce

Chapter Four

T

he men stripped off their clothing and a crowd gathered as they circled each other. Etien left his clothing near Gwen’s feet, leaving her surrounded by embroidered fabric and leather boots. She was well aware that he was using his clothes in lieu of a scent marker, but she didn’t know how to run from a wolf fight at a wedding. Etien shifted into a great grey wolf, his opponent a burnished copper wolf. Etien tackled his opponent and teeth flashed as he bit down on the shoulder. Blood spurted and the crowd murmured in surprise. He backed off and waited for Tholni to regain his feet. The copper wolf shook his head and splayed his feet to regain his balance. He snarled and jumped at the grey wolf. The larger wolf dodged and grabbed the copper wolf by the throat, slamming him to the ground. The crowd applauded wildly and the copper wolf went limp. The grey wolf backed up and stood waiting for the copper wolf to regain consciousness. Instead, Tholni expanded back into 31

Viola Grace a naked man with bloody bruising on his neck. Etien howled his triumph and pranced over to Gwen’s side, rubbing his head under her hand. The wolf was proud of himself and he was publicly claiming her. “Etien, lick the blood off your lips before you shift back.” She couldn’t help herself. She scratched him behind the ears and under the chin. Gwen had always enjoyed dogs, so she knelt at his side and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. The fur turned to flesh and he was hugging her back. “Put your clothes on, Etien. This is a wedding, not a bachelorette party.” She kissed him quickly and broke it before he could lean forward and pin her. He sighed and leaned back on his haunches. “Spoilsport.” He stood, stretched long enough to make her blush, then got dressed. No one else seemed to mind his fleeting nudity. After he tugged on his boots, he helped her back to her feet. “Come along, Gwen. It is almost time for the butterflies.” “How do they do that? On Terra, the single women who want to catch the floral bouquet gather separately so that those not interested in marriage will not be included.” “They let the butterflies go and then the new couple is able to leave. That is the final event that 32

Enforce has to be witnessed. The party may continue into the dawn hours, but anyone can leave without insult after that last ceremony.” “Good. Can we leave?” “If you wish to. All of Tomas’s siblings will be frantically introducing their prospective mates to his parents and I believe that the bio-formers have had enough of the Oefric for the night.” She laughed and held his hand as Wellia lifted a box and the young women got excited. Tomas took the lid and lifted it while his new wife held the box. Dozens of silver butterflies took flight, hovering in the evening torchlight under the canopy of the tent. The young women held their breaths as the butterflies flitted through the crowd. A snicker of mirth came from her ex-Commander. “Gwen.” “What?” “Look at your shoulders.” He was positively chortling with glee. Three butterflies were fluttering on her left shoulder, six on her right and when she looked up, a whole cloud was circling her gently. A bright blush warmed her cheeks as several young women glared at her. “Oh yeah. An early exit is definitely a good thing.” She held out her hand and the tiny tickly feet of a series of butterflies wandered over her arms. 33

Viola Grace Gwen was covered with hormone-sensing butterflies and Etien was bent double with laughter. “Etien, stop laughing. How do I get them off?” A few of the men were snickering as well. Some of the matrons looked outraged and the young women were practically leaping in the air to catch the few butterflies that were not covering Gwen. “Start walking. They will flutter around you and possibly follow you home, but they will have to travel over a hundred kilometres and find you by scent.” He straightened and wiped tears from his eyes. “There is only one way to stop them from following you now.” She closed her eyes and shook a butterfly off her hand so she could grip his arm. “What? How?” “I will explain it in private. The couple have gone and we can have a nice chat in the skimmer ride home.” He took her hand and carefully led her through the snickering and outright laughing crowd. The butterflies peeled off one by one and hovered behind her. Only one tenacious little bugger stuck to her left shoulder as she sprinted to the skimmer and slammed the door on the cloud. She hadn’t felt that pursued when she was facing a riot in an Alliance maximum-security prison. Those insects unsettled her more than any foe she had ever faced. 34

Enforce Etien was finding this far too funny. “Buckle in please. I am not taking off with you loose and staring at the butterflies like they are going to dissolve the windows.” She muttered and buckled up. “Ready.” “Here we go.” He lifted off smoothly, the insects on the skimmer fluttered away as they rose. She stared at the glittering wings with fascination. It almost looked as if the butterfly was metal, but it had definite organic designs in the wings and along the body. Large dark pewter eyes were painted onto the wings with lacy curls and swirls delineating the segments of the wings. The wings opened and closed slowly in a hypnotic rhythm. Gwen was so enthralled that she didn’t even notice they were descending until they touched down. “Where are we?” “My home. There is a snowstorm coming and it will not allow us to fly back to the city tonight. We will return to your home tomorrow.” “What?” She was talking to air—he was out of the skimmer and opening her door. “There is a snowstorm coming. Flying isn’t safe tonight. My home is on the way, so we will stay here tonight and you won’t need to beg hospitality from the alphas.” “Are you sure that this isn’t a ploy to simply get me into bed?” Gwen looked at the bulk of the 35

Viola Grace house built snugly in a sheltered valley. A light snow was indeed falling as they crossed the fore court in front of his home. Back on earth, it would have been a very nice upper-middle class family home. “You live here by yourself?” “Yes. I had it built a few years ago, before I returned to the Alliance.” He stood back and let her open the door by herself. She mentally kicked herself the moment he closed the door behind them. “I just did something stupid, didn’t I?” “You came into a male’s home without a chaperone or duress. You are mine, my lady.” She shivered as she took in his intent gaze. “I think I am.” “Would you care for something to drink?” “No, but you can tell me how to get this butterfly off me.” He closed in on her, pulling her hips against his as he bent her backward. “Well, that involves showing rather than telling.” Gwen felt her robes slither off her shoulders. Etien cupped her jaw and slid one hand under her formally twisted hair, holding her still for his kiss. With no witnesses, she indulged the fantasy she had harboured since she met him and kissed him back with all the pent-up intensity she could unleash in one kiss. 36

Enforce He was growling, but his hands caressed her shoulders and upper back feverishly until the closure of her gown gave way. The fabric hissed to the floor in a pile and the breasts that had been pressing against her bodice all day were now rubbing against his palms. She groaned and let his fingers explore the soft, sensitive mounds of her breasts, his thumbs flicked her nipples, making her hiss and squirm against him. “I knew you would feel like this.” He broke their kiss and nibbled his way down her neck, nipping, licking and biting gently. Gasping, she asked. “Like what?” “Soft, smooth, sweet, perfect.” Her mind blanked on conversation and she abandoned conscious thought to give herself up to sensation. Etien pulled away from her, leaving her feeling abandoned. His guttural speech sent tremors through her. “Not here.” It was all the warning she got before he lifted her free of her gown and carried her to the upper floor. He tugged off her footwear and settled her on the edge of the bed before bearing her back to the bedding. His lips on her breast sent prickles of sensation that tugged nerves deep within her womb. She felt moisture trickle from her when he settled on her 37

Viola Grace nipple and started a strong suction. She arched her hips against his pelvis, rocking against him with her pulse pounding in her ears. Her voice escaped her throat in a series of moans and harsh cries as the tension inside her heightened. She cried out when he left her again. She was hovering on the edge of release and the bugger left her alone. Etien was stripping again, but in the darkness, she could only see the gleam of muscle in silhouette. As soon as he was bare, he crawled onto her and parted her thighs to accommodate him. Gwen stared up into where his eyes should have been as he slid into her. With her extended abstinence, she expected more pain, but he slid into her without any difficulty. She smiled in relief. “That was easy.” He chuckled. “The thing about Oefric, is that we can change any or all of our parts to conform to an event.” His cock slid out of her and she felt a little fuller on the way back in. He did it again and this time she was sure. With every thrust, he was getting larger. Gwen heard her own voice growing more frantic with each increasing thrust. Just when her body was hovering on the edge of pain, he stopped expanding inside her and she felt a contact on her clit. 38

Enforce “Oh stars!” The caress on her clit combined with a solid thrust sent her into a long wail and a riot of sensation that was like nothing she had felt before. His howl of satisfaction echoed in the room and he dropped to the bed next to her, pulling her against him and nuzzling her hair. When an Oefric had sex, he had a special form for it. Who knew?

39

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Chapter Five rubbed her face in the fur next to it. A wet Gwen tongue licked her cheek and she opened her eyes to see a canine face inches from her own. “Morning, Etien.” He shifted back to human and rolled her to her back. “Good morning, Gwen. I was too lazy to leave you to turn on the heat, so I put on the fur for you.” “It’s appreciated. I used to snuggle with my pets.” He used his knees to part her thighs and slid slowly into her. “You can rub my belly any time, Enforcer.” She arched as he slid slowly into her and she used her grip on the sheets to move them so she could get a good look at what was sliding into her. He smiled. “What are you doing?” His hips shifted slowly, back and forth. “Last night I couldn’t see what was going on and while I enjoyed the feel, my imagination was on overdrive.” 40

Enforce He leaned back on his heels and palmed the slick red cock that had just been inside her. As he worked his hand slowly up and down, she saw the protrusion that had worked on her clit the night before. It swelled as she watched and she was biting her lip to keep her mouth from watering. “Is this what you wanted to see?” She swallowed. “Yes. Now can I feel it again?” He laughed and lunged forward. “You only had to ask.” He slid inside and she arched against him, moaning at the exquisite feeling of a man who could make himself the perfect fit. “And that is what I wanted to see. Sing for me, Gwen.” She had the feeling of being watched and couldn’t care less. With each thrust, she arched against him and she tried to pull him in deeper with her hands on his back. Gwen tried to use the flat of her fingers to pull him into her, but as he picked up speed, her intentions went out the window. Raking her fingers down his back got a snarl from him and when she leaned up to bite his shoulder, he thrust into her and arched his neck as his body jetted into hers. She felt bereft, but he remained hard inside her and he resumed his rhythm as soon as he caught his breath. Laughter rippled through her as he moved 41

Viola Grace inside her for her pleasure alone. He took his time, the flaring head of his member dragging inside her more than anything she had ever felt. The sensation was so foreign that she didn’t know if she loved or hated it. When he changed his angle to stroke the front of her channel, she decided. Loved it. The ear-piercing scream that signalled her release shocked her and made Etien grin in satisfaction as he kept stroking within her to draw out the spasms as she milked him. He rolled until he was on his back and she was flat against his chest, but his hand on her hips kept them together. Gwen sighed happily and snuggled against him. She laced her fingers together on his chest and rested her chin on them. “That was…” “Deafening?” She unlaced her fingers and pinched his nipple. “Ow. It was…for me, too.” He kissed her fingers and then licked them. He sucked on her fingertips and she was amazed at the effect that the oral caress was having on her. His tongue curled, stroked and slid between her fingers. She hummed and relaxed against him, the peculiar feeling of his mouth on her digits made her all limp and liquid. Five months ago, during their kiss, she had wished for this moment. Now that it was here, she wanted to treasure every second and sensation. 42

Enforce She shivered as the cool air in the room curled up her spine. Etien reached down and lifted the comforter and sheets over them. The warm cocoon of their bodies and the scent of sex became their world. It was only when his stomach growled that they called a halt to the fun. “I guess this calls for a meal.” He grumbled. She was lightheaded but had no idea if it was from him or lack of food. “Shower first, I think. I am sticking to everything.” He grinned and helped her gain her feet. She followed him into the bathing room and removed the final pins that held her hair in a lopsided chignon. Her headpiece was on the floor next to the bed, so her hair slipped free to hang down to mid-back. Gwen noted the swollen nature of her lips in the mirror as well as the green glow of satisfaction pulsing behind her eyes. Her hair was a disaster, but when she turned to Etien, she felt as if she was the most desirable woman in the world in that singular moment. “The shower is warm. Sorry, it is water and not sonic.” She grinned as she passed him. “It would be water on my home world as well.” She kept her moan of happiness to herself as the water pelted and kneaded sore muscles. Between her thighs she gingerly washed off the 43

Viola Grace cum and soothed the abraded skin. He had tried to go slow, but she had demanded more and he had given it. When she got her hair shampooed and rinsed, she enjoyed the water for another long moment and then turned it off. When she slid the curtain back, he was waiting for her with a huge towel. As he wrapped it around her, he sighed deeply. “I have dreamed of this since the night at the Citadel when they told me you were up for disciplinary action for enforcing the sheep into a rude word on the common area.” Her laughter was soft and as she dried her hair on another towel, she smiled at the memory. One of her trainers had been exceptionally contemptuous of her ability to enter the field, so she had sent him a message that could not be misconstrued. She had been assigned to the riot squad the next morning. “It figures that a rude comment would get your attention. Skeeter always walked on eggshells when you were around. He was terrified of his language slipping.” She finished fluffing her hair and took up a comb to start working through her locks. The shower was generating enough steam that the mirror was no longer useful, so she wandered into the bedroom and perched on the edge of the destroyed bedding. It looked like two tornadoes 44

Enforce had had sex in the centre of the bed and then collapsed from exhaustion. She braided her hair as she untangled it. When Etien came out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel, she bit her lip and sighed. “I have an appointment later today. Can you take me home?” A frown flitted across his features and she took in the strong line of his jaw, the slight curl of his hair where it wrapped around his ears and tumbled down over one eye. “I thought you would be able to stay with me today.” “You thought wrong. Duty calls and on Raxos, my duty is as Matchmaker. Don’t make me beg, or I will start hiking through the hills.” He looked like he wanted to say you wouldn’t, but then a grumbling acknowledgement came through his lips. They both knew she would. She stepped into her gown and tugged it into place. When she reached behind her, Etien pushed her hands away and helped her refasten what he had undone. He dropped a series of soft kisses on her shoulders and neck, moving her damp hair to give him clear access. “This isn’t over, Gwen.” “It is for today. Take me home, Commander.” She turned in his arms and pressed a string of kisses across his jaw and neck, biting lightly. He shuddered when she used her teeth and then pushed her away. “Stop playing with me, 45

Viola Grace Enforcer.” “If I play with you as an enforcer, you won’t know it until it is over and your pants are around your ankles.” She pushed out of his embrace, picked up her footwear and walked through the cool and silent house. The rustling behind her denoted him getting his own clothing on. The couch and entertainment centre still had her robes in their possession, so she took a seat and tugged on her boots. Her bag gave up her gloves and she shrugged back into her outerwear while Etien put on a leather jacket and matching boots. He had always been the first one ready when dispatch sent them scrambling for the transports, it was one of the reasons he had inspired so much enthusiasm from his troops. A man who would always be on the front of the line was the man they wanted to follow. “Are you ready?” “What, no breakfast?” “We will eat at your place. I hate flying on a full stomach.” He put his hand to the door and when it swung open, she faced a winter wonderland. “You were not kidding about the snow.” Two butterflies joined her the moment that she stepped outside. “How do I get rid of these butterflies?” He didn’t respond, but he boosted her into the front passenger seat instead of the back seat this time. “It is something that is more learned and less 46

Enforce explained.” “You aren’t going to tell me.” “Not so much, no.” Two of the butterflies taunted their brethren as they remained safe inside the skimmer. She sighed miserably as they flashed at her with their opening and closing wings. They rested on her gloves for the best view out of the skimmer as the small craft flew through snow-dotted peaks. “It is really lovely here. I can see why the Oefric made it their home.” She worked on small talk since the silence was making her nervous. “The Oefric joined the mixed-colony program that the Alliance started up around seventy-five years ago.” “Your parents were part of the first landing?” “Yes, with me and four of my siblings in tow.” They were over the edge of the city when his statement sank in. “You are over seventy-five years old?” “I am. I realise that your race has a slightly shorter lifespan, but the training and initial alteration you underwent at the Citadel have extended your likely lifespan.” “Ah. Yes, they did mention something of the kind at the time. When I went into the riot squad, I thought that it would be shorter, not longer.” Gwen let out a self-depreciating chuckle. “That would have been unacceptable. No way 47

Viola Grace were you leaving my sight.” The passion in his statement made her eyes open a little wider. “Even then?” “Even then.” That wrapped up all conversation until they landed in her little cul-de-sac. “Thank you for the ride to the wedding.” “Oh, Gwen, you will not dislodge me that easily.” He left the skimmer, opened the door and escorted her into her home.

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Chapter Six went into automatic the moment they Gwen entered her house. She removed fruit from her cooler unit and started grains in water on the heater. “I will be right back.” She sprinted up the stairs and unlaced the back of her formal gown. She ignored the stains on it and dropped it to the floor while she went for appropriate undergarments. As a matchmaker, she was allowed to make certain alterations to her uniform, and today that included loose trouser and a wrap shirt over a Terran bra and panty set. She was wearing a pale blue that somehow made her hazel eyes sparkle in the morning light. Gwen kicked herself mentally as she tried to drop the foolish grin that also smirked back at her in the mirror. It was no use. He was here, in her house and they were going to have breakfast together. Slippers replaced her boots and she trotted down the stairs with her hair still in the heavy braids that she had placed them in when she woke. The sight of Etien stirring their breakfast hit her 49

Viola Grace hard. She leaned against the wall for support while he kept the grains from burning. “If you stop staring at my ass, the porridge is ready.” She jerked upright and he laughed. “I have better than average hearing and sense of smell.” He turned his head and she noted that he was wearing canine features, including large pointed ears. Gwen giggled. “If you shed into the porridge, I won’t forgive you.” “Then come and finish it, I was worried about it burning while you were primping.” “I would not have had a problem with primping if you hadn’t lashed me into the gown like that.” She elbowed him away from the pot, turned it off and then started work on the fruit. He must have gone exploring while she was up in her room. He laid out a series of sugars, two bowls, spoons and forks and started the dark tea that Raxos was becoming famous for. They ate in companionable silence. Gwen smiled at the initial distaste he showed for the porridge. “I know you prefer protein in the morning, but I haven’t had a chance to do my marketing today.” “You shop every day?” “When I can. It’s one of my only chances to interact with other people. I have frozen meat here, but I think you won’t be staying for dinner.” 50

Enforce “I will not. I have to get back to the enclave, but I will be back tomorrow. Would you like to go into the city for dinner?” She smiled wistfully, “I haven’t been out for dinner in a very long time. What time?” “I will be here at sundown. Don’t wear your uniform.” He leaned forward and gave her a kiss that made her wish to speed time up until the next day. They were interrupted by her office bell. “Damn. That is my newest client. I will see you tomorrow?” “Tomorrow. And don’t kill any of those butterflies. They are worth their weight in social standing.” He gave her a quick hug and followed her to her office door with his jacket over his shoulder. He suited up and caressed her cheek, then opened the door for her client. The young man blinked and swallowed as he took in her companion. “Ysshur. Please come in. Commander Mathijen was just leaving.” “Matchmaker, my mother insisted that I be at this appointment.” He swallowed nervously. Etien smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “You are in good hands. None are better than Matchmaker Steryio.” Nine butterflies took the opportunity to zap through the open door and flutter around her head. Etien left, still laughing. 51

Viola Grace “Ysshur, please come in. Ignore the butterflies.” She led him in to her casual office and gestured for him to have a seat. The butterflies took up positions around the room, fluttering and twisting in the afternoon light. “You were at an Oefric wedding.” It wasn’t a question. “That’s correct. Two of my clients were wed and the event was lovely until I was swarmed by glittering insects.” “They are attracted by pheromones and unrequited love.” Ysshur was a Roskin, but he seemed sure of his comments. “Well, there were a lot more of them at the ceremony.” “Then there has been a little requiting going on.” He was smiling, much more at ease with her now that he knew something she didn’t. She smiled. “Would you care for some tea?” “That would help. Yes.” She moved to her office kitchen and made a cup of tea. Many of her clients found the process of watching someone make tea to be a soothing pastime. Raxos allowed domestic technology including the laser that heated the water to boiling in an instant. The tech also allowed for the skimmers and motorized transport that dotted the city and surrounding areas. 52

Enforce She kitted out a tray with the usual accoutrements and brought it to the low table between couches. Gwen leaned over to pour the tea and when she caught the young man looking down her shirt, she smiled. “Well, you have a sex drive. That’s a good thing.” She handed him the cup in the same manner a dominate female in his clan would—with her hand gripping the cooler rim of the cup, leaving him to take the heated bottom. It was a not-so-subtle putting him in his place, though by his initial application, he was ten years older than Gwen was. She poured her own tea and sat back on her loveseat. “Now, Ysshur. What are you looking for in a mate?” Hours later, she had gone through three pots of tea, a tray of cookies and light sandwiches and had an excellent idea of what Ysshur was looking for in his female. She also had a glowing map in her mind of his mind’s design and preferences. The Roskin called it a picture of their souls and they made up the majority of her clients. “Thank you for coming, Ysshur. I have someone in mind for you, but if it is too soon, I can wait on the reveal.” The two patterns had clicked in her mind like a lock and key. “May I contact you in a few days? This is rather sudden.” 53

Viola Grace She nodded. “In one week I will contact your match and give her family your information if you do not contact me. Let’s keep it simple for your first contact. No need for the grand family introduction if you do not want it.” He nodded and a relieved expression crossed his face. “Thank you. I am sure that you are aware of our customs by now. My family would not enjoy knowing that I passed up the opportunity for them to have the honour of the introduction.” She inclined her head. Roskin families took pole position in the new relationship by who created the first moment of introduction between the new couple. The male was usually given the advantage, but if he squandered it, he would have to take his new wife’s name and join her clan. Embarrassing but not the end of the world. Ysshur smiled, a dawning realization in his eyes. “You already know who my mate is.” “I do. And as soon as you calm down and prepare yourself and your family, you will, too.” She winked and gave him a light hug as she escorted him to the door. “Now, go home, be safe and call me as soon as you are ready. I will hold off on notifying her until seven days have passed.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and took his leave. The Roskin preferred living transport, so his beast was chewing at the grass in her front yard. 54

Enforce “More butterflies on your roof, Matchmaker Steryio. You had better requite that love as quickly as you can.” He was laughing as he swung into the saddle. “If they get to the point that they breed into a second generation, you will never get rid of them.” He rode off into the sunset before she could ask him for more details. Her office com was blinking when she returned to clean up the tea and snack trays. She flicked the speaker and listened to the message as she scrubbed up. “Um, hello? Matchmaker Steryio, I saw you at the Wellia’s wedding and I was wondering if you were taking on new clients. My name is Sephra and I live in the city.” The young woman’s voice rattled off a contact number and disconnected. The next message was a male from the Oefric enclave, the next a female from the Oefric enclave and seven more that left her stunned and laughing with joy. Apparently, being stalked by silver butterflies was all she needed to do to become a popular Matchmaker. She took out her data pad and made notes of the names and numbers, then brought up her schedule. With each consultation taking a minimum of four hours, she would have the entire week full. 55

Viola Grace With her mind clearly on having her date with Etien the following day, she made a series of calls and began booking new clients. The first male wanted his appointment early the following day, so she looked outside at the dimming light and sighed. No time to get more supplies. Gwen organized a light salad and some bread for her dinner. Her fork went flying when there as a knock at her window. Familiar blue grey eyes were smiling at her through the window. “Etien!” She opened the door and he came in with two armloads of bags. “What is this?” “Dinner and supplies. I was informed that your appointment ran long and that you tend to feed your clients to relax them. You didn’t have time to get food today, so I brought it to you. What will you have…fowl, red meat, fish?” He took over her kitchen and she closed the door. It was surreal. “Seriously?” “Seriously. I want fowl. Come here and sit down. Tell me about your day and I will tell you about mine.” She had a kitchen island and she pulled up a chair and watched him bone the fowl and heat the oven. “You cook?” “You don’t think I grew to this size simply by grazing on local grains and grasses, do you?” 56

Enforce She laughed. “I assumed your mother cooked for you.” “Only until I was twenty-five. After that, I was on my own in the bachelor’s quarters at the enclave. It was learn to cook or live off noodles.” “The bachelor’s dilemma. The same across the universe.” She chatted about her day, not giving him the name of her client, but describing the landslide of calls she had gotten with a certain wonder. “It’s amazing. Who thought being stalked by insects would be good for business? What do they eat by the way?” “They survive on your emotional reactions. They surround you because you are radiating conflicted emotions.” He winked at her. “For example, you want me, but you will not hand yourself over to my care.” “I don’t recall that being on offer.” He sniffed elegantly. “It was implied.” She chortled. “You know as well as I do that duty sometimes comes first. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a matchmaker.” “You could fall back on your other skills.” “Like what? Stunning bugs in a household? Herding spiders? This is all I am currently trained for.” She rubbed at her forehead. “You have a life that you can live, Gwen. You can have friends, a family, a life, but only if you want it.” 57

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Chapter Seven

“Y

ou say that like it is my choice. The Citadel hasn’t given me any retirement options.” She fought the tears that formed in her eyes. “Raxos is your option.” He popped the fowl into the oven and started to peel some vegetables. “What do you mean?” Etien sighed and put the peeler down on the table. “I bought your freedom by taking a position here in the government.” She got to her feet and shrieked, “You did what?” “I agreed to take a position here as the Oefric representative in the Raxos government so that you could have a home, free and clear, from the Citadel. They don’t have you under their thumb anymore. You are now merely a consultant for them.” Her knees buckled and she sat on the floor. “Gwen, are you all right?” “No. I feel a little sick.” A flock of butterflies entered the kitchen and swirled around her head. 58

Enforce “What are they doing?” “Feeding on your despair and trying to make you feel better.” He pulled her up by her arms. “I just told you that you are free and you are crying.” “I don’t belong here. Since I volunteered to leave Earth, I have belonged somewhere. You just cut my strings.” “I don’t understand the reference.” She sighed and closed her eyes. His gaze was too much for her. “You have stripped away my robes and left me naked in a snowstorm.” He pulled her to him and wrapped her in his arms. “I haven’t left you anywhere. I am here with you.” “If I am not a matchmaker or an enforcer, what am I?” “You can still be a matchmaker. I want you to do whatever makes you happy.” He paused, rocking her gently in his arms. “And I want you to do me whenever possible.” She hiccupped with laughter. “I am still rather sore from our first joining. Even my accelerating healing won’t let you in for a few days.” “I thought as much, but it doesn’t hurt to try.” He kept rocking her until the smell of cooking fowl filled the kitchen. “I had better get going on the tubers. Will you help me?” She nodded. “Why not?” They worked together, peeling and chopping. 59

Viola Grace The veggies joined the meat in the oven and then Gwen and Etien cleaned up the prep. “It will be an hour or so before it is all ready.” She stretched and smiled. “Time for the news then.” “You go ahead. I will put away the rest of these groceries. I know where they go.” Gwen wandered into her living room and turned on the monitor. The snowstorm in the mountains had locked in most of the Oefric enclave. It was providing Tomas and Wellia with a honeymoon they hadn’t scheduled. Oefric usually mated, had the party and got back to life. Life. Gwen put her slippered feet on the coffee table and pondered what Etien had said. She was free. She didn’t have to be a matchmaker to make her living. She could figure out whatever she wanted and become that. She didn’t have to wear the uniform anymore unless she was operating in a formal function. That thought gave her a spurt of joy. She could wear jeans again. Sneakers. Jewellery. This wasn’t too bad after all. So quietly she didn’t think she had said it too loud, she whispered, “I can be me again.” Strong arms wrapped her from behind the couch and she felt him nuzzling her neck. “You can be whatever you want to be. I look forward to getting to know the real you.” 60

Enforce She drew her fingers over his forearm, enjoying the feel of the muscle under her fingertips. “So do I. I have not been myself for a very long time.” “Then why not start tonight?” “Right. Wait here.” She skittered up the stairs and dug out her private stash of Terran clothing. Jeans and a t-shirt with socks and sneakers. They were improperly snug given the races on Raxos, but this was time to be herself. She came bouncing down the stairs with her hair in a ponytail, her Terran finery comforting against her skin. “That is…wow.” “Terran casual wear. Comfortable and sturdy.” She turned on her toes. “Now, I just need to dig out my watch and earrings and my becoming me outwardly will be complete.” He reached out to touch her clothing, rubbing the jersey of her t-shirt in his fingers before stroking down her breasts, “What is under here?” “A bra. A breast support that keeps them where they are supposed to be.” He cupped her breasts and his fingers seemed to analyze the lace. “In my hands?” “No playing today.” She batted at his hands. He grabbed the belt loops on her jeans and pulled her hips to his. “These I like.” “Isn’t the food ready?” 61

Viola Grace Etien laughed. “Yes. Yes, it is. Come along. We will eat, clean up and then I will shift into something that doesn’t want to fuck you senseless.” “That sounds surprisingly nice.” He hauled her backward into the kitchen using her jeans as a handle. He served them dinner, chatted about his day and she learned that Raxos was more than just a colony world. They were a testing ground for a variety of plants and animals for other colonies around the Alliance. The multiple races were needed to test the foods, clothing and vehicles on for comfort and compatibility. It was a living lab. “So, when you agreed to come back home?” “I was agreeing to fling my genes into the mix. Fate has chosen you as the recipient of my flinging.” He was also a wonderful cook. The light hand with the spices was just enough to compliment the delicate flavours of the vegetables and the fowl. “Fate chose me?” “It has to be fate. Oefrics know their true mates. Just scenting one’s true mate heats the blood, stirs the loins and softens the heart, so they say. I have found that it also makes me want to protect you with fang, claw, hand and head.” He removed her fork from her limp hand and lifted her fingers. “Such delicate hands to hold such power over me.” 62

Enforce “I don’t want power. All I have ever wanted—” “Is to be wanted yourself. I know.” “Is that in my file somewhere?” “No. It is in you. All of you. It’s why the butterflies are still here. You don’t want me to want the person that you showed to the worlds. You wanted me to want the woman within.” She blushed as he nibbled at her fingertips. “I thought you weren’t going to come here for dinner today?” “I closed the session early when I realized that you would be foraging for minimal foodstuffs.” Gwen smiled. What he had said was true, he was trying to protect her. Even from her lack of grocery shopping. That had to count for something. They cleared and washed the dishes and then returned to her living room. Gwen watched with avid eyes as he stripped while she tried not to stare at the planes and bulges of muscle that were exposed with every removed piece of fabric. He let her stare for a few seconds when he was completely nude, his cock rising at the attention and then he knelt on all fours and became the great grey wolf. She sat on the couch and watched news and romantic movies while stroking his ears and rubbing his belly. It was a good night and as a first date, it was amazing. 63

Viola Grace She tried to ease out from under his massive sleeping head, but was stopped by a growl. “Knock it off, Etien. I need to get some nice restful sleep. You can come along if you like, but no drooling on the covers.” She led up and into her bedroom, stripped off her clothing and completely naked, she crawled into bed next to her great grey wolf. When she woke in the morning, the wolf, the man, his clothing was all gone. All that was left was a note on her kitchen table. I will see you at sundown. Dress nice, no uniforms, but something slinky. Love, Etien p.s. I have drawn a suggestion from your closet. Please consider it and I will give you a present. Bemused, she entered her closet and saw the gown hanging on its own across the top of the other clothing. Made of l’nal silk, it would definitely be a showstopper with its one slit up her left thigh. Now. Where did she put the matching shoes?

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Chapter Eight

H

er newest client was an Oefric male who was trembling with eagerness to be matched. “Few of your race have wanted to engage in matchmaking, Nishka. Why are you here?” He grinned and sipped at the tea. “When I saw you with Alpha Mathijen I knew that you were something more than the average matchmaker.” “Alpha Mathijen? You mean Etien? Oh.” So, it was Etien’s slumming that had caused her sudden surge in popularity. “Yes. He has searched long and hard for his true mate and if he has chosen you, then you are a very exceptional woman.” Nishka Althon executed a sitting bow that was surprisingly graceful. “I am willing to put myself in your hands and I trust you to find the match that will be my true mate.” She blinked and went back to her professional patter. “Wonderful. Well, let’s begin then.” It took four hours of scanning his mind, but eventually, she had a grasp on his template that would enable her to match him completely. She 65

Viola Grace gave him a polite handshake as she escorted him to the door. Her butterflies were in fine form this morning, surrounding her the moment she opened the door. A few of the silver wings had turned gold and were clustering on her porch in twos and threes. “As soon as I find a match for you, I will contact you. There are a few candidates, but I will need to run through them in silent meditation. Nishka, enjoy your day.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left on his solo cycle. She sighed heavily and returned to her office, tidying up and trying to match Nishka with one of the other clients in her mental vault. There were three possible matches but none was exact. A knock on her office door brought her out of her assessment. The young woman standing at her door had the same lavender-grey skin as Wellia. She looked from side to side as if she was afraid of being seen. “Matchmaker? May I speak with you?” Gwen opened her door and let the young woman in. “Please, be comfortable. Tea?” “Thank you. I am sorry to have just barged in on you, but my family isn’t in favour of using a talent to find a match. They are hooked on the idea of love at first sight.” Understanding dawned—the woman was a 66

Enforce pragmatic in a romantic family. “I have some time before I need to be going. Tell me about yourself. Start with your name.” Against protocol, Gwen started to analyse the woman’s template. It glowed with intelligence and energy. “Carrel Knensi, of the bio-design clan. I saw how happy Wellia was, even with a mate outside our species. If there is a chance for me to be that happy, I will sneak around behind my clan’s back as long as need be.” Gwen served her tea while running through the male templates that were in her mind. She stifled a smirk. This woman’s ideal match had been at the same wedding, but because they were of difference social classes, they had never met. She never knew how to tell someone that she had just met that she knew who her soul mate was. “Carrel, I am going to ask you some questions.” “Yes, Matchmaker Steryio, whatever you need.” Her braided black locks slid as she nodded affirmative. “Are you wanting to become my client?” “I am.” “Press your finger to the data pad. This will not be used to identify you, merely to verify my client count.” The woman pressed her hand to the data pad and looked up for the next instruction. 67

Viola Grace “What would you say if I told you that your ideal mate was at the wedding you attended on the weekend?” “I find it highly unlikely that you could know it already.” “If he had not become a client, I would not have. Now that you are a client, I have taken a psychic template of your likes, dislikes and personality traits. I have the man who will compliment you on a multitude of levels.” “You don’t know anything about me yet.” Gwen smiled and started to list the things that she did know. Her favourite flowers, she was seventeen when she lost her virginity, she wanted a man who had his own life, his own friends, but who loved her despite her workaholic tendencies. When she finished her little speech, Carrel’s mouth was hanging open. “You know all that without—” “Without asking you questions? Yes. It is the same way that I know the man for you wants a woman who will not cling, but who will be energized by the joining.” Carrel was sitting forward, cupping her tea with enthusiasm. “And he is right for me?” “It is a ninety-nine percent match. Making a go of it is up to you. Are you willing to meet him?” “I am. How soon can it be arranged?” Her eagerness was palpable. 68

Enforce “I can arrange a meeting now. I know that he is in town this afternoon. It will be a first introduction here in my home. Are you willing?” “Here? Now?” She immediately started fiddling with her braids. “Yes. I will call him, introduce you and then leave you two to get to know each other. After one hour, I will kick you out and if you choose to pursue an evening together, it is none of my affair.” She winked. Carrel paused. “Yes. Call him.” Smiling, Gwen went into her private com centre and made the call. The sounds of the street were in the background. “Nishka, this is Matchmaker Steryio.” “Yes, what can I do for you?” “I have a match for you.” “So soon?” “She is here waiting if you wish for a face-to-face meeting.” “I will be there in ten minutes.” “Excellent. Simply come in through the office door.” She disconnected the call and returned the anxious Carrel. “He will be here in ten. Would you care to help me arrange some snacks?” It was a simple ploy to get Carrel to stop fiddling with her hair. They laid out some finger sandwiches and cookies just in time to hear a heavy tread on the floor. Gwen caught the tea tray 69

Viola Grace before Carrel could drop it when she first saw Nishka. His cheeks were flushed and when he looked into Carrel’s face a soul-deep recognition sparked from inside him. Gwen looked to Carrel and she had the same dumbstruck look in her eyes. “Nishka, this is Carrel. Carrel, this is Nishka. Come along and have a seat in the parlour.” She led the way and they stumbled after her. She took the love seat forcing them to sit together on the couch. It wasn’t much of an enforcement. They touched hands with wonder and smiles bloomed. “If you are fine, I will be in my private quarters getting ready for my evening out. Call me if you need me.” “Thank you, Matchmaker. Your skills are truly…amazing.” Nishka said the last on a breathy sigh as he looked into Carrel’s eyes. Gwen didn’t say a thing, merely scampered up the stairs and tried to find the shoes that matched the gown. When she scored the proper shoes, she worked on her hair. She was not to appear in uniform, so it was time to get a little wild. She braided part of her hair and used it to cage the rest in a loose mass near the top of her head spilling into a cascade down the right shoulder. This left her neck bare until she put on a heavy bronze necklace and cuffs with matching earrings. Her gown fastened over the right shoulder and 70

Enforce with the slit on the left, it created a visual cue to run across her body with every step. Midnight blue with bronze and black splashes of colour, the silk clung to her faithfully. Her shoes made her four inches taller. The bodice had internal wrapping to support her breasts but the rest of the gown flowed freely. She added light makeup and turned to view herself in the mirror. “Wow.” This was definitely not a covered up matchmaker formal. With care, she took her wrap and made her way down the stairs. Her office was still occupied. They seemed to have hit it off if Carrel’s discarded blouse was any indication. She cleared her throat. “Your hour of privacy is up. There are plenty of restaurants in town as well as theatres and secluded parks. You both drive solo cycles, so get yourself moving.” Carrel grabbed her blouse and Nishka helped her button it. “I am sorry, Matchmaker.” Neither of them had looked up and when Carrel did, she gasped. “You look amazing.” “Thank you. I have a date in half an hour.” Nishka couldn’t seem to decide where to look. “With Alpha Mathijen?” “With Etien, yes.” She inclined her head, feeling the weight of the hair she had piled on top of it. “He will be proud to have you at his side.” 71

Viola Grace Nishka’s statement was absolute. A familiar voice entered the room. “I usually am. Ah, Gwen, you wore the dress.” She smiled at the warmth in his tone. “I did. I bought it years ago.” He came forward and kissed the back of her hand. “On Norithal. I remember. There were bets taken as to whether you would ever wear it. I am guessing I win.”

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Chapter Nine

W

ith the younger couple ejected, Gwen and Etien were on their way to their date. She knew something was not quite what she had expected when the skimmer doors were opened on either side and Etien’s hand pulled her out of the car and onto the red carpet. “This isn’t just a date, is it, Commander?” “Call me Etien, or Alpha Mathijen. I don’t outrank you here. No one does. That is why I didn’t want you to wear your uniform. You are here as the singular Terran colonist on Raxos.” “What is this event?” “A formal greeting for my new position as Oefric representative and high councillor of Raxos.” “You didn’t mention that.” “I have had a problem keeping it out of the press and there was a reason you were suddenly inundated with appointments. I called in every desperate single Oefric to distract you.” She waved at some of the press that was trying 73

Viola Grace to get her attention as they made their way into the large hall. “So my recent success is all your fault?” “I had to keep you from watching the news somehow and those who sought your services do indeed need them.” She snorted as they were drawn through security and the ballroom expanded before them. A gleam of silver caught her eye and she sighed. The damned butterflies had found her again. “I can solve that butterfly problem if you would have some patience until after dinner.” She sighed. “You keep promising that, but you never make it to that point.” “Tonight, I will promise that the butterflies will leave you alone, as long as I don’t have to. Will you dance?” She let him lead her to the dance floor and they swayed and parted only to embrace again over and over. “I didn’t know you were such a good dancer, Etien.” “It’s a requirement for courtship training. I learned it years ago, never thought I would use it though.” “I am glad you did. We had similar required learning, mind you, not all the dances are suitable for public display.” Her silk gown fluttered around her legs as she stepped and spun. “That is quite the tease.” “Isn’t it just?” 74

Enforce He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her exposed neck. “It really is.” He sighed as a politician came up and requested an introduction. She was introduced to all as Gwen Steryio, sole Raxos colonist from Terra. That title earned her more respect than she had ever gained as an enforcer and certainly more than her matchmaker title. They sat at a lovely table covered with flowers, ate the dinner provided by the farmers of Raxos and listened to a number of congratulatory speeches until the evening was almost midnight. Etien stood and drew her to her feet. “Come with me.” He led her to the centre of the empty dance floor and knelt before her with the entirety of the high society of Raxos watching. “Gwen Steryio, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” In Terran tradition, he opened a small box and presented her with a ring that gleamed and sparkled in the light. She looked from his beloved face to the ring and back again. She leaned forward to whisper. “Are you serious?” He whispered back with a grin, “I am.” She stood and extended her left hand, “Then yes. Yes, I will marry you, Etien Mathijen. For a thousand reasons and this very important one. I do love you and always have.” The silver butterflies went wild and one by one, 75

Viola Grace they turned a vibrant gold, flying out all available doors and windows. He slid the ring onto her finger and stood to take her in a kiss that had the entire ballroom cheering with excitement. Witnessing that kind of passion was contagious and soon, many couples who had relived their own proposals in that moment were necking at the tables. Gwen let her world shrink to Etien and herself. She ran her fingers through his hair, caressed the cabled muscles of his neck and finally worked her fingers into his evening jacket, holding him close. “That is enough for a public display of affection. Shall we continue it in private?” “That sounds excellent.” She laughed as he swept her into his arms and carried her back to the skimmer. She heard the clicking of vid cameras and knew that the proposal and their exit would make it to the news the next day. A strange bubbling joy started in the centre of her chest and flared outward. As the skimmer took her home, she couldn’t stop the foolish grin on her face. His carrying of her person did not end at the skimmer. He lifted her from her seat and carried her up to her bedroom. “I know you said you were a little sore, but…” She undid the buttons on his shirt, peeling his eveningwear off him in a matter of seconds. “Did 76

Enforce I? I forget. I can be sore tomorrow. In fact, I hope I am.” It was all the encouragement he needed as her gown went sliding to the floor in a whoosh of silk. He left her jewellery on and she gave a happy cry as she tackled him to the bedding and worked at undoing his trousers. His boots got in the way, so she turned and yanked them off, the hand on the curve of her buttocks drove her to distraction, but as soon as he was naked, she was back on him. “Not fair to tease, Etien.” She was wet, her body hot, slick and empty. She moaned as her seeking hips managed to get the tip of him inside her and with a sigh, she dropped her weight onto him, taking him into her as far as she could. Gwen sat up straight and rocked her hips in a pattern that made him grit his teeth and throw his head back. “Where did you learn that?” She laughed and kept the twist, lift and drop going. “Dance class.” He hissed through gritted teeth as her channel massaged every inch of him with every twist. “I am severely undereducated.” “This is my first time practicing on another person.” “I will let you know how you are doing.” His hands cupped her breasts and he leaned up to take 77

Viola Grace a nipple in his mouth. She acknowledged that he seemed to have shifted into a body designed just for sex. No complaints on her part, the rubbing of his pubic bone against her clit as she worked herself against him combined with the tongue and teeth he was using on her breasts drove her to a quick, sharp orgasm and she moaned as her whole body shivered in reaction, over and over. He flipped her to her back and drove into her, the noise of his balls hitting her flesh, a rhythmic smacking to the counterpoint of her groans and his growls. With a final shove, he held himself inside her as he jetted into her, his cum a warm splash deep within. She chuckled and held him close as he collapsed on her torso. He was heavy, but she liked the feeling of him surrounding her. Sweat slid between them and the scent of sex was heavy in the air. “You won’t change your mind?” His grunted words against her collarbone made her shiver. “I won’t change my mind. If I am not allowed to be a matchmaker, what am I now?” “You are Gwen Steryio, Terran. My beloved true mate and a matchmaker and enforcer. But first and foremost, you are Gwen.” He nuzzled at her neck and jaw. “I can live with that. Oh, keep doing that.” “Perhaps in time I can convince you to be Gwen 78

Enforce Mathijen.” “That will take a lot of convincing.” His teeth now gnawed at her neck, the gooseflesh he was generating peaked her nipples once again. It was amazing that such a little touch on her neck could make her quiver, but here it was. “I will begin my convincing now.” He rolled her until she was on her stomach and slid into her, widening as she stretched to accommodate him. Two hours later she lay in a sweaty heap, not a bone in her body was capable of movement. “Whatever you want…no more tonight…please.” Etien laughed weakly. “I agree. You will take my name, I will build a formal residence on this cul-de-sac and we will have nine children.” “Nine? I thought five.” His hand crept between her thighs and when he touched her clit, she flinched. “Nine, nine it is.” He withdrew his hand with a chuckle. “I can really get into this manner of negotiation. A pity it won’t work with the governors.” “You try it and you will be all over the news for more than just your gorgeous ass.” She yawned and glared at the rising sun. “It’s early and I have an appointment this afternoon.” “Cancel it.” “I can’t cancel on people who just want to find love. It’s rude. Besides, don’t you have meetings all 79

Viola Grace day?” He groaned and closed his eyes. “Do you have to be so practical, Gwen?” “Until we are married and this frenzy wears off, one of us has to be. It’s why we are such a good match.” “Did you confirm it with your talent?” “I didn’t need to. It was obvious the moment I met you that you were the only one I wanted. Since no one else has ever woken my hormones, it was pretty hard to miss.” He drew her close to him, curling around her in the way that made her heart soften. And part of her brain. “Nope. None of this. I am going to do a series of caffeine shots until I can function. We are both going to get on with our days and after we have a quiet wedding, we can try and book some time off for a honeymoon.” Etien groaned and flipped to his back. “Spoilsport.” She hobbled out of the bed and headed for the shower. It was going to take her an hour of stretching just to get her thighs to connect again and she didn’t regret a second of it. Etien joined her in the shower, his familiarity with her body and her trigger areas allowed him to arouse and calm her at the same time. She relaxed against him and let his hands wander over her curves at will. 80

Enforce “Don’t make those little sounds in your throat, Gwen, or you will have even more trouble walking.” The comment brought her back to herself and out of the veil of warm pleasure that he had wrapped her in. “Spoilsport.” Gwen left him to finish his own shower and dried her skin gingerly. “I am going to get dressed. I will meet you downstairs.” He didn’t answer, but she heard tuneless whistling coming from under the water. She got breakfast ready and she fried a steak for her carnivore. It was weird, he came down, ate, gave her a kiss and promised to do the dinner dishes and then he was on his way out. Gwen had to fight the smile on her face as she cleaned up. They were a honeymooning old couple. It was a very odd combination. She set about her day and when Etien returned for dinner, they had dessert first, all over the kitchen countertop. Being just plain Gwen was definitely making her love life more active and his ideas for negotiating a larger wedding were enough to make her consider renting a cathedral.

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Epilogue

E

tien and Gwen sat in the enclave and watched the wedding ceremony from a vantage point that neither had previously enjoyed. Gwen thought about the last two weeks. She had made nineteen matches as Etien’s connections provided her with an unending stream of unmated men and women of a variety of ages. It had been hard to work out a schedule that allowed her new clients to have personal introductions while she met up with Etien’s family. The foundations were waiting for the construction team to create Etien and Gwen’s new home. Gwen’s original home would continue to act as her offices. The meditation of the wedding was in its second hour. Only one more hour to go and then the endless well-wishing would start. Gwen tried to keep her smile off her lips as she faced her love. Skeeter had made it to the wedding and his nine-foot troll-like bulk made quite an impression on the Oefric. He was representing the 82

Enforce bride’s family and doing one heck of a job. Other members of the squad were here, but Skeeter was more than a companion in arms, he was a friend. “So, when I entered the room, all I saw was a series of insurgents face down on the ground with their butts in the air. Commander Mathijen was leaning over the Enforcer and she kept murmuring something about no place like home. It was at that point that I realize these two were meant to be.” The crowd was astonished and only the others of the squad started clapping. The applause slowly spread as the shock of the rather detailed description of one of her assignment was recounted as one of the toasts to the bride. Etien kissed the back of her hand as she looked at him ruefully. “We had to invite them, didn’t we?” “We did. Can you imagine what would happen if we didn’t?” The image of the squad upset was more than she could imagine. She shuddered. “Fair point. Where are they staying?” He snorted. “Some of the single women of the clan have offered them lodgings.” “Let me guess. The Charmer did the negotiating?” “However did you know?” 83

Viola Grace She drummed her fingers on the table for a moment. “What if our children have my talent?” “Then we will have some of the bossiest young ladies and gentlemen on Raxos. It is not an issue. When I said I wanted you, I wanted all of you.” “Good. Because in a few months there is going to be a lot more of me. It seems your negotiating skills bore fruit.” It took him a few minutes to take the hint, but his smile blinded her. “Eight more to go.” She punched him in the arm and he caught her fist before she could withdraw it. Their kiss caught the attention of the guests to the wedding and as it went on and on, howls of appreciation started. **** Skeeter sat and looked at the table full of squad members. “Can you believe it took this long?” Janus winked. “It happened in its own time. They were not ready before this.” “So, who of you signed up for posting to Raxos?” All hands were raised. “And who wants the Enforcer to make a match?” All the hands stayed up. “Good. Now, I just need to find a nine-foot 84

Enforce woman and I am set. What are the odds of there being Usulan colonists any time soon?” Janus fished his data pad out of his formal wear. “There are thirty of them in a small village to the south east of the main city.” Skeeter got to his feet, “Gentlemen, I bid you goodnight.” Janus laughed. “Where are you going?” “Bride hunting. If Mathijen can find one who was right in front of him for a couple of years, I can certainly find one if I go hunting.” Whistling, Skeeter walked out into the night and headed for his personal skimmer when he heard a noise. A woman was sniffling in the shadows and he approached her cautiously. “Are you hurt?” She shook her head. “No. I just hate weddings.” “I am not a huge fan of them either, but when your friends invite you, you have to go.” He kept himself back and hunched down. “Is it this particular wedding that is a problem?” “No. I just hate sticking out like a sore thumb.” “You seem perfectly lovely to me. Would you care to come back inside and dance?” He never knew what spurred on that offer, but he held out his hand and she took it. “That would be nice. I never get to dance at these things. All those lessons wasted.” She stood up…and up…and up. She wasn’t nine feet tall, but eight feet was tall 85

Viola Grace enough. He offered her his arm, “My lady, my name is Skeeter and I am at your service.” “Broshala.” Her gaze was shy and there was something else as she took in his height. “Broshala, a lovely name.” He began walking her into the hall and to the dance floor. “After this dance, I will introduce you to the bride. She has some talents in the arena of matchmaking, or so I have heard.” He didn’t need Gwen to tell him that he had just met his match, but if she tried to run, he might, as his friend, have to go all Enforcer on her ass. He loved weddings.

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About the Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.