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“It’s right. I only need a gallon.”
The woman gave me a suddenly anxious lookbefore speaking very slowly and clearly. “Ms. Fisher, you understand that youhave signed up for the lifetime program, correct?”
“Yes.”
“You will never be able to return to earthunless your mate allows it. You will become the Queen of the Western Province andwill most likely bear the king more than one child.”
“I get it,” I said.
“But you only asked for one gallon ofjuice.”
“That’s all I need.”
The woman hesitated. “It’s for the rest ofyour life, Ms. Fisher.”
“I’m aware.”
She couldn’t hide her time-to-stop-arguing-with-the-idiotlook. “Very well. You are to be at the docking bay at eight-thirty Tuesdaymorning. We’ll have someone from the agency pick you up at your apartment ateight to escort you to the loading dock. Please be ready to go by eight. Thepilots don’t like it when the cargo is late.”
“I won’t be late,” I said.
The woman pushed the tablet toward me.“Your signature is required on the bottom line. Did you read over the terms ofthe contract like I asked?”
“Yes, I read it after I tested positive forbreeding.”
“Good. By signing, you agree to the termsof the contract. If you break them, it is considered a first-class felony andyou’ll be sentenced to a minimum of twenty-five years in prison. Is thatperfectly clear?”
“Yes.”
“You will go to prison, Evelyn,” the womansaid. “There is no getting out of it once you sign the contract. Be verycertain you wish to do this.”
“I’m certain.” I signed across the linewith the tip of my finger and only felt a moment of panic before it subsided. Isat back in my seat as euphoria washed over me. I was free of him. By thistime next week, I would be on a new planet and my stepbrother would never be ableto hurt me again.
You still need to get to the docking baywithout him noticing. You’re not free yet, and he’s dangerous andunpredictable. Don’t ever forget that, my innervoice cautioned.
“A copy of the contract will be sent to theemail address you provided. Unless you have more questions, we’re finishedhere,” the woman said.
She stood and smoothed down her skirt as Istumbled to my feet. I hesitated and then held out my hand. The woman glancedat it before giving it a brief shake. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Fisher. Enjoyyour new life. Don’t forget to pick up your juice at the front desk.”
“Yeah, I won’t forget.” Did the woman thinkI was that stupid? I could hear the disdain in my voice and I automaticallycringed. At home, that tone would get me a punch to the face if I was lucky,or a kick to the kidneys if I wasn’t.
The woman gave me a strange look beforepointing to the door. “The reception is to the right. Goodbye, Ms. Fisher.”
“Goodbye.” I hurried out of the woman’soffice and down the hallway. At the front desk, I picked up the gallberryjuice and tucked it into the backpack I had brought for that very purpose. I couldn’tvery well walk through my neighbourhood carrying a gallon of gallberry juice. Mythroat would be slit in the first two minutes.
I rode the elevator down to the front lobbyand walked outside. I breathed in the warm air and the smell of the flowersthat were planted in front of the office building before slinging the pack overmy back and tightening the straps. An airtrain roared by overhead, blottingout the sun for a moment and sending a gust of warm air over me. I studied itssilver underbelly as it flew by, wondering what it would be like to travel inthe air like that.
You’ll find out in two days.
A little sprinkle of excitement bloomed in mybelly. Yes, I would. In two days, I would be flying in a spaceship to anotherplanet and my life on earth would be a distant memory. I took another deepbreath and started the long walk toward home.
Chapter Two
“Thank you again for letting me borrow yourclothes, Candy.”
“Don’t mention it, sweetie.” The curvybrunette sat down at the table and watched as I folded the clothes she’d givenme and placed them on the table. “How did the interview go?”
“Good,” I said. “I got the job.”
