She missed the rest of the conversation between Brexton and Yvis. Brexton led her out of the clinic and through the twisting halls of the station. She recognized the security area from her previous meeting with Zlerak. The alien’s office door stood open and Brexton went straight inside, tugging her along behind him. The head of security waved at them to have a seat, though he seemed completely engrossed in whatever was on his computer.
“I have some news for you,” Zlerak said. “I explained the situation to Borgoz about your mate and children being in danger and that we didn’t have enough guards to spare to ensure their safety. He’s ordered Ryx and Malin to come to Earth and guard your family. He’s also requested that Marwick come here from a station on the other side of this country, as well as Asvyr.”
“I’m familiar with Ryx and Malin,” Brexton said. “But not the other two.”
“Marwick is currently in some state called Kentucky, and Asvyr is in Texas. Marwick is a bit older than you, and Asvyr is younger. He was trained after you left Zelthrane-3, and Marwick has probably been on Earth longer than you. He was one of the first sent down here.”
“As long as they’re capable of keeping my family safe, that’s all that matters to me,” Brexton said. “Where will they stay while they’re here? Do I need to figure out housing?”
“They’ll be provided an apartment to share in the building we own here in Los Angeles. When they aren’t on duty, they can rest there. One will stay with the children and the other with your mate, two on duty at all times in twelve-hour shifts.”
Blossom stared at the alien. “Twelve-hour shifts? Won’t they get tired?”
Zlerak seemed amused by her question. “Blossom, these are trained warriors. While Asvyr hasn’t seen much battle, the others have fought many times over and are used to staying awake for a day or more when necessary. I can assure you that your family will be safe while they’re on duty.”
She nodded. “I didn’t mean any offense. I just worried the shifts would be too long for them. They should also have time to enjoy their stay on Earth, maybe find a mate while they’re here.”
Zlerak leaned back in his chair. “You wish them to find mates?”
“That’s what all of you want, right? Families? If they aren’t mated already, then maybe they’d like the chance to see what females are available here in Los Angeles.”
The head of security nodded. “Very well. Ten-hour shifts to allow for extra downtime. What they do with it is entirely up to them.”
“Thank you for your assistance,” Brexton said. “If there’s ever anything I can do to help more around here, please let me know.”
“Just keep promoting goodwill for our people,” Zlerak asked. “Ever since you became a famous actor, the bride applications at this station have more than tripled. We have to weed out the crazy people and those who don’t meet the criteria, but it still leaves a much bigger pool of applicants than we had before. From what I’ve heard, every station across the country has experienced an influx of applicants. You’re loved by all human females, it seems.”
“I’m glad my popularity is helping my people, but there’s only one female I’m interested in attracting,” Brexton said, giving Blossom a heated look.
She smiled and leaned into his side.
“Until your security detail arrives, I’m going to have Ranvik shadow your mate today, and I’ve already asked Pryntar to keep an eye on your children. The two warriors already on Earth should arrive here by tonight. The others will get here when they’re able. Ryx was off world at the time, but Borgoz ordered his return to Zelthrane-3 and will send him to Earth as soon as possible. Malin was already there and Borgoz assured me the warrior would be on the next shuttle arriving here, which is scheduled for late tonight,” Zlerak said.
“Thank you for your help,” Blossom said.
“You’re very welcome.” Zlerak smiled. “We’re very protective of mates, even if they are still living on Earth.”
Brexton started to leave, but Blossom pulled on his hand to get him to stay a moment longer. She faced Zlerak and asked something she’d been dying to know for a while.
“If your people are here, are there other aliens we may not be aware of? Maybe walking among us?” she asked.
“You mean some who look more human?” Zlerak asked.
“Yes. Or maybe have a way of camouflaging themselves?”
He smiled. “Yes. There are other aliens on Earth. I believe a Keshpan is living in Texas, though he’s a pale blue so he doesn’t exactly blend in. Other races visit from time to time, but I think you’re asking if any others are living here?”
She nodded.
“The Keshpan is the only one I know of, but that doesn’t mean things won’t change in the future. Quite a few races are compatible with humans, and our people aren’t the only ones who are in desperate need of females. It hasn’t been made known to humans yet, other than Earth’s government, but there are currently negotiations for two other races to either share the current Terran stations or set up their own in several locations across your planet.”
Blossom’s eyes went wide. “What kind of aliens?”
“Markisites and Albions, neither of which Earth has ever heard of prior to this,” Zlerak said.
“Albions?” Brexton asked, his full focus on Zlerak again.
“Is something wrong?” Blossom asked.
