Page 54 of Solan

“I should not need to do all of those things for her to see what an advantageous match this would be.”

“Yet she is still resisting you,” Padam said. “Perhaps you could try some of them. Some even look fun, the dancing in particular.”

Solan shook his head. “I have made a mistake. I was distracted by her fertility when we first met. I was overcome by the scent of her ripeness. My judgment is in error.”

“You no longer want Vegas?” Padam stood from the couch. “I thought you’d convinced yourself she was the right mate for you?”

“You would have made the same mistake if you had been actively seeking a mate,” Solan said. “She was tempting and was very soft when I touched her. That did not make me think wisely.”

“There is a human saying I have heard,” Padam said. “It says that sometimes men think with their genitals rather than their heads. Is that what has happened here?”

“My genitalia does not do the thinking for me.”

“Maybe it does when you’re around Vegas.”

“If that is the case, there will be other fertile females for my genitals to encounter. My attention can shift to that female. I will forget all about Vegas.” Despite saying the words, Solan didn’t find the idea of another female appealing. He’d read the file about his chosen mate, Melissa. She looked physically appealing. She was gainfully employed, and she was fertile. She sounded ideal. He’d read her information several times and felt nothing. Not the faintest stir of attraction. Every time he’d tried to imagine himself with this other woman, irritating images of Vegas filtered through his mind, what she would look like naked and on her back and her expression when she rode him.

“You’re giving up on Vegas?” Padam asked. “You seemed so certain about her.”

“I’m not anymore. I need to find myself another female. I will spend time with her and forget about Vegas.”

“What about your chosen mate?”

“She is not available. She is on a course to learn how to fly.”

“She sounds ambitious.”

“She sounds busy. I want a female who can dedicate herself to me.”

“While you’re out saving the galaxy?” Padam scratched his nose. “Don’t you think she’ll get bored sitting in your den waiting for you to return?”

“She will have our squibs to keep her occupied.”

“Human women like to do more than rear their young. They have jobs and friends.”

“Then they are neglectful.”

“You might not want to say that to your future match.”

“I will pick someone who wants to do only that.”

“Not even Galaxar women want to do that.”

“Our historical records show that is exactly what they used to do.”

“Not anymore. Maybe they also tired of a life of infant rearing. Our women are excellent fighters.”

Solan shrugged. “A woman who fights puts herself at risk.”

“As she does when she joins with us. Vegas has seen your temper. That might be the reason she is avoiding you.”

“I am not the problem.”

Padam shook his head. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“Like what?” Solan fixed his sharp gaze on his friend.

“Well, if the info pods are accurate, you’re acting as if you are in love.”