by Catty Diva
The Mating Games
Book 10
Zebir
By Catty Diva
Cover by Jesh Art
2016 Copyright by Catty Diva
Edited by Eagle Editing
Disclamer:
Any resemblance to persons living or dead are strictly a coincidence. While some actual places may be named, they are used only in the context of imaginary events. The story is strictly created from the author’s imagination and all of the events are fictitious.
This is a series and it is recommended that you read all books in order.
Razar
Book 1
Razar needs a mate but on his planet there are nine males to one female. Humans look like they are compatible but if they find out the secrets of his kind they will refuse to send them mates.
Lista needs money for her mother's operation or she will die. Her sister has volunteered her to be a bride for an alien. If she wins the mating game she will be free to keep the money and return home.
Can she outwit him or will he claim her heart before it's game over?
Travlr
Book 2
Travlr is ready and he wants nothing more than to catch his mate and make her his. His mate seems to be a cunning capable female but he will claim her, what choice does he have?
Tammie has nothing left on Earth. She was basically sold to the hunt but what kind of male can she expect to try to claim her? Since she doesn’t know, she will use every trick in the book to elude him.
His time is running out, but what about hers?
Glendar
Book 3
It's finally Glendar's turn to find his mate and he can't wait. He'll have to hunt her but it's a small thing to do in order to get your fated mate and find happiness, right?
Bernie has escaped from home so no matter what happens she's better off. But what will happen if her father tries to come for her? Will Glendar stand up for her or will they send her back so her father will keep letting them have more mates from the world he controls?
Maxar
Book 4
Maxar has felt drawn to Ernie since the day he met her but there are rules about the mating games that can’t just be ignored. The plan is in place for his to hunt his mate at the upcoming hunt but he knows no one else can make him happy.
When trouble comes. Ernie is falsely accused and may be sent away. Is there anything that can save her and allow them to be together? If there is, no one is telling.
Stevr
Book 5
Stevr’s duties involve acquiring mates for his people. Most of these mates come from Earth.
This trip one of those females will be his own. Stevr has never felt unlucky before but he has never had so many near disasters in such a short time in his entire life. Maybe the biggest problem he has is that the woman who appears to be involved is also his future mate.
Geena has had to do many things in her life she hasn’t wanted to do. This trip is just one example of many. How can she accomplish her goals on this ship with the handsome captain keeping an eye on her?
When it all comes to a head will they be together or blown apart?
Tylar
Book 6
He meets his mate but is she forbidden? Everything seems to be stacked against them including the secrets she keeps. Tylar is certain she is his and he can’t let her go.
Careena has been treated poorly all her life, but Tylar seems to be different. He treats her like a queen but he looks young enough to be her son not mate. Can things really be so different here and will she and her children finally find a place they can call home?
Can these two unlucky lovers make things work or will they find out even fate is against them?
Jorgr
Book 7
Sent to Earth to find out who was sabotaging their supplies and shipments, Jorgr finds what he has always wanted on this miserable planet. No one is surprised more than him except maybe the object of his interest.
Hiding secrets, so many secrets, Georgie wishes she could pursue the relationship Jorgr seems to be offering. Unfortunately, Earth’s current situation is terrible and if her secrets get out, her life will not be worth anything.
Cravr
Book 8
Cravr is captivated by the flame haired beauty that he sees at when Jorgr brings home his mate. It is a shame he’s scheduled for the mating games in two weeks. That is too little time to find a way out of the games and into Annie’s arms.
Annie is impressed with all of Jorgr’s brothers, but none as much as Cravr. He seems to avoid her, but he might just be avoiding females, since he’s about to be in the mating games. She’ll stay away from him, no point in getting her heart broken. That can’t be that hard can it?
When they are thrown together, will she risk her heart and will he turn his back on his people’s traditions, for one chance at love?
Norvir
Book 9
She’s the best at what she does and he needs her, for the job to ensure his planet stays safe. When he meets her, it becomes personal.
Nat is being hunted and she needs a place to hide. His planet is the best possible place for now. Will she ever be able to escape the bond that seems to pull them together?
Two perfectly matched people, can they both make it work? Only time will tell.
Prologue
Norvir has brought his mate home, the last piece of the puzzle before Zebir must claim his own. Mimi stands there, almost across from him avoiding his gaze and looking anywhere, but at him. His demon roars in his head, angry and frustrated. He has nearly three months to convince her to be his, but how is that possible when she locks herself away?
She looks everywhere, but in his direction hoping to put off what will someday come. Mimi feels drawn to him, but she doesn’t trust herself. Too many bad choices, as if the choice had ever been hers. Her attitude was the same as it had been on Earth and she couldn’t change. This wasn’t the life she wanted for her girls, she would change, but she would avoid Zebir like the plague.
Zebir
Chapter 1
Mimi
It seemed like ages ago and yet also like only yesterday, when Jorgr had brought home his mate and her two lovely sisters. While Cravr had stormed out and defied fate when he had come face to face with his mate, Annie; Zebir had sat there stealing glances at his mate, Mimi. To most people it looked like Cravr would never be able to claim her in time. While Zebir seemed to have time on his side.
Now, all were mated, but him, all had their fated ones, and he was sure he never would. The time that had seemed to be on his side, had forsaken him and he had three months, a little less, to convince his unwilling mate to bond with him. When she hid from him, how was that even possible? A way needed to be found to coax her out and at this point, he was willing to use any means necessary. He hated to do it, but it was time to call the family in. It made him feel bad that he was the only one who seemed to need help claiming his mate, but better to seek help than to lose her.
“So,” asked his father, Davar, “What is this meeting you called for. The mates are wondering why they weren’t invited.”
“My mating is drawing near.” Zebir explained.
“I’m glad you realize it.” His mother interjected.
“I have found my mate, but she hides from me.” He added.
“Mimi?” Jorgr asked.
“Yes, Mimi. How can I win her when all she does is hide in her house barely coming out to attend a rare family function?” Zebir wondered.
“The help you need would be best coming from Annie and Georgie.” Jorgr pointed out.
“And who better to ask for their help and explain the situation to them
than their mates?” Jorgr and Cravr both busted out laughing at him. “What is so funny?” Zebir demanded and answer.
Jorgr couldn’t stop smiling, even as he spoke. “That you think they are both unaware of what is going on.”
“If they know, why haven’t they helped me? Do they think me an unworthy mate?” Zebir ask fearful that he would lose his female.
“They have already been at work on Mimi and she has agreed to work outside the home. I thought I might assign her to you, it worked on Annie.” Razar said with confidence.
“You planned that?” Zebir asked.
“Jorgr and I did, with Georgie’s support. It isn’t easy to claim an Earth girl.” Razar admitted.
Zebir was amazed how much better he felt knowing Cravr had help too. “When will she start?” Zebir asked.
“In the morning, so you’d best be prepared.” Razar instructed.
Zebir knew he probably looked like a school boy with a crush grinning like an idiot. That was hard to help when he felt so damn good. He’d felt pretty low, but he was soaring in the clouds again. It was amazing what hope could do for a male. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself. Mimi wouldn’t be happy when she found herself working with him at her new job. Would she demand to work somewhere else or would she stay and give it her best shot?
Life was too short to worry so much. It never helped anyway or so he’d been told. Zebir left the meeting ready for anything, or so he hoped. Driving home, he worried about the house that was only now being put together. Never a long term planner, Zebir had thought he was doing well to order his house nine months in advance only to find out there was a two month long waiting list. Two brothers mating early had pushed his turn up and now he was behind on his home.
Once he got to his parent’s home, where he still lived, he went upstairs to the apartment that had recently become available. Once he was out, it could be used for when grandkids stayed over and eventually, for one who was old enough to live with little supervision. It seemed like yesterday when he and his brothers had teased Razar about being like a haten, a creature similar to a bat, in the attic when he had been allowed to move in. The truth was, they had all been jealous of his privacy. Razar had been lucky to be the first, but he had also been prepared to do whatever he needed to. Zebir wished he had his brother’s confidence right now.
He should have eaten before he came up here. Now he was hungry and he pilfered through the fridge looking for anything left behind. Luckily there was the makings for a sandwich, but just one. Zebir made it, ate, and then got ready for bed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be living alone for long. He slept and almost overslept when his alarm failed to go off. That’s when he remembered he hadn’t set it.
Zebir got ready and drove to work. He filled his giant mug with crue, not diluting it with cream, because he needed it strong to prepare him for today. What if she refused? What if Razar misunderstood? Interrupted, as he second guessed every possible outcome, he saw Razar leading Mimi to the door. His stomach felt as if he had eaten those butterflies Lista often spoke of. Sweat popped out on his forehead and a shiver ran down his back. All the symptoms of nerves, Lista had mentioned, and they all seemed to be attacking at once.
He took a deep breath, but the nerves still attacked him. Today was the first day of the rest of his life. Would it lead to the mating of his dreams or would he live out a long existence with a mate not fated as his?
Chapter 2
Mimi
She was normally a strong woman. Mimi didn’t run and hide from anything, until now. Her heart had been crushed and stomped on in the past and she’d had enough. Just two months ago, when she’d met Jorgr, she would have said her heart was ice. He was handsome, kind, and likable, but she’d felt not the slightest stirring of any feminine feelings for him. If a man like that did nothing for her, she assumed no one ever would.
That was before he’d brought her, her sisters, and their children to meet his family. The ice hadn’t cracked, dear God no, it had shattered. The gorgeous guy keeping to the perimeter of the room and watching her, had lit her on fire. Never had she felt such an intense attraction and frankly, it scared the hell out of her. Her first thought was to run, but her daughters, Derria and Nelva, were having the time of their lives. They deserved to enjoy a party after the life they had lived.
“Is something wrong?” Georgie asked. That sister of hers saw way too much. She always seemed to sense her emotions and zeroed in on them.
“Of course not.” She said nonchalantly, or at least that was what she was going for.
“Lots of gorgeous males here. I see you’ve come to the attention of one in particular.” Georgie nodded toward him, the male that set her aflame. Could everyone see the effect he had on her?
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“That’s because you’ve been cooped up in your house. You’re taking antisocial to a whole new level. Sending the girls to family gatherings alone just isn’t like you. What is going on?”
“Hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”
“You came to the first party because you had no choice. I’m not sure what made you come this time, but these gatherings are how you meet your new family and make friends. This isn’t Earth, Honey. It’s time to explore a brave new world. The girls need to go to school and you need to work, not for anyone else’s satisfaction but your own. No one made you hold a job before, you assured me you needed time with adults. What’s changed?”
“Nothing, I just needed to settle in, take some time to think things through, and have some time with my girls.”
“Now that you’ve done that, we’ll get you a job. One like you’re old one where you can run things for a clueless supervisor.” Georgie smiled looking innocent. That was what scared Mimi the most.
“Okay, if you’re going to be pushy.”
Georgie hugged her tight. “I just want what’s best for you, I always have.”
Mimi knew that was true. As the oldest of the sisters, she had always felt like she let her sisters down. Georgie was the one that always looked out for them. Somethings never changed. It made her feel a bit like a failure, shouldn’t she be the one looking out for the other two? “Okay. I suppose you’re right.”
“I’m glad you agree. You’ll start in the morning. Razar will pick you up and help you acclimatize. See you later, Sis.”
Mimi just stared at the retreating figure as her sister rushed back to her mate Jorgr’s side. The feeling of being bushwhacked rolled over her. This had been a setup from the start. They had left her alone for a couple months, but damn. Just damn. Never had they played her like this before. Everything was put into place and they had wrangled the agreement out of her just in the nick of time apparently. Now she would worry about where they would place her and who she would be working with.
Right now, she just wanted to run home and hide. Maybe put on a good drunk, but then how could she prepare for tomorrow? Her sisters, especially Georgie were just too damn good at setting her up. If the girls weren’t having so much fun, she would go home and pick out her work outfit. She would relax with a glass of wine and go to bed early so she would be alert and ready for the morning.
“You look like you’re plotting someone’s downfall.” Annie observed.
“I know you were in on this.”
“So?” Annie asked raising her brow. “This is for your own good. You can’t go on like you have been. It’s not good for you or those adorable girls.”
What could she say to that? They were right, but she hated to admit it. “You know I hate last minute surprises.” It was true to, more than any of them, surprises pissed her off.
“What if Cravr and I drop off the girls so you can head home now and prepare yourself?”
“That would help. Any idea on what I should wear?”
“It’s pretty informal, but you can wear anything from your old office wear to jeans and a T-shirt. I go with the jeans most of the time. It sets my clients at ease.”
“That was a lot of he
lp. Why not just say any old thing.”
“I thought that was what I did say.” Annie giggled. “Go on home and work it out. We’ll bring the girls by before bedtime. Don’t worry, it’ll be a great job. You know they need more personal assistants since many mates choose to stay home. You’ll be where you are needed and still have a flexible schedule for any emergencies or events that might come up. It’ll all work out.”
Easy for Annie to say. She had her dream job and answered to no one. She helped people and had no set schedule. Of course, giving her sister her due, she had created the job of counseling new arrivals and filled a need that others didn’t realize was there. Annie was the creative one while Georgie rocked the business world with an amazing talent. Both were now happy in their personal lives as well with males, yes, she’d finally remembered they preferred that term, that they loved and that loved them in return. Maybe she was having a bit of a pity party, but compared to her two wonderful sisters, what was she and what did she have, other than two wonderful daughters?
Mimi felt so ordinary and useless. Sure, she was a great organizer, but she’d never been in charge. She was good at keeping others on track, but she had no track of her own. Driving home, all alone, she felt like life was just kicking her ass. New world, new life, and a new job, why couldn’t she adjust as well as everyone else seemed to be doing? There was no deny that this world was a better, fairer one. The politics and behavior of Earth wasn’t something she missed, but nothing was familiar here.
This woman felt lost, and even though her family was here, she felt alone and like an outsider. It was her own doing, but it still hurt. Maybe Annie and Georgie were right to pressure her to do something. Anything that would make her life feel more like she was living. Pulling into the driveway, she looked at the house they had assigned her. It was free, all housing was on Oison. It didn’t look like public housing and it was a good sized three bedroom home with all the conveniences everyone else had. There was even a garden that grew all manner of vegetables and a playground in the back yard for the girls.