I Married a Mothman (Prime Mating Agency, #11)

by Regine Abel

“The Prism is like a prophet. According to the Promethean lore, Xarin is reborn once every century or so, right before a major cataclysm that occurs on a recurring cycle. He plays an important role in balancing the beacons upon which the very existence of this world and of its people rely. He’s also the only one able to cleanse some of the scorched lands that are struck by Thaudras—the cataclysm in question.”

“Ignorance, especially when influenced by religious beliefs, can drive even the kindest people to commit the most atrocious actions,”

To them, the power surges in their beacons are a sign of the wrath of Kiaris, the Goddess of Light. To appease her, they sacrifice those considered as a stain among their people.”

He is what we call an Edal—an empath who can hear souls. The rest of us can feel emotions, but he goes beyond that. When I asked him to describe it, Kayog said it sounds almost like a melody to him. Each person has a unique song that can only be matched by their soulmate.

“Rest assured, Venus, I will find you the ideal partner for however long your stay here will be.” Why do I not like the way he said that?

On a few occasions, I caught him studying me. It was unnerving. Knowing he could sense what emotions coursed through people, it shamed me that he likely felt what uncharitable thoughts filled my mind about my own people. Did he think me unfit to lead the Black Guard or disloyal because of it?

As a Black Achromatic, I was immune to magical attacks. My wings absorbed all light wavelengths and dispelled the halo energy. As I couldn’t reflect light—and therefore colors—it also kept me from casting magic. The silver eyespots in my wings were the only thing that allowed me to perform a small amount of magic, but as silver wasn’t a color commonly found in the environment, that already weak ability was further stunted.

But the Temern’s intense stare unnerved me the most. I’d caught him stealing glances my way on a few occasions since these speed interviews began. What did he want with me?

“ENOUGH!” Venus shouted, startling everyone into silence. “You know, this is truly one of the most disgraceful displays I’ve ever witnessed. But thank you for showing your true faces,” she continued in an icy tone. “All of you are going to be a hard pass for me. I’d rather jump into a pool of acid than marry anyone who thinks this kind of behavior is acceptable under any circumstances. It’s not your choice to make, but mine. The Prism chose me, despite being an off-worlder, and a Monochromatic one at that. But after this spectacle, I can see why. Atlas has shown more class, decorum, and humility than the lot of you combined.”

“See, Atlas, it appears the Prism approves of my choice,” Venus said in a soft voice. “He also thinks your color doesn’t matter.”

“You dare?!” Atlas exclaimed, taking a menacing step towards the Chancellor. By the gasps his actions prompted, I suspected no one ever addressed Ajustus in that fashion, least of all an Achromatic.

“It is not my place to reject the tremendous honor both you and the Prism are bestowing upon me,” Atlas said carefully in a delightfully masculine voice laced with uncertainty. “However, I am merely a Black Guard. Despite being the High Commander, I reside in the barracks. Such accommodations are not suitable for an honored guest such as you, and even less for the blessed one.” The way his scales darkened and the embarrassed expression on his face made me want to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.

“Yes, Venus. Atlas is your soulmate. Even when I don’t try, I succeed,” he said, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and disbelief. “It’s something else being me.”

I love him 🤣🥰

“Yes. And as you know, I’m never wrong,” he said while patting my cheek affectionately. “Be happy, my dear. You deserve it.”

I, a Black Achromatic, had a mate. The look on my guards’ faces would forever remain burnt in my very soul. It was the oddest mix of awe, shock, and hope that this could be the seed of a massive change that had always been deemed an impossible dream. Not only was one of us publicly and legally mated, but I had been blessed.

And she chose me. Venus freely picked me. It’s not a real marriage. The searing pain that cut through my chest at that sad reminder took me aback.

Our union would not be filled with the love, joy, and complicity that tied a true couple. There would be no offspring to embody that love. Anyway, there would be no future for me.

By the Lights, there was something insanely sexy about watching my mate verbally slap that obnoxious male in the politest and most reasonable voice possible.

would not be sharing a room like a normal couple? Because you want to cuddle. That, too, struck me like a boulder to the chest. Like all Achromatics, I never had a romantic partner. I didn’t crave sex per se, but I longed for the affectionate closeness of a gentle embrace. The thought of falling asleep while holding someone special against me clawed at my heart.

To my shock, my overly fertile imagination started flashing countless images of what a child born of Venus and me could possibly look like.

I couldn’t explain why I was acting so low maintenance all of a sudden. Because you want him to like you.

it pleased me to see her dedication in trying to find a solution that could literally save countless lives—including mine—I couldn’t help but feel discarded. Granted, we still shared our morning and evening meals, but little else. To my shame, I had to admit it hurt.

And yet, I ached for her presence and especially her attention. My scales burned with embarrassment and longing as once again the memory of her fingers scratching my fur came back to the fore.

The only certainty was that I longed to be with her, to touch her and be touched by her. It didn’t even need to be sexual. I just hungered for more of that gentle contact we shared in the garden as we discovered a bit more about our respective species’ physical attributes.

Venus would never truly be mine.

But even if by some miracle, I survived this ordeal, Venus would leave me and return to the stars, and I would go back to my old life. A searing pain lacerated my heart at that thought. My life had never been particularly joyful, but it also hadn’t been bad.

I wanted to travel to the stars, discover new civilizations, experience the wild things my mate sometimes alluded to during our conversations at mealtime. But I wanted to do it all with her by my side. If I survived, would she be willing to take me with her?

Not for the first time, I realized that I had enough wealth to purchase a house almost as big as this one. But I really wanted a mate to share it with, especially now that I had sampled what it felt like to live with a companion.

“You’re following a nail tutorial?” Venus asked with a stupefied expression. My scales darkened, and my wretched hand went right back to scratch the fur below my clavicle. You’d think I would have overcome that nervous tick years ago. “You said it was essential for you, but there are no spas here,” I mumbled in a slightly defensive tone. “So you decided to learn it?” she insisted with a disbelieving look.

“It is my duty as your mate to bring you happiness to the fullest extent of my capacities,” I said in a firm tone. “I didn’t know much about human nails, but I have been learning so that I may provide for you.”

“Yes, of course. It’s a complete spa technician training program. I’ve only got two modules left for nail care. I’ve also completed the first eight hair modules—although I only focused on the classes devoted to your hair type. It covered washing, trimming, moisturizing, applying various treatments, and general care products. The one class that has been giving me a bit more challenge is braiding. But I’m confident I will get skillful at it with plenty of practice. But I have ways to go on that front. I also learned about facials, waxing, and massages. For the latter, I will need a bit more practice as well. I’m mostly focused on the nails since they seemed to be your main concern.”

Stoooop why am I crying 😭

“That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I can’t believe you went out of your way to learn all of that stuff just to make me happy.”

“Like my sister with Szaro, I found you strange at first. But now I think you’re very attractive,” Venus continued pensively. “As far as the second part of the question goes, that’s really on you, Atlas. Can you make me fall in love with you?”

this is what silver lumen looks like,” I said timidly. “This is the symbol of Kailu.” Her gaze flicked towards me questioningly. “Kailu?” “It is our brightest constellation. Kailu is the blessed star that guides those who got lost in the darkness back into the light. Just like you…”

“No, silly goose. I’m not going to polish them. But those cuticles could use some love, and those hands are screaming for some moisturizing. You took care of me, it’s only fair that I take care of you in return.”

The strangest emotion filled my heart. I didn’t know what it meant, but I embraced it. Without another word, I gave her my hand.

But my woman in my arms made this a whole new experience.

This beautiful female was my wife. My lawfully wedded mate…

She was the last thought on my mind when I went to sleep and the first one when I woke. I didn’t doubt she also haunted my every dream. I intended to cherish every moment we had together, however banal.

“I’m sorry, Venus,” I repeated, mortified beyond words. “I feel and want things that aren’t meant for me, that I shouldn’t covet. My mind knows better, but my body and my heart have a will of their own. You’re so different, so beautiful, and so kind. In all my years, no one else’s presence has felt as harmonious, appeasing, and right as yours. Being near you makes me happy.”

“You’ve known this for many days but only shared it with me now,” I said pensively. “Does the fact that we are meant for each other upset you?”

“No, it does not upset me. Initially, I didn’t say anything because I needed to digest the news. But then, I realized I wanted you to start liking me naturally, not because I said you should. However, I cannot deny that things are complicated.”

“You’re right. I do. And when the time comes, you could come with me,” she said with a nervous and almost shy voice. I gasped. “Come with you?! You want me to leave Sylvar?!”

“Yes. You could join me on my crazy adventures throughout the galaxy. I work with a lot of primitive species, sometimes in dangerous areas. I could use a protector. We worked well together earlier. But you could also do something different altogether. After seeing you train every day, I know the Enforcers wouldn’t mind adding you to their ranks. The possibilities are infinite. There’s no rush though,” she added quickly when I just stood there gaping at her. “Like you said, there are still a few months to go before it’s time for me to leave. You can take your time to think about it.”

“You really want me to go with you,” I whispered, my voice filled with shock and wonder. “I do, Atlas. We barely know each other now, but I already can’t bear the thought of parting from you. By the time everything is settled here, there’s no question I will want to keep you forever. You’re mine, Atlas. And I am yours. What...

We had three main differences with human males. Their rod looked smooth and rather plain, devoid of our ridges alongside the length and stimulation nubs at the tip. Their seed sacs hung outside their bodies in an insanely vulnerable position. And they didn’t possess claspers on their pelvic bones to help latch on to their mate during coupling.

It was also clear that Atlas was a virgin. He’d more or less stated as much when describing the restrictions people like him faced. I would lie by saying that the knowledge I’d be his first—and only—turned me on even more.

“You’re mine, Atlas. My husband. We were made for each other. I would see what’s mine…”

I don’t know who I want more 🥵😩

“You’re perfect,” I whispered, my eyes locked with his. “Absolutely perfect… and mine.”

“My mate…” he whispered, his voice filled with the same adoration burning in his eyes.