Read Bait for Free Online

subjects for thousands of years. The Dhemons and Enjel carried out part of their war on our world; The Admaryn almost killed all of us because some of theirs were muddying their genetic waters. We are a popular species, and we became more so when our Champions were tapped.”
    Aciel paused, “You are in your first generation off your world, and you already have a Champion?”
    “Five of them, a Seeker, Archivist, Hunter, Reader and a Negotiator.” Billie walked up the pathway past a stunned Aciel.
    She turned when she realized the older woman was not moving. “Is something wrong?”
    Aciel shook herself and straightened with a smile. “No, nothing is wrong. I am just beginning to think that my son is far more intelligent than I gave him credit for.”
    Billie snickered as Aciel came even with her, “Considering that you thought he had flung himself away on a worthless tart, this must be a bit of a relief.”
    “I never thought you were a tart, Wilhelmina.”
    “Billie, please. Wilhelmina was my grandmother.”
    “Billie then. We are meeting with the Matchmaker, and she will give confirmation or denial of your link.” Aciel smiled and inclined her head with respect.
    Billie straightened in her best formal Enforcer pose and inclined her head, “Let’s get this over with then.”
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    The interior of the space was cool, bright and had tables set along all the walls leaving the centre clear. A woman in the robes of the Citadel stood and waited calmly for them to enter.
    The Matchmaker was wearing a hood that obscured her face, but there was something familiar in her stance. It was the stance of an Enforcer, and as far as Billie knew, there was only one Enforcer who had ever turned Matchmaker.
    “Gwen Steryio?”
    The Matchmaker casually dropped her hood. “It is Gwen Mathijen of Raxos now, but hello, Billie. Good to see you again.”
    The women cried out and hugged tightly. Billie’s heart swelled. It was so good to see another Terran, and to have one who used to be an Enforcer was like a dream come true.
    Billie paused and held Gwen at arm’s length. “Are you a dream?”
    “No, Billie, you are not dreaming. This is very real, and you are about to go through a bonding ceremony here on Chysan.” Gwen’s features were sober, and she took Billie by the arm, guiding her to a table that was hosting a tea service.
    Aciel trailed after them, confused. “You are of the same species as Billie?”
    Gwen inclined her head to the older woman. “I am.”
    “But you are wed to the Alpha of the Raxos colony.”
    “And Billie is about to be wed to the Clan Chief of Chysan. There is little difference, madam. We came from the same world and appeal to the Oefric. We are not the first nor will we be the last. The Oefric are returning to the Alliance, and they are seeking mates of an adaptable species. The Terrans qualify.”
    Aciel sat heavily and looked as if she had just been told that there was no Santa Claus.
    Billie smiled as Gwen turned back to her. “It takes them some time to adjust. Now, hold still for a moment, and I will just verify something.”
    Gwen’s mental touch was light and left Billie feeling that her mind had been brushed with mint. When she figured it out, she giggled, “Really? Mental floss?”
    Gwen grinned, “It took me a while to learn how to do that. Don’t insult my talents.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of it. Now what?”
    “Pour yourself some tea, this will take a moment.” Gwen closed her eyes and concentrated.
    Shrugging, Billie poured a cup for Aciel and herself, then Gwen.
    They sipped at the brew and Aciel asked quietly, “Have you known her long?”
    “We left our world on the same transport, went through basic training together and finally both were assigned to the Enforcers.”
    “But she is a Matchmaker.”
    “Well, she is now, but years ago her talent hadn’t bloomed. It apparently is common in my species. Traces were identified in the