Dangerously Mine by A.M. Griffin

knows how much you enjoy her.”
    “As much as I enjoy her, I cannot create a match with her.”
    “Why not?”
    “She will not bring what we need to Sonis. I need to create a match with someone who can bring more business to the people of Sonis. If I take her as my mate, we will remain in the same position that we are in now.”
    “I think we have done quite well for ourselves. We receive families who migrate from the home world every day.”
    Taio pondered the thought. He would want nothing more than to be bonded with Eva. But she could not offer him or his people what they needed. It would be selfish for him to only consider his needs and not look at the bigger picture. Yes, families came in droves from Drazlan to Sonis, but without a means to provide for themselves, his people would be forever dependent on him.
    His only option would be to find a mate in name only, all the while keeping Eva for himself. Eva would agree because he was all she had. He was sure it was still an acceptable plan for the both of them.
    “What do you plan to do with Eva once you find a mate? Let her live on the palace grounds? Once you give up your claim on her, I expect the guards will be falling over themselves to claim her. Are you prepared for her to find a mate as well?”
    Taio stilled. Never. I would kill any male who tried to touch her.
    “She would have no need for a mate. I will still have her. It is practiced in many cultures throughout the galaxy. Who’s to say it was not practiced on her home world as well? She would have to move from my personal quarters, of course. But I have no problem with setting her up in one of the apartments on the other side of the palace.”
    Taio tried to control his temper. He cared for Rasha just as he did his own brother, but if he kept up this talk of Eva finding a mate, he would gut him.
    “Oh and you think Eva will abide by this new arrangement?” Rasha jerked his head in Eva’s direction.
    “Of course she will. Why wouldn’t she?” He seemed to be trying to convince himself more than his friend.
    “It may be widely practiced in this galaxy, but what if it is not in her culture? Have you even talked to her about it?”
    “No, I haven’t. But it will not matter. She will stay with me. She has nowhere else to go. Eva will understand that it is for the best.”
    He blew out a breath. “I am responsible for everyone who you see around you. This is extremely important to us. We need to make a good alliance to bring prosperity to our world.” Taio could feel himself growing more agitated by the minute. This conversation was pointless and he didn’t want to talk about it.
    “I thought we were already prosperous,” Rasha replied. “We have Sonis Mercenary and Sonis Gold. We are one of the richest worlds in this galaxy. What more do we need?”
    Taio’s fist slammed down on the table. “What we need is more businesses to ensure our world will thrive. We need visitors to flock to our markets to buy the local goods.”
    Exasperated, he ran a hand across his hair. “We can accomplish this quicker and easier if I am able to form a successful bond. The right mate will help bring more visitors, settlers and businesses to Sonis. Sonis will need to survive on its own without the help of my businesses. I want the people of Sonis to be independent.”
    “Taio, you are not your father. You never were, nor will be.”
    It wasn’t easy growing up in the royal Xochis household. He had tried time and time again to forget his childhood. His father had made the people of Drazlan, including himself, subject to his every whim. His father owned the largest company on Drazlan and “employed” the people of Drazlan to work for him.
    “How do you intend to find a mate?” Rasha asked as Taio sat in silence.
    Taio let his friend’s question pull him out of his trance. “I was thinking of a party.”
    “A party?”
    “Yes, a party. I am thinking of inviting eligible females here for a party,” Taio