The females begin to take their seats, and I watch the line to ensure I grab the right chair. The last thing I need to do is get into a skirmish with a Makskin over seats. As soon as the smaller Makskin sits down, I follow. Jia sits down beside me, and I focus my attention on the male Kea watching all of us with an excited smile. He looks as if he can't wait to bring in the champions competing for our hands, and that eases my mind a bit. Kea people are sweet individuals. If he is happy to introduce us, the men must not be too bad. "Now then, let us begin. It is my greatest honor to present this Harvest's Champions. We begin with the Commanders—Commander Garlof, age 27, from the planet Cok. Defeated and conquered a Rusckods base with only seven soldiers. Commander Fornis, age 26, from the planet Cok as well. He led a covert mission into Muysocks controlled space. Not only was the mission a success, but he also didn't lose a single soul in the mission. Commander Burk, age 27, fr

BURK POV The feminine voices buzz all around me as I try to pinpoint individual conversations. I don't want a mate focused on my gold status now that we have received it. She will spend our lives flaunting our wealth instead of building our family. "Any luck," Modok grumbles lowly, and my eyes snap open to glare at him? Even his low tone hurt my sensitive ears, and he knows how much I hate when I get interrupted. "No. But how could I if you keep butting in," I growl, and Modok shrugs. He moves closer to my side as his reptilian eyes sweep the room. Between his eyes and my ears, very little gets past us. But there have been times. "Just ask them to dance. I'm going to focus on the Keas and the Earthlings. They should be the least likely to base a good pairing on gold. Nole has already reported back on the Shikazs and the Peulos. It's pointless to approach their groups again," Modok says, and I glance at him. "They call themselves humans. Use their terminology. That group

I sigh loudly as the door closes, and exhaustion hits me like a tank. I kick off the heels I have worn all day while shoving my fingers into my hair to remove the pins poking my scalp.I was having such a good time. I really like both Tilk and Burk, but when my virginity was brought up, the romantic bubble that I was in popped.They are going to compete against one another in physical combat to win the right to deflower the female of their choosing, and that goes against everything I was ever taught. I realize the other planets are unlike Earth, but I can't shut off what my world engraved in my mind.A knock comes from the other side of my door just as I step towards the bathroom, and I freeze. I hope it isn't one of the guys I just gave the cold shoulder to. I take a deep, reassuring breath and turn back towards the door."Yes," I say as I open the door cautiously, but when I see Zalu on the other side waiting, my nerves evaporate instantly, and I manage to pull a smile to my face."

"She was giving you a warning, Krystal. Zor's family is considered royalty on Makskin. They have been nominated as rulers since before the war. Some people think they use unsavory means to obtain the position, but I think the planet is just set in its ways. But due to her family, any rumor started by Zor spreads through the worlds like an out-of-control fire. She has influence even if people dislike her. She could make this tournament a very difficult time for you. So even if she is snarky, try to keep your reactions to a minimum," Zalu says as she pins pale blue flowers in my hair.I nod even though I hate having to bite my tongue. People like Zor don't deserve to get their way, but I am not about to mess with alien politics. I was ignorant to the world of drama on Earth. I am definitely out of my eliminate here. "I will just ensure I don't sit next to her again. We don't really have to associate with each other anymore...right," I ask, and I see Zalu nod in the mirror. "Right.

TILK POV "Burk's out for blood," Nole mumbles from behind me, and I peel my eyes off the battle-savvy Hassin. I look back at my Kinmen, and he nods to acknowledge my interest. "Does he have weaknesses," I ask, knowing my inquiry will most likely be met with aggression? Nole has been fighting with Burk since training. No one knows Burk better than his men, and Nole is one of his best.Nole flashes his teeth at me before getting right in my face. He flares his nostrils defensively, but my expression stays neutral. Nole is my equal in every way. He doesn't scare me. A battle between us would be difficult but not impossible to win. His chest buffing isn't intimidating. Burk is my main opponent. "I owe him my skin a hundred times over, Tilk. Asking me for his weakness is an insult. You know he is my Commander. Our blood has been spilled together," Nole growls, and his body expands to display his intent to fight. I smirk. "In the Harvest, you fight anyone and everyone. F