Book 3. Samantha - Azuron

Book 3. Samantha - Azuron
“You will be greatly missed,” Doctor Ryland told me after I informed her that I would be leaving.
“I’m going to miss you, too,” I said before I hugged her.
“I don’t know how I’ll survive without you,” she complained before letting go of me.
Doctor Ryland always had a flair for the dramatic, so I reminded her, “Adelya has all my notes and is a fast learner. Don’t forget that she was a certified nurse back on Earth.”
What I left out was that Adelya used to work for a doctor who performed illegal abortions—it was only illegal if the fetus was a boy. Eventually, the doctor was caught, but Adelya was the one found guilty and sent to prison. 
“But she won’t be you,” Doctor Ryland pointed out. After a long sigh, she said, “I wish you lots of happiness and good luck in your new life.”
“Thank you.” My voice came out hoarse. I never likedd goodbyes. 
Moments later, the drone hovering above my head was deactivated, and I gripped the straps of my backpack as I stepped inside the spaceship that would take me to Azuron, where my perfect match was waiting for me. A cold shiver ran down my spine.
The idea that in only a couple of days I was going to be tied to an alien I knew nothing about was terrifying, but I tried not to think about it as I was greeted by the crew on board—Brody and the Xiiro twins, Armadyl and Keivi. They had been transporting Brides since the program had first been introduced to the inmates, and most of the prison knew them by name by now.
They seemed nice enough, which put me at ease.
“Welcome aboard,” Brody greeted me, then proceeded to introduce himself and his men. 
“I’m Samantha, but you can call me Sam,” I told them. 
My gaze darted around, and Brody probably took it as nervousness about the voyage.
“Don’t you worry about a thing,” he tried to reassure me. “This is a last-generation ship and has special shields that will keep us safe in case anyone tries to get on board. And it’s faster than most ships out there,” he said as he ran a palm across the flight console.
Not long ago, a couple of Brides had been kidnapped on their way to Azuron. The last one to disappear had been Nine, but fortunately, all the women had been rescued and made it safely to Azuron.
Since then, the Confederation and the Intergalactic Bride Program had taken measures to ensure that it would never happen again.
“It’s a very nice ship,” I commented, and I could see the pride in Brody’s eyes grow even stronger.
“It is,” he agreed, then added, “You can spend the time here with us, if you like.”
As someone who liked my own space, I asked, “Would it be alright if I spent most of the journey in my room?”
“Do whatever makes you feel more comfortable,” one of the twins reassured me.
I smiled before disappearing into the room designated for the Brides. I spent the following days checking the news and seeing what had been going on in the Confederation since I was sent to prison.
As expected, the journey went on without any trouble.
The last day in hyperspace found me with my stomach in knots. On one hand, I was excited to see Nine and Lexi again, but on the other hand, I was dreading meeting the alien I’d been matched with. He would have expectations, and I wasn’t sure I could be what he needed. I would only waste his time when he could be matched with someone more aligned with his views and needs. It would only be a matter of time before he realized we weren’t a good match, and then I didn’t know what would happen to me.
From the cockpit, I watched as the planet came into view. The breathtaking sight made me forget all about my fears and doubts.
And before I knew it, the spaceship had landed near the military base that was now my new home.
As the hatch started to open, my heart started pounding, and I felt nauseated. But the scent of lemongrass and the sound of birds chirping filtered inside, and fear turned into curiosity and a desire to see more of this beautiful planet. 
I had always had the urge to explore, but given the state of many parts of Earth, that was almost impossible. Efforts were being made to restore the areas affected by contamination, but a couple of good years would have to pass before the land became safe for any kind of life form.
As the hatch finished opening, I saw two tall Raaxians waiting for me. One of them had silver hair, while the other kept his black hair in a short mohawk. I didn’t know which one of them was my match, but both made me want to run for the hills. Not because there was something wrong with them, but because I was the broken one. 
Taking a deep breath, I muttered under my breath, ‘I can do this,’ and stepped outside.
The one with the mohawk started moving and met me halfway.
“Hi,” he said as he stopped in front of me. “You must be Samantha.” When I nodded, he continued, “I’m Ulrus, your perfect match.” His gaze flicked to my hair and his golden eyes shone with reverence. “Fate has blessed me beyond words,” he murmured softly. 
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. 
He added, “I’ve waited for you for a long time,” and tried to hug me, but I stepped back, my vision tunnelling for a second. 
“Don’t,” I almost cried out in panic. Seeing the shocked look on his face, I said, “I need to be warned before I’m touched.” By any man, but I left that part out.
His expression turned serious. “I’ll make sure to remember that.”
I gave him a half smile.
Maybe we could make this work? Only time would tell.
He reached for my backpack. “Allow me,” he said, and I let him take it. As he swung the backpack over his left shoulder, he said, “Let me introduce you to Commander Driann.”
The air rushed out of my lungs.
“That’s Lexi’s husband,” the words came out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“You know her?” Ulrus inquired as we started walking.
“She’s my friend,” I replied.
Moments later, we were standing in front of Commander Driann.
“This is Samantha, my perfect match,” Ulrus announced, happiness lacing his tone. He wouldn’t be so cheerful once he got to know me. “She’s also friends with Lexi.”
“And Nine’s,” I let them know, realizing that Nine was at the same base as Lexi.
Commander Driann smiled. “Lexi will be very happy to know of your arrival. Nova as well.”
“How are they?” I wondered.
Ulrus replied, “Nova is pregnant, and Lexi had her baby a week ago.”

Next update in 2-3 days.