it,” Mavo hissed and moved fast, crossing the bridge to intercept them. “Don’t do this, Bazelle. This is our son’s wedding.”

“Get out of my way!”

Venice almost winced at how strongly Deviant’s hold on her hands became. She instantly didn’t like his mother. She was a beautiful woman, but she was also trying to ruin their wedding.

Mavo didn’t budge, blocking them from stepping onto the bridge. “Leave now. You were not invited.”

Bazelle tried to sidestep around Mavo but he moved with her. She shoved at him. “I’m more than aware. I demand to speak to that Earther. Councilman Zorus, I believe this female has been given false information and is about to enter a contract she doesn’t understand.”

Venice turned fully toward her, barely managing to keep her mouth from falling open. Deviant’s mother made it sound as though she was trying to protect Venice from something—and she wasn’t buying that for a second. “I love your son. I am marrying him because I want to. There’s nothing false about how I feel.”

“What are you attempting to do, Bazelle?” Zorus didn’t sound happy. “You heard Venice. She wishes to enter a family unit with Deviant. Leave.”

“Don’t do this, Mother.” Deviant nearly snarled the word.

“Does she know that she could choose any other cyborg on this planet who has better standing? Earther!” Bazelle yelled. “Did Deviant inform you that you have the right to join with many males in a family unit? Ones with higher standing on Garden? Did he make you aware that his flaws have a high probability to be passed down to any offspring you may have with him, and other children will shun yours?”

Venice opened her mouth but Bazelle wasn’t done.

“I brought four single males with me. They are handsome, with stronger status in our society. They have no flaws. You wouldn’t be stuck with just one of them when you grow bored of their company. On Garden, you choose who you live with, and for how long. I believe my son hasn’t informed you of how our society works, and is purposely keeping you in the dark. Councilman Zorus, I demand we take this before the council so they may question that Earther about how much she knows before you seal their contract! She is completely unaware.”

Venice wiggled her hands and slipped them out of Deviant’s. He let her go, and she took a few steps closer to the tall cyborg woman. “Oh, I’m aware alright. You’re such an unfit mother! Wow. You’re not here on my behalf. You’re pissed because your son isn’t doing what you ordered him to do, and you’re being petty and vindictive. I may have been raised on Earth, but I also know what a bitch is. That would be you. I know I’m allowed more than one cyborg husband, but guess what? I only want Deviant. And don’t you dare call anything about Deviant flawed. Look in a mirror, lady. There’s something seriously wrong with you. Maybe when you were created they forgot to put a heart in your chest.”

Bazelle’s face darkened an ugly shade of gray. “My relationship with Deviant is none of your business!”

“Right back at you. You weren’t invited to our wedding. Now I totally understand why. Do you know what the saddest part is? Deviant rescued me from certain death, has shown me nothing but love and compassion, and you’re too stupid to see how amazing he is.”

The cyborg woman smirked. “So you admit it’s only gratitude that made you accept a contract with him.”

“Don’t twist my words. I feel gratitude, but I also love him. I am in love with him. I bet you’ve never known that emotion, have you? Deviant is funny and sweet, intelligent and loving. He sure didn’t inherit any of those traits from you. Get lost—and take your men with you. The only man I want is right behind me.”

She turned, staring up at Deviant. “Let’s ignore her.” She glanced at Zorus. “Can we get on with this?”

“No,” Bazelle shouted. “I’m protesting this contract!”

“Denied,” Zorus announced. “Leave, Bazelle. Otherwise, I’ll have charges brought against you for disturbing the peace.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

Zorus snorted. “I would love to. Push me, Bazelle. I’ve never been a supporter of yours. I don’t like the way you look at my Charlie at social events, as if it’s an insult to have her amongst our company.”

“You admit this is personal then.” Bazelle took on a haughty tone. “Recuse yourself immediately and convene this matter before the council!”

“That’s not going