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Future Number Two... The Magical.
The two dark-haired, young girls stared at Saura Moro, their fresh young faces a mixture of nervousness and excitement. I remember my first day in the Garden of Virtue. Everything seemed so magical, but it was hard to leave behind everything I had ever known.
“Please, seat yourself in the grass.” Saura gestured to the bank near the babbling brook. “And we will discuss the most important rule of your new life as a maturing female.”
The two girls sat down, arranging their new matching white gowns around their legs. Thin clothes without undergarments, another adjustment to life in the gardens. Saura smiled, remembering how long it had taken her to not feel naked in the strange gown. But soon they will learn, without men around, there’s no reason for such shyness.
Seating herself in front of them, she ran her finger through the cool waters, smiling as the small fish in the slow-flowing river nibbled at her fingertips. Very gently, she let her magic flow. A small chunk of ice floated to the top of the river, then was swiftly swept away. “Each Sula has a role in your education here. Mine will be to discuss the blue pill with you. The pill that you will take each day until your time here is done.”
“What does it do?” Asa, with pale brown hair chopped near her chin, asked.
Saura inclined her head. “That’s a good question. The blue pill keeps us from entering our Biryut. Our mating frenzy.”
The girls exchanged a look of panic.
“So, without it we’ll enter our Biryut?” Asa turned big brown eyes back at her.
Saura nodded. “That’s right. And do either of you know why that might be a bad thing?”
Meeko peeked at Saura from a curtain of dark brown hair. “Because then we must take a mate. Immediately.”
It’s always nice when the girls are taught something about our biology before they come.
“Yes. The reason the Garden of Virtue and other places designed for females only were created is to keep females safe. With men outnumbering us four-to-one, we are treated as something precious, as we should be. It would be too dangerous to allow females among the male population after we have reached maturity. Instead, we remain here while our fathers negotiate proper husbands for us. And when we come of age, and our husbands are ready to take us on as their wives, we leave the Garden of Virtue. Only then do we stop taking our blue pills. Only then do we enter our mating frenzy.” The girls blushed and looked away. “That time, locked away with our mates, is a natural part of our existence and nothing to be ashamed of.”
“And then we are tied to them for life?” Asa asked, uncertainty in her tone.
“That’s right.”
She nibbled her bottom lip. “But what if our chosen mate is wrong for us.”
“A smart question.” Saura praised her, smiling. “We are matched very carefully. They take into account our genetics, family lines, personalities, and how powerful we are. Then, our fathers meet to ensure combining our bloodlines will bring everyone involved happiness.”
Meeko’s soft words caught her by surprise. “Is that how you were chosen as The Son’s mate?”
A giggle exploded from Asa’s lips. “Raiden is the most handsome male on any ship, and he’ll be Khar one day! I wish I was so well matched.”
Just the mention of her betrothed sent uncertain feelings stirring inside of her. Yes, he’s handsome, smart, powerful, and the future leader of our people. But, it seems, he’s not as eager to be my mate as I am to be his.
She brought her thoughts back to her young charges, trying to muster a response that didn’t reveal her complicated emotions. “You can’t be as poorly matched as you think. Only the finest females are sent to the Garden of Virtue, which means your male is your equal. And as for me, Raiden and I are as near a perfect match as we can be. My family has sat on the Khar’s Council for longer than any other family, and our blood is as pure as the royals themselves. As powerful as we are, our children will be more so.”
And yet, unlike most couples, it’s more than that for us. He was my best friend when we were children. All who saw us knew we were destined for more than being a respectable match, we were destined for love.
So where is he? A voice nagged at the back of her thoughts. Maybe you only imagined his love.
“But until we are called by our mates, we must take the blue pill?” Meeko asked, bringing her back to the present.
“That’s right.” Saura reached into the pocket of her gown, then held her hand out, palm up. Three blue pills lay for the girls to see. “We shall all take them together this first time. Then, they will be handed to you each morning. It’s very important that you never skip a pill. Perhaps we’ll be able to keep your mating frenzy at bay, but there’s always a chance that it will start...and then you’ll have to leave the Garden of Virtue early, taking a husband before your ideal time.”
The girls both reached for their pills at the same time.
Saura smiled and brought her own to her mouth.
“Saura, no!” The Mother cried, rushing through the stunning orange and soft blue trees with remarkable speed for a woman of her years.
She froze. “What is it, Great Mother?”
The older woman, with her gray hair falling all around her, leaned forward and closed her hand around Saura’s. “No pill today.”
Saura stared in confusion. The dark blue ring around the old woman’s eyes was nearly black. “Mother...”
Her thin lips twisted into a smile, bringing a breathtaking beauty to the wrinkles gathered at the corners of her mouth. “No pill today, child. Today, you leave the Garden of Virtue.”
Saura froze.
It can’t be. It can’t finally be my time.
I’ve watched girl after girl, most younger than myself leave, wondering why Raiden hadn’t called for me. I’d finally thought he might never call. Hope bubbled up within her chest. Raiden had been a young man when she left, but even so, he was fierce, tender, and entirely dedicated to their people. Like me.
We’ll rule our people together in harmony. The Khar and Khara they’ve needed for so long.
Smiling, she felt light as air. He does want me.
She touched a hand to her chest. “Are you sure, Mother?”
The older woman reached down and cradled Saura’s chin in her soft hands. “Without a doubt. Come on then, let’s get you ready to meet your new mate and introduce our people to the female who will one day be their Khara.”
Her head spun. Today, she would not only see Raiden after seven long years, she’d also become his mate. What I want, all I’ve ever wanted, is Raiden. Her stomach muscles tightened. The heat of his gaze. The hardness of his muscles. The softness of his lips.
And I didn’t take the pill.
Tonight, we’re going to mate.
It was almost too much to believe.
I guess some dreams do come true.
Tayker’s palms were sweaty as he stroked the hilt of his hidden dagger. Please don’t make me kill you, he begged silently. He’d killed before when necessary, but he preferred to do so from afar...and not in his apartments where his expensive and one-of-a-kind rugs would be ruined from the bloodshed.
But Kaemon might not give you a choice.
The younger man paced, eyes flashing with anger. “How could you let them send for Saura?”
Arrogant prick. How can he possibly think that he can be Khar to his people when he can’t even control his temper? And yet, helping Kaemon to steal the throne would be better for the Elementas. And for you.
Tayker took a deep breath, trying to sound calm and wise as he wiped his palms on his long crimson robes. “It wasn’t my choice.”
“But you could have stopped it!” Kaemon glared, daring his advisor to challenge him.
“Perhaps—“
“Are you double-crossing me, old man?” Kaemon stalked toward him, no longer a foolish youth, but an aggressive male. He weighed far less than Tayker, and yet his entire body was like a well-crafted weapon, not quite thin, but toned to the point that his every movement sent muscles rippling.
Fear spiked through Tayker’s chest as he slid his hand back to the hidden blade. “No, I am not double-crossing you. How can you even ask me that when I helped you kill my own brother? I simply realized that we could use this to our advantage.”
Just the thought of handing Kaemon the small black bottle of Puffery poison still brought bile rising in the back of his throat. But it was necessary, my brother would have stopped at nothing to save his son and discover the truth about the small blue planet.
We’d be trapped in space forever
Kaemon stood just above him. “And how can bringing my rival’s beautiful mate-to-be do anything but remind the people of their missing Khar?”
Even though Tayker’s heart raced, he plastered a confident smile across his face. “Because when my niece comes, already in the throes of her mating frenzy, a male will need to claim her. You can claim her. Then you will have the daughter of the man most opposed to putting you on the throne as your mate. He will have to give up his goal of finding Raiden, and the throne will finally be yours!”
Yes, putting Kaemon on the throne meant betraying Tayker’s entire family, but it couldn’t be helped. If his brother got his way, the Elementa fleet would never invade a planet with intelligent life. But the small blue planet was too perfect a new home, and planets like it too rare, for them to give it up for the good of some lower life-form.
The younger man stroked his smooth chin, his expression thoughtful. “You really think I can make Saura mine?”
He’s imagining her. Even as a young girl, her beauty was breathtaking. His greed and desire will cloud him of all rational thought.
“Yes,” Tayker said, leaning back. “Let her come, and before we reach the blue planet, she will be yours.”
“But if she still holds her father’s beliefs, she will want us to bypass the blue planet and continue this awful voyage to the next livable planet. Which could take decades. And is exactly what we’re fighting against.”
Tayker laughed. “Once you have her in your bed, do you doubt your ability to tame her wild ways?”
The younger man stood up straighter. “She will be on her knees, begging for my cock before her Biryut is over. I will destroy her loyalties to Raiden and her father. And before the month is out, we will purge the blue planet of its dominant species and take it as our own homeplanet.”
Tayker turned away to hide his skeptical expression. I certainly hope he’s as good in bed as he thinks, because if Saura is still the rebellious young woman I remember, she won’t make this easy for him.
Saura lay naked in the flower-scented waters of the purifying pool, preparing herself to meet her mate-to-be. This room, unlike the rest of the ship, was a contrast of technology and nature.
In the gardens, there was a hologram of the real sky projected above them. There were trees, rivers, and nature of every sort. It was easy to forget they were on a ship, rather than back at home. But here...the room had metal walls lined with panels, grass growing wildly, and a pool that appeared to be a hot spring with smooth rocks lining the bottom.
I will have to get used to technology again when I am back on Hope, the mother ship. When I am Raiden’s mate.
In just a few short hours, she would arrive on the mother ship. There, Raiden would have prepared their joining ceremony according to her desires, and within hours, she’d be in his bed.
She closed her eyes as an image of him came to her mind. The last picture she’d been sent was more than two years old, but she hoped he hadn’t changed much. The red rings around his eyes were a blend of deep red to pale red that spoke of his pure bloodline. Dark, spiked hair, a dusting of a beard, and a perfectly square jaw made for a breathtaking combination. And his large, muscular body...something warm rushed through her.
Gasping, she sat up straight, her heart racing. What was this feeling? Her body felt strangely warm, goose bumps erupted on her flesh, and she felt her womanhood tingle.
Breathing rapidly, she forced herself to lay back. Somehow she knew this was connected to her mating frenzy, to not taking the blue pill. For the first time in longer than she could remember, her thoughts weren’t calm. She was no longer simply focused on the present, but the past and possible futures came swirling into her mind with a presence that was almost overwhelming.
What is this? The mating frenzy should impact her mate...but no one mentioned how it might impact her. Suddenly, she found it strange that in all her time in the Garden she hadn’t thought to ask.
Feeling so hot it was almost suffocating, she threw one leg out of the pool. To her shock, her flesh was no longer a soft blue. Was it actually taking on a slight red hue?
The thought terrified her. Males were fire. Females were ice. Together they were perfectly complete. But what would it mean if she ran as hot as her male?
The Great Mother entered the chambers. “Have you cleaned yourself?”
Saura pulled her slightly off-colored leg back into the pool, feeling self-conscious for the first time in more years than she could count. “I have.”
“Then, step out, my child.”
Folding her arms over her chest, she slowly shook her head. “Mother, there is something wrong.”
The old woman walked softly across the grass and stepped to the table made from a massive fallen tree. In the mirror, Saura could see her unfolding a leather package, but she couldn’t quite see what she’d unwrapped.
“What could be wrong on such a joyous day?” She picked up a soft, white blanket and held it out.
Saura’s embarrassment rose. “My skin...it seems to be changing color.”
The old woman laughed kindly. “That is one of the effects of your mating frenzy...of not taking the blue pill. It’s perfectly natural.”
She felt a little better as she slowly climbed out of the pool. “Why is it that I didn’t know to expect this?”
“Because,” she said, draping the large blanket around her shoulders. “We explain only what’s absolutely necessary for our girls to know.”
“Is there more?” Saura turned toward her, her uncertain emotions blossoming into an unusual sense of irritation.
The Great Mother raised one brow. “I’d think that would be obvious...”
Saura frowned. “It isn’t.”
A smirk twisted her thin lips. “When was the last time you felt the kind of frustration you feel now?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it. “Not since I first came here...my gods, the blue pill does more than hold off our mating frenzy. Doesn’t it?”
The old woman didn’t look the least bit guilty. “It keeps all of you calm and easy to manage.”
Is she joking? Then we’re just like livestock in a pen! Saura tossed the blanket to the ground. “That’s awful. Shouldn’t we even get a say about being drugged?”
“Oh, child,” she said, turning back to the table, “can you even imagine trying to keep a female as rebellious as you here all these years? No, the drugs are necessary. They keep all the females patient until it’s their time to leave.”
It shouldn’t be allowed. “When I’m Khara, I will change this.” Saura clenched her fists, making the promise to the Mother as much as to herself.
“If we reach our new home soon, you may not need to.”
Her words were softly spoken, but Saura found anger rising. “There are other options than the blue planet.”
“Of course,” she whispered soothingly. “Now, time to fit you for your Xoater.”
Saura barely had time to think when the Mother was pressing the mechanical device to her flat stomach. Instantly, the metal spiderlike contraption crawled down her belly and slid into the entrance of her womanhood, stretching itself across the opening.
“Gods!” she gasped, reaching and trying to pry it out of her, but she felt it nestle deeper in retaliation. She pulled, but the device didn’t move. Instead, she felt something enter her core, the pain stinging then stretching.
She cried out, crossing her legs, her hands covering the mound of her womanhood. “Make it stop!”
“Steady now!” the Mother said, draping a robe over her shoulders. “It is all part of the tradition.”
Saura tried to close her legs, but the slight penetration only rubbed harder. “What is this?”
“It is to prepare you to take your mate. Our males are too large to enter their females without preparation...so the Xoater will prepare you.”
“Get—it— out,” Saura ordered, clenching her teeth.
“If I did that, your mate would be too much for you.” The Great Mother tried to stroke her cheek, but Saura jerked away. “It also has another benefit. You will have protection from any other male but your chosen male taking you when you enter the mother ship. Even still, it is dangerous to have a female in her mating frenzy aboard a ship with unmated males. This will prevent them from...losing control with you.”
Saura’s stomach flipped. Was the old woman actually suggesting what she thought?
“Not to worry,” the old woman reassured. “You will be brought on board surrounded by guards, have your ceremony, and then you will be confined to his bedroom for several weeks. Or more...depending on how long it takes to complete your bond.”
Weeks? Her cheeks flamed. I’d thought my male would need me for a few nights to sate his fires. I never imagined it might take weeks.
A young woman entered the room, a fiery red cloth draped over her arm. “Mother,” she held it out, bowing low. Next, she bowed lower to Saura. “My Khara, I am honored to bring your ceremonial gown.”
Saura smiled at the young girl. “I’m not your Khara yet.”
The Mother took the gown from her, and the woman bowed again and left.
“This color will suit your dark hair and eyes well.” She held it out, and Saura put her arms in the sleeves. The Mother wrapped it around to the front, crisscrossed it, and tied it behind the younger woman at her waist. “Look,” she whispered, turning her to the mirror.
Just the slight shifting of the silky fabric against Saura’s naked breasts made her nipples harden into two visible peaks. She stared in shock at the gown, finding that it was more like a second skin than actual clothing. It draped down between her breasts to reveal a wide V, and the slit on both legs crept up to her waist. She feared if she took too wide a step her womanhood would be visible for all to see. Yes, it was true that she had worn nothing but her white gown with no undergarments for years, but this felt different. Sexual. And I will be in front of other males. Then my mate. “This is too much.”
Standing behind her, she could see the Mother shaking her head in the mirror. “Today every man will envy your mate, and your mate will not be able to control himself. It is the way of our people.”
She thought of the moment she would see Raiden for the first time. Will he still look the way I imagine?
Over the years, she’d received only one photo from him, smuggled on board. But it was enough. Hidden beneath her mattress, she’d taken it out night after night. It reminded her that he was no longer the boy she’d been best friends with, but had grown into a man.
A ridiculously handsome man at that.
Closing her eyes, she pictured the soft curves of his mouth as he smiled in the photo. A flash of heat crackled through her body like lightning. Closing her legs, warmth uncoiled in her blood. The man was perfection. Hard, strong muscles, eyes that darkened with need. He would not be gentle with her, he would take her with force. The way you want to be taken.
The Xoater between her legs suddenly shifted, and she felt another small object rising from it to breach her entrance. Like two fingers inside your core. The sensation was uncomfortable. But...it also left her wanting more. She allowed her muscles to slowly relax.
Over the next hour, The Great Mother brushed her long hair until it gleamed, then laid it across her shoulders. Then the woman added makeup to her face, a soft glittering of gold across her eyelids, and crimson lipstick across her lips. At last, she stepped back.“You’re finished, and the ship is waiting.”
Just as Saura was about to stand, the Xoater slid another invasive fingerlike object into her body. She cried out, gripping the handle of the chair as waves crashed over her.
“What’s—happening—to me?”
The Mother smiled. “Your mating frenzy is drawing closer. Soon, your body will need his manhood inside you, more than you need to breathe. The desire for him will be so great, so all-consuming, that it will be painful. But fear not, the closer you get to him, the more the Xoater will prepare you for his entrance. And when it is ready, it will drop from you, making room for him.”
Perhaps I can accept this awful thing has a purpose...but what about everything else...?
“Why is my skin changing color? Why does my body ache like this?” She shifted uncomfortably, feeling violated and embarrassed.
“Because the fire within you is burning hotter and hotter to match his, so you can join without pain, and enter the mating frenzy as two dancing flames.”
Saura shook her head. “But we are ice and they are fire. He should burn for me! Not me for him!”
“Oh, child.” She brushed her hair back from her face. “A female’s mating frenzy is the one time she burns as fiercely as her mate. And trust me, you want to burn for him, too. Do not be afraid. There is no pleasure better than this.”
Saura closed her eyes as she felt her inner muscles clenching around the Xoater. The last thing she wanted was to lose control. To finally see Raiden and need him inside her so fiercely that she couldn’t think. Never in her life had she considered she might feel like this.
I hope he’s ready for me when I arrive.
And that he wants me just as much.
Raiden finished wiping the glass and set it on the marred surface of the bar countertop. His moves were practiced and he played the part well. But I still don’t completely fit in here.
Music played from an old jukebox in one corner of the large room, a specific style the humans called country. After two years working as a bartender at Old Rusty’s, Raiden had heard every song on the damned contraption at least fifty times. Somedays he actually enjoyed the simple melodies, but other days, like today, every note seemed to pluck at his throbbing head.
He hid his irritation well, his mask firmly in place. He’d dived into his life as a human the same way he’d dived into the role of being next in line to be Khar of his people. He spoke, ate, drank, and thought the way he needed to in order to become what was necessary. But becoming a human was a hell of a lot more fun than having the weight of an entire people on my shoulders.
“Another round of shots!” a drunk female college student shouted, followed by a round of giggles from her companions, and a quieter, “Mr. Sexy Bartender.”
Of course. That’s what I’m here for.
Every one of the girls was smoking. The damn fumes always made his temples ache. Humans. Why would a species do something so toxic to itself? I would never allow it for my people.
Grabbing bottles without thought, he poured four more shots of a beverage known as a Lemon Drop, and strode to the other end of the bar. The girls watched his every move with a hunger he’d grown to recognize.
He set the shot glasses down in front of them. “That’ll be another twenty.”
The girl in front of him, a tall blonde with a shirt so low one nipple was actually hanging out, grinned as she slid him a fifty. “Keep the change.”
He raised a brow and nodded in thanks, but said nothing as he took it off the well-worn countertop.
But as he turned to go, her voice stopped him. “Your name is Raiden, right?”
Looking back at her, he knew exactly where the conversation was going, but had to walk the steps of the dance anyway. “Yes, ma’am.”
She smiled, leaning over farther. “You know on campus they call you the Sexy Bartender?”
“I know,” he said, shifting his weight, waiting patiently.
Old Rusty’s was on the outskirts of the college town surrounded by tree-covered mountains. The people in his area were nice, mostly older, and treated each other as family. A short five-minute drive through the city, however, brought them to the crowding of shops, restaurants, and other business that surrounded the university. This bar never really attracted college kids, according to Rusty himself...that was until Raiden had come to work for him.
“You’re a little on the odd side,” Rusty had said those two long years ago, “but I think you’ll bring girls like a steak luring a goddamned mountain lion.
And he was right.
So now, even though Raiden was an alien far from home, he’d found a job on the little blue planet. One that paid him enough to have a place of his own, food to eat, and a beat-up truck that got him from point A to point B. It was better than he could’ve hoped for when his ship had been sabotaged. But I still need to get back. Before it’s too late.
“Sexy dark hair, sexy dark eyes...every girl on campus would probably do anything for you.”
He forced himself to focus his attention on her. She was probably what a human would call beautiful, her youthful vibrancy and curvy body a beacon to any man. Except me.
Even if he never got off this planet, none of these young girls were for him. The simple truth was, they weren’t her. Saura. His mate.
The college girl was too bold, but her smile was genuine and after all his experience he knew it was just the liquor talking. Let her down easy.
“Do you want to go for a drive or something?” the blonde asked.
One of her friends raised a glass, and suddenly they were all distracted as they slammed their shots. The blonde stroked his hand. “How about that drive?”
He wanted to just tell her no, but that wasn’t what he was paid for. Remember, it’s an act. Play the part. Instead, he leaned in and trailed a finger down her jaw. “Sorry, beautiful, but I’ve got to work late.”
“I can wait,” she said, her rapid, alcohol-laced breath puffing against his face.
“Maybe another night.” He flashed her a smile that seemed to melt her right into her chair, then turned to focus on cleaning up. It was almost closing time, after all.
“Good work,” Rusty said, leaning back in his favorite seat at the other end of the bar. “They’ll be sure to come back for their chance to have a go at you.”
“Shut up, asshat,” he said to his friend, topping off the other man’s ale.
The human language has its moments.
Raiden was one of the few people who knew that this Rusty was actually the third “Rusty” to own the bar. He was middle-aged for human years, with a slight belly and too much gray hair for his age. Gray whiskers grew wildly on his face, and his white T-shirt was stained. Probably from his chicken wings at lunch.
But Rusty was what they called...good people. Raiden used to say “a good person” instead, but that was just the kind of formal talk the locals raised a brow at. But it didn’t really matter what Raiden called it, Rusty was loyal, honest, and hardworking. Raiden was glad to call him a friend.
A couple of regulars came up from their table, and he poured them another round of beers before giving last call. Just a short time later, he flashed the lights on and off as the drunks inside slowly made their way to the door. He took the keys from his regulars and left them to stumble the short distance to their houses. Then, he pointed out the cab he’d already called for the college girls. When he finally locked the door, he stared at the handle for a moment, feeling for a moment strangely weary.
“Want to talk about it?” Rusty asked, clapping him on the shoulder.
Raiden almost shook his head, but instead walked to the bar and sat down next to his closest friend, stealing the rest of his ale. Rusty was the only one who knew his secret, a fact that he’d gone from being terrified about to being grateful for. “Not really.”
“Yeah, right.” Rusty had the nerve to laugh.
Humans laughed a lot. That was one thing Raiden loved about them. Even simple things could bring the pleasant sound bubbling from their lips. My own people show their emotions...but not quite so freely.
“Missing home?” his friend said, sounding a little more serious.
Raiden sipped the ale, wincing at the sharpness to it. “Not exactly.”
“Well, come on, old man, out with it,” he barked, reaching around the bar to pour himself another ale. “You can’t just sit there with that damn sour look on your face.”
“I don’t have a sour look on my face!” Raiden said, glaring.
“Please, you damn fool. That blonde was begging you to plow her all night, and you couldn’t even stop worrying long enough to notice.” It was his turn to glare. “If she’d have thrown herself at me, I’d have taken her sweet little nipples and...”
“All right, all right!” Raiden smiled, and stared down at the amber liquid in his mug. “Everything seemed so clear when I left...but the closer it gets to their arrival, the more worried I become.”
It was true. When he’d left his people two years before, he’d planned to use their brand-new, one-of-a-kind ship to visit Earth, prove the humans were worth saving, and head home. But when his ship had crashed, everything changed.
Yet, everything will change again when they arrive here...in what, two weeks?
Rusty cocked his head. “You worry they won’t find you before blowing us all to kingdom come?”
Yes.
“No,” he lied, taking a deep breath, then prepared a half-truth. “Someone sabotaged my ship. Someone close to me. Only a handful of people knew about it and my mission. You’d think by now I’d have figured out who it was, but I haven’t.”
“Well,” Rusty said, taking another sip of his ale. “You’ll catch the damn son of a bitch once they get here, I’m sure. The bastard will show himself eventually.”
“That he will,” Raiden said, a cold fury coming over him. “But it isn’t just the traitor. I worry that without me there to influence my father and the council these years, they won’t give me enough of a chance to argue in favor of saving humanity.”
Rusty glanced at him, raising one untamed brow. “You’re a stubborn jackass. I have no doubt you won’t let them kill us off.”
He nodded. And then there’s my other fear.
“Are you thinking about her again?” Rusty’s voice held a note of satisfaction.
“No!”
But he was. Saura haunted his thoughts more and more lately. When she’d left for the Garden of Virtue, they’d just reached their teens. If we hadn’t kissed that day, maybe she could’ve remained by my side longer. Yet, he could never bring himself to regret their stolen moment together.
Receiving pictures of her was not allowed, so his image of her should still be that of a young woman. But for some reason, he could picture her as a woman grown...his brain seemed to freeze at just the thought of her.
She was so beautiful. Tough. Headstrong. Intelligent.
The women of his planet often chose to be seen but not heard. But not his Saura, her voice carried a power among the council even as a young girl. Many people argued it was because her father was the Khar’s greatest advisor, yet Raiden didn’t agree. Saura fought for the humans of Earth as loudly as Raiden himself.
But what had happened since he was gone? If they were sure he was dead, they may have given Saura to another man. Just the thought of it brought fury racing through his veins. Clenching his fists, he willed the anger back inside. Rusty might have accepted his strange friend was an alien, but he hated it when his magic flared.
“She must’ve been something special to get you so wound up.”
He almost denied it. “Yes. She was.”
“She’ll be waiting for you. I mean, look at you. I’d never swim in the man pond, but even I do a double take when you walk by.” Rusty shook his shaggy head, chugging the rest of his ale.
“So, you got a thing for me then?” Raiden said, grinning.
“Shut your damn mouth. Goddamned mouthy aliens, using their weird powers to make a man as straight as a ruler do a double take.” He thumped his drink down with a little too much force.
Raiden swallowed down his usual response: that’s not how my magic works. “Well, I’d better head out. I got work to do.”
Rusty rose from his seat, walking him to the door. “Your ship any closer to working?”
“It’s close.”
But not close enough. Because as much as he tried to reassure his friend that the Elementas wouldn’t just kill all intelligent beings when they arrived, the truth was he wasn’t sure. He needed to return to the mother ship before they reached Earth. Or all could be lost.
The shuttle groaned and stopped as it connected with the mother ship. Any second now, the doors will open. And my life will change forever.
Saura tried, and failed, to pull the red dress more closely around her long legs. Her heart pounded. Her palms were sweating. Her blood was burning in her veins. She was finally going to get to see Raiden after all these long years.
As if the Xoater knew that she was thinking of him again, another probing object entered her core. She cried out and gripped the edge of her seat, gasping for air. Her pussy ached. Her need sent her inner muscles clenching around the foreign object inside her. Like four large fingers.
“Gods!” She ran a hand slowly down her chest. Her nipples hardened even more painfully, and she bit her lip. I almost want to touch myself, to soothe the fire burning within me.
But Raiden will be there to ease the pain soon.
The doors to the small shuttle opened. She stood, trying not to clench her thighs together as the muscles jumped involuntarily. Just outside the ship, her father and uncle waited.
She pushed aside her needs as tears pricked the corners of her eyes. “Father!”
Even though her father hadn’t yet reached two hundred years, he looked older than she remembered. His dark hair had unexpected streaks of gray, and the red rings around his eyes looked strangely duller. Yet, it was like a dream to see him again after so many years.
In an instant, she launched herself into his arms.
He stood stiffly for one moment before wrapping his thin arms around her. “Saura. My daughter. Your presence brightens every room.”
She drew back from him and smiled. “The day is finally here.”
The corners of his mouth drew down, and he looked away. “It has been a long time.”
“What? No hug for your uncle?” a jolly voice asked from beside her.
Turning to her uncle, she smiled and hugged him softly. He returned her hug with a fierce one of his own, squeezing her against him until she could hardly breathe.
“Tayker...” her father said, a note of warning in his voice.
Her uncle instantly released her and stepped back, a wide smile painted on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Apologies. I’m just excited to see my little niece, grown into such a beautiful woman.”
“Speaking of which—” Her father eyed the other man, then his gaze flickered back to Saura. “The announcement of your arrival has been made. All the unmated males are restricted to their quarters until we arrive at our apartments.”
Just the thought of all the males on board made it feel as if an insect clawed within her stomach. “And what of Raiden? Why isn’t he here to greet me?”
Her father and uncle exchanged a glance she couldn’t quite read.
“Daughter, let us discuss such things in private.”
More claws seem to scratch at her insides. Something about this feels wrong. What aren’t they telling me?
Six guards gathered around them as her father and uncle flanked her sides. Somehow, their presence only increased her nervousness. How much danger could I really face just for being in my mating frenzy? Or is there something more?
They passed ship after ship in the docking bay before finally reaching the door to the main part of the mothership. The doors opened as they approached, and their party made its way through the large, pristine white hallways. A woman smiled as she approached and tossed brilliant blue flowers at her. Saura smiled and tilted her head in acknowledgment. More women lined the halls, tossing the flowers at her as she approached. And each woman she passed followed her down the hall until twenty or so women trailed them as they rounded a corner.
A male exited a room on her left. He turned surprised eyes on her party, and then his gaze fell on her. The red around his eyes changed, the color becoming more black than red. Suddenly, he dived at her. The guards blocked him, slamming him back into the wall, but still he clawed and fought to reach her, all along a strange animalistic noise emanated from his throat.
“Come on,” her father urged, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her faster.
She glanced back at the still-struggling male as they continued down the hall. Is this what my mating frenzy does to males? She shivered. Will Raiden control himself better than that male? Fear sparked to life inside her. She had started to imagine sharing his bed in the shuttle ride over to the mothership. To look forward to it. Now, she wondered if their night together would be more pain than pleasure.
Another door opened on her right, and the guards moved to block the male who exited.
“Kaemon, back in your suite!” her father ordered.
The man stood straighter. “Not to worry, Yurki, I only wished to see your beautiful daughter.”
Her father moved partially in front of her. “You are an unmated male! You may see her when her mating frenzy is over!”
Kaemon. Her gaze locked with that of the man being blocked by her father and guards. A man I remember as a boy, although he has changed little. He was short, for a male. In fact, they were almost of the same height. But his perfectly groomed black hair was styled such that long spikes of hair stuck out on top of his head, while other spikes had been smoothed down over his forehead, almost entirely covering one eye. It was unique and interesting, although it whispered of a male attempting to look taller. His face was symmetrical. Almost pleasing. But the sharp lines of his cheekbones, and his taut body, gave him the feeling of a man who was severe and controlled, almost to a fault.
“Saura,” he greeted, his nostrils flaring as the red rings around his eyes darkened. “It is good to see you.” His gaze raked over her body, lingering on her breasts, then trailing down and stopping to stare directly at the junction of her thighs. “You’re a woman now,” his voice was husky with need.
“Get. Back. In. Your. Room,” her father ordered, his tone dangerously low.
“No need to worry. I’ll go.” He turned to go, and her small party began to walk again.
Then, suddenly there was a flash of movement and a body smashed into hers. She had only an instant to recognize Kaemon before he was forcing himself between her thighs, one hand pushing away the fabric of her gown to squeeze one of her breasts.
She cried out in shock as her nerves vibrated through her body. Her mind told her it was wrong. She felt angry and violated, but heat grew between her thighs and her hardened nipples cried out to be caressed harder.
And then, he was yanked off her.
The guards slammed him against the wall as he fought savagely against them. At one point, as she climbed from the ground, adjusting her dress, he almost seemed to free himself. But at last, one of the guards forced an arm against his throat.
He stopped struggling, his gaze burning into hers. “I will have you. That I promise. I will taste your sweet—“
“Enough!” her father shouted, his red skin growing darker with anger. “You will never touch my daughter again. She is Raiden’s.”
“Raiden is dead,” he spat. “His father is dead. Soon I shall be ruler of the Elementas, and your daughter will be my Khara.”
Raiden is...
“Father?” she whispered, turning to him with her heart in her throat.
He held her gaze. “We have much to discuss.”
––––––––
SAURA’S FATHER HAD left her uncle in his suite and entered a small room in a strangely quiet end of the ship, leaving the guards at the door. She followed him, walking on legs that felt strangely detached from her body. Raiden is dead? How? Why? And why am I here?
The room was small and empty, with one odd metal door and nothing else.
“Father?” she voiced the word quietly, but she wanted to scream in anguish. I’m here, in my mating frenzy, and Raiden isn’t. Gods, don’t let it be true. He can’t be dead.
“Quiet now,” he said, kindly. “I have much to explain to you, and we don’t have a lot of time.”
She nodded, gripping the fabric of her skirt.
“Raiden went to the small blue planet on a ship called a Starspeeder. It was the first of its kind, a great deal more than four times as fast as our own ships. But we have not heard from him since he left.”
“And when was that?” she asked, unable to keep the question to herself.
He took a deep breath, the wrinkles around his mouth suddenly looking deeper. “Two years ago.”
Her heart stopped. “Two... years?” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. “So you really do think he’s dead?”
“Maybe not,” her father answered slowly. “I know enough to know that he had a crash-landing, but that his ship was intact when it hit the ground. We lost communication and his exact location, but he should have survived the landing.”
The slightest relief flashed through her, but it was overwhelmed by shock and fear. “He crashed? How?”
“I have a few theories. One of which is that his craft was sabotaged.”
He went to the far wall next to the door and a large portion of the wall shimmered and turned into a screen. His agile fingers flew as he typed in code after code. At last, he pulled up an image of something that made her blood run cold.
“What is that?”
It looked like a giant metal creature. It had eight legs, a long tail with a sharp point, and a body covered in what looked like thousands of metal spikes.
“We’re calling it a Spyre. We found one scurrying about in the chamber his craft departed from. After some research, we’ve determined it is made to withstand a trip on the outside of a ship...”
“So you think it was supposed to be attached to his ship?”
“Precisely,” he said, nodding at her in approval. “And we suspect there were more than just this one, since for a short time it appeared to be trying to communicate with some part of his vessel.”
She felt a small measure of relief. “So when we arrive at the blue planet, we can simply use the tracker to find him and rescue him?”
He sighed, crossing his arms in front of his crimson robes. “If only it were that simple. No, we believe if we wait until we get close enough to the planet to communicate, whoever attacked his vessel will make certain that we never reach him. What’s more, our people are currently without a Khar.”
“So you’re certain Raiden’s father is dead? But he’s so young.”
“We are certain...he was poisoned in his chambers just two days ago.”
“Poisoned!” Saura gasped. She could scarcely believe it.
How long had it been since one of their people committed such an act? Yes, with how hot their males ran there were sometimes accidental deaths in the heat of a fight, but a carefully planned murder? Their natural empathy usually kept them from such acts.
“Yes, so if we cannot find Raiden in time that worm Kaemon will become the new Khar of the Elementas. And his first order will be to dispense the bomb to wipe out the dominant intelligent species on the blue world.”
She inhaled sharply. “So what must we do?”
Shifting to the door, a thousand multicolored lights ran over his body before it slid open. Inside was what looked like a small chamber. She inched forward. No, not a small chamber, the inside of a small, odd vessel.
“We have finally completed a second Starspeeder ship.”
Hope blossomed within her heart. “So, we can fix this. We can save Raiden and that unsuspecting world.”
He shook his head. “No, daughter of my heart, you can.”
“Me?” She stared at him, afraid his mind had started to slip. “This is too important a mission. You should send—“
“No.” He took her upper arms, staring into her eyes. “It can only be you. First, because we were betrayed the last time, you are the only one I trust.”
“And second?” she asked, her heart racing.
“I believe you may be the only one capable of bringing him back.” She opened her mouth, but he continued on before she could speak. “My fear, one that I have expressed to no one else, is that he will not want to return.”
“But why?” she asked, unable to conceal her shock.
“Because he had grown weary of this place. Of his people. The fighting. After his mother and little brother died in the birthing process four years ago, he was not the same man. And his father, instead of showing him kindness, showed him only constant cruelty and disappointment. The day Raiden left was the first time I’d seen him smile in longer than I can remember.”
“But, Father, what makes you think I can convince him to come back with me?”
A slight smile curved his lips. “First, you could convince anyone of anything. Second of all, he holds a special place in his heart for you. And finally, because you are in your mating frenzy. He will not be able to resist you. And once he has tied himself to you, he will need to go where you go.”
She shook her head, forming her argument.
“I know you have only just arrived and this is a lot of information. But you must trust me. I have thought long and hard on this matter, and this is our best chance.” He closed his eyes and began to speak in the way of the elders. “Listen to my warnings well. You cannot allow yourself to be consumed by your Biryut for too long. What I ask of you will be difficult, but you cannot forget your mission. You must be very quick, and very careful. If you do not find your mate in time, you will allow anyone to cool the fires that burn within you. Even, perhaps, the lower life-forms of the blue planet.
“I’m asking you to take a terrible risk, but I would not if there was any other way. But, my child, hear me now. If you do not find him within the next twenty-four hours, you must be mated anyway. If not, the fire within you can grow to a terrible inferno. Some women burn so brightly that they may never burn again...which means you will never be able to take a mate. While a rare few...well, they do not make it at all.”
She swallowed. This can’t be really happening. My father can’t be sending me to a strange planet while in my mating frenzy, hoping that I find Raiden in time to cure myself and tie him to me to bring him back to rule our people.
He touched his forehead to hers. “Time is of the essence. I have not received the council’s approval to send you. Soon they will discover what I plan, and they will stop me, which means all will be lost.”
Clenching her fists together, she drew back from him. “I’m afraid. But I trust you. I will do as you ask.”
Turning, because she was afraid if she didn’t act immediately she wouldn’t be able to, she strode into the small ship. The back area was the size of a small room, with panels lining the walls and a small bed against the far wall. She bypassed all of it, seating herself at one of two seats at the front, staring out at the side of the mother ship and stars.
“Farwell, my daughter.” His voice held pride tinged with sadness. “My heart flies with you.”
She forced a smile in return. “And mine.”
The next few hours were a blur as the craft flew at an incredible speed, its destination already known. She tried to sleep, but her imagination wouldn’t allow her too. What kind of creatures will live on such a planet? Images of horned giants, scaled men, and furry man-beasts flew into her mind. She wrapped her arms around herself as her teeth chattered. Even though my father warned me, I don’t think I could take another mate. I just hope I live long enough to find Raiden.
When the computer started chiming, she awoke with a start, not knowing when she’d finally fallen asleep. Her eyes widened as the viewscreen showed the massive planet, a swirling of white, green, and blue. It’s beautiful.
The ship tilted as it descended into the bright atmosphere. “Target acquired,” the computer’s deep masculine voice said. “Adjusting landing point.”
They flew just inside the atmosphere, spinning around the planet so fast her gut churned. With each passing minute, they flew lower, sometimes passing large cities that reminded her so much of her homeworld that she stared in shock. Are these creatures even lower life-forms?
Their speed finally slowed when they were just above a sea of treetops and lakes. A forest. Even as she fought her nausea, she gloried at the lush landscape. This world would make a glorious new home.
At last, the ship slid between the treetops, landing with only a slight groan. Then, it grew strangely silent. Unbuckling herself from the seat, she rose and looked out the screen. The trees were green, so different from the fiery orange and cool blue ones of her homeworld. She didn’t see Raiden’s ship, though. In fact, everything seemed quiet. Too quiet.
She headed for the door but paused as the computer spoke. “Council Member Yurki has prepared a file with information on the current planet, along with data I collected as we passed. He strongly urges you to watch it before leaving the ship.”
“Thank you, Computer.” She glanced at the window. “Also, how exactly am I supposed to find Raiden?”
“Now that we have landed, I have been able to accurately pinpoint his exact location. It appears that he is located at a human location known as Rusty’s.”
She rose, her muscles feeling tense with anxiety. I hope he hasn’t changed that much in that last two years, or I may have trouble finding him once I get there.
Pushing the frightening thought out of her mind, she decided to focus on her first task, reviewing data. Fun. Sighing, she went to seat herself on the bed where she could see the viewscreen but froze as she stared at her long red skirts. I can’t exactly wear this on the planet, can I?
“Computer, I would like to change clothes.”
A panel slid open behind her. “Clothes according to the local customs have been set out for you.”
Turning around, she stared in shock. What in the three moons?
Two outfits...if one could call them that, had been laid out. Her gaze swept to the one on the right. The top consisted of tiny strings and two triangles. No doubt to at least hide my nipples. Although, the material appeared thin at best. Below it, one small triangle was tied at each side. Are these their form of pants?
The idea made her feel more than a little uneasy.And I thought I felt naked in the Garden of Virtue.
Looking at the outfit on the left, she felt slightly more at ease. The top was black and low-cut, but at least it wasn’t a scrap of material. Below it was a skirt so short she feared her womanhood would be seen. But if I must choose one outfit, it beats the one made of strings and triangles.
She settled in to watch the vid, her gaze sliding to the outfit. Heat pooled between her thighs at just the thought of Raiden seeing her in it. What would he say? But more importantly, what would he do?
Closing her eyes, she pictured him. A shiver ran down her spine as she slid a hand from between her breasts to her lower belly. Soon. Soon this fire will finally be quenched.
Another night at Rusty’s was almost finished. Raiden dried the last mug, then set it on the counter behind him. A few locals shot pool in the back...a curious game he’d finally gotten a handle on after Rusty’s constant nagging. A song played in the background, the male singer discussing two males talking, man-to-man about the proper treatment of a female. It was a tune he liked.
Other than the locals in the back, Rusty sat at the counter complaining with three old men, Jimmy, Ben, and Frank. No four people had ever looked happier while complaining about the good old days.
It was a nice night. He wouldn’t get much in the way of tips, but it was calm.
And yet, he couldn’t seem to relax. Something was in the air tonight. Something that made him uneasy.
Turning, he looked at his reflection, slightly distorted in the mirror behind the rows of liquor bottles. Was his skin developing a red tint? He tugged at the black bar going through the top of one of his earlobes. It was made to control his skin and eye color. To keep his flesh pale like the humans, and his eyes dark rather than red. Was it malfunctioning?
Wouldn’t that be just great?
But it wasn’t just his skin that seemed to feel warm. His whole body felt warm. An unexplainable tension had the muscles in his shoulders in knots.
“Pretty boy?” Rusty called, drawing his attention. “The college girls seem to have stayed in tonight. Why don’t you take out the trash, bring another keg in, then head out for the night?”
Unexpectedly, Raiden felt a wave of relief. “Sure thing.”
You’re sounding more like a human with every passing day. For some reason, the thought pleased him. It’s because you’re amazed by them. You admire so many things about them.
As he stepped out into the night, a full moon cast the parking lot in a soft glow. It was a strangely quiet night, almost one in the morning, but not quite yet. The few shops and restaurants on their street had long since been closed for the day. Even the woods around them seemed still, as if even the creatures of the forest had decided to rest.
He hauled the trash bag around the back where his truck was carefully parked in the alley between the two buildings. Walking to the far corner, he tossed the bag into the dumpster, then headed inside. In the storage room, he got a keg and carried it easily to the front, although he made a point to look burdened by it as he came into view of Rusty and the customers. After all, humans are far weaker than we are.
He shoved the keg under the counter and rose, dusting off his hands.
What is that presence?
Somehow, he knew the woman was there before his gaze slid to her. It wasn’t quite a scent, but more a feeling. She lingered in the entrance to the bar. Her deep brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that was breathtakingly beautiful. High cheekbones, wide brown eyes, and full, soft lips.
Who is she? Why does she seem so familiar?
His gaze traveled down, and his cock hardened. The black shirt she wore was criminally see-through. Her breasts, small but perfect, strained against the silky material. Her pink nipples, visibly hard. His blood raced as he took in her skirt. It was too short. Gods, so short it’d take nothing at all to stand behind her and slide into her moist depths.
I’ve never been attracted to a human before. What is it about her?
He made a sound in the back of his throat, then realized, for the first time, that the bar was awkwardly silent. Every male in the room stared at the tiny woman in the doorway. At the woman who was scarcely wearing clothes at all.
Rage pounded through his body. How dare they look at her!
Storming toward her, he watched as her large eyes followed his approach with both hunger and fear.
“Are you here for me?” he growled, clenching his fists to keep from touching her.
I thought I was too in love with Saura to even look at a human. But this one...she’s fueled something inside me the others never could.
She tugged at the silver earring that clenched most of the side of her earlobe, while nibbling her bottom lip in a movement that made his cock jump in his pants. “Yes. How did you know?”
“Outside,” he ordered through gritted teeth.
Take her now! his body commanded, focusing on her ass as she walked before him. Slam into her tight little pussy until she begs for more!
The need was so great that he reached out, placing a hand on her back and urging her toward his truck in the alley. His senses were so in tune with her that he could hear her heart as it sped up. They barely made it to the shadows of the alley before he reached beneath her skirt and smoothed a hand up the back of her thigh to cup her firm ass.
She cried out, stopping and spreading her knees slightly, her legs quivering.
Her submissive gestures were driving him crazy. Gods! She feels it, too! All logic failed him. Get inside her. Give both of you what you need.
Urging her forward once more, he didn’t stop until he reached the truck. Once there, he didn’t open the door, but spun her around to face him. He leaned forward, putting one leg between hers so she was riding his thigh. “Do you want me?”
She trembled, then nodded her head slowly.
He leaned down and took her mouth with his. His kiss was raging hot, but hers was more tentative, hesitant. He gentled himself, realizing her need might be as great, but her experience wasn’t.
Innocent. The warning rang through his head, stopping him from taking her right there. Instead, he kissed her again and slid his hand down her low-cut shirt to free her breasts, cupping each beautiful mound and teasing her sweet nipples with his thumbs.
She gasped again. “Please.”
For an instant he could see nothing but her mouth. He used his leg to spread her thighs farther apart, then moved between them, pressing his lips against hers once more. This time, she answered the kiss with an unexpected fire of her own, and the inferno that spread between them was earth-shattering. In fact, the ground beneath them seemed to shake. Her heat increased his own as he crushed her lips, tasting her mouth. His tongue swept inside, exploring her as she ground her womanhood against his hard erection. He reached down and grabbed one of her legs, bringing it up around his waist. She whimpered into the kiss.
He swore, then leaned down and took one of her nipples into his hot mouth.
She bucked. “Gods, I can’t stand it!”
He felt something hit the ground at his feet. He ignored it, his boot crushing it when he shifted to take her other nipple, sucking it even deeper into his mouth.
She arched her back and ground herself against him even more. “It’s finally gone. I’m so empty. Please, please.”
Slow down! the rational part of his mind begged him. He pulled away from her, staring at her with eyes that worshipped her face and body.
With his last ounce of willpower, he replaced her leg on the ground, steadying her. He took her hand and led her around the back of his truck to the passenger side door. There was a step up into his truck and he helped her, but her foot slipped and she fell face-first across the front seat.
He reached forward to help her, but found himself staring directly at her swollen pussy. Fire raced through his blood. Reaching out, he stroked her gently.
She cried out, her hands clutching the seat.
So wet. So ready.
He needed more of her.
Dragging her back toward him so that her ass was high in the air, he clutched her outer thighs, parting her lips with his thumbs and leaning down to press his mouth against her hot core.
She screamed, a sound of pure pleasure as he ran his tongue over her button of pleasure several times. He slid his tongue deep inside her, drawing out her wetness, her wails spurring him on. She rocked against his mouth as he pressed his lips deeper, tasting her sweetness, coating his mouth with her juices.
“More! Oh gods, it feels so good.” Her tone was one of disbelief, and hunger so deep it matched his own.
He sucked her clit into his mouth as she bucked against him. I can’t wait another second.
Drawing back, he rose, unzipping his zipper and finally allowing his hardened cock freedom. “I’ve never wanted a woman this much.”
He grasped her hips.
“And I’ve imagined this for so long,” she whispered back.
He froze. Not a virgin. But his honor made him ask, “You’ve done this before, right?”
“Does it matter?” She arched against him, rubbing herself on him, making his blood rush south.
He cursed, trying to calm the tide of his desire. I can’t fuck a virgin in the doorway of my truck. As the thought cooled the storm raging within him, he admitted to himself, No woman should be treated like this.
Stuffing his cock back in his pants, he reached down and helped her up.
She turned to him, desperation in her eyes. “Please, don’t stop. I need you.”
He was surprised by the tenderness that her words brought forth in him. Cupping her cheek, he pulled her against him. “We’re not done yet, love. But it’s time for us to find a bed. You deserve better than this.”
He helped her into his truck, then walked around to the driver’s side. He started the engine and turned on the lights, hooking his seat belt. He turned to her and realized she hadn’t hooked hers, so he leaned over and grabbed it, pulling it across her body. Then he shifted into gear.
She was silent for a few minutes, then she asked, “Is your place close?” Her voice was hesitant.
“Yes.” But not as close as I’d like.
He barely slowed as he left the town and reached the long road through the woods. His need had barely abated, and the way her legs kept shifting in the seat was driving him wild. He wanted to put his hands on them to still them, but he knew if he touched her, they wouldn’t make it home.
Suddenly, she reached over, and her hand stroked his erection through his jeans.
He bucked his hips off the seat and almost swerved off the road. “Careful!” He glanced down to see her looking at the crotch of his pants, hot desire in her gaze.
“I haven’t seen one before.” She rubbed over his length again.
He gasped. “This is not the best idea...”
She ignored him and unzipped his jeans, pulling his cock from his boxers. His gaze flicked between her and the road, his heart racing. A second later, she licked his slick head.
The steering wheel jerked. “Shit!”
“Do you like this?” she asked as she slid the desperate head of his cock into the hot, wet cavern of her mouth.
He bucked and cried out, struggling in his seat, the pleasure too much to bear. How the hell are we going to make it home?
“This is a disaster!” Kaemon shouted, shattering his glass against the wall.
Tayker stared. There goes a piece of my finest crystal.
“It may appear that way, but again, I have saved the day.”
The younger man whirled on him. “You better have, old man, because I’ve been thinking about Saura’s sweet pussy all day long, and now you’re telling me the old man sent her off to the blue planet! What if Raiden is sliding into her right now? What if she brings him back before I can be named Khar? Will the people even accept me without her at my side?”
Tayker sipped his own spiced warlic. “I was able to plant a Spyre on her craft before she left.”
“And why in the fjik should I care about that?” he said, his voice dangerously low.
“Because very soon not only will the Spyre I planted go after Raiden, but it will activate all the ones we planted before, relaying to them my new instructions.”
Kaemon froze. “So, soon he’ll be dead?”
Tayker smiled, glad he was finally catching on. “Precisely.”
Silence stretched between them.
But at last, Kaemon spoke, “And what of my mate?”
The older man shrugged. “Saura will need to return, to be mated right away...and guess who will be here waiting for her?”
Kaemon threw himself into a chair, a slow smile dawning on his lips. “Everything is falling perfectly into place. Before we reach the new planet, I will be Khar. Saura will be my mate, and Raiden will be dead.”
Pouring him a new glass, Tayker handed it to the man who would soon rule his people. “And we will be gone from this dreadful ship, finally free on our new homeworld.”
The two men clinked glasses in a toast, pleased that all their puzzle pieces were falling into place.
Saura took Raiden’s cock deeper into her mouth, feeling amazed by her boldness. She’d never so much as seen a man naked, and now she was touching him. Tasting him.
It’s my mating frenzy, she acknowledged, my body aches for him. If I don’t have him inside me soon, I’m going to explode.
He groaned. “Slower. Slower. We’re almost there.”
She shifted in the seat of the strange machine he’d taken her into, clenching her thighs and trying to focus on anything but the warm, perfect cock in her mouth. His hands gripped a steering wheel just overhead, and every so often lights shone into their space from above the road they traveled upon.
Need raced through her blood and she had the sudden urge to touch him. With one hand, she curled it around the base of his massive manhood, stroking down as her mouth lowered.
He swore and suddenly the machine swerved.
She slid away from his cock, rising up on her knees to see them heading down a dirt road. Their speeding machine bounced horribly, and she had to grip the seat to keep from flying off. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel. Is this supposed to be happening?
But then, she caught sight of his face and all other thoughts fled. He was far more handsome than she remembered. His dark hair and scruff of beard gave him an edge that shouldn’t have thrilled her, but it did. He’d grown larger, too. Her head scarcely reached the bottom of his chin. And from what she felt of him... he was all muscle, broad and powerful.
Her inner muscles tightened as she glanced back at his hardened manhood. That’s why I had to wear that fjiking Xoater. If the damned machine hadn’t been invading her womanhood over the past few hours, spreading and torturing her as it worked her core, there was no way she’d ever be able to fit him inside her. I still might not be able to.
The thought should have terrified her. Instead, she hungered for him. She reached for his cock again, curling her hand around him. It throbbed and jerked at her touch, wetness coating his tip.
“The hell with this!” he shouted, turning his wheel off the dirt road. They traveled at an almost reckless speed between trees. Elementas had incredible reflexes, but still, she felt a spike of fear.
At last, the vehicle slid to a stop and all was silent. Lights lit the space in front of them, giving a slight brightness to woods that were lit by nothing else but a big pale moon. As pale as our skin on this planet.
“One minute,” he said, then opened the door to his ancient, four-wheeled land transporter. He gathered something from behind the seat, then circled to the back of the filthy machine.
Painful seconds ticked by.
At last, he came back, sliding into the seat next to her. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared straight ahead. A flutter of nervousness overcame her.
“You’re a virgin,” he said, with obvious control. “I shouldn’t be having you. This is wrong. But I can’t stop myself. I’ve never wanted a woman like this before.”
His words sent hot pleasure through her. Thoughts escaped her as her painfully hard nipples hardened further. Climbing onto her knees, she straddled him.
“I want—“
She didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence because his mouth crushed hers in a kiss that was earth-shattering. Groaning, she rocked against his erection, which had been regrettably hidden back in his underclothes.
All I want is him. Him inside me. To end this pain.
His large hands swept aside her barely there top, cupping her small breasts before rolling her nipples with his thumbs.
Gasping against his lips, she froze. Pleasure traveled from her breasts to her womanhood. She could feel her wetness. She felt so empty. Too empty. Grinding against him, she cried out as his hot lips released her mouth and went to her breasts.
“Oh, gods!”
“Enough!” He groaned, wrapping his hands around her ass. He slid out the door, and brought her around to the back of his machine.
She barely had time to glance at the soft blankets there before he carefully set her down on top of them. He climbed into the back next to her.
Above her, there was a sky strewn with strange stars and foreign constellations, under her was hard metal beneath a cool blanket. This isn’t how I pictured my first time with Raiden, but somehow it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s with him.
Their gazes met.
“Are you sure?” he asked, the rings around his eyes were no longer dark, but a deep satin red, matching the burning hot desire beneath his flesh.
In answer, she reached down, pulling his cock through the slit in his underclothes and grasping him tightly in her palm.
His eyes looked wild as he reached for her, stripping off her shirt in one smooth motion and sliding off her skirt in the next.
She leaned back onto the pillows, naked before him, her thighs spread wide. The female who had lived the past years in the Garden of Virtue would never have imagined being so bold in front of a male.
But that female was gone, replaced by one in the throes of her mating frenzy. And this female wants that big, beautiful hardness inside her, making her scream.
As his hot gaze ran over her, lingering hungrily on the V between her thighs, she didn’t feel embarrassed, she felt painfully swollen and empty. There’s that word again. I never felt like my womanhood was empty until now.
Clenching his teeth together, he pulled off his black shirt and shed his shoes, pants, and underclothes. Kneeling before her, he was naked and proud. A perfect study of the male form. Arms large and corded with muscles. A stomach and chest hard and flat and free of hair.
“You’re so beautiful,” she whispered.
His brows rose. “Beautiful? No, female, you are beautiful.”
As if to demonstrate his point, he moved so that he hovered just over her. With skilled fingers, he brushed back the hair from her face, his gaze drinking her in. Then, he leaned in, taking her lower earlobe between his teeth and biting gently.
“Oh!” she cried, surprised by the unexpected combination of pain and pleasure.
She arched against him. Her breasts and womanhood ached. Why is he biting my ear?
Next, his mouth found her throat. At first she barely felt the tiny kisses that he rained down her neck, but her need seemed to grow with each small touch. At the junction between her neck and shoulders, he sucked.
She cried out, grasping his shoulders. Over and over he sucked, moving down her shoulder and back up her neck. The sensation made the hairs on her arms stand on end. What is he doing to me?
His hands joined the slow torture then, sliding between her breasts, but avoiding her nipples. They continued down to her belly, where he stroked circles around her belly button.
“What? Why?” she gasped, wiggling beneath him.
“Preparing you for me,” he gritted out.
As he lifted his head from her neck, she realized how much touching her like this was costing him and the realization thrilled her. Sliding her hands from his shoulders, she moved her hands down his chest, trailing the hard lines of his muscles.
“Stop,” he ordered gruffly, his voice going lower in warning.
But now that she’d started, heard his need, she didn’t want to stop. Using one hand, she dug it into the back of his hair and leaned forward, mimicking him as she sucked on his neck.
He froze. His breathing stopped. “You don’t want to do that, little girl.”
She sucked harder, and the hand that had trailed down his chest finally reached his stomach. Fluttering her fingers against the flat plane, she hesitated, then grasped his cock.
He bucked wildly, then batted her hand away. “You asked for this.”
She spread her legs wider, feeling the tip of his manhood as it brushed along her womanhood. “Yes. Oh, yes!”
He pressed himself into her womanhood, not yet entering her core. With careful strokes he moved himself just within her outer lips.
I’m going to explode!
Wrapping her legs around him, she tried to pull him into her core. But he resisted, continuing his slow torture until every muscle in her body was tense. Until her head was thrashing back and forth. And then, his tip entered her.
Their breathing sped up, matching each other’s speed. He slid into her slowly, inch by inch. Her inner muscles clenched him each step of the way. When he reached her barrier, he froze.
“Sure?”
She nodded, unable to find the words.
So fast it left her crying out in shock, he broke through her barrier. Her nails dug into his back as she clutched him to her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. It hurt.
Taking in deep breaths, she realized he hadn’t moved since that moment. She felt her inner muscles squeezing him, holding him so tightly it was almost painful. But then, slowly, pleasure began to replace the pain.
She shifted, taking him deeper, and realized that he was letting her lead. Inch by inch she used her legs to pull him farther inside her until she reached his hilt. The feeling of something so large and hard inside her felt strange, and yet so right.
“Ready?” he asked, the word ragged, as if torn from his lips.
“Yes,” she said, without hesitation.
And then began the most intense, pleasurable feeling in her life.
He slid in and out of her, moving slowly at first, then faster and faster. His hot mouth took her mouth, sliding his tongue inside her, stroking her in rhythm with his hard cock.
She cried out against his mouth and arched her back, breaking their kiss, and suddenly his mouth had captured one of her hardened nipples. He sucked hard, almost painfully, while his hands gripped her thighs more tightly.
And then, it happened. She felt his Mating Muscle. The unique part of the Elementa anatomy that came out only during mating sex.
They both froze.
She’d never seen one, but she’d been educated about it. It nestled at the base of his cock, almost unseen except during mating sex. Like a long tongue, it slid down the length of his cock and tentatively parted her lower lips. Within seconds, the tip of it had found that magic spot in her body. The same one he’d been licking earlier.
It flicked at her clit, slowly up and down, drawing a scream as it moved against her. Raiden pulled back out of her, continuing to plunge in and out as his Mating Muscle flicked her clit with increasing speed. She thrashed beneath him, something building inside her. His mouth took her other nipple just as his Mating Muscle wrapped around her magic spot and squeezed.
She crashed over the edge into enormous pleasure, screaming, arching, slashing his back with her nails. She saw stars as her inner muscles held the hard cock inside her wet core and he settled into deep, pulsing thrusts, letting her feel every inch of him . Every nerve in her body sizzled and exploded. Goosebumps erupted over her flesh, as her vision blackened.
Her voice was ragged from screaming, but she couldn’t stop. Her head felt light, even as he continued to pump, his Mating Muscle squeezing her magic spot as his hot mouth sucked most of her breast into his mouth.
And then he exploded, his hot seed filling her insides.
The sensation only deepened her climax. She gasped, pulling him closer as he shook and groaned on top of her.
It took several minutes before his Mating Muscle released her magic spot, but still his cock remained inside her. Wet. Hot. Filling her emptiness.
Sweet satisfaction poured through her as she held onto him.
At last, he rose up, his gaze meeting hers.
But instead of seeing pleasure in his eyes, they were narrowed. “Who the hell are you? Because you’re no damned human.” His gaze swept to her earring. The one nearly identical to his own. “Are you...are you an Elementa?”
Saura stared at him in complete and utter shock. “Did you just ask if I’m human?”
There was no way... no way he could do this with her and not recognize her. He couldn’t think I was someone else all along, could he? The gadget on her ear concealed her unique skin tone and eyes from the humans, but it wasn’t as if she was a completely different person.
And how many betrothed males ever share a bed with another female? Her breath caught in her chest as realization dawned. That’s because they rarely have a chance to.
He pulled out of her and sat down beside her, glaring. “Did you hear me?”
Yes. Yes, I heard you I just can’t believe it.
She was still shaking from her orgasm. Her limbs felt weak. But as her pleasure, and then shock, faded, anger flashed through her with an intensity that was overwhelming. “You thought you were mating a female from this planet the entire time?”
His eyes widened. “They’re called humans. And this is called Earth. They belong here. I belong here. The question is, what the hell are you doing here?”
Grabbing some of the bedding from beside her, she covered herself. “Apparently, mating a male who would lay with a strange fe—human.” Her words were clipped as she turned away from him. I will not be jealous of one of those...humans. But the angry voice in the back of her mind was screaming. He’s been with them! While I was waiting for my betrothed, wondering, lonely...
He grabbed her by the upper arms and pulled her toward him. “Someone tampered with my ship. Should I assume you had something to do with that?”
She didn’t even think as she wrenched her arm free and smacked him across the face. Hard. The sound of her strike seemed to echo in the dark woods around them.
“Why would I do that? I’m the female who risked everything to save you. You, you arrogant, unfaithful piece of—“ She was shaking with anger.
He rubbed the spot where she’d struck him. “What do you expect? You come sauntering into my bar, with bare breasts and no underwear, and you’re telling me none of it was a part of your grand plan? You didn’t want me fucking you?”
“You rude, arrogant...” She moved to smack him again, but he caught her hand. Growling low in her throat, she tried to smack him with the other hand, but he caught it, too. The blanket fell from her chest and, as his gaze flickered to stare down at her bare breasts, she went wild with rage thrashing, kicking, screaming, and fighting him.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew it was some combination of her crazed body during her mating frenzy and the blue pill no longer suppressing her emotions, but she couldn’t stop it. Even when he climbed on top of her, pinning her arms and legs down, she fought him.
At last, when her rage had spent itself and she had no strength left to fight, she met his red-ringed pupils. Her eyes narrowed in bitter hatred. “Raiden, you can’t imagine how wonderful it is to have spent years waiting for you in the Garden of Virtue—only to discover you are not a male worthy of me.”
His head snapped back as if she’d slapped him again. “Saura?”
She turned her head away, not able to meet his gaze. “What must it be like for you to realize that instead of mating a human female whose name you didn’t even know, you were mating the woman betrothed to you since birth?”She couldn’t hide the bitterness in her voice.
“Saura...”
Her eyes sprang back to him at the wonderment in his voice.
His gaze ran slowly over her face, his expression turning from bewilderment to understanding. “No wonder you seem so familiar. No wonder I couldn’t help myself.” He shifted, freeing her arms, his hard manhood pressing firmly against her womanhood.
She brought her arms up, her nails sinking into the muscles of his chest, trying to push him away. Even as the muscles in her belly contracted and her core grew wet once again.
She gritted her teeth together. I will not want him. I will not let him touch me again. “Get off me.”
He didn’t move. “You have to understand—“
“Now.” Her breathing was ragged. “And I don’t have to understand anything.” Anger boiled within her even as a shiver of lust ran down her spine.
My damned body wants him again already. The traitor.
His gaze held hers for a long moment, and his voice came out soft, almost gentle. “I just can’t believe it’s you. That you’re here. After my ship crashed, I wondered if I’d ever see you again.”
“Yes,” she said, looking at the moon just over his head. “I’m sure you’ve been really lonely since coming here. A planet overflowing with females, who, it seems, often take you to their beds.”
A darkness came over his face. “I have not been unfaithful to you, even though I could have been.”
A humorless laugh exploded from her lips. “How could I believe that? You just mistook me for one of them, as if it was natural.”
“Don’t doubt my word.” His voice held an edge of warning.
Her brows rose, and for some reason, she wanted nothing more than to punish him. I gave myself to him, completely and utterly. I allowed him inside me, taking the first step to tying us together for eternity. And he...he wanted sex and nothing else.
“Fine. You were never with one of them. It was your first time. Like mine.” She shoved at him, and this time, he climbed off her. Wrapping the blanket around her body, she found the remains of the human clothes she’d been given. She cringed at the thought of putting them back on.
He watched her. She could feel his gaze. He made no move to cover himself or speak, just stared.
“I was sent here for a reason,” she said, her words cold. “To bring you back to Hope before our people arrive to this backwater, godforsaken blue—,” What is the name of this awful place? She remembered from the video, “...Erth.” She spat the name like a curse.
“It’s called Earth,” he corrected patiently, then held out his shirt.
His patience made her even angrier.
“This might be more comfortable,” he said calmly, “Let’s dress and return to my home.”
She took the shirt and pulled it on while he dressed, wishing she could tell him to go burn in the eternal fires, but keeping her feelings to herself. I just want to be anywhere but here.
When she was ready to climb down from the ancient machine, he offered his hand. She ignored it, sliding down onto the soft forest floor by herself. He opened her door when they reached it. Head held high, she climbed onto the seat.
Shutting her door, he gathered the blankets from the back and stuffed them, with more force than she thought necessary, back behind his seat. Then, he started the human junk pile on wheels once more and turned them around, going back to the dirt road.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.
He has no right to be angry. In lying with me tonight, believing I was a stranger, he broke his word to me. He betrayed me. In spirit, if not in deed.
Yes, she knew some males would take other females to their bed even when betrothed. But on our homeworld, on Falaytious, females were so rare that a male seldom, if ever, had an opportunity to lay with another female. Only the occasional widow sought out unmated males to keep their beds warm.
But Raiden must have had limitless opportunities since arriving on this hideous Erth.
She tucked her knees into the shirt and wrapped her arms around her legs, staring at the dirt road as they bounced along it. It was easy to be angry with Raiden, but the truth was, she was more hurt than mad.
“How long have you been here?” he asked, staring straight ahead.
For a second, she didn’t want to answer him. But what was the point? It didn’t matter how she felt, she needed to get him back to Hope before Kaemon tried to take over the throne. Her feelings, no matter how they twisted in her belly, couldn’t be allowed to impact her mission.
“I arrived earlier in the day.”
He inhaled sharply. “How did you arrive here ahead of the fleet?”
“They sent me ahead on a Starspeeder.”
“Alone?”
Goose bumps erupted on her arms. “Alone.” The word came out a whisper.
She’d been afraid then, but she’d also been filled with hope. In her mind, she’d imagined that their beautiful, perfect romance would unfold at last. Even with every other dream that had crumbled to pieces since leaving the Garden of Virtue, she’d had that. Now, strangely, she felt like a ship that had run out of fuel.
Closing her eyes, she leaned her forehead onto her knees. I just want to sleep. Tomorrow is soon enough to deal with all of this.
“Saura...I might not have known it was you, but I reacted this way because it was you.”
A hand seemed to squeeze her heart. You knew Raiden as a boy, not as a man. He was always good with words. In time, you’ll learn whether he means what he says. Or if he is smooth with his words, like so many Khars before him.
Suddenly, they came to a stop. She looked up. The lights from their human land vehicle lit the small wooden building in front of them. His home. It was dark and quiet. And not at all the kind of place I imagined Raiden living.
“The cabin isn’t much, but it’s home,” he said quietly.
Not like the boy I remember. So much about him has changed. He might look the same, but I really don’t know him at all anymore.
He turned the key and the lights on the land transporter died and the vibrating stopped. The quiet seemed to grow as he opened his door, the metal groaning with the movement. He slid from the seat and closed the door, leaving her alone in the dark.
She tried to open her own door. But for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out how it worked. A second later, it pulled open. Raiden offered her his hand again, but she refused it. It’s a small power, but it’s the only one I have at this point.
Stepping toward his home, she stared into the night. On the ship, it was never this dark. There were always small lights, even in the dark spaces. But in this place, only stars and a single moon lit the night, their light made weaker by a haze of clouds, leaving her feeling strangely vulnerable.
Her bare feet crunched woodland debris as she inched closer to his home. The night’s chill suddenly seemed to radiate up through her feet. Her skin tingled from the oddness of the cold. Here, there is wind. Like on Falaytious. How long has it been since I felt the oddity of a breeze?
She held still, the hairs on her nape standing on end. All of this was surreal. She’d been so consumed by her mating frenzy before that she hadn’t noticed the many incredible things about being planetside. If the other Elementas feel this, it’ll be impossible to get them to spend another twenty or thirty years hoping to find another livable planet.
She jumped as his hand pressed lightly into her lower back. “Come on.”
Moving forward, she cried out as something struck the bottom of her foot.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She tried to take another step forward, but winced at the unexpected sharp pain that went through her foot.
He swept her into his warm arms with a speed and strength that left her gasping, then started toward the cabin. The bare skin of his chest beneath her hands felt impossibly hot. And hard.
“I don’t need—“
“You’re my betrothed. It’s my responsibility to keep you safe.”
She struggled to think of a response, even as her blood heated at his nearness. I’m not your betrothed. You betrayed me. But the words were lost as his smell seemed to engulf her. It was like the scent of freshly cut wood, but accompanied by something else that seemed...manly.
Everything in the Garden of Virtue smelled sweet or flowery. Completely the opposite of Raiden. She inhaled again. Deep. Masculine. I like his scent.
He climbed the small steps leading up to a porch with two wooden chairs. When they reached the door, he shifted her onto one arm, and pulled out keys, unlocking the door. It swept open into darkness.
She stiffened as he entered the room, closing the door behind them. The darkness of the cabin was even deeper than outside. And it was colder. Her breathing hitched.
“I’ll light the fire,” he said, his deep voice seeming to rumble through her.
To her shock, her body responded to the sound of his voice in the darkness as if he’d run a hand up her thigh. Every nerve seemed to awaken. Wanting him. Again.
He set her down on something soft, and shamefully, her hands slid slowly down his chest.
He shivered beneath her touch. “Saura...”
“Yes?” The sound of his racing heart seemed to fill her ears.
Do we really need each other? Again?
His lips brushed hers, his warm breath caressing her mouth.
At least this time he knows who he’s mating.
At that thought she pulled back, frantically pushing away from him.
“I...” His arms tightened around her for a brief moment before he slowly released her. “I’ll light the fire.”
Goose bumps erupted across her flesh as his warmth left her. Seconds later, a fire awakened, lighting the room in its soft glow.
She stared around his home, crossing her arms angrily over her chest as she avoided his piercing gaze. It was rustic, as she would expect from a human dwelling. Animal heads decorated the walls. Seating was arranged around the fire where Raiden knelt by a hearth, flames still leaping from his hand as he kept it emerged in the orange-and-gold fire. A small area that was clearly a kitchen, if not a strange one, rested to one side.
She realized she sat on a massive bed in the back of the room. Of course. How convenient. One door sat open, seemingly leading into the bathroom.
The cabin was simple. But, even though she was loathe to admit it, she liked it.
He rose from the large fire and went to the bathroom, exiting a moment later with a small white container. “Let’s take a look at your foot.”
Frowning, she turned her foot so she could see the bottom of it. She’d forgotten about the pain. Something had pierced the flesh on the ball of her foot. It left a small cut and an even smaller amount of blood, but didn’t seem to be lodged in her foot any longer.
“It’s nothing.” She tried to put her foot back down.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, settling next to her on the bed, grabbing her leg to keep her foot aloft.
With gentle hands, he held her ankle and turned her foot so that he could look at it better.
She dug her hands into the blankets on the bed, willing herself to hide the wave of need pulling at her. Closing her eyes, she took deep breaths as he slid soft fingers over the bottom of her foot, never quite touching her injury.
“I’ll put some cream on it.” His voice held the same need she felt so strongly it was almost painful.
“It’s fine,” she said, forcing herself to open her eyes.
Their gazes met, and they both inhaled as one.
“It’s my job to keep you safe. If an infection—“
She laughed, glancing at her foot. “It’s already healed. I think you’ve spent too much time with these humans.”
He looked at her foot with a frown, then released it. Shifting on the bed, he stared down at his hands, some of his dark hair falling onto his forehead.
The need to brush the hair aside was almost painful. But what hurt worse was his uncertainty. Doesn’t he want to touch me?
This was not how she’d expected their reunion. Part of her wanted to just forgive him and move on, but the truth was she still felt betrayed.
I need a few minutes away from him. To think.
“Do you have a bathing pool here?”
His head jerked up. “I have a shower.”
“A...shower?” she asked, brows furrowed.
He nodded and rose, reaching out his hand. “I’ll show you.”
Again, she ignored his hand, and he dropped it after a moment. The corners of his mouth turned down, and she realized she was hurting him.
As he led her to the bathroom, she felt less certain of her anger.
When he showed her a strange glass enclosure, she noted his enthusiasm. He likes human things. Maybe being human is not an insult to him as it would be to most of us. Using knobs on one side, he pulled and twisted. A second later, jets of water rained down from above.
“Is it warm?”
“It will be in a second.”
She nodded, reached for the hem of the shirt she was wearing and froze. “I’ll need some privacy.”
“Of course,” he nodded. “I’ll go look for some female clothes for you.”
Stiffening, she clenched her fists. “I will not wear anything from another of your lovers.”
His hand tugged her chin up to meet his angry gaze. “I told you, I have been faithful to you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Do not bring me another female’s clothing.”
“Fine.” The word was cold. Turning, he strode from the door, slamming it behind him.
He has no right to be angry with me, she thought as she tugged off his shirt and tossed it on the ground. Stepping into the water, she gasped, and then groaned as the warm water rushed over her. This is exactly what I need.
Unfortunately, the warm water had consequences. Her inner muscles tightened as her pulse sped up. Images of her first sexual experience flashed through her mind. Of Raiden.
The gods must have been aroused the day they crafted him. Every part of him was made to be touched. To be tasted. His powerful body was large and muscular, corded and tight. Hairless except for his manhood, nestled in dark hair.
And what a specimen! She’d never seen another cock, but it didn’t matter. His was perfect. And his taste. Who could’ve imagined just wrapping my mouth around him would arouse me in such a way?
Her fingers slid down her body as she thought of him. At the mound of her womanhood, she hesitated for only a moment, but the aching inside was too much to ignore. Curious, she slid one finger inside to find herself wet. Acting on instinct, she slid her fingers along her lower lips, gasping as her fingers reached the spot Raiden’s Mating Muscle had discovered.
Feeling brave as need sparked within her, she slowly slid one finger inside herself. In and out she moved the finger. It felt good. So damn good. But it’s not enough, I want Raiden’s cock inside me.
Steam rose all around her as she slid the finger in and out, faster and faster, before adding another finger. Groaning, she leaned forward, her hand reaching out to steady herself on the knobs of the human bathing pool.
The knob slid unexpectedly beneath her touch. Icy water hit her as she cried out in shock. Stumbling back, she slipped and a scream tore from her lips as she crashed onto the ground. Stupid human technology, she chided herself as she lay crumpled with icy liquid spitting at her and her fingers still buried deeply inside her pussy.
A second later, there was a bang and Raiden appeared above her. “Are you all right?”
Heat blossomed in her cheeks. “I—“
To her horror, his gaze strayed down to her fingers buried deeply within her.
“Shit,” he swore.
Kneeling down, he pulled her hand away, leaving her hot and wet. A second later, his mouth replaced her fingers. She cried out, twisting beneath him, but his mouth only entered her more deeply, kissing and licking as she thrashed beneath him.
She twisted her fingers into the back of his wet hair, even as the still-cool water struck her flesh. Her nipples hardened into two painful points. As his tongue flicked her magic spot, she took one hand and gripped her nipple, pinching it as her need built higher and higher.
A moment later, she knew she was on the edge again. Shoving him back, she stared at him, panting. “No.”
His eyes filled with regret as his mouth opened.
On trembling legs, she stood. “I need you inside me.”
It took him one second before he was undoing his pants and pulling them and his underclothes off. A moment later, he stepped into the shower. Grasping her ass, he pulled her up, her legs wrapping around his back.
His skin was on fire. She was on fire. The water hissed as it struck them, steam filling the room. His manhood slowly breached her opening, then entered her in one powerful movement.
Need exploded within her core, and she rocked against him, shouting his name. He followed her rhythm, moving faster and faster. His massive cock seemed to fill her, a hot, pulsing pole of pleasure. As she got closer to the edge of her orgasm, his Mating Muscle started its cruel assault on her magic spot. First it flicked, then wrapped around it, pulsing.
She rode the wave over the edge, her vision growing white as every nerve in her body sang. She continued to buck and scream as his hot seed shot into her, his fingers digging into her ass as he shouted her name in return.
Sinking to his knees, he brought them both down to the ground. His hot breath warmed her face, and then he took her lips. She parted her mouth, and his tongue slid inside. His kiss was hard, demanding.
But he wasn’t done; his mouth left her lips, moving to her neck once more. He sucked and licked, her inner muscles clenching around his hard cock as her need grew once more. She arched her back, shocked as her inner muscles held him tighter.
His hot mouth closed around one of her nipples and sucked. Hard. She cried out, and suddenly, they were thrusting again. Desire built, higher and higher until she leaped from the edge once more. Trembles racked her body as she clutched his shoulders, enjoying feeling him come inside her. His thrusts slowed, until at last they both clung to each other, hearts racing.
One of his hands left her ass, and suddenly, the water was soothingly warm.
She groaned, enjoying the feeling of his cock buried so deeply inside her as the warm water fell.
“Thank you, Saura,” he whispered, drawing back.
Their gazes held, and she found it impossible to still be angry with him. What if he really didn’t betray me? “You really haven’t lain with another female?”
His grip on her ass tightened. “Never. There’s never been anyone for me but you. Even worlds away from the last place I saw you, tonight was the first time I saw a woman and wanted her.”
Pride swelled in her chest. I believe him. This male, her male, not only had been faithful to her, but he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.
“What now?” she asked.
“Now?” He smiled. “Now I am going to feed you something amazing. And then we are going to try out a human bed.”
This is the Raiden I remember. But is he still fun to tease?
She grinned, choosing her response with care. “The food sounds great.”
His brows rose. “Just the food?”
“Well, it depends, what kind of food will it be?“ she asked, as innocently as she could.
“Something called a burger,” he said, slowly climbing to his feet, his cock still firmly inside her.
“Is it good?”
He growled low in his throat. “It’s delicious, but only half as delicious as you. Next time, I’m going to make you come with my tongue firmly inside you.”
She shivered, her body growing wet around him. But I’m not done quite yet. “That sounds perfect.” She paused. “I’ve never had a burger before.”
He thrust himself deeper inside her as her nails left more grooves in his back. “Oh, Saura, this isn’t like when we were kids.” His teeth nipped her ear. “Now if you tease me, I can punish you the way you deserve.”
A shiver raced down her spine.
Tossing her on the bed, he spread her legs with his big hands. “Get comfortable, love. I’ve changed my mind. We’ll eat later, and this will take awhile.”
Tayker grumbled as he made his way to the door of his suite, wearing nothing but a black silk robe lightly tied around his waist. Who in the three moons could be bothering him at this hour? His gaze slid back to his bedroom door. And interrupting me when I’m enjoying myself.
The irritating beeping of his buzzer was relentless as he finally came to the door and hit the button. His door slid open on Kaemon. The young man’s skin had darkened to a deep red, even the tips of his dark spiked hair held a red tint. He’s angry.
Damn it.
“What took you so long?” the younger man shouted, striding into the room. “When I am your Khar if you ever keep me waiting so long I’ll have your head!”
Tayker sighed. “Kaemon, it is late.”
The younger man rounded on him, fist clenched. “How can you possibly be sleeping when our entire plan could be unraveling right now?”
Does he really need to be comforted like a small child on an hourly basis? I’m going to need a drink for this. I can’t believe I have to reassure him yet again.
The older man walked to his bar and poured them both a glass of his second-most expensive drink. But when he handed a glass to the other male, Kaemon smacked it from his hand. The fine crystal shattered, shards of glass and dark liquid making a mess on his rare rugs.
Not another glass! He acts as if we’re still on Falaytious, where anything we desired was at our fingertips. We’re in the middle of space! I’ll have to stop allowing this fool in my chambers, or else I’ll be drinking out of poor-man’s porcelain before too long...
He clenched his teeth. “Our plan has changed, but it’s certainly not ruined. As I have already explained.”
Countless times.
“And what if Raiden is mating my future Khara right now?”
With each hour that passes his mind creates more doubts about my plan...
Tayker settled himself on the couch and took a sip, feigning a calmness he didn’t feel. “Unlikely, but possible. But why would that matter?”
The red rings around the younger males eyes deepened to a scarlet that was nearly black. “I will cut his hands from his body if he’s touched her.”
How naive can he possibly be? The instant Saura finds her betrothed, they will be mating. Surely he must know this.
“There will be no need for that when the Spyres are activated.”
Kaemon kicked the table over like a petulant adolescent. “I didn’t say I needed to do it. I’ll want to do it if he’s touched her.”
How nervous should I be that the man I’ve chosen to make our future Khar has the temper of a toddler? I may need to make some changes to this plan...
“What I meant was that the Spyres will do more than cut his hands from his body. Once they catch his scent, they won’t rest until he’s dead. And knowing Raiden’s skill as a warrior, his death will be a slow and painful one.”
Kaemon unclenched his hands slightly. “So, when exactly do you intend to activate them? Every time I speak to you, you say ‘not yet, not yet,’ but my patience is growing thin.”
Clearly.
Tayker took another sip of his drink, swirling the dark liquid in his glass afterward. “Soon.” And soon you will be gone, so I can enjoy the rest of my night...
“Soon,” the younger man repeated, as if tasting the word.
Then, without warning, Kaemon moved toward him, striking like a snake. He caught the older man around the throat and squeezed.
Tayker’s shock lasted only a moment before he began to struggle, his drink falling from his fingers. As he flailed, realization poured through him.
Kaemon is insane! This man can never be the Khar.
His hands scratched at Kaemon’s powerful one, reminding him in the worst possible way that this man might be younger and more foolish, but he was far stronger.
Suddenly, Tayker felt heat near his crotch. Freezing, he slowly looked down. Flames leaped from Kaemon’s fingers, inches from his exposed manhood.
“Maybe now would be a better time to activate it.” A strange light lit his eyes.
He’s mad. He’s got to know that without me he has no chance at stealing the throne.
But the sight of fire so close to his limp cock was all that mattered.
Sweat trickled down his back as he spoke, his voice several octaves too high. “As you wish.”
The younger man’s fingers fell from his throat, and he stepped back. “I’m glad you finally see things my way.”
If I was younger and could call my flame to me as quickly and as powerfully as in my prime, I’d burn this coward to ash.
“Right this way.” Rising on legs that shook, Tayker went to his console.
Kaemon crowded behind him as he finally reached the activation screen.
Part of him still wanted to convince Kaemon to wait. A set of Spyres had crash-landed with the prince on his original mission, but Tayker hadn’t been able to activate them because the distance was too great. Although they were approaching Earth, the distance was still great enough that he wasn’t sure if they would work. He hoped that the new and improved Spyres he’d attached to Saura’s ship would activate the original Spyres, or if not, do the job on their own. But new and improved or not, there was no guarantee until they got to the inner solar system. And they were still a few days away.
We should wait, or all of this could be for nothing.
But the manic gleam in Kaemon’s eyes and his unstable temperament, not to mention the palm of fire next to his exposed manhood told Tayker that reasoning with him was pointless.
Sighing, he hit the button on the screen, activating it against his better judgment.
“It’s done.”
The rage slowly faded from the younger man’s face. “But what if he’s already been with my mate?”
Tayker withheld a laugh. She can only hope. It would be the only good mating she’ll ever get. “Tying a female to a male takes time. As long as he dies before the connection is made permanent, it will actually make it easier to force her into a connection with you.”
Kaemon’s brows rose. “You said that before, but how can you be sure?” His eyes narrowed. “I wonder if you’re simply telling me what I want to hear to escape my wrath for letting her leave in the first place.”
Suspicious and hot-tempered. What a perfect combination in a leader.
And one who doesn’t know the facts of mating. Even better.
“I’m sure.”
A slow smile dawned on his face. “Then we have one week to get the other Elementas behind us. To convince them that I should be the one to take their empty throne. That I will be the one to exterminate the dominant species on the blue planet and start the next chapter of our lives on a planet that isn’t doomed. So that when Saura returns with news of Raiden’s death, our people will care less about how he died and more about their very positive future.”
A slight sound drew Tayker’s gaze to the bedroom. It’s about time for me to return to more positive company...
“Agreed,” Tayker said, rising to his feet. “But it’s late...”
Kaemon frowned and opened his mouth.
Just then, the door to his bedroom slid open.
Kaemon spun, staring at the widow Emela as she stood in the doorway, clutching one of Tayker’s robes to her chest. Her dark hair was tangled and wild around her shoulders, her pale blue skin slightly darkened from their lovemaking.
“I heard shouting. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, darling—“
“There was someone here!” Kaemon’s eyes went wild. “She heard everything!”
Tayker looked between his bedmate and the younger male. “She heard nothing. She was simply—“
Faster than he could process, fire exploded from Kaemon’s hand. The widow’s eyes widened, and then she was consumed by flames. Within seconds, her body collapsed into a pile of ash.
Emela! His mind screamed in helpless rage and grief. Emela, no!
She may have only been a female to warm his bed these past few years, but he’d grown somewhat attached to her presence. Her beauty.
Her companionship.
And now...now she was dead.
Tayker rose to his feet and stumbled to the remains of his female. He nearly collapsed as the smell of burned flesh washed over him. After being alone for so long, I’d grown accustom to our time together. And if I’m honest, perhaps she’d begun to mean something more to me than that, even if her bloodline made her an impossible choice for a mate for me. He gripped the wall, his head spinning.
This didn’t happen. I’m in bed, trapped in a nightmare.
Kaemon cast him a dirty look. “You shouldn’t have brought her here.”
He killed her. He killed a female. There is no greater crime.
The younger man’s footsteps sounded loud as he walked to the door. “Goodnight, Counselor.”
There was no emotion in his voice. No concern. No regret. It was as if he hadn’t just murdered an innocent woman. As if they’d just enjoyed a rather pleasant evening together.
He’s deranged.
“What—how am I to hide this? To explain her absence?”
The younger man answered without hesitation. “You’re the best liar I’ve ever encountered...just look at how you’re helping me. I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
When the door closed, Tayker crumpled to his knees. What have I done? I’ve doomed my people by helping that monster.
He promised you wealth and power, a voice whispered in the back of his mind.
Then, a smaller voice answered back.
It sounded suspiciously like Emela.
But at what cost, Tayker? At what cost?
Raiden slowly awoke to the sounds of chirping birds outside his window. Earth. A planet that is never quiet. He stretched and found himself smiling. When was the last time he felt this happy and relaxed?
And then he remembered why. Saura.
He still couldn’t believe she was here. He’d been trying to keep track of the time until the Elementa fleet arrived at Earth. In his mind, he’d been prepared for a number of scenarios, most ending in his death. Never had he considered that Saura would be sent down to retrieve him in advance.
No other female would take such a risk.
Something within his chest warmed. Elementas were matched based upon a number of factors: genetics, social standing, intelligence, emotional stability. When two children were found to be equals, their fathers could arrange a meeting and create a match if they felt it would be beneficial to their bloodlines. Which meant that matches rarely resulted in love, but nearly always resulted in respect. But with Saura, it had always been more than respect for him...
Memories slowly unfolded like the petals of a flower. Of Saura as a girl, and then his last memories of her as a very young woman. She’d been brave, intelligent, and beautiful.
Her father had done everything in his power to raise her as a quiet, domesticated female. But she’d been a handful from the very beginning, escaping her escorts time and time again to explore the woods around her castle with whatever friends she could find, whether they were commoners or the upper class. She never seemed to care, as long as she was free. And when she was caught, she never defended her actions, instead giving a smile that melted even the fiercest of hearts.
Before his disastrous mission to Earth, his days had been filled with the harsh responsibilities of being the heir to their empire. None of it was enjoyable. All of it threatened to steal what little happiness a childhood was supposed to bring. But Saura hadn’t let that happen. She was always dragging him off, getting him in trouble, and filling his days with adventure. He went to bed dreaming of her, and awoke waiting for the moment he would see her each day.
First as my friend, then as something more...
And then the day of her Becoming came. There was a celebration. A soft kiss as she renewed her promise to be his and only his. Then she was gone from his life. The spark that had filled his days died. It was impossible for him to communicate with her, although he’d managed to send her one picture of him in all the years she was gone.
Life had gone back to being dull, repetitive, and lonely.
Until he’d gone to Earth and found a place he could finally be happy. The only thing he missed from his old life was Saura. And only Saura. But now he had her, too.
He opened his eyes, and stiffened, shocked to find her sitting up in bed, staring at him. Her hair was a curtain of black, wavy and tangled around her narrow shoulders. She wore one of his shirts, her knees curled up against her chest as her chin rested on her knees.
“Saura,” he whispered, reaching for her.
Her mouth pulled down into a frown as her gaze avoided his. “I have to tell you something.”
His heart raced. Does she regret our night of lovemaking? Is she still angry that I didn’t know her identity? His chest ached at just the thought of how he’d hurt her. “I’m sorry, my love. But I promise to make it up to you.”
She shook her head, her hair falling forward. “It’s not that.”
My mate looks so small and fragile. He reached for her, longing to feel her warm body against his own naked one, to bring her comfort, and to be touching her once more.
She held herself stiffly as he tried to pull her close. “No. Please. I have to say this.”
Frowning, he dropped his hand. “What is it?”
Did she not enjoy our night together?
“Your father is dead.”
His breath froze. Dead?
“That’s impossible. He’s not yet...what, two hundred years?”
In the back of his mind, he felt separate from his body. He knew his heart was racing. His head was screaming. The idea of his powerful father being dead was impossible. Ridiculous.
A laugh bubbled from his throat, one that held an edge of hysteria. “This must be a mistake.”
She looked up sharply, frowning. “It’s not.”
For some reason, he laughed harder. “It has to be. My father...the man said to be more god than mortal, cannot be dead. He is the Destroyer. The Unmovable. He is the man that decided to live forever, rather than ever risk the chance that his embarrassment of a son would ever be Khar.” His laugher grew to a roar as he wiped at his eyes, gripping his stomach.
“It can’t be true. Because that would mean that my last moment with him would...” He heaved a ragged breath, and continued, “would actually be me...me telling him to burn in the eternal fires...and that I would never call him ‘Father’ again.”
His laughter slowed, and suddenly, her arms were around him. His forehead pressed into her shoulder. He held himself stiffly as his eyes burned. It was impossible. Impossible his father could die.
Just impossible.
My father made my life miserable with his unrealistic expectations, but he was a good ruler. I expected him to live forever.
“He was young.” His voice was soft and ragged.
She stroked his back. “He was poisoned.”
Sitting up abruptly, he stared at her tearstained face. “By who?”
“They don’t know. I mean, my father and I suspect—“
“Kaemon,” he said, the name a growl.
She nodded. “That’s why it’s important we return to Hope. As soon as we can.”
Return? The pit in his stomach deepened. That was the thing, as much as he loved his people, he’d never intended on returning. At least not permanently. He’d wanted to go back, just long enough to be sure they’d leave the humans of Earth alone. And to get Saura.
“Listen,” he said, wiping a lingering tear from her smooth cheek. “I should’ve made something clear to you...before.” He paused, trying to form the words. “I’d always planned to return, to give my report to my father. But not to stay. Now, though, now I have to go back to ensure my father’s murderer is caught.”
Her brows drew together, confusion flickering in her eyes ringed with different shades of blue. “What are you saying?”
It was now or never. “I have no intention of returning to Hope to assume the role of Khar. I will appoint someone in my place, but—“
“You must be joking!” She shoved away from him, climbing to her feet to stand at the foot of the bed. Her eyes glared daggers straight into his heart. “It is your right. Your responsibility! You owe this to your people.”
He sighed. This is everything I was afraid of, and more. “I don’t want that life, Saura. The truth is, my time on Earth, living life like a human, has been the happiest time of my life. As horrible as all of this is, my father’s—” He swallowed, his throat tightening “—death doesn’t change any of that.”
She placed her hands on her hips and leaned forward, looking as foreboding as such a tiny woman could look. “This time was happy because you had no responsibility! No one counted on you! Alone in this...this cabin in the middle of nowhere! No one depended on you, you had no duties...but no one loved you, either. Did they?”
He didn’t look at her. He couldn’t. She couldn’t understand the weight of the duties he’d carried his whole life. And will have to carry for the rest of it if I return.
“So your plan is to convince your people that they can’t go to Erth, that they need to keep traveling to find another planet. But you plan to remain here, on your own. Because everyone will be happy with that. And to add further insult to injury, you reject your birthright and will assign someone else to be Khar.”
“You don’t understand—“
“I’m starting to think that’s just what you say when you know you’re wrong.”
They glared at each other.
I must take care of my people. I need to make sure they are left in good hands, but I am not the man for the job.“I’ll return to the mother ship with you, but you won’t change my mind about this.”
She tilted her chin in a gesture that was confident, and sexy as hell. “We’ll see about that.”
He slid from the bed, heading for the shower. “Regardless, I have to tie up a few things here.”
“As long as it’s quick,” she called after him, anger lacing the words.
Closing the bathroom door, he leaned his head against it. My father is dead. My people will be here soon, and humanity needs my help.
“Things were a hell of a lot simpler when I was just a human bartender,” he whispered to himself. Because it was easy. Why did his conscience suddenly sound like Saura?
An ache blossomed in his chest. He had until the end of the shower to mourn his father, and then, he would have to be strong. That’s the only way I’ll catch Kaemon and bring my father justice. To allow his soul to rest in peace.
He would give up anything, just not the happiness he’d finally carved out for himself on Earth. I just have to convince Saura to remain with me here. But the only way I can do that is if I can keep her here long enough to fall in love with this place, just like I did.
That, he decided, might be the most difficult challenge that lay before him.
Saura rode in the abnormally loud four-wheeled contraption known as a truck as they made their way into the human city. She wore one of Raiden’s oversize shirts and something called biscuitball shorts, which were too long and loose for efficiency and too short for protection. And why the humans even wore shorts specifically for biscuit-making was beyond her understanding.
With no underclothes and the high-heeled shoes from the night before, she felt out of place, even though the humans she saw wore all manner of strange dress. And to think, only a short time ago, I thought humans were ignorant beasts, living in caves, and hunting and gathering. With no more intelligence than an animal used for meat. She spied several humans taking turns punching each other in the gut as others gathered around them laughing. Well, I guess I was still half right.
Raiden had assured her that their first stop was to get her clothes that would help her blend in with the humans. “You’re going to love Woodhaven,” Raiden intoned, moving his head in rhythm with a strange song that played inside their moving vehicle. “The people are amazing...so full of life, and there is always something to do.”
“Then I’ll be able to tell the council with firsthand knowledge that the dominant species here is intelligent and worthy of saving.” She clenched her hands, nervousness at the idea of interacting with them racing beneath her skin.
He stopped moving to the music and a little of the joy vanished from his face. “No need to think of the mission now. Just enjoy your time here.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay.”
I’ll take it all in. Between Raiden and me, the council will have to hear what we have to say. But every chance I get, I’ll need to remind Raiden of his responsibility. Of why he must return to his people.
As they entered the town, she forgot everything but the sight before her. Humans were certainly a great deal more intelligent than she’d been led to believe. They used technology, lived in large cities, and seemed to be almost as civilized as her own society. Even though they are also nothing like us.
People of every shape, size, and color walked the streets. Unlike my own people who are mostly dark-haired, the men large, and the women tiny. And their differences...well, she was surprised to find that they were beautiful. Even the ones who weren’t attractive in a traditional sense were unique, exotic, and hard to look away from. Our people should never step foot on this planet, or they will be overwhelmed by these compelling creatures.
“Why do their elders not wear robes?” she asked, curious as she observed an old man walking a tiny four-legged animal, wearing nothing but a tiny pair of biscuitball shorts and sturdy shoes.
“Everyone wears what they want,” Raiden answered, his face filled with elation as the morning sunlight bathed his face in its soft orange glow.
He is happy here. So full of life.
But it isn’t real.
And soon he must leave. We should have left already.
Strangely, she felt guilt crawling through her belly. Raiden had never been a particularly happy child, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be happy on the mother ship. She would help him be happy. If I can.
Saura looked away from him, as three young women stepped out of a building. One wore a skirt that barely reached her thighs and a scrap of a shirt. Similar to my own human clothing from the night before. But the other two women wore outfits that covered more skin—long pants, and loose shirts.
“Even the females can wear whatever they want?”
He chuckled. “A man would have to be a fool to try to tell them what to wear.”
This is a curious place.
“But why do their females walk around without escorts?”
He turned his steering wheel, taking them onto an even busier street. “That’s one thing you’ll learn pretty quickly about humans, at least the ones in this area of the world. Freedom is their middle name.”
“For all of them?” she asked, shocked.
After a second, he chuckled. “No, that’s just a human expression. I just meant that they are mostly free to do whatever they want. The women can do whatever the men can do. They go out alone. They dress how they want. They take a mate, or they don’t. It’s all their choice.”
Two women sat drinking something from mugs outside of what must have been a restaurant, and they were laughing. What must it be like to have so many choices?
For some reason, she had the unexpected urge to hide her face and immediately return to the Elementa mother ship. Because you envy them. Because you don’t want to like anything about this planet or its people. It’ll only make it harder when we need to leave.
“But what if they choose the wrong mates?” she asked, tapping her fingers on her legs.
You’re searching for problems now?
“Sometimes they do, so they move on to a different mate.”
She froze, turning to look at the handsome male next to her, sure he was joking. “They don’t mate for life?”
His stunning smile returned. “Not most of them.”
Her pulse sped up as her gaze slid over Raiden. He is mine. Mine for life. What would it be like to give him up? To have to see him with another female?
“That sounds...sad,” she said, but she wasn’t entirely sure that was the right word.
That’s because if you’d never found Raiden, you’d have to take Kaemon as your mate. She shivered. Then she’d wish she wasn’t mated for life.
Raiden reached out and took her cold hand in his warm one, squeezing it softly. “In the two years I’ve been here, I discovered that humans are complicated creatures. They all want different things. Some of them are happy, some of them aren’t...and all of them seem to have different goals to achieve happiness.”
She took a deep breath as a tingle spread from where her skin touched his, trying desperately to hold onto their conversation. “It’s strange. Kaemon and his followers want us to believe humans are unintelligent and primitive animals.”
“Yeah.” Anger flared in his voice. “Because that would make stealing this planet easier.” He pulled into an area with a number of other land vehicles and the rumbling of the machine stopped. “But right now, let’s forget about that. It’s time to shop!”
Opening his door, he stepped out, then slammed it with an awful groan. She flinched, her gaze temporarily going to the building across from them. Something moved, so fast it was there one second and gone the next. She stiffened, leaning forward. But the top of the building was empty.
Was there really something there or—?
Raiden opened her door, drawing her attention. He reached across her and unbuckled the belt that tied her down. “Ready for some fun?” He held out his hand.
With a deep breath, she gave a small smile at his excitement and reached out.
He helped her from the vehicle and placed her hand on his arm. “Anything you wish.”
One second, their gazes were locked, both smiling. And the next, he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. The moment was perfect.
She slid her hand through the back of his too-long, dark hair. His eyes, which had returned to their false dark color, seemed to be filled with a happiness that took her breath away. Standing on her tiptoes, she pulled him down to her once more and kissed him softly.
He started in surprise, but then returned her kiss with one of his own. Each kiss grew longer, deeper. He groaned, then tore himself away from her.
“Enough,” he grumbled, “or we’ll never make it out of this parking lot.”
She felt breathless as he led her to the area with all the humans and the shops. Curious eyes swept over them as they walked. Twice, she touched the silver earring that cupped one of her lobes, reassuring herself that it was there. That her skin wasn’t pale blue and her eyes were ringed with different shades of blue.
Leaning close to him, she whispered. “We blend in, so why do they still stare?”
He chuckled. “This planet or the next, you could never ‘blend in,’ my beautiful Saura.”
She felt her cheeks heat. “But—“
“Raiden!” A woman waved to them across the street. She was older, with pale golden hair weaved with silver. She was large for a woman, tall and heavily set.
The woman hurried across the road.
Saura gasped as a land vehicle slammed to a stop, just inches from the elder female, but the woman didn’t seem to notice. A second later, she stood before them.
“Raiden, you old dog! Where have you been?” Her voice was overwhelmingly loud, but friendly.
He grinned at the woman. “Sorry, I made breakfast at home this morning.”
The elder turned pale green eyes the color of rare gems to Saura. “Is this perhaps what kept you?”
Saura bowed her head. “Elder, I apologize for keeping him. I did not know he had an appointment with—“
The elder laughed, a booming sound. “Why, isn’t she a polite thing? You aren’t from around here, are you, darling?”
Saura froze, all words dying on her lips. Am I so transparent?
“She’s actually from my old town,” Raiden explained, the lie effortless. “Saura, this is Rose. Rose, may I introduce Saura?”
“Nice to meet you, darling,” the elder said, holding out a hand.
The sunlight reflected off the deep lines of her wrinkled face, carved through skin that was the color of copper.
“I’m s-sorry,” Saura struggled for the right words, staring at the hand in front of her. “You are simply remarkably beautiful, Elder.”
Time seemed to stand still. What did I say wrong?
And then, the elder known as Rose laughed again. “I like this girl. You better keep her.”
Raiden’s brows rose, and he wrapped an arm around Saura’s waist, drawing her closer. “Oh, I intend to.”
“Smart boy.” Her remarkable eyes turned back to Saura. “I hope you aren’t planning on dragging our Raiden back home, though. He’s been a godsend since he arrived...doing all the heavy lifting at my place. Yeah, I supply him with a horse’s weight in meals, but I’d give him a hell of a lot more than that, if I could.” Her gaze slid back to Raiden. “Speaking of which, you better be bringing her to the café for lunch, or else I’ll take it as a personal insult.”
His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Yes, ma’am.”
When the woman left them, hurrying back into the street as two cars honked at her, Saura whirled on Raiden. “Do these people think you were sent by their god?”
There was a blank expression on his face, which changed to one of understanding after a few moments. “No.” He looked as if he was trying to hold back another laugh. “Godsend is another human expression. She’s just saying she likes having me around.”
Saura felt herself relax, just a bit. “Can their elders read minds?”
One of his brows rose. “No, why?”
She shifted closer to him, as people walked around them, and lowered her voice. “She seemed to know I was here to take you home.”
The mischief left his gaze, and he looked away from her, the muscles in his jaw twitching. “No, she was just having a little fun with you.”
Good.
“Let’s keep going, though.” He placed her hand back on his arm. “We’ve got some shopping to do, and I see I’ve got a few things to teach you about human customs.”
“All right.”
His excitement was infectious, but at the back of her mind, she could feel time ticking away. She needed to get Raiden back to the mother ship. Kaemon was no doubt already quietly working his play for the throne, even though he couldn’t do it too obviously with their people still, no doubt, mourning the death of their Khar.
The importance of her mission made her feel as if her blood raced through her veins, but there was also something else. A slight tickling at the back of her neck. A feeling. It was hard to place. Like I’m being watched.
She almost laughed at the idea. Who would be watching them? She and Raiden had taken the only ships capable of reaching Erth quickly enough, and no human would have a reason to watch them. She was just being silly.
I’ll enjoy this time with Raiden, before we must both return to reality.
As they entered their first shop, she forced a smile, ignoring the tickling sensation that wouldn’t be quelled.
The sun had gone down while they explored the town, bringing with it an unexpected chill. But Saura couldn’t bring herself to care. It had been one of the best days of her life. Shopping, with nearly limitless options, had turned out to be more fun than she could’ve imagined. Dressed in pants called jeans, and a soft, dark blue shirt that felt silky against her flesh, she felt comfortable. I’m in pants! Like a male! The back of the truck was filled with more bags, loaded with every little thing that had caught her interest.
She’d told Raiden she didn’t need quite so many things, but he seemed thrilled by her every purchase...and watching her try on different styles of clothing. So she’d allowed him to buy clothes, tools, toys, and gadgets, hoping that just bringing such material back to the Hope would show the council how truly advanced the humans were.
And then there was the rest of the day, lunch at Rose’s Café. Meeting the people of this strange town. Discovering, much to her surprise, that Raiden was well loved by everyone they met. And strangely, the humans were starting to grow on her. Not that she liked them.
But she finally understood why he liked Erth so much. Why he didn’t want to leave. Just the thought of returning to the cold confines of the mother ship felt strangely disappointing.
Don’t think of that now, she thought, leaning back farther in her seat.
With the windows rolled down, the wind whipping around them, and the strange human music blaring, Saura felt like she was flying. In some bizarre dream that she never wanted to end. Even this rusting hunk of metal is growing on me.
A bright silver moon peered down at them from above, it’s glow strangely soft in comparison to the glow from the lamps strewn every so often along the winding road, and the light from their land vehicle. Their truck.
“Thank you,” she said, turning to Raiden.
His gaze met hers. “For what?”
“This day.” She struggled to find the right words. “Erth truly is a special place. I can see why you don’t want to give it up.”
Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Well, maybe I don’t have to. Maybe we don’t have to.”
“What do you...?”
He started talking, but Saura didn’t hear him. Something silver had flashed in the woods behind his head. There seemed to be flashes of silver everywhere.
She frowned. Some things were running alongside their truck, just beyond the road. But what?
“Raiden...”
“I know what you’re going to say, but—“
“No.” She pointed. “What is—?”
“Shit!” he screamed, slamming on the breaks.
She turned, the belt tightening across her chest. Just in front of them, half a dozen Spyres lined the road, blocking their way. Their metal bodies, poised on their long legs, stood ready, stingers pointed toward them.
Oh, Great Mother!
“No!” Saura shouted. “Keep going! Go!”
The engine of the vehicle roared as it started moving faster once more, barreling toward the dangerous creatures.
Her heartbeat filled her ears. She gripped the belt at her chest.
One. Two. Three.
They struck them, and the vehicle spun. Colors whirled around them as the trees grew closer. Oh gods, if those things catch us—
Blam!
Everything went dark.
Saura fluttered her eyes open, wincing as the world spun before her. Where am I? And what in the three blazing moons happened? Nausea bubbled up, and she reached up to hold her forehead, to steady herself. Her fingers touched something wet and she pulled them back. Crimson blood coated her fingertips.
A cool breeze tore through the broken glass of the window in front of her, carrying with it the scent of green life and coppery death. She shivered, gathering her arms around herself. That’s right. I’m here on the human planet. Erth. But why is my memory after that so fuzzy?
Taking deep breaths, she glanced around her, still feeling unsteady.
Suddenly, she realized she was in a human transport vehicle. We must have crashed!
She saw the crushed front of the vehicle.
If she were human, she had no doubt she’d be seriously injured from such a crash. Or if I’d been sitting on the other side of the vehicle.
Raiden!
Her gaze shifted, coming to rest on the seat Raiden should’ve been sitting in. Instead, there was nothing but a torn seatbelt and a shattered window. Her heartbeat raced, singing through her veins. I need to find him!
She tried to move but couldn’t. Then, she remembered the human seatbelt. It took her a moment to work it, and even longer to open the ancient door that screeched as she threw it open. Her boots crunched unsteadily on the assortment of leaves and dirt beneath her feet.
Only one of the lights from the human transportation vehicle lit the dark woods in front of her. The other light had been smashed by the large trunk of a tree, which had split the front of their vehicle, ripping the metal back like paper.
She swallowed hard around the dryness at the back of her throat.
The wind’s icy fingers clawed at her again. She shivered and pressed on through the woods, searching for Raiden. This couldn’t have killed him. Could it? She shook the thought aside. Raiden was a male Elementa. He was strong, big, and powerful. If anyone could survive this, he could.
Blood trickled into her right eye and she pushed it aside, ignoring the wave of dizziness the action caused. The woods stretched around her, silent, but strangely also with an air of danger. Of warning.
I like nature. I’ve missed the woods of Falaytious. Why should I be afraid of this Earth forest?
But she couldn’t shake the feeling that danger hung over her head like a dangling ax.
A big pale moon shone down, providing more light than the one lamp left on the vehicle. Still, she saw no sign of Raiden. Sweat dripped down her spine. The longer it took to find him, the more worried she became.
And then she saw him.
Lying on the ground in a clearing not far from the accident, his big body was angled strangely. She raced to him, her new boots almost soundless. When she came to his side, she rolled him onto his back. Her hand went instantly to his chest, where she felt the steady fall of his breathing.
Tears pricked her eyes. “Raiden! Thank the gods. Raiden, wake up!”
He didn’t move.
She looked him over more carefully. One of his arms looked wrong. Bruises and deep gashes covered his face. He needs help. If she could get him to her ship, it should have all the supplies she’d need. But somehow, I’ll need to drag him to the land vehicle, figure out how to drive it, and remember where to go.
Each task alone was nearly impossible, much less all three together, but she didn’t care.
Impossible or not, I’ll save him.
Because I love him. I’ve always loved him.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and reached for his good arm, praying for the strength to lift him.
Something crunched to the right. Looking up quickly, she peered into the darkness.
There’s nothing there.
But the feeling wouldn’t go away. Her palms felt sweaty and the hairs on her arms stood on end. Keeping her gaze on the trees, scanning the darkness, she blindly reached for Raiden again.
A soft sound to the left. What was that?!
She caught a flash of silver.
Her head gave a sharp stabbing pain, and a memory came back to her. Of the moments before their accident.
What were those things Father talked about?
Spyres! Gods, no!
The metal creatures, with eight legs, long tails with a spike on the end, and bodies covered in thousands of metal spikes, were terrifying. Now she remembered what her mind had been trying to block. They were what caused the accident!
Father said he suspected several of them were attached to the outside of Raiden’s ship. But why attack now? Did my presence somehow trigger this?
Sounds came from all around her as she watched the Spyres slowly creeping forward, their legs making an eerie clacking noise as they came toward her. She counted them as they appeared. One, two, three, four, five, six. What are their weapons? What can they do?
Heart racing, she reached for a large tree branch lying beside Raiden. The machines might outnumber her, but they had no idea how dangerous she could be when her mate was threatened.
With one hand curled over the rough bark, she crouched over Raiden and growled a low threat. The machines froze as one.
Sentience?
Anger coursed through her. So they aren’t solely machines! Father always said the most dangerous creations were the horrible combination of living beings and technology. And that even though such experiments are unethical and illegal, there are always those willing to experiment for the black market. But there is one benefit from such a tragedy, perhaps they can be reasoned with.
“I am Saura Moro, only daughter to one of the most powerful Elementa families. One of the first families. To attack me, or my mate, will be considered treason. And if you should do so, I will not spare any of you.”
The unsettling clacking started again, but they remained motionless. Suddenly, she realized it wasn’t their movement that caused it. They were communicating, whether with each other or her, she didn’t know.
Then it stopped, and their beady, mechanical eyes turned back to her. As one, they continued forward again.
That decision wasn’t in our favor.
Gritting her teeth, she knew what she had to do. Reaching out her hand, she called for her magic. Immediate coolness filled her being, flooding her veins like ice along the surface of a lake. When she breathed out, her air was a puff of white. Ice poured forth from her fingers. It spread around her, following her command, until a radius of fifteen feet in each direction around them was covered in hard ice.
“There,” she ground out, trying not to show how much the effort had cost her. “I don’t want to hurt you, but if you come any closer, I will destroy you.”
One the creatures stepped forward. Its legs slipped on the ice and it fell down, sprawling. Its body hit the ice. Hard.
More clacking came, the noise grating on her ears. “See?”she questioned, her voice sounding braver than she felt. “Leave us. Now.”
But they didn’t leave.
She sensed the attack one second before it happened, her hands curling tightly around the branch as one of the Spyres leaped across the ice. Its huge body flew straight at Raiden.
In an enormous burst of concentration, she called forth her ice once more, coating the branch just before she swung it.
Crack! The branch split, sending wooden fragments flying as it knocked back the body. Its legs and frozen body splintered from the blow and it hit the ice where it lay unmoving.
More clacking filled her ears as she tossed the useless branch on the ground and wiped more blood out of her eyes. What if they all decide to jump? I can’t fight them all at once, and I’m running out of power. I need time for it to replenish.
As her gaze darted from one Spyre to the next, she reached behind her and shook Raiden. Hard. “Time to get up. Come on, Raiden. I need you.”
Another Spyre jumped toward them. She reached out with her fingers, straining toward it, harnessing the last of her will. Ice encased it, and the creature hit the ice with a crunch.
She clenched her teeth as a stab of pain struck her heart. I’m hurt. And my magic is struggling. If I keep using them, the cost might be more than I can pay. Then we’ll both die.
“Raiden!” This time, she shouted his name.
The legs of another of the Spyres bunched, and the creature was flying through the air a second later. Ice shot from her fingers, but too slowly. The Spyre hit the ice just inches from them. The sharp spike on its tail shot out. But even though it could’ve easily reached Saura, it wasn’t aiming for her. The spike split the ice just inches from Raiden’s leg, before her powers froze it.
Where its tail struck, creeping blackness spread. Inching toward him.
An acidic smell hit the air, and Saura instinctively drew back from it. No! No! It can’t be.
But she recognized the signs.
Puffery poison. And I don’t have the antidote. He’ll die in hours if it hits him.
Her heart twisted as she looked at the creature before her. In between the metal that covered most of its flesh, tiny sprouts of pink curled out. “He used a real Puffery underneath all that metal, didn’t he?” She whispered the question, barely able to voice her grief and horror. “What did Kaemon do to you?”
At her words, something changed in the creatures that surrounded them. One started toward her across the ice, but seemed to be fighting itself. It took a few jagged steps until its legs slipped out of it. The Spyre shook its huge metal head, stepping back, then forward again.
They don’t want to do this.
She stood up to her full height on legs that shook. “Pufferies are good. You’re smart. I’ve lived with you all my life back on Falaytious. My friends said you were all blindly loyal, but I knew better. I could see it. You can’t buy a Puffery’s loyalty. You earn it. Did Kaemon earn your loyalty? Was he so good to you? Or did he take it?”
Their clacking started once more. Bodies twitching, the remaining three tried to creep across the ice. Two sliding steps forward, one back.
“You don’t want to do this. So don’t. Listen to that voice inside you that says not to.”
Pufferies are smart. As smart as three-year-old children. They know this is wrong, but their programming is probably telling them one thing and their brains something different.
“Please,” she pleaded. “Turn around. Don’t look at us. You can ignore it.”
The air seemed to stand still.
And then, all three leaped at once. She turned her ice magic on one of them, heart racing. I can’t stop them all. They are going to—
Fire exploded from behind them, and all three creatures went flying, crumbling onto the earth in smoldering masses. After a moment of horror at what had happened to them, she spun.
Raiden’s eyes were open, his arm still outstretched, an expression of extreme pain written across his face. Then his head fell back, as his injured arm lay against his stomach and his pale face twisted.
Her heart broke, for Raiden’s pain, and for the creatures that Kaemon had turned into monsters. All this suffering, all for power.
She knelt down beside him, wincing as her body throbbed. “Raiden...”
“More of those things will come. We need to get out of here.”
Her eyes widened. “How do you–?”
“Can you help me stand?”
She nodded, sliding her arm behind his good side. It took some time and, she was sure, an incredible amount of pain, before she had him standing.
His entire body shook. “Come on, then.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded, gritting his teeth. “We don’t have a choice.”
The ice melted beneath his feet as they walked as they slowly made their way back to the truck.
“You’ll have to drive,” he said weakly. A shiver wracked his body. “Right now, it’s taking everything in me not to pass out.”
She helped him climb into her seat, then circled around to the other side. Finally, sitting in front of the steering wheel, she stared at the darkened dials in front of her.
“Okay, uh, this isn’t voice activated so...”
His eyes were closed. “Listen closely and I’ll walk you through it.” Then he opened them again. “Do you have any clue how to get back to your ship?”
“I followed the homing signal from your craft. I landed about twenty feet from where your ship crashed, although I couldn’t see yours.”
A slight smile that turned into a grimace lifted the corners of his mouth. “Good, then my camouflaging worked. And I know where to go.”
All I have to do is drive this strange, archaic land vehicle created by an alien race to get there.
She swallowed, hands trembling. “So, what do I do first?”
For such a big male, Raiden had shouted and cringed more on their drive to her ship than Saura thought possible. My piloting of this land vehicle isn’t really that bad, is it?
When they finally reached their destination, she turned off the vehicle gratefully.
“If I weren’t in so much pain, I’d drop to my knees and kiss the ground,” he muttered, his head in his good hand.
Is he crying a little in gratitude or just shaking a lot?
“Ungrateful wretch,” she shot back before thinking. Yes, she’d driven the rusty contraption, shaking and sputtering as it shook down the road. And she might have, occasionally, driven on the wrong side of the road. While she was getting the hang of the circular wheel. And yes, she’d hit the stop lever and go lever at the wrong times as they’d traveled. But all things considered, I did an excellent job. It’d actually been pretty fun! Twice she’d accidentally spun the car, which made her heart race in a nice way after all they’d been through.
He threw open the door with a wince and climbed out, swaying, his head still in his hand.
She opened her door, which squealed in protest, and glared at him as she ran around the truck. “I did my best. It isn’t my fault you didn’t enjoy my driving.”
He looked up. Many of the cuts on his face had already healed, but bruises still decorated his flesh. “Enjoy? Enjoy your driving? A race car driver would’ve pissed himself. A BASE jumper would’ve cried like a baby. Enjoy myself, you ask? No, I didn’t.”
The empathy she’d started to feel for him vanished. “Weird. I saved you and got your ass back to your ship in one piece. And that didn’t sound like a thank-you.”
“And I’m going to kill that bastard Kaemon for this, when I get my hands on him." He grumbled softly.
He tried to stop her, but she ducked under his arm and helped him walk slowly toward her ship, taking as much of his weight as possible.
“Sorry,” he said, through gritted teeth. “Nearly peeing your pants has a way of putting someone in a bad mood.”
She raised a brow at him, knowing it took a lot for him to apologize through the pain he must be in from the accident. “I’m going to pretend you stopped talking after ‘sorry’.”
He barked a laugh, then his breath hitched.
“You okay?” she asked, her annoyance vanishing.
He nodded, but pain etched his expression. They continued in silence.
At the door to her sleek metal ship, she pressed her palm against the metal. It opened silently. They took a few steps inside the cramped space, and she helped him turn and maneuver onto the small bed in the back. Cautiously, she helped ease him onto the pillows. “I’ll get the scanner.”
His eyes were closed, his face drawn from pain. When he didn’t nod, her anxiety rose a few notches.
But as she stepped away, he spoke. “Start the ship and set course. You can help me after takeoff.”
“You sure?” she asked, frowning.
“Definitely.” He paused. “I didn’t know what those things were, but after I crashed, I found about a dozen of them on the bottom of my ship. They didn’t move, so I haven’t worried too much about them all this time. But if they all activated, I’m guessing we won’t be safe much longer. We need to get off the ground.”
Her stomach flipped. But before going to the controls, she went to the medical unit and typed in her request. A metal Saurange spit out into the opening. Not pausing to think about it, she padded back to his bed and pressed the Saurange into his arm.
He gasped, eyes flying open.
She met his dark gaze. “For the pain.”
Reaching across him, she pressed the blue button beside the bed. Four belts slid over the bed across his waist and stomach. So he’ll be safe during takeoff.
His expression gentled. “Thank you.”
She nodded and went to the control board, belting herself in. “Computer, set course for Hope and run emergency countdown for takeoff.”
“Course set for Hope,” the ship’s deep voice responded. “Emergency countdown at five. Four. Three. Two. One.”
As they slowly rose above the trees and shot out into the dark night’s sky, Saura glimpsed the pale moon out of the corner of her eye. If we do everything right, I’ll never see this planet again. Neither will he. For some reason, the thought filled her with sadness.
A soft shaking began as their speed grew faster and they met resistance from the atmosphere. It continued as they shot over a dark ocean and up higher, into the clouds. A few minutes ticked by before they left the planet’s atmosphere, and the ship grew quiet once more. She unbelted herself and went to where Raiden lay, his eyes wide and filled with emotion, but the pain gone from his expression.
“Raiden...”
“I’ll be back,” he said, softly, as if he could read her mind. “Earth has become a part of me.”
She unbelted him from the bed, then reached up to touch the beginnings of a rough beard on his square jaw. “I don’t understand. Your people are a part of you. I’m part of you now. Two years on that human planet has made you forget everything.”
His dark gaze met hers. “You don’t understand.”
She looked away from him. But I do. Even a day on a planet–on Erth– reminds me of what our planet was like before we had to leave. To avoid certain death like those left behind. I can’t imagine how he must feel—leaving it after two years. But he must.
His father is dead. He is the new Khar of his people, and I’m the new Khara. We owe it to them to put our own selfish needs aside. To travel with them in hopes of finding another planet to colonize. We can’t tell them they can’t live here, but choose to live here ourselves.
But she also knew Raiden wasn’t ready to have this argument again, so she changed the subject. “What hurts the most? Your arm?” Her mind ran through the way he’d walked, the way he’d curled his back as he moved. “Your stomach or your leg?”
He shrugged, his face a shade too pale, even for a human. “I’m fine.”
“You really haven’t changed at all,” she said, her lips twisting up. “I’ll start with your stomach. I’m guessing you broke a rib or two in that fall.”
“I really don’t—“
She reached for the buttons on his shirt, slowly undoing each one as more and more of his flesh was revealed. Such hard muscles.
“Well,” his tone was soft as he spoke, “who am I to argue with a beautiful woman undressing me.”
His humor made her hope he wasn’t as badly injured as she suspected. But when she pulled back the sides of the shirt, she gasped. His stomach was covered in deep black-and-green bruises. Not good.
He gritted his teeth and helped her strip his shirt off.
But when she reached for the buttons on his pants, he covered her hand with his own.
“Don’t,” he said.
She looked up in surprise. “Does it hurt?”
“Me, yes, but you being so close is... hard.”
She frowned. “Why?”
One of his dark brows rose. “You’re still in your mating frenzy. Even with my body a battered mess, my desire is hard to contain.”
Her cheeks heated, and she felt her own core heat and soften, waiting for him. “I’ll get the scanner.”
His gaze lingered on her breasts. She looked down, noticing the two hard peaks of her nipples pressing shamelessly against the thin fabric of the black, human shirt.
If he knew the human undergarments–bra—I’d chosen, he’d have an even harder time containing himself.
“Excuse me,” she said, rising and moving to the med dispenser. Typing in her request, a scanner dropped into the waiting area. She pulled out the device, not much larger than her hand, then requested a healing kit, which also dropped into the space.
Taking both back to the bed, she looked up and froze.
Raiden was wearing nothing but a thin undergarment he’d told her was called a boxer. The scarlet red clothing did nothing to hide his obvious erection.
I guess he changed his mind. She shuddered, heat curling through her veins. But I can’t give into my desire. I need to focus on healing him.
Clenching the scanner more tightly in one hand, she marched over and sat down next to him. Turning it on, she moved it slowly over his arm. A holographic image appeared in the air above the scanner. A second later, a red circle came around one area and a warning bell sounded.
“Hmm.” She tapped on the spot, making it larger. “It’s broken, but pretty cleanly.”
Opening the small, white medical kit, she took out a bone fixer. The item, which looked like a large square of flexible metal made her cringe. She’d broken a few bones in her life and getting them fixed was always awful.
But it was necessary. With how quickly they healed, if they didn’t realign the bones immediately, they could fuse together at the wrong angle. The medical device was ingenious, because after it pushed and pulled everything back into place, it drew their healing abilities to that particular spot. It usually fixed a break completely, leaving nothing behind but a little soreness.
Taking a deep breath, she wrapped it around the broken area of his arm. “Focus on me,” she ordered him.
He closed his eyes, the muscles along his jaw moving reflexively. “Talk to me.”
An instant later, the bone fixer gave a soft hiss, and the air filled with an acidic stench. Raiden cried out as a soft crunch sounded.
Her heart raced. “When we get back, we’ll have to meet with the council first. It’s been a few days since your father died, so while the people are still in mourning, they’re probably on to the business at hand...meaning, debating about whether or not to kill off the human population and...” The look on his face told her that maybe their strategy wasn’t working. “Should I talk about something else?”
The bone fixer held his arm tightly in its iron grip, not nearly finished.
“No,” he growled. “Keep distracting me.”
Several minutes went by as Raiden pressed his hand against his face, his legs twisting. And all the while, she prattled on, not really hearing herself as she somehow started talking about their time together as children. Of how she’d always managed to get him into trouble, and how he loved every minute of it. And finally, she talked about the last time they’d been alone together. The night they’d shared their first kiss.
At last, it beeped, and Raiden almost threw the medical device off his arm.
Her gaze met his. “Ready for the next one? Or should we...”
He groaned. “Let’s get this over with.”
So she reached for the scanner, passing it over his stomach, cringing when five red circles came up.
It took several hours before Raiden felt like he wasn’t drowning in pain. Listening to the sound of Saura in the shower, he carefully practiced walking back and forth in the main area of the ship until his feet felt steadier. Then, he stretched the newly healed bones in his leg, ribs, and arm until they pulled but didn’t send flashes of pain through his nerves.
When Saura stepped out of the bathroom, wearing nothing but a fluffy white towel, he froze. She’d removed her earring, so she no longer looked human.
The jagged cut on her forehead had healed, leaving nothing but a pale shadow of a scar that would soon fade. Her skin was a soft blue, and the clear rings of blue around her eyes sparkled like stardust. His manhood rose, demanding that he take her. But then, he realized he was still dirty and bloody from the accident. I need a shower myself.
When he took her again, he would not be covered in the grime, sweat, and blood from the accident. It took all his willpower to walk past her and into the bathroom, stripping off his boxers before he stood in the bathing chamber.
Instead of the rainfall setting, he put it to bath. Warm, dark liquid filled the cube quickly, massaging his body and cleansing it all at once. Ah, I’ve missed this. Something tugged at his heart. But showers with clear, cool water hold a whole different appeal.
When he finally strode from the bathing cube, he quickly dried himself and then prowled from the bathroom, searching for his mate. Ready to tear off her clothes.
As it turned out, he didn’t have to. He found Saura lying naked on the bed, eyes closed, one finger sliding in and out of her womanhood.
His cock rose, giving a painful throb.
Watching her, he held his breath. His gaze never left her finger as it entered the space between her legs. Mine. She was wet, ready. Spread and swollen. His eyes traveled down her legs, her smooth belly, and up to her perfect breasts. The dark blue tips of her nipples were hard, waiting for his eager mouth.
He crossed the room to stand beside her. She must have sensed the movement, because her eyes opened wide.
Her cheeks heated a deep blue with embarrassment. “I thought...you might not be well enough to...and I couldn’t wait any—“
In answer, he pushed her hand away and climbed on top of her, kissing the side of her neck. She felt so small and delicate beneath him, but he knew how powerful she was. In his bed, she’d been a wild animal. When she’d defended him, she’d fought like an Elementa warrioress defending its mate.
She impressed him. Immensely. She was nothing like most Elementa females. It was as if she didn’t realize she was supposed to be the weaker sex. Perhaps because there isn’t anything weak about her. The thought brought a strange feeling of pride. He was lucky to have been matched with her.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly. “But your injuries...”
“Are better,” he whispered, taking her earlobe between his teeth.
She shivered beneath him. “You left your earring on.”
He froze. How long have I worn it? It seems like a part of me after all this time. “Do you...want me to take it off?”
She slid her fingers through the back of his hair, smiling. “I want to see you. The real you.” Her smile faltered. “Unless you don’t want to...”
“No. It’s fine,” he said, perhaps too quickly.
But for some reason, he felt confused as he stood and unclipped the earring. Staring down at himself, he watched as his flesh slowly shifted from the pale, tan color of his human form to the deep red of an Elementa male.
“Gods,” she murmured, sitting up. Her eyes devoured him hungrily. “This is how I imagined you.”
He set the earring down, watching as her eyes darkened further with desire, her gaze hungry.
Moving closer to her, he froze as her small hand curled around his cock. He opened his mouth, to say what he wasn’t sure, when her tongue slid out to flick his tip. His blood boiled, his need for her like a living creature. Needing. Demanding.
Her small hand pushed him slowly back on the bed, her breath warm against the tip of his cock. It was impossible to take his eyes off her as her lips parted and surrounded his manhood. He groaned, thrashing his head, hands curling as he struggled to control himself. Her mouth was so wet, so warm, just like her pussy.
Digging his hand into the back of her loose, still-wet hair, he led her as she sucked up and down the length of him. A pressure built deep within his bones. A need to explode, to have her swallow his seed. But he held himself back as she tortured him. His head spun as he moved faster and faster.
“Saura!” he finally cried out in warning.
His cock twitched in her mouth. So close. Too close.
“My turn,” he growled, pulling free of her mouth. He wanted to taste every part of her.
But then he saw the desire swirling through her startling eyes, and he caught his breath.
She pushed him back on the bed and climbed on top of him, positioning herself over his manhood. She impaled herself, riding him with smooth, rocking motions that were driving him crazy. Her hands moved over her breasts, her fingers squeezing her hard nipples. Her head was thrown back as she worked her breasts, and he found himself too aroused and shocked to do anything else but watch her lithe body move.
Finally, he couldn’t take the sight of her touching herself any longer. He pulled her hands away and sat up, keeping himself inside her, taking one of her sensitive buds into his mouth. She cried out, then plunged herself down on his shaft.
They both gasped together, but it lasted only a moment before she was taking him in and out once more. Riding him as he sucked her breasts. She seemed almost unaware of anything but her pleasure. But somehow, the fact that he’d caused her current state drove him wild. He thrust his hips in time with her movements, feeling her inner muscles clench him harder and tighter as her passions rose higher.
Suddenly, his Mating Muscle slid down his cock. He closed his eyes and focused, using it to stroke her clit as she thrashed over him, screaming his name. Moving to her other breast, he sucked and used his teeth.
Her hands wrapped around his head, pressing him closer to her chest, so he obliged, taking as much of her into his mouth as he could.
Willing his Mating Muscle to follow his commands, he used it to flick her clit, hard and fast. The feeling of her wet tight pussy was becoming too much for him. The taste of her skin. Her firm ass as he clutched it, squeezing and pulling her down harder and harder onto his cock.
His breathing was ragged. His blood racing. He was so close, but he couldn’t let go, not before he’d satisfied his mate. And then her inner muscles squeezed him, and he groaned as she climaxed. Moving on top of him faster and faster.
“Yes! Oh gods, yes!” she screamed, clenching him to her breasts as she spiraled over the edge into spasms of delight, her pussy tightening around him so he had no choice but to let go.
He exploded up into her, his seed filling her. But her womanhood continued to milk him, driving him into madness as she continued to come. His voice shouting along with hers. His cock pressing fully into her and filling her to the hilt.
At last, his manhood gave a final satisfied twitch, and he fell back onto the bed. She came down with him, her head resting on his heart. They lay together for a long time, breathing hard, neither one speaking.
For several minutes, he felt only contentment. His still-hard cock was encased in her wet, warm pussy. His muscles were drained of all tension, and the idea that he finally had Saura filled him with complete joy.
But unwanted thoughts began to slide through his mind, no matter how hard he tried to push them away. You can never give Saura up. She is yours, now and forever. If she makes you choose, you will stay on Hope. But could you really be happy there? His muscles tensed and she lifted her head, looking down at him.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
He looked up at her wide eyes. “I was just thinking of what will happen when we get back.”
She nodded, her expression saying she knew what he refused to say. “We’ll pay our respects to your father, announce our bond, speak with the council, and likely be crowned Khar and Khara as quickly as possible. Kaemon will try to stop us, but he won’t be able to. Blood rules the throne.”
“Blood rules the throne,” he repeated, automatically. Perhaps I haven’t changed as much as I thought.
She reached up, cradling his cheek in her hand. “I didn’t understand before what... what you were giving up by leaving Erth, but I think I understand now.” Pressing a soft kiss to his lips, she gave a sad smile. “But no matter how wonderful it was, our people must come first. Always. They need us.”
Closing his eyes, he tried to fight the wave of sadness that swept through him. She’s right. I hate it. But she’s right. In a few short hours, I will be Khar.
My days will be filled with responsibility and misery, all while living in my father’s shadow. What could be better than that?
The ship had supplied them with traditional clothes. They were not white clothes of mourning, as was most appropriate, but the sacred gold color was still fitting, somehow. Saura’s throat felt unexpectedly constricted by the high neckline, while the low back, revealing all of her back and the sides of her breasts, felt far too revealing. I will need to grow accustomed to the gowns of a mated female...sexy and stunning all at once.
Her gaze slid to Raiden, who was closing the final button at his throat. His finely made clothes emphasized his every muscle, the cords that strained his arms, his wide chest and shoulders, and his narrow waist. He looks like the Khar. Our new leader. Her heart sang.
But when she saw his expression reflected in the mirror, it nearly broke her heart. So sad. The responsibility of caring for the largest surviving faction of Elementas must weigh heavily on his shoulders.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and he placed his hands over hers, their eyes connecting in the mirror. “Are you still planning on returning to Erth?”
He shook his head slowly. “No, I remember my responsibility now.” His voice was heavy, but certain.
For some reason, she felt as though she was stealing his dreams. It hurt. “This is the right choice, Raiden. It’s the only choice you could make for your people, and to continue your father’s legacy.” She nibbled on her bottom lip, thinking. “But if you want, when we’re alone, we can talk about Erth, about your favorite things and experiences there. We can even discuss what life would’ve been like if we stayed.”
His smile lightened the red rings around his dark pupils. “Thank you. I think—I’d like that.”
The computer’s deep voice interrupted. “Please secure yourselves. I shall begin the two-minute countdown for docking with Hope.”
Numbers flashed on the screen overhead, beginning the countdown. They moved to the two seats at the front of the ship and buckled themselves. Then, she reached for his hand, and he curled his larger palm around hers as Hope slowly became larger and larger in their viewscreen, along with the two dozen smaller ships that surrounded it.
The communicator screen blinked. Raiden reached forward and clicked it. The head of transportation came into view, his eyes on the board in front of him. “Who is requesting docking with...” His gaze connected with Raiden and his eyes widened. “Permission granted, my Khar.” He bowed his head, and the screen vanished.
“Khar,” Raiden said slowly, as if testing it out. “Before I was the son. The heir. Raiden. Now, and until my death, I will be Khar alone.”
He no longer sounds human. He sounds like the young man I remember.
She squeezed his hand. “No, you won’t. You’ll be Khar...with me.”
He turned grateful eyes to her. “I can endure almost anything with you by my side, and sharing the responsibility with such a capable female will lighten the burden...perhaps even make it bearable.”
She tilted her head, searching her thoughts and emotions. Was she upset about the responsibilities that would soon rest on her shoulders? The answer came easily: no. But she was afraid of what trouble Kaemon might have stirred up for them since they left.
“How will we handle Kaemon?” she asked, voicing her concerns aloud.
His expression darkened. “First, we will find a way to prove that he was the one to poison my father, sabotage my craft, and try to murder us. Then I will allow him to fight to clear his innocence. And because the gods know the lies that poison his heart, I will win, and he will die.”
A fight to the death. My Raiden will be a good and just ruler, like his father before him. In the Days of Blood, Raiden’s grandfather had simply beheaded anyone he suspected of treason, never allowing the chance for the accused to show their innocence before the gods in a battle to the death. She was proud to be Raiden’s Khara.
“Your people will be glad to see such mercy after the loss of your father.”
He was quiet for a moment. “It’s important you remember that our mating isn’t technically completed.”
“It isn’t?” she questioned, frowning.
“What I meant is that...usually at this point we would still be locked away together to complete the mating. But we have to complete our duty, so we don’t have time to finish the ritual. But unmated males still can’t be allowed around you because you are still in your mating frenzy. So, while we and the council may speak of you as my mate, we all know that, technically, you aren’t.”
She clenched her teeth together. “And why is it important I know that?”
Turning to her with surprise, he raised a brow. “So you will stay close to me. Don’t go off on your own. We can’t allow you to be accidentally mauled by an unmated male...it would destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to bring together. And we can’t discount the fact that Kaemon also knows this. We have to be prepared for whatever he and his cronies might throw at us.”
Her annoyance cooled. “You are aware that I understand the basics of mating, right?”
To her pleasure, he chuckled. “Sorry, I’m nervous. I just don’t...don’t want to lose you.”
She flashed him her sweetest smile. “Never, my love.”
His hand squeezed her. “Promise?”
Pressing her two fingers to her lips, she murmured, “Promise.”
For one second his heated gaze lingered on her lips, before he looked back at the viewscreen.
They both sat in silence as they docked with Hope. To her surprise, her heart raced. When the docking melody played overhead, they unbuckled and went to the door, taking each other’s hands once more. She felt Raiden’s flesh heat beneath her touch, and looked at him, surprised. He was calling his magic to him?
Because he fears who will be here to greet us.
Maybe he’s right.
Her breath came in ragged bursts as she called her own weakened powers to herself. Steam rose where their hands touched.
The doors slid open, and she was shocked to find the room on the other side filled with people. All of them quiet. All of them staring.
Her gaze slid from the six faces of the council members, all wearing their scarlet robes around their ancient bodies, to her father and uncle also in their council robes. She wanted to run to her father, but held herself still beside Raiden as Kaemon shoved to stand in front of the old men.
His eyes narrowed as they slid over Raiden, then turned to her with obvious desire darkening his expression. “Raiden and Saura, welcome home.”
Some of the council members’ voices rose in irritation.
Her father stepped beside Raiden. “Boy, I think you forget yourself. Kneel before your Khar and Khara.”
To her shock, Kaemon stood unmoving. “Councilman Moro, I think you are the one who forgets yourself. Just a short time ago, it was decided that I would assume the mantle of Khar.”
Her father growled in the back of his throat. “Even if you had actually been crowned, blood rules the throne.” He looked back at the council members in support.
Jetri, the oldest of the council members stood forward and bowed before them, his long, white hair sweeping the floor. “My Khar and Khara, you do not know how our hearts warm at the sight of you both back safely from the primitive world. Kaemon has forgotten himself in greeting you before the council, and in discussing such things before your time to see your father. All else, including what is best for the future of the Elementas, can wait until then.”
What is best for the Elementas? The hairs on Saura’s neck stood on end. That didn’t sound good. Not at all.
To her surprise, Raiden reached out and took Elder Jetri’s hand in a gesture that was both intimate and unexpected. “Thank you. I will take my time to mourn, and then we shall arrange a meeting between the council members, your Khara, and myself.”
“And me,” Kaemon shot in, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Raiden dropped the elder’s hand and Saura’s. He moved to stand so close to Kaemon that barely a breath separated them. Raiden dwarfed the other male, both in height and sheer size.
“Cousin of my blood, I am going to assume your disrespect comes because you are heartbroken over the loss of my father. But know this, in any other circumstance, I would burn you to ash for such talks of treason.”
The deep blue of Kaemon’s skin shifted to a pale blue so light it was almost white. “I understand.”
Raiden gave a curt nod. “I wish to see my father.”
The guards surrounded their entourage as they were led down the hall and through the ship. Thankfully, all unmated males seem to have been better warned of my arrival. They saw only a few females, who gasped and knelt before them as they walked past.
At last, they stopped at the entrance to the Temple of the Gods. No one spoke as Raiden stared at the door for one minute too long. At last, he pressed his thumb into the golden square and the metal doors parted.
He entered, with her behind him, as was customary. Golden pillars lined the walkway up to the dais at the end. On both sides were areas that looked far too similar to the Garden of Virtue. Pale blue, orange, and yellow trees surrounded bathing pools that steamed.
They walked slowly along the golden path, grass creeping between the squares, saying nothing. Behind them, the doors slid shut. Sounds filled the massive room, the sound of running water from the high waterfalls flowing into the bathing pools. Birds with soft, stunning melodies sang from the treetops.
Saura inhaled sharply, realizing belatedly that she was trembling. The room smelled familiar, like the gardens. She’d always thought it was a beautiful smell, not that much different than what their planet had been like. But now, she realized she’d been kidding herself. Beneath the scent of green life, metal lingered like a poison. Erth was real. This is fake. Something to keep us from realizing all we lost. To keep us happy until we reached our new planet.
Raiden started up the steps, and she came behind him. The platform in the center of the space seemed to loom up at them. And the golden statues of a dozen other Khars from as far back as anyone could remember lined the entire back wall. Around the golden statues, the walls had been carved with the stories of Khars’ lives, and their deaths.
When they reached the platform, Saura held her breath. She had expected it, and yet, the sight of Raiden’s father forever preserved in gold shocked her. Unlike the other Khars, who looked as old as their hundreds upon hundreds of years, Raiden’s father looked strangely young and healthy.
“Damn it!” Raiden shouted, slamming his fist into the table next to his father’s statue-like body.
She reached for his shoulder, hesitating an inch from touching him. “It’s okay.”
“No.” He hung his head over his father. “No, it’s not.”
Curling her hand, she held it against her chest. Waiting. Knowing what he needed.
He spun on her. “My father was the best Khar our people ever saw, and a terrible father. He was mean. Nasty. He didn’t give a damn about me. Nothing I did was ever good enough. But now, now I can’t say any of those things to him. I can’t even be angry. Because he’s dead...and I’ll never...never see him...”
His eyes closed, and suddenly she couldn’t hold herself back anymore. She pulled him into her arms, holding his stiff body.
This time his voice was quieter. “Back on Falaytious, sometimes we would fish together. Whenever he caught me staring up at the sky, he’d say, ‘stop thinking about the day that this will all end, and start enjoying being here now.’ I didn’t really understand. Not until we left.”
She stroked his hair, waiting.
“He tried to teach me everything he knew, even though I fought him every step of the way, always wanting to do things my own way. I hated what I saw in his eyes, even though he never spoke the words. He knew I lashed out because I was angry with him for not being able to save my mother and little brother. Once, late one evening, he said I couldn’t hate him forever. I knew he was right. But I still couldn’t forgive him.”
“It’s not too late,” she said, softly. “The gods say our Khars live on forever in their blood, listening and giving guidance when needed. Speak to him.”
Raiden nodded, and pulled away from her. When he turned back around, he reached out and gently touched his father’s golden cheek. “You were a good father. I love you. And I shall make you proud.”
Tears spilled from her eyes, and she tried to hold back the sounds of her sadness. She couldn’t imagine what he was going through. Even though she’d spent the past few years in the Garden of Virtue, she’d always carried the strength and pride her father had cultivated inside her. Often her father disagreed with her, but he never withheld his love or respect. If she lost him, she’d be destroyed, but there would be nothing left unsaid.
Guilt and grief. Apart they are terrible, together they can be soul-destroying.
He stepped away and walked to the bathing pool. She watched as he undressed and stepped into the steaming waters. The mist rose around him like a cloud. He went beneath the waterfall and touched the ancient, massive lever in the center of the waterfall’s flowing waters. Black liquid wove in with the pale waters, and suddenly, the water exploded in flames.
She watched, heart leaping in her chest. Waiting.
At last, he stepped from the pool of fire. Flames danced along his scarlet flesh, making him look just like the legends.
This is how an heir, a son, becomes the Khar.
Becomes a god.
He left a trail of blackened footsteps as he walked toward her, then held out his hand. In his palm, four stones rested. She gasped. Fire. Water. Land. And Wind. All four elements had come to him. It’s impossible. But it wasn’t. The red stone was the largest, followed by the pale brown stone, then the deep blue one, and finally the white one.
“Raiden,” she whispered.
His eyes were wide. “This can’t be.”
But the truth stared them in the eye. Raiden would be the first Khar in more than ten generations to receive a blessing from all four of the gods. Most received one or two. His father had been given three.
She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. Then, knelt and bowed her head. “My Khar.”
For a long time he didn’t speak, but then his voice came out as a whisper. “It’s your turn.”
“My turn?” she asked, looking up and frowning. “But—?”
“You will step into the waters on the other side and freeze them. When the lava bubbles up beneath you, you will use your magic to create the stone for your own crown.”
She shook her head. “The lava will burn me.”
One of his brows rose, the fire around him finally dying down. “Not if you are meant to be my Khara. And you are.”
Nodding, she rose on legs that trembled. I must have faith. Like the Kharas before me.
But what if you get less stones than Raiden? A panicky thought whispered in the back of her mind. She took a deep breath. Don’t think about that. You are your mate’s equal and the Gods will see that.
Undoing the tie at her waist, she let the gown tumble from her body. Beneath, she wore nothing. Stepping into the waters, she held back her gasp at their heat. They smelled strange. Ancient and powerful. She didn’t know how their ancestors had created this room, not just so it looked like the original Temple of the Gods back on their planet, but so that it functioned in the same way. She was amazed by it.
I just hope I didn’t spend so much of my powers last night that I fail from sheer exhaustion. She pushed the thought away as she sank below the waters and called her magic. The water froze around her, spreading out in a wave. It was much stronger and faster than she expected, and, for an instant, panic welled inside her. I’m encased in ice!
But then, from below her, a bright red-and-orange glow came. Her brows furrowed. Gods! It exploded around her. Fire. Flames. Heat brushed her, bringing panic screaming through her heart.
But it didn’t burn her.
The lava surrounded her until there was no escape. Desperation filled her. But then, through the flames she saw a pale blue speck. Reaching out, she took it in her hand. As it touched her flesh, it grew larger and larger until it was bigger than her eyes. She clutched the hot stone, before spotting two more blue specks. They flew to her open palm as she reached out, growing nearly as large as the first.
And then the lava vanished, as she swirled in the waters, then exploded out of the water, gasping for breath. Swimming to shore, she sank onto her knees. Raiden, still naked, gathered her in his arms.
“Saura?”
As her panic faded, a new emotion rose. Misery. “There were only three stones. Three.”
She felt broken. The Gods have blessed me as the new Khara, but they do not see me as my mate’s equal.
“Let me see,” he said, softly.
For a minute she didn’t want to, then she closed her eyes, and opened her hand.
He gasped. “Saura!” His voice was filled with excitement.
Her eyes snapped open and she looked at him, confused.
“Those are the largest water stones I’ve ever seen!” The smile that stretched his mouth from ear to ear was incredible.
“That’s...that’s good?”
“It isn’t just about how many stones you have. It’s about how large they are.”
“But the Kharas before had many more stones than this. One had at least a dozen of them,” she argued, softly.
“Yes, but all of them combined weren’t as large as this one,” he explained, pointing at her largest stone.
“So this really is good?” she asked, daring to hope that she might be a Khara to make her people proud.
“Very good.” He smiled and took her hand, leading her to the back wall.
Around them, the past Kharas’ gold-covered bodies seemed to stand at their sides.
On this side of the dais, she could see two crystal pools.
“Put your stones in that one. And keep your hands in with them. Don’t let them go, no matter what.”
She followed his instructions and he did the same.
The crystal pools bubbled with gold. The water heated, but not uncomfortably. And then, the bubbling stopped. In the bottom of the pool, her crown waited.
“Take it out,” he whispered.
She did, almost unable to contain herself.
The delicate crown was made of gold that had veins of blue running through. It looked like branches of a tree woven together. In the center, the largest blue stone was flanked by the two smaller ones. Taking a deep breath, she set it on top of her wet hair, then turned to Raiden who already wore his crown.
His crown was solid gold, with red veins weaving through it. Four spikes, that almost looked like leaves, rose. Each one contained one of the four gems. She stared, unable to form the words to explain how regal he looked.
“How will Kaemon question us now?” he asked, softly.
She felt strength fill her belly. “He can’t.”
But then another thought came to her that made her confidence waver. “Why did Kaemon let us in here in the first place? Why didn’t he make a crown for himself before we arrived?”
He sighed, his expression growing grim. “It has been more generations than I can count since a Khar and his heir have died. The phrase blood rules the throne has always made it an easy question of who would rule next. In this situation, with a dead Khar and his heir missing, all three of my cousins were ‘next’ in line for the throne, so Kaemon could not have simply come in here on his own and tried to make a crown. He would have died a slow and excruciating death in the sacred waters. In order for him to have a chance at the throne, the entire council would have had to enter this room with him and give their support. Then, the gods would’ve determined if he was worthy, and how worthy.”
She nibbled her lip. “So, at least that’s something for us to feel relieved about, right?”
“Not exactly.” His gaze grew more troubled. “With me still being alive when he tried to take the throne, the gods might’ve found him unworthy and ended his life. But if anything happens to me now, his blood makes him potentially a legitimate candidate to take the throne.”
Her heart raced. “So—“
“If something happens to me before we make a male heir, he will have an easier chance claiming the throne than when I was gone.”
She shook her head. “That can’t be true. Can’t you just name one of your other cousins as heir?”
His gaze met hers. “After he poisoned my father and tried to kill me, I think naming either of them my heir would mean a death sentence for them.”
She clenched her hands at her sides. “So what can we do?”
He gave a humorless laugh. “Not die. Prove him a traitor. And create an heir.”
“That sounds easy,” she whispered.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close against his naked body. For a long time he held her, stroking her hair, and saying nothing.
Just his closeness, his smell, brought something roaring to life within her. She pulled back and looked him straight in the eye. “That bastard is going to pay for putting you through this.”
For killing his father.For hurting him. For making a hard time even harder.
His lips brushed her own, and he smiled. “Perhaps we should let you drive him somewhere?”
Her eyes widened in shock, and then she punched him playfully in the shoulder. “Damn ungrateful—“
He laughed, but she could see his true feelings in the darkness in the scarlet ring of his eyes. He’s angry. He wants Kaemon to pay, just as I do.
“No use putting this off any longer,” she said, brushing her hand along his cheek.
He nodded, and they pulled apart, dressing quickly.
But when she started walking toward the door, he turned back and strode to his father. “I will avenge you.” He pressed to fingers to his lips. “I promise.”
Somehow the room seemed to grow colder. The birds grew silent, and the air held a coppery scent that seemed to settle on her tongue.
A promise before the gods. She shivered, looking at the statues of the Khars. Their gazes held her own, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Let’s hope we can keep it.
––––––––
RAIDEN SQUEEZED SAURA’S hand as they came to a stop in front of their thrones. It’s time. He tried to push aside his lingering fears, but the truth was that everything had come down to this moment. I must be successful. I must be the male my people need. That my mate needs.
Saura flashed him a reassuring smile as she lowered herself into the seat at the head of the council table. Behind him, he could hear the Elders as they took their places, but his eyes remained trained on his mate. Gracefully, she smoothed the skirt of her long, golden gown, then leaned back in a way that seemed to cloak her in an air of patience.
Between her crown with the impressive water stones and the way she holds herself, she looks every inch the Khara. This is what she was born to be. His gaze swung to the throne beside her. My father’s seat.
No. My seat.
Even though I’m playing a part. Pretending to be the Khar I will never be in my heart.
Somehow, his time spent as a bartender at Rusty’s and being seen as just a normal man to the humans of Earth felt like little more than a fantasy. The happiest days of my life are gone in the blink of an eye.
But reality was sure to catch up with me eventually.
Feeling numb, he lowered himself onto the cool metal throne and waved for the council members to be seated. Ten of the twelve seats were suddenly filled, and all eyes turned to him. The air in the room felt too warm. Too heavy. Even with the many windows looking out at space, the walls seemed to be closing in on him.
I can feel some of their anger so deeply. It’s like a living thing eating away at my chest.
He’d sensed it in the Elders from the first moment they’d arrived. They had intended to have Kaemon as their Khar. My returning complicated that for them.
He understood their anger. Having Kaemon meant an end to their years of traveling in space, searching for a new homeworld. With one press of a button, the humans are dead. We all have a new home, and no one has to spend too long thinking about the consequences of what has been done.
But we can’t do it that way.
The Elders had been trying to come up with some way to justify still giving Kaemon the throne, even though it went against the most basic tenet of their law of succession. Blood rules the throne.
But how can the council go against us when the gods have given us their greatest blessings? This should prove to them it was meant to be.
When he and Saura had emerged from the Temple of the Gods with their crowns, the council had knelt as one, too overcome to speak. But now logic has come back with a vengeance. This must be handled with care or they may still turn on us.
Tension sung through the air. Crackling like lightning as Raiden stared at them, waiting.
“My Khar,” Jetri, the head of the council addressed him respectfully. “We wish to give you proper time to mourn, but we are just two weeks away from the blue planet. We had decided to dispense the Neutralizer. To prepare the planet for our arrival—“
“No,” Raiden said firmly, bringing shock to the older man’s face. “That blue planet is called Earth. Its people are called humans, and they are as advanced as we are in many ways. More so in some. They have homes, industry, and a society. Their technology, while somewhat archaic to us, utilizes coal, nuclear energies, solar, and wind.” He stared around the table. “These are not a small pack of dumb animals we can wipe out. There are billions of them. Killing them to take their planet is unethical in every sense, and I will not be the Khar to allow such a thing.”
A murmuring rose among them when he finished. Now what will they do?
At last, Jetri spoke again. “But...surely sometimes the council and the Khar must make difficult decisions for the best interests of its people. Perhaps this is one of those times.”
“It isn’t. This cannot be what our people stand for. We are not murderers.”
Jetri stiffened, anger flashing in his milky white eyes. “We cannot do this for another thirty or forty years. The people are tired of this life...going crazy from living without real sunlight. Real trees and animals. If we bypass the blue planet, there will be anarchy.”
“I understand their need as much as anyone. But we cannot use our lack of a planet to justify the killing of billions of innocent people.”
“But we ourselves are dying!”
“No, we are not. We might be bored. We might be stir-crazy. But we are Elementas. We have to be strong for ourselves, for each other, and for our children.”
“What children? Our people aren’t breeding up here. Something about this sterile place is creating more and more infertility among our men and women.”
We aren’t? I knew our birthrates had gone down, but I didn’t realize it was quite this bad.
Raiden kept his face carefully blank. The last thing his people needed was to see his uncertainty. “That is not the fault of the people of Earth. Anyone else?”
Urjirick cleared his throat and leaned forward onto the table with his thin, veined hands. “I will say what everyone else is afraid to say. Why should we obey your command? You have never wanted to rule.”
Fury leaped inside Raiden, and he rose, angry words on the tip of his tongue. But then, the doors to the council room opened and two familiar faces entered. Turk and Jaydee.
The two young men, to Raiden’s great surprise, wore the scarlet robes of Elders. “Turk. Jaydee. You are Elders?”
Turk walked toward him, an unexpected strain pulling at the corners of his normally smiling mouth. They clasped hands like friends, like they had time and time again in the years before Raiden had gone to Earth. “A lot has changed since you have been gone, my Khar.”
Jaydee took his hand next, but his dark red pupils held an inner anger that surprised him. “My Khar.”
They took their fathers’ places at the table next to him, and the room grew silent.
“But where are your great fathers?” Raiden frowned, unable to comprehend where the loyal and kind old men had gone.
“They are dead.” Jaydee said, his voice holding the same sharp edge as a piece of glass.
Saura touched Raiden’s arm, drawing him back into his seat. “How?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Turk cleared his throat, then swept a hand through his shoulder-length dark hair. “Trying to calm an uprising among our people.”
An Elder was killed by our own people? Why didn’t I know of this?
But still, he had the sinking feeling the worst was yet to come.
None of the Elders looked at Jaydee, but Raiden stared at the young man who had helped him build his ship, Starspeeder. Jaydee had been the closest thing to a confidant for him after Saura had been taken to the Garden of Virtue. “My father’s death was by his own hand.”
Saura inhaled sharply beside him. “Our world is darker for the loss of them both.”
No, it’s impossible. Elder Brot was a happy man who adored his mate and son. He would not do such a thing.
“I don’t understand.”
The red rings around Jaydee’s eyes darkened as he pinned Raiden with his gaze. “You do not know why he killed himself or why you failed to know such an important fact?”
It was like a blow to his chest. Had he been standing, he would have staggered under the weight of his friend’s accusation.
All eyes were on him. “Either.”
Jaydee raised his head, which had been closely shaved to make the sharp lines of his face appear sharper. “We are not space travelers. These people were the wealthiest, most intelligent citizens of Falaytious. The people deemed most worthy of starting a new and better civilization. But they were not trained for these conditions. Most of them cannot handle being trapped in space much longer.” Sadness pulled at his lips and his eyes lost their fire. “My father was not the first to appear fine one moment and then to take his life in the next. The people are calling it Silent Death. I do not know what else to call it but wrong.”
Raiden swallowed. “I feel your loss.”
“Do you?” he asked, tilting his head.
His question gave Raiden pause. Of course I mourn the loss of Jaydee’s father. Why does he doubt me?
He reached over and clasped his friend’s shoulder. “Of course.”
Jaydee’s shoulders slumped, and he suddenly looked far younger than his twenty-five years. “You should have known before this moment.” He met his gaze. “I know why we built Starspeeder, but perhaps things would have been different if you were here with your people instead of on Erth."
Urjirick chose that moment to speak, his gravelly voice filled with malice. “Which brings me back to my question, Khar. Why should we obey you? Because of your blood? Because the gods have blessed your ruling?” He spat. “In times of peace and certainty that meant something, but those are not the times we live in. As a boy you took little interest in your people or the responsibilities of a ruler. You—”
“I did everything that was asked of me!” Raiden asserted, feeling his anger rise.
Saura touched his knee beneath the table, and he took a deep breath.
“That’s exactly it,” Urjirick continued, his voice shaking, “you did exactly what was asked of you. And nothing more.” His gaze swept to Saura. “Even she made an effort. Visiting with her people. Caring for the elderly. Watching the children so their parents might work. Learning about the workings of the council and the ship. While you sulked.”
I didn’t...my father always said everything I did was wrong. My time here was miserable, but—
“You are wrong,” Saura said, her voice strong. “Raiden should not be your ruler because of his blood or because of the crown. He should be your ruler because he is the best man for the job. It is easy to give you what you want. To murder billions of people like Kaemon promises to do. It is harder to do what is right.”
Urjirick slammed his hands on the table. “Right for who? For the people of Earth perhaps, but not for us!”
Several heads at the table nodded.
I must try a different tactic. “There is a woman on Earth named Rose. She runs a restaurant along the main road. Most of the people who stop in are regular customers. Her cooking is incredible, but they don’t stop there just for the food. They stop to talk to her. She will sit with anyone who needs an ear and give advice when it’s needed. Many of the people call her Grandma.”
He paused, noticing the subtle change in the air. They’re interested in the humans. “I asked her once why she opened the shop. She said that she and her husband...her mate, and their only daughter were involved in a car...in an accident. Both her mate and her daughter died. She was told she would never walk again.”
“But she ran a restaurant?” Urjirick asked, his expression truly curious.
“She did. Despite what the doctors said, she fought to walk again. Her goal always clear. She would live her life to help others. But more than that, she had to live a lot. Enough so that she could tell herself that she had lived because it was the will of her god.”
The room grew silent as the impact of his words flowed over them.
Jaydee spoke after a moment. “These are people. With families. With mates and children. With businesses. With faith. How could we justify killing them?”
Turk shrugged. “By deciding that our lives are worth more than theirs. That killing them really doesn’t mean anything, because they’re an alien species.” He raised a brow. “Which I can’t do, despite how bad things are on this damned ship.”
Saura’s father, Elder Yurki, spoke after remaining silent throughout the meeting. “I have been the biggest advocate of not harming the blue planet. But...”
Raiden stiffened, and saw Saura do the same beside him.
“We cannot keep going.”
His words fell like stones in the room.
Elder Yurki continued, “I had hoped...hoped we could endure this, but fights have been constant. Our birthrates have dropped to nearly nothing. Spirits are low. Two council members have been attacked, and one killed.” He looked at Turk, then continued, his voice softer. “A few of the ships in our fleet are considering turning back to join the others at the ice planet.”
Raiden knew his shock was visible. When the Elementa scientists had discovered the asteroid barreling toward their planet, the one that would wipe out all life on Falaytious, they’d developed a plan. There were two livable planets detected. An ice world that would keep them trapped in deep tunnels beneath the surface for ten months out of the year, but was only a few years’ travel away. And the little blue planet, that offered them a chance at a real life.
A few hundred citizens were carefully selected for the dozen ships heading for the blue planet, including the massive mothership. All others were left to find a way to the ice planet, or stay behind and perish.
If my people are considering traveling all the way back to the ice planet, they must be more desperate than I thought possible.
Elder Yurki spoke, drawing him back to the conversation. “Some of these problems were expected, after spending so long trapped together on a ship. But some of it is Kaemon’s doing. If we bypass the blue planet, the people will rebel against us. And we truly can’t be certain of how many are loyal to him now.”
A dozen voices rose and seemed to overwhelm the room.
“But to slaughter a whole people?”
“The gods will smite us!”
“Should we just continue on as we are until we die out?”
“More likely as leaders we’ll be slaughtered in our beds!”
Raiden closed his eyes, willing all the voices away. What should I do, Father?
No answer came to him.
His gut tightened. Bypassing the planet could mean anarchy. And more bloodshed.
But we can’t kill the humans.
There must be another way.
If only... his heart raced.
It wasn’t possible. Was it?
His eyes snapped open. “Quiet!”
All heads turned to him in stunned silence.
“What if we didn’t have to do either?”
It was so quiet he swore he could hear the beating of the many hearts aboard the ship, filling his ears.
“How?” Saura asked.
He turned to her and took her hand, squeezing it, then spoke. “Our technology is far superior to the humans. And many of the rulers have more lands than they know what to do with. If we could make a trade, we might be able to work something out.”
“You’re suggesting...living with them?” Elder Jetri said, his brows so high they nearly disappeared into his white hair.
Raiden pulled himself up to his full height. “Exactly.”
Murmurs went around the table.
“But to share a planet with another intelligent species... it could mean trouble in the future,” Jetri countered.
“And it might not,” Raiden said. “But if there was ever a time to try, this is it.”
More than a few of the council members looked skeptical, but in the end, all agreed to work out a plan. The council meeting lasted several more hours before a concrete offer was formed. Over the course of that time, the faces slowly changed from hopeless to hopeful. When each of them signed their name, they all looked tired, but happy. Years seemed to have melted from the old men’s faces, and Raiden felt a spark of pride at the solution. As long as it works.
Finally, Elder Jetri rose from the table. “You must reassure your people. Calm their fears and anger.”
Raiden nodded and stood, moving to the corner where a blue circle stood. Entering in his code, the shimmering blue light encased him, and his image projected into the center of the room. And into the center of each room in the ship. Let me address them directly.
“My people,” he greeted, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “I am infinitely grateful to be addressing you tonight. Regrettably, the circumstances of my return are less than desirable. Even though my father has died, I have returned to carry on his legacy. I have the same love for all of you, the same goals, and the same faith that we will achieve them.
“Recently, I was rescued by our future Khara and returned to Hope. Together, my mate and I have been to the Temple of the Gods. I bathed in the Pool of Judgment, and to my surprise and eternal joy, I received a gem from each of the four gods to lead us through these trying times. Their decision was unanimous, and they have bestowed upon us their greatest blessing. And your Khara has been given not one, but three of the largest water stones I have ever imagined. She, too, has been granted a great blessing. The gods have faith that we are the Khar and Khara to usher our people into the next chapter of history.
“I know there has been much talk, much fear about this next chapter of our lives. I speak in hopes of bringing you comfort. The blue planet, Earth, has an intelligent people who reside there. After spending two years living among them, I have found them to be fascinating, kind, and a worthy species to live alongside. In its wisdom, the council has agreed with me that we should not bypass the blue planet, nor should we kill its intelligent species. In two weeks’ time, we will negotiate with the humans of Earth to buy a place on the blue planet as our own.”
He raised his chin. “This should be a time of hope. You all will be informed the moment our negotiations conclude. And hopefully soon we all, as the humans say, can get packing.”
Clicking the button, the holographic image of him faded, followed by the shimmering blue lights.
The entire table started to clap, looks of relief mirrored in their faces.
When everyone rose to leave, Saura’s father stayed behind and blocked his path. “We need to speak in private. Now.”
Raiden cast Saura a look. She was speaking to her uncle and gave him a serious nod in reply.
“All right, but will Saura be safe?”
Her father raised his hands in reassurance. “Her uncle will take her back to your suite, flanked by six guards. She’ll be fine.”
Uncertainty filled him. “Perhaps we should bring Saura.”
Her father shook his head. “Having a female in her mating frenzy strutting about the ship would be reckless, at the very least. I’ve already asked my brother to care for her in our absence. And time is of the essence.”
He’s right, but it feels wrong to leave her side when I waited so long to finally be with her...
Elder Yurki leaned closer, lowering his voice. “I have found proof linking the traitor to your father’s death, but we have to go immediately to catch him.”
Rage raced through Raiden. At last, Kaemon will pay. “Let’s go.”
His gaze clung to Saura for a long moment. How can she look so powerful and so fragile at the same time? Her eyes, ringed with different shades of blue, turned to him, holding his gaze. We are so close to solidifying our mating bond. We just need a little more time. His cock rose at the thought. He imagined laying her down on his bed and filling her pussy the way she needed. But first, I must see the proof.
Then I’m going to kill that bastard, Kaemon.
“Goodbye, my love,” he mouthed, without speaking the words aloud.
A breathtaking smile danced along her lips and her expression said what her words didn’t: I love you, too.
It took everything in him to turn and walk away. Peace has been made with the council. A plan for our future has been formed. Now, I must deal with the traitor, and then, at last, I can make Saura mine for eternity.
Six guards flanked them as they entered the hall, hands resting on the hilts of their swords as they walked. Leaving the more luxurious part of the ship, they passed through the halls of the smaller suites. His people moved about in small groups, bowing briefly as he passed. There was an air of excitement among them. They must feel relieved that not only won’t there be a rebellion, but that their days of travel will soon be coming to an end. A pair of women glanced at him, blushes highlighting their youthful cheeks, before two males hurried them along.
They reached the center of the ship where the busy market had changed remarkably in the two years he’d been gone. He was accustomed to seeing the place packed. The people on this ship were experts in their fields, and the ship had been equipped to keep their skills sharp.
“Where are the agriculturists selling their herbs and produce? The scientists selling their little gadgets? The artists? The singers?”
Saura’s father sighed and continued walking. Raiden followed more slowly.
“People are staying in their suites more and more. Sometimes lying in bed all day. At least, ever since your father announced that they might not take over the little blue planet.”
Raiden stiffened. “My father...but I thought he was dead-set on taking it.”
The old man was quiet as they walked past a lone man painting a picture of the pale purple trees growing in the center of the market. A couple sat next to each other on a bench, her knitting, he with a book in his hands.
“That was before you left. Your father... had a lot of regrets on the way he handled things with you. He wished he would have told you that he’d never allow the Neutralizer to be used without seeing Erth’s dominant species first.”
What? Impossible! I never would have left if...
“But he left no room for argument.”
Saura’s father raised a brow. “Perhaps that’s because you were always too busy arguing to listen.”
Raiden swallowed around the lump in his throat. “He said we would use the Neutralizer regardless.”
“Only because a king must always seem certain, and his people must never be made to worry unnecessarily.”
So two years ago when I was making my way to Earth, everything was changing on this ship, and likely within the whole fleet.
He cleared his throat. “So all this chaos didn’t start with my father’s death, it started when I left?”
“Yes,” Saura’s father answered. “The moment our Khar mentioned the possibility that we may have to bypass the planet and search for another livable one, well, it was as if the people started to lose all hope. Kaemon, of course, never did anything to reveal himself as a traitor while your father lived. He was simply always there when the people shared their doubts and fears, and rather than calm them, he added fuel to the fire.”
If only I’d listened so my father could talk, could tell me his true plans for Earth. Then instead of the people looking to Kaemon for comfort, my father and I would have been there.
Birds sang overhead, but their tune held a sad note that he’d never noticed in the birds of Earth. Four children chased each other through the nearly empty benches, before darting onto the grass. It doesn’t feel like that long ago when my own bare feet raced along these same familiar paths with Saura while my mother and father looked on smiling.
“I never meant for any of this to happen.”
They reached the other side of the market, the metal doors sliding open with a soft hiss.
To his credit, the older man’s eyes held kindness and empathy. “It will be hard to focus on the future if we’re trapped in the past.”
Raiden inclined his head. He’s right. I can’t undo what was done, but I can punish the man responsible for taking my father’s life. Then, and only then, can I focus on Saura and the needs of my people.
“The proof we need is in an older section of the ship. I’m lucky my men stumbled upon it in our search for clues,” Saura’s father explained. Tension made the old man’s moves stiff, but he never slowed.
Raiden began to feel uneasy as they circled deeper and deeper into the ship. The lights had been darkened in the rarely used space to conserve energy, and the darkness gave everything a strange air of warning that set Raiden on edge.
Then they stopped before a door. One like any other.
“It’s his lab,” the old man whispered. “Where he built those Spyres. And I have to warn you, it is a place of nightmares.”
A chill raced through his blood. So those creatures were created on our own ship? How did my father and I miss this? How could we allow innocent animals to be tortured and experimented on without ever knowing?
Perhaps we were too cocky, believing that no one would dare bring back such an outdated and cruel practice...
His tongue tasted of metal and dust. It’s almost fitting that in this place I will finally have the proof I need to justify killing Kaemon.
For some reason, the thought brought not just the familiar spike of anger, but also something more. Sadness.
Suicides. Murders. Torture. And soon a fight to the death. I never thought these walls would flow with blood.
Kaemon’s death will mark the end of such dark times, Raiden promised himself.
“Open it.”
Saura’s father withdrew a small bottle of crimson liquid from his sleeve. He pressed a button on the wall, and a blood key opened. I have not seen one of those since the ancient temple back on Falaytious. The old man uncorked the bottle and looked at Raiden. “This is a bit of Kaemon’s own blood.” He poured it on the glass square and the blood key glowed green, the blood bubbling before disappearing.
The door slid opened.
Raiden forced himself to walk through the doorway. Within the room, too-bright lights peered down at a place that chilled his blood. Various animals were crammed in cages in the back, including row after row of Pufferies. They no longer look like balls of fur with giant eyes. They look weak. Sick. They lay so still that he might’ve believed them dead if not for the slow rise and fall of their bright-colored fur.
The center of the room was filled with cold steel tables lined with instruments of torture. Dark red marks stained the white floors. His stomach churned. What level of cruelty have these animals had to endure?
Kaemon is a deranged piece of garbage.
“Puffery poison is what he used to kill your father.”
Of course. We kept samples of all animals and plant-life so that no animal would die out. We planned to bring life to the different species when we reached our new home. But I never imagined that information would be used for something, something like this...
“Kaemon is a coward,” he whispered, his heart aching as his gaze swept to the far side of the room.
There, Spyres were separated in large glass areas. Each section contained a different horrifying mix of the cute little creatures merged with metal. Some looked like the Spyres he’d already encountered, while others looked more like experiments that had gone terribly wrong. One lifted its head from the ground and a noise of extreme suffering tore from its lips.
I should kill it. End its misery.
Raiden turned from the room and took several steps away, leaning against one wall. I wanted proof...but I didn’t want this.
“I’ve been reading some of his files. I think this was more than just a way to kill your father and to sabotage your ship without getting caught. It looks like this began more as something he did—” he cleared his throat “—did for pleasure.”
His nausea grew. “How...how was he able to do this?”
Saura’s father’s voice came from behind him. “He must have been planning it for a very long time.”
Even when I was here. Even when my father was ruling. Kaemon was hatching his plan beneath our very noses.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, forcing himself to sound calm despite the sickening realization swirling within him. “Then it’s time to present our findings to the council, and to challenge Kaemon in a fight to the death.”
He turned back to his men, when one of the guards suddenly spun around just in front of him, grabbing Saura’s father and throwing him against a wall with such force that the sound echoed through the empty halls. The old man crumbled to the ground.
Then, the guard turned to him, withdrawing his sword in one swift motion.
My own guard—a betrayer? Like hell!
Raiden called his magic from his inner fire to his fingertips, blasting the man with deep blue flames. The man’s body turned black, then crashed to the floor in a cloud of ash. Raiden raised his hand to his other guards, unsure of whether they were also traitors. I should have given them more time to show themselves.
Their expressions were like stone. They neither reached for their weapons nor spoke. What now? Before he could decide, he felt the cool kiss of metal at his throat.
His breathing came in ragged bursts as he tried to calm his temper.
Kaemon spoke behind him. “So, the old man thought he was going to show you the proof of my treachery? What a fool.”
“We’ll see who the fool is,” Raiden threatened, feeling the sharp edge of the sword prick the skin at his throat.
Two of his guards withdrew their swords and approached Raiden slowly, eyes narrowed. The other two males remained behind, withdrawing their swords and closing in on Saura’s father.
This can’t really be happening. I’m surrounded by traitors!
Kaemon’s voice was nearly a growl. “Bind his wrists.”
“Try it, and I’ll kill you.”
“Then Saura’s father dies.” Kaemon’s obvious delight filled the words.
One guard poised the tip of his sword over Saura’s father’s chest.
I’m willing to risk my own life, but not his. Not the blood of my mate’s family.
He gritted his teeth as two of the guards circled behind him. Gripping his forearms, they pulled his arms back and bound his wrists tightly. When they were finished, the remaining guard left the old man to stand with the two others, their swords trembling in their grips.
Now they will see what a man who doesn’t fear death is capable of.
“You’ll all live to regret this.” Raiden said, gathering his magic even closer. But not for much longer.
Kaemon rounded in front of him, his expression calm even while his gaze burned with anger. “If you fight, not only will I kill the old man, but the beautiful Saura, too. After I’m done with her, of course.”
Raiden’s breathing hitched, then came in short bursts. “No. She’s safe with her uncle.”
“You mean the uncle that helped arrange your father’s death?” he asked silkily.
His words sent Kaemon’s thoughts swirling. If Saura’s uncle was in on this, not only did it mean this treachery went deeper than he ever imagined, it meant Saura was in danger!
The other male inched recklessly closer. “I know you thought you could simply come back and take my throne and my female, but you should’ve known better.”
Anger burst within him. First he kills my father, then he threatens my mate! No, he might think I’m beat, but I’ll find a way out of this.
He took a deep breath, eyeing the men who surrounded him. The old man is out of their reach. All I need to do is free myself, kill these fools, and save Saura.
If only I can distract Kaemon for the one second it takes...perhaps by angering the arrogant prick.
“My throne and my female were never yours, and they’ll never be yours.”
“Silence!” Kaemon screamed. “Everyone knew you didn’t want to be the Khar. You never appreciated your position. But I have wanted it my entire life! While you have been on the blue planet worrying about its people, I have been up here, suffering with mine!”
He leveled his sword at Raiden. “You are not worthy of the position. So I will be the one taking it. Tonight, Saura will finally be mine, and tomorrow, your throne.”
“I’ll never let you touch her.”
He tensed the muscles in his body, preparing to spin, to use Kaemon’s own sword to slice the bindings at his wrists. Just one burst of his famous temper should be enough.
But rather than flying into a rage, Kaemon’s frown curved into a smile. “That’s just it, Raiden, dead men don’t get a say.”
The knife sliced across his throat, bringing a horrible, blinding pain, followed by nothing.
Saura gasped as pain radiated through her.
“My darling?” her uncle asked, taking her hand. “What is it?”
“Raiden.” Raiden is dying. She didn’t know how she knew it, but she did. She closed her eyes, feeling his life tick away with every too-quick beat of his heart.
No! No! I won’t allow it!
She fought through the pain to call up her magic.
Fear brought coldness rushing through her, faster and harsher than ever before.
The crown!
Water stones – magnify my power! She begged them silently until tendrils of frozen ice slid across her flesh.
Is this possible? Can the stones truly help me save his life?
She had never heard of such a thing, and yet, she felt the ability within her grasp.
If you are willing to pay the price, a voice whispered with all the power of the Goddess of Ice herself.
She didn’t care that her people believed the goddess was nothing but a legend.
Saura whispered back, I’ll give anything.
The laugh that answered chilled her blood. And you will.
She felt him slipping away even while her magic gathered like a coming storm.
Somewhere far away, she heard her uncle gasp, “What is this?”
Her hair sliced the flesh of her face as it whipped around her in a flurry of wind and ice, but with each second that passed she felt farther and farther from her body. And in that moment, she felt like the ancient goddess whose presence seemed to fill her.
Reaching out with her mind, she groped for him. There! I’ve found you!
Saura? Raiden said her name in a wet sputter that made her heart race, the sound filling her ears.
I can save you, my love, she called to him silently. I can heal you.
No...it’ll...kill...you...
He was suddenly harder to sense. She groped for him, her mind filling with the sound of a heart slowing.
I’m losing him!
She forced her gathered powers out in a roar of magic and ice that seemed to shake the air. The ship. The universe itself. And then, in a blink, it was gone, and she was crumpling to the hard, metal floor.
That was everything I had. But was it enough? Her eyes looked but didn’t see, and his voice was silent in her mind.
***
HER EYES SNAPPED OPEN as a sharp pain entered her inner thigh. It took a moment for her vision to clear. Her heart stopped. Kaemon was on his knees between her thighs, leering up at her.
“Morning, Saura.” He pulled the Saurange from her thigh, then traced a finger around the sore spot.
“Kaemon! W-what is that?” she choked out. “Why am I here? Where’s Raiden?”
He laughed, an evil, grating sound. “One question at a time, my love! First, Raiden is dead. I slit his throat and placed him in a craft with its autopilot set for this galaxy’s sun. Second, you are in my room. And third, the Saurange...” His grin made the hairs on her arms stand on end. “That should send your mating frenzy into overdrive. Within the next hour or two, you’ll need a cock inside you. And since you’re tied to a chair in my room, it’ll be my cock. Then, we will mate. And finally, you’ll be mine forever.”
She tried to free her arms, realizing they were tied behind her back. This isn’t real. It has to be a bad dream. Raiden can’t be dead. I can’t be...
Heat uncurled within her belly, and her inner muscles tightened painfully.
Kaemon inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening. “Everyone knows that a woman must give her permission to be mated, or else it’s sex and nothing more. But with the powerful stuff I’ve given you, you will either consent, or die. And I don’t think for a moment you will choose death over making me, your future Khar, your mate.” He moved closer, inhaling again. “Gods, I want you. I can smell your desire.”
A shudder of horror slid down her spine. “Raiden is my mate. Promised to me since childhood. You’re sick, Kaemon. I will never give my consent to mate you.” She shook her head in denial, but even as she did she felt her womanhood growing wetter. This can’t be happening. It can’t be!
He ran a hand slowly up and down her thigh, as her muscles twitched. “Hate it all you want. But very soon, you will be begging me to fuck you.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, she felt tears prickling. Raiden had to be alive. She could feel it deep in her heart. But what she wasn’t sure of is whether or not when he finally found her, she would have given in to the demands of her body.
“And I promise,” he continued, “I’m not going to give in until you consent to be my mate.”Kaemon blew on her nipples, his hot breath making the nubs harden. “Until you beg me for the honor.”
Terror ran through her. Can he really do what he says? Force me to mate with him?
I have to be strong!
But she was already losing the fight, and she knew it. Whatever he had injected her with was making her lose all reason.
Please, Raiden, I need your help!
I need you!
Raiden awoke coughing up blood. He fought the bindings at his wrist, rolling to his knees, his heaves sending the scarlet liquid spraying onto the floor of the craft. He gasped for air, his mouth opening and closing, but only fire filled his throat and lungs.
I’m drowning. Drowning in my own blood.
Gritting his teeth, he mustered all his strength and yanked his wrists apart. His hands flew to his throat, but he drew them back as pain burned where he touched.
Kaemon slit my throat. I should be dead.
Why am I alive?
Saura.
She used her power to save me.
But what happened to her?
Sweat coated Saura’s flesh as she clenched her thighs together. Need raced through her like fire. How much longer could she fight the painful burning in her blood? How much longer before she spread her legs and allowed the man who might have killed her mate have sex with her?
Never! I can’t make him Khar!
Kaemon had left her for the moment, to feed the council a bunch of lies about what he’d done to Raiden, so that he could steal the throne. But soon he’ll be back to claim my body as his own.
Tears burned down her cheeks at the agonizing pain. And this need is going to build until I give in...or die? She couldn’t believe it. I’d rather die. I’d rather die than betray my love. Than touch that monster.
But the warmth pooling in her womanhood betrayed her weakness. Kaemon couldn’t rape her to solidify their bond, but it wouldn’t be much longer before her body would be willing. And my mating frenzy might take away my mind, as well.
And then she would have lost everything.
Because as much as her heart wanted to believe Raiden was still alive, she also knew he was in grave danger if he was.
But how can I fight my body’s needs, keep my heart pure, and save Raiden?
She struggled against the bonds that held her hands tied to the chair behind her. The rope bit painfully into her flesh, but still she fought them. At last, she felt some give in the rope. Desperately, she clung to the hope that blossomed within her. Maybe I can escape. Maybe I’ll be able to keep Kaemon from claiming me.
A sound came from behind her, the slight noise that told her someone had entered Kaemon’s suite. She stiffened, not wanting them to know she was struggling against the bindings. Breathing as evenly as she could, she stared straight ahead. Past the couches and kitchen, to the large bed in the back of the room. Her heart shuddered, and she looked beyond it, to the windows looking out at the stars.
“Look at you.” Kaemon’s voice was laced with satisfaction as he strode over to stand in front of her. “The entire room smells of desire.”
She gasped as he trailed a finger down her sweat-slicked neck to her collarbone, then between her breasts.
“The moment I saw you in this thin gown, I knew I would enjoy ripping it from your body.”
Turning, she spat at him. “Go burn in the cesspools of Cartya!”
He grinned, then leaned down so his face was inches from hers. “It must be hard to be experiencing your Biryut without the mate you imagined for so long. But, you will learn very quickly that I am the better choice.” Standing up, he unbuttoned his slacks and dropped both them and his underclothes.
She turned away from his naked body, willing herself to endure whatever she must to survive. You can’t save Raiden if you’re dead.
Angrily, he jerked her face back, to stare directly at him, hard and ready.
Her womanhood pulsed, growing wetter. The tightening that spread through her body twisted her into knots, a pain that begged to be ended. I need a cock to take this pain away.
“Don’t. Touch. Me.” She forced the words past her parched lips.
His smile widened. “I wonder...if I were to spread those perfect, pale blue thighs of yours, would I find you wet and ready for me?”
No! Not for you!
He must have read the horror in her eyes, because he knelt down and began to push back her gown from her legs.
With one quick movement, her leg shot out and hit him in the face with all the force she could muster. He flew back, hitting the floor with a loud thud.
The silence that followed was terrifying.
Struggling once more with the bindings at her wrists, she watched as he climbed to his feet, a threat in every movement of his body. Blood leaked from his nose.
She should’ve seen it coming, but the fist that struck her cheek seemed to come out of thin air. Her head snapped back and her vision darkened.
He left and returned, holding a towel over his nose.
As he smacked her breasts then fondled them with one hand, swearing and screaming at the pain in his nose, she felt far away. Spots appeared before her vision, but still she couldn’t seem to roll her head forward. What’s wrong with me? Did he break my neck?
After a time, he left.
When she returned to her body, she was aware her dress had been torn to shreds. He hadn’t yet had sex with her, but she felt dirty and used. Parts of her body twinged and ached from his rough hands and fingers. Tears fell freely down her cheeks as she sobbed.
None of this had gone the way she’d imagined the day she’d left the Garden of Virtue. All she’d ever wanted was to be Raiden’s mate. To finally find happiness.
Her numb limbs twitched as she struggled weakly against the binds once more.
Nothing has gone the way I planned, but as long as Raiden still lives, there’s hope.
The first thing Raiden was aware of was the heat.
Did I black out again?
He lay on his back, staring at a metal ceiling.
Where am I?
For a moment, his heart cried out for Earth. To the place he’d been happiest. But now, now the place I am meant to be is at Saura’s side.
Just the thought of his mate sent reality slamming back into him. I have to get back to her. But how much blood has this wound at my throat cost me? Can it be ignored until I’ve rerouted the ship—or does it need treatment now?
He rose unsteadily to his feet and stumbled to the wall of the craft. Hitting a button, he opened the small mirror near the hidden bathroom.
When he saw his reflection, his knees nearly gave out beneath him. The blood-splattered male that stared back at him was so pale he could’ve still been the human he’d pretended to be on Earth. And the wound at his neck was gaping impossibly wide.
I shouldn’t be alive.
This can only be Saura’s work. Her power from the water stones.
I love you, Saura.
He reached for her through his thoughts, but got nothing.
He forced himself not to think of her, to concentrate on the task at hand.
Although his hands trembled, he carefully held the gap at his throat closed while he reached for the blade hidden at his ankle. He finally managed to withdraw it, then set to work cutting his shirt to shreds.
When he was finished, he began to wrap his throat. His vision went dark again and again as he gritted his teeth against the pain.
By the time he finished, he was panting, covered in sweat. He leaned against the wall so his feet didn’t crumple beneath him.
Aside from the love of my Khara, it must be the gods’ wish that I live. That I take down Kaemon. There is no other reason why I would still be alive. I will not disappoint them. Nor my father.
Nor my mate.
His stomach lurched as he thought of her, and the thoughts he’d been pushing away came rushing back. What is Kaemon doing to her? Is she still alive?
His mind kept reaching for her, but he got nothing.
He began to stagger toward the front of the ship, propping himself up on the wall and stopping every so often to catch his breath. Too weak. I’ve lost too much blood.
The front of the ship wasn’t that far, but it still took a painfully long time for him to make it to the pilot’s chair.
But when he finally took a seat and pressed the button to open the viewshield, his heart plummeted into his stomach. Before him, glorious and brilliant, and much, much too large, was the blazing ball of fire that was the Milky Way’s sun.
I’ve awakened just in time to burn to death.
He couldn’t tear his eyes from the sun as his fingers flew over the keys. He tried to reroute the ship back to Hope. There were a few moments of silence. But just as relief crept into his chest, the computer pinged in warning.
Manual Access Denied.
That bastard turned off the manual controls!
When I get out of this, I’m going to kill him!
When I get out of this. Out of rapidly hurtling toward the sun. To my death.
Leaning against the console, he closed his eyes.
Come on, Raiden, think.
I’m not a damn engineer!
If only Jaydee were here to help me, he thought desperately.
It doesn’t matter, there has to be a way out of this!
But at the moment, he couldn’t think of one.
Saura gave a final cry as she tore her wrists free. Another sob built in her chest as she brought her hands in front of her, placing them in her lap and turning them over. Dark bruises marked her pale blue flesh, and blood dripped from the wounds. But it had to be done. I’m free!
Rising, she nearly fell, but steadied herself on the chair. If I can find the guards, I’ll be safe.
Kaemon will be imprisoned for treason, and I’ll find a way to rescue Raiden.
Hurrying to the door, she grabbed the shredded remains of her gown, hit the button to open the door, and stepped out into the hall.
But before she could run, large hands grasped her arms on either side.
Frowning, she looked up into the faces of two guards. “What are you doing? Unhand me! I am your Khara and your Khar is in grave danger. We must hurry to save him in time!”
The rings around the men’s eyes darkened to scarlet, and suddenly they were backing her into the room.
The mating frenzy! How could I have forgotten? her mind cried in dismay.
“No—listen to me!” she shouted, panic filling her as she stared at her escape getting farther away. “You must release me!” She let her voice rise high enough so anyone outside might hear her and help. “I am your Khara. Touching me is treason.”
The doors shut on her escape.
How could I have escaped Kaemon only to face this?
“Aren’t either of you mated?” she asked in desperation. Even if they were, they probably wouldn’t be able to control themselves. I’m barely clothed—radiating my need to be mated.
She kicked and thrashed as they dragged her toward the bed. She tried to call her magic to her, but they secured her hands behind her back once more, preventing her from using her powers. Then, they lifted and tossed her back onto the bed.
Her chest heaved as she lay there, sprawled over the mattress, staring at them. Unable to do anything to stop them, as their hungry gazes roved over her bare breasts and womanhood.
In unison, their hands went to their pants.
“I am your Khara!” she tried again. “If you touch me, Raiden will kill you! Think! Is this worth your life?”
To her shock, they looked even more determined.
The larger of the two spoke, “Right now, you are nothing but a female in her mating frenzy, desperate for a cock.”
The shorter male started to undo his pants. “Or in this case, two.”
“We need to hurry and take you before anyone comes to stop us.”
Her heart sank and her knees began to shake as she realized there was no pity in their expressions. And no one was coming to save her.
Raiden squinted to peer through his spacesuit, praying that he’d made the right choice.
If this doesn’t work how I intend, I could be killing myself. The power might not turn back on. The ship could lose its navigation altogether, and I’d lose both Earth’s location and the location of Hope. That would be the final nail in my coffin.
But as Rusty always said, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” That old human really was smarter than people gave him credit for.
It’s now or never.
3, 2, 1.
He jerked the three different-colored wires, cutting power to the ship.
Blackness swallowed him as the lights went out.
His breathing, loud and fast, filled his ears as he reached up and clicked a button on his visor. Its golden glow a small spotlight in the deathly silent ship. He glanced back at the console and the panel he’d removed to get to the wires to deactivate the ship for a moment and breathed a hesitant sight of relief. I’m still alive.
But he knew it could still go wrong in more ways than it could go right. And every one of them has death at the end of it.
Then he lumbered to his feet and shifted the bag of tools higher onto his shoulder.
But as Rusty always said, “We’re all going to die someday, but I’ll be damned if I don’t go down fighting.”
Gods, maybe it was all the blood he’d lost, but thinking of his old friend from the bar back on Earth somehow grounded him in a way he desperately needed. Especially if I’m going to get out of this mess and save Saura.
Moving to the airlock chamber, he closed the inner door and set the countdown. He felt the air pressure change and counted to thirty. When the light above the outside door turned green, he took a deep breath, and yanked the door open.
With careful movements, he stepped out into space, holding onto the door. When his feet brushed the exterior of the craft, he hit the button on his glove, and his boots locked onto the surface.
He stood frozen for a long moment, staring at the flaming ball that was the sun. The heat was almost unbearable, even with the suit. Blinking and turning away, liquid dripped from his eyes. Staring at the sun, dumb idea number one.
Turning back to the task at hand, he let his eyes adjust for a moment after the sun’s glare. Then he walked forward in small, awkward steps, picking up one boot at a time. The magnetic shoes felt as heavy as lead as they fought his muscles to stay attached to the ship, but the alternative was risking floating off into space. When he reached the ship-to-ship communicator on the side of the craft, he removed the bag from his shoulder and knelt down.
Time seemed to pass excruciatingly slowly as he worked to deactivate the device. Time when Kaemon could be hurting Saura. He pushed the horrifying thought away, knowing fear would only slow him down. In theory, disabling the communicator would disable their control over his ship, and he could turn the manual controls back on without their override. Theoretically. I hope.
But he needed to hurry up. He didn’t know how much heat the suit could take, but it was already more than he’d prefer. When at last he was sure it’d no longer work, he stood, wishing he could wipe away the sweat streaming down his face and into his eyes. He felt light-headed, and he blinked several times, trying to clear his vision.
Time to fire the ship back up, if I can, and see if I can override the computer and take manual control. Then, figure out how the hell to get back to Hope and heal my damned throat before I pass out from blood loss. These strips of fabric can only do so much.
Turning, he took a step, but caught a glimpse of motion in front of him. His stomach turned. Crouching between him and the entrance was a Spyre.
This can’t be possible. No one’s luck is this bad.
Kaemon wasn’t taking any chances that I’d make it back alive, was he?
The creature before him was similar to the ones that had tried to kill him back on Earth. Like a giant, metal scorpion, it had sharp legs, and a deadly-looking stinger filled with poison. Yet under all of that is one of those poor creatures he tortured to create this.
Its legs bunched, lowering slightly to its belly.
Raiden pushed away his sympathy. I need to fight. For Saura. He reached for one of the tools in his bag, clenching it awkwardly in his gloved hand.
One drop of that poison will kill me.
Or if one swipe of its claws slices through this suit.
Even better, if it knocks me from the ship, I could go tumbling through space to my death.
And it wants to live as much as I do.
He looked down at his weapon.
This tool is almost worthless against that creature.
An image of Saura’s face came to his mind. My beautiful mate. You gave up everything to save me. We’ve waited too long to be together to lose it all now. He thought of Kaemon and his plan to take her.
He narrowed his eyes. Whatever happens, I can’t die. Not when she needs me.
The last bit of Saura’s clothing had been torn away. And even though the larger man had blood leaking from his mouth where she’d kicked him, neither of the massive guards seemed to notice she even fought them. They undressed with hurried motions while she struggled against the bindings at her wrists.
If only I could free my hands, I’d turn these two to icy statues!
“You can’t do this, Raiden will kill you!” she shouted.
The larger man grinned, flashing rows of even teeth. “Ghosts can’t kill.”
She gritted her teeth. “Don’t you have any fear of your Khar or Khara?”
“Kaemon is our Khar,” the shorter man said, reaching down to grip his manhood.
These are not simply two unmated males losing control. These men are traitors!
“Then, don’t you fear what Kaemon will do to you? He has chosen me as his mate.”
“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” Both men crawled onto the bed from different directions.
Her muscles tensed, ready to fight. I’ll die before I let them touch me.
But just as that thought flashed in her mind, the door burst open. A voice yelled, “What the hell is this?”
She looked over the shoulder of the larger man to find her uncle’s wide eyes gazing at the scene before him.
“Please!” she begged.
He hurried across the room and stopped inches from them. “Release her this instant!”
“I can’t,” the larger man growled, “I won’t.”
Suddenly, blood splattered her face. Crimson liquid coated the guard’s mouth, chin, and chest, and he fell to the bed as her uncle removed the knife from his skull.
Her uncle struck again and the guard behind her screamed, then he, too, fell to the bed.
Her uncle stood before her, gripping his dagger in his large hands. Wiping the blade on the bedding, he frowned down at it, then concealed it once more in the sleeve of his red robes.
“Uncle, thank you. You saved me,” she whispered, scooting slowly, numbly away from the dead bodies.
He looked up, his expression momentarily blank, as if he’d forgotten her. But he quickly replaced it with a look of concern. “Of course, my dear.”
His gaze openly ran across her naked body, and she realized she was still in her mating frenzy. She pulled her knees up, her relief quickly replaced by a stomach-turning fear.
“Let’s get you washed up then.”
Grabbing her arm, her uncle hauled her to her feet and dragged her toward the bathroom.
“But we must get away! Kaemon will be back any moment.” She took a deep breath as he pushed her into the bathing area and turned on the water that rained down on her. The icy liquid drew a gasp from her, and her dark hair streamed down into her eyes. “He’s a traitor, and he has harmed Raiden. I believe our Khar is in grave danger. We must tell the others at once!”
Instead of answering her, he pushed a button on the wall, filling his hands with a soapy substance. She cringed as he began to rub the soap into her hair, then trailed down her back.
“Stop,” she begged. “I know I am in my Biryut, but I am your niece. Uncle, please.”
This male should be offering me comfort, not abusing and taking advantage of me like those disgusting animals. This is wrong! Everything I’ve endured since returning is wrong.
“Nonsense,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “I’m not as sensitive to females during their mating frenzy as I was when I was young. I simply want you clean before we discuss this ridiculous notion of Kaemon being a traitor. And I want to erase the scent of the other males before you are accused of being tainted.”
She took a deep breath, willing herself to remain calm. “Untie my hands so I can help.”
He gave a low chuckle. “Listen carefully, you are overcome by your needs. I have found you in an unmated male’s suite, nearly being mated by two males. If anyone else saw what I just witnessed, they would think you were not in your right mind. So I can’t release you before I have calmed you.” And then he reached for her again.
I don’t think so!
Kicking out, she caught him in the stomach.
The older man went flying and hit the ground, banging his head on the floor. Hard.
Not caring, she turned and ran through the bathroom and back through the room, her gaze trained on the button to the door. She might be putting herself more at risk, running naked through the halls with more unmated males, but she already knew the danger of remaining in the room with her uncle.
When she was nearly to the door, a body crashed into her own, sending her tumbling to the ground. Caught beneath her uncle’s large body, she found it nearly impossible to breathe.
“That was unwise, niece. First I come into rescue you, keeping you from voiding the mating agreement with Raiden. I even killed to keep you pure. And even though you knew what it would do to me to see such a beautiful woman wet and naked, I showered you to hide the evidence of your betrayal.” His next words were barely a whisper. “Now, for your insolence, you must be punished.”
The sound of the door sliding open was the most wonderful sound in the world.
“What in the blazing moons are you doing?” Kaemon yelled.
Am I actually happy to see him? she wondered, her mind filled with confused hatred.
Running footsteps crossed the room, then her uncle was yanked off her. Rolling onto her back, she took desperate breaths, watching as the younger man stared down at her uncle. Blue flames ran along the length of his hand.
“Please,” her uncle said, “I found two guards about to defile her. Then, she would have been tainted...useless to you. I saved her, and our plan. Please, don’t kill me.”
Wait! She stared in shock. My uncle was apart of this? He betrayed his Khar and his family...for what?
Kaemon’s gaze zeroed in on the bed where the two bodies still lay.
“So for once the treacherous snake speaks the truth.” His hand lowered slightly. “But still, I cannot allow a male who touched my female to live.”
Fire streamed from his hand and consumed her uncle. He screamed until it was abruptly cut off. Then his blackened body fell to the floor, ash floating in the air around it.
Kaemon’s merciless eyes turned to her. “It seems while I have been ensuring my spot on the throne, you have been busy.”
She shook her head. “Kaemon, you know I didn’t do anything. Just let me go. You can have the throne without me as your mate. Believe me when I say you may steal my body, and even my consent, but you will never have my mind or heart.”
Walking to her, he pulled her up by the bindings at her wrists. “Unfortunately you’re wrong—it isn’t just your body that wants me now. You need me, mind and body. We have waited long enough. You will willingly accept me inside you.”
The creature leaped at Raiden, and he jumped out of the way just in time.
It landed just behind him with a sound of metal grinding against metal.
It must have had powerful magnets on the bottoms of its spiky legs.
A terrible feeling of enraged helplessness came over him. This is Kaemon’s fault. He stole my father. He stole two years of my life, trapping me on Earth.
This time when the Spyre ran at him, he channeled his anger, coiling it tight, and swung his tool. It struck the creature, sending it flying. But it still landed on the opposite side of the ship.
Time seemed to slow. His breathing filled his ears.
Damn Kaemon. Damn that bastard.
Now he’s trying to steal my throne. And my mate.
The Spyre was still.
Suddenly a voice broke in to the back of his mind. He’s taking the things you didn’t want. Didn’t fight for.
You’re here because you didn’t want them. You didn’t pay attention to the signs that there was trouble before you left. You didn’t pay attention to Kaemon acting more like the heir to the throne than you...thinking he would never have any power.
This is what you get.
You’re out here, almost being killed by a robot with the mind of an animal whose creation you should have prevented.
But you didn’t focus on your people. You didn’t focus on the welfare of the animals under your command.
This isn’t Kaemon’s fault. It’s yours.
He stood there, his mind dizzy with the revelation, his body dizzy from lack of blood.
If I want it back, I’d better decide I want it—and start fighting for it.
Not for my father.
Not for my people.
Not for my mate.
For myself.
Then the Spyre came at him one more time.
He tried to dodge and swing, but it leaped and came down at him from above, knocking him to the surface of the ship. His legs remained awkwardly bent as his boots locked onto the craft. The Spyre turned its dark eyes onto his, its face inches from his own.
Beneath the metal, there is still an animal that Kaemon tortured to create his weapon. A creature that didn’t deserve what happened to it.
“Just do it,” Raiden rasped, sharp pain slicing through his throat as he spoke.
Above him, the creature stilled.
“I failed you. I should have prevented what he did to you. It wasn’t your fault. It was mine.”
It tilted its head, and the pressure of its body on top of him lessened slightly.
He cleared his throat and forced more words past his lips. “If you allow me to live, I promise that I will force them to stop the experiments. I will also find a way to help the rest of the Spyres who are already like you. And I’ll find a way to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
The creature made an unsettling clacking voice that seemed to go on forever before words formed in Raiden’s mind. Must kill you. No other choice.
It can’t fight its programming.
He thought quickly. “I can try to turn you off. You’ll sleep the whole way back, then we can help them together.”
The clacking continued.
“Please,” he entreated. “Let me help the others of your kind.”
The sharp ends of its legs settled on him more firmly, but it didn’t move to harm him. Is it actually giving me a chance to turn it off? Without wasting another moment, he used his gloved fingers, searching every inch of it, before finally finding the switch.
Flicking it, the Spyre’s body went limp.
He crawled out from under it, looking at its immobile body. I will honor my word to it. We will fix this.
He glanced briefly at the sun, then at the dark space behind him.
I do want it! He said firmly, knowing to the center of his being. Please, Father. Gods and Khars before me. Help me to survive this, he prayed. I will do my best to be the Khar my people need. A good husband to my mate. A caretaker of all the lives in my power, including the lives like this Spyre.
Just let me reach Saura in time to save her.
It took too long to rise and walk back to the door of his ship and even longer to make it back inside. Time seemed to crawl as he struggled to turn the power back on. But after what felt like forever, the console lit up and light filled the dark space.
Now, the moment of truth.
The ship was no longer set on a course for the sun, but as he feared, the star map gave no indication of where Hope was. I know the sector, but there’s a reason pilots need this technology.
Removing his helmet, he typed in the new coordinates. In a moment I must try to heal my throat, although I know little of the art of healing. But for now, the only thing I can do is pray.
And so he did.
Saura felt dirty in a way she was sure she could never wash free.
Kaemon had left her alone, yet again, as he dealt with the explanation about her deceased uncle. Briefly, she wondered how he’d explain all of the deaths.
But now he was back, and he held her in his lap in the bathing pool. It lay in the center of the bathroom, filling with insidious red liquid. The liquid was Sedua, made to heighten the desires of those who lay within it.
Like I need it.
Her inner muscles quivered as her skin slowly darkened to a shade of red nearly the same color as the water. I’m almost out of time.
“You’re so beautiful, Saura. And as angry as you are with me now, one day you will be thankful I killed Raiden and took you as my own.” He brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “He never wanted the throne. He didn’t care about the people.”
“Say what you like, but you didn’t kill him,” she challenged. “You could never kill a male like Raiden. He is our Khar. He has the will of the gods behind him.”
Kaemon grabbed her throat and drew her more firmly back against him until his hot breath blazed over her throat. “After tonight, I will be your god. You will beg me to enter you over and over again. And when I am done, you will be tied to me forever.”
She wanted to deny him, but doubt bubbled up within her. She could tell the end of her mating frenzy was drawing near. Her body felt hot, so hot that the air around her seemed to be charged with power. And her skin, it had darkened even further to a deep scarlet, reflecting the blood that raced through her veins like liquid fire. If his seed enters me in these final hours, my womb will accept his seed. His child will grow within my belly, and I will never escape him.
Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. “I will think of Raiden every moment you touch me. I will picture his face in my mind. Remember his hands on my body.”
A growl came from the male behind her, and suddenly, one of his hands wrapped around her throat and squeezed.
As her air was cut off, her eyes widened and she thrashed against him. Fire burned within her chest as her vision slowly darkened.
And then, he released her.
She gasped in air and her lungs shuddered.
“Oh, Saura. You just can’t help yourself, can you? Until you said that, I had planned to make this a night for both our pleasure. But now, tonight will be about my pleasure. And you should know, I get a great deal of my pleasure from the pain of others.”
She held herself still. He may take my body, but I’ll never be his.
And then, Kaemon was yanked from behind her and sent flying.
Hope blossomed in her heart as she looked up. There, standing before her, shirtless and streaked with blood, was Raiden.
I knew he lived. Saura felt a surge of relief, followed by horror. But he’s still in danger.
Her heart lurched. The blood-drenched bandages at Raiden’s throat and the pale tint of his red skin told her he was in no shape to battle Kaemon. I need to help!
“You!” Kaemon’s face twisted in rage as he struggled to sit up from where Raiden had thrown him against the wall. “How did you survive? It’s not possible.”
Raiden’s eyes flashed with anger, as even his pupils turned scarlet. “Anything is possible with a little courage...and compassion,” he rasped.
Kaemon slowly climbed to his feet, his naked body still dripping with the red liquid from the bathing pool. “However you survived, you will die now. I will not allow you to take my throne. Or my mate.”
She almost cried a warning when blue flames leaped from the traitor’s hands, but Raiden sprang to the side. The flames crashed into the wall behind him, leaving a blackened mark on the metal.
Kaemon growled and ran toward Raiden, who slowly backed up into the main room.
For a brief second, Raiden’s gaze swung to her. He’s trying to draw the fight away from me. Then he turned, leading Kaemon out of sight.
She struggled to climb out of the sloping walls of the bathing pool with her hands still tied behind her back. At last she did, then got to her feet, with a plan forming in her mind. When she reached the storage cabinet, she threw her shoulder against the button and the door slid open. Inside, she saw a number of useless items before she spotted the long silver razor.
Hurry! her mind cried as she heard the sounds of furniture toppling and Kaemon’s venomous swearing coming from the main room.
Turning, she tried to use her bound hands to grip the razor, but her hands were slick with liquid and shook too badly. She steeled herself. Raiden can’t have survived so much only to die at this coward’s hands! It took her several times before she actually managed to grip the blade in the correct manner. Then, cautiously, she used it to cut the rope. A little at a time.
When the bindings finally fell away, she gripped the razor with icy resolve. She raced toward the fight even as she heard Raiden cry out in pain. Stepping free of the bathroom, she saw Kaemon squeezing the injury at Raiden’s throat.
She was no warrior. But, in that instant, love and a desire to protect drove her actions. Clenching the razor, she pulled her arm back and threw it with all her might.
It stuck Kaemon full in his back, slicing into his flesh with its long blade. He screamed, dropping Raiden and clawing at the weapon.
Raiden fell to his knees, gripping his throat.
Saura ran to kneel before Raiden.
Raiden’s eyes were filled with pain. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Fresh blood dripped from his wound and down his chest.
Anger made her clench every muscle in her body. Rising slowly, she stood before the man who had hurt her mate. Who had hurt her. Who was a traitor. A murderer. And a monster.
She pointed her hand at him, the movement drawing his gaze.
“You wouldn’t,” he growled.
An image leaped to her mind, of a woman with blue eyes so pale they were nearly white. Of a creature she knew had to be the ice goddess herself.
“I would.” Then, ice flowed from her fingertips in a burst.
It poured from her, slamming into Kaemon. When she’d given every ounce of her magic, she crumpled to her knees. Kaemon stood, encased by ice. His expression frozen. His body frozen. His heart frozen.
I have used my magic to kill.
But somehow, the notion didn’t bother her nearly as much as she’d thought it might. Kaemon earned his fate.
Her legs shook and her head felt light as she looked to Raiden. Her mouth tasted of ash at the sight of him. He had grown paler. Pain twisted his features.
“We need to get you out of here.”
He nodded, then gestured to her naked body.
How can he think of the mating frenzy at a time like this? Then she realized he was right. I have to cover myself if we have any hope of reaching help, otherwise every unmated male we see will be too distracted to help us.
Rising, she grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around herself, then knelt and helped Raiden to his feet. Together, they made their way to the door. She hit the button and they stepped out into the hall. But the sight that met them made her blood run cold.
A dozen guards and several members of the council circled the door, their faces grave.
Saura tried to call forth her magic, but its response was only silence.
This is it, we are finished.
Raiden’s vision swam as he fought his body’s desire to pull him into unconsciousness. The pain in his throat was excruciating. He couldn’t swallow. Each breath was like an iron poker, burning the delicate flesh of his insides.
But I must hold on a little longer, Saura needs me.
His wavering gaze focused on Jetri. “Traitor,” he rasped.
The Elder moved toward him and grasped his arm tightly. “No, my Khar, we are loyal to you and only you. We discovered that you both were in danger and came as quickly as we could.”
Raiden scanned the faces of the men around him, then his gaze fell on Jaydee and Turk.
His two friends came forward.
Jaydee spoke softly, “It’s okay, Saura, we got him.”
My mate is safe. The tiny flicker of strength he’d been clutching slipped away.
They caught him before his knees gave out. He was aware of two people carrying him, and not much else.
Everything after that was a bit of a blur as his people scrambled to save his life. It was only hours later that the world seemed to finally slow. Raiden was no longer in physical pain, but his chest ached with the knowledge that things had changed.
I can no longer speak—how can I be Khar without my voice? My people need inspiration. They need a male who is strong like my father. And if the humans see the leader of the Elementas as weak, we will never succeed.
Only, he needed to hear the doctor tell him the truth. Say it! he silently begged her. Because if there was any chance he could be himself again...
He lay on the bed in his suite, his eyes locked on the doctor who stood over him, quietly putting away her tools. The older woman refused to meet his gaze, her long silver-streaked hair falling in a curtain around her face.
Coward. He cursed her, although the word held sadness rather than venom.
“Will his voice ever return?” Saura asked, giving life to the question that hung between them.
He held his breath, refusing to feel hope even though the traitorous feeling grew in the darkest part of his heart.
The older woman sighed audibly. “The damage was extensive. The way he healed it was wrong. It saved his life, but it’s not something I can undo.” She closed her bag and looked at them both. “I am sorry, my Khar and Khara, he will likely never speak better than he does now.”
Raiden closed his eyes. I survived, only for this to happen.
A man who cannot speak cannot rule. What will happen to my people now? And the people of Earth?
For a long time, he squeezed his eyes shut. He couldn’t handle the look of disappointment that must be painted across his mate’s face. Or worse, the look of pity.
“She’s gone,” Saura whispered, taking his hand.
“I cannot be Khar,” he rasped. He strained to make himself heard, but still his voice was quieter than her whisper.
Go ahead, my love, say what you must. Rant, rave, tell me how I’ve failed you.
But she didn’t. In fact, she said nothing at all.
He opened his eyes after a time, no longer able to put off the inevitable.
But instead of a look of pity, all he saw was determination in her stunning face. “You are the Khar. Both by blood and the will of the gods.”
“But—“
“I will be your voice when you need me. So, we won’t speak of this again.”
He shook his head. “I’m damaged. I can’t communicate the way a Khar needs to. I can’t be the one to lead us into a new era, not if I can barely be heard.”
Her hand squeezed his. “And do you actually think I’m the same female who left the Garden of Virtue those many days ago? I’m also damaged.”
His eyes narrowed as they swept over her. No, my Saura is perfect. Her heart has always been good. She deserves better than me.
She leaned forward, placing his hand above her breast. “I’m damaged in a way no one can see. But I need you, just like you need me.”
I can’t explain this to her. We’ve had so much pain and uncertainty. Maybe for a little while, we can just pretend nothing has changed.
Pulling her closer, he kissed her gently.
For too long, she didn’t respond, and then slowly, she kissed him back.
Perhaps she can still love me, even with all my flaws. Even if I’m not Khar.
Scooting away from him, she stood. “If we don’t mate soon, I may never be able to carry your child.” With hands that shook, she undid her silver robe and let it fall to the ground.
He couldn’t breathe. She is beautiful. A brave, strong, determined female, and she was all his.
Heat rushed through him. His blood pounded in his ears, and familiar feelings of lust and love raged inside of him. Her mating frenzy. My mind may have forgotten in the chaos, but my body apparently didn’t.
Climbing on top of him, she pulled the blanket back. Her eyes locked onto his naked cock, hard and ready. His manhood swelled under her heated gaze.
Yes, I want you. Want every inch of you.
But are you ready for me?
You’ve been through so much. I know you need to be mated, but do you want to be? And do you still want it to be me?
She moved on top of him, poising him just at the entrance of her womanhood. All thoughts left his mind. He could think of nothing but the warmth of her darkening skin. Of the soft, wet center of her, ready and waiting for him.
Control yourself. Follow her lead.
He groaned and grasped her ass gently, feeling his blood boiling with desire. Take her, take her now! His instincts screamed. But he fought against them. She is Saura, not just any female.
Taking her lips in another kiss, this time deeper and longer, he tasted her sweetness. His tongue swept into her warm mouth, stroking along her own eager tongue. His desire built like a fire. Every nerve seemed to sense every inch of his mate. Her breasts lightly grazed his chest. They found a slow rhythm as she stroked his length along her clit.
“Oh, Raiden,” she gasped, breaking their kiss as she threw back her head.
He leaned forward, capturing one of her nipples in his mouth. Sucking softly, he gloried in the way she ground against his cock. Then, he sucked harder before finally grazing her nipple with his teeth. She cried out, and he released her nipple, moving to the other one.
When she came down on him, taking his length fully inside her, he groaned in shock. His entire body trembled as he gripped her, waiting, afraid that if he moved he’d lose all control.
But he didn’t have to wait long, she rose up, then down again, slamming his cock into her once more. Over and over again she moved, her hips rolling, her hands pressing into his chest as she used him to build her own fires.
All the while, he forced himself to stay in control. To grip her hips, but to let her lead.
And that’s when he felt his Mating Muscle move, sliding upward to stroke her clit. Her rhythm grew faster, more desperate. Every pant of her breath was his name spoken like a prayer. His Mating Muscle squeezed her clit, gently at first, but harder and harder, following her pace. The fire within him built. Her touch, a mixture of pain and pleasure, sent his head reeling.
When she came, her inner muscles clenched him, holding his cock more tightly, quivering around him. The careful control he’d forced himself to observe shattered, and his croaky voice cried out his pleasure as he gripped her harder, using his strength to bring her down onto his hard manhood with increasing power.
Yes! Oh gods! Yes!
Her voice joined his own as her pussy tightened and quivered. She rode him harder, screaming out as she climaxed again.
The feeling of her coming around him was too much. His seed shot, warm and filling, into her eager pussy. Pleasure clouded his mind. Every nerve in his body came alive as waves crashed over him. Every quiver that clenched her inner muscles around him seemed to send explosions of pure ecstasy through his body. His toes curled. His skin blazed crimson, matching the color of her own. Together they were fire and fire, coming together, creating an inferno that felt as if it would never end.
This, this, my love, is it!
For a long time, her body held him tightly, draining every last drop of him in a process that was the greatest torture he’d ever experienced.
When she at last collapsed on top of him, he closed his eyes, feeling his Mating Muscle sliding back toward his body. That was incredible. Like nothing before. Because there was no doubt, they were mated together. In body, heart, and soul. A male could feel it. The moment his seed planted within his mate’s womb.
Soon the dreams would begin. The dreams from their child.
It was hard to breathe. He was happy. Despite everything, he was happier than he’d ever been.
And then a sob escaped his mate’s lips as tears rained down on his shoulder.
His eyes flew open, and he sat up so that she straddled him. He pulled her face from his shoulder and stared into the distraught face of the woman he loved.
“I’m sorry!” she cried, but the tears only came faster and harder.
He pulled her closer to him and held her as she cried, shoulders shaking. These were tears from deep within a person. Tears that tore from her heart.
What have I done? She is still fragile from her time as Kaemon’s prisoner. From all the bad experiences that have shadowed her since she went to look for me. And I was too rough.
It was a long time before she quieted, and then her voice came softly, “I told you I was damaged.”
He frowned, shame-filled words pulling from his lips. “Damaged? No, I’m the one who hurt you,” his raspy voice grated against his ears.
She looked at him, shaking her head. “You were gentle and kind, but my time with Kaemon...”
Everything within him froze. But Kaemon couldn’t force himself on her. He’d pulled her into the bathing pool, but I thought that I’d arrived before anything—
But you were wrong! an angry voice taunted him from within his own mind.
You callous, ignorant, selfish, son of a bitch! How didn’t you know? Why didn’t you even consider this?
His grip tightened around her. “Tell me.”
Her eyes filled with tears once more. “You’ll never look at me the same again.”
No, I won’t. Every time I look at her I’ll see how I failed her. But that isn’t what she means...
He swept her dark hair back from her face with hands that worshipped the female who was his mate and who carried his child. “Nothing you could say could ever make me love you less.”
“I’ve been soiled. Used.” She pressed her knuckles to her forehead.
“Anything that happened is a scar on him, on his character, not yours,” he reassured her, taking her hands from her face, and laying her down to curl at his side. “Tell me,” he said, stroking her hair gently.
And so, very slowly, she did. He said nothing as she recounted her torture and mistreatment at the hands of his enemies. But inside, he died. He should’ve been there to protect her. This is my burden to bear, not hers.
“So you see,” she said, her words broken by hiccups. “We’re both damaged.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, and spoke, flinching at his harsh voice. “No, we’re not. But I failed you once. I won’t do it again. I’ll remain the Khar, and you’ll be my voice.”
Her body relaxed slightly. “You don’t hate me?”
“No.” His voice was even quieter. “I hate myself for letting this happen to you.”
“It wasn’t your fault. And this, I’m afraid it’ll destroy things between us. What happens if you can never touch me again without me remembering? What happens if I can never be the way I was?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Neither of us will ever be the same again. But with time, we’ll heal.”
The air in the room seemed to change. Relief flowed from the tiny female in his arms.
She cuddled closer to him. “I’m glad we’re finally together. That things can finally be the way I imagined, with the male I love.”
Images made every muscle in his body stiffen. Memories of his time aboard the tiny craft bound for the sun. Of the realizations he’d come to. And of the Spyre.
“What is it?” she whispered, her hand stroking his chest.
“I have a confession.” He swallowed, trying to force the words past his lips. “I understand why Kaemon rebelled against my father and me.”
She sat up, anger flashing in her eyes. “It was because he was a selfish, jealous—“
“He was those things.” He brushed back her dark veil of hair, tucking it behind one ear. “But my father and I made some mistakes. My father was too comfortable. He missed problems because he wasn’t diligent enough to search for them.”
Nibbling her bottom lip, she met his gaze. “Perhaps that’s true. But you did nothing wrong.”
“I did.” So many things. “I let my reluctance to be Khar, my relationship with my father, and my grief over my mother’s death turn me into a sulking child. Kaemon and the others were right to question what kind of a ruler I would be.”
She shook her head, brows raised. “No, they were wrong. Listen to me, you were young. You thought you had plenty of time before you’d have to rule, hundreds of years before you had to—“
He raised a hand to silence her. “Please, Saura, I need to take responsibility for my part in this.”
“But—“
“I should’ve done better. You were younger than me and you did better.”
Still defiance had her tilting her head in a sexy movement. “Risking your life to go to another planet to save the lives of countless people makes you a good Khar, whether they realize it or not.”
And here it is. He cleared his throat. “I went to the planet to learn the truth, but more than that, I went to the planet to prove my father wrong. Someone else should’ve gone. Had I been here, my father would be alive, and my people wouldn’t be in such a bad position.”
“Oh.” She hung her head and seconds ticked by. “Well, then, I guess you do need to do better. For me. For your future child. And for your people.”
“I will,” he promised, and meant it with every fiber of his being.
She laid her head back on his chest and for a long time neither spoke. He was sure she’d finally fallen asleep when her question came. “Soon we’ll arrive at Erth. Do you really believe that they’ll allow us to share their planet? That all will be well?”
Gods, I hope so.
“All will be well as long as you’re at my side.”
“But what if the humans say no? What if our people push us to destroy them?”
His laugh was low and grating. “When their females see our males, and our males see their females, the deal will be done.”
She shivered in his arms. “I guess we won’t know until we arrive.”
No, no we won’t.
For the first time in his life, there holding his mate, he really thought of what he wanted for his people’s future. What he knew was that he wanted them to be happy. To be more like the humans. But how would he go about doing that?
He knew the first step instantly. Rusty had a saying, “happy wife, happy life.” It was another of his unexpected phrases that were both simple and brilliant. The humans were happier because their women were happier. They were freer. The women weren’t expected to hide themselves away, because the men couldn’t control themselves.
He wanted his women to have more freedom. He wanted his men to learn control, so the women could be safer. In order to do so, the males would need to begin seeing the females as equals, creatures to protect and love, but equals.
I know exactly how to start this new era. To create a society of people who are full of life, as the humans are.
“When we get to Earth, I want you to be the one to negotiate the treaty.”
Saura sat up and stared at him, eyes wide. “You are not damaged. You can—“
He brushed her cheek gently. ”I know. I understand now. You must negotiate because in this new world things must be different than they have been.”
“How?” Her anxiety made her muscles tighten beneath his touch.
“I should not be Khar because my father was Khar, or because the gods chose me. I should lead our people because, with you by my side, we are the best leaders for our people.”
She started to shake her head. “This is too important.”
“Between the two of us, you will do the best job. You have been preparing to lead our people all your life. I’ve only been preparing for a short time.” He took a deep breath, and winced. “And because if we wish the council or our people to ever see you as anything more than my shadow, this is our best opportunity.”
She stared at him and started speaking slowly. “Father told me over and over again as a child that a Khara’s role is to support him as ruler, not to be ruler. But somehow, even as a young girl, I felt the power within me to do more than just be your shadow. I wanted to rule too.” She took a deep breath. “Perhaps this is what I must do if I want to be seen as more to my people. To make things better for our females. For our daughters.”
“Thank you, my love.”
She never ceases to amaze me.
Resolve strengthened her words. “I will fight until I win.”
He smiled. “I know you will.”
Raiden stood with his back stiff, trying to appear proud and strong as his image was sent to every television screen in the United States. “We are the Elementas. A race of aliens with far superior technology to your own, and our fleet of ships are currently in orbit around your planet. We are opening this communication channel with your leaders in hopes of arranging a meeting to discuss how we can benefit each other.” He smiled in a way he hoped looked friendly. “We await your response.”
The communication ended, but the room remained quiet. Painfully silent.
The elders still wonder whether this will work. Whether the humans are as intelligent as we’ve claimed.
He turned to Saura with a question in his eyes.
“You did well,” she reassured him, but her hands remained folded tensely in her lap.
He nodded, feeling unsure. They had not wanted to say too much. Their message had two purposes. The first was to arouse curiosity in the humans so they wouldn’t immediately react out of fear. And the second was to begin negotiations immediately.
But was I successful?
A pulse-like bell came from the large table. Jaydee tapped to open the viewscreen in the center, his gaze running over whatever he could see from his angle. Time seemed to crawl as they waited for him to speak.
Jaydee leaned back in his chair, one brow raised. “Their president has arranged a date and time. He says that you are to come as his invited guests.”
Saura rose and wrapped her arms around Raiden’s shoulders. “You did it, my love. You did it.”
He leaned into her touch, amazed. After all we have been through, could it all really be this easy?
Somehow he suspected that their true fight was just beginning.
Saura felt the shuttle touchdown and looked at the viewscreen again, staring through a gate at the large white building that housed the humans’ representative. What a strange castle.
I hope I’m dressed appropriately.
The gown she wore had been designed specifically for the “first time the humans would see the alien queen.” Raiden had assured her it was perfect, but Saura felt uncertain as she stroked the thick blue material of the flowing skirts. Everything depends on this meeting. We can’t afford to mess it up.
Her long hair had been drawn up, strings of gold-and-blue gems had been woven through the strands. But the centerpiece was her crown. It still looked impossibly fragile, like twigs weaved together, but the thin gold only made the three massive gems seem ever bigger.
When she’d looked in the mirror before boarding the shuttle, she’d seen a strange face staring back at her. Her hair seemed to glow, even her skin, dusted with crushed diamonds, seemed to glow.
Will I seem too strange to the humans?
“Smile,” Raiden rasped, rising from his seat beside her and unbuckling her. “You can do this.”
How can he seem so sure, when I can hardly breathe?
He radiated confidence, wearing a simple white shirt and pants colored a red so deep they were nearly black. High black boots and his impressive crown looked simple at first glance. But the sure strength and size of his body hummed of power. And teamed with his bronzed, deep-red skin, and scarlet-ringed eyes, she knew he would look to the humans every bit the young, dangerous king he was.
Raiden knows these people better than I do. I should trust him.
He reached out for her, and she took his outstretched hand.
She stood, giving him a smile she knew was wobbly. “I wish I was as confident as you.”
Behind them, the three Elders that had agreed to accompany them rose with groans and mumbles. She glanced at them. Jaydee, Jetri, and Turk wore scarlet robes, and all looked large and imposing. Ready to do battle .If necessary.
Jaydee and Turk clasped hands with Raiden, flashing cocky smiles. “Time for some fun.”
Raiden grinned back, leaning closer so they could hear his words, but she could see that his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Control yourselves among the females, my friends. There are many of them.”
“So you say,” Jaydee mumbled, doubt adding to the shadows beneath his eyes.
Turk elbowed him. “Try not to scare them off before we’ve even had a chance at them.”
Saura rolled her eyes. “Or we can focus on our negotiation.”
But she said the words lightly. They’re trying to distract themselves with the women, just like I’m trying to distract myself with clothing. Neither matters in the end. All that matters is being successful. Our people need a planet.
“We shouldn’t keep them waiting,” Jetri said, wrinkles deepening the corners of his mouth.
She took a deep breath. It’s time.
Raiden hit the button beside the door, and noise exploded.
She cringed and stared in shock. Barricades had been placed in the middle of the large street, holding back hundreds and hundreds of people. Perhaps thousands. Uniformed males guarded the barricades, but all eyes were focused on them. Lights began to flash at them.
“What in the blazing moons?!” Jetri asked, shielding his eyes.
“They’re just taking pictures of us. Smile. Look confident.” Raiden squeezed her hand, and they exited their craft, with the three Elders behind them.
He led her to the white gate where a long line of men dressed in black with black masks waited. “Riot gear,” Raiden whispered, although she wasn’t sure what he meant.
The guards parted, and a small party of well-dressed men and women smiled nervously. This is it.
There were introductions, where they learned they would be meeting the human leader inside the enormous white castle. They were led briskly down the path. At the large doors, two humans opened them. Their group was then led through a maze of halls, thankfully far quieter and calmer than out in the streets, before they were led to a plushly decorated room with a large rectangle table in the center.
Raiden froze in the doorway. “Where are the leaders?”
A small pale man behind him swallowed. “Security detail will bring them in a moment.”
Her mate raised a brow. “If we meant you harm, we wouldn’t waste our time with this meeting.”
“Of course, of course.”
A tall man with dark brown skin gave a forced smile. “Please, seat yourselves. Partake in our refreshments. The president and his team will be here shortly.”
They sat on one side of the table, although from the set of Jetri’s jaw, Saura knew he felt insulted at being kept waiting. She inclined her head to one of the men, indicating that their glasses should be filled with the red liquid in the center. The servant didn’t move. Different customs, I’m sure.
“Our glasses,” she said, catching his eye.
The little man sprang forward and poured their drinks, then moved back against the wall. When the doors opened again, a man in a dark suit strode in, along with four other men, and two women.
Their party rose in greeting. Although in their culture it was an insult to be left waiting, they could not expect the humans to have the same customs. Introductions were made, and soon they were all seated around the table, each group evaluating the other.
Her attention was completely stolen by their leader. This man would be her opponent in the negotiations. A man with a smile that reaches his eyes, and a look of intelligence.
He was a tall man, nearly as tall as their own males. He had blue eyes so pale they were nearly white, and dark skin, with a smooth, bald head. But what she found the most intriguing about him was his presence. He commanded all his people, not with a word or a look, but by simply being near them. Like Raiden’s father. Like Raiden.
This will not be easy.
“I have to say,” President Rutford began, “it gave our people quite a fright to see those ships of yours come into orbit, and to receive your message.”
Look calm. Speak for your people. They’re depending on you.
Saura sipped the red beverage, trying to hide her disgust at the sharpness of the drink as she carefully set it down. “I can imagine.”
A strained silence stretched between them.
“So, King Raiden of the Elementas, what is it exactly that we can do for you?” The president said, turning to face her mate.
It’s time. Everything has lead to this moment.
“I am Khara Saura Moro of the Elementas, Raiden’s mate.”
The president quickly hid his frown. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize...pleasure to meet you... Khara Saura Moro of the Elementas.” Then, he cleared his throat. “What can we do for you?”
It took a few seconds for the council to realize what was happening. She caught the briefest glimpse of their shocked expressions, before she turned to focus every ounce of her attention on President Rutford.
Saura took her time in answering. “I have heard what humans expect of an encounter with aliens, war or peace. I know all of you are frightened right now, imagining what we might want of you. But the truth is, the outcome of this is up to you.”
“How so?” the president asked, steepling his fingers together in front of him.
Saura felt all eyes on her. Calm. Be calm. Do not let them sense your fear.
“My people are in need, Mr. President. Our planet was destroyed, and we have been traveling for many long years to get here. We cannot go on in this manner. We need a place to rest. And we will get what we want....what we need. But the decision is yours whether it is through peace or war.”
Surprise flashed in his dark eyes. “What is it you want?”
“We wish to sign a treaty. We desire some of your lands to be designated as the new Elementa Nation. I have brought with me a map indicating specifically which ones. In return, we offer the opportunity to greatly lengthen your life spans.”
Their leader leaned back in his chair, brows raised. “That’s quite an exchange.”
Saura laughed softly. “I’ve studied your history. What we’re asking for is not that unusual.”
Saura was surprised to see the humans relax slightly around the table. Raiden was right, the more we show the balance between us being powerful, capable of violence, but not too different from them, the better this will go.
“That’s true,” President Rutford said, his strong lips curved, hinting at a smile. “But negotiating with aliens is new to us.” He cleared his throat. “You all should know, Americans are not exactly the kind of people to take something like this lying down.”
She saw Jetri stiffen out of the corner of her eye, the red rings around his pupils darkening. “Your people would be lucky to have us.” There was venom in his voice.
With a subtle gesture, she caught his attention. His expression was that of man ready to do battle. Her eyes locked on his. Calm. Be calm.
A servant offered them all steaming mugs.
Their leader took a mug, sipped it, and winced. “Too hot,” he murmured.
“Let me.” She rose and walked toward him.
The guards behind them stiffened, but the president held up a hand.
Reaching, she touched his mug, letting just a bit of her ice magic flow. “Try it now.”
A man beside the president shook his head.
Their leader locked gazes with her. She smiled reassuringly.
He brought the mug to his lips, froze, then returned her smile. “Better. Much better.”
Her smile widened. “Glad to help.”
She returned to her seat, and took her own mug in her hand, cooling it before taking a slow sip. This drink was bitter, but far better than the red one.
“Do you mind if I ask how you did that?” the president asked, watching her over the top of his mug.
“Of course not.” She began to explain to them about the males and females of their race, about the fire and water that flowed through their veins. When she was finished, she sensed awe in the humans.
“Magic powers,” he said, grinning. “Our people will love that.”
She returned his grin with one of her own. “Our people are different, but not as much as you might imagine. We love. We hate. We care for our families. And now, all we want is a place to peacefully settle.”
“Why the United States?” he asked. “There are a lot of other countries you could have gone to.”
Raiden had prepared her for this question. “We are a small group, and we do not breed quickly. We do not need lands all over the world to comfortably live for hundreds upon hundreds of years.” And here, she took a deep breath. “And we are more familiar with America.”
His brow rose. “Familiar?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “My mate lived here for two years, and this is not my first visit either.”
Silence met her words.
“In fact,” she continued. “One of the lands we indicated, the one that we want to populate first, are lands we are familiar with. Near a town and a people we appreciate and enjoy immensely.”
The president cleared his throat and glanced at one of the men next to him. “I guess the conspiracy theories were right. There were aliens among us.”
She tried to hide her frown, confused. “I say this only to reassure you. We can live among you. Peacefully.”
His dark eyes met hers once more. “So, why don’t you tell us more about the longer lives you are offering?”
This is it.
Raiden nodded, ever so slightly, his hand brushing her thigh beneath the table.
The humans seemed to hold their collective breath.
Here goes nothing.
“Jetri, how old would you think that man is?” she asked, pointing to a man with gray hair, suspicious eyes, and badges decorating his uniform.
Jetri shrugged, annoyance evident on his expression. “Perhaps around the same age as me, give or take twenty years.”
“Which is?”
The elder glared. “Somewhere between four and five hundred.”
Confusion filled the eyes of the humans.
“And how old are you?” she asked the human male.
He crossed his arms in front of his chest, opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. “Sixty-three years old.”
Jetri laughed. “Impossible.”
Saura raised a hand to indicate silence, then turned back to the president. “I say this to illustrate my point. We have learned there are two issues facing your world. The first is your short life spans and the second is overpopulation. We can help with both.”
“How?” he asked, true interest sparking in his eyes for the first time.
“We have technology that slows the aging process, slows the dying of cells. The only side effect is that most of our people are limited to one or two children.”
He stroked his chin. “So you could make all our people live longer?”
She nodded. “But our research suggests that the target age for your people to be given the vaccine would be before the age of twenty-five. Most children born to that new generation will already have long lives and reduced fertility.”
The humans all looked to one another, emotions flashing across their faces faster than she could read.
“And you’d be willing to give us this technology in exchange for the lands you desire?”
“Yes.”
He leaned back in his chair. “You’ve given us a lot to discuss.”
“Hopefully the choice will come easily and swiftly, Mr. President. I’m afraid our people’s patience fades with each passing day. They need fresh air. Sunlight.” She rose, and Raiden and the elders followed her movements. “Jaydee?”
Jaydee pulled the screen out of one of the pockets in his robe, and pressed it, bringing the swirling map to life.
“Look over our offer. You have twenty-four hours to respond, and then we will withdraw it and bring our deal to another nation.”
The humans rose. They shook hands as they left, following the same path back out.
At the large gate, Raiden took her hand, leaning so that his lips were almost pressed against her ear. “You did well, as I knew you would.”
“But was it enough?”
“We’ll see soon enough.”
Her stomach flipped. Yes, we will. The fate of our entire people rests on how well I negotiated with the humans.
They were nearly to their craft when they realized Jaydee and Turk had drifted to the crowd. She went after them, grasping their arms. “What is it?”
Jaydee’s eyes were wide as he turned to her. “Do you see all the women? Raiden wasn’t kidding.”
She glanced back to see the way the women leered at the tall, red-tinted alien men in their long robes. Hunger flickered in the depths of their eyes, and she thought of Raiden’s words. When their females see our males, and our males see their females, the deal will be done.
She hoped he was right.
Negotiations had gone as smoothly as possible, at least on their end, and the Elementas immediately began settling in the woods outside of the little college town and Rusty’s as soon as the documents were signed. The sprawling four hundred acres of protected lands had become the first city on their new homeworld. Raiden had decided to name it Hope, after their mothership. A nod to their many years spent traveling in space.
Their ships had been designed for settling in their new homeworld. Seeds had been dispensed, growing from them homes, buildings, and a castle very similar to those found back on Falaytious. Yet, they grew with the nature around them, buildings that reflected the greens and browns of their new home. Wide windows looked out upon the woods, giving the people who had been trapped for so long the feeling of complete freedom.
They love this world. Just as I do. Raiden felt pride. Now all his people would know what it was to love Earth, and they didn’t have to destroy it to do so.
A stream of ambassadors and government officials had driven their vehicles up the paths into their city, and every expression was one of shock. How has such a city sprung up overnight? Look at all these massive scarlet-skinned males and their little blue females!
Yet they left taking comfort in the fact that, despite appearances, they weren’t all that different. At least I hope they realized that.
A sound had him turning from the balcony overlooking his new city. His mate scurried up the steps, wearing pants. They were flowing like a skirt but, as Saura had explained to the other females, far more practical.
When she reached him, she leaped into his arms.
He smiled, his raspy words leaving his lips, “Did your plans go well?”
She pressed a soft kiss to the stubble on his chin and pulled back, grinning. Strands of her dark hair had come loose, framing her face. The golden glow of Earth’s sun made the hairs shine, like a halo.
This planet has been good for her.
“Yes, the women of age have their own area, but it’s still close to us. Just a few minutes’ walk up the path.”
He frowned. “Will they be safe there?”
She stood up straighter. “There are mated males as guards. But Raiden, the women should not be prisoners. Our men must be taught to control themselves. Things must change.”
“This is the way we’ve always done things.”
She turned to him, and he saw the fire in her eyes. She had truly become the voice of their people. “So many other things have changed, why not this?”
His heart skipped a beat. “I’m sure if you desire it, you can make it happen.”
Her smile returned. “I’ve already done away with those awful blue pills.”
“Awful?”
“Yes!” She nodded, venom in her voice. “As long as I am Khara, we won’t be drugging our females into not feeling. Our scientists had a way to keep our mating frenzy at bay without turning us into compliant slaves, but they refused to use it because they preferred things this way. But no more!”
“I’m sure the Great Mother is enjoying that.”
Her anger faded, her eyes sparkling. “She is not. Nor does she deserve to.”
He started to laugh, the sound like the scraping of nails. He stopped, looking away from her.
She drew him back, with one finger on his chin. “I love your laugh.”
“You have to say that.”
One of her hands traced from his collar, her nails running slowly down until she stopped at his stomach. “It kind of... kind of...”
“Yes?”
He held his breath.
“Turns me on.”
In seconds, he’d swung her into his arms.
She gasped, laughing. “Raiden, it’s the middle of the day.”
“And too soon we’ll be too busy with a babe to enjoy each other whenever we wish.”
Her arms wrapped around his neck and she snuggled closer to him. His cock hardened even more painfully. Her touch. Her smell. It drove him wild.
I was promised her mating frenzy would end, and then I’d be free.
She shifted a little, and his body buzzed with need.
Gods, I hope this lasts forever.
He ignored the servants’ glances as they passed, circling up another story until he reached their bedroom. Inside, he laid her gently on the bed. His hands shook as he undid the ties of her shirt and pulled back the two halves.
“Raiden!”
But he barely heard her. The sight of her lying on their bed, nipples hard and waiting, was too much for him. He climbed on top of her and used his hands to cup her breasts, then to draw slow circles around her nipples, drawing gasps of pleasure from his mate. His lips found hers, pressing, demanding entrance.
After a moment, she parted her lips, and his tongue slid inside. Her eager tongue met his, and his head spun as every nerve in his body sang with pleasure.
She is mine. Every inch of her. For now and eternity.
He pulled back from her mouth, only to venture down, sucking and teasing one of her nipples as she arched and cried out his name. When he moved to the other one, she grabbed his shoulders.
“Enough, Raiden, I need you inside me.”
Who was he to argue?
Drawing back, they both removed their clothes, and then he looked at her again. Thighs spread wide, her swollen womanhood was waiting for him to fill her. He wanted nothing more than to enter her with one swift thrust of his manhood.
But he didn’t. Not yet.
For one long moment he simply stared at her. Stared at the woman who was always meant to be his. The woman who made him want to be a better man.
Moving over her, he reached out and stroked her chin with his thumb. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered. Then, her nails dug into his back. “Now, stop stalling, I’m losing my mind.”
He grinned. “Am I torturing you?”
Something flashed in her eyes. A second later, her hand closed around his hardened cock.
He cried out as she began to stroke him.
His willpower vanished. “Saura...”
It was a warning.
He closed his eyes, trying to calm himself.
Then, he felt her slide beneath him, and suddenly her hot mouth had taken his cock deep inside. He bucked. She reached around his legs, sinking sharp nails into his ass. He wanted to slow down, but she had other plans. She took him deeper and harder each time, taking his thrusts with an eagerness that had his head spinning.
At last, he rasped, “No more!”
She drew his cock from her mouth, her hot breath teasing his tip. “Have I tortured you enough?”
“Yes,” he groaned.
She slid back up, wrapping her legs around his back.
His body reacted before his mind could process it. His tip slid into her hot womanhood, filling her tightness with his iron rod.
It was her turn to buck, to scream his name.
He gritted his teeth and slid in and out of her, forcing every ounce of his control until he felt her tighten around his cock. Until he felt the quivers as they came over her body. And then he snapped, thrusting in and out with a rhythm that had her screaming his name as she flew over the edge.
As she orgasmed around him, he lost control, exploding his hot seed into her as her inner muscles squeezed and held his cock. He continued to rock inside her until his seed was spent.
It took him several long minutes before he remembered where he was. His muscles twitched. His head felt light. He rolled off her and held her firmly against his body.
A teasing wind stirred the white curtains off their balcony, carrying with it the welcoming scent of the woods. Golden light warmed their bodies from the Earth’s sun, relaxing every last one of his muscles. This was perfection. All he had ever wanted.
His eyes began to close.
“Didn’t you promise to take Turk and Jaydee to the human bar tonight?”
Damn. Damn. Yes, I did.
“But perhaps we have time...?” she asked, already stroking his chest.
Despite his best intentions to sleep, to enjoy the warmth of the sun, and the relaxation in his muscles, his cock was already growing hard. What has this little female done to me?
––––––––
JAYDEE AND TURK STOOD at the bar of the college club, staring at the females as they danced beneath the ever-changing lights. Their gazes clung to the barely clad bodies of the young women, hunger lighting their eyes.
“Go,” Raiden commanded. “Dance with them.”
His friends had to lean closely just to hear his words. But even so, he was sure it was his gesture more than his voice that they understood.
Turk took a step forward, but hesitated. A pretty blonde stumbled into him, looked up, and smiled drunkenly. “You’re one of those aliens, huh?”
He nodded, too stunned to speak.
She took his hand, sliding from the side of her breast to wrap around her back. “Come dance with me.”
A moment later, Turk was in a circle of women, their bodies pressing against his larger one.
Enjoy yourself, my friend. You deserve it.
But then he glanced at Jaydee, who had turned his back to the women, staring down at his drink. Raiden jostled him with his shoulders, raising his brows.
Jaydee rubbed his closely shaved dark hair in a frustrated gesture. “I just... this doesn’t feel right...”
Frowning, Raiden motioned for Jaydee to join him outside, where it was quiet enough for him to be heard. They picked a calm place on a balcony overlooking the busy main road below.
“What is it?”
Jaydee shook his head. “It’s stupid.”
A spike of worry crawled through his belly. “Tell me.”
“It’s just—” his friend met his gaze, then looked away. “I’ve had this feeling. Something drawing me.” He took a deep breath. “You described the way you knew Saura was meant for you. You said it wasn’t because of the negotiations or your families, or anything else. You just knew. I know that rarely happens...that idea that perhaps we were meant for someone. But...is it possible that I am meant for someone, too? Perhaps a human?”
It took Raiden a long time to answer as his thoughts swirled. “Perhaps.”
Jaydee laughed and chugged the beer in his hand. “This is stupid. I know. Since my father took his life, I am the head male of the family. I am part of your council and an Elder. I don’t have time to listen to this strange pulling. I have responsibilities. I have—“
“Go.”
“Go?” his friend repeated, fear and hope blossoming in his eyes.
You have lost so much. Your father. Your faith in me. You deserve this.
“We don’t know how the humans will impact us. Call it a fact-finding mission. Go out and discover if whatever, or whoever, you feel pulling you is something of significance.”
He almost smiled, but instead, shook his head. “There is so much to do.”
Raiden rolled his shoulders back. “I wasn’t asking.”
This time, a smile did play at the corners of his somber friend’s mouth. “Yes, my Khar.”
Hours later, Raiden held Saura as she slept, the pale moon illuminating their room in its welcoming light. Turk had not returned with them. Three females had dragged him to their apartment. And Raiden had no doubt his friend would return very, very happy.
But it was Jaydee he thought of. His friend had barely come back long enough to pack, and then he’d taken a shuttle and left. Whatever was pulling him, Raiden hoped it would not bring his friend danger.
Saura rolled in her sleep, drawing the covers from her belly. The small bump pressed against her white gown. He reached out and touched his growing child. Pride and amazement blossomed in his chest. His female. His child.
He closed his eyes, and sleep came.
The boy was not a child. Raiden had not expected that. He had his father’s strong chin, but his mother’s expressive eyes. He stood before his father, seriousness reflected in his dark gaze.
“You need to begin preparing.”
“Preparing?” Raiden asked, he took several steps forward, but he seemed no closer to his son.
“When I am of age I will have to go back. To the Ice Planet.”
Raiden’s heart froze within his chest. “Why?”
“Because she waits for me. Can’t you feel it?”
Raiden shook his head. “Son—“
“Without her, none of us will survive.”
Chills crawled up his spine. “Survive what?”
Suddenly, his son’s face filled his vision. “THEM. Father, the dark cloud is coming.”
Goose bumps erupted across his flesh. “You don’t know what you’re saying. They’ve been gone. Wiped out.”
The scarlet rings around his child’s eyes grew. Brilliant drops ran down his cheeks. “Without her, the Elementas and the people of Earth will die. Start preparing, Father. I must go to her.” He opened his eyes, shaken. Sleep didn’t come again.
Saura frowned as she touched her belly. The baby would arrive soon, but Raiden had behaved like a madman for months. Their city was built. Thriving. Coexisting with the locals better than anyone could’ve imagined. Turk had even taken a human mate as his own.
But still, her own mate moved as if in a panic.
Their scientists expressed constant annoyance. They looked exhausted, and still, he drove them.
She understood that he wanted a craft. One capable of some advanced form of travel. Weapons beyond their current technology. But the question that haunted her nights was why? Why did he need such things?
Perhaps it has something to do with Jaydee, because he has not yet returned.
She didn’t know where her mate’s best friend had gone, but she knew Raiden had kept the information to himself. Which bothered her. He claimed to keep his secrets for the good of their baby. Pregnancies were difficult and often resulted in miscarriages. He thought by not telling her, he kept her from worrying.
Why can’t he understand that it only makes me worry more?
Sighing, she rose from her bench along the Spyre/Pufferies preserve.
As she walked along the path familiar sharp pains began in her back. Her breathing grew harsh. She slowed her pace even further.
A Spyre crossed her path, paused, and stared at her with curiosity. Reaching into her bag, she threw bits of dried fish onto the path. It used its spiderlike legs to touch the food. They like it, even though they no longer eat as they once did.
Two small fuzzy Pufferies scurried onto the path, gobbled down the fish, and raced off. She smiled, then winced as the sharp pain in her back came again, this time followed by a tightening of her belly. Too much walking for today.
The Spyre tilted its head. Tell that husband of yours he’s out of time.
Her eyes widened. Raiden had told her they could communicate telepathically, but one had never done so with her. Out of time for what? She thought back at it, wondering if it could hear her.
Another shooting pain had her doubling over.
To prepare for your son. To prepare for his role in The Great War.
His son was born. Nine pounds, eleven ounces. With a bellowing scream that filled the sky.
But at that same moment, his mother’s heart stopped.
Raiden knew it. He felt it deep in his heart, tearing at his soul.
He roared hoarsely as tears of horror and disbelief ran down his cheeks. He stared down at the still form of his mate, then at the doctor. Figures raced around her and the baby in a frenzy of motion. But after several long moments, the doctor turned to him and shook her head, eyes filled with disbelief.
Raiden pushed past them, took her hand, and commanded that she live. He pushed into her his fire and his love. He tried to call forth the same powers she had used to save his life when Kaemon had slit his throat. But, her heart remained still.
With a desperation brought forth by his love, by his determination that they live and die as one, he placed his hands on her chest and sent his magic surging into her. Forcing them past every barrier. You saved my life, I will save yours.
Even if it costs me my life.
Gasps filled the room. Her bed caught fire as the doctors sprang back. The room was filled with blue flames so dark they were nearly black.
He sank to his knees, still grasping her hand, as his vision went fuzzy. They must think I’m mad. That I plan to burn my dead wife’s body. But he knew better, his female wasn’t just water like them, she was fire, too. With a flame of life that burned greater than the human sun.
He rose on knees that shook and stared into her pale face. Live! Damn it, Saura! My love. My mate. Mother to my son. Live!
And then her eyes opened, scarlet-and-sapphire rings surrounded by black.
When her gaze slid from him to her wailing child, her eyes narrowed.
“Bring him to me,” she croaked.
They did, at least close enough for Raiden to reach out and take the child. The fire roared around the family as the babe was placed in Saura’s arms. They stared down at their beautiful son. Raiden looked from mother to child, and saw that both had the same look of determination. Of raw strength.
Both would live.
His heart seemed to swell. Even though I didn’t deserve any of this, I somehow have the world I love. The woman I love. And the child I love.
The future will come soon enough. For now, I can ask for nothing more.
