Trish is doing her usual thing — checking out the hot guy she calls The Bod at the supermarket — when she discovers a weird anomaly in aisle 6. When she gets too close, she finds herself transported to another time and place, and The Bod is waiting for her, dressed as a desert sheik. Anders wants to help Trish work out her sexual fantasies. On the fun scale, it sure beats her job in the IT department.
Anders has been tasked to save his species by mating with a woman from a different version of Earth. Trish is his most compatible DNA match. He must keep her with him by any means possible and give her as much sex as she can stand. But will his deception force them apart?
That cute guy was back at the supermarket again. Trish Swanson had watched him for weeks now. Setting out melons and handling tomatoes gently — like a lover. Most of all climbing to reach something on the top shelf for tiny Mrs. Gilmore. Despite her seventy-odd years, Mrs. G’s eyes sparkled whenever he did it. In fact, the old lady was probably putting him up to it and didn’t really need the generic, canned dog food up there. As far as Trish knew, she didn’t even have a dog. But when he stretched out to his full height, the muscles in his shoulders bunched and released, and he gave anyone watching a good look at a major-league ass. After a while, Trish and Mrs. Gilmore had coordinated their shopping schedules with his shifts so they could both enjoy the view at least once a week.
Today, Mrs. G hadn’t shown up, and Trish remained at her station in the pet food aisle. She’d spotted The Bod, as Trish had come to think of him, in the produce section. He’d probably mosey over this way in a minute or two, and if the old lady didn’t show up, Trish would either have to confront him herself or wait until next Wednesday for another ogling session.
He rounded the end of the aisle and headed in her direction.
Immediately, her mouth went dry, and her heartbeat started an erratic pitter-pat. She’d always been a complete dunce around good-looking men. Hell, all men. If she were to try to speak to this one, she’d probably stutter and blurt out something that said nothing more than “I’m an idiot.”
He had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Not light blue like robin’s eggs but more the hue of a cloudless, California sky. Deep, dark, and dangerous. His chestnut hair and pale skin made him stare-worthy, but his most remarkable feature had to be the dimples that appeared at the corners of his mouth when he smiled. And he always smiled. He was doing it right now.
“Hello,” he said. One simple, very ordinary word. But it had a lilt to it. Almost an accent, as if English wasn’t his first language. He was Latino, maybe. Or Irish. French?
Whatever the origin of his speech, it drove any response right out of her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out, so she lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers. God, what a moron. Why did she have to be so damned shy?
“Where’s your friend?” he said.
“Hmm?” Still stupid, but at least she’d said something.
“The older lady. I assumed you must drive her here,” he said. “I always see you together.”
“Mrs. Gilmore… no, she and I… that is… I only see her here. With you.”
He laughed. “I don’t drive her here.”
“Of course, you don’t. I just meant…” Anything she’d meant would make her sound even more foolish than she already did. She surely hadn’t wanted to suggest that he and Mrs. G knew each other from somewhere else or staged their performances for her benefit. If she didn’t have anything intelligent to say, she’d keep her mouth shut. So she did exactly that.
He rested an elbow on a shelf and struck a casual pose. Not going anywhere for a while, obviously. His posture only emphasized his considerable height and the breadth of his shoulders. He could hardly have shown himself off to better effect except maybe by bending over. Where was Mrs. G when Trish needed her?
“Can I help you with something?” he asked. His voice had taken on a husky tone… the kind you heard in the bedroom after particularly good sex. Not that she’d shared those delightful moments with too many men, but you didn’t have to experience that often to have the sensations imprinted in your brain. The dimples in his cheeks and the light in his eyes told her he knew exactly what message he was conveying to her. He had to be supremely confident that she’d be receptive. Luckily for both of them, he’d calculated correctly.
“Help?” she said. There, that came off as casual. More or less.
“You appear to be searching for something. I’m here to make sure you find it.”
“Well, since you asked…” What could she make him search for? Dog food upper shelf? Cat litter lower? Mrs. Gilmore always knew how to get him to show off his build to best effect.
He held up a hand. “Never mind. I know.”
“You do?” Well now, that could be embarrassing. He’d figured out their little game? Drat. Could he sue them for sexual harassment?
“Aisle 6,” he said. “Everything you want is there.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author Alice Gaines has published several sensuous and erotic works. She prefers stories that stretch the imagination, highlighting the power of love and sex. Alice has a Ph.D. in psychology from U. C. Berkeley and lives in Oakland, California, with her collection of orchids and her pet corn snake, Casper.
When Vaaden warriors claim slaves from Earth they will face emotions they never knew they possessed.
Vaaden Captives: Captured on Earth, Sorcha, Enid and Susan are slaves, bound to owners who crave them for the pleasure they can bring, the women despair of ever finding happiness again. But then the unthinkable happens. Sorcha falls for her owner’s brother; Enid, despite her fears, falls for the man who claims her; Susan finds herself drawn to two men, but in the end, only one will claim her heart.
Vaaden Warriors: When three Vaaden warriors claim slaves procured from Earth, they will face emotions they never knew they possessed. Rheul doesn’t believe in love, until he meets his new slave; Randar must choose between his duty or his heart; Thale thought he was saving Moira, but in the end she saved him.
Publisher’s Note: Vaaden Captives & Vaaden Warriors contains scenes of slavery and forced consent some readers may find offensive.
“While the two of you were sleeping, I listened to the guards speaking with the women across the way.” Susan gave me a cruel smile. “They made them strip and then looked them over like cattle. Some are being forced into prostitution.”
“What?” I stared at her, stunned by her words. How could she remain so calm about it? Terror gripped me and my insides turned to ice.
“It seems the men on this planet are very virile and need to have sex on a daily basis. The few mates they have can’t handle it, so the men go elsewhere for their entertainment.”
“Do we have any other options?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “If you’re lucky, one of the males will want you to himself. Either way, you’re going to spend the rest of your life on your back.”
I fought down the nausea that welled inside me. The idea of being someone’s whore revolted me. I’d dated precious few men in my life, and none had sparked enough of my interest for me to have a sexual relationship with them. Yes, at the age of twenty-three I was still a virgin. To know I would lose my virginity to a savage from another planet, that I would no longer have any say over my life, was a blow to my mind and my heart.
Enid whimpered. “I won’t survive.”
I hunkered down beside her. “Yes, you will. We all will, even if it isn’t a pleasant existence.”
She shook her head. “You don’t understand. I can’t stand to be touched.”
The fear in her eyes suddenly made sense. She knew what was to come, what we faced. If she couldn’t stand to be touched, it was possible she would die at the hands of our captors. I doubted they would be caring enough to soothe her fears and ease her mind. The monsters would probably take what they wanted no matter the consequence to the young woman.
“Maybe they’ll understand,” I offered, knowing it was a lie. I wasn’t sure what would become of her, but I knew it wouldn’t be pleasant.
A metal door clanged open at the end of the hall and heavy footfalls sounded down the corridor. A guard with three men stopped in front of our cell. The men looked us over, as if deciding whether we were worth their time.
The tallest of the group had shaggy golden brown hair and turquoise eyes, an athletic build and golden brown skin, as if he had been working in the sun. On Earth, he would have passed for a model or actor. The second man was a little shorter but just as fit, with chocolate-colored hair and eyes the brilliant orange of a sunset. The last man left me feeling cold. Tall with a swimmer’s build, his long black hair and violet eyes were striking, but he had a hardness to him that bespoke of cruelty. I fervently hoped he didn’t select Enid, but I didn’t want him to select me either. Honestly, I didn’t want any of them; I just wanted to go home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child writing her first stories in crayon. Today she’s a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and she firmly believes that love will find you at the right time, even if Mr. Right is literally out of this world.
NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY
From November 4th to November 30th, Changeling Press will offer chances to win an ebook copy of Midnight Sons (Wolf Schooled #1) by Emily Carrington. To enter, please click the image below!
When Tasmin risks her life to save a stranger, she has no idea her sacrifice will leave her fate entwined with the most powerful man on Aurora — DeMarcus Le’JeMur, Prince of the Stars and Ruler Of The Seven Kingdoms, ruler of the planets under Aurorian control.
For Earth geologist Mallory Blain, permission to explore Aurora’s alien geology represents the opportunity of a lifetime. There’s only one problem: Mallory’s escort, the sexy duke DeBaron. DeBaron must keep the Earth woman from disrespecting his world while protecting her for an entire week in the wilderness.
When the Earthling consort is kidnpped, LaJesa resents being sent after the prince’s wayward Human. To make matters worse, she’s forced to work with an Earth soldier, Master Sergeant Thaxton Mick, the most infuriating creature she’s ever met. She’s got no time for relationships. Certainly not with some annoying Human. And she’s definitely not falling in love with him.
Candy Robinson is afraid her beloved sister Tas is making a terrible mistake marrying the alien ruler. DeXac, Prince DeMarcus’s cousin, doesn’t want his bloodline tainted with alien blood. When he sees the Candice he knows she’s the key to stopping the wedding. He never expects Candy will also be the key to his undoing.
Publisher’s Note: This box set contains the previously published novellas Star Prince, Aurora Skies, Tender Warrior and Star Bride.
“Stay down!” Tasmin Robins pulled the man at her side behind the large refuse bin. He was wearing a baseball cap pulled low on his face and sunglasses, hiding his expression.
Screams from her fellow humans made the usually quiet terminal chaotic. Glistening metallic and marble surfaces usually made the shuttle port’s loading dock feel orderly and sterile in an utterly comforting way, reminding her of her home back on Earth. Now the shining surfaces reflected laser fire from a source she couldn’t pinpoint.
Ball cap guy tried to stand up again. Her hand was small, but she managed to snag a substantial handful of his oversized blue sweatshirt. She yanked sharply, pulling him back down. His faded blue jeans made a small tearing sound as the rip over his right knee widened.
“Je’L afremtal,” he cursed in a language she hadn’t expected to hear.
“You aren’t from Earth. Why are you here? These ships are for Earth Embassy personnel only.” Tasmin did her best to stop glaring at the interloper. He wasn’t the first, and certainly wouldn’t be the last, to try to score a free ride to Earth.
“You know nothing.” With his heavily accented comment, he managed to convey a rude superiority she found instantly irritating.
“I know you’re going about visiting my home planet the wrong way. It’s gotten a lot easier to get a visa now. Only a criminal would need to sneak onboard an embassy flight,” Tasmin hissed.
She paused, her eyes round and her mouth forming a subtle Ohh. “Are they shooting at you, specifically?” she whispered, hearing the horror in her own voice upon realizing she was hiding from an unseen gunman with his probable target.
“Yes, but not because I am criminal.” The man’s English was good, but not perfect. “Stay down, woman!” He abruptly crouched and began to move to the left, around the corner.
Tasmin saw the red dot on his back. The shooter had his laser fixed on the Aurorian. Without thinking about the consequences of her reckless action, she sprang forward, pushing the man down. Pain radiated through her middle. A gasp escaped her lips as she fell. Lying on the cold marble floor, she saw a red trail creeping across the smooth white marble in front of her face.
Blood. Her blood. Transfixed at the sight, she lay quietly while chaos erupted around her. Tasmin felt cold. Strangely, she could hear screaming and shouting, but no more shots. Blinking, she cleared the moisture from her eyes. They’d watered, but she wasn’t crying. Weak tears weren’t in her nature. She hurt too much to move. All she could do was listen.
“Je’L huten le grubi Me’L?”
She tried to make sense of another male voice. He, too, spoke in Aurorian. This part of the terminal was human only. Why so many aliens in the restricted area? she wondered through the haze of pain. Her fuzzy mind strained to translate. She’d studied hard when she learned she was coming to Aurora for her internship. She spoke the language better than some of the long-term personnel. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Focus.
“My prince, are you hurt?” She was almost positive she’d translated correctly.
My Prince? It can’t be.
Medical staff began to swarm around her.
“Leheck leheim ge ha Je’L Velhum.” See to the woman, your prince has commanded it.
The Star Prince. I can’t believe it.
The paramedics murmured humbly at their liege. More aliens where they shouldn’t be. She could see the boots of both human and Aurorian soldiers swarming around him, protecting the valuable man.
She saw her reflection in the mirrored door across from where she’d fallen. Her long auburn hair lay tangled around her. She could see it absorbing some of her pooling blood. Her normally fair completion was ghastly white. She already looked dead.
Tas could see her charred wound, and her internal organs. She stared into her own big brown eyes, unable to look any lower. Her wound was horrifying, survival unlikely. Her mother and sister would be so sad. I just wish I could tell them I’m sorry.
“Tetung Valumspar. Hejar L’ Vomek.” I owe her a life debt. She belongs to me.
What he’d said didn’t frighten her because she didn’t think she’d live long enough to worry about the consequences of his proclamation. She couldn’t hold on any longer. Even with the realization that she’d just saved the life of the Star Prince, the most powerful man in all of Aurora, the man who ruled the seven kingdoms, she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Her lashes fluttered. Darkness overcame her and her mind shut off.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashlynn Monroe is a busy working mom. She loves her kids and family. Her greatest joy is creating stories to entertain others, and she hopes they bring a little more romance into the world. She’s been writing since her teens for her own enjoyment but decided in her thirties to share her imagination with readers. Ashlynn enjoys biking, camping, reading, video games, and filling her home and life with love. If she’s not working or chasing children, you can find her daydreaming up her next tale of romance.
When the landing crew of the Stargazer encounters an uncharted alien planet, they have no idea how determined the planet is to bring unlikely couples together.
Sam, the Captain, and his Sensitive Officer, Ilandra, find themselves separated from the rest of the party, stranded and alone. Neither is anxious to explore the feelings they’ve worked so hard to keep hidden, but the planet’s not about to let them hide any more. Strange things begin to appear as if in answer to their every wish.
Ilandra’s fantasies come straight from the novels she reads. Sam’s, on the other hand, are far more of a surprise! With or without their help, the planet seems determined to make all their desires come true.
Captain Samuel Mayfair would have aborted this disastrous exploratory mission and taken the entire squad back to the ship if his damned com-unit had worked. But the device had gone dead right after he’d realized most of his crewmates were missing, and his navi-unit showed every direction pointing toward the planet’s north pole so he couldn’t even tell where the hell he was. To top all of that off, the only member of the squad who did remain was the one person of the hundreds on the Stargazer who got under his skin with almost everything coming out of her mouth.
Dr. Ilandra Veran, his Sensitive Officer, didn’t seem the least bit phased by the situation. Instead, she’d affected her usual posture of pseudo-tranquility with her closed eyes and even breathing. Getting in touch with something’s vibrations probably, even though they were the only sentient creatures here — at least to the best of his knowledge. His intruder detector didn’t work, either.
And what a weird-ass place this was. Not a building in sight, just vegetation. Trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses. Veran called it “lush,” he called it green overload, city rat that he was. At least, his weapon seemed to function. He discharged it at a rock where the contact made a satisfying hiss and sent off a blast of heat.
The noise got the good doctor’s attention, finally, because she jumped and plastered her hand over her heart. “Did you have to do that… sir?”
He could call her on lack of deference to his authority, but to be fair, he shouldn’t enjoy startling her. “I wanted to see if any of my equipment worked… Doctor.”
She reached to her belt and turned on her matter-analyzer. All the right lights and noises went off. “This seems fine.”
“Good thing. If we can’t get the hell off this dismal planet soon we may have to find something we can eat,” he said.
“It’s not dismal at all, sir.”
He glanced around. The place was what lots of people would call lovely, if you liked that sort of thing. He’d had little experience with anything other than the depths of the metropolis he’d grown up in. The climate here was warm enough but not too hot, and the air hadn’t been recycled a dozen or more times. They were supposed to explore, but they’d accomplish nothing without communication with the ship.
“I suppose you like it here,” he said.
“I don’t want to be stranded, and the rest of the squad disappeared,” she said. “I wouldn’t wish for any of that.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Do I hear a ‘but’ at the end of your assessment?”
“Overall, I get a feeling of benevolence from this place,” she said. “There’s a definite hum. Kind of a silent planetary song.”
It was exactly that sort of statement that made him grind his rear teeth. If planets could sing, which they couldn’t, how would their song be silent? Sensitive Officers were all the rage with the chain of command higher than his pay scale. And he had to admit there was some evidence they had creative ways of processing information more hardheaded types, like himself, didn’t possess. So, he’d ended up with Ilandra Veran, PhD. And now she was staring at him with the expression saying she knew he didn’t believe a damned thing she said and she didn’t care. She didn’t have to care. He couldn’t fire her. If he’d had to end up stranded on an uninhabited planet with someone, why did the person have to be her?
Sure, she was easy to look at. Tall enough for her nose to come up to his chin, and with dark, wavy hair tumbling over her shoulders. She filled out her uniform in all the places that said “female,” and her lips looked uncomfortably kissable. And yeah, he’d had more than one hot fantasy about her, during which she’d remained silent. But the light of irritation in her green eyes kept her from being too attractive to resist. The feeling was mutual.
“Do you have any sense…” He put more emphasis on the last word than necessary. “… about what happened to the others?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author Alice Gaines has published several sensuous and erotic works. She prefers stories that stretch the imagination, highlighting the power of love and sex. Alice has a Ph.D. in psychology from U. C. Berkeley and lives in Oakland, California, with her collection of orchids and her pet corn snake, Casper.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a FREE ebook coopy of How Not to Date an Alien by USA Today Bestselling Author Stephanie Burke.
For the sake of her people, Princess Meriane must mate with an Earth man to bring more diversity into the gene pool. When she’s conceived a child, her mate will join the other males in the men’s colony. In this way, her culture has perpetuated itself in peace for generations after banning the hated Triani from their midst. Finding a proper bed partner shouldn’t be hard at Earth Con, should it?
Zarim has been sent to Earth Con to masquerade as an Earther in order to worm his way into Meriane’s bed and her heart. When he finds himself falling in love with the virginal but feisty princess, he has to discover a method to make peace between their peoples. Unfortunately, his very identity makes him an outcast on her planet.
The server — bartender, she should use the correct words — stood not far away talking to a customer. When he spotted her, he headed in her direction and wiped the surface in front of her with a cloth.
“What can I get you?” he said.
She stared at all the bottles. With such a selection, how could she make up her mind? She could point, but that would mark her as someone who didn’t know her way around Earth or its customs. She pondered the dilemma for long seconds, but no solution came to her.
“How about a glass of white wine?” the bartender said.
She waved a hand. “Far too safe.”
The man stared at her. “Okay.”
“But I’d better not have any mixed drinks.”
“Then, you’ll want something straight,” he said.
Straight as opposed to crooked? Now she stared at him.
“Neat,” he supplied.
“Oh, yes. Something neat.” She needn’t have anything sloppy, after all.
“I have some very old cognac,” he said. “A little on the expensive side.”
“Expense is no problem.” She reached into the pocket of her uniform and placed the plastic card on the bar.
“Cognac it is, then.” He produced an oddly shaped glass from under the bar and set it in front of her. It stood on a base, had a wide bowl at the bottom, and tapered to a smaller opening. Then he grabbed a bottle from behind him and poured a bit of liquor.
When she lifted the glass and swallowed the cognac, it burned down the back of her throat. The bartender didn’t say anything as she coughed and sputtered. He didn’t have to. Clearly, she’d taken the drink the wrong way.
“People usually sip cognac,” he said after a bit.
“Wise.”
So when he poured her a bit more, she only took a small amount. That made a lot more sense because now she could appreciate all the different flavors, and the shape of the glass allowed her sense of smell to pick up the perfume of the cognac. Quite complex and elegant. No wonder Earthers paid a great deal for this liquor. It was really quite remarkable.
“I’ll leave the bottle,” the bartender said as he smiled and walked away to take care of another customer.
Meriane poured herself a bit more and swiveled the stool so she could check out the rest of the bar.
A few more people had arrived, some in costume and others in more subdued clothing. She should interact with a few of them and get her bearings socially. Certainly an intoxicant like liquor should make people friendly.
As she sipped her drink, a sense of rightness settled into her chest. Everything was quite lovely here, wasn’t it? Comforting and welcoming. The barstool was comfortable, the bartender genial, and the cognac sublime. She could relax and have some fun here as she searched for a mate. That in itself would provide plenty of stimulation for the senses.
Yes, it would.
Toward the back in a dim corner, a man sat studying her. He had an intriguing look to him with his eyes largely hidden beneath bushy brows. Intricate tattoos over his cheeks and to his temples gave him a dangerous appearance, and his clothing — all black and tight fitting — fit the impression. One could easily picture him pulling a lethal knife from his boot and slashing an enemy to ribbons.
What outrageous thoughts. Those things didn’t happen in civilized societies. But on a more primitive planet he could best an opponent and physically take the woman as a prize. And then carry her off to his den or ship to…
She couldn’t help but giggle, even while a surge of energy went through her. Awareness. Of him. Somehow, he could reach out to her and make her heart beat a little faster even though they hadn’t touched or even spoken. Was this the power of attraction the elders had told her about? She shouldn’t choose a mate based on his looks but rather on his genes. She was seeking sperm for her whole race, after all.
He beckoned a waitress with the crook of one finger. The woman went to him, of course. Once summoned by this man, a female responded. How could she not?
This time a shiver went down Meriane’s spine, and she turned away, lest she show too much interest. She sipped more of her cognac. It steadied her, blurring the edges of her vision. Warmth settled over her like a blanket. She had the situation in hand, and all would be well. In a little while, she’d use the plastic card to get a room, and she’d take a nap.
Just as she was pouring herself more cognac… how much had she had, anyway? The bartender approached and gave her her card. “The gentleman in the back is paying for you.”
“He is?” Why should he do that? She had plenty of funds. She glanced over her shoulder to look for him, but he’d left his table.
When she turned back, he was standing beside her, and she jumped, nearly toppling herself from her stool.
He reached out and caught her with his arm around her waist. “Easy there, space commander.”
She giggled again and straightened herself on the stool. Then she found herself staring up into eyes so green they could have been jewels. The dark eyebrows she’d noticed before and thick lashes almost obscured them, and the whole seemed to make the tattoos at his temples seem to move. But then, not everything was stable at the moment.
“You paid for my cognac,” she said. “Why?”
“It’s common courtesy for a man to buy a lady’s drink.”
“It is?”
He leaned an elbow on the bar. “You’re not from here, are you?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author Alice Gaines has published several sensuous and erotic works. She prefers stories that stretch the imagination, highlighting the power of love and sex. Alice has a Ph.D. in psychology from U. C. Berkeley and lives in Oakland, California, with her collection of orchids and her pet corn snake, Casper.
Time is running out. Victoria Mathers has tried everything. Her daughter has a rare cancer that hasn’t responded to any of the treatments human medicine has to offer. If she can’t convince the sexy alien doctor to help her, she knows she’ll watch her child die. Victoria will do anything to save her daughter, even if it means bonding with an alien for the rest of her life.
Per Earth’s rules, Xonos isn’t allowed to treat humans, unless they’re one of the new human-alien pairs. However, looking at the small human child who is obviously suffering tears at his heart. It’s been his life’s work to save people, and he isn’t sure he can stand by and watch an innocent child die when he might be able to help.
What starts as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more as Xonos and Victoria grow closer. It isn’t long before she realizes that she yearns for his touch and she wants so much more from him than he may be willing to give. Love was never mentioned when they struck their bargain, but now she’ll settle for nothing less.
Xonos felt his frustration building. The entire situation was a mess, but it was out of his hands. When he’d asked to transfer to Earth, he hadn’t realized his healing abilities would be restricted. Earth’s government had been adamant that he only treat Terran patients. Terran. What a laugh. His planet had chosen the name to make them seem more human and less of a threat. His planet’s true name was Zelthrane-3, but once lifeforms similar to his people had been discovered on Earth, a rather primitive planet, they had studied every aspect of Earth and its inhabitants. It was discovered through extensive research that Earth women would be viable for carrying Zelthranite babies, so his planet’s ruling council had then changed Zelthrane-3 to Terran, in the hope it would put the humans at ease when contact was made.
“Please,” the woman begged. “None of the treatments available on Earth have been able to cure her, or even slow down the progress of the disease. I know you can help her.” Xonos looked at the small child clutched in her arms. The little girl was deathly pale, as if she’d succumb to her disease at any moment. Her hair was thin and brittle, her body nearly skeletal. Xonos’ heart ached when he looked at her, knowing it was within his power to ease her suffering even if he couldn’t save her, yet being unable to because of diplomatic bullshit. It wasn’t the first time Victoria Mathers had come to plead for his help, and definitely not the first time he’d noticed her, but it was the first time she’d brought her daughter. Eyes that should have been full of life stared at him with a tired acceptance that no child should feel.
“I wish I could help you, truly I do, but your government is adamant that I not treat human patients. If she was half-Terran, or even related to one of the human-Terran pairs, then I could do something.”
“I applied to be a bride in the exchange program, but they turned me down.” Victoria licked her lips and shifted the frail body in her arms. “They claimed none of your warriors would want to be saddled with a sick child.”
“You need to understand that I can’t cure everything. One of our captains recently lost his mate. Her cancer had spread too rapidly. As sick as your daughter is, it’s possible I wouldn’t be able to help her. Ease her suffering, yes. Cure her, I’m not certain. So if you tried to enter the bride program only as a way to help her, it might have been in vain. Then you would have been stuck on Terran with a mate you never wanted. That wouldn’t be fair to you or the warrior who chose you.”
Tears pooled in her eyes, but she blinked them back. He could tell she wanted to argue; it was shown in the stubborn tilt of her chin. Xonos truly wished he could give her good news. It had to break her heart, watching her child suffer, slowly getting worse, inching closer and closer to death’s door. But unless Victoria convinced a Terran male to buck the authority of the council and bond with her, she was out of options. He supposed he could understand Earth’s reasoning behind their decision. If he helped this child, thousands of humans would abandon their doctors to seek his aid. At the same time, however, he couldn’t understand a world that would doom a child to die when help was available.
Victoria’s breasts rose and fell in an enticing way when she huffed out a breath. She really was a rather attractive woman, despite the worry and fear in her eyes. She’d make some warrior a fine mate, if she could get someone to agree to bond with her. Despite the fact Xonos had to control his body every time she was near, he wasn’t in the market for a mate. Not even one as pretty as Victoria.
“I believe you have an Earth expression,” he said. “My hands are tied. Unless you mate with a Terran male, there isn’t anything I can do for you.”
“But no one would want me.” Her lips trembled. “I have precious little time. Even if I were to apply for the program again, the time it would take…” She shook her head.
“Then you need to circumvent the program.” Xonos crossed his arms. “I truly want to help your daughter and you, but we’re at an impasse. You have to mate with a Terran for me to give you any assistance, so I would suggest that you dress in something other than that baggy outfit and try to snag yourself a warrior. We can be a compassionate lot, so your sick daughter may actually be to your advantage.”
Her eyes sparked and her nostrils flared. Through pinched lips she hissed at him. “Do you honestly think I would just whore myself out?”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t think of it in those terms. The warrior would gain a mate and future children; you would gain the life of your daughter. Think of it as an agreement instead of a marriage if you wish. I’ve studied Earth enough to know that humans have married for less.”
Like for sex. You could mate with her for sex. He gave himself a mental slap. He was not mating with her, for sex or otherwise. Xonos had seen the horror Reyvor went through when he lost his mate, and he wasn’t in a hurry to put himself in that position. Not even for someone as tempting as Victoria. Not even if he had started dreaming of her and her creamy skin practically every night.
“You’re an insensitive asshole.” She cuddled her daughter closer.
Xonos sighed. “Give me some time. I might be able to find someone for you. There’s a warrior here, Thrace, who has been eagerly seeking a mate. He may not mind that you already have a child and might want a mate bad enough to fight our government to keep you. But as I said, there’s a chance I won’t be able to save her.”
Victoria smoothed her daughter’s hair. “But you could take the pain away?”
He nodded. “That much I’m sure I could do.”
“Then it will be worth it. I would give everything I have, even myself, just to give her a moment of peace.” Tears streaked her cheeks. “She’s the most precious thing in the world to me, and I would gladly die in her place if I could.”
Xonos hoped it wouldn’t come to that, that he could cure her daughter if given the chance and with a bit of help from Syl, but he didn’t want to give her false hope. It would be cruel to promise her something he might not be able to deliver.
It pricked his conscience that she might not be a good mate if her daughter died, and he wouldn’t wish that on any warrior, but he didn’t know how else to help her. He’d thought, at one time, that he wanted a mate. Someone to share his life with, to love. And then he’d watched Reyvor’s mate die. He didn’t want to go through that pain, not now, not ever.
He watched the woman turn and walk away, her shoulders hunched as if she felt the weight of the world pressing down on her, and perhaps she did. He wasn’t certain he could help her, but Thrace was a good place to start…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child writing her first stories in crayon. Today she’s a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and she firmly believes that love will find you at the right time, even if Mr. Right is literally out of this world.
Changeling Press Blog 