Resisting Rachel

WARRIORS OF KELON BOOK 3: RESISTING RACHEL by

Angela Castle

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright  2011 by Angela Castle Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61160-134-3

Credits Cover Artist: Gemini Judson Editor: Elise Dee Beraru Printed in the United States of America

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT WARRIORS OF KELON BOOK 3: RESISTING RACHEL ―Ms. Castle has written a fun, engrossing and fascinating tale that kept my interest riveted from beginning to end.‖ Xeranthemum Whipped Cream Reviews

Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid: www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com Warriors of Kelon Book 1: Abducting Alice Warriors of Kelon Book 2: Tempting Tara Dragon Down Under

Dedication Thank you to the ladies of the MRWG for their ongoing support and the never ending supply of chocolate! Thanks to Chan for helping me polish it up.

Chapter 1 She felt weightless. Black, white and red shadows floated behind her closed eyelids. Cold on one side and warm on the other, Rachel groaned at the throbbing pain in her head. One side felt tender and sore. She wanted to snuggle into the secure warmth pressed against the side of her body that didn‘t hurt so much, but she couldn‘t will herself to move. ―Rachel? Wake up. I need to see where you are hurt.‖ The deep resonating command penetrated her fuzzed brain. A voice she knew and trusted—Syl. Rachel whimpered, trying to comply, her eyelids felt heavy. She whimpered again, protesting as she was set away from the comforting warmth and laid down on something hard and cold. ―Fetch Solron,‖ he commanded. ―He is tending the more seriously wounded,‖ another said. ―She is human, more fragile than our warriors. Fetch him now and put out those damned fires.‖ Irritation and anger cut through his tone. ―Yes, Commander,‖ someone responded. Large hands touched her, starting at her neck, skimming down along her arms, across her body, and down reaching her 1

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thighs, legs and feet. Despite the cool ground and air, her body began to heat at the tingling touch. Rachel forced her eyes open, her gaze meeting Syl‘s dark intense eyes. His expression was one of concern. Rachel examined his appearance. His warrior locks were falling around his shoulders, his expression grim as he gazed down on her. The darker tanned skin of Syl‘s left cheek was smudged with soot. There was a cut near his forehead ridge. It looked red but wasn‘t bleeding. ―Tell me, little one, where are you hurt?‖ Closing her eyes, she forced herself to focus on where her pain was located, licked her lips and swallowed, trying to get some moisture into her dry throat and mouth. The pain had reduced to a throbbing down her left side, like she had been slammed hard against a wall. No doubt she was bruised. She tensed her muscles and shifted slightly. Nothing felt broken. She wasn‘t as badly hurt as she had first thought. ―I‖ she began then coughed. Her lungs burned slightly. A smoky taste filled her mouth as if she had been breathing in fumes. ―Water, please?‖ ―Lestal, hand me the water pouch.‖ A moment later, Syl pressed the rim of a container to her lips. She swallowed several mouthfuls before trying to sit up. ―II think I‘m okay,‖ she managed in a strained voice. ―No, lie still until I know the extent of your harm.‖ His tone was firm. Rachel obeyed him as she glanced around at their surroundings. There were reddish blue, tall, strangely twisted trees with more reddish blue leaves, with vines of vivid yellow and green snaking through the canopy overhead. Other than 2

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the sounds of footsteps shuffling about on the ground, there were eerie noises coming out from the alien jungle that surrounded them. ―I can‘t remember—what happened?‖ ―We were attacked by two Xerson ships and forced to divert to this planet in order to escape or be destroyed. The ship crashed heavily onto the planet‘s surface. We are still taking stock of who has survived.‖ Rachel‘s thoughts flew to her friend, the other human woman who had been travelling to Kelon with her. She, along with another human woman, had been rescued from an alien force she had learned were called the Methrill. They had randomly abducted women from Earth. The Kelons had come to their rescue, then offered them a choice to be returned to their planet or travel with them to their homeworld. Rachel remembered deciding that a life with these large and impressive Kelons couldn‘t be any worse that her pitiful life back on Earth. Syl had been the commander of the ship she had been transferred to, while the other women were taken back to Earth. Rachel had never been a believer in love, let alone love at first sight, but laying eyes on the large, strong, sexy alien commander, she had fallen hard and fast. Rachel had lost her heart in a matter of a single glance at Syl. ―Where is Lenna? Is she okay?‖ ―Much of the ship was torn apart on impact. Many of the lower deck quarters were destroyed. Many did not survive, including the other human.‖ Syl‘s tone was angry. Rachel‘s stomach twisted. She felt the numb pain of her friend‘s loss, and of the other Kelon crew. She squeezed her 3

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eyes shut, and drew in a deep breath. Lenna was dead, and so were many Kelons. She pushed it all to the back of her brain and, drawing on what strength she did have, sat up despite Syl‘s order. ―Rachel,‖ he warned her. She glared back at him in defiance. ―I said I‘m okay, maybe just bruised, but I don‘t think I am seriously hurt.‖ He growled low, and placing his large hand just above her breasts, pushed her back down. Heat infused her cheeks with a mixture of irritation at his domineering pushiness and the tingling warmth of his touch. ―I told you not to move.‖ ―Commander.‖ A breathless Solron dropped to his knees by Rachel‘s side. Solron, too, looked the worse for wear. His uniform was smudged and torn on the right shoulder. ―Where are you hurt, Rachel?‖ Solron eyes critically roamed over her body. ―As I was saying, I think I‘m okay, really, just a few bruises.‖ ―She was unconscious. I want her checked to make sure,‖ Syl demanded. Solron moved the handheld scanner over her. ―Your skin is more fragile than Kelons,‖ Solron said. ―As your capillaries are closer to the surface and are intricate, I am assuming you would feel more pain than we do,‖ he said almost absently, as his gaze was fixed on the scanner, reviewing her biodata. ―She appears relatively unharmed; only slight pooling of blood in the outer surfaces along the left side of her skin.‖

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Rachel pursed her lips in annoyance. ―Bruises,‖ she interpreted. ―As I said.‖ She sat up, giving Syl a hard glare. ―I am fine.‖ Syl and Solron stood up before helping her to her feet. She swayed slightly. Syl steadied her, keeping hold of her arm. Rachel turned and gasped at the devastation of the crashed Kelon spaceship behind them. Black, twisted metal was strewn across a two-mile radius. A good bulk of the ship seemed to be imbedded into the side of a large mountain. ―I must get back to the wounded, Commander,‖ Solron said. ―Let me help, Solron.‖ She looked at the healer. ―I‘m sure you could use an extra pair of hands.‖ Solron gave her a grateful nod, but from his disapproving scowl and the shake of his head, she knew Syl didn‘t support her offer. She let out a breath she didn‘t know she was holding when Syl finally gave them both an approving nod. ―Stay with Solron. I need to keep searching for survivors.‖ Syl swung around on his thickly booted heel. Rachel sighed as she stared at his departing back and wide, broad shoulders, as he marched back down a slope towards a scattering of other Kelon men. In every sense they appeared human, if not for their sheer size, dark eyes, ink-black hair, tanned skin and thickly muscled bodies. The only defining feature that made them appear alien was the prominent forehead ridges. She turned her head to study Solron. His face was longer, narrower, and was slightly shorter than other Kelon men around them. He also appeared younger, if not for the worry on his youthful face. 5

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He glanced up at her and she gave him a tentative smile. "Show me what needs to be done.‖ **** Rachel‘s side hurt more than she cared to admit, and her head throbbed, But she pushed it all aside. Pain was no stranger to her. Dutifully she followed Solron to each patient that was brought to him, being as helpful as she could, holding and learning about his strange alien medical instruments. She cleaned and bound minor wounds with torn cloth, as many of the Kelons would play on her sympathies, trying to catch her attention. She couldn‘t fail to notice how each was eager to express how attentive, kind and skilful she was. Some were even so bold as to say how pretty she was, and would she consider them as a choice for a mate. Rachel would have been amused, if not for the situation in which she found herself. The uninjured warriors were sifting through the rubble of parts of the ship, gathering supplies from the wreckage. She heard some others were searching the surrounding area for a camp location. Syl appeared with Addassar, carrying an unconscious Kelon between them. It was the first time she had seen Addassar since before they had crashed. Addassar had been her guard while onboard Syl‘s ship. He was slightly shorter, with a heavier build than Syl, but had a friendly easy way about him. He seemed more familiar with humans and more observant of her moods and desires than any other of the Kelon males she had encountered on the ship. Relief flooded through her that he was alive and well, both Addassar and Syl were gleaming in a thick sheen of sweat, with grime caked to their uniforms and skin. Addassar gave 6

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her a wink. Rachel gave him a tentative smile, happy to see her friend again. ―We‘ve almost finished searching,‖ Syl told Solron, as they laid the man down. ―We found Manarr in the deeper part of the wreckage. No one else could have survived beyond.‖ Rachel noted the grim expression on Syl‘s face. ―It will be dark soon. We need to make preparations and gather weapons as we do not know what dangers this planet holds.‖ Rachel and Solron hurried over to help with the injured Kelon. ―I need to gather more healing supplies. My healers bay was relatively intact when we crashed,‖ Solron told Syl. ―What I have has been depleted already.‖ Syl nodded taking his shirt and wiping his sweaty brow. ―I‘ll go with you. Addassar, watch over Rachel.‖ Rachel pursed her lips, watching Syl with irritation, as he headed back down the slope with Solron. ―Does he think I‘m going to run off or something?‖ she asked Addassar, who sat down beside her and, much to her pleasure, handed her a pouch of water. She took several mouthfuls before handing it back. ―No, little Red, we just want to protect you. This is an unknown planet to us, and we are still male, after all.‖ Rachel felt the heat creep back into her cheeks. ―I would have thought a little priority would be in order after crashing and so many dead and wounded.‖ She leaned over the unconscious Kelon man, feeling for his pulse at the base of his throat where Solron had taught her.It felt steady and strong under her fingers. 7

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―When opportunity is given some will not hesitate to exploit it, but I think you need not fear about that. It is what we do not know that is more worrying.‖ ―Gee, thanks for the pep talk, Addassar.‖ He gave her a quizzical look. ―Pep?‖ ―To encourage,‖ she translated. He gave her a smile and a casual shrug. ―I see you have a long line of admirers waiting for your healing touch, little Red.‖ Addassar nodded his head towards the half-dozen wounded men she had helped tend, and the others with lesser injuries. She glanced in their direction, only to find nearly every single one of them looking back at her. Flushed, Rachel turned her head away. ―I admire your courage in handling this unfortunate situation with strength and courage, little Red. Every warrior here wishes he was wounded to have you tend them.‖ ―What you see on the outside, Addassar, is not always what is felt within,‖ she said with a small smile of her own. Despite his flirting and hints that she should take him as her mate, Rachel began to realise she felt the same affection for him as she would a big brother—well, a very big brother. She swallowed and thought it might be better to move on to a safer topic. ―How long do you think we‘ll be here before we‘re rescued?‖ Addassar paused before accepting the change of subject. ―Hard to tell. We sent out our coordinates before we went down, but we were a fair distance from your Earth and Kelon. We also skimmed the edge of enemy territory. If we can‘t get communications fixed, we may be here for a while.‖ 8

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Rachel sighed and sat back on her heels. She had twisted her long red hair into a pile on the top of her head. She didn‘t even want to contemplate what a mess she must look. Rachel was grateful for the sturdy jeans she wore. The long, oversized tan shirt was smudged with soot and blood. She let down her hair and shook it out, before combing it through with her fingers. Lifting the hem of her shirt, she tore a long strip off and wound it back up into her hair in an attempt to keep the mass tamed. ―Little Red.‖ Addassar‘s tone was suddenly husky. Startled, she glanced up to see him staring at her with unmistakable heat in his eyes. ―Have mercy on some unmated Kelon males, and refrain from that kind of grooming until you are alone.‖ He leaned forward over Manarr. ―Every damned Kelon here wants you.‖ Turning to glance over at those who were resting and injured, she saw they were also staring at her with the same heat. Rachel swallowed and blushed profusely. ―Sorry,‖ she mumbled, lowering her eyes, trying to focus on Manarr. ―Damned fire demons,‖ hissed Addassar. ―That skin shading you do is even worse.‖ ―I can‘t help it,‖ she snapped back, now more annoyed than embarrassed. ―Little Red, as the only female on this planet, I see only one prospect for your ongoing safety while among us.‖ Rachel swallowed, her stomach pitched, she could take a wild stab at what that prospect was, but had to ask anyway. ―What is that?‖ Addassar‘s whole demeanour was serious when he said, ―You will have to choose one of us to claim you.‖ 9

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Chapter 2 Rachel couldn‘t keep Addassar‘s words out of her head. Worry consumed her at the prospect of having to choose a mate before they were rescued. Deep down, Rachel knew if she was forced into choosing, she wanted the only Kelon who probably didn‘t want her. Unlike every other Kelon male, Syl had never shown any outward sign of interest. She watched Syl marching in front of the line of Kelons as they moved towards the large cave they had discovered to set up camp in. It was a good distance from the crash site. Rachel shivered as she walked beside the two Kelon warriors carrying Manarr. She briefly studied the strange jungle they walked through. Scary noises came from hidden, shadowy places in the fading light of the alien sun above. Rachel was damned sure she didn‘t want to get caught out here at night or alone. Twenty-three warriors were uninjured; tasks had been set between them to search for survivors and to secure as many supplies, blankets, food, lights and weapons as they could find. They carried them along to the cave. Inside the damp, dark cave, Solron set up a makeshift hospital, surrounded by soft portable lights, in the deeper part of the cave near a small running stream with a nice supply of fresh water. 10

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Rachel looked at the trickling water longingly. Grime covered her skin like sludge and her clothing, caked with dirt, still reeked of fumes. She hoped there would be a chance to wash sometime soon. She turned away and went back to her nursing duties. Four Kelons had severely broken limbs, two had neck and shoulder wounds, the engineer had major burns over his hands and arms, another had a part of the bulkhead skewered through his left side. Solron had administered pain relief and patched them up with amazing skill. He had her tend to any minor injuries, cleaning and bandaging. The line seemed rather long, as each Kelon started shoving at the others to hurry them along once she had bandaged even a minor scrape. It began to unnerve her, as their behaviour towards each other around her boarded on aggressive. Their dark gazes roamed over her body, and she could see the raw hunger in their eyes. Solron saw what was happening, and issued a warning of lethal harm if anyone stepped out of line, before informing them she was no longer tending to their wounds. She sat on the ground next to Manarr, suddenly shivering. A blanket dropped over her shoulders. ―Are you all right, Rachel?‖ Syl crouched down, looking her over in a critical manner. ―I am fine, Commander. I remember you protected me from being more hurt than I was. Thank you.‖ The last memory she had before she had blacked out was Syl, protectively covering her body with his as the ship plummeted towards the planet‘s surface. She expressed her gratitude the best she could. His dark eyes seemed to soften with a touch of sadness. 11

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―I am sorry about your friend.‖ Rachel tried not to let the emotion of Lenna‘s death swamp over her. Now was not the time to turn into a blubbering mess. She would mourn her friend soon enough. Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat. ―Women are rare and precious to us, so know her death will not go unavenged.‖ There was deadly intent behind his dark eyes. Rachel knew that if they ever got off this strange planet he would see through his promise. She understood the Kelons were a part of an Alliance which was at war with a bunch of aliens called the Federation. It was also another reason why the Kelons had rescued the human women after their abduction. ―Thank you,‖ she managed softly. ―It means a lot to me.‖ Syl reached out as if to touch her. His hand hovered for a moment before he pulled back. ―Stay in the cave. The warriors will guard you from any dangers this planet holds. We are trying to fix the ship‘s communications comboard to send out a distress signal. I will have supplies brought to you.‖ ―Syl, Addassar said we could be stuck here awhile.‖ ―It is a possibility,‖ he confirmed. ―Is there anyone waiting for you on Kelon?‖ she asked suddenly. He studied her. ―I have a Corami–your word is love–but I can never have her.‖ Anger flittered across his features briefly. ―W-why not?‖ Rachel stomach twisted. Syl‘s lack of interest in her was starting to make sense. The man was in love with another woman. 12

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―She is mated to another. It is not something I wish to discuss.‖ He abruptly stood. Rachel kept her gaze on Manarr‘s unconscious face, not wanting him to see the sudden hurt she was feeling. She felt him linger a moment longer, and then he was gone. Damn it all to hell, Syl is in love with someone else. Feeling like the weight of the galaxy had fallen on her shoulders, Rachel‘s body sagged with fatigue, her head throbbed, and a dizziness swept over her. The only thing worse than being desired by a horde of Kelons she didn‘t want, was being in love with a man who could never love her back. Solron moved across in her direction. ―Rachel, are you feeling all right?‖ ―I‘m still a bit sore and tired, but I guess that‘s to be expected after a crash like that. I‘ll be okay.‖ She gave him a weak smile. Solron didn‘t look convinced. ―You need to rest. I thank you for your valuable help, but it is enough for now.‖ ―But Manarr‖ ―Will be tended to,‖ Solron cut in. He leaned down, gently tugging her to her feet; she swayed as a fresh wave of dizziness swept over her. Solron quickly lifted her up in his arms. She saw Addassar was suddenly hovering over them. ―Is she all right?‖ ―She has worked too hard, and needs rest,‖ Solron told him. ―Give her to me. I‘ve set her up a safe pallet with a little privacy.‖ 13

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Rachel didn‘t protest being handed to Addassar. She was too tired to be amazed at how he handled her as if she weighed hardly anything at all. These Kelons are incredibly strong. She rested her head on his shoulder. ―Do not fear, little Red. I shall take care of you.‖ He carried her across to the corner of the cave and laid her down upon a mattress they must have taken from the ship‘s wreckage. ―Thank you,‖ she mumbled sleepily, as he covered her with a heavy blanket. ―The pleasure is mine. Rest now.‖ Rachel, mentally and physically exhausted, fell into a deep sleep. **** ―We are going to have a problem if something is not done soon.‖ Addassar‘s deep growling voice penetrated her senses. Rachel had no clue how long she had been asleep, but her muscles ached in protest. She opened her eyes, glancing up. Someone had erected a makeshift screen around her bed and light filtered in from the mouth of the cave. Well, it looked like they had survived the night at any rate. ―I know,‖ Syl growled lower in response. ―She is comfortable with me. I have gained her trust and she will accept me as her mate, I am certain.‖ Rachel remained still, listening to their conversation. ―No,‖ snapped Syl with a harsh growl. ―Why? It is obvious you have no interest in her.‖ Addassar‘s tone was laced with anger. Rachel wondered the same thing. 14

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―It is true, she has desires for you, yet you choose to ignore her.‖ ―I did not realise.‖ Syl sounded surprised by Addassar‘s revelation. ―Then you are a blind fool,‖ snapped Addassar. ―I am going to ask her to be mine. Once the bonding is complete she will be protected. I am a strong warrior and will ensure her safety.‖ ―No,‖ Syl growled again. ―I will take her.‖ Rachel‘s breath caught at Syl‘s words. How could he want her when he was in love with someone else? ―You know I am the superior warrior, and I have the greater wealth. I will see to her protection. She was my responsibility the moment she stepped onboard. I will see through that responsibility and protection even here, on this Elron-forsaken planet.‖ ―Females are so rare, and this one is special. She deserves more than someone who thinks it‘s a duty to protect her. She deserves a mate who will share the warmth of his bed and body, but I won‘t because of our longstanding friendship. If she rejects you, I will stand as her second choice. But you know she must choose quickly. We cannot have every warrior fighting over her. You know it will happen. Already Solron has had to step in to protect her.‖ ―I agree, having her mated is the only way to protect her, and to prevent fighting. She will choose today. I will care for her needs. You have no reason to fear for her well-being.‖ They moved away, changing the subject to how to repair the communications on the crashed ship. Rachel stretched her sore muscles, before lying down. 15

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On one hand, Rachel was annoyed they had already made the decision she was to be married to one of them. That was a big part of deciding not to go back to Earth. Even a Kelon husband had to be better than Greg, her ex-husband. Although the divorce had been finalised months ago, he had still, in spite of several restraining orders, managed to find her, and had almost beaten her into a coma. She had only barely recovered from her injuries when she had been abducted from the small Australian town to which she had just moved. Rachel thought about her choice—Syl or Addassar. Even though her heart wanted Syl, she had to be sensible—this was her future. Addassar offered her security and a love she could handle. He was handsome, strong and intelligent, and had been gentle with her. There was no real downside to Addassar. Syl was dark, dangerously sexy and made her heart pound wildly in her chest every time he looked at her. Rachel was tired of dangerous. She wanted warmth and freedom. Addassar could provide that for her. This time she wasn‘t going to let her heart rule her head. She had with Greg, and what a disaster that had been!

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Chapter 3 A line of Kelons were watching her again. She wolfed down the food brought to her, not realising how hungry she was until the smell of it wafted into her nose, and her stomach growled. Addassar had grinned, handing her a huge plate of food they had rescued from the wreckage. ―The men have found a pond not far from the cave. I‘m sure you would like to bathe,‖ he informed her as he watched her lick her fingers clean. Rachel smiled with gratitude. ―I‘d love that. Um—I hate to be a bother, but is there any hope of clean clothes?‖ She tugged at the front of her dirty, torn top. ―I‘ll take her to the pond.‖ Rachel almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of Syl‘s voice from behind her. She didn‘t miss the exchanged looks between the two men. ―Addassar, I need you to organise a team to search for a more sustainable food source, and a second team to strip the ship of supplies. I want to be prepared in case of a lengthy stay. Before dusk tonight we will see to our dead.‖ Addassar nodded, glancing at her almost wistfully before rising to his feet. Rachel almost wanted to grab hold of him as protection against Syl. ―Rachel, come with me.‖ 17

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He used the same commanding tone on her as he did his subordinates. It annoyed her. His manner made the decision to reject him as her mate all the easier. She set down her empty plate, stood stiffly and followed Syl, who had already turned to stride out. They walked down from the mouth of the cave, around the base of the mountain. Rachel noted that Syl had slowed his pace in order to let her keep up with his long strides. They walked a fair way until they came into a small clearing. On one side was a cliff face, on the other a wall of vines and trees. ―Go ahead, it has been checked to ensure it is safe,‖ he said. She was delighted to see a pile of clothes and lotions waiting near the water‘s edge. She was surprised he had gone to so much trouble for her. She automatically began to strip off her dirty clothes as she moved towards the water, then froze, realising he was watching her every move. She swivelled around clutching her dirty top across her breasts. ―Um, would you mind turning around?‖ A small smile crept over his face. It was the first time she had seen any hint of a smile onhis face. She knew he was a sexy man, but if his small smile made her weak at the knees, she wondered what a full-blown smile would do to her. With a nod he turned and leaned against a large, bluegrey boulder. Quickly, she finished stripping and plunged straight into the cool, waist-deep water. Rachel gasped at the sudden temperature change, but wasn‘t about to complain at the chance to be clean again. She glanced down at her side, to see a dark purple bruise spread along her arm and hip where she‘d slammed against something. Luckily, it didn‘t feel as bad as it 18

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had before her rest. She turned around to see Syl still leaning against the rock, only now partly turned. ―How do you, um, mourn your dead on Kelon?‖ Rachel felt she should make some kind of conversation. She snatched the lotion off the rock to dribble it into her palms, before lathering it into her hair, then over her body, scrubbing off the grime. ―When we can, we commit their bodies to the great Fires of Elron, the sacred river of fire that runs below the surface of our world giving thanks they have gone to join our great ancestor Elron,‖ he answered. ―This Elron is your deity or god?‖ ―He was the creator of our world and people, bringing us forth from the great sacred fires.‖ ―I see.‖ Rachel dunked her head under the water again, and wrung out her hair. It was good to feel clean again. Not wanting to linger as her teeth started to chatter in the cool water, she hurried out and grabbed the large square cloth to rub herself dry, before slipping on the overly large shirt Syl had provided her. It dropped down to just below mid-thigh. With the cloth she worked on towelling dry her hair and picked up the comb to brush it out. ―You can turn around now.‖ He did so without hesitation. She felt the heat of his gaze sweep over her. ―Feel better?‖ ―Much better, thank you.‖ ―You humans have so many different colours upon your bodies. Your hair reminds me of the Fires of Elron.‖ He had moved towards her as he spoke, reaching out to catch a stray damp red lock between his fingers. 19

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―Addassar calls me little Red. I used to be teased and called matchstick or carrottop when I was younger and grew to despise my red hair.‖ Syl‘s expression darkened. ―If his words offend you I shall‖ ―No,‖ she quickly cut him off. ―I like it. He says it with kindness, not to be cruel.‖ He let her hair fall. ―You should not despise your hair. It is to be envied.‖ He seemed to think for a moment. ―What would you have me call you?‖ Rachel was puzzled by the question. ―I don‘t understand.‖ ―My brothers have human mates, and they call them things other than their names, as Addassar calls you little Red.‖ Rachel clued in. ―Oh, a term of endearment, usually those kind of names come naturally to someone you are very fond of.‖ ―I see,‖ Syl said, regarding her again. She could see something going on behind his dark eyes, as if he was struggling with some kind of inner turmoil. ―But there is nothing wrong with my own name, either,‖ she added, trying to be helpful. ―Rachel, there is a matter that must be addressed.‖ She stopped combing her hair and swallowed, knowing what was coming. Her heart was pounding. For something to do, she gathered her dirty clothes and moved across to the large bolder to lean against it. She felt his eyes tracking her every move. ―And what matter would that be?‖ ―You are the only woman on this planet among many males. For your own protection you must be claimed or there will be fights to win you.‖ 20

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She didn‘t like the way he sounded so detached. ―What kind of fights?‖ She glanced up at his tall frame; the muscles in his biceps bulged as he folded his arms across his chest. ―If a challenge is issued, Kelons will fight to the death. You will then have no choice but to be mated to the victor.‖ Rachel didn‘t want to be responsible for anyone‘s death and then be forced to marry someone she didn‘t want. ―I don‘t want that to happen, so what would you have me do?‖ ―You choose me as mate.‖ ―You?‖ Even though she knew he was going to ask it still seemed a surreal situation. Rachel folded her arms across her breasts, irritated by his cool approach and manner towards her. ―It is the only way to protect you from the others. I have it on good authority that you have desires for me.‖ His dark gaze was steady. Rachel couldn‘t help the flush of her skin, knowing what he said was true. She felt as if Addassar had betrayed her by letting that information out. Then again, since she hadn‘t asked him to keep it a secret, there was no reason to lie to Syl. ―I wanted you from the moment I stepped foot on your damned ship, but not like this. I don‘t want someone who doesn‘t want me.‖ She saw his jaw clench, the gleam of annoyance in his dark gaze. ―Addassar, on the other hand, does want me. I know he would make me a good husband, so I‘d prefer to choose him.‖ Rachel unfolded her arms and pushed herself away from the rock she had been leaning on, to move past him. Syl gripped her upper arm, halting any escape. ―I would not have asked if I did not find you attractive. Your human body is appealing to every Kelon here. I am by far 21

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the superior Kelon in skill and rank, so you would be better off with me than‖ Rachel glanced up at his face. He was most definitely angry; she watched him swallow trying to contain his rage. ―Addassar is not for you.‖ ―And you are?‖ ―Yes.‖ She was amazed at how one simple word could hold so much weight when Syl spoke it. Rachel wasn‘t so sure she could say no to him anymore. ―You said there was someone else. You can‘t have me when there is another in the way.‖ He tensed and released her arm. ―I am willing to come to terms with an impossible situation, and I am willing to make the sacrifice to ensure you are protected.‖ Rachel saw red at his use of the word sacrifice. ―Well, thank you very much, Mr. Hotshot, but I don‘t need anyone making sacrifices for my sake. Keep your damned hand and sacrifices away from me. I don‘t need your damned protection!‖ she stormed at him. She moved to stomp away but Syl had other plans. Quicker than she could draw breath, he grabbed her around the waist and had her pinned against the large boulder she had been leaning on a moment before. ―This is not up for debate. I have already decided. You are my responsibility. I feel the way your body reacts to me. I do not believe you would resist if I claimed you here and now.‖ Rachel‘s pulse, along with her breathing, went into hyperdrive at the feel of Syl‘s hard body pressed against hers. Damn the arrogant bastard, playing her emotions and body 22

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against her. She felt her nipples tighten into hard points beneath the soft fabric of the long shirt she wore. Her breasts felt heavy, her belly quivered as her inner juices dampened her pussy. He was right. She wouldn‘t resist him. More to the point, she couldn‘t resist him. It hurt that he couldn‘t really love her as she craved, that this was just to protect her. Rachel wasn‘t sure her heart could survive another loveless marriage. Feeling his hand slide up over the curve of her waist, brush over her right breast and up to the curve of her throat, she trembled at his touch. He tilted her chin, forcing her to look up into his beautiful midnight eyes, eyes that showed his lust for her. Undoubtedly he wanted her body, but not her heart. ―It seems you are taking my choice from me.‖ Surprised she managed to talk at all, Rachel struggled with herself and her body. She wanted him with a desperation that was beginning to surpass her reason. ―If you will not see reason and understand that I am the better choice.‖ He seemed to have drawn a hard line, and she wondered if she could fight him. She lost the fight completely when he bent his head down and nuzzled at her neck. Of their own accord her hands stole up over his large, broad shoulders, loving the feel of his firm muscles beneath her fingers. These Kelons were any woman‘s wet dream, and Syl was hers. Despite trying to protect herself, she was giving in to her heart once again. ―Please, don‘t hurt me.‖ It was a plea more for her heart than anything else, her voice sounded breathless in her ears. ―I understand you have been hurt by your human ex-mate. We are not like them. By the Fires of Elron, I promise to 23

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always be gentle with you.‖ She didn‘t care in the slightest if he hurt her physically. She could take physical abuse better than having her heart broken. She blinked back the tears threatening to emerge. ―All right, I will accept you as my mate.‖

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Chapter 4 His large hand slid up her outer thighs catching and dragging the shirt upwards and off, baring her naked body to his gaze. He scowled at seeing the bruise on her left side, yet he was careful not to touch the area. He raised his head and Rachel met his dark, starlit gaze. It was like the abyss of space staring into Syl‘s eyes. They were so beautiful, yet so vast and untamed. ―I will claim you now.‖ His voice betrayed his arousal, along with the feel of his hard cock tenting his pants, pressing into her lower belly. Rachel had a damned good inkling that Syl would be in proportion with the rest of his body—big. To her utter surprise, he gripped her hips tightly, pinned her in place and dropped to his knees. What is this, some kind of formal proposal? Her thoughts flew out the window when he lifted her leg, placing it over his shoulder. She gasped as he did the same with the other one. Her sex was open and on display for him. She had to flatten her hands against the boulder to keep her balance, but somehow she knew he would never let her fall. He sniffed and inhaled. ―I can smell your arousal, you are soft, pink‖ 25

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His fingers glided up through her fine red curls, to touch and explore her clit. Her body tensed before giving in to the sensations assaulting her. His fingers explored down to the entrance of her pussy, and he pushed in his thumb. Rachel couldn‘t help but moan, feeling his thick digit invade her. ―wet and tight.‖ His hot breath puffed against her exposed sex. ―My brothers have informed me this is your place of pleasure,‖ he growled softly. ―Yes,‖ she confirmed on a moan. His thumb continued to slowly push in and out of her, while his other fingers played with her clit. ―Oh, God, Syl.‖ Rachel had had only two lovers before she had met Greg. All her sexual encounters, and the fumbling efforts of those men, had left her empty and unfulfilled. Although media, books and magazines told her women should be enjoying great sex and gaining gratification with their partners, from experience she had found it was just not the case. She had never had an orgasm she hadn‘t given herself. Syl made her feel like no other man ever had. In record time, he was about to get her off—a hell of a lot quicker than she ever had done by herself—even with her vibrator and mentally fantasising about her dream man. And here he was, on his knees, his fingers inside her most intimate parts, in a simple, curious exploration. Her body trembled. She gasped again, struggling for breath when she felt his nose nuzzle in on her clit, before his tongue swiped over it. The deep predatory growl emanating from his throat pushed her over the edge. ―Syl!‖ she almost screamed, grabbing onto the top of his dark head. Her heels dug into his back, and her hips jerked as 26

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he continued swiping his tongue up and down the length of her sex. With one hand he kept her pinned as her entire world flew apart. He withdrew his thumb from her squeezing passage, only to push his tongue into her, swiping and licking at her juices. More growls of approval vibrated up through her body. Before she had time to recover or calm her ragged breathing, he withdrew. She wanted to cry out at the loss of him. He shoved her legs off his shoulders and rose to his feet. Her legs felt like rubber as he set her down and she was thankful for the rock at her back. She opened her eyes to see him shove down his pants, her eyes widening as s he took in the sheer size of his cock. A sudden panic washed through her. She had never taken anything that big in her life. He didn‘t give her much chance to study his alien anatomy; he was pulling her tightly against him, lifting her into position, with his cock right at her entrance. Her green gaze met his. ―I will take it slowly. I wish not to cause you any pain.‖ His voice was strained with evident need. Unable to find any words, let alone trust herself to speak, she mutely nodded. He pushed forward till the flat tip of his cock speared into her body. She gasped at the sensation of being stretched and filled. The pleasure and pain mix was almost too much for her to bear, until he reached between their bodies to gently rub against her swollen sensitive clit, and pleasure won over pain. She opened her eyes. He seemed to be watching and gauging her reactions to everything he did. ―Is it too much? Should I stop?‖ 27

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―No!‖ She almost growled the word. Hell, he was big but she wanted to take every damned inch of him. ―You are big, but I can take you,‖ she said on a breathless pant. ―Don‘t stop, please.‖ He pushed again, sinking further into her inch by slow inch until he could go no further. Rachel was utterly and helplessly impaled on his huge alien cock. ―By the Holy Fires of Elron, I claim you, Rachel,‖ he proclaimed, withdrawing only to plunge in again. There wasn‘t one part within her body that couldn‘t feel him, as his thrusts grew faster and stronger. Her back grazed against the rock as he pushed her against it for more leverage, while his powerful body pounded into hers over and over, rubbing against her sweet spot. He reached down his fingers masterfully toying with her clit; her second orgasm was deeper and more intense, growing from within her body and spreading out to every nerve ending. She cried out, sobbing on his shoulder at the wondrous feel of it, of him. She felt him thicken slightly within her, before he threw back his head and roared. She was amazed she could actually feel the warmth of his seed jetting into her belly. Her body was totally limp against his as he slowly came down from his own climax. His breathing was still hard as he raised his head to look into her eyes. ―I now see why my brothers enjoy their human mates so.‖ ―How does it differ with Kelon women?‖ Rachel couldn‘t help the question that tumbled out of her mouth. ―Your body is soft outside and soft and wet within, where our females are not. We only ever couple to claim, and to produce younglings. They have no interest in taking us for simple enjoyment or pleasure. You are more like the males in 28

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wanting to couple more often, as you receive pleasure out of the mating act.‖ ―Human males and females are a sexual species, that is true. I feel sorry for your women that they can‘t enjoy sex.‖ ―They keep good homes and please their warriors when they are able,‖ he said as if more to himself than for her benefit. Rachel was still having a hard time concentrating as she was still impaled on his cock. He seemed in no hurry to move off her. ―How many brothers do you have?‖ ―Two, you have met them both. Kerr is the oldest, Melron the youngest.‖ ―Yes, I remember them—and Tara.‖ She raised her head, meeting his gaze. She wanted his heart and she was determined to win it no matter what it took. He must feel something towards her or he wouldn‘t have been so forward in claiming her. Gently, he withdrew from her depths and set her on her feet. ―What happens now?‖ Her knees were still weak from the incredible climaxes he‘d given her. ―You are mine, Rachel. No one will touch you or attempt to fight for you. If they do, I will deal with them. You are protected.‖ He stepped away from her, and she watched as he gathered their clothes. Rachel admired the most splendidly firm, naked arse she had ever seen. He turned, handing her the shirt. Then again, the frontal view was just as mouth-watering. ―Dress, there is much to be done this day.‖ 29

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―Well, aren‘t you the romantic one. Don‘t we get a honeymoon?‖ she teased. ―Honey-moon?‖ He gave her a puzzled glance. ―On Earth, it is a general custom for newly wedded or mated couples to go away together for a short period of time to enjoy and get to know each other on a more intimate level, a honeymoon.‖ ―I do not see the relevance of such a custom that can be done just as well within the confines of the mated pair‘s dwelling.‖ He bent to pull off his boots, moving towards the water. ―Yes, but not as much fun,‖ she said with a sigh. She realised that during his claiming of her, not once had he kissed her or played with her breasts. Even so, he had given her two incredible orgasms. She held her shirt across her breasts, watching him wade into the water to wash. One quick fuck and she was claimed. She frowned. That‘s what she probably was to Syl, someone he could now fuck and a toy to play with. The protection racket was probably just a ruse. Well, she wasn‘t going to have it. She knew if she didn‘t make a stand with him now he would continue to do this to her. Use her body, play with her emotions, and give nothing back. ―Just how much do you know about human women?‖ she asked, moving towards the pond‘s edge. She licked her lips as he dipped down to submerge his body in the water before standing up again. She watched water rivulets run down his sculptured arms, chest and oh-so-beautiful body—a body that was now all hers. Perhaps it was time to teach him a lesson 30

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about human women, or—more to the point—this human woman. ―Much, from my brothers‘ human mates.‖ Rachel didn‘t fail to note the arrogance in his tone. ―Huh, is that so?‖ If he was going to treat her like a toy, and property to be guarded and protected then, she had the right to do it to him, too. ―Do you know how demanding human wives can be? We have certain expectations we demand from our husbands, there are things we need from them, things they do for us and to us, as their duty.‖ It was hard to keep a straight face as she approached the water‘s edge. She was enjoying the look of confusion in his expression. ―I know of no duties, other than to keep you safe, protect you and give you all of what I have. Have I not done that? What else is it you need? What would you have me do?‖ Feeling bold and brave, she dropped the shirt and jeans behind her, standing naked in front of him. His dark eyes flared with renewed lust as his gaze swept over her naked curves. ―I want you to pleasure me, of course.‖ He blinked in confusion. ―Did I not pleasure you adequately?‖ ―Baby, you‘re the best I‘ve ever had, but I‘m a greedy woman. I want more.‖ She licked her lips slowly and deliberately. She saw his sharp intake of breath. ―I want your kisses.‖ Seductively, she sucked her finger into her mouth. ―I want your hands and mouth on my breasts.‖ His gaze dropped from her lips to her breasts. She took them into her hands, plumping them before pushing them together and squeezing them. ―I want to feel you squeeze them, feel you suck and lick my nipples.‖ She pinched her nipples, 31

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lowered her head, pushing up her nipples to lick each one with her tongue. ―Mmmmm.‖ A low growl sounded along with the splashing of water. Rachel gasped as she suddenly found herself caught in Syl‘s tight embrace, his mouth crushed down onto hers. She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him back with a hungry fever. ―You are a fire demon,‖ he growled when they came up for air. He lifted her roughly, dropping them both onto the greenish blue dirt. His hands were equally as rough as he reached for her breasts, plumping them as she had done. He squeezed them before nuzzling between the deep valley he had created. She gasped as his mouth sucked in a mound of plump breast flesh, releasing it until he caught her nipple gently between his teeth. She moaned at the jolting pleasure that shot through her. He went above and beyond what she had imagined him doing to her. He licked and teased the bud, before moving across to the other, then repeated the process until she was panting and writhing beneath him. Each tug and pull of his mouth on her nipple held a direct line right down to her clit, pushing her to the brink of climax. ―Syl, Syl, Syl.‖ As she softly chanted his name, his hand skimmed across her skin, leaving no part of her body untouched before he reached the junction of her thighs. Her clit was so sensitive and swollen, all he had to do was to pinch it between his fingertips and she came screaming. He was quick to move his body over hers, pushing her legs apart. She sucked in a sharp breath as he shifted his hips, pushing into her in a long, hard thrust. She was going to be 32

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sore tomorrow taking him like this, but hell, she didn‘t care. She had wanted this, and had provoked him into it, to show him she could affect him just as much as he did her. That he wasn‘t always in such firm control. He thrust into her like pounding hammer blows. She managed to lift her legs around his waist, her ankles pressing into his arse as he rode her hard, grunting and growling with desperate need, spurring her higher than she ever believed possible. She never thought she would like sex hard and rough, but with Syl, God, she wanted everything he had to give her. Rough, calloused hands grabbed and squeezed at her breasts as his pace quickened even further. Every inch of her body was alive with molten fire as she felt herself reaching the pinnacle once again. She tugged on his hair, which had fallen down around him, wanting his mouth. He gave it to her, thrusting his tongue deeply into her depths. Her body trembled, crying out into his mouth as she came so hard, for a moment she thought she might even pass out. He ripped his mouth from hers and roared as he released into her belly. He shuddered for a long moment before collapsing weakly on top of her quivering body. Rachel was grateful he kept the bulk of his weight on his forearms, his head resting on her shoulder, as they struggled to calm their breathing. Slowly he raised his head, gazing deep into her eyes. ―You pushed me beyond my control, my fire demon. I fear I have hurt you.‖ She saw the look of concern on his face. ―No, you were wonderful, and have given me everything I wanted from you. Thank you.‖ She reached out to touch his face, but Syl turned away. Pulling off, and out of her, he rose to his feet. 33

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Chapter 5 His simple action hurt her deeply. Rachel knew she had no real right to be angry at Syl, yet she couldn‘t help the rampant emotions rolling though her. She couldn‘t force him to love her. ―You can‘t just take what you like of me. I am giving you everything that I am, and I expect the same from you.‖ ―No, Rachel, I will do my best to please you and make you happy with me, but there is one thing that is not mine to give.‖ She bit down on her lip, rather than curse him out. When he offered her his hand to stand, she ignored him and shakily got to her feet, reaching for her clothes, fumbling with the overly large top and jerking on her pants. She glanced around for her shoes, finding them over near the boulder. ―Rachel, I am sorry.‖ She drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, calming herself before she spoke. ―It‘s all right, I understand. I appreciate what you‘ve done to protect me.‖ She pushed her feet into her sneakers before turning to face him. He had redressed, also. He looked large, dark, dangerous and still, sexy as hell. She drew comfort in the fact that even though she didn‘t have his heart, she had everything else. 35

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No, she realised she wanted everything, including his heart. He had already proven he couldn‘t resist her body. Just maybe, given enough time and soft persuasion on her part, she could win his heart. She glanced up to see him studying her. She smiled. He frowned. ―You puzzle me greatly,‖ he said, bending down to pick up his long deadly looking sword, attaching it onto a loop at the waist of his pants. She smiled at his words. ―You are a temptation one moment, angry the next, and now you smile.‖ ―Welcome to the world of women, Syl. Men on my planet have been trying to figure us out for over a hundred thousand years, all to no avail, so they have learned to just to accept us for who we are—complex creatures of femininity.‖ ―You words hold no logic.‖ She walked up to him, giving his hard muscled arm a pat. ―And where would the fun be in being logical?‖ She felt her smile widening. Yes indeed, the challenge had been issued. No matter how long it took, she was going to win Syl‘s love. He was soon going to learn that resisting Rachel was something he would find impossible. **** Her now husband had stood her in front of the assembled men and told them she was no longer an available female. There were disgruntled grumbles among those men not injured, but Syl quickly cut them off with a growl, threatening to tear limb from limb any male who dared approach her. It was then they seemed to accept the fact that she was now ‗claimed.‘ 36

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Addassar had stood with his arms crossed over his chest glaring at Syl but said nothing. Rachel would be damned if she was about to feel guilty over not choosing him. She would explain to Addassar as soon as she had the opportunity. Afterwards, Syl had left her with Solron to again help tend the injured men. All the other warriors were preparing to burn their dead, as was their custom. If they could not commit them to the great Fires of Elron, burning them with flame was the nearest option. Rachel sighed and glanced down at Manarr, having taken over the task of wiping his face and upper body with a cool damp cloth as Solron had been doing. She could feel the young healer was studying her. ―Might as well say what‘s on your mind.‖ She raised her head to look at him. ―I did not expect the commander to claim you. For certain Addassar‖ He shrugged. ―Good thing I did not lay bets.‖ Rachel did not know if she should laugh or be offended at Solron‘s comment, so she decided on casual indifference. ―Yeah, he surprised even me. So how‘s Manarr doing?‖ she asked, hoping a change of subject would distract him from the ‗claiming‘ topic. ―He is healing. The deep sleep is helping. I appreciate that you would watch over him.‖ ―No problem. It‘s not as if there is anything else I could do on this strange planet.‖ Solron nodded thoughtfully. ―Your duty is to the commander now. You must understand his priority is to protect not only you, but everyone under his command, and to get them safely off this planet and home.‖ 37

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She could see that Syl was burdened with heavy responsibility. He must also be feeling the weight of those who were killed. ―I worry for his brother‘s mate,‖ Solron confided. ―Although I have been training another healer to assist in caring for the human females on Kelon, I have been their sole caregiver. Te-Commander Kerr‘s mate Alice is heavily pregnant with twin younglings. I can only pray to Elron that she is faring well in my absence.‖ ―With all your advanced technology, I‘m sure she will be fine without you.‖ Rachel gave the healer a comforting pat on the arm. Loud roars, scuffling and yells almost made her jump out of her skin, disturbing a few of the Kelons who were resting after night duty. They jumped to their feet, running to the entrance of the cave, disappearing just beyond it. Solron grabbed hold of Rachel‘s arm when she started moving forward to see what was going on. ―Stay. Let the warriors deal with it,‖ he warned her. He bent down to pull a long slender sword from under a blanket. A tremor of fear ran through Rachel as there was another bloodcurdling scream. A lot of snarling and growling could be heard, before it fell silent just as swiftly as the ruckus had started. She jumped as someone yelled for Solron. He tossed his sword aside and picked up his healer‘s kit and ran to where a group of men were half-dragging, half-carrying four severely injured Kelons. Upon seeing the deep, bloody scratches and bite marks on the four men, she knew they had been attacked by something with very large teeth and claws. She wanted to 38

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give way to the sudden rise of panic, but knew it would not do her or anyone else any good. Rachel swallowed her fear, turned and grabbed a heap of bandages she had made the day before. She quickly scrambled around to make room for the wounded men. Some of the other men had minor scratch wounds on their arms. Solron was snapping orders to lay the men in the space she had cleared. ―What in Elron‘s name happened?‖ Solron demanded, whipping out one of his scanners to move over the worst of the injured men. ―A beast pounced unawares from the dense vegetation, attacking Lurr,‖ one of the men explained, backing up after depositing the worst of the injured. ―We leapt into the fray to defend him and it took eight of us to kill it.‖ Rachel glanced up at the large, hulking, muscle-bound men all standing well over six feet tall. It must have been one hell of a big vicious creature to take eight Kelons to kill it. ―Inform the commander immediately and post perimeter defences. Someone collect energy weapons from the ship,‖ Solron ordered without glancing up from his new patients. The men were quick to obey. He was administering pain relief as Rachel silently worked beside him. She had already cleaned the wounds for him to work on. There was a huge gash in the centre of Lurr‘s stomach. Rachel forced herself not to react to the sight of the man‘s insides. Solron was quick with his flesh knitter to bring the two sides of the man‘s skin together and seal it to prevent any further blood loss. ―Thank you,‖ he mumbled with a worried frown on his face as he concentrated, and worked with his healing tools. 39

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―Curses, he needs to be taken to a healing centre; there we could heal his internal injuries quickly. I am afraid there is not much I can do. He will continue to bleed internally from his wound.‖ She puzzled over why he would say such a thing, when it struck her that they probably didn‘t do internal surgery on his world. She cleared her throat. ―I know it may sound primitive to you, but can you not repair the damage manually? Through surgery?‖ ―Such a thing has not been done in a hundred years.‖ He glanced at her. ―The risk of infection and loss of life is too high a risk. The internal healing machines were made to prevent such occurrences.‖ ―But if you don‘t do anything he‘ll die, won‘t he?‖ Solron nodded. ―Then isn‘t it worth the risk?‖ Solron seemed to be weighing his options. ―I will need to gather a few more things from the ship.‖ Syl came running into the cave. Rachel glanced up as his eyes scanned over her, before dropping to the injured Kelon between her and Solron. ―I saw the beast, how is he?‖ ―If something is not done, he will die. I will attempt an old technique for repairing the internal tissue, if you will allow me Rachel‘s assistance.‖ Syl nodded his approval. ―If she is willing.‖ ―I am.‖ She looked up into the dark depths of his eyes. ―Stay with him. If he awakes, use the injector as I taught you.‖ Rachel nodded, and Solron scrambled to his feet. **** 40

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By the time Solron got back, Rachel had given Syl orders to help prepare the area where they were to work. Syl, in turn, barked at his men, who hovered, waiting to assist in any way possible. Her stomach was one large knot of nervous tension. Solron set down the supplies and looked approvingly at the area she‘d prepared. Lurr lay on a raised bed a few men had hastily put together. Then Syl helped shift the injured man. ―You would make a great healer, Rachel. Here, sterilise your hands and cover your face. I hope to make this as quick and as risk free as possible.‖ Rachel took the jell substance, rubbing it thoroughly over her hands, right up to her elbows, following what Solron was doing, then placed a dark cloth mask over her nose and mouth. She could not fail to note that Solron‘s hand was trembling as much as hers. ―You can do this. I used to watch medical shows on an entertainment unit called a TV back on Earth. They would show procedures and surgeries. The doctors made it look easy.‖ ―It is a barbaric practice, but I see no alternative. Never have I had to cut into a Kelon,‖ he said, injecting Lurr with an anaesthetic. There was no way to tell how long she worked with Solron. She kept her calm when he sliced through Lurr‘s skin with a laser cutter. Blood bubbled out everywhere, and she mopped at it so he could see what he was doing, then handed him each instrument when asked. There was so much blood, and she could see Solron begin to get frustrated as his large fingers kept fumbling inside of 41

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Lurr. ―The artery is so small, my fingers are too large to clamp around it.‖ ―Let me.‖ She slipped already bloodied hands into the warmth of the body, seeing where Solron had his. She placed her thumb and forefinger around the pulsing small vessel. ―Good, hold it there.‖ Solron lasered the vessel a hairsbreadth from her fingers. ―It is done.‖ She removed her fingers, starting to feel light-headed. She drew in a deep breath and washed her hands in a bowl the warriors kept replenishing for her and Solron. She cleaned the wound and Solron knitted Lurr‘s flesh back together. ―Now all we can do is wait,‖ he said. She left it to the warriors to set Lurr into a comfortable bed, while she and Solron cleaned up. ―Commander, your mate is to be commended. Rachel‘s small hands saved Lurr‘s life,‖ Solron said to Syl as he had come forward. Rachel could only smile tentatively. All the blood, putting her fingers into a live being all suddenly became a little too much. She felt her own blood drain from her face. ―Quick, catch her,‖ was all she heard, as the world around her tilted off-kilter and blackness descended.

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Chapter 6 Rachel recovered from her faint a short time later. Despite Solron‘s insistence she rest, she sat next to Lurr to watch over him. She was relieved to see him wake up later that afternoon. Lurr, along with Manarr, were recovering well. Both of the Kelon warriors were more than pleased to have her tend to them, and when Solron had explained to Lurr it was her small fingers that had saved his life, he pledged his eternal devotion to her even after she insisted it wasn‘t necessary. Syl had been absent a good portion of the day, working on the communication panel they had ripped from the ship. Addassar, along with four other warriors, had escorted her down to the pond to bathe. All the men kept a respectful distance and their backs turned. As darkness fell, Syl came to collect her for the funeral of the dead. As the funeral pyre burned, prayers were offered up to their great ancestor Elron. Rachel slipped her hand into Syl‘s and leaned against him. She could feel him glancing down at her. Inwardly she smiled as his hand tightened around hers. ―You have made me proud. I do not regret my choice,‖ he said after a long moment of silence. ―So much for the choice being mine,‖ she murmured softly, sliding her arm around his waist and leaning into him 43

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for warmth. She watched the flame leap and dance, as the bodies burned. A deep sadness swept over her for the lives lost, in what seemed an irrational war. ―We have managed to fix communications. A Kelon ship that has been searching for us is on its way. They should be here by tomorrow,‖ Syl told her quietly. ―There is no need to fear.‖ ―I don‘t fear. You are my man. I have complete trust that you will prevail.‖ Rachel glanced up, giving him her best wide-eyed innocent look. She hid the pleasure when a look of pride flickered across his expression at her praise. The thought of getting off this planet and back to civilisation had her worried. There would be nothing for him to protect her from, and much more to take him away from her. It would make it harder for her to keep up her campaign of winning his heart. As the flames began to die the warriors turned away. Syl escorted her back to the cave and the pallet bed. ―You‘re not staying with me?‖ She pouted when he turned to leave. ―I am on first guard duty this night. You need your rest.‖ ―A kiss before you go?‖ He hesitated. ―I dare not.‖ He backed up and drew the curtain. Flaming torches made by the warriors flickered in the darkness, casting light and shadows across the cave. There were eight sentries on duty at the mouth of the cave, and several more on standby in case they had another alien beast attack. She had been mated or married to Syl for one whole day, and had gone to bed alone. Rachel dozed lightly on and off, 44

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wondering if he would sleep with her. After a while she felt the soft movement of the curtain that had been placed around her bed. She recognised Syl from his spicy masculine scent. She peeked up at him as he shed his shirt, before shifting his huge frame to lie down beside her. Rachel realised he hadn‘t removed his pants or boots. ―You‘re sleeping with your boots on?‖ Rachel turned on the mattress to face him. ―I did not mean to wake you. It is better to have them on in readiness, I must be prepared to face any dangers and to—‖ ―Protect you,‖ she said. There was just enough light in the darkness to see his frown. ―I understand. I was having trouble sleeping anyway with the cold.‖ She shivered. Syl slipped his arm down to her waist pulling her snug on top of his warm body. ―I love your warmth,‖ she murmured against his chest, resting her head just under his chin. She listened to the strong rhythm of his heart, before letting her fingers roam over the defined muscles, hiding her delight when she felt the play of muscles clench and tense under her touch. ―I hardly know anything about you. Won‘t you tell me what you do on Kelon? What kind of home will we be living in?‖ ―I have my family‘s home. It is large with many rooms my brothers and parents used to share. It is on the outskirts of City Prime, under large unbreakable crystal domes, below the planet‘s surface.‖ ―You don‘t live above?‖ ―The surface is made of rock and shifting sands, untameable. There are seven cities below with abundant 45

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fertile land that produce everything we need. We extract minerals from the fire pits that run through the planet to give us building materials and energy. Our starships are built on our moon Kelron.‖ Rachel was enjoying listening to the deep rumble of Syl‘s low voice. ―And do you always roam about the stars, fighting the Federation?‖ ―I only came on this mission to help rescue the humans who were captured by the Methrill. We needed extra commanding officers to lead the forces. I am on the Council of Civil Disputes. It is my duty to settle arguments my people may have.‖ ―Hmmm, so you‘re a judge.‖ Her hand snaked along his abdomen, skirting lower. He stiffened under her touch. ―What are you doing?‖ he growled in a low husky voice. ―My wifely duty of pleasing you. Do you not wish me to please you?‖ she murmured, shifting to place kisses along the base of his abs to his pants. He didn‘t move or discourage her when she tackled the clasp of his pants, unhooking them. He even shifted his hip to help her slide them down. He sucked in a sharp breath, when her hand explored lower finding the base of his already hard cock, stroking it along its firm, almost velvety length, thrilling her no end. ―Rachel,‖ his growl was both warning and wanting. She glanced up at him through her lashes. Even in the shadowy flickering light she could see him watching her with intense desire. ―If you don‘t like what I do to you, I promise never to do it again, okay?‖ she said, glancing up to give him her most wickedly seductive smile. 46

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―Fire demon,‖ he growled again, but still made no attempt to stop her. She glanced down at his cock. She didn‘t know if beautiful was the right word to use, but it looked and felt beautiful to her, especially when it was moving in and out of her body. But this was a time to explore him, to give him pleasure, to attempt to chip away little by little his resolve not to love her. She opened her mouth sliding it over the head of his cock. Rachel realised he had duel slits on the top of his cock; one tasted slightly sour, the other rather sweet, an she swirled her tongue over his head again, mixing the flavours, and found it was a tasty combination. Syl was growling low in his throat; she could see he was struggling to keep his groans and moans of pleasure contained, as there were other warriors within earshot. She moaned softly, widening her mouth to swallow as much of his length as she could fit into her mouth; she sucked on him, trying to extract more of his lovely flavours. Her hand slid around his base, pumping what she couldn‘t fit into her mouth. Rachel had never been one who liked this activity, but with Syl, she found herself enjoying it, licking and sucking him like a delicious lollipop. Her fingers slid down to squeeze his firm smooth balls in her hand, and his breathing became low pants. Glancing up in the dim light she could see his head thrown back, with his hands in tight fists by his sides. Focusing on the head of his dick and sliding her hand up and down, she felt him begin to tremble. She sucked harder, his cock began to thicken—the only warning she got before his seed shot into her mouth. He groaned low, his body shuddering, and his breathing harsh. She swallowed hard and fast, drinking it all down. She gentled her sucking, licking him 47

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totally clean before letting him go. She laid her head on his thigh and gave a soft sigh. ―Did I please my husband?‖ ―Rachel.‖ His voice was hoarse. ―I have no words to describe how you have pleased me.‖ ―So, you would like me to do it again?‖ ―I would never deny you anything you wished to do.‖ She took that as a yes. She shifted her aroused body, crawling up over him and settling into the crook of his arm. He pulled her tightly against his warmth. ―Do you not wish me to please you now?‖ She could hear the indecision in his voice and just smiled in the darkness. ―You already have, Syl, more than you know.‖ She yawned and smiled when he closed his arm securely around her. Contented, she closed her eyes.

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Chapter 7 Daylight filtered in to the cave. Rachel woke still snuggled into Syl‘s side, his long arm wrapped around her waist. She raised herself to gaze down upon her warrior, alien husband. His face was relaxed in sleep. Admiring the angular chiselled features of his face, even the flattened hard line of his forehead seemed to enhance his masculine beauty. She sighed softly. She would have liked to gaze longer, but the pressure on her bladder was the more pressing issue. Gently she lifted off him, setting his arm aside, and climbed to her feet. She was surprised when he didn‘t wake up. She made her way out towards the cave entrance. ―You cannot go out alone, little Red,‖ Addassar said as she approached. The four other Kelons were also staring at her. ―I need to use the little girls‘ room rather badly, Addassar.‖ She flushed. ―I won‘t go far from sight, please.‖ He looked confused for a moment, before understanding dawned. He nodded and pointed to a shrub a few feet from the mouth of the cave. ―Do not go beyond that vegetation. We will hear if there is any danger.‖ She gave him an appreciative smile and scrambled down the short drop from the mouth of the cave to where he had 49

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pointed. Once she reached the spot, she felt it was not covered enough, and ventured only a little further into what she perceived as a more secluded clearing. Finding a fallen, well, what she assumed was a log, she ripped down her pants and squatted. She was dreaming of a hot shower, and indoor plumbing as she finished, hoping that the leafy vegetation she grabbed to clean herself off with wasn‘t poisonous or about to make her itch. She stood, tugged up her pants, glanced around, and froze. Across from the spot she had chosen, two golden eyes glowed in the shadows of the large leafy vegetation, staring straight at her. Slowly it stepped forward, growling low in its throat before standing up to a whopping nine-foot height, adopting an intimidating pose. Rachel very slowly dropped back down to her knees, into a passive, submissive position, trying to avoid eye contact with the creature, praying it wouldn‘t see her as threat, or as breakfast. Instinctively she knew this was the same kind of creature that had ripped apart Lurr. When it breathed, its camouflaged skin rippled along its furred body, almost the size of a hippo, but more leaner, and a column of reddish black spikes ran along the length of its back. It lowered its huge body back down so it only now stood seven feet to her crouched position. She was trying desperately not to show fear when the creature‘s sharp elongated teeth came within inches of her face. The beast nudged at her with his wet muzzle, sniffing at her. She forgot her fear of being eaten for a moment and wondered about the creature. Quite possibly this alien beast 50

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was just protecting its territory. She was startled when its long sloppy tongue slurped across her face. ―Easy there, you don‘t want to eat me.‖ It nuzzled at her again. Slowly Rachel raised one hand, letting the creature sniff at it before she moved it across its muzzle to pat it. To her surprise it started to purr under her petting. She raised her head, and slowly rose to her feet, giggling when it rubbed his large face against her front. ―Rachel?‖ She heard Syl‘s voice. The creature stiffened and began to growl. ―Fire demon, where are you?‖ He appeared through the shrubs. She saw him freeze, and draw his sword at the sight of her with the creature. ―Don‘t,‖ she warned him. ―Stand very still and don‘t act so damn threatening. Crouch low, and it won‘t perceive you as a threat. It‘s friendly, aren‘t you, you big lug?‖ she cooed at the creature while continuing to rub its head. Syl became very still and crouched down, watching her with the creature. ―By the Fires of Elron, Rachel, is there nothing you cannot tame with your touch?‖ Syl was staring at her with awe. The creature was nuzzling back into her, and she giggled again. She scratched behind his big rounded head, trying not to look at the deadly looking fangs and claws. ―I think it‘s just protecting its territory. If we don‘t threaten it, it won‘t harm anyone, will you?‖ The creature licked her again. ―Go on, you‘d better get out of here,‖ she told it with growing affection. He gave a huff, and seemed to understand her direction. With another slurp of his tongue across her face, he turned and ambled away. 51

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Syl waited until the creature had long disappeared through the shrub, before rising to his feet. Rachel let out a breath of relief, before her eyes widened, seeing his angry expression as he stalked towards her. ―You could have been killed, Rachel,‖ he growled low. ―Do not ever leave my side again. I am going to kill Addassar for letting you out alone.‖ ―I was not far and I‘m perfectly fine,‖ she shot back, refusing to be intimidated. ―You can‘t watch over me all the time. I‘m a grown woman, and I‘ll do what I damn well want.‖ ―No one is safe on this planet. Not even the men go out alone. Wake me next time. Come. There is food and, I pray to Elron, our last few hours on this planet.‖ Rachel sighed. Syl had gentled his tone, along with his expression. Her irritation melted as he offered his hand. She slipped her small pale hand into his larger tanned one. He paused and seemed to study her hand for a moment, making Rachel wonder what he was thinking about. He blinked, and closed his hand around hers, tugging her back towards the cave. ―You‘d better tell them about Rex, so no one else gets hurt.‖ ―Rex?‖ ―That‘s what I‘m calling the big alien animal, Rex.‖ An amused smile snaked across his face. ―As illogical as it is to name a dangerous creature as if it were a pet, somehow it is an appropriate thing for you to do.‖ She smiled up at him. ―Yup, that‘s me, illogical in the logical. Do you think I could get another bath today? I would hate to be rescued smelly.‖ 52

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―I will take you to the pond after you eat.‖ **** Lurr stared at her with astonishment, along with all the other Kelons present, when Syl got her to explain about ‗Rex‘. She sat on a boulder, eating the array of fruits given to her. ―The creature almost killed me, how can they be as tame as you say?‖ asked Lurr. ―It is only a theory but, most likely, it was just frightened and defending its territory. You cannot blame a creature for wanting to protect its home or even its babies.‖ ―Perhaps it just likes beautiful human women,‖ Addassar said with a smile. Many of the men rumbled their agreement. Rachel couldn‘t help the blush she felt rising into her cheeks. ―She has an enchanted Elron touch,‖ Lurr said. ―Commander, your Corami is a rare treasure. I do not fear to say I envy you greatly.‖ She glanced up at Syl, trying to gauge his reaction to Lurr‘s comments. She hid her sudden hurt, seeing his face was blank. He gave Lurr a nod. ―It should not be long before our ships arrive, so make ready,‖ he snapped. She wasn‘t the only one who noticed he neither confirmed nor denied that she was his Corami. Her heart broke just a little more. She drew in a deep breath, trying to steel her resolve. I can do this, she kept repeating in her head, over and over. I can win him. She prayed it would be enough. Syl moved across the cave to snatch up a bundle of clothing, before returning. ―I will take you to bathe now.‖ 53

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Addassar gave a curt nod. Rachel jumped to her feet when Syl held out his hand. He didn‘t slow down this time and she had to jog in order to keep up with his long strides. The silence hung between them, all the way to the pond. ―Go ahead,‖ he urged, setting down the clothing. Rachel began to strip, with Syl watching her. She smiled up at him, ―Won‘t you join me this time?‖ She backed up towards the water, sliding her hands down her sides invitingly. ―I‘m feeling, very, very dirty, I may need help getting clean.‖ A low husky growl rumbled from his throat. He stripped in record time, striding towards the water with purpose, his expression dark with lust, the evidence of his arousal jutting out towards her. She stooped down into the cold water and shivered. He drew near, catching her around the waist. As he lifted her out of the water, her legs wrapped around his waist, and her arms around his neck. His mouth sought hers with the primal hunger she loved to feel from him. Her naked body pressed against his hard, firm one. If this was heaven she never wanted to leave. ―God, you feel so good,‖ she managed to say when he let her up for air. ―My fire demon,‖ he said with a low growl before hoisting her up to latch onto her left breast, suckling at it with surprising tenderness. Her head fell forward as she gripped tightly to his shoulders, moaning her pleasure as he teased and tormented each of her breasts in turn. She hardly noticed when he carried her out of the water and back to the bank until he set her down, turned her and dropped them both to their knees. The contrast of his darkly tanned hands, skimming over her 54

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sensitive pale flesh, inflamed her senses. She was already wet and aching to have him fill her. He kissed and nipped at her neck, his large hands squeezing and plumping the flesh of her breasts, before squeezing her nipples between his fingertips. The heat of his body pressed over her back, forcing her down onto her hands, while he continued to play and tease her back and spine with kisses. ―It is a wonder.‖ The vibration of his low voice made her skin tingle. She felt him push her legs wider with his, and the blunt head of his cock was at the entrance of her dripping pussy. They both moaned as he pushed into her in one long, strong thrust. If he hadn‘t been gripping onto her hips she would have been shoved forward. ―How well we fit together.‖ Rachel wasn‘t certain if that was a hint of affection in his strained voice, as it was hard to concentrate when she was impaled on his long hard cock. His body fell over hers, caging her in. As he started thrusting in and out of her, his pace was not as hurried this time, as if he was taking the time to savour her, make love to her, rather than simply fucking her. ―W-we are madefor each other,‖ she gasped, on each of his strokes. ―Fires of Elron, you were made for me, you are mine.‖ His declaration would have stupefied her, if she wasn‘t already mindless with pleasure. One of his large muscled arms was wrapped around her upper chest, holding her to him as he raised her flush against his chest. Not once did he stop the now frantic pace of his hips as he pistoned in and out of her like a jackhammer, at the same time as his other hand threaded through her red curls at the junction 55

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of her thighs searching for and finding the swollen bud, and pinching it between his thick fingers. A scream rent the air, as she came hard, her inner walls clenched around him in ecstasy. Her body became a limp mass of jelly, but he held her firmly. He continued to tug, rub and pinch at her oversensitive clit, until it was almost unbearable. She sobbed, helpless but to just feel what he was doing to her. ―Come for me again,‖ he growled into her ear, and bit down on her neck. The sudden spike of pain and pleasure made her hit her peak again. Her body was covered in sweat as she groaned, her body shuddering and shaking. He growled, his thrusts became faster, shorter, then there was the familiar feeling of him growing slightly larger inside her before he released his seed deep into her body. His chest heaved in laboured breaths, as his arm loosened. ―Did I do my duty?‖ he asked suddenly, setting her on her feet and removing himself from her body. Semen trickled down her leg. As he turned her gently in his arms, she gazed up into the dark depths of his eyes. ―Are you pleased and pleasured?‖ ―So much so I may not walk for a week. And are you pleased and pleasured?‖ A smile spread over his gorgeous face. ―Pleased and pleasured beyond what I ever thought possible.‖ He brushed a stray lock of her red hair from her face, in a tender action. ―So much so, I may have to repeat it more often, just to be certain.‖ Rachel smiled at his use of humour; it was the first time he had teased her. Could she be starting to melt the big lug‘s heart of ice? 56

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Chapter 8 He lowered his head, brushing his lips across hers. ―We best bathe swiftly. I am sure the other warriors heard your scream.‖ ―I never thought I could have a screaming orgasm, until you.‖ She pushed on his chest and he let her loose, only to follow her back into the water, snatching up the lotions they had left on the bank. ―You were not pleasured by your past mate?‖ ―Hell no, Greg was sweet and nice when sober, but when he drunk he was a mean son of a bitch. He beat me and degraded me as if I was nothing but dirt.‖ She saw anger flash across his expression. ―Being abducted by the Methrill was one of the best things that could have happened to me; I don‘t doubt that if I had stayed on Earth he would have found me and killed me, simply for leaving him.‖ ―There is no abuse of women on Kelon; they are our mothers, sisters and mates. It is not logical to harm anyone precious and vital to our survival.‖ ―I think you‘ve learned that humans are far from logical.‖ She dunked herself down into the water, emerging to see his dark eyes watching her. Quickly she washed her hair, soaped down her breasts and stomach and dipped down across her thighs. 58

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She gave him an impish grin. ―Did you not say we had to be swift?‖ she teased, noting he hadn‘t moved but was simply watching her bathe. Syl snapped out of his daze and quickly began washing his big muscled body. Rachel knew they didn‘t have the time to indulge in every pleasure. When they got off this planet and arrived at his home she was going to spend time in the shower with him, with her hands all over that magnificent body of his. She rinsed her hair and walked towards the shore, shivering as she reached for her top. She gasped as she felt him suddenly spin her around. She placed her hands on his chest to steady herself, feeling the strong beating of his heart as he gazed down on her. ―RachelI‖ She frowned. It wasn‘t like him to stumble on his words. She wondered what was wrong. ―I know I claimed you to protect you, but IFires of Elron, I am not trained for this.‖ ―Are you all right? Have I done anything wrong?‖ she asked. ―No, Rachel, you have done nothing wrong. I need to tell you something, but I find it difficult.‖ He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. There was something in the way he was looking at her, as if he was battling some inner turmoil. She removed her hands from his chest, as he let go of his hold on her waist, and his hands fell away as she took a step back. Fear sliced through her. What could he have to tell her that he found so difficult? They were being rescued soon, so she did not need his protection anymore? She licked her lips and swallowed in nervousness.

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―I suppose we‘d best get back to the cave. Didn‘t you say the rescue ships would be arriving soon?‖ she said quickly, not wanting to hear what he had to say. He seemed to accept the change of subject as well, with a curt nod. ―Yes, you had better dress. I have no desire for any of my men to see you as you are.‖ A spark of hope chased away some of the fear she had felt a second ago by the possessive way his dark eyes swept over her naked body. Rachel sorted through her clothing. Her jeans were now beyond wearable so she discarded them for a large fresh shirt Syl had brought her. It was black, soft and five times too big for her; it fell down around her knees and she had to roll up the sleeves several times. After brushing out her wet hair, she sat down on the soft vegetation to pull on her sneakers. ―Commander,‖ Addassar called, before he appeared around the boulder. Syl glanced up at him. ―I wish to talk to you alone.‖ Addassar glanced at Rachel before directing his gaze at Syl. ―Rachel, wait here,‖ Syl ordered. Rachel wondered what was going on. She hadn‘t liked the worried expression on Addassar‘s face when he had glanced at her. She moved towards the boulder, hearing the low rumble of the men‘s voices. She inched closer straining to hear what was being said. ―No, there are no feelings towards her, and I have no desire for the female any longer. I have my Corami, even if the men do not believe it.‖ Syl‘s tone was angry.

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Rachel gasped. She had been right. Syl didn‘t want her anymore. He had been on the verge of telling her, probably trying spare her feelings. ―Before the rescue craft arrives, you had best tell her and the men, or you will have a fight on your hands,‖ Addassar snarled. The pit of Rachel‘s stomach dropped. She turned away, looking about, her breathing coming in hard panicked gasps. Syl was going to tell everyone he didn‘t want her. Rid himself of the burden of her now that they were being rescued. She had been the biggest idiot, fooling herself into believing she could win Syl‘s heart. Choking back a sob, she turned and ran into the alien jungle, not caring where she was going. She only needed to get away. ―Rachel!‖ Syl and Addassar yelled. She heard pounding footsteps behind her. ―Fire demon, stop!‖ Syl demanded. A loud roar of an engine suddenly penetrated her senses and she looked up to see the shadow of a huge black ship passing overhead. She could only assume it was the rescue craft. Out of breath, she leaned against the trunk of an alien tree, her chest heaving with the effort to catch her breath. In the distance she could hear Addassar and Syl calling for her. Too damned bad. He didn‘t want her, and he didn‘t need to find her. Anger started to replace the hurt she was feeling, and the sensibility that she didn‘t want to be left behind and alone on this alien planet. She knew Syl would be angry with her for running off, but she didn‘t care what he thought anymore. There had to be 61

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some kind of divorce system on Kelon that would allow her to get Syl out of her life. Glancing around, she had no idea in what direction to head. She‘d have to yell for help now. She was lost. Damn it. The jungle rustled, and she heard heavy footsteps breaking the vegetation as they walked. Expecting Syl or Addassar to come through, she gasped as something entirely different stepped into the clearing, making her heart leap into her throat with fear. ―Holy shit.‖ Rachel‘s eyes went wide seeing the huge bearlike creature fix its gleaming brown eyes on her. ―Human female!‖ it declared, closing in on her. She screamed. A split second after, Addassar broke through the brush. He glanced wildly about, seeing her and then the big bear creature. He swiftly drew his sword and charged at the creature before it reached her. ―Xerson dog! Rachel, run!‖ he yelled. She didn‘t hesitate to obey. She heard the clash of swords as she bolted again into the thick jungle. She glanced over her shoulder, spotting Syl heading towards her through a clearing in the jungle. The distraction cost her as she ran smack into another bear creature. Too breathless to scream after running, all she could do was gasp, then squeal as it grabbed her around the waist, lifting her clear off her feet. ―I have the female,‖ it growled in a raspy low voice. Her world tilted, as she was flung over its broad shoulder. ―Get her back to the ship,‖ a second voice ordered from some kind of device attached to the shoulder belt of the Xerson. 62

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Rachel struggled, unable to suck enough air into her lungs to scream as she was bounced on his shoulder. He was too damned strong to fight. The clang of clashing swords faded in the distance as she was carried off, feeling small, helpless and afraid she would never see Syl ever again.

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Chapter 9 As the ship lifted off the ground, she was tied to a seat with large straps. Rachel had fought the creature every step of the way. He had growled and threatened to knock her out if she continued to struggle against him. Shocked by his threats and filled with fear, she stilled long enough for him to tie her down. Now the ship was pulling some serious Gs, and she was thankful to be strapped to the seat. The ship lurched and shot up and away from the planet. On the screen in front of them, Rachel saw the greenish blue planet grow smaller and smaller. Suddenly, she shrieked as they flew straight into what could only be described as a massive, alien dogfight. Lasers shot across the darkness, and ships exploded around them. The control panel lit up and began beeping, red lights flashing warnings at the Xerson pilot in the seat. He was growling and yanking around the large, figure-eight-shaped steering control. The ship narrowly avoided the flash of a bright blue laser, or whatever the hell it was, shooting by them. They returned fire and tried to outmanoeuvre the fighters on their tail, heading towards a larger, more heavily-armed ship. One of the blue lasers finally found its mark, and Rachel screamed again as the ship bounced and sparks and explosions surrounded her. 64

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Like hell was she going to die on this damn ship with a bunch of Xersons. She wiggled and squirmed against the chair‘s straps and managed to get an arm free. Immediately she started working to loosen the other straps. Rachel heard the crew conversing about the badly damaged ship and having to escape into a life pod at the rear. ―What about the female?‖ one Xerson asked. ―Leave her. We have already risked too much to capture her.‖ Rachel‘s resolve to escape strengthened upon hearing this conversation. She managed to pry off another strap, and, now loose, she ripped off the rest, jumped from the chair, and darted towards the rear of the ship. ―She‘s free! Grab her!‖ roared a Xerson. She glanced around, trying to figure out which hatch could possibly lead to the escape pod. Her snap decision paid off. She yanked open the door and saw a small room with two seat straps. She scrambled in and closed the hatch door before the Xerson bear could reach her. Next to the hatch door were a green button and a big red button. ―Please be green for go,‖ she muttered and slapped her palm over the green button. The lights flickered as the pod shot away from the ship, and her body slammed against the side of the pod. Her head knocked against a panel, and she was out cold. **** Time seemed to have no meaning anymore. Rachel drifted in and out of consciousness. She didn‘t know if hours, days, or even weeks had passed. The air in the small pod felt stale and thin. The small lights flickered and dimmed. At last, she jerked awake as the gravity cut out and she and other 65

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objects began floating and bumping into the metal walls. Her head throbbed. She was desperately thirsty. Rachel assumed there had to be some water hidden in the pod, but she had no idea how to find it, and she was worried about pushing random buttons. What if she hit the wrong button? She could lose oxygen, or maybe even cause the pod to explode. Salty tears floated around her as she thought of Syl and his hurtful words, those things he said just before she had run off into the jungle and been captured by the Xerson. Now she would die out here, pathetic and alone. With this last thought filling her mind, she gave herself up to the weightless dark. **** She could hear voices. Her body no longer felt weightless, just weak––so weak, she struggled even to open her eyelids. ―Get out of the way. I want to kill it.‖ ―I found it first! I get to kill it!‖ another growled back. ―You are an annoyance, Yull. We‘ll both do it. At any rate, I doubt it is much alive.‖ Rachel lay upon something hard. It dug into her back. Bright light flooded the pod, and a light-red color flashed behind her closed eyes. She squinted, and there was a collective gasp. ―That is not a Xerson.‖ ―It‘s a female. I‘ve heard about this species in reports from home. It‘s a human woman.‖ ―She‘s small. Look at that red hair and pink skin.‖ ―I saw her first. I get to claim her!‖ ―No you don‘t. I brought the pod in, I get first claiming rights!‖ Rachel croaked out a groan. 66

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―First, we‘d better take her to the commander, or she won‘t be in any condition to be mated to anyone.‖ She felt arms encircle her, pick her up, and begin carrying her. ―Small and light. I do like the feel of her.‖ ―Yull,‖ warned the other voice. ―Just get her to the commander, fast.‖ The voices faded as Rachel once again lost consciousness. **** Rachel opened her eyes. Her limbs ached, but she felt stronger. The hum from a ship vibrated through the bed she lay on. She groaned, trying to roll over. ―Easy, beautiful.‖ An elderly Kelon hovered above her. Gently, he cupped the back of her head and lifted her, placing a cup to her lips. She swallowed the bittersweet liquid greedily. It soothed her parched throat. The Kelon man chuckled at her eagerness. ―There now, better?‖ He set her head back against the pillows. ―Thank you,‖ she managed to squeak out. She cleared her throat. ―Where am I?‖ ―You are onboard the Kelon scavenger ship Petravon, beautiful. I‘m Commander Kulron. You‘ve caused my crew quite a worry, my dear,‖ he said in a kind, fatherly way. ―We were making odds on whether you would wake up at all.‖ She frowned at his words. ―I am Rachel. How long have I been, um, asleep?‖ ―Based on the pod data, you‘ve been floating around in the wreckage we salvaged for four cycles. And you‘ve been sleeping here another four. Not only am I the ship‘s commander, but I have healer training also. I know nothing about humans. All I could tell was that you hit your head and 67

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have been deprived of fluid and nutrition. I am most pleased to see you are recovering well.‖ ―Eight days? What happened? Did the others survive? Were they rescued?‖ She sat up in alarm. ―I heard reports of the battle but was not aware of any other human women in need of rescue,‖ Kurlon said with a frown of his own. ―I am sorry. The battle was extensive, and many ships were destroyed. I doubt any survived at all. It was only by the blessings of Elron we found you.‖ He stood up and moved around the small cabin. The Kelon was dressed quite differently than the black uniforms of the Kelon warriors. He wore sandy-coloured coveralls with a large black belt loosely circling his waist. Kulron was older, with age lines around his eyes and small silver streaks in each side of his shoulder-length black hair. He handed her a bundle of clothing. ―And the Kelon battleships? The ship that crashed on the alien planet? Were the Kelons rescued?‖ ―I believe so. All Kelon battleships are now back on the homeworld. I suppose you heard of this while being a prisoner of the Xerson?‖ He handed her the bundle of clothing. ―Forgive me. I had to undress you to check for injury, but I banned the other crew from these quarters. I tended to you, as I already have a mate back on Kelon. You are a beautiful human woman, and my crew are unmated. They all wish for you to choose them as mate.‖ She bit down on her lower lip, thinking of Syl. He didn‘t want her, and she was a responsibility he could now be free from. ―I had a mate, but he does not want me. I was nothing but a burden,‖ she confessed to the Kelon commander. She 68

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blinked and fought back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. His expression darkened in anger that she understood was not directed at her. ―Such a creature is unworthy of a beauty like you.‖ He smiled suddenly, chasing away the anger from his face. ―Fear not, you are most welcome and wanted here. It is our pleasure to see to your care and needs, Rachel.‖ ―Thank you for your kindness.‖ ―When you feel strong enough, bathe and dress. The crew are eager for introductions.‖ She nodded, and Kulron smiled warmly. Then he turned and left the quarters.

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Chapter 10 Rachel spent two weeks onboard the Petravon, living among the five Kelon crewmembers. Despite their efforts to convince her to choose one of them as a mate, Rachel had to lay down the law and insist firmly that none of them took her fancy. She regarded them as friends. She was thankful Commander Kulron was there to enforce her decision, as Kelon men could become quite aggressive over wanting a mate. The ship and its crew travelled through space, picking up useful junk scraps that could be recycled back on Kelon. She helped around the ship, working as much as they would allow her to. Otherwise, she would sit and stare out the viewing window, her thoughts constantly returning to Syl. It only made her more depressed. As time slipped by, she began missing everything about him, even the way he scowled and growled at her. He was probably kicking up his feet, rejoicing in his freedom from her. ―I heard it was covered by sand, but I had no idea,‖ she said, gazing down in awe at the large sandy planet below. She sniffed and fanned her hot skin. She hadn‘t been feeling well for the past few days.

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―All the cities are underground. I have a home outside of Kelon Prime. As you are still unmated, Rachel, I will take you home with me. My family will protect you.‖ ―Must every woman have a man to protect her?‖ ―In the past two generations, there have been fewer females born to our race as well as among our allies. Women are much in demand,‖ Kurlon explained. ―I have two sons who work in the processing plants below. They will be delighted to meet you.‖ She smiled. ―Are you trying to play matchmaker for me, Kurlon?‖ ―I already see you as a daughter, even if none of my sons, as you say, ‗takes your fancy.‘‖ She sneezed again and rubbed her itchy nose. He was staring at her. ―But first I will take you to the healing centre. They have a greater knowledge of humans and will treat your illness.‖ ―I‘m sure it‘s just a cold and will pass soon enough,‖ she replied, but he insisted. He had been kind to her and she had trouble saying no to him. After the scrap had been delivered, he took her down into Kelon Prime. She walked beside him through the streets and was not immune to the stares she received from the many Kelon males they passed. Each building appeared much as the next, apart from squiggles chiselled above each entranceway. ―Well, you will be seen by our top, most knowledgeable healer,‖ he explained, returning after talking to a man in the reception area. ―Come this way.‖ He led her into a small tube-shaped lift. Just as she had when the huge transport railcar had brought them down into 71

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the city, she squealed as the lift shot up. He chuckled in amusement. ―Not funny,‖ she insisted, but she couldn‘t stop a small smile. The door opened, and they stepped out into a long hallway. There were a few large stone benches built for Kelon height. He helped her up onto one as they waited. A tall Kelon in a pale, sandy-coloured coat came over to them, staring down at what she had learned was the Kelon version of a computerised notepad. ―Le-Commander Kulron, I hear you have found a human woman.‖ Rachel gasped and looked up as she instantly recognised the voice. ―Solron?‖ ―Fires of Elron, Rachel!‖ the healer exclaimed, dropping the datapad and reaching down to scoop her up and hug her tightly. ―We thought you were dead. By the grace of Elron, how is it you are alive? When reports of your death were brought to us, the commander nearly tore the place apart. He has not been himself since.‖ Rachel had a hard time believing his words. ―He never cared for me, Solron. I was nothing but a duty to him. That‘s why he claimed me.‖ Kulron cleared his throat. Solron released her from his crushing embrace and turned to face the commander. ―Apologies, Le-Commander. You have just brought in Te-Commander Syl Paltac‘s mate.‖ ―Te-Commander Syl? Why did you not say so, Rachel? We picked her up in a Xerson escape pod four cycles after the battle,‖ he explained, adding, ―barely alive.‖ 72

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―I told you, my mate did not want me. Commander Syl only mated with me to protect me after we had crashed on that planet. I heard him quite clearly say he did not want me.‖ ―That cannot be so, Rachel. He mourns as a man who has lost his Corami,‖ Solron said gravely. ―But first, you are ill, Rachel. Come, we will see what is wrong.‖ ―I will not leave her until I know she is safe and well,‖ growled Kurlon. ―Of course.‖ Solron nodded. She followed him into a large room set up with all sorts of instruments and a huge, canoe-shaped bed. As instructed, she climbed up onto the bed. ―Where are you feeling unwell?‖ he asked, lifting one of his little scanners. He began hovering it over each part of her body, starting at the top of her head and working his way down. ―I think I have a cold,‖ Rachel explained. ―I see.‖ He then placed the scanner directly above her stomach. The little scanner beeped, and he smiled. ―What is it? What‘s wrong?‖ she asked, suddenly worried. ―Every human now pregnant to a Kelon male has complained of coldlike symptoms, fever, runny noses, flushed skin. You are carrying a youngling, Rachel. You‘re pregnant, and, if I‘m not mistaken, it‘s twins. Every human female has conceived twin younglings.‖ She stared blankly at him. ―She is with younglings?‖ Kulron beat her to the question. ―Te-Commander Syl will be over the Kelron moon when he hears of this news.‖

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Overcome with emotion, Rachel dropped her head into her hands and began to sob. ―I can‘t be pregnant. I can‘t. Not to Syl. Hehe‖ She hiccupped. ―He does not want me!‖ Kulron put his arms around her, and she cried on his shirt. ―I do not want to sound heartless, Rachel, but it is law. You must stay with Syl, especially now that his seed in you has created his offspring.‖ ―This is true,‖ Kulron said softly. ―She is protected by my family. I will take her to my home. Contact the commander, and tell him where she is. If it is true and he does not wish to reclaim her, then I will adopt her as my daughter and help her raise the younglings.‖ ―I will inform the commander. She will need medications to help with the twins. I cannot express my joy to Elron, Rachel, that you are alive and well.‖ She pulled back from Kulron. He handed her a cloth for her tears. She was moved he was willing to do so much for her. ―Sorry, Kulron,‖ she apologized, feeling ashamed of her emotional outburst in front of him. She wiped her tears. ―You have nothing to be sorry for, dearling."

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Chapter 11 By the time Kulron took her to his home, the medication Solron had given her had cleared her head and stopped her nose from itching. She was feeling a heck of a lot better. Kulron‘s two sons met them at the door. They were practically tripping over themselves to make her feel comfortable, much to their father‘s amusement. ―Do not mind them. The boys have been very keen to see a human woman up close since they began arriving on Kelon,‖ Kulron‘s mate informed her. The woman was tall, elegant, and dressed in tight reddish tan clothing. She greeted her husband with warmth and Rachel as if she was a long-lost daughter. Much to the disappointment of Kulron‘s sons, he ordered them out of the house. He knew as well as Rachel did that Syl could arrive at any moment. Before she even sat down there was a loud banging on the front door. Rachel jumped in alarm. Kulron reached to open the door, but it flung open and in burst Syl. Rachel gasped and tensed at the sight of him. He looked wilder and even more dangerously sexy than she had remembered. He wasn‘t in uniform and instead wore a loose, sandy-coloured tunic that appeared askew, as if he‘d hurried to dress. His black warrior locks had been pulled back haphazardly. His whole appearance 75

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was like that of someone who couldn‘t care less about his appearance, dress, or manner. Syl was followed into Kulron‘s home by two Kelon men she recognized: Melron and Kerr, his brothers. Together, the three of them created a formidable force. Syl‘s dark gaze searched her out and found her standing near a corner of the room. ―Le-Commander, forgive our brother‘s hasty intrusion,‖ Kerr said, stepping around Syl to greet Kulron. ―He was most anxious to be with his mate again.‖ Rachel‘s heart leapt into her throat. He looked wild and unkempt. There was a hungry, almost angry, expression on his face. Everything else faded from her view as he loomed over her and reached to touch her. ―You have our deepest gratitude for rescuing her and keeping her safe. Allow us to compensate you for your generosity,‖ Kerr went on in the background. ―Commander, please do not insult me with such an offer. It has been an honour to have her on my ship and in my home.‖ ―Is it true are you with my youngling?‖ asked Syl in a commanding voice. Rachel folded her arms over her chest in defence against his hard tone. ―Yes, it‘s true. Happy now?‖ she spit out, feeling bitter. He didn‘t seem to care about her, only the babies. ―Why did you run from me?‖ he asked. Rachel swallowed. ―I heard you tell Addassar you did not want me. That I was nothing but a past mistake.‖

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To her astonishment, a smile crept over his face. He turned to Kurlon. ―You have my gratitude for saving her. I will take my human mate now.‖ ―What if I don‘t want to go with you?‖ she stormed angrily. He studied her with what seemed cool indifference. The look made her more annoyed than ever. ―We have matters to discuss. I am taking you home.‖ Without preamble, he took hold of her right wrist and proceeded to drag her from the room. His touch sent renewed spikes of heat tingling through her body. She didn‘t want to go home with Syl. She knew she would just end up an emotional wreck again. But she also knew it was Kelon law. Kulron stepped in front of Syl. She gasped as Syl growled warningly at the Kelon who had saved her life. ―Don‘t you dare threaten him.‖ Rachel glared at Syl, trying to break free of his hold. ―Kurlon has been nothing but kind to me. He saved my life, damn it.‖ Rachel could see the jealously raging in Syl‘s dark gaze as he glanced from her to Kulron. ―Rachel has been under my protection. I want it acknowledged to all present that first, you wish to keep her as mate, and second, you will treat her with the respect she deserves.‖ Syl seemed surprised by Kulron‘s words. His expression of anger and jealousy faded to one of respect. He gave the older Kelon a nod. ―Despite her misconceptions, I wish to keep my mate, and I will always treat her with the utmost care and respect.‖ He said this as if he was making a most-sacred vow. 77

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Kulron glanced between her and Syl, and then he stepped aside with a smile. ―May your reunion have many blessings of Elron, beautiful.‖ Syl didn‘t waste any time. Flanked by his two brothers, he dragged her out and pushed her into the back of a shiny, dark, cylindrical transport carriage. ―My Tara is pleased you have been found alive,‖ Melron said, breaking the heavy silence of the ride. He glanced at her over his shoulder with a mischievous smile on his face. Kerr and Melron were her brothers-in-law. ―Our mother will want to have a feast to celebrate all her sons being with mates and with so many younglings on the way.‖ ―Tara is pregnant, too?‖ Rachel clued in. ―Twin younglings. Not one mated human is without twins it seems, not that we are not pleased. We are, in fact, very pleased.‖ Melron grinned. ―Solron said something to that affect. I wonder why?‖ ―Our seed is strong in human women. It has prompted the council into agreeing on regular trips and a higher level of protection for Earth against the Federation. Many unmated males are eager to have human women of their own.‖ Rachel smiled at Melron‘s enthusiastic tone. ―I wish them luck then. There are a lot of human women who could definitely use a good Kelon man.‖ Melron‘s grin widened. ―That‘s what my Tara told me.‖ Silence again fell in the car. She glanced at Syl, trying to gauge what he was thinking, but his face remained passive, expressionless. Did he want her just for the sake of the babies? Even if he was honourable and gentle with her, she would not live in 78

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another loveless marriage, especially if all he cared about was his children and not her. The Kelon version of a car pulled up outside an opulentlooking two-story building with rich sandy walls and large slanted glass windows. She had noticed that, wherever she looked, many of the buildings boasted massive glass windows. Her attention snapped back to him as he took her hand and tugged her out of the vehicle. ―I suspect Mother will wish to meet Rachel soon, but I will tell her you need some time alone with your new mate,‖ Kerr suggested from where he stood by the vehicle. ―It is appreciated,‖ responded Syl. Not once did he loosen his grip on her as he pulled her towards the house and past the gates that led down a sandy path. Rachel‘s focus was on Syl and not the vegetation of the garden. He pulled her inside the house and released her hand.

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Chapter 12 The door closed with a heavy slam, and Rachel jumped. Syl turned his dark gaze on her, sweeping over her from head to toe and back again. Instantly, she recognized the heated carnal look in his eyes––and her body responded as if on cue. Just one look from him was enough to turn her inside out and want him with a wanton desperation, even if her mind fought against it. ―Do you know what I have suffered without you, my fire demon?‖ He took a step forward as she took one back. ―Most likely, you were happy to be rid of me.‖ Anger further darkened his features. ―I have made some grievous errors in the past. I have said things I now regret. But one regret I shall never have is taking you for my mate.‖ She snorted. ―You told me quite clearly you were in love with someone else.‖ He took another step, and Rachel‘s back hit a wall. ―They were false feelings. I did not know myself what a Corami truly was until you. I am not a Kelon who can express his feelings well, and in time, I pray you will find a way to forgive that fault in me. On that day when I believed you were taken from me, what you failed to hear was the whole 80

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conversation I had with Addassar.‖ He put one hand by her head and the other by her arm. She was caged in by this big man. She felt small, delicate, and aroused by him, yet her brain battled to focus on what he was telling her. ―What was it you said?‖ ―I told him I no longer wanted my brother‘s wife. That you alone were my Corami. The men were starting to believe I did not have feelings for you, either, all because I care not to show them publicly. Believe me, I would have fought every one of them to prove them wrong. You are the only one I love. Only you fill the space within my heart.‖ Her jaw dropped. She was at a loss for words at his declaration. He stood but a hairsbreadth away from her. Then, to her utter surprise, the big alien man dropped to his knees and suddenly wrapped his large muscled arms around her middle. He pushed his face into her chest. He drew in a long, shuddering breath. ―I believed I had lost you. When the battleship came to rescue us, they reported the Xerson ship that had taken you was destroyed and there were no survivors. It was like a part of me had been ripped out.‖ She swallowed and placed her hand on his head, stroking his soft warrior locks. ―I didn‘t realise. I fell in love with you the moment we first met, but I was afraid you would never want me,‖ she confessed softly. ―When you claimed me, and you said you were in love with someone else, it damned near tore my heart out. And now you say you love me? What am I to believe?‖ ―I tried to tell you that day that you were my Corami, but I failed. And when I thought I had lost you, I vowed never to miss an opportunity again, if only our great ancestor Elron 81

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would grant me the wish to have you back in my arms. I will do anything to win your trust in me, my beautiful fire demon, anything to prove to you my devotion and my love. All I ask is the chance.‖ The big warrior was on his knees before her. How could she not feel the force of his words and understand that, somewhere along the line, he had fallen in love with her. It stunned her that her campaign to win him had been successful, but she had almost lost it all with her foolishness. Tenderly, she took his face between her small hands and lowered her head to softly kiss his full, masculine lips. His grip on her tightened, and she could feel him trembling, struggling to restrain himself as he let her kiss him. ―When did you first know you loved me?‖ She just couldn‘t refrain from asking. She tugged him up so her neck had to crane upward to look up at him, but not once did he release his hold on her, nor did she make any protest when he bent to lift her up into his arms. ―When you tamed the beast back on the jungle planet. For the first time in my life I felt absolute fear, fear at the thought that you could have been killed and taken from me. It was then I knew you were my Corami. Your bravery, your passion, your beautiful red hair, soft skin, all things I could never live without. No one else would do for me.‖ ―Found me irresistible, huh?‖ He chuckled. She loved the sound of his laughter, and he was drop-dead sexy when he smiled. He made her heart pound in her chest. Her hands had minds of their own as she let them roam over his broad shoulders. ―From the moment you boarded my ship, my fire demon, resisting you was one thing I could never have done.‖ 82

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It was her turn to chuckle at his words. She nuzzled into his neck and started placing open-mouthed kisses over his throat and up to his chin. ―Did you not promise to do anything to prove your love to me?‖ She knew her voice was breathless and husky. ―Yes, anything, my fire demon. What would you have me do?‖ ―Remember your husbandly duty to your wife.‖ He gave a husky chuckle. ―My beautiful fire demon, that is one duty that I vow to always perform whenever you wish. I may even demand that you wish it often.‖ She grinned at him. ―I wish it now.‖ She squealed in delight as her strong powerful husband set her swiftly upon the bed, used two hands to grip the top of her shirt, and tore it down the middle. He growled low in his throat as his dark gaze raked across her exposed flesh. He crawled onto the bed like a predator stalking its prey. She was more than thrilled to be his prey. He yanked off her remaining clothes, tossed them away, and then grabbed both her wrists and pinned them to her sides. She was rendered helpless as he began a slow tour with his mouth, licking, kissing and nipping at her skin. He worked his way up from her lower belly, across her navel, and found the undersides of her breasts. When he left a wet trail up to her right nipple, her skin pebbled and her breathing became laboured. She let out a long moan when he took the bud into his mouth and sucked hard. Her body writhed beneath him, but he held her wrists firmly in place. She moaned louder when he moved across to her other breast and began teasing it. Her body bowed, and she begged him to take her. 83

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―You are mine, my Corami. Mine to please, mine to pleasure, and I will pleasure you until the end of our days,‖ he declared, after letting her breast free with a soft pop. ―Yes,‖ she panted. ―Hurry, Syl. I need you so badly right now.‖ He released her wrists, gripped her hips, and sat back on the bed. He lifted the whole of her lower body up to his mouth. She grabbed at the sheet as he licked her from her pussy up to her clit. Good God, the man had an unbelievably wicked tongue that made her feel such incredible things. He continued to stroke her in long hard licks, pushing her body closer to climax. Pulling her hard nub into his mouth, he sucked it with long, consecutive pulls. He held her half-suspended above the bed as her body snapped and every nerve ending tingled and zinged with the explosion of pure ecstasy. His growl of approval at her climax vibrated through her body and pushed her ever higher. He let go of her clit and speared his tongue deep into her flowing juices and clenching pussy. She barely recovered as he dropped her back onto the bed as fast as he had picked her up, and, within a heartbeat, he‘d opened his pants and positioned the head of his long, hard cock at the mouth of her pussy. He entered her in a single powerful thrust. She screamed. The force of his entrance pushed her to a second climax. It rolled through her like a shock wave. It had been too long since she had felt him within her, stretching her, reminding her there was nothing else in the universe that compared to how he made her feel inside and out. The man was simply amazing. 84

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He did not relent, even after her body went limp beneath him. She glanced up to his face, tense with deep need. He began driving in and out of her in long powerful strokes. She managed to lift her legs and anchor them around his back as his tempo increased with each hammering thrust. Her fingers curled into the hard muscles of his back. Her body bowed, the sounds of growling and moaning and harsh breathing filling the air. He breathed a deep, guttural groan, and his body began to shudder as he thickened and released deep inside her. He fell forward, his forearms on either side of her head buffering her from getting crushed. Still imbedded within her, he gripped her and rolled their bodies, throwing his heavy leg over both of hers and keeping her pinned down. His arms wrapped around her waist and shoulders, and he secured her against his body so tightly, it was almost as if he was afraid to let her go. ―I‘ve missed you so much,‖ she said softly, when she had finally found enough breath to talk again. He tenderly kissed the top of her head. She groaned when he shifted his hips to pull out of her. ―I‘m never going to let you go, my beautiful fire demon.‖ He loosened his hold, and she rolled onto her back. His hand caressed over her stomach. ―Our sons have a fine mother.‖ ―Sons?‖ She raised her head to meet his gaze. ―And you know that how?‖ ―Solron told me our younglings are male.‖ She snorted indignantly. ―Well, someone has to have a talk to him about keeping some things secret. What if I didn‘t want to know the sex of the twins until they were born?‖ 85

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She wanted to laugh at the confusion in his expression. ―Again, you are being illogical.‖ He gave her a wicked smile. ―You are most beautiful when you are illogical.‖ She simply smiled and laid her head against his chest. It felt good to be encircled by the security of Syl‘s arms again. It was all that mattered. ―We had better make the best of this peace while we have it,‖ he rumbled. ―Too soon my brothers‘ mates, as well as my mother, will wish to see you.‖ ―Including the famous woman you thought you were in love with.‖ Rachel glanced up. She knew Kelons didn‘t blush, but she could see how uncomfortable Syl was with the topic. ―I do not love her. I love you, Rachel, and be assured, I always will.‖ ―I know, but I‘m dying of curiosity. And you know I won‘t relent until you‘ve told me everything.‖ She kissed his chest before giving him her most mischievous grin. He gave an exasperated sigh, as he knew it was true. ―Kerr, my oldest brother, brought Alice home. I was fascinated by the way her skin shaded, as you describe blushing. How soft and round she was. I also found it aroused my body. I knew to be attracted to my brother‘s mate was wrong. I did my best to avoid contact with her. I worked hard, channelling my desires into training and work, but it was always at the forefront of my mind. One time she embraced me out of simple gratitude. I thought she was my Corami, even though I knew it had to be wrong. Why would Elron fate a woman who did not belong to me to be my Corami? I started to hope and believe and dream about possibilities that were never going to happen.‖ ―Did your brother know?‖ 86

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Syl met her gaze. ―I believe he suspected, but I know Kerr would challenge even his brothers if Alice was ever at risk. You challenged every thought and feeling I believed was sincere towards her. Your every touch and every look, even down to the fire in your hair.‖ He ran her dark-red locks through his fingers, raising them to his nose and inhaling. ―I knew I cared for Alice like she was my sister, but you, my fire demon, inflamed my very soul in a way she never did.‖ ―I wanted to choose Addassar over you,‖ she confessed while they were sharing openly. She watched the anger flash across his face. ―Do you have feelings for him?‖ he asked tightly. Rachel grinned again. ―Yes, but just as you see Alice now as your sister, I could only ever see Addassar as a big brother. But I bet he‘s going to knock some poor woman for a loop pretty darn soon.‖ He let out a relieved breath. ―It is a good thing, or I would have had to challenge him.‖ ―No challenging. I‘m all yours, and I plan to stay that way. I‘ve got a heck of a long list of things I want to do to you.‖ He gave her a heated, curious look, ―What kind of things would they be?‖ ―Hmmm To name a few, I want to get you in the shower, and touch and wash every part of the best damn male body I‘ve ever seen. Then I may want to lick whipped cream off you. Wait, do you have whipped cream on Kelon? Anyway, then I want to‖ She squealed as he moved quickly, proving just how incredibly strong he was, and lifted her from a lying position to carry her away from the bed and through the darkened bedroom. 87

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―Where are we going?‖ she asked, and then got her answer when she blinked at bright lights automatically turning on. They were in a bathroom. Rachel laughed. ―A bit eager, are we?‖ ―I have a list of my own, my fire demon.‖ He set her on her feet and pressed a small button that instantly started hot water pouring down on them. ―I am going to explore every measure of your body, learn every way there is to fuck you, and then invent new ways,‖ he declared with a grin. He lifted her and pressed her against the shower wall. Her arms and legs wrapped around him. They both moaned when, without preamble, he entered her in one upward thrust of his hips until he was seated deeply inside her. ―Okay,‖ she said breathlessly, ―and when we‘ve finished our lists?‖ His smile was pure decadence as he slowly started moving in and out of her. ―We start all over again.‖ As he took her mouth, the last thought that bounced around her brain before the pleasure centres took over and erased all rational thought, was that she couldn‘t agree more with her amazing alien husband‘s plan. Deciding to go with the Kelons that day of their rescue from the Methrill had turned out to be the third-best decision of her life. The second-best was falling in love with Syl. And the first was proving to him just how irresistible they were to each other.

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Epilogue ―I understand the human term for our predicament is ‗out of luck.‘‖ Lurr glanced at Addassar, as they stood at a respectable distance from Te-Commander Syl‘s home. It was now the home of the woman who had touched both their lives. When Addassar and Lurr learned Rachel had been recovered and was alive and well, they had been most relieved. But she belonged to another. ―Not necessarily,‖ Addassar suggested, straightening his frame and turning to walk down the street and back into the city. ―What do you mean by that?‖ Lurr kept pace with him. ―They are making a new station that will orbit Earth, the home planet of human women. I think they are going to need strong, skilled warriors to protect all those lovely women.‖ From the corner of his eye, Addassar saw Lurr‘s expression brighten. ―Do you think they would let us down onto the planet to find humans to claim for our own?‖ Addassar shrugged. ―Never discount the will of Elron.‖ ―Agreed,‖ Lurr commented thoughtfully. ―Where do you go now?‖ he asked. Addassar could not keep the smile from his face. ―To volunteer myself for duty on the Earth station before all the positions become filled.‖ 89

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―I will join you. As you said, they need strong, skilled warriors to protect this planet.‖ ―What are you looking forward to most when you claim a mate?‖ Addassar thought about Lurr‘s question. ―Secondary to mating, I look forward to kissing her,‖ he said with a grin. ―Every part of her.‖ Ever since he had witnessed it between a few mated Kelon men and their human mates, he too wanted to do it. ―I do believe I like your ideas very much, Addassar.‖ Lurr and Addassar quickened their pace. ―Then let us waste no more time with useless talk and make sure we are posted for duty.‖ Hope was not a bad thing to have when wanting a mate, and being directly next to the human planet certainly gave them much to hope for.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Let‘s seebreaking it down into a list, I‘m a: wife, mother, cook, cleaner, nappy changer, sewer of buttons and darner of socks, waitress, nurse, teacher, gardener (well, sometimes), handyperson, and writer of romantic books, just to name a few. I am obsessed with the color blue, and a chocoholic (Please feel free to send donations to this chocoholic’s cause). I have been writing ever since I could read, and living in a fantasy world almost endlessly. I have to thank to my hubby and kids, who often knock me back to Earth and keep me grounded. In my teenage years I discovered romance novels, then paranormal romance. I‘m a sucker for the ones where the hunky hero can wield a sword, save the day, and get the lady. I welcome feedback from my readers, so feel free to email me at [email protected], or you can visit my website, www.angelacastle.net

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