Torn

Torn by KD King

Red Sage Publishing www.eredsage.com

Copyright ©2011 by KD King First published in 2011, 2011 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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CONTENTS Torn TO MY READER: Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Epilogue About The Author ****

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**** An eRedSage Publishing Publication This book is a work of complete fiction. Any names, places, incidents, characters are products of the author's imagination and creativity or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is fully coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or any portion thereof in any form whatsoever in any country whatsoever is forbidden. Information: Red Sage Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 4844 Seminole, FL 33775 727-391-3847 eRedSage.com Torn 4

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An eRed Sage Publication All Rights Reserved Copyright (C) 2010 eRedSage is a registered trademark of Red Sage Publishing, Inc. Visit us on the World Wide Web: www.eRedSage.com ISBN: 9781603105859; 1603105859 Torn Adobe PDF ISBN: 9781603105866; 1603105867 Torn MobiPocket ISBN: 9781603105873; 1603105875 Torn MS Reader ISBN: 9781603105880; 1603105883 Torn HTML ISBN: 9781603105842; 1603105840 Torn ePub Published by arrangement with the authors and copyright holders of the individual works as follows: Torn (C) 2010 by K.D. King Cover (C) 2010 by Lyn Taylor Printed in the U.S.A. ebook layout and conversion by jimandzetta.com

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Torn By K.D. King [Back to Table of Contents]

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TO MY READER: I was sitting home thinking how great it would be if we somehow just KNEW who was meant for us. No weeding, just some sign. Knowing my penchant for ignoring the obvious, I felt it should be something even I couldn't refute. I envisioned the caveman days. A club, a knock over the head, a quick drag to the cave, and presto, you know. Well since I write romance, I knew I couldn't start a story "Fear swarmed Anaria as she watched the club descend. The blackness quickly followed..." So I promptly ixnayed that idea. We ignore our body's physical responses. A quickened breath, the pitter patter of our heart, perked nipples, a pulsing sensation. We've been known to let our minds override the desires of our body and our heart. But a heat so intense that you actually glow, now that no one could ignore or contest. Welcome to Wekari and the joys of being a Wekarian's mate. Even with such a glowing sign, nothing is ever simple. The Orden galaxy has been at war for 29 years. Anaria and Kalil are enemies. Their allegiances, histories, and loyalties are different. I wanted to see if they would actually fall in love or would Anaria kill him before she got the chance. Of course, it's a romance so we all know the answer. But it was fun writing it to see where it would go. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Prologue The smell of death hovered in the air. The ruler of the planet Haduron sat on his throne, dying. An unseen, unknown killer had slowly turned the once handsome man into a skeleton. His body used to be as solid as the very mountains of Haduron. Now a simple touch would knock him down. Skin once smooth and pale was marred with wrinkles, and a multitude of lurid colors. No one had found a cure. His fate was sealed. Soon the King would take his last breath. His raspy wheezing was the only noise heard through his chamber. Only family and personal servants were allowed to be with the King in his final moments. Doron, the King's eldest son, knelt at the foot of his father's throne. He bowed his head to hide the grin that wanted to creep across his face. Soon all would be his. Out the corner of his eye Doron glanced at his mother. Hair as black as night flowed in waves to the center of her back. Her skin was as golden as the desert floors of Haduron. She looked as if she had never borne children, though she had four sons. Queen Adura was the epitome of beauty. Yet, she was a fool. Just look at the love and sadness in her eyes as she held onto her husband, waiting for him to take his last breath. Undying love and devotion, Doron thought contemptuously. His own loyalty was just as total. Loyalty to himself. Kneeling on both sides of Doron were his two younger brothers. He hated both of them. His father adored and 8

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respected his brothers and hated him. But soon it would not matter. Even the mighty Haduronian King could not change the birth order. He knew of a planet with three suns, exposed to a never-ending, parched glare. It seemed a good place to exile his brothers. He cut his eyes to the servant girl who had been avoiding him. Never mind, he would soon break her in. The king spoke. "I sense you're restlessness." Each word was a labored breath. Doron looked up at the old man. Why wasn't he dead yet? "Father?" he feigned sincerity. "I. . . ." The king gasped for breath, wheezing as he exhaled. "Am. . . not dead. . . yet." "And I am so thankful, father." Doron saw his mother's glance. Did Queen Adura hear how easily the lies flowed from his mouth? "In my final. . . " the king began, but his color changed and he labored for his next breath. While the king struggled to continue his statement, a stranger entered the room. His stride bespoke power. He was cloaked in black, but only another King would be allowed into the King's throne room at his last moments. The stranger bowed to the Haduronian King. "Old friend, you will not suffer alone. I am here until the last moments, if you will allow it?" The King and Queen both seemed surprised, but nodded their approval. "I am glad. . . " the King managed only a low whisper, but with the silence it could be heard by all. "that you are here. My final decree. . . ." He paused, struggling. His head sagged onto the Queen's arm. 9

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Doron repressed an impatient fidget. Would the old man never get his dying over with? The King's eyes opened. "Therefore, my second son, Willik, shall inherit the throne." Doron's head jerked up, fury radiating from the core of his being. "Should he die before he has a son," he wheezed, "Edrek shall be king." His eyes moved to his eldest son. "You are not ready, Doron." That was the last breath of the Haduronian King. Willik placed his hand on Doron's shoulder "I am sorry my br..." He never finished the words. He had one moment to register shock before his lifeless body fell to the ground. Doron wrenched the knife from Willik's heart and turned toward Edrek, his mother's screams a mere echo in the background. Edrek was prepared. He jumped back, raising his sword. Knowing his brother was a better swordsman than he, Doron threw his knife directly at Edrek's head. Deflecting it with his sword, Edrek charged. Doron scrambled to draw his own sword, but Edrek stumbled and fell to the ground. The man in black stood behind him, his sword protruding out of Edrek's back. Blood poured from the wound. Queen Adura grasped the sword from her son's back and charged the cloaked man. He dodged her blow effortlessly, knocking the sword out of her hand. He pulled her close to him, pinning her to his body. He smiled at Doron. "It looks like you are now King of Haduron." As Queen Adura struggled he increased his hold on her. 10

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Turning his back on his mother, Doron walked up the stairs, pleased with his new accomplice. He sat on the throne, hard with power. "I decree myself King of Haduron," he proclaimed. "Why stop at just Haduron?" Doron jerked his head in his helper's direction "You are a mighty planet. Only one planet can defeat you, Atlzo. They are a peaceful planet. Conquer everyone else, and then worry about them." "What about Wekari? They are as strong as us, if not stronger." "They are not as strong, if I pledge my allegiance to Haduron." Doron smiled at the man in black. Now he knew who this stranger was. He didn't fully trust his new friend, but with his army, Haduron would be unstoppable. "Then war it shall be." "And your mother?" Doron glanced at Queen Adura, crushed against the other man's side, his arm clamped to her neck. He considered. He couldn't trust her either, of course. "Don't kill her. After all, she is my mother." Adura visibly relaxed. "But," Adura tensed, and Doron smiled again, beginning to enjoy himself. So this was what power felt like. "You can take her," he decided. "Consider it my way of saying thanks." If looks could kill, Doron knew he'd be dead. He didn't care. His new ally seemed very pleased with his gift. . The man cloaked in black saw the power hungry look in King Doron's eyes as he thought about conquering the galaxy. The kid wanted power at any cost, but a thinker he was not. 11

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If he were smart, he would have questioned why he suddenly had an accomplice. And why that accomplice would be so willing to help him to conquer a solar system that included his planet. The kid had never even wondered how he knew exactly when to come. Doron was an idiot. He would rule by fear and that alone would cause everyone to obey. As he walked from the room, dragging his victory prize, he was happy. Everything had gone according to plan. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter One Twenty-Nine Years Later She knew those eyes. They plagued her dreams. Every video, poster, warning, newswire, and mission against the enemy planet of Wekari had his eyes. She had memorized them, hoping—no—praying for the day she'd extinguish them. She often dreamed of the ways she could kill him. The ways she would make him suffer, as he had done to all those women. Oh, she knew the man who walked toward her through the market place. Marshall Kalil, torturer and kidnapper of women, Lord of the strongest ship in the Wekarian army. Her trigger finger itched. Her hand instinctively reached for her gun. Her gun wasn't there. Anaria Okam, eldest daughter of King Rwok of Loden, had come to the planet Atlzo unarmed. She had no choice. Atlzo was neutral. That was too bad. The Atlzoians were a powerful race, and should they choose a side, that side would surely win. These powerful beings also possessed rich commodities. Everyone stopped at Atlzo. It was inevitable that she would run into him here, sooner or later. But, she could not kill him here. Anaria left the trading post. Collecting goods for the ship was no longer a priority. She would follow his eyes, which were all she could see. Kalil, like Anaria, was covered from head to toe in the required Atlzoian garb, the hyntra. It protected people from the stifling heat of the planet's red sun as well as absorbed excess moisture and cooled the skin. Kalil walked through the 13

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crowd searching for something. He turned her way and Anaria ducked behind a hut. She must make a plan and quickly. Once they were off the planet and out of Atlzoian air space, she must destroy him. What was he doing? He traveled away from the trading post, then through the villages and beyond, heading into the desert. Never once did he look back. Thank Gods. She kept her distance, but little was left to shield her. Though he led her into unknown territory, her gut told her to follow him. Clicking on her pods beacon, she made sure she could make a quick getaway, should she need to. Kalil Umba was being followed. He felt it to the very bones of his soul. Whoever it was stayed far away, but they were dedicated in their pursuit. He tried shaking them in the villages, weaving in and out, but they persisted. He had a meeting he must not miss. He decided to lead his stalker to the lion's den. Literally. Deep in the desert, the red stone towered into a cliff. Kalil approached its foot to greet the man standing within the cave's mouth. The breeze caused his brown hair to billow in the wind. His eyes were the color of emeralds, and his body, seven feet tall, was as solid as the boulders of planet Eerith. He intimidated many, but not Kalil. Lyon was a dear and true friend. "Long time, old companion." They grasped and held each others' forearms in the Atlzoian greeting. "Yes, too long, Lyon." Lyon's head tilted to the side. "I sense you have a visitor." 14

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"I know." Kalil pitied the person following him into Lyon's cave. "I know you'll make sure they don't make it out of the desert." "I sense that perhaps this time you should let them find what they seek. I will let them come." Lyon had a wicked gleam in his eyes. Kalil trusted Lyon with his life. With his strange psychic abilities he was not often wrong. However, Lyon rarely allowed a stranger into his cave. Kalil's curiosity was piqued. "Come, my friend" Lyon patted him on the back, escorting him further into the cool of the cave's shadows. "You worry too much. Trust me. All will reveal itself in time." That was the one thing Kalil hated about Atlzoians. They were always so damn cryptic. Dancers shimmied and twirled, men breathed fire, people drank, sang, and ate. Lights bathed the cavern walls with vibrant hues. Conversation and laughter echoed through the cavern chamber. This was a nightly occurrence for Lyon's clan, all of whom lived in the caves of the isolated desert. Kalil sat next to Lyon at the far end of the dinner table. "I came for information." "I know." "You know, that gets really annoying." "I know." Lyon smiled. "I cannot give you what you've come here for. You know we Atlzoians are neutral." "Since when have you been a stickler for the rules?" "Good point, old friend. But in this I cannot help you. I will not tell you exactly how they plan to attack you next, but this I will say. Your king is at his weakest with no mate. They 15

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know this. They will take advantage of it in every way imaginable. Without a queen, Wekari will not win. The solar system will never be the same." Kalil rubbed a hand down his face. "And with a queen, we will win? Why?" "She is the key." "To what?" "The end." Kalil needed to know more, but Lyon remained silent. His eyes perused the dancers' gyrating bodies. Their conversation had ended. "Thanks, Lyon," Kalil muttered. Though glad to visit his friend, he wondered why Lyon had insisted they meet in person only to tell him he wouldn't help. His cryptic message could just as well have been sent over the telecommunicator. "You're welcome." Kalil got up to leave. Lyon rested his hand on his arm, halting him. "Don't leave so soon, you'll miss the big performance." "There is more?" Kalil looked around the chamber, seeing nothing but the dancers and their shadows on the cavern walls. Glancing at Lyon in exasperation, did he notice the hint of a devious smile? Navigating the dim tunnels of the cave system was difficult. Once Kalil entered the mouth of the cave, Anaria knew it would be all but impossible to keep following him, but she had to try. Was he getting supplies? Was he recruiting? One day, the Altzoians must choose a side. She prayed it would be hers. But what if he got to them first? If she could 16

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discover Marshall Kalil's ship or get close enough to him undetected, she could plant a tracker that would reveal his every movement, speech and thought. It could only transmit for a day, but that would be enough. Anaria liked action, but tactic and strategy were sometimes better than murder. The Wekarians were like weeds. She might take great pleasure ambushing him, but another, equally sadistic, Marshall would only take his place. This war had been going on for the whole of her life. She knew nothing else but fighting, loyalty to her planet, and destroying all those who would harm them. On Marshall Kalil's planet, women were kidnapped, tortured, had no freedoms, and were forced to marry in a ceremonial sex orgy. Anaria fought for choice and free will. She fought so that her people would never have to endure such a fate. She fought so that her father would finally have peace. Long before the war, he had hated the Wekari. Naturally, when Haduron had declared war on the Wekari, they had an ally in Loden. But it wasn't until much later that Anaria fully understood his hatred. The Wekari had kidnapped her mother. Her father, King Rwok Okam of the planet Loden, managed to get her back, but not before she had been broken and beaten. Her mother had never spoken of this, but her father had told her. Whatever the Wekari had done to to her, Anaria had never seen a glimmer of light in her mother's eyes. She fought for her mother, and the happiness stolen from her. She checked her beacon, which transmitted to her pod. Shit. These caves must have a device to scramble the signal. Voices. 17

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She crept along the walls toward the sound. Peeking around a corner, she saw a huge cavern hall filled with dancers, music, people dining and conversing. There, in the back. Marshall Kalil, talking with someone. He seemed oblivious. If only he knew what a surprise Haduron had for him. They would finally get the advantage in this war. Backing against the wall, she took off her clothes. In the caves, Atlzoians didn't wear much of anything. She stripped to the barest of necessities, only the essential places covered by her underclothing. Placing the tracker in the edge of her panties, she strolled casually into the crowd. Her body weaved in time with the dancers'. Closer and closer she got, and still Kalil was unaware of her. Her body felt warm. Odd, in the cool of the caverns. The small fire seemed to spread from within her. It rose to the surface of her skin. She froze. Her body was aglow. She stared down at herself in astonishment. Oh Gods, I'm freaking glowing! Her pulse sped up. Did those around her notice? Her glance swept the chamber, collided with Kalil's. His body was glowing, too. Panic took over. Darting through the dancers, shoving through the throngs of people, she ran, her pulse pounding to the rapid beat of her feet on the ground. She sprinted faster than she ever had in her life. Maybe the sounds behind were echoes, maybe the gaining of pursuit. Looking back was not an option. She saw the light of the cave exit ahead. It grew bright. The light was bright. Her clothes and hyntra covering were still inside, but she could not turn back. As soon as she was outside, she depressed her beacon 18

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for the pod to retrieve her. With each step she grew weaker. The beaming red sun quickly drained her energy. Her body was already soaked in sweat. It poured down her face in rivulets, blurring her vision. The salty taste coated her mouth. She collapsed. A second later the pod landed beside her. Grabbing the silver edges, she hoisted herself into the seat with her last strength. The lid closed, bringing the relief of the cool air. "Sunshields" her parched voice cracked. Instantly, the glass automated, covering her in a protective shade. "To the Capture." The colored pinpoints of the instrument panel spun as she passed out. The chamber was filled to bursting with performers. Kalil couldn't imagine any more entertainment. As he leaned over to ask Lyon what the 'big performance' was, he felt a tickle of heat. He glanced at his skin. It glowed. She was here. His eyes scanned the crowd, looking for his mate. Standing, he gave a quick perusal of all the bodies, searching for the one that glowed. His light faded. She was getting away. His feet carried him through the throngs of people. Muttering his apologies, he knocked quite a few people down in his pursuit. She was no longer in the dining hall. He was sure of that. If she were, he would continue to glow. He knew these caves well and easily maneuvered through its twists and turns. She was fast whoever she was. He couldn't get close enough to glow again. As he reached the mouth of the cave, he saw a spacepod fly into the air. He cupped his eyes against the 19

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glaring sun to see if he could recognize the craft. What he saw froze him in his tracks. A spacepod with the colors of Loden flew out of Atlzoian space. The red sun was only beginning to set. He would never make it to his pod without passing out. The desert was too long, the heat of the sun too much. He was trapped. He began pacing the mouth of the cave, feeling like a caged beast. "Told you you'd enjoy the show." Lyon slipped beside him. "You knew." "Of course I knew." Kalil mumbled a string of curses. "Why are you not chasing her?" Kalil looked outside where the sun's rays were still strong. Lyon grinned. "Aaah well, it's a good thing I had your pod brought here while you were dining." Kalil stopped dead in his tracks. "It's around the corner by telecom." "Thanks old friend!" Kalil dashed for his spacepod, hoping it wasn't too late. Kalil feared he had lost too much time. He would never catch up to her or her ship. He called his friend and next-incommand, Baracus. "There is a Loden spacepod coming from here. Do not attack the pod or its mother ship. Track that pod, and the one who rides it. Tell me where she goes. More importantly, find out who she is. But take no action without me." "I will take a pod and follow. Our ship will await your arrival." 20

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"No!" Kalil demanded. "It is too dangerous. Once you clear neutral territory you will be a sitting target." "Then how will you get back to our ship, Marshall?" "I won't!" Kalil punched in new coordinates on his pod. "I'm going to see the King." "But—." "Do not worry about me. I can stay in neutral territory until I reach Wekarian space." "Good Luck, Marshall" "Thanks." Kalil ended the communication. Now, what was he going to tell the King of Wekari? Maybe by the time he traveled the indirect route of neutral space, he would have an answer. Until then, he began plotting his mate's capture. She was not weak. Anaria had to remind herself of that fact as she tried to get her hands to stop trembling. Sitting on the bed in her quarters, she took deep slow breaths. After failing that exercise in control, she went over to the console. "Cold water," she commanded. As soon as the water appeared she grabbed it. The cup shook in her hand, but her thirst outweighed her nerves. She got it all down in one gulp. My body glowed! That was not normal. It had never in her life happened before. She was a logical person. Sitting at her table, she thought about the details of that incident. It hadn't happened until she came in close proximity to her enemy. Then, when she moved a safe distance away, her body had stopped glowing. It wasn't only that her body glowed. It craved, it desired, it needed. . . him. Until today, she had only seen pictures of him in media outlets, the most hated enemy of the war. His ship, as everyone knew, was the 21

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strongest out there and one of the only reasons Wekari had not been conquered or destroyed. Marshall Kalil Umba was the face of the enemy. Not the King, not Wekari, but Kalil. Anaria was not blind. It had never escaped her attention how very attractive Kalil was. His tall, dark golden body rippled with muscles. He was built like a warrior. She loved warriors. It was a pity he was so handsome. Her only desire was to kill him. That was what she had trained for all of her life, defeating Wekari and annihilating anyone or anything that hindered that goal. Today, for just a brief moment, she had felt something different. She didn't understand what had happened, or why, but she soon would. She knew just who to ask. Anaria had not been home for years. As she walked through the castle gates and watched everyone bow, she felt. . . weird. Being General of the ship Capture made her forget she was also Princess of Loden. Here, she was treated with reverence and respect not because of her battle skills, but because of her birthright. She preferred the respect she received on the ship, because she had earned that respect. Soon, she would lead the Capture to victory. Her place was in space. She walked down the halls of the castle. Unlike some, she knew no memories of laughter, only discipline and fighting. The only game she'd played as a child was war. Sometimes, she felt her father's hatred of Wekari overshadowed his love for his child. She knew her parents loved her. They just never showed it. Her father was too filled with rage. Her mother was 22

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only a broken spirit. Sometimes she wished she had siblings. Then maybe her childhood would not have been so lonely. All of this was the fault of Wekari. Even with a castle as massive as theirs, it was easy to find her mother. She spent most of her time in her private chambers. Anaria walked in without knocking. "Mother," she greeted. Her mother was busy knitting something. "Daughter," she replied. Though they had been parted for so long, her mother's focus returned to her needles. She did not even pause in her creation. Of what? Anaria could not even tell what she was making. Some meaningless nothing. As her mother's hands moved, Anaria glanced at the symbols on one of them. Though she asked many times, her mother never told her what the marks on her hand were. Anaria loathed asking her mother anything. If anyone held the answers she sought, it was her mother, yet asking would drudge up painful memories. She took a breath, and made herself do it. "What does it mean when your body glows? Is it because you are within reach of a Wekarian?" Her mother stopped knitting. The needles fell on the floor. For the first time she looked fully at Anaria. It was as if this were the first time she had ever seen her daughter. "You glowed?" she whispered. "Yes, mother." Frowning, Anari walked closer to her. She was confused by the light she saw in her mother's eyes. A light she had never seen before. If the eyes were the window to the soul, this was the first time she had seen her mother's 23

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soul awakened. Anaria saw surprise there, and fear, and. . . longing? Footsteps sounded in the passage outside the chamber, thumping with power and authority. Everyone heard King Rwok Okam before they saw him. As he entered the room, her mother grabbed her wrist and held it tight. "Do not mention any of this to your father!" Her voice was firm, but low. Anaria had never seen her mother with that much life or authority. A light of determination sparkled in her eyes and her body was taut. Then, just as quickly, the shell of a woman she knew as her mother returned. She picked up the needles that had spilled to the floor and resumed knitting. "Ah, daughter. I heard you'd arrived," King Rwok greeted her. "Yes, father." She turned to embrace him and give him a kiss on both cheeks. "Did you find anything?" She paused for a moment, considering her answer. Her mother never asked for anything, rarely spoke, and never showed emotion. In that one instant she had seen life and fire. She was determined to find out why. "No father, I discovered nothing." He studied her, seeming less than convinced. It took all her military training to remain unmoving under his scrutiny. "Every time I think of what the Wekari did to your mother," he began his usual reprimand whenever he wanted her to know she had failed him. He glanced at his wife, but 24

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she simply sat in her chair knitting. It was if they weren't even in the room. "I know, father," she answered, shamed. "We fight for her, for innocence, for peace." "Yes, father." She understood the importance of success. It had been drilled into her since she was able to understand. "Do not fail me again. Go out there and find out what information the Wekarians are gathering from Atlzoian." He exited without awaiting a reply. It was not the request of a father, but the command of her ruler and King. She made a move to leave, then stopped, turned around and decided to do something she had not done since she was a little kid. She embraced her mother. As a kid, she had finally realized her mother was incapable of returning her love and stopped hugging and kissing her. As Anaria kissed her mother on the cheek, her mother whispered to her, "All is not as it seems." The words bounced around Anaria's mind all the way to the ship. She left Loden with more questions than answers. Soon she would discover all about the glow and what secrets her mother was hiding. "Marshall Jormayon, your King has commanded us to go to Tryotan." The lie fell easily from her lips. "The planet of the archives? But our King has forbidden it." "It seems he has changed his mind. Are you questioning his decision, Marshall?" Jormayon hesitated for a brief moment, then commanded the crew to plot a course to Tryotan. On Loden she was his princess, but on the ship, he outranked her. Normally, she 25

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respected that. Today, however, she'd decided to pull the royalty rank. She had answers to find, and Tryotan housed them. Soon all would be revealed. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Two War and strategy—that was all his life had become. King Ardonis could barely remember a time when they weren't at war, but at least he had been protected. The innocence of childhood allowed him luxuries he could not afford as an adult, especially as the king of Wekari. Five years ago, when he inherited the throne from his father, he had the silly idea that he and his brothers could bring an end to the war. But the king, the warrior and the scientist were no match for Haduron. How idealistic they had been! Five years later they were no closer to ending the war than twenty-nine years ago when it began. Whatever had possessed his father to hand over the throne. . . well, he knew. His father was getting older. No one wanted to die with a sword in their hand and war in their heart. That was not the Wekarian way. The Wekarin way was peace, family, love, and sex. Ardonis felt he was a failure as a king on many accounts. As he sat in council listening to province leaders discuss the war, he heard from them, too, the unrealistic ideology that he and his brothers should have been able to end the war by now. Added to that, he was unmated. He was simply a poor substitution for King Brekar, his father. No king had ever ruled without a mate. On Wekari finding your mate was like completing a circle. He was only half a circle. Soon, he feared, his title would mean nothing "I say reveal our secret and see how that changes the war," NonFictu, the Area Seven Province Leader proclaimed. 27

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He was always quick to action and slow in thought. With that suggestion, debate erupted. Men talked over each other and no one listened. Soon, everyone was yelling. "We have a duty," Ardonis sent his deep baritone thundering against the walls, quieting the others. His voice was one of his strengths. His mother always used to say that one word from his lips could command attention from anyone, and she was right. "We must protect our secret at all costs. The time is not right. We are not ready." "But when?" The doors to the council room slammed open against the walls. Kalil stood there, seeming almost as wide as the doorway. Always respectful of his brother the king, Kalil bowed. "Your highness, might I have a word with you?" Though he was simply a ship's Marshall, his words brooked no comprise or argument. Ardonis, thankful for the interruption, excused himself. He led his brother down the palace halls to the private council room, reserved for the king's family. "Has something happened?" he asked Kalil, full of concern. Kalil rarely returned to Wekari. He preferred the battlegrounds of space to the battlegrounds of politics. His communications were mainly by telecommunicator. He would only come home if the news was serious or related to family. "I'm sorry, brother. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just I must return to my ship quickly." Ardonis breathed a sigh of relief. Though he was only older than Kalil by five minutes, he truly felt the weight and responsibility of being the older brother. Now that he was 28

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certain no one had died, he embraced his brother in greeting. "Do not frighten me like that. I thought surely something had happened." "It did. I have yet another cryptic message from Lyon." Kalil met his brother's eyes. "And I found my mate." Just then the door stormed open. "A family meeting, and I wasn't invited?" Carron, their younger brother by four years, entered the room. His entrance was a clear testament to his carefree lifestyle and attitude. Why did a brilliant scientist choose frivolity over science? "So, what did I miss?" Slouching into one of the chairs, he propped his feet on the table. "Kalil found his mate." Carron jumped upright in the chair. "What? Where is she?" They both turned to Kalil. "I don't know." "Who is she?" Ardonis and Carron asked in unison "Someone from the Loden army." Silence. They waited on Kalil to provide more information. He did not. "I understand, brother." King Ardonis broke the silence. "I will have Baracus take over the ship while you find her." "There is no need. I can, and will, have both my woman and my ship. My loyalty is to our planet and our family." "Are you sure?" Ardonis had to ask. They both wanted the war to end, but at the sacrifice of finding his mate? "She will be with me before the next sun sets." "That confident," Carron drolled. "Yes." 29

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"So, what news do you bring from our dear old friend Lyon?" "It's about your mate, brother." Kalil clasped his shoulder. "Lyon says she is the key. To what, I asked. He answered, 'the end.'" "That is all?" Kalil shrugged. "Lyon is Lyon." "All I know for sure is that my mate is not on this planet." Ardonis had met with every woman on Wekari, and not once did he glow. That was his frustration. There were galaxies upon galaxies out there inhabited by humanoids. She could be on any planet in any of them. "I have a plan to help you find your mate." Carron chimed in. "I'm nervous." Kalil replied "Me too." King Ardonis added. "Have a little faith, brothers." The devilish glint in his eyes did nothing to put his brothers at ease. "Are you going to tell us about it?" Ardonis sighed, rolling his eyes. He was holding onto his patience with a thin thread as was often the case with his youngest brother. "Nope," Carron leaned back in his chair. "The life of a space pirate is very secretive." "Oh, really! Is that why you careen across space in a ship named The Booty?" "I don't have time to sit through another argument about Carron's life," Kalil's voice, as deep as his own, halted their bickering. "Relax, Ardonis. Our brother will grow up one day." Glancing over at Carron, he added, "Maybe not today." 30

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Carron shot him a look from the corner of his eye. "I must go," Kalil said. "It's time to find my mate." King Ardonis watched his brother depart, determination in every stride. He couldn't help feeling just a little envious. "Wait here while I retrieve the information your king seeks." "Yes, princess." Jormayon emphasized the last word. Anaria exited the ship in search of...? She didn't know. Tryotan was an unfamiliar planet to her. Although it was neutral, King Rwok forbade all of Loden from entering its space. Anaria was unaware of the reasons for the blockade. Compared to her own the planet was basic. Those entering Loden saw the castle and its surrounding towers of many hues in the richest of stones. Here there were just small gray pyramids in a flat, twilit plain, stretching as far as the eye could see. She began walking towards the pyramid closest to her. As she drew closer, she saw on its face writings in many languages. One of them was Pleschette, the common language of the Orden galaxy. Xorin, it read. That was a planet long ago destroyed. She continued to walk over the bare rocks and dirt, perusing the names inscribed on the stones of each pyramid. It was said the history of all the worlds lay on this planet, but she was only looking for one. Wekari. She stopped, staring up at the word. Then, as she crossed over the threshold, she felt it. The desire, the glow. He was here! Her hand immediately fell to her laser. It was gone. She had surrendered it on landing. No weapons were 31

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allowed on this neutral planet. Unarmed and no clue how many were after her, she turned to run out. Steel clamped her body. "Looking for me?" The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through her body. It wasn't steel. It was him. His arms wrapped around her waist, trapping her arms to her sides. Her back was pressed against his front. In the blink of an eye Anaria leaped backward. Dropping low into the space she had created, she bent her elbow to make contact with his groin. He screamed in pain and grabbed himself. She made a run for it. She managed to run two long strides before she was tackled to the ground. "Don't ever," his voice was straining, "do that," he gasped, "again." Anaria turned her face to the side, so it would not be pressed in the dirt. His body lay heavy on hers. It was crushing, but not bruising. He was applying enough force to restrain her, but not hurt her. "I hate to do this," he whispered. The caress of his breath tickled her ear and traveled down her spine, "but I don't think you will play nice." Before she could ask what, darkness came over her. Humans existed in almost every galaxy. They might differ in language, time, distance, coloring, beliefs, skills, and physical appearance, however, their genetic makeup was the same. One of the many things all humans had in common was the need for life-sustaining water. That was the only thought that traveled through Anaria's head as she attempted to open her extremely dry mouth. She needed water. Trying 32

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to open it took great effort. Her tongue was swollen and stuck to both the bottom and top of her mouth. Water. The words would not form. Water. If only she could command it with her mind. Water. She tried again. The faintest of groans muffled in her throat. All her energy went into the effort of opening her mouth and getting help. Then, like boulders flying through space, it hit her. She did not know where she was. Her last memory was of going to the planet of the archives before being attacked by him. Her plan shifted in her mind. Concentrate, She berated herself. How do I open my eyes? She needed to survey her surroundings, figure out where she was, and make a plan of escape or attack. However, her eyes simply would not open. He must have drugged her. He was there. She felt his presence as powerfully as she felt her own. Without seeing it, she knew her body was glowing. In such a short amount of time she had gotten used to her body's increased temperature when he was near. Or maybe it was that the room she was in was hot. A trickle of sweat rolled down the side of her face. It was hot, probably on purpose, a way to disguise his presence. Oooh, that feels good. The cool cube glided across her lips. Melting on contact, the tiny droplets of water moistened her lips, filled the space between upper and bottom, then rolled down her chin. "It's a temporary side effect," the deep voice echoed through the room. He made her body feel alive. As he made slow gentle motions across her lips with the ice, she began to plot. His 33

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calloused digits gently massaged some type of cream into her lips. Her nipples perked. She didn't understand her body's reaction to her enemy. Each fingertip took its time delivering the ointment into every crevice of her lips. She almost moaned. He was meticulous. Her breathing increased. Her inability to open her eyes was a blessing. She didn't think she'd be able to watch this enemy perform such a tender act. He pried her mouth apart with his thumb. It gained entry, sliding along the sides, stroking across her tongue. In and out of her mouth. Her eyes shot wide open. Big mistake. His familiar, handsome, hated face was close to hers, smiling. Perfect white teeth adorned the perfect angular face. Dimples she had never seen in the videos took away the harshness created by his unshaven stubble. His body's glow enhanced his attractiveness. She opened her teeth to bite. He withdrew his finger just in time and her teeth snapped together. She felt drained. It took all the energy in the world to snap her mouth shut. "It's a side effect of the drug. It should wear off shortly. I had to put you to sleep. You didn't seem inclined to come with me." If looks could kill, Kalil thought, he'd be more than dead. He'd be extinct. But after a good kneeing to the groin, he'd had little choice. If he wanted to get her off the planet undetected he had to put her to sleep. She was a formidable warrior, and to her, he was the enemy. Years of lies couldn't be undone with one touch. Watching her sleep, he'd felt a growing urgency to undo them. She was even more beautiful than he imagined. Her 34

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hair, tightly balled at the nape of her neck, was dark as the Wekarian night. His fingers itched to take it down and glide through it. Her skin was prefect. It was the color of the finest of cocoa, the richest export on Wekari. Tall in statue, slender, with breasts perfect for palming, licking, massaging. . . he knew the outline of his erection was visible through his suit. The clothing of all the Wekari soldiers was practically molded to the skin for ease of movement. There was no hiding his desire for her. She was his mate. She would get used to it. "Departing neutral territory, Captain." Baracus's voice rang through the telecommunicator attached to his arm. This was Kalil's ship and crew. He was responsible for everyone and everything on it. But right now, only one thing seemed important. His mate. "Captain," the voice rang again. He sighed "I'm coming up." "I must go," he told her regretfully, "but I will return." They stared at each other for one heated moment before he turned and left the room. "Where are we headed, Marshall?" Baracus inquired as Kalil entered the ship's navigation room. Kalil thought for a split second. There was only one way that his mate would accept a place by his side. Whatever the cost, she must finally learn the truth. "Home to Wekari." He didn't check me. Anaria lay on his bed fully clothed with her hidden weapons still intact. Though arms were forbidden on neutral territory, that never stopped her. Hidden in her boots were twelve transponders and three explosives. Her 35

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watch could activate both. As the drugs wore off, a plan formed in her head. Anaria walked around his quarters, which were enormous, counting steps. She memorized the length and width of the room, scrutinized all the objects. Strategy of war know your enemies. She had fought Wekarians in space, but this was her first encounter with one at close quarters. His ship Destruction was huge. She did not have to explore it to know that. It was one of the largest and fastest warships in space. She needed to find a way to place the transponders in strategic places around the ship. Then she would be able to monitor all their communication, find out their plans, and finally put an end to the war and the Wekari. She hoped to escape, ending the war was more important. She was but a small sacrifice for the greater good. The explosives were not big enough to take down the ship, but they were enough to damage it, making it vulnerable to a full scale attack. Laces weren't common anymore, but they were a standard part of the Loden army uniform. Skin-tight uniforms in black, boots laced up. Those boots housed many weapons that no one suspected. The laces themselves were weapons, perfect for strangling. They were made of the strongest cloth. It did not tear, rip, nor break. Anaria bent down as if to tighten her laces, just in case she was being monitored. Quickly she slipped the first transponder out of her heel. She began pacing like a caged animal, then beat on the door. "Let me out," she yelled over and over. When no one answered she leaned against the door and slid to the floor. She placed the first transponder at its bottom edge. 36

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Kalil was impressed with his little warrior. He watched her pace the room, count steps, and memorize her surroundings. She was too much the warrior to panic, so that fit by the door was just for show. She was up to something. He was determined to find out what, before it was too late. "Keep the course for Wekari. We are going the long way. We should be home in just a few weeks." "Should we do light speed, Marshall?" "No! That would cause suspicion. Stay in neutral space. Take the paths least traveled." "What about debris?" He looked at his crew. "Try to avoid it," With that, Kalil got up to leave. "I'll be in my quarters if I'm needed." "Yes, Marshall." The crew replied in unison. When Kalil entered the room, she was sitting on the edge of his bed waiting for him. Interesting. There were other seating options. His desk, lounger, even the top of the trunk. The bed's edge molded to her thighs as she shifted to return his gaze. Unmoving, defiant, she looked so small and beautiful. Chocolate—one of the most valued luxuries of the Orden galaxy was what she reminded him of. Pure, unadulterated chocolate. He could imagine her slender chocolate legs wrapped around him as he stroked the depths of her. He wanted, no, needed her badly. But he would take it slow. He folded his arms and leaned against the door. "Waiting for me?" Lowering her eyelids, she responded "Yes". 37

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Oh she was definitely up to something. This was going to be a delightful night. She had to get him to trust her. He seemed to want to. "Why are we glowing?" "Because we are destined to be together." She stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Of all the people to kidnap her, she had to get a delusional romantic. "Sooo. . . ." "You'll learn more later. Just know this. I am your mate and you are mine. There is no one else in all the worlds that will make you glow, make you burn, make you desire." As he spoke, he began walking towards her. She was starting to realize that choosing the bed was a bad decision. It didn't make any difference what he said. She would kill him and everyone on this ship. But her body...believed his words. Her glow increased, her nipples perked, her pussy pulsed. Her body desired him. She fought the desire to taste him. She needed to feel him. It had to be the drugs. Nothing else could explain her reaction to him. He stopped right in front of her and knelt down. "Wh. . . What are you doing?" she didn't mean to sound so shaky. His hands caressed her thighs, down to her legs, and stopped on her boots. "I'm taking your boots off." She jerked her legs away. "Why?" He smiled "It's time to go to bed." Her gaze flung to the bed, then him. But, if she was to defeat him she must win his trust. Slowly, she bent to unlace her boots. Slowly, and carefully, so he could not discover her 38

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hidden contraptions. Scooting past him to the other side of the bed, she laid her boots on the floor and got under the covers. "See you in the morning," she tossed over her shoulder. Though she had no intention of sleeping, she closed her eyes. The room was silent. Then, the sound of a zipper slowing creeping its way down. She sat upright in the bed. "What are you doing?" "I'm going to bed." He finished unzipping his dark grey uniform and removed it. His cock jutted out, pointing straight at her. "I sleep naked." Pulsing veins surrounding his thick, long cock. It seemed as massive as he was. Her eyes were riveted as the pre-cum peeked between his slit, slid down his tip, and made its way to the floor. "Like what you see?" Her eyes shot up to his. Of course, she noticed his huge, muscular physique and the ripples of his stomach, like the waves of a Loden ocean. But to be caught gawking, to lose face before this enemy, was intolerable. "I am too tired to notice." Lying down, she turned her back to him. Why did he affect her so? His scent overwhelmed and intoxicated her. He smelled of war, lust and man. Every inhalation was a shot of pheromones straight to her core. Don't turn around. Don't turn around. "The door is locked. You can't leave." Anaria was so busy trying not to turn and devour her captor that she could not focus on a plan to sneak out while he was sleep. Just breathe, she commanded herself. 39

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"Don't fight it." His words taunted her. She made her voice cold. "Fight what?" "I can smell your desire." "What you smell is my hatred, my contempt, my—" She gasped. Strong, calloused hands rested on her hips, slid up her side and caressed her encased breasts. "Really? Your nipples are hard. I bet you if I took this suit off you I'd find you wet." She no longer trusted her voice. His breath caressed her skin. Soft lips trailed a path from her ear to her neck. She stopped breathing, scared he wouldn't stop, scared he would. The full length of his cock rubbed along the crevice of her butt. Thank goodness she was still clothed. He gently turned her onto her back. The glow surrounding him only emphasized the perfection of his face, with his, dark piercing eyes and golden skin. Curiosity and uncontrollable hormones got the best of her. She reached her hand up and caressed the angular contours of his face. He bent his head down. Faces flashed through her mind. Her mother. Her father. Eyes without souls. Broken spirits. Fallen soldiers. She turned her head. His lips landed on her cheek. "I was wondering when you would show your true colors, Wekarian." She spat the last word as a curse. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three She thinks I'm a rapist. Fury radiated through his body. He stormed to the ship's navigation room, too angry to sleep. He had been nothing but tender and respectful, and that was how she repaid him, throwing the lowest of insults his way. "How far are we?" he barked at his second in command "About three and half weeks away, Marshall." "Why are we taking so long?" "But Marshall—" Kalil stormed out of the room. Yelling at his crew was not going to help him. He needed to cool off. Going to the conference room, he placed a call. "What's happened?" The voice was alert, but he knew he had awakened his king. "Nothing. Why must there be a problem to call my brother?" He was met with silence. "She thinks I'm a rapist," he blurted. "Aaah, I understand." Such accusations would have a man killed on Wekari. "But you have always been her enemy. Don't tell me you are surprised?" Kalil rubbed a hand down his face and sighed. "I thought..." "Because you're mates, things would magically work themselves out." "No." Kalil paused. "Maybe." He sighed. 41

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"Look, we Umbas are strong headed. We're used to people bowing down to our will. You have finally met your match. She is not enamored by your charm, or cowed by your power, nor does she swoon at your mere existence." "I get the point." Kalil said through gritted teeth. "I thought you would." He could hear the smile in his brother's voice. "When did you get to be so wise?" "I am The King." "So I've heard." Kalil smiled. How did his brother always manage to cure his foulest moods so easily? "Are you coming home?" "Yes. She needs to know the truth." "I agree. Take it slowly, brother. Talk to you tomorrow." The connection ended. He thought about calling Carron, but at this hour he was surely imbedded between some woman's thighs. Carron would call him later, to share his conquest. He claimed to be a space pirate. The only thing he seemed to be able to seize was panties. Yes, Carron was a true panty pirate. Kalil snickered at the thought. His temper had faded away. He sat in his chair contemplating his conversation with his brother. Anaria knew nothing about him. She didn't even know that a mate designed especially for her existed. This was war. Her life was a lie. He needed to be patient. More importantly, he needed to treat this like war. A war he would win—her body, her heart, her mind, her soul. He smiled. A new day was coming. 42

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Anaria listened to her surroundings before opening her eyes. She was alone in the bed, thank Gods. Her body was exhausted. For hours she had lain full of worry, half asleep, half awake. Peace and rest had eluded her. It was important to stay alert. She was worried he would return and concerned he would not. The latter of those emotions she would ponder when she was free. A door led to his in-suite shower room. The thought of being clean was very appealing. Of course, there was no way to know whether she could get in. Probably not. If Wekarian ships were anything like those of Loden, locks were registered to crew members, not enemies. The only person who would be able to take a shower in Kalil's suite was Kalil. She got up anyway and headed for the door. It opened. "Enjoy your shower, Princess," the ship's computer said. She was shocked, but didn't question it. At least she could get clean. Hopefully Kalil would not return soon. She undressed and entered. The shower room was huge, with sprayers and dryers everywhere. There was a door to the far corner. She knew what that was for. Walking through, she quickly took care of her business. When the first pellets of water hit her sore muscles she sighed. Rapid, hard, strong, the water smacked her body, relaxing her. For a few moments she just stood there enjoying the feeling. Then she thought about her situation. Kidnapped by enemy number one. How would this end? She was surprised to be alive at all. He was not what she imagined he would be. Marshall Kalil did not seem the terror that had been painted. Of course, his niceness might be just 43

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an illusion. What did he mean to do to her? Well, she might die, but she would die fighting, and she'd take the ship out with her. As the shower eased her body, her life flashed before her eyes. It was not a life at all. Fighting, planning and more fighting. That was all. Her mother didn't love her, her father used her, she had no siblings, and no love. She had been dead for quite some time. Kalil would just make it official. Anaria's tears mingled with the water. Her body shook, her heart ached, and she felt empty. Alone in that shower, she cried not just for her current circumstance but for the whole of her life. Here where no one would know, no one would see the chink in her armor. Her weakness would not be witnessed. This was her one and only time to be vulnerable, and she took advantage of it. When the tears stopped, she turned the knob to wash. The soap and water blended to take the day's grime away. The weight of it all washed down the drain with the dirt. She would not give up. Turning the knob to rinse, she smiled. It was a brand new day and she had a plan. New clothes awaited her when she entered the bedroom. A long flowing skirt, see-through from the ankle to right below her crotch and ass, and a matching flimsy piece of material meant to cover her breasts. Was this what the women of Wekari wore? She checked her outrage, remembering her goal. To accomplish it, she needed to blend. Yet, it did make a problem. How would she hide her transponders? As for the shoes, they were too skimpy to cover even her feet. The thinnest of straps and slight heels were elegantly dainty. 44

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Anaria just did not do dainty. Worse, they would impede her ability to run. He was coming for her. She felt him. The glow. Next, she heard a gentle knock on the door. "Princess?" Anaria debated answering, but what was the point? The sooner she answered, the sooner she could find the best places to plant the transponders. Instead, she pressed her hand against the door's console. It scanned it. "Good-bye, Princess," the ship's system responded. She was a little surprised to find that her information was in the ship's computer. It was one thing to be able to use the shower, but access to leave the room at will? Did this mean she had access to all rooms, or was it just his? What about the engines and technical areas? "Umph!" Wrapped up in her thoughts as she was, Anaria rammed right into Marshall Kalil. The force of hitting his rock hard body made her stumble back. He caught her. For the span of one heartbeat they simply looked at each other "Uuh," he cleared his throat. "I thought perhaps you might want a tour of the ship." Could it really be this easy? Why? "I would love one." She put a smile of appreciation on her face. She looked right wearing the traditional Wekarian garb for women. For a moment he was speechless. The morning was going far better than he'd hoped. Of course, he knew she was a warrior through and through. Her niceness was no doubt a cover for a plan. She was probably planting more transponders around the ship. Good scheme. She didn't know 45

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that the ship automatically detected bugs and either jammed their frequency or destroyed them. Well, if planting them kept her from trying something more dangerous, he would give her as many opportunities to plant them as possible. They walked in silence; she seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. And in a way, she did. "Will I always need an escort?" The question caught Kalil off guard. "No, that is why I am giving you a tour of the ship so you won't get lost." Oh, she was really plotting something now. He noticed the faint curve at the corners of her mouth. "To your right is the dining hall. Food is always available. We eat in shifts so someone is always manning the ship. However, we dine as a family. There are always at least fifty people eating at any given shift." "How many soldiers are on this ship?" Oh, she was always the strategist. He stood taller with pride. Who but a warrior could ever have been his perfect mate? He didn't mind telling her. She would never return to relay what she had learned to Loden. He would die before he allowed her to return to such evil. "About four hundred." Her eyes bulged. "Yes this is a large ship." "No wonder it's undefeatable." "That's part of it." "What's the other part?" He smiled. "We are the best." She rolled her eyes. "Are you hungry?" 46

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"No." "Then we will continue the tour." They went down several hallways and corridors, Kalil pointing out each room, told her its purpose, and introduced her to various crew members they encountered. The whole ship knew who she was, it was obvious. When they finally arrived at a secluded area, he opened the massive doors and led her inside. "Where are we?" The opulence of the room did not compare to the rest of the ship's decor. It was a basic warship. Yes, it had larger and better facilities, but it was no luxury cruiser. Except for the quarters she was in now. This was a room for royalty. "These are the King's quarters when he's on the ship." She stepped into the room, touching the handcrafted desk, carved with intricate designs. "It's the largest of the suites on the ship." "I have seen ships smaller than this room." Anaria commented in awe. "It's yours." She spun around. "What!" "The King will not come onboard during our journey. Our guest quarters are occupied. You've made it plain you don't want to share my room, so this is yours." She stared at him, mouth open, speechless. "It should also give you peace. It's far enough from me that you shouldn't glow until I enter this wing of the ship." He bowed. "It's all for you, Princess." With that, he left. 47

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Anaria was still standing in the middle of the suite with her mouth open. Whatever she had expected, it was not this. Thrown in a dungeon—yes. Tied to the bed—yes. Beaten and brutalized—definitely! But given free range to roam the ship, given the King's quarters. Never. Slowly she toured her new living area. It was larger and more opulent than her suite in her parents' palace. Anaria had no idea what Kalil's ulterior motive was, but she was speechless. It was all a game, Anaria surmised. He was using on her the tactics she planned to use on him. Gain his trust, make him drop his guard—that was her plan. Now, as she lay in the middle of the King's bed, she wondered where her plan had failed? Of course, he would not get anything from her. Anaria's loyalty was to her planet and to her mother. Was she really safe in this wing of the ship? She could hardly imagine him to be a man of his word. After all, he was Wekari. But... Angry rumblings in her belly woke her. She did not realize she had fallen asleep. With the exception of being drugged yesterday, she hadn't truly slept since that fateful day on Atlzo. Normally, she would not eat on an enemy ship, but her gut told her the food would not be poisoned. Why should it be? If killing her had been Kalil's plan, he would have done so by now. Anaria's memory was excellent. It always had been. Anything she saw, she could mimic. Anyplace she went, she could return. Anything said she would never forget. It had been like that since she was a small child. It was this trait that first made her father notice her as more than just a girl child. That was when she went from being his daughter to his 48

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war protege. Finding the dining hall was easy. She pressed her hand on the door's console. "Enjoy your meal, Princess." The ship's computer greeted as the doors opened. The clattering of plates, laughter, the screeching of seats, the raucous sounds of chatter, all ceased as Anaria entered the room—glowing. All eyes were on her. She almost tucked her tail between her legs and ran off to her new quarters. Then she remembered who and what she was, which was certainly not a coward. Holding her head high, she passed everyone to sit next to Marshall Kalil—also glowing. He smiled, and the room returned to its normal boisterous sounds. He didn't say anything, simply nodded his head in greeting and continued with his meal. This gave her a chance to really see what his crew was like. The best time to observe men was during mealtime. Food and spirits made for uncensored conversation. It wasn't what she expected. They spoke of home and families, of warmth and love. Sure, they talked about sex. A lot, in fact, but not in a foul or derogatory way. They might be putting on a ruse for her, but all hundred or so of them, and doing it so well? Food was communal, platters laid in the middle for everyone to enjoy. He had not lied. It was like a real family meal. Or, the way she imagined a real family meal. In the Loden palace, the dining room was reserved for only the royal family. Servants appeared to bring food and pour wine but took their own meals in the kitchen. Laborers and other workers ate in their quarters. Her family dinners were filled 49

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with talk of war, strategy and hatred. Her father's and hers. Her mother ate in silence. Even on Capture most people ate among their own ranks. This freedom and laughter made her feel a bit uneasy. She wasn't sure if she should participate, though the warmth beckoned her to join in. Instead, she moved her food around on her plate, wondering why such a simple dinner would have her so lost. "Aren't you hungry?" She looked up at his concerned eyes. "I seem to have lost my appetite." For once, she wasn't trying to be mean, but he took it that way. His eyes narrowed and he proceeded with his meal. He turned around and began conversing with the person to his left. She placed a hand on his wrist. He turned to her. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "Its not you, it's. . . . " Why was she suddenly confessing? "It can be a bit overwhelming in here, if you're not used to it." He assured, her laying his hand on hers. "Thanks." She should have felt awkward. But something about it just seemed right. She looked down at the joined glow. Shaking her head, she tried to collect herself. She removed her hand. Immediately, she missed the warmth of his touch."So, why are we the only ones glowing?" "We are the only mates on the ship." "No one else is mated?" "Some are, some aren't. There are some couples who are part of the Wekarian army, but in general both don't join." "Oh. So, who knows about this glowing phenomenon?" "Everyone on Wekari. We all glow when we find our mate." 50

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She remembered the light in her mother's eyes when she asked about the glow. "I'm not Wekarian." He seemed to think about his answer very carefully before responding. "No, our planet does not have an even number of men and women as I'm sure yours doesn't." She simply nodded "Some of our mates are on other planets. But fate will always bring us together. Neither time, nor space, nor galaxy will stop what is destined to be." The intensity in his eyes scared her. The weight of what he said fell on her shoulders. He was not lying. Every word he spoke he believed to be true. She heard it in his voice, saw it in his eyes, and felt it in his caress. Her mind wandered to the other night when he caressed her sides. Her glow brightened. She could admit it to herself. She desired him. There was every reason in the world not to, but she did. She was scared to ask him another question. With each answer came an intensity and waves of need. "Now that we've met, why are we still glowing?" "Because we have not yet mated." "Sex!" she blurted. "I have to have sex with you to make the glow go away?" "Does that thought repulse you?" "Yes!" No! He leaned into her, his chest brushing her arm. He bent his head down to her ear. "Liar." The feather caress of his word tickled her ear and sent shivers down her spine. Of course she was a liar. Her nipples were standing painfully at attention. Their rub against the fabric caused a friction so 51

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intense she had to bite her bottom lip to stifle the groan. She needed him more than her next breath. The desire to touch him was overwhelming. That brief hand to hand contact they shared was not enough. Seeing his effect on her, his lips quirked. He quelled his smile."The glow will dull when we make love, but it will not go away until we're joined in a mating ceremony." "What's that?" "That's enough questions for now." Anaria took note. He was avoiding the answer. She wasn't ready. He did not want to lie to her, but if she found out what the mating ceremony entailed, it would erase every bit of progress they'd made. Slowly, he was tearing down her defenses. That was why he had taken the long way home, of course. He needed time to get her to trust him. And she was starting to. It seemed she regained her appetite. She stopped moving the food around her plate, and started placing it in her mouth. He watched as the food entered her mouth, dropped on her tongue, and her luscious lips closed over the eating utensil. She finished her last morsel of food. Dinner was over, but he could not stand. His erection strained painfully against his thigh. He needed to undo his clothes. He needed relief. He needed her. She stood up. "Well, I'm retiring to my quarters." She looked down at him expecting an offer. He gave none. Every fiber in his being called him an idiot for not accepting what she clearly offered. However, it was not time. He did not 52

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want a tentative offer, but for her to crave him as much as he did her. Kalil held her hand and pressed a gentle kiss inside her wrist. "Good night, Princess." He noticed the hurt that lingered behind her eyes at his rejection. "Good night," she mumbled and strutted out the room, head high. The slight sheen in her eyes broke his heart nearly in two. Idiot! Her ridiculous shoes clacked down a hall that seemed kilometers long. She had completely misread his signals. She was an expert at many things, but the mating dance between men and women was not one of them. She felt like such a. . . woman. It was not a good feeling. War, she knew. Fighting, she knew. Tactics, she knew. Flirting was as alien as the farthest galaxy. She was no virgin, there had been a few brief lovers, mainly crew members of the ship, but she'd never had the time or the decadence to play love games. When there was a need, there was someone to meet it. It wasn't often. She preferred fighting. Maybe his rejection was for the best. She had almost made a grave mistake. Desirable or not, Kalil was the enemy. She would continue to plant her devices. They should have attached to her signal by now. If not, Jormayon would have surely told her father. She just needed to bide her time and gather as much information as possible. Under no circumstances was she to fall for his lies, or his treacherous charm. She was too filled with fury to sleep. She stormed in search of Kalil. She passed every hallway, every room, until 53

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the perfidious glow began. He was in his quarters. Anaria placed her hand on the door console. "Good Night, Princess." That damn voice was getting annoying, too. She barged right in. "They will be coming for me." Kalil sat at his desk, writing a log entry. His utility belt, which held his weapons, lay on the bed, but he did not reach for it. He looked up, giving her his undivided attention. "No, they will not." "Listen to me. I'm giving you fair warning." "Because you care?" That question was like a virtual slap. "I'm sorry, Princess. If you hope the beacons you planted around the ship will alert Loden to your location, it won't happen." She looked at him, stunned. "They won't spy on us, either. The ship's defense system detected and neutralized them." Bastard! "We have made it this far and this long for a reason, Anaria." Gently he added, "I am sorry, but no one will come." "My father—" "—Doesn't care." "What!" "You know it and I know it. Your father cares about winning, not who gets lost in the process," he looked solemnly at her. "Even his daughter. Your mother—" She stepped further in the room, fists clenched. "Don't you dare mention my mother!" 54

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His voice was tender. "Your mother will know you are safe." "As safe as she was when she was with a Wekarian?" Anaria spat out. "Yes, safer." "They broke her." He only looked at her silently. She saw. . . pity? Running to the bed, she grabbed the sword lying on it and stormed down on him. He jumped up just before the sword descended, grabbed her arm and twisted it until the blade fell. Blind fury had made her reckless, causing her to be easily, stupidly, taken. He turned her around and held her. She fought, but he was too strong. "I will never forget nor forgive," Anaria cried. "One day," he stroked her trembling back "you will learn the truth." She froze. "What truth?" He remained silent, continuing to stroke her back. "All is not as it seems", her mother's words echoed through her mind. He stroked her, cajoling her, until the fight was drained out of her. For now. She did not want to hear his truth. It wasn't necessary. She had only to remember the spiritless woman who dwelt in the palace. That was the truth. There was nothing he could tell her that would change that simple fact. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Four Freedom was a precarious word. This war was about freedom. Or was it about vengeance? For so long she thought she was fighting to protect the good from the bad. What was simpler and nobler than that? She fought to protect the freedoms of women against the devils of Wekari. Her father spoke of nothing but what they did to her mother. Now, at last, she admitted it to herself. That had been her sole motivation. Not freedom. Vengeance. As she roamed the halls of the space ship, greeting each person she passed by name, she realized the irony that she had more freedom on this ship than she'd had the whole of her life. Living in a palace, she was never alone. Her shadows—the palace guards were so much a part of her life that she never noticed them. That was why they were called shadows. Their job was to protect, not to be seen or heard. However, they were still there. On the Capture she was never alone except in her quarters. Whenever she walked down the halls, she wasn't escorted but a always ended up talking to someone her whole journey to her destination. None of it was idle chatter; it was always about the next mission. Was that a coincidence? All is not as it seems. She found the room she was looking for, a small communications room. It never hurt to try. She placed her hand on the door's console. It opened. This was not the main communications hub. The ship's design was smart. All vital 56

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functions were spread across the ship. Most ships had a weapons area, maintenance area, engine room, communications room, and so on. On this ship, no important function could be knocked out save by the total destruction of the whole. Anaria crossed the small room in three strides. Its width was about the same. Reading each label, studying the wiring, she realized this was internal communications only. If she disabled this room, even the ship's internal communications would be shut down for only a few minutes until an analog room activated. External communication would be the same. She could disable one center, but they would call out for help before she could reach the other. In grudging admiration, Anaria made mental notes for improving the design of her own ship. Hopefully, she would become marshall of her own ship soon—if she could come up with a good enough lie to explain her visit to Tryotan. She could not let her father learn the truth. He would never trust her enough to accept it. Trust. That was another word that confused her lately. She removed the explosives from her new hiding place, her wrist bracelet. The room hadn't shut down yet. Her transponders might have been detected, but not these tiny devices escaped its security, it seemed. She paused, puzzling over the riddle again. Why did she have access to every part of this ship? Aboard Capture no one person had access to all the areas, even the Princess of Loden. It was a logical protection against treachery. This total access must be a trick, but what kind? She balanced the explosive very carefully. It could not touch a wire or it would be activated. Her fingers cautiously reached 57

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between the wires in the main box, creeping their way to the back. Why would Kalil mention her mother? Your mother will know you are safe. What did that mean? All is not as it seems. Anaria looked down at the explosive balancing on the tip of her finger. In that moment, she realized she was going to play this out to the end. She felt torn. Torn between her father's teachings and her gut instinct. Torn between harsh but familiar Loden and her startling new glimpses of Wekari. Torn between trusting what she was taught and trusting the enemy. Her gut told her to let go and see what happened. Her mother was right, all was not as it seemed. Her hand felt freed as she pulled it away from the box. With the greatest care she turned her wrist to put the explosive back in its place. The ship jolted. She fell. So did the explosive. "Explosive detected." The lights dimmed and turned red. "Automatic self containment enacted." Shit! Anaria ran to the door and placed her hand on the key. The ship's computer announced. "This room has been self contained and will explode in 90 seconds." Kalil sat at the ship's helm, navigating through space. As Marshall, he had responsibility over the army as well as the ship. He could do every job of every man onboard including piloting. His was well versed in space, flight, transportation, communications, strategy, fighting, and weapons. His general, Baracus, was likewise skilled. In fact, when they returned to Wekari, the King would install Baracus as 58

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marshall of his own ship. Each Marshall designed his own ship and picked his own crew, which took about a year. Kalil's thoughts traveled to his mate. What was she doing now? She wasn't near, since he wasn't glowing. "Asteroid storm," someone yelled. He maneuvered the ship into a quick turn, avoiding an asteroid that hurtled at them. "Baracus, command all aboard to secure themselves." "Marshall, there is danger in Comm Sect Four." Captain Vlastich reported. "What danger, Captain?" He held his breath as Vlastich queried the ship's system. "Explosive detected. Comm Sect Four is on automatic shutdown. Threat level one. Comm Sect Five already booting up, and Comm Sect Eight is activating as backup. We should have less than a minute of internal disturbance, Marshall." So. His little warrior had planted another device. But this time, something was wrong. He felt it. "Baracus, take over. Vlastich, put the room's monitors on screen." He walked over to the screen. Then he ran. The image of Anaria yelling, pleading for help, stuck in his mind as he raced to Comm Sect Four. He had less than a minute and a half to save her. His feet propelled faster down the corridors, but he needed to go down three levels. He could not run it in that time. Thank Gods the elevator stood ready. Three seconds to descend, but he felt like a caged animal trapped in the confines of the four walls. The door was only partly open before he was off down the hall. 59

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At last he reached the door. Panting, he slammed his hand on the appropriate place. "Marshall Kalil," the ship's computer announced "Comm Sect Four is in automatic shutdown. You may not enter." The countdown started. "Twenty-five." He pulled out his sword and pried at the edges of the door. Nothing. "Twenty." Taking out his laser, he fired at the door. Nothing. Desperately, he shot the automatic door console. "Malfunction. Automatic shut down still in progress. Seventeen." Not knowing what else to do, he looked up at the small monitor beside the door. Anaria faced him on the screen, her eyes fierce with pleading. Sweat poured down his face and neck. He could not, no would not, lose her! "Thirteen." His mate watched his every move, tears streaming down her face. "Twelve." He saw wires hanging out of the console. Wires. Maybe. . . . "Eleven." Her tears stopped flowing. Slowly, her head lowered. She took two steps back. He saw acceptance. She knew she was going to die. "Ten." There, behind the wires, behind everything, not destroyed! "Nine." 60

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The wires tangled against his hand, resisting as he shoved them out of the way. "Eight." There it was! Hidden beneath the wires, not easily destroyed, lay the manual override switch. "Seven." His hands were too big to reach through the snarl of burnt wires, but he refused to give up. "Be ready to run!" he yelled. "Four." Click. "Override activated." The door slid open. Anaria shot out. Even as she did, the doors slid back into place. "Automatic Shut-down resumed. Two." Together they dashed along the hall. Could they get far enough from the explosion? "One." The blast knocked them off their feet. As they catapulted through the air Kalil wrapped his body around Anaria's, flipping to land on his back. Anaria landed on top of him, literally knocking the wind out of him. Her wide eyes were conscious. She was unharmed. They just stared at each other, breathing hard. Adrenaline still pumped through their veins as he pulled her closer to him, almost squeezing the breath from her. Today he could have lost her. From now on, would never let her go. The air around them was heated, charged with the luminous excitement that had been building since the moment they 61

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met. It crackled in audible waves. Nothing needed saying. His gaze went to her lips and hers to his. Their lips met in urgency. It was time, it was past time. Her tongue sought his. It broke the barrier of his lips to reach the inner caverns of his mouth. He let her set the pace, for now. His hands traveled down past her hips to cup her ass. It felt so good. Her hips rotated against his. Clothing against clothing, but he knew she could feel his rock hard cock. He took control. Their tongues were dueling for dominance and he was winning. She tasted so good. On the middle of the floor in the ship's corridor their passions overwhelmed them. He wanted to take her right there, but thought better of it. After all, she was from a sexually repressed planet, or so he heard. He didn't want to stop, but they needed to get up now or she would end up on her hands and knees, him thrusting into her from behind. He groaned. Reluctantly he pulled back from the kiss. "Come on." "But," she kissed his strong angular chin, "I," she kissed his neck, "don't," she nibbled on his ear, "want," unzipped the top part of his uniform and kissed his chest, "to." Her lips returned to his. Her tongue licked a path across the seam of his lips. He was unraveling. She sat up and smiled. The little princess was toying with him. His eyes were riveted on the expanse of stomach reveled by the clothing traditional for women of Wekari. Of course, she always looked sexy to him. The cream of the outfit was a direct contrast to the chocolate of her skin. He placed his hand there, too tempted by its smoothness not to. He ran the 62

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tip of his finger lightly around her navel. She shivered. As his hand ran along her hip, her breath caught. Anaria yelped when Kalil ripped the skirt from her body. The cool air caressed her wet clit, seconds before Kalil lifted her body and situated it right over his face. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as his skilled tongue licked her glistening lips. She moaned. His tongue lingered there, tracing every part of her pussy, before it stabbed its way into her vagina. Of their own accord, her hips began moving up and down, side to side. She wanted him never to stop. He grabbed her thighs, spreading her further apart and holding her in place. She was at his mercy. His tongue was relentless. In and out. Up and down. Then he stopped his teasing tongue and found her clit, swollen with pleasure. All it took was one stroke. But he didn't stop with one. His persistent tongue licked, and he sucked on her clit like it was the only nourishment in all the galaxies. She was losing control. His lips circled her nub and he hummed. "Aaah Shiiiiiii. . . . " She screamed. Tiny pinpricks of pleasure started at the base of her feet and crept up her body. It was on fire. She was sensitive to every touch, caress, and breeze of air. Never had she felt so alive, so aware. Her senses were on high alert. Her knees pressed against the cool floor. The air in the corridor was like another man touching her, licking her, feeling her. Footsteps echoed down the hall. Not far away. In the far reaches of her mind, she registered the announcement that the meteor storm had passed. 63

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Sex permeated the air. Their eyes connected for one brief moment before death took over. Her body shut down. She could no longer see him. Her eyes rolled shut. The only sound was her pounding heart vibrating in her ears. The only thing she felt was his unyielding tongue. The pinpricks became electric jolts of bliss. Her body shook. She forgot how to breathe, it was too difficult a feat. She screamed but no sound came. She felt the liquid as it gushed out of her vagina. He slurped every bit of it. Slowly, her energy drained. She collapsed against the wall, still sitting astride his face. Kalil grabbed her by the waist and pulled her on top of him. Through her eyelashes she saw him glance behind her. Jumping up, he lifted her like a precious child and carried her a few strides to the closest door. She rested her head in the crook of his neck. Seeing the vein in his neck pulse with excitement, she licked it. "We will not make it if you keep on." Anaria had no idea where it was, but she was regaining some of her strength and with that, her need for him. Leaning against the door, she went straight for his lips. He tasted of her sweet nectar. It only served to turn her on further. Their minds and tongues were in sync. He eased his hold on her legs. As they began to fall to the ground, she wrapped them around his waist. Her arms were around his neck. They had yet to enter the room. Her back was against the door. His encased rod ground against her wetness. Anaria's new goal was to divest him of all his clothes. She began unzipping his uniform, releasing his arms from their gray enclosures. She pulled his uniform down to his waist. His 64

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chest was exposed, hard contours over smooth skin. He had a scar right above his left nipple. Tracing the jagged scar with her fingertips, she wondered how he got it. She bent her head down and licked it. His grasp tightened around her waist. He tasted salty. His hand smacked against the wall. The door opened. They stumbled inside. She jumped when her bare ass touched the cold surface. In the blink of an eye he divested himself of his clothes and removed her top. He stood back and simply stared at her. He seemed to see right to the core of her soul. She wanted to shield herself, but stopped. She wanted him to see her, truly see her. She was absolutely beautiful. In addition to her external glow, he sensed an internal one. Peace. Her hair, as always, was secured at the nape. He moved closer to her. Removing the bonds that held her hair, he let it fall. It was longer than he had imagined. Tight, thick ringlets fell past her shoulders, almost halfway down her back. His eyes traveled from the top of her thickly curled head, down to her light brown eyes, over her dark chocolate puckered nipples, over the flats of her stomach, past the dark thatch of curls, to her toned thighs and legs, to the tips of her dainty feet. Not the feet of a general, but then again, most of his generals were men and he'd never looked at their feet. His gaze retraced its steps, landing on her nipples that begged, no, screamed, for his touch. His erection was painful. If he didn't get inside her now he would surely die of this pain! He wanted to take it slow, but couldn't. Grabbing her legs, he pulled her to the edge of the 65

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surface and entered her in one fluid thrust. They both let out a contented sigh. Now, he could focus on her breasts. He pulled out almost all the way. She whimpered in protest. He thrust back in to the hilt, bent down and suckled on her right nipple. She arched her back, giving him better access. Her pussy was tight. It took every ounce of control to make it last. She felt so good, so right. He inhaled, taking his energy from his core, and gradually exhaled the breath on her tender nipples. His hips rotated in and out. Her chocolate legs wrapped around his waist. This was heaven. This was peace. He could make love to her forever. Her muscles began clenching his cock. "Oooh Gooooodddddddssssss." His pace increased to a pounding. In and out. He withdrew, her nails dug into his back. He slammed into her so hard she rocked on the table. His balls reverberated off the bottom of her vagina. Her inner muscle spasms were too much. His breathing stopped. In and out he thrust. The heat, the light grew. He felt it, and knew she did too. His balls drew up and he exploded inside of her. The light grew brighter. They came in a rush together, sweat slicked bodies still grabbing onto each other. It took a while for their breathing to return to normal. It was then he noticed the chill in the air. Where were they? He hadn't even noticed. She shivered. "Where," she still tried to control her breathing, "are we?" It was cold, freezing in fact. "Lights on," he commanded the ship. The room lit and he realized they were in the food storage locker. A luxury of the ship was fresh meat unique to Wekari. 66

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Every stop they got a shipment and stored it in here. Laughing softly, he picked her up before her ass froze to the counter. Anaria looked around the room with a bit of disgust. "I can't believe we just. . . " her words trailed off. "The glow!" She was right. Both their glows had dimmed. It was just a subtle light. Together they would not have needed to command the lights on before. She blushed, thinking about the wild sex she'd just had. Would they dim every time they had sex? She was more than willing to find out. Walking to the door, she realized she had on no clothes. In fact, her bottoms were ripped to shreds on the floor outside the room. Listening at the door, she tried to determine if anyone was outside. The only noise she heard was Kalil walking up behind her. His semi-erect penis brushed the crevice of her butt. If she didn't leave this room. . . "What are you looking for?" He whispered in his ear. She could barely focus. His breath was like a tongue caressing every crevice of her ear. Focus, Anaria. Now, what's the answer? Hell, what's the question? Concentrating on his words rather than the feel of him, she conjured up an answer. "I need to leave." "Have plans?" "No, but I'm freezing and naked, and thanks to you," she turned toward him. Big mistake. "Thanks to me, what?" "I have no clothes." He grinned "You don't need them." Before she could rebut his answer, he picked her up, tossing her across his shoulder, and strode out of the room. 67

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She was humiliated. She couldn't believe he would prance her through the halls naked. He padded down the hall with not a stitch of clothing on, with his naked mate across his shoulder, and it didn't seem to bother him one bit! People walked past. No one said a thing. Was it because he was Marshall, or was this normal Wekarian behavior? She felt her skin turn a deeper hue from embarrassment. How far were his damn quarters, anyway? She knew without asking that was where he was taking her. This wasn't right, yet she couldn't even ask him to put her down. It would be even worse walking down the halls naked. At least, this way she had an excuse. More importantly, she didn't have to meet anyone's eye. Her eyes stayed focused on one thing and one thing only. Bouncing against his back, she got a good look at his firmly rounded, tight ass. With each step he took it flexed. She was mesmerized. Before she could think about what she was doing, or the consequences, her hand descended upon his ass in one hard, quick movement. He stopped mid-stride. She held her breath. What would he do? "Oh, you'll pay for that." He continued walking. She didn't doubt for one moment that she would. Her vagina clenched in anticipation. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Five King Rwok Okam stormed through the chambers. Where is she? His only daughter was disobeying him. First she'd lied and went to Tryotan. Then she disappeared. What was she seeking on Tryotan? Did she find it? Those questions plagued Rwok since the discovery of her betrayal. She could pose a problem now. His whole plan could be exposed. He paced the length of his room. Damn her for disobeying! No one was allowed on Tryotan. Those damn recorders! Every event in history was there. The truth was the last thing anyone needed to know. It could destroy everything. He had worked so hard, and everything was going according to plan. Now, this! If Anaria discovered anything, his whole world would turn around. He had to find a way to neutralize the threat of Tryotan, starting with their faithful King Zurlik. Maybe Anaria had discovered nothing. He did not know why she was missing. What if she had not left, but been taken? His daughter was nothing if not loyal to him and Loden. Nothing else made sense, she had to have been taken. But by whom? No ransom demand had come, no slaughter. . . nothing. Whoever had her wanted nothing from Rwok. He stopped pacing. It couldn't be. He knew what he had to do. First, he knew a trapper who owed him a favor. As he contemplated his strategy, he wondered why he hadn't come up with this idea earlier. 69

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Rwok approached his wife's room. His wife—she was once the most beautiful woman in all the galaxies. Even now, other women envied her smooth golden skin and her long, flowing hair. Age, it seemed, had not come for her. But her once sparkling blue eyes had long ago lost their luster. She had no fight left in her. All she did was exist. Well, he had servants, maids, every woman in Loden to fulfill his needs. His wife, the mother of his only child, no longer mattered. "Guards," he commanded the men that shadowed him. They stepped forward. "Find me some entertainment. Have her in my room when I come back." He marched down the hall and burst through the doors of his wife's chamber. She looked up at him, unfazed. He paused for a moment. Sometimes her beauty left him speechless. Sometimes, he still did not regret his decision. To the victor, the spoils. "Pack your things," he commanded. "We are going to see your son." Kalil lay Anaria gently on the bed, then stepped back. Leaning against the desk, he folded his arms and stared sternly at her. Confession time. Only her warrior's pride kept her from shrinking into the bed covers. Besides, there was nowhere to hide. She had started out to plant a bomb, there was no way around that fact. The bomb had detonated. How could she ever expect him to believe she had not meant for it to? He arched an eyebrow, waiting. She debated going to him, trying to use her charms to make him forget. One look at the determination in his eyes ended that hope. 70

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"Yes, I had a bomb," she confessed. "But it was not what it looked like." "Really?" Well, so maybe it was exactly like it looked. "Don't lie to me, Anaria." His voice was commanding, a calm but implacable reprimand. Would he punish her? How? She had too much pride for excuses. "Let's face facts. I'm from Loden, you're from Wekari." "I know, Princess. But that doesn't answer my question. Why did you plant the explosive?" "You know why." She sought his eyes. "But I changed my mind." "About me?" Something he saw in her face made him study her more closely. "About Wekari?" Hope lit his eyes. "About the war?" "All of it," she shouted. "I don't know what to think anymore. You are not what I thought. This experience is not what I thought. But I am loyal to my planet, to my duty as a commander, to my parents!" Her chin lifted. It was simple, she reminded herself. She was the daughter of King Rwok. "Where's your loyalty to yourself?" She stared at him, then frowned as the realization came. "I found it, in that room. As I was planting the bomb, I discovered that I deserved answers. I needed more than duty and obligation. I needed the truth. I realized that I didn't have it yet. So, I went to put the bomb back, but whatever oaf you had at the ship's helm bobbled and I dropped it. . . ." "The room sensed it," he finished for her. 71

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She met his eyes silently. Either he believed her, or not. She would not stoop to begging for her life. He stalked toward her. "The truth will be revealed very soon." "I can handle it," she returned evenly. "I hope you're right, Anaria." His whisper was so low she barely heard him. He loomed above her. "Now, how shall you be punished?" "For choosing not to harm you?" she returned defiantly. "For almost killing yourself, and let's not forget that nice little slap in the hall." His eyebrows wiggled. She almost laughed in relief. Did he really believe her? A rush of warmth filled her. "Well," she responded, turning over seductively. "You could slap me back." She lifted her derriere for his viewing. "Lie flat." She obeyed. "Spread your arms out." She did. "Arm restraints," he commanded. Straps circled around her wrists, pinning her to the bed. Panic seized her. Had she trusted too soon? What was he going to do to her? But in the same instant she relaxed. Whatever it was, she sensed he would not hurt her. "Good." His feet padded away from the bed. She turned her head to follow his movements until he disappeared from her sight. He returned with a...whip? Thin straps dangled from the braided handle. The bed dipped with his weight. He placed a 72

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piece of material over her eyes. She could see nothing. Her other senses became heightened. "You knew better." It was a statement, not a question. "All right," she admitted the truth. To him. To herself. "I knew." The strands of the whip caressed her buttocks, dipping into her crevice before... Crack the whip made contact with her ass. "Ow!" Her butt stung, but did not hurt. It caused a delicious tingling sensation that radiated throughout her body "I wasn't asking any questions." "I know." Crack. The whip teased a different part of her ass. She felt the dampness between her legs. "You are not to talk." "Sorry," she answered, just to defy him. Crack! Slender strands lightly dipped into her wetness. Her hardened nipples rubbed against the fabric of the bed. Her mouth opened, though not to speak. Suddenly she found breathing hard and needed extra air. "You are my missing other half." he declared. His words stunned her. She didn't know what to expect, but certainly not this. For once, she had no response. She closed her mouth, then opened it again, struggling for right response. "I know you feel it as well. We are each other's completeness, there is no other. If anything had happened to you." He stopped talking. No one had ever cared. Not that much. No one, including her own parents. It wasn't her failed sabotage that concerned him. It was just her. 73

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"I feel it," she admitted. Crack. He punished her for talking and rewarded her admission. His lips kissed the spot where the whip had snapped. His hands kneaded gently. Too soon he retreated, leaving her craving more contact. "I need you to trust me, Anaria." Trust. How could she, when she didn't know what was going on? She still didn't have the truth? For the first time, she feared the truth. What if she was not able to handle it? "Do you trust me with your pleasure?" "Yes," she answered without hesitation. She was rewarded with a finger along the seam of her vagina. It stroked all the way up through the crevice of her butt. "Do you trust me to keep you safe?" So far, he had done just that. He could have been injured trying to save her. Or, worse. She admitted. "Yes." His tongue traced the path his finger had taken. She inhaled, but forgot to exhale until his next question. "Do you trust me to be honest with you?" Aaah, the big question. Was he a liar? To believe him was to believe that all she had been told during her whole life was a lie. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes. The cloth absorbed the moisture. "I don't know." Crack. Yet another part of her bottom burned with bliss. "Will you trust me with your heart?" What heart? Her heart had grown cold with duty, from lack of love, from war. She was a fighter. Love was impossible. "I 74

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have no heart." She held her breath, waiting from the whip's crack. It never came. His body pressed against hers. He lay on top of her but restrained most of his weight so he would not crush her. "Yes, you do have a heart." The shield surrounding her soul dented. He began to penetrate her armor, but she desperately held it firm. He wants to break me. He will not. He will not break me, she kept chanting to herself. He wanted more than sex, more than her body. He wanted everything. He wanted too much. "You have my heart," Kalil whispered to her. He removed his body from atop of hers, leaving emptiness. She took a yearning breath. "You will learn that." Crack. Another sting of pleasure. She squirmed on the bed. Crack. Her ass was on fire. Her vagina was weeping, and still he would not enter her. She bit her lips to keep from begging. "On your knees." Finally! She did not hesitate to follow that order. "I will never hurt you." The tails of the whip dangled along the crevice of her pussy, teasing and tickling her already sensitive area. She moaned. Wiggling her ass, she tried to get more contact. He pulled the whip up to stroke her vagina until there was no more whip left to tease her. Crack. Now wet, the whip stung more fiercely when it made contact with her backside. He moved closer behind her and 75

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she heard the apparatus of her pleasure and pain fall to the floor. She gasped as he spread her cheeks far apart. "Trust me," he commanded before entering her from behind. He felt so right in her. She wanted to trust. She wished she could. So she put all that he wanted from her into her hips, gyrating back and around on his cock. He allowed her one gyration, then his hands tightened on her. Not painful, but enough to stop her. She cried out in frustration. He controlled everything, the position, the pace, the pleasure. He had her on a cliff's edge of pleasure, but was going too slow for her to reach orgasm, and would not take her over. With her hands bound she could not even reach her own clit. "Are you ready?" "Yes," she begged, her pride forgotten. "Please." He increased the pace, moving his hips at an angle so his penis rubbed against her bundle of nerves. Hips collapsing against the bed, she fell over the cliff's edge, into orgasmic paradise. "Remove restraints." He lay next to her, pulling her into his arms. Slap. His hand gently smacked on her bottom. "Ow," she faked, smiling. "What was that for?" "I was the 'oaf' navigating the ship. We encountered an asteroid storm." She laughed. "Marshall," a voice came over the intercom. "We are entering Wekarian space." 76

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Kalil stroked Anaria's arm and lifted her chin. "Welcome home, Princess." "Your Majesty," King Rwok bowed to the King of Haduron. A slight bow only. He gave way to no man. "Aaah, the King of Loden." King Doron of Haduron stood up from his throne, descended the steps, and greeted Rwok with a pat on the back. "Such formalities." "You deserve respect. You are a king." For now "So, to what do I owe this visit?" They began walking down the polished floor. "Hello, Doron." Haduron's mother stood in the arched doorway. Her eyes were as cold as ice. "Mother. I see time has been kind to you." He walked toward her. She took a step back. "Do you still have a knife in your hand?" He smiled, it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Can a son not kiss his mother's cheek? It has been many years." She walked toward him. "My son died twenty-nine years ago." Reaching him, she spat in his face. He lifted a hand to slap her. She lifted her chin, refusing to step back. His hand dropped to his side. "You were always a coward." "Your chambers are in the same place, mother. Feel free to retire." "I think I will. There are only monsters in this room." Turning her back on him, she walked away. 77

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King Rwok watched the exchange with amusement, and a little excitement. He hadn't seen so much fire in Adura for ages. That was the fighter he remembered. Her monster comment had not escaped his notice, either. Maybe tonight he would bed his wife. Doron turned to Rwok. "So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit." "Tryotan." The questioning crease on Doron's face was visible. "They are neutral." "For now." Heat enveloped Anaria. As soon as she stepped off the ship, it was the first thing she noticed. Beads of sweat instantly formed on her forehead. No wonder Wekarian clothes were so skimpy. She checked the sky, wondering how many suns they had. Only one, but the red she wore today was appropriate. Kalil's hand rested in the small of her back as he ushered towards the small flying transport. It looked similar to the one those back home. She entered the vehicle. Its cool air was a welcome relief. "The palace," Kalil commanded. The palace? She had throught they were going to his home. Was she to meet the enemy king? What would happen to her? "Don't worry." Kalil's comment interrupted her musings. "I'm not worried," she lied. He smiled.

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She peered out the window. Below her, Wekari was beautiful. And foreign, with its endless expanses of water and lush vegetation of varied hues. "Anaria." "Hmmm," her attention remained on the scenery. "Anaria." His voice was deeper, more authoritative. She pulled herself away from the window and saw concern in his eyes. "You are about to learn the truth. I hope you can handle it." "I can." "What if it means your whole life was a lie?" She had no answer to that. "Look, Kalil. I am working on trusting you. But you can't expect to just say something like that and have me take your word for it." "Yes, I realize that would be asking a lot. No, princess I have something to show you. Something you cannot deny as truth or question as reality." That gave her pause. "What is it?" "It's at the palace. You will see soon." He placed his hand on hers "I will always be with you. You will not be alone." She tried not to show it, but she was getting scared. "Remember this, Anaria. I have never lied to you." "I know." She was no longer surprised by her easy admissions. He had proved his love and honor with actions more powerful than any words. She needed to change the subject. "Tell me about your family, Kalil." "I love them. We are all close. My parents live in another province. They have earned their retirement, and enjoy it, but they will be here by week's end. I have two brothers, one 79

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older, one younger. My younger brother used to be a top scientist." "What is he now?" Anaria envied the light and easy way he spoke of his family. She heard love in every word. Kalil seemed to search for the right words. "An acquirer of fine commodities." Anaria scrunched her brow. "You mean, a space pirate?" "Yes. Much to the disappointment of the family." "What about your older brother?" "He's the King of Wekari." "What! You didn't tell me before." "You didn't ask." "Approaching the Umba Palace," the transport's communicator announced. Below, Anaria saw a sprawling structure surrounded by a large body of water. So much for escape. There would be no running out of the gates. "Computer, take us to the palace fields," Kalil commanded. Today his mate would learn the truth. Kalil wondered if he was doing the right thing. Was he buying peace for their planets at the expense of her peace of mind? Anaria was strong, but could anyone overcome the discovery that her entire twenty-eight years had been a lie? Too late for those questions now. "The games have already started." He escorted her out of the vehicle and into the palace. "I thought we were meeting the king." "He is at the games." She frowned, seeing he was worried and wondering why. 80

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"But the king isn't the reason I've brought you the games." Anaria had no idea what these games were, but Kalil seemed anxious. That made her nervous. Whatever was at the games, she knew it would change her life forever. As they exited the vehicle, the heat attacked her. She prayed the games were inside. The field was outside of the palace, but in an enclosure injected with cool air. Kalil led her to the royal box. The king was almost identical to Kalil, but as she returned his courteous greeting she thought Kalil was the more attractive of the two brothers. He exuded more strength. The game was one of her favorites, 'Warrior.' Two opponents battled using various weapons until one conceded or died. She had a feeling, though, that Wekarians didn't fight till the death. The first two competitors were women. Anaria watched, enthralled as each woman fought with fierce grace. "Maybe you should enter," Kalil whispered to her. She was thinking the same thing. Warrior was a game she excelled at playing. Before becoming the general of Capture she was the undefeated champion on Loden. All too soon, the women's competition was over and there was a break. As the two brothers chit-chatted behind her, Anaria watched the sea of Wekarians before her, fascinated. Some glowed, some didn't. Some milled around chatting during the brief intermission. But some were having sex! Right in the seats, where everyone could see, yet no one seemed to notice! No one stared, no one even cared. All was not a lie. These were some oversexed humanoids. 81

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She didn't want to watch, but couldn't stop staring. A pressure on her shoulder jolted her into fighting stance. Kalil couldn't quite hide a smile. "I said, do you want something to drink?" She'd been so busy watching she hadn't heard or seen the servant enter the box with beverages. All eyes were on her. Feeling like an idiot, she relaxed. "Water." The servant filled a mug with water and handed it to her. Anaria grabbed her wrist. "What is this?" Her eyes pointed toward the symbols on the woman's hand. "They are my mated markings." "The champion is next," the king remarked. The servant eased out of Anaria's grip and left the box. Kalil moved to her. "Are you sure you're ready?" "Of course," Anaria told him, puzzled. What importance could the champion have to her? A warrior entered the arena. The crowd cheered. Anaria only saw his back, all sinewy chocolate muscle. His head was void of hair. He strode into the middle of the field as his opponent emerged from the opposite end. They charged each other, their swords clashing. The crowd's favorite bore his opponent down with the mere weight of sword on sword. In no time he had disarmed his opponent. The next contestant came out, and was nearly as quickly defeated. With each powerful stroke of favorite's sword, Anaria was mesmerized. Not only by his strength. She had noticed symbols on both of his hands. Though she could not make out the intricacies from afar, they seemed similar to her mother's and the servant's. Similar, all three designs, but not 82

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identical. The goal of the combat was to display prowess with a variety of weapons, fighting two rounds per weapon, but one made it past the opening swordplay against the champion. Anaria admired this true warrior. This champion deserved his title. Acknowledging the crowd's wild cheering, he pumped his fist in the air, turning to face each section. Wheeling to salute the royal box, he bowed. As he rose, Anaria gasped as if with a punch in the chest. Fighting for breath, she stood, her numb feet carrying her to the ledge. His eyes, his face. She knew him! The world spun. Her legs wobbled. As blackness overtook her, she wondered why her mother never told her she had a brother. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six Images floated through Anaria's head. Her mother's hands, the servant's hands, the champion, Kalil, glowing bodies, her father, hands, faces, faces so similar. All is not as it seems. Those cryptic words echoed in her ears as she bolted upright with a start. The world continued to spin. She fought the rising bile as her body collapsed back onto a soft surface. A lie. All her life was a lie. Then she felt his nearness. Even without the dull glow that was now a constant part of her body, Anaria could sense him. She mumbled, "How long have I been out?" "A sun's cycle." Kalil took her hand. Opening her eyes she saw the worry reflected in his. "Are you all right?" "No," she answered truthfully. He lay down beside her. He held her, front to back. She loved the power of his body. She drew strength from him. Whatever happened, she would not fall apart. She would not cry. Tears might come later, but straight answers must come now. "That warrior is my brother. You knew it all along." "Yes." "That's why you brought me here?" The doors opened. People entered. The warrior, the King, an elderly woman, and a man almost as big as the warrior, but with a carefree air about him. From that she guessed he was Kalil's younger brother, Carron. But her attention leapt 84

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back to the old woman as she noticed that her hands, too, were decorated with symbols. The warrior knelt in front of her, head low, shoulders slumped and shaking. This strong warrior, whom she seen defeat over ten men, was crying. "I never thought this day would come." Anaria moved away from Kalil to touch her brother. Wonderingly, she whispered, "I don't even know your name." "I'm Malaki," "I'm Anaria." Malaki stood. Fighting the waves of disorientation, Anaria rose into his arms. He clutched her for dear life, but she didn't mind. This was family. This was love. . . . This was. . . home. Reluctantly, she pulled apart from him. "I need to know everything." She swiped at the stray tear that managed to escape. "He was too young," the elderly woman put in. "Excuse me, Princess, but I was the Queen Adura's servant." "My mother?" She did not remember this woman. When was she her servant? "Yes, the Queen of Haduron. I was there the day your father killed your brothers." Her heartbeat seemed to stop. Time froze. Queen of Haduron? My father? The world began to swirl around her. Determination alone gave her the strength to utter, "Continue." "Our old king's dying breath refused Doron the crown. Doron was greedy even as child. He thirsted for control and power. He thought everything was owed to him simply 85

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because he existed. So he and your father had a pact. They killed Willik, your older brother, but your mother grabbed me and told me to take Malaki to Wekari, her home planet. Malaki was too young to be present at the old king's death. He was playing with other children. In the blood bath, no one saw me leave. To make sure of that, Queen Adura stood her ground. She paid for it. She was taken as a trophy by a treacherous madman. Death might have been better." She was as good as dead, Anaria wanted to say. She struggled to put together the full truth. Queen Adura of Loden had once been Queen Adura of Haduron. Anaria tried to wrap her mind around it. This was the truth Kalil wanted her to learn. And her mother? All is not as it seems. Her mother had warned her. Queen Adura knew that if Anaria could conceal the glow from her father, Kalil would find her. Her childhood flashed through her mind. Her father loved her. He often told her so, even if he never showed it. That was a fact of life. But it wasn't. Her father loved no one. She was useful, a weapon against his enemies. Her father was a betrayer, a murderer, a rapist. A monster. The very things he painted Wekari to be. Now she knew why Kalil had not simply told her. She never would have believed him. But now, she stared into the face of the truth. A masculine version of her mother's. Malaki's eyes never left her, neither did Kalil's, but she walked past both of them to the King of Wekari. "Your Highness." She knelt. "If you will permit me to leave, my brother will be my escort. He will guarantee I do not escape." 86

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King Ardonis went onto one knee facing her. "Sister-mate, this is your home as much as it is mine. You do not need permission or an escort to go anywhere. You are family." "Thank you." Emotion clogged her words. They came out as a bare whisper. She stood, giving her arm to her brother. They left the room. "You look so much like her. Your blue eyes, that defined nose, even those dimpled cheeks when you smile. Though I have only seen mother smile once." "I barely remember her," Malaki answered. "I was six the last time I saw her. But I remember how her laughter filled the halls. She brought so much love and joy to the palace. We children all loved her. Every evening she read stories to the children of the palace and surrounding villages. She played hide and seek with us. She loved my father. All the love of the world was reflected in her eyes." Anaria was stunned to silence. She felt robbed. The mother he described no longer existed. Sadly Malaki added, "We escaped Haduron in a hurry, we had no time to pack pictures or recordings, nothing to help me remember her. The images imprinted on my mind will never go away, but they are too few. And her voice, I don't remember what she sounded like." He turned to her. "Tell me about our mother, is she well?" "She exists," Anaria told him bitterly. "She breathes, but that is not life. I have known only the shell of a woman. I blamed her. I thought she was weak. Why was I so blind?" "You were lied to, Anaria." 87

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"Still, my mother was so tortured, and I never tried to see. . . ." she trailed off. Blaming herself wouldn't change the facts. "What are those markings on your hands?" His eyes lit up "Oh, I am mated. These are our symbols." "Did you glow?" "Oh yeah." He grinned. "Everyone does. Like you, I resisted finding my mate. My heart was too full of vengeance. I wanted to die, but she saved me. Now, I've learned to live with the past, yet enjoy the present." "She seems like a special woman." His story did sound familiar. Too familiar. Her thoughts traveled to Kalil. "She is. I can't wait for you to meet your sister-mate." A hole did not appear in the floor, but not for lack of trying. Kalil continued to pace the same spot, around and around, waiting for Anaria. Of course he knew she was safe. She was with her brother. But that didn't stop him from worrying. He wanted to be there when she learned everything. She pretended not to be phased but he saw the depth of the hurt. Enough to make a warrior faint. "She'll be fine." Ardonis tried reassuring his brother. "She's strong, like you are. What we need to figure out is our next move. Now that his daughter is gone, what will Rwok's next move be?" "The bastard, I doubt he'll come for her," Kalil spat. "His only child goes missing and he'll probably use it to escalate the war." "I agree. Maybe we could use her. . . . " "No," Kalil pounded his fist on the table. 88

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"Just listen, brother. He doesn't know why she's missing, does he?" "I will not put Anaria in harm's way. Ever." "Kalil," Carron joined in, "at least hear out your King." He didn't care who Ardonis was, he would never let harm come to Anaria. He had just found her. He would not lose her. "It's time for Malaki to take the throne," the King explained. "I have gotten word that Rwok has gone to Haduron with Adura." Kalil remained silent out of respect, but as long as it involved Anaria, he was against it. "Anaria must go to Haduron," Ardonis continued. "It should look like an escape." "Why, Haduron? She is with the Loden army. If she escaped, wouldn't she seek out her ship, her people? Already, brother, your plan has many faults." "Haduron is closer than Loden. You know this." Ardonis's voice deepened with kingly authority. It was a command. "She will send a distress call to her allies in Haduron, telling them she is in a Wekari pod and needs safe passage. We will make sure she is safe." When Kalil's stubborn silence continued, King Ardonis, patted his brother on the back to reassure him. It did not. "Unless someone has a space vehicle from Haduron or Loden, we can't follow her without coming under attack. She will be completely alone." "Actually," Carron piped up, "I have a few enemy pods." Both heads turned his way. Carron shrugged. "Piracy has its benefits." 89

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"Then it's settled. We will follow and protect her if necessary." Kalil opened his mouth to protest. "I agree, that is an excellent plan." Anaria stepped into the room. Her brother was only a few steps behind her. She turned to the King. "It will be my pleasure to carry out this plan." "No, Anaria." Kalil had felt her nearness, but had not realized she was eavesdropping. He scowled at her and his brothers. Malaki turned her around to face him. "Are you sure, Anaria?" "Yes, Malaki." Malaki nodded his acceptance. Anaria walked to Kalil. "I'm sorry, but you have no say in this. I need to do it. This is my chance for vengeance and redemption. Would you take that away from me?" She stared him dead in the eye waiting for an answer. He had one, she just wouldn't like it. "This is not the way, Anaria." "And if it is the only way?" She folded her arms across her chest. "If it means keeping you safe, then no." "I am not some helpless female. I was the general of the Loden army. I earned that position." "I am not questioning your ability, Anaria." "Then," she caressed his cheek, "do not try to stop me." He grasped her hand, placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist. "I must." 90

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"Then, all this talk about trust was for nothing. In the end, you don't trust me." Kalil's heart broke as he watched Anaria storm out of the room. Anaria paced and cried. So much of this past month had been about trust. But in the end, he didn't trust her. Too late, she had already entrusted her heart to him. There was no taking it back. Her body glowed, warning her of Kalil's approach. She did not want to talk to him. She thought about leaving the room, but her personal code of honor stopped her. She never ran from a fight. The doors closed behind Kalil. She stopped pacing and faced him. She had lit no lights against the growing dusk, but their dim glow provided enough illumination to show the stubborn set of his jaw. As he must see the set of hers. This was a battle of wills. She would not lose. His permission was not needed. His King would command him not to interfere. But she wanted his support. Neither spoke. Tension filled the room. The longer they stood there in silence, the angrier Anaria became. Her teeth ground against each other. The muscles at her temple jumped in anticipation. Striding to him, she hauled back her arm to slap him. He caught it in mid-air. "Anaria," he sighed. "I know you are angry with me. . . oomph." Shouldering into him, she turned her body and flipped him on his back. "Hypocrite," She yelled in his face. "You asked me to trust you, to let down my guard. I did. I trust you. You asked me to change my loyalties. I did. I am no longer loyal 91

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to Loden. You asked me to respect you. You said we were destined to be together." Kalil remained on the floor while she spoke. She stepped over him, looking down into his eyes. "I believed you. Love and respect are inseparable. That is how I know you don't feel the same about me." She was right. Love and respect could not be separated. Wasn't that what trust was all about? She was right that he was a hypocrite. He didn't want to stifle her. The stories of her fights, the battles she had won, were known through the galaxy. She was capable. But he also knew how evil King Rwok really was. Even learning everything today, she couldn't possibly accept the full truth of his madness. King Rwok would always be her father. The man who had turned a beautiful child into a pawn in his war did not deserve the name of father. But how would Anaria ever see that? She was his woman now. He had only wanted do what her father should have—to protect her. Yet, a mate was not a father. A woman was not a child. Kalil knew that. How could he explain that Marshall Kalil Umba was not afraid of anything? Not war, not fighting, not losing, not even death. Nothing, until he met her. The truth was, he was petrified. He could not bear to lose the thing most important to him. Standing, he gazed into her eyes. "Anaria," he pleaded. "I'm sorry." "Oh? You give me your blessing to go?" she challenged. What could he tell her? Instead, he let his angry lips answer. He bent his head, crushing them onto hers. 92

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Their anger was a palpable thing. They nipped and bruised each other's lips. Their kisses were pain. Their frustration was clothes ripped from each other's bodies. A battle of wills. There would be no submission. Each struggled for control. Kalil's suite was big, but sparsely furnished, with little but a bed. They stumbled through the open space until his back slammed against the wall. He turned them over, pressing her against the wall. Picking her up, he slammed her onto his hard cock. No sighs of pleasure, no moans of ecstasy. There was no concession, not in this. He pounded into her. Anaria's hips came down onto him equally hard. The room was quiet except for their heavy panting and the sound of his balls slapping against her wetness. I will not lose you. His mind chanted. Each thrust was a silent declaration of that promise. He felt her vaginal walls closing in around him. He withdrew, turned her over, and pressed her face against the wall. Entering her from behind, he heard her ragged gasp. He was in control. He had the final say, no one would deprive him of her. Nipping her shoulders, reaching around and tweaking her nipples, he showed her that if she trusted him to keep her safe, he would. Even from herself. He grabbed the edges of her ass, pulling her safe against him. Spreading her cheeks apart, he slowed his thrust. She needed to feel every inch of him, his desire for her, his love, his anger, the control she must give in to, and be safe. Her muscles spasmed around him. He slowed the pace, but not his force. He was in charge of her pleasure, not her. Even 93

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her orgasm was his to control. She trusted him with that. He would never fail her. His mark was all over her, in the finger prints on her ass, in the love bites on her shoulder. Stars appeared behind his eyes. Storms traveled inside his body. His balls tightened. Increasing his pace, he pounded into her until they both came together in a tumultuous orgasm that rocked both of them. Their screams bounced off the walls and traveled down the corridors of the Umba palace. Anaria slumped against the wall, her face pressed against its hard surface. Kalil picked her up and carried her to the door at the far edge of the room. "Where are you taking me?" Good. She was too spent to protest. Her arms wrapped around his neck. This was how it was supposed to be. Kalil opened the door. His palace suite had one luxury that could not be found anywhere on his ship, not even the King's suite—a tub. "Hot water," he commanded. The tub began to fill with water. "Salts," he ordered. Salts scattered into the mix, helpful for easing sore muscles and healing wounds. "Bubbles." The water began to foam at its top. Hordes of white bubbles shielded the water. She was a woman, and women liked bubbles. Anaria looked at him. He could not read her look. He gently eased her down until her feet touched the ground. "I know I hurt you." He placed his finger over her mouth before she could contradict. His other hand stroked down to massage her vagina. She winced. 94

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"Hurt in a good way." To his astonishment, she winked, then turned and sauntered to the tub. Surely she would be the death of him. They entered the warm water together. She lay against his chest as he eased back against the tub. They both sighed. This battle was over, but he wasn't sure who the victor was. Only time would tell. Lying in bed a storm brewed inside Anaria. Her face lay on Kalil's chest. His even breathing should have been the peace she sought. But it wasn't. Their problems were not solved, just postponed. She could set her mother free, but it might cost all she had won. She thought back over the past month, from the first time she encountered Kalil on Atlzo to lying here in his arms. Everything had changed. She was no longer her father's tool. Freedom, on so many levels, was in her grasp. She had lost her father, but gained a brother. She had lost her place on the Capture but gained love. Too much had changed, and too swiftly. In that moment it felt more than should could handle. For most of her life, she thought war was life. Yet, this was about more than a war. If hatred drove her life, was she anymore alive than her mother? The storm subsided, and with its ebb came resolution. She couldn't dare let Kalil know, her self appointed protector. His need to keep her safe came from love, but it clouded his judgment. Things had never seemed so crystal clear to Anaria. For once, her life was hers. She was no longer torn between good and bad, right and wrong, love or loneliness. She knew what she needed to do. 95

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Kalil looked so peaceful in sleep. The worry lines were gone. His clean shaven jaw curved with graceful strength, and the lashes of his closed lids were thick, breathtakingly gorgeous. Her gaze moved down his powerful shoulder and chest, lingering on the scar above his nipple. He hovered over the jagged design. He mumbled as her lips pressed against the scar. His hand began stroking her back. He was awake. She didn't have to look up to know it. "How did you get this scar?" "Malaki." Her head snapped up. "He used to be full of rage. Since finding his mate, he has greatly calmed down. I know you understand his need for vengeance." "More than anyone else," she admitted. He kissed her temple. "He learned to live instead of trying to die fighting." "He tried to kill you?" "No, we were training. His anger took him too far, but it's just a knick." She kissed his chest. "Looks like more than a knick." Her tongue circled his areola. She licked, suckled, and nibbled it. His hand came up to rub her head. She licked a path to his other nipple and gave it the same attention. He moaned. Straddling him, she licked a path down to his navel. She stopped there briefly. "You are going to be the death of me," he sighed. Not if she could help it. But she said nothing. Her body scooted down until her face was aligned with his steel hard 96

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rod. She inserted her tongue into the slit at the tip of his penis. Sweet and salty, his precum tasted. Her tongue circled under the head and traveled all the way to the base. She took a moment to suckle his balls before returning to his cock and burying it in her mouth, past her throat, until her lips met his pelvis. "Oooh, shit." He shivered. Inch by inch she withdrew, then slid her mouth back down it. She sucked her cheeks to create extra pull; she deep throated him until he couldn't handle it anymore. He grabbed her and pulled her off of him. "No, I want to come inside you." He positioned her right above his hardness. Are you all right? Do you still hurt? His eyes questioned. Her answer was to carefully glide her pussy down his shaft, until she was fully seated. This time they took it slow. She wanted it that way. She poured all her love into her hips, into her kiss, into this moment. Tomorrow was good-bye. Their last time together should be spent savoring each other, not fucking in a frenzy of anger. For the rest of the night they caressed, massaged, and tasted each other from head to toe. Blinking the tears away, she made love to him like it was the first time. Anaria knew it might well be the last time. Kalil awoke alone. His body did not glow. Anaria was nowhere in the vicinity. He had a sinking feeling. Jumping out of bed, he ran down the hall to the family's private chambers. His body still did not glow. But he knew his brothers would be there, continuing to strategize and fine tune their plan. He 97

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entered the room naked. The formality of clothes not important. "She's gone." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Seven "Thank you, Your Highness." Anaria hid her hatred behind a veil of respect. She kneeled to King Doron of Haduron. "If I may, I would like to use your communications system to reach Loden. I must relay information to my father and the Loden army. I will debrief yours as well." "That won't be necessary." Her father entered the room. "Father?" She feigned shock and pleasure at seeing him. He spread his arms in invitation. She ran into them and embraced her father. "Father, I'm so glad to see you." She meant it. Even after all that she had learned, in his presence she realized she only had one father. Whack. The force of his slap felled her to the floor. Her whole face pulsed with pain. "That is for lying and disobeying me. You would not have gotten captured if you had not been on Tryotan." Forcing back the tears of more than the physical pain, Anaria looked down. "I am sorry, father." "So, tell me." He roughly half-lifted her. "What were you hoping to find on Tryotan?" Think, Anaria think. "I was looking for information." "On what?" He pulled his hand back, ready to strike her again. "On glowing." He stopped short. He watched her closely, his voice deceptively calm. "And what did you find?" 99

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"Nothing. I was captured before I could learn anything." He held out his hand to help her up. "You will debrief me as soon as you change out of that despicable clothing." "Yes, father." She turned to leave, then thought better of it. She handed him her watch. "What's this?" "It tracks the bugs and explosives I planted on the Destruction." She turned to leave. He grabbed her wrists. "Oh? Why don't you debrief us now?" She looked down, as if merely in respect. "Of course, father." Anaria told him the truth. Well, most of it anyway. She left out the part about making love to Kalil, falling in love with him, meeting her brother, and learning the truth. She managed to keep her voice void of any emotion. It was a report like any other. Her life depended on her ability to string together bits of truth into one coherent lie. Since she was only on Wekari one day, it was believable that when they landed she had simply escaped and stolen the pod. "I refused to be their sacrifice on Wekari." This made her father smile. "Good job, Anaria." He kissed her on her forehead. "Now, go change." She turned to leave. King Doron's servants escorted her to her temporary suite. The clothing that should have been familiar just felt weird on her body. She had become accustomed to the Wekarian clothing. One set of gear was made for loving, the other for fighting. It had been a long time since she was dressed in 100

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uniform. It put her in a different frame of mind. Lacing up her boots, she was prepared for battle. How would she get rid of her new shadows? The two Haduron guards were always with her. She needed to get her mother and get out of there. Haduron was an unfamiliar planet. Though Loden was its ally in the war, she had never visited. Each hallway was long and lined with doors. There was no knowing which led to her mother. Since her father had not mentioned her mother's presence, she couldn't ask. Since he did not often travel with her, it would bring suspicion. Her only course of action was to try the royal chambers. "Father, I have returned." "I see, much better dressed." "Yes, I'm ready to return to Capture." She turned to King Doron. "If I might be escorted to my ship, I would greatly appreciate it." "What's the hurry, my child?" She forced herself to smile at him. "Antsy. I'm ready for battle." Both kings laughed. They seemed to be buying her act. "Wait," her father said. "I have a surprise for you." "Activating the bombs now?" Her eyes lit up. She hoped she wasn't overdoing it. "No, something even better." Not daring to show her hope, Anaria followed him down the halls. Turn after turn they made, until finally they stopped at a door with two men posted outside. Men she recognized. Her mother's two shadows. They moved aside. As she entered, her steps faltered. Slowly, her gaze sought her 101

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mother. Adura sat knitting, as always. Fresh bruises darkened her face. Her lip was split at the corners, her eye was swollen around its edges, and her reddened cheek was twice the size it should be. Anaria ran to her. "Who did this to you?" "I fell." Not now. Not now. Anaria's mission could not be blurred by rage. Was this some test? The old Anaria would never have suspected her father. Would never have questioned him. "Fell?" she heard her voice rise, and tried to cover her wrath. "Where were your shadows? Are they not supposed to catch you if you stumble?" Anaria saw father sit back, gauging her response. Haduron was not neutral. She was not unarmed. Explosives in her boots, knifes strapped to her front, swords crossed on her back, lasers strapped to her side, she was ready. She burst through the doors. Before anyone realized what she intended she pulled a laser gun and killed her mother's two shadows. She had been followed, of course. Four lasers now pointed at her. She could have killed some of the guards before they shot her, but not all. "Those two were her constant shadows," she stormed at them. "They failed. If she should stumble, you catch my mother." Looking shaken, they bowed. She put her weapons back into their holders and returned to the chamber. Two down, a lot left to go. Her father looked at her, stunned. He had not expecting that reaction, but he seemed convinced. 102

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"Father," she whispered to him. "I will tell mother the news of our pending attack and ambush. She will be pleased." He looked from mother to daughter. The evil glint returned to his eye. He was probably thinking how much the news would wound her. "I think that is a wonderful idea." He walked over to his wife, whispered something in her ear, then gave her a kiss on her bruised cheek. She winced. Anaria's hands went for her hidden gun, but she caught herself before he turned to see her. "Your guards will stay outside," he said. "Now that you have killed your mother's, you two must stay together. There are to be two guards on you at all times. No separation." "Don't worry," she stared at the guards, fingers itching for her lasers. "I will not let her fall." King Rwok chuckled as if at a child's mischief, but Anaria heard a new note in his voice. Distrust. "Behave, daughter," he said, his eyes colder than she had ever seen them. "And do not forget to come for the offering." The doors closed. Anaria exhaled the breath she didn't realize she was holding. She turned around. Her mother sat in the chair, moving needles on top of each other, designs left in their wake. How long had knitting been her only escape? Anaria took slow, methodical steps towards her mother. "Sit down," Adura commanded. She recognized the shine of love on her daughter. She had prayed every night that Anaria's mate would find her. There was no bond stronger than that of two mates who have found each other. Only that might break the bond of her father's 103

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lies. Her daughter was owed more than the life Adura had given her. When Anaria sat down beside her, Adura wanted to cry. She had missed having any close connection with her daughter. But Rwok would only have used that to hurt her and Anaria. It was best she became indifferent. That way her child would remain unharmed. It was better for Anaria to believe a lie than to grow up seeing the degradation of her mother by her father. Rwok loved no one, only himself. He would not hesitate to kill anyone to further his quest for dominance and power. "I miss home," she admitted. "I have not felt the warm Wekarian sun in ages." Her eyes canvassed the room. The coldness of it gave her a shiver. "This place is not my home. Not since my mate was murdered." Anaria's head popped up toward her mother. "Do not worry, I know this room well. There are no devices. Hence, the guards." "I thought a sickness claimed him." Anaria's eyes were puzzled. "I discovered years later that your father gave Doron poison to put in his drinks. Every medicine he took to get well made him worse. Every sip of water taken to sustain his body was poison. He died a shell of the man I met as a young girl visiting Haduron." "How did you find out?" Adura stopped knitting. In her eyes she saw the full meaning of her daughter's question. Placing her hand on top of Anaria's, she answered truthfully "I'm not as weak and unaware as you think I am. Rwok only gets enjoyment out of 104

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a fight. So I stopped fighting. But," she cleared her throat, "a mother knows when her daughter has been found. Your body does not need to glow for your soul to shine." "Malaki looks just like you." Tears prickled Adura's eyes at the mention of the son she had not seen or heard of in twenty-nine years. "He is mated." Joy, overwhelming joy filled her. When the tears spilled down her face, it was the first time in a long time that she felt anything but hatred and pain. Adura looked down at her child's hands. "And what are you waiting for?" "You to be at the ceremony." "You should not have come for me. It was too dangerous. You aren't glowing, so your mate is not close. You must have seen your father's eyes. He suspects he doesn't control you. If he thinks he has no use for you, don't imagine he'll spare you." "I saw and heard him. Why does he want so much for me to attend the offering?" Adura shook her head. "I do not know, but I fear for you." "It's he who should fear, if he tries to stop me from leaving, and taking you with me." "You are here alone, daughter. You are but one woman against the army of a planet. How will you get us out?" She saw Anaria's quick look at the last question, and her smile. If Kalil didn't die from worry, once Anaria was safe with him he'd surely kill her. He wanted only to run into Haduron, lasers firing, to get his woman, but that would only get them 105

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both killed. He had no choice but to wait, but waiting wasn't easy when you were frantic. The only thing known for sure was that Anaria was somewhere inside the Palace of Haduron. He couldn't even sneak in. Their glow would give them both away. He didn't like it, but his brothers were right. Now that she'd gone, all of them must go through with the plan. He checked and rechecked his communicator for the distress signal, or the signal that they were bringing Anaria safely back. Whatever King Rwok planned, the offering ceremony itself could hold no danger for her. It was a public function, an expression of loyalty to Haduron's king. Loden's rulers would not even bring armed guards. Once it was over, she and her mother could elude their shadows. Dressed in the ordinary clothes each wore beneath their ceremonial ones, they could reach her pod in secrecy. Anaria opened the doors. As expected, the two shadows were standing at the ready. "Plan on shooting someone?" she challenged. Not daring to show their resentment, the guards removed their hands from their lasers. She turned, beckoning her mother. Both had cleared their faces of any trace of emotion. "Let us go, mother," she spoke as if to the hollow shell Queen Adura had been. Her mother stood. Each movement was mechanical as always. "Oh, and do try to watch your step." She eyed the shadows. "I would hate for someone to get hurt." One of the guards threw her an fearful glance. They thought she was as cruel and unpredictable as her father. Good. 106

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They strolled to the King's throne room. The shadows waited outside with her father's guards. Only the King of Haduron's own guards were allowed inside his throne room. Doron knew all too well it paid to be cautious. Anaria and her mother took places next to King Rwok. "Ah," her father whispered. "Here at last for the happy occasion. We will also be making an offering today." Anaria nodded. It was not customary for royalty to make offering to another king. Her suspicion rose. "What shall we offer?" "You." Bile rose to her throat. How could he! "King Doron has graciously selected a husband for you. Congratulations, daughter. You are betrothed to King Zurlick." Rwok smiled, the role of proud father not warming the coldness in his eyes. Anaria could only stare at him her mind numb. Anaria hardly saw the holy men enter, four of them to represent the most sacred of the sects of Haduron, the first to give offering. Cloaked all in black, they bowed in respect to the King. Each took a turn laying out offerings to Haduron's king. Afterward, they would sit on the steps while the king received offerings from the planet's other sects. Four guards stood behind the King. The ritual was similar to Loden's offering ceremony. Only four. She could take four. But what of the shadows outside?

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The first holy man bowed, kissed the king's hand, and took his place on the throne steps. The second holy man followed suit. Then came the third man, and all hell broke lose. Bubbles of blood burst and flowed from King Doron's mouth. The third holy man had embedded two knives in his chest. Twisting to put the king's body between himself and the guards' spears, he used them as handles, lifting Doron off the ground, tearing his flesh and ripping his organs. The guards leaped down to seize him, but ignoring them, he released the knives. Doron's lifeless body dropped to the ground. The metallic scent of blood permeated the room. The guards could do nothing. The three other 'holy men' had engaged them in combat, and each was fighting for his own life. The fourth holy man removed his hood. Malaki! The clanking of metal against metal must have alerted the shadows outside. Bursting through the door, Anaria quickly pulled her firearm and shot the first one who entered. She aimed at another, but her laser went flying out of her hand. Her father wrenched her wrist, forcing her around with a cry. "I knew you'd betrayed me," he hissed. "You will die a traitor's death!" Anaria tried to pull away from the gripping hands that closed on her throat, tightening. Grabbing at his wrists, she tried to loosen his hold. She fought for breath. A gasping wheeze escaped King Rwok. He released her. Gasping in a breath, she watched Rwok struggling to take his own next breath past the sharp needle protruding from his neck. His cold eyes turning to Queen Adura in disbelief, he reached for the laser gun hidden in his clothes, but fell backward when the other needle was lodged in his eye. 108

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Anaria felt a familiar sensation, and looked down, startled. Her body glowed faintly. Its brightening glow distracted the guards and shadows for a split instant. The holy men took advantage of that opening, felling their opponents. Rwok slithered onto the floor, drawing his weapon. Adura grabbed the blade from Anaria's front, but a guard's laser put a hole through her hand. Adura dropped the knife, howling in pain. Anaria pointed her weapon toward the assailant, but he was already dead. Kalil's laser had pierced his heart. The other three shadows lay on the floor, moaning. More soldiers filled the room. Haduronian soldiers. Anaria and her friends were surrounded. Anaria looked for a way out. There was none. "Lay down your weapons," Malaki commanded the soldiers. It had the opposite effect. They raised their weapons. "I am Malaki Elij, son of King Cornetri and Queen Adura, brother of the now deceased King Doron. I am your new King." That made the soldiers hesitate. Quickly, Queen Adura knelt to him. Anaria, Carron, Ardonis, Kalil, and Baracus followed suit. And King Ardonis! She was shocked to realize he was one of the holy men. The most seasoned looking of Haduron's soldiers stepped in front. He knelt. "My liege, I remember you." Everyone went down on their knees. A new king had been proclaimed. Daring to breathe out her relief, Anaria looked around. Her father was gone. A blood trail led out of the room. In the confusion he had escaped. 109

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Kalil enfolded Anaria in his arms. Hearing the commotion, he had stormed into the throne room, dressed in the holy robe that had hidden his glowing skin, to find Anaria was fighting off guards. Adrenaline pumping, he joined in the fray. Now it was over. A medic was called to assist Queen Adura. Her hand would heal. Holding Anaria at arm's length, he checked her over, making sure there were no wounds. She smiled at his concern. "I'm all right, Kalil." She had told him she would be. He hadn't believed her. His headlong pursuit had not saved her. If their glow had been seen, it might have killed her. Worse, after all he had said about trust and truth, he had failed to trust her. She was not the only one who needed to learn and grow. He looked into her beautiful eyes, hoping to spend the rest of his life making it up to her. "As soon as mother is better, let's go home." She held onto him. Home. He was already there, with her. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Epilogue Two months later. Dressed all in white, Anaria sat astride Kalil. Gone was his military uniform. Now he wore no shirt, only the traditional white wedding trousers. They were in a middle of a circle surrounded by family. King Ardonis and his parents, Carron, Malaki and his wife Jania, and Queen Adura. Rows of people sat behind them. The holy man of marriage bound their hands together, reciting words of love and affirmation to which they agreed. Kalil entered her. If her brother hadn't explained the ceremony she might have been ashamed to share in this traditional ritual that would bind them together with each other, and with the community. However, having lived on Wekari for the past months, she had gotten used to their free sexual ways. Anaria and Kalil rode each other slowly, letting their love and trust seep into every movement, every breath, and every pore of their being. Anaria paid no attention to the grunts and moans of those watching the ceremony. Her eyes were closed. She did not need to see the married couples to know they were all having sex. Their love flowed throughout the room. Her only concentration was on Kalil and the pleasure he gave her. "I love you," he whispered. Those words entered her soul. Her heart was there and it was full of love for him, full of trust, full of family. "I love you, too." 111

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She felt the glow. The embers of her soul lit afire. It was no longer a dull light, but a star bright as the Wekarian sun. Her movements became frantic. The fire within became stronger and she bucked back and forth on him, screaming her ecstasy of oneness with him. Her hands, they burned, they tickled, they. . . . Her mind went blank. There were no words, no thoughts, just Kalil's arms tenderly around her back, his heavy breaths against her lips, his rod jolting deep within her. His musky scent filled her nostrils and her soul with his pleasure, her pleasure. Together they screamed their release. When she opened her eyes, she looked down at their joined hands. Tiny symbols formed intricate designs over both their hands. "Be true to one another. In this are you bonded," the holy man declared. The ceremony was over. Anaria had found the truth. She had found contentment and was no longer torn. Her peace was in Kalil's arms. [Back to Table of Contents]

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About The Author **** With my self diagnosed ADD (aka shiny object syndrome) it's amazing I get anything done. Running the family bar in West Englewood Chicago, hosting The Love Exchange on the internet, and writing characters that I fall in love with, it's no wonder I'm single. Where the hell would I find the time to date? When I do I try and post my dating experiences on my blog, No Sex in the Metro. Yeah the name says it all. That's why I write very sensual erotic romances. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Red Sage Publishing ****

**** The Leader in Women's Erotic Romance Sensual fiction written for the adventurous woman. Featuring the best in women's ultra sensual and spicy fiction, satisfying your desire for more. Visit our website and discover delicious temptations and spicy fantasies! www.eRedSage.com

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