Claiming Claire

WARRIORS OF KELON BOOK 4: CLAIMING CLAIRE by

Angela Castle

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

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

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

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61160-148-0

Credits Cover Artist: Gemini Judson Editor: Dennis Hays Printed in the United States of America

Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid: www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com Warriors of Kelon Book 1: Abducting Alice Warriors of Kelon Book 2: Tempting Tara Warriors of Kelon Book 3: Resisting Rachel Dragon Down Under

Dedication A big thank you to the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild for their wonderful ongoing support, and to my two fantastic critique partners.

Chapter 1 Thunder exploded in the calm of the night, jolting Claire Dermott from her deep sleep. Groggily, she opened her eyes, and turned her head to peer at the small clock sitting on her simple bedside table. The green glow of the clock told her it was just after one in the morning. Damn. She sighed and closed her eyes, hoping to fall back into the bliss of slumber. When the first roar of helicopters passed overhead, lights flashing all about the place, she knew she’d never get back to sleep. So much for living in remote North Queensland of Australia, where the thought of a window shade or curtain was far from her mind. She had no neighbors within a hundred kilometers. She threw off her sheets and stomped her bare feet through her house, shoving open her screen door to stand on the veranda. The mountain range, which loomed to the back of her property, lit up with three helicopter searchlights. Damn it! They hovered over the bulk of her land. What the hell is the army up to this time? She had an agreement with the neighboring army compound, signed and sealed. It stated no army exercises were permitted on her land without her written permission. Otherwise, she could prosecute them in a court of law. 1

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Claire spent two years hounding the local government minister to stop the army from encroaching on her land. The simple agreement stated they would leave her in peace, she would leave them alone. So much for a remote, out-of-the-way place to live. She scowled, as doubt flashed through her mind. Maybe some poor stupid hiker had gotten themselves lost in the remote Queensland rainforest. It wasn’t unheard of. The rumble of a military truck and the glaring of headlights, coming up her dirt track, told her something was definitely up. Claire grabbed her gumboots from the inside of her screen door and shook them out of habit before sticking her feet inside. She knew what dangerous spiders and snakes lurked in the tropics, and how they loved smelly, dark holes to crawl into. She grabbed the hair tie around her wrist while pulling back her dark brown, shoulder-length hair from the back of her neck. Securing it in the band, she waited. The truck came to a stop for them to open the gate she put up around her house, to keep her animals secure. At least they had the decency to close it behind them. Claire stood glaring with her hands on her hips, as the truck finally came to a stop outside her home. The single light from her porch lit up the face of Captain Randall Deer; he stepped down from the passenger side of the truck. She had come to verbal blows with the military installation captain more than a few times, especially in his offduty time. He had started to make it a habit to pay ‘social calls’ trying to get her to ‘go out’ with him. Unfortunately, Captain Deer’s attractive six foot frame, with down-to-earth good looks and clear blue eyes hid the fact 2

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the man was an arrogant asshole and irritated the hell out of her. Not to mention he preened and strutted around like a peacock. No way in hell she would ever date a man like him. After all, being in love with himself, left little time for anyone or anything else. “You better have a damn good explanation for trespassing.” Claire folded her arms across her chest as he approached. “It’s the middle of the damn, fucking night!” “Claire, humble apologies for this intrusion.” Captain Deer’s gaze swept over her sleeping attire of navy blue shorts, and pink cotton tank top with spaghetti straps. She was far from shy, and would not suddenly act all girly by rushing inside and grabbing a robe to cover herself. Claire stood her ground, and simply continued to glower at him. “We received a report a plane came down in the area. We’re searching for the wreckage and survivors.” Claire’s whole manner changed to one of concern. A loud boom had awakened her in the first place. “Oh shit, I’ll join the search.” “Not necessary. We only ask permission to search your land.” “Oh, of course. I should come with you because I know this area better than any of you.” The captain shook his head. “No. Stay here, and keep the lights on in case any survivors stumble this way, then call us immediately, so we can get them to a hospital.” “Okay.” Claire gritted her teeth knowing she was being brushed off, but still wanted to help. “Take the fire break track; it’ll take you right through the heart of my property.” Captain Deer nodded. “Thanks, Claire.” He turned to walk back to the truck. 3

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“Let me know if you find anyone.” She suddenly got the creeps as Randall climbed into the passenger seat glancing at her again. “Sure.” From his tone of voice she realized he wasn’t going to tell her a damn thing. The army truck roared and drove towards the secondary fence, which accessed her forest land. Doubts bounced around in her head as she paced for a few moments, going over the brief explanation from Captain Deer. She studied the hovering lights across the mountain, and thought about the sound she had heard earlier. “Damn it to hell!” She yanked open her door and stalked inside. No way she was going to get back to sleep, or wait passively for someone to stumble through the tropical rain forest for help. She stripped off her nightclothes and reached for a pair of sturdy jeans, bra and top, before pushing her feet into her solid workboots. She walked out of the house, down the steps and marched across the yard to her horse shed. Patrick, her faithful, old brown brumby raised his head as she approached. “Hey, beautiful boy, we’re going for a midnight ride.” She flicked on the shed light. She set to work saddling Patrick and packing her saddlebag, filling it with a water bottle, torch and a large stretch of rope, then secured it to the saddle; she checked her crock rifle before slipping it into the saddle’s holster before mounting up. “Fuck the army!” She did know this land better than anyone else. She was going to conduct her own damn search. **** 4

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The pounding in Addassar’s head did not make thinking any easier. It was a good thing his natural, plated head ridges protected him from the impact. Lurr had not been so fortunate. His body slammed heavily against the side of the ship’s console when it crashed into the water. Addassar popped the emergency exit hatch, climbing out before helping his co-pilot and friend Lurr out of the spacecraft. The ship hissed and bubbled as it sank. Addassar managed to resecure the hatch lid, before water covered the top of the ship. They now sat on top of their ship in waist-deep water. Addassar thought back over the fight with the Xerson raider ship. It had done more damage to his Kelon Fire Skimmer than he’d first thought. At least they had destroyed the Xerson raider before it reached the round, blue planet. Lurr whooped out a victory cry before all systems in their craft started sparking, and the red warning lights flashed. Being too close to the planet’s atmosphere and too far away from the Kelon station, which now hovered in permanent orbit around the Earth’s moon, they had no choice but to crash land on Earth, and pray they survived. Addassar tried to direct the Skimmer to a remote part of the planet, to avoid detection from the human authorities. “Protect, do not interfere.” The Kelon council gave its directives, loud and clear. The Earth, with its valuable resources, had to be protected. Unfortunately, after the last attack by the Methrill, the Earth governments were extremely skittish, and untrusting. The Kelons informed the Earth government they were now under their protection. It came as no surprise when they 5

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rejected the offer of protection, but it did not deter the Kelon government. The Earth would be protected, despite their accusations that the Kelons only wanted to steal human women, even though they tried to explain the women had freely chosen to live on Kelon. They understood their Kelon mates cherished and adored the human women. In time, the humans would come to understand they were protecting Earth’s interests, by keeping them safe from their enemy, the Xersons, one out of the half-dozen races which made up the Federation. Nonetheless, Earth’s government ordered them to keep their distance and not land on their planet without permission, as it would scare the people. Addassar had a soft spot for human women; the few he’d known only fueled his desire to have one for himself. He had come close to having his own woman—the beautiful, bountiful Rachel. He sighed thinking about her soft curves, but his commander and long-standing friend had claimed her, much to his disappointment and those of many others. He and Lurr had put up their hands to volunteer their service to staff the newly built space station and protect the Earth from any further attack. Addassar felt, in the back of his mind, the faint hope a human woman would look upon him with favor. But they were not allowed down on the planet. Being so close to something you wanted, yet not permitted to touch made many of the Kelon men edgy with frustration. “This is not good.” Lurr carefully cradled his injured side, his face grimacing in pain. “You think I do not know this?” Addassar gripped his arm, helping him onto the bank of the small lake, as he watched the Skimmer sink down further into the water. 6

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“I think I have broken my encasing bones.” Lurr touched the side of his ribcage and winched in pain. “Why is it when you pilot, we always crash?” Addassar glanced up as he heard the approach of the human sky crafts. He had no wish to be caught by the human military forces. He threw Lurr’s arm around his shoulders and half-dragged, half-carried him into the shelter of a rock outcropping, hiding them from view as the sky crafts’ lights moved across the area of their crashed Skimmer. “I do not always crash! Both times we have been under attack. Be silent!” Addassar glared indignantly at Lurr. He almost held his breath watching as the lights moved on to search another area. Lurr’s breath came in shallow pants as he struggled to draw in air, before he slumped down to the ground. “Lurr, on your feet.” Addassar got no response. He dropped to his knees and felt for Lurr’s pulse, and found his heartbeat steady and strong. He needed the healing kit, but it was submerged along with the Skimmer. Addassar stretched Lurr out and half-covered him with brush from the forest floor to keep his body hidden. From the studies his people had done of Earth, he understood the planet had many different landmasses, split into many separate countries. They had crashed into the country known as Australia. He knew this because three human women, who now lived on Kelon with their Kelon mates, had come from this country. Addassar needed help and wasn’t sure where to search for it, other than the Earth forces. By the blessings of Elron, he hoped to find someone to aid them. 7

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Able to see perfectly well in the dark, Addassar started picking his way through the vegetation and down the side of the mountain.

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Chapter 2 He probably thinks I’m stupid! Claire simmered at how easy she’d given Captain Deer and his military goonies free reign on her land. Downed aircraft indeed, they are up to no damn good. She would find out what, then take them to court for misleading her. Patrick, even in the dark, knew the way up the path to the east mountain lake. The army searched the west side, so there was no reason she shouldn’t check the east. It is my land, damn it! She had every right to ride wherever she wanted, when she wanted. Reins in one hand and a flashlight in the other, she did an occasional sweep across the fern shrubs, and tall ghost gums of the tropical rain forest. Most people knew remote North Queensland for its heat, humidity, the occasional cyclone, and lots of dense, natural, tropical flora. In the lower ranges of the area, a few hundred kilometers south, there were cattle stations, with thousands of head of cattle for the Australian beef industry. Claire, a native tropical fruit farmer, discovered a huge international market for rare Australian juju berries; she’d converted a whole acre of land over to producing these tiny berries. Some health food nuts were going crazy over them as some miracle weight loss fruit. Claire didn’t care what they 9

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did with them, but her bank balance continued to reap the rewards of the craze. Along with some chooks, a cow, and a large vegetable garden, she had solar panels and a backup generator, making her extremely self-sufficient. The gleam of wallabies’ eyes startled her, forcing her attention back to the trail and why she was out here. The fine hairs on the back of her neck suddenly prickled with awareness. She got the strange feeling of someone watching her. Patrick pranced nervously about. She slid her rifle out of the holster, dropping the reins, and gripped the weapon with both hands. “I know someone’s there. Come out now, or I’ll fire a shot which will let your army buddies know just where to find you.” She waited a moment. “Last warning.” Claire aimed her gun in the air, placed her finger on the trigger, ready to fire. Leaves rustled in the darkness and an extremely large man stepped into the light of her torch. “Holy shit! Are you from a crashed airplane?” The man growled softly, then nodded. He took another step forward. Does he have dark eyes? Claire couldn’t be sure in the darkness. By the light of her torch she could see he had rugged angular features, a large hawked nose, and the most devastatingly sensual full lips Claire had ever seen on a man. He glanced at Patrick, to her, then to the gun she pointed at him. He opened his arms and the palms of his hands to show he held no weapon. Claire’s heart loudly thumped with mixed fear and uncertainty; now that she’d found someone, she didn’t know what to do next. 10

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This huge strange man continued to keep his hands where she could see them, giving her a friendly smile in an effort not to be threatening, but his sheer size made him appear dangerous. Black clothing, stretched over his frame, outlined the huge muscles underneath. Claire couldn’t be sure, but it looked like some kind of uniform. The damp fabric molded to his body defining every ripped muscle. This guy is built! Claire could only guess they had crashed on or near the lake. A search and rescue mission? Not likely, the army wanted this man. Claire’s irritation and anger flared up once again. If the army wanted to screw around with her, she would do the same to them. “Are you hurt?” He touched his brow, and then shook his head. Claire realized he had a line of raised ridges near his hairline. She swallowed when she realized this man may not be human. He pointed up the sloping hillside. “Someone else is hurt?” He nodded eagerly. Okay, so he could understand her, but why wasn’t he talking back? Maybe he couldn’t. “You don’t speak English?” He touched his lips, and shook his head; he then touched his ear and nodded. Claire got his meaning; he could understand her but not talk to her. One out of two isn’t bad. She took her finger off the rifle’s trigger then put it away. “I don’t mean you any harm, as long as you can offer me the same assurance.” Claire sucked in a sharp breath; the man is gorgeous—on an off-the-planet scale. He placed a hand over his heart, moved it to his lips and blew her a kiss. Claire couldn’t stop the small smile spreading across her face. 11

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“Okay then, we’ll go help your hurt friend. Do you know which way?” He nodded. Claire dismounted and the man stared at her horse curiously. She held the rains and patted Patrick’s muzzle slowly. Addassar stepped forward extending his hand and let Patrick give a sniff. Claire gasped when she saw his height. While she knew her height as five foot eight, he must be at least six and a half feet tall. “Um, this is Patrick, my horse, and I’m Claire Dermott. I live down the hill on a farm.” She held the torch between them as she watched his dark eyes sweep over her, while he smiled. Claire was glad of the dark night surrounding them, feeling her cheeks warm under his appraisal. She saw something else in his gaze, a hunger, desire. She lowered her flashlight. He gave her another friendly smile, then turned and indicated for her to follow. Clearly, he had good night vision as he walked through the forest without once tripping over anything. Claire went over the numbers in her head, as she carefully followed. She kept her flashlight pointed at the ground, so she wouldn’t fall, keeping a tight hold of Patrick’s reins. A loud boom startled her, probably from the army search party. She looked back at him, and, with the silence broken only by their walking, thought about this big man with strange features, and the way he was unable to speak English, yet clearly understood it. Raised on science fiction television, comics, and novels, her grandfather had a large collection of old sci-fi books, which still proudly graced the shelves in her home today. She fondly 12

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remembered the times they would lay under a tent of mosquito netting, gazing up at the stars. “There is life out there, Claire. Space is so vast how could there not be?” Claire still believed her grandfather’s words without question, even to the scoffing by her friends in school and college. Here and now, everything made perfect sense; this large man is a real, live alien. “Are you an alien? I mean it’s okay with me if you are. I’ve always believed aliens existed, even if other humans don’t. I just want to know if you’re a friendly one.” The man halted and whirled around so fast Claire almost ran into him. She raised her light to see his face, trying to read his expression, and wasn’t sure if it was irritation or amusement he showed. Without warning he grabbed her hand, and dropped to his knees. Claire gasped as he raised her hand to his lips. The sudden contact between his hand and hers sent electrified currents through her, making her body shiver with sexual awareness. And when his lips touched the back of her hand, a sudden white-hot jolt of desire shot up her arm and into her core, making her want to melt into a puddle of goo at his feet. She stood stunned, as he slowly rose to his full height, letting the torch fall from her hand as his big strong arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her off her feet against his hard, muscled chest. The way his lips touched hers, warm and soft, scattered her sense of reason. Claire’s brain sparked and burnt out, like an overloaded engine, as he nibbled on her lower lip, then ran his tongue along the seam until she parted her lips with a soft gasp. His tongue pushed inside, exploring her mouth. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his strong broad shoulders, and 13

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kissed him back with reckless abandon. He tasted wild, exotic, and utterly male. Her body burned with arousal and her breasts felt heavy. Her nipples ached to be touched and squeezed. A flood of juices dampened her panties, and her stomach quivered in torturous expectation. Good gods! She wanted this strange alien man. How long had she known him? No more than five minutes! Just as swiftly, he pulled back, set her on her feet and stepped away. Claire swayed drunkenly, before locking her knees to prevent herself from melting into a steamy puddle on the forest floor. “Whoa baby, okay, so you’re a very friendly alien. Um, usually humans shake hands to say hello, to show they are friendly. Not that the kiss wasn’t nice, really nice, but let’s just keep to hand shaking for the time being, okay?” That or I’m liable to jump his bones. She couldn’t see his face as he turned away, but heard him give a soft chuckle. Claire retrieved her flashlight and quickly followed. Her lips still tingled and her body throbbed from the most amazing kiss she had ever experienced. And from an alien, who’d a thunk it? Clair straightened her back and lifted her chin with renewed determination. She made up her mind to help him and his friend, and keep him out of the clutches of Captain Deer and his army buddies. The gleam on the water of the upper lake reflected the light from Claire’s torch. Mr. Incredible Kisser pointed to an outcropping of boulders. Claire left Patrick and followed around to the sheltered area, only to find his equally large friend sprawled out on the ground. 14

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“Good god.” She scrambled around, dropping to her knees beside the man. “How badly is he hurt?” She reached out placing her palm over his forehead. Her fingers encountered the same kind of head ridge plates as his friend and his body felt abnormally hot. Gently, she brushed off some of the fallen leaves, then skimmed her fingers down to feel his neck looking for a pulse. His friend suddenly caught her hand. Startled from the tingles which ran down her body, she glanced up at him. “He’s alive?” He nodded. “Okay, well there’s no way I can lift him. If you can get him on Patrick’s back of, we can take him down to my house.” Mr. Gorgeous stood up and pointed to the lake, making a gesture with his hands swooping down. Claire easily picked up him showing her where they crashed. “Your spaceship is in the lake?” He nodded. “Okay, we can come back later. I have a tractor we may be able to use to haul it out.” He gave her another wit-scattering smile. Claire smiled back. “One thing at a time though. We better hurry before Captain Underpants and his army buddies come back this way.” The man bent down. Claire watched as the alien’s muscles strained with the effort of lifting his friend. She scrambled over to Patrick, grabbing his reins, steadying him while the man hauled his friend up and over the saddle. Poor Patrick usually only carried her and he whined softly at the sudden, heavy load draped across his back. 15

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“Easy, beautiful, you can take it, baby.” She glanced at the alien man and he regarded her with avid curiosity. “If we take the trail, we’ll reach my place much quicker.” He motioned for her to lead the way and she tugged on Patrick’s reins walking back down the easier path, as quickly as she could, without jostling the injured alien too much. She shivered, knowing the friendly alien watched her back. It has been one hell of a night, and it is far from over.

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Chapter 3 Claire’s hair, pulled back into a knot, displayed the graceful curve of her neck. Her warm, brown eyes dominated the center of her face in perfect symmetry with her slender, slightly uptilted nose. Addassar, mesmerized by her beauty, could not keep his gaze from her. He admired the way her waist rounded out to a fine pair of womanly hips. There was a hint of carefree ruggedness in the way she dressed. Her bravery showed through in the way she wanted to help him and Lurr hide from the searching, human forces. He kept one hand on Lurr as the gentle beast of burden, Patrick, carried him down the long, sloping hill. Human women never ceased to amaze him. Claire is more than just beautiful, she is bold, brave, and talkative. He liked that she stood taller than most of the other human women he had met. He wanted to bang his head against one of the trees for not grabbing the translator unit, so he could talk with her. Intelligence shone in her eyes, the way she observed him and understood his gestures without too much difficulty. With one kiss of her soft lips, feeling her soft body in his arms, Addassar knew he had fallen in love with her. By the Fires of Elron, he must have been possessed by a demon to touch and kiss the woman, yet he had been unable to resist. He wanted to prove to her he was friendly and meant 17

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no harm. All good intentions flew out of the window the moment he touched her. It had taken all his self-control not to strip them both of their clothing and claim her right there. He now understood how Te-Commander Kerr and his brothers felt when seeing their human mates. Claire belonged to him, and, by Elron’s name, he would soon claim her. **** So as not to confuse herself, she’d decided to call the two alien men alien one: the conscious one, and alien two: the unconscious one. Claire left Patrick outside, as she helped alien one drag alien two up the veranda steps and into her old, Queenslander house. She huffed out a breath as they both lowered alien two onto her bed. It dipped quite a bit and the inner springs groaned under his weight. She studied alien two’s features with concern. Laying her hand on the side of his face, she noticed the man appeared to be a little younger than his friend, but just as handsome. “He’s awfully hot; is that normal?” She turned her head to glance up at alien one. He gave a nod. “You guys run hot, huh?” He nodded again, along with a small smile. “Do you have any medical experience? I have limited knowledge and what knowledge I do have mainly pertains to animals. My grandma was a midwife, which doesn’t help unless someone’s having a baby. I sure don’t think it’s safe to bring in a doctor.” Alien one rounded the bed and Claire moved out of the way. When he tried to talk his speech sounded like soft grunts and growling. He pointed to his friend’s side, and then made a motion with a hand slamming into the other. 18

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Claire understood his friend had injured his side in the crash. “You guys look roughly the same as humans, only much bigger. I can only guess he may have broken ribs, bruising, maybe internal bleeding, but I need to have a look.” She sat back and sighed. “I have to go put Patrick back to bed. The last thing we need is for Captain Annoying to find out you’re here or we’ll all end up in his detention center.” The alien’s eyes widened and he cocked his head to the side in a quizzical manner. “I’ll be right back, okay?” Claire didn’t look back as she walked out of her bedroom. Her heart pounded from the mixed excitement of finding real, live, sexy aliens and her fear of being discovered. Quickly, she exited her house, grabbing Patrick’s reins, and walked him back to the stable. She unsaddled him and gave him a quick brush down, making sure he had plenty of feed and water. Walking to the stable door, Claire stood for a few moments, taking a few deep calming breaths. She needed to relax, to think clearly. She glanced around the stable making sure everything was in order before she flicked off the light and headed back across the yard. When she paused by the front door to take her boots off, she realized two extra pair sat by the door. She grinned. It seemed her alien was domesticated, as well as being huge and devastatingly goodlooking. She walked into the kitchen and opened her cupboard under the sink, pulling out her large first aid kit, and carried it into the bedroom. Claire stopped short, drawing in a sharp breath. Alien one had removed alien two’s shirt. Holy-moley, 19

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theses aliens are built! Smooth, deeply tanned skin, ripped with sleek muscles, put the best bodybuilders to shame. It took Claire a moment to gather her wits, while alien one watched her. He pointed to his friend’s side. Claire swallowed, and then sucked in a deep breath, trying to steel herself against the heart-pounding effect of these guys, even the unconscious one. She moved around the side of the bed to study the area where he pointed. From the darker, patchy colour of his skin, she knew it’s deeply bruised. “Here, let me,” Claire said. Alien one moved back, while Claire moved in closer. She placed her hand on the hot skin, gingerly feeling along alien number two’s side. The man groaned when she pressed. “Definitely a broken rib,” she told his friend, while skimming her hands up his glorious body, trying to block out the warm, tingling feelings moving down her arms and into her body. Gently, her fingers moved along his skin, feeling for other breaks, glancing up across his shoulder and neck. She studied his sharp angled face, hawk nose, lips a little thinner than his friend’s, and high masculine cheekbones. She slipped her fingers up the side of his head. His ink-black hair was bound back in some kind of braid. It reminded her of something she had read about ancient warriors having warrior locks. His hair glided softly through her fingertips, before she frowned when she found a large lump on the side of his head. “He’s got an bump on his head. No doubt he must have hit it in the crash, as well.” With extreme effort, Claire managed to take her hands off the beautiful alien man and focus on his equally, if not more stunning, friend. She lifted her head and met alien one’s intense gaze. Claire felt the heat rise in her cheeks under his scrutiny. “I’m 20

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sorry I can’t be any more help. I can only bandage his ribs and pray his head injury is minor.” The large man smiled kindly and nodded. He squatted down so he wouldn’t tower over her, and placed one of his large hands on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Claire understood he was trying to thank her. His hand moved off her shoulder and tenderly caressed the side of her face. He feathered his calloused fingertips across the soft skin on her cheek and down across her lower lip. Claire’s stomach fluttered and her heart pounded in reaction to his touch, while his dark eyes held her gaze. His brow creased and he shook his head in obvious frustration and sympathized. She wanted to hear what he had to say as much as he wanted her to understand. “Is there a way for you to talk to me?” she asked, surprised she managed to talk at all. Claire’s voice sounded light and breathy. He smiled and nodded, removing his hand from her face and standing up. Claire rose on shaky legs, turning to open her first aid kit, pulling out the bandages she would need to wrap alien two’s ribs. “Let me guess, the thing you need to help us communicate is on your ship.” She glanced up at him as he gave her another confirming nod. Strange how she seemed to understand what he wanted to say. Their ship lay beneath the water of Brolga Lake. “If we get your ship out of the lake, can you fix it?” Claire unwound the bandages as alien number one nodded. The poor guy would get neck strain with all the nodding and shaking of his head around her. 21

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“We’re going to have to wait until daylight to pull it out. Until then, I suggest you and I get some rest. It’s been one heck of a night.”

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Chapter 4 Claire’s pulse jumped when he smiled at her again. He stepped forward. She watched as he captured her in his big arms, and gave her a tight hug. He kissed the top of her head. She had never felt feminine, but tall and gangly and very much a tomboy, but this big muscled alien had her feeling petite, dainty and turned on. She lifted her head, gazing at his full sensual lips. The memory of his kiss in the forest charged back with full force. When she finally raised her eyes to meet his, she startled at the raw hunger she saw in his dark depths. Swiftly, his mouth covered hers, and his hands fell to her waist, lifting her, pulling her flush against his body. She melted into him, as her arms wrapped around his shoulders, and her mind turned into mush. Her already aroused body flamed, like throwing fuel on a smoldering fire. Bumping against the side of the bedside table, she saw it teeter on the verge of toppling over, when her back encountered the bedroom wall’s hard surface. She kissed him back with reckless abandon, her mind empty of all thoughts, except how he made her feel—hot, needy and wanton. She noticed his erection pressing against her core, through their clothing. The contact sent shock waves through her body. He pressed in closer, as if trying to get under her skin. 23

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Claire sucked in a sharp, deep breath as his mouth left hers to trail kisses and nips down her throat. Somewhere in the background the rumble of a truck grew louder. Claire struggled to distinguish the strange sound. Suddenly it came back to her. The army truck returning from their searching. Probably none too happy to come back emptyhanded. Claire pushed at his shoulders. “Stop, you have to stop.” Alien one raised his head in confusion; she could still see the heated desire in his eye’s dark depths. She untangled her legs when he loosened his hold, letting her slide down his body, and setting her on her feet. “It’s the army guys. Whatever you do, stay here.” A light of understanding dawned in his eyes. She smiled, caressing the side of his gorgeous face. “We’ll finish this later, big boy, okay?” He flashed a dazzling smile accompanied by an eager nod, backing up. He let her slip around his large frame. She drew in a quick breath, dashed out of the bedroom and down the hall to the front door. She felt her heart pounding like a base drum. Passing the hallway mirror, Claire caught her reflection and paused. Crap. She still had her day clothes on! Quickly tugging off her boots and tossing them by the front door, she made a mad dash back to her bedroom. Not having time to explain to alien one, she rushed in, and stripped off her clothes. His eyes widened and stared at her suddenly naked form. “Sorry.” She grabbed her sleeping clothes and hastily tugged them on. She didn’t want Captain Nosy to notice she had been out and about instead of lazing around the house in 24

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her nightclothes. “Remember, stay here.” She spun around, dashing again to the front door. Claire pushed open the fly screen at the same time the army truck stopped. She sucked in a long, slow, calming breath, put on a passive mask and stepped out onto the veranda. Casually, she crossed to the top stair post and leaned against it. The night air helped to cool her flaming cheeks, as Captain Deer again stepped down from the army truck. “Find anything?” she asked, trying to sound bored and tired. The tired part she didn’t have to fake. Captain Deer shook his head. It didn’t pass her notice he once again carefully studied her. “I don’t suppose you’ve seen or heard anything?” “Only you waking me up and probably worrying me for no good reason,” she lied smoothly. “I’m tired and I have to work in a few hours. I’ve got a truck coming in to pick up a shipment of berries.” At least that part was true. Captain Deer smiled and a nodded. “Sorry to have troubled you. I hope you won’t report this to your government minister.” “As long as you don’t bother me again, I won’t.” Captain Deer nodded briskly. “Very well. We’ll leave you to get some sleep. Good morning.” Claire didn’t bother to return the farewell, hoping she never saw the smarmy bastard ever again. He returned to the truck and she waited until they went through her gate, watching to be sure they closed it behind them, before she went back inside.

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Deep in thought, not paying much attention to where she walked, Claire glanced up and almost jumped out of her skin, seeing alien one standing in her hallway staring at her. “’Struth mate! Give a girl a heart attack, why don’t you? Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s not nice to sneak up on people?” Alien one’s expression turned sheepish and he shrugged his shoulders. Sensibly, she should feel afraid to be alone with these obviously strong, alien men. Sensibility had never been Claire’s strong point. Carefree, a little wild, yes, and perhaps she wore her heart on her sleeve a little too much. Alien one waited for her to say or do something. “Is your friend okay?” He gave her a nod. “I’ll get some ice for his head; hopefully it will help bring the swelling down.” Claire moved past him into the kitchen, switching on the light as she went. Alien one followed her, having to duck his head through every doorframe he passed, from room to room. He glanced around her kitchen, picking up her silver toaster, studying it with curiosity. “It cooks bread,” Claire explained with an amused grin. She opened her freezer to pull out a tray of Ice. “Go ahead, have a look around. I guess we have different technology than you.” He nodded again, opening cupboards, and examining her limited kitchen equipment. Claire dumped the tray of ice into a tea towel, wrapping it into a makeshift ice pack. 26

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Alien one stopped at the fruit bowl, sniffing the contents. Claire moved to his side and pointed to each fruit as she told him its name. “This one’s a mango, sweet and juicy, but don’t eat the skin. The long yellow one is a banana, this big, blushing one is a paw-paw, and this spiky one is a pineapple.” Claire picked up the banana and peeled it open. She took a bite, moaning softly in pleasure at its sweet taste, feeling wicked and naughty, teasing him by using the fruit. A thrill of pleasure ran through her watching him respond, his eyes narrowing with renewed heat. She handed him the rest of the banana, smiling innocently. Had she totally lost her mind, flirting with an alien man? She knew nothing about him, not even his name. Yet, he had made her feel so many things in such a short period of time. Her body still throbbed from their encounter in the bedroom. Half of her wanted to continue and finish what they had started, but her brain probably thought it best to maintain a respectable distance, for now. Claire yawned, her shoulders sagged with fatigue. She needed to rest before the sun rose. Gingerly, he took the fruit from her fingers, finishing it off in one bite. Claire smiled. “Help yourself; I’ve plenty of fruit, as it grows well around here.” Claire left him to finish off her fruit bowl. She wandered back into her bedroom, gazing down at alien two. Climbing onto the bed, she rested against the pillows, placing the ice pack on the side of alien two’s head. His warm body felt good pressed next to hers, giving her a surprising sense of comfort. Claire yawned and relaxed a little more. She struggled to keep her eyes open, yawning again and felt her eyelids begging to close. Maybe I’ll rest my eyes for just a moment. 27

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**** Everything about this human woman, Claire, Addassar found fascinating. He moved about her dwelling after finishing off her bowl of Earth fruit, which had been sweet and delicious, much like the woman herself. Her place, although small and neat, held a rustic, human charm. He moved through her house examining pictures on the wall, until he came to an open space, similar to the communal rooms back on Kelon. A small table, with human reading material scattered on it, sat in front of the fabric-covered seats. He looked at the shelves above a fireplace, seeing images of Claire standing between two other humans, one male and the other female. Addassar saw the resemblance in their faces. He had to assume Claire was their youngling. He spotted more framed images of Claire through different stages of her youngling years. Addassar smiled seeing how her natural beauty had only grown with the passing of time. Claire’s home had a simple feel, small and limited. Addassar wondered about the humans, and how they could allow such a beautiful woman to be alone, to fend for herself, unprotected. No wonder the Methrill and Xerson found the humans easy pickings. This thought angered Addassar about his Claire being in danger from their attacks. Not any longer. He would not do such a poor job as the humans; he silently vowed to protect and cherish her. The fates of Elron are certainly smiling upon me. His mate. Nothing would prevent him from making her his. Addassar put down the image in the frame and went to search for his beautiful, little, human woman. Ducking his head to fit under the doorframe of the small rooms, he paused 28

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upon entering her room, gazing down at her asleep, curled up by Lurr’s side. He liked her nurturing instinct, wanting to tend to Lurr’s injuries. She would make a fine mother to their younglings, two of them. If all the reports from Kelon were true, every human female, pregnant from their Kelon mates, carried twin younglings. He frowned at her sleeping by Lurr’s side. Addassar decided it was safe enough to leave her where she is. After all, what could Lurr do? He could barely move. Lurr couldn’t make advances and challenge his claim to this woman, even if he did wake up. He turned away to search through the rest of Claire’s dwelling. He found a bathroom, a place for the cleaning of clothes, then a secondary sleeping chamber, with a bed in a shut-off room. The musty odor pushed at his nose. Addassar moved to the window, examining the workings and the latch, before deciding how it worked. He slid it open to let in the fresh tropical scent of the Earth air. Addassar settled comfortably on the bed, his feet dangling over the end. He turned his thoughts to getting the ship out of the water and the three of them off this planet. Opening a communications channel to the Kelon station, orbiting around the Earth’s moon, brought with it the danger of discovery. The humans had the technology to trace their signal. Addassar was confident the Skimmer’s damage could be repaired quickly, and he could head back to the station with his new, little mate. Forcing his body to relax, he slowed and deepened his breathing, needing his rest. In the morning light, he would finally claim a human mate of his own. 29

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Chapter 5 Something cool pressed against his head, while something soft, warm and sweet-smelling lay against his side. Lurr opened his eyes, glancing down to find the most delightful surprise of his life. It made the pain in his side and head bearable. The human woman had soft, dark hair, not as black as his, but the light streaming in the window picked up shining highlights of red and gold. Her face lay against his uninjured side breathing evenly as she slept. He admired her pretty profile; he liked her slender tilted nose, lovely long eyelashes resting against the pale skin of her face. Lurr winced at the pain in his side, when he reached over to brush a strand of soft hair off of her face. For a brief moment he wondered where Addassar could be. Addassar escaped the crash uninjured. But then he didn’t much care where his flight partner may be. He had something much better by his side, a human female and a potential mate. Lurr had always envied his previous Commander, Syl Paltak, for having a human woman mate. The lovely, sweet, redheaded Rachel. She saved his life after an alien beast attacked Lurr, while stranded on a foreign planet. Lurr had long desired to have a human woman as his mate and be the envy of other Kelon males. It’s why he volunteered 30

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for duty to man the station, set up to protect the Earth from their enemy. Every Kelon male lived in hope of having a human mate, and Lurr was no exception. The woman’s breathing altered as she stirred and she yawned and stretched like a feline, her eyes fluttering open. She stared at his chest, confused for a moment, before raising her head to meet his gaze. Lurr looked down into her beautiful, dark brown eyes. She smiled up at him. “Good morning, big fella. How are you feeling?” she asked in a soft, musical voice, husky from sleep. “Better now I have you.” She blinked, then frowned as she sat up. “I don’t understand your language, but your friend said you understand me okay.” Damn fire demons! Lurr realized she did not have a translator implanted. She mentioned his friend, so he knew Addassar was around somewhere. Fixing the ship perhaps? She twisted around and pulled something damp from the side of his head. “You were in a bit of a state when we brought you down from the forest last night.” She shifted her body up, leaning over him, examining the side of his head. “At least this looks much better.” Lurr inhaled her tropical, feminine scent, making his head spin dizzily; it aroused him in a way he had never experienced. Lurr gripped her wrist, pulling her hand up to kiss the back of it in gratitude for her care. “You’re affectionate for an alien, not that I know how aliens are supposed to behave.” Amusement sparkled in her brown depths. 31

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Her comment made him wonder what Addassar had been up to while he’d been knocked out. He tried to sit up; his ribs burned with pain. “Oh, sweetie, don’t move. You’ve got broken ribs.” She pushed his shoulder, to make him lay flat on the bed. “Lots of rest for you.” Lurr grinned. She responded with a warm smile of her own. He wanted to know her name but realized, in frustration, he couldn’t ask, or even thank her for taking care of him. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’ll go make some breakfast. Okay?” Before she left him, Lurr gripped her hand, tugging her until she fell. With a firm hold on the back of her head, he did what he’d wanted to do ever since he’d laid eyes on her soft, pink lips. He kissed her. Kelons had never known how to kiss, until the first human woman arrived on their planet. It quickly became a source of fascination to the male population, along with them obtaining more human women with which to practice this highly arousing act. They learned much about how pleasurable human women were to be with, and how the females enjoyed kissing, to show affection towards their mates. Lurr wanted to show his sudden attraction and fond affection to this human woman. Her warm, soft lips were pliable on his; she let out a soft sigh, leaning into him further, as she responded. Lurr took that moment to run his tongue tentatively along her bottom lip, before slipping it into her mouth to taste her. Heat from his desire shot powerfully through him. Lurr growled softly, knowing he wanted something more, deeper and more 32

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passionate. He sucked the air from her lungs, hungrily possessing and tasting every recess of her mouth and nipped her lips. She moaned in response and her hands slid up over his chest, gripping his shoulders. When her body pressed against his side, the pain from his broken ribs made him withdraw, grunting in pain. Damn his injuries. The little human woman pulled away, with a heated and dazed look in her eyes. She blinked and her expression cleared a little. “Whoa,” she said, and drew in several deep breaths. “You guys are dangerous to a girl’s hormones.” She gave him a lopsided grin. “You’re too hurt to be fooling around.” Lurr growled. He didn’t want to fool around with her; he wanted her. Before she got off the bed, he snatched her hand again, wondering how to express his wish to be her mate. “You.” He pointed at her chest. “Me.” He pointed to himself, he gripped her hand tugged her forward and placed the palm of her hand over his beating heart. “Be mine.” He saw her puzzled look. “She does not understand you.” Addassar stood in the doorway, startling Claire. She snatched her hand back and jumped from the bed. Her skin shaded to a soft pink, making his body even harder with arousal. “Oh, good morning,” she greeted Addassar. He nodded and smiled, before folding his arms and scowling at Lurr. “I realize that.” Lurr glared back at Addassar. Lurr shifted, trying to sit up, then cursed at the pain, making him slump back down. “I need the healer’s kit.” 33

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“The healer’s kit along with the translator is under a few feet of water. This beautiful human woman is Claire. She kindly aided us, kept us safe from the human enforcers. You cannot claim her.” “Why not? Has she a human mate?” “No, I have already decided to claim her.” Claire glanced between them, her eyes wide with puzzlement. “Um, look, guys, I’ll leave you two to talk about whatever it is you’re talking about and I’ll go make breakfast. Okay?” Lurr watched as she ducked around Addassar and disappeared from view. “What makes you so certain she wants you?” Lurr asked. “She responded to me when I kissed her.” Addassar growled and took two steps closer to the bed. “I will ignore you did that. She has responded eagerly to me. She even promised to finish what we started, earlier this morning.” “What in Elron’s name did you start?” Addassar smiled smugly. “The claiming of course. We were interrupted before I could complete it, but I will soon, and, as you are injured, you cannot stop me or challenge me. Once she is mine there is nothing you can do.” Lurr wanted to jump from the bed and beat Addassar’s gloating expression off his face, then challenge him for Claire, but Addassar had the advantage over him. While he healed, Lurr knew Addassar would move quickly to claim Claire. “You fight unfairly.” Lurr glared at Addassar. “Do not feel so poorly. I am sure we can find you another human woman to claim. After all we are on their planet.” Not for Lurr, he wanted Claire now and no other. 34

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“I’ll come help you to the bathing room shortly.” Addassar turned and walked out, leaving Lurr in a dark mood. His mind raced, trying to think of something which would stop Addassar from claiming his human woman.

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Chapter 6 Claire knew the two aliens were talking about her, even if she couldn’t understand the clipped tones, grunts, and growls. Despite being tired, her body still pulsed with sexual need. These two aliens switched her libido into overdrive. She didn’t see the harm in having sex with one of them, or both of them. It was not as if they were making definite plans to stay. They planned to fix their ship and head back to whatever far distant planet they came from. A little bit of casual fun, with two casual strangers, to ease her loneliness, and scratch the itch she had no idea she had until she met them. She puttered around her kitchen, taking bread from the freezer to toast, scrambling eggs, slicing fruit, while she thought about her situation. It is just sex, and she knew it would be good; they had already set her head spinning so fast she was still dizzy from it. She’d better be careful. She had a few condoms down in the bottom of her drawers. Heck, they were old but she prayed they would do. Love. Love was painful, messy, and a complication she didn’t need. How well she had learnt that lesson with two of her past boyfriends. First, Rick with his blond hair and charming smile. What a train wreck that had been. Claire fell hopelessly in love with him and it didn’t take long for her to 36

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discover, while he fucked Claire, he also fucked nearly half the women in Cairns. Heartbroken and on the rebound, she fell into the arms of Andrew, one of Rick’s friends. Andrew was different; he was needy, clinging, and controlling. At first he was sweet and caring, but Claire soon realized when Andrew drank, his personality changed into to an ugly state. The first time he hit her, Claire was smart enough to call the cops and charge him with assault. Wiser from her experiences, she headed home to her grandparents’ farm. Her grandparents died within two weeks of each other, only a few years ago. It was a hard time for Claire, reminding her of her parents’ death. She lost both of them at the age of seven, during a freak storm. A tree crashed through into her parents’ bedroom, killing them instantly. Sad and alone, Clair kept telling herself she didn’t mind. She felt she didn’t need people and city life tainting her any more. She loved life and wanted to keep her upbeat outlook on it. She could hear the alien men moving about in her bathroom; at least she didn’t have to explain that to them. With the eggs cooked, she switched off the stove and ducked back into her bedroom. Alien one must have helped alien two in the bathroom. Quickly, she stripped her sleepwear, dressed in her usual open-neck cotton shirt, choosing one of her pale pink ones today, and a pair of cut-off jeans. She rifled through her bottom drawer, finding the strip of unused condoms and ripped a few off, then shoved them into her back pocket. Claire glanced at her reflection. Even living in tropical Queensland she never seemed to tan properly. Her skin looked pale against her long straight, dark 37

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hair. Not quite black, it had a few streaks of a dark chestnut color. Claire dragged a brush through her wayward strands, when alien one, supporting alien two came back into the room. Poor alien two, he looked as if he were in a lot of pain. But the silly dolt tried to hide it by grinning at her. Alien one plunked him none too gently back on the bed. Alien two let out a string of harsh verbal words. Claire could only assume he wasn’t too happy with alien one’s treatment of him. She saw their long dark hair, still damp from using the shower and both men had expectant expressions, while they studied her. She smiled warmly at them. “I made some food; it’s in the kitchen when you’re hungry.” Both aliens nodded, but only alien one followed her out of the bedroom. Without thought, she twisted her hair up into a band, as she walked into the kitchen. Claire jumped when alien one caught her wrist and spun her around. Her back hit the refrigerator while he pressed his body into hers, swooping down, and capturing her lips. Claire wrapped her arms around his shoulders, melting into him. Expertly, he sucked and nibbled on her lips before thrusting in his tongue. Claire moaned, surrendering herself to the feelings. Her body didn’t cope with being wound up so much without release. Claire writhed against him, wordlessly showing him she wanted him, wanted him to finish what he had started back in the forest. If she didn’t get some release soon, she felt as if she was going to expire. **** 38

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A horn sounded in the distance. Addassar pulled back slightly and growled. Who dare interrupt us now? Anger simmered just below the surface, feeling more than a little frustrated. Having to walk around in a constant state of arousal did not aide his cause either. He wanted his Claire. No, it had gone beyond just want, it was a desperate need. Claire whimpered, trying to hold onto him, pull him back to her mouth. Addassar did not want to let her go so close to claiming her, but feared the human military had returned. Addassar gazed down into her beautiful eyes, which swirled with unspoken passion; slowly clearing as understanding dawned in her brown depths. The horn blared a second time. “Oh, goodness, Pete’s here!” Was this Pete a human rival for his Claire? “I’ve got a shipment of juju berries ready for him. Stay here, I have to go down to the packing sheds. I won’t be long, big boy, okay?” Addassar understood it was a part of her farm, these juju berries. She shouldn’t draw suspicion to herself by keeping the human male waiting. With reluctance, he put her down and stepped back. He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. She smiled warmly, straightened her top before hurrying around him. He heard the door slam and the sound of her boots on the stairs. Addassar smiled; one more delay would not hurt. Addassar picked up Lurr’s meal and took it into him. **** Claire’s thoughts raced as she made her way down to her two large packing sheds. She wanted to get the shipment loaded and Pete on his way as soon as possible. All she could 39

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think about was alien one. The guy obviously wanted her and she didn’t see any harm in having sex with him, but she would like to know his name. Perhaps she could ask him. There had to be some way to communicate with him, other than nods and hand gestures. Claire decided the quicker she helped him retrieve his ship, the quicker he could get the translating device he indicated. As soon as she packed this load into the truck, she’d take alien one up on the tractor. Claire rounded the side of her packing shed. Pete, the older delivery driver with a slight beer belly and a shiny balding head, leaned against the front of his truck, his clipboard in hand. “Morning, Claire,” he greeted. “Hi, Pete. Got the boxes all ready for you.” “Good, good. I’ve got a few other places to stop today.” Claire opened her shed doors and went straight to work, hoping the exercise of shifting her twenty boxes would work out some of the sexual frustration she felt. There was way too much starting and not enough finishing for her liking. Soon, soon. **** She hadn’t bothered going back into the house. As soon as Pete’s truck rumbled through the gate, she’d fetched a long length of chain and climbed in her open cab tractor, starting it up. Alien one had come out of the house. He glanced at her tractor with curiosity. “How’s your friend? Is he okay?” Alien one gave a nod. 40

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“Good, c’mon, climb up. I’ve got a bunch of chains; we can go get your ship out of the lake.” He’d smiled and nodded, promptly climbing up behind her. Heat radiated from him as he pressed his front to her back, gripping one of the hand rails, as she drove it up the track to the lake. Claire couldn’t help smile as he studied the passing vegetation and wildlife on the ride up to lake. Arriving at their destination, he gracefully leapt off the machine and unhooked the chains. “Don’t know how you’re going to do this,” Claire said, as she switched off the machine and climbed down. Alien one made a swimming gesture with his arms. She grinned. “Okay, swimming. I get it.” He winked, stepped in and gave her a swift kiss on her lips, then stepped back to strip off his boots, then his shirt. “Uh,” she stumbled, at momentary loss for words, staring at his ripped, muscled chest. “When you’re ready.” She forced her brain to start working. “Give me the thumbs up, okay?” She curled her hands into fists and stuck her thumbs out to show him. With a curt nod, he wrapped the chain around his shoulder, before attaching the longer loose part to the back of her tractor. She watched him as he strode into the water and dove under. When he didn’t come up for air after a few moments, she worried, pacing the water’s edge. She had no idea how long these aliens could hold their breath. Her concern melted away when his head emerged from the water. Claire finally exhaled. She stood transfixed, like a kangaroo caught in oncoming headlights. If she had loved the sight of that entire naked, 41

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muscled chest before, this was even better. Water ran down between each and every defined pectoral muscle and his sculptured abs. She fought the urge to run to him and lick all the water off his body. When he smiled at her, she had to lock her legs and clutch the side of her tractor, to stop herself from melting into an overheated puddle of goo. Good god. Wherever these aliens came from, they were sex on sticks. He gave her the thumbs up signal she’d taught him. Claire shook her head, forcing herself to focus, and returned his thumbs up with a shaky hand. She quickly climbed onto her John Deere, started the engine and put it into gear. Slowly, she inched the machine forward picking up the slack in the chain. The tractor groaned under the weight, but moved forward. Alien one stood by the lakeshore watching carefully as the spaceship emerged from the water. It looked much like a black, sleek sports car, only three times larger, and no wheels. The wings gleamed in the Queensland sunlight, reflecting the water droplets sliding off. Once fully out of the water, she shut off the tractor and climbed down. “Wow, I am impressed,” she said to him as she stood by his side. He reached forward pressing his palm against the black ship and a door hissed open. Claire stepped back in surprise and nervousness. He grabbed her hand and tugged her forward into his ship.

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Chapter 7 Claire blinked, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness. Alien one let her hand go, moving deeper into the ship. Lights suddenly came on and she blinked to adjust her vision. She gasped in surprise, glancing about the interior of his spaceship. Two large seats occupied the front, surrounded by a long, shiny, flat instrument panel. Towards the rear, she saw one large, flat bunk, a row of what she assumed were shelves, and a two other seats, bolted to the back bulkhead. Alien one opened one of the seamless drawers, pulling out a small object. He turned around, grinned, and held his hand out to her. Trustingly, Claire put her hand in his. He pulled her forward, making her sit on the bunk. She glanced at the small device in his hand; it looked much like a hearing aid. He brushed back her dark hair and placed it just inside her right ear. “There you go, beautiful. My name is Addassar.” Her eyes widened, hearing his voice in her ear. She shrieked her delight, throwing her arms around him in an impulsive hug. “Addassar, what a great name! I love it. And finally, I can understand you.”

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He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her onto his lap. She tilted her head back to look into his eyes, which reminded her of a dark, starry night. Addassar chuckled. “Thank you, Claire.” The sound of his voice saying her name sent a delightful shiver skating down her spine, or was it the way his large hand lightly stroked her back? “We all have translators implanted.” Addassar touched his own ear. “That’s so cool; you must be very advanced, and here you are stuck on Earth. Why did you crash?” “You are a curious one.” He chuckled again. “My people, the Kelons, have a station orbiting your moon. We need to protect your planet from our enemies.” Claire had heard something about an attack, but didn’t get much news, living in a remote part of Australia. She suspected the government of covering up whether aliens existed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful your people are watching out for us, but why?” Addassar sighed. “Two reasons I know of: one, we are fond of human females. Many now live on our homeworld Kelon, and secondly, we are at war. Our enemies are attempting to attack and plunder your planet. If we allow them to do this, it will tip the war in their favor and no one will be safe from their greed. Lurr and I thank you for your help.” “Well, that makes sense, but still it’s nice of you to defend us. I think the government owes you big time. What I don’t understand is why the army is hunting you, if you’re our friends?” 44

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“We were told to keep our distance from your planet. They told us knowledge of alien life would only panic the population and they also believed we are only here to steal lovely human women.” “Bloody government can’t see a good thing even when it’s staring them in the face,” Claire said. “Kelon is defending Earth, and yet, the government tells them to stay away; it’s crazy. Did you say steal women? How many humans live on your world?” “I believe over a dozen now, and they are there of their own free will.” “Wow, wonders never do cease.” She gave Addassar a flirty smile. “I guess I can’t blame them, you guys are what I guess human women regard as hot!” “We do have a higher body temperature than humans.” She softly laughed, realizing he hadn’t understood her. “Hot, in human terms, means you guys are handsome and attractive.” Addassar grinned impishly. “I am flattered. Many Kelon men want a human woman because of their beauty. You are, by far, the most beautiful human woman I have met.” Claire felt the heat rise into her cheeks at his complement. “Well, that explains your friendliness towards me.” Addassar gently cupped her face. “Thank you for your help.” She heard the sincerity behind his words. “Oh, no problem, that’s what friends are for, to help each other.” 45

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“Yes, but I think you understand I wish to be more than your friend.” Her blush deepened. “Yeah, I got that message loud and clear.” She nervously chuckled. “It’s okay, I want that too.” She gazed up into his dark, nighttime eyes. She shoved her sudden shyness aside, her body screaming to be touched. She shifted on this lap, twisting around so she straddled him. “Now, that I’ve got you here, alone, I think there is something we need to finish,” she said, boldly pushing his shoulders. No doubt Addassar weighed about a hundred and eighty pounds of pure muscle, if not more. She couldn’t have pushed or moved him unless he allowed it. To her relief he did. Addassar grinned, laying back. “No more interruptions,” agreed her sexy alien playmate. Claire kept her legs anchored on either side of his body, arched her back, and reached for the hem of her shirt, peeling it off. Addassar’s rough, calloused hand slid up her outer thigh, coming to rest on her hips, keeping her steady, while she removed her clothing. “By the Fire’s of Elron you are beautiful; did I not tell you how much my people adore human women?” “Hummm, big boy,” she purred, leaning over him, allowing her thinly covered breasts to brush against his chest. “I think you did, but I also think you will have to show me how much.” Damn the man can move fast. She found herself grabbed and flipped onto her back so fast, it knocked the air from her lungs. She managed to suck in a sharp breath before Addassar’s 46

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mouth covered hers, hungrily devouring her lips, plunging his tongue deep, demanding, possessing. Claire switched off her brain and gave herself over to the wonderful feel of Addassar pressing her down into the mattress. She gasped for air when his mouth moved off hers, trailing kisses down over her chin and neck; he licked, swirled and tasted the hollow of her throat, before shifting his big body down further, nipping and sucking at her skin. His hands moved over her body, skimming up her legs, over her torso, until one found her breast, palming it and gently squeezing. He pushed one leg between her thighs and she moaned, shoving her hips off the bunk, seeking closer contact, rubbing her pussy against his leg, desperately dry humping him. Addassar moved slightly back. “Too many,” he growled. She glanced up in confusion, until he gripped the top of her shorts, swiftly peeling them down her legs. Claire opened her eyes, watching as he hastily shoved down his pants. Her eyes widened when she saw his cock for the first time. She could see they were a compatible species; only on a size scale did they differ. She remembered the condom. She rose up on her elbows, glancing around for her pants. “Wait, put on a con—” Addassar launched himself back onto her, recapturing her mouth. Her head bounced on the thin mattress, knocking the translator device from her ear. He speared his hands through her hair, holding her head, angling it to kiss her until she became lightheaded. She lost all chain of thought, as a hungry, desperate need thrummed through her. She wanted him inside her now! 47

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Addassar let her breathe, only to shift again, this time capturing her left breast in his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue around the hardened peak. Her stomach clenched and her clit pulsed. He scooted down further, pushing her legs wider. Pausing, she glanced down to see him studying the folds of her sex. When he ran his fingers over her tight, sensitive clit, she arched her back and moaned. Addassar moved off the bunk, dropping to his knees. Claire, momentarily confused, looked up, watching as he gripped her hips, pulled her to the end of the bunk, and buried his face between her legs. She felt a puff of hot air on her most intimate parts. He breathed in her aroused scent before swiping his tongue over her clit. She writhed at the hot, wet, intense sensation of his mouth and tongue. “Good god, don’t stop!” She pushed her hips up towards his questing tongue. Addassar didn’t disappoint, as he swirled, sucked and nipped at her clit. Every muscle in her body momentarily stiffened immediately before she climaxed. White-hot pleasure exploded in every one of her nerve endings. Wherever Addassar got his sex lessons, she was sure glad for them. He rose back over her, lifting her still twitching body fully onto the bed, and positioning himself between her thighs. Claire felt the blunt head of his cock starting to push against her entrance. She loudly moaned as he stretched her inner walls, slowly sinking into her. Damn, he felt so big, but she didn’t care, she wanted him, wanted to feel him deep within her. Addassar growled something in his language as he slowly pressed further inside her. Her body, wet with her juices, opened and accepted him. **** 48

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“By the Holy Fires of Elron, I claim you, Claire!” Addassar said, through a haze of raw, primal passion, sheathing himself in a woman’s most holy and primitive place. Kelons only had sex to claim their mates and impregnate them. When Kelon males became aroused, which was far more than Addassar cared to admit, they were trained to redirect their desire, by working out their frustration on their planet’s military training grounds, or take matters into their own hands. With human women, the Kelon men found they no longer needed to rein in their desires; human women matched the sexual appetites of the Kelon males. Her tight, hot, inner walls gripped him. Addassar knew he would never again have to deny his carnal instincts; Clair fit him perfectly. He pushed until he could go no further, fighting the urge to pound into her over and over, pausing to make sure he wasn’t hurting his fragile, human mate. “Claire?” He trembled with the effort to keep his body still, as he gazed into her beautiful, brown depths. “Don’t stop, move, fuck me!” She tried to shift her hips under him. “You feel so damn good!” Addassar did not need any more encouragement. He gave Claire not only what she wanted, but what he wanted also. He drove into her, gathering speed with each thrust, her tight sheath gripping around him. Never had anything in Addassar’s entire life ever felt so good, or so right. Claire trembled; her moans growing louder, her legs gripping around his ass, meeting his hard, fierce thrusts. She cried out his name, coming on his cock. He could not hold on. The tingle began at the back of his brain and raced down his spine, exploding to every nerve ending in his body in euphoric bliss. His seed shot deep into her womb. 49

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He panted for breath; gripping Claire, he rolled her with him as he collapsed on his side. “Now, that was amazing.” Addassar couldn’t agree more. Claire was a remarkable human woman, and now all his.

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Chapter 8 Claire fiddled with the translator device in her ear, while enjoying the afterglow of the most amazing sex of her life. She found the dislodged gadget and put it back in, not wanting to miss anything Addassar wanted to tell her. He didn’t seem to notice it had been knocked out of her ear. She stood by the shed door, studying the long groove they made when dragging Addassar’s ship down the hill. She worried it would raise questions if spotted. Maybe she could hitch up the tractors grader and smooth it out. She sighed turning back, watching Addassar walk around his ship. The grading could wait until later. “Sorry your ship got scratched. Is it badly damaged?” Claire tried to peer around Addassar, watching him as he yanked a black panel from the wall, revealing an intricate network of wires and green glowing tubes. “I think not. I need to repair the rear thrusters, and shield circuits. We hit your atmosphere too hard when the Xersons fired at us, which caused us to crash.” “I don’t like the sound of these Xersons, or this war you are fighting, but I’m glad we have you and your people as friends, even if my stupid government doesn’t agree.” Addassar chuckled. “Just another thing I adore about you.” 51

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He raised his head and Claire met his dark gaze. Pulling her into a hug, he kissed her lips. She still tingled from the incredible orgasms he’d given her, yet her body, greedily wanted more. Dazed, she gave him an idiot’s grin when he pulled back. It hit her in that moment. She didn’t want Addassar to fix his ship and leave; in a span of almost twenty-four hours she fell in love. “Claire? Your face has altered. What troubles you?” Addassar quickly picked up on her sudden mood change. She swallowed and smiled, and changed the subject. “I was just thinking about your poor friend. Perhaps I should take him the medical kit you have.” “Do not worry yourself with Lurr, but you are correct. I think he has suffered enough. I will fetch the kit. He knows how to use it.” Addassar released her from the warmth of his strong arms. Claire exited the ship, glancing around her large packing shed. Thinking Addassar might be hungry and was fond of fruit, she picked up a basket of her juju berries. She washed them before walking back into his ship. He met her at the entrance, holding a grey metallic box with strange writing on it. “Here I’ll trade you. These are what I grow and sell, juju berries; they’re sweet.” Addassar smiled back, taking the basket as she took the medical box. He took several berries and tossed them into this mouth. His eyes widened along with his smile. “Very sweet, indeed. I shall enjoy these very much.” He reached for another handful. 52

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“Great. Help yourself, there are heaps over there.” She pointed to one of the crops she harvested a few days earlier. He nodded. “Do not be too long with Lurr. I know he has designs to claim you, but I am pleased you are mine.” Confused by Addassar’s statement, she wondered what he meant. She opened her lips to question him, but he shoved a handful of juju berries into his mouth, eating them with ravenous delight. He turned around, vanishing into his ship. Claire left the packing shed, slowly walking back to her house. She felt a little guilty. Maybe it was wrong having sex with Addassar, but she hadn’t been able to help herself. Her hormonal overload, when she is around him, short-circuited her brain, adding to her feelings of being lonely for so long. Love. She shook her head. How could she fall in love with an alien? He is sweet, charming, strong, and sexy as hell. She sighed. How could she not fall in love with him? She hurt because he would soon leave and she would be alone and heartbroken once again. “You appear sad.” Claire glanced up, startled by hearing Lurr’s voice. She was so deep in thought, she hadn’t realized she walked all the way into her house and through to the bedroom. “Oh, just thinking about a few things.” She studied Lurr as he studied her. “You have a translator unit.” “And this.” She moved closer to the bed holding out the medical box. “Addassar said you would know what to do with it. We managed to get your ship into my packing shed and he is working on repairing it.” 53

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Lurr took the box from her fingers. He knew where to touch it to make the seamless box pop open, taking out a device which looked much like a large, curved telephone receiver with bright lights and a few buttons. “Would you run this over my injured side? Keep pressing this until the humming stops.” She nodded and took the device from his hand, doing as instructed. The contraption vibrated slightly, as a green beam illuminated Lurr’s skin, while she moved it over his broken ribs. Lurr lay back with his eyes closed; his breathing labored as she worked. “Are you alright?” she asked after a moment, worried that the device may cause more harm than good. “Yes, do not stop.” She continued for a good fifteen minutes, and finally the humming stopped. Lurr exhaled a long breath. “Much better.” He opened his eyes and sat up on the bed, swinging his big muscular legs over the side. He unwound the bandage from around his torso, and smiled. Her pulse jumped. Her body heated while she stared at Lurr’s chest. He is just as dangerous with sex appeal as Addassar. Good gracious, how could she lust after Lurr when she had just had sex with his friend? What the hell was wrong with her? Claire swallowed and turned her attention to the device in her hand. “Amazing. It healed your broken bones?” “Yes, and much more. Thank you.”

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Lurr reached for her and she found herself suddenly pulled between his legs. He tugged the healing device from her hand, tossing it aside, and wrapped her tightly in his arms. “And now I can do this.” His hand cupped the back of her neck, pulling her mouth down to his. Electrified by Lurr’s kiss, she melted into him. Oh yes, she wanted him too, and didn’t care if it was wrong, because here and now it felt so right. She didn’t know what it was with these men about having her on her back, but she didn’t care. Lurr shifted and flipped her like a pancake. He raised his head. “I can smell Addassar on you. Did he claim you?” She blinked up at Lurr with confusion. “Claim me? I don’t know what you mean.” “Did he speak the word of Elron, to bind you to him?” Claire forced her brain to work, trying to remember what Addassar had said while he fucked her. Her translator had been knocked loose, so she really hadn’t heard anything, but their harsh breathing. “No, I don’t think so.” Her answer made Lurr happy. “Then he was a fool not to do so, but I am no such fool. You are mine now, Claire.” Before she could ask him what the hell he meant, he sucked the breath from her lungs, kissing her with a fierce hunger. His hands tore at her clothes; first her shirt vanished then he tugged her pants down and off her legs. Lurr kneaded her breast, before bending down to take a hardened bud into his mouth. Good god, what these men could do with their mouths. He had her ready to self-combust. She writhed on the bed, panting, sliding her fingers into his silky, dark hair, encouraging him. 55

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She didn’t know when he’d removed his pants, but now she felt the heat of his naked body pressed against hers. She loved the feel of his weight and firm skin against hers, as she had Addassar’s. They were every woman’s wet dream, and right now, her reality. Nothing ever felt so good. Lurr bit down gently on her nipple and her back arched; she hooked her legs around his back trying to align their bodies. She wanted to feel his big, thick cock sliding into her wet, needy core. He left her breast, capturing her head in his hands, forcing her to meet his impassioned gaze, as she felt his cock breach her entrance, stretching her, as he pushed in. Both she and Lurr moaned at the wonderful feeling of coming together. “By the holy Fires of Elron, I claim you, Claire,” Lurr declared, thrusting all the way into her, until he could go no further. What did he just do? What did he mean by claim me? She struggled to think. Being so fully impaled on Lurr’s dick, her body screamed for him to move, and she needed to come. “Oh, god, you feel so good,” she moaned. “Yes, my corami, so good.” He shifted his hips and started an agonizingly slow sawing in and out of her. “Harder, faster, please!” Lurr’s control snapped. He pulled out and plunged back in picking up speed with each thrust. There wasn’t a place within her she could not feel him. The friction of him hammering within her, pushing her over the edge. She came, screaming his name. Her eyes rolled back in her head as her body convulsed with white-hot pleasure. 56

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Claire felt like she’d turned into a boneless jellyfish as Lurr groaned. His body shuddered and he bathed her womb with his hot seed. Panting, he collapsed on top of her, supporting the bulk of his weight with his arms. He gripped her around her back, and rolled them to their sides, still embedded deep within her. “By the fires of Elron, it is much better than I could have ever imagined,” Lurr said, gathering her body close to his, holding her tight. “To have a human mate.” Claire snuggled enjoying the languid sexual afterglow. She liked the fact that both Addassar and Lurr liked to cuddle afterward. She rested her head on his chest. “What did you mean by those words? Holy fires of Elron?” “It is what we are supposed to say when claiming our mates.” Claire swallowed, a little afraid of the answer to the next question. “What do you mean by mate? Here, in my country, mate means friends, and nothing more.” She raised her head staring into the depths of his midnight eyes. “Life partner, you are mine now and I am going to take you back to my home. I think the human term is husband and wife.” “Just because we had sex?” “It is the Kelon way; we only ever have sex with our intended mate.” Claire’s head spun. She bit back a moan as she disengaged their bodies, struggling to pull out of Lurr’s arms. “Let me go.” He did so, reluctantly. 57

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She scrambled off the bed, glanced down between her legs and saw Lurr’s semen running down the inside of her thighs. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Look, this may be so where you come from, but this is Earth, not Kelon. We only had sex, nothing more.” “I spoke the sacred words. You are mine, and I will not, nor can I not relinquish the claim, no matter what planet I am on.” He climbed from the bed, standing tall and large in front of her. “Well, you can shove that claiming business up your chimney and smoke it.” She glared at Lurr with anger, before turning around, marching out of the bedroom, down the hall and into the bathroom. She reached for the shower knobs, adjusting the water, before stepping into the bathtub. The hot and soothing water made her sigh, as she reached for the soap. She yanked out the translation device from her ear, setting it aside, so it wouldn’t get wet, before lathering her body and washing away the trail of semen Lurr left between her thighs. Lurr’s deep voice growled behind her and she turned to see he had followed her into the bathroom, still standing in all his naked glory. Raw masculine beauty poured from every pore of his body, both he and Addassar, for that matter. Claire blinked at him as he softly growled at her. She realized she couldn’t understand him. “Hang on a sec.” Moving out of the shower spray, she picked up the translator and placed it back into her ear. “Leave it in. It does not matter if it gets wet.” Lurr stepped in closer, forcing her head back to meet his dark, intense gaze. 58

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Her anger hadn’t receded from either of them not telling her that having sex with them was the equivalent to signing a marriage certificate. Yet, her body reacted to his hungry, lustfilled stare, goose bumps breaking out all over her body. “From the moment I woke up with you next to me, I knew you were the one destined to be mine, my corami.” Claire frowned with confusion, which she appeared to do regularly, since meeting Addassar and Lurr. “What the heck is a corami?” She glanced up at the big alien man standing in her bathroom, watching her shower. “I think the human women living on my world call it love. I love you, Claire.” “Love?” She repeated the word like a parrot. Lurr loved her? “I don’t understand how you could love me?” He smiled, so brightly it could melt the polar icecaps. It didn’t matter if he was alien or drop-dead gorgeous. He stepped over the rim of the bathtub, crowding her up against the tiles. The water bounded off his chest; for such a big man, he had a gentle tender way about him. “I love your soft skin, never will I tire of touching it, nor gazing into your beautiful eyes; I want you for the rest of my life. I know you have a caring heart to help two strangers in need. What is there not to love about you? I want to care for you, protect you, and have much sex with you.”

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Chapter 9 In that moment, Claire fell utterly in love with Lurr, her heart filling with the duel emotions of elation and sadness. Her mind grappled with the fact she loved not one but two alien men. They both charmed their way into her life, with the force of a sledge hammer. “I am human, this is my home.” Claire tried to reason with herself, as she did with Lurr. “I can’t just up and leave because of something I didn’t know about, or understand. I have responsibilities and animals to care for.” “Turn loose your beasts; others can care for them. I cannot be without you. I am your responsibility, as you are now mine.” She lost the battle and the war when he dipped his head, nuzzling against her damp skin, pressing in against her. Her pulse pounded through her veins, like galloping horses, and her body responded to everything he did. Helpless against his seductive onslaught, she didn’t want to fight her feelings or him. She gasped as he gripped her hips sliding her up the shower wall, aligning their mouths. Her legs wound around his hips and her arms encircled his neck, while she kissed him with as much fervor and reverence as he did her. 60

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Somewhere, in a dim portion of her mind, she considered Lurr’s words. Could she do without him or even Addassar, for that matter? Patrick and her chickens could go to her neighbor’s farm. She wouldn’t have to worry about them, but, life on an alien planet, what would that be like for her? She needed to know more before she decided. But right now, her body burned to have Lurr again. He dropped to his knees, while keeping her firmly in place, with her legs shifting over his shoulders, as he pressed his face to the core of her sex. Claire’s breath hitched when she felt his hot tongue swipe over her clit; she let out a long moan, her fingers sliding into his wet hair. Good gracious, first Addassar and his incredible tongue, and now Lurr. She panted and writhed, as he licked, sucked and nipped on the most sensitive part of her body. His hand came up to cup a breast, squeezing it in time with his licks and sucks. It didn’t take long for Claire to come screaming. Lurr growled his approval. It vibrated through her pussy, pushing her even higher. In one swift move, he shifted her legs around his waist, his cock at the entrance of her pussy. She moaned loudly as he thrust into her, again opening her to his deep, full penetration. “You are mine, Claire, mine,” he said over and over in her ear. “Yes!” She screamed his name as her orgasm rolled into a second one. She gave him everything, her mind, body and soul. **** Lurr drove into his little mate, unable to stop the force or speed of his thrusts, wanting to imprint himself on her, so she 61

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would never forget it. She screamed her release, her pliant, soft body convulsing in his arms, her inner walls clamping down around him. Like an untried youth, he could not stop his release from spiraling through his body. Lurr roared, thrusting his hips, embedding himself deep inside her as he came. Her body went limp against him. The sounds of the water and their hard breathing echoing around her wash chamber. She closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest. Slowly, reluctantly, he pulled away from her body’s warmth. He kept her cradled in his arms, stepping from the shower’s spray. Contentment and satisfaction, on a level he never knew before, thrummed through him, he smiled down at his lovely, limp little mate. “Are you alright, my sweet?” “Too many orgasms, tired,” she mumbled, as he put her on the bed. She rolled onto her side, breathing deep and evenly, falling asleep. Lurr couldn’t help but smile at his sleeping mate. He took her response as a positive indication he pleasured her thoroughly. From what he heard, he knew human women demanded nothing less than complete satisfaction from their mates. He did his duty to Claire with great pleasure. She belonged to him; she declared it so. And soon he would take her from this planet, back to Kelon, where they would raise their younglings together. Lurr found a towel and dried off before dressing. He had to find Addassar and inform him Claire was now his. Then help him fix the ship, so he could take her to the station and then back to Kelon. 62

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**** A loud clanging came from the lower shed on Claire’s property. Alarmed at the noise, he crept silently around the side door and peered in. What he saw surprised the Fires of Elron out of him. Addassar stumbled about, singing in a low voice. He sat down heavily between some packing boxes, reached for a handful of fruit, stuffing them into his mouth. Addassar’s face twisted with pleasure, while he munched on the berries. Lurr stepped into the shed, walking over to stare down at him. Addassar’s glazed eyes stared up at him. “Oh, Lurr! You’re healed.” Addassar’s words slurred, as he tried to climb to his feet, only to fall back on his ass. Lurr raised a curious eyebrow. “She’s good, my Claire. Where is the little fire demon?” Lurr frowned at Addassar’s use of the words, my and Claire, in the same sentence. “My Claire is sleeping, what in Elron’s name is wrong with you?” Lurr leaned down gripping Addassar by his forearm and pulled his drunken friend to his feet. “Nothing is wrong with me. I am per-fict-ly fine.” He staggered and slapped his hand on Lurr’s back. “These are divine; Claire’s juju berries are food fit for Elron himself!” Addassar stumbled over to a crate of boxes, tore one open, and picked up another handful of berries, handing then to Lurr. Lurr suspiciously took them from Addassar, sniffing at them. He popped one into his mouth. A sweet tangy flavor burst onto his tongue. Addassar was right, they did taste divine. Obviously Addassar had eaten one too many and they intoxicated him. He looked like a happy drunk. 63

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Lurr shook his head. “I think you should lie down.” “Very good idea. However, I will go find Claire, she will take care of me.” “I know she is sleeping. Let her rest. Go lie on the bunk; I will finish the repairs to the ship.” “Good, good, you are a good friend!” Addassar said. “This planet spins way too much for my liking, I do not like its gravity. I may lie down.” Addassar stumbled towards the entrance of their ship, smacking heavily into the doorframe, bouncing off and falling with a thump onto the shed’s compact, dirt floor. Lurr stepped over Addassar, gripped his arm and shoulder, and dragged the now unconscious Addassar into the ship. He found half of the ship scattered with boxes of berries. Lurr dropped the snoring Addassar onto the bunk, then sat behind the control panel to bring up enough power to detect what still needed to be repaired. Addassar had already fixed one of the thrusters, so Lurr still needed to fix the navigation controls. Finding the circuital screwdriver, under a box of berries, he set to work.

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Chapter 10 Claire groaned while rolling over, various parts of her body ached. Stretching, she winced at the tenderness between her legs. She felt as if she had been stampeded by a heard of wild water buffalos. By the look of the setting sun, it was late afternoon. Claire sat up and winced again. She’d slept half the day away and had neglected her chores. She stumbled out of bed, through her house and into the bathroom. She could detect no one else in her house. Yanking out the translator, she hurried through a shower then dressed. She guzzled down a tall glass of orange and mango juice before heading to the front door, wondering what her two alien lovers were up to. Grabbing her gum boots, she shook them out and stepped into them. She scanned the peaceful scene of her farm, and her heart sank. Perhaps they were gone; perhaps Lurr’s words and declaration of love had all been something she imagined. She could tell from her aching body what they had done to her had certainly not been a dream, but an oh, so wonderful lust-filled reality. Claire sighed, deciding she didn’t want to know; she had work to do. The next few hours kept her busy feeding her animals, milking Missy, her cow, and tending to her juju berry 65

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crop. She walked up and down the neat rows of bushes, picking one here and there to test how ripe they were. Another week and they would be ready to harvest. She slowly made her way to her packing shed wanting to know if her alien friends were still around or not. Tentatively, she walked to the door, her heart pounding in her ears, as she opened it and stepped through. The big, black, shiny ship still remained. Claire’s gaze roamed over the rest of the shed and she gasped in horror at the mess of her juju berry packing boxes and berries littering the floor, shelves, and everywhere. “What the hell happened here?” Lurr’s head popped up from the entrance of his ship. “What the hell have you done to my packing shed!” she demanded, as he strode towards her. “Apologies, my sweet. It seems your juju berries had an unfavorable affect on Addassar.” “Unfavorable affect,” she echoed. “Why did he wreck my shed?” Claire’s tone bordered on the hysterical, as she swept her hands over her upturned packing boxes. She put her hands on her hips and glared at Lurr. “He ate too many and became intoxicated.” It took a moment for Lurr’s words to sink in. “He got drunk on juju berries?” She almost didn’t believe him. Lurr caught her hand, raised it to his lips, before he pulled her towards his ship. “See, he sleeps like a youngling. I am sure his head will pound once he awakens.” She peered in and saw Addassar sprawled out on the bunk, loudly snoring. She didn’t think her berries would intoxicate him. Addassar and Lurr were alien. It would be 66

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hard to say what kind of Earth food would affect them in an adverse way and what wouldn’t. “Oh dear, I had no clue they would do that to him.” “You are not to blame, as Addassar is not to blame.” Lurr smiled, and pulled her into his arms. “Have I told you how beautiful you are, my little mate?” he whispered in a deep, husky voice sending renewed chills of pleasure skirting down Claire’s spine, right to her pussy. Little did he know she turned into putty in his amazingly large hands; they skirted up under her top to cup her breasts. “Lurr,” she whispered, trying to tug away from him. He growled, pulling her tighter against him. “You intoxicate me, my mate.” His words melted her resistance and she gave up any pretense of a struggle. “W-What about him?” She nodded towards the sleeping Addassar, as Lurr nuzzled her neck. “He will sleep like a youngling for a while longer. Do not worry your pretty head over Addassar.” “Are you hungry? I can make you some food.” Claire’s stomach rumbled with hunger. “Perhaps I should feast on you, my little one, but I have no desire for you to fade away on me.” Lurr raised his head, giving her a heart-racing smile. “Food is a good idea, but no juju berries.” Claire giggled. “Well, at least we now know. Poor Addassar.” She sighed when Lurr released her from his arms. “The ship is almost repaired. I will come along when it is done.” He kissed the top of her head and Claire stepped out of the ship. “You are coming with us,” Lurr reminded her. 67

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His statement caused butterflies in her stomach. Clair felt conflicted. On one hand she felt nervous about leaving with Lurr and Addassar and, on the other, she didn’t want to be left behind, and brokenhearted. “I will ring my neighbor; he can have Patrick, and my chickens, and Missy.” And I’ll tell him I am certifiable to be running away with two alien men. Or is it one alien man? Claire hid her confusion behind a smile. She guessed she would sort it out when Addassar woke up. Lurr nodded. “Do what you must to prepare.” Claire ignored the mess in her packing shed and walked back towards the house. **** By the time Claire prepared her vegetable and bean casserole, she heard the fly screen door open and close and Lurr’s heavy boots. “Something smell’s wonderful.” He came into the kitchen. She smiled, feeling an odd sense of pride to be making him dinner. He leaned his side against her countertop and watched her putter around the kitchen. “I, um, hope you like vegetables. I don’t eat meat, so I don’t keep any around.” Lurr smiled. “We do not eat flesh on our planet, either. Long ago, there were many beasts. I have heard it said it was a wild, untamed time for the Kelon people, and there was much violence. Once we learned to live on roots, and things that are grown, rather than flesh, it helped to calm our nature and we advanced to where we are now.” 68

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Claire listened in awe, eager to learn more about Kelon and her men. “That’s really cool. Where do you live on Kelon, when not out in space that is.” “My family home is in the rural sector of City Prime; it has many fields with crops growing, and my father is much like you, a farmer. I have one sister; she is still a youngling. It will bring much joy to my mother that I am now mated, and will bring much envy to other Kelon males.” She felt as if she married into a whole Kelon family. “Are you sure they are going to like me? I’m only human, after all.” “Believe me, beautiful, they are going to treasure you, as do I.” Claire brightened. “Can I bring some of my juju berries plants? I would sure love to grow something from Earth on your world.” Lurr chuckled. “Then it is my wish too. Whatever you desire to ensure your happiness, but perhaps we should keep them away from Addassar.” Claire giggled. Strangely, she felt happy already. Lurr opened his arms to her and she went willingly into them. He wrapped them around her, holding her close against his hard, warm body. Yet, she still needed to settle one small issue. “I need to ask you something.” “Curious Claire, ask anything you wish.” He grinned in amusement. “Um, you said a Kelon claims his mate when they have sex? Does that mean you’ve never had sex with anyone other than me?” “That is correct; you are the one I have been waiting for.” 69

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She stared in shock. He had been a virgin, which meant Addassar was, as well. Yet, they sure seemed to know what to do to make her head spin and her body burn. “I think you should know that Addassar and I, we, um, up at the lake, when we got your ship out of the water, he and I, we...” Claire stumbled on her words, finding it harder than she thought to tell him what transpired between her and Addassar. Glass shattered, making Claire jump in fright. Lurr quickly yanked her protectively behind him. Peering around his big frame, she saw a strange, green canister come to a rolling stop. “Holy shit!” Claire watched, as the round tin billowed heavy smoke. “The army! They somehow know you’re here!” Lurr pulled her to the back door. “Halt, stay where you are, or we will open fire,” someone said with an amplified voice. “We have to get to the ship.” “I think we’re surrounded.” A second canister smashed through another window. Lurr crouched down low, pulling Claire protectively beneath him. “Stay here.” He dashed into the smoked-filled house. Claire coughed, pulling up her t-shirt to cover her mouth, her eyes stung and tears streamed down her face. Lurr returned and she saw he had both the smoking canisters in his hands. He opened the door hurling them out back into the army ranks. Air whooshed from her lungs as he suddenly grabbed her around her waist, tossing her over his shoulder, running fulltilt towards her packing shed. 70

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In the distance, she heard men yelling, and suddenly the loud, exploding sound of guns firing. Panic surged through her, mixed with the nauseating feeling of bouncing heavily on Lurr’s shoulder. He gripped her firmly. Her body rocked with the impact of Lurr’s other shoulder slamming against the shed door, ripping it from its hinges. He stumbled inside, but did not lose his grip on her, or his footing, as he raced towards the ship.

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Chapter 11 “Lurr, hurry!” Addassar’s yelled. Her hair obscured her vision when Addassar lifted her from Lurr’s shoulder. “Seal the hatch. I’ll secure Claire.” She gulped down a breath; Addassar had taken her from Lurr and had placed her into a seat and buckled her in. “Are you harmed?” Addassar’s dark gaze and hands swept over her body searching for injury. She shook her head, confused as to how the army knew she harbored the aliens and angry they would want to harm these men for trying to protect Earth. It wasn’t right. She was suddenly glad to be leaving. “I’m okay.” She managed to find her voice. Addassar nodded while he slotted the last strap into place and tightened it. “Hang on, my beautiful; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Addassar gently brushed the hair from her face, before he swiveled around, took two steps and dropped into one of the front pilot seats. “Glad you are awake,” Lurr said to Addassar. “Are you able-minded enough to get us out of here?” Addassar growled. “Not now, Lurr, let me concentrate. I have a pounding in my head I have no care for.” 72

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The ship vibrated as they started the engines. The dim lights in the ship’s interior winked and Claire’s stomach pitched when the ship lifted from the ground. A huge screen appeared, looking like a window, showing everything around them, in and outside of her shed. “Apologies for your shed,” Lurr warned before he fired a green energy weapon, destroying the front part of the building. The ship shot through the flying debris and she heard the bullet dings bouncing off the ship, as it shot high into the night sky. It was a darn good thing she was strapped into the seat. The amount of force and speed of the ship would have flattened her to the back of the bulkhead, like a squashed possum on a highway. Wide-eyed, Claire watched in both fear and fascination when the earth’s atmosphere vanished; their ship rising higher and higher into space. “Setting coordinates to the station, opening communications.” “Kelon Earth protector, this is beta flyer Zorlan, checking in.” “Where have you been? Our scans indicate a human life form onboard.” “I will issue my report once we dock,” Addassar said. “Acknowledged, beta flyer, com out.” Lurr swung around in the chair to glance at her. “Are you alright? You appear pale.” “Humans are not used to space travel,” Addassar said. Claire licked her dry lips. Now that she thought about it, she did feel kind of queasy. “I, ah, don’t know how I feel right now.” She felt mixed up, lightheaded and frightened, because 73

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she didn’t know what to expect. “I think I’m a little out of my depth here.” “You need not worry. I will take good care of you,” Addassar said with a reassuring smile. “No you will not.” Lurr’s sudden burst of anger startled her. “She is mine to care for, you will stay away.” “She is my mate. I claimed her!” “She said nothing about you claiming her, when I claimed her.” The aggressive hostility in the air made her nervous. She didn’t want to feel guilty about fucking both of them; it felt so good at the time. Impulsiveness and being caught up in the moment always got her in trouble. If they weren’t both strapped into their seats, Claire swore they would have attacked each other. “Must you taint my first journey in space by fighting?” She hoped to ease the tension thickening the air in the small spacecraft. “Or do both of you want to scare the hell out of me?” “Apologies, but you are my mate. Tell Addassar this is so. He did not claim you, I did!” She stared at Lurr’s expectant expression. “Neither of you told me about this before I had sex with you.” She now felt more anger than queasiness. “I’m not going to deny having sex with both of you, but I wouldn’t have fucked either of you if I had known about this claiming shit.” “But you knew when I asked you after we pulled the ship out of the water,” Addassar said. “I knew? What did I know? I knew I was attracted to you. You turn me on beyond reason. On my planet sex is sex. 74

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Nothing more!” She folded her arms across her chest. “Now are you going to drive this bloody spaceship, or are we going to crash into the moon?” Both men swiveled around to glance up at the viewscreen, as the Earth’s moon grew larger and larger. “This is your fault.” Addassar pressed buttons, making the ship swing around the moon. Claire got her first glimpse at a real space station and it looked much like a huge, round, black, shiny wheel, with spokes attached to a huge ball in the center. The closer they got, the bigger the station appeared. “Why is it my fault?” Lurr shot back. “You didn’t claim her properly, so she is mine.” “I told you she was off-limits, but still you stuck your big Kelon nose in my business.” “Claire is not your business, but my mate.” Claire had had enough of their squabbling. “Oh, for goodness sake, shut up both of you, or take me back to Earth right now!” “No!” both men said. She could see their heated, angry appearance when they glanced over their shoulder at her. “You think I want this? To have you both fighting over me, like two dogs fighting over a bone?” Their identical blank expressions freaked her out a bit. “We did not mean” Lurr started. “Mean what? To barge into my life and turn it upside down? I helped both of you out of a sticky situation and what do I get for my efforts? My crops are ruined by you.” She pointed to Addassar. “My shed blown to bits and heaven knows what the army is doing to the rest of my farm, right 75

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now. My life and my home is on Earth, not with either of you. So, turn this spaceship around and take me home.” Addassar and Lurr stared at her for a moment, before exchanging glances. “You are mated to one of us and until we sort out who, you will stay,” Addassar said. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared back, not wanting them to see the conflicting emotions in her expression. She was irritated the men were fighting, and felt awe and fear of being in outer space for the first time. “Only if you stop fighting.” “I will try for your sake,” Lurr said. Claire didn’t feel convinced. The men concentrated on piloting the spacecraft, sailing closer to the station. “We’ll talk about this after we dock.” **** Claire stared wide-eyed at the more mature-looking Kelon man. He, in turn, stared back at her, before returning his gaze to Addassar and Lurr. “You were warned not to go down to the planet,” said the commander, who greeted them with a clear expression of annoyance when they disembarked. The inner hanger of the station was full of similar spacecrafts as Lurr’s and Addassar’s. They were all neatly lined up, ready at a moment’s notice to scramble out into space. “It was unavoidable. The Xerson hit our rear thrusters when we were too near the earth’s atmosphere,” Addassar reported.

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The senior ranking Kelon folded his arms. “We cannot have an unmated human female on the station. I assume one of you has claimed her?” “I have!” Claire felt her face flush crimson when both Addassar and Lurr spoke in unison. The commander turned his head to stare back at her, his expression one of clear surprise. Claire put her hands on her hips. “How the hell was I to know about this claiming crap? If you ask me, you guys have a dark age mentality for an advanced race.” The commander ignored her comment, focusing on Addassar and Lurr. “You cannot have both claimed her.” “I did.” They spoke at the same time. Addassar growled and launched at Lurr. “She is mine!” Claire stumbled back, as Lurr ducked Addassar’s swinging fist. Lurr punched Addassar in the ribs. Claire winced. Addassar landed a kick to Lurr’s lower stomach, shoving Lurr so far back he hit the bulkhead, but only an inch from her. “Cease this instant!” The commander’s bellow made her jump. Addassar stopped his advance on Lurr and Lurr pushed groggily to his feet. “I will not have fighting on this station.” The commander turned his attention back to her. “Did you willingly have relations with both of these Kelon men, human?” She raised her chin. “I did.” “And did you come with them willingly, or did they take you by force?” 77

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Both Addassar and Lurr looked guilty when she glanced at them. “I came willingly.” She didn’t want to add that the army attacked them and Lurr declared she was going with them, even if she did object. “Very well. This situation must be resolved, or there will be no peace on the station. I am officially relieving Lurr Toonik and Addassar Vorlon of duty. The three of you will return on the supply transport to Kelon; it leaves within three Earth hours. Until then, Lurr, Addassar, and the human will be confined to quarters, then escorted to the ship.” “Claire is not at fault,” Addassar said. “You will not punish her for our errors,” added Lurr. “I am not! I do it for her protection. Do you wish her to roam freely around our all-male station?” “No!” both Addassar and Lurr said together. “Then it is settled. Guards!” Four Kelon men with yellow bands around their left arms stepped forward. “Escort Lurr and Addassar to their quarters, and take the female to the healer’s bay, for a translator implant.” “Implant?” Claire squeaked. “Go with them. It is harmless and you will not need the translator aid anymore.” Addassar, although clearly tense, reassuringly smiled. “Addassar is right; it will be fine, my sweetness.” Lurr also smiled. Claire’s chin wobbled and she sucked in a deep breath, trying to be brave. She didn’t want to be away from Addassar or Lurr. “Come with me, human.” 78

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Claire glanced up at the guard, nodded, with one last glance at her men being led away, she followed the guard.

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Chapter 12 Claire’s stomach still felt queasy from the hyperdrive jump, but what unsettled her even more is she had not seen Addassar or Lurr at all. She knew they were on the same ship, somewhere. “Are you well?” the ship’s commander asked. He wore a sandy-colored coverall. He did not wear the same black uniform as the Kelon warrior force. The elderly Kelon man introduced himself as Ularr. She heard Ularr’s voice clearly in her ears. The healer, onboard the station, painlessly inserted something into them. She watched their lips move out of sync with their words. “Would you please call me Claire, instead of human, and I’m fine.” She folded her arms. Ularr’s amused smile made the age wrinkles around his eyes vanish momentarily, as he studied her. “You do not appear fine. Your skin is more pale than when we left, and you frown much,” Ularr said. “I didn’t like the hyperjump and I want to see Addassar and Lurr.” She pouted. “Humans and their ways confuse me much,” Ularr said after looking thoughtful for a moment. “From what I have observed, your society is messy and unorganized.” 80

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Claire sighed and shrugged. “You’re right. That’s the human race for you; we are not perfect, but then again who is?” “Do you feel affection for both Addassar and Lurr?” Claire felt her heart squeeze. She drew in a deep breath, trying to keep the tears she felt at bay. She was madly in love with both of them. “Although single couples are considered normal, it is not unheard of on my planet to have more than one mate. Our men enjoy sex with more than one woman, so why can’t a woman enjoy it with more than one man? I found both Addassar and Lurr attractive, but it is more than attraction. I really do love them, both of them.” “It is not heard of in our society to share a mate, but I know of no law which forbids it either. Females are rare and precious; there are many fights to obtain one as a mate, but I also know Kelons do not like sharing.” “What will happen if they decide not to share?” “There is only one way on Kelon to sort out who gets to be your mate. They must challenge each other.” Claire did not care for Ularr’s grim expression. “Challenge? What does that mean?” She feared the question yet couldn’t stop herself from asking it. “It means they will fight with swords until one dies.” Claire’s stomach dropped like she had swallowed a rock, as shock rolled through her. She sure as hell didn’t want anyone to die, especially if she was the reason why they would fight. “Oh, hell no, that cannot happen. I won’t allow it. Will you let me go see them please? I won’t be able to live with myself if they challenge each other, and I don’t want to live 81

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without either of them,” she pleaded with the freighter commander. Her chin wobbled, and she fought back a volley of tears, threatening to spill. Ularr studied her for a moment. “I have never much liked the custom either. Even though I am under orders to keep them locked in the cargo bay, I have no orders to keep you from going to visit them. If you can convince them to share rather than fight, I feel the great Elron would be most proud.” “I’ll even pray to your Elron, if I can do that.” Claire drew a calming breath. Now was not the time to let her emotions get the better of her. She smiled gratefully at Ularr. “Despite your messy society, there is also much to admire about humans.” He pulled a little black crystal from one of his shirt pockets. “This will give you access when inserted into the wall panel. You have three earth hours before we arrive on Kelon.” “Thank you.” She jumped from the seat and kissed the big man’s cheek, before swiftly exiting. From Ularr’s brief tour, when she had been escorted, she knew the cargo bay was at the back of the ship. **** Kelon homeworld Te-Commander Kerr paced. He did not like the situation one bit. Syl and Melron glanced up from the star charts, and the war data holographically displayed on the glowing table. “This is the third withdraw of enemy forces along the borders in the past week,” Syl pointed out the obvious. “They are up to something and I only wish, by the will of Elron, I knew what,” Kerr growled discontentedly about the 82

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recent enemy, or rather lack of enemy attacks and movements. The council chamber door whooshed opened and Federation delegates from the neighboring star systems strode in, chattering among themselves. A com line chirped in the background. Melron walked over to the wall to answer the call. Kerr greeted their allies as they took their places around the war council table. Each member studied the glowing star charts Kerr had left open for inspection. Melron walked over to Kerr. “A word alone.” Melron’s amused expression meant something other than war news came through. “I have a request for a human female to be put under your and Alice’s guardianship, until the matter of her mates is dealt with.” “Mates?” Kerr frowned in confusion. “It appears our friends, Lurr and Addassar, have both claimed the same human woman,” Melron said. Somehow Kerr wasn’t as surprised as he should have been, but he had other concerns about this situation. “Alice is near delivering our younglings. Solron has ordered much rest and I have no desire to put any burden on her. I would offer, but you know, as well as I, she spends much time with Alice. Tara is strong in spirit but our younglings tire her easily.” “Is there a problem?” Syl asked, joining the conversation. “Lurr and Addassar have both claimed a human woman. Until the situation is sorted out, she needs a guardian.”

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“Send her to my home; Rachel will enjoy the human company. She is not as far advanced as either of your mates, and, as I am head of civil disputes, this may fall to me.” The brothers nodded in agreement. “I will let them know.” Melron walked back to the wall panel. Kerr turned his attention back to the war council. “My friends, have you any news to deliver to aid our cause?” “We have.” The Rowdana council member rose to his feet. “Good news it is not. Our informants told us the Alliance forces are amassing in the black sector, which is only one sector away from the human galaxy.” Kerr clearly understood what their enemies’ intentions were. “They are going after Earth. It is a rich and abundant planet, with only our single station to defend it. If the Alliance captures the Earth, the resources will tip the war in their favor.” “It is not only a matter of defending the human planet anymore.” The Zouan member rose to his feet. “I see this as an opportunity to end the war. I say we meet the Alliance armada head-on, and beat them right back to their planets. This war has gone on for too long and cost too many lives. If we can end it now, then I say we do.” Kerr saw the grim determination on the council member’s faces, as they nodded in agreement with the Zouan. Kerr drew in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. He knew this was coming; he had been praying he could at least see his younglings born before he had to leave to battle. Alice was his life and soul, and, with a battle so large, he knew many Kelons would never return. He looked at the grim faces of his brothers, who knew the same thing. This one final battle 84

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would, by the will of Elron, end this war, giving his sons the chance of a life of peace. Kerr nodded. “Let the council now vote. All in favor of ending this war?” Each member rose to their feet in a unanimous vote. “May each of our gods be with us, to find honor or die defending it.” ***** “This mess is your fault,” Addassar said, folding his arms and scowling, knowing Claire walked freely around the ship, while they were confined to the cargo bay. He wanted to be near her, hold her in his arms. She belonged to him. Damn fire demons! Lurr sat on the opposite side of the transport seats and glared at Addassar. “My fault? You should have made it clear to Claire what you were doing, when you were doing it, as I did. When Claire heard my words and my explanation, she accepted me. This makes your so-called claiming void.” “It does not,” snarled Addassar. “I claimed her first, even if the translator fell out. I spoke the words to form the bond. She is mine, which makes your claiming void.” Addassar burned with anger, as the tension between the two friends mounted. He fought the impulse to stalk over and smash Lurr with his fist. Only the threat of six moon cycles of detention held him at bay. He had no desire to be away from his Claire for that long. “You do realize the only way we are going to settle who gets Claire is in the arena,” Lurr said. Addassar knew this, but despite wanting Claire, there had to be a way to avoid killing his friend. If only Addassar could 85

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get him to relent his claim on her. Some of his anger ebbed while he tried to think of a solution. “Claire was right; we were not as forthright as we should have been with her. She is not to blame in any of this. Yet, I did not know I would feel this way towards anyone, let alone a human woman.” Addassar frowned in confusion, staring at Lurr, who adjusted the front of his pants. His own trousers were uncommonly tight recently. Simply thinking about his soft, pale-skinned, little mate made him ready to drive space rivets with his cock. Unfortunately, all he did was think about her, obsessively. “Feel like what?” Addassar knew he should not ask, but could not help himself. “I know we are trained to keep our passions hidden and you understand how painful and frustrating it is. I thought having a mate would ease the desire, but it is making it worse. I want Claire and I want her more now than when I first saw her.” Addassar understood perfectly, feeling the same way as Lurr. He did not enjoy having his cock so damn hard all the time and no soft mate to sate his lusts. As much as it pained him to think of it, he could not see any way around it. The only way to keep Claire is to challenge Lurr. “I am going to challenge you,” Addassar warned. Lurr’s face darkened. “No, I will challenge you.” “Oh, for goodness sake, grow up, you two. There will be no challenging each other.” Claire’s angry voice made them both turn their heads in surprise. His beautiful Claire stood between the packing crates in the cargo bay, with her hands on her hips, glaring angrily 86

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between them. The clothes, provided to her, hung loosely over her body. Addassar knew exactly what lay hidden beneath. He licked his lips, with only one thought on his mind at that moment.

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Chapter 13 Claire’s eyes grew while watching Addassar rise from his seat, and stalk towards her, an expression of raw sexual hunger on him that made her body heat and tingle with awareness. Just a look from them and she got wet between her thighs. Her nipples tightened and her stomach quivered in anticipation. Good god, these men had her addicted to them. Claire yelped and stumbled back, when Addassar fell flat on his face. Lurr tackled him, slamming him to the ship’s floor. Lurr leapt up onto Addassar’s back, grabbed his head and smashed it several times into the metal flooring, before using Addassar as a springboard to launch himself at her. Air whooshed from her lungs, as Lurr swept her off her feet. If Lurr hadn’t wrapped his arms around her, she would have fallen heavily against the bulkhead, near the door. She managed to suck in a lungful of air before Lurr’s mouth descended on her in a hungry, wit-demolishing kiss. His tongue plundered her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and her legs locked around his waist. Claire barely registered hearing material tearing. Before she realized what was happening, cool air surrounded her lower half, and then Lurr’s big body pressed heavily onto hers, pinning her to the wall. 88

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Claire tore her mouth from his. Lurr’s lips sucked the flesh at the base of her throat, pushing her lust-soaked body into overdrive. She writhed against him, whimpering when she felt his cock part her sex and drive home in one hard thrust. She cried out at the pure ecstasy of him seated deep inside her. He growled driving unceremoniously in and out of her at a fevered pace. She clung helplessly, overwhelmed with the raw pleasure created from the friction of their bodies, pushing her higher. She mewled and moaned in encouragement. Lurr completely controlled her body, hammering into her again and again. “Mine, mine, mine,” he growled in her ear. When he bit down on her shoulder, just enough to cause a small level of pain, a powerful climax ripped through her body. She screamed Lurr’s name and struggled to draw air into her lungs, her body quivering around his cock. Her inner muscles contracted and pulsed in divine pleasure. Lurr’s hip thrusts became short and jerky, before embedding himself deep inside her. He threw his head back, roaring, as his hot cum painted her womb. His body shuddered and Claire hung limply in his arms. The euphoric bliss of incredible raw sex did not last, when Addassar ripped Lurr from her body. She cried out, melting onto the floor. She glanced up to see Addassar’s dark angry scowl and watched as he slammed his fist straight into Lurr’s face. Lurr stumbled back, falling heavily onto his naked ass; his trousers wrapped around his ankles, tripping him. Addassar turned, scooped her into his arms and captured her mouth. If Lurr could render her senseless with his kiss, then Addassar was pure brain damage to her mind. Claire 89

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whimpered when her tongue tangled with his. She loved Addassar’s wild, spicy, male flavor. He broke the kiss. She gulped down air and realized she lay on top of something hard and rather uncomfortable, but all thoughts flew from her mind when Addassar pressed his body against hers, pinning her down. His hands gripped under her knees, spreading her wide as his cock connected with her sex. Addassar drove into her just as relentlessly as Lurr. He set a jackhammer pace, again pushing her towards another explosive climax. “You are mine, not his!” Claire opened her eyes meeting his dark, passionate gaze. “Both” she gasped. Addassar reclaimed her mouth, thrusting his tongue into her silken cavern in time with his cock pounding into her. His hands possessively cupped and molded her breast in his palm and he teased her taut nipple. Claire’s body trembled in his arms. She cried out his name, arching her back against him as she came again. Addassar gripped her, quickly following over the line into climatic bliss, his seed shooting deep inside her. Claire groaned and went completely limp; their harsh breathing heard above the ship’s hum. Addassar suddenly left, allowing a whoosh of cold air to hit her and she groggily opened her eyes, glancing around in confusion. Addassar and Lurr were embroiled in a wrestling match, partially naked. All she needed to do was to add some of oil, and watching two, sexy, male bodies engaged in this kind of wrestling could be entertaining.

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Claire, however, wasn’t amused. She had to stop the two men from fighting. She sucked in a lungful of air and let out a high-pitched scream. Both Addassar and Lurr froze, disengaging from their fight, and turned to look at her. “What is it, sweetness? Are you alright?” Lurr leaned over her. Addassar hovered on her other side. “Can’t move; too much sex,” she groaned. Addassar managed to scoop her up in his arms first, fighting off Lurr’s attempt. “You were too rough with her; she is human and fragile.” “Now you say this after you rutted her like a Leenok beast!” Lurr shot back. “Stop, both of you! I came in here to talk , not have you argue and fight over me. Will you two sit down long enough to listen? Or are you too proud or stubborn to hear what I have to say?” She glared angrily up at Addassar, before swinging her gaze to Lurr, hovering nearby. “Of course I will listen to you, sweetness. You are my mate, after all.” “My mate.” Addassar gripped her painfully tight against him. “Oh, for goodness sake. If you’re going to keep on like this I’m leaving, and I don’t give a damn where or with whom I end up with, as long as it’s away from the both of you!” Lurr looked wounded and Addassar loosened his hold. “I would not allow you to be with anyone else.” Addassar’s tone was low, and dangerous.

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Good. Claire didn’t want to be with anyone else either, but she would stand by her threat, if they carried on like dogs fighting over a bone. “Then stand down your pissing contest, I have a solution which will help all of us.” She wiggled in Addassar’s grasp. After two mind-blowing orgasms, her body still tingled. Addassar let her slip from his hold, placing her feet on the floor. Her legs felt like rubber, but she locked her knees together, keeping herself upright, then backed up a few steps, so she could focus on the matter at hand. She had trouble thinking for a moment, when she felt the combined cum of both Lurr and Addassar trickling down her leg. “Ularr told me there is no law against having more than one mate.” Addassar and Lurr held identical expressions of confusion. “On earth it is not unheard of either” She sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “What I’m trying to say is, I know it sounds greedy, but why can’t you both be my mate? I know I love you equally, and to be honest, I really don’t want Addassar without Lurr, or Lurr without Addassar.” Lurr and Addassar exchanged a quick glance. “Never has it been heard of to share a mate. I am uncertain I find this idea appealing.” Addassar broke the uncomfortably long silence. Claire hooked her hand on her hip. “Didn’t you both just share me when you fucked me a few minutes ago? Who cares what’s been heard of or not? From what you tell me, having humans on your planet is relatively new, so why not adopt a few human ways, as well?” 92

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Uncomfortable silence hung in the air between them. She looked at their eyes, seeing their minds at work. Claire prayed they we not as stubborn as she believed. She’d put her heart on the line by confessing her love for them. It stung when neither one of them said anything in return. Wounded, she struggled with a sharp feeling she was nothing but a toy to them. Someone they could fuck at their convenience. Once again she had fallen in love with not just someone, but two men who did not love her. “Fine,” she huffed out. She turned and stalked back towards the door. “It’s clear I don’t matter to either of you; all you want to do is fight. Well go ahead, see if I care, because you will never see me again.” She stormed out, letting the door whoosh shut behind her. It locked automatically. Addassar and Lurr rushed behind her, and pounded on the door, demanding she let them out. Tears spilled down her cheeks while she walked away. She had made it clear what she wanted, and spoke her feelings. Right now, she needed time alone to think about her new and strange situation. She passed a frowning Commander Ularr in the corridor. His gaze roamed over her tear-streaked face and, no doubt, disheveled state. She paused only to hand him the black crystal key, before heading back to the quarters she had been assigned; she needed a shower and time to think. ***** “Are you two proud of yourselves?” Fe-Commander Ularr opened the door, much to the disappointment of Lurr. He leaned against the bulkhead, with his arms folded, glaring at them as he would disobedient younglings. 93

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As much as he wanted to fuck Claire again, he also wanted to reassure her of his fond affection toward her. She was his corami and no one else would do. So stunned by her suggestion he share her with Addassar, and her feelings of love toward both of them, he let her escape without the words of comfort she needed to hear from him. “You attack a fragile, helpless, human woman, who, for reasons only Elron could understand, has it in her heart you are both her corami.” “We did not attack her, we” Addassar paused, not wanting to openly confess having sex with her. Not that it wouldn’t have been obvious the way she tore out of the cargo hold, clearly upset. Lurr saw Addassar feeling the pressure of guilt as much as he did. “You do realize, despite both mating with her, she can claim abuse, and I would support it after seeing the state you left her in. It would not matter who claimed her; a ruling councilman could easily void the union, leaving Claire free to find someone else to please, while you two would be considered tainted by any Kelon female.” “We did not abuse her. I care for her and will do anything to secure her as my mate,” Lurr said. Anger boiled deep inside his gut, thinking of anyone touching his Claire. At the same time, he worried she no longer wanted him. The added guilt made his stomach drop—he felt ill and didn’t like it. Lurr glanced at Addassar. “I support Lurr in saying we didn’t abuse her. She enjoys our touch and I will also do anything to keep her as my mate.” Addassar met Lurr’s gaze.

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“I understand you two were friends before Claire. You’ve worked together on missions. I ask you this now, as a team. What are you willing to do to keep Claire?” Lurr met Addassar’s gaze and knew Addassar’s thoughts. Lurr had to swallow his pride. “If I have to share her with anyone, I would do so with Addassar.” He saw Addassar still battled his possessive instincts. “For Claire’s sake,” Addassar said slowly, “I will work with you to keep her. I have learned through much contact with human females, the need to be reassured and have much comfort.” Ularr nodded approvingly. “While this may be unusual to share a female, I have learned some changes should be embraced. Take the lessons from our great ancestor Elron. If not for his great changes to our society, we would not be where we stand today.” Lurr puffed out his chest with pride. “I am grateful for the wisdom of your age, Ularr.” Addassar saluted the older Kelon commander. “You are welcome. May I suggest, while your little mate cleans herself up, you do the same, and have a good talk with each other about how you are going to work things out with her. We will land soon and she will be taken to TeCommander Syl’s home, under his guardianship, until this is sorted. The sooner you can agree to give Claire a safe secure home, the sooner she will be back in your arms.” Ularr chuckled. “Even at my age, had I not been long and happily mated with my corami, Claire is someone I would not have hesitated to claim either. I wish you both the blessings and luck of Elron.” Ularr turned, leaving them alone and the door open. Lurr was tempted to head out after him and find Claire. 95

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“We need to have a serious talk,” Addassar said. Lurr sat back down on the passenger seats. “Agreed.” Lurr met Addassar’s gaze. “I am willing to relent and accept she has affection for you as well as me. All I want is her close by. We need a strategy to claim our Claire and keep her with us.”

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Chapter 14 Claire stared at the round, redheaded woman, who greeted her with a warm smile. “Oh, you poor thing. My Syl said there was a distressed, human woman we needed to take care of. I’m Rachel and you’re most welcome here.” Rachel’s pregnant belly stood out. Her pale skin held a lovely natural glow, which pregnant women usually got. “Which part of Earth are you from? I’m from Australia.” Claire mentally kicked herself for her lack of response. “Um, sorry, I’m a bit tired. I’m from North Queensland. Thanks for putting me up.” Rachel smiled. “Another Aussie woman. Tara and Alice are going to be thrilled.” Claire realized she had not had any sleep since, well since Lurr and Addassar had taken her from Earth. She had lost count of how long she’d been in space, on space stations or spaceships, and now on a large, sandy-colored orb, twice the size of the Earth. Ularr informed her he was placing her under some high official’s guardianship, until Addassar and Lurr could sort themselves out. Claire told herself she didn’t care. At the first opportunity, she would demand, of whomever was in charge, to be taken back to Earth. 97

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A few days away wouldn’t do much damage to her juju berry crop, but she worried about Patrick and Missy, her cow. She didn’t give a damn about the army. Captain Deer could go stick his head up his ass, for all she cared. Claire nibbled on her lower lip, feeling conflicted, not knowing which way was up anymore. Pile on the stress of having two, big, sexy hunks of alien men fighting over her, and she felt physically and emotionally drained. “You don’t look too good. C’mon, I’ll show you to your room, where you can rest, unless you’re hungry.” Claire shook her head, appreciating the woman’s hospitality. “A bed sounds heavenly right now.” Rachel gripped Claire’s arm and walked her through the big Kelon house, up a flight of stairs, down a long corridor, and into a huge opulent bedroom. “The bathroom is through that door.” Rachel pointed to a secondary door. “I’ll leave you to rest.” Rachel gave her arm a pat and left her alone, softly closing the door behind her. Claire, beyond thought now, stripped off her baggy clothes, pulled back the sheets and climbed in. Unable to stop the tears flowing and wetting the soft pillow, she cried herself into an exhausted sleep. **** Te-Commander Syl sat back, studying the two Kelon men standing in front of his desk. Addassar, a long-time friend, and Lurr, with whom he had served many times. “What were you both thinking, claiming the same human woman?” Syl watched Lurr glance at Addassar, and got the distinct feeling they had rehearsed this. 98

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“It was an error. Neither of us knew what the other was doing, but we wish to correct the oversight,” Addassar said. Syl could only think of one way to decide who would get the human woman, and it was not favorable for either Lurr or Addassar—a challenge on the surface of their planet. Only one of them would survive. “We both have mutually decided Claire means too much to us to challenge each other, and also we decided we will work together to share her. We will both be her mates.” Syl’s eyes widened in shock—two Kelon males sharing a mate? Never had he heard of such a thing; usually the Kelon pride and possessive instinct was too strong. Kelons were not known for sharing, especially when it came to their mates. He knew by the Fires of Elron, he would never allow any other male near his Rachel. “We have done our research. There is no law against sharing a mate,” Lurr continued, then faltered, again glancing at Addassar. “As long as Claire is still willing to have us.” Syl shook off his surprise long enough to think through all of his Kelon legal training. He would have to double-check the Kelon law books, but he didn’t know of any law which would prevent the human woman from sharing two Kelon mates. “Have you thought about future younglings?” “A pair of each.” Addassar grinned. Syl pushed to his feet, curious at how they worked this out. “Have you thought about the living arrangements?” “Claire comes from farming land on her planet. As you know, so do I. My parents will welcome her into our large dwelling. Addassar lives in the single towers, and will contribute to the farm, as well. We understand this is an unusual circumstance, but we are willing to go to any lengths 99

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to secure our mate and make her happy. We decided to take turns having her, which we believe is the wisest way to work it out, and it is safer. If I am not around to guard her, then Addassar will be there to protect her. You see, Commander, there will be no trouble.” Syl wasn’t so sure about that. Even if Addassar and Lurr did manage to make things work sharing their human mate, it would send shock waves through Kelon society. Already there were increasing demands for human females, despite the ones who already dwelling on Kelon. “It is not trouble from your dwelling I worry about, but the repercussions to the rest of the male population,” Syl said. “I am aware humans are an openly sexual race. We will allow this as a trial. I have no desire to separate mates, but I may have to ask you and your mate to leave Kelon.” There were many Kelon outposts and a few Kelon colonies where they could live. Both Addassar and Lurr frowned; Syl was certain the two men had not thought of this. “I want your agreement, yet I pray by the Fires of Elron it does not come to that,” Syl stated, offering reassurance and at the same time reinforcing his firmness. “We agree,” Lurr and Addassar said together. “Claire is currently staying with Rachel and I. Go make your preparations to receive your mate, but you will have to be quick. There is a battle coming and every last warrior will be called upon to fight. By Elron’s will, this may be the last battle of this war.” “What’s happened?” Addassar asked. “The Federation is amassing on the border of human space. Our final battle may take place over Earth.” 100

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Chapter 15 Women’s laughter woke Claire. Her eyes snapped open and she stared at the strange speckled, sandy ceiling for a moment, until her brain caught up with the rest of her. Alien…she was on the alien planet, Kelon, in a stranger’s home. More laughter drifted up, the women’s voices grew louder, before slightly fading away. Claire stretched, then sneezed, before rubbing her itchy nose. Rolling from the bed, she stood groggily on her feet. With a yawn, she stumbled forward, bleary-eyed, into the bathroom. Glancing around the Kelon version of a bathroom when she arrived, she noticed it wasn’t dissimilar to luxury bathrooms on Earth. After using the toilet, she showered, allowing the hot flowing waterfall to help ease some of the aches in her body and saw little lotions in odd-shaped glass bottles. Hoping one of the flasks held shampoo, she picked it up, sniffing it, surprised by the pleasant, musky, floral scent. It reminded her of both Addassar and Lurr—they had amazing scents. Annoyed at how her body reacted to the smell, even though the guys weren’t anywhere around, she sighed, wondering where they were or what they were up to. 101

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“Not my business,” she muttered. As much as she tried, she couldn’t keep the men out of her mind. While drying off with some overly large, fluffy, red towels, she wandered back into the bedroom. Glancing around, she saw someone left her a pile of clothes, sandals, and a hairbrush on the end of the bed. Everything around her had similar colors—earthy reds, tanned yellows, and darker browns—everything had a natural feel. Claire pulled on a red top with a sandy skirt, which snugly fit her. The sandals had wraparound laces she strapped to her ankles and tied them off in a bow. She pulled the brush through her dark hair, working the tangles out, and left it hanging around her shoulders. She had nothing to tie it back, as she usually did. Claire walked to the other side of the bedroom and opened the door, following the sound of women’s voices. Down a set of stairs, she came into a large open living area; three women sat on a tall back sofa, all talking animatedly. One woman Claire recognized from before, Rachel, if she remembered correctly. A pretty blond woman noticed her first and gave Rachel a nudge, who turned to glance at her, followed by a curly brunette. “Claire, you’re awake.” Rachel got to her feet, walked over, taking Claire’s hand and tugging her over to the other women. “Claire this is Alice, she’s married to Kerr, and about to pop at any time.” “Ain’t that the truth.” The woman smiled, rubbing her very large, protruding stomach. “Welcome to Kelon.” 102

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“And this is Alice’s sister, Tara. She has Melron, the youngest brother, and I, of course, have Syl, the middle boy.” She grinned. “Welcome, Claire.” Tara got up and pulled her into a tight hug. Rachel ushered Claire to sit down between Tara and Alice. “Sorry, I’m a bit confused. You two are sisters?” Claire nodded towards Alice then Tara. “That’s right.” “And all three of you are married to brothers.” “Bingo!” The women all giggled. “So who has or hasn’t got you at the moment?” Rachel asked. Claire glanced at the expectant faces of the women and swallowed. “Um, well it’s kind of complicated. Addassar—” “Addassar!” Rachel squealed suddenly, making Claire jump. “Oh, I knew that guy would get himself a girl. He is so determined. Why aren’t you with him now?” Claire blushed. “It’s not only Addassar, there is Lurr, as well.” The three women stared at her blankly. Claire sucked in a breath to explain. “Both Addassar and Lurr claimed me while I was on Earth. I had no idea what was going on. Now, all they can do is fight.” “Oh dear,” Tara said. “Usually a challenge is issued to sort out who gets the girl, and it’s not a nice thing. Trust me, I know this firsthand. My Melron had to fight for me and he almost died because of it.” 103

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“I don’t think you understand, but you can call me greedy if you wish. I wanted both of them, not one or the other. I told them if they fought, I’d didn’t want to know either of them.” An uncomfortable silence followed, while the three women stared at her. “No wonder you’re under Syl’s protection.” Rachel broke the hush. “I must say it’s unusual for Kelons to share. They are fiercely possessive.” The three women sighed at Rachel’s words. “Then again, they will do just about anything to get a human woman,” Tara said, looking thoughtful. “You don’t think I’ve done anything wrong?” Claire asked. The women smiled. “We understand how determined Kelon men can be when it comes to claiming what they want. I don’t doubt, in the slightest, they went after you with the force of a speeding semitruck.” Alice grinned. Claire relaxed. “So how did you all come to be living on Kelon and with Kelon men?” “It all began with me, I suppose,” Alice started. **** Alice had been trying to hold back the swelling and itch in her nose, while telling her story to the new girl. No longer able to hold back, she covered her nose and let out a screeching sneeze. Her eyes grew wide as her body reacted in a shocking way. “Bless you,” Rachel and Claire said. Tara picked up on her suddenly straight back and wideeyed panic. 104

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Then the first cramp hit. Kerr had taken Solron’s word to heart of late, making her stay in bed more. Even though the twins made her tired, she was going stir-crazy, cooped up in bed. When he left for the war council, Alice had begged and pleaded with her mother-in-law, Ajaz, to let her out. Alice wanted to go with Tara to Rachel’s place, insisting to her Kelon mother-in-law she needed fresh air, and getting out and about was good for her and the babies. “Alice, are you alright?” Tara studied her with concern. Alice shook her head feeling mortified at the gushing between her legs. “Rachel, I’m so sorry.” Alice blushed. “What for?” Alice saw Rachel’s worried expression. All the women turned to look at her. “I’ve either wet myself or my water has broken.” Another contraction hit, more painful than the first, causing Alice to pant. “Well, sis, congrats. It looks like you’re in labor.” Tara had the gall to grin at her. Alice glowered at her sister and Claire got to her feet. “Stay calm, take slow deep breaths when each contraction hits.” “You’re a midwife?” Rachel asked. “My grandmother was one for the district while my grandpa ran the farm. I’ve been to a few home births of babies and many animals. Do you have a doc here on Kelon?” “Um, yes.” Rachel shook herself out of her reverie. “I’ll go call Solron.” 105

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“And Kerr!” snapped Alice, through another contraction, watching Rachel hurry away. Tara hovered by Alice’s side. “Breathe. Remember, now is the time to focus on breathing; slow in through the nose and out through the mouth.” Claire took her hand, letting Alice squeeze it. Alice met Claire’s calm gaze and knew Claire would be a good person to have around, helping with her twins’ delivery. “Stay with me, please, Claire. As much as I love Kerr, and trust the healer, they’ve never done a human delivery before.” Claire smiled reassuringly. “Sure I will. Your contractions appear to be getting closer together. I think we best hurry to get you upstairs.” Alice focused on her breathing, as Claire had shown her, and it did help when the next contraction hit. “Tara, help me get your sister upstairs and into bed.” Claire’s calm tone helped Alice’s sister, who stared at her wide-eyed like a stunned deer. Tara rubbed her own pronounced, pregnant belly. “Oh, okay, yes.” She took a firm hold of Alice’s arm and with Claire gripped the other. They escorted her through Rachel and Syl’s home. Before they got a few steps, they had to wait until another contraction faded. Then they quickly got her up the stairs. Rachel came running, looking panicked. She opened a door, ushering them into a room. “Solron is on his way and so is Kerr and Ajaz,” Rachel said, breathlessly. “What can I do to help?”

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“Remember the old movies where they asked for towels and hot water? Well, we’ll need both, plus something to wrap the infants in.” Rachel nodded and backed out of the room. Claire helped strip Alice out of her skirt and arranged her on the bed. Alice panted. Her body felt as if it were on fire, with her muscles cramping, as the pain became almost unbearable. She clung to Claire’s hand, while Claire spoke reassuringly. “Tara, get a cool cloth for your sister’s forehead and try to keep her head and neck cool. Breathe, Alice, in out, easy, steady, then when a contraction hits, pant through the pain. I’ve got to check to see how far along you are.” Alice heard her and nodded, but a sudden strong contraction hit and she screamed. **** Claire jumped when door burst open and an overly large Kelon man came thundering through it. “Kerr!” Alice held out her hand to him and he went straight to her side. “Our younglings, they are coming?” Worry shadowed his features, as his wife panted in pain. Alice nodded to the big Kelon, gripping his hand. He lifted his gaze to stare at Claire. He looked puzzled for a moment, before his confused expression cleared. “You are Claire.” Claire gave him a wiry smile. “Yup, and you must be Alice’s guy.” Rachel came in carrying towels, dumping them on the bed. “Ajaz is here; she’s getting the water now.” Alice’s face twisted in pain. “Huff, short breaths, Alice,” Claire said firmly, but with gentleness. 107

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Alice followed her instructions, instead of screaming this time, but unable to stop moaning. “Where is Solron!” Kerr yelled. “Calm down, Kerr. Yelling or panicking will not help Alice,” Claire said. “Hold her hand and keep her forehead cool. Do your bit to help her through this.” Kerr stared at her as if stunned. He took the damp cloth from Tara who turned and quickly exited the bedroom. Kerr started bathing Alice’s forehead. “Here is the water. Solron is hurrying to be here. He is on the other side of the city.” A tall Kelon woman strode into the room, carrying a bucket of steaming, hot water. “Put it on the table, thanks. I need to check Alice.” “Oh, god. I think I need to push,” Alice cried. Claire sucked in a breath—good thing she didn’t have sleeves to roll up—got between Alice’s legs, while Ajaz helped by gripping her ankles. “Okay, Alice, you’re about to become a mother. When you feel the urge, I want you to push.”

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Chapter 16 Claire felt proud and smiled down at the wiggling infant in her arms; he had a hell of a set of lungs on him. His twin nestled in the arms of his still stunned father. Alice, although utterly exhausted, smiled up at her husband and son, with an expression of pure love, which Claire envied. Claire handed the other infant to his proud grandmother and made a discreet exit. She knew this to be an intimate family moment and they needed this time to bond with their new babies. Claire passed a youthful, flustered Kelon man carrying a bag in the hall. He glanced at her briefly, before heading into the bedroom. Claire laughed softly, when she heard Kerr cuss out the healer for not being there on time. With a soft sigh, she headed down the hall to her own bedroom. She showered and found a fresh set of clothes, before wandering downstairs to find something to eat. Slowly, she walked into the main area of the house, stopping dead in her tracks, where she saw Lurr and Addassar in conversation with a third Kelon man, near the door. Addassar spotted her first. “Claire!” He broke away from the other two, marching over to her.

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She gasped at the heat from his touch, when he took her upper arm and pulled her towards Lurr and the other Kelon man. “Claire, I am Syl.” Addassar dropped his hand, but she stood between him and Lurr, with no escape. “Rachel told me what an invaluable help you have been with the birth of Alice’s younglings. On behalf of our family, you have our deepest gratitude.” “You’re welcome,” she squeaked, acutely aware of the two Kelon men, making her heart pound in her chest and her body heat to an almost unbearable degree. “You see, did I not tell you what a fine mate she is?” Lurr said. Claire stared at him. “Talented and skilled,” Addassar continued. Syl smiled at the three of them. “Claire.” Syl’s smile fell becoming rather formal. “By Earth standards, I am a judge here on Kelon. Lurr and Addassar have requested a joint sharing of you, as their mate, if you are willing to agree to this arrangement.” It took a moment for Syl’s words to sink into her bewildered brain. “You’re not going to fight each other?” Addassar shook his head. “A challenge is not what we want. We both want you and we have agreed to do whatever it takes to keep you with us. And that I am a far better fighter than Lurr, so he does not stand a chance.” Addassar grinned. Lurr glared at Addassar, before his expression softened into one of humor. “We’ll put that to the test one day.” Claire’s head moved back and forth, like a spectator at a tennis match, making her dizzy. 110

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“What do you say? Will you accept the both of us as your mates?” She saw the eager expression on Addassar’s face, as he waited for her answer. She wanted this, didn’t she? It was her suggestion to have both Addassar and Lurr, rather than have them fight each other. She couldn’t divide her heart in two, as she loved them both with equal ferocity. Yet, the entire situation was surreal, like a dream, and she needed to wake up. Claire swallowed and nodded approvingly, not trusting her voice. “Good enough for me. Take your mate, my friends, and may the great ancestor, Elron, smile down on your union,” Syl said. Claire squealed when Addassar scooped her up and slung her over his shoulder. Syl chuckled. “Thank you, Commander,” Lurr said, as he followed Addassar to the door. “Remember, we have not much time,” Syl said. Claire briefly thought about Syl’s last comment, before her men carried her off to god knows where. **** “Put me down, you overgrown barbarian!” Addassar had carried her for the past few minutes. “Yes, you should,” Lurr said. “It is my turn to carry her.” Claire growled in frustration. “No, all the blood is rushing to my head, and it’s making me feel ill.” Addassar promptly stopped and lifted her from his shoulder, putting her down so quickly, all the blood drained from her head. It made her so dizzy, she almost fell over. Lurr shoved Addassar aside, reaching for her before she toppled over. 111

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She righted herself, shrugged his arms off and took three steps back. Claire glanced around and realized they stood on a long sandstone street. A few Kelons passed them, eyeing the three of them with open curiosity. Claire sucked in a breath and steeled herself against the effects Addassar and Lurr had on her. “I’m not going any further, until you two explain a few things,” Claire said. “I do not think the open street is the best place for this conversation,” Addassar said, looking around. “Let us take you home first.” “Home? Who’s home?” “Our home now; the three of us together,” Lurr said. “We are going to my family’s land, immediately outside of Kelon city. Remember, I told you about them.” “I remember.” Worry caused her stomach to churn again. “And your family is going to accept the three of us living together?” “Yes, once I explained the situation to them. Although, at first, they were shocked, they are willing to accommodate us.” “I lived in single quarters, unsuitable for mated couples. Lurr’s family farm is the wisest choice. I assumed you would be pleased to be living on a farm, as it is from where you come.” A wave of homesickness swept through Claire, and her face fell, and her chin wobbled. She fought back the tears. “You ripped me from my home! I don’t know what’s going to become of Patrick or my cow. Do you expect me to be happy living on some alien planet, far away from everything I’ve ever known?” 112

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Addassar and Lurr exchanged glances. “We have both agreed to do whatever it takes to make you happy with us. You told us you love us. I do not know about Addassar, but only you fill the empty space within my heart. You are my corami, my one love,” Lurr reminded her. He had once confessed the same thing to her in her kitchen. Claire’s expression and heart melted. She threw her arms around him and kissed his face. “I love you, too,” she whispered, as he held her close to him. Addassar cleared his throat and gently peeled Claire away from Lurr. “I saw you sitting high on your beast, proud tall, and so beautiful. There is not an atom of you I do not love. You, too, are my corami. I need you in my life anyway I can have you, even if I have to share you with Lurr.” Claire, completely overcome and at a loss for words, spoke with her body, pulling Addassar’s head down and kissing him with all the adoration and love she felt. Addassar, never one to miss an opportunity, gripped the back of her head, angling it for deeper penetration with his tongue. “Can we get Claire out of here now?” growled Lurr. “We are attracting too much attention.” Addassar pulled back and Claire smiled seductively, before directing it at Lurr. “Okay, boys, take me home.” **** Claire never got to see the actual house, her mates were too eager to get her into the bedroom. They tossed her onto a 113

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large, round bed. Addassar pounced on her first, but Lurr hung back and vanished from sight. Claire planted her hands on his chest, trying to stop his descent. Once he got closer, she knew she would be helpless in his arms, and against his kisses. “Wait,” she gasped. Addassar glanced down at her, his face worried. “What is it, my corami?” “Where’s Lurr?” “He is allowing me my time with you, before he has his.” Claire patted his cheek. “You Kelons don’t know much about sex, do you?” “I know where I want my cock, deep inside you.” His words sent delightful shivers down her spine. “There is a saying on Earth. ‘The more the merrier.’ I have more than one hole, you know. I think, if you want to share me, you have to learn to work together.” She loved Addassar’s puzzled expression. He pulled back, then gave her a saucy, sexy grin, sending her pulse rocketing. “I have heard of the delights of human sexual ways, and I am open to learn anything you wish to teach, my lovely.” Claire grinned wickedly. Oh, this is going to be fun. “Right, my sexy, lickable mate, up and off me.” Addassar’s lips twitched in amusement and he hesitantly pushed himself away from her. Claire twisted on the rounded bed, getting to her knees. “Go get Lurr.” “Lurr!” Addassar barked. The door crashed open. “What be it?” Lurr glanced wildly around, as if searching for an intruder. 114

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Claire grabbed her shirt, stripping off. “I want you both naked. It’s my turn to be in charge and you two are going to obey my orders.” Lurr looked at Addassar. Addassar grinned. “Best listen to our little mate, Lurr.” Addassar quickly yanked off his boots. Lurr didn’t need a second invitation. He too started stripping. “I thought it was your turn,” Lurr said. Claire smiled saucily when Lurr’s gaze dropped to her breasts. “You have obviously never heard of a ménage a trios. I’m not a sex expert, but I do read a lot, living alone on a farm. But now I have my two, big, strong, sexy playmates and we can have sooo much fun.” She had their rapt attention and slid her hands down her body, then up again to cup her breasts. Their eyes narrowed and their breathing increased. “You tempt us, fire demon,” Addassar growled. They finished stripping. Claire rejoiced with all the fine, muscled, male chests, legs, bulging arms, and the best sets of abs she’d ever seen. There was not an inch of hair on their bodies, apart from their ink-black warrior locks, hanging over their shoulders, contrasting against the suntanned glow of their darker skin tone. Their long, hard cocks stood erect and proud, almost angry and eager to be appeased. Standing sideby-side, Addassar was slightly taller and his eyes a little wider than Lurr’s, and yet both had strong, square, jaw lines, angular cheekbones, and those lips. She loved, loved, loved to kiss those full beautiful lips. These men belonged to her. She hooked her finger at them. “Come here, my big boys.” 115

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Lurr and Addassar advanced on her, towering over her. She ran her hands up over Addassar’s and Lurr’s chest. “As I said, there is much pleasure in learning to work together.” She slipped her hands down, gripping their cocks, loving the feel of their smooth, hot, flesh in her palms. They both hissed and trembled at her touch. “So beautiful.” She glanced up. The dark, intense passion in their eyes. Their muscles quivered, as if they struggled to contain themselves. “Sweetness, you tease beyond endurance. I need you now,” Addassar growled low in his throat. She pulled her hand away from them both and received another growl. Lurr reached out to grab her, but she darted away from him. Her body ached; she felt her juices making her slick and ready. She wanted them as badly as they wanted her. Claire set her mind to show them how good it could be between all three of them. “Addassar, get on the bed on your back,” she ordered. Again he hesitated, but then complied. Claire climbed between his legs and took his cock into both her hands. Before bending down, she ran her tongue over the tip of his two slits. Addassar’s hips jerked. “Mummm, tasty.” She glanced up at him and smiled. “Fire demon!” Claire glanced over her shoulder at Lurr, wiggling her ass at him. “Lurr mount me, hard and deep.” Lurr didn’t need a second invitation. He moved onto the bed, gripped her hips, positioned his cock at her dripping pussy and thrust in. 116

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Claire gasped at the sudden penetration, feeling her walls stretching to accommodate his length and glorious width. She moaned with the pleasure of being filled. She forced herself to focus. Still gripping Addassar’s cock in her hands, she began a slow licking feast, up and down, toying with his large, tight balls, at the root. Taking as much as Addassar as she could into her mouth, she sucked fiercely, in time with Lurr’s thrusts. Claire barely registered Addassar’s fingers, threading through her hair, cradling her head. Lurr and Addassar called her name over and over again. She moaned around Addassar’s cock and her body climbed towards the peak. Lurr reached around her body and fingered her clit, sending Claire over the edge. Every nerve ending tingled and zinged with delight, and her channel throbbed around Lurr’s rapid, jerky, thrusting dick. Lurr cried out a moment before Addassar spilled into her mouth. She drank the surprisingly mixed flavor of sour and sweet, while Lurr’s cum jettisoned deep inside of her. Claire pulled her head back from Addassar’s cock, gulping down air, collapsing forward onto Addassar’s lower half. Lurr pulled away from her body, falling to Addassar’s left. It took a long moment before any of them regained some semblance of control over their breathing. “You are the most amazing woman.” Lurr’s warm hand gripped her arm, pulling her off Addassar and into his arms. He tilted her head up, meeting her look with his dark gaze filled with adoration and love. Claire’s heart skipped a beat. She smiled at him. “I have amazing men.” She met Lurr’s languid, yet reverent kiss. 117

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“Am I to guess this is only a part of what you have to teach us?” Addassar rumbled from behind her. He tugged her away from Lurr, captured her mouth, and kissed her with a harder passion. “Yes,” she gasped when he let her up for air. “There is so much more to teach. If I had known I’d end up with two of the sexiest men in the entire galaxy, I would have brought a copy of the Kama Sutra with me.” Claire grinned as the men looked puzzled at each other over her head. “You two have to stop doing that.” “I know what I enjoy, and I plan to do much exploring with you, before it is time to go.” “Time to go? Go where?” she asked. “No time to talk now, my love.” Lurr pulled her over. “Time for this right now.” He captured her mouth. Addassar moved in to take her breast into his mouth. Having both of her men’s mouths on her sent a spike of renewed arousal through her body. Claire surrendered herself to the pleasure of her men.

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Chapter 17 Damn flies, they had gotten in again. Claire slapped at the tickle on her nose, but only managed to slap herself in the face, bringing her awake with a jolt. A soft giggle penetrated her senses. Claire’s eyes popped open and she blinked several times to bring them into focus. A young girl, no more than six or seven, sat on the bed, peering down at her. She had shoulder-length, black, cropped hair, and the wide, dark, starlight eyes, which every Kelon had. The girl turned and hollered at the top of her voice. “Mamma! She’s awake! Are you really my sister?” Claire blinked at the girl, before clearing her throat and sitting up. She glanced down at her naked state, quickly gripping the sheet, before it slid down her body. “Um, I don’t know. Who are you, my little friend?” Claire smiled, tilting her head. “I am Alip. Lurr is my brother. He told us you are his mate now, and I am your sister,” she said with a proud puffing out of her small chest. Claire’s smile widened. Lurr told her he had a baby sister. “Then I’m sure Lurr is correct.” “Alip, do not bother your new sister.” A tall, slender Kelon woman bustled into the room, her long black hair hanging to her waist. “Forgive her curiosity. Lurr was in a 119

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hurry this morning. He and Addassar did not wish to wake you. I am Lizza. Welcome to your new home, daughter.” Claire blushed. Lizza’s eyes widened in sudden worry. “Your skinit does turn a different shade.” “Only when I’m embarrassed,” Claire explained. “Lurr and Addassar did try to tell us of human women, but I had no idea. It is no wonder Kelon men find Earth women so attractive.” Claire didn’t quite know how to react to Lizza’s comments. Was it good? Bad? She had no one to look at for guidance. Lizza smiled. “Do not fret yourself with worry, my daughter. I mean it as a compliment.” “Um, where are the b—um, I mean where are Lurr and Addassar?” Lizza’s expression turned worried. “My dear daughter, did they not inform you last eve?” Claire shook her head. Her stomach pitched with fear, making her feel ill, watching her mother-in-law’s eyes darken with sadness. “They have been called back into battle. From what I hear, this battle will be the biggest one since the war began. They are fighting to protect your planet and people from falling into Federation hands.” Claire gasped. “But I just married them! They leave me without telling me anything, in a place I have no knowledge of, and they could both be killed!” Claire blurted out. From the corner of her eye, she saw Alip’s chin wobble in distress. Claire quickly composed herself. 120

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“I’m sorry. I’m a little overwhelmed.” “I feel for you. It tears a mother’s heart each time I watch him head off into the stars to fight, and your frustration and worry is doubled. You must have a big heart to accept two cormais into yours.” The woman pulled her into a tight embrace, and Alip tried to cuddle her from the side. “Father said Lurr is too stubborn to be killed in war,” Alip commented in a small soft voice. Claire pulled back and smiled down at her new little sister. “That sounds like Lurr. You will have to tell me more stories about him.” The girl’s features brightened again. “Yes, but not now. Addassar and Lurr arranged to have many clothes brought for you. You will find them over there.” She pointed to a mirrored closet. “The bathing chamber is to your right. Come downstairs when you are ready. Nulurr will be back from morning work soon to eat.” “Thank you, Lizza.” Claire met the Kelon woman’s dark gaze. Lizza smiled warmly, grabbed Alip’s hand, and tugged the protesting girl along after her and closed the door. Claire sighed and then sneezed. She had been sneezing much of late; perhaps there was something on Kelon which gave her hay fever. Rolling out of bed, she padded naked to the bathroom. Staying in bed naked was not the best first impression to leave with one’s new mother-in-law. Lizza seemed nice and Claire had many, many questions to ask her new family. **** 121

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Claire saw the resemblance of Lurr in Nulurr, who had the same handsome, if not older features. He greeted her with a polite nod. Alip tugged her onto a tall stool next to hers, around a long breakfast bar. The kitchen filled with delicious smells similar to frying corn and onion fritters. It made her stomach rumble with hunger. Lizza smiled setting a steaming plate of what looked like vegetable pancakes, in front of her. A little uneasy of the customs or etiquette, Claire followed Lizza’s lead, taking the foods she wanted and placed them on her plate. “Lurr found you on your own planet?” Nulurr asked. “Um, yes. He and Addassar crashed into the lake on my property. Lurr hit his head and broke a rib.” “You healed him?” The older man studied her intently. “Nulurr, do not frighten the poor girl. Can you not see everything is new and strange to her?” Lizza interjected. “I am curious. I wish to know things,” Nulurr said. “I don’t mind answering your questions, if you answer mine.” Claire raised her chin, in challenge to the older Kelon. He nodded, with a small smile playing on his lips. “I did what I could for Lurr, until we could retrieve the ship from the water. Then he showed me how to use the healing device on him, so I really didn’t do much.” “Addassar told us you saved them from your Earth military?” Lizza asked. “Yes, I am afraid my government is still upset about the attacks on Earth. Space wise, we are not very advanced, and until the attack started, we thought ourselves to be alone in the universe.” Nulurr nodded thoughtfully. 122

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“Why take two mates? Why not choose only Addassar or only Lurr?” Claire folded her arms across her chest, meeting Nulurr’s gaze head on. “I did not choose them, son or not. Neither one of them explained what was happening, or what they were doing, when they did it. Perhaps, I could have been more reserved and told them no, but sometimes the heart chooses over the head. I love your son and Addassar, and I am not afraid to declare that fact to anyone,” Claire said in heated defense of her actions and her men. Nulurr’s smile made him even more handsome. “We are not as conservative as you may think. While having two mates is unusual, we also take into account you are human and different. A difference we embrace, not reject. If you love my son as you say, and treat him well, then I have no quarrels with you, my new daughter. Addassar has been without family for many Kelon years. I welcome him, too, as a part of my family. It makes me proud to see it grow.” Claire smiled at her father-in-law with gratitude. She was thankful and amazed at the accepting attitudes of the Kelons. Back on Earth, she would have faced reproachful and judgmental people, harping about her being a slut and other such negative comments. Her grandparents raised her with the belief to live and let live. Give in to your heart, balance with sensibility, and you would live a happy life. Kelons seemed to share this attitude. “All we need is for our sons to come back safely. Do not fret, we have promised Lurr and Addassar we will protect you and keep you busy.” “Thank you. I had a farm of my own back on Earth and I would love to see yours.” 123

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Nulurr puffed out his chest. “It is an honor.” “Yes, well not until you all eat, “ Lizza said firmly. An ease settled over Claire as she relaxed with her new family. Worry over Lurr and Addassar still hung heavy on her heart, but she needed to focus on placing one foot in front of the other to get through everything. **** When Lurr said small farm, Claire envisioned a small, hobby farm, not the hundreds of acres stretching before her eyes. From what Nulurr explained, their family farm provided food to City Prime for generations. It split into several sections of fruits, seeds, spices and herbs, grains and root vegetables. Strong light shone down from the massive dome above the city, reaching far into the cavernous holes sunk into the ground. There were huge, long mirror structures, which caught the light and reflected it over the crops, which needed more light to grow. Water piped through long irrigation tubes, releasing through a slow drip method, until the crops reached maturity. Nulurr employed many young Kelon teenagers to tend the crops and trim the vines which bore fruit, plough plants, and harvest. Others worked in the large open sheds, making sure the food went out to wherever it was needed. Claire’s presence turned many heads, as she followed along. A proud Nulurr explained the workings of his land and business. Alip held her father’s hand and gripped hers also. The fruit orchards consisted of tall, narrow trees, with spindly vines hanging down, instead of leaves. Each of them held a red fruit, with soft yellow spikes. Nulurr took one 124

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down, broke it open, showing her how to peel the flesh away from the skin, with his teeth. To Claire, it tasted like a juicy orange mixed with a banana. She explained about her juju berries, then made Lurr’s father laugh, retelling the story of Addassar becoming intoxicated on them. “I am sure they would make a fine merriment drink.” Nulurr tilted his head looking rather thoughtful. She could almost see his mind at work. As promised, Lurr’s family kept her busy, especially little Alip, but nothing hid the deep distress in her heart, caused by the possibility she might never see Lurr or Addassar ever again.

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Chapter 18 “I am in two minds,” said Lurr thoughtfully, watching the blips on his screen grow closer. Addassar didn’t bother glancing at Lurr. He checked the weapons’ status, his muscles tense, knowing within half an Earth hour, they would engage in full battle. He did not want to ask, but he also knew Lurr would persist. “About what?” “Leaving Claire the way we did. She will be told of this battle by my mother. We should have told her ourselves; she will not be pleased with us when we return.” “If we return at all,” Addassar reminded him, finally turning his head away from the controls, to glare at his friend. “You may not, yet I fully intend to. I am thinking of bringing her a gift, something from her home. After the battle, I will find something she treasures.” Addassar thought it a very solid idea. “Patrick.” “Patrick?” “She is very fond of her beast of burden. It carried you down the hillside, when you were injured. She called it a horse she named Patrick.” “A live beast? Could we transport it back with us? It will mean going back down to the human planet once again to find 126

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it. I would like to find this human text, called the Kama Sutra, the one Claire mentioned.” “Is your cock all you can think of?” “Not all,” Lurr said with a side grin. “I think of Claire’s beautiful, soft body and my cock has its own train of thoughts.” At the mention of Claire’s soft skin, Addassar understood exactly what Lurr meant by his cock having its own mind. Now was not the time to be aroused. Anger surged through him. He prayed Kerr, Syl and the war council were right and this would be the final battle they waged. He wanted peace and security for his mate, and his future younglings. “We will win this war, even if I have to go out and personally kill every last damn race of the Alliance!” Addassar said. He wanted this war over; he wanted his mate safe in his arms, and not even the universe would keep him from her. “Keep your thoughts on the battle, warriors,” Kerr barked. Addassar and Lurr returned their focus to the instruments. Addassar drew in a deep breath. “Weapons at the ready, Commander,” he reported. “Incoming comm from the fleet,” Lurr added. “This is what we have been waiting for. You know your orders.” They did. It was a classic military move. They leaked just enough information to let the Alliance believe they sent every last ship in their armada into Earth space. The Kelons then sent a message to the Earth government, explaining and warning about a huge battle soon to take place. 127

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They made it as clear as possible that the Federation would defend them at all costs. The Alliance had no knowledge of their new stealth dagger ships, which were hidden out of range, on the other side of the Earth’s solar system, just lying in wait. Once all ships were fully engaged in battle, they would swoop in, using their newly developed hyperjump system and surround the attacking Alliance fleet, boxing them in and outnumbering the enemy. Everyone prayed to their gods, hoping this plan would work. Right now, everything they held dear, their home, mates and freedom, hung in the balance. **** Eight hours later... “Keep on their tail, Melron!” Kerr yelled above the sparking instruments. Addassar gripped the console to keep being thrown from his seat. The battle turned vicious and it would take a long time to clean up all the wreckage of both enemy and Kelon ships littering Earth space. Their plan worked. Now, they chased the last enemy ship back through space, determined not to let any escape. Once they saw the new Kelon secret ships, boxing them in and outnumbering them, the Methrill offered a quick surrender and withdrew from the battle. Addassar scanned his available weapons. The Zallax Fire Storm lost speed, their engines damaged. He had them in his sights and waited for Kerr’s command. “Open com to the Zallaxs.” 128

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Lurr grunted, jabbing his finger over the button. “Surrender, Zallax, there is no escape. We will have mercy, if you lay down your arms.” The Zallaxs responded by firing a blast, rocking their ship. “As you wish,” Kerr said, his voice mixed with anger and frustration. “Addassar, fire at will.” Without hesitating, Addassar manipulated the controls and knew exactly where to hit the damaged ship. The light beam shot out, hitting the Zallax Fire Storm dead-on, and the enemy ship exploded into a billion atoms. Kerr let out a long breath. “It is over.” The weight of his words reverberated around the bridge. Every Kelon knew exactly what he meant. The battle and the war was over. A cheer rose through the entire ship, as Lurr opened a com to the rest of the fleet. Echoing sounds of celebration sounded through their speakers. “Let us gather our wounded and head home,” Kerr said. “I am longing to see my wife and sons.” Addassar smiled with pride, and with deep emotion, knowing he was free to have a long life with his chosen mate and friend. Addassar glanced at Lurr and nodded. They both understood; they had one more task to accomplish before they went home. “Te-Commander, if we could have a word in private, please.” **** She knew it had been only two days and she was sure Lurr’s family were tired of her asking if they had heard any news. Claire tried to keep her misery contained. Even holding one of Alice’s scrawling infants failed to cheer her. Alice, Tara 129

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and Ajaz paid Clair a visit, bringing Alice’s new twin sons, much to the delight of Lizza. Clair’s mother-in-law eagerly held the babies, while casting an expectant glance in Claire’s direction. Claire understood Lizza wanted grandchildren of her own. She rubbed her itchy nose and smiled back, wondering if she did get pregnant whose baby would she have first? “Everything is so quiet.” Tara broke the thrall of baby adoration. Lizza handed Caleb back to Alice when he began wailing and struggling against his wrap. “It’s like the whole universe is holding its breath, waiting to hear news of the battle.” Alice tugged down her top and an eager Caleb easily found his mother’s nipple. Soon contented sucking noises filled the room. Claire’s new little sister-in-law, Alip, came running into the room. She flopped down onto the seat next to Claire and held out her arms. Alice nodded her approval with a smile, and Claire gingerly lifted Conner into Alip’s arms, instructing her to be very careful. Alip cradled the infant with ease. Connor stopped wiggling and stared up at the girl holding him, before sticking his thumb into his mouth, sucking it with vigor. Nulurr burst into the room, taken by surprise with the congregation of women and children. He glanced at Lizza, then around to the faces of the women, who all turned their attention to him. “It is over,” he declared with clear pride. “The battle is won; the war is over!” 130

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Lizza jumped up, racing to her husband. He lifted her off her feet, swinging her around. Grins broke out over everyone’s face, except Claire’s. “Who has survived?” She hated being the voice of doubt, but someone had to ask. “We received word of the battle recently.” Nulurr set his wife down and met her worried gaze. “All your mates are fine. Addassar and Lurr, Kerr, Syl and Melron will be returning to you, along with many other mated males. Some were not so fortunate. Any bodies we are able to retrieve will be brought home and committed to the Fires of Elron.” Claire nodded solemnly. Her heart rejoiced hearing the loves of her life were alive. “When are they arriving home?” Alice took a blanket to cover her naked breast and her suckling infant. “There is much cleaning up in Earth space. We expect those not injured will be retuning within the next moon cycle.” “Which is next week,” Alice explained, smiling. “We must prepare for the return of the warriors.” Ajaz’s happy face glanced across to Lizza. Lizza nodded to Ajaz. “A celebration unlike anything Kelon has ever known.” “I’ll be in on that,” Tara added. “Tell us what we can do to help.” Claire smiled. No doubt her new friends were planning private celebrations of their own, as soon as their mates returned into their arms. Claire was no exception.

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Chapter 19 She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back the tears threatening to spill. Claire sucked in a deep breath, locking her gaze with Alice’s husband, Kerr. They stood on the shuttle pod’s landing pad above City Prime. Lizza, Nulurr and Alip came with her to greet the returning warriors. Commander Kerr singled her out and explained Lurr and Adassar would not be returning home just yet. “Four weeks?” Claire repeated, staring at Kerr in disbelief. “Your men volunteered to go on a very important mission and they must return without using the hyperdrive,” Kerr continued. Claire clasped her hands together and noticed Alice give her husband a curious glance. “Kerr, I thought the war was over. What kind of mission would Addassar and Lurr go on?” “That, my dear love, is classified, even to you.” Alice’s mouth grew tight with displeasure. “I can say nothing more, but believe me, they will be coming back to you; you can be assured of that.” Kerr held Claire’s gaze. “I think you will be most pleased once they do return.” 132

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Wasn’t it bad enough that Claire had endured their absence for a few days, but four weeks? “Not if I don’t chew out their asses for leaving me alone for so damn long.” Kerr actually had the gall to grin. Alice’s delicate eyebrow rose. There was certainly something going on. Alice’s husband wasn’t going to give up just what ‘that’ certain something was. Lizza placed her hand on Claire’s shoulder in comfort. “Do not despair, my daughter. Take comfort in the fact they are coming home, although a little longer than expected. We will keep you occupied.” “Nulurr, a word in private.” Kerr turned to Claire’s father-in-law. The man swiftly followed Kerr out of earshot of the women. “I wonder what they are up to,” Alice said, as they both stared at the conversing Kelon men. Claire glanced at Alice. “Well, whatever it is, it’s going to take four damn weeks. No sex, no men, no mates. I love my new family but still…” Alice walked up to Claire and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Don’t worry, I’ll find out what my husband’s up to.” Alice gave Claire a wink when she pulled back. She felt much better having Alice on her side. **** Four weeks later... “Don’t get out of bed. Our best healer is on his way to examine you,” Lizza scolded. 133

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“It’s just a cold. Humans get them all the time and I’ll be fine in a few days.” Lizza gave a snort. “Human, fiddlesticks. You have been unwell for more than a few days. You think I do not notice these things? You have been working too hard in the orchards. I will talk to Nulurr, and put a stop to it.” “Lizza.” Claire sounded like a whiny child. A knock sounded at the door, before opening and admitting a tall, youthful-looking Kelon man. He smiled kindly down at Lizza and Claire. “Solron, come, come, your patient grumbles much.” Lizza smiled up at the Kelon. Claire remembered him from Rachel’s house, just after the birth of the twins. “Hello, Claire. Lizza tells me that you are feeling unwell.” “As I keep saying, I’ve got a cold and nothing more.” Solron set his bag down on the bed. “Human women who are pregnant to Kelon men always have cold symptoms.” Solron got directly to the point. Claire ‘s eyes widened. Pregnant? No, I can’t be. “What if you’re wrong and I really do have a cold?” Claire countered the young healer. “Younglings?” Lizza’s face turned up into a wide grin. “One way to find out.” Solron pulled a hand-held scanner from his bag, and approached the bed. “If you would permit me?” He met Claire’s disbelieving gaze. “Knock yourself out.” Lizza moved out of the way. Solron peeled back the blanket and ran the scanner over her lower stomach. It beeped back at him and Solron smiled. 134

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“Most definitely pregnant…two younglings…but” He tapped the device with a nimble finger, then frowned. “What?” “Claire, I’d like you to come to the Healer’s Centre, in City Prime. I do not think there is anything to be concerned about. It’s something I have not met with before, and I’d like to run a full scan on your younglings.” Panic surged through her that there could be something wrong with her babies. Alice produced beautiful Kelon-human babies. “Why? What’s wrong with them?” “Nothing, as far as my scanner can tell. It is just the paternity I am curious about.” “She is mated to both Lurr and Addassar,” Lizza helpfully pointed out. “A fact of which I am aware, which makes this even more curious. You will come, yes?” Claire nervously nodded. “Good, get dressed. I have a transport waiting outside.” He rose, snatched up his bag, and exited the room. “Well, daughter, let us go find out what it is.” Lizza pulled back the blankets, helping Claire out of bed. She could see she Lizza’s eyes bright with curiosity, as much as Solron’s eyes were. **** Solron puzzled over the readout on his Kelon computer. Claire raised up on the bed and swung her legs over the white canoe-shaped medical bed. Both Lizza and Claire waited with bated breath, wanting to know what Solron discovered. 135

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“I did say humans are an amazing species.” Solron turned around. He gazed at Claire with awe. “You have two younglings nestled in your cavity, Claire. Each child has separate DNA strands, which means one child for each father.” “You talk in riddles, Solron,” Lizza said, clearly puzzled. Claire understood exactly what Solron said. “One baby is Addassar’s and the other is Lurr’s,” Claire explained. “Addassar and Lurr?” Claire couldn’t help giggle at Lizza’s astonishment. “It is a great pity your mates are not here to share in this,” Solron said. “Share in what, Solron?” Everyone spun around at the sound of Addassar’s voice. Claire’s eyes washed over an even more dangerously sexy man than she remembered. She shrieked, bolting off the table, running across the room, and launched herself into Addassar’s arms. He laughed, holding her close against his chest, pulling her mouth to his, kissing her until her head spun from lack of air. “Where the hell have you been!” Claire demanded, when he let her gasp for breath. She clung to him. “And where the hell is Lurr!” “I love you, too, my little mate. Long have I missed holding you.” He chuckled with mischievous mirth, mixed with a heated desire. “I went to the farm, only to be informed you were here. What is wrong?” “Nothing is wrong, Addassar. You two louts have knocked me up, that’s what.” 136

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“I do think that is human speak for she is carrying your younglings,” Solron helpfully translated. “Youngling? Mine or Lurr’s?” She stared into Addassar’s starlight depths. “Both,” she whispered against his lips. “Twins, yours and Lurr’s.” She felt his mouth widen into a grin, before he swung her around. Claire laughed heartily. “What blessed man of Elron am I, to have my mate and my youngling in my arms.” He kissed her again, before she could say anything further. Once again turning her brain into mush, she molded her body against his. Oh, how she had missed him. “Take me home!” “With pleasure.” “Um, you’ll need these.” Solron tossed a glass vial at Addassar and he caught it smoothly with one hand. “One drop in a glass per day. It will relieve Claire’s discomfort.” Lizza ginned proudly, as she followed Addassar out of the building. Despite Claire’s protests that she could walk just fine, Addassar refused to put her down. Claire smiled, happy to be back in his arms, yet she wouldn’t feel complete again until she felt Lurr’s arms around her, also.

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Chapter 20 “What was the big secret mission which kept you away from me for so long?” Claire demanded on the ride back to the farm. “There was something we wanted to get for you, but I think I will wait. I left Lurr at the farm and he will want to share in this.” Stubbornly, no matter how many questions she and Lizza barraged Addassar with, he refused to give either of them a straight answer. She saw Lurr leaning against the fence railing with a smile and Addassar helped her out of the transport car. He greeted his mother with a warn hug and surprised her with a kiss on her cheek. Lizza beamed proudly. “Welcome home, my son. I know you and your mate want some time alone and I will tell your father not to interfere.” Lurr grinned. “It is all right, Mother. Father is working in the lower sheds and I have already greeted him.” Lurr’s gaze remained on Claire. She hadn’t greeted him, yet, as Addassar kept an arm around her waist. 138

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Lizza patted her son’s arm and walked down the path and into the house, leaving the three of them alone. Claire wanted to fling herself into his arms as she had Addassar’s. “Hello, my sweetness.” “Hello? Is that all you have to say to me after abandoning me for four weeks!” She fumed at his aloof manner. “She carries our younglings,” Addassar announced proudly, splaying his fingers possessively over her still flat stomach. “Who’s?” Lurr walked towards them, gazing down at her. “Solron says one is yours and the other is mine.” Addassar released her from his grip, and Lurr immediately swept her up. He held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair as his hands roamed over her body. “By the Fires of Elron, I have missed you, my beauty.” Claire eyes brimmed with tears. “So, why did you leave me for so long?” “We will answer that question later. Right now I burn to have you.” Claire’s body melted against his, savoring his hungry kiss, desperately wanting them just as much as they wanted her. With no one in sight, the three of them raced through the house. Claire, secure in Lurr’s arms, tumbled onto the bed with Addassar. Lurr tore at her clothes and she tugged at his. Her dress turned into nothing but rags, as he and Addassar tore it from her body, tossing the remnants carelessly aside. Liquid fire spread through Claire. She wasn’t interested in foreplay, she wanted Lurr’s or Addassar’s cock buried deep within her, right now. 139

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“Hurry, I want you; I need you.” Claire struggled for breath. Addassar moved aside. Lurr took off his pants, aligned their bodies and thrust. They groaned from the pure pleasure of their joining. Claire moaned and arched her back, loving the fullness and the friction. Her body jolted with the jackhammer, needy pace Lurr set. Claire cried out as her climax hit her hard and fast. Lurr’s body jerked and shuddered, as he came a moment after her. Lurr pulled out of her. Addassar never gave her a moment to catch her breath, before he swiftly took Lurr’s place, burying himself deeply within her. Claire managed to hook her legs around his hips as he pounded into her at an even more frantic pace than Lurr. She felt the build-up, but didn’t mind when Addassar growled his release. Contently, she basked in the afterglow of fabulous sex with her fabulous men. They were home, and so was she. That was all that mattered. **** It took a good forty-eight hours before the trio were forced from their room due to hunger. They made love to Claire in ways she hadn’t known existed. Smiles greeted everyone in the kitchen. Even Nulurr grinned. Claire understood they were all happy to have their son back, and she would produce their first grandchild, but there seemed to be something else going on. Alip giggled 140

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more than usual, as she glanced at all the grownups seated around the table. “When are you going to show Claire, Lurr?” Alip asked excitedly. “Hush, Alip, you will spoil the surprise,” Lurr scolded playfully. “What surprise?” Claire glanced suspiciously between her men. “You asked us why we had taken so long to return to you, my sweet.” Lurr gently caressed the side of her face. “Yes, I did, so do I get an explanation?” “Yes and no,” Addassar joined in, brushing a stray hair from her face. “That’s not an answer.” “We are going to show you the reason.” “Well, if you keep me waiting any damn longer, both of you can sleep on the sofa,” Claire huffed in annoyance. Everyone around the table, with the exception of Alip, chuckled. “Go show your impatient mate, then,” Nulurr encouraged. Lurr nodded, rising from the table, taking Claire’s hand as she got up, too. Addassar followed. “This was Lurr’s idea at first, but I suggested what it is you would want.” Utterly confused, Claire again glanced between her men. “What the heck are you talking about?” “We brought you gifts from your planet. We had a demon of a time getting it approved to come down to Kelon, but as you know, we can be determined to get what we want, especially when it concerns the one we care about most.” 141

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They had led her out of the house and down the back garden path, towards the large packing sheds Nulurr used to store and ship out his fruit. A soft whine and snort caught Clair’s attention, a sound she knew so well. She broke free from Addassar and Lurr, running the rest of the way to the shed, then yanked open the door and gasped in utter amazement. “Patrick!” She approached her horse, climbed over the barrier and wrapped her arms around her beloved horse’s neck. “How on Earth did you do this?” She glanced back at her men. Nulurr, Alip and Lizza stood at a distance. “It was not easy, but Earth government has changed their attitude towards us, since we saved them from being overtaken. They assisted in gathering Patrick for us and a few other things.” “Other things?” Claire’s heart thumped wildly in her chest at the lengths her men had gone for her. “We want you to feel at home with us, Claire. I know we took you away from everything you loved.” She could no longer hold back the tears of pure happiness streaming down her face. “I love you two more than the whole universe.” She turned away from Patrick, walkd up to her two men, then took each of their hands. “My home is anywhere you are.” “As is mine, my dearest heart. You are my only corami.” Love shone in Addassar’s eyes. “As you are mine,” Lurr added. “There is more!” Alip yelled from behind them. Lurr grinned in amusement, “I am sure Alip kept you occupied while we were gone.” 142

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“Indeed she did, but show me what else you brought back for me.” Claire felt like a child, given free rein in a toy store, giddy with excitement. Addassar pointed down to another stall. Claire saw her little brown cow, Missy, standing there, chewing her cud. Claire laughed. “Well, you’ve certainly made history. The first cow and horse to travel to the stars.” “Addassar was against it, but we also have many seeds of your juju berries, and we also obtained this.” Lurr walked to a smallish wooden box, fishing a key from his pocket. Curious, Claire watched as he opened the box and produced a book. Claire’s eyes widened, before she flushed crimson. “OhmyGod—” She laughed almost hysterically. Her life on Kelon would never, ever be dull, with her two very naughty mates. “Just how did you persuade the government to get you a copy of the Kama Sutra?”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR I am a full-time mother and part-time writer. I live in a small country town in Victoria Australia. I have been writing ever since I learned to read, and almost endlessly drifting off into the fantasy world of my imagination. Thankfully, I have a great group of supporting writer friends; a husband and three, currently small children who help keep me grounded. When I’m not daydreaming of creating new worlds for my stories or madly typing away on my laptop. I have plenty to keep me busy on the home front. I welcome feedback from my readers so please feel free to drop me a line at: [email protected] or visit my web page at www.angelacastle.net

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