Prometheus Promise

The Prometheus Promise Toni Meilleur

What happens when you’ve committed a serious crime and your fate rests in the hands of the man you love, who is the leader of his people and must uphold the law? Karia and her crew of nine were the chosen few to travel on the space vessel the 'Prometheus Promise' from Earth's dying nuclear war torn planet, to repopulate on a viable planet.

Brutally attacked by a

carnivorous, violent species that inhabited the planet, only Karia and her best friend survived long enough to be rescued by the golden-eyed savior who plays havoc on Karias' libido. Soon after her rescue, Karia learns she has possibly been infected by a dangerous component, which could turn her feral. To her dismay, her hero holds her prisoner until her fate can be decided. Is she fit to live among his people or should she be put to death? Karia finds herself falling in love with the handsome leader, which leaves one devastating question to be answered; is he possibly the love of her life or the catalyst for her death? Warning: This title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence.

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 2932 Ross Clark Circle, #384 Dothan, AL 36301 The Prometheus Promise Copyright © 2006 by Toni L. Meilleur Cover by Vanessa Hawthorne ISBN: 1-59998-155-6 www.samhainpublishing.com All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: October 2006

The Prometheus Promise Toni L. Meilleur

Dedication

Kiba, thanks for spending long nights by my side.

Toni L. Meilleur

Chapter One It wasn’t the steady slow drip of her own blood running past her ear and onto the ground that woke her. It wasn’t even her finger, had she looked, that was twisted at an odd angle that brought her to consciousness. It was the screaming headache which seemed to pulse with the intent of splitting her head in an infinite amount of pieces. Utopia, her father had called it. Bullshit! This planet was nothing but trouble since they landed. Her heart did an unplanned lurch when she realized others were probably hurt. Wincing she opened one hazel eye then the other. Lot of good that did. It was still pitch black. She had been in perpetual darkness forever it seemed. Slowly, she lifted her hands to gently search the ground around her for a body. Any body. She didn’t want to be alone on this hellhole. Her right hand protested, her middle finger was slightly out of socket, and she knew with a certainty that she would have to pop it back in place. More pain, that’s what she needed, because apparently fate didn’t feel as if she’d suffered enough. She held her breath and cradled her right hand with her left and with a quickness, which on any other day she would have admired, pushed her finger back in place. She howled bloody murder and passed out again. Pain overload. “Did you hear that?” Bri’aque asked, cocking his head in the direction of the sound. He needn’t have asked. Nothing got past Torin. “Aye, sounded like a wounded animal” he stepped carefully over the body part he had been examining. “Let us put this animal out of its misery.” 6

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“Where did they come from?” Bri’aque asked surveying the bloody mess. He gathered three maybe four humanoids had been slaughtered here. It was hard to tell—there were so many body parts. “I cannot begin to guess. Why would anyone try to settle here? Surely they knew Gaurans inhabited this place.” He cocked his weapon, making sure it was ready to fire. “The Gaurans feasted well here.” he said grimly. “It is not your fault, Torin. You sent out a missive many complete rotations past warning not to settle here. You’ve regularly patrolled. But even you, Brother of Heart, cannot save everyone.” He clapped his friend on the back urging him toward the sound. Torin did not respond. He did not have to. The set of his jaw told Bri’aque if there were any Gaurans left on this planet, they were as good as dead. Small cessation, Karia thought to herself. Well at least her finger was in place, throbbing as it was. The blood had stopped flowing. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe her body had started healing or maybe she was just plain out of blood. Something had awakened her— what, she couldn’t begin to guess. Karia began to wonder if she were perhaps dead. It seemed in answer to her musings, a thin piercing light blinded her. She groaned at the pain. She tried to shy away from the light. It was too much, too soon, too bright. She heard the heavy thud of feet and hard voices. She didn’t understand them and she felt herself going under again. It was mercy, she thought warily to herself, at least when the monsters ate her she would be unconscious and unaware. She felt a large hand grab her shoulder and turn her over. She tried to focus on the face but it blurred then it was replaced by darkness. After briefly arguing, Torin and Bri’aque decided it was best to see if the wounded Gauran was in the cave blocked by the heavy boulders. www.samhainpublishing.com

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Torin argued that Gaurans weren’t capable of thinking enough to try and hide their lair, not to mention they could not possibly move the boulders in place from the inside, wounded. Bri’aque argued, what if it were the leader they were trying to protect then of course they were capable of such acts and it would explain how the boulders got in place. Torin argued Gaurans had no feelings of protection toward anyone, they were savage animals. In exasperation and to save time arguing further, they agreed to check out the cave. In no time at all, the two big men got one boulder moved enough to allow them access. A thin beam of sunlight filtered into the cave. Immediately Torin knew something was not right in the cave. It appeared someone or something had been in it for some time. Strange belongings littered the cave floor. His excellent night vision allowed him to see in the poorly lit cave. He saw a small bundle move in a far corner and guessed this creature made the sound. “Over there” he said to Bri’aque heading in the direction. “There is something over here as well” Bri’aque answered going the opposite way. Torin stood over the small bundle and realized it was a small humanoid. He tried to grab its shoulder gently to see what he was dealing with. His breath caught at the sight of strangely colored eyes that seemed to look at him but not quite. Then the beautiful eyes closed. Allowing him to see the dirty face of a creature he had only heard about. She was badly injured. Caked blood ran down the side of her face. Her clothes were torn and filthy. He peered closer, examining her for injuries but out of curiosity as well. She was made much like the women on his planet. He guessed the swollen finger on one of her hands was a result from injury and not genetics. He lifted one. He could only guess the scratched and bloody 8

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fingers were from trying to keep the boulders in place. Trying to keep the Gaurans out. Why would these humans come to Lathaeon? He glanced over at Bri’aque and realized he too had found a humanoid female. By the grin on his face, he could only guess she was as beautiful as this one. He stood and surveyed the cave. One other bundle lay not too far from the female he found. He knew before he got to her she was dead. She had been beautiful as well. Did this place where the humans come from only make beautiful females? Surely that was a planet worth visiting. “We must get them back, let Bela heal them.” Bri’aque grunted in agreement. Both men lifted the women as gingerly as possible and headed for the transporter The swaying was making her nauseous. At this point, Karia didn’t care if she was dead or not; she just wanted the headache to stop and the nausea to settle down. She was curled against something hard. It spoke in a strange guttural language. Karia’s heart fluttered. Had she been captured by one of the creatures? Why didn’t they kill her right away like the others? She curled tighter in a ball, for what she did not know. It wasn’t as if her balling up tighter would stop them from eating her like they did the rest. The arms that held her seemed to draw her tighter. For reasons she couldn’t begin to fathom, she felt safe, and drifted off into an uncomfortable sleep. Torin felt her panic and tried to comfort her. He hoped the sleeping potion he gave her would help with her pain until they could reach Bela. Whatever these two tiny women must have gone through had to be horrific. Gaurans! He grunted to himself. No doubt the bodies belonged to the colony these women hailed from. Perhaps they were the last of

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their colony. He would have to send out a search party to see if there were any more survivors on the planet. He tried to understand what made these small humans inhabit Lathaeon. Did the planet where they lived not get his missive? Better yet where did they come from? The Gaurans were becoming something of a problem. Scyrrilis Creed gave rights to all living things to live—until they became a threat to other living things. The Gaurans had become thusly so. At first their numbers were small. The fur-covered creatures at full grown only half the size of a Scyrillian adult male, they were a small nuisance. Stealing a transporter now and again, stealing supplies enroute to their destination, they were manageable. Until a few Complete Rotations back when the Gaurans appeared to be bigger, stronger, thinking creatures. Random acts of killing and eating citizens spread rampantly. Their numbers grew in correlation with their size and now… Torin shook his head solemnly. Now they were a threat, wiping out cities. It was up to him and his family to deal with them while at the same time upholding the Scyrrilis Creed. If they wiped out the species, many others would get nervous wondering if, as their numbers grew, they would be wiped out as well. It wasn’t as if the people didn’t recognize the threat of the Gaurans. They expected Torin and his family to deal with it in a manner that didn’t threaten their own existence since Scyrrilis was a nation made of many species. Torin hated politics. He assigned them a planet of their own, rounded them up and frequently dropped supplies. But somehow they got a hold of transporters. Now they were everywhere. Torin couldn’t help a nagging suspicion that this little woman was somehow tied to his problem.

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Chapter Two Karia did not recognize her surroundings. Then again she hadn’t recognized any of her surroundings since she left Earth what seemed like many, many years ago. At least she believed it had been two years, most of it in stasis traveling. She fingered the gauzy royal green material that covered her. At another time in her life, she might have been bothered by the fact that someone had undressed her, seen her naked and dressed her like a child. But now, many horrific events later, she didn’t care. She could honestly say there were worse things in life. Painfully she sat up, her head only a dull throb but the rest of her body from lack of sleep and overload of trauma protested the tyrannical decision. Her fingernails had begun to grow back—she had worn them away, pushing at the rocks, clutching them, filling the empty spaces with anything she could find. She couldn’t let them in. Couldn’t let them… She closed her eyes willing the hazy memories to go away. They were dream-like, as if they weren’t real, or didn’t belong to her. Growing fingernails suggested she had been asleep for quite awhile. Wherever she was, she could consider it tentatively safe. If they wanted to kill her or worse they could have done so. As it stood, it seemed she was cared for meticulously. She looked around and found herself on a huge bed that…floated? There was no headboard. No legs to the bed, it just sort of hovered. It was quite large to be hovering and still managed to stay completely still. Pillows

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everywhere. She saw some had been carefully placed around her to aid in her sleep. Quite an aid, she thought wryly to herself. Everything in the room was in brown and shades of red. Very male colors she conceded. She had no idea what anything was, it all looked strange. She supposed the big hunk of wood, though beautifully carved, acted as some sort of bureau. It had no knobs or seams that suggested drawers. How did it open? Hell, what was in it? She hopped down gingerly off the bed and walked on gel-like legs towards it. It was made of a beautiful but strange colored wood. She couldn’t name the different woods on Earth, so she definitely was out of her league here. She ran her hand over the object and smiled. It was smooth but warm and it—Oh shit! It opened on its own. Karia stepped back and the small drawer protruded. Karia waved her hand over it and watched it return to its place silently. Motion activated drawers. They didn’t come up with that concept on Earth. She waved a hand again and watched the drawer open again. Biting her lip, she decided it was best she find out everything she could and, with that small consolation, proceeded to look in the drawer. Beautiful material folded oh so neatly lined themselves in the drawers. Perhaps she was wrong. Maybe this was not a man’s room. Perhaps a couple’s room. Though she couldn’t possibly figure out how she knew these were clothes, the colors were feminine. She pulled out the silk like material and if her guesses were correct the women here needed someone to help them dress. There were so many straps and oh! Did that strap really cross over her… She hastily put it back in the drawer and waved her hand to close it. The sound of a male voice made her jump right out of her skin. “Did you not like the clothes provided?” The deep baritone voice smoothly washed over her.

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Karia

turned

and

caught

her

breath,

wondering

why

her

hallucinations always seemed so real. She blinked a few times, giving her mind a minute to clear up the misunderstanding. “Do you still not understand me, little human?” He frowned his perfectly shaped lips except for the small scar the adorned the top one. If anything, it made him even sexier. ‘I—I understand” she stammered. Angry at her brain for not telling her it was not an illusion. Tawny eyes looked at her curiously, like a child would a three-legged dog. He was tall. Damn tall, at least six and half to seven feet. But the hair. Who has hair like that? What has hair like that? She thought again. It was black. Not just black but iridescent black. Like millions of colors lay just under the surface. It shimmered past his shoulders. Oh, that perfectly sensuous mouth was saying something again. “W—What?” She shook her head, determined not to be the idiot she no doubt looked to be. “How are you feeling? Bela said you were healing nicely.” He walked further into the room. Tight, but not too tight, leather like pants gripped his powerful legs. What she wouldn’t give to be a pair of leather pants right now. “I am fine, thank you. I, er, sorry about snooping. I was curious. I mean, I don’t know where I am and I thought…” She stopped because even to her own ears she sounded lame. “The clothes were for you.” He waved his hands to dismiss her discomfort. “I will send for a servant in a moment to help you dress. Please sit down. Are you in need of sustenance? There is food near the sleep pod.” “Sleep pod? Oh! The bed. No, thank you, but uh no, I’m not hungry. At least I don’t feel like I am right now.” Karia sat down, partly because www.samhainpublishing.com

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she needed something to do other than the blabbering that seemed to have taken over, and partly because the sudden interest in his eyes as he came closer made her aware, the material she was wearing was fantastically see through. “I need to speak to you and your friend about your circumstances.” He leaned against the bureau- like furniture and eyed her closely. Karia tried to casually draw the covers around her. She perked up when she realized what he had said. “Some one else is alive?” She couldn’t keep her voice from cracking. Dear God in Heaven, she was not the last human from Earth after all. “Another female with golden hair,” he supplied, smiling as he realized her relief at not being alone. “It has to be Brietta!” she squealed. “Is she okay? Is she awake? What about Fiohn, the other woman in the cave…” Her voice trailed off when she saw the stranger shake his head. “I am sorry, little one, there was only you and the golden- haired female who survived.” He gentled his voice, trying to comfort her. “She is not yet awake, her injuries were extensive as well. Bela said she shall be fine.” Karia perked up. Giddy now at the thought of having her friend here and alive. “What is your Calling?” he asked, shifting his weight to the other leg. “My Calling?” Puzzled, she looked at him. She knew he was humanoid and looked human, but clearly he was not. “I do not understand.” “You said the golden-haired female is Brietta, what is your Calling?” “Oh, my name!” Karia laughed. “I am Karia, and you?” She twisted the sheet nervously in her hand. Lord, don’t let him have a name her tongue couldn’t possibly pronounce. 14

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“I am Torin, First Order of Scyrrilis.” “Your name is Torin, what does the other stuff mean?” She knew he thought her strange; he gave her that three-legged dog look again. “I am First Son to the First Order, the ruling governing body of Scyrrilis and its Federated Planets. Are you titled where you hail?” Karia hesitated. How much should she divulge of her situation? While it’s true he saved her and Brietta, they were the last of their kind. This man could sell her into slavery for that novelty alone, if they did that here. Hell, she knew nothing of her surroundings or these people. She wasn’t quite ready to give out vital information. “No.” she answered simply. It wasn’t like he was a living lie detector. The little woman was lying and he knew it. She was hiding something. That same something probably had everything to do with why her and her foolish comrades were on Lathaeon. He would deal with that later. He studied her, refusing to be taken in by her exotic beauty. She was dark. Naturally so, not from toiling out in many suns. Her frame was small but compact with muscle. She definitely liked physical work. Strange in itself. Women on Scyrillian did not like physical activity unless it was spending credits or having sex. Men didn’t complain however. This one had high angular cheekbones, which made her look regal. Curly hair, pulled back now and bound, rested just past her shoulders. Dark earth-colored eyes stared right back at him. He knew at that moment he was looking at trouble that reached just under his chin. Her aura pulled at him. He shifted again, and his manhood twitched in apparent sustained interest. “Why were you on Lathaeon?” He watched her closely. ‘Lathaeon? There must be some mistake. My father—I mean, my crew believed we were on an uninhabited planet named Fallon One.” www.samhainpublishing.com

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“Fallon One? Uninhabited? Lathaeon has been inhabited now for some time. I gave that planet to the Gaurans.” “You give planets?” Her lips twitched. From what he didn’t know but it didn’t bode well for him. “I sent a missive to all of Scyrrilis and its Federated Planets not to go there. From which are you? Did you not get it?” Again, he watched her squirm, she was hiding something. “What message did this missive contain and when did you send it?” Excellent evasive procedures by asking a question. He would let it go for now. “It said to avoid Lathaeon at all costs. I sent it three complete rotations of the seasons ago.” “Well, my crew and I are most sorry for not having access to this missive, perhaps it came at a time when we were on, ah, vacation.” She smiled obviously pleased with herself and her apparent lies. “What is a vacation?” Torin asked, never having heard the word in his language before. She looked startled before she tried to explain. “A time spent away from work to simply relax and have fun.” “What kind of work do you and your ‘crew’ partake in? I am most interested in work that includes women.” “Women don’t work here?” She seemed taken aback. “Women are not needed for work. Simply to make a home for a man and provide for his physical needs.” He believed he saw her bristle. Anger began to come off the tiny female in waves. Clearly he had offended her. How, was quite the mystery. “There are women who like and can work,” she bit out, grasping the sheet so tight it began to slink down, the see through material showing her breast.

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He smiled now, clearly distracted by the picture she displayed. Fine breasts they were, small but round and firm looking. One nipple began to pucker and he lost himself in the thought of running his tongue across one… “Well?” she asked again, louder this time. He shook his head as he was never one to lose concentration. “Please repeat your question, Karia.” He paused when he said her name. It sounded foreign but unique, like her. “I asked you when would I be able to see Brietta?” She looked at him expectantly, oblivious to her breast on display. He tore his eyes away. “Bela will tell you.” He needed to get away from this little spitfire. She was wreaking havoc on his body and mind. “I’ll send her in.” Abruptly he left, determined to get to the bottom of this little mystery this woman provided and then take her somewhere far enough away where she couldn’t cause him any more trouble. “How is the little human woman doing?” Bri’aque asked with much more humor than Torin appreciated. Torin flopped rather unroyally in the chair across from Bri’aque setting his massive fists on the table. “One thing is certain above all others. She is quite the little liar.” Torin grunted, waving a hand at a hovering servant waiting to fill his goblet with the only thing that could help his mood. Chandrin. A brain killer if ever there was any. “Well, a good -looking one at that. So is her companion.” Bri’aque tossed his own goblet back, emptying the Chandrin easily. “Yes well, her companion’s Calling is Brietta. Bela said it would be many nights before she is conscious.” “Brietta,” Bri’aque murmured almost to himself. “Don’t get fashioned with her, Bri’aque, they cannot stay.”

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Bri’aque looked up sharply, eyeing his life-long friend before bursting out in a loud rumble of laughter. “The little human has gotten under your skin!” he bellowed. “Ha. I did not think I would see the day when you were put upon by a female.” “She is annoying,” Torin answered defensively. “Or rather she is hard to figure out. She might be good for you, Brother of Heart. Politics can be boring. It might be time you indulged in some fun.” Bri’aque waved a servant over to fill his goblet. “She is keeping a secret. I don’t like secrets in my domain.” Torin slapped one of his fists on the large white marble table. “It is not the fact she has a secret, friend. It is because she won’t share it with the likes of you.” Bri’aque laughed again at his own humor before trying to appear somewhat serious before his First. “All the more reason to keep her here. We need to find out why they were there in the first place.” “I agree,” Torin answered. “Did you tell her about the implant?” Bri’aque asked, trying desperately to hide his humor in the situation. “No. It was not the right time,” Torin interrupted. “She will probably be angry. However, I think it was a clever move on your part.” “Will you be so smug when the other little human comes to, Bri’aque?” Torin asked, turning his tawny gaze fully on his friend. “Whatever do you mean?” Bri’aque carelessly lifted his goblet to yet again empty to his contents. “You found the other human woman. Therefore, you are responsible for her.” Torin was rewarded with the sound of sputtering and choking.

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Though Bela was quite nice, she fussed too much and Karia was only too glad when she was finally dressed and given permission for a short stroll. It would be interesting to get to know this place. She was pleased at the warm tile under her feet as she walked. So many nights. So many dark nights in that cold cave with nothing but dirt and rock under her. She shook her head; there would be enough time for that later. She was told she might wander but not to open any doors . In other words, don’t snoop. Fine with her, she was just grateful she and Brietta had been saved. She did not know what she would tell Torin. He seemed a very important man. A man with a shrewd eye and too many questions. So Fallon One was already occupied. Well, it stood to reason that it had been years since her father discovered the planet was even there. Plenty of time for it to become settled it seemed. He gave the planet to the Gaurans, is what he said. How important was he that he could give whole planets? More than that what the hell was a Gauran? Karia let her feet take her wherever they deemed. She found herself going down a winding corridor and enjoyed the pictures on the wall, though she couldn’t name one strange animal or tree-like subject, all the same it was beautiful. She heard the deep rumble of a voice now becoming fast familiar. She followed the sound, drawn to it like a moth. She hovered in the doorway, mouth agape. He seemed agitated as he talked to a large screen with a beautiful female who bore a striking resemblance to him though much older. “Your father and I are taxed with you, Torin. You are well past the age of Attachment.”

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“Mother, I have no interest in becoming Attached just yet, though it is on my immediate agenda when the Gauran problem is taken care of. You do remember that little nuisance we’ve been dealing with?” “Do not speak to me with such sarcasm!” the woman snapped, her identical tawny gaze going angry. “You forget your Attachment could mean more political allies that could quite possibly help solve the problem of the Gaurans!” “That would indicate a weakness on our part to need help, Mother. The First Order does not need to project that image at this crucial time,” Torin bit out, clearly as exasperated with his mother as she was with him. “Tell me of these humans. It has been a moon cycle since you came about them. What do you plan to do with them?” A moon cycle? On Earth, a complete moon cycle took weeks. She had been asleep for weeks! Dear God, no wonder her fingernails were grown! She gasped—stupidly enough, out loud—drawing the attention of the mother and son. Torin could not have wished for a worse time for the female to appear. His mother would start to get unholy ideas in her head and he would be powerless to stop her. She would run straight over him with his father in tow, going straight for the kill, wanting him Attached so badly. He needed to fix the situation before it got out of hand. He chose to address his mother first before he went any further. “I plan to sell them at the market. Seeing as how rare they are, they would bring in a fine price. I’ll take the proceeds and buy Chandrin for the soldiers, it will help their morale.” He grinned wickedly before turning his gaze to the shocked human. He could tell her later that he planned no such thing, but for now… 20

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“Karia, please return to your chambers post-haste. I must speak to Bela about letting you roam free.” He saw the anger rising faster than any war vessel taking off. She balled her tiny fists and threw him a glare that promised he would be sorry, and he no doubt knew he would be. She pivoted rather gracefully, but spoiled the graceful exit with stomping back every step of the way. “Well, the human woman is quite a spectacle to behold,” his mother responded, the humor dripping. “So far I have come to the conclusion that the base nature of a human is anger. It is all I ever see from her,” he murmured to himself, knowing full well that somehow he was to blame for it in some obscure way. “Do be careful, dear, and remember your time grows short. If you do not announce an Attachment soon, your father and I have the right to choose one for you.” She signed out before he could respond. Just like her, always getting the last word. He sighed heavily. For reasons he couldn’t comprehend, he knew he should apologize to the human. He was First Son not obligated to apologize to anyone, even if he were wrong—his birthright gave him that privilege. Even knowing this, he headed for her quarters.

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Chapter Three Anger blazed through her blinding her. How dare he? Yes, he was her savior but not her master. Her anger began to palpitate through her very being. Slave? He was selling her and Brietta? No telling what sort of people would buy them. She’d never heard of a willing slave. All sorts of scenarios ran through her mind… A slave she would not be! She would not allow it. She did not endure years of painful tests and shots to survive, just to become someone’s slave. There had to be some way out of this place, off this planet. Her anger began to rise, along with the fear that she and Brietta may not have been saved after all. It was up to her to save them both. How could she have mistaken him as her savior? A nagging feeling along with intense panic and anger consumed her; she knew she had to get her anger under control. The more she thought about the situation the madder she got. Technically she was at his mercy. She and Brietta, God only knows where he was keeping her. What if Brietta wasn’t alive after all, what if he was just saying that to make her compliant? She began to see a haze in front of her eyes. It was familiar and yet, she couldn’t focus her thoughts. The anger was familiar…Thoughts began to war, the haze became stronger and then she heard her door open with a swoosh. There stood the brute. The Master, she thought sarcastically. She wanted to attack him, he was in her way, and he

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meant her ill will. She crouched slightly, preparing for a fight. She saw a look of total disbelief on his face before she launched at him. If Torin did not see what he was seeing he wouldn’t believe it. Nothing prepared him for the state the human was in when her quarters opened for him. She was almost feral. What shocked him the most were her eyes. Purple like the Gaurans. If his guess was correct and he was sure it was, her whole manner was like a Gauran. Could she have somehow become infected from an attack? It did not seem logical since a Gauran was a being not a disease or virus. But yet as she crouched and prepared for attack, he knew she was not herself. Or was she? She launched at him, and with strength he did not know such a small body could possess, she slashed at his chest going for the heart. He jumped back in time slamming her into the dresser and trying not to hurt her. But quickly she was on her feet again growling deep in her throat. “Karia, I did not mean what it was I said,” he tried to soothe her. “I only said that so my mother would not get any idea about us getting Attached.” He backed up slowly until the back of his knees met the sleeping pod. Just as he predicted she launched at him again. He caught her shoulders in a tight grip and twisted them both so she was on bottom. He held most of his own weight but put enough on her legs to render her immobile. He pinned her hands on either side of her head. “Listen to me foolish woman!” he bellowed. She seemed to get angrier with that. He decided that was not a wise course to pursue. With little effort, he pinned her and took a moment to take a deep breath before starting again.

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“I do not wish you harm. If I wanted to harm you, I would have already done so. I do not have any intentions of selling you or your friend. I came here to tell you this.” He waited for his words to settle into her anger-soaked brain, and within a few moments, he saw her anger slowly beginning to diminish. Then she passed into unconsciousness. Interesting, Torin thought to himself, very interesting. Karia woke to a head splitting headache. It pulsed like it was a life unto itself. She opened her eyes slowly, taking in her environment. She was no longer in the room previously given to her. This one looked like a hospital room from Earth and much warmer. She sat up, and was astonished to find she was not alone. Torin sat in a non-remarkable chair midway in the room. He gave her the three-legged dog look. “Why am I here?” Her voice croaked as she spoke and rose from the bed. She grabbed her own throat and massaged it. It felt as if her throat were raw from screaming. “What do you remember?” Torin spoke low but she heard him clearly. “Well I—” She paused, trying to call up her last memories. Torin in a room. A woman. Slave? “Something about you selling me into slavery. It made me very angry.” “Do you remember what happened in your quarters?” ‘Did we—Did I—” She paused again, horrified. Did she get drunk and sleep with this man. Was that what he was alluding to? He laughed not at her, but obviously at her words. “There were no relations between us, little one. I am referring to you attacking me.” “You’re crazy! Me attack you? That would be suicide for me.” She laughed then grabbed her throat at the rawness. “I believe the soreness in your throat comes from the growling you exhibited at me.” He stood now but paced widely around her bed slowly. 24

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“There is something about you, Karia, that needs answering. You keep secrets. I believe you harbor secrets even you don’t know about. I am afraid your behavior has warranted that you be kept away from the general population of my Home. Your friend will join you as soon as she is well enough, right now she poses no threat because she still has quite a bit of healing to do.” “Threat? You consider me a threat? But I’ve never hurt anyone.” Karia teared up. Was this some sort of set up? “Why are you doing this to me?” Torin continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “When I have a guest in my home who is a stranger, such as yourself, they are closely monitored. You were being watched. Any private acts such as bathing or dressing were not recorded, the servants see to that. However, I have something for you to watch.” He pushed a button on a small device that his hand had hidden. A projection appeared on the white walls. Karia watched, fascinated. Then her fascination turned to horror. Her horror turned to nausea.” “I’m going to be sick.” she whispered, as the sight of her—so feral— burned into her mind. “That can’t be me.” she squeaked to herself, grabbing her stomach and slumping with her back against the end of the bed. “I believe you harbor secrets, Karia. Secrets that may have a lot to do with why the Gaurans have changed.” Torin paced in the other direction around the bed. “The black line on the floor is for your protection, do not try to cross it. If you do, you will suffer severe burns.” He paused and waited for her reaction. “My father…” She choked, thinking of him. “What about him?” Torin questioned.

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When she refused to answer, he bent to her level and saw the tears pouring from her eyes. She was scared. Whatever was wrong with her she had no idea. He tried to see things as she would. His parents taught him that. See things in another’s view. She had been attacked, her friends and possibly family, all killed. A strange planet with strange people. And now this. He believed anyone would reach a breaking point. She cried so hard her body shook. He cursed at himself and his weakness for her, with a push of his master key, he deactivated the detainment field around her bed and crossed over to hold her. She was not a monster, she was lost. He held her tiny frame while she cried. He kissed the top of her curly soft head and felt her hands clutch at him like he was her lifeline. He liked it. He liked touching her. He didn’t care that she had Gauran genes in her. He didn’t even know her, yet he knew whatever happened to her didn’t change her baser self. He lifted her wet face and, with one of his hands, wiped the tears away. She sniffled as if a child would, and then lowered her head in shame. “You’ve nothing to be ashamed of, little human. It seemed this thing was done to you without your knowledge. We will find out what and why it was done.” But Karia already knew. She knew with every fiber of her being, who had done this thing to her. What she couldn’t figure out was why. Not only that, but how did he even know about Gaurans? All the shots he had given her when he was preparing for her to leave, one of those shots changed her DNA somehow. Why would he do that? She was at the mercy of this man and his people. She needed to stay and cooperate and find out what was done to her. She could hurt someone or even kill them. She would have to start giving Torin some answers.

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“Thank you.” she said to him. “I am sorry for attacking you. You saved my life and I repaid you poorly.” “You were not yourself, plus I had a hand in why you were so angry. Intense anger seems to be a trigger, there could be others. We will have to do tests, with your cooperation of course.” “And if I refuse?” “You will have to be returned to Lathaeon, the planet given to Gaurans. Or you will be executed. You have to understand you pose a threat to my people.” “I do understand. I will cooperate.” She let out a deep breath. “Do you guys have anything here for an intense headache?” Torin paused before he answered her. “When I found you, you came in and out of consciousness, complaining of an intense headache.” “And?” Karia rubbed her temples. He gently moved her hands and rubbed them for her. Karia murmured her pleasure. “This might be a symptom, for whatever is wrong with you,” Torin commented. “Well, that’s one way to torture a prisoner and get information from them,” Bri’aque quipped, coming into the room. “Karia, this is Bri’aque. He is my first in command, and first pain in the ass.” Bri’aque bowed nobly as if he were just paid an ultimate compliment, his handsome face grinned at her. “Bri’aque would you be so kind as to have Bela get Karia some head potion?” “As you wish, my First.” He grinned rather sardonically before exiting the room. “Interesting fellow.” Karia tried to grin, but the headache pulsed through her whole body. Torin rose and brought Karia with him, scooping her up and placing her in the bed.

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“We’ll talk another time. I will come to visit from time to time. Bela will be in shortly to give you some head potion. It will help you sleep. There is food near the sleeping pod if you are hungry” Then abruptly he left the bed a small whirring sound reminded her the field had been reanimated she laid there listening until she could hear his heavy footfall no longer. Karia sat up slowly. “Well, it’s time to play fast and loose with my digestive system, it seems,” Karia remarked, looking at the strange food. Torin headed for the Meeting Room. He needed a good tall glass of Chandrin. He met Bri’aque instead, sitting at the large meeting table obviously knowing him well enough that he knew this is where Torin would head first. “Don’t start,” Torin bit out, heading for the liquor station. Bri’aque waited until he downed a full glass before he started. “So is that how we’re treating and interrogating prisoners now? Wiping away their tears.” Bri’aque could barely keep his voice from quivering in laughter. “She was upset.” Torin poured another glass before he sat across from his First in Command. “So was the prisoner accused and indicted for selling babies to the Cannibal People on Planet Resas, but you had his head chopped off anyway.” “This is different.” Torin sipped more slowly—he could feel the heavenly effects of the strong liquor taking effect. “Because she is beautiful and you find fancy with her?” “No, because she has no idea where she is or what she was doing. She is just as confused by all this as we are.”

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“So she says. Has she been real forthcoming about why they were on Lathaeon in the first place?” “No,” Torin grumbled, conceding the fact that Bri’aque had a point. Still, there was no denying she was frightened and confused. “Do you believe her friend is a danger as well?” “I cannot say. But precautions will be taken as a measure.” “She attacked you.” Bri’aque let the statement hang in the air. They both knew what it meant. As First in Command, he was first and foremost responsible for the safety of the First Son. “She was not aware of it,” Torin said quietly, setting his tawny stare against Bri’aque’s onyx one. “The laws do not interpret. They are clear. Anyone who attacks the Family of the First Order is given an automatic death penalty. I understand she does not know our ways, however…” Bri’aque let it float. “You and I are the only ones aware of what she has done. I set the tape to erase as soon as I showed it to her. As far as the House knows, she is imprisoned only because we do not know of her and are merely taking security measures. No one will question it.” “As you wish. However, I must remind you, as your longest friend, your father hired me to see to your safety. If she should pose a threat to you again, my memory might not be so faulty.” “I understand, and I appreciate your concern but we will figure out and correct what is wrong with her.” “Why do you want to? More than that, what if we cannot?” “It is my sacred duty to help all those who seek it,” Torin answered. He stood, letting the chair legs scrape the floor viciously. With a curt nod, he left a contemplating Bri’aque to watch his departure.

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The head potion helped alleviate her headache but she was in no way somnolent. So she lay there on her back, staring at the white ceiling and wondering about things that kept pushing itself to the surface. Her father. He was responsible for this, she knew without a doubt. She had no doubt that whatsoever he had done was done out of love. However, his methods were always questionable. Her being on the voyage alone was proof enough. Only the smartest, most beautiful, healthy had been chosen to repopulate on another planet. Earth had been dying fast. Life could no longer be sustained on a planet riddled with its own fallout from nuclear war. Her father, a scientist, had been chosen to secretly find another planet to send the best humanity had left to offer. It was top secret to say the least. If the opposing side were smart, they would have done the same. But her father had cheated. He had sent her instead of a more viable subject. She was beautiful, yes, and highly intelligent, but she was also born with a rare disease that only gave her a few more years to live. She had accepted her fate, but one day her father sent for her, had her live in the lab while he treated her. Made her womb, which had been ravaged by disease, viable. It was all in vain, she had argued with him, what good was being able to have a child when she wouldn’t be able to raise it, she would either die from the disease or from the waste on the planet that was killing everyone. But her father had said a miracle had happened. He had ‘found’ a way to make her stronger and she, being one with a strong penchant for survival, had wanted to live and never questioned it. Dutifully, she took the medicine and the shots, she felt herself grow stronger and still she turned a blind eye. She knew whatever he was doing was not legal, let alone ethical. But he had seen to it that she was

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given a spot on the ship and the government, owing her father greatly for the work he had done for them, complied. She felt almost guilty now, even questioning her father’s intentions. But it left to be said that whatever he had done was having some serious negative side effects. She rolled over, trying to block the image of her attacking Torin. He was royalty, she knew that much. There had to be laws sanctioned against assassins. Would they kill her? She shuddered thinking how ironic it would be that her greatest fear had been dying on Earth and then Lathaeon as Torin called it, only to die on the planet of the man who rescued her. If she really looked closely, she would see that she was attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be? He had the strangest, most beautiful hair she had ever seen. And he was gorgeous to boot. But he was not for her. He wasn’t even human, she was sure of it. But then again, she just found out she wasn’t as human as she thought herself to be. She would have to tell him everything. Even if it meant telling him she had no home to go to. Karia didn’t like the idea of putting so much power in his hands. He could do anything to her and there would be no one to oppose him. No one to punish him should he hurt her. Earth was gone. She’d seen it blown apart after she and the others barely took off. They barely cleared the violent waves as the planet exploded. Both sides would not concede and blew the planet apart, with her father on it. She had cried a good long time, even though her father told her not to. She missed him still. The days following she was kept in the room with the detainment field. Bela came daily to check her vitals and give her a change of clothing. Though Bela tried to appear indifferent to her, she could tell the servant liked her, as evidenced by the candy she often left with her food. Bela called it “sweet food” and the name was fitting. She was allowed rest www.samhainpublishing.com

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room privileges but only with the accompaniment of a guard. It was embarrassing but she understood. Bela brought her books, and for the first time, Karia let surface the one nagging question that ate at her. “Bela,” she asked the plump servant who sat in the chair across from her, sewing. “How is it that when I first heard the voices of Torin and Bri’aque, I could not understand but I do now and I can read your language? It was so natural until I realized this is not English.” “Oh, little human woman, it’s the implant, of course.” Bela answered in her usual voice as if Karia were a dimwitted child. “What implant?” Karia asked carefully. Not wanting Bela to catch a whiff of her curiosity, for Bela would clam up if she thought she was giving away privileged information. But if Karia appeared bored and asked nonchalantly, Bela was an open book. “The First had it implanted when you first came to us.” She examined the garment before she continued, “He said it would be easier to do it then than later, most new citizens hate the sight of the little buggers.” “Is that what you call them?” Karia laughed falsely, trying to make Bela think it was just a casual conversation. “Yeah, as most do. They are unpleasant-looking with all those legs and eyes, but they do the job. Painless but still no one wants to know a thing like that is in them. They’re nasty fellows when fully grown.” Bela smiled to herself, obviously pleased at her work. “I’ll be back if you need anything just push the button in the floor as usual.” Bela left an irritated and curious Karia behind. All those legs and eyes. The statement alone grossed her out. She would have to wait until Torin came to see her , as he usually did after he was done with whatever important stuff the prince of all federated planets did. She tapped her bare feet. All those legs and eyes? He had some living parasite implanted

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in her brain. God forbid, what if it wasn’t in her brain? What if they inserted it via… “Hello Karia.” Torin greeted her almost cheerfully. “Hello, First,” she responded sweetly. She could see by his expression that he knew her well enough now to know that when she called him that she was irritated. “What is it now?” “What’s a little bugger? Or better yet what does ‘all those legs and eyes’ mean to you?” She smiled hugely though she didn’t feel it. She was getting very angry. “I see Bela’s been talking again.” He cleared his throat and sat in the chair Bela had vacated. “Well, little one, there’s no way you would have understood us, and I didn’t want you more frightened when you woke up, so I ordered the Dausas Implant to help you along.” “Mmm Hhmm, and what exactly is the Dausas Implant and how is it administered?” Torin loosened his shirt. Black hair like that on his head peeked through. “It’s a creature found in one region of this planet. When born they, er ah, have the capacity to absorb any information given them. Of course they usually get it from their parents, but if you get them when they first hatch, you can feed them any information.” “Keep going.” Karia sat on the bed, feeling weird that some creature was living inside of her. “They have the capacity to transfer the information to the first living tissue they encounter, in your case, brain tissue.” He scratched his arm idly, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation. “We fed it our language, written and oral, and it was transferred to you. Rest assured, after all information was transferred, we removed it.” www.samhainpublishing.com

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“So there’s nothing living in me?” “Oh course not. Is that what you thought?” “Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?” “They are not the most attractive creatures. In fact, I find them downright repulsive-looking but they serve a grand purpose. I thought if you knew you had an implant, you would want to see the creature, and you would have an, ah, episode.” “Like the one that landed me in here?” Karia supplied for him. Torin nodded slowly. “I appreciate your concern.” Torin nodded slowly “Though I must say, Karia, I did not imagine it would be quite as dramatic.” He grinned and her heart stopped just long enough for her to chastise herself for acting like a child with her first crush. But she did appreciate his thoughtfulness. Really, she did. She wasn’t sure how she would have taken it. “ Would you like to keep learning the game of chess?.” Karia changed the subject, she had been teaching him games from Earth when he came to visit her. In return, he took her on short walks around the House. “Not today, Karia. Our scientists here have been working on your blood, and we believe we know that intense feelings trigger the Gauran gene. However, we are still puzzled about the state we found you in. They want to run more tests on you. We can access memories and find out what happened.” “I hear a ‘but’ in there somewhere. Please just be honest with me, Torin.” “They will have to put you to sleep. We have a Dream Walker coming, she can help.” “What’s a Dream Walker?”

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“Blessed they are. They can walk in others’ dreams. They can recall the nightmares you have had. Nightmares are often made up of real events being replayed. It can be the link we need to determine what has happened to you here and possibly on your home planet.” “And if I refuse to have someone traipsing around in my most private dreams?” “You will be transferred to a wing where you will never be able to roam free.” Torin’s tawny gaze practically pleaded with her to consent. “I’m supposed to be dead, aren’t I?” Karia guessed and knew she hit her aim true when he tore his gaze from her. “That’s the penalty here, isn’t it? I attacked you; I should be dead.” she said to herself. “Why are you keeping me alive?” “Because it is my duty—” Torin began but Karia interrupted him “I am not one of your people. I am not even from your galaxy.” “But you are here now, and therefore, my responsibility.” “Thank you.” Torin shook his head and rose. He activated the button that lowered the field and crossed the black lines. He stood a hair’s breadth in front of her. “Would you like to see the wonders of my home, Karia?” He was close, his body heat enveloped her. “I’ve seen the whole house, haven’t I?” Karia answered breathlessly. This close to her, he affected her more than she would ever admit. She could smell him. The manly scent of him. She could see the glossy hairs on his chest. Then she made the mistake of looking up to his golden gaze and was stuck. With a will of their own, her hands found their way to his multicolored black hair. So soft, so unreal. He was bending to kiss her. His lips, so firm and soft-looking at the same time, met hers and she moaned. She didn’t know who tasted whom first, but she found her tongue tasting his. They both deepened the kiss www.samhainpublishing.com

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as if starved. His large hands played in the curls around her shoulders before he pulled her closer, pressing her body tightly against his. He moved against her slowly at first, letting her feel the effect she had on him. Her hands traveled from his hair to his chest to his back, she wanted to touch all of him. And he seemed intent on the same mission. His hands tore through the gauzy material Bela seemed to make all her clothes from. His hand found her small breast, her nipple peaked, begging for his attention. Torin tore his mouth from her and dipped his head farther as he tilted her slightly back to lave at her breast. Torin’s head swam and he drank in her scent. She tasted sweet. He wanted more. His breathing became more ragged as hers did. Material tearing echoed in the nearly vacant room. Karia began to fill it with her soft moans. Torin pulled her to the bed almost roughly in his haste, but she wasn’t complaining. She fell atop of him. Briefly, she looked down at him and spread his shirt further apart, reveling in the field of soft sparse chest hair. She leaned down to kiss each of his welldeveloped pecs. Then she returned the favor of tasting him; she ran her tongue around his nipple. He hissed, she smiled. She kissed his neck, sucking on it, then lightly biting it. If possible, he grew harder under her. He ground against her, holding her small waist immobile. She threw her head back and moaned. He pulled her closer so that he could nuzzle her neck. That’s when Karia felt it. Vibrations. Wave after delicious wave. His whole body seemed to vibrate, causing the most erotic sensations in the most sensitive places. Her nipples protruded even more. She pressed her breasts against his chest and felt the vibrations go through her nipples. She ground her pelvis against him, seeking the release the vibrations stoked. 36

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“You’re vibrating.” She moaned, lost in the sensations. It was a good heartbeat or two before she found herself being roughly pulled off and pushed to the other side of the bed. “What?” Her mind was dazed and full of passion. “What’s wrong?” Torin looked deeply disturbed. Aroused but disturbed. “I shouldn’t… We shouldn’t have…My intention was to take you on a trip outside the House walls. I am sorry, Karia. I hope you do not think I was trying to take advantage of you.” It was so hard, he was so hard…but he had to stop this. “I didn’t think that at all. Don’t be silly.” Karia stood up and reached out to touch him. Torin stepped back as if trying to avoid a rattlesnake. It couldn’t be… She couldn’t be… He barely let the thought escape before he snapped it firmly in a box of denial and shut the lid. Tight. “That’s not a good road to pursue, Karia. I think we both should take a moment—” “You don’t want me?” Karia was hurt, he could see it. “If you didn’t want me, you should have stopped this at go!” She squinted, now she was just plain irritated. He could hear it in her voice. He could not make her understand, not when he didn’t want to even believe it. “I do. Yes, but let’s not complicate the investigation right now, when it’s over…” He couldn’t finish. The scent of her was intoxicating him worse than any finely made Chandrin. Her skin dared him to touch it, caress it, kiss it. Already his cock was demanding she grind against him again. Her anger only accented her beauty. He was drowning in her aura. He had to leave her presence. He backed out of the perimeter and reset the field.

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“I promise I’ll take you outside the walls later.” He turned on his heel and left Karia. She sat on the bed, looking after him. Perhaps she reasoned he remembered she was part beast and she repulsed him. She felt a turning in her chest. He had hurt her. She needed to stop this foolishness and get to the matter at hand. She shook her head. This would not do. If Brietta were alive, as he said, they needed to get out of here. Away from tall, gorgeous, golden- eyed men. She looked around the room; the black line glared at her and made a mockery of her bravery. She flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. There had to be a way out. She sat up and listened to the almost silent hum. It had to be coming from somewhere. And there it was. The vent, circulating air, about four feet high above her bed. It hummed its invitation. It looked to be a tight squeeze, but then again, she was quite small. She looked at the door, then back at the vent. It had to be worth it. She did not leave Earth just to be held prisoner by that Neanderthal. Here goes nothing, she whispered to herself and climbed onto the bed.

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Chapter Four “What is wrong with you?” Bri’aque said, not for the first time during their sparring session as Torin failed to block another obvious blow coming his way. Good thing they were both well armored or Bri’aque would be in chains for hacking the First Son to pieces. “You are not concentrating. You fight like a whelp. Tell me what goes on with you, Brother of the Heart.” Torin threw his sword in disgust. He’d thought a good sparring session would ease his mind, but it did not. Her taste filled his mouth. The softness of her hair played havoc on his senses. “There it is again!” Bri’aque cried in triumph. “What nonsense do you yell?” Torin shouted at him, irritated. “Your eyes glaze over and you’re not inside your head. Tell me now or I will contact your father.” It was a threat Bri’aque used rarely. Torin knew it was time to confide. “It’s the Earth woman.” “I figured as much.” “I kissed her.” Torin let that settle in with Bri’aque for a moment. “Was it not a good kiss?” Bri’aque asked, clearly not seeing what all the fuss was about. “It was amazing. I had the Mating Waves.” Now Bri’aque was completely silent his mouth hung open then closed, then opened again.

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“Now you see.” Torin snorted. “But that’s impossible.” “I thought so too.” “Will you tell your parents? They can’t find you another mate if you’ve already…” “She is not my mate. She is not Scyrillian. Perhaps the reaction is false. Reacting to whatever was done to her.” “Mating Waves are never false, and I don’t recall any rules when it comes to one’s destined mate.” “I cannot be Attached. I don’t want to be.” “Well, don’t you sound a whelp full grown?” Bri’aque snickered at his friend. “I can certainly see your dilemma. Now more than ever you have to find out more about this human. What progress have you made with information?” Torin had the nerve to look sheepish. “I have not questioned her in the full legal capacity.” “But you have gone to her every rising since she has awakened. Does she know you visited her while she was in the deep sleep recovering?” “How do you know this?” Torin demanded, embarrassed that he had been noticed coveting the human. “I am First in Command. Security is my job. I must know everything in this house to keep you safe, my First. I ask again, have you questioned her?” “Yes, no… Well, I wanted her to get comfortable with my company.” “Well, if the Mating Waves are anything to go by, she is very comfortable with your company.” Torin ignored Bri’aque’s comment. “The other woman hasn’t regained consciousness yet?” Torin desperately sought to change the subject.

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“No,” Bri’aque frowned thoughtfully, “Bela, said her injuries were serious. She believes it best if we keep her unconscious while her body heals.” “I understand you go to this woman regularly as well?” Torin noted slyly. “Only because we do not yet know if she poses a threat. I am doing my job, old friend.” “Yes, well, I’m sure it’s a fine job. Let’s try this again, shall we?” Torin picked up his sword and attacked. “Wait.” Bri’aque held up a gloved hand. “Do you hear something odd?” Torin took a moment to listen. It was faint at first, but with careful concentration, he heard it too. He lowered his weapon. “What do you think that is?” “I do not know, but it seems to be coming from the Circulation Tunnels.” Bri’aque answered. “It sounds as if someone is screaming.” Karia knew the moment she opened her mouth to scream she was busted. But what the hell was that anyway? It slithered towards her, and it was gross as all hell. And she was stuck. Oh yeah, she had made it quite a ways in the vent, but she knew she should have made a left when she made that right. It took a moment for her to realize, the size of the vent was getting progressively smaller and dirtier. If she could just scoot backwards to the vent she just passed, her foot was about a foot from it. She was sure she could kick the grill in. The one in her room had been just as strong but she managed to pull that one out. The thing slithered closer and Karia screamed louder, she could see its mouth looked liked a suction cup and its entire body was about a foot www.samhainpublishing.com

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long. She tried to scoot backwards, but with her rising panic she failed. She was frozen, afraid any quick movements would send the thing in high gear. She began to fear a transformation might occur from her intense fear, she definitely didn’t want that happening. That thing got close enough now that she could see the beady little black eyes. Whatever it was was not friendly. Karia heard a grinding noise of metal protesting, a grill being pulled out. Someone with a very large hand grabbed her by the ankles and yanked her backward, right before the thing suctioned its mouth onto her face. Rather roughly, she was pulled out of the vent and set upon her feet. Frantically, she checked herself to see if the thing somehow clung to her. She must have looked like she was having some sort of seizure. After a quick check of her hair, she finally assured herself she was clear of all disgusting vent creatures and looked into the very angry eyes of Torin. Bri’aque seemed to be desperately holding in a laugh. “Why are you not in your quarters?” Torin barked at her. “Because obviously I’m standing right here.” Karia shot back, looking around the room. “What the hell was that? Does it eat flesh?” She shivered. “Right now that is not the concern. How did you get out of your room?” “How did I get in this one?” she retorted. Torin took a deep breath before he continued. “You were remanded to an area. If anyone else but Bri’aque or I had found you, you would have been killed on the spot. Do you not see the foolishness of your actions?” “I am fool to sit around and wait for someone else to decide my future, or lack thereof!” Karia shot back. “And what the hell was that thing?” Again Torin ignored her question. 42

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“I will have you escorted back to your room. If you try this again, woman, I will have you moved to a room without benefit of windows or Circulation Tunnel. I assure you it will be most unpleasant.” Torin turned his back on her and summoned a guard; with terse instructions to the guard he turned his back to her as she was being led back to her room. “It is called a bloodsucker!” Bri’aque called to her. Karia mumbled something about “weird looking mosquitoes” before she left the room. “Well it’s a good thing you have her under control.” Bri’aque clapped him on the back. “Guard yourself, Bri’aque. I think I have enough anger to focus now.” With that, he picked up his sword, barely giving the laughing Bri’aque time to defend himself. Karia wondered how she would react to Torin’s presence when he returned for her. She was humiliated say the least. How he could get under her skin when she barely knew him was beyond her. And then there was that kissing thing, she barely knew him and she was ready to jump into bed with him. Karia shook her head and got up to pace around the bed the short distance allowed her. She was stupid. She was going to jump into bed with an alien. That’s what he was to her and she to him. Come to think about it, what if his parts were different? What if they didn’t have sex the way humans did? Yes, he looked humanoid enough, but those eyes and that hair refused to be labeled anything else but non-human. And yet then again so was she. She’d been wracking her brain for hours, trying to figure out what her father had done to her. Yes, he had made her womb viable when at www.samhainpublishing.com

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first it was not, due to the rare disease she was born with. No one was allowed to go if they were not reproductively viable and disease free. They would be responsible for starting a new Earth. Her father had gone to great lengths to ensure she would be on that vessel with the last surviving humans. There were so many tests, so many that failed. Then one day, when Karia was close to giving up all hope, he had burst into her quarters at the lab. “Child, hope has fallen quite literally out of the blue!” “What do you mean, Father?’ “I can’t elaborate, but given time, I think we can rid you of that foul disease that eats away at you. You’re going to be on the ‘Prometheus’ Promise’ rest assured, but I need you to rest, child.” And she had. She had dutifully gone along with her father’s plans. Never questioned. She wanted to live. Now she wondered. A little too late. But never in her wildest dreams did she think he would intentionally cause her harm. Turn her violent, into a potential killer. Not more that once, she wondered what role she had played in some of the death and destruction on what Torin referred to as Lathaeon. Could she have, in a mad rage, killed some of her own crewmembers? Out of ten, only she and Brietta were left. Did Brietta only survive because she blacked out? Just how connected was she to those beasts that had come upon them so savagely? Right now she did not want to think. Soon enough she would have to relive it with the Dream Walker. What if it—because she had no idea what it was since everything else was alien—tapped into something she had hidden? Would she be killed on the spot once it was discovered she had attacked Torin? Why did it always seem like when she got out of one scrape, another one was waiting for her? Not the same type but just as deadly? 44

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What seemed like days later, but was in actuality three hours, Torin came for her. He seemed grim and determined. To do what, Karia could only guess. She stayed silent and followed closely behind him as instructed, two guards brought up the rear. She knew by instinct they were instructed to kill her at the first sign of hostility toward their First. Oh yes, they stared at her lustfully. She could feel the heat of their eyes through the gauzy material she wore, but that would not stop them from killing her. She stared at Torin’s back dutifully, trying to appear as docile as possible. His long strides weren’t easy to keep up but she managed and kept some dignity about herself as she did. Through long corridors, which she was familiar with thanks to the walks she and Torin shared when he came to visit, they finally went through a door she was never shown before. With good reason. It led to the vehicle docking station. Her hazel eyes widened at the huge vessels. She wondered which one she and Brietta had come in on. They came to halt by a vehicle much smaller in size compared to the others but still bigger than the ship that she and her companions had traveled in. Torin went aboard first and turned to help her up the rather large steps. Clearly this ship was not made for people of her size. For a brief second, it appeared that he held her hand a fraction longer than was necessary, but she couldn’t be sure because of his abrupt turn. She swallowed the lump in her throat and chastised herself for being silly. He was the First Son. By all standards, he was a pure bred and she was a mongrel—it wasn’t like she had a chance. Hell, it wasn’t as if she even wanted one. Her prime directive was to start a new world and, dammit, she might have had a heavy hand in sabotaging that! Torin sat her in a chair softer than Egyptian cotton and took the seat to her left. One guard took the helm, the other sat slightly cat a corner to www.samhainpublishing.com

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Karia. He would get a perfect shot if he had to. She turned away and focused on the large, clear ship shield. A small lurch was all she felt and they were clearing the docking station and flying into the whitest sky. White sky? Without thinking she reached over excitedly and grabbed his hand. The guard pointed a strange object at her in warning. Torin placed his hand over hers, and with a slight nod, the guard warily backed down. Torin was grateful Karia did not see that. “Your sky is pure white!” “Why, of course, what other color would it be?” He smiled curiously at her. He ignored the fact that he loved touching her small hand. “Your sun is blue? Oh, it’s beautiful. At home, before the Final War, our skies were blue,” she answered wistfully, obviously remembering. “What is the name of your world, Karia?” Torin prodded gently. It was time questions were asked and answered. That was part of the reason for the trip. To make the questioning as gentle and comfortable as possible. That and he liked her company. “Earth.” Torin waved his hand and a holographic image appeared out of nowhere. It was a solar system. A massive solar system. Karia was glad she hadn’t grown up in Scyrrilis and had to learn the solar system. She could barely get all the facts together about the few planets in her own. “Point it out on the map.” his tawny gaze looked expectantly at her. Was he crazy? Out of the millions of friggin’ dots on that map, she was supposed to just point right to Earth, which in its own right was small. “I’m afraid our knowledge of the solar system does not reach as far as yours. My father found Fallon One or Lathaeon quite by accident when

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one of our scout ships picked it up. We haven’t mapped it out as much as your people.” Torin seemed to take that in consideration for a moment before he responded. “Tell me about some of the planets in your solar system, maybe I will find one familiar enough.” “Well, Mars is small and red and…” Karia began a long diatribe on the planets and found to her surprise she had been listening— somewhat—to her father when he talked about the solar system. He was a geek scientist through and through. He liked technology, biology, astronomy—you name it, he had an interest in it. “Ah, I think I know where you are,” Torin declared when she was reciting the few facts she knew about Neptune. He waved his hand and the picture began to move, until there were still tiny balls on the screen but a whole hell of a lot less. She recognized the system and immediately pointed out Earth. “See, that’s our sun, we’re the third planet. At least we used to be.” “You lived in the space desert?” “Space desert?” “It is the one place my people do not like to go. They find it too primitive. There really isn’t much to see in this system. We travel it only if we have to, to get to the other side for trade.” In other words, Karia thought to herself, she lived in the slums when compared to this man and his people. “Well yes, then I guess I do—did,” she corrected herself. Trying not to appear insulted. She knew he meant no harm. But when the guard closest to her snickered, it was hard not to be insulted. “Well, for a desert, they make the most beautiful females I have ever seen,” he said softly, eyeing the guard with enough animosity the guard

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practically winced. He knew he would be reprimanded for the faux pas. Karia smiled, it took the sting off. Already quite familiar with the culture of Earth from what Karia told him, he began to ask about the planet’s history. That Karia had extensive knowledge of, thanks to her sickness. At the time, her father saturated her with reading material—of his choosing. Torin then began to ask about the more sensitive subjects while they traveled. He pointed out their own landmarks and points of pride, seeing his world now from her eyes. Karia was enjoying herself. He felt guilty for having her locked up in her room like a caged animal. But he had not choice. He was trying to save her life. And if he did save it, he had no idea what he was going to do with her. “What?” he murmured, lost in his thoughts of her. “Are we flying too high? I ask because I don’t see any birds.” “Birds? What are ‘birds’?” “Birds, you know. Winged creatures that come in all sizes shapes and colors. They sing or talk and sometimes screech, but beautiful nonetheless.” “You had creatures such as these on your world?” he asked in amazement. “They can fly without a machine?” “Why yes, oh I wish you could see one. I love birds. They’re beautiful; to see them fly is wonderful. The freedom that they had.” Karia’s voice was wistful, and his guilt multiplied a hundredfold. “I am sorry for your troubles and situation. Hopefully, with the questioning soon to be over and the Dream Walker assisting, we can give you your freedom back and start you on a future for yourself.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance.

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She smiled shyly at him and her words reached his ear—just barely. “And if I am found guilty, there will be no future to plan.” “I have news of Brietta.” He smiled cheerfully at her, pretending he had not heard her disturbing, if not truth-riddled, comment. “How is she? Is she awake now?” “Not yet, but Bela said a couple of more days and she will bring her out of The Sleep. She is almost completely healed. She suffered great damage physically.” “Yes, I’ve thought about that.” Karia looked Torin in the eye. “Do you think I might have been responsible for hurting her?” Torin shifted uneasily, it wasn’t that the thought hadn’t crossed his mind, but he didn’t need the guard drawing conclusions as to why Karia was really kept under guard. “Don’t be silly. We’ll talk of this later when we’re alone.” Karia nodded her head in understanding. “Pilot Guard, take us back. The lady and I are hungry.” At the mention of food, the guard next to Karia’s eyes glazed over in anticipation. Just what Torin intended.

YZ “Now you will understand what true questioning looks like old friend.” Bri’aque quipped, loving the temper that was Torin’s. “You will not insult her, yell at her, or purposefully upset her in anyway.” Torin slammed his fist on the Meeting Table. “Of course not, I’ll just hand her some sweet food, and encourage her to go with whatever tale she fancies.” “Don’t patronize me, Bri’aque, you know full well what I mean.” “I know you care for this human. But I also know there are some things that need to be answered and for once your vision is clouded,” www.samhainpublishing.com

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Bri’aque casually stated. “I mean no disrespect, First. I am glad you like her, you’ve never shown a woman this sort of attention before. Just let me, your oldest friend, First in Command make sure she is worth it.” For the first time, Bri’aque seemed genuine in his statement. Torin grunted his acquiesce then nodded curtly. “Before she comes in, I have something I wish to share with you.” “Go on.” Torin began to braid his hair, trying to look legitimately regal. This session will be visually noted for his parents’ consideration and he had to appear in official capacity. That meant one long braid to show his loyalty to the One True Order, First True Family, standing strong as one. As the motto goes. “You showed me where the girl hails from.” Bri’aque paused to bring up the holographic image of the solar system with the wave of his hand. “How do you guys do that?” came Karia’s voice, breathless. “Images of our solar system are implanted virtually everywhere. This device on our wrist…” Unruffled by her early appearance, he paused to show her the thin bracelet, “…is like a key to activate it among many other things. It only works with the person it is assigned to and helps our computers keep track of who uses what and when.” Bri’aque smiled at her, dazzling her with his handsomeness. His glossy black hair that reached just below his shoulders was braided neatly. Onyx eyes that appeared shrewd but humorous looked back at her. “As I was saying, Lady, please be seated. The place where you hail from raised a theory I would like to explore.” “Please, whatever I can do to help.” “Some Complete Rotations ago, a transporter was stolen from one of our prestigious families by some Gaurans. We were in the process of 50

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rounding up all the Gaurans and colonizing them on Lathaeon when this happened. We decided to track them and retrieve them later…” “I remember this, Bri’aque,” Torin interjected. “When we discovered they had traveled to the Space Desert, we aborted pursuit. We surmised it was a place suited for them.” “Them being near primitive and all,” Karia interjected dryly, tired of taking potshots for her home. “Exactly,” Bri’aque continued, oblivious to the insult he was giving. “After we finally rounded them up, that is when the transporter beacon reported being back in our solar system. “The missing transporter?” Torin knew the answer even as he asked; he could see the puzzle Bri’aque was piecing together. “Yes, I believe that whatever happened to make them bigger and stronger, more thinking creatures happened in the Space Desert where she hails from. Her planet was the only one that had any signs of life on it.” Karia felt the bile rising in her stomach. It made sense now. The connection. “Child, hope has fallen quite literally out of the blue!” Her father’s words. It stood to reason the Gaurans landed on her planet. Her father had gotten a hold of them. He had experimented with them and her. That was what made her better. She remembered the chaos at the lab. Something about a breach of security. Her father had made them complex thinking creatures and they obviously had found a way to escape. “Karia, you look like you’re going to be ill.” “Part of my father’s job was to look for signs of intelligent life in space. There had been incidences when ships from other worlds had crashed to Earth. The occupants always died on impact or their ships were failing and burned mostly in the atmosphere. My father devised www.samhainpublishing.com

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equipment that could slow the progress of ships hurtling to Earth. He must have tracked and saved the ship as well as the occupants.” Karia’s voice sounded cold even to her own ears as she thought and remembered out loud. “ He experimented with them. With me.” Karia’s eyes teared and the Meeting Table in front of her blurred. Yes, he was capable of doing it. Yes, he did it out of love. Still it made it no less horrific. Still Karia wanted some answers. “If these Gaurans are so primitive, how do they fly your ships?” Bri’aque answered smoothly, “We have an auto pilot program. A child could run the ship in basic mode. Gaurans are not stupid, their ways may be primitive, but they learn quickly. Now more so than before. It seems some of them have evolved mentally and well as physically.” Karia blanched slightly, knowing her father had something to do with that. “I think we’re going to conclude the questioning for now, Bri’aque” Torin said sternly, going to Karia’s side and urging her to stand then holding her tightly. “I agree, First One, questions have been answered here. The others are dependent upon the Dream Walker.” With that, Bri’aque bowed formally to the First Son, deactivated the map and quietly left the room. Karia’s tears broke through. “I am part monster.” “You are Karia.” “I am not the Karia born.” She sobbed into his shirt. “What does this make me now? You must tell me about the Gaurans, so I know what to expect.” Hysteria began to rise. “Calm down, Lady. This outcome can be good or bad, it depends how you choose to see it.” He pulled her away from him and looked into her face. 52

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“How can any good come out of this?” “Is it better to know what you are dealing with, or going through life never knowing why strange things are happening to you?” Karia sniffled. “I guess it’s better to know, but just right now, it doesn’t feel good to know.” She laughed softly. “I’ve never cried so much as the last few weeks. “You’ve gone through a lot, small one. Your body needs its release.” “Yes, it does,” she murmured into his shirt, feeling her desire for him rising. Without thinking twice about it, Karia opened his shirt and planted a soft, wet, warm kiss on his chest. She inhaled deeply. She loved the way this man smelled. He smelled like foreign spices, power, man. It didn’t hurt that he looked like walking sex. She began to place small kisses on the perimeter of his chest. His arms grew tighter around her. She felt him harden for her, and prayed that his race made love like hers because it sure felt like it. She heard a gargled exclamation tear from his throat and then she found herself, gasping for air as his tongue plunged into her mouth. His firm, exploring tongue, tangled and caressed her own. She grabbed his braid from behind and urged him to deepen the kiss. He complied. His hands almost roughly roamed her body slowly sensuously in time with his kiss. She hoped he wouldn’t pull away from her again. “The guards…” she said between kisses. “Bri’aque is no fool, he’s already dismissed them,” Torin said roughly before lifting her small body and laying her across the white marble meeting table. He positioned her so that her knees were up and she was facing his chair. He sat down, his breathing slightly labored. He pulled her gently to him, and pushed her knees apart, until she was displayed for his pleasure. And that’s how he looked at her. Pure pleasure on his www.samhainpublishing.com

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face. Not moving, just looking at her, he slowly leaned towards her and blew his warm breath so lightly upon her sex that she shivered. She let her hands roam in the sea of silky iridescent hair. Her breathing was short, she was almost panting with anticipation. She watched him lower his gorgeous face between her thighs and threw her head back in sweet torture from the first flick of his tongue. His broad, flat, hot tongue lapping at her slowly. She squirmed, but his hands, like steel, kept her in position, while he tasted her. She tried to hold on, but when his tongue entered her and retracted in simulation of the act itself, she forcefully pushed herself even farther towards him. His laving became faster, demanding she give him more as if she could stop herself from doing so. “Peak for me,” he demanded of her. “Let me see how an Earth woman peaks for her First.” he said gruffly. His tongue flicked at her unmercifully. Shame took a back seat to her desire as she pressed him closer and tighter against her. He complied, grumbling his pleasure at her sweetness. The only warning her body gave was her legs shaking before the orgasmic waves engulfed her mind and body. She rode each wave higher and higher for he wouldn’t stop his ministrations. In defeat, she collapsed on her back on the table. The room spun for her. But Torin was not done with her. She felt him hook his big hands under her knees and pulled her until her butt was at the edge of the table. He entered her in one long, deep thrust and she cried out in pleasure pain. He was so huge and smooth. Not veiny like Earth men, but smooth like a hot, thick steel rod. He pulled out of her and went back in slowly. “You’re beautiful” he whispered.

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Karia lost all verbal functions for his cock was so, so hot as he plunged in and out of her. His rhythm complete and in sync with her lust. She felt something snap into place. An awareness of sorts. Like they were connecting more than just physically. Torin felt the Mating Waves began to surface the moment Karia met her climax. He was in denial no longer. She was his. When a male Scyrillian finds his destined mate, he vibrates for her and her alone. Increasing her pleasure, increasing his. And he pulsed for this Earth woman. The Mating Waves were strong upon him. He felt her clamp down on him in pleasured response from the waves. He grunted, wondering how long he could hold his pleasure before making her meet her peak again. He slammed into her now so mercilessly. She moaned her approval. The moment Torin began to vibrate she was done for. He was like a huge, warm vibrator. Stroking and vibrating her walls and her mound in unison. It was a sensory sexual overload. Her breasts hardened. Somehow he managed to grab a globe and her ass in each hand and hold her still while he pummeled her. She screamed, heavens help her, but she screamed her pleasure. He indeed was her first in more ways than one. Soon he groaned from his orgasm, and here was another difference between a Scyrillian male and an Earth man. His semen, when it came forth, was hot as it coated her walls. It was designed to give the woman one last bout of pleasure, because she was sent into another orgasm, not nearly as intense as the first or second, but who’s complaining when you’ve had three? The only sound in the room was labored breathing. Followed by attempts to regain normal breathing and thinking patterns. The effort seemed futile.

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“You were right, I needed release.” She laughed. Torin’s deep laughter soon followed. “That was not what I had in mind, but it will certainly do.” “Thank you.” Karia said genuinely. “For what?” Torin raised his weight off of her, then looked down in alarm at the small amount of blood on Karia’s thighs and his penis. “I’ve hurt you!” He grimaced in rising panic. He began to lift her from the table and only paused when he heard her laughter. “I do not understand. I’ve hurt you and you laugh?” “You have not hurt me. Torin, put me down.” She slapped playfully at his hands until he conceded. She pulled her clothing around her and sat up. Torin stood in front of her, confusion and alarm written plainly across his handsome face. Karia took his large hands in hers and looked up at him. “On Earth, women who have not engaged in sex have a thin membrane covering the entrance…er…uhm, when they finally do, the penis breaks it, causing a little bleeding.” “So I did hurt you,” he insisted, self-loathing in his words. “It is a natural process for the females. Besides I barely felt it, you made me feel really good.” Torin grunted, still not convinced, until a thought finally broke through. “You’ve never been with a male?” “No.” Torin was silent as he took this in. How could a female as beautiful as she not have had lovers? Still, he was elated that he was her first lover. It made him possessive of her all the more. In a strange way, he felt as if she now were his and his alone. He had felt a connection while

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they indulged their lusts. “Why were you not with others;, is that a custom on your planet?” “It was at first, but no, I never had a chance to meet anyone, my father and I lived at his job we had quarters assigned. There were a few young scientists who were interested. I just never was…” “Thank you, Karia. That was a gift you have given me. I have had many lovers, though I can never claim to have been a first for any of them. My parents made sure my first lovers were well versed.” “Well, Scyrillian lovers are certainly different. On Earth we had special toys that vibrated—I love the fact that with you I get an all in one.” “All in One?” “Trust me, Earth humor. Torin, I don’t expect anything from you because of this.” There was no way he could tell her what it meant to have the Mating Waves with her. She was technically his. He could not accept the idea of Attachment right now. How could he reassure her? It would not be long before it was obvious the two are mated. Perhaps her being human and Gauran would keep suspicions at bay, at least until he could figure things out. “I don’t know what to expect from this, Karia, this is new to me. You are new to me. Let us see what happens.” Karia nodded her head in agreement. “I will walk you back to your quarters.” Torin could feel the sadness that crept over Karia the closer they got to her room. He couldn’t blame her in the least. Regardless of what she said she still probably felt used. “The Dream Walker will be here as soon as it is able. If you want, I can stay and watch over you while it proceeds.”

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“I would like that. Don’t feel bad for me; I know you locking me in here is for my protection as well. It gets lonely, but I’m okay.” “You are a remarkable woman, Karia.” He softly kissed her, then watched as Karia slowly entered the small space allotted to her in the room before he activated the field. She turned away so all he could see was her smooth back. He hated treating her like this. It was the only way to keep her safe. If anyone other than Bri’aque got a hold of the real reason she was in here, she would be killed on sight. Politics were brutal in his world. He did not want her falling victim to its greedy jaws. “Sleep well,” he bade her softly before he turned and left her all alone. “Are you sure?” the guard Knoxly questioned Baer. “Yes, I am sure. She pointedly asked him if he thought she hurt the other earth female.” “Then she is a danger, “Knoxly said thoughtfully. He saw this as an opportunity to move up in rank. The young guard had been right to come to him with this piece of information. He tossed Baer a coin. “Good job.” “What are you going to do?” “Well, right now she is only suspected of being dangerous. With a little help from me, perhaps I can make the First see her true nature. If luck is on my side, I will be the one to eliminate the threat.” “You’ll get promoted. First in Command would surely promote you,” Baer agreed excitedly. “Then you could promote me.” Knoxly was a middle-aged Scyrillian who had never proven his worth but had always wanted more. He would use this opportunity to get an easy promotion. As for the First in Command, Knoxly had designs on that job as well. However, there was no way he was promoting this stupid guard, but Baer didn’t need to know that. He still needed him.

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“That’s right. But share this information with no one. I’ll get in touch with you, let you know which way we’ll proceed.” Knoxly sat back after Baer left the small drinking establishment. He lifted a glass of poorly made Chandrin and toasted to himself. “Hopefully this is the last time I have to drink this putrid stuff. With a new salary, only the best for old Knoxly.” Then he began to make plans for the Earth woman.

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Chapter Five It had been hours but she could still taste him. Feel his chest against her lips. She could smell him. Karia sighed in contentment as she lay in bed. Her life could not be more screwed up if she came up with a plan. Her life hung in the balance, and for the first time in her twenty-three years, she found a man to excite her. Too bad he happened to be First Son of the galaxy and possibly her executioner. She could try to escape but where would she go? She knew no one, no place. It would only serve to make her look guilty. She turned over on her stomach, churning over the information that Bri’aque had put together. Yes, it made all kinds of sense. Her father would do just about anything to see to her safety. She wasn’t quite sure she was in agreement to experiment on other beings. But knowing her father, she knew he did not mistreat them. Little comfort. What exactly was a Gauran? What were they capable of exactly? Violence seemed to rule their nature, that and cannibalism. Perhaps her father thought human genes would dilute the strong animal tendencies in them. For the first time, Karia let her mind wander to the attack. Fiohn had been in a nearby lake bathing, she and Brietta were getting a fire going, the other women were looking for edible vegetation and trying to get to understand the resources the planet had to offer. The men were out scouting.

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Fiohn came thrashing through the shrubbery, dirty and naked, and covered in blood and deep gouges. “Run!” she yelled. Fiohn could run no longer, she collapsed at their feet. Brietta and Karia looked at each and heard the crashing and breaking of tree branches, feral sounds accompanied the noise. Without second thought and in perfect sync, she and Brietta each took an arm of Fiohn and ran for the cave they discovered earlier that morning. She saw the blood running down the thigh of Fiohn and did not want to think the worst. Their pursuers were close behind and gaining on them. Approximately five hundred yards to the mouth of the cave, the men stood talking idly and looked stunned seeing the woman. “Something attacked Fiohn, it’s behind us!” Brietta called to them. Two of the men, Leto and Brian, helped carry Fiohn, who was fading in and out of consciousness. “Where are the other women?” Leto asked, looking behind them. “They were out looking for edible plants.” Karia sobbed, realizing that whatever attacked Fiohn probably got the other women. Leto volunteered himself, since he was considered Leader on the voyage and ordered two of the other men to stay with them and two to go with him. “We’ll bring back the other women,” he promised, his handsome brown eyes fully intending to do so. Karia and Brietta did not say what they both were thinking—the women were already gone. Cord and Ramus stayed with them helping them into the cave. They went outside to push the boulders in place, trying to add protection should the others come back—or even if they didn’t. “What have they done to you?” Brietta sobbed to her best friend. “Did they…?

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“They were monsters” Fiohn coughed, her voice barely above a whisper. “The biggest one, he…” Her voice broke and she turned her head in shame. “Don’t,” Karia cooed soothingly. “There’s no shame here. We’ll make you better. The others will run them off, and we can get back on our ship and be safe there.” “No, Karia. I am dying, I can feel it. He did…over and over. I couldn’t scream they covered my mouth. I tried to fight. I fought so hard…” Her voiced trailed off. “Don’t sleep, Fiohn, you might have a concussion,” Brietta wailed in desperation. Holding her friend’s hand, she caressed her hair. “Please don’t sleep.” “When he finally stopped, they all went to the river, maybe they thought I was asleep, that’s when I ran.” Blood pooled slowly out of Fiohn’s mouth. “Shhh.” Karia felt her own hot tears flow. “Just rest, you can tell us later.” But Fiohn’s eyes began to flutter rapidly. “No, please don’t…sleep,” she finished on a cry, knowing that Fiohn had either passed out or died. “She’s still alive,’ Karia declared, looking Brietta in the eye. “She has a pulse. It’s weak, but it’s there.” Brietta nodded, too many tears in her throat to speak. “We’re going to get out of here. I promise.” As soon as she uttered those words, Cord and Ramus yelled. “They’re coming…oh God! What the hell are those?” “Stay here,” she ordered Brietta, and ran to the mouth of the cave. She stood slack-jawed at the sight. Purple eyes were staring at them from the woods. “Get in the cave!” Ramus yelled to her. “Cord, help me get this other boulder in place.” 62

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Karia watched in horror as the two struggled with the second boulder. She stood back but heard the pelting of rocks before she saw them. The things were pelting the men, hindering their progress. The men struggled and suddenly the creatures attacked as one. Karia caught a stone in the head and felt her forehead split, the warm blood oozing down her temple. The boulder was almost in place. But not quite. And that was when Karia’s memory just stopped. It was as if someone ripped a page out of a book. She shook from the memories. Fiohn of course died later from her injuries. Brietta’s injuries were still a mystery to her. Could she have lost her mind and attacked Brietta? Right now she didn’t know her own mind. She clung to the one thought she was sure of. That was clear. Torin. Handsome, golden-eyed, muscular, Torin. Could he ruthlessly have her killed if he found out she had attacked Brietta? What would happen to her if she was considered docile and not a danger to anyone? How was she to take care of herself in this world? According to Torin, women didn’t work; they married. They pleased the men. She had grown up around books and even functioned as a lab assistant—what could she do here? Did they even have jobs for women? Would Torin sell her and Brietta on the slave market? Karia shook her head. He wouldn’t do that. She just knew it. Yes, he admitted to having plenty of lovers, so did she mean nothing? She did tell him, after all, she wanted nothing from him, perhaps she spoke too soon. She would need him to help her adjust to life on this planet or some other one. Her crew was gone. Her ship no doubt stolen by the Gaurans. She had nothing. To top it off, she wanted a man who was way out of her league. She sat up at the sound of Bela’s footsteps.

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“I was ordered to take you to bathe,” Bela said briskly, pointing behind her at the guard that followed. “He’ll only be standing guard. Lady, please don’t try anything. He has orders to shoot if you so much as try an escape. First in Command is most serious about the First’s protection. What could a little thing like you do to him?” Bela tried to whisper conspiratorially, in her normal voice. Karia held back a laugh. Yeah, what indeed, if threatened or angered enough. Bela could be funny sometimes; the woman had no idea what discretion was. The guard deactivated the field and Karia stepped carefully over the black line. Bela led her to an adjoining room that she had noticed and guessed was the bathroom. Upon entering the room, she realized Scyrillian’s idea of a bath tub was Earth’s idea of a small pool. The water bubbled and she sighed at the heat rising from the water. Strange scents filled the air. “Disrobe.” Bela ordered. Shyly Karia disrobed in front of the plump woman, though Bela hardly glanced at her. “Well, what happened to you?” she asked, concerned about the blood on the material. Karia blushed furiously and stammered trying to explain. “Ah, I see. You being different, I should have known the First would have liked to sample you.” She chuckled then got serious. “Where did the blood come from?” Karia hastily explained the biology of Earth women. Bela sat and looked liked it was the craziest thing she ever heard. “Does he have anyone special, Bela?” Karia asked hesitantly, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer. “His highness has a lot of special women.” Bela sat on a small seat near the pool. “Don’t think you have a chance of getting Attached to him.

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There’s a long line. Just enjoy him, human, and let him go when it’s time.” Bela was trying to be kind. But still the knowledge hurt, and it shouldn’t have. It didn’t matter that he had come to see her everyday since she had been confined. It shouldn’t matter that he took the time to learn chess and other things from her. It certainly shouldn’t have mattered that they had talked for hours about nothing at all. But it did. Karia straightened her back, and convinced herself that Torin too shall pass. She would enjoy this luxury of a bath and not spoil it with tragic scenes of love gone wrong. “Leave us.” Torin’s voice echoed in the large room. Bela scrambled to her feet and bowed before hastily exiting. Karia didn’t know what to do. Should she greet him warmly or… “I wanted to share a bath with you. I thought it might ease any soreness you might have,” he stated before removing the silk looking robe that should have never hidden such gorgeous parts. “I hope I am welcome.” He hesitated not sure what her silence meant. “You are most welcome.” She finally got around the lust lump in her throat. For the first time she could eye the thick rod that had given her so much pleasure earlier. It was smooth and hard, even right now; it seemed to pointing at her. She swallowed, and averted her eyes. “You don’t find me pleasing. Do I pale in comparison to your human Earth males?” Karia’s head whipped around. “No you’re beautiful!” she blurted out, and could have kicked herself for sounding like a love struck sixteenyear-old.

The

arrogant

smile

on

Torins’

face

deepened

her

embarrassment.

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“I think you are most beautiful as well, Karia.” Mercifully the water began to swallow him as he came towards her, then sat next to her in one the seats carved into the small pool. “I heard what you asked Bela.” “I didn’t mean to pry, Torin. I was just curious. I did not mean to pry.” “It is all right, women are curious by nature. But Bela was wrong.” “You do have someone special?” Karia hoped to hell her voice didn’t betray her heartbreak. “Yes.” She could feel him looking closely at her, but she refused to turn her head. “How do you feel about that, Karia?” A thousand things went through Karia. She felt betrayed. She felt hurt. She felt alone. She felt she had no rights to him. “I feel she is a lucky woman,” was the only thought she said out loud. “No, I believe it is I who am lucky.” Torin smiled at her. “Because you are truly special, Karia.” Karia’s brain being melted and frozen way too many times in the last couple of weeks, took a moment to understand him. “Me?” “Who else? I must say I am confused by these new emotions. But I would have to ask of you not to tell anyone about us.” That was it. There it was out in the open. He wanted her, but he was ashamed of her. Who could blame him? He was the equivalent of a Prince, she wasn’t even Cinderella. She wasn’t pure and all good. She had violent tendencies, tendencies that might have made her attack one of her dearest friends. “I understand.”

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“I do not think you do. I hope you are not thinking it is because I am ashamed of you. Never that. I have political enemies as does any leader. Until this matter is resolved, I need to keep attention off of you.” “Can you just pardon me?” Karia wondered. He was after all the First. “It can be done, but at great cost to my family and people. I would no longer be seen as competent and fair. They would believe security protocol has been breached if I allow you free reign. No species of person has ever been allowed free reign without some sort of investigation. We are a Federation and must be kept unified. If I did not make you follow the same laws, you would become a target for their hatred.” “So you’re making me see the Dream Walker anyway. Knowing if she finds I am a danger, I am dead.” Karia was disappointed. She saw his point but boy did it sting a little. “I am sure of your innocence now. I do not believe you are a danger to the House or anyone else, unless provoked.” “I don’t follow you.” “Gaurans by nature are violent and prone to attack for no particular reason. When you attacked me, I believe you thought yourself in some sort of danger. Threatened in some way. It is probably the human in you that tames the naturally violent tendencies of the Gaurans, until you are threatened. Like any species, you defend yourself.” “Yes, but that doesn’t explain what happened on Lathaeon.” “I believe the Dream Walker will find the memory and it will explain what happened. I do not think you are a killer. Your father might have used Gauran genes to protect you from disease, since they are impervious to it, but I’m not so sure he didn’t know about the side effects.”

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“You think my father did this to me on purpose.” It was a statement more than a question. She had been mulling that very possibility over many times. “Karia, I care a great deal for you and I have known you only a short while. Imagine how your father must have felt sending his daughter away to a place he couldn’t possibly help her should she need it. He knew he would be dead and you would need someone to look after you.” “Sooo, you’re saying that my father might have purposely added that gene from the Gaurans so I am able to protect myself?” “Quite possibly, and to protect whatever children you might bear.” Torin fell silent, letting Karia think on what he said. He idly stroked her curly hair, which even in the humidity managed to stay curled. “That does sound like my father,” she said on a heavy sigh. “But I never remember anything.” “I think it is because of the strength you draw upon during the transition. You are still human, and humans and Gaurans are different.” “Do you think my children will inherit this gene?” “Not likely.” “Why?” “There are no female Gaurans, they must mate with other species to propagate. If it’s a male child, it will be fully Gauran. You are a female carrying Gauran genes. It has been proven in the past that something about females and their genetic code does not allow for female Gaurans. Even if they are born, they eventually evolved into docile simple-minded people. One would never know they were ever once Gauran.” “They don’t look Gauran?” “Not even a little bit. So it stands to reason, the gene your father gave you will eventually phase out and die over the years, leaving you as you were born.” 68

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“Then why do we need the Dream Walker if you believe this.” “Because we need to know what happened to you and Brietta in that cave.” “That, and it would satisfy the people.” “Yes, there is that. There is also the matter of my satisfaction.” Torin looked at Karia with hunger in his eyes. “Would the First like me to perform such a task?” Karia asked coyly, turning toward Torin and boldly taking his cock into her hands. “If she wishes,” he groaned, slowly pushing himself further into her hands, “only if she wishes.” “Yes, she does.” Karia whispered hoarsely. She turned her face up to his and needed no other invitation as he bent to kiss her. His Karia. She didn’t know it yet but she was his. Every time she willingly gave her body to him the bond strengthened. He loved the taste of her. The feel of her. And now she smelled like his favorite scent, mixed with her own. She was still damn near a virgin but she had good instincts he surmised as she pumped him with her hand slowly in the water. He kissed her hard, trying to relay his passion for her. Until even that wasn’t enough for him. He wanted—needed—to have more from her. Already light as a babe, the water made her virtually weightless. He lifted her and gingerly settled himself inside her as she wrapped her legs around him tightly. “Oh!” she exclaimed when he was settled to the hilt. He slowly began to walk with her in the pool, trying to reach the side of it to position her against the pool wall. Each step seemed to plant him deeper inside of her. She began to squirm wanting more than the slow torturous teasing he was giving her. “If you keep moving like that I won’t last long, woman” he growled into her ear. www.samhainpublishing.com

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“I don’t care,” she responded petulantly. “We’ll just have to do it again.” “What have I created?” He laughed as he stopped and wedged her against the wall and obliged her by speeding up the tempo. The warm water only heightened the sensations. “Do that thing you do, Torin,” she moaned. “The Mating Waves?” he said innocently. In time, he would learn to control it, turning it on for her pleasure at will. But right now it had a mind all its own. He felt the deep tremors start in him before she even demanded it. “Yes, that’s it,” she moaned when she felt the vibrations go through her body. The feeling traveled through her full channel, through her mons, through her nipples until she felt nothing but him. The fullness of him, the vibrations, made her snuggle her mouth against his neck in an effort to smother her scream. He continued to pleasure her even as her climax began to subside, then he stood stock-still and bellowed loudly, not caring who heard. He was the First, and could yell out his pleasure as loud as he wanted. Karia felt the hot rush of his male release and braced herself for the delicious mini orgasm that followed. She wasn’t disappointed. Seconds later she felt like the old rag doll she used to play with as a child. Between the heat, and humidity of the pool and her two releases, she was spent. Torin held her a moment longer before he slid out of her and turned her around. He cradled her like she was the most precious thing he ever beheld, and sat in a carved seat in the wall of the pool with her on his lap. They sat that way for a long time. She listened to the sound of his heartbeat returning, he listened to her breathing.

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“Very soon we must talk about the Mating Waves, Karia,” he said solemnly. “Why? I think they’re wonderful,” she responded almost drunkenly. “Yes, well, I am glad.” Torin chuckled. “But we must talk, and soon” “You sound like you have to go.” Karia turned to look meet his golden gaze. “I do. The Dream Walker shall arrive very soon. I must greet her and apprise her of the situation.” “I understand.” Karia removed herself from his lap. “You may stay here longer if you wish. I know that small cell must be stifling. All of this will be over soon. I promise.” “I think I will stay a while longer.” Karia closed her eyes as he kissed her atop of her head then exited the pool. Not at all mindful of his glorious nakedness, he turned to her once before donning the robe and exiting the room leaving Karia alone with her thoughts—again.

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Chapter Six Torin felt his heart shatter into a million pieces as he left her. He could deny it all he wanted, but he was very much in love with the Earth woman. They were so near to complete Attachment it caused his heart to ache. He felt her loneliness as he left her. She felt empty when he left her and there was nothing he could do to cure the situation until the Dream Walker arrived. Swiftly, he went to his quarters and changed into the official uniforms the First Family wore when acting in royal capacity. One of the servant girls dutifully began to braid his hair. It took a moment for him to realize the servant wanted more from him than just the braiding of his hair. “Not today, Gaila,” he said softly. She sighed heavily before she spoke. “I am sorry, First, if I talk out of turn, but it’s been a while since you have been to my quarters. Did I displease you somehow?” Her voice quavered. Like many servants, she liked serving him in all ways. At any other time before Karia, he would have thrown her mercilessly onto the sleeping pod and pounded into her. He no longer had such appetites—at least not for any woman save Karia. “You have not displeased me.” He patted her hand gently and sent her away. He knew he could not keep turning the servants away. Talk would ensue, and speculation and his mother would descend upon him

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like a predator. A sharp rap on the door sounded before it slid open, allowed Bri’aque to enter the room. “Her ship is landing now; we must make haste to the docking bay. It would not do to have one such as her left waiting.” “And how do you know it is a ‘her’?” Torin teased, amazed at how Bri’aque was obsessed with the fairer sex. “Interpreting and searching one’s dreams is not a man’s work. Ruling, killing and protecting is. That is how I know.” “No one has ever seen the face of a Dream Walker, nor its sex, for that matter. You truly are a horny beast.” Torin laughed as he and Bri’aque walked briskly to the docking bay, automatically flanked by two guards at the rear and two at the front. “Yes, well, there is a lot to be said about hunting the fairer sex. Hunting anything else does not measure up to it’s reward when captured,” Bri’aque answered slyly. “That, my friend, is pure truth,” Torin agreed. They walked in silence along the short distance to the docking bay. A small white ship hummed quietly while the mouth of it opened. One large guard exited, sniffed, looked around before beckoning its master to come forth. “Seems you have hired Preze. I hear it is the best of it’s kind,” Bri’aque murmured, eyeing the small figure, cloaked in what looked like great amounts of black fabric. “This is important. Only the best.” “For Karia,” Bri’aque stated. “I do not follow,” Torin murmured, watching the two figures approach. “Only the best for Karia, dear friend. That is what you meant, but have not the guts to say.” With that, Bri’aque stepped forward to www.samhainpublishing.com

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introduce his cleverly concealed, perplexed Prince. After the introduction, they immediately led Preze to the Meeting Room. After being seated with polite offers of drink and food, the meeting was officially underway. “You have called me here personally, First. I am honored.” Preze spoke in an almost metallic voice, sounding neither male nor female. “I understand you are the best.” “That is quite a compliment. How may I help you?” “First of all, I mean no offense, but I need you to understand you will be held to your word by the Seal of the First Family that whatever is learned in the forthcoming session is strictly divulged to the people in this room. Until given instructions from me and only me, you may not pass this information to the First Order.” Bri’aque looked to Torin in surprise. Then a sly grinned appeared and disappeared quickly. “I understand, First Son. Again how may I assist you?” “I have a young female in my possession. It is unclear whether she is a danger to the general population. There is a question of her guilt in a number of brutal killings, particularly her own people. All people on her ship have been attacked; only she and another female survived. The other earth female is not conscious and, therefore, cannot testify if she was attacked by another entity or the female in question.” “If these are her own people, pardon me, but why do you attend to this matter? Her crime has no bearing on the Federated Planets.” “She is my responsibility because she is now in my ruling system. If she is capable of such crime against her own people, she is capable of harming mine. I do not want to possibly kill one of the last survivors of this species.” “I see. Politically it would be suicide. You are a wise man, First. I can begin as soon as you wish.” 74

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“Now if not the soonest.” Torin stood and gestured for Knoxly, the flanking guard, outside the door, to enter. “Inform Bela to prepare but do not give the Sleeping Potion to our guest,” Torin ordered coolly though inside he was in shambles. This was it. He believed Karia was not guilty, but what if something else damning came up? He could no more harm her than he could a child. He would have to choose his people, his government, his family—or his only true mate, Karia. Knoxly accepted the order and told himself that soon he would be the one calling the shots. He would allow for this to go on until he could get a clean shot with a good reason to kill the girl. She was suspected of being a danger. A suspicion strong enough to warrant Preze’s presence. In his book, she was as good as dead, and he was as good as promoted. He would thank Knoxly for alleviating a potentially political fiasco. No one wanted their hands dirty. The First wouldn’t have to with old Knoxly around. Torin, Bri’aque, Preze and Bela entered her room. Her heart beat frantically in her chest. Whoever it was cloaked in black gave her the creeps, swathed in black material, the person was covered from head to toe. There was no way to get a look at this person; it made her even more wary. Torin approached the bed, and reached out to caress her cheek. She closed her eyes enjoying his touch, but too quickly it was gone. “Is that the Dream Walker?” She looked into Torin’s eyes. He silently nodded affirmation. “Why can’t I see their face? I want to see who’s going to be stomping around inside my head.” “It is forbidden to lay eyes on the form of one. They must remain unrecognizable; to see its face would taint all dreams and memories now www.samhainpublishing.com

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and for the rest of your days. The old stories say once you have seen the face of a Dream Walker, you will never have a peaceful night’s sleep again. I am sorry but it is impossible to look upon it. Preze will not harm you, you will not even know it is there.” “How does this go?” She was scared. Torin could hear it in the voice she used to mask it. “We will deliver a Dausas implant into the Walker. It will record all it sees from the Walker. We can download the images into our system then view them.” “You mean my memories and dreams are recorded?” Karia sounded incredulous. Her father would have killed for a biological specimen such as that. “May I see the Dausas implant?” “I do not think it is a good idea. They are rather…unpleasant to look upon. Perhaps when this is over, you can view it while the images are being transferred. We do not want any tainting of your memories. Bela, administer the potion.” As Bela gave Karia the sweet tasting mixture, Preze smoothly inserted the Dausas while Karia was distracted and waited while it settled. Quickly Karia began to feel the effects of the potion. Lightly Torin kissed her forehead while she tumbled into a deep sleep. Karia at first found herself immersed in the memory of her and Torin’s lovemaking. An unforeseen will forced her memories back further, and she felt like she was in a tunnel being sucked backward. Images flew, faintly familiar but so quickly, until the scene slowed. She recognized this memory of Torin carrying her. She thought it but a dream. He held her so close…the image flew by. Then she was at the image of the cave. She wanted to scream and tell her mind to stop but something controlled and propelled it further back. The fire, she and Brietta were around the cooking fire, this is when the 76

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image stopped and events began to unfold, as if she were reliving it, which she was… “It has started, old friend. Trust in your instincts.” “I know she is not a killer. I just wonder…” “If there might be something else, you didn’t know about her, that could be harmful?’’ “Yes.” “Interesting…”Bri’aque looked at Karia, who began to sweat and fidget on the bed. They were running as fast as their legs would carry them. Fiohn was getting heavier as consciousness came and went. They would not leave her. Then Brietta called out to the men in warning… “She’s suffering!” Torin bit out. “This is not right, we must stop this.” “She is not suffering. It is only memories revisited. If we do not do this, your hands are tied and it is an automatic death sentence for those who cannot be trusted. You know the laws better than I.” Yes, Torin did know the laws, and up to this point, he enforced them without question. Right now they just seemed cruel. He approached the bed and held her hand. He hoped he could give her comfort thought the Attachment wasn’t complete. The boulder was almost in place, when the Gaurans broke from the wooded ahead and fell upon Ramus and Cord. A rock caught her in the head and she felt the blood ooze. Ramus and Cord fought hard, but the Gaurans were too many and too strong. The boulder was almost in place

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when the memory began to dim, but something stopped it, forcing it to clear and play itself. The darkness turned gray and then she saw the memory through a purple haze. She knew she had to get the boulder in place or she and Brietta would be dead. Just a few more pulls and it would be too small an opening for the monsters to get through. She pulled and tugged, and just when she almost had it in place with her new found strength, one of the monsters grabbed her arm and tried to pull her through the opening. She pulled back, giving the creature enough leverage to force itself through the opening. It came through, tall and foreboding, but in a crouched position. Another soon squeezed through. Through the haze, her panic doubled, giving her more strength. The first beast went for Brietta, who screamed, and the second beast attacked her. She fought hard, taking slashes from its claws as it tried repeatedly to pin and mount her. Brietta screamed and then was silent. Quickly she glanced over and saw the first monster had knocked Brietta unconscious and proceeded to try to mate with her. Rage won over panic. She threw her enemy off of her, rushed in before it could recover and snapped it’s neck. She ran to the beast who had almost completely mounted Brietta and, putting everything she had into the action, forced her clawed hand through its back and pushed its heart out the front. She saw more monsters fighting to get to the small opening. That would not do. She dragged the body off of Brietta and began to stuff it in the opening. Quickly the monsters, seemingly cannibals, snatched the body from her hands and immediately began to devour it. She dragged the second one to the opening and again they immediately began to feast. She had to close the opening while they were distracted. She tugged, grabbing purchase where she could; she felt her energy draining along with her blood. She was badly injured. Her state of consciousness 78

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contributed to her judgment of the boulder being in place, she locked her own fingers between the boulders and howled in pain. Frantically, like a panicked wounded animal, she yanked her finger out and felt something pull out of place. Still she continued, filling the small crevices with whatever she could make fit. She couldn’t let them get in. She stumbled then everything went black… “How long does this take?” Irritated, Torin wiped the sweaty forehead of Karia, who mumbled now and then, her whole state of being agitated. “As long as it takes,” Bri’aque said quietly, putting his hand on Torin’s shoulder for support. “Whatever is going on is deeply affecting the Dream Walker.” Torin looked at the Walker and saw it too was twitching almost cowering. It was reliving her dreams as well. “I would not wish for that calling.” Torin commented gravely. She was brought out of the blackness periodically only to see the darkness of the cave. They deserted the idea of her and Brietta. Would they be back? She tried to listen for the sound of breathing, Fiohn’s or Brietta’s, but could hear nothing over her own erratic heartbeat. She felt like she was dying. Her body knew it and was trying desperately to stop it. Then she saw a golden gaze, it wasn’t clear, she could barely focus. Soon she was being carried in strong arms. It had been many days since she felt the presence of someone else and this person brought her comfort. “Look she’s settling,” Bri’aque announced to Torin, whose head was down almost in prayer as he held Karia’s hand. His head jerked up. True

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enough. It seemed the worst was over. A quick glance at the Dream Walker confirmed it. It too was relaxed. It was time to bring the Earth woman back to consciousness. It closed off the dream sequence and ordered the Dausas to stop recording. Just as it was about to bring the female to consciousness, the Dream Walker was sucked into an image of a liquid world. The sound in its world, muffled. It knew nothing but the warmth and safety of its immediate existence. The Dream Walker, in shock, recognized the signature of the creature and with haste pulled the woman out of the dream state. “There she is.” Torin hovered over Karia as she opened her eyes. His tone almost childlike and filled with relief. “I don’t remember anything,” she said in puzzlement, feeling the last of the effects of the potion. “In time, they will surface. All at once, the memories could cause you harm. The Dream Walker has set it so the memories come slow.” “I feel so…drained.” Karia tried to sit up. “You should rest. Dream questing takes a lot out of a Scyrillian; I can only imagine the effects it would have on a fragile creature such as yourself.” “You mean primitive,” Karia said sarcastically. “Well, she seems to be in fine form.” Bri’aque piped in. Karia rolled her eyes at him. “First, I must hold counsel with you immediately,” the metallic voice of Preze interrupted. “Have you disengaged the Dausas?”

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Torin, through years of training knew how to appear calm and in control. But at the mention of those words, his heart flipped. Did the Walker find something wrong with Karia. Did her father do more to her than even he and Karia could have guessed? “I have the disgusting little bugger.” Bri’aque could barely hold the distaste at such a creature. “You said you’d let me see it,” Karia reminded Torin. Hesitating at first, he nodded for Bri’aque to show Karia the thing that had been implanted in her. Karia was not prepared for the disgusting squirming creature she beheld. It looked as if a fly and silverfish had mated. Bela was right, it had lots of eyes and legs. It was tiny, barely larger than a penny but no less disgusting. And she had had the honor of having one. Gross. Bri’aque, tortured soul that he was thoroughly, enjoyed her state of being. He turned on his heel with a smirk and left the room. “Get some rest, I will return soon,” Torin clipped. He didn’t wait for her answer, he had to find out what the Dream Walker wanted. Knoxly stood guard outside the door of the chamber but he heard every word. The Dream Walker was agitated. It could only mean one thing. It had found something truly disgusting about the human. There wasn’t a chance in all of Scyrillis he was letting the opportunity slip by. If he took the human out now, it would show he had initiative. He had what it took to be part of the elite guard for the First Family. It would mean more coin. He stood straight as the First in Command left the room followed by the First Son and the Dream Walker. Two guards flanked behind the couple. That left him and Baer. “Stay here.” he ordered the dimwitted soldier. “You’re going to kill her now?” Baer asked almost too loudly. www.samhainpublishing.com

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“Keep your voice down. Yes, if anyone comes, whistle.” With that, Knoxly entered the room of the human. The perimeter guard had negligently been left down, that would certainly aid him. He approached the bed. It was true the small human was attractive, but she was also his way to a better command post. He sat his weapon by the foot of the bed and pulled the sharp dagger from his boot. His sick mind intent on the kill. “Please speak freely,” Torin ordered the Dream Walker, successfully keeping the impatience out of his voice. Preze bowed slightly before it sat at the Meeting Table. “As I was pulling the woman from the Dream State, I was pulled into another,” Preze announced. “How is that possible? You are a Dream Walker, you control the Dream State.” “I can control the dream state of persons aware or having been aware at one point of the difference between reality, dreams and memories. This understanding is what allows me to control it. It is through the boundaries that I can manipulate and therefore control. So if a creature knows no such bounds, it can be quite powerful when connecting with a mind with power such as mine. The dream state becomes a playground to it. There is nothing to restrain it.” “What kind of creature would have this sort of power and what has this to do with Karia?” Torin sensed the Walker was smiling under all that material. “It is not a state of emergency. The power this creature has does not last long. Soon it is taught the difference between things of this nature.”

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“What has this to do with Karia, and what creature do you speak of?” Torin let his impatience loose. He was confused and worried. He had no time for riddles. “The unborn,” Preze stated. “I do not understand you.” Torin shook his head and began to pace erratically around the Meeting Room. “Karia is with the child of the First Son. I recognize your dream signature. Families all carry the same dream signature.” Preze stood. “Bri’aque has the Dausas, and my job here is done. As agreed, nothing goes outside of these walls. I wish you well on your upcoming Attachment.” The bodyguard for Preze appeared at its side and escorted its master to the docking bay, leaving Torin with his mouth open. Karia felt a sense of foreboding as she closed her eyes and tried to sleep. A long shadow fell across her face. Her eyes flew open in greeting, but she did not recognize the face that stared down at her, knife poised ready to strike. Instinctually, she rolled to the other side of the bed. The knife barely missed her, but lopped off a chunk of her curly hair. She screamed in surprise as she hit the floor with a thud. The man leaped across the bed after her, and the world went hazy and purple. Baer saw the First coming toward the room moments too late to warn his friend. In a panic, he fled. Torin immediately ordered his guard to follow the retreating guard, his heart in his throat as he wondered about Karia. He had forgotten to reactivate the field. He left her open to attack. He rushed into the room in time to see a bloody Knoxly fire his weapon at an enraged Karia. The blast hit her, though he couldn’t see where; she screamed in a high pitch wail reminiscent of a Gauran but

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not quite, in a futile attempt she tried to tear open his throat but fell short of it as her brain registered the wound. Knoxly slumped slowly to the ground to his knees, in relief. Karia looked at Torin. For a brief moment her purple eyes softened then she too slumped to the floor. “Bela!” Torin roared in agony as he rushed to her. “First I have solved the dilemma of the woman.” Knoxly grinned proudly, his eyes feverish bright and expectant. Torin rose slowly, the predator in him calling for death. He grabbed Knoxly by the head and quickly twisted his arms. The sound of a neck snapping reverberated off the walls.

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Chapter Seven Bela came running as fast as her plump legs would carry her. Her First was enraged and quite dangerous in this state. She almost tripped into the room and gasped in horror. The Earth woman lay motionless and bleeding on the floor. A soldier, who looked to have had his neck snapped, lay across from her. “What took you so long?” he roared at her as he began to cradle Karia. “Help her, Bela, she is dying.” Torin’s’ voice broke with emotion. Bela, for the first time in all her years, saw the man she help raise from a seedling, moved to tears. Bela spoke calmly, trying to soothe him. “The other Earth woman has awakened.” She gently nudged him aside, trying to see the wound. “Do not worry, My First, most wounds are not as bad as they look.” In Bela’s heart, however, fear gripped her. The woman was so small. Much of her blood seemed to be oozing from her right shoulder. She appeared dead, but Bela knew what a fighter the young woman was. She commanded a list of ingredients from the First and bade him to lift her gently onto the bed. “Bela,” he said to her, his voice sounding coarse and tight. “You must save her. We are to be Attached and she carries my seedling.” Bela nodded and immediately set to cleaning the wound. Torin dragged the body of Knoxly out of the room.

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Bri’aque lost count of the number of times he hit the dim-witted soldier. He was prepared to beat him to death to get the answers he wanted. “Who else was involved with the attempt on the earth woman’s life?’ “No one,” the fool cried, tears mixing with the blood on his face. “Knoxly said the fewer the better. He said we would get the rewards and he’d promote me when you promoted him.” “Promotion?” Bri’aque sneered. “What reasons did you idiots have for thinking that if you killed the woman you would be rewarded?” “I heard her say she thought she hurt people. I reported this to Knoxly,” Baer answered around swollen lips. “That alone seals your execution, you moron. No soldier is to repeat or sell any information heard in the presence of the Family of the First Order.” “No one was supposed to find out I told,” Baer pleaded. “Knoxly said he would be rewarded for killing such a dangerous creature. He felt if he did it, The First would be spared the political fallout of killing the remaining species. He thought the First would be most grateful.” Bri’aque turned away from the sniveling idiot in rage. He had no idea people, his people, could be so stupid. The sound of the door sliding open in the House prison caught his attention. Torin was every bit enraged. He approached the cowering soldier chained to the wall. “Did he give you all the information you needed, Bri’aque?” he asked calmly, staring into the eyes of the condemned man. “I am sure of it.” “Then we have no more need to spare his life. Would you say that is correct?”

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“Yes, indeed. That would be most correct.” Bri’aque pretended to study his nails as the man began to openly bawl. “Soldier, do you know what we do when we find a fully grown Dausas in the wild?” “We leave them alone, sir. They can be quite vicious when in the midst of reproducing.” “That’s true, soldier. Bri’aque, can you remember some of the old reports of citizens who were attacked by a Dausas when unaware of its presence?” “Hmm,” Bri’aque seemed to consider, “well, let’s see, when they’re young, they’re extremely docile and quite useful. But once past this stage, they burrow under the skin of a Scyrillian and lay eggs. Each egg is protected by a hard shell. When they mature, they release an acidic substance that eats not only through the shell but whatever is surrounding it.” “How many eggs would you say a Dausas lays?” Torin asked matterof-factly, producing a small clear box with a fully-grown Dausas inside. The soldier flinched and began to whimper. “No less than ten, no more than thirty.” Bri’aque answered. “That could cause quite a lot of damage to the host.” “I would have to agree with that.” “Bela says we are low on immature Dausas for implants. I think it is time to plant for a new harvest.” Torin approached the soldier, his anger boiling just under the surface. “You have committed an unforgivable act on the Future Attachment of the First Son of the Order. For this, you are sentenced to death.” Torin opened the box and held it tightly against the soldiers’ chest. He watched in almost maniacal fashion as the Dausas burrowed under the skin of the chest of the soldier. The soldier’s screams did nothing to appease the www.samhainpublishing.com

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need to hurt the one who hurt Karia. The soldier’s torture had just begun. “That is all we can do here, friend. Let us go check on your Future Attachment.” “I will do this alone. I am responsible for her vulnerability to attack.” “You had no way of knowing those idiots planned this.” “I should have taken precautions.” Torin’s frustration was palpable. He had resisted the thought of an Attachment since the beginning. Now all he could think of was her getting well and him claiming her. “You are not a god, though you like to think yourself one. If there is blame, I will share it. I am First in Command of security.” “Do not do this to yourself, Bri’aque.” Torin sighed heavily. “Bela is working on her now. I sent for another healer to continue the care of Karia when Bela wearies. I cannot lose her, Bri’aque.” “You would have not found your mate only to lose her this way. She has been through much in your ruling planets. You owe her a life of nothing but catering to her every whim. And frankly I am looking forward to seeing you have someone to answer to.” Bri’aque’s take on things had always helped Torin in the past as it did now. “Well I wouldn’t get so comfortable with my discomfort. The other earth woman is awake now. If she is anything like Karia, she will definitely turn your life upside down.” “Ha!” Bri’aque laughed. “There isn’t a woman alive who can make me want to be Attached. Not even the one meant for me. I will check in on her however. Would you prefer I view the Dream Quest records alone or shall I wait until Karia is feeling better?” “There is no need for a rush. The Dream Walker gave no indication of a threat.” “Then why the conference?” Bri’aque questioned. 88

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“She is with my seedling.” Torin announced with pride. “You work fast, friend.” Bri’aque replied joyfully. “All will be well with your Attachment and seedling. I leave you now to see what ills the earth woman has in store for me.” Bri’aque took his leave, leaving Torin alone with his guilt.

YZ For days Bela only allowed Torin a limited amount of time to visit. She was doing well, but the progress was slow. No doubt due to the fact that she was sustaining another life. He kept seeing her in his mind’s eye, slumping to the floor. He thought her dead then and he couldn’t name the rage inside his heart if it cost him his life. Surely it was not normal to love this strong, so soon? Did she love him in return? How could she? He kept her locked away, imprisoned. He knew it was for her safety but… “Sir, she is awake,” came Bela’s cheerful voice. He suspected despite trying to be nonchalant, Bela felt great affection for the girl. “Thank you, healer.” Torin stood tall. What could he say to her? So grieved about her condition, he refused to even look at the recording of her memories. What if she now asked for her freedom? Could he say to her she was still a candidate for the death penalty after what she already had been through? He ran his hand through his iridescent hair and sighed. “How long has she been awake?” “For a few moments.” “Did you tell her about the seedling?” “No, First. It is not a healer’s place.” “I thank you, Bela.”

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“Hello Torin.” Karia’s voice felt like sandpaper. She felt her heart jolt at the sight of him. The way he walked, those golden eyes gazing at her. Even now, after having been shot—according to Bela—her body reacted to him sexually. “Hello, Karia, do you have a headache?” Karia wrinkled her forehead. Come to think of… “No, my head feels fine.” “Perhaps the potion that Bela gave you offset it this time after the…change.” “I saw you.” Her voice scratched out. “I saw you, but, it was like it wasn’t me looking at you, like I was inside looking through someone else’s eyes. I did see you, didn’t I?” “Yes, you did” Torin answered, taking the seat next to the bed and reaching for her hand. He saw her flinch and pull her hand under the covers. Torin tried not to notice. Instead he clasped his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees. “Perhaps after the session with the Walker, your memories are trying to stay in place.” “I didn’t think you’d do it like that.” Karia averted her eyes, she couldn’t look at him. “I don’t understand?” Torin’s puzzlement seemed genuine, but then again Karia surmised, politicians were slick on any planet. “I thought it would take a little longer to declare my guilt and sentence me to death.” Her voice dripped in bitterness. “Why didn’t you just… I don’t know. Do something other than send in an assassin to do it.” It took a moment before her words gathered meaning for him. “You think I sent that fool in here to kill you? You think me that callous?” He shot up from the chair, anger permeating his every move. “I would never… Blazes, Karia! Do you know how worried I’ve been?” His 90

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gold gaze sought hers in desperation. Trying to hide and show emotions at the same time. “You’ve been worried?” she whispered. “About me?” Her voice squeaked. “Well, of course. You’re supposed to be under my protection while in my house.” How could he tell her he loved her? Her fate still hung in his hands. If she were guilty, she had to die. It was law, his family’s law. He could disobey, yes, but it could mean the downfall of an entire empire at the first sign of weakness. Millions could die in the ensuing civil wars, in an effort to become the new ruling body. Could he choose her over the lives of millions? “Oh.” She closed her eyes. Willing the tears that welled up not to flow while in his presence. Why did she allow him to hurt her? How could he hurt her? Simply put, she was in love with him. But that had to stop. “I’m tired, First, will you please leave my presence so that I might rest, and face my fate?” She used his formal title. He had hurt her. “Of course.” He looked at her small frame on the bed, her curls placed neatly around her beautiful face. He left without telling her of the child.

YZ “I’m not in the mood for your humor right now, Bri’aque,” Torin clipped while sitting on the veranda, staring at the swaying multi-colored trees. It was his favorite spot to relax. Today it wasn’t working. “Don’t worry, friend, I have no humor today.” Bri’aque flopped in the chair next to him. “What has stolen your humor, friend?” Torin turned to him in interest. www.samhainpublishing.com

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“A miserable she-beast. I wonder, do all women from Earth make men miserable?” “Ah, the other one. Brietta is her calling, yes?” Bri’aque flipped his hand idly and Torin continued, “So she has proven to be as much a problem as Karia then?” “If possible, more so. She keeps demanding to see Karia. Such strange language she uses. Do you have any idea what a ‘fucking bastard’ is?” “No, it doesn’t sound good.” Torin almost laughed. “I even think she threatens me. She keep saying she’s going ‘to rip me a new one’ if she doesn’t see Karia. A new what?” Bri’aque snorted in confusion. “Yes, well, you get used to it. I think. Take her to Karia. It will probably do them both good.” “Thank the stars, Torin. That woman is beautiful, but she makes me want to kill her.” “Later tonight we must view the recordings. It is unfair to make her wait this way.” “I agree. I think… Torin, look.” Bri’aque pointed to the airspace over the docking back. It was a royal ship. “Looks like your mother is here .” Bri’aque rose. “I’m no fool, I will make myself scarce. Brief me on whatever lies I need to back up for you when your mother no doubt sends for me.” “As usual,” Torin absently answered, hardly taking note of Bri’aque’s retreat. He didn’t need this right now. His mother was here for one reason and one reason only. His Attachment. Torin only hoped she wasn’t desperate enough to bring a female with her to shove under his nose. Of all the luck…

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YZ “Torin, good to see you at least respect the office enough to show up formally for my arrival.” His mother’s honeyed voice floated to him as he entered her private chambers, set aside just for her. As she requested, of course. “Mother, you’re beautiful as always.” Torin bent to kiss his mother on top of her sweet smelling, equally black and iridescent hair. She was beautiful, but then women of Scyrillian descent didn’t show their age once they reached thirty. Torin had no idea how old his mother really was. And she of course wouldn’t tell. “Your father could not make it. The reason he could not make it is part of the reason I am here. I will tell you of that later. You must tell me what goes on in this sector. This house. I understand Preze was here.” “Yes, Preze was here, Mother. The matter is almost settled. You’ve no need to hear the boring details. I, on the other hand, would like to know the reason you are here.” Torin sat on the edge of the bed, looking as if he would sprint at the first word he didn’t like. “I made myself clear about the Attachment, Torin. I brought a wonderful girl from Niahne. Her father is Sovereign there—” “Mother, I will choose my own Attachment,” Torin interrupted her. Besides he already met the daughter of the Sovereign of Niahne, and while exquisitely beautiful, she had the intelligence of a boot. “I have given you time, Torin,” the First Mother said neutrally, though he knew anger was not far behind. “I am exercising my right as First Mother. If you have not found a suitable Attachment in a generously allotted time, it falls to me.” “Only if you choose to concern yourself, Mother.” Torin’s anger began to rise as well.

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“I choose to,” the First Mother stated. The declaration hung in the air. For now, she left it. “We’ll speak of this later. Where is your First in Command? Is this not his job to see to your protection?” “We are in the House, Mother, and he is tending to more pressing matters.” Torin pursed his lips to keep from smiling, imagining Bri’aque’s well-deserved torment form Brietta. “You will tell me of these matters.” “Mother, if it is of a personal nature, which it is, I am not compelled to indulge you.” “Humph” First Mother answered. “I shall call upon you later, son. Right now I wish to rest. It is a long way from Niahne to Scyrillis.” “Understood.” Torin stood, crossed the room and kissed his mother lightly on the cheek. As soon as he was outside of her room, he finally began to breathe. That woman sucked all the life out of the room with her demands. It was time to view the recordings.

YZ “Are you sure you want to do this right now? While she is here?” Bri’aque asked him for the fourth time, while he put the Dausas in the small slot so it could attach itself to the artificial brain tissue that electronically downloaded the images. “Yes, she is in the process of getting that beautiful but idiotic woman ready for my viewing. She won’t be anywhere near the Meeting Room.” “Oh yes, the Sovereign’s daughter. I barely escaped the claws of that one.” Bri’aque allowed himself a brief memory of her. “Not her too?” Torin declared in disgust. “Clearly there has to be a woman out there capable of denying you. You’re relentless in your pursuits.” 94

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“If they are willing, I am more so.” Bri’aque laughed. “There, it’s starting…” Torin and Bri’aque stared in horror at the images before them. The images, being directly from the victim, were powerful. They felt her fear. They could hear the beating of her heart loudly, as she did, while gripped in fear. Torin could barely swallow as Karia witnessed her two comrades being ripped to pieces by the Gaurans. He also took note, they were the evolved Gaurans. The bigger ones. Even though her fear was palpable, her bravery laid parallel to it. She reacted in spite of it. Torin felt her confusion as the change began to come over her for the first time. The Walker even brought to surface her feelings while under the influence of the Gauran genetics. She was afraid and she just wanted to protect herself and those she loved. A more feral Karia fought the other Gauran bravely; he felt her pain as she was ripped into by the male. It tore at him when Karia realized what was going to happen to Brietta. His mouth hung open as he watched her efficiently but brutally kill the Gauran she was fighting, as well as the Gauran male ready to violate Brietta. It was monstrous, her actions, feeding the dead bodies to the rest. But she was determined to survive. She wanted to save Brietta and hoped Fiohn was still alive. Her emotions, though primal were very raw and sincere. Torin also saw the reason for her finger being so strange looking when he first saw her. She was tired. But she persevered on until she could get the cave as safe for her and her friends as possible. Then she fainted. Every now and then she came awake. He felt her loneliness, the fear that she was all-alone, might die alone. The perpetual darkness and being alone in it. That hurt the most. Because even after he rescued her, he left her alone. It was like being

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imprisoned all over again. It would be a wonder if she did not truly hate him. What damage had he caused? After the images flickered and died, the emotions in the room did not. Bri’aque automatically made copies and stored them in case they were needed. Torin sat and stared into emptiness. Karia had gone through so much in her human life. The worst things that ever happened to her happened in his ruling space. His house. He owed her much. He owed her freedom. It was too much to ask, to link her life to his. He had already taken so much as it was. “She is truly a remarkable woman,” Bri’aque said solemnly. “Brietta has suffered as well. I can understand her mistrust.” “Yes, truly.” Torin looked at his friend. “I have wronged her further.” “You didn’t know. You acted in the capacity as First Son to the Order. Your duty was to your people first.” “I knew in my heart…” “That would not have stopped her execution. The Order does not consider emotions in trials. You know that. You had to pursue this course, this way. She can live freely among the people now.” “Why would she want to?” Torin questioned. “That I cannot answer,” Bri’aque replied. “It has been a few hours since I allowed Brietta to start her visit. I will retrieve her now. She probably has driven her guard insane.” Bri’aque shook his head thinking of the woman. “Yes, I should probably seek out Mother, see what she is up to. Until later,” he said to Bri’aque. They both went their separate ways.

YZ “Just talk to her,” his mother whispered, shoving him into the relaxing room with the fire pit. 96

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“Mother, I have talked to her in the past. Truly what do you think has changed?” He was frustrated and tired and he wanted to see Karia. He needed to talk to her, but he definitely needed to get her out of the house first. “She’s older now,” his mother stated, as if that changed the level of the girl’s intelligence. “Very well, but on the condition that you leave with her in tow, and leave me to consider her as a mate. After all, Mother, I might be attaching myself to this woman for life. Surely you will allow me some time to consider?” The First Mother squinted her golden eyes at him shrewdly before she smiled. “You are just like your father. I agree. But you must promise to give it an honest try.” “Agreed.” Torin smiled. He honestly would try to get her out of his face as soon as possible. “I’ll go amuse myself, take a look around. See what changes you have made to the House. I’ll have my personal servant ready us to go as soon as you and the girl are done with dinner.” “Dinner…” Before he could finish, his mother kissed him on the cheek, shoved him the rest of the way into the room and closed the door. He beheld the relaxing room with a table that had been brought in full of the finest foods and no doubt wine. The Niahne girl sat at one end of the table looking at him adoringly. Or perhaps she was seeing him as the prize in the ultimate game. Either way, he wasn’t playing by her or his mother’s rules. “Hello again,” he said pleasantly, and seated himself in front of the table of food he had no appetite to eat. “Hello, First, it has been much too long,” the girl replied. www.samhainpublishing.com

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And so began the longest, most boring evening Torin had the misfortune to have since—he couldn’t remember when. Three ticks later, Torin knocked joyfully on his mother’s door. It was done with excruciating pain, but he kept his end of the bargain. “Come in.” his mother answered cheerfully. Torin walked into the room to see his mother playing with the oddestlooking creature he had ever seen in his life. “Mother, what is that?” He approached the animal. It was very colorful, but without benefit of arms or strong legs. Its legs looked like small sticks, with even smaller ones wrapped around his mother’s wrist. “It’s called a–a, let’s see.” His mother tapped her finger against her lips thoughtfully. “Oh, now I remember, it’s called a bird—a macaw, I believe. Isn’t it beautiful?” “A bird?” He remembered Karia telling him of these creatures. “This thing can fly without benefit of a machine, correct?” “Why yes!” His mother appeared delighted that he knew something of her new pet. “These are its wings, it’s how it flies.” She pointed knowingly at the creature. “Mother, where did you get such a creature?” Torin looked at it closely. What appeared to be its mouth looked awfully wicked. “That’s what I was going to tell you. You see your fathers’ attention was called to a planet just short of the Space desert. Adara, I think it is. There was an unauthorized landing many, many moons past, but your father couldn’t get away to check it out. You know the problem the Gaurans have been lately. “Anyway he went and came back with this creature, said it was given to him as a gift from, ah,” she searched her memory again before she went on, “Earth people. Really, son, I can’t remember everything.

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Something about their planet exploding and them needing a home. Which reminds me…” Torin briefly let his mother prattle on. His mind otherwise engaged. Someone on the opposing side must have had survivors as well. Karia was not the last of her kind. She would probably be interested in knowing this. “So I sent them to live among their own kind,” his mother rattled on “ I let one of the pilot guards use my Away Pod.” “Mother, what?” His mother’s words snapped him out of his thoughts. “The human you had here, I accidentally stumbled into her room while touring the House for changes.” They both knew she did not stumble into Karia’s room. More than likely she saw the guard and demanded to be let in. It wasn’t as if the guard could tell her no. “She told me why she was held prisoner. Of course I didn’t want to bother you and the Niahne girl, so I had Bri’aque brief me. He said she was not a danger. So I decided she and the other human would like it better among their own kind. Your father has allowed the humans to live there, so long as they agree to trade. That’s why he couldn’t make it, he was tired from all the…” “You sent her away?” Torin bellowed at his mother. “How dare you raise your voice? You’re scaring Bob!” his mother snapped, trying to soothe the bird. “Bob?” Torin bit out. “The bird,” she replied irritated. “The humans named it Bob. I rather like it don’t—” “Mother do you realize what you have done with your meddling?”

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“I only allow this tone of voice because you are my son, but do not push me, Torin.” She stroked the birds’ feathers lovingly. “Push You? Mother, that human that you sent away, is the enemy of those people. When they learn who she is, they will kill her on sight!” “Well that’s unfortunate, seeing that there aren’t that many left. Caleb—that’s the human’s name—seemed interested in having the women there. Do you really think he would harm them? Seems counterproductive when you think about it.” His mother truly could not see what this had anything to do with his anger. “This business with these humans, it deters you from your responsibilities. Son, you were going to send her and the other one to the slave market any way. You would have never seen either one again. What difference does it make?” “The difference, Mother, is this particular human carries my seedling!” Torin roared. “She is my mate.” Torin realized as he said it that he would have never let her go. He would have never put her to death had it came to it. He now realized the investigation for what it was—stalling. Stalling for time to come to terms with what she meant to him. A way to keep her here with him. He would have renounced his legacy and disappeared with her. He knew the moment he saw her in that cave, she was the one. He ignored all the signs. “What have I done? Why did you not tell me? This is my point, Torin, you never tell me anything. Do you really think I would have done this on purpose had I known?” She wiped her forehead in frustration. “How much time do they have on us?” he demanded, while he summoned Bri’aque on the big screen. “Perhaps a tick and a half. I sent my Second Generation child to its death…” She was pale, her golden eyes huge in her beautiful face. “I told

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the guards to simply deposit them and leave. I honestly thought I was helping.” Torin felt his heart go out to his mother. It was true she never meant any harm. She would have never done this had she known. “I will find her, Mother.” Bri’aque’s face appeared on the screen moments later. Torin noted the anger in Bri’aque’s face when he learned that Brietta too had been sent away. Interesting, considering she drove him crazy. “I’m getting the coordinates from Mother now, Bri’aque, have the ship ready.” “Consider it done.” Bri’aque nodded briefly to the First Mother respectfully though his anger was apparent. Torin turned to his mother “There is still the matter of the Gaurans at hand. Perhaps you will be better suited to help me solve that problem.” After getting the exact coordinates of the planet Torin heard his mother’s words as he left. “What have I done?” You and I, Mother, Torin said to himself. What have we done?

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Chapter Eight “Do you trust these people?” Brietta whispered none too silently while she eyed the large guards. “Not really. There was one I thought I could but… I don’t want to talk about this.” Karia’s pain was too new to share with Brietta. She was just glad to have her as company. “Are you sure you’re up to taking this trip so soon?” “I’ve been sleeping ‘a moon cycle’ as that bastard phrased it.” “Bastard? Bri’aque?” “Oh yeah. That’s the most insensitive, egotistical, womanizer I have ever had the displeasure to meet.” Brietta formed her face into a rather formidable scowl. “Wow, that’s a mouthful. He couldn’t possibly be as bad as Torin.” “You promised to tell me about him.” When Brietta saw the set of Karia’s chin, she immediately relented. “In your own time, of course. We have a lot of catching up to do. Bri’aque told me you were being investigated, which is why I couldn’t see you right away. He told me, Torin believed you innocent.” “Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t know what they found out. I wasn’t sticking around for it. If they found me guilty, I’d probably be swinging already. No, this was a good thing. The First Mother provided us with a good opportunity.”

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“I guess so. She was awfully vague though. She just said it was people we’d want to be around. Do you suppose others from our group survived?” “Maybe. Torin said he thought everyone was dead. They found no other people alive.” “Well, maybe someone else found them.” “Could be.” “Karia, I know you don’t want to speak of this now, but there’s something I have to tell you. Something I promised your father I would do.” “Don’t sound so grim, it can’t be that bad.” “Well, I don’t know, Karia. I should have told you when we landed on Fallon One but I didn’t know how you’d take it. I was looking for the right moment and there never seemed to be one.” “Just say it. Did he give you something to give to me?” Karia hoped that maybe her father explained what he did to her and why, and she wouldn’t have to go on guessing. “No. Okay, here it goes. Our fathers worked closely together. I know those creatures that attacked us. I mean, I’ve seen them before on Earth.” The silence that followed was deafening. She could swear she could hear Karia’s blood boiling. She had wanted to tell Karia about the experiments, but she didn’t know how. She wanted Karia on the Prometheus just as much as her father, and she was willing to keep quiet about it. “You knew about the Gaurans?” “Is that what they’re called? Then yes, I did. Their ship burst through our atmosphere. Your dad, of course, retrieved them. My dad was in charge of all animal experiments, so those things fell under his care. He www.samhainpublishing.com

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showed them to me one day, and your dad was there. They told me what to look for if you exhibited odd behavior.” “All that time? All that time before we left, you knew I was a freak?” Karia could hear the shriek in her own voice. “Not a freak. Different. Stronger. I wanted you to come. I knew if you found out, you’d stay on that dead rock. Your dad would have never forgiven himself for failing you as a father. He wouldn’t have forgiven me for telling you.” “And what about my forgiveness? Did anyone think of what I would do when I found out?” Karia turned to her best friend in the whole world. Literally. “What if I can’t forgive any one of you?” “We were all willing to take that chance as long as that meant you were alive.” “Do you know what was done to the Gaurans?” Brietta let a large tear roll down her cheek. “No, Dad just kept saying they were smart for animals, a smart species, but he thought they had the potential for greater intelligence. I should have told you, I just couldn’t. I was afraid you’d—” “Not forgive you?” Karia finished for her. She slumped back in her seat. It wasn’t as if Brietta could have stopped her dad. She had done it out of love. “It’s okay. I figured out most of that on my own anyway.” “How?” Brietta wiped a tear, daring a small glance at her friend. Karia proceeded to tell Brietta the latest events, leaving out the personal things between her and Torin. That was still too painful. With Brietta’s jaw in a rather impressive slack, the pilot announced they were approaching Adara and would be landing soon. Brietta and Karia clasped hands and hoped this planet and its inhabitants were more agreeable than the last.

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“What was that woman thinking?” Torin spat out and not for the first time. “Sending them away like that.” “She thought she was helping.” Bri’aque passed Torin as they crossed each other, pacing on the ship. “I had no idea what she was planning when she asked me about them. I was duty bound to answer her questions. Had I known she would do this…” “She was trying to get rid of her. She thought she was keeping me away from finding an Attachment. Distracting me, perhaps.” “Well, in all honesty she was doing just that.” “She is the Attachment.” Torin declared. “It is about time you admitted that out loud.” Bri’aque smirked at his friend, who now began to pace around him. “You, my friend, have no room to jest.” Torin stopped in front of Bri’aque. “What do you mean by those words?” Bri’aque looked truly offended. “You seemed to be in denial about the other woman, Brietta.” “I have never denied she was beautiful.” “Yes, but it’s what you’re not saying that you’re denying.” “You sound like a woman, riddling your words!” “Very well then, you fancy the human as I do Karia.” “That’s one very offensive accusation, my friend.” “Yet, you have not denied it.” Both men stood toe to toe. Eyeing each other closely, until one of them finally broke. “I will admit. I kissed the human,” Bri’aque said. “She was asking for it, no woman looks that beautiful unless she wants me to kiss her.” “Bri’aque, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” “Yes, that’s what she said as well. She struck me. Then she kissed me. That woman is confusing.” Bri’aque was clearly flustered.

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“She has not fallen for your charms as the others have. Yes, no doubt she is attracted to you, but I don’t think she will be at all an easy lay, let alone someone you can toss aside once you are done with the carnal pleasures.” “Nor I for that matter. What of Karia? Do you think she cares for you?” “I do not know. I can’t blame her for leaving at the first chance. I’ve caused her much grief.” “Not intentionally, and not all of it your fault.” Bri’aque laid a hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Brother of Heart, only take the responsibilities that are yours, for they alone are burden enough.” “If they harm her or the seedling in any way, I’ll wipe out the remaining humans.” “I was thinking the same thing.” A sinister smile crossed Bri’aque’s handsome features. Though they both smiled, they both knew the truth of the words. The pilot’s voice came over the system. “First, we’re approaching Adara. We’ve made good time, the Away Pod is no match for a full fledged battle ship.” “Scan, see if you can pick up my mother’s Pod frequency.” Torin began to put on battle gear. He and Bri’aque would be prepared to fight if necessary. He didn’t know a lot about humans, so caution was key. His soldiers stood armed and ready as well. “I found the Pod, First. I am also picking up plenty of heat signatures. There are at least fifteen humans in the area.” Torin ground his teeth. “If they hurt her, this planet will be wiped clean.” Bri’aque grunted his agreement. “Land us, pilot” Torin ordered. 106

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YZ “Okay, so this was supposed to be better than Scyrillis?” Brietta growled into Karia’s ear. The guards just handed them over to the humans and left. Probably figured they’d be welcomed with open arms. Ha. Brietta lost all feeling in her tied up hands behind her back. “You’d think these people would have enough sense to know that the war is over, no one won. You’d think they’d want to preserve all traces of human life,” Karia spat out loudly, stumbling on a funny looking rock. “I can’t believe they had a ship too. They started the damn nuclear war. Then again, I guess that makes sense.” “I’m hungry. I want some of that funny-looking meat Bela used to bring me.” “The doctor lady? Yeah, what was that anyway?” Brietta’s stomach began to growl thinking of food. “I don’t know. I was just beginning to learn the livestock.” “Shit, makes me think we should have taken our chances on Earth.” “There was no chance on Earth.” Karia reminded her dryly. They walked for what seemed liked miles and miles. Both women were tired and hungry and damn sick of being kept prisoner. But as of yet, they posed no immediate danger to them. Karia prayed she could keep the beast within her by believing that there was no real danger. Her fingers itched, claws wanted badly to unsheathe. She did not want to hurt anyone unnecessarily. Finally they came to the crude tiny settlement. It was like Little House on Prairie houses, but with better technology inside. The largest house emptied out a man of medium height. He was hairy, pockmarked and pudgy, nothing impressive about him. Except the fact that maybe he held their lives in www.samhainpublishing.com

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his slightly pudgy hands. Clearly the opposing side had not chosen people based on physical attributes. “Welcome,” he began on a sneer. “So you are the ones the leader’s wife told us about. Of course we failed to tell her you and I were once enemies. I take it you are the daughter of the great Scientist Lowell?” When Karia refused to answer, he went on. “I don’t need your confirmation, I know you from surveillance. And this one at your side no doubt the daughter of Scientist Campas?” “Who are you?” Brietta asked. “Caleb Tushkov” he announced as if they were supposed to be impressed. Karia had never heard of him. That would probably only piss him off even more. Perhaps she would try the reasoning tactic. “Caleb, the war is over. We personally didn’t start it. It’s this kind of behavior that ruined our race on Earth in the first place.” The man approached and stopped in front of her. Malicious intent came off of him in waves, and she could feel the beast in her stirring, because Karia felt threatened by this crazed man. Karia tried to hold the beast within her at bay. “I lost many people in that war, thanks to your father. Genius? Yes, he was. Also a proficient killer, nothing like what I’m going to do to you. He invented machines that wiped out whole cities on my side.” “I lost everything as well. As everyone on this planet has. We all quite literally lost our home. It was a war, people die—” Before she could finish, the man smacked Karia so hard it seemed her head would snap away from her neck. Tears smarted in her eyes, and the side of her face burned. It was at this point Karia knew there was no way to hold the beast. She caught Brietta’s eye and tried to give her some sort of warning. Hoping to relay to her not to be afraid. Brietta’s 108

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eyes widened as she looked into Karia’s purpled gaze. Karia heard Brietta’s audible statement of doom. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!” “I hear something.” Torin stood deathly still, trying to get a better listen. “Yes. Sounds like screaming.” Bri’aque and Torin looked to each other for a second before Torin yelled, “Ahead!” He and Bri’aque pulled away from the pack of soldiers running at full speed. The closer they got, the more his heart sped. What if he were too late? What if they were celebrating the death of the women and not really screaming? Up ahead, he saw a small humanoid coming their way. Torin ran towards him until he cut the man off and stopped him in his tracks. “What goes on here?” Torin demanded. “The woman. She is the devil. Something is wrong with her. She’s killing. You must run!” The man tried to jerk himself out of Torin’s grasp, but Torin held onto him and hit him squarely in the face. Torin knew one of the soldiers would secure him when they stumbled upon him. No one got to leave until Karia and Brietta were secured. He and Bri’aque pushed on. A crude primitive cluster of dwellings immediately came into view. It was clear there were bodies littering the ground. Two maybe three. That could only mean one thing. Karia had in someway been threatened or hurt. Perhaps she was protecting Brietta. In his mind, these people were as good as extinct. He narrowed his eyes, searching for Karia or Brietta. Bri’aque pointed. “There in that shack, comes much screaming.” Quickly they approached and stopped to peer inside the glassless window. A human male had a knife to Brietta’s throat. He was using her www.samhainpublishing.com

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as a shield against Karia. Karia was crouched low, cocking her head to the side and watching the man closely with purple eyes. She was very angry. But apparently not as angry as Bri’aque, who pointed his weapon dead center on the side of the man’s head and fired, splitting the man’s head in two so quickly it took a moment for all occupants in the room to realize he was a dead man standing. The knife clattered to the ground, soon his body followed in a slump. Brietta didn’t give the man a second look. She stepped forward eyeing Karia. “Karia, I know you’re in there. It’s okay. Please, no more. I am safe. You are safe.” Brietta watched as Karia warred with the beast in her. “Bri’aque is here, I can tell. That fucking bastard always gives me goose bumps. I am willing to bet Torin is with him. They came for us.” Karia’s breathing slowed considerably at the mention of Torin. As always, she felt safe with him. By the time Bri’aque and Torin came around and into the front door, Karia was still conscious, the beast within her asleep. “Karia, love, did they hurt you?” Torin kept his eye on the small smudge of blood around her mouth. Tenderly he wiped the blood away. He was angry. Karia shook her head. “No, not really. I—I didn’t pass out this time.” “I think the Dream Walker has fixed it so you’re able to slowly deal with your condition.” “I have no headache.” Karia looked at Torin and her heart swelled with so much gratitude to see him. It was all the look that Torin needed. He rushed to her and pulled her up to her full height. He didn’t care who was around; he kissed her as he’d been wanting to do. He heard footsteps and the door shut. He

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vaguely heard Bri’aque issuing commands to round up all the humans in the primitive village. He didn’t care. He would perform the last stage of the Attachment. He had not the will to let her go. He would just have to give her whatever else she wanted to make her happy. Being without her was not as option. She tasted so sweet. He wanted to taste her forever. His hands roamed her body eagerly, possessively. The sound of material tearing played in the background of their minds. Karia pushed her body against his. Loving the friction it caused. “Too many clothes,” she said breathlessly tearing at his clothing. But when Torin began to remove them. Karia stopped him. “Allow me,” she cooed at him. He stood still. Her small hands went to his beautiful iridescent and black hair. She caressed it, her hands moving steadily down his face. She began tracing the outline of his lips until he sucked one finger into his mouth. They both moaned at the contact. She pulled her finger out and continued to explore. Moving with skillful ease as she undressed him. It took her an eternity to remove the battle gear and clothing under it. But it was worth it—his chest bared for her. She stepped closer and swirled her tongue around first one of his nipples then the other. She heard his ragged breathing but continued her assault on his chest. Alternating between lightly scratching him and caressing his impressive fat free abs. The pants proved to be much more willing to come off. His huge erection, just waiting to be taken into her mouth, jerked in anticipation. And she did, the whole glorious length of it. He lightly held the side of her head as she tasted him. Swirling her tongue around the engorged head. Her fingers played in the hair that matched the colors on his head. He began to moan for her. www.samhainpublishing.com

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She paid attention to every inch of skin on him. Lapping at him and taking him down her throat. With him, she was a natural. She heard of these things, and for the first time, she was able to do them. He pulled her up. And kissed her again. One hand roughly caressed her bottom, the other tenderly played and tweaked at her nipple. She gasped loudly at the sensation. He began to back her against the nearest wall. Blindly she went, arching her back, thrusting her breasts at him, lost in the sensation of his mouth on her nipple. Nipping, sucking, caressing. Skillful lover that he was, he brought one devilish hand to play between her legs. Touching and inserting his fingers where she was wettest and rubbing it around. “I’ve laid awake thinking of this Karia,” he whispered as he switched breasts. Karia couldn’t respond, she was riding his fingers now, one then two, and now he filled her with three. He was preparing her for the Attachment. He needed her as wet as possible, it was the only way she could take all of him with the final Attachment stage upon them. She didn’t know it and didn’t care. His thumb caressed her clit seductively. “Let go. Let me feel you reach your pleasure.” His deep voice vibrated its way into her lust drunken head. She rode him wantonly, and his thumb kept in sync with her movements. With a loud cry, she came, her hot juices flowing over his fingers. She was so wet for him. She looked down to see; somehow, somehow he’d gotten bigger that on previous occasion they were together. The head of his penis looked slightly more swelled and aggressive. “Turn around for me,” he ordered in a husky voice.

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She complied, spent but still greatly turned on. She spread her legs, her hands placed on either side of her head, and lay her cheek on the coolness of the wall. This time he kissed the back of her neck. Licking her slowly then biting her right where her neck and shoulder met. She whimpered, it was painful, but in a good way. He proceeded to the other side, his hands kneading her ass. He managed to place his thickness right in the center and ground against her. Letting her feel what would be in her soon. Her fingernails scraped the walls. She felt wild around him. Uninhibited. “You have suffered much, since our worlds collided,” he whispered near her ear, nibbling the shell of it. “This will be the last thing I take from you.” His hot breath turned her on, though his words made no sense. One hand left her buttock; he splayed her legs further apart, and then rubbed the head of his cock in her flowing juices. Very carefully, he worked himself in. Even with all the lubrication and her state of mind, she felt stretched to capacity, almost painful. But then the head was in and the rest of him thick though it was fit into her snugly. He rested a moment let her body adjust, then firmly grabbed her slim hips. Slowly he began to pump into her. He reached up with one hand, covering hers, and fisted them together, his other hand holding her in place. She pushed back at him. He pushed into her. It was a heavenly, strong rhythm. “This moment forward, Karia, you are now Attached to the First Son of the First Order, Torin. You and I shall forever be the only lover the other will know. Do you accept me as forever Attached to you Mind, Spirit and Body?” Torin hoped she would answer as he prayed.

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“I do, Torin! I want only you!” she gasped, frantically pushing against him. “Please, the Mating Waves,” she cried. Torin smiled and felt the deep waves began to vibrate throughout his whole body. Her whole body vibrated from the force of it. He pounded into her mercilessly. “And I take you, Karia, as my one and forever.” The pleasure was blinding. Mine, mine, mine, he thought relentlessly to himself as he felt the promise of his release. He felt the torrent of hot mixture pour from his cock. He was helpless, caught in its wake. He filled her chambers with the very essence of him, of them. So much it leaked out and down her leg. He grabbed her and held her up as she rode a double orgasm. The first orgasm resulted from his pumping into her, the second from his release. Her breathing was ragged. Slowly, he lowered them both to the floor. And it was here where he cradled and kissed her formally as her Attached. “That was…that was…” She stumbled to find words. He idly played with her nipple. “Permanent,” he said, and waited for her reaction. “I don’t understand.” “You and I are Attached, Karia. You are my wife.” He nibbled her ear. “Sweetheart, that line wouldn’t even work on Earth. How does making love equal marriage? I assumed your civilization was more advanced than that. “ “It is. I was bigger this time,” he began much to his chagrin, “because my body releases a substance that combines our lives together for life.” “You’re going to have to explain that.” “Your life force and mine are combined. When an Attachment is fated and accepted, the substance is released and mixed with my seed. It is then absorbed in your body. Our lifelines are now connected. We are 114

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connected here,” he lightly touched her head, “and here,” his warm hand pressed against her heart, “and here,” he grabbed her hand and held it. Karia was silent. Torin had already decided he would give her room for anger, but he was not letting her go. “We’re married, or Attached as you say?’ “Yes.” “This is…sudden. I don’t even know how old you are.” “Well, given what you have told me about Earth, I would say in your measurement of time I am fifty.” “You don’t look a day over thirty!” Karia exclaimed in wonderment. “Will I live longer here?” “Yes, as long as I live.” “So if I die you die? And vice versa?” “Yes.” “Why would you do that?” she breathed. “Because I don’t want to be without you.” Karia let the words hang in the air a moment and decided it was time. “Even when you carried me for the first time from the cave, I felt safe with you. I have loved you even though you imprisoned me. Yes, I know it was for my own good. But I loved being with you. I love you, Torin.” There, she’d put it out there. Let fate do what it would. “I love you as well, Karia. When you first came to my home, I couldn’t stay away from you. I sat by the sleeping pod first thing each rising, willing you to be better so that I might get to enjoy your company. I felt something for you the first time I ever held you in my arms. The Mating Waves are sure way to know when you have mated with your future Attachment. The fated mate is the only one who can bring them forth. I www.samhainpublishing.com

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knew you were the one the first time we kissed, but I was not ready for Attachment, at least I did not think I was.” Torin paused a moment and took a deep breath. “But there’s something else I must tell you.” “Why does everyone keep secrets from me?” Karia shook her head.” I can’t have that bad a temper.” “You carry my seedling.” “You mean I’m pregnant? I’m having a baby! Just now I got pregnant? Wow, you people… Whoa, it’s a wonder you haven’t overpopulated the galaxy.” “No, not just now. The Dream Walker discovered it.” “And you’re just now telling me? My father would be deliriously happy if he were here. It’s what he wanted for me.” Karia asked the question that burned at her. “What if I was found guilty, what of the child?” “I would have never let you die. I was in denial about us. Trust me Karia, it wouldn’t have happened.” “You would have given up your place for me? For us?” Karia looked at her flat stomach. “For all of us.” He brought their joined hands to his mouth. “Hmm, so I’m pregnant. I must find out about the Scyrillian gestation period.” Karia’s eyes glazed over as she entertained the idea of being a mother—and wife. “I am sure Bela will be most informative.” Torin laughed. “But you do understand Mother will never allow this opportunity for a celebration to go by. She’s wanted me Attached for a long time. By the way, she did not send you here to hurt you.” “I gathered that from the asshole who wanted to kill me.”

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“We’ll speak of them later, for now we must go back. I do hope Bri’aque has not killed Brietta. According to him, she’s begging for it.” Torin helped her to her feet. “Well, he should be careful. Brietta has a healthy dose of animosity towards him as well.” They both laughed. “I can’t wait to watch,” Karia said, finding scraps of clothes to cover her. “Nor I.” Torin draped his vest around her. It was big enough to look like a mini dress on her. “Come, you are now First Daughter In the Law, to the First Order.” “We’re going to have to shorten that title.” “As you wish.” Torin led her out the door of the shanty, just in time to see Brietta, being hauled off over the shoulder of an angry Bri’aque. “Oh my,” Karia said, watching Brietta pummel Bri’aque’s back. “He seems a bit put out doesn’t he?” Torin grinned. Torin put his arm around Karia and began to walk her back the way they came. Right now he could care less about Bri’aque’s problems. He was a happy man and nothing was going to spoil it. He looked around at the humans rounded up. If he had it his way, they would all be shot one at a time for putting Karia in danger. Come to think of it, he could have his way. Bri’aque strode back towards them, Brietta nowhere in sight. “Where’s the girl?” Torin asked a very irritated Bri’aque. “I put the witch under cabin arrest.” He looked around at the Earth men, and barked the orders to line them up. “Can you believe she actually questioned my authority in front of these men?” Bri’aque shook his head incredulously. Karia could certainly believe that. Many times she and Brietta had gotten into trouble simply because Brietta would protest a rule or two and demand to be heard; not only that, she did what she had to do to be heard. www.samhainpublishing.com

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“What did she do exactly?” Karia asked in a low voice. Bri’aque seemed ready to explode at the slightest provocation. “She doesn’t want the men hurt,” he mimicked Brietta, and rather badly. “She suggested my way was barbaric.” “What are you going to do with them?” Karia asked, her interest aroused. “Line them up and shoot them, of course.” Bri’aque pinned her with his black stare. “They tried to hurt you and Brietta. That is not a forgivable crime.” “Not all of them…” Karia tried to defend them. She had seen on some of their faces that they really didn’t agree with the madman who struck her. “But they were willing to stand by and let your deaths happen. I agree with Bri’aque. “ “There is something to be said for their cowardice. Please, Torin, they are the last of my people. Besides I’m the First Daughter in something or another, so don’t I get a say in this? Can’t you think of another way to punish them? Something they can recover from?” “She sounds like that meddlesome witch. By the way, Karia, what is a ‘fucking bastard” anyway? I sense it is not good.” “No, Bri’aque, it is not,” Karia agreed snickering. “But trust me, she can come up with much more colorful phrases than that.” Bri’aque snorted and looked to Torin. “What say you, First?” Torin thought a moment. “My father would like to trade with them. For two full Season Rotations they are to trade without profit to themselves with my father. After that consider, their debt paid.”

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Bri’aque thought a moment. Before he shook his head. “Indeed they will suffer from such an agreement, but they can recover.” Bri’aque stomped away, herding the humans together to tell them their fate. “Thank you, Torin.” Karia turned and kissed him fully on the mouth. “I told you, I will do anything to make you happy. You and the seedling, of course.” Torin smiled down at her. Suddenly Karia felt shy. “Let’s make our way to the ship. I am sure Brietta is very anxious for your return.” “She will be thrilled to know she will be a godmother.” Karia laughed. “What is a godmother?” Torin shook his head. “Your world sounds primitive yet complicated. Speaking of complicated, there is the issue of my mother. She waits for us at the House.”

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Epilogue “You asked for it.” Karia said as she braided Brietta’s hair. “I did not,” Brietta shot back. “Like I was supposed to just stand there and let him kill them. The man’s one gene short of a retarded baboon.” “You did too. Besides it’s not so bad.” Karia muffled her smile. “Are you kidding me? He knows how much I hate him; he’s trying to break me. I won’t let him.” “You two go at each other as if…” “Don’t start that crap again. I’m happy for you and Torin, really I am. I am going to be the drunkest one at the party if I can get that damn Chandrin to stay down. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to pair up.” “How’s that?” Karia asked, putting the finishing touches on Brietta’s blonde and braided tresses. “Beautiful. So Bela tell you what to expect from this pregnancy?” “Yeah and thank God, it’s so much like ours. I won’t carry to term as long. But everything seems pretty normal. You’re stalling.” “I am not,” Brietta shot back. “I’ll go when I’m good and ready.” “Bri’aque specifically ordered you to be at his quarters a half an hour ago, or shall I say half a tick.” “He doesn’t own me.”

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“Well, he’s pretty damn close to owning you. Until you observe the rules of the House and recognize his authority, you are not allowed to do anything on your own.” “I hardly see what that has to do with making me move in with him.” “His quarters are sectioned off, you’ll have your own space and he his. He doesn’t trust you, and well he shouldn’t. This way he can keep a close eye on you.” “Still I prefer my own room. You got your own room,” she said, sounding like a spoiled child. “You forget I was a suspected murderer. No one wanted to share.” Karia laughed. “Do you really love him, Karia?” Brietta took her hands in her own. “Because if you don’t, and you’re just doing it because you’re pregnant, we can run away together. It won’t take me long to figure out the layout of this place and how everything works. We could steal a…” “Yes, I really do love him. Besides we are Attached, I couldn’t leave if I tried. I don’t know all the fine detailed, mystical stuff, but we’re linked. He’d know.” “That sucks.” Brietta declared. A knock on the door interrupted the women. They both took a deep breath before summoning the knocker into the room. “First Daughter, Brietta,” the guard greeted them. “Bri’aque has commanded your presence at his quarters, Brietta. He said to tell you now or he will make your life ‘friggin’ miserable’ as he put it. He said you would understand those words.” Karia could practically see the hackles rise on Brietta’s neck. Torin chose that moment to enter the room. From the look on his face, he had heard the guard.

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“I swear,” Brietta rampaged to no one in particular, “I hate that man. He’s just trying to get me upset.” She jammed the last of her few clothes Bela made for her into a bag. “You know, you kiss a guy one time… And yeah it was great, and that vibrating thing he did was awesome, but they start acting like they own you.” Brietta waved goodbye and doggedly followed the guard out of the door. “Did she say what I think she just said?” Karia asked Torin. The pleased, gleeful look on his face reaffirmed her belief. “What are you smiling about?” “I think my Brother of Heart is about to get what he deserves.” He laughed, pulling Karia against him. “I think it’ll be fun. For us at least,” she agreed. “Wait until she finds out about the Dausas.” Karia put her hand on Torin’s chest. “What about the Gaurans?” “Little one, that problem will take some time and a lot of thinking to solve,” Torin answered pulling her into a hug. “I can’t help but wonder what my father did to them.” “In time we will find out. Do not worry now; we have more pressing matters at hand.” He leered at her, rubbing against her, letting her feel his aroused state. “Come now, I think I would like to be your ‘All in One’ right about now. We have time before Mother’s celebration of our Attachment.” “Mmm, will you show me that private place you go to, to relax?” “Yes, but I must warn you, I have no intentions of relaxing.” Torin raised his eyebrows. “Good, because I ran through a lot of batteries back home.” Karia laughed, leaving a puzzled Torin to ponder her words.

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Glossary Adara:(uh-dar-ruh) The planet on which enemies of Karia and Brietta thrive Attach(ed or ment): all relating to marriage, husband or wife Away Pod: smaller ship residing in a larger vessel for short voyages Calling: birth name Chandrin: (shahn-drin) a strong alcoholic drink Complete (Season) Rotation: one year Dausas: (daw-sus) small insect like creature used to gather, and transfer information Dream Walker: a being, neither male nor female, used to travel in dreams Fallon One: the name given by the humans to a planet already known to others of the solar system as Lathaeon Federation of Planets: a solar system of planets under the rule of the First Order First in Command: the title by which Bri’aque is known. He is in charge of military operations and personal guard of Torin First Order: the ruling government, composed of royal family, Gaurans:

(Gar-runs)

furry,

somewhat

intelligent,

violent

and

cannibalistic species Lathaeon: (Lay-thee-ahn) the planet the ship Prometheus’ Promise landed on, inhabited by the Gaurans

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Mating Waves: vibrating waves transferred to the female by the Scyrillian male while engaged in sexual relations with their fated mate. moon cycle: roughly one month Prometheus’ Promise: voyage ship from Earth, carrying viable and reproductive humans to repopulate. Scyrillis: (sir-real-liss) the home planet of Torin, and capital ruling planet of the Federation seedling: baby sleeping pod: bed Space Desert: Earth’s solar system, referred to as the Space Desert because of lack of life on the planets. sweet food: candy tick: one hour

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Look for these titles Now Available: Tournament of Fire by Toni Meilleur

What do you get when you have an IQ that is off the charts, the inability to let go of someone you love and a lot of spare parts? The man of your dreams, of course.

Performance Criteria

© 2006 Mandy M.Roth Available now from Samhain Publishing Dr. Aeron Braxton is on the verge of unveiling her newest creation—a droid who can pass as either human or Vanos. An alien race took the man she loved away from her, but her revenge is at hand. Aeron has rebuilt Brad into a living, breathing killing machine she hopes will save the outer quadrants from a mass Vanos invasion. Too bad the brilliant scientist didn’t calculate the probabilities of love getting in the way. Enjoy this excerpt from Performance Criteria: Dr. Aeron Braxton had done her job all right. She’d created the perfect droid, more perfect than even she imagined. Brad had been only days into his rebirth when his neural senses kicked on automatically, tapping directly into his memories. From that moment, he’d watched the entire procedure—how she’d painstakingly labored over every tiny detail of rebuilding him to the way he’d been prior to the attack. Her dedication and determination made the transition into what he was slowly becoming easier.

He’d always been reluctant to admit there was Vanos blood in his family line. It was distant but there. Aeron discovered all about it after the attack. From the endless hours she spent talking softly to him, as if she somehow knew he was still able to hear, he learned that the doctors had wanted to wipe their hands of him the moment they found traces of Vanos DNA. Aeron refused to let them. She even found a way to take him with her. Gods, I love this woman. His chest tightened at the thought of holding Aeron the way he’d always dreamed to. Getting to know everything about her over the last few years left his already intense feelings for her bordering on uncontrollable. Her tiny quirks even made him clench his fists after she walked away, fighting the urge to take her then and there. Whenever Aeron was deep in thought, her tongue skated over her bottom lip. Brad longed to run his thumb over the very track her tongue took before claiming her mouth with his own. The cock which she had repaired in accordance to her deepest fantasy sprang to life—surprisingly enough, her fantasy was exactly what he’d already been packing prior to the attack. She’s always wanted me too. The thought warmed him. Aeron continued to torture him, night after night by undressing in front of him before crawling into the shower or bed. Some nights, she’d lie in bed, put her hand between her legs and work her clit until she kicked and cried out. He’d wanted to go to her, slide his body over hers and sink into her silken depths. He wanted to be the one bringing her pleasure. That was easier said than done. Each night was harder and harder. The endless waiting, the yearning, the need to bury himself within her and make her his own, but

he hadn’t been able to. No, Brad needed to work on himself while she slept each night. He’d tweaked her already remarkable settings and enhanced himself far beyond what she’d hoped for, thankful he’d followed her into the area of science all those years ago. His enhancements were almost complete. He had one small thing to do and then he would claim Aeron as his lifemate—his wife. Brad walked over to the information download unit and aligned his wireless sensors with it by spreading his hand wide. He mentally commanded the computer to begin the process of downloading any remaining data on human mating rituals by pushing the signal into the unit’s central processing unit. He had all the points the good doctor wanted covered, like weapons, hand-to-hand combat, the most effective ways to kill another, basic humanoid interactions, military operations and so on, but she hadn’t thought to give him any other information in regards to sex and love. Brad had been a skilled lover of women prior to the accident but his memories were a bit hazy at times. Only the ones of Aeron were strong. He was confident, but only to a point. The idea of trying to seduce Aeron only to find himself nervous or a born-again virgin did not appeal to him. Brad had stumbled upon the information all by accident and had soaked up every morsel of it that he could. It was during the downloading periods he’d learned what a family meant to Aeron and how much he wanted to give her one. She didn’t seem to believe he could be both a solider for the cause and a companion but Brad knew better. He knew without a doubt he could be both a warrior and a lover to her. It was now a matter of proving his case. But first, he needed to insure he could give her everything he could have when he was a human male. Stepping into the examination chamber, Brad waited for the door to slide shut before doing his final test. He took a petri dish and held it in

one hand. Accessing his stored erotic images of Aeron pleasuring herself, Brad took hold of his cock and began working it. Slowly, he slid his hand over the long shaft while visions of Aeron sticking her fingers in and out of her sweet core flashed before him. Seeing her fingerfuck herself was too much, he stroked himself harder, faster, until his balls tightened and his body jerked. He set the tip of his dick against the dish and ejaculated over it. Granted, it wasn’t the ideal testing situation but it would do all the same and it felt good to find release even though he wanted it to be within Aeron. Gripping the dish carefully, he took a deep breath before he slid it into the chamber. “Ahh, computer, initiate a spectral analysis on semen…now.” The examination chamber beeped twice before ejecting the dish. Brad glanced at the monitor and waited with bated breath. A smile crept over his face and he had to fight to keep from shouting out with joy. It had worked. His final test was not only complete, but a success. After months of tweaking, his semen once again carried live sperm. He could make love to Aeron and hopefully create a family with her.

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