Sairah's Salvation

Leandros: Sairah’s Salvation Michelle Hasker All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2008 Michelle Hasker

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ISBN: 978-1-59596-946-0

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Editor: Chrissie Henderson

Cover Artist: Zuri

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Leandros: Sairah’s Salvation Michelle Hasker Sairah Mellon hungers for an all-consuming love, just like the one in her dreams. When she comes face to face with him will she believe his fantastic tale of aliens and shape shifters and agree to travel to her dream lover’s home planet to become his mate? Cade knows Sairah is his mate, but she’s been raised on Earth. He doesn’t know how he’ll be able to convince her she’s not only an alien, but a shape shifter as well. When a werewolf tries to kill her, he shifts to his lion form and risks everything to save her. It lands him in a heap of trouble that only she can save him from -- if she can stop being angry at him long enough to help him.

Dedication For Kim, this Master is for you.

Chapter One Sairah moaned and rolled on her back as hands slid over her. Questing hands that had explored every inch of her body for the past few months. Hands that brought her to the pinnacle of desire and thrust her into orgasms so intense she woke entangled in drenched sheets. But she wasn’t asleep. Not yet. She’d just closed her eyes when the sweet scent of magnolias drifted into her bedroom. How is this possible? Can he be real? Is tonight the night he fulfills my fantasy? God, I wish! Opening her eyes was out of the question. He might vanish and she’d be left alone. Again. Sairah gasped as nimble fingers pinched her nipples until they hardened. Tingles raced through her body as her lover worked his magic. He brought her to the edge, then changed tactics and drew her back to that edge time and again, not letting her crest. All coherent thought fled. With a moan, she arched into his touch, praying this time she’d find release. Her mouth opened wordlessly as shivers raced up her spine. Sairah fisted her hands in her sheets and turned her face, burying it against her pillow. The urge to demand he fuck her was almost overwhelming. The sound of a baby crying pierced the air, bringing her out of the fantasy with such force she fought to catch her breath. Her pussy ached, and her nipples were swollen buds. Sairah sat up with a gasp and looked around. All trace of her lover had vanished, but the scent of the blossoms remained. Had he really been here?

Michelle Hasker

Leandros: Sairah’s Salvation

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Another wail brought her out of bed before she could contemplate more about the realistic dream. Sairah tugged on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt as fast as she could. She pulled on her sneakers, grabbed a flashlight, and ran outside. What is a child doing outside at this time of night? And behind my house no less! The sound brought back memories she’d rather have left buried. A neighbor’s child had been four when she’d wandered out of her backyard and into the forest. By the time they found her body she’d been missing for days. If she could prevent something terrible from happening to someone else’s child, she would. No matter the cost. Sairah dodged a thorny branch and delved deeper into the forest. The warning her neighbors gave her last week when she moved in raced through her mind. Never go into the woods. Especially not alone, and never at night. Evil lurks in there. Sairah heard the cry again and shivered, suddenly cold. Worry and fear urged her deeper into the trees. She squeezed between two oak trees, trying to follow the narrow path that led from her backyard into the dark woods. At least the full moon gave her some light to see by, but the trees and bushes hid rocks and roots that slowed her progress. It was no wonder people disappeared in here. They probably wandered in circles until they starved to death. She didn’t know what evil they spoke of, but if there was even a slight chance that a child could be in danger, she would risk it. Her life would be a small price to pay to spare a family from the agony of losing their baby. She didn’t have much to lose anyway. The sweet scent of magnolias tickled her nose, reminding her of her dream man. The tall, blond man who set her flesh on fire and ignited desires that terrified her in their intensity. In her dreams, a group of strangers surrounded them as he cupped the side of her face and pressed his naked body against hers until she woke quivering with need. Suddenly everything grew quiet. Sairah snapped out of her daydream with enough force to make her stumble. While she crouched and rubbed her stinging palms

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on her jeans-clad knees, she listened to the eerie silence. Usually a predator caused a silence such as this. Maybe the stories of wild cats were true. Cats didn’t frighten her, but dogs did, and there were also rumors of wolves in these parts. Sairah would rather take her chance with a cat any day. A twig snapped on her left. She turned slowly, hoping it was just a squirrel. On the ground a few feet away she noticed something small and unmoving. It lay in the shadows, making it difficult to identify. She shone the flashlight at the area but couldn’t make anything out. As Sairah stepped closer to it, the scent of blood and feces grew stronger until it became unbearable. She pinched her nose to shut out the offensive odor. Sairah nudged the small furry mound with her foot. The head rolled to the side so that lifeless black eyes stared at her from the familiar face of a raccoon. Sairah released her nose and covered her mouth to stifle the scream that rose in her throat as she backed away from the dead animal. What had done this? A growl came from her right. Sairah turned with as little motion as possible, and looked for the source of the noise. She spied a dark shape under a small pine tree. A large, grotesque wolf-like creature crept forward and stopped just outside of the shadows. At least she thought it was a wolf. It was larger than any she’d ever seen either in captivity or in the documentaries on television. Its beady black eyes were focused on her, sending shivers skittering up her spine, and not from the cold this time. When the creature took another step toward her, panic flared as the moonlight illuminated it. Long, black hair covered it from the top of its head to the tip of its tail. Its ears stood up as if it was listening to something. Sairah held her breath and listened, but the only sound she could hear was the thundering of her heart as it slammed in her chest. The ears lowered and its mouth opened, revealing large, white teeth. Teeth that dripped with fresh blood. Her heart leapt in her throat as she turned and ran, fear overriding common sense as she fled through the forest, the giant wolf right on her heels.

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Sairah pushed her body to its limit, ignoring her burning lungs and calves. She raced through a thorny bush, scraping her arms and legs through her jeans and T-shirt as the briars snagged her. After tearing herself free, she continued to run. Twigs snapped beneath her feet. Branches smacked her face and caught in her hair. She didn’t know if it was her imagination or if she really could feel the creature’s hot breath on her neck, scorching her sensitive flesh, but either way she didn’t stop to check. The panting sounds the wolf made grew closer each time she stumbled. Unable to stop herself, Sairah chanced a look behind her and tripped. The flashlight flickered and went out when it hit the ground, bounced and skittered away. She went down hard, landing on her left arm. Sairah cried out as intense pain swept through her. Cradling her arm close, Sairah tried to stand up, but tripped on the root again and fell back down. A low growl reached her ears, and Sairah looked up into the evil eyes of the beast less than five feet away. In slow motion it rose on its hind legs and walked toward her as a human would. Bones and muscles shifted until the creature resembled a hairy man with a long, narrow face. “My God,” she gasped and tried to push herself backward in the cold, damp leaves. It was a werewolf. Only, those creatures weren’t supposed to exist. They were bedtime tales or movies made to frighten people. How could this thing be real? A half-human, half-wolf hand closed around her ankle, claws digging into her flesh. She felt around in the dirt with her right hand until she found a stick. She prayed it was long and sturdy as she lifted it out of the leaves and stabbed at the beast with it. The werewolf howled in pain as she slammed the stick into its face. Temporarily free, Sairah scrambled up and ran as fast as she could, praying the moon would go behind the clouds so the creature would revert to full human form. Or was that just something made up for the movies? Her thoughts veered to the fantastical as she ran for her life.

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When she reached a small clearing Sairah glanced around in terror. She struggled to breathe as she realized it had chased her into a dead end. The werewolf probably knew these woods better than anyone else. Judging by the amount of bones under the pine tree in the far corner, most of its prey was probably trapped and devoured here. The clearing was surrounded on three sides by a tall, flat wall of rock. Sairah glanced down at her left arm still cradled against her chest. If it wasn’t broken it was sprained for sure, leaving her no chance to climb out. There was only one way left to escape. The way she came in. And that exit led to the beast. Taking a deep breath, she tried to concentrate on survival. What did she know about wolves? Nothing. Her whole life had been spent studying cats. None of that would help her now. Sairah turned and searched the path she’d made as she’d rushed between the trees. Where was the creature? He should have entered the clearing by now. Was he playing with her? Taunting her? Sairah closed her eyes and listened. The sounds of his heavy footsteps in the woods moved closer. He was closing in on her. In seconds he would burst into the clearing and kill her. Any minute now she would wake up in her own bed and laugh at her overactive imagination. She heard the creature step into the clearing. So much for a dream. Glancing around for a better weapon than the stick she still wielded, Sairah spied a large branch on the ground. She grabbed it and lifted it in her right hand, keeping her left arm cradled against her chest. Turning to face the creature, Sairah braced herself. She might as well face the beast and die fighting for her life instead of cowering in fear. The werewolf stepped into the open, narrowed its eyes, and twisted its mouth in what she supposed was a smile. With a growl, it slowly advanced toward her. Maybe it wanted her to run again? Fat chance. She knew that was futile. Sairah inched her way back until she felt the hard wall of the rock dig into her shoulders. She lifted the makeshift club with her good arm and prepared to swing it. As

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the creature drew closer she gave a silent prayer for help. She wasn’t ready to die. Not like this. A loud roar echoed in the enclosed area. Her attacker froze. Sairah looked up in time to see a large, tan cat jump down from the top of the cliff. It glanced at her for a second then focused on the wolf-man. Silently, it padded in between them and faced the werewolf without the slightest hesitation. A lion? In North Carolina? In the woods behind my house? There was no mistaking that large gorgeous mane or tan body and long tail. It must have escaped from a private facility. Sairah sent thanks to the Lord for answering her prayer and sending this magnificent creature to her aid. The werewolf had returned to complete wolf form. He growled and bared gruesome teeth, but the cat didn’t back down. Eyeing the distance between the two and the path, Sairah wondered if she’d be able to sneak past them and escape. There was no way she could outrun the animals, but could they climb a tree after her? The wolf would probably have to change to human form to climb the tree, but she could clamber higher than the lion. As slowly as she could, Sairah edged toward the opening. If the cat kept the wolf distracted long enough… The wolf turned and leapt on her before she could finish the thought, or draw in a breath to scream. Razor-sharp teeth sank into her shoulder, pinning her to the ground. Sairah cried out in pain as pointed teeth pierced her skin and drew blood. The animal wanted to break either her neck or back to keep her immobile. A roar filled the air, causing immense pain to her eardrums, just before those deadly teeth released her shoulder, taking flesh with them. Sairah gasped for air and tried desperately to blink tears out of her eyes. Damn. It hurt worse than the time the neighbor’s dog had attacked her and torn open her leg. Sairah struggled into a sitting position as she listened to the two animals fight. The battle seemed to go on forever, but finally the forest grew silent again. She wiped the tears out of her eyes until she could see the animals. The lion stood over the inert body of the wolf. Was it dead?

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The wolf raised its head and growled at the lion again. The cat crouched as if ready to pounce. Sairah knew cats liked to play with their food. The lion was bigger than the werewolf and could easily kill it. The thought flittered through her mind that maybe the cat was a shape shifter as well. Both animals sprang and collided in midair. This time the cat crumpled to the ground. The wolf bared its teeth and turned her way again. Sairah gasped and tried to slide backward as the animal advanced toward her. She was bleeding heavily. The scent of her blood and fear would fuel both animals’ baser instincts. With her back against sharp stones, Sairah took a deep breath and opened her mouth to scream. The sound strangled in her throat as the cat leapt onto the back of the wolf, sinking its teeth into the creature’s neck. Sairah stared as the cat shook his head, his mane flapping against the wolf’s head. Part of her filed away the awesome event under one of the most amazing things she’d ever seen, and the other part of her prayed she’d live to tell the tale at work. The cat released the wolf and stepped back. It leaned forward into the wolf’s face. For a second she thought he was checking to see if the wolf was breathing. But that was silly. Wasn’t it? Nothing made sense right now. Especially not this. Werewolves and giant African lions in Lexington? Sairah shivered and tried to hold as still as possible. Maybe the lion would forget she was there. Please go away. As if he heard her unspoken plea, the cat looked up into her eyes with an intelligence that startled her. She spent her days with cats. She’d worked in many zoos across the United States, and never had she seen one like this. She knew they were intelligent, but this one looked at her with pity. If he were a human she’d believe it, but would a cat look at a wounded woman this way? Nope, he’d gobble her up and look around for dessert. What if the cat wasn’t an answer to her prayer, but had come to challenge the wolf to dinner?

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“Shoo,” she shouted at the top of her lungs. “Scat!” Even though she knew it was useless, she had to try. “You don’t want to eat me,” she protested. “I’m too skinny, just bones.” The cat tilted its head and lifted its ears as if listening to her. “I’m too chewy, I’ll give you heartburn. And I bet right now I smell pretty bad,” she added for good measure. That last comment struck her as funny, and Sairah let out a chuckle. The cat made a strange face. If she weren’t half out of it from the pain, she’d swear it smiled. Sairah pressed a hand over the deep wounds on her shoulder and tried to stand up. Even superficial wounds could bleed heavily, but the amount of blood and the speed at which she was losing it worried her. Would she be able to make it back to her house? “No.” Sairah gasped as she swayed. The forest grew dark, and the cat moved closer. “Thank you for killing the wolf. Please don’t eat me.” Sairah tried to stare at the lion in an intimidating manner, but she was pretty sure she looked more like a feast than a ferocious creature. I don’t want to eat you. At least, not in the way you think. Great. She could now add delusional to her symptoms. Mercifully, the pain wasn’t so bad anymore. Sairah watched the cat stalk toward her slowly. At least she’d be unconscious while he killed her, Sairah thought as she slipped into the welcoming darkness while staring at deep golden eyes.

*** Cade paced back and forth. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to happen. That stupid wolf’s attack screwed up his plan big time. He’d thought there would be plenty of time to gradually introduce himself to her. But no. The wolf had ruined everything. Sairah Mellon, his future mate, lay so still and pale on her bed that he actually felt fear. For a warrior like him, fear of any kind was prohibited. Cade wiped suddenly sweaty palms against his khaki pants and reached for her wrist again. He needed the soothing beat of her pulse under his fingertips to reassure him. If he’d screwed up…

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Have I lost my perspective and put her in even more danger? Cade was always cool under pressure. Or at least that was what his brothers liked to say. What had gone wrong tonight? Someone had threatened his mate. That was what. Well, she wasn’t his mate yet, but she would be as soon as he could manage it. This was one time he was glad his family wasn’t around. He’d never live this mistake down as long as he lived. How had he missed noticing a werewolf hanging around her house? Because he’d been too busy admiring her skimpy lingerie. And now he’d have to think up a good explanation for how he found her in the middle of the forest and brought her home. He knew she hadn’t been afraid of the lion until the werewolf bit her. She feared the scent of blood would cause him to attack. Think, Cade. Think. Panic was not good. It made even the best of men make mistakes, and Cade wasn’t the best. Not even close. There was nothing he could do but initiate Plan B.

Chapter Two Her eyelids flickered open and she glanced around. The sky grew dark as the sun drifted below the horizon. Tall trees filled with pink flowers surrounded her. Oh please, please let me experience satisfaction this time. Last time she’d woken too soon. It was just a dream, after all. You couldn’t lose your virginity to a dream, could you? When she found her true love in real life he would be rewarded with that treat. But for now, in this dream, she wanted relief with a desperation she could taste. Sairah knew what would happen next, but it never failed to generate a cry of pleasure and send a shock wave of desire through her body. Large, warm hands landed on her ankles and caressed their way up her calves to her thighs before stopping. She glanced down at the blond-haired, golden-eyed man. He smiled up at her, his eyes flashing as someone lit several torches set up around them. Sairah arched her back, crying out wordlessly as he pulled her legs apart and slid his hands up the insides of her thighs. She trembled under his touch, a fire licking along her veins, one demanding to be quenched. Her fingers clenched in the soft petals that made up their bed, releasing the sweet scent of magnolias. Her senses swam as his mouth lowered, his tongue tracing a line toward the juncture of her thighs. “Yes,” she pleaded, praying for the release she feared wouldn’t come. This time she would make him stay. Sairah buried her fingers in his long, thick hair. He made a low purring sound as she rubbed his head before pulling his face toward her aching pussy. He whispered her name as he allowed her to tug him closer. He placed a soft, tender kiss on her inner thigh, and she quivered.

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The scent of her arousal filled the air. Her dream lover paused and sniffed at her damp curls. His eyes closed partially and his nostrils flared. He moved higher and kissed her belly. He looked as if he desired her as much as she did him. Sairah relaxed her grip on his head, and lowered her hands to his strong, broad shoulders. She kneaded the muscles there until he pulled back and dipped his tongue between her folds, tasting her juices. A rumbling purr vibrated between her legs. Desire coiled in her stomach. Her entire body tensed, straining for release. Sairah thrust her pussy in his face. Her lover complied with her unspoken demand and brought one hand up to flick at her clit with his finger. With a moan, she felt more of her liquid slip through her swollen lips. Slowly, he dragged his finger down, over the opening, before he lifted it to his lips. He sucked it into his mouth, tasting her. He closed his eyes and moaned around his finger. Sairah was on the verge of coming. After months of these dreams, this was the most vivid of them all. Her body shook with unfulfilled need as she dug her nails into his shoulders. She threw back her head and cried out as his tongue followed the path his finger had made. “Please,” she panted. As if in answer, his tongue slipped between her lips. He nipped and licked at her as if he were starving. Sairah moaned and thrust her hips, moving against him, trying to increase the pleasure while praying for release. Her lover stopped too soon. He placed hot, wet kisses on her belly as he worked his way up to her breasts. He captured both of them in his hands and drew one stiff peak into his mouth while he worked the other between his finger and thumb. “Oh, God,” Sairah gasped in pleasure-pain as he pinched her nipple. She slid her hands down to his hips and then around front, grabbing his hard cock. She moved her hands up and down his length, wondering if she’d be able to take all of him. He moaned against her breast and then lifted his face to kiss her. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth and drove all thought from her mind as their tongues dueled

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for supremacy. All she could do was feel. Feel the hardness of his cock as it throbbed under her touch, and the way his hands alternately tugged and caressed her nipples. Suddenly, he pulled back and pressed his cock to her soaking wet entrance. The sound of chanting reached her ears, growing in volume with each and every second that passed. Sairah glanced around to see a circle of people gathered around them. Freezing, she opened her mouth to protest when the tip of his cock pressed inside. She groaned and arched, trying to draw him in deeper as her body clenched around him. “Slowly, my love,” he whispered. “This is your first time. I must go slowly to ease the discomfort.” “Just fuck me,” she begged, hating the whine in her voice, but desperate for release. So desperate that she could feel tears sliding down her cheeks. “Please!” “Forgive me,” he whispered, lowering his head. He thrust himself into her. Sairah screamed as her insides burned. It felt as if he’d ripped her in half. Slowly, the pain eased, and then he was moving again, in and out slowly. She moaned as the delicious tension built once more. The chanting surrounded them, weaving in and out around them as her lover thrust his cock deep inside her. Sairah wrapped her legs around his waist and held on tightly. A delicious tingle began near her thighs and she quivered, her muscles tightening down on him. She arched up and met him thrust for pounding thrust, reaching desperately for the stars. Someone coughed. Sairah froze as the dream started to fade and cried out as her dream lover vanished from her arms. How could he disappear when she was finally so close to having an orgasm? The loose board by the door creaked, letting Sairah know someone was in the room with her. She tried to draw in a deep breath, but her lungs protested painfully. A myriad of other aches and pains in her body made themselves known. They weren’t from lovemaking either. Memories of the werewolf flashed in her mind.

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Since it hurt this bad, Sairah knew she was still alive. For now. But she wasn’t in a hospital. She was at home. How had she gotten there and who was in the room with her? A sigh came from the vicinity of her closet, prompting Sairah to sneak a peek through her eyelashes. She didn’t want the intruder to know she was awake in case he meant to harm her. If that was the case, then surprise would be her only advantage. Slowly, she opened her eyes, then squeezed them shut, wincing from the soft light of her bedside lamp. Sairah swallowed past a dry throat and tried to remember what happened, but the last memory she had was of staring into the lion’s face. Panicked, her eyes flew open again as she searched the room to make sure she was safe. How either creature could get her in here, she didn’t know, but she also didn’t know how she got back home. Alive. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm down. Sairah noticed a sweet magnolia scent. Eyes narrowed, she glanced around the room once more. Everything was in its place. She looked past her dresser, the chair by the window, and the television, showing the morning news. Wait a minute. Sairah stared at the program. She never fell asleep with the television on. Someone else must be watching it. The person who brought her home? Where were they? Sairah stifled a moan as the magnolia scent grew stronger. It reminded her of her dreams. Dreams of erotic nights under the stars. “Oh no,” she whispered. “Not again, not now.” It was no use though. Sairah closed her eyes and remembered the feel of velvet smooth skin brushing against her naked flesh in the chilly evening air. Soft words whispered in her ear sent shivers skittering up and down her spine, while large, calloused hands slid up and down her arms. His mouth lowered to her neck. This time a low moan escaped from her parted lips. “Good. You’re awake now,” the familiar voice from her dreams said.

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Sairah screamed, opened her eyes, and stared into familiar golden eyes. Eyes that looked beyond their years in intelligence and were the same as her dream lover’s -- and the lion that had killed the werewolf. Sairah studied the stranger’s long, wavy blond hair, five o’clock shadow, and slightly crooked nose. He smiled, revealing a dimple in his left cheek. Her panic lessened as she continued to examine him. If he’d meant to harm her, he’d had ample opportunity when she’d been unconscious. Her savior wore a cream-colored shirt and khaki pants. Who was he and how had he manifested from her dream? More importantly, why is he wearing clothes? He leaned toward her, his hair falling forward, framing his face. Sairah couldn’t stifle the gasp if she wanted to. He was the lion. He’d saved her from the werewolf. And brought her home. “What? How?” She whispered the questions through a very sore and abused throat. How did a dream come true? “You recognize me?” His eyes lit with an odd glow. What in the world? Why didn’t the thought of him being an animal disgust her? To know that the man in her dreams was real excited her. “You’re a… werecat?” He laughed at her and Sairah flushed. How could he stand there looking as if he didn’t even have a scratch while her head pounded, her throat felt raw, and she probably looked like yesterday’s leftovers? “Not quite. But close enough. I’d prefer you call me Cade, though.” “I don’t understand. Why didn’t you kill me?” He smiled and leaned down. The familiar stranger ran his index finger along the side of her cheek, and heaven help her if she didn’t lean into the caress. “I may shift my form into an animal, but that doesn’t mean I am one.” “Oh.” Sairah tried to draw in a breath. She knew she’d hyperventilate if he didn’t back off and give her room to breathe. The magnolia scent filled her senses as she drew in breath after breath until the room began to spin. “It’s not possible.”

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“Oh, I assure you it is.” He grinned at her, straight white teeth gleaming. “Want to watch me change?” Slowly, she nodded. Trying hard not to blink, she watched as his skin, muscles, and bones moved, changing size and shape to accommodate a feline form. He hadn’t removed his clothes first either, which meant he had to have some kind of magic or magical clothing. When he was finished, he leapt onto the bed and placed his paws on her lap. He dropped his head on top of her legs and purred as her hands burrowed in his thick mane, testing the weight and texture of the hairs. “You’re the one from my dream.” She didn’t have to ask. She knew it was true. He smiled and nodded once. Yes, I am. Sairah’s mouth dropped open as she stared at him. She’d heard him in her head. Just like the dreams. Had the dreams been real or a prediction of what was to come? They had to be real, he was standing here. Did that mean she’d lost her -Sairah glanced down, and wiggled her hips. Though the rest of her hurt, she didn’t ache there. Unless she wanted to count the burning desire his presence stirred in her. I hoped my journeys to visit you in your dreams would make it easier to accept me. “Accept you?” She closed her mouth and ran her fingers through his fur more roughly. She knew she must sound like a broken record at this point, but she couldn’t believe the sexy, loving stranger from her dreams was on her lap, purring. You are different, Sairah. You aren’t like everyone else, and you know it. He was right. It didn’t matter where she went. She never fit in, and making friends was a waste of time. The only beings she grew close to were her cats, and by then it was time to move again. Only this time it was different. Moving to North Carolina had felt like coming home. Here she was free to be herself. Even being alone didn’t bother her anymore. Perhaps it was because of the dreams. I don’t understand. Why so surprised, Sairah? You used to communicate freely with your mother when you were younger. Don’t you remember?

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Sairah gasped as she realized she hadn’t said anything out loud, but he’d heard it just the same. It didn’t matter. He was right. She could remember playing games with her mother. Ones that no one else seemed to know about. Not even her father. They would tell each other things and no one else could hear it. She had thought that it was all in her imagination, fanciful dreams of a young girl, but maybe not. How did I dream about you before I met you? It’s the way of soul mates. Our souls long to be together. We reach for each other even when we do not know the other exists. “Soul mates!” Sairah moved as far away on the bed as she could while the lion shifted back into a man. Her aching body protested the sudden movement and she cried out in pain. “Let me ease your pain.” He leaned close and gently placed his hands on her. He started with her head, and massaged her slowly. Once she began to relax, his hands drifted lower. He placed both of them over the partially healed wound on her shoulder. As his fingers worked their tingling, burning magic on her, she gasped. Could she turn into a werewolf now that she’d been bitten? No. We are what you would call aliens and are born this way. I told you, Sairah, you are special. Sairah shuddered as his silky voice whispered in her mind. Now that her pain had eased, her body reacted to him as it did in her dreams. Her nipples strained against the sheet and her pussy was already soaked. She knew it was probably from her unfulfilled dream, but she couldn’t deny the effect of his hands on her. His warm breath brushed the hair on the nape of her neck. She whimpered as desire twisted her stomach in knots. She wanted this stranger, this shape shifting lionman. What was wrong with her?

Cade smiled when Sairah shuddered as his lips pressed against the base of her neck. He pushed her silken red curls to the side for better access. Although she was

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confused, her mind didn’t deny what her body wanted. He knew it was a shock. Her family hadn’t prepared her like they should have. Instead, he’d have to give her a crash course, and mate with her before it was too late. He would no longer allow her to be alone. This attack on her wouldn’t be the last. Now that they knew where she was, they would be more determined to destroy her. Sairah practically purred under his touch. He wondered how she kept her Areyl side hidden so well. He slipped easily into her mind. Fortunately, the dream they’d just shared left her open to his invasion. He searched her memories, but failed to find the answers he wanted. Why didn’t she have any knowledge of her heritage? Why did she feel as if she didn’t fit in with the humans because they were so normal and she was not? He could see in her memories that she remembered her childhood and the games she used to play with her mother. As he withdrew from her mind he brushed against the dream she’d had before waking. Cade’s cock hardened as he remembered how she’d taken control of the dream this time. She’d begged him to finish, but he didn’t. The dreams were only to prepare her for their mating. It would make it much easier for her if she was delirious with lust. Shy, quiet Sairah wouldn’t want to make love with him in front of the other Areyls but it was necessary to ensure the mating was smooth and successful. There was no time for this. They needed to leave now. Cade reached out with his mind to his second-in-command. Matt? Yes, Commander? Is everything ready? Do you have the ship prepped to return home? Aye, sir. And we received a communication from home. They are prepared for your mating ceremony. Have you informed your mate of the details yet? Cade groaned. Of course he hadn’t. Sairah seemed to accept his ability to shape shift, but would she accept that she could shape shift and was from Leandros too? Cade? Matt’s concern brushed against the edges of his mind. Cade knew something was wrong if Matt dropped his formality while on a mission. What is it?

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We’re picking up a lot of readings. There are several Wylfenne approaching your location, and spaceships from Lupellus invading the airspace. With this much activity, it shouldn’t be long before the humans realize something is going on. The Wylfenne must realize the importance of your mate and they want to take her. Didn’t you kill the one who attacked her? I did kill the bastard, but he must have reported in before I did. Cade, hurry up, my friend. We’re ready at a moment’s notice. Tell me when to activate your ascent. Thanks, Matthew. You are doing a great job. I’ll be in touch shortly. Cade ended the massage and gently pressed Sairah down onto the bed. He finished healing her wounds while she was relaxed. Maybe she’d be more receptive to him and his news now. Sairah. He let the word brush against her mind. She closed her eyes and lifted her arms for him. A pang of guilt tightened his chest, but Cade brushed the feeling aside. She was his mate. He needed to claim her so he could protect her. Not only his life, but those of his people depended on it. Her eyes opened and she stared at him, desire burning in her bright blue orbs. He could smell her essence as it thickened between her thighs. She hungered for him even though she was afraid. You dreamt of me because we are soul mates. We belong together, beautiful Sairah. Trust me to take care of your needs and desires. Wordlessly she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled his face toward hers and kissed him. It was a soul-searing kiss that left him shaken to his very core. The way she opened her mind and body to him while she kissed him was something he’d never experienced with anyone before. Yes, he’d merged minds with females before, but never with this kind of reaction. There was no doubt left in his mind. Even if she didn’t want to accept him, she was his. Cade lowered the sheet and took possession of her gloriously naked breasts with his hands. He brushed his thumbs over the pebbled tips, delighting in the husky moan

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the action elicited from her. His cock twitched against his pants. He wanted to remove his clothes and take her here and now. But he couldn’t. The first time had to be at the claiming ceremony. Do you feel this? Do you feel how right we are together? “Yes.” She moaned and reached for his head, guiding it to her breast.

“Do you want me to make love to you?” he asked, smiling at the huskiness of his

own voice. Sairah had him all twisted inside out and upside down. “Yes,” she said, and then peppered kisses all over his mouth and chin. “Please.” “If we make love you will be mine in all ways. There will be no going back.” “Wha… what do you mean?” She hesitated, and pulled back. “Will I be like you?” “You already are like me. You’ve just repressed that part of you. Once we mate, it will be for life. You will no longer be free to love other men, nor will you want to. We will have a complete melding of our minds, bodies and spirits. Where once we were two, we will become one. If you are in pain, I’ll feel it, and vice versa.” “But how is this possible?” Sairah’s eyes clouded in confusion. “And how is it possible to talk to each other without saying anything? It’s not humanly possible.” “You’re correct, it’s not humanly possible, but then again, we aren’t human.” Sairah gasped and pushed him away. “What do you mean? You aren’t human?” He chuckled and reached for her, stopping when she put her hand up. “Of course you aren’t. You shape shift into a lion, and invade my dreams, and do God knows what else.” “These are all things you can do as well. I don’t understand why you fight your instincts and hide the Areyl part of you.” “Areyl?” “Your grandmother was a full-blooded Areyl from the planet Leandros. She fled Leandros because she lost her partner to another woman and knew that her position as leader was threatened. She came here to Earth and married a human male. She gave birth to your mother, who is half Areyl. Your mother married a human male and so

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your blood is even more diluted, but you still should have seen signs of your heritage. You should be able to understand the cats you work with. I bet they trust you and play with you in ways that amaze the trainers and other zookeepers.” Sairah nodded slowly. He could tell she was listening and absorbing the information. “But why wouldn’t my parents tell me I was part alien if what you say is true?” “I understand your doubts, Sairah. But think about it. Think about our mental telepathy and our dream visits. Think about your extraordinary senses, the way you hardly ever get sick, and how you heal fast. Remember your childhood. Those days you spent in the woods with your parents and the lion they kept as a pet.” “Why would they lie to me?” “Maybe they thought they were protecting you? What your grandmother did by fleeing our planet was against all our rules. She closed the doors on ever returning.” Cade searched her face, hoping to see acceptance. “Then why are you here for me? Surely as her descendant I won’t be welcome back either.” “Things have changed since then. Her mate’s deception was discovered, and they realized they weren’t true mates, but it was too late. By then your grandmother had married and carried a baby in her womb. The decision was made to allow your grandmother some happiness and her former mate was exiled.” “This sounds so fantastic,” Sairah whispered. “I know, love. But this is real. And I want to bring you home where you belong.” A long, loud howl came from behind the house. It was echoed by several other wolves. Sairah flinched and looked up at Cade. “What’s that?” “Wylfenne. Wolf shifters from Lupellus. They have come for you.” “Me! But you’re the one who killed that werewolf.” “It matters not. As my mate they would take you anyway. And at this point I doubt your death is what they want. I imagine they will torture you or hold you for

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ransom. They aren’t pleased I killed one of them, and I doubt they will listen to me while I explain how he tried to kill my mate.” Sairah climbed out of the bed and walked over to the window. Cade followed her as she lifted the blinds and glanced outside. Several wolves of various shapes and colors surrounded her house. The one nearest to her was large and black as midnight. His black beady eyes pinned her frozen in place. She watched as they drew closer. Cade pulled her trembling body away from the window. “We need to go now, Sairah.” “But --” “Now, Sairah. I cannot leave you here to face them. We’ll return home and notify their leader of what transpired.” “I have no choice, do I?” she whispered, looking from him to the window and back again. “Would life with me be so bad?” he asked softly, caressing her cheek with his palm. He smiled when she shivered from the touch. “N… no.” Sairah looked into his eyes. Cade wrapped his arms around her and lowered his mouth to hers, hoping to distract her from any discomfort she might feel from their transfer to the ship. We’re ready, Matt. Aye, sir. A bright white light encased them. Cade kept his mouth fused to Sairah’s. He ran his hands up and down her back as the light enfolded them, holding them in its protective embrace. Just as the first wolf broke through the window, Cade’s body tingled, and then they were gone.

Chapter Three Sairah felt as if there were thousands of ants crawling all over her body. Then as suddenly as the sensation started, it stopped. Cade pulled away from her, and she grew cold with the loss and realized she was naked. She gasped, and tried to cover herself. Pleading with her eyes, she looked at Cade. He grimaced, unbuttoned his shirt, and wrapped her in it. “I’m sorry.” He kissed the sensitive space just below her ear. Sairah buried her face in his chest and drew several deep breaths before she peeked around the room to see how many people had seen her in her birthday suit. Several blond men met her gaze boldly, unspoken questions in their eyes as they glanced from her to her hero. “Did you mate with her already, sir?” Sairah jumped as Cade growled in response to the question. “Of course not. I know our laws. How dare you question me!” “Excuse him, Cade,” another man said as he walked over to greet them. “He’s still young.” The younger man shot both of them a scathing look. “Then what the hell is he doing on board my ship!” “His uncle placed him on the ship despite his age and inexperience. You know, sir, it’s not customary to allow other males to see your mate until the ceremony. Perhaps you should have covered her before you brought her onboard.” “Her house was under siege by the Wylfenne. Another second would have been too late,” Cade snapped. Sairah didn’t know what to make of the conversation. All she knew was that she was surrounded by people who looked similar not only to each other, but to her as well.

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She’d seen pictures of her grandmother, and now knew without a doubt that she was indeed one of them. She glanced at Cade and wondered if she’d be able to handle being his mate. It wouldn’t be so bad to be away from Earth, but she would miss her cats. And what of love? Cade turned back to her, his eyes softening as he took in her appearance. Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms and walked out of the room. Sairah relaxed in his arms, his presence comforting her. At least now she was covered and could hide her face in the crook of his neck as he carried her through the hallway. She drew in a deep breath, sending lust straight to the pit of her belly at the scent of him. With a moan, she pressed her lips against him and traced a line on his neck with her tongue. An answering shiver ran through Cade’s body. His grip on her tightened. A door opened and closed behind them. Sairah kept her eyes closed and rubbed her lips back and forth across his carotid. “Sairah!” Cade shouted as he spun around and shifted her in his arms. He pressed her against the wall. Sairah opened her eyes and met his passion-filled gaze. She might not love him, but with lust like this love was sure to follow. She hoped. Cade’s mouth crushed hers as his tongue darted between her lips, taking possession of her with a hunger that should have frightened her. After the endless nights of unfulfilled dreams, Sairah prayed he’d end her misery now. “I can’t.” He panted. “Not until we’re mated. I can’t claim you until the ceremony.” Sairah growled and dug her fingers into his shoulders. If he thought he was going to walk out of this room without satisfying her, then he had another think coming. “I can’t,” he repeated before his lips took hers again, swallowing any protest she wanted to voice.

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Cade shifted his hold on her, turned around, and carried her a few feet before he stopped. He placed her on something soft and warm. Sairah opened her eyes and studied the thick white comforter. His bed. She sighed and reached for him, her eyelids heavy with passion. The tingling nerve endings in her body screamed for release as Cade deepened their kiss. “Please,” she begged. If he didn’t take her now she knew she’d die from need. Cade didn’t answer. Instead he pressed wet, open-mouthed kisses along the area of flesh he exposed as he tugged the shirt open. “Yes.” She sighed, reaching for his pants. She swiftly opened them and slipped her hands inside. She wrapped her hands around his rock-hard shaft and moved them up and down. Cade groaned and rocked his hips, thrusting faster as she increased the tempo. He moaned her name as her hand slid to the tip of his cock, her thumb rubbing over it, feeling the drops of pre-cum. “I want to taste you,” she whispered. Sairah leaned forward and kissed his muscular chest. She feathered kisses down over his stomach, to the dark golden hairs at the base of his throbbing erection. Slowly, hoping to make him forget his rules and make love to her, she licked the tip of his cock, tasting his salty essence. She swiped her tongue across the velvety tip before finally drawing him into her mouth. Cade’s hips thrust forward and his cock choked her. I’m sorry, love. So sorry. The words whispered in her mind as he pulled back so she could take control again. A series of knocks sounded on the door. Cade froze and glanced down at Sairah. She gasped and released him, pulling the shirt closed. “Just a minute,” Cade called out. “Commander, we’re nearing home. The Wylfenne are still in pursuit, but they haven’t fired on us yet. We’re waiting your command.” “I’ll be right there,” Cade growled. “Just give me a minute.”

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“Yes, sir.” Cade sighed, drew in a deep breath, then released it, before he met her gaze. “I’m sorry, Sairah.” “It’s okay.” She tried to smile even though her pussy throbbed. “You have to get us to safety and then you can fuck my brains out.” He blinked, either at her terminology, or her determination to get laid. Whatever the reason, she liked catching him off-guard. He lifted a shirt off a chair and pulled it on. “We’ll be home soon. We’ll be mated at sunset.” Sairah nodded, her thoughts already on the night. Finally he would put her out of her misery. Finally she would experience loving from something other than a dream. Tonight she would reach fulfillment. As the door closed behind him Sairah realized he’d said they would mate at sunset. Like her dreams. Did that mean her dreams were indeed an omen of what was to come? Did she want to mate with him? The leader of this ship? A man she didn’t know, but her body burned for? Sairah groaned and dropped back onto the bed. Her desire ebbed as she remembered the faces surrounding her and Cade in the dream. They chanted in a language she didn’t understand while Cade plunged his cock deep inside of her. As his movements increased, so did the chanting, and soon the faces blurred as he took her higher and higher, pleasure spreading through her body like a forest fire. Her hand moved to her clit and she touched the swollen nub. She could pleasure herself, but the relief would only be temporary.

*** Cade stormed back to the bridge, prepared to fight the Wylfenne if he had to. “Status?” “Commander Greer is requesting to speak to you.”

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“Fine!” Cade barked and dropped into his seat. He slammed his hand down on the control panel and watched the monitor. Wade, a man he’d once been playmates with, appeared in the tiny screen. “You killed one of mine.” “He was in the process of trying to kill our healer.” Wade frowned. “You don’t have any healers on Earth at this time.” “Who I have on Earth at any given time is none of your concern. The fact remains that not only was he attacking my mate -- who is a healer -- he was killing humans. He’d gone bad and you know it.” Cade didn’t like the way Wade’s eyes narrowed. “Granted, we have an uneasy peace right now, but cut the shit, Cade. You went too far when you killed my man. The woman is just an Earthling you want to fuck.” Cade reached for Wade’s throat before he remembered he was looking at a face on a screen. “She is my mate and a healer. Your man had no right to attack anyone. He lured her out of her house and into the forest where he attacked her. If I’d not been there to save her we’d be at war right now, Commander.” “You say she’s a healer, but my man’s last message was that she had made him and he needed to take her out to protect his identity. He made no mention of you whatsoever.” Cade hissed and leaned close to the monitor. “He was a rogue and you know it, Wade. Cut the bullshit. Your man attacked a healer and my mate and you’re trying to cover it all up. It won’t work and I will fight you on this if I have to. I will take my healer back safe and sound even if I have to destroy you and your ship. Get the fuck out of my way before I file a report against you to the council!” “It’s your word against my man’s.” Cade leaned even closer to the monitor. “Are you challenging me, Commander Greer?” The man hesitated too long. Cade signaled to Matt to ready their weapons and received Matt’s signal that they were already prepared. “You would do the same thing if it was your mate, Wade.”

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“Wait! Where is your proof?” Cade leaned back in his chair. “I don’t need to prove she’s a healer, or that she’s my mate, and you know it. You’re trying to buy time for more of your ships to join us, isn’t that right? I bet you knew who Sairah was before your pawn even found her. You thought to go to war with council’s approval, didn’t you? I challenge you to meet with me before council now!” “I accept your challenge.” Wade ended the transmission. Cade growled and rose. He stalked back to his room to dress. No one appeared before council without proper attire. He tried to figure out how to explain this to Sairah. He didn’t want to put her at risk again, but if they didn’t finish this now it could hang over their heads for the rest of their lives.

*** Sairah jumped when Cade stalked into the room. The door opened so quietly she hadn’t had any warning he was going to appear until he did. The barely restrained anger in his expression made her nervous. She backed up and sat down on the bed. “We’re going to appear before council now.” “What?” “The man who tried to kill you knew who and what you are. They have been at war with us for a long time now.” Cade closed his eyes, obviously struggling with something internally. “Cade?” “Sorry.” He looked at her and gave her a wry smile. “When I was a child things were much easier. There was no war, and our planets were at peace. But I digress. We need to appear before council to challenge the Wylfenne. They claim you’re a mere human. I know you’re my mate and a healer. Your work with the animals at your zoo proves it. Unfortunately, they are not happy I killed one of them. We need to prove you are more than human, and we need to prove I killed him in self-defense. In other words, they want both of us dead.” She gasped and grabbed onto the bed sheets. “But I didn’t do anything.”

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“I took too long to find and claim you. I shouldn’t have taken the time to try to woo you. I should have just come down to Earth, taken you home, and claimed you. None of this would be happening now if I’d done that.” “Why didn’t you?” Her heart pounded a rapid tattoo, and her throat was so tight she could barely swallow. What would she have done if he’d tried? He looked at her with regret. “You are my mate. I wanted to do this properly. I wanted to make you love me before I claimed you.” “You can’t make someone love you.” Even as she said the words, she knew she was halfway there already. She’d followed him onto this spaceship eagerly enough, hadn’t she? “You came with me because you didn’t want to die at the hands of the wolves, not because you love me. Even if being around me arouses you.” He grinned and walked toward her. “What makes you think that?” Her voice caught in her throat at the predatory gleam in his eyes when he pinned her on the bed. “I can smell your arousal, dear heart.” He leaned down and kissed her. Her intention to resist faded under the mind-numbing, spine-tingling kiss. Sairah melted into him, grabbing onto him and holding on tight. No matter how hard she fought it, she was attracted to him like she’d never been attracted to anyone before. Soul mate or not, she wanted as much of Cade as she could get. She wanted to hang on for as long as the ride lasted. “So what will happen when we see the council and um… what do you want me to wear?” She tugged at his shirt. “I don’t have anything with me.” “It’s okay, I’ve been preparing for your arrival.” He walked away. Part of the wall opened to reveal a large closet. Cade gestured to the feminine clothes sitting next to his uniforms. “I studied your clothes and had these made based on the styles and colors you prefer.” “You’ve been spying on me.” “You’re my mate. I had to keep an eye on you and make sure you were safe.”

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Sairah crossed her arms and frowned. “Pervert.”

Cade’s mouth dropped open. “I am not.”

“Peeping Tom.”

“Sairah!”

She yanked his shirt off and cupped her breasts. “Didn’t get enough of me in

your dreams so you had to come and watch me?” “Damn it!” Cade’s face turned a dark shade of red as he reached for her. “What’s wrong, Cade? I’m just calling it like it is.” She turned her back and began to look at the clothes. “Pervert.” Cade reached past her and yanked a uniform off a hanger. “This is serious business. Both our lives hang in the balance. Get dressed. One of my men will guide you to the bridge when you’re ready.” She kept her head averted as he dressed, and prolonged picking out an outfit until she heard the door hiss shut behind him. With a sigh of relief, she looked at the clothing and tried to decide what would be the most appropriate to wear before the council.

Chapter Four Cade breathed a sigh of relief when Sairah entered the bridge dressed appropriately for a meeting with the council. The white blouse reminded him that soon she would be wearing the equivalent of a wedding dress when they were mated. The tan skirt complemented her long legs and would look nice next to him in his tan uniform. “Are you ready? We’ll be perfectly safe while we are in the presence of the council. Even the Wylfenne respect them.” He didn’t bother to add that if they sided with Wade they’d both be as good as dead. No, they’d be dead. That wasn’t an option. He straightened to his full height and held out his arm. Sairah played with her hands as she walked over to him. She was so nervous Cade didn’t doubt everyone on the bridge felt her tension. “Relax, Sairah.” She didn’t answer, but she put her hand in his and gave him a weak smile. He turned to Matt and nodded. “We’re ready.” Sairah squeezed his hand tightly as they slowly vanished from the bridge and reappeared in the council meeting room. They were in the formal hall, and every single chair at the horseshoe-shaped table was filled. A quick glance around the brightly lit room showed it hadn’t changed from the last time he’d been here. The white walls, floor, ceiling, and furnishings were meant to make a person feel like they were dirty. It was designed to make people weak and nervous, to make them confess secrets they didn’t even know they had. The last time he’d been here was with his second-in-command. He’d fought hard for Matt to get a second chance and time to make amends for his mistakes. Mistakes that had cost Matt not only his command, but the loyalty of his crew.

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By the time Greer appeared a few feet away from them, Sairah had squeezed his hand so hard he was afraid he’d lose circulation. Wade turned up his nose and then faced the council. Sairah took a step closer to Cade as if she wanted to try to hide behind him. Be quiet and patient, love. We’ll have this situation rectified in no time and be on our way to our mating. After another five minutes, Councilman Cain rose and brought the meeting to order. Cade tried to silently assure Sairah that everything would be okay, but she was so nervous he was surprised her knees weren’t knocking together. This is our court system. Act like you would on Earth. His words had the desired effect on Sairah. She stiffened her spine and cleared her face of emotion. That’s my girl. The councilman’s voice droned on and on, probably trying to test everyone’s patience. Fortunately, Sairah remained silent, as did Wade. It was still hard to believe the man had once been his best friend. That had been before the wars and before there’d been an end to the tentative peace between their planets and the others surrounding them. “Commander Dalton, you and Sairah Mellon have requested a trial to determine if you are guilty of murder. We also need to determine whether we release Miss Mellon or we hand her over to the Wylfenne.” If Councilman Cain was annoyed when Sairah gasped and moved behind Cade, it didn’t show. “Commander Greer, you say that Cade Dalton killed one of your men. Someone who was on a routine scouting mission?” “That’s correct.” Cade fought hard to hold back his anger. “And you stand by that?” “I do.” Wade stiffened. The determined look on his face made Cade wonder if he really was innocent, and if so, what lines the rebel wolf had been feeding him. “Will you submit to our memory scanner, Miss Mellon?”

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Sairah looked at him. Cade nodded. Go ahead, my heart. It won’t hurt, and it’s irrefutable proof. Once they see the attack I’ll be deemed innocent. There’s no way to manipulate your memories and they know it. “Yes.” Sairah winced when two guards stepped forward. “It’s okay.” Sairah took a deep breath, released it, and then turned to the guards. She followed them to a small round table positioned in front of the councilmen and women. A girl sat at the table. They will attach those sensitive pads to your head. You need to relax, Sairah. As long as you relax and allow the reader access to your memories it won’t hurt. If you fight it, it can be painful. It’s also a battle you can’t win. And if I refuse to let them in my head? They will believe Wade is correct and we’ll both be put to death. Sairah shivered, but stopped in front of the reader. The young girl smiled up at Sairah and then looked at the guards. They each took a hold of her arms and held her in place while the reader attached the pads. You should have warned me. He heard the anger and fear in her thoughts. I couldn’t. You’d have been too nervous. It’ll be okay. Relax, Sairah. “You two need to stop the mind-speak.” The reader glared at him. “You know better, Commander Dalton.” “Yes, Reader Marion.” Cade assumed what he hoped was an apologetic expression and concentrated on Sairah. “Sharing mind-speak?” Councilman Cain tapped his fingers on the table. “What else have you two shared?” “Nothing more than two other unmated soul mates would share.” “You will not take that tone with me, Commander Dalton.” “Please accept my apologies, sir.” Cade bowed his head even though he really wanted to tell Cain to piss off.

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“If you don’t mind, Councilman Cain, I am ready to start.” Someone dimmed the lights. Marion put her hands on the table in front of Sairah and closed her eyes. “Tell us what happened earlier today, reader.” A councilwoman Cade didn’t recognize spoke this time. “Start with anything you find relevant to this hearing.” Immediately, images of Sairah and him in his bedroom appeared on the screen. It wasn’t their fight Marion was showing, but when they were kissing and touching each other. Lovely. Cade tried his best to ignore the thunderous glares from the council as Marion moved back in time to when he was in Sairah’s bedroom. They watched him heal Sairah in reverse, and then saw the dream she’d had while she’d been unconscious. The one where she dreamt they were at their mating ceremony. Of course Marion showed images of him feasting on Sairah’s pussy like a starving man. They couldn’t hold him responsible for her dreams. At least he hoped they couldn’t. He opened his mouth to say so when they heard Sairah scream. The scene of his fight with the werewolf played in fast reverse until they showed Sairah in the house. Sairah woke up to the sound of a baby crying. She put on her shoes and headed for the door. Marion played the rest of the memory and ended when Sairah passed out. The room was quiet for a minute, but when the light came back on Cade watched several council members lean forward and whisper. “Do you have anything further to say, Commander Greer?” “No, I don’t, sir.” Cade bit his tongue to keep from saying anything. Once upon a time he’d liked Wade and they’d had a close bond. He didn’t like to see that Wade would now be punished for putting Sairah and Cade through torment. Not to mention the attack on Sairah would also be laid at his feet, as he was the commander of the rogue. “Are you ready for your punishment, Wade Greer?” Sairah gasped and turned to look at Wade and then Cain. “Punish him? For what?”

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Cade faced the council. “Please forgive Sairah. She’s been through a lot today and she doesn’t understand our rules.” “But she is part Areyl and should know how we do things.” Cain’s wife, Councilwoman Debra, frowned. “You can’t tell me she’s completely ignorant of our ways.” “She is.” Cade shook his head. “Her grandmother passed away before she could tell Sairah of her legacy. She has lived as a human all this time, and has only recently learned of her ancestry.” “Regardless, she can’t oppose an order by me.” “I don’t understand why you are going to punish Commander Greer. He was on his spaceship. He wasn’t one of the wolves that attacked me.” Sairah looked at Cade, but he didn’t know what to say to ease her pain or the confusion evident in her expression. “My dear Miss Mellon, he was the one who ordered them to attack when they crashed through your windows and tried to kill you and Commander Dalton. Had they been successful we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. He is guilty of attempted murder.” “As long as he leaves me alone, I don’t see a reason to punish him, if he really believed what the werewolf told him.” The council roared at her comment. Cain banged on the table with his gavel and called them back to attention. “I demand order in this room, now!” Immediately, the room fell silent. Sairah reached for him, and this time Cade brushed past the guards and wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. He wished he could transport her back to his ship, but he didn’t want to risk a punishment. Not when he was about to mate. “Commander Greer gave the order to kill you and he will suffer the consequences. Are we clear, young lady?” “Yes,” Sairah mumbled against Cade’s chest.

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“Sir, I think this has been too much for Sairah. Both attacks by the Wylfenne and then learning we’re soul mates combined with the strong desire we --” “We get your point, Commander. Since your woman seems offended with our system of justice, I hope you will educate her in our ways so we won’t see you here again anytime soon.” “No, sir. I’ll work on her,” Cade grinned at Sairah’s bowed head, “education immediately.” “See that you do. Oh, and, Commander…” Cade looked back up and saw the smile on Cain’s face. “Yes, sir?” “Your mother and I expect little ones before the year’s end.” “Yes, Father.” Cade saluted. “Father?” Sairah asked, looking up at him as they began to transport back to his ship. By the time they were back on board she looked more upset than surprised. “He’s your father and we still had to go through that?” Cade stepped back when Sairah poked him in the chest. “We still have to follow the rules, dear heart. We can’t break them because I have a powerful father. What kind of example would that set for others?” “Fuck the others! Did you see what they splashed all over that room?” “Yes, as did the rest of the council members. Do you think I’m happy they were party to that? Do you think I’m happy you’re sharing this with my crew?” Sairah gasped and stepped back, blushing furiously. “Damn you, Cade!” She ran through the door. He hoped she made it back to the room safely. He needed to make sure everything was okay on the ship before he could soothe her ruffled feathers.

Chapter Five Sairah sighed and rose. Part of her knew he’d been right to keep the mind probe thing a secret, but damn it, she shouldn’t have had to go through it at all. Her thoughts and dreams had been put on display for everyone. She hadn’t even had sex with Cade yet, damn it. With a growl, she paced the room. Maybe a bath would help calm her down. And she needed to find something to wear. There was no way she would wear this to her mating. If there even was one. With a sigh, she walked over to where she thought the closet had been and probed at the wall. Nothing opened. Frustrated, she stomped on the floor along that section of wall and still nothing. “Damn this stupid spaceship, and damn you, Cade Dalton, for being such a macho man.” She took off her shoes and flung them at the far wall. Suddenly part of the wall opened to the side, revealing a bathroom. She must have triggered a switch. She glanced at the floor, but didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary about the beige carpeting. When she walked into the bathroom, the lights turned on and the door closed behind her. Sairah looked around at the sink, toilet, and bathtub. They were made of black marble and matched the black floor and counters. White fixtures stood out against the dark room. She walked over to the large tub and stared at the buttons. How did this work? The door opened behind her, and Sairah spun around in relief. “Thank heavens, Cade. How do you --” She froze and stared at the small blonde woman. Light blue eyes peeked at her from behind a curtain of long blonde hair. How did they tell each other apart?

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Sairah wondered how the woman had entered Cade’s apartment. Is she Cade’s mistress? All commanders have mistresses, don’t they? “I’m sorry, Miss Sairah. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Please, call me Dana. The commander asked me to help you prepare for the ceremony.” “Ceremony?” Sairah repeated. “You know, the mating.” “Dana, is this something that all of your women go through? Does everyone watch?” Sairah remembered her dreams and wondered if this would be like the dream where she hadn’t cared who watched. “Just for the mating ritual. Once you are bound together you won’t be watched unless you wish it.” Dana winked. “We’re not as inhibited as they are on Earth. I understand from the commander that you are part human, but I’m sure your Areyl side will surface easily enough and you’ll have no trouble with the ritual.” Sairah snorted. Another one who thought she was one of them. Hell, she thought she was one of them now, too. Oh well. What was left for her on Earth? Her lions? The werewolves had attacked her home right before Cade had whisked her away, so she didn’t even have anything to go back to. Those dreams of Cade had to mean something. Not to mention the serious lust she felt for the hunky commander every time she saw him. At least here she would be able to live without worrying about werewolves or if someone else was going to make trouble for the lion lady. And of course she could fuck that delicious man from her dreams. “Come, our time grows short and you still aren’t prepared.” Dana pushed some buttons and a hot fragrant scent filled the air as water flowed into the wide tub. “Let me help you.” Dana reached for Sairah’s shirt. Sairah knew she should protest, but the wonderful aroma made her feel all warm and tingly. “What is this scent? I’ve never smelled anything like it before.”

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“It’s an aphrodisiac made from a variety of flowers native to our planet.” Dana pushed her shirt off her shoulders, and still Sairah didn’t move. The flowers were intoxicating. When Dana tugged at her skirt, Sairah blushed and batted at her hands. “I can bathe myself.” Sairah was amazed at the way her voice sounded, so husky and breathless. She grew lightheaded and reached for the edge of the tub to keep from falling to her knees. Her breasts were full and heavy, and her pussy ached with desire. Even when she’d been dreaming of Cade she’d never felt this odd sensation. She’d desired him. This felt weird and almost unnatural. “It’s made of natural ingredients that will enhance your desire for your mate. You need to join with Cade at this ceremony. There can be no room for doubt or hesitation. This mixture will ensure you and Cade have a successful mating.” “It doesn’t have an effect on you?” Sairah asked, watching as Dana’s breasts heaved under her thin blouse. It wasn’t cold enough for Dana’s nipples to be that hard. “It does, but you don’t have to fear me. The commander is the only one who may pleasure you.” Relief washed over Sairah. She wasn’t remotely interested in having sex with Dana, and feared that the other woman desired her. It was the perfume -- the aphrodisiac. It clouded her senses and made her thinking foggy. Sairah allowed Dana to help her into the warm water. As Dana bathed her, her eyes grew heavy. Her thoughts drifted to Cade and all the things she wanted to do with him. She tried to ignore Dana’s gentle hands as she washed Sairah’s breasts. Even though it was another woman, Sairah wasn’t as repulsed as she should be. At least, not as much as she thought she should be. Was she attracted to women? Could she be bisexual? When Dana dragged the washcloth over Sairah’s tender nipples, a low moan escaped. Sairah bit her lip, trying to hide her pleasure. Dana acted as if she’d heard nothing, and for that Sairah was grateful. Embarrassed, but grateful.

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The door opened again, but Sairah barely heard it as she concentrated on the feel of the washcloth moving down on her stomach. She leaned back in the tub and spread her legs before she realized what she was doing. Cade’s chuckle made her snap her legs together. “Here, I’ll take over for a few minutes, Dana. I just came in to check that Sairah wasn’t having any doubts.” Sairah wanted to yell at him. She wanted to smack him for not telling her everything about his council, but knew that if she’d known she might have been more of a mess. “I hope you aren’t still holding a grudge, Sairah. I was trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.”

“I can’t help wanting to protect you. I love you.”

“Love?” She laughed. “You don’t know me.”

“Yes, I do. And you know me, if you think about it.”

Sairah frowned. Between the heady aroma and his masculine scent, it was hard

to remember why she was mad at him. He had saved her from the werewolf, and he’d comforted her at the council thingy. And he made her feel desirable and loved. “I couldn’t have been wrong. We shared the same dreams.” Cade stiffened and looked down at her. “Are you saying you don’t desire me?” How could he think she wouldn’t want him? That she wouldn’t go through with the mating? There was nothing left for her on Earth, and here she had him. And his parents wanted a kid before the end of the year. Dana resumed washing her. Sairah relaxed under her skilled touch, but then it was Cade’s hand guiding the washcloth across the smooth skin of her abdomen and all thoughts of reassuring him vanished. “Do you desire me, Sairah? Or will you refuse me as your mate?” Sairah sighed and rested her head on the edge of the tub. She wiggled her hips, hoping he would obey her silent command. When Cade moved the washcloth over her tingling pussy, she arched her back.

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“Answer me, Sairah,” he demanded as he slid the material back and forth.

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

“Please, yes.”

Cade chuckled. “Yes, you will refuse me?”

“Yes, I want to fuck you. Now shut up and put out.”

Cade slipped his finger inside her pussy, pushing against the sides, testing her.

Sairah’s insides clenched around him, trying to draw him in deeper. “She’s so responsive to the aphrodisiac. I hope I didn’t use too much.” Sairah wondered what Dana was worried about. They wanted her so horny she’d fuck Cade in front of all of them. Just how much this stuff loosened her inhibitions gave her a moment’s concern, but she pushed the worry aside to concentrate on the ministrations of Cade’s thumb as it pressed against her clit. “No, I’ve been preparing her for weeks now. She probably didn’t need the sexual enhancers, but I was afraid her self-consciousness would keep her from giving herself to me in front of the others.” Sairah frowned. She didn’t want her first time to be in front of others, nor anytime after that either, but right now she didn’t care as long as he took her and ended this sweet misery. “Please,” she whimpered. “Let me come, Cade.” Cade leaned down and kissed her with a hunger that drew an answering heat from her belly. She squeezed her muscles around Cade’s finger and tried to suck him in deeper. Cade chuckled against her lips and removed his finger. Sairah cried out and grabbed onto him. “Shhh,” he whispered, smoothing her hair off her forehead and kissing her there. “I’ll ease your hunger as soon as we land safely.” Sairah licked her lips and nodded. “I know I shouldn’t be as excited as I am, but I need you so bad I don’t even care who’s watching or that I’m mad at you.” Oddly enough, it was the truth. She hadn’t cared that Dana was still in the room. It was

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obvious this was something their kind was used to, so she needed to try not to let it bother her. “You do want to mate with me, right?” Cade asked softly. “Yes, more than anything else. I want to be with you. I love the way you make me feel.” My sweet Sairah. I love you so much. Cade rose. Her body chilled at the loss of contact. Love? He loved her. He didn’t really know her. Dana drained the water and held open a huge white towel. Reluctantly, Sairah stepped out of the tub and allowed the woman to wrap her in the soft material. As Dana patted her dry, Sairah’s thoughts kept returning to Cade’s claim of love. Sairah remembered how he’d fought the werewolf for her, and how he’d saved her from the pack that had come after her. If he didn’t love her, why would he risk his life to bring her home to marry? He’d also stood by her side and defended her when she’d angered his father. Sairah sifted through bits and pieces of her dreams, remembering Cade’s soft words and lingering touches. She remembered how safe and desirable she felt. Was the warm fuzzy feeling she got when she thought of Cade lust or something deeper? She’d certainly never desired another man the way she did him. “What do you think, Miss Sairah?” Sairah glanced up and blinked. Dana had turned her toward a long mirror so she could see herself. How long had she stood there daydreaming? Her hair now hung down past her breasts in big curls. She wore a light layer of makeup on her face that accentuated her features rather than overpowered them, but the most amazing thing was the dress Dana had put on her. White gauzy material wrapped around her. It was pinned at her shoulder, and drifted down to her ankles. With a laugh, Sairah spun in a circle, watching the dress flare. “The commander will be so pleased. You look beautiful, Miss Sairah.”

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Sairah smiled. “Thank you, Dana. It’s your handiwork that made me beautiful.” “If you’ll excuse me, you were already beautiful. But we mustn’t keep everyone waiting. We’ve landed.” Sairah drew in a deep breath. She knew Dana was attracted to her. She also knew Dana wouldn’t do anything. The rules of their society were such that she couldn’t doubt Cade’s sincerity. If he didn’t desire her, he wouldn’t marry-mate with her. His claims of love? She smiled. Hopefully he meant it, because she was afraid she’d lost her heart to him first in those dreams, and again when he killed the werewolf. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on Cade. This time he would satisfy her. Or else.

*** Dana led her through the ship, down a ramp, and onto a grassy field. She took Sairah’s hand in hers and guided her through a throng of people who had gathered near the craft. She wondered if they were there to get a peek at an Earthling, or to greet crew members. She shivered and hoped they weren’t here to watch the mating, even though her instinct said they were. Sairah followed Dana past the crowd and down a long, white stone path. They walked through a meadow until they reached a large circle surrounded by flowering trees. In the center of the circle lay a wide bed made of the same pink petals that flowered on the trees. Just like her dream. A sweet scent filled the air. When she drew in a deeper breath she recognized Cade’s scent mixed with the magnolias. Sairah turned around and saw a group of people had followed her and Dana, and were now taking places around them, forming a circle. Cade stepped inside the circle. Dana bowed and stepped back, taking the spot Cade had vacated. Everyone clasped hands and closed the circle. Sairah swallowed nervously but remembered her dreams and how she’d had the courage to mate with him in them. A calm settled over her when she reminded herself Cade loved her. She loved him too, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it. He still needed to pay for holding back information.

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Instead of dwelling on the past, she focused on the future. Finally, she would know what it would be like to have Cade in her. Her elusive orgasm was so close she could taste it, and he hadn’t even started making love to her yet. Dana had definitely overdosed her with the aphrodisiac. Sairah turned to Cade and placed her hands in his. She glanced over his hard chest and down at the leather loincloth that barely covered the bulge beneath. With a pang of regret, she realized she’d been caught up in introspection and missed seeing his delectable body. The crowd began to chant softly. Cade looked into her eyes and murmured something she couldn’t understand before finishing in English, “Sairah. My love, my heart. I will love, honor, and protect you every day for the rest of our lives.” The emotion in his eyes caught her off-guard. There was no way his blue eyes were telling her anything but the truth. Sairah blinked back tears and repeated the words, knowing that they were true. We need to join together now, Cade whispered in her mind as he reached for the clip on her gown. He released the catch, and the gauzy material pooled at her feet. Sairah gasped as the chilly air pebbled her nipples and teased her hot sex. She reached for the skimpy leather around his waist and tugged, freeing him. She could hear the chanting growing a little louder, but tried to ignore the faces surrounding them. She didn’t know if it was the aphrodisiac or if Cade had wound her up to the point she didn’t care who watched, but she knelt before him and wrapped her hands around his cock. Instinct and memory told her this needed to happen first. After months of dreaming of Cade, his taste was even sweeter and saltier than she’d imagined. What would he taste like covered in chocolate? Cade groaned and grabbed her head with his hands. She worked him with her mouth and hands until only the sounds of his moans filled her ears. Sweet, sweet Sairah. I’m going to come before we can complete the ritual.

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Sairah swallowed her laughter and released him. He reached down and pulled her into his arms. He placed her in the center of the bed of petals and kneeled before her. His hands caressed the soles of her feet and slowly worked their way up her calves. As he worked his way higher, he spread her legs open. She quivered under his touch. When the chanting rose once more in volume, she closed her eyes and tried to draw her legs closed. Cade placed a soft, wet kiss on her inner thigh and gently pulled her open to his exploration. Sairah sighed and relaxed under his skillful mouth and hands. He pulled her moist folds open and then swiped his tongue across her clit. Sairah cried out and dug her hands into his hard shoulders. He teased her hard nub with his teeth and inserted his finger into her dampness. This time he thrust his digit in and out, moving his tongue and finger in rhythm. Sairah felt her body tense and a tingling spread from her belly and thighs down to her toes. She repeated his name, matching the cadence of the chanting. Cade removed his finger and slid two back in, thrusting them faster and faster, stretching her tight canal. Sairah wanted more, needed more. “Please, Cade,” she cried out, moving against him. He answered her with pressure on her clit. Sairah screamed and arched her back as tremors racked her body. She felt the explosion and saw stars behind her closed eyes. Cade moved between her legs and rubbed the head of his cock against her. She shivered and widened her legs, hoping he’d fill her and give her even more pleasure. Cade thrust into her. Sairah screamed again, but this time in pain. She tried to push him off, but even as she did, the pain lessened and was replaced by a yearning. Cade remained still until she relaxed under him. Slowly, he moved in and out as she tried to match his pace. His breath was coming faster and faster. He had to be about to come. She wanted to come with him this time. Sairah wrapped her legs around his waist and lifted to meet his thrusts. He moved in and out, stoking the flames of desire. Suddenly, he stopped and withdrew. Cade flipped her onto her stomach and tugged her into position so her ass was up in

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the air. He pressed his cock against her pussy, and this time when he entered her she climaxed, her body clenching around him. Cade bit her shoulder, pinning her beneath him. He thrust harder and faster. The chanting around them increased in volume as she felt his seed spill inside of her. Images of Cade’s life flashed before her eyes and she wondered if this meant they were destined to be together. She saw flashes of his childhood, his friends, days at a school, and his first mission to Earth to find her. As more and more memories rushed past her, the chanting continued, matching the speed and intensity of their mating, dropping in volume, and continuing softly as aftershocks ran through her body. Just when she felt Cade’s cock stirring to life again, they ended the song. Dana came forward and offered Cade a wet washcloth. Sairah blushed, but when the cloth brushed over her mons, she winced in discomfort. She had known there would be pain, but she hadn’t known she’d want him again so soon despite it. “When can we do it again?” she asked, lifting her hips toward him. “I told you we used too much of that mixture.” Dana frowned at Cade. “No, you didn’t,” Sairah admitted, finally glancing around the circle. Most of the people weren’t even watching her and Cade. They were busy pleasuring each other. “But I don’t think I can get enough of Cade loving me.” “You’ll be sore as it is. You must rest.” “Let me heal her,” Dana offered. Cade looked at her with surprise. “You only have a mating ceremony once, you know.” Sairah grinned at Cade. Dana was going to be a good friend.

*** “Do you regret coming with me?” Cade asked as they lounged outside watching the sunrise. “Of course not,” Sairah denied hastily. “I know this was the right thing to do. I’ve never felt this at home anywhere. It’s so peaceful here. I might get bored though. I’m used to working with my cats. In fact, I miss them already.”

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“Did I mention we have need of scientists? Ones who can help our doctors? We’re working on a cure for our version of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.” “What?” Sairah gasped and turned to him. Suspicion nagged at her gut. “Did you bring me here and claim me for my expertise in feline ailments?” Cade grinned and glanced down at his erect cock. “Do you really believe that?” Sairah couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “You are incorrigible, you know that, right?” “Well, at least I have you now. You can keep me in line.” He grinned and swooped in, capturing her lips with his.

Michelle Hasker Michelle Hasker loves vampires and things that go bump in the night, so it’s no wonder her creations are truly paranormal. While most people only dream of finding love, Michelle’s characters find it, but in the most unexpected places. You can find her on the web at http://www.michellehasker.com. She also loves to hear from readers.