Entwined

Thea has risen to the top of her field in data accumulation. She knows that her soul is incomplete and has come to grips with all that it means to her. Hathir is a gladiator at the top of his game who has the same problem. When they meet, sparks fly and souls are made whole. Hathir wants more than half his soul back, he wants to convince Thea that they are meant to be together, even if it means that he has to participate in a wedding where she is the maid of honour. Doing ritual battle with his soul mate at the wedding is a foreign idea to Hathir, but with her instincts marked by carrying half his soul for most of her life, the battle is on. Let the best woman win.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Entwined Copyright © 2010 Viola Grace ISBN: 978-1-55487-475-0 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

Entwined A novella of the Terran Times

By Viola Grace

Prologue Twenty-five years before the Volunteers left Terra he Arkhage survey ship slowly scanned the planet known as Terra. They had clearance to move past the system perimeter for the purpose of gathering information on the species that was being considered for entrance into the Alliance. “Mama, I don’t feel well.” Captain Daylen Callar turned to view her son, Hathir. He was flushed, peaked and had a glazed look to his eyes. “What’s wrong?” As she cupped his face, she heard his whisper. “I think half my soul is gone.” “What? That isn’t possible, sweet. Your soul belongs to you and your mate alone. You haven’t even been introduced to likely girls.” “I know, but it is what I feel.” Her little boy was just thirteen, far too young to have made a match, especially with no females of his age in the area. Her doubts were silenced when he fainted in her arms.

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Viola Grace “Woof, lad. You are growing far too fast.” She carried him to medical and hooked up the scanner. He was not ill—no virus or bacteria and no other sign of infection. If he was truly experiencing his twining with another’s soul, it must be a young female from the planet they were scanning. Daylen sighed and shook her head, despair flooding her. If one of the girls below had half her son’s soul, then he had half of hers and neither would be whole until they were joined. The likelihood of that one girl making it into Alliance space and finding her son would be astronomical, but if they could share one-half of the joy that Daylen had shared with her mate, Horal, it would be worth every second for them both. She hoped that her son was suffering from a debilitating virus that the computer couldn’t identify, because if he never found his mate, he would be a hollow shell of the boy she had raised. The very thought broke her heart. **** Thea looked up at the night sky and put her dolly aside. Something had just happened, but she didn’t know what it was. It was like half of what made her Thea was gone and something else was 2

Entwined now in its place. The something else wasn’t happy either. Thea picked up her teddy bear and whispered her confusion to him. Teddies were good at keeping secrets.

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Chapter One ill, I don’t know if I want to go.” Theadora Comet was looking at her roommate dubiously. “I still have to send this research parcel to the Rep and then start on the next project. Taking time out to watch a fight is not really on my schedule.” Sillohoran Negathic reached out and hit the send key on Teddy’s keyboard. “Afterward, my engagement party begins and as my maid of honour, you are required to be there.” “You know, I am beginning to regret giving you that Terran wedding planning book.” The documents had been ready to go—she was just stalling. Watching the gladiators disturbed her in ways that went beyond the attraction to physical power and danger. Sill snorted. “Just be thankful that the full portion of your wedding duties doesn’t kick in until the big day. Your stamina has been coming

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Entwined along, but the voice coach said you haven’t made an appointment yet.” “I still don’t know why I have to sing at your wedding.” She crossed her office and entered their living room. Sill followed and tossed an armful of clothing at her. “I don’t want to wear this around all those glads. They can see through this stuff or something.” “Tough. You have to sing at my wedding, because it is part of the Mer-thaka tradition that Stavin wants to uphold. His mother’s people have duelling singers at the wedding with the winning singer giving the upper hand to the bride or groom for the first year of marriage. You already know that the glads have the exchange of best friends after the ceremony.” “Yeah. I am not looking forward to being Stavin’s best friend. After some of the fights, his hygiene is suspect.” “You think I am looking forward to Rhinoss? His hygiene is always suspect. I wonder that the other guys don’t mind the stench.” Looking a little disgruntled, Sillohoran sat next to her best friend. “If it wasn’t for the love I feel for my big fella, I would never get within twenty feet of that guy.” Teddy stifled a snicker. “Yep. If it wasn’t obvious that you two were head over heels for each other, I would have put my foot down the first time you dragged me to a gladiator event. All 5

Viola Grace that testosterone makes me nervous. I know that, in theory, they are safe outside of the arena, but they don’t all turn off their aggression when they leave the gates.” Her friend gave her a sincere begging look and Teddy sighed. “Fine. I will get dressed and come with you to your party.” Sill gave her a puppy dog stare. “And the Arena Championship.” Sill’s grin came out and her pointed teeth gleamed in the afternoon sun. Teddy groaned and grabbed the fabric, retiring to her rooms to change. The tight blouse went on with a bit of wiggling, the deep vee of the fabric holding her breasts in an obvious position. The Mer-thaka clothing was brief, but at least it was decently opaque. The skirt held tightly to her hips and then flowed loosely to her ankles. The clothing was more provocative than she would like, but it was traditional Mer-thaka formal wear. Stavin was a good guy and if he wanted to have formalities at the party where he introduced his family to his prospective bride, she would help not to stand out. It was a matter of respect. Respect for Stavin and for Sillohoran. A match made in the stars. ****

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Entwined With the slumbering bodies of his evening’s companions around him and over him, Hathir sat up in bed watching the gladiator news feed. One of the reigning champions of Mer-thakaaka was getting married and his engagement party was one of the events of the season. Stavin Rahoul was a strong fighter, a credit to the deadly game that they played on a daily basis. As the reigning Grand Champion, Hathir Callar was proud of the strides that Stavin had made. They trained under the same master and for Stavin to be high enough in the battle chain to take a wife was gratifying. For Hathir, there had been no choice but to forage forward in the ranks of the gladiators. With his soul mate lost on an alien world, he had no option but to drive for success in his chosen career. He smiled as Stavin came into the picture, a woman on each arm. The one on his right was obviously his fiancée and the one on his left was a friend. The hold that she had on his arm was formal but tight—she didn’t like being in the spotlight. The little mouse was dressed in Merthaka formal wear, but she didn’t flaunt the formfitting wear. Instead, she curled in her shoulders and kept a calm stillness to herself as if to avoid the gaze of the predators in the room. Hathir chuckled quietly. No woman at a glad party would escape unfondled for long. 7

Viola Grace Something about her was familiar. As the camera swung over the trio, he paused the vid. They had caught her looking into the recorder with a wide-eyed gaze. Her large green eyes were enormous in her creamy complexion. Waves of rich brown hair fell to her hips and as he let the vid progress, the flexing of her mouth with tension kept his attention. “Who’s that?” A sleepy feminine voice came from his left. Her name was Halla or Calla or something. “She doesn’t look like your type.” He looked down at the lovely blonde who was trailing her fingers down his chest to circle his cock lightly. With a firm hand, he removed her digits from his member. “Get out.” “What?” She had been his first selection of the evening and her astonishment was almost amusing. “Get your things and get out. I need to do some research and make a few calls.” He looked to the other woman who was still sleeping soundly and nodded sharply, “Take her with you. I need to be alone.” The blonde squeaked in surprise when he stood and she tumbled to the floor. Naked, he strode into his study and locked the door on the feminine outrage that was being enacted in his bedroom. 8

Entwined “Computer, isolate the woman on the left of Stavin in the entrance sequence and show me all scenes where she is visible.” He waited for the computer to collect the scenes and then watched them slowly. He learned every tilt of her head and the graceful way she had of eluding the hands of grabby gladiators. The longer he watched her, the more he was sure that she was his soul mate. “Computer, locate and identify the female selected.” He waited, tenting his fingers as he tried to contain his rising hope. The computer finally started to roll some data, “Identified as Theadora Comet of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra. Data accumulation specialist on Mer-thaka.” Terra. Terra did sound like the planet that they had been scanning when his soul split. He would have to call his mother. Daylen Callar had held hope for her son finding his mate her entire life. When Hathir had felt his soul split, Daylen had taken him immediately to Arkhage Prime. There, the doctors and psychics pronounced his soul bond in process and with the planet in question being interdicted for assessment, they advised him to pursue a route of employment that would assure him plenty of female companionship. That way, he would not feel his loss as keenly. It had worked, after a 9

Viola Grace fashion, but he still felt the hole inside him calling for his other half. “Computer, call Professor Daylen Callar.” He quickly draped a fold of fabric over his lap and adjusted the vid recorder to shoot him from the shoulders up. He liked to observe the proprieties with his mother. She had supported his un-Arkhage decision to become a gladiator and helped him gain the training that he needed on a planet that thrived on academic advancement. It had been no easy task to find an expert in hand-to-hand combat, but she had put the effort in and gotten him tested for aptitude in the physical arts. What followed were a stream of Bio Tactics specialists who taught him enough to get him into the Gladiator Training Centre on the Alliance planet of Guarius Primalus. The ping of the communications unit jerked him out of his fond memories. “Hello, Mother.” “Hathir! How nice to see you.” He could see the resemblance to his own dark features in her deep grey eyes and sweeping black brows. The sharp curve of her lips was the same that he saw in the mirror, but the deep burgundy swath of hair was inherited from his father. “Mother, do you remember the planet we were scanning when my soul broke?” “Of course. It was Terra, known by the natives as Earth. Why do you ask?” 10

Entwined He pondered on how to bring up the subject and decided simply to blurt it out. “I believe that I have seen my soul mate. She is on Mer-thaka.” Eagerness lit her grey eyes. “Do you know her name?” “I do. I will tell you after I have met her and confirmed that she is the one who bears the other half of me.” “What are you waiting for? Get your ass to your ship and head for Mer-thaka.” Her urge to have her son in a happy bonding blazed from her eyes. Hathir smiled, she was his biggest fan. No matter what he chose to do, she would be behind him. Unless of course, he decided not to pursue the possibility of his soul mate, then she would be behind him, kicking his ass. “I am on my way, Mother. I just wanted to confirm the planet so that I wasn’t making eyes at a woman who was destined for another. Hathir out.” He flicked off the communication and got to his feet. He would contact Stavin on the way and wrangle an invitation to the wedding. His old friend would probably be happy to have him visit. If not, he would simply challenge the champion to a fight. No fighter could resist fighting the Grand Champion. 11

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Chapter Two he feminine whine droned in her ears. “Please?” “No.” The tone grew grating. “Please.” “No.” Sill fell to her knees at Teddy’s feet. “Please!” Sill had been nagging her for three hours and Teddy was wearing down. “Fine. Yes. I will go to dinner at Stavin’s with you to meet the Grand Champion.” Sillohoran clapped her hands and got to her feet. “Excellent, I will pick out your clothes and you can grab a shower—you have been in that chair for far too long. You stink.” “Flatterer.” Sighing, Theadora pushed away from the desk to make a face at her friend. As a data researcher, it was nice for her to have her best friend as her agent, but it had the effect of Teddy not being able to claim work-related business without Sill knowing the truth.

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Entwined The shower took less than five minutes, but when she got out of the shower, it looked like her friend had strewn her entire wardrobe around her bedroom. “What’s all this?” Sillohoran sighed and looked at the options. “It’s no good. You will have to borrow something of mine.” “No, I won’t. I will wear this dress with this jewellery.” Her dress was modestly cut but very flattering, slit to mid-thigh on either side. The jewellery was Arkhage in design, spiralling geometrics in an earring and necklace combination that always warmed her when she wore it. It gave her a quiet confidence. “Really? That stuff is so boring!” “I like it. It’s comfortable and I won’t be worried about it shifting to one side and flashing skin.” “Your race is such prudes.” “Not my race. Just me. Some of the others are party girls. And boys for that matter.” “Well, you are one of a kind then. Come on. I want to arrive in time to have drinks before dinner.” Bounding out of her room, her friend gave her a jaunty wave and tapped her watch as she rounded the corner. Teddy grimaced and put on some nice underwear, the gown and a nice pair of strappy 13

Viola Grace sandals. She brushed her hair over and over until it crackled. Reaching back, she bound it into a long tail and then took the collar-necklace and draped it into place. The heavy weight on her chest made her breathe more deeply, calmly and she felt control rippling through her. The earrings merely completed her look. She could have been quite complete with only the necklace. Makeup was not her thing, so she merely put on some lip balm to protect her from the spices in Mer-thaka cooking. She could digest them well enough, but they inflamed her lips to the point of pain. The balm went into her small evening bag with her credit slips and some data sticks so that if the evening went badly, she could slip off to Stavin’s study and get some work done. “Are you ready yet?” Sill’s voice snaked around the corner. “Yes. I am ready, but you won’t approve.” Taking a deep breath that flexed the front vee of her gown, she strode out into the living room to face her jury. “It isn’t as bad as I had anticipated. It looks like Theadora, not Teddy though.” She cocked her head and circled Thea slowly. “Not bad at all.” “Thanks. Then let’s go before you forget about having drinks before dinner.” Grabbing a wrap from the closet, she waited for Sillohoran to catch up, then made her way out to the sidewalk and 14

Entwined the waiting skimmer that Stavin had hired for them. The driver held the door open for them as they entered and all too soon, they were whisking through the skies above the capitol city to the outer reaches inhabited by those who could afford to bring in the utilities and water. The gladiators made up a large part of the neighbourhood. Teddy smiled as she always did when the car pulled up to Stavin’s home—the palatial expanse giving her memories of the green fields of home. Of course, her home didn’t have a fourteen-foot privacy gate or armed guards at the entrance, but you couldn’t have everything. “Looks like news of his visitor has gotten out, or they are all here to congratulate the new champion. Either way, I am locking the doors.” Teddy hit the locks and stayed well inside the skimmer, her memory of one of the fans breaking through the vehicle window on an earlier visit was sharp in her mind. The skimmer stopped for a security check and the surge of glad fans against it rocked it until the guards had their enthusiasm under control. It was common enough for crowds to wait outside their favourites’ homes in hope of catching a glimpse. With a Grand Champion in the house, the crowd was a little more excitable than usual.

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Viola Grace A large assortment of breasts pushed up against the windows, trying no doubt, to get the attention of the skimmer’s inhabitants. Teddy breathed a sigh of relief as the guards waved them through the gate and kept the crowd from rushing in behind them. “I hate that part.” “Oh, the crowds? Yeah, they are a little much, but it comes with marrying a gladiator.” Sill was enthusiastic about their arrival. Tendrils of her hair were rising and vibrating with enthusiasm. It was the same look as when a lucrative contract came for Theadora. Greed and lust lit her up, making her hair wave wildly. A peculiarity of her race. The ivory skin was paired with hot pink hair and a body made for misdemeanours. Having such a flamboyant friend was perfect for a woman with Teddy’s talents. She could stay in the shadows while Sillohoran frolicked in the spotlight. It worked very well for them both. Teddy was able to keep her identity hidden from the ruthless educators she collated documents for. She had tendrils in every archive in the Alliance. Give her a data topic and she could have a pack whipped together in two days. Enough information for any dissertation. When the door to the skimmer opened, Teddy jumped in surprise. As Sill leaned out to take the deep green hand of her fiancé, Teddy scooted to be second in line out the door. A deep bronze 16

Entwined hand extended into the skimmer the instant that Sill cleared it. That was weird. She usually crawled out by herself. Gratefully, she took the offered hand and then gasped in shock as tremors ran through her mind. She was pulled, lifted from the skimmer and into the arms of a man she had never met but she knew like the back of her hand. “It’s you.” Her whispered accusation was murmured against a heavily muscled chest covered in a silky black tshirt. His voice shook nerves in her body from top to bottom. “It’s me. Nice to meet you, Theadora. I am Hathir. I have waited a very long time for this.” His hand cupped her head and tilted it up for his kiss and it was wonderful. Kissing him was like drinking hot chocolate while ice skating. The hot and cold contrasts were enough to have her moaning and sighing in seconds and when his tongue came in to play, she fainted. Teddy groaned as she opened her eyes from the couch in Stavin’s study. “What happened?” Her head was pounding, but she recognized the room and the man keeping an eye on her. “You took out the Grand Champion with a single kiss. I never thought I would see the day.” Ever the good host, Stavin was seated near her shoulder with a damp cloth pressed to her 17

Viola Grace forehead. He had been her friend long before she had introduced him to Sillohoran “I did what now?” “Hathir pulled you in for a kiss, you fainted and then he fainted. The crowd almost broke down my gates until Hathir got to his feet and waved them off.” Stavin collected the compress and placed it in a nearby bowl. “The Grand Champion is out of his mind by the way. If we don’t join the guests soon, he is going to break in here. What is between you?” “I wish I knew. All I know is that my soul is whole again, plus a little extra.” She wiggled her limbs and they seemed fine. “It was the shock of it, I suppose.” The gladiator gave her a long look before asking, “The shock of what?” “Having my soul back and the strange half gone again. It was the weirdest thing. Since I was little, I have been split in two. This is the first moment I have felt whole and it happened when I touched Hathir.” He stared at her in surprise before laughter spilled out of him. “No wonder he is going nuts out there. Sill has her hands full, keeping him out of here and now I know why.” She was still not sure what was going on. “Why?” 18

Entwined “I will let him explain it. Arkhage relationships are complicated.” Stavin stood and held his hand for her to take. She got to her feet, glad that she hadn’t gone for a daringly cut gown, she was happy to have full coverage. They were almost to the door when Teddy announced, “I don’t have an Arkhage relationship.” The grin he shot her before they exited his study was positively delighted. “You will.”

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Chapter Three he party was in full swing—people were chatting in conversational groups—and Thea hoped to slip in unnoticed. That hope flew out the window when Hathir ceased his conversation mid-word, turned and made a beeline for her. Silence fell in his path until the entire room was staring at her. “Oh lord. He’s coming this way.” Backing up was impossible—Stavin was a warm wall of muscle behind her. “Stay still and he won’t bite.” The murmur in her ear made her widen her eyes. “He bites?” Her hissed whisper caused an outbreak of chuckling at her back as her friend held her still until the Grand Champion was close enough to taste. “Hands off, Stavin.” The growl was barely audible, but Stavin released the arm he was holding.

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Entwined “All yours, Hathir. But she was my friend before you met her. Remember that I take my friendship very seriously.” He left them with a nod to Thea and crossed the room to join Sill near the buffet. Alone in a room full of strangers with a large man who looked like he wanted to consume her whole, Thea was feeling a wee bit nervous. When he took her chin in his hand, she jumped and held still as he tilted her head to meet his gaze. “Are you alright?” “I am. Apparently, I fainted when you kissed me. You might not want to repeat the experience.” His grin buckled her knees. His lips curved up in a sinful smile, his teeth gleaming sharply in the bright light of the ballroom. The light danced off the deep brown eyes framed under winging brows, his dark burgundy hair falling to his waist in a heavy swath. Add his bulging musculature under his dark, silky shirt and you had one devastating male. He also smelled like cinnamon. She was toast. “I think that it is worth the risk. I am Hathir Callar.” “Thea Comet. Theadora, but most people call me Teddy.” She would have extended her hand, but he still was caressing her jaw line. His hand was busy. 21

Viola Grace His thumb started stroking the curve of her cheekbone while he seemed to be memorizing her face. She responded in kind, taking in the blade of a nose that turned the curve of his lips from sinister to sensual. Hesitantly, she reached up to touch his jaw, the electric shock that ran through her at the contact-activated nerves that she had thought long dormant. As they stood with the party guests staring at them and whispering, Thea felt her hormones surge to the fore creating a sense of damp heat between her thighs and a pulse in the tips of her nipples. With the heat flaring between them, she was embarrassed as his grin grew wider while he withdrew his hand from her face. The loss of his touch flustered her. She pulled her own hand back and clutched the other with it. The contact didn’t console her, but it did stop her hands from trembling. “Theadora. A lovely name for a lovely woman. I had given up all hope of seeing you in my lifetime.” The air between them hummed with the connection that she could still feel. “You expected to see me after your lifetime?” “You have held the other half of my soul for most of your life, what do you think?”

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Entwined Arkhage. Arkhage soul mates now echoed in her mind. “Is that what this is? We are soul mates?” “You are very smart. Yes. That is indeed what we are.” He frowned and the displeasure in his face rippled over to Thea. She was going to ask him what was wrong until she noted the blonde in the slinky dress who was rubbing herself against his arm and thigh. She blinked in shock at the blatant sexual display. No words came to her as she watched the seductress writhe against Hathir’s thigh. “Champion, introduce me to your new friend. Perhaps we could have some fun together.” The voice matched the body with its husky purr. It took some effort to shake her off, but Hathir freed himself and moved to tuck Thea under his arm. “This is my soul mate and you will treat her with the respect due her station, Theadora Comet of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra. Theadora, this is Morling of the Secolar Companion’s Guild.” “Ah. So you two have been intimate.” The affronted blonde got a mean look. “Of course we have. I didn’t even charge him for the privilege.” “Gotcha.” Thea tried to fight free of Hathir and he reluctantly let her go. “I will let you get back to your original acquaintance then. It was nice meeting you, Hathir.” She nodded formally to him 23

Viola Grace and headed over to where Stavin and Sill were standing next to the buffet, staring at Hathir and the woman who was now pouring herself over him. “Thea, what is it? Are you okay?” Sill spoke quietly to her as Thea pondered the selection of food. “Yeah. Fine. The perfect guy is a player is all. I suppose that I shouldn’t be surprised. I mean all glads play the field if they are given the opportunity.” Tears welled in her eyes and she cast a quick look at her friend before she left the room entirely and stood out on the balcony, watching the waves crash on the nearby shore. “You have it that bad, huh?” Sill came out after her. Stavin was guarding the door so that none of the noisier members of the party could follow them. “I will get over it. It isn’t like this is the only guy my hormones have woken up for. Oh, wait. It is.” Tears fell unabated down her cheeks to splash on the railing as she looked out over the shoreline. For one second, one brief second, she had felt whole, desired, cherished. That second was over and now she knew that she was simply relegated to a piece of tail. She had returned his soul to him and now he was on to the next woman. Her life would go on. It had before. 24

Entwined “Aw, Teddy. He is your soul mate. That woman doesn’t mean anything. You know that the glad wraps—as you call them—are plentiful. Just because he is yours, doesn’t mean that they will stop trying to throw themselves at him.” She sniffed. “He doesn’t have to catch them.” Sill barked a laugh. “Look at him. He hasn’t caught her. He scraped her off as soon as you walked away. It isn’t easy. He is fighting the instincts of an entire career.” “Is it easy for you to see women jump at Stavin?” “No. But I am willing to fight for my man. Will you be willing?” Thea wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, glad she didn’t wear a lot of makeup. She sniffed again. “I thought fighting was their job.” Stavin laughed. Apparently, he was close enough to hear every word. “And he isn’t my man. I have no claim on him aside from incubating half his soul for a quarter of a century.” Stavin gave up all pretence of guarding the door. “If Sill had to have me in her head for even half that time, she would have gone insane by now. And Hathir is yours. I have never seen him that worried over a woman who fainted in his arms. He looked insecure and furious at the same time.” 25

Viola Grace “Furious?” Teddy blinked at him. That wasn’t a reaction she had suspected. His smirk was almost obnoxious. “I think he was really enjoying that kiss.” “I was indeed. I have waited years for you to come into my life and I gave up hope long ago. This day is one that I will cherish in my memories.” Hathir was now in the doorway, his hair moving slightly in the breeze off the ocean. “That’s nice.” Thea turned to a bemused Sill and asked, “How long do I have to stay at this party?” “Until we make our official wedding-party announcement. About two hours.” Sill glanced at Stavin and he nodded. “Good. I will call a skimmer to meet me at the back gate then.” Thea moved past her two friends and glared at the man blocking her entrance back in to the party. “Move, glad, or I will scream the house down.” Startled, he stepped aside and let her pass. With her chin high, she strode back into the party and headed for the beverage table. She wanted a drink like never before. **** “What was that about? One minute we were conversing and the next, she made a run for it.” 26

Entwined He hoped he didn’t look as confused as he felt. He had gotten rid of the groupie as quickly as he could to follow his soul mate. She seemed to have worked up a good head of steam in the meantime. “She took offence to the groupie groping you,” Stavin spoke up. “Many women don’t like it.” Stavin’s fiancée spoke up. “Teddy doesn’t get out much. She never goes out for social interaction with men. With her limited experience, she isn’t used to fending off aggressive females.” That explained it. He checked the memories that he shared with her from the last twenty-five years and found no male companionship. None. She had chosen a life alone rather than with a man not her soul mate. Hathir flinched as he realized that once she learned to access her memories from that time, his behaviour had not been the same. The life of a gladiator was one of fame, riches, battle and if you were successful, women. Lots of women. He turned to watch her make her way through the crowd, not touching any of the men or women in her path. She headed straight for the beverage centre and downed some of the intoxicants that were on offer. That he didn’t like. She was upset and it was causing her to impair her judgement. Not a good combination. He took a step forward and a small hand held him back. It was Sillohoran. 27

Viola Grace “You can’t chase after her. She will run and you won’t see her again until our wedding. Let her relax, but keep an eye on her. And for the love of all deities, stay away from the other women. If she sees them near you, she won’t fight. She doesn’t know how to fight.” “Thank you. I will follow your advice, but if one of those fighters touches her, he will be pulling back a stump and I don’t mean his hand.” Satisfied that he had made his point, he rejoined the party and was soon deeply embroiled in a discussion of metal alloys in weaponry.

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Chapter Four nstead of getting plastered, Thea settled for being loose and tipsy. She talked, circulated and kept half a dozen people between her and Hathir at all times. He seemed to be doing the same thing, but without a drink in his hand. She spoke to others about fighter statistics, women about their rating of fighters in the bedroom and an assortment of dignitaries about the growing Terran influence in politics within the Alliance. Finally, the announcements she had been waiting for rang out. Rhinoss was getting the attention of the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen and gladiators…” The room at large laughed. “It is my honour to present the betrothal of the newly declared Champion Stavin Rahoul to Sillohoran Negathic, Intellectual Agent. His family and hers have approved the match and now we celebrate the formal

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Viola Grace declaration by singing, dancing and making merry. I present the betrothed couple.” Rhinoss was really quite articulate. He stepped off the dais that was occupied by a band of Merthaka musicians and let the happy couple take their places. “Welcome and thank you all for coming.” Sill was smiling with joy as she held Stavin’s hand and addressed the crowd. “With our wedding only weeks away, we are taking this opportunity to announce our seconds in the bridal party. My second is my friend of many years, Theadora Comet of Terra. We met at a symposium on data collection and became fast friends. She, also, has the dubious honour of being the one who introduced me to my betrothed.” All eyes turned to Thea and she bowed slightly to the assembled crowd. She knew that this would be part of the gathering, but didn’t have to like it. Stavin saved her from blushing furiously by introducing his second for the ceremonies. “Hello all, originally, the articulate Rhinoss offered to be my second at the festivities, but he gladly stepped aside when an old friend came into town just this day. My second for the ceremonies will be Grand Champion Hathir Callar!” The crowd went wild. Hathir. She would be forced into any number of formal events before the wedding and Hathir would be at all of them. Crap. Not only would he 30

Entwined be at all events, she was going to have to try to best him in hand-to-hand combat. Double crap. Despite Sill’s worries, she was confident in her ability to win in the singing portion of competition. After all, it was Thea’s voice that sang all of the anthems for the gladiatorial combats. A lip-sync expert was in attendance at all of the events to give a face and body to the songs. Thea had not been up for that portion of the gig. It was how she had first met Stavin. She had been at another Mer-thaka sing and was belting out songs from their history with passion and enthusiasm. Stavin had approached her and asked her to submit an audio recording to the Arena. They had taken on her voice as the voice of the Mer-thaka Arena. He had helped her to select pieces over the years and when Sill had finally made noises about settling down, Thea set her two best friends up on a blind date. The rest was history. As the group applauded his choice of second, Thea started to shift her way to the back of the ballroom. She was almost to the hall when she backed into a living wall. “Leaving so soon? The party hasn’t even started.” Hathir’s voice rolled through her with the dark sweetness of dark Terran chocolate. “I believe that my duty to my friends has been done. I have some projects that I need to finish at 31

Viola Grace home.” She deliberately didn’t look up and meet his eyes. Those hypnotic orbs were too tempting for her. She wanted to wrap that silky red hair in her hands and pull his head to hers. She wanted to sink into his eyes and be lost forever. She wanted to get the hell out of there before her common sense deserted her. “How often do your best friends get betrothed?” “Only once, hopefully.” “Then why would you miss one moment of this precious event? I promise you that I will make no advances to you while you are here.” His voice was in her ear, his breath warming her cheek and neck in a disturbing way. “It isn’t you I am worried about.” She muttered it, but his chuckle let her know he had heard her loud and clear. “Perhaps I would be able to speak with you and explain exactly what an Arkhage soul mate is?” He wasn’t touching her in any way, but her blood was singing in her veins. “Can you explain without making any innuendo or romantic proposals?” She was caving in and she could feel it. “I can. Would you care to have this conversation in more-private surroundings? Stavin’s study perhaps?” 32

Entwined “That sounds acceptable. This way.” She led the way easily. She had been here dozens of times before Sill and Stavin had begun their courtship. The easy companionship between Stavin and herself had always been one of her secret points of pride. As a Mer-thaka, Stavin had a love of song, so he and she had a friendship that started with music. She palmed open the security lock that was coded to open at her touch. Years ago, she had needed a quiet place to rehearse and Stavin had been accommodating. She had full access to his home, day or night. This was a detail that they had kept from Sillohoran. She probably would not have understood. Rich wood and deep burgundy cushions decorated the room. There was a fireplace at one end of the room with conversational chairs. Thea took one of them, Hathir sat across from her. “The soul mates of Arkhage. How are they chosen?” She jumped right into the topic before she could lose her self-control and climb into his lap. “No one knows. When young men and women begin feeling a pull, they attend a Gathering where they can meet and hopefully find their match. Only a matched pair can reproduce and not always then.” 33

Viola Grace “No? You must have a disappearing species then.” “You would think so, but enough breeding couples produce multiple children to make up the difference.” He stared into the fire. “When the young people who are destined to be soul mates meet, half of each soul is torn from its owner to host in the other.” “Why? I don’t understand why.” “The better the match, the better the chance for reproduction or so our scientists believe. Now, back to the first meeting. The half souls switch places. It is thought that this will strengthen the bond between the two.” “Wait. You couldn’t have been on Earth at the time. We were under observation for entry into the Alliance.” “I was not on Earth and you were not on my mother’s ship behind your moon. Our souls met and matched through space. It was as disconcerting for me as it was for you.” “I really doubt that. I had no idea what had happened until you just explained the half-soul switch to me. There was no reason to believe that I had half an Arkhage soul inside me. I have just felt odd my entire life…until today. Why did our souls come home?” “We are both mature adults. They returned home to exchange experiences. You are extremely 34

Entwined intelligent, by the way, and I am a little leery of the vocal competition.” He wagged his eyebrows. “But I am looking forward to the physical match. It should be very stimulating.” “Fine, you are going to kick my ass. I accept that. But are you saying that my soul now has a record of your experiences and that I can access them?” Her astonishment was rippling through her. “Of course. It is the whole point for the switch, or so we are informed by those who carry on our histories.” A knock on the door startled them both. A servant entered a moment later and brought a tray with a tea set. Thea smiled at the familiar face. “Thanks, Rin. How did you know?” “You always hide in here, miss. I did bring enough tea for two though. I thought you might have company.” “Thank you and you can tell Stavin that he needs to be watching his betrothed and not his friends.” Rin grinned and his deep blue features glowed for a moment. “I have told him, miss.” “Shoo, your brother needs to mind his own business.” Thea got up and fixed herself a cup of tea. Rin left with a wiggle of his ass and a wink. He had been flirting with her since he first left the 35

Viola Grace ocean. His position as servant in Stavin’s house echoed his being a page in the Arena. All good training for his own household one day. “I believe you have a fan there, Theadora.” Hathir was right behind her and she poured him a cup of tea and handed him the cup and saucer. “Thank you.” “I was there the day that Rin first left the sea. It is a big day for the Mer-thaka. He sort of bonded to me that day.” Thea returned to her seat in front of the fire. “He has women falling all over themselves…and several men. Cute little bugger though.” “And you have never indicated that you would appreciate his advances?” The question was casual, but the expression on his face was not pleased. “Of course not. He’s like a puppy. An immature pet of some kind.” “He is attractive.” She could feel her lips twitching in amusement. “I am sure that he would be flattered that you noticed.” “That wasn’t my point. Weren’t we discussing the effects of soul mates?” “We were. Nice change of topic, by the way. What do we do now? Our souls are back where they belong. Nothing binds us any longer.” 36

Entwined “There you are wrong. I can feel you in my mind. I know your hopes, your dreams and you know mine.” He sipped at his tea and then put the cup down with a smooth movement. “Forever, you and I will be drawn to each other. Two orbital bodies circling each other. We are meant to be together—you and I.” Thea put her own cup down. “I don’t think so. I can’t live my life quietly while women throw themselves at you in front of me. My heart would break with each touch, each kiss that they fling at you. I have avoided the public eye my whole life and with you, I would be living inside it.” Hathir tented his fingers and was silent for a long time. “Thank you for being frank with me. I did wonder if that was what had driven you away earlier. I have to say that if I had known my soul mate would come to me, I would have lived a different life. I was told your planet was locked and the likelihood of you being one of those invited to join the Alliance was astronomical.” “I can accept that, but what about the hordes of women?” Hathir gave her a knowing look. “I can’t guarantee that they will all stop once it is made public that you are my Arkhage soul mate, but most of the true fans will be delighted that I have found my one, true match.” “What if we try it and they keep coming?” 37

Viola Grace “I will retire. We can purchase a home here or live at my home on Arkhage, whatever you wish.” Hope was stirring in his deep brown eyes. Her mouth opened in shock. “Retire? But you are the Grand Champion.” “I became a gladiator because I had no hope of finding you. No chance of living a family life back on Arkhage. I needed a new path in life, so my mother took it upon herself to arrange for aptitude testing and aside from a horticultural bent, I was geared toward physical combat.” He shrugged. “Quitting a life I never really wanted is no hardship.” “But it is so much of your life. I can feel that. Whoa, that’s weird.” She rubbed her head as memories of fights spilled through her. Training sessions, meeting Stavin for the first time. A thousand emotions spilled through her and they were not hers. Once she touched it, the spill came faster. A waterfall of foreign experiences was washing through her and she couldn’t stop it. Clutching her head, she fell to her knees. Sex, fighting, his mother, friends, parties, travel, studies, his garden at his home all tripped through her mind willing her to know him. Strong arms lifted her, placed her on a lap and rocked her as she gasped and shivered in the grip of the maelstrom. “Easy, sweet. It’s alright. It is a memory storm. It will pass.” 38

Entwined Gradually, her tightly closed eyes opened to the world around her. She was safe and sound, held in the arms of the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The pervading loneliness of his thoughts echoed in her mind, so she leaned up and planted a kiss on that bold and sensual mouth of his. How a kiss could be passionate and chaste at the same time was beyond Thea’s knowledge, but with lips closed, they expressed their longing for one another. Mouths brushed against each other— light, delicate, then bruising and intense. When her senses righted themselves and she could think again, Teddy drew slowly away from Hathir. He followed her mouth for a few inches, then eased back himself. They were both breathing heavily and Thea was sure that her panties were damp. She knew that his cock was rock hard—it was digging into her thigh. Hathir raised his hand and rubbed his thumb across her lips. “They are swollen.” That wasn’t the only thing that was swollen. Her breasts were pushing against her gown and her thighs were rubbing together like cricket legs to stop the ache between them. “I think I should go back to the chair.” “I think you should stay here. Your body agrees.” He ran his hand down the side of her 39

Viola Grace body not pressed against him and she shivered violently. “So sensitive, so responsive. Perfect.” She was grasping at straws, but didn’t want to push away on her own. “I thought you said you would make no efforts at seduction here. This sort of contradicts that.” “I meant in the ballroom. Why do you think I was so eager to get you alone in the study?” His chuckle caused ripples of sensation in her and she tried to lift off his lap without castrating him in her haste.

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Chapter Five heater! You knew that I was uncomfortable in that room and I would take any excuse to leave it.” She gave up when his arm formed a warm band around her waist and held her to him. “I did. Just as you knew that I was waiting for an opportunity to pounce.” “I didn’t then. I do now.” She was a little sour. She crossed her arms over the peaks of her eager breasts and scowled at him. “Cheater.” “Ask any of the glads. If you win, it isn’t cheating. I have definitely won this round.” He snuggled her against him and she relaxed in his embrace. It was the place she wanted to be after all. He lowered his mouth to hers, teasing the seam of her lips with his tongue until she parted them on a moan. She learned his taste—dark, sweet and spicy. Chocolate and chilli pepper.

“C

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Viola Grace He lifted his head for a moment, “Mmm. Honey and roses,” before diving back into her mouth with exploration on his agenda. She would swear that he learned every tooth, every slide of her tongue against his. Her taste, touch and texture in a kiss that seemed designed to gentle her. Her body was limp, only his embrace keeping her upright for his kiss. She learned him as well, the texture of his mouth, the slightly rough stubble on his chin, the heat of his flesh against hers and the hypnotic beat of his heart. The slow and steady pulse contrasted sharply with her racing blood. Finally giving in to impulse, she sat up, grabbed fistfuls of his hair and took control of the kiss. She pursued and he gave ground. She could feel his surprise and smiled as she sucked his lower lip into her mouth, biting it gently. He groaned in reaction and that noise prompted her to end the kiss. She drew back, shaking. “That was interesting. Let’s not do that again in the study of my best friend’s fiancé.” His breath was coming a little faster, his heart pounding harder. While he was recovering, she shifted off his lap and sat in her own chair. She knotted her fingers together and held them tightly in her lap. “I think we should be getting back to the party. Your fans are probably wondering where you are.” 42

Entwined “I don’t care.” He crossed his arms and scowled. “I am not letting you leave here until you agree to let me court you. We will be at several public outings with the happy couple and I can’t be that close to you without trying to make you mine.” “Do you swear not to scamper off with one of the glad wraps?” “What is that?” “Ah.” She blushed a little. “There is a clear plastic film back on Terra and it is used to wrap items for storage. The way some of the women plaster themselves to the gladiators, it reminded me of that product.” Thea rose, scooped up their cups and saucers and placed them carefully on the tray. He hadn’t answered her. Straightening her gown and hair, she made a beeline for the door to the study. Hathir stepped between her and freedom. “I swear to peel all women off me within seconds of their first contact, either with words or hands. Good enough?” She looked into his earnest face. “If you can make it through the rest of the party, my answer is yes.” “Then let’s go.” He held his hand out to her, a brilliant smile running over his face when she took it. 43

Viola Grace She could see her future in the smile. Now, they only had to deal with the present. “Hello, Ambassador. This is my soul mate, Theadora Comet of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra.” It was his traditional greeting for anyone coming into their orbit. Thea extended her hand in formal greeting and accepted the pass of digits over her own. “Pleased to meet you, Theadora Comet. Hathir, may I offer my congratulations to the finding of your long-lost soul mate?” “Your congratulations are accepted, Ambassador.” Hathir was keeping his left arm firmly around Thea and she smiled graciously and inclined her head at the congratulations. Apparently, the fact that Hathir had a soul mate he had not been able to find was common knowledge. All of the males who had come in for an introduction were aware of it. The females seemed disappointed that the lost mate was not them. Thea was feeling a little more hopeful. The few women who had tried slinking up to Hathir had been greeted with cold politeness and they had scurried off after his formal introduction. Stavin and Sill had come by and congratulated them formally for finding each other. Not a mean feat in a universe full of billions of compatible beings. 44

Entwined “Sill, can you take Professor Galios off my client list?” She didn’t have a chance to ask her in private. Hathir’s arm was still firmly around her. “He’s an excellent client, why?” “He insulted me. Called me an example of mediocre evolution in action. Hathir almost tore his greasy little head off.” From a pocket that Thea didn’t know she had, Sill whipped out a data pad and made a few rapid notes. “There. His last deposit is returned and he has been instructed to find a new accumulator. No reason given.” Sill reached forward and patted Thea on the shoulder. “No one knows who you are, but you don’t need to put up with jackasses. Plus, your opinion of him may colour your research.” “Thank you. The little jerk can find his own project materials.” Stavin and Hathir watched their interchange with amusement. Hathir smiled. “It is interesting, Stavin, that those without the physical strength to attack find other ways to defend their honour. I would have broken his arm, but Theadora said she had a better way. I see her point. Deprived of his source for research, he will have to start from scratch. A fitting revenge and he won’t even know why.” “This is not the first time I have heard of her acting thusly, but it is much more satisfying to see 45

Viola Grace it in person and Sill is her sword. They work well as a team, don’t they?” Stavin mimicked Hathir’s hold with Sill under his own arm. “They do indeed.” “Then you will be interested in the property that I mentioned when you arrived?” “It is entirely possible. I would have to see it in person, perhaps get a second opinion.” He looked down at her and Thea met his gaze. “Would you be interested in viewing the property with me? I would like to hear your thoughts on the location.” “You are serious about purchasing a home here?” She had thought it was just something for him to say to convince her to give him a chance. “Of course. I asked Stavin to scout out a few properties before I arrived. Mer-thaka is so nice this time of year and the scenery is lovely.” Hathir was sounding very prim, but his gaze was locked on Thea with a fanatical devotion. “That is extremely flattering and very cute, but your staying here has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Stavin’s wedding. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get home. Since I have dumped one of my clients, I have to make up the income.” She squirmed loose from his embrace and went up on her toes to give him a chaste kiss. “I would like to say it was nice meeting you, Hathir, but that would be woefully understating the matter. Good evening.” 46

Entwined He was so surprised, he let her get halfway to the doors before he came striding after her. The mirrored walls let her know he was on his way so she stepped quickly to the doorway and retrieved her own data pad from her purse, signalling for a one-person skimmer from the local dispatch office. She was flat against the wall when he came barrelling past her and he almost shot straight down the hall before he noticed her leaning against the doorframe. “You were really going to leave me like that?” “Well, yes. Sill usually stays over with Stavin on nights like tonight. That leaves me heading home alone. I have already called for a single skimmer. It should be here in half an hour or so.” “I will take you home. I have a transport that I leased for my time here. Cancel your conveyance.” “I am not sure that I want you taking me home. It isn’t proper for me to be the maid of honour and to not be a maid.” He blinked. It looked like he was checking his memories. “You aren’t joking. You really have never had sex.” “You are correct. And I am not going to have sex before Sill and Stavin’s wedding. There has to be a maiden at the wedding table and I am betting it isn’t you.”

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Viola Grace “Then it will be my honour to escort you safely to your door.” He bowed formally and she sighed in resignation. “Fine. I will cancel my transport.” She frowned and flicked the cancellation on her data pad. She would have to pay a surcharge, but it wasn’t that much. It would be worth it to spend a little more time with Hathir. At this point, she was desperate and yet didn’t want to be separated from him. Now was not the time to be conflicted. It was time to be completely alone with her Grand Champion.

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Chapter Six have something I want to show you.” They were driving down a quiet coastal road, having left via the back gate after making their formal goodbyes to their hosts. The leased vehicle was a low and sleek skimmer with an engine that had a subtle hum that set Teddy’s nerves on edge. The throb was causing an answering pulse in her body and not being able to act on it was driving her nuts. “If I had a nickel for every time I heard that from a guy…” “What’s a nickel?” “Small denomination of coin used on Terra.” “Interesting. We are going to be passing the property that I was discussing with Stavin. If you are willing, we can go inside and look around.” “I think I would rather go home. It has been quite a day for me. You can come in for tea or an intoxicant if you wish.”

“I

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Viola Grace His profile looked a little disappointed, but he rallied. “That would be wonderful. I am not eager for this day to end.” “Excellent. It’s a nice apartment. I share it with Sill. Well, when she is home. Since she met Stavin, I have most evenings to myself.” He laughed. “Yeah. That sounds about right.” They both stayed smiling until they reached her apartment. Local law enforcement was outside the complex when they pulled up and the instant that they saw Hathir, they rushed over to introduce themselves. Hathir merely smiled and helped Thea out of the skimmer, taking her arm to lead her to the front doors. One of the officers actually looked at his data pad and her face. “Miss Comet? I am afraid there has been an act of vandalism in your apartment. We believe we have an idea of the identity of the culprit, but we need you to tell us if there are any missing items.” His pale green face looked a little uncomfortable at the look that Hathir gave him. Despair washed through her. “Aw hell. Take me in.” “Grand Champion? Would you please wait out here?” “No. Where my soul mate goes, I go.”

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Entwined “Oh.” He looked over to his supervisor. Apparently, he was given the all clear because he waved them in. He stayed next to them in the lift and escorted them to her door. A key wasn’t necessary— someone had smashed the door in with a hammer. A big hammer. The living room was smashed, kitchen destroyed and taking a deep breath, Thea looked in her bedroom. “Oh hell.” Every piece of fabric was shredded, no article of clothing was left intact. Her hairbrushes were smashed, toiletries smeared all over the mirror. Lotions and creams poured onto the carpet and the best was emblazoned over her bed. WHORE stood in three-foot letters over her bed and it was then that a feeling of nausea came over her. Her bear. Where was her bear and the rest of her items from Earth? “Everything has been destroyed, but I need to take with me my original bag from Earth.” “That will be fine.” Nodding sharply and taking a deep breath, she went to the spot that the vandal would not have known about. She flipped up her mattress and stuck her hand into the frame underneath. With relief, she pulled her bag out and checked it for invasion. It was intact. She opened the zipper and sighed in relief at the fuzzy fur under her hand. 51

Viola Grace “We can leave you to the cataloguing now. There is nothing salvageable here. Everything I own has been destroyed.” Head held high, she took a quick look at Sill’s room. She had gotten the same treatment, minus the whore painting. That was it. Her knees buckled. If she had come home when she wanted to, she might have run across the culprit or have been taken by surprise. Hathir caught her around the waist with one arm. “Do you have everything you need?” “No. I will need to grab my skimmer and shop before hitting a hotel. Good thing I took my IDs with me when I went to the party.” “You will come with me. I am staying with Stavin and he has plenty of room.” “I can’t.” “What?” “I can’t stay with Stavin. With the wedding so close, he can’t have an unmarried woman in his house, no matter who she is. Mer-thaka regulation. His mom is having enough trouble with Sill staying over.” Hathir sighed and shepherded her back to his vehicle. “We will figure something out. First, we need to get you some basics. I know just the place.” “You do?” “I do. I used to be a draw at the Arena here, remember?” He chuckled as he stowed her 52

Entwined backpack in the storage compartment of the skimmer, locking it tight. “Right. I suppose I am at your mercy.” “Don’t worry. They officers will find out who did this and if they don’t, I will.” They stood next to his skimmer as the commanding officer spoke with her, asking her if she knew who had done it or why. As for the why, Thea simply pointed to Hathir. The who was down to women from the party who had left early. She told them that Stavin Rahoul would be able to give them security footage from his betrothal party. “Champion Stavin?” “Yes. Champion Stavin. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get parts of my life back together.” Thea sighed and watched the officer ooze all over her companion. “Of course. Thank you for your time, Grand Champion Hathir.” Thea rolled her eyes in exasperation. Of course, he was thanking Hathir. She was only the one who had had her residence destroyed. The victim of the crime. “Make sure that you find the guilty party, officer. If you do not, I will and I will not be happy to have to take action.” He turned his back and helped Thea into the vehicle. When she finished 53

Viola Grace buckling her safety harness, she looked over at him and burst into tears. She felt the harness release and let him pull her into his arms. The air around them grew dark as she sobbed into his shoulder. She peeked out through watery eyes and saw the heavy polarization of the windows. He had dimmed them to give her privacy to vent her emotions. “Let it out. I know that you don’t release your emotions where people can see it, but I am not people, I am your soul mate.” His fingers were combing through her hair in a soothing rhythm. The acceptance of her emotional display gave her the strength to lean on him and just let the moment wash over her. She wanted the feeling of security, the feeling of strength surrounding her every day of her life. He was willing to give it to her, but at what cost? How much of her own life would she have to give up to have him beside her 24/7? She snivelled half-heartedly and sighed. “Better?” “Better. Thank you. I needed that.” “I know. I am amazed that you kept your selfcontrol that long. I was about to tear the officers apart until I saw that you needed me calm. I almost snapped.” He rubbed his chin against her head and she laughed weakly. 54

Entwined “I think I am alright now. You can let me go.” “I don’t want to.” “We need to get me clothed and into a hotel.” “Right. Let’s go.” He placed her carefully back into the passenger seat and started the skimmer. She refastened her safety harness and sat back in her seat. She watched the streets of the city blur by as they drove and it was a bit of a shock when he pulled up at an upscale boutique. “This is it. Rayna is a lovely woman and she will have the most urgent of your needs sorted out in no time.” He came around the car and opened her door, escorting her gallantly inside the boutique. “We are closing.” A female Mer-thaka had her back to them as they entered. “Oh, Rayna, please. This woman needs your expert touch.” Hathir’s voice made the woman whirl around. Her black eyes flared in happy welcome. “Hathir! How lovely to see you. Are you taking a friend shopping?” “My soul mate, Theadora Comet. Theadora, this is Rayna. A finer seamstress you will never see on this world. Rayna, she needs everything from the skin out.”

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Viola Grace She made the Mer-thaka equivalent of a whistle. “Well, Theadora. Come this way. He never has much of an interest in fashion.” Hathir followed them to the back of the establishment and an array of fabrics and completed clothing. “I am now. She prefers higher necklines and lower hems. Nothing too flashy.” Rayna blinked in surprise at his input. “Rayna, may I use your communicator?” “Of course.” She chuckled as he went into her office. “That is more input than he has given about any female he has brought here.” “How many?” Rayna looked into her face and read the expression. “Not many and the women always paid for their own clothing. He never purchased anything for them.” Rayna began taking measurements. “How did you meet?” Thea threw her a conversational bone. “My brother was in the beginner’s training session at the Arena with Hathir. He and Stavin would come over for dinner once or twice a week. They gave me the money to start my business and kept their girl fans coming.” Theadora couldn’t stop the laugh. It made sense. Rayna needed a clientele and the fighters were in a position to provide it. Sneaky. 56

Entwined “So, why are you here? He said you needed everything from the skin out?” “A psychotic fan broke into my apartment and shredded all my clothing. Everything. Trashed all my personal items as well.” “Holy hells.” Rayna finished her measurements, picked up a communicator and wandered into the front of the shop. Bemused, Thea stood on the fitting dais and waited for someone to come back. “There. Should be here by the time we finish.” Rayna was carrying an armload of clothing and had a smug grin. “What should be?” “A supply of underwear, shoes and some toiletries. Enough to keep you going until you can get to your normal supplier.” Rayna shook out the first of the selections, a lovely blouse and matching skirt in a vibrant blue that Thea knew would make her eyes bright. A marathon of trying on clothing and putting aside items that needed alterations occurred on that dais. By the time she had a dozen outfits to wear and a dozen more for alterations, Thea was exhausted. The courier arrived with bags of the aforementioned accessories for her. The only thing missing was her ride to the hotel. As she turned to 57

Viola Grace look into the office, she saw Hathir watching from the doorway. “How long have you been there?” She looked from him to Rayna. “The fifteenth outfit. The purple evening gown.” The woman was smiling, her eyes tired but happy. “Well, do you approve of my choices?” “I do. At least the ones that I saw. I will demand a fashion show at a later time. Thanks for getting the sundries Rayna. That was going to be my next stop.” He bowed gracefully. “You would have had to wait until morning. Everything is closed by now.” Back in her dress, Thea stretched and then grabbed her credit slip. “Here we go. Thanks for your efforts.” A dark hand pulled her slip away and she was faced with a scowling gladiator. “What?” “I will pay for your clothing. It is my fault that your clothing was destroyed in the first place.” He had more money than she did, so she gave in easily, but she did feel it necessary to correct him. “Actually, the nutcase who slashed my stuff is the one who is responsible. You were just the catalyst.” “True, but I want to pay for your clothing. Please?” 58

Entwined “Fine. Rayna, add a tip for your efforts and staying open late.” That earned her a scowl from him and a laugh from her. They left the shop with armloads of bags, including her special delivery. “There is a nice hotel on the beach that would be fine. Hotel Miska, I think.” “I have made a few calls and have found a place for you to stay until your apartment is made secure again.” They stored the bags in the back with her special bag and he tucked her back into the front seat. “Fine. Is there any danger of security breaches where I am going? I am a little nervous about being on my own until the culprit is caught.” “No problem. There is round-the-clock security for you. It is just down this coastal road.” She yawned heavily. “Do you mind if I sleep? I am a little exhausted.” “I will wake you when we arrive. Rest. You are safe with me.” His dark chocolate voice rolled over her and she smiled as she nodded off. The skimmer had stopped—that roused her a little. He was opening the storage section of the skimmer and then disappearing. He did that a few times before he opened her door and unbuckled her harness. 59

Viola Grace “Welcome home, Teddy.” He planted a soft kiss on her forehead and carried her into the dark structure that she couldn’t make out in the darkness. He carried her for a long time before laying her down in a feathery-soft bed and tucking her in. She smiled up at him as she tucked her hands under her chin. “Goodnight, Hathir. We will talk in the morning.” He stroked her hair as he grew fuzzier and fuzzier in her eyes. Eventually she let go of consciousness again.

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Chapter Seven aking in a palace was the stuff of fairy tales, but the clothing laid out for her was not made of pixie dust. Thea stretched, yawned and turned to look at the bed she had rested in like a baby. There were two dents in the pillow. Hathir had stayed here with her for a while. She found the bathroom and the assortment of creams and lotions that had been left for her use. Her emotional storms had left her eyes crunchy when they blinked and she needed a shower to revitalize herself. She dried her hair, then found the undergarments Rayna had provided her with and put on the clothes that Hathir had laid out. Dressed, fresh and awake, she went exploring. The house was enormous, but if it followed the basic Mer-thaka layout, the receiving room would be down the stairs and to the left. Nope. No one there.

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Viola Grace She cocked her head and heard voices. Following the voices, she turned a corner to find Sill, Stavin and a tired-looking Hathir. “Good morning.” Sill screamed and came at her running, “Oh deities. If I knew last night what had happened, I would have been there to help you. Stavin didn’t tell me, just helped Hathir buy this home for you so you would have somewhere to stay.” The hug that she hadn’t delivered the day before came in force. Hugging Sill was different. She was always aggressive in her physical demonstrations and hugs were no different. She was wrapped around Thea like a barnacle and it gave Thea no chance to hug back. She waited out the storm. Finally, Sillohoran let go and returned to cuddle at Stavin’s side. “You bought this place?” “Yes. I did not like the thought of you in a hotel where I would not be able to keep an eye on you. So, I bought a place where I could.” “Fascinating. All this space and we had to share a bed?” He grimaced. Busted. “I have discussed a certain matter with Stavin and Sill and they have agreed to change the documents from maid of honour to matron of honour if you are willing to marry me immediately.” 62

Entwined She blinked in shock. Her friends were sending encouraging looks to her while she wrestled with the thought of having Hathir for now and for always. She walked out the patio door behind her companions and watched birds reel in the sun before diving for fish. She knew how those fish felt at that moment. They had been waiting for her to wake so they could pounce. Marriage to a man she had only just met. Sure, she knew his mind, had his memories, but what would her life be like with him at her side. She had already found the dark side of being with him—the female fans would not like to know that their Grand Champion was out of their grasp. Do I have the nerve to defend not only myself but also the concept of us? Yes. Yes, she wanted him. She knew him and part of her loved him. He cared for her and tried to protect her as best he could. That alone was worth trying to live her life with him. Hathir was behind her, his hands gently cupping her elbows as he watched the sea and sky with her. The whisper of her voice was almost lost on the wind. “I will marry you. Right now if possible.” “Thank you. You will not regret it.” He placed a kiss on the top of her head. “What do we need to do?” 63

Viola Grace “Declare ourselves before witnesses, register on Arkhage. That’s it.” He rubbed his chin back and forth on her head. “When do you want to do it?” “Now? We have the witnesses. You can register us on Arkhage and then I can see exactly how much of your body bears that blood-red hair.” His sharp inhalation was enough of an answer. She leaned back against him and closed her eyes, learning every plane and angle of his body wherever it touched her. “My mother will be able to register us. Let me just get her up on the communications unit and we will get this underway.” Quickly, he spun her where she stood and treated her to a kiss that left her no doubt as to his desire for her. She pressed her hips to his and rocked against him as his mouth plundered hers with a hunger that was no longer concealed. She felt herself being lifted, but they continued the kiss as he walked them back into the dining area and to the communications terminal. He broke the contact with her mouth as he punched in the codes that would put him in contact with his mother. She brought his mouth back to hers and took the lead in the kiss, drawing his tongue into her mouth and revelling in his chocolate-andcinnamon taste. The insistent beeping in her ears got her attention. “Do I hear bells?” 64

Entwined “Daylen Callar here. Is that my son under your head?” “Oh, God.” Thea hid her face against his neck and she could feel the muscles of his jaw work as he smiled. “I found her, Mother. My soul mate was on Mer-thaka. We want to be registered with the Arkhage Population Control Centre.” “I can do that. Are you going to swear to her now?” “I am.” “Can I see her face?” “If she can get over her embarrassment. Thea, please look at my mother.” She drew her face from the safety of his neck and looked over at the communications centre. A very nice-looking Arkhage woman was there and she had given her son his face. The dark eyes, dark brows, full lips were all hers. The only thing different was the slash of his cheekbones, the width of his jaw and that blade of a nose. His hair was all him. “Pleased to meet you, Professor Callar. I am Theadora Comet.” “Has my son been talking about me?” “No, Mother. I have not. Thea, how do you know my mother is a professor?” 65

Viola Grace “Data accumulation specialists get around. Professor, was the data for the population fluctuations in the Myaci comprehensive enough? You paid fairly well for it.” “You are the specialist? That’s wonderful. I currently have three requests pending for your services. Perhaps if you are my daughter, I can get moved up the list.” Her smile showed slightly pointed white teeth and delight. “You are pleased with our match then, Mother?” “You have had the great luck to find one of the brightest minds in our lifetime, Hathir. Be blessed and happy. The registration is being sent as we speak.” Her eyes took on a crafty look. “May I come to visit?” “Give us one month for learning each other, minimum. If I see you before then, you are staying with Stavin and Sill.” He chuckled wickedly. Over his shoulder, Thea could see Stavin and Sill watching them closely. They flinched when Daylen asked to visit. She would ask them about that later. “Thea, do you wish to exchange vows now?” “Sure. No sense waiting.” “Stavin and Sill, will you act as witnesses?” “Of course.” They spoke as one and moved closer to watch whatever they had to. 66

Entwined “Theadora Comet of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra, are you my admitted soul mate? Will you stand at my side and be one with me at all times?” “I am and I will. Hathir Callar, Grand Champion of the Arena and citizen of Arkhage, are you my admitted soul mate? Will you stand at my side and be one with me at all times?” “I am and I will.” Daylen piped up from the communicator, “Then before these witnesses, I declare you soul mates, life mates and lovers. Go forth and learn what this means.” Thea grinned at Hathir who grinned back. “We will.” The trip back to the bedroom took only half as long with Hathir sprinting through the halls with her in his arms.

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Chapter Eight hea was shaking with eagerness. With her lack of experience, she was confident of the theory but a little fuzzy on the method. She was ready, willing and able to fling herself at Hathir. She knew that he would catch her. It was a strange feeling as she peeled off her clothing while watching him do the same. Nothing that she did would shock him. He had her memories and knew what she liked. She knew what he wanted as well. He wanted her any way he could have her. His muscles were bunching and releasing with tension and Thea shook so hard that she wasn’t able to finish removing her shoes. The laces of her sandals tangled and she sat heavily on the bed to get them off. He knelt in front of her, gloriously naked and took her foot into his hands. “This would be easier if we could both just start from being unclothed. I

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Entwined have an advantage over you—the glads are used to quick changes.” “Yeah. Sorry. I can’t peel off clothing on demand.” He opened the knot in her laces and the shoe dropped to the floor. “Oh, you will learn, it’s a handy skill when you are at a party and a wall is just too tempting.” “Interesting. I will put that in my archive and retrieve it at a later date.” Thea cupped his jaw in her hands and leaned forward to kiss him. After a few seconds, she began to lean backwards as his mouth pressed her up, back and onto the bed. When she was clutching his shoulders for balance, he curled one arm around her and lifted her until they were at the head of the bed. His hair flowed around them in a blood-coloured curtain and she smiled at the feeling of love and safety that he gave her, just by surrounding her with his body. “Why the smile?” He nuzzled her neck, licking, nipping and grazing her skin with his teeth. She opted for honesty. “You make me happy. That surprises me.” “And that, my dearest, is why we are soul mates. I feel the same and so much more.” His caresses moved down her shoulder, across her collarbone and between her breasts. He nibbled at one breast, then the other as she sighed and 69

Viola Grace gasped at each caress. Hathir learned her body with each stroke of his skin against hers, each moan, each touch that turned her body to liquid fire. As he learned her breasts, he slipped one of his thighs between hers and pressed upwards against her core in a rhythm to his nips and suckling. Thea gasped at the shock of the contact, wrapping one thigh around his to give him complete access. They rocked together, her moans and whimpers driving his efforts until she cried out at the fullbody pulse of pleasure that rang through her. Hathir held her down as her body arched, continuing to rock against her until she slumped in repletion. “And the crowd goes wild.” She whispered it in Hathir’s ear as he moved up her body. “What?” “It’s a sports expression from Terra. It refers to the audience enjoying the combat. In this case, I was the audience.” She was a little embarrassed, but only for her sense of humour. It did tend to rise under stress if she let it. She could feel the heavy weight of his erection against her belly, when he rocked back on his elbows it rubbed between her thighs. She breathed deeply and relaxed. There might be some discomfort, but nothing he did would damage her. 70

Entwined This was why their souls had been torn asunder, to rejoin on this day, in this way. As he rubbed his cock against her opening, she smiled at the feeling of moisture, hers and his blending together to ease his entrance. Sweat appeared on his forehead as he worked the head of his cock into her. He moved into her slowly, retreating and surging forward in an endless slide of flesh against flesh, an instinct that transcended species to merge their souls themselves. No pain flared inside her, only a fullness that brought warmth blooming from deep within to spread to her skin and glowed in the light of her eyes. Thea reached up to touch his face as he continued to thrust into her. “Hathir, my one, my only, my heart and my soul.” “Gods,” was his only response as her words spurred him into a frenzy of movement that had the bed shuddering with the collision of their bodies. She wrapped her body around his as much as she was able and held on for dear life. When release found her this time, he was with her and her scream and his roar burned through the air in a sound wave of pleasure that frightened local wildlife. A half hour later, tangled with Hathir, Thea idly assessed the patterns of dust motes dancing in the air above them. Their hair was knotted with sweat, locked together in much the same fashion 71

Viola Grace as their bodies were. Their joining had been total. She could walk into his memories as easily as her own. She caressed his shoulder idly, sorting her hair from his slowly, in a dreamy haze of afterglow. Hathir raised his head slowly, meeting her bright eyes with his dark gaze. “And the crowd goes wild.” The smile that he gave her broke into her soul and spilled joy where it touched. “I have to say, Hathir, that I approve of this property. It’s a lovely house and I love the shower.” She waggled her eyebrows at him and he responded with a sharp slap to her buttocks that sent her into the shower, under the waterfall. The room was a beautiful design of natural rock, a waterfall of steaming water combined with jets that got into every nook and cranny. Now that she had time to admire her mate, she was amazed at the lack of tan lines and the solid columns of muscle that he called legs. He told her that he needed strong and agile legs for his battles, but that didn’t explain why his cock looked like he lifted weights with it, too. She was surprised that it had fit into her on the first try, but he smugly told her that it was made for her and therefore would be a perfect fit. She couldn’t fight his logic as he crowded her against the rocks of the shower and nibbled kisses 72

Entwined down her spine. His fingers teased at her opening, dipping and circling, plunging in and then withdrawing. Thea circled her clit with a finger and let his touch take her over the edge. She shuddered as her knees buckled and she held onto the wall with all her might. “Cheater. I was going to torture you for a while.” He ran his tongue up her spine, gripping her hips with his hands. She was going to reply, but the feel of his cock entering her, oh so slowly, drove out all thought. This position had him going so deep, she wasn’t able to draw breath as he wrapped an arm around her waist and used it to keep her from the rocks while he pounded into her with bone-shattering force. She didn’t care—she wanted more. Each inward thrust rubbed him against the front wall of her channel, moving against a spot that seemed to swell with the contact. His withdrawal tickled that same spot and left her wanting more. Together, they strove for completion and when it roared into them, it hit them both through the link they shared. Hathir succumbed first, roaring his release as he ejected his cum into her with a hard jerk on her hips. She reacted as if scalded—her body drawing tight and clenching around him with as much force as she could muster. 73

Viola Grace He groaned as her body clutched at him and his hips jerked again. Water poured over them as they leaned under the falls gasping for air. Thea was wondering if she would drown when they fell to the floor and the water poured over them when she heard a soft whisper in her ear. “And the crowd goes wild.” “Oh, shut up and keep me from drowning.”

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Chapter Nine ou know, no matron of honour would wear something like this back on Earth.” Thea looked at her clothing, front and back. There wasn’t much of it. A tight, short bodice, bikini briefs and a belt that contained the most concealing of her formal wear—a skirt of open panels that drifted loose as she walked. She was, also, barefoot. Fantastic. Sillohoran laughed at her. “Well, it is Mer-thaka tradition. A final temptation for the groom, I think. You look lovely. I am sure that Hathir will be very impressed.” “That or he will try to kill me. He likes my more-modest style.” She turned from side to side, fiddling with the open collar of the bodice. It suited her more than she wanted to admit. Her dark hair was piled onto her head with an intricate series of braids and pins. She did look stunning. “Tough. I wish I was able to wear an outfit like that. This formal gown is killing me.” Sill shifted

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Viola Grace and fluffed her pink hair out as much as she could, given the restraints of the pearl net that it had been wound with. Her gown was the colour of blue, the pure blue of the oceans. It was the same colour as the outfit that Thea was wearing, only it used nine times the amount of fabric. “It is one day. At least you don’t have to go out in front of an arena full of people and sing as well as try and beat your husband to death.” “I am still worried that you never went to that voice coach. Every time I mention it to Stavin, he just laughs and rubs his hands together.” Of course, Stavin had been insisting that she outed herself to the population when her second song had become a galactic hit. It was well known at this point that the woman at the gladiator matches was not the singer. She had goofed at a public appearance and forgotten to sing along with the voice. After that, a city-wide hunt for the singer had taken place, but none could fit the vocal print. A Cinderella story with high notes. Sill was going to kill her when she found out. A musical cue echoed through the changing room and suddenly they were serious. It was time. Theadora took up her position in front of her friend, put her sword on, settled it between her shoulder blades and started a slow and steady pace into the Arena. The vid screens lit up as she entered, her picture was shown to thousands of 76

Entwined witnesses, a standard for a Champion of Merthaka. The bride had no family, so the groom’s family was split between two daises. Thea heard the roar of the crowd and kept her slow pace to the platform that had been erected for the wedding. She took her place next to Hathir and his scowl as he took in her clothing was all she had hoped it would be. Sillohoran took her place next to Stavin and they looked so happy that a tear came to Thea’s eye. The official went through the ceremony in Merthakaaka. It was a wonderfully liquid language that was hard to speak above the water. Thea got nervous as they got to the first portion of tests. “Do you each have a champion to defend your honour and the honour of your families?” “We do.” The instant that Sill and Stavin said those words, there was no going back. “Then let them battle to see who will rule the household for the first five years.” Five? Thea thought it was one. Shrugging, she left the platform and walked into the circle of battle. The crowd roared as Hathir faced off against his wife. Apparently, this was worth the price of admission. Thea drew her sword and dropped it to the ground. Hathir did the same. A short 77

Viola Grace whistle and a page brought two quarter staves to the circle. The crowd groaned when they dropped their weapons and then roared when they picked up the non-lethal weapons. Standing at attention, each holding their weapon, they waited for the signal. When the official’s signal rang out, they moved. As one, they moved forward, they struck, retreated, struck again, backed again. Each impact reverberated down Thea’s arms until she could barely hold the stave. She sent Hathir a signal the instant before the stave slipped from her fingers and she fell to her knees, his swing moving her hair inches from her head. “Stavin is declared the winner and will control the household for the next five years. His champion is victorious!” The official was very excited and it could be heard in his voice. The crowd howled in response. Hathir helped Thea to her feet and held her close. There. The tough one was over and no one got hurt. She raised her head to her husband’s and their kiss was shown halfway around the galaxy. “Let’s just get you presentable. Your skirt is a little dusty.” He helped her tidy her clothing and then made a subtle tug at her bodice to raise it over her breasts a little more. “If the champions can return to the platform, the final contest is now underway.” The official 78

Entwined looked amused, not impatient, but Thea belatedly saw that all of their tender interactions were now on the giant screens around the Arena. Water awaited them, so Thea drank as deeply as she could without dumping the glass down her bodice. Sill came forward to pat her on the arm. “Nice try, Thea. You did better than I thought you would.” “Thanks, Sill. I promise to do better in the Sing.” “Do what you can.” Thea smiled and Hathir looked worried. “As the winner of the battle, you may sing first.” He scowled at her and waited for the official to declare the start of the competition. “The Grand Champion Hathir Callar will sing first.” Hathir took the headpiece that would play music and began to sing. His voice wasn’t half bad. The Mer-thaka ballad rang from him with power and emotion. Theadora looked into his eyes and she knew then, he was singing to her. Tears burned in her eyes and clogged her throat. She breathed deeply and waited until his last note faded into the silent Arena. No one said a thing—they were all waiting for her to begin, so she fixed the headpiece onto her ear and waited for the signal. “The data accumulator, Theadora Comet of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra, soul mate to Hathir 79

Viola Grace Callar will now sing.” The official looked a little surprised as he reached the last part of her title, but he pushed on. Taking a deep breath, Thea sang the Arena anthem, followed by the female half of a ballad of love and longing. Hathir took her hint and together, they sang the final song. Thea knew he knew the words—he had practiced them in the shower. He stepped forward and took her hands as they sang to each other. This time, when the final note died away, the roar of approval from the viewers was deafening. Thea smiled and nodded to the official who declared Sillohoran’s family the most honoured. This tickled the Mer-thaka who had taken up a pose on the bride’s dais. She noted this vaguely as she and Hathir shared the spotlight for the first time. Together, they met in a searing kiss that somehow ended with her bent back over one of Hathir’s arms, as the cheering became a never-ending roar. He moved his head next to hers and whispered in her ear, “And the crowd goes wild,” an instant before he locked his lips back to hers and celebrated the formal and very public acknowledgement of their union. Stavin and Sill echoed their embrace and the truth of the event became clear to any who saw it. 80

Entwined Stavin and Sillohoran were meant to be together. Theadora and Hathir were bonded on more levels than just their souls. And the crowd went wild.

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Author’s Note Welcome to Mer-thaka. I wanted to bring water breathers into a later story, so I set them up here. I am a jerk that way. This is the second of my EnTerran Times stories. Entranced was already released, Entwined is what you are reading and Enchanted is next in line. The next two will be Enthralled and Enraptured. Can you see my theme? I love writing the Terran Times and am sometimes amazed that they continue to get a warm reception. The Champions that started it all were my first series submitted to Extasy Books, My mind boggles that I am still around. Thank you gentle reader for bearing with me through the growing pains. Your biggest fan, Viola Grace http://www.violagrace.com http://www.extasybooks.com http://www.devinedestinies.com

About the Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No coworker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love. Viola can be reached at this email: [email protected] Viola’s website is located at: http://www.violagrace.com