Just One Embrace

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.sirenpub.com Copyright ©2006 by Lara Santiago First published in 2006, 2006 NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

Warning SEX RATING: SIZZLING This book is rated SIZZLING for sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults ONLY as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers. The Tiburon Duet, Book 2 Just A Kiss: Just One Embrace What would a woman do, and how far would she willingly travel, to love a man who made her climax with his chocolate-flavored kiss? Gabrielle travels to Tiburon unwillingly with Keller after an improper kiss. Will she be forced to reside on a planet of warrior aliens who hate her? Ellie travels to Tiburon willingly to be with Crag. When another female claims their top military commander, will Ellie be considered a worthy life partner, or will she lose Crag forever? "Lara Santiago delivers lust, laughs and love every time!"—Roxanne St. Claire, National Bestselling Author

Just One Embrace Crag of Tiburon exiles himself on Earth, guilt-ridden after losing his life partner in a tragic accident. One night, he steps in to aid a distressed Ellie Granger. Daring to take a chance once in her life with a fascinating stranger, Ellie requests one night with Crag, resulting in an evening of incredible passion. They part reluctantly even as they both acknowledge the relationship can't be permanent. They keep their reason a secret from each other. However, fate delivers a surprise. Now, they must find a way to come together, either on Earth or Tiburon, even as treachery abounds and proof of a noble birth is required for their future. Will Crag give up his sworn duty as Tiburon's Commander for one puny earthling whom he loves more than life itself? Can Ellie relinquish a life she has fought for so valiantly to love her perfect soul mate?

JUST ONE EMBRACE The Tiburon Duet, Book 2 Lara Santiago Siren Publishing, Inc.

ABOUT THIS E-BOOK: Your purchase of this e-book allows you to one LEGAL copy for your own personal use. It is ILLEGAL to send your copy to someone who did not pay for it. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. JUST ONE EMBRACE Copyright © 2006 by Lara Santiago First E-book Publication: May 2006 ISBN: 1-933563-24-9 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. Cover art by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2006 Siren Publishing, Inc. PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Dedication To Kristen Painter and Carolyn O. for dropping everything in their lives to read the final draft of this book one more time so I could beat my deadline. You two rock! To my family for letting me drop everything in my life ... especially doing housework, so that I can go into writer mode and beat my deadlines. I love you all so much. Lara Santiago March 11, 2006

Just One Embrace The Tiburon Duet, Book 2 By Lara Santiago Copyright © 2006

Prologue Tiburon Crag of Tiburon and his life partner Sybille had just made love. Together, they lay in utter gratification of their most recent mouth touching union. The passion between them was good. Sybille broke the seal of their mouths. Her eyes pierced his with a sincere look of love. Crag smiled in response. It was enough that he cared about her deeply. Not every life partnership was a love match. It wasn't expected to be. She then kissed her fingertips and blew the touch of her mouth to him. It was the ultimate sign of a life mate to another. In effect, she said she would rather be dead than life partner with anyone else. Crag's eyes widened at her gesture. He was stunned. She'd never made the gesture before. Why now? More importantly, how could he return it? The proximity warning alarm sounded, and suddenly, Crag no longer needed to worry about reciprocating. "Warning!” the artificial intelligence announced over the speaker system. “Uncharted asteroid field. Impending..." They both looked toward the cockpit, then the shuttle violently struck something. An uncharted asteroid. Before Crag had time to take a breath, the impact from the collision hurled them upwards. Sybille was still on top of him, crushed between his body and the titanium-lined ceiling. Crag couldn't move. He screamed her name. Sybille did not answer. The craft tilted. They shifted off the ceiling and slammed sideways into a wall. Again, she was pinned beneath him and the unforgiving titanium wall. Using all his strength, he lifted himself but could do so only fractionally away from her limp body. He called to her, unable to move. No answer. They hung against the wall for several moments before dropping. She left a blood streak all the way along the surface to the floor. She'd been impaled on a jutting bulkhead fixture against the wall. The bolts now dripped with her blood. Her barrier would have protected her from the protrusion, but she'd lowered it to touch mouths with him. The A.I. finally steadied the craft. The environmental controls resumed. They no longer bounced against the killer asteroid. Sybille's broken body rolled out of his arms. Her blood was everywhere. Crag screamed her name again, and her eyes opened briefly. He couldn't believe she was still alive. Her hand shook with the effort to touch his face. Crag gazed deeply into her eyes, touched his hand to his lips quickly and blew air across the touch to her. He never broke the contact of their eyes. "Sybille, my love...” Sharp, prickly stabs of pain dotted and swelled rapidly in his chest for the first time since he was a young boy.

"My life mate,” she whispered with a faint smile and died in his arms. The shrill sound of the proximity alert vibrated in his brain. It was so loud, but the primal scream he released at the loss of his life partner easily surpassed it. **** Crag had forgotten the excruciating pain involved in losing a loved one. The heartsick, gut-sick, soul-sick feeling consumed him. There wasn't a solitary place on his body that didn't cry out for a healing kiss. A fleeting thought came as he remembered there was a special brand of pain reserved for losing a life partner. He equated it to about ten times the pain of losing a parent. Or perhaps it was greater. He heard voices but didn't focus too closely. Someone would try to heal him soon, and he had to fight it. He faded in and out of consciousness. Time became meaningless. "How long was he out there?” He recognized Maura's voice through the painful haze of anguish. Maura was renowned in the art of the healing kiss on Tiburon. She would want to heal him. He mustn't allow it. "...days ... he must be out of his mind in pain ... won't let anyone near." Someone approached. Fingers well versed in the art of healing trailed along his arm. Using every pain-saturated muscle in that arm, he shook off the healing aid of her touch and broke the connection. He hissed in a breath at the loss of it. "Crag? It's Maura. I'm here to heal you. Please let me.” But he didn't want her healing kiss. His penance wasn't appeased. He didn't deserve relief. Not yet. Maybe not ever. "No ... leave ... me..." "Fine, I'll just wait until you pass out again, and I'll heal you while you sleep.” Her tone was persistent. It annoyed him. "Don't...” His barrier was down. He couldn't repel any advances to his body. He couldn't keep his eyes open. He wanted to die, but he wouldn't be able to stop her from healing him when he lost consciousness. "I'm not going to let you punish yourself any longer.” He heard her move to the head of the table on which he rested. Crag and his life partner Sybille had been on a recreational journey to get away from all things routine. An uncharted asteroid field had interrupted their flight along with their plans for a peaceful trip. By the time the A.I. that controlled their ship had gotten the spacecraft back on course after striking the asteroid, Crag had already lost the battle of controlling his mourning in the short term. His barrier shut down almost immediately after Sybille ... had gone. When the battered spacecraft arrived back on Tiburon, they pried Sybille out of his arms, to his very vocal and painful displeasure. Sybille, his life partner of two years, was dead. Even if she hadn't been his life mate, he ached at losing her. Maura's hands began to kiss his face and throat. This tactile process would heal his pain, if not his soul. Crag couldn't fight her any longer. The healing kiss of her fingertips stroked the pain from him. The throbbing ache, to which he'd grown accustomed, abated slightly. Maura's kiss was exceptional. A layer of healing comfort rushed through his body. Once she was through, he'd need time to recover his

ailing spirit. He missed Sybille. She may not have been his life mate, but he wasn't sure he wanted to go on without her. The pain he endured kept him from thinking about never seeing her again. Never again would he see a bright smile light up her beautiful face. How would he ever return to a normal life after his loss? What would he do now that Sybille was gone? No answer came as he faded into unconsciousness. **** Crag spent the next several months on Tiburon in shock. He wandered through his days and nights unable to hide his distress. Indifferent to the looks of pity directed his way from the many Tiburon's with whom he crossed paths, Crag continued through the motions of his daily life. He ate. He slept. He did his basic duty as The Commander to the Queen, Elsbeth. But he was utterly empty and devoid of emotion. As the one-year mark of Sybille's death drew near, Elsbeth commanded he take another recreational journey. She suggested he visit her son Keller. It surprised Crag because Elsbeth was very vocal about her distaste of Keller abdicating the throne several years ago to live on Earth with his life mate, Gabrielle. Crag had thought about his best friend Keller often. Years ago, Keller, Sybille and Crag had been on a scientific mission to another planet. Their team had only just arrived on Earth when one of their members died. It had been from natural causes, but Keller's barrier had fallen immediately. Crag and Sybille had done their best to rush Keller to Maura so that she could heal him in a timely manner. Instead, as they raced back to Tiburon, a puny earthling who accidentally came on board violated Keller's mouth as he lay in mourning. Gabrielle hadn't understood the Tiburon definition of a kiss when Keller asked for one and had put her mouth on his. Crag was the one who had caught her on top of an unconscious Keller, her lips fastened securely to his after she'd already ruined the sanctity of his royal mouth. Once awake and healed by her lips, Keller had insisted the puny earthling was his life mate and proceeded to give up his kingship to reside on Earth with her. To this day, Crag and Gabrielle were not the best of friends. Had Keller suffered this much when he lost his partner Zelda? Surely not, since only his business partner had died and not his life partner. There were different levels of pain associated with the loss of loved ones. That very night, Crag dreamed about Sybille's death ... again. The memories of that fateful day were coming less often, but the nightmares still disturbed him when they traipsed across his soul. He came awake from the nightmare in a panic with Sybille's name on his lips. The utter despair over his loss pervaded him, and he decided the queen was right. He should take a trip to Earth and visit Keller. He couldn't go on like this any longer. He needed a break. It would be like an enforced exile to clear his mind and heart of the tragedy that still haunted him. He never wanted to feel this pain again. He'd never wanted anyone but Sybille. Sybille had been his life partner, and he'd loved her. However, she had not been his vita-matia, his one and only true life mate. The vulgar thought of his responsibility as The Commander crossed his mind again as it had many times in the past several months. He understood he would need to life partner again someday. He would need an heir for his position, an

heir Sybille had discussed wanting to give him shortly before her death, the very conversation they'd shared right before they'd made love that last time. A streak of guilt stabbed though him as he remembered for the umpteenth time about Sybille's desire to carry his child, a child he'd told her he wasn't ready to bring forth into their lives. He should have agreed. For the present time ... Crag didn't want to think about a future life partner. Therefore, Earth would be the best possible place for him to recover because it was overrun with puny earthlings. And perfect for him because he knew he'd never find a life mate there.

Chapter One Earth, three weeks later "Your tongue's hanging out,” Gabrielle said from the direction of the kitchen. "I beg your pardon,” Crag responded distractedly, closing his mouth. Gabrielle's beautiful, dark-haired neighbor currently held his rapt attention. The earthling he watched slid into her vehicle. "Stop drooling over my neighbor.” Gabrielle waddled out to the first floor balcony, one hand resting on her lower back. "I'm not drooling.” His imperious tone never failed to rile his best friend's life mate. He did it almost without thinking just to aggravate her. Even though there was tolerance between them, Gabrielle was fun to verbally spar with on occasion. "Well, your mouth was hanging open. It's the same thing. Remember where you are." "Believe me, I know exactly where I am." "Well then, quit salivating over the puny earthlings." "I don't know what you're talking about. Your gestational status has obviously made your mental behavior erratic." Gabrielle made a noise and launched herself at him belly first. Keller came from behind in the nick of time to hold her back. He half lifted her off the ground, keeping her from assaulting Crag with her outstretched fists. "My gestational status and mental behavior are none of your business." "Stop provoking my life mate, or I won't stop her next time,” Keller said, lowering Gabrielle to the ground. Crag sighed and nodded. He should learn to behave around her. The polite civility didn't always work between them, especially when he aggravated her on purpose. Gabrielle gave him a squinting perusal then eyed the grapefruit knife resting on the table. Even the knives here were puny, he snorted to himself. "Daddy, daddy, wait for me.” Keller's first born zoomed into the breakfast space. At two and a half years old, little Craig was the most beautiful child Crag had ever seen. He was the spitting image of Keller with the exception of his eyes. He'd never admit it to Gabrielle, but he thought her son displayed her eyes beautifully. Little Craig then spotted his ‘Uncle Crag.’ His small face split into a big grin and he changed direction, charging toward the table on the balcony. Crag's hardened heart melted a little more every time he saw the boy and his unending love of life. "Saved in the nick of time by your namesake,” Keller said, smiling at his son. "Almost namesake, although I find Craig an acceptable designation to honor me." "Yeah, it was a toss up between that or Streak. I believe we chose wisely,” Gabrielle said.

"Streak?” Crag questioned. Craig's little arms stretched up in the recognized signal for Crag to lift him up in the air. Once he was secured on Crag's arm, he wrapped his small arms around Crag's neck. In their short time together, they'd already formed a very strong bond. Crag was stricken as he recalled that his life partner Sybille had wanted to create a similar precious gift of life between them. He hadn't wanted to at the time. He wished, and not for the first time, that he'd agreed. "Are you blind? You have a big streak of blond in your black-as-sin hair, or didn't you notice?” Gabrielle folded her arms over her large stomach and raised an eyebrow in question, glancing at his head. "It is a mark of honor given to me as a military strategist and leader on my planet. I am ‘The’ Commander." "Bully for you. It looks weird here on Earth. You should pick a color. Either go all the way dark or add more blond streaks to it. Maybe you could look like a California surfer dude." Crag sighed. “I don't wish to look like a human, Gabrielle." "Hey, how did you know my name? Don't confuse me. You know I won't answer unless you call me puny earthling." The car carrying the gorgeous brunette neighbor pulled out of the parking lot. Unable to stop himself, he turned and watched her drive away. There was something inexplicable about her that drew him. When he turned back, Gabrielle smiled smugly as if she knew he was interested in the brunette. She blinked one eye at him. He knew it signified something but couldn't recall the Earth meaning. Little Craig's small hand on his face distracted him from Gabrielle's look and the beautiful, dark-haired woman he needed to ignore anyway. "I want to go to the park,” little Craig said in his sweet voice. "Let's not waste time here then, boy. Let's go to the park." "Take Skippy with you, too,” Gabrielle said. "Skippy?" "The dog." "Oh, right, the furry little earth creature. Fine. He may join us if he behaves." "Skippy is a good dog. Of course, he'll behave. He'll behave just like a dog, so don't forget to take a plastic grocery bag with you." Crag closed his eyes briefly, shook his head, and then headed to the park nearby. He hadn't fully understood why Keller chose this life on purpose. He could have been king instead of forfeiting his kingship for a life of ordinary human pursuits. Spending time living with them had given Crag a keener understanding. Keller lived with a spunky mate and a beautiful child. The foolish look on Keller's face every time he looked at his mate gave Crag pause. What would he give to turn the clock back and agree to have children with Sybille? And yet, comparing his former life to Keller's wasn't the same. He would never have been able to force

himself to love Sybille the way she loved him, therefore his guilt endured. Keller told him having a life mate was physical. Something to do with what earthlings called pheromones. Whatever they were. Weeks ago, Crag had admitted his failure and consuming guilt over Sybille's untimely death immediately upon his arrival on Earth once he and Keller were alone. A single broken sensor on their spacecraft had failed to announce the uncharted asteroid field their craft drifted into during the fateful flight. Crag spewed forth all his rage to Keller over the event that caused Sybille to lose her life. He also expressed his long-held guilt over not loving her as she had loved him and his additional sorrow at his bleak future. Keller listened and nodded but didn't offer any advice right away. Keller made it easy for Crag to remain away from his haunting memories and empty routine on Tiburon by offering unlimited sanctuary on Earth. "You may stay as long as you wish,” Keller told him. “Gabrielle is due to deliver the babies in a few weeks. The Earth healer said because she is carrying twins, she might deliver early. It would be helpful to me if you watched over our apartment while we're gone and until we move into our new dwelling." "What about your boy, little Craig? Do you want me to watch over him also?" "Thank you for offering, but it is already taken care of. Will you be all right here all alone?" Crag shrugged and then nodded but didn't offer any words. "I'm more sorry than I can express over Sybille's death." Crag flinched at hearing her name but quickly recovered and said, “Thank you." "Don't regret the kindness you showed to Sybille in her last moments, Crag. It doesn't make you less of a man.” Keller was his lifelong friend. If anyone could understand, Keller would. "No, it makes me a liar." "You're hopeless. What if you find your life mate in the next couple of years? It doesn't mean you didn't care deeply for Sybille." Crag pierced Keller with his angriest look. “I loved her. Just not the way she wanted." "You don't feel guilty because she died. You are distraught because you have a second chance to find your true life mate through her death." Resentment flared at his friend's statement. He almost struck Keller before thinking. He lowered the fist he didn't remember raising and said, “Cease your words." "I'll stop after I tell you one last thing. I know you loved Sybille. You life partnered with her in good faith. You held yourself pure for her as she did for you. Just because she wasn't your true life mate doesn't mean it was not a valid life partnership. Not all partnerships are based on love. Before I met Gabrielle, I was in negotiations to life partner with Maura's sister, Lena. I knew she was not my life mate. If I had partnered with Lena, it would have been the same between us as it was for you and Sybille. I'm lucky I found Gabrielle." "I'm not sure it's the same thing,” Crag muttered. "If Sybille had lived, you would have been a faithful, caring partner to her until the day one of you died naturally. If she had lived and you had died on the star craft, would you want her to end her life with yours?"

"Of course not. She deserved so much more." "What didn't she get with you that she deserved?" "A child." Keller shrugged. “You were only together a short while." "We talked about it right before she died. She wanted to carry a life inside her so much. She glowed with the wish to carry my child, and I was uncertain. I should have agreed." "You cannot feel guilty for that over which you have no control. Let it go." "With her last breath, she believed I wanted to die rather than life partner with anyone else. I lied to her as she perished in my arms." Keller sighed deeply. “You need to forgive yourself, my friend. As I see it, you did nothing wrong. Sybille would forgive you. Why did you ever agree to life partner with her if you didn't love her?" "I did love her ... just not enough." "What's enough?" Crag sighed. “I don't know." **** Crag had gone to where Keller worked at the University as a professor and signed up to volunteer his talents in self-defense combat tactics. The part time job would keep him occupied. It was soothing to be in a different world where no one expected him to carry out the commonplace duties of his command. He'd always enjoyed his responsibilities as The Commander. He wanted to enjoy them again, therefore, coming to Earth had been a good idea. He simply needed a break from his routine. Soon he'd return to Tiburon with a clear head and a desire to fulfill his responsibilities. Crag also spent more time with Gabrielle than he ever had before. The fragile bond of tolerance between them worked fairly well as time moved forward even if it wasn't quite perfect. He gained more understanding of Keller's love for Gabrielle by watching them together. Keller loved her, and it was obvious to Crag after living with them that Gabrielle also adored Keller. Crag's harsh attitude of her faded the longer he spent in her company. In order to facilitate the living arrangement, Crag had been helping Gabrielle around their domicile while Keller was at work. To that end, he had just returned from the grocery store with what Gabrielle called the essentials. The essentials, according to Gabrielle, consisted of bread, milk, and peanut butter. Crag carried a bag of groceries he'd been instructed to retrieve from the store on the corner down the street. He entered the apartment building with a single plastic shopping bag in one hand and nearly knocked down one of the other apartment residents, the beautiful female earthling he had admired before. Crag thought his heart had risen to his throat as he stood there and gaped at her. The earthling was tall. Her rich, dark hair spilled over her elegant shoulders. Her palms came up in front of her. “Oh, I'm sorry." Crag nodded and stepped to the left as the gorgeous brunette moved in the precise same direction at the exact same time. Again, they faced each other, unable to move forward on their respective trajectories. He noted her eyes were a vivid shade of green.

"I'm so sorry,” she said again as a vibrant grin shaped her lush mouth. Crag focused on her lips as he moved. As if they'd synchronized it in advance, they both took another step. This time, they moved to his right. They were back in the same place as they'd started, still unable to move forward. "Would you like to dance?” she asked and laughed. The musical quality of her sultry voice washed over him, and he couldn't respond for a moment. "Dance?” he finally managed to ask. His feet were rooted to the floor almost toe-to-toe with hers. He took the opportunity to gaze into her eyes then narrowed his own in question and asked, “You wish to dance with me?" Her sudden laughter filled the apartment building entryway, bouncing off the walls and warming his heart. “I honestly wouldn't mind dancing with you, but I'm not very good at it. I'd stomp all over your feet, and you'd be left with a permanent limp." Crag let a smile shape his lips. His eyes still rested on her full lips. She was perfection. She reached out to him. He couldn't move. He wasn't prepared for her to lay hands on him. She placed her hands on his upper arms. Her sudden touch vibrated through his body. He held his breath. She grasped his biceps firmly and twisted his upper torso sideways. He let her move his body where she wanted. His feet also shifted to one side as her head turned down to look at the floor between them. The floral fragrance of her thick, dark hair assaulted his senses, and he leaned toward her to take a deeper breath before realizing what he'd done. She smelled very nice, and a long dormant feeling rose in him. He wanted her. The dark-haired earthling lifted her head. A smile graced her face, and he couldn't help but notice her mouth was now very close to his. A thread of desire pounded through him, fighting for a chance to be recognized. Crag wondered what might happen next. "There!” She squeezed his arms once and unfortunately let go of him. She leaned out of his sensory range, but he was rewarded with her touch again as she patted his shoulder several times with one hand. "There?” A deep, nearly forgotten place inside him wanted to lean forward and inhale her delectable scent again. He longed to touch her arms in return, but he forcibly stopped. She grinned at him again. “Yes, now we can continue on with our lives." Crag didn't want to continue on with his life. He wanted to know who she was. He smiled at the dark-haired earthling and prepared to ask her name, but she darted away through the apartment building's front door. He turned his head and watched her go. "Have a great day!” she called out over her shoulder and disappeared from his view. He clenched the white plastic grocery bag and got his emotions under control. The dark-haired earthling was beautiful and someone he needed to avoid at all costs. He wasn't here to find a woman for any reason. It didn't matter how beautiful she was or how wonderful she smelled. Crag turned toward the hallway, refusing to think about her hands on his arms. He would not allow the memory of the delicious pressure of her touch to register. He was not here to find an earthling. He would not think of her again, would he? Crag wondered if he'd developed pheromones for the dark haired earthling. If he hadn't promised to help Keller, Crag knew he might consider leaving Earth before he discovered and acted on his attraction to this dark-haired earthling.

The birth of Keller and Gabrielle's twin daughters later the same night derailed any sudden plans for his return to Tiburon. This momentous event also served to distract him from his wayward emotions for a dark-haired earthling he needed to stop thinking about anyway.

Chapter Two Crag stared at the stars blazing in the night sky as he sat on his Earth conveyance called a motorcycle. The quiet parking area outside the apartment building made stargazing a must before entering his temporary domain. With Gabrielle's gestational confinement completed, she and the children were ensconced in their new larger dwelling. Now, their old home was his. He found he liked the peace and quiet of his own space, although he did miss little Craig. Day to day, he enjoyed an undemanding schedule, working part time at the college law enforcement training center on the campus where Keller was employed. He enjoyed it in the short term, but the time was fast approaching when he'd leave Earth and return to Tiburon. A month or two more perhaps, and he would resume his duties as The Commander at Arms to the Queen, hopefully with a clearer head. But for now, the quiet solitude of the open space around him was enough. Tonight, several star groups clustered the skies above. Earthlings called them constellations. He took a deep breath of crisp night air and allowed the peaceful evening to envelop and relax him until a large vehicle roared into the other side of the parking area, breaking his tranquility. It barely squealed to a halt before the passenger door flew open and a woman jumped out and slammed the door behind her. He hoped the intruders would enter the building quickly and leave him alone to his stargazing. Taking a closer look at the woman, he realized with a sudden punch to his awareness, she was the dark-haired earth girl he'd been avoiding for the last few weeks. She fascinated him, but he took great pains to steer clear of her. He was not here to pursue a woman, he reminded himself again, no matter how gorgeous and enticing he found her. Crag stayed in the shadows so she wouldn't notice him before retiring inside. The driver's door then opened and a man exited quickly. He intercepted her around the front of the car. The headlights of the vehicle lit them both, and Crag saw her clearly. She was upset. "Ellie, darling, please don't be cross with me. You know I love you. Why can't you see reason?” The man's placating voice carried across the parking area to where Crag sat motionless. "Because there's no good reason for what you're doing. I don't understand why you would do this to me.” The dark-haired girl's voice, raised in excitement, carried across the space to him. The sultry sound, slightly lower in tone than he'd remembered from his dreams, delivered a blow to his heightened senses. He was unable to turn away from her, wanting to hear her speak more, to listen to the music of her words. "I must marry Bitsy. But it doesn't mean I don't love you, darling. You know that I adore you as no other woman in my past." "But I thought you wanted to marry me.” She put her hand to her chest, punctuating her plea. “I thought you loved me." "I do love you. Don't you understand that, as my mistress, you'll have much more of my attention than as my wife. I promise you, once I spend a few months settling in with Bitsy, then we'll go right back to where we are now."

Crag knew what the term mistress was from his short time on Earth. It meant a sexual companionship without commitment to life partnership. On Tiburon, the only term similar in meaning was conjuxtrix. It wasn't quite the same thing. Conjuxtrix loosely meant ‘inappropriate life partner to the king.’ Still, Crag didn't blame the dark-haired girl for not wanting to be the man's inappropriate companion after he committed himself to another. Crag wished he could offer her solace, but he remained silent in his shadowed hiding place. "No. Forget it. It's over between us.” The dark-haired girl turned away from the man, lowered her head and stood with arms wrapped around hugging herself. Crag thought he heard her sob as if in anguish. "Don't be that way, darling. Give me three or four months at the very most, and I'll set you up in a nicer place, and everything will be as it was.” The man crossed to where she stood. Running her hands up and down her arms, she let out a very distinct sound of sadness. "I don't want to be your mistress." "Darling, of course you do.” The man wrapped his arms around her to hug her, but she broke from his embrace. "Don't touch me!" "Ellie, please, you're breaking my heart." "Join the club. My heart is already broken. When you told me you had important news to tell me, I thought you were going to ask me to marry you. I didn't expect you to callously inform me about your wedding plans to another woman." "Please try to understand, love. As a Farnsworth, I must marry within my own class. I don't have a choice." "You do have a choice, but you've already decided that I'm not good enough." "It has nothing to do with being good enough. I'm simply required to marry someone from money and a high social standing in order for my family to continue my allowance. I must do this tiny thing to maintain my funds and ensure the standard of living to which I've become accustomed.” The man smiled. "I don't care if you have money. Please don't marry her." "But you see, darling, I do care about money. I won't give up my inheritance. You simply can't ask that of me." "If you really loved me, you'd give the money up. I refuse to be your mistress. Either break up with Bitsy, or it's over between us. I mean it." "Don't be ridiculous, darling. Ultimatums never work. Now, I'm marrying Bitsy, and that's final. During the next few months until the wedding, I'll be required to attend various pre-nuptial functions. But I want you to know that I'll miss you, darling, so very much. "I'll promise you here and now that when I'm on our month long honeymoon to Europe, I'll only be thinking of you." Her sharp intake of breath told Crag she was hurt by the man's remark. It was the look on her face at that precise moment which made Crag want to go against his better judgment and intervene. Instead, he remained seated. It was none of his business, yet the look of utter betrayal on the face of the dark-haired

girl—no, Ellie's face—disturbed him. That was her name, according to the foolishly arrogant man before her. Crag hadn't seen her this close since that one time in the entryway to their apartment building. He continued his perusal of her from a distance whenever the opportunity presented itself. The dark-haired earthling was as stunning as the vision of her in his dreams each night, despite the harsh brilliance of the vehicle's twin spotlights. "I can't believe you think I'll wait for you while you go off on a honeymoon with someone else. We're through, Brandon. I want you gone right now. Don't ever call me again." "Don't be hasty, Ellie. I know you don't mean it. Tell you what I'll do. I'll give you a week or two to cool off, and I'll break away from the nuptial chaos and call you." "Don't call me. Just stay away. I never want to see you again." The man gave her a tolerant look before he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. He climbed into his vehicle without another word and drove away. The dark-haired girl—Ellie—bent at the waist and wept mournfully. He understood her sadness. He wanted to cross the distance between them and comfort her, but he remained where he sat. He didn't trust himself to get too close. Still bent over in seeming pain, she turned and took a couple of shuffling steps towards the entrance of their apartment building. With her arms hugging her waist and her head directed at her knees, she didn't appear to be watching where she walked. Crag expelled the deep breath he'd been holding and silently dismounted from the motor conveyance Keller had loaned him. Keller called the motorcycle a ‘babe magnet.’ Gabrielle wouldn't let Keller ride it anymore because Earth women tried to molest him when he did. Crag didn't know what a babe magnet was, nor did he care to have women try to molest him. He had a barrier, and earth women did nothing to entice his carnal side. Except for the dark-haired girl named Ellie. She continued her stumbling gait forward through the parking lot. She was going to have an accident if she didn't look where she stepped. Crag moved slowly toward her, his eyes focused on the object of his fascination. He stepped into the halo of the lamplight and paused to let his presence be known. He didn't want to startle her. She didn't look up at him or notice she wasn't alone. Instead, she tripped over a cement parking barrier and fell to her hands and knees. "Damn it,” she said on another sob and remained on hands and knees. Her body shook. "Do you need assistance?” Crag stood unmoving. She sucked in a breath of surprise and lifted off her hands, turning towards him but still resting on her knees. Crag remained where he stood and offered what he hoped was a non-threatening gaze. Ellie caught his look and held it with one of her own. She seemed to relax and recognize him. Her lips shaped into a winsome smile as she gave him a quick look from head to toes. The ‘once over’ was what Keller called it. He'd gotten it a couple of times at an Earth drinking establishment they'd visited to celebrate the birth of Keller's twin daughters. This was the first time he'd enjoyed it. Crag took three slow steps in her direction before he squatted down to her level. “Are you hurt?" She swallowed and a blush came up in her cheeks. Her eyes scanned him quickly from head to knees

once again. Her curious gaze warmed him inside and out. "Just my pride,” she said in a soft voice. “Did you hear everything?" Crag didn't respond. She didn't need to know he'd heard the conversation. He offered her a smile and his hand instead. “Let me help you up." She slipped her hand over Crag's arm and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Her fingers then slid down to caress the back of his hand. Her cool fingertips sizzled across Crag's skin as if she'd struck a match and burned him with her touch. Ellie clinched Crag's hand tighter as she stood before him also not moving. The delicious scent of her perfume now wafting through his brain distracted him. He put his other hand on hers, trapping it between his fingers. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “You did the right thing. You deserve to be treated like a queen." When he retreated from her, he noticed a slight smile on her beautiful face. She studied his eyes a moment, and then her gaze lowered to his mouth. A stab of lust at her regard made him realized he should move away before he did anything foolish. He would not touch his mouth to hers. But he wanted to. Crag released her hand and took a step back to get a grip on his rioting emotions. Ellie stopped him with a hand on his wrist this time. Her touch caressed his arm, sending an arc of electric sensation all the way up to his shoulder. She slipped her fingers through his, and he didn't even make an effort to stop her. For a moment, he had to force himself not to lean in and touch his mouth to hers. Where was his self control? Ellie traced her lush lips with the tip of her tongue as his eyes widened. He swallowed hard and pressed his lips together to gain some measure of control. He wanted very much to have the tip of her tongue absolutely anywhere on his body, but not here, and certainly not while standing in the public parking area of their apartment building. The sudden erotic picture of Ellie locked in passionate embrace with him, her luscious mouth clinging to his, plunged into his mind and clouded his thoughts with desire, keeping him silent. "Thank you,” she whispered. Her fingers were locked in his, and she squeezed tighter as she spoke. Crag nodded not trusting himself to speak and took a half a step away. She stepped closer as if to follow him, but when her foot came down, she cried out, “Ouch! My ankle,” and promptly fell into him. He caught her before she slid to the ground and hauled her against his chest. The soft warmth of her body caressed him. He leaned down and slipped a hand beneath her knees, lifting her into his arms. "Oh, you don't have to carry me.” But she put her arms around his neck and held on tight, snuggling close. Her head rested on his shoulder. When he turned his face towards hers, the scent from her hair wafted into his being. He gripped her tighter, resisting the urge to put his lips against the errant lock of hair at her temple. What was he doing? He should not be holding her this way. He should not even be touching her. He took a deep breath, remembering she was injured. He justified his actions with the knowledge he couldn't desert her with a wounded ankle. "I'll take you to your apartment.” Crag turned and headed to the door of their building, ignoring the soft curves of her body he now embraced.

"Thanks. I live on the second floor, apartment number seven.” Her muffled voice came from near the collar of his motorcycle jacket. He took a deep lungful of air to calm himself and carried her inside. The magnificent scent of her skin traveled to his brain with every inhalation he took. He didn't speak, nor did she. He already knew she lived on the second floor since he'd been avoiding her for these past several weeks. He continued past his apartment, up the double set of stairs, and on to the next landing. Once in front of her door, he lowered her to the ground. She put her weight on one foot but still leaned into him heavily. One of her arms still looped around his neck as she rifled through her purse, which hung from one shoulder. Her head brushed against his jaw as she retrieved her keys with a jingle and unlocked her apartment door. He turned his face and allowed the soft rich curls to brush across his lips a few times before she leaned away to open the door. She turned towards him with a distant smile. Her utterly delectable fragrance invaded him. His stomach tensed along with the majority of his muscles in an effort to keep from clasping her against his chest and touching his mouth to hers until they were both satisfied. She looked sad for a moment before brightening. “Thank you for carrying me up. I know I weigh a ton." Her sultry voice caressed him. He managed to whisper, “It was my pleasure, and you do not weigh very much." She laughed. “You're very kind." Crag cleared his throat, trying in earnest to get hold of himself. His kindness would be in question if he dropped his barrier and planted his mouth on hers as he desired to do. He should excuse himself and run away and hide from her. She was irresistible. His resolve was nonexistent in her immediate presence. "Could I impose upon you to carry me inside?" No, if I enter your apartment, I'll be powerless to stop mouth touching you ... over and over and ... “Of course,” he said with far too much eagerness and swept her back into his arms. Crag carried her into her apartment. She pushed the door shut on their way through. He noted this because now they were alone in a private domain, and his heart raced with possibilities. He should not be her alone with her. Crag stepped further into the living room space, looking for a place to set her down but found he lacked the desire to release her. She pointed to the sofa in front of a small table. “You can put me down there." Crag walked slowly to the piece of furniture she indicated, slipping between it and the low wooden table. He carefully placed her in the center of the cushioned sofa and promptly seated himself on the sturdy square table across from her. His knees rested against the sofa. He proceeded to lift her injured ankle onto his knee, stroking her leg as he told himself he merely wished to assess her injury, but he knew the truth. He wanted the opportunity to touch her. "I don't believe you've broken it.” Crag held her calf in one hand and stroked his fingertips over the top of her ankle. It wasn't swollen or discolored. "I'm sure I'll be fine.” The sultry tone of her voice slammed into his chest. She scooted forward on the sofa. He noticed for the first time that her uninjured leg rested between his knees. The seductive scent of her drifted around him the closer she got.

By Sultana's fury, he should not be in such close proximity to her. Crag lifted his head and was surprised to find her bent forward, her lips moving nearer to his. She put an arm on his shoulder and slipped her hand around his neck. He froze in place unable to move. He wanted her so much. What would be wrong with just a single taste? "Thank you,” she said softly and placed her lips against his.

Chapter Three Crag tried to touch her lips with his quickly and withdraw, but not only did her fingertips sizzle when they touched him, her delicious mouth had the exact same effect. He traced his tongue across her parted lips, doing his best to restrain his ardor. He didn't want to frighten her, but his stomach muscles were clenched as tightly as possible to hold back a full on assault of her lips. What in the name of Sultana was he doing? Using every bit of self-control he possessed, he withdrew and rested his forehead against hers. He took a deep breath and exhaled it, trying to calm his rioting emotions. When he opened his eyes, he saw a curious look in hers. She smiled sweetly, but the look in her eyes said she hadn't been affected by touching his mouth on hers. Not like he had been. He didn't understand why for a moment. Then he remembered what Keller told him about the Tiburon body barrier and mouth touching Earth women. He'd forgotten his barrier was in place. Ellie wouldn't feel the same sensations he did unless he shut down his barrier. No wonder she wasn't impressed. He was a fool anyway. He shouldn't be mouth touching the neighbors. If Gabrielle found out, she'd give him a haughty look of superiority and come after him with that puny grapefruit knife. He deserved it after blatantly ignoring his own restrictions for residing on Earth. "I know my kiss didn't move you.” Embarrassment washed over him. He should stop talking. Why would he admit that to her? Why? What was wrong with him? It was her nearness that completely upset his balance. He should retreat to his own dwelling. Now. "It was still a nice kiss,” she whispered against his lips. Her breath caressed his mouth, and he considered the possibility of lowering his barrier to show her his kiss was anything but nice. Crag managed to smile and nod. His brain still wasn't functioning clearly. "Would you like to try again?” she asked softly. "That would not be a good idea.” Crag closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He should run, not walk, back to his apartment. "Why not? It's just a kiss." Crag ought to politely excuse himself and take his leave as fast as possible. So naturally, he considered the ramifications of kissing her breathless. He opened his eyes and gave her his best predatory smile. He watched as she smiled in return, obviously unaware of what would happen if he put his mouth on hers without his barrier. He leaned closer and in an intimate voice said, “Where I come from, a kiss is sacred. Almost more so than copulation." "Really? Where are you from?” Her eyes widened in question. Crag's mind went blank. He'd constructed a cover story upon his arrival on Earth to tell the few earthlings

who required it. The name completely escaped his mind with her mouth so close and her inquisitive eyes watching him. He couldn't very well tell her he was an alien from the Warrior Planet of Tiburon two galaxies away. Instead, he lowered his barrier, leaned in and placed his mouth directly on hers. Her lips were closed this time, and he licked her. She made a longing sound in her throat and opened for him. Like an aphrodisiac to his senses, he couldn't stop himself from going just a little bit further, just a little bit faster. He slipped his tongue past her lips, exploring her slowly and tenderly. She moaned and tangled her tongue with his. He responded with enthusiasm. Soon, they were hungrily kissing each other. Twisting, tasting, wrapping around then retreating, his tongue danced with hers in perfect rhythm. Her arms circled his neck. She pressed her body closer to his, pushing her mouth more firmly into his. Her injured leg slipped around his hip and wrapped around the back of his waist. Through the fog of his passion, he tried to lift her onto his lap, but the tight space between the sofa and coffee table prevented it. Crag slipped his hands down her back and under her hips. He stood, bringing her with him as he slid his mouth passionately across her lovely lips. Her legs opened and slipped around his waist, clenching him tighter. As they consumed each other, she began to tremble. Crag absorbed every single tremor of her body. Ellie amazed him with her sumptuous lips. He'd never experienced a sensation quite like this before. It was powerful and exhilarating. His climax was moments away. How long had they held this kiss? Minutes? Hours? He didn't know. Ellie writhed in his arms. Her hips ground into his pelvis. Crag groaned deep in his throat, holding onto the pleasure as long as possible before allowing himself the release he desperately sought. He clutched Ellie hard as a monumental climax wrapped his tongue around hers one last exuberant time. He promptly secreted the product of his bliss past her lips. She screamed into his mouth, sharing his pleasure. As his tongue slowed in sated wonder from his release, hers became more energized. She sucked on him, lapping up the flavor of his release. Crag needed to sit. With Ellie wrapped tightly around his body, their lips still connected, he turned and lowered them back down to a small sofa before he fell to the floor. He broke the connection of their lips reluctantly and snuggled her face to his throat, wanting to stay joined to her. The gasps from their labored breathing were the only sounds in the room. Ellie stayed nestled in his arms for a long while. When she looked up, her tear-filled eyes surprised him. "That was ... I don't ... how did...” She put her face in her hands and began to sob. Drops of moisture fell from her eyes, and she started shaking again. Gabrielle did this when she was sad. Crag didn't understand why Ellie was unhappy. He held her close and tried to comfort her. "Shh. Don't be sad, Ellie. I'm sorry if I upset you." Ellie raised her head, swiped her fingers across her eyes and separated from him. She stood up and backed away, favoring her injured ankle. "How did you do that?” she demanded.

"Do what?” He pretended innocence, but knew exactly what had happened to her. "I tasted chocolate when you kissed me, and then I ... I came.” Her whispery voice sounded apprehensive. Frightened. "Came?" "I had an orgasm,” she whispered. "Orgasm?” He knew what it was, but he didn't know what to say to her. Should he be sorry? Was it an occurrence so rare as to be unexplainable? He'd forgotten ... Earth women didn't usually have orgasms while touching lips together. Keller had told him the proper procedure for sexual satisfaction, but Crag had blatantly ignored it to pursue her lips for his own gratification. He should never have kissed Ellie without the barrier. It was an entirely different experience for her. Not like if she were from Tiburon, but on some level, he'd wanted her to feel the release with him. He didn't want her to think his kiss was less than expected or nice ... or worst of all, unworthy. "Don't make me explain an orgasm to you.” She sobbed once, wiping tears from her face. "I know what an orgasm is, Ellie. I'm surprised you experienced one.” Then he smiled with satisfaction and maybe a little smugness. “But I won't apologize for it." "Something isn't right here. I swear I tasted chocolate right before..." The chocolate flavor was trickier to explain. It was a phenomenon Earthlings didn't share in carnal pleasure. At climax, the composition of his saliva changed to a flavor Earth women called chocolate. The chocolate flavor brought them to climax quickly. Keller mentioned it, and Crag only barely paid attention since he hadn't planned any carnal experiences during his sabbatical on Earth. He should have listened more closely. Keller told him what to say if the word chocolate was mentioned. What was that phrase again? "I ate a candy bar right before I saw you,” he said. Ellie's sharp look said she wasn't convinced. He stood up and she stepped back. Was she afraid of him? "I would never hurt you, Ellie." She remained silent, but her rigid stance relaxed slightly. Crag decided it was long past time for him to leave her. "I'm sorry to have upset you. I'd better depart. Good-bye, Ellie.” Crag hated to leave with such tension between them, but didn't know what to do. He needed to call Keller and strategize his options. He marched to the door and opened it. He paused in the doorway, but she didn't call him back. He'd overstepped his bounds. He'd never felt this way with Sybille, never enjoyed such intense carnal pleasures as what he'd experienced with Ellie Guilt ate at him. He had no business doing what he'd just done. He shouldn't have liked it so much, and he especially shouldn't be thinking about the next opportunity to experience it with her. Ellie, his dark-haired earthling, was off limits. ****

Ellie Granger was in a tizzy. Tonight, her boyfriend informed her blithely that he was marrying someone in his own class. Apparently, she wasn't good enough for him. At least not good enough to be his wife since he offered her the position of his mistress. Brandon already knew about her sordid past of growing up with an unwed teenaged mother and an unknown father. At the time, he hadn't seemed to care, but as it turned out, that was because he never intended to marry her. She couldn't believe he expected her to accept a position as his whore on the side once he was married to someone his snobby family considered worthy. All the time they'd spent together the past few months came into her mind. She remembered all the intimate dinners in all those out of the way places. Now, she knew their secluded dining choices were not because Brandon wanted to romance her, but instead he was hiding her from his regular rich life with his social equals. The worst part was that she'd fallen for it. If she were truthful with herself, she recognized the unsettled feeling she'd had these past few weeks with Brandon was warranted. Bits of information sifted through the embarrassment of their break up which, in retrospect, should have warned her that something was not quite right. It hadn't been quite right for some time now. She realized it was foolish to have expected him to propose to her tonight. Brandon had never introduced her to any member of his family. Her boss Mr. Warner was a good friend of Brandon's, but she was not allowed to advertise their relationship to him. Brandon told her it was crass to flaunt their association publicly. Ellie had gone along with his strict, old-fashioned ideas regarding public displays of affection. She thought he loved her. In his own snobby way, Brandon probably did love her. However, she was proud enough not to accept the position of mistress where he'd thrust her. She never wanted to see him again. She wouldn't be anyone's mistress. And then her gorgeous new neighbor had stepped in and graciously carried her all the way inside her apartment. She had taken the opportunity to kiss him. Ellie told herself it was to soothe her bruised ego, but in truth, she'd wanted to put her lips on this gorgeous man for weeks, ever since the first time she'd seen him in the entry way and asked him if he wanted to dance. She didn't know his name, but she watched for him thereafter. She hadn't seen him again until tonight when he emerged from the darkness like a guardian angel dressed in black leather to rescue her from her own clumsiness. The first time their lips touched, the feeling had been very sedate and nice. The second effort was very different. During the most delectable kiss of her life, something happened, something extraordinary. She'd let him walk away as if he should be ashamed of what he'd done. He told her he wouldn't apologize for it, but Ellie wasn't looking for him to say he was sorry. She just wanted to know how he made her come with a single kiss. Her knight hadn't removed any of her clothing. His large hands hadn't even dipped below her belt. Unbelievable. Women didn't climax during kisses. They just didn't. Still she shouldn't have freaked out and chased him away. He didn't do anything wrong. Ellie owed her neighbor a huge apology. Embarrassed, she realized she hadn't bothered to get his name. She knew Keller and Gabrielle moved to a larger place, and her hero had sublet the apartment from them. She dug around her junk drawer, looking for the scrap of paper on which she'd written Gabrielle's

new phone number. He'd been her knight is shining black leather tonight. He helped her when she fell. He carried her after she was injured. Best of all, he kissed her all better and made her climax. She should at least find out his name.

Chapter Four Crag entered his apartment and paced the floor of his living room, trying to decide what to do. Did he need to do anything? Perhaps. He needed to know what to expect. Knowing he might live to regret it, he called Keller to ask his advice. The ingrate laughed out loud when Crag explained everything that had happened. He included the damning information of the second time he mouth touched Ellie, the one without his barrier in place. "Do you remember what you said when I mouth touched Gabrielle the second time?” Keller asked. Crag sighed. “No, but I'm certain you'll remind me right now." "Okay, the truth is, I don't remember either, but you were very angry with me, and you sported a look like I was crazed or foolish. Now, perhaps you understand what drove me to it." "Perhaps I do, but it doesn't help me. How can I explain to her? What should I do?" "We're going to have to consult with Gabrielle..." "No.” Anything but that. "Crag, don't be foolish. There is no one else to ask." "Well, then, tell her to be civil." "Ha. That's a good one. You tell her. You're the one who mouth touched an earthling with your barrier down." "Hi, Crag. Gabrielle here, I've been listening in on the extension. Of course I'll be nice to you. Just as nice as you were to me. Would you like a cup of tea for starters?" She once again referred to the distant past when Crag had drugged her beverage and sent her back to Earth to save Keller from having to life partner with her. She brought it up at every opportunity. Crag understood she liked to provoke him as well. "Gabrielle, are you going to help me or not?" "Bring her flowers." "Flowers?" "Get a bouquet of flowers and take them to her tomorrow morning. Let her sleep on it for tonight. She'll fill in the blanks and figure out her own explanation for what happened. You need to let her do this. Are you planning a long-term affair with her?" "I wasn't planning anything with her. I just don't want what's already happened to ... end badly." "It may be too late, you know." "Perhaps, but she seemed so upset..." "Crag, you must listen to me. It's obvious you care for her. I watched you slobber over her when you stayed with us,” Gabrielle said.

"I did not slobber over her, puny earthling." "Sure you did. You stared until my son finally captured your attention. That's the very definition of slobbering, Mr. Superior Militant Alien." "I thought you said you were going to be nice." Gabrielle's long-suffering sigh reached him over the communication device. “If you're planning a long-term affair, you will need to do different things, say different things, than if you merely wish to clear up the one body-rocking kiss you already delivered. Do you understand?" "Yes, I think so." "In the short term, take her flowers tomorrow and let her do all the talking. It was late. She'd just broken up with her boyfriend. You came to her rescue when she hurt her ankle. Her emotions were heightened when you carried her to her apartment." "If you want me to repeat anything you just said, I'll need to take notes." "No, it's what she will think up to say to you. You just nod and smile a lot, whatever she says. Agree with her in this one matter. Okay?" "What if the relationship were to continue?" "Are you going to tell her where you're from?" "Of course not. I don't plan on making Earth my permanent domain." "Then take care to keep your barrier in place if you put your lips on her anymore." It was his turn to sigh. “As you wish." "Would it really be so awful to make Earth your home, Crag?" "I am the Commander at Arms for the Royal House of Tiburon. I come from a long line of warriors who have faithfully served the Queen or King through the last millennium. I'm not Keller. I will never give my post up permanently." "Never say never, Crag,” she said. “And good luck tomorrow. I hope everything works out. I like Ellie. She's a very sweet person." "I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, Gabrielle." "You're welcome..." In the background noise of the device he held, Crag heard the wail of an infant. Crag's heart contracted a little at the sound of Keller's domestic life. A loud click on the communication device terminated the connection. The twin infant girls Gabrielle delivered the month before were wrenchingly beautiful. Keller was very fortunate in the choices he'd made. Crag staunched an immediate pang of regret with a sudden fearful notion that he'd die alone with no one to miss him or carry on his line. This was completely foolish. He'd simply go back to Tiburon and find his life mate. How difficult could it be? He'd already mouth touched an earthling and felt more than ever before in his limited past. Surely there was a woman on Tiburon who could make him feel the same way.

Because he knew in his soul he wouldn't remain on Earth. Not for anyone. Moments later Keller returned the call to ensure all of Crag's questions were answered. He then began a lengthy, unneeded repeat discourse on all the procedures and components for carnal activities on Earth. Crag managed an affirmative or negative grunt now and again as Keller lectured him. Then he heard a noise. Was that a knock at his door? **** Ellie managed to knock on her hero's door before losing her nerve. She hugged closer to the doorframe to hide from other nosey tenants who might pop out and catch her. Her ankle was still tender, but she could walk on it without limping. She still trembled from the orgasm she'd experienced in the muscular arms of a total stranger. He rescued her from humiliation, carried her home, kissed her until she came, and she let him walk out without a word. She hadn't found Gabrielle's new number, so she still didn't know his name. The man who gave her the most powerful orgasm in literally a year walked away after her petulance, and she'd let him go. She was probably a fool to be chasing him, but she couldn't stop herself. After several minutes of severely berating herself, she'd gathered her courage and trailed him down to her friend's old apartment. A smart woman would have already tackled him at the front door, hauled his unconscious body into the apartment, and chained him to the nearest bed. She raised her hand to knock again, but he opened the door abruptly. His eyes registered surprise. He motioned her inside while grunting brief responses into his cell phone. Whoever he spoke with on the phone seemed to be doing all the talking. He closed the door behind her and leaned on it, effectively barring her escape should she change her mind. Ellie pretended serenity and stepped further into his apartment, looking around the austere room. The furniture was sparse and obviously left from the former tenants. She recognized Gabrielle's old sofa. The rest of the space was neat if not full of worldly possessions. This man had ‘temporary resident’ practically stamped on his forehead. Ellie tried to back off on her judgment of him. She had no right to judge. He'd saved her from the humiliating result of her break up with Brandon, a pompous snob born with a silver spoon crammed in his mouth. The man who'd told her he loved her, and in the same breath, actually expected her to live as his mistress because he needed to marry someone more worthy of his social station. Ellie glanced around her hero's space again and relaxed slightly. She was here to apologize, not rate him on the austere decorations of his apartment. His seemingly temporary life only registered because, in some ways, she was reminded of the men who had shared her mother's life on a regular basis. Ellie never knew her real father, and her mother never talked about him. Motorcycles, sparse furnishings, leather, and especially dangerous dark looks encompassed many of the traits her hero shared in common with the men frequenting her childhood in the form of ‘Uncles.’ If this stranger possessed a tattoo and planned on leaving in the near future, the picture would be identical. Although she did notice his temperament was less abrasive than any of the men in her mother's past. And he was sexy as hell, too. He completed his call and turned his ferocious gaze to her. His expectant look filled the space between

them. She didn't know who looked more uncomfortable. "I ... um ... wanted to say ... sorry..." "Don't. You owe me no apologies. I'm sorry if I acted inappropriately." "No, it was rude of me to chase you off. I don't even know your name.” She felt a blush warm her cheeks and looked away. "That's because when I watch your mouth, I forget what my name is,” he said with self-deprecating humor. Laughter bubbled through her. "My name is Crag ... Tyler." "Crag,” she repeated his name. “That's unusual. Crag. I like it." "Thanks.” He was absolutely, hands down, the sexiest man she'd ever seen. "I'm Ellie Granger,” she replied, then resisted the urge to stick out her hand to him. If he took it, she didn't think she'd be able to stop herself from planting her needy lips on him. Somewhere. Anywhere. Everywhere. And that wasn't why she'd come here. Was it? "Pleased to meet you, Ellie.” He didn't extend his hand either. The thought of his hands on her, accompanied by a vivid sensual picture, slammed into her mind, and familiar heat rose in her face again. "Is your ankle still sore?” His gaze ran down her body to her feet. Ellie remembered his warm hands stroking her calf directly before that amazing kiss. She felt the blush come into her cheeks again. "No. It doesn't even hurt anymore." "Good." This man was dangerous to all of her aroused senses. If she were smart, she'd run like the devil was after her and lock herself in her bedroom. But she'd established earlier, she wasn't smart. Otherwise, this intriguing man would already be chained to her bed. This vibrant thought made her suck in a breath at another very erotic picture now playing on the movie screen of her underfed libido. It was time to change the subject to something more mundane. "So, I see you haven't redecorated since Gabrielle and Keller moved out." "No, I'm only here temporarily." Of course he was only here temporarily. That left only the tattoo question to be resolved. "Are they friends of yours, Gabrielle and Keller, I mean?" "Yes, Keller is my very best friend from childhood." "Where are you from again?” He had a slight accent she didn't recognize. Not Irish, but something European maybe.

"Far, far away.” He smiled as if it were a game not to let her know where he came from. It probably made it easier for him to make a clean getaway. Jeez. What was wrong with her? She'd come down to apologize for her rude behavior, not judge him for his apparent drifter lifestyle. "Would you like something to drink?” he asked. "Sure.” What the heck? She followed him to the kitchen. "Where do you work, Crag?" "I teach a class at the college." "You're a professor like Keller?” She knew her voice sounded incredulous. She never had a teacher in college who looked like Crag, or Keller for that matter. Wherever they came from, the folks must be Amazon-like in height. Both men were nearly six and a half feet tall. "No, not exactly. I help teach a night class in self defense three times a week.” He reached into the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of Snapple strawberry lemonade. "Is this acceptable?" "Sure.” Never in her wildest dreams would she expect Snapple from a man like this. She'd been prepared to gag down a sip or two of beer. "So, if you work part time, what do you do full time? Do you go to school?" "No, I'm on what you call ... a sabbatical from my regular life." "Trying to find yourself?” His quizzical look told her he didn't understand. The acrimonious childhood she'd led with her mother caused her to equate the phrase finding oneself immediately to, I'm too lazy to get a full-time job. She twisted the lid off her drink and took a sip. It was sweet and tart, like her attitude tonight. "No, I recognize precisely where I am,” he said as though he didn't like it here. She should quit judging him. She didn't know him. A flash of their earlier kiss and her resulting physical response skated through her brain. Wouldn't you love to ‘know’ him though, in the biblical sense? asked a voice from her dark side. That same voice continued to throw vivid erotic pictures into her consciousness. He wrenched the lid off his bottle and lifted the beverage to his mouth. Tilting his head back, he drank deeply. She watched, mesmerized by the movement of his muscles as he drank. The kitchen light caught the glint of the blond in his hair, drawing her gaze to his head. What was the significance, she mused, of having the streak of blond in his dark hair? To make some sort of statement? Blatant rebellion? Because it was so sexy? Definitely, door number three. He lowered the bottle and directed a rapacious gaze her way. She recognized that look. It was just like the one he'd given her earlier before kissing her breathless. Ellie stepped closer to him as if magnetically drawn. What would he be like in bed? Based on her experience earlier, she suspected she'd need days to recover from a single night with him. She took a step closer to him, and the true reason she was here lodged in her brain.

She wanted ... no, needed to spend a night with a man like this. A man who could give her pleasure with no strings attached. She refused to be a mistress, but she was warming to the idea of a quick rebound relationship right about now. Then she could walk away without guilt. She wasn't usually attracted to a man such as this, but she certainly could be. She never had the opportunity to meet knights in shining black leather in her daily life. She was the director of a prestigious and very exclusive art and antiquities gallery. She'd scraped herself up from nothing to acquire the life she enjoyed. Rich influential people with surly attitudes surrounded her every day of her life. Why was she so attracted to this dark, dangerous looking man? Because he saved you after the humiliating break up with Brandon, and because his kisses make you climax, said the dark voice. Right. Why couldn't she allow herself this one night to experience a man simply because she wanted him? It wasn't like she had to marry him. It didn't make her a slut or a mistress ... or like her mother. She missed the tender loving care of a man who knew what to do with a woman in bed. Had she ever felt that? Fleeting memories from too long ago faded in and right back out again. It was long past time for a new memory. If Crag's kiss was any indication of his prowess in bed, well then, she wanted to be able to keep up and not disappoint him. She took a final, determined step, which placed her directly in his personal space. He didn't stop her, just watched her thoughtfully. "What would you say if I told you I wanted to spend the night with you ... tonight,” she whispered. Her face heated with her own audacity. His brows drew together in consideration but not puzzlement. He understood. "Why?" "I need...” To ... what, feel better about herself? To spend time with a man she wouldn't have to see again? The inevitable hot monkey love, which would feel so incredible? "What do you need, Ellie?" "I need a man who...” she paused to find the right words, “...thinks I deserve to be treated like a queen. Can you understand?" "Ellie.” He said her name on a sigh as if there were some monumental problem with her request. "Please, Crag. Don't make me beg you.” She dropped her gaze to the floor so she wouldn't start pleading. She would simply die of embarrassment if he turned her down. Then another more horrible thought occurred to her. What if he didn't find her desirable and he was only being a decent guy earlier in her apartment? She was the one who requested he carry her inside. She was the one who instigated the first kiss between them. She was the one who practically demanded he kiss her that second, amazing time. He'd played the knight in shining armor for her all evening, but that didn't mean he wanted to sleep with her. Just because he seemed like the type of man who wouldn't turn down a sexual request didn't mean he was looking to go to bed with her. She was so foolish. Of course, he didn't want to sleep with her.

Pin pricks of sensation dotted the tops of her eyeballs, a precursor to the tears that would fall if she didn't get out of his apartment. Right now! She turned towards the door and her imminent escape. How far to the door? Three seconds perhaps, and she should run for it. As she prepared to escape the embarrassment she had caused herself, an unexpected thing happened. His arms locked around her, keeping her in place before him. He then hauled her up until her eyes, now stinging with hot tears, were even with his. "You don't have to beg me, Ellie, but I don't wish to mislead you. I'll be going home soon. It's not likely I'll be back this way again. Do you understand?" She paused only a fraction of a second before saying, “Yes, I understand.” She was about to embark on a planned one-night stand. Her first. “I'm only asking for one night, I promise.” His eyes darkened in response to her hopeful plea. Still clenched in his powerful embrace, she watched as his head dipped to her throat. She leaned back, allowing him access to the spot just below her jaw line. His lips traced a path to the sensitive place below her ear. The sizzle of his warm tongue on the pressure point sent a shudder through her. He held her as if she weighed as little as a feather. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tried to kiss his lips. He dodged her mouth, which then landed on his whiskered cheek. He drew back, locking his eyes to hers in a heat-filled gaze. His predatory smile said he had other wicked pleasures in mind before allowing her lips to caress his. Ellie hoped she hadn't just bitten off more than she could chew. Crag carried her, still crushed to his massive chest, into his bedroom. The only piece of furniture was the bed, and it was huge. Her eyes widened in lustful reverie when she saw it. Visions of writhing naked bodies slammed into her mind, courtesy of her libido. Calm down, she wanted to say. I'm letting him seduce me as fast as I can. "Don't be frightened,” he whispered. "I'm not.” Although, wrapped in his arms she better not be scared. She couldn't move if she wanted to, and she didn't want to until he fulfilled every one of her most recent lusty fantasies. "Will you tell me what you like? Or should I explore you with my hands and mouth to find out for myself?" Another nervous laugh bubbled up. “Both." He released his grip on her and she slid down his body until her feet touched the floor. The warmth of him enveloped her. She smelled her own arousal. He whispered something else she missed due to the staccato beat of her heart thumping wildly against her chest. "What did you say?" He bent closer placing his lips to her ear, “I said, let's make tonight last in our hearts forever." She thought that was the sweetest thing she'd ever heard and responded with a breathless, “Okay."

Chapter Five Crag undressed Ellie with reverent leisure. His mind raced with all the possibilities of the coming night. Keller had just given him a refresher course in all the sexual rules of this planet. Crag was grateful for the first time since listening to the lecture. Keller was ever the professor, even in describing carnal pleasures on Earth. He would have to use his reproductive organ to pleasure her—'cock’ was the Earth word he learned from watching late night television transmissions. He hadn't actually needed Keller's carnal pleasures lecture, in truth. This would certainly be an unusual experience but exciting nonetheless. He knew about the device used to contain his seed should he lose himself in the experience. Crag scoffed at the idea of ever losing control of his lengthened cock during a carnal experience. However, Keller insisted it was more difficult than expected with female earthlings. He'd handed Crag a box of something called condoms soon after his arrival to Earth. When Keller explained in detail the procedure for use of the latex device, Crag was dubious about ever wanting to experience earth-styled sex, especially if he was expected to use this condom device every time. But Ellie may expect him to, and he wanted to fulfill her request, so he would do this for her. Where was that box? "Oh, Crag,” she moaned, breaking his thoughts. She grabbed his face, and her mouth landed on the corner of his, skyrocketing his ardor. He pulled her against his chest and guided her backwards towards his bed. Her lips slid over his, and the electric sensation of the contact nearly brought him to his knees. After their earlier experience, he should be able to control himself better, but found with Ellie he lacked any willpower whatsoever. The exquisite and powerful touch of their lips felt more like their first mouth touching experience. The barest pressure of her mouth caused him unbelievably satisfying pleasure. Finding a reserve Crag didn't know existed, he broke from her lips. An inhuman gasp tore from her. He buried his face in her throat to slow things down, concentrating on removing their clothing. The top of Ellie's head came right under his chin, making her above average for a human female. She wasn't too skinny, either. She was nicely filled out, muscular in a feminine way. Beautiful. She was more of a fighter than she allowed herself to believe, making her all the more attractive. He loved strong women. Ellie had an inner spirit he admired. He knew this because she came and sought him out. She'd asked him for this one night. He didn't stop to consider the ramifications of his actions. He wanted her. It was the first such desire he'd felt for a female either here or at home. He wanted a carnal interlude with her. He wouldn't have sought it out or pressured Ellie for further contact, but he wanted to quench his desire with her lips once more. Crag kissed her bare shoulder. He kissed her neck, all the while caressing her hips and waist with his fingertips. He dropped down to plant his mouth on the tip of one breast, and she shuddered so violently, he thought he'd hurt her. He pulled away, releasing her nipple, and she clamped his head back to her breast. Smiling internally, he bent at the waist and continued his assault of her perfect nipples. He alternated between the two while she vibrated in response. Now, it was time to try out some things he'd learned Earth women liked. He backed her up and lowered her to the center of his bed. She tried to kiss his mouth again, but he knew he wouldn't last long if she did. Chuckling, he dodged her lips and planted his mouth briefly on one nipple to distract her. She moaned.

He kissed his way from her luscious nipples and past her smooth belly. He licked the top of her thigh then ran his unshaven chin down the inside of the same thigh to her knee. She rose up on her elbows with a stricken look. He stopped immediately. “What's wrong?" "I've never...” She paused and stared at him. "What?" "I've never had a man ... put his mouth on me before." "Well, I haven't done it in a long while,” and certainly never to a gorgeous, dark-haired earthling. “I hope I remember how.” He smiled seductively and licked his way up her leg from knee to inner thigh while she watched him wide-eyed and pensive. He parted the curls hiding her clitoris and firmly stroked his tongue over the small nub as she watched. He saw her head drop back, but the sensation of his tongue on her flesh and the smell of her arousal generated a sharp, visceral longing in his body and made his breath come unbidden in a sudden gasp. He very nearly released his own passion. Crag closed his eyes, panting once or twice against the center of her body to gain some control, but found he had very little. The scent of her arousal wrapped around him, but he vowed to get hold of his libido. He would pleasure her first. He took a deep breath and moved his mouth in closer, placing the sensitive nub of her flesh between his lips and sucked on her. Hard. Then he licked her once, lapping up the tasty essence of her passion for him. Then he sucked her clit again. Harder. Her elbows straightened, and she dropped back to the bed. Her thighs closed, securing his head firmly between her legs. He wanted to ensure she experienced her release first because when he climaxed, his tongue stopped moving. He remembered something on the edge of his consciousness regarding his fingers once his mouth was secured against her lower lips. Skimming his fingers up her inner leg, he inserted two fingers slowly inside the tight, slick passage below his mouth. Ellie sucked in a deep breath as she bucked a couple of times. She arched her back, pushing her clit further into his mouth and let loose a scream, which warmed him to his soul. He pulled his mouth off of her clitoris just before he lost himself to oblivion. Resting his face on her smooth thigh, he caught his breath and readied his cock for her further pleasure. Ellie trembled beneath him and made delicious sounds of satisfaction. He collected himself and pressed his lips all the way up her trembling body, remembering to elongate his cock to full size. His staff engorged quickly, skimming her belly. He turned over, pulling her limp body on top of him until he rested on his back. She draped over him beautifully, still breathing hard. "Oh, my. That was remarkable,” she whispered into his throat. "I thought so, too. You taste very good. I almost released, but I'd rather be inside you for that pleasure." "Do you have protection?" Protection was a euphemism for the box he now remembered was stored in the drawer next to his bed. "Yes.” He pointed to the nightstand. Before he could reach for the handle of the drawer, Ellie leaned up and reached for it herself. Her sweat slicked body slid over his as she reached for the device he decided he might indeed need to use. She made him experience unusual sensations. Unexpected ones. Better to be safe than sorry.

She straddled his legs, ripped open the packet, and secured the tight apparatus over his now fully erect cock. It was slightly uncomfortable, but he knew it was necessary. Once she completed her task, she crawled on hands and knees up his body. She kissed his chest and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as it brushed forward. He locked his fingers together behind his head to watch her. She skimmed her soft hands all over his body and touched her mouth to nearly every inch of his tingling skin. Having her kiss all over his body was excruciating sexual foreplay and practically torture for him. He enjoyed every electric touch of her wide, moist mouth until he thought he'd burst from the ecstasy of it. Ellie slid herself down until his cock nestled securely between her legs. She caught his gaze and held it as she moved her wet opening over him several times and finally inserted the very tip of his shaft inside her body. As she worked herself onto his cock, she closed her eyes halfway in seeming appreciation as a smile curved her lips. He hoped they would fit well together. Normally, the sensation, while not unpleasant, was tacitly minor in degree to mouth touching. Tonight, he felt something unusual as she buried his cock deeply within her body. She began to move up and down on him slowly at first but with increasing speed. Her hands rested on his chest. She dragged her fingernails across the wide expanse to dig into the taut muscles of his shoulders. He pulled his hands from behind his head and stroked her forearms. Then his fingertips moved to her lovely breasts swinging before him. He captured the tips between finger and thumb, rolling and pinching the nipples. It made her moan and also made her hips move faster on his stiff cock. Up and down. Up and down. The rhythm was hypnotic. He wanted to place his mouth on hers, but he shouldn't. Not yet. Instead, he lowered one hand from her nipples to her clitoris and stroked his thumb across it twice. She became frenzied in her movement as he rubbed her flesh. He leaned up to take a nipple in his mouth. The moment his teeth clamped lightly on her peak, she cried out in pleasure. He felt her internal muscles clamping on him soon after. It was very pleasurable. He readied himself to dive over the cliff of obsession. It was time. He released her nipple, reached up to her face with both hands, and put his mouth on hers. He thrust his tongue between her lips and brushed it against hers. Back and forth, up and down, in and out he tangled seductively in her mouth. The electric sensation of it drove him over the growling edge of ecstasy. She gasped as he released his pent up desire. She slammed her body down on him as the pressure from her tight opening wrung his seed from him unexpectedly. His tongue was spent from his climax and slowed in her mouth. He thrust his hips up once as she sucked on his mouth, promptly moaning another climax against his lips. She licked and sucked his mouth until he had to lie back. Crag was exhausted from the colossal release he'd experienced. The utter shock that he'd let loose of his seed during the carnal experience raced through his mind, but he couldn't move a muscle. His breath came in harsh gasps. His cock was now shrinking still embedded inside of her after spewing deeply. He was dismayed by his loss of control and thankful for the box in the drawer. Ellie draped over him in slack repose, also breathing very hard. "I've never felt anything like that before,” she panted. His first thought was he'd made some mistake. He thought he did everything, which was proper procedure. Perhaps late night television transmissions were not the most accurate of instructors. Ellie kissed his neck and the tip of her tongue traced a short line, making him shudder in delight.

"I hope it was ... a satisfactory experience for you,” he murmured. "It was amazing. Stupendous. I don't even have a good enough word to describe it. I tasted chocolate again. Must be some chemical thing.” She sighed deeply and snuggled closer. "Must be." He felt the strange device slipping off his no longer stiff cock. He remembered he must dispose of this device. He rolled over, pinning her beneath him, and traced his tongue along her slender collarbone. She sighed and ran her fingertips through the strands of his hair. It took every bit of strength he could muster to remove himself as her fingers caressed him. He kissed the center between her breasts once and excused himself into the bathroom to clean up. Once alone, he stopped to ponder this experience with Ellie. His hands rested on either side of the bathroom sink as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He wondered how he'd ever find a life mate on Tiburon who made him feel like Ellie just had. **** Ellie decided Crag deserved an honored place in her personal sexual hall of fame. He'd probably end up being the only candidate. The man had merely to put his lips anywhere on her and she'd scream in climax. How was she ever going to let him go? He only gave her the single most unbelievable, body rocking sexual release with his mouth in the whole of her history. His sensuously full lips absolutely sizzled when they came in contact with her skin. And, ohmigod, his cock was so big. He was hung like a northern grizzly. She'd had to inch her way down slowly on his colossal erection the first time. At one point, she thought she might stick and be halfway impaled on him forever. The memory of his mouth and tongue on her clit for the first lick and suck of wicked sensation made moisture accumulate between her legs as if from a faucet. She then easily slid down his cock the rest of the way until fully seated. The sound of her subsequent screaming climax after he touched her clit sent a shiver of pleasure down her body again. He wasn't even in the room, but thinking about what they'd done made her tremble all over again. He was simply ... amazing. Crag's mouth was pure sinful magic. When he'd wrapped his lips around her clit, she felt an electrical charge buzz up her spine and through to the top of her head. The experience was unique to her. She'd never felt like a very sensual person until tonight. Crag made her feel more like a sex goddess than a queen. The thought made her giggle. With Crag, she didn't have time to think of anything but the low voltage charge she got whenever any part of his body, especially his lips, came into contact with any part of her body. Her throat was raw from not one but three screaming orgasms plus the one she had in her apartment. Four in one night was a personal best. Thinking back, it might have been the total annual count for last year. A smile shaped her lips. Her entire being felt like melted jelly. She dozed off, dreaming of electric lips and body rocking orgasms. She woke under the sheets. Crag was on his stomach, facing away but when she moved, his head lifted and he turned to her. His sleepy eyes questioned her silently. She smiled in smug satisfaction of their sexual activities and snuggled closer. Shifting to his side, he took her in his arms, pulling her against his chest, and kissed her forehead.

She wrapped herself around him, wishing to never let go. She wanted to figure out some way to stay with him. Why not add him to her life ... temporarily? Any man who made her feel so good in bed didn't have to be employed full time. He could own a motorcycle. He could even have a tattoo. In fact, he did have several tattoos. In the dark, she traced them again with her finger. He'd peeled off his shirt before taking her to bed. She'd seen the markings on the top curve of his shoulder immediately. His tattoos looked like Chinese symbols. She decided they probably all had honorable, brave meanings. Her heart had skipped a beat in unqualified anticipation of sex with a dark, dangerous man sporting tattoos. He met every single one of her criteria for the kind of guy she'd never gone out with before. Her fear of duplicating the life she lived with her mother usually led her away from dark, dangerous men. She was elated to have taken the chance this time. The direction of her thoughts stopped her. Was this why her mother always chose the wrong man? Were there so few out there in the world who could make a woman feel so good in bed? Were they all only temporary men? In the end, it didn't matter. Hadn't he said something about going back home? Well, until he did, she planned on savoring every moment she had with him, starting now. Ellie kissed her way down his body until she came to his huge cock. His softened shaft began to grow the closer her mouth got to it. She smiled and vowed to give him an experience he'd never forget. **** Crag watched with erotic fascination as Ellie's luscious mouth wrapped around the very tip of his lengthening cock. She enclosed it completely, swirling her tongue around the tip. The suction she exerted next made him draw a sudden breath in surprise. Unusual and very pleasurable sensations blasted up from his center where she was ... sucking on him. He licked his lips in anticipation of her mouth trailing its way up to his, and the stupendous feeling of climax that awaited with the touch of her lips to his and the tangle of her tongue. He allowed her to taste and suckle his cock as long as possible before lifting her head off with needy fingertips. He bent upwards to catch her lips against his ravenous mouth. Crag covered her with his body, pinning her to the bed. He couldn't wait any longer for the release he sought. He devoured her lips and was about to burst when she tore her mouth away just a breath before he would have climaxed. She insisted he needed to put on another strangulating device. She whispered that she wanted to feel his cock buried deeply inside her body when he released. By Sultana's fury! Every nerve in his being cried out for fulfillment, but he took a firm grasp of his slipping control and reached out for the box of condoms. He tore open a condom package with his teeth and proceeded to stick his thumb completely through the first device while trying to unroll it. He flung the offending and now useless item to the floor. Ellie smiled serenely at his irritation and reached for another. With unhurried patience, as he fairly panted for her like an animal, she opened the foil package and covered him. She brushed finger light strokes down his engorged cock. He growled low in his chest and, at her whispered suggestion, pulled her legs apart and thrust inside her to the hilt with one stroke. She sucked in a breath of what sounded like blissful delight, then grabbed his face and ground her mouth against his as reward. Dueling only a few minutes with her luscious tongue, he roared his climax in a frenzy of lust, pumping into her with his thickened cock. Ellie writhed in pleasure beneath him, soon expressing her release with a loud moan.

Trembling with the power of his recent climax, he clutched her in his arms, thinking he'd never experienced as much pleasure. She was sensual and exciting, and he knew he was falling in love with her. The single thought of never seeing her again kept him awake for a several hours afterward. How could he ever leave her? In the middle of the night, Ellie rose to go to the bathroom. He sat up in bed to watch her walk naked to the door. She smiled sweetly and stunned him by touching her mouth to her fingertips then blowing the touch to him before turning to enter the bathroom. His heart stopped in his chest at the gesture. Knowing she didn't understand the Tiburon meaning did little to settle his rioting emotions over seeing her do it. His hand twitched in automatic reciprocation before he stopped it. Scrubbing his hands over his face, he realized he had to leave Earth. Soon. His time was up. He needed to get back to Tiburon before he couldn't muster the strength to leave her. That day was fast approaching. He cursed under his breath, realizing with a sinking heart that day was already upon him. **** Ellie came back from the bathroom to a very aroused man. He stroked her with tender hands, massaging her inhibitions away and then kissed her all over until she begged him to take her. Begged him! The mere thought of the way she vibrated during the last climax made her relive the sensation and shiver all over again. Ellie fell deeply asleep after that final bodacious round in bed. Her nightlong dreams were filled with Crag. Warm wonderful sensuous dreams had engulfed her soul. She slept soundly, her face buried in the pillow as usual, but once awake, she popped up, realizing it was after dawn, and she was alone in bed. She might have thought she dreamed the whole previous evening of sex-capades, except she wasn't in her own bed. She was in Crag's. She rose to her elbows, feeling the twinge of use in all her muscles. Sex was good exercise after all. Still naked, she wrapped herself up in his top sheet and gathered it around her to look for her clothing. "Hello?” she called out, moving around the bedroom. She spied her bra on the corner of a chair, but no shirt. She noticed her jeans wadded up at the foot of the bed, but no underwear. She pulled the sheet closer and moved towards the bedroom door. Where was he? "Crag?” she called a little louder. Was he already gone? Forever? Well, what did you expect, breakfast? One night stands by their very definition meant one night. He fulfilled his obligation, her satisfied libido purred, and he did so repeatedly and with great skill. Yeah, but she'd hoped to at least say good-bye to him. What would that do except prolong the obvious? Move on, said her heartless libido. She was still searching for her clothing when she heard the front door open. She turned towards the noise, hoping he didn't have a roommate. Crag entered the kitchen and spied her standing probably like a deer caught in the headlights. She took in his leather motorcycle jacket over the well-worn jeans that hugged his hips and wanted him again. Didn't one-night stands sometimes come with an optional morning after experience?

"You're up,” he said simply. Should she already be gone? She didn't know all the rules for one-night stands. If he was angry about her still roaming around in his sheet, he didn't say anything, but he watched her. Her vocal cords dried up when he did that, so she just stared back. "Did you get my note?” he asked. "Note? Um ... no.” Damn, he expected her to be gone already. “I was just leaving." "Dressed like that?” He gave her a positively devastating smile followed by a leisurely stare from breasts to knees and back up again to her lips. He stared at her mouth frequently, and she found the gesture endearing. And arousing. "Well ... um...” Thinking was too difficult when he gave her the wolf stare like he wanted to gobble her up in one hungry bite. He stalked toward her. "Hungry?” he asked. She suddenly wondered if he was asking her or telling her, but then he held up a white bakery bag in one hand. The other hand was suspiciously hidden behind his back. "Sure.” She clutched the sheet to her chest with one hand and reached out with the other. He stepped closer and motioned for her to take the bag. She almost dropped the sheet. She tried to calm down and took the white sack from him. He leaned in close. She held her breath. He reached out to pull a small piece of paper from a fold in the sheet near her waist. He handed her the note and brought a small bouquet of flowers from behind his back The note said: Be right back with sustenance. Don't leave yet. Ellie smiled up at him with gratitude. She wasn't supposed to be gone. He'd brought her flowers, too. A girly giggle escaped from her lips. She cleared her throat and took the flowers from him. “Do you have a vase to put them in?" He shook his head and dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder before she stepped away. His mouth never failed to register a tingle on her sensitive skin. She searched around the room and spied the Snapple bottle from last night. She handed him back the white bag containing what smelled like coffee and undertones of something chocolate. She sauntered over to the sink, not caring at all that she also trailed behind her a king-sized flat sheet. Rinsing out the strawberry lemonade from the night before, Ellie refilled the bottle with water and arranged the flowers in it. She didn't bother to contain her smile. She placed her flowers on the small dining table. Crag pulled out two large Styrofoam cups of coffee and half a dozen double chocolate donuts with sprinkles. "These are my favorites,” he said. Upending the sack, he dumped out assorted sugar packets, non-dairy creamer cups, napkins, and stir sticks. "Chocolate covered with chocolate, what a surprise.” She sat down at the small round table after tightening her sheet. "What can I say? I'm addicted. For as much as I consume, I'm amazed it doesn't ooze out my pores.” He

sat down across from her. Taking her hand in his, he kissed the tip of each finger on one hand tenderly. She watched with wistful gratitude as he ended his adoration by planting a kiss on her palm. “Thank you." His eyes narrowed. “For what?" "The flowers. The coffee. The chocolate donuts. Which, by the way, are my favorites, too. And then there was last night. I know I said I only wanted one night, but I already wish it could be more." He sighed. “Ellie..." "No, it's okay. I understand. Really. I just ... truly enjoyed last night. It was amazing. I'll never forget it. Or you. Not ever.” Her gaze was as heartfelt as she could make it. She watched as his eyes softened and a winsome smile crossed his features. “Nor will I ever forget you, Ellie." They ate chocolate in companionable silence, staring at each other blatantly. After breakfast, Ellie went to locate all her clothing. She took a very long time getting dressed, sensing that once she left his apartment today, she would never see him again. He paced around the kitchen and living room while she dressed. She didn't get the sense he was anxious for her to leave, though. Perhaps moving kept his mind occupied so he wouldn't undress her again. Or maybe that was what she was thinking. Once her clothes were in place, she grabbed the flowers in the Snapple bottle. Together, they left. Silently, he walked her up to her apartment. Standing outside her door, he didn't say anything. Words weren't necessary. He pulled her against him for just one final embrace. He held her clenched in his arms, kissed her tenderly on the temple, and took a deep breath. As he released the air from his lungs, he let her go. He turned, shot down the stairs two steps at a time, and exited the apartment building without looking back. She watched him with a wistful smile. When she heard the rumble of his motorcycle, she stepped into her apartment, not wanting to hear him leave. Later in the day, a messenger brought her another large bouquet of flowers. This time the note read: Rest assured what we experienced together last night will live in my heart forever. Good-bye, Ellie. I wish you only the best possible future. Crag

Chapter Six Tiburon, two months later "Commander, we've completed our inspection. The royal house is secure for the evening, as expected.” Crag looked up from the missives and reports on his desk and nodded. "Thank you, Chief Officer, you're dismissed.” His second in command gave a smart salute and exited Crag's office. When he was alone, Crag slumped forward and put hands over his weary eyes. He hadn't been sleeping. Memories and visions of a dark-haired Earthling named Ellie haunted his dreams. The first several days had been the most difficult. He felt as if he'd left a part of himself behind on planet Earth. That was a very foolish notion. He was home exactly where he belonged. He looked around the domain he guarded, and he felt the huge gap in his consciousness. He missed Ellie, dreadfully. The smell of her ... the taste of her... A knock at his door shook him from the burden of his weakness. He called out a hearty, “Enter,” and was very surprised to see his visitor. He hadn't seen her in years. "Crag.” She nodded to him once in greeting. "Lena.” By Sultana's fury, what did she want? He stood up and came around his cluttered desk to greet her. Long ago, Lena had been in negotiations to life partner with Keller before Gabrielle changed his life. Crag spent far too much time thinking about what Keller had given up to be with his life mate. He shook off the longing it registered with regard to a certain dark-haired earthling and focused on Lena. She was dressed to entice. Her ice blonde hair swung around her shoulders freely. She wore a wispy, lavender robe in a very becoming color that matched her eyes. "How have you been since your trip?” she asked and came further into the room. She didn't stop until she was an arm's length away, which was far too close for his comfort, but he didn't budge from his stance. "Why are you here, Lena?” He had no time for her particular brand of games. Actually, he had ample time for games. He just wished he were playing with Ellie. He silently chastised himself for thinking of things he shouldn't. "Don't be so bad-tempered. I simply wanted to see how you were doing since your loss.” Her eyebrows rose in question, and for a moment he had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. Then it hit him square in his heart. He'd lost Sybille more than a year ago. Guilt washed over him. Would he ever think of his former life partner without the enormous crush of remorse to accompany it? "I'm doing well. Thank you for asking. Now, why are you here?” He crossed his arms over his chest, doing his best to intimidate her. She knew him too well, though. He watched as her whole countenance softened. She gave him a prim smile and said, “As you know, after Keller ran off with that ... that earthling years ago, I life partnered with a high council citizen." "Yes, I know. I was at your extravagant life partner ceremony.” After Keller left her for Gabrielle, Lena

promptly life partnered with an elder statesman. He'd been a nice gentleman but old enough to be ... well Lena's father's older brother, at the least. "Dear Hubert has been gone from me for two years now, and I've been thinking it's time to search for another partner." "And you're here because you want me to help you look?" "No, I want to life partner with you, Crag." His mouth nearly fell open in shock. He chomped his teeth together to quell his surprise. He found he had absolutely no idea what to say to her. So he remained silent and cocked his head slightly to one side as if he didn't quite understand her. "I mean it's not like either of us are pure of mouth anymore. I have two beautiful daughters from my dear, departed partner, Hubert, to prove it.” She smiled as if having two of the most spoiled brats on the planet was something to brag about. In her mind, perhaps it was. "I am well aware of the status regarding the purity of my mouth, Lena. I can't even conceive of a reason why you'd be interested in me." "Well, we've known each other since we were children. We travel in the same social circles. You being the most powerful military man on the planet has a certain appeal to me with regard to status.” Her glance went to the streak of color in his hair marking him as ‘The’ Commander. "So your only requirement in a new life partner is an elevated status? Why doesn't that entice me?" "I'm not without my charms.” She smiled and sauntered toward him. He suddenly felt like prey caught in her trap. Before he could stop her, she sidled up and put a hand on his shoulder. Then her head fell to rest on top of it. Her body closed the distance between them, and she leaned into him. She scissor walked the fingers of her other hand up his chest, ending their journey at his chin. "Don't you find me the least appealing? I've been told I'm the most beautiful woman on the planet. My gestational status did not in the least misshape my body, and I am, after all, a descendent of the House of Fairfax. I am the most beautiful of all citizens on Tiburon." Crag sighed. In point of fact, Lena was very attractive to most, but not to him. He could do worse than a member of the House of Fairfax for a life partner. However, when he searched for a life mate, Lena would certainly not be a candidate. He did know that much. Nothing about her appearance or personality did anything to tempt him. When Gabrielle was on Tiburon years ago, she once told him she thought Lena possessed the soul of a viper. Crag found he now agreed with Gabrielle's determination. Lena snuggled closer against him, her slender arms draping around his neck. He turned his head in time to see her lift her face to his. "Lower your barrier and taste me, Crag.” She brought her lips within a whisper of his and added, “You won't be disappointed." "By Sultana's fury, Lena. We're standing in my unsecured office. I will not lower my barrier here.” His anger had more to do with his indifference towards tasting her. He'd never wanted to in the past and didn't attempt to find any desire now, but it would be bad politics to anger her. She was a powerful voice in many upper circles of Tiburon. Her former partner was the most exalted high council citizen in

memory. "Come to my residence once your duties for the day are complete. I'll extend my offer until then,” she purred. "I'll think carefully about your offer, but I'm otherwise engaged tonight.” He wasn't doing anything tonight, but he could drop in on the queen. She was the only excuse, he surmised, that Lena would not dispute. "Unfortunate. Could you possibly alter the time of your other engagement? The girls are staying with Hubert's family tonight. We could be all alone. All night long.” The lilt of her voice suggested she wanted to ensnare him like a mythological Siren of old Earth lore. He'd been reading up on the information collected about Earth since his return. In addition to what Sybille collected from their trips there, Keller added to the knowledge base by sending missives including updated data. The memory of Earth lore made him think of the only enticingly attractive woman who could lure him to a dangerous or compromising situation. Her name was Ellie, not Lena. "My regrets, but the queen needs to discuss private matters with me.” Actually, Elsbeth didn't state a specific time, but Crag wasn't prepared to expend any carnal energy with Lena. If he ended up at her residence tonight, he'd have to either mouth touch her or prepare to face her wrath. Neither of those two choices were an appealing avenue for his political career. The queen would always champion him, but he didn't wish to make an enemy of Lena. She could make his existence miserable in other ways. She might effectively halt his search for his true life mate with a single word. "Very unfortunate.” Lena dropped her arms and stepped back. She then crossed them over her chest and assumed a mask of determination. “You aren't considering other females, are you, Crag? You haven't been social with anyone since your return from ... that planet where Keller resides." He smiled and crossed his arms as well. It was none of her business what other females he had or had not conversed with since his return. "I don't see my partnering ambitions as your concern." "I want you to understand my objectives and goals. We would make a powerful couple, and I find you very attractive.” She again glanced at the mark in his hair that signified his status within the Command at Arms. He held the singular title of The Commander. Lena was power hungry. He wondered briefly who else she would try to seduce if he weren't available. "You do not hold exclusive rights over me simply because you've set your sights on me. It would be a mistake to assume our goals are the same." "Perhaps, but I like to be forthright. We will speak again soon, yes?" He gave her a non-committal shrug, but she smiled as if she'd already won the battle. "I look forward to our next meeting.” She whirled around and left his office in a regal manner befitting the queen she felt she deserved to be. Crag closed his eyes, considering a possible future with Lena as his life partner, but in any scenario involving his mouth, he saw only Ellie.

Unfortunately, Ellie wasn't a contender for possible life partnership to him. **** "Ellie Granger, is it really you?” Gabrielle hadn't seen her old neighbor in months, not since they'd moved into the sprawling new house near the college campus where Keller taught. Her life was filled with beautiful infant twin daughters and a son who could run a marathon in record time and have energy to spare. Today she'd left the girls with a sitter to get away for some alone time with little Craig. They'd recently arrived at the park near the city center square. Craig ran immediately to the ladder of the longest and highest slide. He was fearless, and she suspected his ‘Uncle Crag’ had introduced him to the slide when he was here before. "Hi, Gabrielle. It's good to see you.” Ellie's voice registered happy surprise as she closed the distance between them. Ellie carried a large chocolate shake in one hand and a chocolate-covered chocolate donut in the other. Another thing they had in common, she realized. She was also addicted to chocolate. Keller was her best source for it these days. Gabrielle remembered the occasion when she'd last thought of Ellie. She'd given Crag advice about mouth touching an earthling. Ellie was the earthling Crag had touched lips with on the very next day he departed for Tiburon, months before he planned. Gabrielle suspected he departed because didn't want to test his reserve of strength. She saw the way he looked at Ellie from afar. She also knew he'd never lower himself to life partner with an earthling. He'd never make this planet his home, as Keller had done. Instead, Crag removed himself from the temptation. Gabrielle found admiration at his willpower in this matter, knowing she herself hadn't resisted the opportunity to mouth touch Keller when any occasion presented itself, past or present. It was unfortunate Crag held on tight to his prejudiced attitude about Earth because Gabrielle thought he and Ellie made a striking couple. With her height and bearing, she'd also fit in perfectly on Tiburon, unlike Gabrielle who was the very definition of ‘puny alien’ there. Ellie could give Lena a healthy competition in the category of princess fit for a queen. Gabrielle smiled at the thought. "You look great. Any chance you'll share that donut? I could use a chocolate fix,” Gabrielle said with a laugh "Sure, we can split it. I've been having the most ferocious cravings lately.” Ellie sat down next to her on the bench, facing the playground, keeping little Craig in sight. "Personally, I think chocolate should be considered one of the primary food groups and placed at the top of the food pyramid chart." Ellie laughed and handed her the larger half of the donut and a napkin. "I'm surprised to see you. I was just thinking of Crag." "Well, he's a handful, but we love him.” Gabrielle took the occasion to glance over at her son. He was flying down the slide, wind fluttering in his dark, silky hair. He was the very image of Keller, but he did have her vivid blue eyes. "No, I meant Crag. You know, the man who stayed in your apartment after you moved out."

"Oh, him.” Gabrielle pulled her head together and realized she'd said Crag. Duh. "Have you heard from him?” Ellie asked quietly. "Crag? No, not really.” Crap. What could she say? She couldn't tell her Crag was presently the Commander of Arms and supreme military leader of an alien planet two galaxies over. "I miss him so very much.” Ellie's timid voice wavered. Gabrielle looked over as the other woman lowered her head and sobbed. Gabrielle was shocked. Ellie didn't seem like the type who ever let anything, especially a man, bother her. Gabrielle reached out a hand and patted Ellie awkwardly on one shoulder. The other still held her half of the shared donut. "I'm sorry, Ellie. I didn't realize you knew him that well.” Gabrielle didn't want to tell her Crag had asked for advice. "Well, he kissed me...” She paused and turned her tear-stained eyes on Gabrielle. “He was very good at it." Gabrielle nodded as if in complete understanding before she realized what she implied. She'd never kissed Crag, but the men of Tiburon put kissing on an entirely different playing field. The orgasmic one. However, Ellie might not be as excited to find out Crag was an alien. She continued in a shaky voice, “I compare him to every other man I meet and all of them are ... well, lesser some how. I find them lacking a certain ... something I can't define." "Crag is a big guy,” Gabrielle said. It was the only semi-complimentary thing she could think of to say. She and Crag got along for Keller's sake, but she wouldn't call them best buddies. "I'm five feet, eleven inches tall. Not only is it difficult to find a man I can look up to, it's surely impossible to expect to find one who makes me...” Her face turned tomato red before she finished, “Well, really satisfied when he kisses me." "I see.” Gabrielle nodded and searched her brain for something to say, but she couldn't think of anything, so she remained silent. "Do you think he'll be coming back for another visit? Maybe? Someday?" "Uh ... no ... I don't believe he's coming back here. I don't know him very well, of course, but I believe he went back to ... uh ... take over his father's business or something.” Damnation. Gabrielle needed to get out of this conversation. It wasn't like Crag could be called back to comfort a neighbor in her time of need. "He runs a family business? Where?" "Uh ... well ... it's a long way away from here. I don't exactly know where.” Gabrielle said, lying badly and wishing this conversation would end. How could she change the subject? "Mommy, mommy, come and swing me.” Whew. Saved by her blessed little boy. He knew when mommy needed a distraction. She watched as he turned from the foot of slide and ran over to the swings. He climbed up into the center seat, waiting patiently for her, a heart-melting grin in place.

"I'm sorry. I have to go be a swinger.” Gabrielle smiled sympathetically at Ellie's troubled face. There was nothing she could do to help, anyway. It didn't matter whether she knew where he was. Crag wasn't coming back. No way. No how. Not ever. "I'm pregnant,” Ellie blurted out and promptly lowered her head in her hand, sobbing hysterically.

Chapter Seven "Crag? This is an unexpected surprise.” Elsbeth, Queen of Tiburon, greeted him as he entered her private chambers. He'd escaped his office and come directly to the queen after Lena departed. "What brings you here so late?” she asked and directed him to a small sofa in front of an ornate fireplace. "I heard there was a new missive from Keller. How is he?” Crag asked politely. What he wanted to know wouldn't be answered in a missive. Still, he harbored uncontrollable and intimate memories of Ellie whenever news from Earth came by way of Keller. It was likely he wouldn't be sleeping at all for another several days. "He's well. As a matter of fact, there is a personal message for you. It holds the name of that alien he's life partnered with,” Elsbeth said stiffly. Crag knew the queen was not a fan of Keller's life mate. He couldn't imagine why Gabrielle would send him a missive. Perhaps she helped little Craig send a message to him. He smiled as the image of Keller's son filled his mind. The queen walked over to her writing desk and retrieved a small, silver, rectangular-shaped missive device. Crag accepted it from her and used his thumbprint on the device to open the message. It was indeed from Keller's life mate. How interesting. He pushed a button on the device to play the message aloud. Gabrielle's voice, full of attitude and fury, grabbed his attention immediately. Her face held the same mocking look it did when she was annoyed with him. "You are invited to a shot-gun wedding, Crag. Yours! Ellie is pregnant. And in case you've forgotten all your earthling phrases, that means she's carrying a child. She won't say for certain, but her gestational status seemed to begin on or around the time you departed from Earth like your ass was on fire! "I can't help but leap to the true motivation for your early exodus,” she continued in mocking formality. “And I'm powerless to stop thinking you jettisoned off the planet so as to avoid any responsibility for your actions. Apparently, you not only mouth touched an earthling before your hasty departure but practiced at least one round of ‘Hey, baby, let me show you my impressive reproductive organs’ with her. "You better get your sorry ass back here, Crag, or so help me God, the universe won't be big enough to hold the two of us! I promise you, I'll find a way to make you miserable! Whatever it takes! "I haven't told Keller yet, but believe me, I will, so you just better think about that..." The queen cleared her throat, forcing Crag's shocked brain away from the message. The message so stunned him that he forgot where he was momentarily. Gabrielle still ranted away on the device, impugning his birth being legitimate and hurling other insults he didn't completely understand. Crag stopped the message in mid shriek and closed his eyes. "Is it true? What she said?” Elsbeth inquired stoically. He opened his eyes and couldn't help but notice the queen held a certain look of disappointment on her face. She was his ruler. He would never purposely do anything to garner her displeasure. In fact, Elsbeth had been like a mother to him after his own mother had died in childbirth when he was only ten years old. Crag's father held the position of The Commander back then, until his ailing body, wracked with a painful joint disease, wouldn't allow him to lead officially any longer. Crag was the youngest Commander in history to assume the responsibilities from his father. This moment in time had to be the single most embarrassing experience ever shared with the queen in their lifelong history together.

"Yes, it's true.” Some level of his brain went wild with the possibilities. Was Ellie truly gestating his child? The idea should not appeal to him in the least. However, he found he was elated. Relieved. And he was anxious to arrange a way to make a life with her. He didn't realize how deeply he missed her until Gabrielle started yelling at him in the message. Now what would he do? Would the queen allow him to bring Ellie here? By Sultana's fury! Ellie thought he was a human. Would she even consider life partnership with him? Would she consent to live on Tiburon? "I can see by the emotions flying across your face, you carry an affection for this earthling.” She huffed out an annoyed sound. “I don't understand it. Aren't there any worthy females on Tiburon? Does every male in my life have to become attached to a puny earthling?" "She isn't puny. She's taller than Lena.” Crag spoke aloud before calming his tone. He practically barked at his queen, defending Ellie's height. He needed tranquility to consider his options. He was already treading on thin ice in this sensitive matter. "Be that as it may, I will not release you from your obligations and allow you to reside on Earth.” The firm set of her face said she wasn't going to budge. She'd have him cast into prison before she let him leave Tiburon permanently. It didn't matter in the least. He'd never dishonor his father by leaving Tiburon anyway. "Will you allow me to bring her here?” he asked quietly. He lowered his head and directed his gaze at the floor. "Perhaps, but only if the child she carries is yours." Crag's head snapped up. He used every ounce of willpower at his disposal not to shout. Of course, the child was his, he wanted to scream, but then doubt seeped in. He couldn't be sure of that fact. He'd spent the night with Ellie directly after she broke up with her boyfriend. Perhaps Brandon was the father of her child. The very thought made him want to fall to his knees in unbearable pain. He forced himself to remain upright with every fiber of willpower he possessed. "I'll send you back to Earth with a healer. If the child she carries is in fact yours, you may bring her here on a provisional basis. I'll insist on meeting her before allowing her to remain." "Thank you, my queen. I'll leave immediately." "And Crag ... if it doesn't work out between the two of you, I'll expect you to take a life partner upon your return to duty. You do need to produce an heir for your line." "Yes, my queen.” Crag would rather be sent to the blazing center of Tiburon than life partner with someone else. He sincerely hoped Ellie's child was his. "Lena wouldn't be a bad choice, you know,” the queen remarked before he could exit. “Politically, it's a perfect match." "I don't know that Lena is my first choice for a life partner." "If I don't find your earthling acceptable, Lena will be my recommendation for you as a life partner. Do you understand me?" "Yes, my queen.” Either Ellie made a perfect first impression on Elsbeth, if he could talk her into coming

to Tiburon, or Lena would become his future punishment for the damnation of falling in love with an earthling. **** "What do you mean, you think Crag is coming for a visit? How do you know?” Keller groused at Gabrielle. She knew he was annoyed at having to clean up his study, which also substituted for the guest room when overnight guests stayed with them. "I have a feeling,” she remarked offhandedly. She hadn't told Keller about Ellie. Hands on hips, he narrowed his sultry silver eyes at her. “What message did you send him in the missive package the other day?" She put her hands on her hips, too. “I'm not at liberty to say." "Gabrielle.” He gave her the tone, suggesting she should not test him, but since when did that ever work? "Keller.” She held his gaze, refusing to answer. The knock at the door made them both jump. Keller cocked his head to the side as if he suspected a nefarious plot. Gabrielle merely cocked her head in return. She wasn't talking. Crag could explain himself when he showed up, if he showed up. For all she knew, a girl scout was at the door getting ready to sell them a wagon full of cookies. Keller sighed deeply and ambled over to the front door. He looked out the peephole and turned back to her with wide curious eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest meaning she was about to have an attitude if he gave her any crap. The visitor waiting outside then pounded on the door, rattling it in its frame. Must not be a girl scout, Gabrielle thought. Keller opened the door to an angry Crag and what looked like a healer from Tiburon. **** "What took you so long to answer the door?” Crag entered Keller's house with Barton trailing behind in a wake of fury. His anxiety level was set to maximum. The healer was not happy to be traveling to Earth, and Crag hoped Ellie allowed Barton to examine her. He was going to have to beg Gabrielle to help him. He wasn't prepared for her to be anything but caustic in her attitude. Just like the healer wasn't happy. Just like Keller would be angry when he found out the circumstances of this unexpected visit. That was, of course, unless Gabrielle had already tattled on him. "I didn't expect guests tonight. What are you doing here?” Keller's face registered a puzzled expression. Then he saw the healer and his face scrunched in utter mystification. "I thought you said they would be expecting us, Crag,” Barton whined. “I have come quite a distance for this earthling of yours." "You have an earthling?” Keller gave Crag the first understanding look of the evening. He glanced at the healer, and a look of dawning realization washed down his features. "Where is Ellie?” Crag asked Gabrielle who stood like an angry warrior ready to strike him down at the first opportunity.

"Well, she isn't here. You know exactly where she lives. Perhaps you should go have a chat with her alone before subjecting her to the voodoo healer you brought along." "Is she all right?” Crag demanded to know. "No, she's not all right. She's alone and pregnant. She weeps uncontrollably whenever your name is brought up, which is frequently. Would you like for me to share the details of what I know about the night before you ran from Earth like a cowardly dog?" "Not unless you'd like me to place a permanent gag in your mouth afterwards,” Crag said. He would not allow her to spew details of his mouth touching experiences to the assembled group. "Crag, do not speak to my life mate in that tone.” Keller never failed to stand up for Gabrielle. Crag respected him in this. It was what he would do for his life mate, if he had one. Was he about to get one? He hoped so. "Your voodoo healer can stay here for now. Go see her alone,” Gabrielle said. “You need to talk to her, just the two of you. She's very upset." "Does she expect me?" "No, I didn't know if you were going to show up.” Gabrielle gave him an exasperated shrug. Crag stepped closer but lowered his voice so only she could hear him. "What manner of man do you think I am, Gabrielle? I would never have left Ellie at all if I thought this might happen. There is the possibility the child isn't mine." "I wouldn't start the conversation with Ellie that way, if I were you,” Gabrielle said. He huffed at her imperious tone. “I don't understand. I did everything Keller told me to do. I even used that strangulating apparatus in case I lost control.” Crag wanted to shrink into the floor at having unintentionally disclosed his failure to Gabrielle. “How could she be gestating from our ... experience?" "Well, condoms used alone only have about an eighty percent effectiveness rate in preventing gestational accidents." "That would have been significant information to know a couple of months ago,” Crag told her in his most arrogant tone. "You said you weren't here for carnal pleasures,” she shot back in an equally loud tone. "I wasn't. It was ... unexpected.” Crag broke eye contact with her. She was right. It didn't matter what had gone on in the past. He needed to deal with the circumstances as they stood now. "What are you going to do?” Keller asked. "I'll go speak with Ellie as Gabrielle has suggested. I'll have a better idea of my next course of action." "You go on to Ellie's. We'll get Barton settled,” Keller said in a calm voice. He wore an unusual look of surprise on his face. Perhaps it was at the whole situation surrounding them. Crag couldn't quiet figure it out and didn't take the time to decipher it. He glanced back and realized he owed Keller's life mate a great deal for what she'd done to bring him here tonight. “Thank you, Gabrielle. I'm grateful you sent the missive. I hope you know I would never leave Ellie in this status all alone. I truly didn't know this development was possible."

"Okay. Fine. I get it. Just go. She needs you." "I need to ask you something else." "What?" "How can I tell Ellie I'm not from Earth?" Gabrielle put both hands to her face and sighed deeply. “I don't know. Perhaps you should wait until you bring her back here to the healer." "Do you think it will make a difference?" "I don't know her well enough to say. What are you prepared to share with her?" "I care for her, but if we are to have a life together ... it can only be on Tiburon." Gabrielle shrugged and gave him a sour look. It didn't matter that the edict came from the queen. He would never dishonor his family by resigning his post. Now, his fate hinged on the one woman in three galaxies who could make him happy. Ellie was his life mate. He had no doubt. Wouldn't that make Keller laugh? He could easily see blowing a mouth touch from his fingertips to express he'd rather be dead than life partner with anyone else. He knew for certain he'd rather be dead than life partner with Lena, which was his only other choice. His prospects for a tolerable life looked very bleak. Did Ellie carry his child? Would she go with him to meet the queen? Would she gain Elsbeth's approval? If accepted, would Ellie be happy to live with him in a foreign place for the rest of her life? If any of the previous questions went against his wishes, would he settle for a life with Lena? Or might he instead choose to die alone with no issue and allow the commander position to be placed with his cousin's family? The iron-fisted Queen of Tiburon would certainly imprison him as punishment. Too many uncertain factors stood ready to govern his future. An old fear surfaced right then. It was the one where he died alone, and no one mourned his passing. **** Ellie dried her tears with the last tissue available in her apartment. She was amazed there were any fluids left in her body to expel. She'd been crying practically non-stop since she read the home pregnancy test results. And that had been over a week ago. She took some time off from work to get a grip on her life. She ran into Gabrielle the day after she found out about her new status as future unmarried mom. In the emotional state she now lived in, she was unable to keep from spilling absolutely all to her former neighbor, including the part about Crag's remote chance at fatherhood. She didn't know for certain if Crag was the father, which was what she'd been crying about for the better part of today. Unfortunately, the greater possibility was that Brandon was her baby's father. If she told him, she expected he'd be only too happy to set her and the baby up ... as his mistress and shameful bastard child. She would never do that. Her options made her well up again and cry harder. She ran to the kitchen for a paper towel. The scratchy substitute made her sensitive skin more uncomfortable. She'd have to stop these hysterics long enough to stock up on soft lotion-tissues.

She could pick more up tomorrow before her doctor's appointment. Her doctor would draw blood to send away for a paternity determination. She also needed to schedule a meeting with Brandon. She'd been putting that off until it was unavoidable. She wasn't looking forward to possibly interrupting his pre-wedding chaos. Or was he currently on his honeymoon now and thinking about her every day? The jerk. After talking to Gabrielle, Ellie was certain Crag was not coming back. Gabrielle had promised to try and get a message to him, but she couldn't promise anything because he lived in a remote area or something. She couldn't remember where he said he was from. Maybe he hadn't told her on purpose. The status of their one-night-stand reared its ugly head. She practically begged him for that one night. Hell, there was no practically about it. She had begged him. He'd been reluctant because he was leaving. Unlike Brandon, Crag had never lied to her. He didn't deserve the complication her requested one-night-stand might cost him. If she ever tracked him down, he might be unhappy to see her. Especially if she told him, “Guess what? I'm pregnant and you might be the father.” The news every temporary guy dreaded, but she missed Crag so much. She wanted to see him again. If he showed up, maybe she wouldn't tell him about the baby. Or she could at least assure him he probably wasn't the father. Tears threatened to spill again, but she managed to staunch them. She should prepare herself to never see him again. The knock on her door right then was completely unexpected but not as unexpected as the vision she saw through the peephole. She had to be dreaming. She opened the door slowly to the very last man on earth she ever expected to see again. "Crag? What are you doing here?” she managed to squeak out before she started sobbing again. Damn hormones. "Ellie,” was the only thing he said before sweeping her up into his arms, holding her like he'd never let her go. He kicked the door shut and carried her to the sofa. She threw her arms securely around his neck and held on for the short journey. He sat them down, and she settled across his lap, sobbing into his collar. His hands massaged her back, and his whispered words of comfort caressed her ear. Once she got hold of her emotions, she pulled back and put her hands on his face, “I'm so glad to see you, I thought you were gone forever.” Was he actually here, or was she in a dream-induced crying fit? Before he responded, his steel gray eyes pierced hers with an emotion-filled look that she longed to gather up and cling to. “I received a missive from Gabrielle. She said you were ... upset. I returned as fast I was able. Are you well?" "I'm pregnant,” she blurted and lowered her face to his shoulder, sobbing. So much for keeping the news from him, she thought. Damn hormones. She continued to cry as if she'd never be able to stop the tears wracking her body. He held her tight, and after what was surely too long for any mortal man to endure, he said, “Don't cry Ellie. We'll figure something out." "But ... the baby ... it might not be yours.” Her eyes sought his, expecting to see the disgust in them, but apparently he'd considered the possibility because he merely shrugged. "If it's mine, I'll care for you." "And if it isn't?"

He gave her a guarded look before speaking. “If the child isn't mine, I have other matters I must give my consideration to." "But I won't be your responsibility any longer, right?” She separated herself from him and stood up angrily. Damn hormones. She should be grateful he showed up at all, but she was poised to throw a tantrum if he didn't want to raise a child that wasn't his. What was wrong with her? Oh, yeah, unexpected pregnancy. She flashed on the fact this was exactly what happened to her mother at age eighteen. Her own biological father ran out, apparently as soon as the word ‘baby’ was mentioned. "Ellie. I'm not sure I can explain all the responsibilities I currently manage.” He also stood up. He was six and a half feet of pure muscled bad boy clad in black biker leather, but he didn't scare her. He held himself as if waiting for her to do bodily harm on his person. She suspected he'd let her kick his butt without ever making a sound. However, she knew in her soul he'd never hurt her. Not even if she provoked him. "I'm sorry,” she sobbed and then shook her head to clear it. “I'm an emotional wreck. My hormones are making me crazy. I'm grateful you're here. If the child isn't yours, I won't bother you any more. I swear it. I'm having a test done tomorrow to determine the paternity. If you want to accompany me and give a blood sample, we could have the DNA results in a couple of weeks." "I can't wait that long. I need to get back." "Oh, right. Well, I could call you.” He shook his head and looked up as if to receive divine intervention. She could tell him that wasn't going to work. She'd tried it quite a few times in the form of ‘Please, don't let me be pregnant,’ but she was still with child. She concluded the pregnancy was simply meant to be. Her prayers thereafter involved pleas for the father to be a tattooed biker with the streak of blond in his hair. The celestial jury was still out on that one. His head dropped, and he gave her a determined gaze. “Will you accompany me to Gabrielle's house?" She shrugged. “I guess so. Why?" "My ... ah ... country has certain procedures to determine ... the ... ah ... health of the child you carry. I'd like you to meet with the healer I brought along." "You brought a healer from your country?" "Yes. Will you allow him to evaluate your health?" "What's he going to do to me?” Her hands automatically covered her stomach and the life she carried . "He has a medical device he'll employ to check you." "I guess it's okay. Where are you from again?" "Tiburon.” He pulled on her arm, leading her to a car waiting outside. Was Tiburon in Europe? She realized she couldn't remember ever hearing of a country with that name.

Chapter Eight "It won't hurt, will it?” Crag heard Ellie ask the healer. Her voice caught in her throat when she spoke. He knew she was nervous and inwardly cursed the necessity of this procedure. She reclined on the guest bed to which Gabrielle had led them upon their arrival. She wore a borrowed robe. He sat on a chair next to her and silently hoped with everything he held dear that the child was his heir. He held her hand, which gripped his with surprising strength. "No, you will not feel anything unusual,” Barton said distractedly, poking at the buttons on the equipment. "What does this procedure do again?” she asked. The healer traded an intense look with Crag. "It merely checks to see if you're healthy,” Crag answered, giving Barton a warning glare not to dispute his explanation. The healer held the gestational device over Ellie's mid-section and the sounds of the machine made her eyes widen as she tightened her grip. If the device told him the child was his, his first battle was won. If not, he didn't have to tell her he was an alien, but he'd have to abandon her again. This time though, he'd be going back to begin a life with Lena. He found life imprisonment in the dungeons of Tiburon vastly more appealing. Barton made some adjustments and waved the medical device over her several more times. Ellie's eyes remained wide throughout the entire procedure, but she bravely endured it. "All right. I've completed my check. You may get dressed.” Barton gave him another guarded look and exited the room as Ellie sat up. She was clearly puzzled by the whole alien medical procedure. "That was strange,” she said "Barton is a little odd, but a very good healer,” Crag assured her. She turned to him and her smile made his heart stop. Ellie was the very definition of beautiful. He stroked her face with his fingertips and gave her his best reassuring smile. Before he could remove his hand, she placed hers on top and held it against her face. Her mouth dipped and kissed his hand. "I have missed you so very much,” she said. Her free arm draped around his neck. Her lips next aimed for his mouth, but he dodged them. When he didn't move out of the way fast enough, her mouth landed on one corner of his. The sensation rocketed all the way through his head, wrapping around his lust-filled brain, then plunged to his feet. He moved only slightly and slid his lips over hers for a taste. He allowed the exquisite feeling of her lovely mouth to overwhelm him. Several seconds later, he pressed her back to the bed. He covered her with his body as her legs shifted from under his and wrapped around his hips. She squeezed her legs against his, grinding herself directly into his groin. The sensation bordered on erotic. He allowed his cock to swell as he twisted his mouth over hers in sensual abandon. His tongue slipped between her teeth and stroked hers with all the love and tenderness he could express. How could he ever let her go? How would he ever be able to leave her again? He didn't register the knock at the door immediately, so it went unanswered. He didn't understand the urgent significance of the door handle rattling, either. Seconds later, Gabrielle barged right in and interrupted them at the most imitate of moments. Crag couldn't believe he'd allowed himself to be caught in this compromising position.

"Hey, the healer's waiting. What are you two doing in—? Oops! Sorry!” Gabrielle backed out, turning her head away from their private display. Crag bolted off of the bed as if he'd been stabbed with his own sword. Ellie held on for dear life and was pulled off the bed with him. "We'll be out in a moment,” he said, his voice wavering. Gabrielle nodded before she closed the door. When their gazes locked on each other again, Crag knew in his heart this woman was his life mate. Earthling though she may be, he knew he'd rather be dead than lock his mouth on any other until the day he died. He broke the heated stare to rest his forehead against hers. "I missed you, too, Ellie." She responded by touching her lips to cheek. He wouldn't be able to hold himself from her if she touched her luscious mouth to any part of his body again, so he mentally distanced himself. He still had much to tell her regarding their possible future together. He didn't want her to be frightened of him once she learned of his true heritage. For the first time in his memory, he was glad to have Gabrielle close by for support. "I have something to tell you Ellie. I don't think you'll like it, so I'm naturally reluctant to share the information." "You're married, aren't you?" "Married?” He searched his memory for what that meant on Earth. He was married on Tiburon, but married on his planet meant one was in business with another citizen. It didn't mean the same thing here. Was it life partnering? Or was that for the term wedding? He should have studied Earth terminology more extensively before returning. He resisted the urge to shout for Gabrielle to return and translate immediately. "Yes, married. Do you have a wife tucked away wherever you're from?” She pulled away to direct a fierce look into his eyes. "No? I don't think so." "What do you mean, you don't think so? Either you a have one or you don't!" "Ellie..." "Don't you Ellie me. Put me down this instant!” He placed her on the floor and flinched in surprise when she balled up a fist and hit him squarely in the chest. "Ellie, it's not what you think.” He tried to explain. “I don't have a wife in the sense one does on Earth.” By the look on her face at that statement, he hadn't made things better. "Oh, so you have one on another planet, is that it?” Her tone mocked him in a way he was familiar with from his animated battles with Gabrielle. His eyebrows rose at her question. Would she be more willing to believe he lived on another planet? "We need to go talk to Gabrielle,” he said quickly. "No wonder she was so weird about sending for you. She knew about you and..." He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room.

"Hey, stop it. I'm not even dressed!” Ellie huffed. "Gabrielle, I need you!” His shout preceded him as he strode into the living area with a very angry Ellie trailing in his wake. Keller blocked him before he could get to Gabrielle. "I don't think I like the fact you need my life mate." Crag ignored him and directed his comments over Keller's shoulder to Gabrielle who stood directly behind him, sporting an amused look. "Tell her I don't have a wife,” he said. “I'm not married, am I?" Gabrielle's stunned look then dissolved into gales of laughter. She bent at the waist with her arms wrapped around her middle, her mirth at his expense plain to see. Keller smiled as well and stepped out of his way. Crag pulled Ellie over to stand before a recovering Gabrielle. "Cease, Gabrielle." She wiped the moisture from her eyes and gave him an apologetic smile. “Okay. I'm sorry. He's not married, Ellie. I promise. I would have told you." "How come he doesn't know whether he's married or not. What are you, his translator?” Ellie had a puzzled look on her face, but she was no longer trying to release herself from his grasp. "Sort of. You see, where he comes from, some of our words mean different things,” Gabrielle explained. "I don't understand.” Ellie's face sported a confused look, but she was still beautiful. "'Wife’ means business partner. So while he does have a wife, he's not married. See?" "No, I don't understand at all.” Ellie shook her head. They were saved from making any further explanations by the healer. Barton entered the room in his traveling clothes. "Are you ready to depart for Tiburon, Crag?" "What are the results of the examination?" "The queen has requested I bring the results back with me and inform her personally. She expects you will accompany me, of course. That way you can all learn the results together.” Was that sarcasm from Barton? What was he about? Crag turned to Ellie. "What about Ellie?” he asked, not taking his eyes from her. Barton didn't respond until Crag turned back to him. The healer looked at Ellie's state of undress, frowned, and said, “You may bring her if you wish, but if she doesn't carry your progeny, she'll be sent back immediately." "Well, then tell me if she's carrying my child.” The exasperation in his tone was impossible to miss. "The queen felt it would be better to have you back on Tiburon for the reading of the results. She wants to ensure your safe return home, even if the information is not what you expect." "The queen doesn't trust me to return?” Crag asked incredulously. Barton shrugged and his eyes roamed over to Keller who sported a dawning understanding across his features.

"Are they to have a formal reading, in the Chamber of Elders?” Keller asked. The healer nodded. Crag now understood more fully what his friend had gone through in trying to life partner with Gabrielle. Love made the commonplace things seem extraordinary. He was sincerely in love with Ellie. She may be an earthling, but he adored her all the same. His heart was at peace with her mere proximity. He tightened his hold on her hand. Everyone in the room seemed to understand the situation with the exception of Ellie. "What is going on here? Who is the queen? Where is Tiburon? And what is a Council of Elders chamber?” She extracted her hand from his and took a step away. The fear in her eyes humbled him. "Do not be frightened,” he said. "Too late.” She took another step away. One more and she'd disappear into the hallway. "Gabrielle. Explain so she'll understand.” Crag never took his eyes off his future life mate. Gabrielle took a deep breath and let it out before speaking. “Ellie, you and I are from Earth. The three men in the room are from a planet called Tiburon. I believe it's two galaxies away. They're aliens." "But I don't believe in aliens,” Ellie responded with an uncertain look in her lovely eyes. "And yet they exist. I know it's hard to wrap your brain around it, but on some level, I know you secretly wonder about the chocolate flavor and a particular, shall we say ... intensity which results when you kiss his lips." Crag watched a series of expressions cross Ellie's face. She squinted. Her glance traveled around the room to each of the others present. She then shook her head. "I don't ... no, it can't be ... because...” Ellie's eyes suddenly widened in terror. She put a hand to her stomach, drilled a horrified gaze at him, and then slid to the floor in a dead faint. **** Ellie never thought she'd wish for the child to be Brandon's. After about a nanosecond, she still didn't. It spoke volumes to her that she'd rather be pregnant with an alien baby than one from her ex-boyfriend. Was it true? Maybe she heard Gabrielle wrong. What rhymed with alien? "Ellie, please wake up,” Crag's pained voice made its way through her fear-fogged brain. She kept her eyes shut on purpose as the significance of the moment surrounded her. Aliens. Why did it have to be aliens? Back in her teenage years, when she still lived with her mother, she vividly remembered the Friday nights they shared. Gladys Granger loved horror movies. She forced Ellie to stay up late and watch Scream Theater every week. Gladys felt it was a treat to allow Ellie to stay up late. A big plastic bowl of greasy, salty popcorn always rested on the scratched and dented coffee table between them. Her mother curled up on one end of the sagging sofa, eyes wide, waiting to have the crap scared out of her. Ellie coiled into a ball at the opposite end of the couch, a pillow at the ready in which to hide her face. And what was her mother's favorite theme of all? Why, that would be aliens, of course. Unfortunately, the alien movies Gladys enjoyed were fraught with blood thirsty, flesh-eating, zombie aliens, constantly after one internal organ or another, chasing hapless earthlings around to feed off them. Ellie spent the start of every weekend frightened to death that a hoard of aliens would land secretly near

her bedroom, find her cowering under her sheets, and feast on her once she dared close her eyes to sleep. "If I open my eyes, you aren't going to try and eat my liver, are you?" "I beg your pardon?” Crag's voice sounded wounded and confused. Ellie peeked at the apprehensive face of a man she'd been dreaming about for months. Crag was the alien man she longed for and missed each day he'd been away from her. He was the man whose kisses were intense, all right. Not only did Crag's mouth never once sprout razor sharp teeth and attempt to gut her for her pancreas, it instead brought her extreme pleasure. Repeatedly. Even in her dreams, after he'd gone. "Nothing. Never mind. Are you really an alien from another planet?” She sat up and tried not to be embarrassed that she'd fainted in a room full of people ... and aliens. "Yes, I'm sorry to distress you, but—" "Can you prove it?” she interrupted him. He gave her an uncertain look. “Will I be required to do so?" "Yes, I believe you will.” She let him help her up while she clutched the borrowed robe together so as not to provide a peep show for the assembled group. Gabrielle chuckled again but quickly wiped the amusement off her face when every man in the room gave her an evil look. Ellie detached herself from Crag and made her way to Gabrielle. "But you're an earthling, right?” she asked. "Yep, and I promise, they won't hurt you,” Gabrielle said. A glint came into her eyes before she continued. “That is unless you try to take away their future king. Then they drug you senseless and send you back to Earth before you can say ‘kiss me breathless.’” "Gabrielle,” Crag said, heaving a deep sigh of resignation. He sounded deeply offended. "Well, it's true,” Gabrielle retorted. "Be that as it may, it doesn't help this situation.” Crag looked over at Ellie. His face expressed sincere worry. Was he worried about her? "I'm ready to go back to Tiburon,” the strange healer man said. He was as tall as Crag and Keller but wafer thin. Ellie expected a stiff wind would carry him two states away in a flash. "Ellie, will you come with us?” Craig asked her. “I'll show you Tiburon and do my best to prove to you I'm not from your world.” He reached out a hand tentatively as if he expected her to smack him down. Ellie stepped forward and took his outstretched hand “All right. I guess it'll be okay.” What did she have to lose? If she could possibly have a life with him, she wanted it. If he proved to be from another planet, as she was beginning to be convinced, she didn't find it as appalling as staying behind in her world without him. "I need to tell you something else."

"I honestly don't think I can take anything else." Crag sighed deeply but spoke in low tones “You need to know, if we are to have a life together, it must be on my planet. The queen made it clear I'm not allowed to reside here." "Why not?” Ellie glanced back at Gabrielle and Keller briefly. They obviously lived on Earth. "I am The Commander at Arms. The position has been in my family for generations.” She thought he stood just a little straighter when he spoke, as if full of pride at his rank and station. "He's like the Earth version of the top military commander,” Keller spoke up. “He's responsible for the safety of the royal house, among other duties." "Wow, and all this time I thought you lacked motivation to get a full-time job,” Ellie muttered to herself. He was probably out of her league. Top military men were powerful by the very nature of their title. Powerful also equaled out of her league, but then she already lived that way here on good old Earth. During college, she endured rich-girl school on a scholarship. Once she graduated with top honors in Art History, she then went on to endure the looks of those in her various Art related jobs who classified her quickly into the have-not side of the world. Snobs like Brandon. She'd already come to grips with the fact she was better than people like him anyway. She'd learned to have a thick skin around those who thought she was a lesser person because she hadn't been born with a silver spoon shoved in her mouth. She'd learned to temper her remarks when insulted, which was almost every day. It wouldn't be a chore to face a planet full of snobby aliens, as long as they weren't of the bloodthirsty variety. "All right, I'll go with you. How bad can it be?" Gabrielle laughed again. “Wait until you meet the queen. Whatever you do, don't tell anyone you're friends with me."

Chapter Nine They left Earth under the cover of darkness from a secluded place completely void of humans. The blue light of the transporter swept them quickly to the star craft which would then take them to his home planet via several spatial tunnels in a short time. The trip to Tiburon was uneventful, but Crag couldn't help the over protective streak he felt for Ellie. He brought her into Tiburon's main dock at night when most citizens were home asleep. The hanger door closed after the ship landed, protecting them from Tiburon's harshly cold environment. Gabrielle's presence in their world several years ago had garnered much speculation and innuendo. He hoped to avoid the same with Ellie. He led her to his quarters without anyone seeing her except those working the night shift on the dock. He asked them not to spread the word an earthling was in residence. He hoped they might share some quiet moments tonight before all the drama and uncertain conflict of tomorrow in the Council of Elders chambers. "It's very quiet here.” Ellie clutched his hand in hers as they strolled the quiet corridors of his world. "It's after hours. We'll stay in my quarters tonight. In the morning, we'll attend a special session of the Council of Elders." "What does that mean? Who are the Council of Elders?" "They decide and dictate the laws of my world." Crag led her down another hallway to the door of his cramped quarters. After Sybille's death, he'd moved out of the rooms he'd shared with her in an effort to escape the memories of his former life. His new home was smaller but just as comfortable. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. The lights came on automatically. Ellie entered ahead of him, stopping just inside. He secured the door and turned to her. He should probably take her to the visitor's quarters, but it would require waking someone else who would know she was in residence. He wanted to keep her presence as quiet as possible. There was no need to antagonize everyone on Tiburon if Ellie didn't ... The stab to his chest hurt more each time it occurred to him she might not be able to stay. "Will I have to go in to the Chamber of Elders place?” she asked, the warmth of her voice healing his desolate thoughts. "Yes, but I'll be there with you. The session will start, and the healer, Barton, will be brought forward to inform them officially whether the child you carry is mine." "They can already tell that?" "Yes, and if the child is mine, you'll be invited to stay and reside on Tiburon. That is, if you wish to reside with me and raise our child here.” He certainly wished it. As if unconsciously trying to protect herself, she moved a hand to her belly. She did that a lot. A mother should protect her child. Crag's mother had been protective of him. It was a memory of his mother he never lost. He also remembered her laughter. From his earliest memory, he and his mother went on journeys to discover the world. Other memories of her faded over time, but he remembered he'd loved his mother like no other.

He had her to himself until age six when his sister, Lizzie, was born. Even two years later when his sister Ophelia had been born, his mother still made special alone time for him. At age ten he held his mother's hand tightly as his sister, Tessa, was born prematurely on the floor of his parents’ bedroom while they waited for the healer. Tessa had lived. His mother had not. He recalled his mother's final whispered words. “I'm depending on you to take care of your sisters, Crag, and your father, too.” Then she passed onto the next life. Stabs of pain entered and swelled in his chest at her death. The newborn cries of his baby sister rang in his ears. He leaned down to brush his mother's cheek for one last good-bye. After losing his life mate, Crag's father never sought another life partner. The former Commander Kern now lived with Crag's sister, Lizzie, and her family. At least Crag's father had his children for comfort in his later years. He didn't want an action of his to cause Ellie to perish in childbirth as his mother had. Perhaps that was another reason he'd been so reluctant with Sybille, but she died anyway. This was the reason for his gut-wrenching fear of losing yet another woman he loved. Ellie simply had to live, with or without him, whether or not the child was his. The final conversation he shared with the queen before his departure slid uneasily into his mind. The queen would still have to approve the match between them. He knew Elsbeth harbored ill will towards Gabrielle, but he hoped it wouldn't transfer to Ellie who deserved a chance to show she was different. Then there was Lena. Another conversation he didn't look forward to. "Will I ever get to go back to Earth? I mean, my mother still lives there. We aren't close, but I don't want her to be worried. And what about my job? I can't quit and leave them hanging." "Frequent trips are difficult to arrange. However, regardless of your gestational status, I'll be allowed to send you back once to make permanent arrangements. Afterwards, we can send messages via Keller and Gabrielle." "So you won't make me stay here if I don't want to. What if the baby is yours?" Crag's heart tightened as if in a vice of unyielding titanium. He wanted her to stay, especially if the child was his, but he would never force her. The words stuck in his throat. “You won't be forced to stay,” he choked out. “However, I won't be allowed to leave. If you decide to live on Earth, you'll leave without me." "You won't send me away without the baby, right?” Both hands went to her midsection as if she silently called for protection from all bad things. "Of course not, but I would mourn you and our child.” She smiled at his heartfelt statement. He desperately wanted the child in her womb to be his. However, if it wasn't, he suspected it wouldn't matter. Regardless of what the tests revealed, he'd mourn her and the child if she left. "How come Keller gets to live on Earth, but you don't?" Crag sighed, “That's a long story. I don't share the same circumstances that he did. Basically, I won't live on Earth." "Could you ever visit me?"

"No, I have obligations here, which require my attention. If you leave, I'll be forced to life partner with another." "Forced? Why?" "I need to produce an heir for my line. The next Commander at Arms will need to be determined to follow in my wake once I'm no longer able to serve. It would be a disgrace to allow it to fall to another family member out of my direct line. I would never shame my father in this manner." "I see. So the decision to reside here is mine. Do you care if I stay?” she asked in a small, sad voice. Crag felt the stone fist around his heart again. "Of course, I care. I've never cared for anyone as I do you.” He let loose a deep sigh he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He should explain about Sybille before anyone else told her about his past. “You should know I was life partnered once before." "Really? What happened?” Her eyes were wide with curiosity. "Sybille died over a year ago in an accident. I was mourning her death on Earth when we met." "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know." He shrugged, “You should also know I never thought I'd find another woman I cared enough about to go through the experience again. I knew I'd eventually life partner for an heir, but now that we've been together, I'd rather be dead than share my life with another. Do you understand?” As he spoke, he moved closer and closer to her. She didn't back away. Her eyes widened now. “I think you're saying you love me.” Her smile brightened the room with its intensity. "Yes, I love you with everything that I am. Tell me you love me, Ellie." "I do love you, but this is a lot to take in. I may need time to decide if love is enough to leave my planet forever. And how am I ever going to let you go, if it turns out the baby isn't yours?” Her eyes welled up with moisture. "While it's true we have several obstacles to traverse, I'm confident we will crush them if we face them together." "Okay. Will you kiss me?” She moved her face closer to his. He smiled in return and grabbed both of her hands in his. “On my planet that means you want to touch our hands to each other.” He then laced his fingers with hers. "Oh? Well, I want to touch more than just hands together. I want to touch lips together,” she whispered. “What do I have to say to get you to put your mouth on mine?" His heart slammed in his chest at her words. He wanted to plunder her mouth over and over until they were too weak to move. “Well, lips touching is an entirely different proposition. I might require a place to lie down if I touch my mouth to yours. You are the solitary person in the known universe to make me weak at a mere touch of our lips.” He moved their intertwined hands behind her back, bowing her slightly backwards as his mouth went to her neck. He placed his lips on the spot where he could feel the vibrant beat of her pulse.

"Do I? So is this where you came when you left Earth the last time?” At his nod she said, “Were you intimate with anyone else? You know ... after you left me on Earth." "Intimate means what again?” He trailed his lips down her throat and she moaned. "Did you put your mouth on any other women?" He broke the seal of his lips on her throat and looked in to her eyes. “Of course not. I didn't want to be intimate with anyone else. I wasn't over you. I may never be." She gave him a wistful smile. “Good. I didn't either. No one measured up enough to speak to." "Well, am very tall compared to most male earthlings." "Well, no one measured up to you in many other ways. Let's go find a place to lie down. Perhaps you need to teach me about what happens between men and women on your planet." "As you wish. However, I believe you already have a vast knowledge at your disposal.” He put his mouth back on her throat and resumed tasting her. "I love you, Crag. I sense this is the only time we'll have the uncertainly of our future held at bay. I think we should take advantage of it until we're too tired to move.” She moaned as he placed his mouth at the top of her breast. Tonight would be another space of time he'd guard in his heart because it might be the last time they were ever together. Was she carrying his child? Would she choose to leave regardless of the child? Would the queen let her stay? Crag loosened his hands from her, grabbed her up into his arms, and carried her into his bedroom. He undressed her, stroking her body in between the removal of each article of her clothing, which then fell to the floor. Once they were both undressed, he placed her gently on his bed and lay down beside her. Side by side, they stared at each other in the dim glow of light from the other room. "Will you touch your mouth to mine now?” Her smile was mischievous. "In a moment. I'd like to gaze into your eyes for a few minutes first.” He wanted to memorize her face. Wanted to remember every touch and look from tonight. Wanted to remember her in his bed, for his uncertain future. She nodded, and her fingers traced a path down his arm to his waist, grazing a hip before resting on his thigh. In return he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind one ear, but he didn't break the gaze they shared. "What else is involved in mouth touching?” she asked. "Tongues." She laughed. “What else?" "What are you asking, in truth?" "Your race has sex with their mouths, yet you, my love, have a very fine cock. Do you never use this...” her slid hand from his thigh and palmed his shaft, “...for pleasure?" "I used it on you for pleasure.” He gave her a wicked look. "But not with others.” He shook head. Her hand caressed his softened sex, so he allowed his cock to

stiffen and enlarge for her. "You are the only one. On Tiburon, it is only used for procreation. To that end, I don't have any of the strangulating devices as I used on earth for tonight. So perhaps we should love each other in the manner regularly used here.” He leaned closer and placed his lips as near to hers as possible without touching their sensitive mouths together. The near miss enticed him, and he stifled a shudder, taking a deep breath to settle himself. "We don't need them anymore. I'm already pregnant. Would you like to try it once without a condom?" He paused to consider her question. “If you'd like." "I'd definitely like." Ellie stroked his cock several times with her hand, and he found himself relaxing to enjoy the earth-styled sex. He was anxious to avoid the strangulating device he used last time to hamper him. She shifted and rolled on top. She rose up on hands and knees and kissed him everywhere, all over his lust-filled being, but she avoided his mouth, the tease. Her hands then stroked his body with infinite tenderness as if she, too, were making her own memories of this night. As he was able, he stroked her clit and she moaned in appreciation, becoming moist at his touch. He rubbed her nipples as they came within his reach during her exploration of him, which also elicited some very pleasurable sounds from her. "Do you like it when I put my mouth on you?” she asked. The laughter rumbled in his chest. He'd been fighting to keep from accosting her mouth repeatedly since lying down in bed. “Foolish question, Ellie. I adore when you put your mouth on me. Especially here.” He pulled his hand away from her breast, touched the tip of his forefinger to his lips, and rested it there. He tapped his mouth twice in subtle invitation, but she just smiled and continued her torture. Apparently her memories were not yet set. Ellie straddled his hips, grabbed his enlarged cock, and stroked it with her hand. “What about down here?” She promptly slid down, placed her mouth over him, and began the rhythmic suction. It did feel very nice. He closed his eyes as she wrapped her mouth around him, her tongue darting around the tip. Strands of her soft hair danced across the skin of his hips and stomach, lending an erotic sensation to her foreplay. "Ellie,” he spoke before he realized he'd said anything. She kissed a path up to his throat and licked him from collarbone to jaw with the tip of her luscious tongue. "Yes?" "I'm insane with want for you. Place your mouth on mine, or I'll start begging." Her satisfied laugh in response made him smile. “Okay, but I want to feel you deeply inside me first." "As you wish, my love." Ellie maneuvered her hips over his as she grabbed his cock, and he soon felt his shaft squeeze into her slick lower lips. The sensation against the sensitive skin of his cock sliding across the inner skin of her wet opening, plunging deeply inside her core was blindingly erotic for him. The condoms he used before when inserting his cock inside her made him feel like a barrier was in place,

at least until her mouth came in contact with his and brought about his ultimate loss of control. The sensation he felt tonight bordered on that ultimate pleasure her mouth drove in him. Then she began moving on him. He sensed the extreme prickling sensation of her up and down motion. Then she slid up and down a little faster. The tempo of her movement increased, and the pressure her body exerted around his cock was very pleasurable like a deep tissue massage to overworked muscles. But more than that, touching Ellie in this manner made him feel connected at a level he'd never experienced before. She touched the very core of his soul. Once she mastered the rhythm, Ellie leaned forward and placed her mouth on his unexpectedly. Sheer electric feeling pulsated through him from her intimate touch. His hands went to her hips. Swirling tongues gave way to superb gratification. He felt the vibration from the growl of his release all the way to his fingertips, which still helped to slam her body onto his. Ellie cried out her orgasm into his lips, the sound of which touched his heart. This one memory would sustain him. He absorbed the sight of her, the smell of her, the taste of her, the feel of her against him, and listened to her moans of satisfaction. Afterward she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed the silken softness of her body against his. He placed his arms around her and settled one of his legs between hers. His lips caressed her forehead as the scent of her hair engulfed him. He'd spent a significant amount of time dreaming about her exactly in this position once he'd returned to Tiburon after his one night on Earth with Ellie. In every scenario, they were in his bed, wrapped around each other, the scent of their enthusiastic lovemaking evident around them, spinning like mist in the air. He recreated his most powerful dreams of her and etched the experience into the recesses of his heart reserved for his love, his only life mate, Ellie. He wondered if it would be the last time he would hold her thus. The thought of letting her go once again wrenched at his soul. He was ashamed of how he'd treated Keller so long ago regarding his feeling for a puny earthling. Amazing what a little perspective could do. Ellie sighed, snuggled closer, and rested her face in the hollow of his shoulder. They remained quiet and enfolded in each other's arms for a long while. After awhile they slept, waking only once in the night to share one last touching of their lips. The beauty of it was so reverent to him, he was nearly moved to earth-like tears. He'd never wanted something so much as he did this one beautiful earthling. He was smart enough to know that just one embrace would never be enough to last him for the rest of his days.

Chapter Ten "Have you heard? Crag returned during the night, and he brought someone with him.” Lena heard a woman say behind her while she sat at her regular luncheon table. "Who is it?” her friend asked. "No one knows. It's been kept a secret." "Then how did you find out about it?" "My brother was working on the dock last night when the Titan arrived, but he won't say a word about the guest." "Didn't Crag take a healer with him when he departed? Perhaps Keller needed a healer." "No, the healer's cousin is a dear friend of mine. Barton was called to check on someone residing on the planet Earth. Apparently, that someone was brought back with them.” The two women continued in a whisper. Lena listened without it being obvious she was eavesdropping on their conversation. Lena's spine stiffened in anger at hearing the word ‘Earth,’ but she found she was most vexed at hearing Crag was back but hadn't summoned her. She'd been available all morning. She fully expected to have him in her life as soon as his sudden departure abroad was finished. She was annoyed she hadn't been informed that his journey had been to that hated planet Earth. "Do you think The Commander brought another earthling back with him?” Lena heard in a loud whisper. She didn't hear the response, but it didn't matter. Crag better not have brought another earthling back with him, and especially, it better not be the one who ruined her life the last time. "Possibly. There's a special secret session of the Council of Elders later on today. I wish I could find out what is going on in there." "Me, too. One of my nephews is a door guard. If he's on duty today, perhaps I could find out something." "Excellent. I have a friend whose husband works in the Commander at Arms offices. I'll see if I can find anything out. Come to my house for afternoon refreshment. Perhaps we'll have some new information to chat about." Lena finished eating her luncheon, thinking about her next move. She needed to speak to Crag. Alone. Why wouldn't he contact her as soon as he was able? She'd been disappointed the last time they were together when he turned down her offer to touch mouths. She expected to enslave him with the singular pleasure of her lips. To that end, she was forced to wait far too long for his attention. Lena planned to go to Crag's quarters first, then his office, or finally the queen's own chambers to find him today. She would speak to him and finalize their life partnership agreement. She wanted Crag as her life partner. He would simply have to agree. She'd stop at nothing to ensure her wishes were granted. The queen had indicated she might support their match, and if the queen wanted it, well then, it would be so. However, there was one place she wanted to go for extra assurance in this matter. **** "In the matter of Crag, The Commander at Arms for Tiburon, and the unfortunate incident during his

authorized trip to planet Earth. "While away from Tiburon, Crag engaged in ... a liaison where the circumstances may have resulted in the possible impregnation of an alien being. "A healer was sent forthwith to determine if the progeny carried by the alien is in fact the product of their ... liaison. "Crag, as The Commander at Arms for Tiburon, are you ready to bear witness to the results obtained by the healer of your choosing?" "Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I am,” Crag said. Ellie wondered if they would make her speak and silently rehearsed several responses to any possible questions they might ask. "Very well, bring the healer forward." A guard was sent outside, and the wafer thin healer was brought back to the court. He was dressed in blue robes, which made him look like a giant wire hanger. He stepped up to a platform centered in front of the tall table where the elders sat. He turned and faced her and Crag. They stood in circular witness boxes twenty feet from each other. With the healer in place, they formed sort of a triad. "Are you ready to give testimony in these proceedings, Healer Barton?" "I am." "Proceed with your statement." "The progeny Ellie Granger gestates is in fact The Commander's." Ellie subconsciously placed a hand on her belly. She turned to Crag, her face wreathed in a wondrous smile. He didn't betray his bearing by smiling or otherwise acknowledging the news. She could tell by the warmth shining in his eyes, he was pleased. Well, one hurdle down and a hundred or so to go, she thought. "This council will be adjourned to gather additional information on the second component of the petition, to allow the earthling to remain on Tiburon and the third component, to allow the life partnership of the alien to The Commander as per his request." A fluttering flute noise sounded, startling Ellie. Crag immediately stepped down from his witness box and approached her. The harshness of his warrior look was now softened by the amused smile playing around his mouth. She couldn't help but grin in response. Without speaking, he helped her step down from the witness box and led her out of the council chambers. "What now?” she asked. "Now you will have an audience with the queen. She has the deciding vote if the Council of Elders tie in their ballot of the second or third part of the petition. However, I believe it will be an easy choice for them. I've stated my intent and earnest desire to life partner with you in my petition once paternity of the child was established. For the second part, they'll ask if you wish to stay on Tiburon. If you agree, and they concur, the third will be a formality. I don't believe there will be any discord against my wishes."

"What should I say to the queen during my audience?" "Do you wish to remain here?" She couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. “I know it's crazy, but I do want to stay here. On the provision I'll be allowed to make a trip back to finalize things back on Earth." "Then tell her why you would like to be here. Speak from your heart, but whatever you do, don't mention Gabrielle. The queen is intolerant of her." "I'll do my best to avoid any hot subjects. Don't worry. I've been in these situations lots of times in my work. You know, the queen smiled when the decision was read." "Did she? I must have missed it because I was looking at you.” He smiled and said, “You'll do fine. I have no doubt you'll charm her." "I love you, Crag." "I love you, Ellie. You are my true vita-matia.” At her puzzled look, he said, “It means life mate. I'd rather be dead than life partner with another." She cocked her head to one side and smiled. “Me, too." "Let's go meet the queen." **** Lena became more and more agitated as the day wore on without any word from Crag. In her mind, he should have sought her out by now. So she hadn't waited for him any longer. She went looking for him and finally found him in his office late in the afternoon. She didn't knock but just barged in, feeling it was her right. Crag stood behind his desk, leaning over it reading a document, his large hands fisted on the surface. He was a magnificent looking warrior, which made it easy for Lena to choose him for her life partner beyond his powerful position to the queen. "Why have you not summoned me, Crag?” she said, storming across the room. "I had no need to speak with you, Lena.” He ignored her and turned to collect something from his desk. She refused to stand for his disregard. "What are you about, with all these secret meetings in the council chambers?” Her voice ratcheted down a few notches from hysterical. She sounded light and carefree to her own ears, but his anger was plain to see when he lifted his head and gave her a contemptuous look. "The council meetings do not concern you.” He held his piercing gray-eyed gaze on her for a moment before shaking his head and looking away. "If they concern you, then they concern me. I fully expect to be your life partner. I will not be treated as such, and I'm not leaving this office until you tell me what is going on.” She came around the side of his desk, planting herself in front of him with arms crossed. "I never said I would be your life partner. I thought I made that clear before I left. It is doubtful you and I will be involved in the future. I've work to do. You may go." "Of course we'll be life partners.” Her eyes couldn't help but fly to the streak of warrior blond in his hair. She wanted him. She would have him. She strode up to him and placed her lips close to his. “You want

my mouth on yours. I know you do. Lower your barrier. Now! Let me show you what I can do for you." "Step away from me. I will never lower my barrier for you. I have no interest in your mouth. We will never be life partners. Go, before I have my guards drag you out." Her shriek of anger as she strode from the room apparently made no impression on him, because he didn't follow her to apologize for his behavior. Lena headed straight for the queen's private quarters to make an appeal. When she was summarily barred from an audience with the queen by Elsbeth's own private guards, she demanded to know why. She was told the queen entertained a special guest. She felt the blood pulsing in her temples, threatening to explode in fury. Something was afoot. Something she had to stop. What could it be? How could she stop it? Supposed an earthling had been brought here, and the queen did have a special guest. What if Crag no longer wanted to life partner with her? Could it be possible Crag was about to partner with the earthling ? Why? How could the council let it happen? Again! Lena knew she had to do everything in her power to stop this travesty. She needed information. Who would know what happened on Earth besides Crag and the queen? Lena thought of an idea and headed towards the quarters of the only person who also might know what was going on with Crag. Once she found out what that something was, she could formulate a plan to stop it. The only relevant fact being that The Commander would be hers. **** "How do you like your tea, Ellie?” the queen asked her guest. They sat in her cozy chambers with a pot of spicy brewed tea between them. "Oh, it's delightful,” she said with seeming sincerity. The queen watched for any indication of deception and found none. This earthling was so much different from the last one, the one her poor son Keller still life partnered with on Earth. Crag had been correct. Ellie was indeed taller than Lena. She smiled inwardly at Crag's earlier defense of Ellie's height. He was obviously smitten with her. "How do you find Tiburon? Do you like our environment?” she asked. It didn't matter, but she expected Ellie to eventually exhibit the same attitude as Keller's life partner. "Well, I haven't seen all of it, but what I've seen so far is interesting. Your people are lovely, and I must admit, I enjoy looking up at most everyone I meet." The queen admitted to herself she was charmed. “Oh, yes, you do seem very tall for an earthling." A chime sounded and she allowed a servant to enter and clear the small table. Meanwhile, she and Ellie ventured on to chat about everything from children to living quarters to the library of books Elsbeth admitted to having hidden in her private chambers. She acquired a number of them from Keller in his missives to her over the past couple of years. She adored reading mysteries in her personal time. After a few more pleasantries, Elsbeth rose to signal their time was at an end. Ellie seemed to understand immediately and stood with her. She bowed and stuck out her hand. Elsbeth also bowed and shook her hand. Crag was not her son, but when his mother died, she'd taken it upon herself to act as a maternal force in

his life. He might as well be her son. Crag's father had served as her first Commander upon her ascension to the throne of Tiburon. Crag had chosen well for himself. And this earthling gestated his child, the heir in the line to The Commander position. She had only seen pictures of her own grandson, little Craig. He was precious and looked exactly like Keller at the same age. Elsbeth wished he'd remained on Tiburon but knew from Crag that he was happy where he was. She did wish for her eldest son to be happy even though she missed him and still regretted his falling in love with an earthling. In the most recent missive brought by Crag were the newest images of Keller's twin daughters. They were the most beautiful girls she'd ever seen. Having three sons herself, she looked forward to having granddaughters. "You understand about Crag's position as The Commander here on Tiburon, do you not?" "Yes, I understand,” Ellie said, but her eyes traveled to the unique painting on the wall behind Elsbeth's desk. "I'm sorry,” Ellie said and focused back to her, but soon her eyes traveled over Elsbeth's shoulder for another look. "Do you like it?” Elsbeth asked. The painting was striking in its intensity, and yet, not many people noticed it. Elsbeth was very impressed with the earthling who noticed the painting, which meant so much to her personally. "Yes, very much. It expresses a great deal of passion. Vivid brush strokes show the artist's vibrant love for someone important to him. Maybe more than just one." "My dearest, late life partner painted this for me the day I bore him his first son, Keller. He was so happy. He left the healers quarters to let me rest and painted this through the night. I've always treasured it." "I can see why." "Thank you for visiting with me, Ellie. I'd like you to know that while I don't have control over the events to come, and naturally I mustn't take sides, if Crag life partners with you, I'd say he's a lucky man." "Thank you for allowing me an audience, Queen Elsbeth. It was wonderful talking with you. If I stay, I'll promise to do everything to make him happy." Unlikely as it seemed now, the queen hoped the life partner ceremony could be performed before Lena found out Crag might be set to marry an earthling. Lena would be furious once she found out Crag was fated for another.

Chapter Eleven "In the second component of the petition before the Council of Elders, regarding the consent to allow the earthling, Ellie Granger, to reside on planet Tiburon permanently, the council has reached a consensus. "Are you ready to bear witness to our judgment, Commander?" "Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I am." "Our decision is as follows: we consent to the second component of your petition. Ellie Granger, the alien female previously established as officially carrying your progeny, will be extended an immediate invitation to live on Tiburon. This will occur following the official close of these proceedings with regard to the completed petition. If Ellie agrees to our ceremony protocols and conditions, she'll be inducted as a citizen forthwith." Crag released a deep breath, not conscious he'd been holding it during the reading. The elders would make her a permanent citizen of Tiburon, and then the matter of their life partnership would be the final component of the petition. "The third component of your petition is regarding the life partnership of the earthling, Ellie Granger to Crag, The Commander of Tiburon. Such a partnership would mean the child she carries would be the next Commander in our world. "This is a serious consideration for the Council of Elders to decide. It is not to be taken lightly. We would ask for a period of time to allow Ellie to learn the duties for the birth mother of The Commander and what they will entail. First and foremost, her child would not leave this world. The child would be trained practically from birth to be the next Commander. "Do you understand and agree to this Commander?" "Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I do." "And you, Ellie Granger of Earth, do you agree to this?" She stood tall and answered in a firm voice, “Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I do." "We will adjourn for a period of not more than thirty days to allow Ellie to learn of our laws and to make her decision. "If there are no other considerations in this matter..." The doors to the council chamber burst open from without to admit a very irate Lena and an impressive entourage from the House of Fairfax. "Stop these proceedings immediately. I have a complaint to register involving any petition with regard to The Commander, especially with any subsequent life partnership agreement he may be engaged in,” Lena said and strode to the center of the Council of Elders chamber. "Lena of Fairfax, why have you disrupted these private proceedings?” Senior Elder Forte was nearly apoplectic in anger. Crag knew the Elder hated disorder during formal chamber hearings. "Senior Elder Forte, I invoke the ancient ritual of pretext and appeal a ruling on my request on the grounds of predetermined betrothal."

"Predetermined betrothal? Lena what are you talking about? This is highly unusual..." "I must be allowed to speak, Senior Elder Forte. I found an ancient edict in the library of scrolls, which clearly states that, as the eldest daughter of the House of Fairfax, I am to be allowed the choice of life partnership with the current Commander if I so choose. And I do so choose." "By Sultana's fury, do not say one more word, Lena..." "Crag, my love, I wish to life partner with you. I told you I wanted you as my life partner before your trip to Earth. I spoke to the queen while you were away and made my wishes known to her, as well. That sets my predetermined betrothal. It is my preordained right to have you as my life partner." "Lena, she carries the next Commander of Tiburon. She carries my child. Do you understand?" "It is of no consequence to my rights to life partner with whomever I wish to spend my remaining days. I am the eldest daughter of the House of Fairfax. My rights are clear in this matter." The queen stood and took the opportunity to say, “Call for the scroll clerk, librarian." A guard was sent out the already open doors, but Eldon, the scroll clerk, trudged into the room on his own, his face buried in the yellowed paper of an ancient scroll. The members of the House of Fairfax parted to allow him entrance into the council chamber room. "Eldon, what do you know of this matter?” Senior Elder Forte stated in a clear, firm voice. Eldon looked up as if he didn't realize where he was. His eyes widened as he took in his surroundings and began stuttering. "I ... I ... Citizen Lena ... asked..." "Eldon. Do you have pertinent information regarding the pretext for appeal of which Lena speaks?” The queen stood her ground. "Yes, my queen. I have the ... scroll. It states the eldest daughter of the House of Fairfax may select The Commander as her life partner if she so chooses." "Are there any other stipulations?" "Well, he can't be in a current life partnership arrangement, of course, but The Commander no longer has a life partner..." "Is there any other criteria listed, Eldon? This seems like a highly suspect scroll." "Yes, Eldon. What does it say if The Commander is unwilling to consider life partnership to the eldest daughter of the House of Fairfax?” Crag asked, his furious glare focused on Lena. "He may only be excused if he already is in a current life partnership or if there is another predetermined betrothal in place." "What constitutes another betrothal?" "Well, if I read this correctly, if Crag has another life partner in mind to join with, she must be of noble birth equal or higher in rank to Lena to be in contention for your life-partnership." "What if the other possible life partner carries the progeny of The Commander?” the queen asked.

"It doesn't mention anything about gestation, only that if The Commander has someone else he wants to partner with, she must be of equal or greater status to Lena, wherever she is from. "The only stipulation is the intended must be from either the royal house, the high council, or of an equal rank to the House of Fairfax in another world. It must be established in order for another to join in life partnership for the purpose of peaceful negotiations or to override the wishes of the eldest of the House of Fairfax.” Eldon read out loud from the scroll. "So if Ellie came from a family of equal status on her planet, I'd be allowed to life partner with her over Lena?” Crag asked. "Yes. Oh, wait, here is an addendum regarding gestation. The progeny of the current Commander may be allowed to apply for the position, regardless of the status of life partnership or where the child is raised." "Meaning what?” Crag had a bad feeling he knew exactly what was stated. "The child could be reared in your household after you life partner with the eldest from the House of Fairfax. It doesn't matter whether the child is the natural progeny of The Commander's life partnership with the eldest from the House of Fairfax." The implication was clear. Now that it was established Ellie's baby was his progeny, the child could be raised in his household by Lena if she became his life partner. Crag wondered if Ellie understood and knew she did when he glanced at her horrified face. "You can't take this child from me! You promised me you wouldn't. You promised. I'll go back to Earth and raise the baby on my own. You can pretend you don't know it's yours.” Ellie raised her voice, her hands sliding over her womb. "It's been legally established the child is The Commander's progeny by the Council of Elders. We may not unlearn this information,” Senior Elder Forte said, his eyebrows drawn in speculation. "I am willing to lower myself to raise The Commander's child once we are life partnered. I have two children who do not qualify for the position of Commander. However, if the earthling's child is to be the next Commander, then it may reside in my household,” Lena said, her tone imperious. "You will never take part in the rearing of my child!” Ellie said in a clear voice. "Well, then you must prove to be from a family with the status equal to that of the House of Fairfax,” Lena replied. Crag held up his hand. He could see this was getting nowhere. Lena wanted to be life partnered with his power. Ellie was not going to allow her child to be raised without her. He could life partner with Lena and never put his mouth on hers ever. He had an heir. Ellie would still be allowed to stay on Tiburon, but she would live alone, under no protection. She would not even have conjuxtrix status, as they were not life partnered yet. They wouldn't be allowed to converse with each other. Crag wanted to banish Lena to the dungeons of Tiburon so her request would be buried, which would not happen. What could he do? The only thing left was to prove Ellie was an equal in her world. "What political connections are required in order to equal the House of Fairfax status, Eldon?” Crag asked. "Oh, well, I'll have to check, but I believe she must be the direct relative of a member of a royal family or a politically important family. A healer will have to be sent forthwith to determine paternity or maternity of

such an alien." The council was then adjourned in a flurry of loud voices and speculation over the theatrics brought on by Lena. Crag, who momentarily held such high hopes for his future, was now devastated. The distraught look in Ellie's tearful eyes almost brought him to his knees. **** "Crag, I love you, but I'm not giving up this child for that horrible, spoiled woman to raise." "I know. I would never ask you to do that. I'll figure something out. I don't suppose you can trace yourself to a member of royalty on your planet or at the very least an important political figure." "I don't suppose I can.” Ellie was embarrassed to admit she didn't know the name of her biological father. Crag's harsh frown disturbed her. She wasn't sure of its source, so she stepped back from him. Was he about to go the snobby Brandon route because she was of a lower birth? Would he next ask her to stay on as his mistress? Crag saw her uncertainty and softened his face, “I'm sorry Ellie. I'm not upset with you. It's the situation Lena has created. I don't know where to start. I'm so angry I can barely speak. "At this point, my two choices are to convince you to live on Tiburon, where I will be forced to partner with Lena while you raise our child alone. Oh, yes, and we'd never be allowed to see or speak to each other for all the rest of our lives. "Or I could let you go back to Earth, but I'll still be forced to life partner with Lena. With you and our child on Earth, I'd have to produce an heir with her instead of recognizing our child as the true Commander. I'd rather be cast out of Tiburon into the barren wasteland than get physical with her. If I could even stop myself from killing her, given the opportunity so close at hand." "What can you do?” Ellie asked. She harbored no illusions this would end easily or in her favor, but they'd conquered many obstacles thus far. She refused to give in to the haughty, spoiled princess from the illustrious House of Fairfax. "I have an audience with the queen to discuss possibilities. I believe she's on our side, but she'll be limited to what she can do. The House of Fairfax is a powerful influence." "Do you care for Lena? Why does she want you so much if she knows you don't like her?" "Power. She wants power. She was slated to life partner with Keller until he lost the purity of his mouth to Gabrielle. He would have been king." "So?" "So, Lena wanted to be queen, but since the new future king, Keller's brother Kyle, was already life partnered, she wants to be life partnered with the next best power position. After the high council members, who are all spoken for, the next position of power in the hierarchy of Tiburon is mine." Ellie nodded. At least there were no feelings of love. At least he didn't expect her to wait around while he married someone else. "It would make matters uncomplicated if you could find a way to trace a family member back to a position of royalty or political power." "The thing is, I don't know who my father is, Crag. I'm not sure there is a way to find out, either.” Then

she slid to the floor on her knees and cried her heart out.

Chapter Twelve "Lena, I implore you. Do not force this life partnership between us.” Crag stood in her palatial quarters, ready to fall to his knees and beg if she would release him from her pretext appeal against him in the Council of Elders. If she withdrew her petition, he was prepared to offer her absolutely anything within his power. After his conversation with the queen, it was clearly decided this was his only option to break free of the pretext she'd wrought. "Crag, you must know I will never back down from this. It is my right to have the life partner of my choice, and I choose you. Why would you want an earthling anyway?" "Ellie is my life mate, do you understand? I love her. Why would you want to tie yourself to me knowing this?" "You mean Sybille wasn't your life mate? How interesting you would admit that to me. It only tells me you've already life partnered without being in love. Therefore, you can do it again with me.” Her smile was condescending, and he closed his eyes momentarily at giving her such a weapon against him. "Make no mistake, I will have The Commander as my life partner.” She then glanced at the streak in his hair. "Perhaps I could simply scalp the mark off my head and hand the bloody pelt over to you. I sense it is the only thing you are actually interested in.” Her face sprouted a nasty smile as if the visual he painted amused her. "Oh, Crag, you don't frighten me. Pout all you want. The sooner you let me have my way, the sooner you can be at my beck and call. And don't presume I'll ever let you visit that earthling if she decides to stay." "What will persuade you?" "Nothing. I should have been queen by now. In fact, by life partnering with you, I'm already settling for a lesser position. But I can't very well life partner with the new future king. He's already life partnered to your little sister, Tessa.” Her eyes were bright with anger at her perceived slight in the royal house. "Now, if Kyle were to become available in the next two weeks, why then, I'll drop my pretext for you, but then something terrible would have to happen to your sister." Crag overlooked the inference of his sister's demise when he heard the unexpected time frame of two weeks. “What do you mean two weeks? There is no time limit to prove her worth." "Oh, didn't I mention the other stipulation? I'm allowed to choose the date of my life partnership with you. If it had been up to me, I'd have you in front of an Elder right this moment. I have chosen two weeks, as it is the very minimum stipulated in the scrolls. That's how long you have to prove your earthling is of noble birth, or you will be forced to life partner with me. With or without your consent.” She smiled sweetly. "If we end up officially life partners, you will not be happy. I guarantee it,” he said in a low, dangerous voice. "Do not threaten me. You will life partner with me, and you will make me happy. I command it." **** Crag stepped onto the departure platform containing the only woman who would ever hold his heart. He

was not allowed to go to Earth with Ellie. Lena was afraid he wouldn't come back and promptly petitioned the queen. He suspected Elsbeth had her doubts as well, which sealed his fate to remain on Tiburon. Ultimately, he couldn't, in good conscience, blame them. "I'll miss you,” Ellie said simply. He took her hand in his and kissed her fingertips. He then leaned down and kissed her belly, saying a silent good-bye to his child. "Hurry back,” he told her when he rose again. “Take care of her, Barton,” he said, turning to the healer who volunteered to go back to Earth. Barton inadvertently told Lena about Ellie. The knowledge of another earthling being in residence eventually gave Lena the idea to go to the scrolls for her revenge. Crag was especially touched by the healer's generous offer because he knew first hand how much Barton hated to travel through the spatial tunnels. "Believe me, I will. Earth is a nice enough place to visit, but I hate the space travel, you know. It makes me sleepy." "Yes, I know. Thank you again for your sacrifice.” He turned to Ellie. “Here is a missive to give to Keller. He can help you once you're back on Earth. It will explain the proof we need, and when you find out you are in fact a princess, he can send back a witness statement verifying what I already know. You are better than any princess on Tiburon." "Okay.” Her voice trembled, and her eyes welled up with tears. It was time for her to go, before he did something drastic. **** "Mama, please, I need to know who my father is. I really need to know!” Ellie's impassioned voice was sincere. Keller watched Ellie's mother closely to assess her willingness to give them the information they requested. The distasteful look her mother displayed didn't bode well for them. He'd witnessed his students react the same way when he asked for homework assignments they had not yet completed. "Well, gosh sakes. I don't see you for years, and you burst in here asking questions I told you I'd never answer.” Gladys Granger glanced suspiciously at her and Barton. Ellie had introduced them as friends of her fiancé. She'd explained how Crag Tyler, her new fiancé, had to work and couldn't come in person. Keller tried to be as non-threatening as possible, which was difficult since he had to duck to enter the abode. Barton seemed annoyed with the entire situation as he tried to stay awake. Ellie had arrived with Barton the night before. After reading the missive from Crag, Keller took the day off from work to assist Ellie in her mission to discover the identity of her father. Crag's missive begged him to find a nobility link in Ellie's family. Keller had never before heard Crag beg ... not for anything. "Why is it so gall darn important after all this time, anyway? Your fiancé should love you no matter who your daddy is." "He does love me, mama, but we have a right to know. It's for ... um ... medical reasons. We want to ensure our kids will be healthy.” Ellie had told him earlier she thought it was a lame excuse. Keller didn't have the heart to tell her he agreed with her assessment. Gladys was not likely to tell them what they wanted to know. He could sense her resistance. "Kids! You're already worried about kids? Do you have a bun in the oven already? Is that what this is all

about?” Gladys asked, sporting an overly inquisitive expression. Her look traveled across the small space to Ellie's mid-section. Ellie's hands already rested against her lower stomach in a protective gesture. Keller suspected she did this unconsciously because Gabrielle had done the same thing while gestating his children. Ellie breathed out a long sigh. Her mother was not going to cooperate. Keller decided then and there she was right. They'd wasted a trip here. He looked around. Perhaps they could glean a clue to help them with their impossible quest. They needed a name to continue their search. Then they'd have to find him in person, if he was still alive, and keep him distracted for several minutes while Barton ran a scanner over him to assess his DNA and compare it to Ellie's. Then he'd have to be someone remotely important. Keller already thought of ways to inflate the status of whichever man her mother named, even if he turned out to be a homeless man residing at one of the shelters in the city. Would King of the Shelters perhaps sway the Council of Elders? "Are you going to tell me who my father is or not?” Ellie sported a look of pure aggravation. Keller suspected it wouldn't do her any good. "Not. Look at me, Eleanor. I'm not able to attract men as easily as I used to, so I need those checks I get to survive. Don't you understand? If I tell you and you go find him, then the checks stop. I won't risk it. It's better for everyone if we keep this laid to rest. Where it should be. He'd never admit it to you, anyway." "I don't care if he admits it. Besides, why would your welfare checks stop if you tell me who my dad is? I'm twenty eight years old, mama." "I believe I know how old you are, Eleanor, and besides, I never said I got welfare checks!" "Well, what checks are you getting then?" "I'm not saying.” Gladys did a tick-a-lock gesture over her mouth to indicate she had thrown away the key. Ellie rolled her eyes, presumably at the dramatics, as Keller smiled inwardly. "Please,” Ellie said in the most heart wrenching voice he'd ever heard. Keller thought surely her mother would break down after hearing the utter despair in Ellie's voice. He would have caved in by now. "No, you've wasted your time. And them two tall fellers don't scare me none, either." "We wouldn't try to scare you, ma'am. If you tell us who Ellie's father is, we don't plan to hunt him down or anything. It's more of an informational quest,” Keller responded carefully. "Don't matter. That secret was long ago put to rest. I swore I'd never tell anyone, and believe you me, if I didn't tell my daddy way back when, I'm certainly not going to tell you now." The night before, Ellie had told Keller and Gabrielle that her maternal grandfather died when she was two. She never knew him or remembered him. She said the pictures of him showed a tall, gruff looking man who hadn't been happy about Ellie's birth. He'd been a farmer, as had his father and his father before him. No prince or royalty or politician or even a captain of industry going back for several generations on her mother's side to denote a noble birth. "Mama..." "No, go on. Stay as long as you want, but I'm not saying another word on the subject.” She then turned her focus to the men seated on the sagging sofa. “Where are you two from anyway? Are you foreigners

or somethin'?" "Something like that, yes, although I'm a citizen of your country now." "Did you have to take a test?” Gladys pierced him with a stare. "No. I ... uh ... married to attain my status of citizen." "Is that what you're doing for your man, Eleanor? Are you marrying him so he can be one of us? I don't think that's legal." "No, I love him. Once we marry, we'll be living far away in his country. It's likely I'll never see you again." "Is that so?" "Yes, so will you please tell me who my father is before I go?" "No, and don't be asking again. You're beginning to get me riled up.” Gladys turned and left the three of them in the small living room. Ellie hung her head in frustration. Keller noticed an ornately framed picture of Gladys as a young woman hanging on the wall. On other walls, every square inch of space was covered with pictures and knick-knacks, but this one wall only held the single enlarged picture of Ellie's mother as a young campaign volunteer. The photo showed her shaking hands with a young, up and coming councilman running for office. The councilman looked to be in his early twenties. His proud parents stood clearly in the background of the portrait. Keller knew the young councilman shaking hands with Ellie's mother as the current governor of the state. Perhaps it was possible to narrow their paternity choices given what Gladys treasured. "Ellie, this picture, is it important to your mother?" "Oh, yeah. Whatever you do, don't breathe on it. She dusts that stupid thing three times a day.” Ellie paced back and forth in the small living room. "Why do you suppose she does that?” Keller turned his gaze to her and raised an eyebrow in question. "Well, she was always into politics, from way back in her teenage years. She volunteered to help with Governor Bailey's first run at the councilman's position. She's always been a big supporter of his all throughout his career. She said he's the only candidate...” And the implication Keller had just thought of registered on her face. They could still be mistaken, but at this point, it was Ellie's best hope given their limited time frame and lack of other realistic choices. "I think it's a possibility I should have considered long ago. I never thought my mother was in love with the councilman or anything. She said he was honest for a politician, but I've never known her to drool over him." "Sometimes the simplest explanations are the hardest to see,” Keller said. He focused on the portrait with the promising feeling they were staring at Ellie's father. "I'll call a friend I know at the University. He's a good friend of the Governor. I'll see if I can get us in to meet him. I'll say Barton is a big fan." "What?” Barton said, startled into waking up from his nap on the sofa. After twenty minutes and a couple of traded phone calls, Keller realized things were never as simple as

they seemed. There were always insurmountable obstacles to one's most ardent and heartfelt goals. This particular obstacle being that the governor was completely unavailable. **** "What do you think of this color for the traditional binding cord at our life partner ceremony?” Crag looked up to see Lena crossing the space of his office with a burgundy colored fabric in her hands. She'd come in every day for a week with some foolish questions regarding their ceremony. He didn't respond, as had been his silent answer to all her silly questions all week. He turned back to his reports pointedly and ignored her. "It will be the event of the season, of course.” She came around the side of his desk. The too strong fragrance of her perfume overwhelmed him and made him slightly ill. He jerked up when she laid a hand on his shoulder. "Do not touch me.” It was all he could do not to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. He'd do it if he thought it would rattle some sense in to her. Crag knew it was wasted energy. "In one short week, we'll be touching lips, Crag. You should start getting used to my touch." "No, thanks.” Crag held on to the memories of being wrapped around Ellie in sublime pleasure. Even being near Lena was becoming abhorrent to him. "You're being difficult when you should be grateful I'm interested in you." Crag couldn't help the laughter, which bubbled up through him unexpectedly. “Keep thinking like that, Lena. It will get you nowhere." "You should accept your fate." "Should I? I'll return the same advice to you. Get used to living your life without me. I fully expect Ellie to be my life mate. However, if you force me to life partner with you, I'll never touch you. It's not a requirement." "You won't last without my touch,” she sneered and then exited the room in a royal snit. Again Crag laughed out loud at the ludicrous notion Lena convinced herself was the truth. He had memories enough to sustain him. He'd never want Lena's lips. Ever. He sobered up quickly, and a familiar thought ran through his mind. His temper flared uncontrollably each time Lena strolled into his office. His displeasure overrode his responsibilities to a higher degree as time moved forward. Crag had an idea he wanted to explore. He looked for a sign to act on the scheme he dwelled on. A singular loud rap at his door knocked the secret plan back in to the deep recesses of his mind again, where it belonged. Lena better not be at the door again. He braced himself, latching his hands onto the edge of the desk to keep them from automatically going in to choke mode should it be Lena again. "Enter." "A message for you, sir,” said Crag's Chief Officer, popping his head in. "Who is it from?” he asked, happy not to be fending off Lena.

The Chief Officer cleared his throat before answering. “The House of Grayson, sir." The House of Grayson was Sybille's family. He accepted the document warily. There was a small note attached from Sybille's sister. It read, ‘This message was found in Sybille's effects. She wanted you to have it after her death.' Crag paused a moment to center himself before he read the note from his long lost life partner: My dearest Crag, I write this to you on our ceremony day. I want you to know how grateful I am you agreed to life partner with me. I know you were reluctant initially to take a life partner so early in life. I also know you do not have a great burning desire for me as I do for you, but I promise to love you enough for the both of us while we are together. If you are reading this, then I am gone from this life. However much time we had together, I want you to know I loved you each and every day. Please don't blame yourself for merely being my lifelong friend and partner. I know you would have gone to the ends of the world for me. I know you loved me, my dearest Crag, in all the ways that matter most. If you are young, go on with your life and do not mourn me at length. If you are old, I'll see you in the after life. Sybille, on the happiest day I have ever experienced. Crag found he had to take a breath. Memories of his sweet Sybille flashed through him. He had to take another lungful of air to keep his emotions in check. He read the note again and sighed deeply with a smile on his face. If this wasn't a sign, he didn't know what qualified. The random scandalous thought that circulated in his head earlier and had been delegated to the dark recesses of his mind came back with a vengeance. It wouldn't leave no matter how hard he tried. Perhaps he was fated to follow his heart. "Chief Officer, would you have time to join me for dinner? I have a proposition to run by you." "Certainly, sir." **** "He's where?” Ellie asked in astonishment. They stood outside her mother's trailer in the Happy Valley Trailer Park after Keller had tried unsuccessfully to get an audience with the Governor. Dogs barked ferociously in the yard next door. Children played in the grassy fenced space across the street. Barton dozed in the back seat of Keller's car. They could hear him snoring through the window he'd left open for fresh air. Keller snapped his cell phone shut and pocketed it. He didn't look happy. “Governor Bailey is at a summit meeting for disaster relief. He won't be back for five days, which is the day before you and Barton must leave to arrive in time for the Council of Elders meeting." "Well, we only need ten minutes with him. It's still doable.” Ellie clung to her very last, desperate hope. The governor would see them, and coincidentally he would also be her father. Easy.

"It also largely depends on if I can get an appointment on his first day back after an absence. I've been told not to expect this to occur. But even if we sit in his office and wait or sneak in and tie him to his chair for Barton to examine him, there is still another problem." "What?” Ellie sighed. She bore up for more bad news and wondered what her capacity was. Pretty soon, she'd just melt into a puddle, unable to take one more negative reality. "If Governor Bailey isn't your father...” Keller's voice trailed off to the inevitable bad news that scenario would represent. The problem was clear. There wouldn't be time to search for any other candidates. "Right, well, if he isn't, then it won't matter. I don't have any other brilliant ideas of who he could possibly be. My mother isn't going to talk unless you know any forms of torture." Keller smiled indulgently. “Not any that I'd be willing to demonstrate on your mother. It probably wouldn't work on her anyway.” He smiled again with sadness this time. “I'm sorry, Ellie." "Don't be. I appreciate all you've done for me thus far." "What will you do if the governor isn't your father? Will you go back to Tiburon anyway and live?" "No, it would be too painful. I won't watch from the outside of a life I can't participate in. It would be ... well, agonizing for me to see Crag every day and never be able to talk to him or...” She lowered her head unable to continue. Keller didn't say anything. He merely patted her on the back in understanding and allowed her tears to fall without chastisement. The Governor simply had to be her father.

Chapter Thirteen Ellie returned to her apartment with the intention of shoring up her possibilities. She spent the evening and into the next day making plans for every possible scenario. Keller promised they would camp on the Governor's doorstep in four days. She planned to stay all day and into the night if necessary. In the meantime, she needed to check in at work. If she didn't go back to Tiburon with Barton, she'd have to make sure she was still employed. After learning the results of the home pregnancy test and the discovery of her predicament, Ellie had taken off a week from work to cope. She had listed ‘personal’ as the reason to her boss. She never got around to calling Brandon before her trip to Tiburon, and thankfully she wouldn't need to now. Crag showed up soon after. Ellie left a message to extend her leave of absence by another week to travel in space. Now she would need yet another day off to look up her father. She also needed to explore the restrictions a pregnancy would impose on her current job if she wasn't able to return to Tiburon and Crag. The thought of never seeing him again stabbed at her heart. She shook off the bad feelings to focus. As long as her pregnancy went smoothly, she should be fine. It occurred to her she had already used up the bulk of her vacation time. She would need even more once the baby arrived. Ellie sighed deeply. A baby out of wedlock was veritable scandal in her chosen career, even in this day and age. The clientele Art and Antiquities by Warner catered to were not tolerant of scandal. In those circles, an unwed mother still represented a huge disgrace. Ellie already planned to hide her condition as long as possible. Luckily, she was tall. She hoped to last five or six months before being found out. Once her condition became obvious, she would endure the snickers and imperious looks with grace and charm. It wouldn't be the first time the clientele gossiped behind her back. The torment of never seeing Crag again took her breath away. The mere thought made her tear up every time, so she put it from her mind and summoned a brave face. She headed through the front doors of Art and Antiquities by Warner to speak to her boss, Mr. Warner. She hoped he approved her further time off requests without specific explanations. Ellie took a deep breath for strength and opened the outer door of Mr. Warner's private office. “Hi, is he in?” she asked Darlene, her boss's secretary. Darlene had never been very nice to her. Today was no exception. Dragonzilla gave her a snotty look before rolling her eyes and answering in an imperious tone. “He's on a conference call with someone. Someone important." "Oh. Well, may I wait?” Ellie did her best to ignore the insulting tone. Without further comment, Darlene shrugged and pulled out a nail file. Ellie sat in one of the two burgundy leather chairs across from Dragonzilla's desk. The noise of the emery board set Ellie's nerves on edge. She ignored it to focus on what she would tell her boss. She would mention a medical condition, but no specifics. Once she had smoothed this over, she could make long-range plans in the event she was not of noble birth, as she suspected. The outer door to Mr. Warner's office opened again, and in stepped the last man she ever wanted to see again. Brandon Farnsworth. He didn't see her right away. His eyes zeroed in on Darlene first as he entered the room. Ellie knew Dragonzilla harbored a huge crush on Brandon. Darlene lowered the nail

file, and charm fairly oozed out of her pores with his attention exclusively focused on her right now. "Hi, Darlene, may I speak with Mr. Warner for a moment?" "Oh, sure, Mr. Farnsworth. He'll be done with his conference call in just a sec. I'll tell him you're here. You can go in next.” Dragonzilla turned a sneer in Ellie's direction. Ellie resisted the urge to stick her tongue out in rebellion since the pecking order had just changed and Ellie was moved down. Darlene loved to pretend she was important. Ellie was suddenly sick of being treated like a second-class citizen. "I was here first, Darlene. I'd appreciate the courtesy of being Mr. Warner's next appointment." Brandon turned in surprise as she spoke. "Darling! How good it is to see you.” Brandon strode over and sat down in the chair next to her. Ellie wasn't in the mood to talk to him. He tried to grab her hand, but she pulled them both away from him. She also didn't want to touch him. Darlene gave her a sour look when Brandon sat down next to her at first, but then an evil expression canvassed her face. She retrieved the nail file she'd thrown down when Brandon popped in. She didn't look up when she announced, “By the way. I'm not your message service, Ellie.” Darlene sawed away at her claws. “The Expectant Mothers Clinic called twice while you were gone. Apparently, you missed an appointment with them." Oh, crap! Ellie forgot all about her appointment in the wake of her recent space travel! If Dragonzilla knew, then probably everyone in the city had heard about her condition by now. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Brandon sat straighter at the news. "Thanks. Sorry to have troubled you,” Ellie said as her mind raced. She was proud that her exterior façade remained serene. No need to give Dragonzilla more ammunition. Brandon, still frozen in place from the information Darlene spouted, finally spoke. “Darling, why on earth did you need an appointment at an expectant mother's clinic?” His face had gone marshmallow white at the mention of pregnancy. "Don't worry, Brandon, it's not your child." "You're pregnant with another man's child? How can that be? You know I love you. How could you betray me like this, Ellie?" "Betray you? You unbearable snob. You have a wife! I do not answer to you." Darlene snorted at Brandon's confession of love. Ellie noticed a look of longing cross Darlene's face in an unguarded glance at Brandon before she went back to filing her nails with gusto. Dragonzilla could have him, but in the meantime, what a mess. "Did Mr. Warner happen to hear you take the message?” Ellie asked innocently. She'd need to construct some scenarios with her boss if he already knew. She suspected he did. Dragonzilla wouldn't miss an opportunity to bash Ellie when she was down. "You know, I believe he did happen to be standing next to my desk when I took the message. He may have heard me confirm it when I read the message back to the nurse ... out loud,” she continued with smug satisfaction. “I wanted to be sure to get it right.” And yet, Dragonzilla wasn't her message service,

unless the message was really juicy gossip, apparently. The door to Mr. Warner's office opened wide, and her boss strode out. If he was surprised to see her, he had the bearing not to show it. She, on the other hand, was unnerved by the fact he already knew she was pregnant. She knew it showed on her face. So much for the calm façade she'd worked so hard to put in place. Mr. Warner wore a dispassionate frown on his weathered face. He sighed deeply once he saw that she waited for him. Evidently, he hadn't expected to deal with her yet. "Miss Granger, would you step in to my office, please?” Her boss displayed a supremely disappointed look on his face. “Mr. Farnsworth, do you mind waiting? I'd consider it a favor." "Of course. Glad to be of service.” Brandon's congenial tone grated on her nerves. He gave her a crushed look of betrayal as she passed him, which also annoyed her. Once inside Mr. Warner's elegantly wood paneled office, Ellie knew something distasteful was coming, but he looked ready to play it out in humiliating detail, all the same. She seated herself in one of the comfortable leather chairs parked before his ornate desk. Her back remained ramrod straight to endure the lecture she was probably about to get. "Eleanor, I was shocked and dismayed to discover you were expecting a child out of wedlock." Ellie stiffened when he said the words. She couldn't help it. She remained dispassionate and shrugged. “My personal life is really none of your business,” she said in her most formal tone. "Art and Antiquities by Warner cannot withstand this sort of scandal, Miss Granger. The clientele here expect a certain prudent way of life you do not seem to understand. I believe it would be best for everyone if you clean out your desk and have your resignation in hand before end of the business day,” he said distastefully. “Please don't make this situation any more embarrassing by expecting a reference, as there will not be one forthcoming." "What?” Whatever she was expecting, this wasn't it. She was ready for an ‘I'm ashamed of you for getting yourself in this position lecture,’ not a pink slip. "I believe I was clear. You need to clean out your desk and resign.” Mr. Warner had on his serious face. She recognized it as the face he used with consignment artists when discussing how much their art was worth. She knew he'd made up his mind to fire her. "Or perhaps instead, I'll get a lawyer and sue you for wrongful termination." Mr. Warner sighed and reached for a folder on his desk. “Don't bother. I didn't fire you. I asked for your resignation." "It's the same thing.” Ellie crossed her arms and sat a little higher in her seat. She mentally prepared herself to do battle, even as it occurred to her she didn't truly want this job any longer. "Let me refresh your memory, Miss Granger.” He slipped on his reading glasses and studied a piece of paper from the folder. “Five years ago, you signed a condition of employment document. On page six, paragraph three, it states clearly ‘any action by said employee of a dissolute nature or circumstance will be grounds for dismissal'. Subsection one clearly states several examples of disgraceful behavior; ‘an out of wedlock pregnancy’ is listed first." Ellie mentally deflated. She vaguely remembered that document. She'd read it but also knew she never

expected to end up in an out of wedlock pregnancy. What a mess. She was pregnant and unmarried. She was about to be fired and faced a legal battle to save a job she only tolerated. Unless by some miracle the governor of the state was her father, Ellie had little hope of spending her life with the man she loved who was also the father of her child. When had her life turned into such a soap opera? It reminded her ominously of the life she'd spent with her mother and fought so hard to leave behind. A part of her never wanted to cross the threshold of this snotty, ill-bred place of business ever again, but she knew she couldn't let Mr. Warner get away with this. She stood up angrily and slung her purse over her shoulder. She planted her hands on the front edge of his desk and glared at him as she leaned forward slightly. The contempt suddenly showed on his face as she found herself locked in a staring contest with her boss. The door to Mr. Warner's office opened behind her. She sensed someone standing in the doorway. Dragonzilla to the rescue for the inappropriate employee who was being given a pink slip today. Darlene had probably had a standing order to wait ten minutes before interrupting with a trivial matter to get her boss out of uncomfortable situations. Neither of them broke the stare. Ellie wasn't quite done yet. In a low voice, the controlled tone of which surprised even her, she said, “Mr. Warner, I've worked for you without incident for over five years. I've swallowed my pride countless times in the face of others you associate with who believe I'm not good enough, which constitutes a large percentage of this establishment's clientele. "So, let me tell you, I am good enough. In fact, I'm better. I worked very hard to overcome a background I couldn't control and chose to become the best employee I could for you. You know I've worked harder than anyone else you employ. "It speaks volumes to me, Mr. Warner, about your true character that you'd trash me so thoroughly and so completely over this. Do you know for a fact that I'm pregnant and unwed? Or did you just overhear some gossip before you automatically judged me dissolute? "I won't give you the satisfaction of resigning. My lawyer will be in contact. And whatever happens, I assure you, any reference from you would be meaningless to me.” Ellie started to turn, prepared to stroll out of his office with her head held high. She hadn't broken eye contact when he spoke. "Why drag this through a court of law?” he asked in a superior tone. “Do you even have a lawyer?" Ellie wished for the first time in her life to be rich enough to have a powerhouse lawyer with a reputation big enough to scare him, but she didn't. She wanted out of here. "I guess you'll find out when he calls you.” Ellie turned to leave before her face betrayed the lie she'd just told. When she came around, she sucked in a sharp breath at the person who stood behind her in the doorway. Her hand went to her chest as a shot of warm fuzzy feelings settled in her center. Not Dragonzilla after all, but Crag, decked out in dangerous looking black leather, a seriously heated look directed at her. A smile curved her mouth. "Darling,” she said with growing elation, “I didn't expect you." "I missed you, love. Are you ready to go?” Crag directed an angry look at her boss, making her smile even wider.

**** Arms crossed, sporting his best look of pure malevolent intentions towards the man who would dare to impugn Ellie's character, Crag took a long step into the office. When she turned around and her gaze enveloped him, he was glad he had surprised her in this manner. Ellie's boss merely gave him a disgusted look, much like the one Lena gave whenever talking about someone she didn't like. From behind Crag, Keller then pushed past and planted himself in front of Mr. Warner's desk. He'd graciously agreed to accompany Crag to show him the location of Ellie's place of employment, or rather, her former place of employment, as things stood now. "Professor Keller, so good to see you.” Ellie's boss fawned immediately as if in deference to those he deemed worthy. "Unfortunately, Mr. Warner, I can't say the same thing in return. Miss Granger is a personal friend mine and also a regular volunteer in the University's Art Department. She is one of the finest people it's ever been my pleasure to know. "Since she has been dismissed without cause from your business, I'm forced to inform the university of your lack of good judgment. I'll also be obliged to tell my personal friends and associates that I can no longer do business with your firm.” Keller paused dramatically then turned back to Mr. Warner's shocked face. “I have an excellent lawyer at my disposal, which means Ellie does, too. Good day.” Keller did an about face, winked at Ellie, and proceeded to exit the room. Once again Keller pushed past Crag to leave, but he slapped Crag's back on his way out to the receptionist's area. "Please, Mr. Keller. Let's not be hasty.” Ellie's boss chased after him and out of the outer private room, making excuses in the wake of Keller's imperious declaration and departure. “I'm sure we can work something out." Crag held out a hand to her, but Ellie threw herself into his arms instead. He caught her up to his chest, inhaling the scent of her and did his best to keep from planting his mouth on hers. "I can't believe you're here. I missed you so much. I was afraid I'd never see you ever again.” Ellie's muffled voice rose from the collar of his jacket. "Are you ready to go?" There was a man waiting in a chair outside the room where Crag had entered. Crag recognized the earthling as Ellie's old boyfriend. Brandon stared at Ellie as they passed, arm in arm, out of Mr. Warner's office. Ellie leaned into him and didn't look at either occupant of the room until they opened the door to leave. Brandon's look seemed regretful to Crag. Perhaps the earthling finally realized what he'd lost in giving up Ellie. Crag was grateful for his foolishness. He took Ellie's arm and led her out of the room. "He's all yours, Dragonzilla,” Ellie said quietly on the way through the door. Dragonzilla? Odd name for an earthling, Crag thought as they departed. **** "What are you doing here?” Ellie said once they got outside. Keller had driven Crag to Ellie's work place

and stepped in long enough to have a desired impact on her former place of employment. Keller then left to go back to the university, telling them he'd see them in a few days to camp out at the Governor's office. Crag led her to her car and then drove back towards her apartment. "I came to lend assistance in your quest,” he said, smiling. "I can't believe the queen let you go. Isn't she worried you won't come back?" "I didn't actually ask for her permission before I left,” he said with a blank look on his face. "What are you doing? I never meant for you to give up your position, Crag. I would never have asked it of you." "Of course not. I made the decision, Ellie. I couldn't entertain the idea of life partnership with Lena. Not ever. To that end, I've decided to stay here on Earth with you. We'll simply raise our child here." Ellie decided it was a good thing he was driving because she would have run off the road at a volatile statement like that. The apartment parking lot came into view, and Crag wheeled expertly into a slot. She realized it was the place where they'd met for the very first time a few short months ago. "Oh, Crag.” She put her hands to her face and said, “I won't allow you to shame your father or disgrace your family. I don't ever want to be the cause of friction." "Don't worry, Ellie. I didn't shame my father or disgrace my family. I found a way around Lena's pretext proclamation." "What? How?" "Let's go inside, and I'll explain everything." Crag escorted her from the car in much the same manner as he had several months ago, which had led to this unexpected life they now faced. This time he didn't have to carry her. Once inside her apartment, Ellie brought them two Snapple Strawberry Lemonades to drink. She'd suspiciously acquired a taste for the beverage recently. They settled on her sofa, and she felt she'd been more than patient. "Start talking. How can you give up your position and not shame your father?" Crag took a sip of the beverage, evidently pleased she remembered his drink of choice, or perhaps remembering the last time they consumed this beverage and the ensuing encounter directly afterwards. "I spent a week wallowing in the depths of despair waiting for you to seek information, which, for my purposes, is ultimately irrelevant. Lena compounded my anguish by visiting my office every day, making plans for a life partnership I knew I'd never willingly participate in. So I allowed myself the possibility of letting it go as Keller had done. "When Keller abdicated the throne for Gabrielle, I simply couldn't understand him. However, when faced with a similar predicament, I found it easy to contemplate a life with you on Earth. This revelation led to a visit with my father. Now in his later years, he resides with my sister, Lizzie, and her family. "I started by asking my father about my mother. They were life mates before my mother perished in childbirth. My father never took another life partner afterwards, although he was young enough to start

over. He never so much as contemplated any other woman, as far as I knew, out of deference to the memory of my mother." "That is so romantic. I wish I'd gotten a chance to meet your father when we were there before,” Ellie said wistfully. How wonderful for a warrior commander to love his wife so much. "I told him about you, Ellie. I informed him you not only carried my child but that you were also my life mate. I explained to him about the pretext petition that Lena brought up in the Elder's chambers and the ensuing details you were forced to seek. Then I begged his forgiveness for wanting to spend my life with you on Earth instead of as The Commander on Tiburon." "What did he say?" "He said he wouldn't offer me his forgiveness. He told me I was a fool to have let you go alone to Earth in the first place." "Really?" Crag nodded, smiling wistfully, and continued, “He told me he would have given up the position of The Commander easily and lived his life in shame in order to spend one more day with my mother if he'd been allowed the opportunity." "How sweet.” Ellie felt tears welling up again. Crag smiled. “I suppose. In any case, we put our heads together and came up with a plan to thwart Lena. My father is very intelligent and a keen strategist. I should have gone to him in the first place, before you were ever allowed to leave Tiburon. I was taken off guard by Lena and her foray into the scrolls. I apologize for sending you back alone." "I forgive you.” She found a laugh bubbling up. “So you have not shamed your father by leaving, and you can stay with me here on Earth, right?" "Yes." "Will you kiss me?” she asked and snuggled up close, putting her lips mere millimeters from his. "Don't you want to hear how my father and I, working together, bested our worst enemy?” The breath from his lips, tinged with the tart fragrance of Snapple, brushed over hers in subtle strokes of flavor. "Yes, I do, but that's for later. For now, I want you to kiss me.” She let her eyes fall shut and leaned forward to test his lips with hers. Instead of encountering the electric sensation of his mouth, she bumped into his cheek, rough with stubble. Undaunted, she licked his face. He made a noise somewhere between a moan and a growl when her tongue connected with his skin. He grabbed her hand, which rested on his chest, and laced his fingers through hers. She opened her eyes, realizing she had said kiss and not mouth touch. She corrected her demand immediately. "Touch your lips to mine, Crag. Don't make me beg you!” She shifted to straddle his hips and put her mouth dangerously close to his. "I don't want you to beg, Ellie. I only want to love you, no matter what planet we end up residing on." "Okay,” she nodded. “Touch my...” was all she got out before he grabbed her head with both hands and brought her mouth down to his.

His firm lips caressed hers twice before she felt his barrier lower. The sensation of it felt as if she had tape over her mouth and it was pulled off in one erotic, zing-filled rip. Hot electric bolts danced across her mouth before his tongue licked its way inside to tangle and suck on her. She heard moaning and realized she was the one making the noise. Crag slid his hands down to her hips and massaged her lower back while his mouth made erotic love to hers. Her hands bunched his jacket lapels, gripping tight enough to make her fingers ache. He tasted like lemonade and ravenous man. Her body vibrated with want and need, filling her up in a rush she could hardly contain. She trembled with the longing pent up inside because of the one short week they'd been apart. One of his hands massaged its way up her spine to rest at the base of her hairline. Pressing his mouth even more firmly against hers, he slipped his fingertips in her hair, tangling the strands in his hand. She released his jacket and slid her arms around his neck, tightening around him. She wanted to be closer. Needed to be closer. Suddenly, she felt his impressive erection grow beneath her. A new burning desire to scratch an insatiable itch reared between her legs, and she rolled her hips to alleviate that prickle of desire. Crag was breathing hard now. Harsh gasps ensued as he stroked his tongue expertly around the inside of her mouth. He left no surface untouched on his journey. She heard a growl deep in his chest before a burst of rich, dark chocolate flavor shot into her mouth. Once that sweet sticky taste hit the center of her tongue, she convulsed in a powerful climax, which shook her body and soul. She cried out his name as she lapped up the flavor between them, swallowing the essence he provided for her pleasure. Whatever their future held in store she knew one thing for certain. She, too, would rather be dead than ever spend a moment away from her one true love. The one she currently held tight in her embrace.

Chapter Fourteen "If you could see a way to allow us ten minutes with the Governor, I'd be most grateful.” Keller turned on the charm for Governor Bailey's secretary. Crag sat between Ellie and Barton, who dozed again. At least he wasn't snoring this time. She suspected he slept twenty hours a day. Ellie watched with interest as the secretary gazed into Keller's eyes and batted her lashes a couple of times. Unbelievable. "Well, I'll see what I can do, but he's awfully busy today,” the secretary said with a smile lighting her face. "I understand completely. I appreciate whatever you can do for us." "Have a seat then,” she said, smiling. Ellie watched as the secretary's salacious gaze followed Keller's derriere across to where she, Crag, and Barton waited. He leaned over to pick up a magazine from the table, and Ellie thought the secretary was going to either self-combust or fall out of her chair. Her eyes practically popped out while she licked her lips. "You're going to have to turn the charm down a few notches,” Ellie said when he settled next to Barton. "Why?” Keller glanced at the magazine in his hand, oblivious to the secretary now drooling on her desk. "The governor's secretary is never going to let us in if the alternative is feasting on you all day. I expect her to leap up and start shredding your clothing off any minute,” she whispered confidentially. “Gabrielle will kill me if I don't bring you back in one piece." "Gabrielle's used to it,” Crag said with a glint in his eye. “Keller always did attract the ladies. Especially here on Earth." Keller laughed though he didn't dispute what Crag said. "Gabrielle is my true life mate. Every other female, either here or on Tiburon, pales in comparison to the point I don't see them. I'm merely a good actor when the occasion warrants it.” Keller winked at the secretary, who smiled dreamily and continued her shameless perusal of him. Ellie was glad the secretary didn't allow her lust to gush over onto Crag. Perhaps the fact Ellie was practically fused to his side helped. After nearly two hours of casual flirting on Keller's part and blatant flirting on the secretary's part, Governor Bailey granted them an audience. He agreed to meet them for two minutes. Barton woke up long enough to do his thing. Keller remained out in the secretary's interested view while Crag entered the office with Ellie under the guise of helping the healer. Barton pretended he had a new digital camera and fiddled with it, pretending to look for the indoor flash feature when he was actually doing a complete body scan. Governor Bailey, who was a robust fifty-one according to the brochures littering the outer office, was remarkably patient for a man with so much on his plate. Ellie tried to see him as the father she never knew. He was polite. He said all the right things at the right time, but Ellie was unmoved by him. She couldn't help but think that if this man were indeed her father, he'd seduced a girl barely eighteen years old. Upon finding out about his impending fatherhood, he'd sent checks for over twenty-eight years to cover an indiscretion in lieu of taking responsibility. Governor Bailey didn't seem flabbergasted by her name, although she clearly introduced herself. Perhaps

they were wrong about him being her father. Barton fiddled with his voodoo healer device, as Gabrielle called it, for a long while. After pretending not to know how to operate it, Crag grabbed it from him. He looked it over for several minutes before pretending to take a picture. After fifteen minutes, they graciously said their long over due good-byes. Then after rescuing Keller from the Governor's secretary, who was about to get physical, the four of them retreated to the car. Once ensconced in the vehicle, Barton sat in the front seat and fiddled with the device. Ellie thought she would burst with anticipation. She held fast to Crag's hand. "Please, I can't stand it. Is he my father or not?" Barton heaved a deep lengthy sigh and said nothing, which was as good an answer as any. She released her hand from Crag and both went to cover her face. Surprisingly, she found she didn't have any tears left. She couldn't cry anymore, which was probably a good thing. Crag said nothing as he rubbed her back gently. "Don't worry Ellie. I'm content to remain here on Earth regardless of Barton's findings." "I don't want you to be merely content. How long before you resent me and the position I put you in?” He inhaled to respond, but she cut him off, “Well, I don't want to find out. Keller, take me home and then send Crag back to Tiburon. You still have time to make it back to the Council of Elders meeting." "I'm staying with you, Ellie. Nothing you say will make me leave,” Crag stated in no uncertain terms. "How did you manage to get away from Tiburon anyway? I'm dying to know how you bested Lena,” Keller said. Ellie smiled as she remembered what Crag told her after one or two rounds of gratifying mouth touches on the day he'd arrived. "I relinquished my command back to Kern." "Your father?” Keller asked incredulously. "Yes, he's the reinstated Commander of Tiburon with the stipulation that if Ellie was the product of a noble birth, then he'd step down when we returned, even if it took longer that two weeks. "That is pure genius. So if Lena still insists on life partnering with The Commander, she will do so with your father?” Keller barked out a laugh. “Kern really threw himself on his sword for you, didn't he?" "He never wanted to life partner again, but said that if he had to, he could think of a worse fate than to be life partnered with a member of the House of Fairfax.” Crag winked at Ellie. "I still hate it that you gave it up and what your father must sacrifice now,” Ellie said. "Does anyone care what I think?” Barton piped up from his seat in front. "Sure, Barton, what do you think? Keller asked with a quick wink to the back seat. "Well, Governor Bailey isn't your father, Ellie, but I think I have another idea you should consider based on the results I obtained from him,” Barton said. Keller, Crag, and Ellie watched him still fiddling with the machine dials. They waited for him to explain.

Finally, he looked up and declared a shocking implication. Stunned didn't begin to express Ellie's surprise. Keller grabbed his cell phone to make an additional call, and they were off to one last destination. This final location would determine whether they lived on Earth or Tiburon. Ellie cheered for Tiburon. Crag deserved to be The Commander of Arms. She decided she wanted to knock Princess Haughty off her self-erected pedestal and legally claim Crag for her own. Lena didn't deserve to be life partnered to The Commander. **** "Where is he?” Senior Elder Forte asked the assembled group. The queen also sent Kern an anxious look at their tardiness. "The missive stated he would be here today. I'm certain he'll arrive soon for this special session of the council,” Kern stated from his position on the witness box. Lena was on the other side of the room. From her place across the room in her own witness box, she hummed the life partner ceremonial song, growing louder and louder with each repetition. She exhibited the smug look of someone who had already won the contest and waited impatiently for her reward. She didn't bat an eye when Crag relinquishing his command to Kern. She shrugged and said it mattered not who The Commander was. Crag told him she'd life partner with a dead body for the status. Kern agreed. Kern was prepared to life partner with her if Crag didn't return, but he hoped not to be sacrificed if they were merely late. The queen told him she was sorry she couldn't interfere in the proceedings. She needed to remain impartial, though she secretly told him how she felt. They discussed Crag's earthling at length and Kern knew the queen approved of her. "I'll only give you a few more minutes, Kern. If they haven't returned by then, we'll be forced to proceed with the ceremony. Guard, please go and check the dock. If they haven't arrived in the next ten minutes, we will be forced to proceed without testimony from Barton.” One of the guards posted inside exited the chamber on his errand for status at the dock. "Do you understand, Commander?" "Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I understand. I'm sure they are on their way as we speak.” Kern straightened his aching body as much as he could. He'd enjoyed the past few days of reliving his former glory of being The Commander, but his body didn't enjoy the experience as much. He was so proud of his son, Crag, for chasing after his life mate. Kern would have done the same thing given the chance. While he was ready to sacrifice his bachelorhood for the sake of his son, Kern wanted to see Crag again. He wanted very much for him to reside on Tiburon. He wanted to bounce his son's children on his knee as he had already done with his daughter's children. If Lena became his life partner, and Crag's stepmother, he wondered at the resentment it would cause. "I wish to be life partnered immediately when the witness doesn't show up in the allotted time,” Lena said for the third or fourth time since they'd started waiting. At least she'd stopped humming, Kern thought.

"They'll be here. You have not earned the right to me yet." "Well, they still have to bring news she is of noble birth." Kern shrugged. He didn't understand Lena's passionate zest for status and was glad Crag would not be forced to life partner with her. He also hoped he would be saved in time. The doors to the chambers burst open. The healer, Barton, stumbled in. “Wait!” he shouted to the assembled group. Kern's heart warmed as he then saw Crag and a beautiful dark-haired earthling trailing closely behind him. This had to be Ellie, his son's life mate. "Barton, we've been waiting. Come and give your testimony,” Senior Elder Forte said. Kern thought he looked very relieved. "Yes, of course.” Barton swept up to the witness box at the front. Crag and Ellie walked over hand in hand to stand directly behind him. Lena was in the other witness box, staring daggers at all three of them. "Well, it was a battle, that's for sure. We had to take several trips, but I'm pleased to say Ellie Granger is in fact of noble birth." "How? How is she of noble birth?” Lena shouted from her perch. Her face screwed up in anger. Very unflattering, Kern thought. "She is the sister of the Governor where she resides on Earth. Keller estimates she is the equivalent of a High Council member's sibling. I have his missive statement here.” Barton handed a silver rectangular device to Senior Elder Forte. “Thus, she is higher ranked than you are, Lena." "The petition for pretext based on predetermined betrothal is denied,” Senior Elder Forte said quickly, and the sound of closure rang. Lena shrieked, “No! He's mine. He's mine. I will have The Commander as my life partner! You can't stop me.” She had to be forcibly removed from the council chambers by both the inner and outer door guards before Kern could relinquish his command back to his son and the third component of Crag's petition could be answered. Lena kicked and screamed the entire way out of the room. Her entourage from the House of Fairfax followed behind her in embarrassed silence. "I wish to relinquish my temporary reign as The Commander officially back to my son, Crag,” Kern stated formally to the remaining group. He smiled at Crag and Ellie. **** "So relinquished, Commander Kern. Thank you for your temporary service,” Senior Elder Forte stated in an equally formal tone. He ruffled through some documents on the table in front of him. "Crag, do you accept the mantle of responsibility for the duties of The Commander from your father ... once again?" "Yes, Senior Elder Forte, I do.” He was relieved to have arrived in time to spare his father the tragedy of life partnering with someone greedy for status. "In the matter of Crag and the third point of his petition, specifically life partnership with the earthling, Ellie Granger, who carries his progeny, we are in full agreement to go forward with the petition at this time. "It is obvious she has gone to great lengths to prove herself worthy of us. We welcome you to Tiburon, Ellie. We look forward to meeting the next Commander once your gestation is completed."

"I'd like to beg the council's indulgence and ask that our life partner ceremony be performed post haste. Senior Elder Forte, I'd be most honored if you would conduct the ceremony yourself,” Crag said. It was his heartfelt wish and Ellie agreed. The man actually blushed. “As you wish.” A slight smile appeared on his face as he adjourned the Council of Elders to get dressed in his official robes for the life partner ceremony. Crag stepped down from the witness box, turned to Ellie, and said, “I hope it's all right with you that we take care of this immediately." She nodded. He took her hands into his and brought them to his lips one at a time. His face remained pointed downward as was proper etiquette. Still holding her hands tenderly, he spoke in a soft whisper. “Ellie, please, would you do me the honor of becoming my life partner?" She paused and didn't respond right away. Crag looked up wondering if she'd changed her mind. She smiled and whispered, “Yes." They were partnered before they left the Elder's chambers. Kern agreed to act as the couple's guardian and stand with them during the ceremony. He had already contacted Crag's three sisters who arrived en masse to witness the ceremony. Kern had enticed Crag's three sisters to the sudden ceremony by announcing he wasn't sure who would end up life partnered. Crag was relieved it turned out to be he and Ellie instead of Kern and Lena. Crag whispered everything Ellie needed to know as they proceeded through a shortened version of the Tiburon ceremonial vita-parcere union. In the final component of the ceremony, Crag and Ellie faced each other, hands up and palms pressed together. Kern tied an ornate, dark purple-tasseled silk rope around their wrists as Senior Elder Forte chanted the final words joining them together forever in partnership. They each repeated vows of loyalty, honor, respect, and devotion to the union, ending with their combined response to each other of, “I vow fidelity and freely give myself to my vita-paracere." Crag added a silent mental vow to Ellie. I vow and give myself freely to my true vita-matia. My one and only life mate. Those present were invited to the queen's chambers for refreshments. Crag's sister, Tessa, was life partnered with Keller's brother Kyle, who was the new future king of Tiburon. Ellie was introduced to Crag's sisters. He was pleased she was so happy to meet his family. She told him she always wanted to have sisters. "I'm pleased you have joined our family, Ellie. I've no doubt you can make my son happy,” Kern said after several toasts. He mingled with his family, but soon took his leave mentioning something about soaking in a relaxing spa to mend his aching body. "Being The Commander is definitely better suited for the young,” he said to Crag as he ambled out of the queen's residence. Crag spent a moment with the queen to request some time off. She agreed to his request. He handed her a personal missive he'd carried from Keller with a request. Crag hoped the queen would seriously consider it. No one stopped them when they retreated to Crag's private quarters to celebrate alone.

"Now, you're all mine to do with as I wish." "And what will you do?” She raised her eyebrows in question. "I have asked the queen for a few days off to acquaint you with Tiburon." "Good news,” she said, wandering towards his bedroom. "She informed me Lena will be taking an extended off-world recreational journey, so we won't have to cross paths with her for awhile." "Better news,” she said as she reached the door to his bedroom and paused. She gave him a saucy smile over one shoulder. "I'd like to mouth touch you until you cry out repeatedly." "Best news of all.” She smiled and entered his bedroom, beckoning him with her hand. She then blew a kiss in his direction. He promptly returned it. He stalked after to bind Ellie to him fully by consummating their official union. "Your sister, Tessa, asked me what she termed a secret question earlier, but I didn't have an answer for her." "That sounds like Tessa. What did she ask you?” Crag closed the door to the bedroom. "She wanted to know whether or not we used the optimal position for impregnation during our ... um ... liaison back on Earth." "What!" "That's what I said.” Ellie laughed. “Will you show me this optimal position for impregnation, or do I already know what it is?" "I can't believe my sister asked you such a thing." "I think she wants to get pregnant. She wanted to know if the position worked, or if we used another to conceive a child. Will you show me this position or not?" Crag smiled. “Well, it would be a complete waste since you're already impregnated, but if you insist, I'll show you later on." "What if you forget? Show me now. I promise it won't be a waste." "It's a ceremonial union to create a child. The focus is not on the pleasurable aspects of the act." "Perhaps we could make it pleasurable. I'm willing to try. Tell me what to do.” Her eyes were a combination of eagerness and intent. Crag knew he'd deny her nothing. Perhaps she was right and they could turn the impregnation ceremony into something satisfying. "As you wish.” Crag motioned her closer. “First, we must undress." She stood by his bed and began shedding her clothing quickly, gazing at him with love. He pulled his uniform off with the speed born of a man who'd waited far too long for his deserved reward. He approached her stealthily. Reverently. Was she really here or was he dreaming? When he pressed his

skin against hers and felt her arms circle his neck, he was almost convinced she was real. Her hand slid between his legs to stroke him as he thickened his cock for her pleasure. He brushed fingertips along her shoulders then dipped to cover her breasts. Cupping one in each hand, he flicked his thumb across her nipples as her fingers wrapped around his erection and squeezed. One of his hands trailed down to her belly and skimmed a path to her core. He slid two fingers inside her slick opening and ran his thumb across her clit. She sucked in a breath and clenched his cock tighter in response. "I need to lie down,” she whispered. Crag removed his fingers from her and danced them to the edge of the bed. "Lie on your back,” he whispered. She fell to the surface, her dark silky hair fanning around her head. "Now what?" "Bend your knees and put your heels against your butt. Spread your legs apart.” Crag joined her on the bed. He knelt before her. “Now, lift your hips in the air." "I took a Yoga class on Earth, and this position is called a bridge.” Ellie lifted her hips up until it was lined up to receive his cock. "After I join with you, and once I spill my seed deeply inside your body, you must hold this position for as long as you can. I will hold your hips up against me to assist you." "How long do we have to stay that way?" "Hours and hours." "Are you kidding?” Ellie rose to her elbows, and her eyes were wide with panic. "Yes,” he chuckled at the stunned face she made. “The length of time in the position is a variable the couple can decide on. And as I said before, we don't really need to do this since you are already gestating my child. Besides, I don't believe this is exactly a scientific procedure." "Well, we can try it out at least since we're already in the position." Crag smiled and nodded. He moved closer until his thighs brushed hers and grabbed his cock. He placed the tip of his shaft between her legs, and he thrust inside as deeply as he could. A sensation he never imagined would be so satisfying zipped through his body. He placed his hands firmly on her raised hips, withdrew his cock almost all the way out of her body, and plunged inside again to the hilt. Ellie gasped in pleasure. Crag continued to thrust his cock inside her slick folds. His only regret was that his face was too far away from hers. He preferred to be closer so he could dip down to taste her mouth when the fervent desire came over him. Her breathing came in gasps, and her legs gripped his hips as the rhythm of his thrusts increased. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. She placed her hands on his and slowly lowered her hips back to the bed. "What are you doing?” He panted. Her intent became immediately clear. Ellie looped a hand around his neck, pulled his face close to her, and placed her lips on his in tender care.

Crag lowered his barrier and drank her in all at once. The sizzle of the contact forced him to inhale suddenly, and the scent of her overwhelmed him. He would never feel this magnificent with anyone else. Ellie moaned and writhed beneath him, clutching him closer as they merged together. He continued to thrust his cock inside her warm body. His climax came over him in a rush of emotion all the sweeter since she was indeed his life mate. He released his seed with a moan at the moment he came. Ellie stiffened beneath him and clung tighter as her release came on the heels of his. As his tongue slowed so did his thrusts as she sipped his lips. They stayed wrapped around each other, breathing hard, enjoying the rapturous moment of their hard won claim to life partnership. A while later still in bed and clinging to each other as if they'd never let go, Crag told her, “I can't believe you're here. I hope I'm not dreaming." She squeezed him for assurance. “I'm so happy to be here." "I was surprised to understand that you're related to the equivalent of a high council member. You have perhaps lowered yourself to life partner with me,” he said, still wrapped in her arms after several rounds of mouth touching that left him spent but also energized about his future. "Believe me, you can't be more surprised than I am at the events surrounding my unknown family. Besides, Barton is the true hero. He's the one who noticed the commonality of my reading to that of the Governor. I still can't believe the Governor and I have the same father. It wasn't what we were searching for, but it saved the day." "Are you upset at finding out the true identity of your father?" "No, my biological father turned out to be a man who mourned the recent loss of his wife near the end of his son's first campaign as councilman. He made a mistake with my mother who was only a few years younger than his own son. But I believed him when he said how deeply distraught he was as the loss of his wife." "I think he was a fool to not make an effort to get to know you,” Crag murmured. “He looked regretful when he learned your identity." "Perhaps." "My father was completely distraught when he lost my mother." "My mother resembled his wife in her youth, and one thing led to another, as the old Earth saying goes. For all her shortcomings, I do believe my mother cared for him. She protected him all these years. He probably should have taken responsibility for what he did, but my mother was over eighteen, so it wasn't a crime. He didn't want to disgrace his son's campaign, so he sent checks instead." "Are you upset about leaving Earth and never seeing your mother again?" "No, she and I do much better apart, writing to each other. I want to be with you and have your child. You are my family now. The only family I want." He smiled at her. “The queen said you might be interested in being curator of our museum. I would support you if you wished to have a career on Tiburon." "I might consider a position at the museum, but for now, I only want to plan our future." "We have forever to do so, my life mate,” Crag said, gazing into her eyes.

**** "I'm so glad everything worked out for Crag and Ellie and that they're happy on Tiburon,” Gabrielle said as she strolled the twins to the park. Keller walked next to her, carrying little Craig who squirmed in excitement, knowing they were headed to the playground. "Well, I know you liked Ellie, but I find it hard to believe you care whether or not Crag is happy,” he remarked with a smile. "I care. He isn't awful all the time. He adored little Craig. He won my respect when he left his position to come and marry Ellie. I believe he would have stayed on Earth for her, if that had been his only option." "It was a huge sacrifice for him. Crag always wanted to be The Commander since we were children. I, on the other hand, was not thrilled with my future as King. It was expected of me, though. I always wanted to explore, instead." "Well, when we get back home, I'll let you explore me,” she said with a scandalous smile. "It's a date. I'm so glad you are my life mate. I believe I dodged a bullet marrying you instead of Lena." "Poor Lena,” Gabrielle said with a spiteful laugh. "Oh, now I know you don't feel sorry for Lena,” he said, laughing along with her. "Okay, you've got me there. I think she should be sent away where she can't mess with anyone else. Why don't they drug the Viper Princess and put her on a blue light special to another planet? She's a menace." "I agree,” said an imperious voice behind them. They both turned quickly in surprise, and he almost dropped little Craig. “Mother?” he asked incredulously. "Yes, it's me.” Queen Elsbeth, the iron fisted ruler of Tiburon, was dressed in an earth-styled business suit. Keller wouldn't have recognized his mother if she hadn't already spoken. "What are you doing here?” he asked, his mouth hanging open in shock. "I came to visit my grandchildren, dear. It's become clear to me you won't travel to Tiburon. It occurred to me, after speaking with Ellie at length, that perhaps it's because the children are too small for such a long journey.” She took a tentative step closer. Keller tilted his head in utter shock at her appearance. He wanted to snap a surly response about her taking so long to visit, but Gabrielle rescued him. She put her hand on his arm and gave him a warning look that said, “Don't pick a fight. Just be nice for now.” She so rarely gave him that look he decided he'd better listen. Then found he was at a loss for words if he couldn't say what was really on his mind. He stared dumbly at his mother, wondering what would happen next. "Welcome to Earth,” Gabrielle said. She leaned down and lifted one of their precious twin girls out of the stroller. She took three steps to his mother and expertly placed his daughter in his mother's arms. “This is Elizabeth. We named her for you ... using the Earth translation, that is." The look on his mother's face as she accepted the child was a look he'd never seen from her. She looked as if she held something awe-inspiring. “Well, isn't she just the sweetest little thing,” his mother responded.

"Daddy, daddy, the slide, I want to go to the slide,” little Craig said. He wiggled some more as if in hyper squirm mode. Keller, shaken from his trance, said, “Okay, son, but first, you should meet your grandmother." Craig nodded his head, seeming to understand. Probably he understood he wasn't getting on the slide until he met the new adult. “Hi, Gamma,” Craig said and waved his little hand at the Queen of Tiburon. His mother's face looked as thought it might crumble into a million pieces at the gesture. Keller had never seen her so emotional before. Small children had a way of changing emotions even in the most stubborn of people. "Hello, Craig, my sweet boy. Tell your father to let you go play on the slide." "Okay, daddy, let's go,” little Craig said and wiggled ferociously to be put down. Keller found he was still so stunned by his mother's visit that he needed some distance to cope with the surprise. He let Craig down and followed quickly when he took off running for the slide. Half way to the playground, Keller turned, realizing he'd left his mother alone with his life partner, and they were not on the best of terms. Surprisingly though, when he turned back, both Gabrielle and his mother each held a baby. Both of them smiled as if they were, in fact, old friends. Remarkable. Gabrielle led his mother to a bench facing the playground. Elsbeth, the iron-fisted ruler of Tiburon, leaned in and said something to her as they watched little Craig on the slide. To his utter amazement, Gabrielle threw her head back and laughed in sincere amusement. Her gaze found his right then, and she winked at him. She shifted the baby in her arms to blow him a kiss. He returned the gesture to her immediately and saw his mother smile at their intimate exchange. "Daddy, it's time to go to the swings.” Little Craig again took off at a dead run for the swing set. Keller took a deep breath and reveled in the fact his life was now perfect.

Epilogue "It's time,” Ellie said, waking Crag out of a sound slumber. Her hand on his shoulder shook him to partial awareness. "Time for what?” He tried to get his eyes to open and to stay that way. "Time to be parents,” she said and put her hand on her burgeoning stomach. "Time to...” By Sultana's fury! The meaning of her words finally sunk in, and he leapt from their bed. It wasn't supposed to be time. "Are you in pain?” he asked, pulling clothing on as quickly as he could. His anxiety level jumped to maximum. Her gestation had been difficult, and though she visited Barton regularly, Crag found he was terrified of what today would bring. The visual of his mother rested clearly in his fertile mind. "Yes, it hurts, so call Barton. I don't know if we'll make it to the medical station. I may have this baby right here." "No, I'll carry you there.” He wouldn't let her die on the floor of their bedroom like ... he refused to complete the thought. It wouldn't happen. He wouldn't allow it. She would be fine. A scant hour later, Crag paced a hole in the waiting room floor. He waited for word on Ellie. Barton came in shortly after they arrived and whisked her off to a private room. Crag believed he'd be allowed to enter once she was settled, but Barton sent word via a caregiver there were complications. He was told to remain out in the waiting room. Word would be sent. The information sent a chill down to his disheartened soul. Ellie had to live. His father Kern arrived soon after the difficult news to stay with him. Without the distraction, he would have gone mad and stormed the delivery room, shouting Ellie's name. Word was not being sent fast enough, in Crag's opinion. Instead, he spent several agonizing hours pacing the floor of the waiting room. His father watched, probably in agonized memory of the last time they were together in such a manner. When his mother had ... no, he wouldn't finish the thought. Ellie simply had to live. She had to. She would be fine. Barton warned him early on that the birth would likely be difficult due to the nature of their two species combining. They discussed sending her to Earth for her delivery, but Ellie wouldn't hear of it. Crag's responsibilities as The Commander wouldn't allow him to go with her to Earth. She wanted him near when the time came. She said women had babies every day without a doctor in attendance. She had no doubt she would be ... fine. Crag harbored enough doubt for the both of them, but Ellie wouldn't be swayed. The caregiver from earlier entered the room. In her arms, she carried a small bundle swaddled in a white blanket. Crag froze in place and watched her approach. She smiled and placed the bundle in his arms. “Here is your daughter, Commander." Crag received the bundle with utmost care. The emotion of it forced him to sit. Luckily, there was a chair behind him, or he'd likely have ended up on the floor. His daughter was, of course, beautiful. She had Ellie's coloring and eyes. "Fine looking young lady,” his father said over Crag's shoulder, only confirming what he already knew to

be true. “She'll make a fine Commander someday." "Is she okay?” Crag looked up at the caregiver. "Yes, she is perfectly healthy, Commander." "No, I meant my life partner. How is she?" The caregiver's face registered sudden alarm. “She is still with the healer. I'm sorry to tell you there has been another complication." "But she'll be all right, won't she?” Crag blurted out. The stricken look on the caregiver's face chilled him to the bone. Obviously, Ellie wasn't all right. "The healer will be out to talk to you in a moment, Commander,” she said, dodging his question and would not say another word about Ellie. She waited silently to take his child back to the nursery. Crag placed his cheek on his daughter's downy soft head. He took a deep breath to hold in his emotions before handing back the precious bundle. The caregiver turned to exit. Crag would have followed her if Elsbeth had not arrived at that moment. The caregiver turned again and handed his beautiful daughter to the queen. The two women made the appropriate cooing noises over her. He waited, a burning sensation low in his stomach, to discover the complication, whatever it was, which already made his soul shrivel in dread. "Commander?” Crag looked up to see Barton at the waiting area doors. He motioned Crag to follow. Crag leapt up. Blood covered Barton's smock. He left his precious daughter with the caregiver, his silent father, and the queen to follow his uncertain future in the hands of the healer. As they walked slowly down the hallway to the delivery room, Crag spoke, “Barton, you're scaring me. Tell me what has happened.” Crag stopped. He couldn't go on if she were gone. "I want you scared, Commander,” Barton said and motioned for him to follow again. "What? Why?” Crag resumed his steps. "Ellie shouldn't have any more children." Crag stopped again. “Then she won't! Tell me will she live." "She will live, Crag, but don't forget what I've said." "I swear, I won't. What was the complication?” They resumed walking. Crag was elated. Ellie would live, and they had a child who was perfection. They didn't need anything else. "Your son was the complication." "My what?” Crag stopped again. Barton stood before the recovery room and motioned him inside. "Twins, as you may or may not know, are very rare for citizens of Tiburon. However, when combined in gestation with earthlings, it's commonplace. Your son decided to follow his sister out feet first. Scared me nearly into a heart collapse, he did. We had to cut her open to take him out in time. But he is well, rest assured." "Thank you, Barton.” I have a son.

"My pleasure, Commander.” Barton smiled and patted him on the back. He led Crag to another room. Ellie was in a bed half asleep with their son cradled in her arms as if trying to protect him from the world. She woke when they approached. Her smile warmed him from head to toe. She looked down at their son and smiled again. Barton excused himself and left them alone. "Isn't he perfect?” she asked sleepily. Crag sat on the edge of her bed, leaned in, placed his head on Ellie's shoulder, and took several deep breaths to ease the sharp stabs of pain that swelled in his chest. “Of course, he is perfect, but don't ever scare me like that again. I thought you perished giving me the next Commander of Tiburon." "Are you upset?" He rose up to stare at her, wanting to clearly make his point. “Yes, I'm upset, and to that end, there will be no more, Ellie. I won't enlarge my cock for you ever again. I don't care how much you beg." "No, I meant are you upset your son was born second?" His brow furrowed in puzzlement. “Why would it matter?" "Well, doesn't this mean our daughter will be the next Commander at Arms?" He shrugged. “Yes, but she's my daughter. She will be the finest Commander at Arms Tiburon has ever seen. I have not a doubt. Just like my grandmother was the greatest Commander of her generation." "Your grandmother was the Commander at Arms for Tiburon?” Ellie sounded shocked. "Yes, but I'd like to name our daughter after my mother. I wish you could have known her. She would have loved you." "All right, but please tell me her name wasn't something horrible." "Her name was Allisandria." Ellie sighed as if in relief and smiled warmly. “Allisandria is a beautiful name. You know, we should really honor our son with either the name Keller or Barton." "Or Kelton,” he said, smiling. "Or Bartler,” she added, laughing. Together they agreed. “Kelton." THE END

Lara Santiago always loved to write. However, her pragmatic, analytical side got the upper hand at an early age and informed her she should be getting a ‘real’ job and not pursuing a creative writing career. She joined the Air Force and spent her four years of service in Blytheville, Arkansas working nights in Supply issuing aircraft parts to guys working on the flight line. Her husband discovered her there and married her to continue getting his aircraft parts quicker than all the others. Lara soon earned a degree in the field of Logistics—a word she thinks is very sexy. No logisticians will ever be the bad guy in any of her novels. After the military, Lara spent many practical years working at a ‘real’ job, allowing her analytical side total free rein. Then one day, the characters banging incessantly inside her brain simply couldn't be silenced any longer. She bought a laptop with the sole purpose of writing a book to allow her creative side to express itself and to let all those characters out. Her motto ... so many characters ... so little time. To those interested, Lara's practical, analytical side is now stuffed in a dark hole and only allowed out once or twice a month to pay bills. When she isn't hunched over her faithful laptop, now with half the letters chipped off in her zeal to write as fast as possible, Lara enjoys reading, catching up on all her recorded television shows, and watching movies. Oh, and occasionally, she cooks for her family, too. She hopes her readers enjoy her stories and looks forward to hearing from them—but only if they refrain from insisting she make anyone in Logistics a bad guy. **** Check out Lara's latest books at www.sirenpub.com/larasantiago Visit Lara's website at www.larasantiago.com Other books by Lara Santiago at www.sirenpub.com/larasantiago **** SIREN BOOKS: COMMUNITY & CHAT Social group for Siren authors, readers, and friends groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBooks/ MONTHLY DRAWING FOR FREE E-BOOKS Win our newest e-book releases Join Siren Books Yahoo Group now and chat with our authors and other members. Every month, we will do a drawing from the messages posted the previous month. One lucky winner gets to choose three of our newest e-book releases for free! SIREN AUTHORS: GROUP BLOG Siren authors discuss their books, writing, and everything else sirenauthors.blogspot.com LOVE INTERLUDES, SUPER EXCERPTS Sign up to receive FREE DOWNLOAD and updates groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenSerials/ ****

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