Traded to the Alien Regent: A SciFi Alien Romance
Author: Wells, Juno
Date: 2019-08-25

Traded to the Alien Regent

Juno Wells

Contents

1. Scrambling Fighters

2. New Alliances

3. Bradon the Wise

4. Bradon the Asshat

5. All Fun and Games

6. To Companion a Regent

7. Something Dark and Primitive

8. Playing for Keeps

9. Snipe Them All

10. Gift From the Gods

11. Testy Pirate

12. Making of A Queen

13. Jaw-Dropping Beauty

14. Hope

15. A Coalescing of Love

16. Betrayal

17. The Error of His Ways

18. Managing the Media

19. The Patience of a Saint

20. Soul Mates

1 Scrambling Fighters

Grace

Grace was roused from her slumber by the sound of a klaxon blaring. The system was designed so that the intensity of the sound showed the level of emergency. This one was emitting an ear-splitting noise that repeated at quick intervals. Emergency lights were blinking red along the edges of the ceiling. That only happened when they were under attack.

She bounced out of bed, pulled on her flight suit, and headed for the hangar. With any luck, the support crew would have prepped her fighter. The fighters were kept in operational condition and only needed someone to begin the pre-flight checks to be launch ready.

Dakota and Mia rolled into the elevator right behind her. Their rooms were nearby, so Grace expected them. They were all still righting their clothing when Dakota spoke, her voice laced with worry. “Be careful out there.”

“Will do. You got any idea who decided to take a chunk out of us today?”

Mia answered with a grim expression. “It looks like the ever-elusive Traj. I happened to be surfing the data stream when the alert sounded.”

Grace’s lips pressed into a firm line. “Great. Their MO is normally smash and grab, meaning they don’t usually attack large well-armed vessels.”

They’d heard of the Traj from other species. Dakota responded without a trace of humor in her voice. “Well, they’re either desperate or graduating to bigger and better crime.”

“Isn’t that just our luck?” Grace whispered under her breath, as she adjusted the collar of her uniform. A brief silence spun out as the three sisters gazed at each other in the reflection of the shiny metal door.

Today was another in a long line of attacks. Humans were discovering just how dangerous traveling through deep space could be. Planets were few and far between, making supplies of any sort rare and worth fighting over. Their ship had been called a hoard ship because of the amount of provisions the crew had laid in for the voyage.

When the doors opened, Mia got off at the medical unit. Turning slightly but not making eye contact, she murmured over her shoulder. “Don’t be a hero, Grace. That’s how good fighter pilots wind up dead.”

Grace gave her a three-finger salute just as the door closed. She knew her sister had seen a lot of bad shit in the medical unit. Of course the medic would be the one to issue warnings. Mia was sick and tired of stitching up all our wounds. Still, her sisters were well aware that Grace would give her last breath to keep them safe. Mia was wasting her time stating those kinds of warnings.

Dakota spoke without looking her sister. “Mia’s right, you know. This is turning out to be a long voyage, and we’ve already lost Mom and Dad.”

Throttling back her emotions, Grace nodded, understanding what the other woman’s not saying. Almost twenty of their extended family signed up for this deep space voyage, all hoping to resettle on an alien world. Now, eight of them were dead, along with dozens of other hopeful settlers.

If their command crew couldn’t manage to establish alliances with some of the alien races they were coming into contact with, they’d never be able to stem the bleeding. The command crew had to know this, so until they could work something out, Grace would fight to protect the two thousand human souls on their vessel. It was all she could do at the moment.

She felt alone on a level that didn’t make sense when Dakota got off the lift at the engineering section. Steeling herself for the battle to come, she took a deep breath and stepped from the elevator directly into the hangar. Captain Drake was already standing there with his number two at his side.

Nicholas West was no slouch. He was sourced from the Earth’s military ranks and highly decorated. The tight-lipped pair preferred being where the action was, rather than hiding out on the bridge. Grace always respected that about them. Right now they were staring at a huge view screen that showed another vessel drawing closer.

Grace’s heart jumped into her throat at the sight of their enemy. It was an involuntary reaction she quickly clamped down. The ship was huge and bearing down on them with red lights flashing. It looked like the alien ship was in attack mode because they had several ports open, and each appeared to have a cannon of some sort loaded into it. That explained the emergency alert.

As she ran toward her fighter, her mind boggled at the thought of how much energy it would take to fire all those weapons. The enemy ship was composed of dark metal that looked like burnished brass. It was long and formed in three sections. The propulsion system they were using was unfamiliar to her, and she had no idea what it was.

Captain Drake murmured, “Prepare to scramble the fighters on my mark and engage the shields.”

Commander West murmured, “Yes, captain.”

Captain Drake cleared his throat. “Hail them on all frequencies simultaneously. Send our pre-established message of peace and goodwill.”

Grace passed by the pair, still straining to listen to what they were saying.

A crewman from the bridge sounded off over the communications relay. “Aye Aye, Captain.”

The captain was doing his best to head off a fight. “Jared, steady at the helm. Slowly decrease speed to meet them. Plan evasive maneuvers in case they do not slow, but hold until my mark. Let’s give them a chance to respond to our hails.”

“Sir, external sensors indicate another ship bearing from the opposite direction,” the bridge answered. “It is the same general specifications as the first, only slightly smaller. It appears to be in battle mode as well.”

Commander West announced, “I think we should give them the fighting man’s salute, sir.”

The captain said, “Would you like to do the honors?”

West stepped closer to a weapons console. “Gladly, sir.” No sooner had his bottom hit the seat than his fingers flew over the buttons. As the ship slid to a stop, the thick metal band rimming the exterior hull shifted like a dial. Suddenly there were a total of forty-eight plasma cannon ports open, all with plasma glowing inside. A huge dome slid back to reveal yet another massive weapon.

Captain Drake’s lips twitched up slightly when he saw both ships immediately come to a complete stop. “I guess we got their attention. Recommendations?”

“I suggest we plot a course away from both ships. They seem reluctant to engage. If we stay, they will probably call in enough support to take us. That’s what I’d do, if I were them.”

“Jared, execute evasive maneuvers now.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

Grace climbed into her fighter, still watching the huge screen. The captain’s chatter was being broadcast throughout the ship. Eden Twelve, their ship, pulled away and slowly gained speed until they were at two thirds of maximum speed. The captain’s eyes were glued to the screen as he tried to determine if the enemy vessels were following.

“Captain Drake, they are both on the move again, in our direction.” West’s voice was strung taunt with emotion. Like Grace, he had family on board, likely tucked safely away in an escape pod. Grace’s sisters were both required to work during an emergency, since they were needed in the medical wing and engineering. If the battle was lost, they would have to make their way to a pod through the chaos of a damaged vessel and panicked passengers.

Grace slammed her helmet down over her head and sealed it to her flight suit. Then she yanked on her gloves as the fighter’s glass dome came down, encapsulating her inside. It was looking like now-or-never time, and she was going to do everything in her power to make sure they won this battle.

“Open a distress call on all frequencies, all languages. I don’t want to take even a small chance that there is another ship within com range that could help, but we didn’t ask. Jared, give me maximum speed. Let’s try to outrun them.”

Within moments they were getting hit in the rear by the closest alien vessel. Suddenly they began losing speed.

“They hit the injectors,” Jared said. “We are down to fifty percent of our maximum speed.”

“They’re gaining on us. Bring us around, Jared. If it’s a fight they want, it’s what they’ll get. Launch the fighters. I want the fighters to swarm the smaller vessel. Concentrate all our fire on the larger vessel.”

Grace shot out of the hangar and felt a slight tug as her fighter’s shield synced with that of the ship, allowing her to pass through unharmed. All the lights from the hangar and noise from the command crew fell away. The dark, star-filled void of space was where Grace came to life. Fist clenched on the throttle, she accelerated towards the smaller enemy vessel.

The captain’s voice crackled over the com unit, “Fire when ready.”

Grace swung wide to see what was on the far side of the sip. In battle, ships always presented their strongest front. Sometimes they even shifted shielding to the side taking the most damage, leaving some weakness that might be exploited on the far side.

Her fingers flew over the console, scanning. Since they had all been trained by the same badass sergeant, several of her fellow pilots were doing the same. Rick’s voice sounded from the com. “Find anything useful?”

“Not yet. I’m going to have a look at the underbelly.”

Not all ships were designed with a particular orientation in mind, but this one had been. Shining a bright scanning light out in front of her fighter, she found something that looked suspiciously like energy buffers. They were long slim cylinders covered with solar panels. A shield shimmered dimly along that area. Excited, she hit her com. “I found something. Converge on my mark.” As she turned, she painted the length of the buffers with floating incandescent markers. “Take down the buffers. I’m going to check and see if the larger ship has the same security flaw.”

A dozen fighters began making runs down the length of the ship, laying down fire.

Rick came up on her left wing after he made a pass. “I’ll have your back.”

The moment the words flew out his mouth, Grace saw what he was talking about. Dozens of enemy shuttles were launching. Though they were nowhere near as fast or maneuverable as a fighter, they were loaded for bear. The heavily armed shuttles were taking out one fighter after another.

She barked into her com, “They’re protecting the underside of the larger ship. Let’s go high, around, and then under the far side.”

That’s when she realized the enemy wasn’t using conventional laser weapons. They were lobbing some kind of plasma that ate away at the fighters. A glob hit Rick’s left wing. “Drop your wings, Rick. It’s the only way.”

She could hear him cursing, “There’s a word for fighters without wings. They’re call fucking shuttles.”

She could empathize with her battle buddy, because he just lost seventy percent of his maneuverability. “Stay on my six. I need you.”

“I ain’t going anywhere, Gracie. You can bet your sweet ass on that.” Rick and Grace had been friends since grade school. She knew he’d hang tough.

After swinging around, they met up with several more friendly fighters and made a run for the energy buffers along the bottom of the second ship. Unfortunately, a larger ship meant larger buffers. When these blew, there was a good chance of them getting taken out in the explosion.

She hit her com unit and listened to the chatter. Commander West verified the smaller ship had been taken out of action. It was dead in space with no energy buffers. That meant they couldn’t even fire their weapons. Someone reported auxiliary power coming back up.

The larger ship was still pounding the hell out of Eden Twelve. This was taking too long. The larger ship had more shielding than the smaller one. Time was running out. Grace broke off to try to find another flaw. The thought of her sisters going up in flames if Eden Twelve exploded catapulted her into action.

Rick cursed under his breath. “Gracie, what are you doin’? Get your ass back here.”

Gracie pulled back and climbed into the back of her fighter. Auto pilot would repeat the loop she just made from the nose to the end of the enemy ship. Rick would ensure her fighter wasn’t taken out. After tearing out the fighter’s primary weapon, Grace did that thing you’re never supposed to do. She reversed the polarity, turning it into a powerful bomb. The unit wasn’t large. It was about the size of a duffel bag and she was barely strong enough to lift it. Yanking several cluster lasers, she set them to ignite at the same time.

Cursing under her breath, she climbed back to the pilot’s seat with her homemade explosive only to realize Rick had been screaming at her the entire time.

“Get everyone outta here, Rick.”

“I don’t like the sound of that, Gracie. What the hell are you planning?”

“Go, Rick. Get everyone away before my ship goes boom.”

He screeches through the com, “No. Stop whatever it is you’re doing. I’m not going to let you kill yourself in some vain attempt to take out a fucking ship all on your own.”

“We’re losing this battle. I’ve got no time to argue with you. It’s the only way.”

“We can find another way.”

“The energy buffers are too well protected. When Eden Twelve loses this battle, there’s no guarantee the enemy will even let the life pods leave the area. You know that.”

“Aliens are fucking slavers. I know that.”

By this time the com had gone dark. No one was speaking. Commander West’s voice edged out some static on the com unit. “Captain Drake and I believe this is our best chance of making it out of this fight alive. Proceed Grace. May God have mercy on our souls for sacrificing one of our own.”

Grace’s throat closed up. “Take care of my sisters.”

Captain Drake’s deep voice responded. “Will do. I want every other fighter to pull back immediately. Take out every shuttle that can reach our soldier. She needs a clean avenue of attack.”

Rick let out a frustrated string of curses before pulling back. A firefight erupted around her, then slowly receded. Glancing at the makeshift bomb she crammed between her seat and the wall of the fighter, she grabbed the throttle again and began a sharp nosedive right into the center of the energy buffers.

When she was close enough to see the enemy ship’s force field dancing against its hull, Grace felt a strange energy crawling over her skin. Unsure what was happening, she held the throttle down to maximize penetration once she collided with the ship.

They say your whole life flashes before your eyes in your last moments. Images of her parents smiling while she blew out the ten candles on her birthday cake. Her mother’s soft arms around her, soothing her anxiety about being put in a long-term stasis pod for the first time. Images of her sisters waving at her from Eden Twelve’s onboard pool. At least they’d still be swimming when she was gone from the verse. That was the important thing for Grace.

She forced herself to focus on her fighter’s trajectory, aiming for the weak spot of the enemy’s energy buffers. The sensation of a peculiar power vibrating against her skin returned, growing stronger the closer she came to the ship. She held her love for her sisters in her mind like an unbreakable shield.

The next thing she knew, Grace was standing on the bridge of an alien ship looking at a group of aliens. A male with dark green skin and long black hair stared down at her. His ears were pointed, and small fangs peeked out of either corner of his mouth. He was smiling at her with his hands tucked into the sleeves of his long robe. His pointed ears gave him the appearance of a dark elf or fairy.

When she looked around, she saw all the screens around the room, downloading the Eden Twelve welcome database. It was an open offering for whoever happened by, to help them communicate and understand humans. It included a language download and cultural context type information.

When the man spoke, his voice was deep but polite. He spoke the unified Earth langue with a heavy accent as if he’d just performed a neural download. “We are answering the distress call of the ship marked Eden Twelve. My name is Lod of Davaria.”

Confused, Grace stammered, “How did I get here?”

The Davarian nodded towards the view screen. “You severely damaged the Trajarian vessel. We used a particle beam to remove you from your tiny ship moments before the detonation took place.”

Unsure what to say, Grace murmured. “You have my thanks.”

Blinking at her, he intoned, in his own language. “Would you like to negotiate breeding rights?”

Grace quickly smacked the side of her head where the translation chip was located. They’d been given a total of thirty alien languages in a trade several years ago, and his was in her head. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? I don’t think my translation chip is working properly.”

Before the man could speak, Captain Drake’s voice came over their com. “My name is Captain Drake of the deep-space vessel Eden Twelve. We join our pilot in giving thanks for your intervention.”

The man’s facial expression morphed into one of distaste. “Do you wish to negotiate breeding rights … with me?”

Without missing a beat, the captain responded politely. “No, thank you, Lord Lod. I have a female and several children already, so nothing could be further from my mind.”

Lod’s shoulders relaxed and his expression reverted to something approaching normal. “We are pleased to see your lovely female removed from danger. Since you have already established breeding rights, do you have other needs we could meet? We could assist with repairs to your vessel if you like.”

Grace watched the captain’s expression go from wary to keenly interested. “Yes, we would like to establish trade with the Davarian people.”

“We have never encountered your kind before.” Sneaking a quick glance at Grace, Lod adds, “We do find your people breed worthy.”

Grace finally remembered what she’d read about the Davarian. They are an ancient species primarily interested in enhancing their failing bloodlines. That must be what all the talk about breeding rights was about.

“We are a human vessel bound from Earth. Our mission is deep-space exploration with the intent to found a new home world. We would very much like to meet your people, experience a cultural exchange, and perhaps be introduced to other sentient species in this sector of space. You are very welcome aboard our vessel at your leisure where we can speak in person.”

After some careful consideration, Lod responded. “Davarians are not particularly interested in cultural exchange. We are interested in procuring females. Do you have concubitant or concupiscent females you are willing to sell or trade?”

Grace recognized the terminology as straight from their welcome database. These aliens had picked out the exact language to describe females who might be interested in becoming their sexual partners. That was quick and targeted, she thought wryly.

Captain Drake tilted his head, clearly trying to wrap his mind around what the alien was asking him. It sounded an awful lot to Grace like he was saying they were looking to buy women. That was, of course, absurd.

Before the captain could respond, Commander West interjected, “He is looking for females who want to be married or females who enjoy sexual activity with males.”

Captain Drake articulated his words to Lod very clearly. “I am sorry. We do not have spare females on our vessel at this time. If you will return my pilot, I would appreciate it. Miss Grace has family who wish to see her again.”

The alien practically growled his reply. “Davarians do not return ingénue young females. You exploited this female in a most offensive manner. Females are not expendable in battle, but rather are to be protected at all costs. You do not deserve to have her back. She stays with us, where she will be safe.”

Oh hell no. This situation was getting out of control fast. Grace placed her hand gently on the man’s arm. “I wish to return to my vessel, please sir. We do require assistance with repairs. Perhaps I can spend time visiting with you and your crew, while the repairs are made. You all seem like honorable men.”

Lord Lod’s eyes jumped from the hand resting on his arm to her face. Grace could see the moment he caved, because his head bowed slightly and he murmured, “Your wish is my command, Lady Grace.”

Turning to the view screen, he addressed the captain directly. “I will come aboard your vessel, with a dozen of my men. We will assist with the repairs to your vessel. If need be, we will tow you to the docking port in orbit around the Davarian home world.”

“We are grateful for your assistance today and the offer of trade between our peoples.”

Lod dipped his head slightly, “Let us part on good terms. We have no quarrel with humans, and it would not be appropriate to leave you drifting in space, with so many vulnerable females on board.”

This guy was totally preoccupied with women. Captain Drake turned a wary eye to his newest adversary. “We will expect you within the hour.”

2 New Alliances

Grace

Grace walked around Davaria Prime with her sisters. Roaming the city with an appointed escort was her reward for what the captain called a heroic deed. He was referring to her willingness to sacrifice herself to save others, but it was well known that her rescue had led to them being offered the hand of friendship by the Davarians. Come to find out, they were the people to know in this sector of space. Grace was the always the odd person out. The one person usually thinking and doing unexpected things, the kind that normally got her into trouble. But not this time! This time she’d been rewarded for thinking outside the box.

Going from questioning if there was intelligent life on other planets to meeting and making friends with aliens was a breathtaking leap forward for mankind. Their last few years had been filled with brief meetings in space with several other species, but they’d never had the opportunity to visit a human friendly planet before.

Grace could remember seeing the first of the huge deep-space resettlement vessels leaving Earth’s space port on her family’s live stream feed when she was in grade school. Now, twenty years later, humans had pushed into deep space in search of a new Earth.

Awed to be standing with her feet planted firmly on an alien world for the first time, Grace couldn’t believe her luck. It was more amazing than she’d dared to dream, with the intricate skyscrapers spiraling up into the clouds, bright red grass, and aliens bustling around in the pale pink sunlight.

Some of the crew claimed that aliens look strange to them. I don’t think they look odd at all, Grace thought. They all had vastly different forms and faces, and she was fascinated by every single one of them. Her eyes darted around taking in all the new sights, as her body practically vibrated with excitement. The best part was having both her sisters at her side to share this adventure of a lifetime.

Glancing from Dakota to her youngest sister, Mia, she smiled at the wonder on their faces. Suddenly, they both looked straight up. Grace shaded her eyes and turned her face to the sky as well. Her mouth dropped open at the sight of several males with wings soaring through the air. They weren’t wearing shirts, meaning all their mouthwatering muscles were on full display. The sun glinted off their massive metal wings. Grace is shocked that these aliens have devices that enable them to fly like birds in the sky. Even at a distance, it was easy to make out that their biceps were bulging and their torsos were twisting to catch a globe. The dozen or so males were clearly engaged in some kind of sport that involved flying into each other, grabbing the other team members by the foot and flinging them far away from the game. They were kind of vicious with each other, and when the one with long dark hair raised the globe above his head, everyone in the vicinity cheered wildly.

Their guide’s voice sounded off quietly from behind. “Do you wish that I should call them down for you to inspect?” She sounded so matter of fact that Grace almost thought she was serious. Lord Lod’s niece was as accommodating as she was knowledgeable.

Before she could come up with an appropriate response to Nayla’s offer, Dakota said, “Heck yeah, I’d love to ‘inspect’ them.” Though Dakota made little quotation marks around the word “inspect” with her fingers to stress the strangeness of the term, Nayla clearly didn’t understand. The part Dakota didn’t understand and that our nice appointed guide didn’t mention was that males are typically inspected prior to a woman’s offer to negotiate for breeding rights, so I anticipate this being all kinds of awkward.

Poor Mia’s eyes found Grace’s. Her expression was mortified. Clearly her gut was telling her this was a bad idea as well. Unfortunately, our guide was already flashing her handheld communication device at them. A reflection glinted off the globe they were now all tossing back and forth. Suddenly, the entire group looked down at us all at once. Though their faces are totally blank, Grace got the feeling they were angry at being summoned. Maybe it was the way their wings jerked back slightly.

Moments later, they were all diving down with their wings held out to catch the breeze. Maybe they were gliding—that sounded about right. The women stepped back to make room for them, and the one who held the globe over his head stepped forward. “You summoned us. How can we be of service?”

They all gazed at Nayla. Her long black hair blew gently in the light breeze, and the sun cast a pale pink tint across her skin. Her large dark eyes were almost the size of a fist. Grace remembered the last time she got into a fight with Dakota, and how her sister punched her in the eye. She got grounded, and Grace walked around with a black eye for a couple of weeks. If anyone hit Nayla in the eye, it would have probably punched her eyeball out.

Then again, maybe she had sparring skills no one knew about. She was about a foot taller than Grace, but the huge winged males made her look small by comparison. Apparently, the size difference didn’t intimidate her because she answered his question without hesitation. “Tracor, the humans wish to inspect you.”

Tucking his wings behind his back, he glanced around before turning back to her. “I have no wish to be inspected by these new aliens,” he replied blandly.

Her voice turned sharp. “They are curious about out kind, and our Queen has commanded that we accommodate their wishes.”

“Our Queen’s reign has been long, and her wisdom has seen us through many trying times. It is an honor to follow her orders.” Shooting us a withering glance he adds, “Even if it means humbling ourselves before lesser beings.” He took a step closer to us.

Dakota’s voice quietly warned, “The captain said for us to play nice. Don’t screw up your first away mission. If you do, it’ll be a long time before you see land again.”

Grace knew which way the wind was blowing in this situation and quickly realized that her sister was right. Mister tall, dark, and gorgeous was a bit of a prick, and she wasn’t about to let him drag them into any kind of incident between humans and the Davarians. Rather than telling him off like she’d like to do, she decided to keep it polite. “We’re sorry to bother you. The game you were playing looked interesting, and we’d like to ask the victor to explain a little about it.” Giving people the opportunity to talk about their interests had always been a winner before. With luck, mister pompous would take the bait and drone on about his favorite sport until he forgot he was pontificating to supposedly lower life forms.

When his expression morphed into a smirk, Grace knew there was no chance of that happening. The expression looked a little weird with his alien features, but there was no mistaking that smirk for anything else.

“Our public database is filled with information on our Davarian sporting activities.” His eyes slid down her body and back up again. His voice turned hard. “Since you seem so eager to learn, perhaps I could interest you in a different type of sport.” He was talking about sparring. As tempting as it would be to engage in a good old-fashioned punch up with the fool, Grace decided against it.

She looked up into his cold eyes and took a step back. “Sorry to bother you. We’ll research the database.” His expression turned smug in an instant. Before he could speak again, Grace spun on her heel and headed for one of the beverage stalls. The city center is bustling with activity, music, and laughter.

Within moments, Nayla was distracting them again with cultural information. “It’s an important holiday for our world. As you already know, the Davarian home world is ruled by three leaders. They take turns, two in suspended animation and one ruling at any given time. This is the Awakening Festival for the one we call the priest. It marks the end of the first lunar cycle of the celebration. Bradon the Wise will be awoken tonight and then the celebration will continue for sixty more days, cumulating in the Queen who now rules being placed into hibernation.”

Grace took the whole scene in. Eden Twelve was towed up to their orbital space platform halfway through the celebration period.

Dakota asked about a large stone building. She and Nayla walked away together, as Nayla told her all about how it contained the bodies of the hibernating regents. Mia eased up on Gracie’s right. “Can you believe this? I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around a three-month-long celebration. How in the heck do they get anything done?”

Grace responded with a grin. “It does seem excessive, but I’m told it only happens once every twenty years.”

Though the entire Davarian Tri-World Cluster was in the throes of this celebration, they were somehow managing to continue to conduct trade negotiations and accept visitors. Since humans arrived, it’s been even more chaotic, because the Davarians have never interacted with humans before. They were as fascinated with humans as humans were with them.

Mia and Grace continue walking toward a drink stand. “Their priest ruler, Bradon the Wise is the only one of the three ancients considered a holy man. I don’t know exactly what a priest is, because Davarians don’t really believe in gods. Nayla tried to explain repeatedly that priests feed their spirit.” Grace was intelligent enough to know that means the man is not preparing edibles, but what he actually does remains a mystery to her.

“Are you excited to meet the regents?” Mia’s voice was about as curious as Grace had ever heard it.

“Yes. I’m curious about all three of them, but more so about Bradon. There is much myth surrounding this particular ancient. Rick is friends with Commander West. He said the current reigning ancient is the Warrior Queen, Belanna. She’s due to slumber once Bradon is awake.”

Grace quips, “She’s reputed to be as dangerous as she was beautiful. I wish I was her.”

Mia laughed, covering her hand with her mouth. Good grief, if Mia got any shyer, she’d disappear.

Nayla and Dakota came back, and they all crowded around as Grace tried to figure out what to drink. Images flashed on a 3-D holographic projector over the counter, projecting images of drink selections. Nayla voice-prompted the unit, and a large, frosty pink drink jumped forward. “I suggest this one. It is made of stardust.” When the sisters all shot her a surprised look, she made a squeaking noise as her shoulders shook and laughingly explained, “Stardust is a fruit, shaped like a swirling star. It is good. You will like.”

Grace grinned, nodding. “Yes. I’ll try that one.” They all ended up with huge clear glasses of the frothy pink beverage, which was cold and refreshing. They sat outside on chairs that floated a couple of inches off the ground, sipping dinks and watching the people going about their daily activities.

Nayla nodded at the huge stone building. “I was telling Dakota, that is the Great Hall of Awakening. We’re going there next.”

Grace marveled at the white stone architecture. The Great Hall looked more like a proper museum and less like a temple. How can a building look both ancient and modern at the same time?

Trying not to gush, Grace exclaimed, “I’m thrilled to be visiting the Great Hall. I can’t wait to see the regents.”

Nayla nods. “The Great Hall was originally the fortress of Bradon the Wise. Once there were a hundred ancients. Wars and time dwindled down their numbers. When the ancients became three, they took turns sleeping. Each reigned for twenty solars, then slept for forty. Along the way the fortress was renovated into the Great Hall of Awakening.”

“It’s an impressive piece of real estate.”

When they finish their drinks, Nayla led them into the huge stone Hall. The floors were covered with large slabs of pale pink stone, which had been polished to a high sheen. Much like the outside, the inside felt both modern and ancient at the same time. After spending most of her life on a deep-space vessel, this building and its ancient heritage impressed Grace in a way she might have never thought possible if she hadn’t come.

Nayla made the perfect guide, leading the way, speaking in a quiet murmur the entire time. “The Great Hall holds all of our society’s most prized relics. You will notice that each piece is prominently displayed under a mini invisible force field to ensure its protection.”

All three sisters were wide eyed and hung on her every word. Nayla gave explanations and informational details on each relic. Her knowledge was amazing, especially since she wasn’t a professional tour guide. “We track which ancient’s reign we were born in and identify heavily with that ruler.”

Dakota murmurs, “It is much like the ancient Chinese tracked the year of the dragon and such.”

Nayla adds, “It is considered lucky to cycle through all the ancients twice in one’s lifetime. Davarians must be a slightly longer-lived species than humans.”

Nayla led us directly into the shrine of Bradon the Wise. Grace immediately decided this space was more like a temple than a shrine. It had a warm tranquil feel about it. The walls were painted a serene shade of blue. The color was said to be greatly favored by Bradon. Indeed everything to do with him was the same signature shade of light blue. The floor was covered in pale blue stone and there were white animal skins scattered throughout the temple. All the priests wore long, light blue robes of Davarian silk trimmed in different shades of darker blue. It made for a striking presentation.

Nayla kneeled at a huge altar. It had a long, intricately carved stone box filled with dark sand, large enough to contain a small shuttle. Nayla stuck an incense halfway into the sand and lit the top with a nearby candle. The sisters knelt reverently by her side as she quietly spoke a simple prayer. It felt weird to discover such a strong similarity between the two cultures when it came to spirituality.

Nayla murmurs, “Gods of chaos and calm, we beg your favor. Watch over our sleeping regents and guard Bradon the Wise as he awakens. Give him the strength to protect our people. Grant him happiness, health, and long life. Send him a mate, one who is beautiful, intelligent, kind and filled with love.”

Bradon wasn’t mated. Grace filed away that bit of information under the file in her mind marked of course he isn’t. He had no time to have a family because he’s been ruling for twenty years and then sleeping for forty.

Still, Nayla’s words were likely typical of the kinds of prayers visitors made for a newly waking Regent. It made perfect sense when you really thought about it.

All three of the ancient rulers had their own space in the Great Hall. The Warrior Queen was even reputed to have her own war room, the one area of the Great Hall of Awakening we could visit only with an appointed military escort.

Naturally, Nayla had made advance arrangements for their visit. Therefore, a warrior was waiting when we approached. He towered over us, had deep green skin and a massive wingspan. His huge black eyes roamed over our bodies like he’s assessing our threat level. It felt like he was doing his job rather than planning how to hurt us like the jerk did earlier. This man is polite and professional.

When they entered the war room Grace’s mouth dropped open. Inside was housed a rare and ancient weapon collection the likes of which would have been unimaginable on Earth. Nayla stated proudly, “Beings come from all over the galaxy to marvel at the assortment of weapons displayed in this room. Students of history are drawn to the Great Hall to study the ancient weapons. Even modern-day munitions experts come, hoping to glean knowledge of our current weapons.”

Grace glanced over her shoulder to catch Nayla’s eye. “I’m guessing that’s why we aren’t allowed to touch any of the weapons.”

Nayla dipped her head respectfully. “Yes. Examining the weapons is forbidden. It is also quite dangerous for those unfamiliar with their operation. Do you have war rooms on Earth?”

Spinning around to take in the full assortment of weapons, Grace replied breathlessly, “Nothing like this. Humans use their war room for planning battle tactics, not displaying weapons.”

Gesturing towards the door, Nayla enticed us with the next hoard of treasures. “The Great Saban founded a huge library. Most of the great works of Davarian literature are held within its hallowed halls. His collection includes the volumes of philosophical works written by Bradon the Wise as well as a set of works written by the Warrior Queen on various aspects of fighting. It is said the rudiments of the Davarian language evolved through a series of decades. The evolution of our language is clearly evidenced through a series of the ancient manuscripts.”

Nayla had good reason to be proud of her Davarian heritage. They wandered from one area to the next. There were hundreds of exhibits, each more fascinating than the last. They’d visited several museums on Earth as children, but nothing came close to the sheer splendor and opulence of the Great Hall of Awakening.

3 Bradon the Wise

Grace

They finally arrived at the display Grace most wanted to see, the room that housed the body of Bradon the Great, his stasis unit rather. They sat quietly in back of the temple-like room. A priest recited the story of Bradon the Wise. Even though his skin was wrinkled and withered, the older priest’s kind face reminded Grace of her grandfather. He passed away long before they left Earth. The chip embedded in her right ear translated his words, but her left ear could hear his lilting Davarian accent. The language was beautiful in a way.

“Once during our ancient past, the Davarian people were not united. We were angry, and primitive in our thinking. Certain segments of our population sought to force their spiritual beliefs upon others. Our thought was if they would just pray, the gods would smile on them, and the believing would follow. Thousands of fierce, brave Davarian warriors gave their lives, for many generations, in a vain attempt to force the others to our spiritual teachings.

“Thanks be to the gods, Bradon the Wise ascended to the Davarian throne at a young age. He had a good soul, as well as the wisdom our people needed to guide us from the darkness into the light. At the tender age of fourteen solars, he was still open to the will of the gods, in ways that many adults were not.

“Upon ascending to the throne, he immediately called all the Davarian warlords together. He instructed them to cease their never-ending war with each other. He insisted the gods frowned on those who worshiped out of obligation, but frowned more on those who forced such an obligation. He taught us that devotion to the gods should come from within, and anything less was unacceptable. Bradon the Wise asked that our people set aside their hostility, purify their souls, and make peace with their brothers and sisters, before quarreling over our differences cost every last Davarian warrior his life.

“Our Regent’s words shook the warlords from their own mindless quest for war. From the mouth of a babe came such wisdom that none could refuse Lord Bradon’s request. Within the space of one cycle every Davarian warrior had cast aside his weapon, extending the hand of peace in its place. Their enemies were shocked. Their first reaction was to suspect some type of deception. They continued to slay their enemies by the hundreds. When still no resistance or retaliation took place, they were forced to accept the offer of peace was earnest and our desire for peace lasting.

“Bradon the Wise invited representatives from all the great houses to his fortress for treaty negotiations. Little did we know, both sides were desperate for the hostilities to end. The great lords suggested Lord Bradon be appointed Regent.”

Glancing around the room, he continued with a smile. “Bradon agreed to accept the appointment only if the great houses chose ninety-nine more regents to rule at his side. They became known as the Great Council of Regents and their rule brought forth the modern age. The three remaining regents have ruled in turns of twenty years each. They move through time, with one ruling while the other two sleep. Their wise and gentle guidance has been the key to everlasting peace on our world for over five thousand years.”

What a fabulous tale! Being familiar with her own bloodline, Grace was all too aware of how such stories, though true, are tough for a hero to live up to. Legends are often used by those in power, because they inspire loyalty and encourage people to strive for higher morals. In such cases, a person can easily be trapped by their own good deeds into a life they never intended. It was the main reason Grace generally liked to keep her deeds, good and otherwise, to herself.

Nayla quietly led them to the front of the cavernous room. Built into the wall were three alcoves at equal distances from one another. They each contain a hibernation pod. Excitement twisted in her gut when Grace observed that one is empty and two are filled. It seemed like proof their legends are true.

They approached the empty one first, a tall glass cylinder with tubes and glowing filament hanging down inside. What appeared to be an alien coat of arms was painted onto the front. Though she couldn’t read their language yet, it seemed obvious it was for the Warrior Queen. She was the only Regent awake just then, and her symbol was two crossed swords. They’re the long, fierce-looking swords with hooks on the end and serrated blades. The weapons were utterly wicked.

Nayla’s been talking, but Grace hasn’t been listening. Instead she moved closer and inspected it from every angle. Keeping her hands to herself was a real challenge. Dakota’s hand landed on her shoulder and Gracie allowed her sister to pull her back. “You’ve got it bad for advanced tech.”

She waggled her eyebrows, because her sister definitely had her number.

The next alcove held a handsome Davarian male inside the second stasis unit. His green skin covered a muscular frame, and his long, inky-black hair spilled over his shoulders and floated around his body in the gently glowing tinted liquid. Again, Nayla was telling us all about the Great Saban, a famous politician and founder of the Great Library.

Grace’s eyes snapped up to Nayla’s the moment she realized he’s totally naked. His penis was clearly visible since the liquid left nothing to the imagination. She just kept talking about his many accomplishments, which gave the impression nudity was not frowned upon by the Davarians.

This man had tubes discreetly coming out of small metal disks along his spinal ridge. His eyes were closed, and he appeared to be resting comfortably, though there are tiny bursts of light rippling through the gel. It looks like small bursts of electricity. Grace immediately realized they were somehow related to activating his long-dormant muscles.

A deep female voice resonated through the quiet of the room. “You may touch the encasement if you like. It was designed to stand up to the reverent caresses of our people. Trust me, we get used to it.” The accent was Davarian.

Glancing behind them, they saw the Warrior Queen approaching with a heavily armed protector on each side. The rumors were true. The current Regent was a warrior, and very beautiful. Though the Queen was reputed to be ancient, she appeared young and healthy. Her green skin was pale with shades of brown and purple. Grace liked that she’s a fellow curvy girl, with long dark hair hanging down to her waist. Though her gown was gorgeous, more like something one would expect to see on action hero rather than a queen. The half-dozen weapons carefully stashed upon her person gave her a dangerous vibe. Meeting a world leader was an awe-inspiring experience, but meeting one who was a fighter is especially gratifying.

Grace couldn’t help but to be drawn to the woman. The Queen’s eyes rolled over their group, and there was a hint of approval in her expression. Grace took the initiative to step out and greet her. For some reason Nayla took a step backwards. Dakota, Mia, and Grace bent their knees in a brief curtsey, and move closer so they’re within speaking distance. “Greetings, Queen Belanna. It’s an honor to meet you in person.” Grace tried not to fangirl over her but couldn’t help herself. Without taking her eyes off the Queen, she continued, “Your Great Hall is most impressive. I am Grace Phelps.”

A small smiled quirked up the Queen’s lips as she looks Grace over. “I know who you are. Lord Lod is a council member and recounted your heroic deed at our last meeting. I was among those impressed by your rather reckless plan.”

Grace laughed. “You aren’t the first to notice that I was flying by the seat of my pants on that one.”

The wingless Queen walked over to the hibernation unit, eyeing Grace keenly. Grace stepped closer. “Aren’t you brave? Most young people are cautious of being in my presence.”

Frowning, Grace tried to figure out why young people would be standoffish with the Queen. The woman seemed nice enough. A short laugh escaped her lips when the reason finally hit her. “They’re wary of you because you’re a warrior. You’ve had to kill, and that makes people think you are dangerous.”

The Queen nodded. “I am very dangerous, Earthling. Word has reached my ears that you and other females on your ship are warriors as well. I guess that I will have to stop thinking of myself as unique.”

Grace immediately reassured her on that account. “We’re trained in combat, but aren’t born to it, like you. I’m not easily impressed by such things, but I can assure you, I have never seen your equal. There are none like you, among my people.”

The woman’s smile broadened, and her head tipped forward in acknowledgement. “I noticed you admiring the Great Saban.” Caressing the unit almost lovingly, she seems reluctant to take her eyes off him. Our slumbering Regent is also impressive, is he not?”

Grace gazed down at him again and tilted her head. “He’s certainly something special. However, I’m interested in seeing Bradon the Wise. All your females say he is the most handsome Davarian male on your world. I would see for myself if this is true.”

The Queen asked indulgently, “How many years have you been traveling in your ship?”

“A very long time. We were in our hibernation pods for almost fifty solar revolutions.” That’s what the Davarians called years. “Being on your home world is the most exciting thing that’s happened to our crew in forever.”

“I do hope you will join us as well for the Awakening Day celebration. Bring your crew and enjoy our celebration.”

“I’d love to meet Bradon in person. Thank you so much for the invitation.” Grace felt herself gushing, but she couldn’t help it. The Queen was so friendly and personable.

She spun on her heel, speaking over her shoulder. “If you will follow me, I will show you Bradon the Wise.”

They followed her over to another alcove. This one was surrounded by people. Most of them were praying. Some were kneeling, with small laser lights glowing in their hands. There were little prickly lights floating around like confetti, giving the area an ethereal glow. The people made way for their Queen and her party.

As the throng of people stepped back, Grace couldn’t help but gasp out loud. Before she could even think to censor her thoughts, words came spilling out. “Well, no wonder everyone’s so complimentary about him. He’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Her words came out all breathy and strange. The Regent in the cylinder was indeed stunning. He was larger than the male in the other cylinder. His skin seemed somehow more durable and his short dark hair was combed into a perpetual style befitting a Regent. He had tight muscles rippling down his torso, giving him a blatantly masculine look. Grace chewed her bottom lip as her sisters whispered back and forth behind her back. It was nearly impossible to keep her eyes from skimming over every square inch of his body, including his exposed manhood. He was something to behold, that much is for sure. Her face turned pink, and it was an embarrassing reaction to display in front of so many strangers.

The Queen asked, “So what do you think of our favorite Regent?”

Glancing up at the Queen, Grace sucked in a quick breath. “Please tell me he’s socially awkward or at least preoccupied with his own beauty. No one who looks that good should have a charming personality as well.”

The Queen’s throaty laugh drowned out the gasps from Bradon’s many admirers. “I’m afraid not, youngling. He is just as attractive on the inside as he is on the outside.”

Grace deadpans back, “Some guys get all the luck. You should really think about putting some clothing on him. Imagine how many people visit here every year. Thousands must have impure thoughts about him.” Did that sound prudish, protective or possessive, Grace asked herself.

Queen Belanna waved her hand in the air as a gesture of dismissal. “I’m certain, not many of our people think of us that way.”

“I can’t be the only person in this room thinking naughty thoughts.” Feeling impetuous, Grace wagged her eyebrows. “Let’s just see.” Turning to the assembled crowd, she called playfully, “Everyone who’s had a sexy thought about an ancient today, raise your hand.”

No one moved. Everyone’s eyes were huge, mortified.

Grace cajoled, “Oh come on, you little fibbers. Be honest.”

An older female laughed and raised her hand. Several other people snickered as well. Before long, almost everyone had their hand in the air. Even the Queen’s two protectors were eyeing her. They didn’t need to raise their hands for everyone to know what they were thinking.

The Queen’s eyes got big, and she burst out laughing. “Little Earthling, you are like breathing larcog.”

Grace knew larcog was a type of herb similar to mint. The woman was saying she was like a breath of fresh air. It was intended as a compliment.

Grace mused out loud, “I’m really glad I met you. Too bad you have to sleep so soon. I would like to have gotten to know you better.”

“I will sleep for the next forty cycles…through the reign of Bradon and then Saban. I can only wake before then, if there is a great upheaval on my world. During such times, my people wake all three of us ancients at the same time. My favorite times are when the Great Saban and I are awake together. Our interval together is always too brief for my liking. Such planetary upheaval is a rare occurrence.”

Grace got a mischievous glint in her eye as she queried. “Tell me more about what constitutes an upheaval, and I will see what I can do.”

The Queen laughed again. “Honestly human, you are more fun than I should be allowed, in the twilight of my reign. Come, you may call me Belanna. We will dine, and you can tell me more of your kind. I would hear, with my own ears, the story of your family’s travel to our world.”

4 Bradon the Asshat

Grace

A political alliance between the humans and Queen Belanna had been cemented before Grace had been allowed to visit Davaria Prime. Though she never thought of herself as the ship’s goodwill ambassador, Grace was happy to spend time with the Queen. Nayla took Dakota and Mia to refresh themselves but Grace hung tough with the Queen for the better part of the day. There was too much to see and do to lounge in luxury.

The delegation from Eden Twelve arrived on time and immaculately groomed for the Awakening Day celebration. They all wore crisp black uniforms. Grace liked their pulled-together presentation. Rick rushed up to her with his new wife in tow. Tossing her the uniform, he teased, “I hear we gotta be real humble around you cause you’re practically royalty now.”

Catching the neatly folded uniform, she shot back, “Don’t be a turd blossom, Rick. You know I’ll never change, no matter who I keep company with.” Quickly ducking into a restroom, Grace donned the clean uniform Rick brought for her. After stepping back out of the tiny room, she held out both hands. “See, I’m the same as I’ve ever been.”

“That’s funny, you used to be quietly getting into trouble. Now, with everyone watching, your shenanigans ain’t gonna go unnoticed.”

Grace elbowed her longtime friend in the ribs. “That’s not funny. It’s damn Greek tragedy. Now, come on, the Warrior Queen set up sparring contests.”

“You knock yourself out.” Exchanging a loving look with his wife, he mumbled. “I promised my Ima Jean a nice evening out and that’s exactly what I’m gonna deliver.” His pretty little wife clung to his arm, looking at him like he hung the moon. She perked up. “We’re going to eat fancy alien food, dance, and take in all the sights, right Rick?” He nodded indulgently. “We sure are, baby.” Turning to Grace, he made the go away gesture. “Now, amscray, wench. You’re blocking our view.” Crap, they were cute as hell together. Laughing, Grace bid them good evening and left them to it.

As always, she attempted to melt into the background, allowing the action to swirl around her. There were several hundred individuals present. She had never felt more conspicuous, or alien, in her entire life. Though she had spent the entire day as the Queen’s guest, the Davarians still stared at her suspiciously, like she shouldn’t be there. Had Grace been faint of heart, it would have bothered her. However, she was more amused than anything else.

This evening, the Queen was in full flow. Her staff were mostly male warriors. They were silently moving around, finalizing last-minute details. Grace’s eyes landed on the newly awoken Regent, Bradon the Wise. She surmised he was very recently out of his hibernation chamber. He was sitting beside Queen Belanna, immaculately groomed and clothed. Though he had a thick fur wrapped around his shoulders, he was shivering.

Grace’s stomach churned, as she remembered what coming out of hyper sleep felt like. He was drinking some type of Davarian alcoholic beverage. Alcohol was not the drink to be imbibing when one was fresh out of hibernation. Now, that just wouldn’t do. Grace walked over to a floating drink carousel, and whirled it around, looking for specific types of tea. She quickly mixed an original brew and headed for Bradon.

Grace saw Belanna’s face brighten when she noticed Grace approaching. The Queen leaned over, put her hand on Bradon’s arm, and whispered something in the lethargic Regent’s ear. He smiled in response and placed his hand gently over Belanna’s. Grace got the impression they were close friends. She wondered if they were lovers as well.

Kneeling quietly beside Bradon, Grace took the beverage from his hands, and replaced it with her special brew. “Trust me. This will ease your chills and settle your stomach.” It might be presumptuous, but she was fairly certain the brew would have the desired effect because she had a good nose for such things and had selected from Davarian varieties.

The man smelled it and nodded his head in thanks. Grace touched him gently on the back, before heading back into the mix.

He immediately turned and began to whisper to the Queen, as he took sips of his drink. Bradon the Wise was very perceptive of his surroundings. As soon as his chills eased up, Queen Belanna escorted him around the room, making introductions. Grace smiled warmly as Belanna approached and introduced Bradon.

Grace beamed at him with genuine warmth. “I’m happy to see you are feeling better. My special mix of herbal teas must have helped. Every time I come out of my sleep pod, I feel groggy and sick to my stomach as well. It’s something about being in hibernation.”

The Regent looked at her briefly before responding. “Perhaps your tea had nothing to do with it. I may have recovered in exactly the same manner, happily sipping my favorite intoxicating beverage.”

Expecting the same politeness she had come to associate with Queen Belanna, Grace was slightly taken aback. Everyone had been going on about how wonderful Bradon was, but his behavior didn’t seem to bear out his reputation.

She looked him in the eye and responded curtly. “I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank you’.”

Bradon’s head snapped up to look her in the face.

Grace met his gaze without hostility, and without remorse for speaking her mind.

His expression remained blank. “You have a sharp tongue, Earthling.”

Grace rolled her eyes and shrugged. “You have no idea.”

“I am not accustomed to such behavior out of a female.”

“It must be difficult being around a plain-spoken person. You seem used to people tripping over themselves to curry your favor.”

His eyes narrowed. “Do you not wish my favor?”

Snorting a laugh, she responded, “Sorry, that won’t happen with me. I call it like I see it.”

Belanna laughed and reminded him of their prior conversation. “I told you these humans are different. They are bold and speak their mind. She means you no harm. It is simply their way. They don’t give quarter, simply because we are regents. I like her.”

Bradon huffed, “Well, I’m not entirely certain I concur.”

“I do. She has claws and fangs, but with words.”

Bradon lifted his chin. “I have actual claws and fangs. The human should remember this.”

Davarians had a facial tick they used in the same manner humans winked. Belanna made it and teased Bradon. “Careful, my friend. She plays all our verbal games better than we do.”

“Do not caution me in regard to this human. They do not scare me.”

Having learned in the space of a day that Davarians loved trading verbal slights and being unable to tell if they were joking with her, Grace went with her gut. Forcing her voice into a soothing tease, she purred. “Poor Bradon. I can tell spending so long in hibernation has taken a toll on you. Forty years is a long time to be out of the mix. Bet you lost a few things. Not the least of which is your sense of humor.”

The good-looking Regent gaped at her. Grace was more than pleased, to have rendered the poor man absolutely speechless. Did that mean she won the verbal exchange?

The Queen chimed in her tease as well. “I wouldn’t count on it. Bradon never had a sense of humor to begin with.”

Grace reached out and patted the big ancient on the arm. “That’s too bad. You have twenty long years in front of you. Without a sense of humor, there’s very little chance you’ll enjoy any of it.”

As she walked off, she could hear Bradon stammering. “I’ve only been sleeping forty cycles. How is it, our world has gone absolutely crazy?”

Grace smiled to herself. The frustration in his voice was plain to hear. The poor guy was having a rough morning. Unfortunately, he was devastatingly handsome when he was angry. That meant she’d likely circle back around to tease him some more. That probably made her a very bad woman. She should not enjoy teasing him quite as much as she did. Truth be told, it was refreshing to be on a world where one could say pretty much what they want without suffering formal retribution.

She finally found her sisters sitting with Nayla. Since no one had brought them a nice clean uniform, they were stuck wearing gowns their guide had dug up for the occasion. Looking around, Grace realized she was the only female in a uniform.

The moment her ass hit the seat, Nayla hissed, “What are you doing? You cannot talk to a Regent like that.”

Grace chose a vegetable stick from the large bowl in the center of the table and shrugged. “You’re overreacting. Calm down. It’s fine.”

“Do you know he can exile your entire crew from this world? Is that what you want? Stop antagonizing him!”

Mia chimed in timidly, “Stop being an ass. You hurt his feelings.”

Grace waved away their worries. “Who the hell cares? I’ll be back to the ship in a day or two. He’ll forget about me quicker than…well…quicker than you can say to forget about me.” That idea gnawed at her, and she didn’t know why. “He started it, anyway. He owes me an apology, not vice versa.”

5 All Fun and Games

Grace

It was Grace’s favorite event of the evening. The sparring match Queen Belanna arranged began. Sparring was a Davarian tradition, especially among warriors. The captain had given crew members permission to join the event.

The prize was some rare dagger from Queen Belanna’s collection. It had every warrior at the celebration salivating. The winner was anyone’s guess. Neither the captain nor Commander West was competing. Win or lose it was going to be fun.

Grace waited until about halfway through the challenges to step in. She wanted a chance to get a feel for their fighting techniques. After several good matches she caught the attention of the Queen.

She wasn’t serious about hanging in for the long haul. Her primary objective had been to have a little one-on-one time with the ever-pompous Tracor. Unfortunately, he’d been taken out by a stronger opponent earlier in the event. He did stand on the sidelines rooting for her opponent during each of her matches. Hearing him talk about how humans were lesser beings again irritated the living daylight out of Grace.

After winning two rounds, she ended up getting her ass politely handed to her by a big alpha male. That was fine. She wasn’t infantry or even used to hand-to-hand combat, so losing to a superior opponent didn’t bother her.

What did bother her was Tracor’s approaching her as she was stepping off the mat. “None of the other humans have lasted either, so don’t feel bad about being the weaker species.”

Grace growled, “Why are you being such a dick?”

His stupid smirk was back in full force. “I’ve told you that I’m not interested in breeding with weak humans, so why are you so preoccupied with my dick?”

Staring at him for a brief moment, Grace lifted one shoulder in an effortless half shrug. “I’ve never seen a dick talk, much less spew complete garbage. I certainly hope whatever you’re shooting out of your actual dick is a higher quality than what comes out of your mouth.”

Tracor stood there with his mouth opening and closing, like fish on dry land. Grace stepped the rest of the way off the mat to make room for the next challenge and was shocked when her new nemesis powered into her with his shoulder.

The stupid prick! Tearing into him while off the mat wasn’t a socially approved option, so she headed to the bar to get a drink, rubbing her shoulder. Some guys were asshats no matter their species.

The bar was filled with every interesting beverage known in this sector of space. It was shaped like a Z and hovered about three feet off the floor. She asked for three shots, bartender’s choice. After drinking them all down in rapid succession, she leaned over the bar on her elbows, wondering what kind of mess she could get herself into for the rest of the night.

Her eyes narrowed for a brief moment, as she thought about dragging the offending male’s arrogant ass onto the mat for a real fight. She quickly decided that kind of feral aggression would not play well in such a civilized environment. Plus, she had more respect for Queen Belanna than to implode her celebration.

That was about the time her thoughts began to get fuzzy. What was it she had drunk? Did she really care? She tried to pick her train of thought back up. Oh, yes. It was offensive men. She huffed, “Men and their bruised egos. I’ve about had my fill for one night.”

Suddenly, she heard a deep voice that sent shivers up her spine. “You bring it upon yourself, you know. Davarian men are prideful. It was difficult for the young one to accept being verbally bested in front of so many.”

Grace rounded on the handsome ancient and snarked, “Haven’t you heard? The entire world went absolutely crazy while you slept. Things like that happen these days. Women can participate in sparring matches and men can slam into their shoulders without warning. No one even needs to put up the pretense of being civilized anymore.”

“Shouldn’t you be drinking herbal tea, youngling?” Bradon said. “Drinking and fighting don’t mix. I don’t condone his colliding with you, by the way. That was very inappropriate. He is less than honorable to...”

Grace looked over at the drink cart holding herbal teas. It was large, round, and hovering about three feet off the ground. She watched, mesmerized, as it spun in a slow, lackadaisical fashion. The Regent was still talking. However, his voice was like so much background noise. Her head began to spin.

“Why does everything on this planet have to float? Your drink dispensers, tables, fountains…everything floats and spins. It’s doing my head in.”

The Regent’s brow creased, and his lips pressed into a firm line. “The only other option is to actually lift all those items, every time you want to move them. That seems kind of…primitive.”

“That’s why humans have robots. They do the heavy lifting.”

“Still, robots are a primitive solution.”

“Exactly what do you mean by primitive?”

“What I mean to say is; antiquated, old fashioned, archaic. Shall I go on, or do you understand, human?”

The edge of irritation to his voice grated on her nerves. “I can’t believe you have the audacity to call us antiquated. What are you, like a thousand years old?”

“Try five thousand. You are not permitted to speak to me in that manner, Earthling. I forbid it.”

Grace shook her head. “In case you haven’t realized, a lot has changed in forty years, your royal highness. In this crazy new world, women can fight…and drink…and fuck…and…well, do pretty much whatever a man can. They can even speak their minds. So, Mr. Pointy Ears, if you don’t accidentally fall back asleep, you’ll just have to get used to all these newfound freedoms we women have.”

Grace turned back to the bar and ordered another shot from the terrified bartender. Her head was still spinning. Did she just use the F-word? She never used the F-word. It was that stupid, irritatingly gorgeous ancient. It was all his fault that she …she… what was it she did? She honestly couldn’t remember.

Wait, back to the bartender. Why was he terrified? He looked like a Denarian. They were synthetic beings…androids. They didn’t even have feelings. How could a synthetic being, devoid of feeling, be terrified? What was he terrified of? She shook off her random thoughts about the bartender and focused on picking back up with her original thought. Why was that proving so difficult?

She concentrated. What was it that had her so upset? Oh, yes. It was that insufferable ancient. She congratulated herself on her ability to refrain from telling the arrogant one to fuck off. That took no small amount of self-control after three shots. Wait. In order to tell him to fuck off she would have to use the F-word again. That simply wouldn’t do. He would just have to, something else off. She lifted her glass and gave a silent prayer that the annoying man would leave her the hell alone, so she didn’t have to use the F-word. She tipped the glass, and the intoxicating beverage went down easy. It tasted sticky sweet.

“Are you certain another drink is what you need right now? You’re virtually ensuring you’ll use the F-word.”

Grace whirled around to face him, noticing she was unsteady on her feet. The last thing she needed was to fall flat on her face in front of His Royal Holy Buttness.

“You, are you still here? Get out of my head and go find someone else to condesssscend to.” Wait, that didn’t sound right. Somehow there were too many S’s in that long word. Why did extra consonants always manage to find their way into words after the fourth drink? She furrowed her brow. What was she doing? Oh yes, she was drinking now. That made perfect sense. If she was drinking, it must be time to drink. It’s really the only thing that would explain her drinking. Wow! She realized she was caught in some sort of strange feedback loop that began and ended with drinking. Why did things like always happen after the fourth drink? Wait, didn’t she just think something similar to that?

There was that deep baritone voice again. “No, you didn’t just think it. You have been saying every random thought that popped into your mind for the last several minutes. It’s been rather fascinating, but also an indication that you don’t need any more intoxicating beverages.”

Grace leaned on the bar and murmured, “My mistake...I thought it was time for…whatever it was time for.”

The bartender supplied helpfully, “You thought it was time for drinking, remember?”

Grace perked up, “I do remember! I’ll take a…”

Suddenly a strong hand wrapped around her arm, and Bradon pulled her toward his table. “Tea. You’ll take a tea, you insufferably irritating little female.”

Grace stumbled as he pulled her across the room. What in God’s name was wrong with her feet? They weren’t moving right. She stumbled and began to fall.

Bradon turned and caught her in his arms. She looked into his emerald green eyes. They were deep like pools of water. His face reminded her of a carved Greek statue, except the signature Davarian eye ridges running along his temples. His mouth was open, and his lips looked so inviting. She imagined what it would feel like to kiss him.

Suddenly feeling quite intoxicated, she tried to shake the grogginess from her head. When she glanced back up at him, she realized it didn’t work. He was still as gorgeous as ever he was.

She murmured, “You have really strong arms.”

She noticed a small smile threatened to curve his lips.

“And very pretty eyes. I thought all Davarians had black eyes. You have…umm…teal eyes.”

He gently turned her around and walked her to his table. A priest dropped a warm mug of tea on the table. Bradon fed her drinks of it for almost an hour, before it occurred to Grace to wonder why.

Belanna smiled at them from across the room. Grace thought she looked a bit like the cat that swallowed a canary. If the Queen had any suspicions about why her counterpart was comforting a menacing human, she kept them to herself.

Grace finally sobered up, finding herself a little embarrassed. “You make good tea for an old man. How am I sober already? How did I get intoxicated at the speed of light, come to think of it?”

Bradon sighed as he replied. “The Denarian gave you Quick Mix. It’s designed for quick and short-term intoxication. It comes in seventeen tantalizing flavors. Most people only have one or two, not four. The bartender probably thought you were getting drinks for you and your friends. He sure seemed scared, when you downed three in a row. You’re quite belligerent when you’re intoxicated.”

“Sorry about using the F-word. My father raised me better than that. I don’t know why, but you really bring out the beast in me. My temper tends to fly, when I’m provoked.”

“Are you always so difficult?”

She rolled her eyes and answered self-consciously. “Usually. I guess it’s why none of my relationships work out.”

“At least you get relationships. All I get is duty, and sleep, and an occasional compliment on my pretty eyes.”

Grace smiled at him. “I’m glad you found your sense of humor. It looks good on you. Of course, anything would.”

Bradon’s face lit up with a smile, making him look twice as handsome as before. “Are you flirting with me? I thought I was an old man.”

Grace gazed at him over her cup. “A sexy old man, I think. You look young and full of life. In fact, you’re quite endearing in your own way. It doesn’t hurt that you’re articulate and can hold your own in a verbal exchange.”

“I like arguing with you too, Grace.”

Grace tilted her head. “Finally, a man who really gets me.”

“Luckily, I have a superior intellect. You’re a complicated person, to come from such an unevolved species.”

Grace shook her head. “You know, I’m just going to give you that one, because we’re getting along so well, and it’s your Awakening Day and all.”

Bradon frowned. “What could have possibly been offensive about that statement? It was nothing but pure truth.”

Grace got up, held up two hands. “This is me, not arguing with you. Just in case you wondered what that looked like. I am going to take my unevolved self, back over to my friends. They can keep on trying to figure me out, but at least they’re respectful.”

Bradon smiled and said softly. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist that one. Like I said, I do enjoy arguing with you, Earthling.”

He was teasing her? Grace’s outraged voice carried a bit more than she intended. “I can’t believe you insulted me on purpose, just to get a reaction. You are one evil little scoundrel.”

Bradon didn’t seem one bit remorseful. In fact he seemed more pleased with himself than ever. He taunted her quietly, “Now, now. There’s no need for name calling. Besides, I thought you liked my sense of humor, as well as my strong arms, and my pretty eyes.”

Grace gave an exasperated huff. “A gentleman would never use an intoxicated lady’s words against her, once she sobers up. That’s deplorable behavior, especially from a man your age. You should be ashamed. What are you, like a thousand? You should be all suave, and sophisticated, and shit.”

“I already told you, I’m five thousand years old. Your language is the only thing that’s deplorable around here, young lady. I should put you over my knee and spank you in front of everyone.”

Again, the smug look on his face sent a wave of fury spiking through her gut. For all appearances, the Regent seemed to be having the time of his life. It really spurred Grace’s anger.

He ignored her shocked expression and continued taunting her. “Perhaps I will take you over my knee. I’m the Regent. No one would think badly of me, much less try to stop me. A spanking would probably do you some good. It might even tame down some of your insolent attitude.”

Grace retorted hotly. “Probably not. Besides, spanking means something different where I come from, when it happens between a man and a woman. You wouldn’t understand, being such an old fogey.”

Bradon was not familiar with the term, but he seemed to get the gist of what she was saying. He thought her human term meant relic. The implication was that he was too old for her.

The Denarian bartender was picking up empty glasses from a nearby table. He mused aloud, “I think she may be referring to the fact that spanking can be considered a prelude to sexual relations on her world. In essence, you are asking if she wants to engage in foreplay.”

Bradon expression changed to one of intense heated interest. “Thank you for that information, Denarian. You are very helpful.”

Grace threw the Denarian a dirty look and grumbled. “I don’t think you’re very helpful. In fact, I think you’re an instigator.”

Bradon laughed out loud. “Belanna is right about you, human. You are absolutely the most fun to be around. Does she argue with you as well?”

“Of course she doesn’t. She’s a classy lady. She has manners, unlike some ancients I know. I hope she has better taste than to get wrangled up with the likes of you. You would wear on the nerves of a saint.”

“Rest assured, she likes me well enough.”

“I can’t imagine you as a friend, or heaven forbid a bond mate. You would drive a woman absolutely insane, in matter of weeks.”

That must have hit a nerve, because his voice heated immediately. “I really wonder at the sanity of someone, who would say such things about Davarian rulers.”

Suddenly, Belanna was beside him. “Bradon, stop baiting the Earth pilot. You thought of it as a game until she accidentally said…”

Bradon interrupted her sharply. “I know what she said. I don’t need to hear it again.”

Grace could tell she went too far. “Bradon, I’m sorry…”

“You will use my title. I rule here, not you, presumptuous little Earthling.”

Grace started again, “Bradon the Wise. I honestly never meant to say something truly hurtful to you.”

“You are forgiven. However, I do not wish to speak to you again, foolish female.”

Grace was annoyed with herself, for even bothering to offer an apology. She gestured towards Bradon in an exasperated fashion. “Belanna, you told me he was as attractive on the inside, as he was on the outside. I think you fibbed.”

Bradon roared, “How dare you accuse our Queen of being a liar? Who do you think you are?”

Grace was tired of dealing with him, and they were beginning to draw a crowd. She decided to be the bigger person for once in her life. Grace squared her shoulders, stepped forward, and touched his face with one hand. She carefully crafted her formal apology. This was her second or third apology of the night. She decided, it would be her last.

“I am sorry to have given offense. It was never my intention to be disrespectful to you or your Queen. I do not want bad blood between our people. Please forgive me.”

Bradon was aware that many eyes were on him. He touched her cheek with his hand in the traditional manner of Davarian apologies and replied, “I deserved it. I should have known better than to joke with a person such as yourself. The mistake was mine. Let this not stand between our people.”

They both turned and walked in opposite directions. Both of them flexed the hand they had touched each other with. It was strange, their mannerisms were so similar and almost in unison, making it seem as though they were in perfect sync with each other.

Grace was furious with herself for not being able to maintain polite discourse with the newly awoken Regent. She noticed a commotion behind her. For some reason, Bradon had caught Tracor in the ribs with his elbow, as he was walking by. They were having words. She couldn’t make herself care about their conflict. Tracor deserved what he got. The male had a lot of pent up anger and frustration. As a matter of fact, they both did. She watched Bradon stalking back to his table.

6 To Companion a Regent

Bradon

Bradon’s Queen sat at his side, touching him on the arm. “I’m sorry for inviting the human. I liked her so much, I thought you would too.”

Bradon looked down at the hand that had touched her skin. “I do like her. I like her much more than I should. She is lovely, and the loneliness hangs on me painfully at times.”

“I’m sorry that my choosing Saban over you has left you all alone. Does it still cause you pain after all this time?”

“Do not worry your soul over following your heart. It was the right decision for you. I came to grips with that long ago and am happy my two favorite people found happiness in each other’s arms.”

What angers you so about the little human?”

Bradon mused, trying to sort out his feelings. “What angered me about the human’s words was…never mind. It’s not important.” The conclusion he arrived at was too embarrassing to discuss.

Belanna coaxed him to speak. “Share your sorrow with me, Bradon. I am your friend, and you have so few of us.”

“It hurt that she indicated she would never consider me for a bond mate or a friend. Her words stabbed at me on a very personal level, and I lashed out with pure emotion. I don’t know why my reaction was so adolescent. I am the ruler of worlds. Why would I care about one foolish Earthling’s opinion of me?”

Belanna responded quietly. “I do not think you are ready to hear her thoughts on that matter. You are still too upset. How about we release some energy before trying to sort out affairs of the heart?”

“I’ve never felt this way about a female before, and I fear it weakens me. Surely my thoughts will return to normal once she has moved on from our world.”

“It would take a wiser person than me to understand such things. Let us turn our attention to the celebration. I have many entertainments for you to choose from.”

Bradon found himself glad to have a distraction. Unlike many rulers, Davarian regents allowed themselves to mingle with their people on holy days. He played several games with Belanna and his priests.

One game involved him taking off his shirt and shooting a laser light at holographic dots flying around in the air. Every time he missed the laser stung his skin. He was covered in welts by the end of the game, and had to have a healing scan, but it was worth it. He loved this new game as it gave him opportunity to work out his muscles. Another game involved trying to work out the exact musical note that came next in a sequence. Each time you were correct, the game doubled in complexity. These were entertaining games for one such as him, a male who was used to flexing his mind more than his muscles. Truth be told, all the games were designed to get a recovering Regent back into physical and mental shape after a long sleep.

The humans played similar games. The one called Grace was very good at them, and seemed to be having fun. Bradon wished he had been nicer to her. She said he brought out the beast in her. If he were being honest, he’d admit to doing it on purpose. Rather than suffering the indignity of having her fawn over him and move on to another male, he had made sure her attention was squarely on him. Something about seeing her outraged reaction to his words roused his dick.

Used to undying adoration as he was, eliciting anger from the beautiful human verified that she saw him differently from all the others. It was arousing, and thus he’d toyed with her in inappropriate ways and gone far too far in his jest. She probably would want nothing to do with him in the future. It was just as well that he didn’t become attached to a female destined to leave him when her ship was repaired. As the evening wore on, his mood slowly improved.

Belanna approached him at sunset and announced, “It is time for your Awakening Night. Servicing you is an honor. Almost every eligible female on our world volunteered. You have many beautiful companions to choose from, my friend. Would you like me to make introductions?”

As Bradon looked over the multitude of females, his mind drifted to the pretty human. He doubted she would consider it a status symbol, to serve him in such a manner. He found himself warming at the thought of her soft hands caressing his body. His eyes sought her out, without his mind willing it so. She had several attractive Davarian males hovering around her, hanging on her every word. By the gods, she was beautiful. He would even admit to himself, she was filled with just the kind of fire he liked in a female.

Belanna wrapped her arms around him from behind. “My sweet friend, your eyes have landed on the one and only female, who has not volunteered to companion you tonight.”

He whispered, “Has anyone asked her?”

Grace

The throng of males surrounding Grace suddenly parted to make way for Queen Belanna. Grace smiled warmly and asked, “Did you see how I almost ruined your well-planned gathering by insulting the hottest guy in the room…repeatedly? I don’t know what got into me.”

Belanna agreed sagely. “You have been in rare form tonight, young Earthling.”

Grace sighed in frustration. “Honestly, I’m a poor excuse for a friend. I hope I don’t give you bad dreams when you sleep. On the upside, I’ll probably instigate some sort of planetary upheaval without even meaning to. We’ll have you awake again in no time. Unless of course, Lord Bradon has me exiled.”

“Come now, it’s not as bad as you think. I kind of like how you enhance our celebration. The excitement has doubled since this morning.”

Grace smiled. “So, what’s next on your agenda of dazzling entertainments?”

“My gorgeous friend has not been properly serviced, in well over forty solar cycles. I’m afraid, it has made him grumpy.”

Grace giggled as she imagined how true that statement probably was. “Quick, get a pretty girl under him. He’s barely tolerable at this point.”

“It is our tradition for beautiful eligible females to volunteer to companion him the first night of his Awakening. Almost every eligible female on our world volunteered. Shall I add your name to the list of thousands? To be included is considered a mark of honor.”

Grace laughed, enjoying the good-natured fun of the moment. “Oh sure, add me to his list. I have nothing better to do with my night than service a grumpy old man. If there is one thing I know, it’s how to take a hit for the team.”

Belanna grinned. “I’m not entirely sure what all that means, or that your offer was made in earnest. However, I will take you at your word.”

“I’m all kinds of sincere.” Holding up two fingers, she sated earnestly, “Scout’s honor.”

Nodding, Belanna agreed. “Upon the honor of a scout, I will see it done.”

Bradon

Watching his Queen interact with the human female he coveted filled his chest with heaviness. They seemed to be making amiable conversation and Grace was smiling and nodding. Clearly, the human didn’t understand what she was agreeing to. He noticed Belanna making her rounds around the room. She greeted revelers one after another, before inconspicuously ending back up at his side.

She informed him quietly. “It is done. The human offered her companionship.”

Bradon turned his surprised face to her, searching her eyes for verification.

She smiled up at him. “This alone surpasses all the gifts I have ever given you, does it not?”

Rubbing her hair against his cheek, Bradon nodded. “It does. I do not believe she will stay the night with me though.”

“Why would she not?”

Sighing, he replied quietly. “Because I am ancient, and she is young and beautiful. We are mismatched in every conceivable way.”

Belanna touched his arm gently. “I was with her when she first viewed you in your hibernation chamber. She stated, in front of everyone, you were the most attractive male she had ever seen. She mentioned, she prefers Davarian males, above even her own kind. In fact, she admitted to having naughty thoughts about you when she looked at your naked body. She actually goaded everyone who had naughty thoughts about you into raising their hand. Just so you know, almost everyone does.”

Laughter spilled forth before he could censor himself. “I choose the human.”

“You must be careful not to antagonize her, Bradon. Give her time to get to know you. Take things slowly and cherish the time you have with her. She just told me that you were the hottest guy in the room. It is human-speak for the most attractive. I think she may be your one.”

His eyes widened and his voice dropped to a mere whisper. “My one? I feel the truth of what you say in my soul. By the gods, Belanna, do not encourage me to dream of having more than one night with her. It hurts too much. You know we can no longer procreate, our bodies are different, and I would make a poor life mate for someone so young and vibrant.”

“I believe she needs someone to love. If she’s attracted you, then why not let that someone be you? Promise me you will at least consider it.”

As Bradon stood gazing at the beautiful human, a world of possibilities opened up inside his mind. For the first time, Bradon was eagerly anticipating his Awakening Night. He found himself wondering, if she was actually as attracted to him as Belanna suggested. If so, would she be amenable to full-on sexing with him? Bradon found himself wondering many things. He could barely contain his excitement. This Awakening Night was going to be different from any before. Before it was duty, tonight it would be a pleasure.

A beautiful female offering her companionship to an awakening ancient was a long-held tradition among the Davarian. After sleeping so long, most regents did not sleep on their Awakening Night. Some thought it courteous to provide a diversion for that time. Multiple orgasms were also considered healthy to relieve stress and cleanse the seed from their bodies.

This particular tradition always felt awkward, to the normally celibate Bradon. He complied for the sake of appearances. Most often, the female brought him off with her hands, and then he sent her away. It was a compromise that seemed to make everyone happy. The females were not really attracted to him anyway. It was more a status symbol for them. Strangely enough, servicing an ancient seemed to make the woman more desirable to other males. It was a way for a woman to gain status and attract a wealthier potential bond mate.

Grace

An older priest by the name of Ralon came to announce the Regent’s choice of companion for the evening. Grace saw Belanna motioning her over. Grace went eagerly to her new friend’s side.

The Queen explained, “We are getting ready to announce Bradon’s companion for the evening. Once the person is chosen, they will retire for the evening.”

“I wonder what poor unfortunate soul got stuck with that chore. Wait, what do you mean chosen? I thought it was like a lottery, and you drew names.”

Bradon walked up behind her. “It’s no lottery. I get to choose, and I chose you, human.”

Grace was shocked speechless. “Why in God’s name would you do that? You don’t even like me.”

“It doesn’t matter. You will accompany me to my bedchamber, and service me without complaint.”

“Well, since you put it so romantically, let me think it over. No, I don’t think that will work for me. Sorry, pal. Perhaps you should go with your second choice. Gods, I thought there was a one-in-a-million chance of being selected.”

“Now, why would you refuse me, especially, after working so hard to get my attention? No other woman, in five thousand years, has thought to dye her hair my favorite color of blue. My signature color looks good on you, by the way. You have successfully marked yourself as mine. Such boldness and creativity should be rewarded. Come get your well-earned reward, little Earth female.”

Something about how he said, little Earth female, struck a nerve with Grace. His voice had a disrespectful, flippant tone she didn’t appreciate. It was clear he expected her to fall into his bed, even though they had done nothing but argue all night. The man was infuriating.

“You are an arrogant, presumptuous ass. This isn’t your favorite shade of blue, it’s mine. My hair has been exactly this shade of blue since I was three years old. My father got me and my sisters a follicular dye. We all chose our favorite colors. My choice certainly had nothing to do with you. God, you are so broken, I don’t have words in my vocabulary to describe you.”

Bradon almost became angry, but something distracted him. His nostrils flared. Great, maybe it was time for cake or something. Several males stepped forward. One leaned over and inhaled deeply.

“I scent it as well. It is something I’ve never encountered before, a new and particularly alluring scent.”

Another male murmured, “It’s definitely a subtle pheromone wash wafting off the pretty human. It began just after she was informed of his selection.”

Looking from one man to the other, she realized her body had betrayed her interest in the ancient asshat.

Bradon’s eyes sparkled. “I agree it’s an intoxicating scent that leads me to think that, regardless of the words coming out of your mouth, you’re all kinds of interested in sharing my bed.”

God, the man was beyond handsome when his eyes shone with real happiness. She stepped back. “No, you’re wrong. Human women wear different scents. It’s artificial. I’m not interested in you at all, and that’s final.”

He smiled slightly and murmured. “I was given to understand, you found my nude body attractive. I was even told you had naughty thoughts when you saw my manhood.”

Grace flipped her long blue hair over her shoulders and folded her arms across her chest. “That was before I knew you were a total asshat.”

Bradon’s nostrils flared again. “The scent coming off you is becoming more potent.” His He stepped closer and whispered discretely. “Are you sure you don’t want to share my bed? Spend the night wrapped in my arms? Feel my hands roaming over your warm lithe body? You don’t want to feel my lips on your pale pink skin?”

Grace could feel her face heating. A part of her wanted all that he was offering. Unfortunately, the stubborn part of her personality wasn’t having it. Grace shifted her stance to force her legs together. Looking away, she replied breathlessly, “Of course not.”

Bradon stepped into her personal space. His voice was like a whispering serpent in her ear. “I will not accept no for an answer, Earthling. I will have your naked body underneath mine tonight. I’ll strip you of clothing, kneel before you, and worship your lovely feminine form with my tongue, then bury myself in your warmth. Don’t pretend you don’t want that as well. Your beautiful body tells me what your mouth refuses to say.”

Bradon’s expression morphed into one of horror when she took a shocked step back, then another, and yet another. She spun, leaving the poor man staring at her back, as she hurried over to her own table. Dakota, Mia and Nayla quickly huddled around her.

Bradon

Belanna shook her head in disbelief. Bradon sighed. He had done it again. What had possessed him to speak to her that way? He was in wonder at himself, and honestly had no explanation for his own behavior. Perhaps the human was right. Maybe he was broken. His long-neglected needs were getting the better of him tonight, turning him into an arrogant fool. He reluctantly admitted that the only thing keeping him from his heart’s desire was his inability to play nice. He immediately found an alcove and began to pray. It was the only thing that helped him get his head straight.

Grace

Grace quickly went over what had happened from the beginning. Nayla was Davarian. She would know what to do. Unfortunately, the woman appeared too shocked to process the whole story.

Grace scrunched her face into a pensive expression. “Perhaps, we can go about this in a logical manner. I’ll just talk to him about what he likes about me, and assist him in selecting a female with similar attributes. What do you think? Would that work?”

Nayla shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Things don’t work like that around here. You have a big problem. Though he may like many things about you, the quality he is cueing on right now is your scent.”

Grace insisted, “Well help me find someone who smells like me. Gosh, that is a weird thing to say.”

Nayla ran her fingers through her hair, in an exasperated fashion. “Bradon the Wise knows that you want him. He can smell your arousal. He wants you as well. That is all it takes for a one-night stand on our world. Only, I don’t think he will stop at that. Did you see him elbow Tracor? Bradon the Wise told him, if he ever so much as looked at you again, he would be exiled from our tri-world cluster. I think Bradon the Wise really likes you. Bradon the Wise will be reluctant to let you go, after your night is over. Bradon the Wise tends to get what he wants.”

Grace responded sarcastically. “I know he does. It probably has something to do with being Bradon the Wise. You are irritating me to flipping death, saying his whole title, every time you mention him. Just say Bradon from now on.”

Nayla responded with wide eyes, “I’m sorry, but I cannot do that. He is my Regent.”

Grace scrubbed her hands over her face and moaned quietly. “This cannot be happening to me.”

Nayla seemed to have an idea. “Maybe there is a chance. Can you refrain from getting aroused when you are close to him?”

“Of course not. What kind of question is that? He is hotter than sin, and I’m just a woman. There are some things a girl can’t control. Good God, no woman could resist him. He’s gorgeous, and he has that deep, sexy voice. Did you see his abs?”

Nayla held up one hand. “Stop talking. The more you speak about him, the stronger the scent becomes. Females find the scent of other females offensive.”

They both looked up to see one very angry ancient stalking towards them. He was wearing only his long flowing priest’s pants. The muscles running down his chest rippled as he moved. His teal eyes were blazing. He was absolutely magnificent. Grace realized, with no small amount of aggravation, she was wetter than ever.

The ancient slid to a stop right in front of them and looked around, as his nostrils flared. The primal male looked like he was about to pounce on someone. Other males were easing their way back from him.

Nayla spoke, her voice poised, respectful and soothing. “Bradon the Wise, Grace was just telling us all the things that attract her to you. I’m afraid speaking of such things was very arousing for her.”

The big ancient twirled his ringer around in the air and asked. “So, this was all me?”

Grace knew he was referring to the potent scent of pheromones hanging heavy in the air.

Nayla responded immediately, “Of course my Regent. The Lady Grace has spoken of no other.”

Grace shot Nayla an exasperated look as she whispered. “You might want to warn me, the next time you plan to stick a blade in my back. I can’t believe you call yourself a friend.”

Nayla frowned at her, obviously confused by the analogy. “You are one strange little alien, human. You want him. He wants you. It’s just sex. I honestly don’t see the problem.”

Bradon stepped forward and gently took Grace’s hand. “I don’t know what came over me earlier. It seemed the more sexualized my comments were, the more aroused you became. I got carried away, provoking your beautiful scent. I hope you can forgive me. Normally, the companion just services me with her hands, and leaves right away. Our ways must be very strange to you. If you are truly not interested in being with me, I will choose another. Please know, before the opportunity of being with you arose, this ritual was more duty than pleasure for me.”

Grace spouted, “I’m not a virgin.” A look of horror crosses her face. “God, I don’t know why I said that.”

Bradon smiled slightly. “You probably said it because I was being open and honest. It led you to do the same.”

Grace rolled her eyes. Wasn’t it so like Bradon to think every little thing anyone said or did was a direct result of him. She tried to concentrate on what he was saying.

“Our people do not care about such things. You are young, healthy, and breathtakingly beautiful. It never once occurred to me to think you a virgin. You deserve to have an accommodating partner at your disposal, at all times. If you will have me, I offer myself for your pleasure. For this one night, let us be together, and let there be peace between us. You may decide how intimate we become. I would never presume to push myself onto you. It is important to me that you feel comfortable with me.”

Grace stepped forward and wrapped her arm through his.

“You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet. Next time, you might want to start with that breathtakingly beautiful bit. Honestly, I would have agreed to just about anything, after hearing a compliment like that.”

Bradon

Bradon let out a relieved breath, one he didn’t know he had been holding. The human was back to teasing him. That was good. It was her way of flirting. Grace’s acceptance meant more to him than it should.

Suddenly, there was a correspondent asking questions. The news commentator had a small, round flying image recorder hovering around, trying to get the best angle. The man’s short black hair was slicked back and wore an emerald green silk suit. Bradon recognized him from the news stream as a prominent local news publicist.

The publicist was professional, but his loud booming voice annoyed Bradon. He wrapped his arm around Grace in a gesture that was protective yet possessive. Bradon recognized it as inappropriate but could not help himself.

“So, Earthling. Tell the Davarian people. How excited are you to be companioning our Regent tonight? It is a high honor for one of your kind to be selected.”

Bradon stiffened and just as he moved to position himself between Grace and the unwanted attention that being with him brought, she brought out one arm to keep him in place.

“Gee whiz, Mr. I-Don’t-Know-Your-Name. I am just so overwhelmed by the honor. I can’t believe your Regent chose me, an Earthling, to be his concubine for the night. This is all like some sort of magical fantasy come true. Bradon the Wise is absolutely the most gorgeous guy in the universe, and he’s all mine for the night. It’s what dreams and stardust are made of.”

Bradon had a hard time concealing his amusement. “I think you mean to say, you are mine for the night.”

Grace placed a hand dramatically on her chest and gushed. “Oh my gosh, I guess you’re right, Mr. Large-and-In-Charge. I’m just so excited, I got it all backwards.”

Bradon was impressed. The human could manage to find the humor in his convoluted situation. It made the huge invasion of privacy so much easier to bear. He leaned over, tilted the human’s face up, and claimed her lips for all to see. A collective sigh of approval went around the room. When Grace was at his side, the absurdity of his situation crystalized like never before. Perhaps it was seeing his life through her eyes.

Bradon scooted her along murmuring, “How do you do that?”

“What, my sweet?” Grace was careful to keep her facial expression and voice innocent.

He whispered, “How do you make fun of them, and seem sincere all at the same time.”

“I’ve got natural talent, big guy. It’s called sarcasm. Your reporters are very intrusive.” She sighed. “Half-truths are the key. I do think you’re the hottest guy in the verse, and I am glad you chose me. I would like to spend time getting to know you better. The rest was just window dressing, as they say.”

Bradon beamed down at the pretty lady. “I’m glad you agreed to spend time with me, Grace. Your compliments touch my soul, more so than I would have thought. I feel drawn to you like no other.”

“I know you think you’re clever, but I am well aware of what kissing in public means for your kind. You are one possessive, controlling guy, aren’t you? Kissing in public is a way of marking me as yours to other Davarian males. You did it during a news feed, for every male on your planet to see.”

He smiled smugly. “I suppose you won’t be getting many offers of courtship from my kind. I didn’t think you would know that custom. I am pleased you didn’t object. It makes me wonder what other small liberties I might chance taking with you.”

She giggled, giddy with the enjoyment of his company. “You’re a Regent for crying out loud. Think big liberties, rather than small ones.”

“Oh little Earthling, you have my mind working many different scenarios all at once. I sincerely hope you find my company as pleasing as I find yours.”

“I find you much more pleasing than you could possibly find me.”

“Don’t count on it, kitten.”

She glanced up at him and wondered how he came to know that term. There wasn’t a kitten to be seen for a million light years in every direction.

7 Something Dark and Primitive

Bradon

Bradon prepared himself meticulously to enjoy the company of the female. He assisted his priests in the cleansing ritual. As his hands slid over his body, he realized how different his body was from being in hibernation so many times. His skin was extremely thick. It felt a little like the tanned hide of an animal. Though it appeared almost normal, it was not soft, like a person’s skin should be.

His hands still trembled slightly because he’d just come out of the hibernation. Then again, perhaps he was trembling in anticipation of being with the female. He knew the sweet anticipation of coupling with her was making his heart hammer wildly in his chest.

He wondered how intimate she would choose to be with him tonight. It immediately occurred to him to wonder how intimate he should be with her tonight. His rough body would, no doubt, be off-putting to the female. He reconciled himself to sticking with his usual methodology. With her soft hands, it would be pleasure enough for someone like him.

A slight smile slid onto his face, as he thought of all the things he would do to ensure her pleasure. By the gods, the human was so alluring. Her scent was more potent than any intoxicating drug or drink he had ever experienced.

He liked her immensely. If only she would allow it, he would give her a galaxy of pleasure. Obsessing about her gave him pleasure, so why deny himself?

Bradon’s mind drifted back to the female, and how her hands had felt on his skin. She touched him easily, like it bothered her not. Most people, especially females, avoided touching him. He felt it was partially because of his skin, and partially because they thought him unapproachable.

It had probably been hundreds of years since anyone, except Belanna, had touched him spontaneously, just because it felt right to them. He was only now beginning to realize just how lonely he had been, though people constantly surrounded him.

The human was small, soft, and so sweet to him. Well, she had been sweet to him, after she had been rude. Still he didn’t blame her for being rude to him. There was something about the pretty female that really pulled out his negativity and frustration. He thought it was because she represented the one thing he had always longed for, but knew was beyond his reach. She embodied the ideal of true love. He knew he tormented her because he wanted her, all the while knowing he could never keep her.

The ancients were relics belonging to their people, just as surely as any other object of worth in the Great Hall of Awakening. His time belonged to his people. It was his honor, and his curse. Even if not for that, he was physically unfit to carry on a long-term relationship with a female. He could no longer sire children, and his body was monstrous. Plus, what kind of woman would want a bond mate for only twenty years? To bond, then leave the poor female to endure endless loneliness for the rest of her life, would be reprehensible. His mind drifted again to his one special night of pleasure. He hoped it would be enough to last him through an endless lifetime of loneliness.

Gracie

Meanwhile, Grace was slightly perturbed. Davarian priests were preparing her to spend time with their Regent. They called the preparation a cleansing ritual. Who knew priests could be such intrusive little snots? They had guided her into a large, luxurious, spa-style bath, with a huge sunken tub, and pulled all her clothing off. She was currently being subjected to multiple male hands, scrubbing every square inch of her body.

A girl had to have limits. She drew the line at them trying to wash her girly bits. Grace noticed their amused expressions, when she smacked their hands away from her more private areas. Good thing she was no blushing virgin. This would really be embarrassing.

The older priest who normally attended Bradon was holding open an ornate robe when she exited the bath. She tried to remember his name. Ralon sprang to mind. She was sure his name was Ralon. He sat her down, moved behind her, and began brushing her pale blue hair.

He began to talk about what was expected of her as Bradon’s female companion for the night. This seemed like much ado about nothing to Grace. What was so complicated about two people getting together for a little intimacy? Sex was not exactly rocket science. It was more like an insert-tab-A-into-slot-B type of activity. She had always thought of it as easy to figure out.

Apparently, the Davarian priest believed it required extensive directions. But then again, he looked like he was coming up on a hundred. He probably couldn’t find his way around a woman’s body, with two hands and a map. She stifled a giggle.

Grace was stoked about spending the night with Bradon. He was drop-dead gorgeous, intelligent and went after what he wanted in life. She literally could not wait to get on top of him. He was hot in a way few men were, and promised to be the thrill ride of a lifetime. She had been so preoccupied with the errant thoughts running through her mind, she missed most of what the priest was saying. She tried to pick up the thread of the conversation.

“…do not touch him without asking. Do not assume he wants a full mating. Follow his verbal directions precisely. If, at any point, you are unclear on how to proceed, you are to ask questions until you do understand his needs. You are to be respectful at all times. Unlike earlier tonight, you are to make him feel desired…”

Yep. That was it for Grace. Like that hot sexy man needed anyone to make him feel desired. She snapped. “Can we have more grooming, and less talking. I want to get this dog and pony show on the road.”

She immediately realized he would not know what that meant. As she struggled to find words to move the process along, Ralon gently tugged her hair back until she was looking him in the face. He looked at her disapprovingly. Grace felt reprimanded, though Ralon had not said a word of chastisement.

She said hesitantly, “I can assure you, I do understand the mechanics of sex.”

“How many regents have you bedded in your short life?” He asked the question in a very plain-spoken manner, devoid of emotion. Kind of like how people asked her skill at navigating. It irked her that this total stranger dared to ask questions about her sex life.

“Don’t worry. If I can’t figure it out, I’ll send for you, and you can draw me a freaking diagram.”

Oops. She hadn’t meant to say that. It just kind of popped out. Even in the most intimidating situations, she barely missed a beat. She was just irritated with his attention to detail, and his irrational dedication to his Regent. There was no sense being a witch about it.

The old man didn’t miss a beat. His voice remained calm and controlled…almost fatherly. “This is an important moment for our Regent. Be grateful he selected you. It means you are the most alluring female on our planet. Show your gratitude, by treating this situation with the respect the occasion deserves. You are young and impetuous. Tonight, you are but a small part of a larger and much more important whole. Keep your focus on Bradon the Wise. He needs you, perhaps more than you realize.”

Grace looked into the stern man’s eyes. Suddenly, her levity fled, in the face of his gentle gaze. All the feelings of excitement and anticipation were suddenly replaced with butterflies. She moved one hand to her stomach, as if to quiet them.

The priest released her hair and went back to brushing it dry. “Do not worry, little Earth princess. You will be very much to our Regent’s liking.”

Grace’s eyes glanced back up to his and she pointed out. “I’m not a princess.”

The old man’s brow creased. “The Warrior Queen spoke of you. She said you came from a beautiful blue world in another galaxy. You are one of three lovely young females from an elite family.”

Grace thought back to her family ties. Her parents were wealthy and well-positioned socially on Earth. Only wealthy people could afford space on a deep-space vessel. She nodded slightly because he was making a certain kind of sense.

“That makes you a princess on our world.”

Grace didn’t think the old man really understood what he was talking about, but whatever. He obviously didn’t understand how human society was ordered. She found herself longing see Bradon again. He was one of the few people who seemed to get her at all.

The old man was still mumbling. “A being as rare as you should be cherished and well cared for, by males who understand your worth. I only pray our Regent has the wisdom to see what a perfect life mate you would make.”

Grace was shocked beyond belief. She had taken the Davarian at their word. This was supposed to be a one-time only kind of thing.

She complained weakly. “I only agreed to spend one night.”

The older man stood up, held out his hand, and assisted Grace to her feet.

He bowed slightly and replied, “If it would please the gods, we would have you as our Queen.”

Grace was frozen in place like a little wooden doll. For the first time in her life, she made a special point of thinking before she spoke. She carefully considered the old man’s words. It was a lot to digest all at once. Would Bradon really want her for a lifetime? Would she want him? The moment she thought the question, it was answered by her heart. Her mind didn’t much like the answer.

Sealing her lips, Grace quietly allowed the priests to dress her, as she continued to mull over the possibility of staying with Bradon. She was strongly attracted to him, both physically and emotionally. In fact, she felt an invisible string tugging her to him.

She worried that if Bradon decided to keep her in his fortress, she would not be able to find it in her heart to deny him. That thought chilled her to the bone. Just when did her self-esteem tank to the point where she would just go along with whatever some man she hardly knew wanted? Then again, the only thing more interesting than the idea of spending one night with Bradon was the idea of spending more. She shook the thoughts from her head, deciding to take it a day at a time.

Grace looked down to see the priests had removed the bath robe and fitted her with a long robe that opened down the front. She was wearing nothing underneath except a jeweled thong. Two priests began tying a long sash around her waist to keep the garment closed. Grace was well aware the intent was for her remove it as soon as possible upon arrival in Bradon’s bedchamber. They finished her presentation with warm blue jewels that set off her pale blue hair.

Indeed she noticed she was outfitted in varying shades of blue. Then she remembered that was Bradon’s favorite color. She felt objectified. Strangely enough, it didn’t bother her. She felt that his priests were merely wrapping his gift with intent to please him. She strongly suspected Bradon would never expect such from her.

She should be feeling happy, and excited about being with Bradon. Instead she just continued to feel anxious. The elder priest’s words, about her potentially becoming their Queen, had put a damper on the mood. Instead of feeling like she was about to spend the night having sexy fun with a hot guy, it felt more like she was being given an audition for a role it never occurred to her to want.

Ralon motioned her to the doorway. Grace had to will her feet into action, their natural inclination being to stay firmly planted in place. The older priest gently guided her out of the room and down the hall. She had three priests on each side of her and several more behind her. It was an impressive escort, if ever there was one. They were going to make a spectacle of themselves for no apparent reason.

So much for her life’s ambition to stay below the radar. Grace could feel a little cramp in her neck but resisted the urge to shake it out. Her control was hanging by a thread. She breathed through it. If she could just make it to Bradon’s chamber, everything would be fine. He understood her, she liked him, he’d had promised that she didn’t have to do anything she didn’t want. That promise gave her strength, when all else deserted her.

Sure enough, as they moved throughout the Great Hall of Awakening, people stood aside. Grace could see the reverent awe reflected in their wide-eyed stares. There was something about being looked at that way that really got her ire up. Who were they to make her feel strange? No, that was the wrong attitude. She was the one who was allowing them to affect how she felt about herself. Absolutely no one was going to make her feel uncomfortable in her own skin. Suddenly, her old fighting spirit came flooding back with a vengeance.

As they moved briskly through the fortress, Grace continued to bristle at the theatrical show of pageantry. Oh hell no, this was not going to work for her. She could see that right from the start there would need to be changes, if she ended up staying. Strange how easily that idea had moved from the never-gonna-happen pile to the maybe pile. Her heartbeat slowed, and she relaxed her shoulders. She tilted her chin up and found her center.

By the time she reached his chamber door, she was ready for the verbal sparring match destined to take place. After all, they loved to match wits. She didn’t see that stopping anytime soon.

Grace had only a moment to look up before two priests pulled the double doors aside for her. The corner of Grace’s mouth quirked up in a lopsided smile. She gave a slight shake of her head. Some poor misguided soul had actually carved twin likenesses of Bradon’s face into the panel of each door. Honestly, he looked just like his snooty, arrogant, pompous self in the carving. Would this stupid day never end?

Grace felt herself being gently propelled into the room. As her eyes adjusted to the more dimly lit interior of his chamber, she noticed several things at once. A priest was straightening bed pillows. Another priest was setting drinks on the bedside table. Yet another priest was lighting some candles. The smell of exotic incense hung heavy in the air. There were a thousand of the tiny prickly glowing things floating around the room. That and the candles were the only source of light. One of the priests hit a small chime.

Bradon stood up from a small alcove where he had been praying. He walked over to her, wearing a long blue robe that gaped open in the front. She could clearly see that he was wearing the same type of jeweled thong as she was. He stopped about five feet in front of her, looking absolutely gorgeous.

Grace couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her lips.

Bradon’s brow quirked, as he looked at her. “Is it me? You find me strange or …”

He clamped his mouth shut for a brief instant, as he thought it over. “It’s the door, isn’t it? It’s my face carved into the door that you find so amusing.”

Grace couldn’t keep the humor from her voice. “The doors were pretty ridiculous, I’ll give you that, but that’s not it.”

“Come on little human. Give me a clue. What about my strange, overly contrived, and absurdly ritualistic life has you so amused?”

Grace busted out laughing and waved her hands around. “All of it! Everything is so over the top here. You and your boys certainly know how to make things complicated. I’ve never seen so many men work so diligently to make easy things hard.”

“I am certain my males did not realize they were providing you with such entertainment tonight.”

Grace’s face flushed, and her eyes blazed. “I think you have that the wrong way around, gorgeous. It was more like I was their entertainment.”

“What did they do to cool your passion for me? I can no longer scent your arousal.”

“Well, let me tell you all about that. Did you know your boys here scrubbed every square inch of my body? I practically had to fight them off. They tried to clean my girly bits and all. Was that really necessary? I mean, exactly how dirty can one little Earthling be?”

“Apparently it was necessary. They did the same thing to me. Perhaps it is a requirement of some sort.” His brow creased again. Bradon clearly had not given thought to such things for a very long time.

“Do you even hear the words coming out of your mouth? You sound ludicrous.”

Someone in the room made a small disapproving noise. Grace glanced over to Ralon and rolled her eyes.

“Your old guy says I have to be respectful to you tonight and make you feel desired. The fun never stops around this place. So, what new and bizarre ritual do you have in store for me, once I get my clothes off?”

“Well, since you ask. My priests will disrobe us and stroke your body to induce arousal so we can mate.”

Bradon

Bradon kept an entirely straight face, though he wanted to howl with laughter. He knew the pretty human would find that outrageous. If he were being honest, he would admit he did as well.

“Just when I thought nothing else you could do would possibly surprise me, you come up with something like that.”

Several priests came forward and began removing their clothing. In the wink of eye they stood facing each other wearing only their jeweled thongs.

Bradon said, “My men are very efficient, are they not?”

Grace allowed herself a little rant. “Efficient, quiet, dedicated to you, and their attention to detail is absolutely amazing. Too bad we have to be the object of their rather compulsive instinct to serve.”

Bradon allowed a small smile to show on his face. The human was so accurate with that comment, he could just kiss her. No wait, maybe he wanted to do that anyway. He immediately nodded to his men. Two stepped out and began running their hands over her body, nuzzling their faces against her neck, and kissing her skin. Slowly their hands strayed down to her breasts.

All in all, Bradon would have preferred to arouse his own female. However, experience had taught him, they were more easily aroused by his young priests. The young men had a talent for it, and he wanted her ready to accept him, should she agree to such a joining. Suddenly, the female was complaining again.

“Look Bradon, I know you are the sexy king of the freaking world and all. But is there nothing in this verse that you manage to do for yourself? By the gods, you are the laziest man I’ve ever met. Do you have the priests perform all your chores?”

Bradon didn’t blink an eye. “They normally insist.”

Grace murmured, “I’ll just bet they do. You need to get your head straight…”

Bradon realized something while the female was babbling on and on. Though the young priests had been touching her, there was no scent of arousal coming off her. Something was very wrong. He worried the priests had broken her during the preparation process.

One of the priests was trying to slide his hand down the front of her thong. Grace immediately slapped his hand away saying, “We already had that conversation. No one touches me there, except your Regent. You know, just forget this.”

She thrust both of the priests aside and stepped forward toward Bradon. “My sweet, there are just some responsibilities in this verse that a man should not delegate to other men. This is one of them.”

Bradon stared at her. Gods of chaos, the little human was telling him that she wanted him to touch her. He never thought to hear that from her. Suddenly, his legs were unsteady. He closed the distance between them in a couple of strides, took a breath, and hauled the beautiful woman into his arms. She was fragile and soft against his body. His breath caught in his throat. She smelled so sweet, even unaroused.

He slid his hand over her cheek and tilted her face up to meet his lips before tenderly sealing his mouth over hers. He was relieved when the female melted into his touch. He could feel her winding her arms around him and sifting her fingers through his hair. They were kissing and breathing the same air. It was much more intimate than watching his priests handle her precious body. Over and over again, he kissed the pale little Earth princess. He did not think that he would ever tire of feeling her lips against his.

His brain short circuited, for he knew not how long, as his lips moved on her. Bradon slowly became aware of the most delightful scent filling the air. It was the female responding to his touch. He crushed her flush with his body and buried his face in the swirl of blue hair around her neck. He could feel himself getting emotional. She responded to him, only to him. That had never happened before.

He pulled back, his voice and awed whisper. “You responded to me. Your pheromone wash is…intoxicating.”

She rolled her pretty blue eyes. “What do you expect, big guy. You are the sexiest male in the room.”

He looked down and mumbled in shock, “I can’t believe it was me. It is always the young priests the females enjoy. I am normally the obligation part of the visit.”

Grace’s voice turned serious. She pulled his chin around, so she could look in his eyes. “Your priests are a hot bunch of guys. Most ladies wouldn’t throw them out of bed. However, they aren’t you. Let’s just say I like a little vintage on my rod.”

Bradon squirmed, as her eyes dropped down below his waistline. He could feel his hard-on growing exponentially. He was so preoccupied with what was going on below his waist that it took his mind an extra minute to process what she had said. The human was telling him she liked older men. Wait, that didn’t sound like correct information. He glanced up at her face, and found a sexy smile waiting for him.

Her amused voice sounded off. “You’re about to pop a jewel there. Would you like a little help with…with…all that?”

One swift jerk of his chin sent the priests scrambling out of the room. Bradon didn’t think he had ever been so hard in his entire life. He needed a minute to get himself under control. It would take so little to tear into her precious body right now. He liked her and was not keen on being the man to make her hate sex. His over eagerness would virtually ensure she would derive little pleasure from such a hurried coupling.

He slowly backed away from her and sat in a huge lounger framing a small firebox. They had burned only plasma in the firebox for almost a thousand years, but it still gave off warmth and a soft glow. Grace eased herself down into another large lounger directly across from him. When she sat in the Davarian-sized furniture, she looked tiny. Bradon swallowed hard as he realized when the time came, he would have to be very gentle with the small female.

He couldn’t help but stare at her. Her pale pink skin and long pastel blue hair made her seem like an enchanting heroine from a fantasy story. She didn’t seem the least bit shy about being almost completely nude. In fact, she was eyeing his body with what appeared to be approval…. No. It was lust he saw in her eyes.

Her bold personality captured his interest. She was a brave one. She also had a very different way of looking at his circumstances. He liked seeing his world through her eyes. For some reason, he felt more alive with her at his side. Sitting by the warmth of the fire in this room engineered for romance, he worried that he was falling in love with her.

Bradon forced himself to settle back and refocus. “Why did you respond only to me? Just be honest. Whatever you say, I will accept. It’s just, that has never happened before. I am curious.”

Grace appeared to be turning the situation over in her mind for a bit. Her eyes slid down his body and back up again before she answered. “You are easily the most attractive male I’ve ever met. I think, I was so eager for your touch, nothing else mattered. I guess women around these parts think nothing of getting aroused by strangers in order to have sex with the man they actually want. Sorry if not responding to your priests makes your choice in bed partners seem frigid. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

Bradon startled in his seat and immediately reassured her. “You didn’t embarrass me.” His face darkened, “I have been embarrassed every time a female responded more to my priests than to me. Tonight was like a fantasy come true for me. If you walked out right now, that moment alone would be enough to brighten my soul for the rest of my life.”

Grace teased him gently, “You’re easy to please.”

He retorted, “Are you?”

She didn’t miss a beat in the erotic verbal exchange. “I’m unbelievably excited right now. I could probably climax just by watching you stroke yourself.”

“By the gods, woman, you don’t play around. No female has ever said anything like that to me before. I’m trying to control myself, but you are definitely pushing me to my limit.”

A mischievous grin slipped onto her face. “I’ll make you a deal. If you stroke yourself for me right now, I’ll keep talking sexy to you.”

There was a brief pause in which Bradon sat staring at her. His thong was fit to burst, and his chest was heaving.

Grace teased gently. “This is a limited time offer, so you better decide soon.”

She could tell he was trying to figure out if she was just having fun, or if she was serious. She slowly shifted until her legs were slightly spread. “You know everyone around here is so preoccupied with your status, they are missing the pleasure of getting to know you as a person…as a man. I knew you were going to be special, the first time I ever saw you. Seeing you naked in that hibernation chamber was a real treat. Do you know your manhood is absolutely gorgeous? I am dying to see it again.”

Bradon’s hand slowly moved down to the side of his thong. There was a small clicking sound, and the side dropped away. He pulled himself free, and his hand closed around his rod. His gaze turned sultry and intense, as he stroked himself.

Grace shifted in her seat again, apparently trying to find a comfortable position.

“God, you’re sexy. Seeing you touch yourself, makes me want to do such naughty things to you.”

He whispered, “Tell me.”

“Do the people of your world use their tongues on each other? You mentioned worshiping me with your mouth, so I think the answer is yes. I would love to touch you and taste you right now. I’ll bet you would enjoy my lips on your sexy rod. Come closer, I want to see you better.”

Almost before she got the words out Bradon was moving towards her. He kneeled in front of her and whispered. “Will you allow me to look upon your womanly treasures, while I stroke myself? Grant me this request, and it will be I who speaks of erotic pleasure for your ears to enjoy.”

“You do know how to negotiate, handsome.” Bradon knew that was true. They were a species of traders. Whether it was merchandise, property, gemstone, or sexy favors, it was all just trading to their mind.

Grace looked up and seemed pinioned in his dark sensual gaze. She swallowed thickly and nodded her head. She was just as aroused as he was. Bradon knew that to be true because he could scent her arousal double, then triple.

One of his large hands came to each hip. A click later, her thong was hanging lifeless from the seat underneath her. With a gentle tug, it was cast aside.

He placed a large hand on each knee and pulled her legs open, as he tilted her up for his viewing pleasure. His eyes landed on her and he intently studied everything the gods had given her. His hands reverently skimmed her thighs, and went straight for her heated core, finding her wet and ready for him.

He groaned, “You’re perfect, and you smell divine.”

Grace whispered, “For you, only for you.”

His voice came out slightly strained. “I honestly never knew such perfection existed in the universe.”

His eyes found hers. She knew the moment she looked into his eyes that their prior arrangement was history. He was a male edging into a rutting heat and as such he would take what he wanted from her. They both knew she was helpless to stop him and also that she didn’t want to stop him. Whether she was helpless because of not wanting anything more than his touch, or by virtue of his superior strength and size, he knew not.

Grace

His gaze was nothing short of adoring. However, there was also an element of heat in his eye when he glanced back down at what the Davarians called her sacred place. It was something akin to raw burning need warped around intense sexual desire. It was the look she always wished to see on a man’s face when they made love. His eyes flickered up to look her in the face once more. She gave an almost imperceptible nod yes. There was something about the questionable consent that added an extra element of eroticism to the encounter.

While he was still looking her in the eye, she could feel his fingers running over her womanly flesh. Her body trembled beneath his touch. She reached down, placed her hand over his, and taught him what she liked. He was ever the studious pupil and paid intense attention to every detail. When her hand moved away, his touch continued. His ministering was perfect. It felt like he could anticipate her needs, and the pleasure was intense.

Her hands went out to touch him, but he grasped them both in one large fist, and brought them up over her head. Her words somehow deserted her, as he held her in place with one hand, and continued pleasuring her with the other.

She wanted to shout at him that sex with supposed to involve rods and it was supposed to be reciprocal. Firstly, she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. Second of all, her brain couldn’t seem to make her mouth work. Lastly, the man seemed intent on dishing out some major league erotic pleasure.

He was merciless. Each time he brought her to the brink, he backed off. Then like an elastic band he would yank her back to the edge again. All she could do was writhe beneath his touch. It was more pleasure than she had ever known in her life. Several times, he even leaned over to use his mouth on her.

At one point he grabbed a sash and tied her hands. When he went back to touching her, she felt trapped in ecstasy. His hands were everywhere, gently tugging her soft peaks, moving in and out of her body, and ever so gently stroking her tender bud. The man could get a lot done with one hand, while he used the other to stroke himself.

Finally her words came, but not in the form of yelling about the reciprocal nature of sex. She found herself begging for the release only he could provide. He answered her pleas with more teasing to her overwrought body.

The one time she begged for his manhood, his face darkened briefly. “Trust me, kitten, you don’t want something like that against your tender flesh.”

She responded in a whisper. “By the gods, I do, I really do.”

That seemed to push him right over the edge. He leaned over and used his tongue to push her into a hard climax. As her world broke apart into a million shards of bright light, she could hear herself whispering some kind of romantical nonsense.

Whatever she said affected him. Something welled up in him that she couldn’t describe. The emotion was dark, primitive, and utterly possessive. It looked a lot like pure unadulterated lust. Suddenly, just making her come wasn’t enough for him. He touched her again and again. Against her better judgment, she found herself being strung tight again. His deep voice became demanding. “Come. You will come for me again.”

As if his words controlled her body, rather than her own will, she shattered again. How could her body suffer such pleasure, and her heart still beat? She found herself continuing writhe under his touch. His voice was deep and dominate when spoke next, “Again, little human. Come for me. For this one moment, I am your mate, your king, and your whole world. My will is all that matters. Obey.” She bowed to his seduction even as her mouth begged for him to stop.

Bradon had been stroking himself hard and fast. He came with her the last time, and fell over her, breathing heavy in her ear for a few minutes before untying her. Grace wrapped her arms and legs around him. Her hands wandered over his back and shoulders. She felt the round metal disks running down his spinal cord and remembered they connected him to the life support in his hibernation chamber. A worry about his safety using the antiquated device niggled at her, but she shoved it away in favor of enjoying the moment.

His body felt like carved granite. She liked the weight of him. He made her feel warm, safe, and desirable.

Bradon startled as though he never intended to fall on her. They both realized at the same time he had spilled his seed on her body. He immediately stated in a strained voice. “My apologies, kitten. I should not have marked, what I can never claim.”

Grace ran her hands through the mess he had made, slowly rubbing it into her skin. She had a strong inclination to taste it, but the shocked look on his face made her think he might flip out. Perhaps that was simply not done by his kind.

“No worries, this is my idea of the perfect gift. You can keep all your fancy jewels and other expensive gifts. I will be happy to enjoy your scent, when I can no longer share your company. Speaking of which, shouldn’t we move to the bed for round two? We do have the whole night, right?”

“You want more?”

Grace giggled, still breathless from his former ministering. “As much fun as that was, and trust me, it was mind-numbingly fantastic. I still want you inside me.”

Bradon’s gut clenched and he looked at her warily. “I don’t think that is a very good idea. Your body is small and soft. I refuse to be the man who makes sex bad for you.”

“Humans have very pliant bodies. We are made to adapt to fit many different sizes. In fact, I think my body was made to accommodate yours.”

Bradon groaned, “You are killing me. It’s just these types of situations that turn honorable men into rutting beasts. You’re almost too tempting to resist.”

“Guess I’ll have to try harder.”

“Shut up, sweetling, before I give in to you.”

“Please.”

“No.”

“I promise it will be good for both of us.”

“It’s too much to ask.”

“I’m an accommodating gal.”

The sweet keeling look on Grace’s face finally broke through the last shred of his self-control. Bradon picked her up and headed to his bed.

“I hope we don’t regret this decision.”

“We won’t.”

“Always so sure of yourself, aren’t you, little Earthling?”

“I know what I want, and I usually get it.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. It leaves me questioning whether I have the capacity to refuse you anything.”

A soft giggle was her only reply.

Before he got halfway across the room, it began to fill up with priests. They pulled the female from his arms and began dressing them.

Bradon barked, “Explain your intrusion, or risk my wrath.”

8 Playing for Keeps

Bradon

His loyal assistant, Ralon, burst through the door. “The Queen is asking for you. You must come right away.”

Grace quipped, “One woman at a time. Haven’t you heard the new rule?”

Bradon’s brow creased in confusion. “It must be a matter of life or death, for her to interrupt my Awakening Night.”

Suddenly, Queen Belanna was bursting through the doorway as well. She easily shoved both large doors open and stalked towards them. “It’s a matter of war. The Traj have attacked our outpost on Fraxion Four.”

“I didn’t know your people were at war with the Traj.”

The Queen glanced down at the human, and her nostrils flared in anger. “We’re not. The council is certain this is in retaliation for our warship responding to the Eden Twelve’s distress call. I am away, and your little love mate must come as well.”

“Thanks for allowing me to tag along.”

“I was told to bring you, because one of your crew was on the planet when it was attacked. You captain has not been able to raise her on the com. You are to rendezvous with a small extraction team tasked with retrieval of your missing crew member.”

Grace perked up. “Oh hell yeah, I’m in. Did they mention which crew member was missing?”

Brandon responded quickly, “You are not leaving.”

Anger flared in her pretty eyes. “We can continue this little interlude anytime, but when danger comes knocking, fighters respond.”

“I mean to say Belanna and I will respond, and you will remain in my quarters.”

“The Traj about took my ship out and didn’t care that there were two thousand innocent souls on board. I’m not leaving my fellow crew member to whatever in the hell they’ve got in mind for him.”

Bradon murmured, “Sounds dangerous.”

Grace quipped, “It’s because you are a lover, not a fighter, baby. Don’t worry. I’ll nail a few of the bastards on your behalf.”

“I don’t like seeing you in danger.”

Belanna stood with her hand to her ear, listening to the latest report.

Clearly Grace was not willing to continue the verbal exchange. She righted her uniform before responding. “Let’s get the hell out of here. While your crew fights for territory, I’ll be rescuing my crew.”

Belanna’s hand flew down from her ear and she growled, “You will do as you’re told. We make war, then we rescue. That is the natural order of things.”

Grace stood staring at his magnificent Queen with her mouth hanging open. Their Queen had that effect on people, particularly aliens.

Bradon spoke softly, “It is necessary to save the most lives.”

“Fine.” Glancing between the two of them she muttered, “If there was one thing I’m good at, it’s understanding the rutting chain of command.”

When they began moving towards the landing pad, Bradon remained at her side as they moved. When she shot him a questioning look, he responded lightly. “Obviously, I’m coming.” It hurt that she didn’t see him as battle worthy. “Though I might not be a warrior, I have my uses. Maybe I can pin down your missing crew member’s location, while the two of you enjoy your glorious battle.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I can’t concentrate on the fight, if I’m worrying about you. If you get yourself hurt, I’ll never speak to you again.” So, the little Earthling could be a bully when needs be. Bradon filed that handy bit of information away for future reference.

By that time they were halfway to the shuttle crafts. His feelings bruised at her threat of never speaking to him again, Bradon asked casually as he glanced down his body, “We never got the chance to visit that place you wanted. You don’t want to miss out, do you?”

Grace’s vision scanned down below his waist as she deadpanned back. “It’s hard to miss a place that I wasn’t allowed to visit, even briefly.”

Bradon got that she was referring to the fact that he didn’t allow her to touch him the way she wanted. He smiled, clearly aware that she had some longing there.

His teasing voice should have been a dead giveaway that he was teasing. Truth be told he just couldn’t seem to stop playing the verbal games with her that his people were so fond of. Intent on charming approval out of her, the same way she charmed an invitation to his bed out of him, he purred submissively. “Please let me accompany you, Grace. If you don’t, I will worry myself sick about the two of you. If I am with you, then you can protect me. What if more Traj land here, while you have most of the fleet fighting them at the outpost? I could be in danger.”

Belanna growled her disapproval of his little mind games, more the timing than the fact that was playing them. “Stay serious, Bradon. We’re in some peril here.”

Clearly preoccupied with the danger at hand, Grace caved. “Fine, you’re in. But don’t think I don’t know you’re manipulating me, big guy.”

“You are correct of course, but I really can be helpful in tracking your missing crew member. I am good at things like that.”

Grace smiled up at him. “You are good at a good many things that interest me. Thanks for the help. I owe you one.”

He teased, “You’ve already given me one.” One orgasm that wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy his need, that was.

Clearly catching his meaning, she raised one beautiful arched eyebrow. “If I have my way, it will be the first of dozens.”

Oh, he liked this one, yes he did. However, he couldn’t allow her to think him weak. His voice became steely. “There’s something I think you should know, human. I don’t need your permission to board my own vessel, or fight alongside my warriors for the glory of Davaria. If the Queen were sleeping, it would be my duty. In fact, I’m quite good organizing my warriors for battle.”

“After five thousand years of practice, I imagine you are. In any event, I suspected as much. Don’t forget I have already been the recipient of your more dominant attentions once already. Not much you do after that will surprise me. It was a fun argument though, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, my little love. It was. I find verbal discord with you quite enjoyable.”

“I’m not your little love. If I am not mistaken, I’m your one-night stand.”

Stung by her words, he pouted. “Don’t chastise me for my words of affection. You already told me you loved being with me, and from now on no other man would ever satisfy you.”

“Yeah, I remember that as the romantical nonsense I was spewing, along about the second orgasm.”

Her eyes flew open as if she just realized her thoughtless words provoked the sudden dark dominant shift in his personality while they were sexing. Rather than commenting on that, she teased him. “I can’t believe you brought that up. In my own defense, you actually sexed that compliment right out of me.”

“It doesn’t matter. You are my Awakening Night companion. Until the sun rises in the morning, you belong to me.”

Grace complained, “I shouldn’t like the sound of that quite so much.”

Bradon flashed her his most magnificent smile. He was pleased that the others were talking amongst themselves and no one seemed to be paying much attention to their conversation. Once they approached the shuttle that changed, as everyone gathered in the smaller space.

He saw her glancing around at the accompaniment of Davarian warriors and saw the exact moment she realized most of the males were visibly aroused. To their credit, they were trying their best not to look at her.

She rolled her eyes at him and murmured, “That’s warriors for you, always thoroughly excited about a pending battle.”

A frown creased his brow ridge. “If you think our warriors get a hard-on for fighting, you don’t know Davarian warriors very well. They only get a hard-on for sex.” They hadn’t had a chance to get a shower after having sex. The blatantly sexual scents coming off them were clearly distracting his warriors. They would need to shower soon, for the males to be able to focus on the coming battle.

Bradon was getting envious glances from other men. That had never happened to him before. It felt good to be openly admired by such an intelligent and desirable female. Intent upon enjoying every single second of her attention for the duration of the night, it occurred to him that the time limit on her companionship was the reason he kept up the verbal exchange when there were more pressing matters at hand.

It was regrettable that he had only from sunset to sunrise to enjoy the one female he’d ever truly wanted. If not for being a Regent, he’d claim her and be satisfied with one lifetime of joy. Unfortunately, that was not to be. He’d suffer an endless number of cycles of loneliness, and his heart would still beat long after her precious body had turned to dust. His throat closed up with emotion as he struggled to come to terms with the inherent unfairness of his situation.

The shuttle docked with their flagship. Belanna went to the bridge to coordinate the offensive. She was their primary military commander and had been in continuous communication with her fleet as they rushed to the shuttle.

Bradon drew Grace to side and headed for his private quarters. His priests were already preparing them a bath. They were laying out crisp clean uniforms as well.

His fiery human was drawn to one priest in particular who was unloading weapons from a trunk. Bradon smiled to himself. It would be more accurate to say she was attracted to the weapons he was sorting. She tossed her pretty blue hair over her shoulder and bent over to select weapons. Everything about his small human called to him, her slight but fierce form, her wit and cunning, and the way her face lit up when her eyes landed on him. As if trapped in his gaze, she moved towards him. The priests laid out the weapons she’d selected alongside her clean clothing. This woman fit so seamlessly into his world, one might think she was born to it.

It was nearing midnight by Earth standards. If they had been on her world, their time together would be ending with the start of another day. Thanks be to the gods, they were still aboard a Davarian vessel. They marked the passage of time differently. A Davarian day was sunrise to sunrise. That meant he had a few more precious hours with her.

As she approached, Bradon sat on the bed, and scooted back against the wall. “Are you worried about your missing crew?”

Coming onto the bed and kneeling in front of him, she answered, “Of course. We were all taught basic skills in surviving and escaping capture. Our crew person is probably hunkered down somewhere planning his own little offensive. That’s what I would be doing.”

“You sound sure of yourself.”

“If I don’t believe in my own judgment, who will?”

“Others believe your skills make you invincible in battle. I believe you risk what others won’t and have luck on your side.”

Grace laughed. “You might be on to something there. I hear your wisdom knows no bounds.”

Bradon put his hand over his chest. “Ouch. You never miss a chance to wound me, do you?”

“I was told verbal quips and sparring were a favored Davarian pastime.”

Tossing her a lopsided grin, he teased, “You’re better at it than most.”

Grace dropped forward onto her hands and knees and crawled across the large bed to him. His fangs dented his bottom lip, watching her large breasts sway as she moved. Opening his arms, he welcomed her when she climbed face first into his lap. “I hear the Davarian also have sensitive noses. What do you say we get ourselves a little dirtier before we bathe?”

One of the priests spoke up. Ralon was strict, and not shy about speaking his mind. “It is not recommended that warriors engage in sexual intercourse before they go into battle. It makes them weak and decreases their chance of survival.”

Ralon assumed that Bradon would be fighting, simply because he always fought by their side, rather than sending his soldiers into battle alone. This battle was an exception because the Warrior Queen would not tolerate interference in her little war with the Traj. His people would see a priest leading troops as necessary when he was ruling alone, but presumptuous and absurd if he attempted to usurp the authority of the Warrior Queen. Making war was her specialty.

Grace must have thought the man’s concern was for her, because her head whipped round to look at him. “What’s it matter? In your world, I have an expiration date of sunrise.”

Bradon started to reply but Ralon spoke again, his eyes shifting from Grace to the one he served. “Your bath is ready, my Regent.”

Grace glanced between Bradon and his assistant. When the Regent didn’t speak, she turned over her shoulder, caught the priest’s attention, and said sternly, “You all may stay and mill around, doing all the million and one things you do around here. However, you will refrain from giving your opinions about our sex life. Again, it’s an only-till-sunrise thing, so you should be able to manage it.”

Bradon gave a swift nod of his head. “Out Ralon, and take the others with you.”

The room emptied immediately. Grace teased, “Its good being in charge isn’t it?”

“Not really. I must risk my life constantly to protect the freedom of my people, while enjoying no personal freedom myself. I think the term humans use is, ‘it sucks’.”

“Speaking of which, I believe, I have some reciprocal stuff to do to you.”

Bradon’s eyes got big and the thought of her putting her mouth on his cock stampeded through his mind.

“You got it, gorgeous. I’m going to tie you up and tease you until you beg.”

Bradon smiled and pulled her out of bed. “Perhaps you can waylay me after the battle. I know you did not appreciate my priest’s intrusion, but Ralon is correct. Battle, then sex, is the proper order of things.”

“What’s with you regents and being obsessed with the proper order of things?”

“Trust me on this.”

“That’s what was so aggravating. We have the same belief among our people. It’s just not what I wanted to hear.”

“That happens to me all the time. It’s one of the reasons that I just let them get on with it, rather than questioning their every move.”

“You’re lucky to have them. I like knowing you are well cared for. It will make leaving you for short intervals easier to bear.”

Bradon found that he was panicking inside. His new obsession was talking like this, was having a real relationship that might continue past sunrise. What kind of life was she expecting to have with him? Did she realize life with him meant twenty years of never doing what you want, and forty years of sleeping in a jar? His life was an endless cycle of honor and duty. No sane person would want that for themselves. Then there was his hideous body and his inability to make children. She was young and beautiful. She would want to make more like herself. The verse would be better for having more Graces in it.

He suddenly blurted out, “I can’t make children.”

His eyes got big. Why did he say that? His brain had malfunctioned, and now his darkest secret was out in the open.

Grace giggled, the soft feminine sound tickling his dick. Freezing, he tried to shove down the swell of lust rising in his chest. “That ranks right up there with my, ‘I’m no virgin’ comment. It’s okay. I never really thought about having children anyway. Good grief, can you imagine that for a minute? They would be some thrill-seeking, smart-mouthed brats.”

Bradon looked into her eyes and realized she was telling the truth. Suddenly, a thousand thoughts were running through his head. Was she serious? How could someone so beautiful and intelligent not want to procreate? Wasn’t that a priority for all humans? It certainly was for his kind.

It occurred to him that she was young. She just couldn’t imagine herself as a mother. She would definitely want children someday. If she were stuck with him, she would never get them. No, he was already growing too fond of this human female. He liked her too much to subject her to his desolate life. He would do right by her, even if it shattered his soul.

They took turns cleaning each other while they kissed and cuddled. She touched him so easily, and with such enthusiasm. It made him wonder if she even noticed his skin was different. Though it looked perfectly normal, it felt strange. Maybe she thought all Davarian were such as him.

That couldn’t be true. She had been touched by his priests. They all had soft, perfect skin. He remembered she didn’t seem to care for their touch. He was experiencing a terrible intra-psychic conflict. He wanted her desperately. He thought she might want him too. However, the whole situation was destined for failure, and he didn’t want to see her hurt.

When they exited the bath, the priests were back, and they assisted them with dressing. Both loaded themselves with weapons. In fact, Grace loaded herself rather heavily, ringing her body with extra battery packs for her laser pistols. Though it made Bradon feel certain she knew how to handle herself in a battle, it didn’t do much to still the fear growing in his soul. He was developing a huge protective streak when it came to her. He spoke quietly to one of his priests, who left the room. He felt a compulsive need to get some protection under her, before sending her out to face the Traj.

They headed for the bridge and were met by a team of six warriors, all Davarian. Bradon explained, “These men are my private guard. They will accompany you, and act as your fighting unit. Whatever you tell them, they will do. I would appreciate getting them all back in one piece, so please value their lives as I would.”

Grace touched him on the cheek with the tips of her fingers. “I will do what I must, to protect the people on this planet. Securing the safety of the Davarian citizens down there is my mission objective. All else, including finding my missing crew, will be a secondary concern. Having said all that, I will not take undue risks with their lives.”

Bradon placed his hand over hers, turning his lips in to kiss her palm. “I could ask no more of you than that.”

9 Snipe Them All

Grace

The lift opened onto the bridge, and once again the Queen was in full flow. She stood at a table with several senior military officers and waved them over. Grace saw a 3D image of the planet and began memorizing the battle plan. Belanna turned to acknowledge their arrival on the scene. “The humans will be lucky to arrive in time to join the battle. However, they should be online for a strategy session any second.”

“What’s going on?”

“Our spies have gathered information from several Traj that were captured in battle. We believe they attacked our outpost because a shuttle containing humans landed there looking to trade.”

Bradon nodded. “That would make sense. Fraxion Four is one of our primary trade centers.”

The Queen responded curtly. “I want us ready to defend our settlement when we hit Fraxion Four’s air space.”

Two beeps sounded off. One of the officers voice-prompted a com panel, and Commander West’s holographic face came up.

“Greetings, Commander West.”

Captain Drake’s form crowded into view beside West. “Good to see you, pilot. We’ve encountered more Traj ships. We’ve taken over two so far, a third is dead in space, and the fourth made run for it.”

Grace asked, “Why are targeting us so hard? Are they after supplies?”

The captain frowned. “They appear to be after women. Word reached their ears that humans are breed-compatible with several other species, and they’re intent on securing as many of our female crew as possible.”

Shock roiled through her stomach. “They’re after women? Who says we’re compatible with other species?”

Belanna answered, “I do. The discovery was made during the routine de-con procedure when we met face-to-face for the first time. Our scans are quite thorough.”

Great. Human women were some new resource for the locals to fight over. That changed everything. They’d have to increase security and be careful of exploring uncharted terrain. Aliens trying to get their hands on human women would put their entire deep-space mission at risk, maybe even forcing them to seek sanctuary on a friendly planet with good defenses. Grace tried to pick back up with the thread of the conversation.

“Once we finish dealing with the Traj ships that attacked our vessel, we’ll head straight for Fraxion Four and join the battle. I’m sorry, we have our hands full right now.”

“The Davarian fleet will keep you informed of our progress in clearing the Traj off our outpost. Once they are driven away, expect them to resume tracking your females.

“Flushing the remaining Traj out of the vessels is where I put must my resources. Once that mission is complete, we’ll devise a plan for keeping our women safe.”

Queen Belanna dipped her head slightly. “My offer to absorb your crew into our society stands.”

The captain nodded. “It may come to that if we can’t get a handle on the Traj raiding parties.”

Belanna responded with a new idea. “We have no use for Traj vessels. You are within your rights to take them by right of conquest. Perhaps having more ships would enable you to better protect your people.”

“We’ll bear that in mind.”

Bradon asked, “Do you have any other intel that might have a bearing on this battle?”

West glanced at the captain before answering. “Are you aware that your outpost is rich in Imolum deposits in a couple of remote locations? We thought at first that’s what drew the Traj to this planet.”

Belanna smiled ruefully. “The Davarian consider it our backup supply, for when the commodity gets scarce. You may have wondered why we mounted a full-scale response to an attack on one small outpost. We did so because the planet is of strategic importance. We ask that you keep that bit of information to yourselves. I don’t want us out here every other lunar, for some crazy scheme to harvest it.”

West replied, “Roger that. We’ll meet you on the ground as soon as we’ve finished up with the ships. We are turning the Traj over to you folks. Please be ready to take them.”

Sneaking a glance at Grace, Belanna responded, “Roger that?”

Grace gave a slight nod, acknowledging that she’d used the human slang word correctly. Belanna’s smile was fleeting. It was the first glimpse of her playful new friend that had emerged since news of the attack on their outpost.

Bradon asked, “What landing site do you want us to clear first?”

Motioning to the other warriors, Grace spoke up. “How about we clear the landing site and you come later. In most societies, regents are kept out of the line of fire. There are only three of you left. It would be a shame if one of you ended up injured or dead.”

The warriors’ gasped and Belanna’s harsh voice filled the air. “Grace, you are a guest on our vessel. You have no authority here. You will refrain from giving orders in my presence, and you will especially refrain from giving orders to a Regent. I found it entertaining in the beginning, but now it’s getting old. Your insubordinate attitude will not be tolerated.” Looking her over, she tacked on, “Moving forward, you are permitted to give recommendations only.”

Turning to Braden, Belanna stated sternly, “Sorry old friend, the impertinent human is correct about one thing. Until I slumber again, I am in charge. I’ll not risk my dearest friend. When it is your reign, you will see danger enough.”

Bradon began to object, but the Queen interrupted him. “You aren’t setting foot on that planet. You can come down when we have cleared the last Traj, and not a moment before. I’ll not risk your safety, on your Awakening Day. You’re not even at full strength yet. Let me protect you this once, while you cover us from the air.”

Grace could see the moment he gave in to his ancient friend. His eyes closed and his shoulders slumped. “As always, your wish is my command, my Queen.”

Grace jumped up on her toes and gave Bradon a chaste kiss on the lips. “Sorry about the bossiness.”

“Do not worry, my sweet little kitten. If you do it again, I’ll put you over my knee. We both know what that leads to with you Earthlings.”

“Well, the sooner we clean out the Traj scourge and find my missing crew member, the sooner we can get back to that.”

“I’ll begin reviewing scans for the Traj vessels your family captured, and see if I can piece together what happened. Enjoy you little battle.” Stepping back, he intoned. “Victory to Davaria.” His warriors sounded off enthusiastically all around as they looked into each other’s eyes. This man was her one. She could feel it all the way down to her bones.

* * *

Grace took a shuttle, and her six-man escort of elite warriors hit the tarmac within the hour. There was a skirmish as they exited the craft, where they took some fire. They immediately began clearing building, staying together as a unit. The Davarian were experienced fighters. They fanned out in a traditional attack formation, kept cover between themselves and incoming fire, and protected each other’s backs. They worked like a well-oiled machine and simply absorbed her into their ranks.

She got verification through her earpiece that other teams were landing all over the area. Belanna had broken the landing site up into sectors. Each team was expected to clear their area as efficiently as possible.

The Traj were vicious. They preferred trying to pick off her fighters one by one. They wore some kind of camouflage and were nearly impossible to see. It took close to two hours of pounding the pavement to ensure their sector was clear of the enemy.

Grace got word on her com that the Queen was pinned down in the city center. Her battle group was taking heavy fire. Grace’s team loaded up and dropped down on the outskirts of the skirmish within twenty minutes. The battle was still raging. Grace pulled sniper rifles out of the shuttle. “Take to the rooftops. Shoot any Traj you can get a lock on. We need to buy Belanna’s unit room to maneuver.”

They stared at her, unmoving. It hit her that Bradon has instructed them to stay with her. She waved away their concern. “We have an opportunity to grab some glory and save the life of your Warrior Queen. Are you actually going to turn that down to babysit a fighter like me who doesn’t even need it?”

They all reluctantly took position and began sniping every Traj in sight. It was like shooting fish in a barrel at the fair. Soon the Queen’s forces were moving again, and then tracking down the Traj deserters was all that was left to do.

Grace gathered up her team, and before she could get turned around, Bradon touched down. They went in search of her crew craft and found the shattered remains of one of the small shuttles from Eden Twelve. A quick scan revealed that the missing crew member was not present when it was fired upon.

Grace scratched her head, trying to figure out where to go next. Bradon’s hand landed on her shoulder. “Perhaps your crew member left the area when the fighting began. Our warriors will conduct a planet-wide scan for her once this mission is concluded.”

Grace had noticed that they were still rounding up the enemy, putting out fires and trying to calm the local civilians. That was the problem with war. The cleanup often took longer than the battle.

“Eden Twelve will be here soon. I know my captain won’t give up until we find our person.” Truth be told, Grace was worried that she might have been abducted. If they came for women, it would make sense that took her and left units behind hoping to secure the precious metals which were mined on this planet. Running one hand through her sweaty blue locks, she knew there was nothing more to be done at the moment. Pursuing the Traj would fall to the captain and Commander West because they had manpower, weapons, and ships.

Bradon pulled her to his chest and tucked her head under his chin. “I can see how worried you are for your crew, but we can do nothing more at the moment.”

“I’m just frustrated because I was so sure we’d find her.”

“Come, let us get you cleaned.”

“I’m a hot sweaty mess. It’s nice of you to notice.”

He stared down into her eyes. “I notice everything to do with you, Grace.”

“Same here, big guy.”

They headed back to Bradon’s flagship and he began running through the scans from the Traj vessels again. He suddenly stopped and blew up an image. It looked like a shimmering shape against the dark background of space. It meant nothing to Grace.

Braden’s fingers flew over the console, as he shot information to Eden Twelve in an encrypted message. “I think it is a cloaked ship. The Traj are very tech savvy. Word has reached our ears that some of them have access to cloaking technology. If they decrease their speed, it is said they are even undetectable by scans. I think your crew member was taken away on that ship prior to or during the attack.”

“All I know is she wouldn’t have gone with our enemy willingly.”

Bradon responded quietly. “Of course not. She is being certainly being held against her will.”

“Captain Drake is closer than we are. He’ll track them down. I trust him to never leave a crew member behind.”

“For her sake, I hope what you say is true.”

10 Gift From the Gods

Braden

Walking into his quarters on the Davarian flagship was a hollow victory. His priests swarmed him in a gentle reminder of his circumstance. Though the battle against the Traj had been won and they had a solid lead on finding the missing human, the sun was cresting over the horizon on Davaria and that meant their time together was officially up.

Bradon cursed the immutable structure of his life as a Regent. The next twenty years had already been roughly planned out. He could look at his schedule and know where he was to be and what he was to be doing on any given day. Barring unknown factors such as attacks on their territory, his entire future was set in stone, and there was no room for him to claim a mate or spend more time with the pretty human. His heart shattered into a thousand pieces in his chest as he turned his back on her and kneeled at his tiny shrine.

Unable to look at her, he spoke. “It is morning on Davaria Prime, Grace. Our time is over. Thank you for a thrilling Awakening Night. It was composed of romance, conflict and unimaginable pleasure, in essence a reminder of what I’m sacrificing my existence to protect.”

He heard her gasp, clearly trying to wrap her head around the abrupt about face he was forced to take. Her voice turned cold. “So, I’m getting dismissed. Is that how it is?”

Balling one fist over his chest, he pressed, trying to relieve the pressure that had settled there. Explaining felt like the fates adding insult to injury. “I only get one night. Regents belong to the people more assuredly than any other national treasure. We are not free to do our own bidding. If that were the case Queen Belanna and The Great Saban could be together for more than two lunar cycles every forty solars.”

“I don’t accept that.”

Secretly thrilled at her words, he couldn’t give in to her. Not ever. “My duty comes before all else. Being with you and pretending otherwise for one glorious day was… precious. Goodbye, Grace Phelps. I wish you love, peace, and happiness for all the days of your life.”

Grace was apparently not willing to give up quite so easily. “So, if I want a second date, what? I hang around for the next twenty years, and then wait for you to sleep for forty more years, then show up at your Awakening Celebration? Is that what needs to happen for me to see you again?”

“Yes. You will be over a hundred by then. If you come, I will choose you.”

“Then I would only get one glorious day?”

“Yes, that is the way of it.”

When she next spoke, her voice cracked with emotion. “So, no goodbye kiss or anything?”

“If I were to kiss you in the light of day, it would be acknowledging a personal relationship with you. I don’t get personal time, so how can I have personal relationships?”

“So this is honestly the end?”

Forcing himself to stay strong, he lied to the one woman he cared for above all others. “You should focus on making a life for yourself. I wish you happiness.”

“Again, I refuse to accept this. You had better turn your pompous ass around and help me figure out another option.”

A soft male voice that wasn’t Bradon’s spoke. His intrusive priest, Ralon, clarified. “Our regents are gifted with special holidays throughout the year. During these celebrations they are encourage to choose female company for varying amounts of time.”

Grace’s voice cleared. “Tell me.”

“We have the spring Festival of Iod in three lunar cycles. It is a three-day celebration in which females volunteer to serve the Regent in whatever manner he sees fit. Three lunar cycles after that, there is the…”

Grace interrupted, “Are all the celebrations three months apart?”

“Yes.”

“Each time he chooses?”

“Yes.”

“Are there rules that preclude him from choosing the same partner?”

“No.”

“Good. Then you will add my name to the top of the list of volunteers for each celebration.”

Ralon’s tone was one of utmost respect. “Of course, my lady.”

Sitting with his back to them during the whole exchange, Bradon felt his heart hammer a pounding drumbeat. Was this what it felt like to be claimed by a female? The determination and hope in her voice touched his soul. It made his body throb with desire for her.

Grace stated flippantly on the way out the door. “See you in three lunars, Bradon the Stubborn.”

He turned to look at the door as soon as he heard it close behind her. Hope bloomed in his chest. It felt like a spring vine twisting through his torso. It was a sweet agony he wouldn’t trade for anything in the entire verse.

Ralon, as always, offered his opinion. “If you don’t mind my saying so, sir, you’re being difficult. She cares about you…she may even be falling in love with you. You are doing everything you can to kill that love off, before it even has a chance to grow. We both know you have no right to cast aside the gifts bestowed on you by the gods.”

Bradon thought about the priest’s words for a brief moment, then rose to his feet, and headed out the door. He caught up with Grace boarding her family shuttle. She saw him coming, and her expression darkened. She probably thought he was going to forbid her from coming to the next celebration. He knew he should, but that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Instead he hauled her into his arms, and his lips found hers before she could object. As always, she melted into his touch. He whispered against her ear. “I’m sorry about being so abrupt. My soul was aching from the thought of not seeing you again. I know this is not going to end up with us living happily ever after, but I want to see you again. Maybe, I will grow stronger and be able to let you go, like I should. Right now, I need you. If you come to the Iod celebration, I will choose you. Just do me one favor. Don’t show up with another male’s scent upon you, it would drive me insane.”

Grace pulled him down for another long leisurely kiss. “Trust me to keep you in my heart. You don’t need to worry about me taking up with other men.”

Bradon felt terribly conflicted. “I don’t know how I can have such strong emotions for you after just one day.”

Grace took a deep cleansing breath before answering him. “It was a long day.” She giggled, “Also, I am pretty alluring for a mouthy human.”

“Stop making that cute sound. By the gods, you human women are so adorable. You can squirm your way right into a male’s heart, with so little effort.”

“That doesn’t sound like much of an argument for avoiding us.”

Bradon brought her hand to his lips and kissed her where Davarian females would have an eroto-pad. If he was trying to be cute and sexy, it worked. She kissed him again.

He murmured, “That thought of avoiding you causes me more pain than I can bear, little Earthling. I look forward to seeing you at the celebration for Iod. We’ll have three whole days together.”

“I’ll be there. Now get out of here, before I decide to take you with me.”

Bradon slowly stepped back, until he was off the shuttle.

She peered over his shoulder to the priests standing behind him. “Take good care of him.”

They bowed their heads in understanding. Her words warmed his soul. Grace turned around and took her seat. Bradon backed up until the shuttle door closed and the dark metal object was receding into the clouds.

Grace

Grace settled down in the co-pilot’s seat. Rick was piloting, and she couldn’t help but tease him a bit. “How did you get stuck with transporting me to the ship? Did you draw the short straw?”

He grinned. “Nope. I volunteered.”

“Umm, shopping for the Mrs. while you’re down here?”

He deadpanned back, “That’s why I like you, Grace. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”

Laughing, she asked, “What did you get her?”

“Oh, I got her Davarian cloth, the fancy kind, Davarian silk, wool and all kinds.”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice that baby bump. I’m guessing you got her cloth for making nice baby things.”

“Right again.” He cut a glance in her direction, catching her eye. “You’re on a roll today, but I have something serious to discuss with you.”

“What’s up?”

“The missing crew person is Emma.”

Grace jerked upright in her seat. “God, I’m sorry. I didn’t know who it was. Do we have more information on her whereabouts?”

“I’m afraid not. Your guy, Bradon the Wise, uncovered the best intel so far.”

“I saw the outline of that cloaked ship. It’s looked really small.”

“The captain’s saying she left on a Traj transport of some kind. They believe it’s a midrange trade vessel rather than one of their military vessels.”

“I have a copy of the scans from the Traj vessels. We could go over them and see if we can find anything they missed.” It was meager offering meant to bolster his spirits because there was very little chance the command crew missed anything pertinent.

“I already had a look. I also talked around the city center today. I found out that the ship she left on wasn’t registered, even with the Traj. You’d think their own traders would be registered in their system.”

Rubbing her chin, Grace mused out loud. “Not if they were pirates or operating outside the laws set down by the Traj.”

“That’s what I was thinking. Maybe Emma caught a ride out when the Traj military made a crumpled mess out of her shuttle.”

Grace felt bad about stating the obvious, “I know you’re determined to find your wife’s sister, but her being taken by pirates doesn’t increase the probability of that happening.”

“You should have let me have my ray of sunshine on that one, Grace.”

Reaching out to wrap one arm around his shoulders, she vowed. “We’ll turn over every rock in this sector if we have to find her. In case you haven’t heard, I have well-positioned friends on the Davarian home world.”

“Yeah, we all saw you hooking up with that religious dude on the video feeds. Of all the guys to get a hard-on for, why did you pick a priest? You ain’t never gonna get laid that way.”

Grace laughed and gave him a good slap on the shoulder. “Don’t go insulting my hot new alien boyfriend.”

“So. You did get laid?”

Her shoulders sagged as she realized that Rick’s version of getting laid meant full-on sex and that didn’t quite happen, what with all the arguing and having a glorious battle with the Traj. “We’re taking things slow.”

Rick snorted a laugh. “Leave it to you to pick a freakin’ priest. You’re going to hell for defiling that poor man. You know that, right?”

As they lifted off, Grace grumped, “He’s not that kind of priest. Give me a little credit, why don’t ya?”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s so great about him?”

“He’s smart and funny and I just like spending time with him.”

“Well, since he’s a priest, it’s clearly not the sex.”

“You’re being a smart ass.” Maybe Grace had been hanging around with Davarians too much but she couldn’t resist tormenting him a little in return. “Do we need to begin a conversation about what that sweet little Ima Jean sees in you?”

His hand tightened on the controls. “Now, just leave my Ima Jean outta this.”

Raising one eyebrow, Grace folded her arms over her chest, giving him the stink eye.

“Fine. I won’t comment on the fancy pants your priest parades around in, if you button up about my Ima Jean.”

Anger fired in Grace’s gut. “That hot priest is the ruler of worlds. You gotta know he’s expected to dress for the occasion.”

Rick sped up when they broke through the planet’s atmosphere. “I know that should impress me more than it does.”

Dropping all pretense of playing fair, Grace shot back, “I was convinced Ima Jean married you because she felt sorry for your stupid ass. If she weren’t pregnant with your child, I wouldn’t even believe she had sex with you at all.”

Cursing under his breath, Rick struggled to get his irritation under control. “That’s it. We’re even. I don’t want to hear another word about my wife pass your lips.”

“Deal.”

Rick grumbled, “I know you’re lying about Ima Jean anyways. She told me you talked me up to her.”

Grinning, Grace sealed her lips.

“Thanks for that by the way.”

“If I were still talking about Ima Jean, I’d say the two of you are a perfect match.”

“I hope everything works out between you and your fancy-pants priest.”

“Yeah, me too. I really like him.”

11 Testy Pirate

Grace

“Are you certain this is the space pirate we’re looking for?”

Rick spun around from the console and nodded. “The heat signature is the same as the one Bradon sent us. The guy is half Traj and half some other species. He was pretty frank with the captain about not harboring any loyalty for the Traj. He claims they killed his mother for mating out of species.”

“That could be a load of crap.”

“I don’t think it is. He’s the one who first alerted the Davarians that their settlement was under attack. They were jamming all the frequencies. His ship being camouflaged allowed him to get far enough away to send a message.”

“He’s really coming here to talk with us?”

“Why wouldn’t he? If he’s got nothing to hide.”

Pressing her lips together, Grace rolled the situation around in her mind. “I definitely want to have a word with him.”

“The captain’s ruled him out as a suspect but since Emma’s family, he said I could talk to the pirate if I want to. He made me promise to be nice.”

Grace didn’t find that difficult to believe. “The captain is trying to establish an alliance with the Davarians. The last thing he needs is for us to piss off the hero who alerted them of the attack on their outpost.”

“Agreed. He’s docking now. They’re going to escort him to conference room twenty-seven. That’s the one nearest the landing bay.”

“Let’s get moving before the captain comes to his senses.”

Stepping into the meeting room, Grace saw a well-groomed male wearing a flight suit. His amber skin and eyes were offset by bright red hair. He presented like every other trader they’d seen, except that he had some biological similarities with the Davarians. He arrived promptly for the meeting, greeted them politely and even appeared eager to share what he knew with them.

“Greetings, humans. As I told your masters, my name is Maloc.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maloc. My name is Grace, and this is my friend Rick. Please have a seat.”

Dropping into one of the chairs with a thunk communicated that he was dense and muscular under his loosely fitting uniform. “Thank you. How can I be of service today?”

Rick spoke. “We thank you for sounding the alert about the attack on Fraxion Four.”

“Please think nothing of it. I don’t often get an opportunity to do a good deed. I was furious thinking of all the people being harmed by the Traj.” When he said the word Traj, his top lip curled back in disgust, and he bit the species name out like it was a bad taste in his mouth. “Thanks be to the gods, the Davarians got there in time to protect those colonists.”

Rick shot back, “My mate’s sister went missing during the Traj attack.”

Grace interjected smoothly, “We’re trying to figure out what happened to our missing crew person, and since you were present at the time of the attack, we were hoping you might have information about what happened to her.”

The pirate’s brow creased. “I honestly thought everyone would have been present and accounted for by now. I pray the Traj didn’t make off with your female. Although they are fond of alien females, the Traj do not treat them with the respect they deserve.”

Grace replied bluntly. “We didn’t find her on the planet and your ship was the only one observed in the vicinity around the time of the attack.”

Maloc actually looked mortified. “On my life, I swear to you, I would never harm a precious hair on a female’s head. I am but a simple trader. Though my ship wasn’t properly registered, I’m not monster capable of abducting a vulnerable female.”

“You didn’t see any other Traj ships or anything that might account for her whereabouts?”

“No. Human females are coveted by more species than just the Traj. It’s possible she was taken long before the attack.” Spreading his hands open, he continued, “I promise that if I had come into contact with your crew person, I would have done all in my power to see her safely returned to her people.”

Grace didn’t sense deception from him. He seemed earnest, didn’t seem dangerous, and his explanation checked out. Sighing, she was forced to accept that their best lead was also a dead end. No wonder the captain let them speak with the pirate directly. She and Rick would have had a hard time letting go of it if they hadn’t talked to him face-to-face.

“Please shoot us a message on the com if you come across any information regarding our missing crew. Humans never leave a person behind. It’s part of our creed.”

Maloc nodded. “I will, and I wish you well in your search for her.”

* * *

Standing in the landing bay, watching Maloc’s shuttle take off, Rick sighed. “That was our only damn lead and it took us nowhere. I don’t know how I’m going to face Ima Jean.”

With a heavy heart, Grace looked over at her longtime friend. “She knows we’re doing the best we can. Just be straight with her, Rick. We both know the longer Emma’s gone, the less chance we’ll find her.”

“That’s what keeps me up at night.”

“Just don’t give Ima Jean any false hope. She’ll just fall harder later if we don’t recover her sister.”

He scrubbed a hand down his face and nodded. “You’re right. I goddam know you’re right, but this is going to be the hardest conversation I’ve ever had with her.”

Giving him a pat on the arm, Grace spoke quietly. “Conversations like this are always going to be shit. Make it short and let her cry it out on your chest. It’s all you can do in this situation.”

“Thanks, Grace. You know we love you for sticking by us the way you do.”

Grace returned to her own quarters. Something felt really off about this whole situation with Emma, but she couldn’t figure out what it was to save her life.

12 Making of A Queen

Grace

Falling into their huge wraparound sofa, Grace watched Dakota fetching drinks for everyone. Living with both her sisters felt right. They’d kept living together after their parents died, and it helped with the grief. Plus, Mia had been a little too young to be on her own at the time.

The doorbell chimed and Nayla’s voice rang out. “Grace, it’s for you.”

Since the Awakening Day celebration, Dakota, Mia and Nayla had been pretty much inseparable. Eden Twelve had long since been repaired, and the command crew was seriously considering a temporary respite on the Davarian home world for a few years. Since word got out about humans being breed-compatible with other species, they weren’t safe anymore.

Grace went to the door and was surprised to find an attractive Davarian male. He was standing with a gift in his hand. It had a large blue ribbon, tied human style around a small box. Holding it out in his palm, he smiled. “For you, Lady Grace.”

Grace smiled sweetly. “Sorry, I’m only interested in your Regent.”

She gently shut the door in his still smiling face and headed back over to sit with Dakota. Her sister grinned. “Want to tell me what that was all about?”

“Some Davarian wanting to give me a courting gift.”

Nayla immediately spoke up. “Though courting gifts are commonly given by our males to females they are interested in mating, I’m not certain that’s why you’re getting inundated with them.”

“Do tell, it’s getting aggravating. That’s the fifth one this week.”

“We also give gifts to public figures, especially ones we’re partial to. I believe you are getting them because word got out that you will be companioning Bradon the Wise again.”

“Maybe explain that in a little more detail, because I don’t understand why your people would gift for dating your Regent.”

“You’re spending intimate time with him twice. That’s never happened before and indicates a personal relationship is forming between the two of you.” When they still didn’t seem to be getting what she was explaining, Nayla sighed. “Many see this as our world getting another queen. Our people wish to show their approval and acceptance of Bradon the Wise selecting a mate.”

Mia slipped in and plopped down on the far end of the sofa. Her hand was wrapped around a pretty stone necklace. She’d bought it in the marketplace and seemed extremely partial to it. “I think you should accept the gifts and write a nice note. Just because we’re living on a ship in deep space doesn’t mean being rude is somehow acceptable.”

Grace had to admit her youngest sister had a point.

Nayla fidgeted with a string on her clothing, wrapping it and unwrapping it from around her small finger. She glanced up, catching Grace’s eyes. “Do you think my Regent is your one?”

Grace quipped, “I certainly hope not. He’s pretty high profile. I don’t know how I feel about living my life in the public eye.”

Mia called from end of the sofa, “She’s lying. Don’t let her fool you. Bradon is all she’s been talking about since she last saw him.”

Dakota wagged her eyebrows, “He is pretty hot. If you don’t want him, I’ll take Handsome off your hands.”

“Stay the hell away from him. You’re ten kinds of right about him being hot. If anyone is worth sacrificing some personal privacy for, it would be him.”

Nayla gazed at her over her cup of simulated coffee. “I’m sure most of my people would not consider being mated to our Regent a sacrifice. In fact, most people on Davaria Prime have nothing but good things to say about him.”

“I’m not surprised. He’s pretty amazing.”

Nayla shifted in her seat. “They have very positive things to say about you as well. Since your ship came, our people seem fascinated by all things human. I’m convinced the males who come bearing gifts with blue ribbons, may simply be here to meet you and wish you well with the Regent. They tie the gifts in Bradon the Wise’s signature color so you will know they are not attempting to court you. If they are indeed hoping for Bradon the Wise to make you our Queen, then that would be typical behavior.”

Grace was amused that Nayla insisted on using Bradon’s full title every time she referenced him in conversation.

Mia disappeared and came back with a small pile of gifts, all bearing blue ribbons and stickers. She picked up one with the seal of the House of Bradon. “Did you have a priest visit recently? Look, you managed to slam the door in the face of one the Regent’s emissaries. This looks like a gift is from him.”

Grace squealed with delight and held out her hands for the gift. Mia dropped the gift into her hands and sat back with a smug smile plastered on her face. Grace sat staring at the gift from Bradon. “It’s almost too pretty to open.”

Dakota encouraged her sister. “Open it. I can’t wait to see what the Regent sent you.”

Grace responded nervously, “I don’t know if I should. Maybe is it not appropriate to be seen by others.”

Nayla allied her fears. “He is a Regent. He will send something like gemstone earrings.”

Grace quickly tore into the package and revealed a small box. She lifted the lid and pulled out a swath of Davarian silk. It smelled potently of the Regent. She brought it to her face and inhaled.

Nayla’s jaw dropped open and she whispered, “I can’t believe the Regent sent that to you. By Davarian standards, that is an extremely disrespectful thing to do. I’m disappointed to discover he’s like that and not sure you should see him again.”

Grace slipped the cloth back into the box and sighed happily. “He sent me exactly what I told him I wanted most in a parting gift. I specifically told him to keep his jewels and expensive gifts, because I wanted to enjoy his scent.”

Nayla’s head snapped up, her voice strangled. “By the gods, Grace. You said that to my Regent?”

Dakota laughed, “My sister is a naughty girl. Don’t pretend you didn’t know that, my friend. I think you should take off before we get to the good part of the conversation. It will only get worse from here.”

Nayla shook her head vehemently. “I’m definitely staying.” Smiling enough for her tiny fangs to peek out on each side of her mouth, she asked shyly. “Are human male also this brazen?”

Dakota laughed, “You better believe it. Do you have your eye on one?”

“I’m not telling quite yet.”

Grace picked up another gift and looked at it thoughtfully. “If there is a small chance of me ending up with Bradon, I guess that I should make some sort of effort to be more gracious and stop slamming the door in every Davarian’s face.”

Dakota agreed. “Might I suggest that we open the gifts? If the message is for a request for courtship, we will return the gift with a nice note. If it is simply from a well-wisher, you will keep the gift, and we will send them a nice thank-you note. If it is jewelry or something innocuous like that, you should try to be seen wearing it in public at least once. That shouldn’t be too much to ask. It would generate a lot of goodwill. What do you think, Mia?”

When all eyes turned to the youngest sister, they found her staring blankly with both hands grasping the front of the stone necklace.

Grace tilted her head slightly. “Earth, calling Mia. Is there anyone at home?”

When her eyes rolled back into her head, Dakota cursed and jumped to her side. Grace landed on the floor in front of her sister, resting her hands on Mia’s knees. “Mia! Are you okay? Snap out of it.”

Grace watched her sister’s eyes blink back to life. “What the hell is going on, Mia?”

The younger woman opened her mouth to speak and closed it again. Her expression was terrified. Sweat had accumulated on her upper lip and her skin tone had a sallow cast to it. They were all familiar with the symptoms, since Mia was prone to fainting.

Dakota grabbed a medical scanner and got busy scanning her. The engineer’s hands were clumsy when trying to adjust the unwieldy piece of medical equipment. Mia was a medic who needed a medic at the moment.

Nayla reached over and jerked the necklace over her head. Laying it with shaking hands to the side, she took a deep breath. “The Baka stone is bad luck. They make people sick. I told you not to buy it.”

“Hold up, what the hell are you talking about?”

Nayla closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, she looked down at the necklace like it was a snake about to bite her. “In ancient times our people used the dark magic of the stones to find our mates. We cut the stone in half and tossed one half into a huge ravine filled with thousands of stones. Once we became a space-faring race, we released it into orbit around the planet. The other half was used to make a necklace. When a female was ready to mate, she used a guide shuttle to pluck one stone from among the many. My grandmother swore she met my grandfather though the use of the stones.”

There was silence in the wake of Nayla’s words. What she said was too fantastical to credit with being fact. Grace cleared her throat, croaking out an awkward laugh. “Sweet Jesus, you had me going there for a moment, Nayla. I thought you were serious.”

Nayla rubbed her arm with one hand, as if her skin were crawling. “Our people were once telepathic. A metallic element in the stones was thought to enhance that ability. The metal in each stone resonates at a different frequency, and when it’s so close to our brains, it can connect a female to her male.”

Dakota asked gently, “You’re serious about this myth, aren’t you?”

It was Mia who spoke, her voice laced with sadness. “I can feel him, see him in my mind’s eye and almost smell him.”

Rubbing her face in her hands, Grace tried to figure out what to do.

It was Dakota who made the command decision. “I say we lock this damn thing away. If it isn’t in close proximity to our brains, it can’t affect us, am I right about that?”

“This is true. There are high concentrations of the stone on our world. It won’t affect us unless we have it near our brains. In particular, don’t sleep near it. Also, water enhances the power of the stone, so don’t ever get wet while you’re wearing it.” Nayla seemed to be reciting random facts rather than giving coherent information.

That was a lot of hocus pocus to Grace’s mind, but better safe than sorry.

Mia reacted badly to the suggestion of locking her new necklace away. “No! I need the link. Don’t take it away.”

Dakota wrapped her hands around Mia’s shoulders and gave her a little shake. “Are you listening to yourself? You’re a damn medic and right now you sound like an addict of some sort.”

Grace smoothed her hand down Mia’s arm, speaking gently, “You can’t keep wearing that thing if it’s going to induce seizures.”

Nayla reached out to pry Dakota’s hands from her sister. “You are not of this world, Mia. I fear the psychic link will cause your brain to hemorrhage. Only the most devout rural peasants believe in the power of the stones for linking one with their mate. Everyone else in the modern world eschews them as superstitious and dangerous.”

Mia finally nodded. “Get them away from me now, while I’m thinking clearly.”

Dakota quickly snagged the string of heavy beads and locked them away in the box where they stored their most precious possessions. Out of sight, out of mind, she thought wryly. It was a good idea to use their family lock box because they almost never opened it.

Mia sat with her arms wrapped around her stomach, looking fragile and alone. A short silence spun out between the women. Finally, the idea popped into Grace’s mind to distract her youngest sister from the stones. “Come, help me open gifts. You’re the gracious one in our family. I need you to help me think of appropriate things to say in the thank-you notes.”

Mia nodded and took out her data pad. She recorded each gift in an electronic log along with a short description and the gift giver’s name and family affiliation. She carefully checked off each name as the thank-you note was written, giving pointers. Grace let out a relieved breath when the youngest among them seemed to shake off her experience with the stones. At some point the door chimed again. It was a crew member with a small hover board filled with yet more gifts. “Sorry we’re just getting them to you. They’ve been coming in for over a week.”

“Great. I feel like I should be tipping you.”

The crew member just laughed and responded, “We don’t even have money anymore.”

Mia immediately began sorting the gifts by size, apparently intent on keeping herself busy.

Nayla even cheered up as she helped explain what some of the odder gifts were used for. “Gods, Grace. Who would have thought you would end up possibly being our new Queen.”

“On Earth we have a saying about putting the cart before the horse.”

“What’s a horse?”

“A creature we ride, like a hover cycle.”

“I see. We had something like that once on our world. They became extinct a thousand years ago. No one alive today has ever seen one.”

The moment the words flew out of her mouth, she cringed.

Grace laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m not sensitive about Bradon being so much older than me. He doesn’t look or act old. In fact, he can be quite childish at times.”

“Grace! Careful what you say about our Regent.”

“Sorry Nayla. To me he’s just a really sexy guy that I can’t seem to get enough of.”

Nayla shook her head disapprovingly. “Let’s get this over with. I have made a note of the items you can wear in public. They are coded with a yellow starburst icon. Click the icon once you wear the piece, so you will know they have all been worn at least once.”

“You are a lifesaver, Nayla. So, tell me about your love life. Anything I should be aware of?”

Nayla toyed with a strand of her hair as she chewed her bottom lip. “Well, if you must know…I’m not at all interested in that big sexy engineer you have trapped in your docking bay.”

Dakota squealed with delight. “Oh my God, you like Lucon? He’s all long hair and sexy muscles. I’ve sexed him before. He isn’t trapped, by the way. He rules down there and gets paid twice what every other crewman does.”

Nayla bounced excitedly in her seat. “Tell me, is he as delicious as he looks?”

Dakota began whispering in her ear. Nayla looked totally scandalized but kept pumping her for details. By the end of the conversation, Dakota had imparted her wisdom on the subject of intimate relations with a human. “I’m a very naughty girl. Now go, my friend. Stalk that gorgeous hunk and enjoy what freedom you have. Soon you’ll be mated and tied to just one.”

Nayla nodded her agreement. “Thanks for that tip about the…tip.”

“Trust me, he’ll love it.”

After Nayla left, Grace and Mia finished up logging in the gifts while Mia gushed about how wonderful it would be if Nayla mated Lucon and ended up staying on board.

All Grace could think about was juggling all the gifts and making the senders feel good about supporting her interest in Bradon. The whole situation was cramping her style. She found herself hoping the Regent, who loved to argue with her, was worth it. Something deep down inside told her he was.

13 Jaw-Dropping Beauty

Grace

As the Celebration of Iod drew near, Grace couldn’t wait to get back to the Davarian home world. She began the week by messaging her hunky priest sexy nonsense about how excited she was to be seeing him. Momentarily perplexed when he didn’t respond, she wondered if he was still interested. After thinking it over, she decided that his lack of response was probably related to his stupid no-personal-relationship rule, rather than because he didn’t want to see her.

Grace had risen early after being too excited to sleep for the better part of the night. She grabbed her bag and quietly slipped away to a launch bay.

Rick was standing at the ready to transport her to the surface of the planet. He looked sleepy, sipping on a tall simulated coffee. She tossed her bag into the tiny shuttle and grabbed the metal cup from his outstretched hand. The warm drink felt like heaven on her tongue and warmed her from the inside out, quieting her nerves. “Thanks, Rick. You really know how to take care of a girl.”

Shooting her a sleepy smile, he mumbled, “That’s what they tell me.”

Climbing onto the shuttle, they settled into the pilot and co-pilot seats. He started the pre-launch sequence in silence, so different from their usual bantering brother-and-sister-style interactions. Grace brought up the elephant in the room. “It’s been almost three months. How’s Ima Jean holding up?”

“She’s still not up to having visitors. I don’t think she wants to deal with having to talk about Emma’s disappearance. Every damn body seems to have an opinion on what happened to her, and we still have zero actual clues.”

“I’ve been checking the data stream for updates.”

Giving her a side glance, Rick’s fingers continued moving over the console. He was a good-looking guy with his dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. He’d been a bit of chick magnet before he settled down with Ima Jean. Now that woman was his entire world. They had the kind of relationship Grace had always dreamed of having.

He spoke quietly. “Ima Jean was really touched by the message of support you sent. I hated you there for a minute when I read the part about how if Emma was dead she was in a better place, and if she was alive there was still hope of one day finding her. I thought Ima Jean was going to react badly to reading that, but I think it helped her come to grips with the endless waiting to find out what happened.”

“I took a risk with that message, and I’m glad she took it well. I just felt helpless sitting around doing nothing.”

“We all feel useless. Just between you and me, I don’t think we’re ever gonna see Emma again. That’s a hard thing to reconcile myself with, since she was family.”

“Well, you can’t let Ima Jean or yourself drown in endless grief.”

“We’re moving past it, slowly but surely.”

They made innocuous small talk all the way down to the surface of the planet and parted ways with warnings to stay safe.

When Grace arrived at the Great Hall, it was the crack of dawn. She walked boldly past the warriors guarding each room. They spoke not a word, just gazed at her like she was strange unicorn trotting past their carefully crafted defenses. Grace almost laughed. Her name must have been on the visiting list.

Though almost all of his household was still in bed, Grace was thrilled to discover Bradon was fully dressed and waiting for her in his visiting room. He looked just as amazing as when she left him the morning after his Awakening Day celebration.

She tossed her bag down and twisted back and forth, trying to be cute. Having taken special care with her appearance, she was dying for him to notice. A righteous hunt through several posh clothing shops had netted her a small stash of sexy gowns made in various shades of blue. Gemstone jewelry finished the presentation. She looked less like a pilot and more like what her sisters assured her was a hot sexy woman on the prowl for her one.

The reward for all that trouble was seeing Bradon the Lusty’s response as he gazed at her. The poor man’s eyes just about fell out of his head. His lips rubbed together before his sexy fangs dented his bottom lip. She saw movement in his long flowing pants that looked suspiciously like his cock jumping.

Oh yeah, he was so worth all the trouble. She flew into his arms. He welcomed her, though she suspected they were sidestepping half a dozen Davarian social customs in the process.

His lips found hers. He whispered through his kisses, “Do you have to send me such sexy messages? I have been beside myself with pure overwhelming lust for the last several days, in anticipation of seeing you.”

Grace was unrepentant. “I’ll make you a deal. If you will respond every now and then, I might dial it down to casual chitchat. Otherwise, I’m turning up the intensity.”

Running one finger down her back, he grabbed a handful of her ass. “You’re being a very bad female, Grace Phelps.”

Loving his neediness, she tried to remain reasonably polite. “How did you sleep last night?”

Bradon looked confused and annoyed at the random question. “I haven’t slept for days. All I could think of was getting you in my bed.”

Grace began pulling him towards his quarters. “I haven’t slept well either. We should take a short rest. It’s going to be a long day, after all.”

She could tell the moment Bradon figured out her ploy. Instead of throwing the brakes on that, like he should, he picked her up and carried her to his room. Several very surprised priests were caught unawares.

Grace quipped, “There’s no need to make the bed. We’re going right back in there.”

Bradon literally threw her on the bed, watched her bounce a bit, and then crawled up the bed to lie beside her.”

He nuzzled the side of her neck. “You smell nice.”

“Thanks.” Grace suddenly remembered what he had said about not coming to him smelling of another male. “There haven’t been any other males. Since meeting you, I haven’t thought of another male.”

His face turned away ever so slightly. “You deserve to have your needs met. I thought you would abstain for a day or two before coming to me. I had no right to ask even that of you.”

Turning his head towards hers, she cupped his face in her hands. “You don’t need to ask. I only want you.”

His eyes lit up and he moved closer.

She purred, “By the way, I agree that I deserve to have my needs met. Why don’t you get right on that?”

Bradon laughed. The deep sexy sound thrilled the hell out of her. She honestly liked everything about this man.

“I am planning to wear out your pretty little girly bits. However ...”

“What? Spit it out, sexy.”

“I worry that you won’t like my body. I am a bit rough.”

Grace ran her fingers through his hair. “We have three days this time. Three whole days when you can do anything you want with me, and not have to feel guilty. We can start where we left off and build ourselves up to it. I want you to feel comfortable.”

Bradon’s hand came out and he tickled her ribs. “Hey, don’t spit my own tender words back at me. I was trying to be accommodating to you, when I said that.”

“You know something? You don’t act much like a five thousand-year-old man. You act like a sexy guy, with a lot of interesting emotions locked up inside that never got an opportunity to stretch their legs.”

“Grace, how can you know me so well, in such a short period of time?”

“It’s probably because I don’t get distracted by all the nonsense that comes with knowing you. I’m sorry, but I don’t care that you’re a Regent, that you’re five thousand years old, or that you think you can’t fall in love with me. I just want to spend as much time with you as possible. If it’s only a day or two every three months, I’ll take it. Spending a little time with someone I really care about, is better than spending all my time with someone I don’t.”

Bradon’s face held an expression that was both dark and tender. His lips were on her before she had a chance to figure out what it meant. She gently shoved him over and climbed on top of him.

His surprised expression was priceless. She pulled off his shirt, gently tugged a thin leather strap from her cleavage, and dangled it in the air.

When his expression turned dark with lust, she whispered breathlessly, “Time to make you beg.”

Bradon

Quick as a wink, he grabbed the string and rolled over, putting her under him. The silly human thought she was going to control their sex. He’d delight in teaching her how dominant Davarian males were when it came to intimacy.

Having the woman of his dreams beneath him brought out all the dark and possessive feelings he normally kept carefully concealed. Wrapping the thick string around her wrists, he held them above her head.

“Remember when you were last at my mercy?”

Her head snapped up and her eyes looked deeply into his. Bradon didn’t scent fear. Bringing one hand down to stroke the side of her face, he whispered in her ear. “I feasted upon your tender flesh until you begged to come.”

“I remember.” Her hoarse whisper hit him square in the chest.

“Tonight you will get my cock as well as my mouth.”

“How about we skip the foreplay and go straight for the main event?”

“Haven’t you learned not to negotiate with a Davarian by now?”

“I’m never going to get my way with you when we’re naked, am I?”

“No, but I promise you’ll never miss the control you give up in my arms.”

“Good answer.”

She still had the capacity for rational speech and that annoyed him greatly. He dropped his head and captured those talkative lips. The moment she opened for him, Bradon took full advantage, invading her mouth and stroking his tongue against hers. In turn, she rubbed her body against him, giving a gigantic clue as to how needy she was for his cock.

Rather than giving her what she wanted, Bradon gave her what she needed. No being as small as Grace could take him without being properly prepared, and he did love preparing her body to take his cock.

Mouthing his way down the column of her neck to her breasts, he rasped his tongue over one and then the other before sucking each into his mouth in turn. Her little sounds of pleasure began to ring out in the room. This was everything he dreamed it would be.

Nipping his way down to her splayed legs, he stated gruffly. “Keep the hands up over your head or you get no royal cock.”

She laughed at his instructions. It irritated him that she thought he was joking. He nipped the inside of her thigh a little harder, causing her to gasp. She kept her hands above her head like he asked, so he rewarded her with his tongue. Sliding it along the seam of her sex, he enjoyed the taste and texture of her human form. When her mating scent rose, he inhaled until his nostrils were saturated with the scent of her feminine body. His cock strained towards her wet core, but he denied himself, intent on making sure she was slick and stretched before plowing into her. He’d make this night one to remember for all times.

The moment her body went rigid with her first orgasm of the night, Bradon slid one thick finger into her quivering channel. Her body clenched around him, soft and pliant, yet snug. Touching her there made his sack tighten, both top and bottom. The way this human was made, he knew being inside her would be pure pleasure for them both. She would enjoy the prominent bump on the top of his shaft, particularly when it contacted the tiny bud that gave her so much pleasure. Of that, he was certain.

Adding another finger, he used his thumb to tease the hard bud that humans called a clit. Every time he touched her there, she went wild beneath him. It was strange that human women could orgasm without a cock. In a way it made him feel superfluous.

When she whispered that she wanted his cock, that feeling went away. With her delicate human flavor coating his tongue and filling his nostrils, he knew why they were the most coveted species in the known universe. Absolutely nothing could compare to being in the moment with an aroused human, especially one who was with him because she wanted him, rather than for the sake of some ancient idea of duty.

When she grabbed his cock with both hands, he looked down and realized he’d been do fixated on her sex that he didn’t see her disobeying his command to keep her hands up. Yet, feeling her soft hands on the part of his body he most wished to rub against her forced every other thought from his mind.

“Stop teasing me and give me what I want.” Her breathless plea made the feelings of tenderness in his chest double.

“If you wish to have my thick cock, you shall have it, but all in due course, my sweet.”

Nipping at his bottom lip, she quipped, “Less talk, more action.”

Oh, this human could get to him quicker than anything else in the ‘verse. Raising his body using his arms and feet, he denied her the feel of his monstrous body. She didn’t like that. He could tell by the soft keening sound she made and the way she clutched at his hips, trying to pull him back down.

Bradon wanted the first time he was inside her to be memorable. Slicking himself through her tender folds, he wetted himself in her arousal. Exercising the control of a priest, he intentionally drove her mad with lust by slipping the full length of his cock over her clit, dipping and just missing her opening. Coming to a stuttering stop, he rocked back and forth before repeating the maneuver. Her legs slid together beneath him and clamped closed around his cock, making him jerk in surprise.

“No more playing. Give me what I want.”

She acted the part of a queen, though she was a pilot. Yes, his new love was a fighter pilot, so he should have expected her to fight him in all ways. Something about being defied by this little piece of human fluff fired his lust. Bradon had always liked a good challenge, and now he had a small human beneath him with a fire burning in her gut.

He lowered himself and allowed her to place his cock head at her tender opening. Dropping down onto his knees, he trapped her legs open and began to push forward.

With his lips stroking her ear, he whispered, “After demanding my cock, you will take all of it.”

“Gimme, gimme,” she whispered back.

This greedy little female was not going to be satisfied with anything less than his best. Bradon could clearly intuit that much. He breached her tight center, rocking back forth, forcing her to take his generous endowment.

Her hands drifted over his body, somehow free of her bonds. He’d have to be more careful next time and not underestimate his clever little fighter. Feeling her body swallow his cock was pure ecstasy.

Grace

Great day in the morning! Something about having the huge man on top of her, pressing her down into the bed as he speared his cock into her flipped all the right switches. Grace loved every single thing about how Bradon switched gears from the reserved priest who led his people out of the darkness of one war after another to the wild man teasing her to within an inch of her life.

He slowly filled her up as his nails clawed into the bedding. A ripping sound grated quietly beside her head. Having dispensed with the string that he’d bound her wrists with, she explored to her heart’s content.

It’s true his skin was thicker than most, but it seemed just as responsive. She could tell because when she touched him, he reacted. He jumped when she gently scratched her nails down his shoulders, causing him to push into her more quickly. He liked that and it got her more dick, making it an easy decision to deal out some more light scratching.

When her hands went around to his back, she felt the metal rings that had been embedded into his spine. They connected him to the Davarian hibernation unit when he slept for forty years. He was sensitive there as well. Rather than scratching, she ran one finger around the skin that butted up against the rings.

A few circles later and he was pounding into her with abandon. Nothing had ever felt better than his gigantic bumpy cock slipping through her folds and bottoming out inside her channel. He had a bump at the top of his cock, almost like another sack but firmer. It rubbed her clit with each stroke. When he twisted his hips slightly, one of his bumps teased her g-spot.

Throwing her head back, she let him do his worst. The big alien didn’t hesitate to make her a sweaty compliant mess beneath him. She came, screaming his name, more than once, and he clearly reveled in the control he wielded over her body. Rather than ravishing her body like a sex-starved barbarian, he played her like a finely tuned musical instrument, teasing one orgasm after another from her overwrought body until he sensed she could stand no more. Then he took her deep and held, emptying himself into her with a roar that sounded more savage than humanoid. He collapsed onto her, barely capable of using his arms to keep most of his weight off her.

Unable to speak, she waited for him to pull out. Not that she really wanted him too, but she knew she’d be feeling him for days. The door cracked and before one of his attendants could enter, Bradon barked out roughly, “Out!”

She sucked in a heavy breath. “That was amazing.”

His head lifted, and he looked her in the eyes for a long moment. “Yes. It far surpassed anything I thought we could achieve together.”

Kicking him off the top of her, Grace laughed. “Are you freaking kidding me? If you got anymore pompous, you’d actually become a fancy relic and we could decorate the Great Hall with you.”

Rolling over onto his side, Bradon grinned. “You’re forgetting, I am a relic decorating this place for forty years at a time.”

Turning to face him, she smiled. “I like it better when you’re awake. You’re more fun and we can fuck.”

Bradon’s mouth fell open. “I thought that’s the word you didn’t like saying.”

Snugging closer, she purred, “I use it only in proper context, handsome.”

Wrapping an arm around her, Bradon brought his lips to her shoulder. This small human female was the missing piece that made his life complete.

14 Hope

Grace

Grace woke to find herself alone in the Regent’s bed. When she reached out her hand, she found his side of the bed still warm. Last night had been nothing short of amazing. It answered the question of whether he was worth the trouble of dodging around all the strange Davarian customs and only seeing him every three months. That was the bone of contention for Grace, only getting a few days with him every three months. If only he weren’t a Regent, he’d be free to welcome her into his life. Such limited contact wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her need, but she’d gratefully accept it.

She pulled his pillow close and closed her eyes, inhaling his deliciously masculine scent. Images of his lovemaking danced through her mind, making her want to immediately seek him out.

An amused voice sounded off from nearby. “So, I guess you two will be taking at least two, maybe three baths a day during the celebration.”

Grace turned over and looked at one of the younger priests. Squinting her eyes, she tried to focus. If she wasn’t mistaken, he was Ralon’s assistant. “Who are you and why are you here?”

“Onyx is my name in your tongue.”

“You only answered half my question, Onyx.”

“You should not sleep your day away. It is not proper.”

Shooting him a dark look, she asked, “What do you want, besides to make fun of a stupid Earthling for falling in love with your Regent?”

His eyes got big and he took a step forward, opening his hands to make a gesture she didn’t understand. “I wish for you to get up, bathe, get dressed, and enjoy what little time you have with the man you love. Make him see that holding himself apart from you is a stupid waste of time.”

She sat up and pulled the soft bedding over her naked breasts. Still groggy, she blinked up at the handsome man. “You think he’ll eventually accept me into his life full time?” It seemed like a long shot to Grace, but now she wasn’t the only one bold enough to speak about a long-term commitment between Bradon and herself.

The man squatted down at the foot of the bed and glanced at the door before speaking. “You make him feel loved, and desired. He adores you in return.”

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, crawled to the foot of the bed, and focused on the young priest. “Okay, I’m all in. Tell me more.”

“You can’t imagine how depressing it has been to see his longing for you. It tears at our souls. He has never had the opportunity to love a female, so he doesn’t know how. You must teach him.”

“I’m not sure that I can get through to him. He seems so set, about us not having a personal relationship.”

“He has many worries. Have you thought about what your life with him would entail?”

She waved away the question. “Sleep forty and have the freaking time of our life for twenty, like forever. I guess that is the extent that I thought about it.”

“You cannot fit into his hibernation chamber.”

“I have a sleep pod that pretty much does the same thing. Ours is more like an actual bed. We climb in wearing our jammies and crawl out however long later. There is a pillow and no gel.”

The man’s jaw dropped open, and he froze for a brief moment before getting himself together. “That’s really fascinating.”

“If you like, we can send one down to the surface. The captain’s actively looking for ways to thank your leaders for welcoming us to your world. Your scientists can try it out. If you volunteer to be a test subject, maybe you can keep your Regent’s crazy twenty years awake and forty years hibernating schedule.”

The man gasped. “Do you even know what a precious gift it is you are offering our people?”

Again, she waved away the drama. “Have at it. We can make the sleep pods all day long. It’s honestly no inconvenience. Our command crew is casting about for ways to impress your leaders. That’s what makes me think it will be a win-win situation.”

After a brief and thoughtful pause, he asked, “Do your people make ones that hold two people?”

“Yep, couples always sleep together on our world.”

“Don’t you see? Our Regent is worried about getting attached to you, because he fears losing you. He may create a hibernation chamber for you, but prolonged use makes the skin thick and leathery. He would not want that for you. If there was a better way for the two of you to sleep together, without medical concerns, he would feel much more comfortable bonding with you.”

“You, my new friend, are turning out to be worth your weight in gold.”

Rolling over in the bed, Grace grabbed her com unit from the floating bedside table. It took a couple of grabs to get her hands on it while keeping the bedding wrapped around herself, but she managed to dash off a message to Captain Drake in record time. He’d be a fool to pass up an opportunity to ingratiate himself to the most prominent species in this sector of space when everyone else is gunning for us.

Turning back to the man laying out clothing for her, she asked, “Where is our illustrious Regent this morning?”

“A delegation of Craiger presented their greetings for the Festival of Iod. He should be finished in approximately thirty microns. Trust me, you don’t want anything to do with this species.”

Tossing her legs over the side of the floating bed, Grace stretched her tired muscles. “Yeah, I know all about the Craiger. Their species has tentacles, which they don’t always keep to themselves. He needs an assist.” Grace quickly bathed, dressed, and headed down to give Bradon a hand with the Craiger. Sure enough, they kept reaching out to touch him repeatedly. Well, the purple ones were primarily doing the touching. Female Craiger were outrageous flirts. Grace was annoyed that they had their slimy tentacles all over the man she was starting to think of as hers.

She had intentionally worn a dagger on her hip in the hopes of discouraging them from getting handsy, or tentacle-y in this case. That, coupled with a little insistence on her part, should be enough to set firm boundaries. She’d try not to take a tentacle, but she wasn’t making any promises.

Bradon’s eye were huge as he watched her coming down the long spiral staircase. He hurried over to greet her and whispered a polite word of warning. “Craiger.”

She murmured, “Introduce me.”

Bradon wrapped her arm around his and introduced her as his companion for the celebration. Several of the tentacles began creeping towards her. Grace smiled sweetly, and asked, “Have you ever heard of calamari? We have creatures called squid that live in the deep oceans on Earth. Their tentacles are considered a delicacy among my kind.” Her hand drifted to the handle of one of her blades.

One of the male Craiger stated gleefully. “The human comes prepared to enforce her claim on you, Bradon the Wise.”

They made it through the rest of the luncheon with the Craiger, and then went for a stroll outside. Grace took out a tissue and began wiping his richly embroidered tunic. “You seem to have tentacle slime on you, my dear man. Don’t your ambassadors warn them about touching?”

Bradon’s blank expression warmed once they were alone. “It wasn’t nearly so bad after you joined us.”

She laughed. “Once I figured out they had thrown you to the wolves, I tried to hurry.”

Bradon smiled, “You are so good to me, little Earthling.”

“I adore you. May I ask a favor of you?”

“Anything. If it is within my power to give, I will.”

“Will you text with me between celebrations. I’ve figured out a way that you can text or com with me while being one hundred percent certain you are not taking time away from your duties.”

“How?”

“Simple. Wait until after you are in bed at night to message me. It is your time for resting, so I doubt anyone would begrudge you using some of it to talk to me.”

His eyes lit up, so she enticed him a little more. “Maybe we can touch ourselves while we talk sexy to each other.” A soft growl sounded off from the back of this throat.

“I have to admit that’s an ingenious plan.” He nodded. “You know what time I usually go to bed. You com me, so it is clear I am not pursuing you.”

Grace kissed him on the cheek. “I feel like the one doing the pursuing.”

“Thanks for that by the way, kitten.”

“Don’t mention it. I liked being with you when you met with the Craiger. It was nowhere near as boring as I thought it would be.”

“Do it for a thousand years, then we’ll talk.”

“I doubt I’d ever get tired of attending even boring functions as long as we were together.”

Changing the subject, he asked, “Do you have any updates on your missing crew member?”

Graced frowned. “We tracked down the few leads we had, and they were dead ends.”

Bradon’s face darkened. “I worry about the human females on your ship becoming targets for unscrupulous traders.”

Grace pondered his words. “I think the captain is seriously considering taking you up on your offer to allow us to settle here. In the meanwhile, we’ve increased security.”

Bradon immediately cautioned, “Consistency is the key to ensuring your security measures are effective. Leave nothing to chance.”

“I’m sure the captain is doing everything he can. We’re not going on trade missions to other worlds in this sector anymore. We’re only authorized to travel between your planet and our ship. We’re well protected in orbit around your home world.”

He didn’t look totally convinced of that. “I will send my personal guard with you. I’ll not have you turn up missing as well.”

Grace teased, “Remember, I have an expiration date of three days, this time. After that, you aren’t allowed to care what happens to me. That would be indicative of a personal relationship.”

Bradon looked miserable. “I can, and I do care. I’m allowed to love, Grace. It is just that acting on those emotions poses complications for a male in my position. Never, ever think for a moment that I don’t love you.”

“Well now, that’s progress. Just so you know—I love you too, big guy.”

They let the sweetness of the moment wash over them.

15 A Coalescing of Love

Bradon

Grace had kept her word, presenting herself for his pleasure at each festival. There had been three, including the Awakening Festival, and she hadn’t missed even a day. It warmed his heart. Bradon was beginning to rely upon the time they spent together.

A Davarian Regent selecting the same female for every festival had caused a stir on their home world. Rather than making the populace angry, they’d gone wild for all things human. Their ancient dramas were being played on the data stream, a different one each cycle. Even Bradon had succumbed to watching them.

The newsfeeds were full of images of the two of them walking hand in hand. Even intimate moments had been captured of them embracing and kissing. He’d seen images of Grace wearing patriotic memorabilia of his reign while she smiled and waved at the crowds that hounded her every step on the Davarian home world. She never seemed annoyed with the attention, but he knew she thought it was all absurd. That she dealt with it so effortlessly flipped a switch in his mind. Perhaps they could spend time together after all without his world falling apart. It was clear the public adored the small human fighter pilot.

Today was the festival of the Knot, and there were throngs of happy people, Davarians and humans, gathered to celebrate. Captain Drake had accepted Bradon’s offer of shelter for their people. The Great Saban would be enthralled with humans when he woke in twenty solars. He had insisted that all warm-blooded bipedal species shared a common ancestry. If his theory was true, it was clear the humans either were that root species that all others came from, or were a more pure version than the Davarians were. It was their adaptivity that marked them out as different. Not only did their reproductive systems adapt to make them breed-compatible with other species, but their very nature allowed them to adapt to living in space, or on new worlds. They were being readily absorbed into Davarian culture without so much as a hiccup.

Yes, these humans were a marvel. Queen Belanna had warned him before she laid down for her slumber to lure them into staying if he could. She was convinced that adding their biological attributes to various Davarian bloodlines would strengthen their people. From what he’d seen, Bradon concurred.

They waved to an adoring crowd from the balcony of his quarters on the Davarian peninsula of Kark. “You are making me the envy of all the men on my world, little Earth princess. I have never gotten so many jealous looks.”

Clearly not liking being called impertinent titles, she shot back, “Yeah, well, I’m not having that problem. Most women aren’t envious of one-night stands rather than full-time relationships with the men in their lives. It’s a shame you’re still non-negotiable on that accord.”

Drawing her close to his chest, he stepped back into the room. His priests quietly closed the huge ornate shutters on the window, blocking out the sunlight and the sound of the crowd.

He gazed into her eyes and tried to find the right words to set them on solid ground moving forward. “Let there be peace between us. I already feel much guilt for continuing to see you when there is no hope of making a happy life with you.”

Grace looked back into his expressive eyes. Regret for her hastily spoken words was stamped all over her pretty face. “Don’t ever feel guilty for not being able to give me more. I am greedy, while you are as generous as your situation allows.” Bradon could see her beginning to tear up as she tried to turn her head away.

Bradon cupped her cheek in one large hand and gently turned her head to look into her eyes. “I love you. Even seeing you for such brief periods of time gives me the strength to do all else that must be done for my people. Without you there is only hopelessness in my soul. You deserve a bond mate, a home, and a family. All the things I can never give you. I do not have the will to turn my back on you. I ask you to be strong for both us. Walk away from me, and never look back.”

“I don’t think I could ever do that. If I left spending time with you and enjoying your touch, there would only be endless longing for you. Being separated from you for three months is bearable only because I know we will soon be together.” Swallowing thickly, she continued, “If I only get to see you every three months for twenty years, I would count myself a lucky woman.” When he opened his mouth to object, she pressed two fingers to his lips. “The thought of never touching you again fills me with such profound sadness. I cherish our time together more than you will ever know. Sometimes I feel as though you are the only person who truly understands me and accepts me for who I am.”

Movement around the room caught his notice, and Bradon realized that once again they had forgotten that they were not alone. His priests bustled around the room, turning down the bed, lighting incense and drawing their bath. It made Bradon realize exactly how much his attendants did for him. Their dedication was humbling, as was Grace’s. He had to remind himself that he’d spent an endless lifetime earning that kind of loyalty and deserved the reward he was not getting.

Bradon scooped her off her feet and turned, striding to the steaming fragrant bath. Grace kissed his neck as he carried her, and gently caressed his cheek. Her touch gave him cause to be bold. Sitting her on a floating stool, he jerked it so that they were face-to-face. Mimicking the way his attendants undressed him, he carefully began removing her clothing. She helped him by shrugging out of her top and hanging her arms around his neck as he worked her pants off. “You humans are fond of tight-fitting pants, my sweet.”

Her laughter was light and easy on his ears. When she was naked, he stepped back to admire her slight form. She was curvy in all the right places and he was growing obsessed with the thin layer of softness around her middle. The soft swell of her breasts with the delicious pink points never failed to rouse his cock. When he reached up to rip at his clothing, sounds of disapproval echoed from the edges of the room. His attendants didn’t approve of him rending his clothing. It occurred to him that it must somehow make their life more difficult.

Pulling her into his arms, he stepped into the oversized bath and sat with her on his lap facing him. He held her face between both of his hands, and tenderly kissed her lips. When she shifted on his lap, his priests couldn’t get out of the room fast enough, for they knew what was to come. It was funny that his female being naked in front of them was just accepted, but their copulating sent the priests running for the door every single time.

Grace glanced to the side and smiled at one of his priests. Bradon looked over to see Onyx smiling back at her. He shoved the image aside because the female was already sliding onto his cock, and she wouldn’t be doing that if another had captured her notice. His Grace was breathless with excitement, for they had been parted for three long months. Bradon had it in his mind to fuck her until she begged him to stop. Her hands were all over him, and her mating scent was driving him into a lust-induced frenzy.

Grace

After making their way through throngs of guests, Bradon had taken her back to his temporary quarters for another round of sex. The man had been extra-possessive since she arrived. Granted, they’d professed their love for each other in no uncertain terms, but it felt like something else was at play here.

Her back hit the door the moment he slammed it shut, and he was on her in an instant. It was almost too much, but after one strong hand pulled at the side of her gown, and the thin Davarian silk gave way, something kicked in her gut and she was immediately wet for him.

Between his kisses and him mouthing her neck, Grace became aware that the man she’d fallen for was forcibly removing her gown. Having a five thousand-year-old Davarian smashing her back into the door, ripping her clothing off, really should have frightened her more than it did. In place of fear, she felt excitement, anticipation, and an almost unbearable swell of arousal. Asking herself why he was being extra insistent became less important in her mind.

At some point, she realized they were both naked, and Bradon’s fully erect manhood was probing between her legs. It felt thick and hot. He was lost in the lust of the moment, and so was she. She whispered words of encouragement and spread her legs wider to accommodate him more easily. Without missing a beat, he slicked himself across her slit, covering himself in her arousal. When the bulky tip of his cock collided recklessly with her clit, she moaned. He set a steady beat against her most sensitive spot. “Mine, you’re mine. No one else’s. Say it.”

What the actual fuck would possess him to say something like that got lost in his demand. Shifting his hips, he dug his cock forward and up, slicking the entire length of his rod across her throbbing clit. She shouted his name, shocked at the intensity of the pleasure his bump-covered cock provoked. He positioned his needy cock against her slick opening. Instead of plowing into her, he demanded, “Say you’re mine.”

She whispered, “Please my love. This is no time to tease. The anticipation is too much to bear.”

“Say it,” he growled.”

“I’ve been yours since the first time I set eyes on you. I’m all yours, baby.”

His heated expression was almost her undoing. He speared her in a heartbeat. It felt almost like punishment, but her body was also washed in pleasure. Their bodies were a tight fit, even though she was fully aroused.

“You’re mine. Don’t look at other males. I’m all you need.”

His voice was ragged from exertion. Unsure where the possessiveness was coming from, Grace’s lust-clouded mind assumed it was because he wanted her more than he was allowed and was afraid of her falling for someone she could have full time when he wasn’t around. To her mind that meant he was feeling the same intense attachment she was feeling. It bonded them.

He glanced up at her, and the possessive expression on his face stole her heart. He pounded into her as if daring her to object. Little did he know, objecting was the furthest thing from her mind. Grace couldn’t help the sounds of pleasure that escaped her lips. He felt so exquisite moving inside her. He was large, his manhood was a little bumpy, and his skin was thick. Honestly, she couldn’t have designed a better rod, if she devoted her whole life to the pursuit. He was something special.

She whispered, “Faster…harder. I need more of you.”

“If I move any rougher, I’ll tear your precious body apart.”

Biting his ear, she whispered, “I see you’ve really given it some thought, how hard you can pound me without doing permanent damage.”

He growled back, “I’d never damage you. You are my world.”

Bradon

Bradon didn’t dare look the pretty human in the face for fear of totally losing control. He plundered her body until she began convulsing around his rod. She was going to climax, and he would be damned if he let the pretty thing pull him over the edge too. No Davarian male would consider giving a woman only one orgasm to be doing his duty as a man. He shoved back the need to come and concentrated on pleasuring the female.

The human loved his lovemaking. He knew she did, because she literally never shut up the whole time he pleasured her. Her words were like a beautiful love song to his ears. He loved pleasuring her with only his manhood. Hearing her sound her pleasure with each stroke, spoke to him as a male, like nothing else ever had.

He lifted her from the door, and his long legs ate the space between the door and the bed. He laid her on her back and came down on top of her with his cock still buried in her seeping core.

Seeing Onyx catch her eyes several times throughout the night had provoked his ire. Onyx was one of the most attractive males in his service. Not that Bradon had an eye for males in particular, but women flocked to the young priest. The man was in his prime, much like Grace and much better suited to offer her a lifetime of happiness. Something about that gnawed at Bradon’s gut.

If he were a good being, he would have encouraged her to explore a relationship with Onyx. Instead he’d left the festival early when he discovered them talking together and fucked her into his door. With any luck, she’d have an impression of his face imprinted into her backside. If so, the ridiculous carvings on the door would come in handy for once. Bradon was being a complete bastard, and he knew it.

Her fascination with that male provoked his fury, so he began moving in her again the moment she caught her breath. Intent on pounding out every thought of another male, he twisted his hips, causing the bump at the base of his cock to hit the tiny bud that gave her so much pleasure.

He’d be smarter, funnier, and more attentive than another male and give her more sexual pleasure. That would bond her to him. Her nails scraped down his back, making him empty inside her. It wasn’t enough, and she hadn’t come again, so he didn’t stop.

His finger toyed with the small rosette she’d forbidden him from touching. Also, fuck all the staying apart between festivals. He’d take her to him and dare anyone on his world to complain. Regents were people, and the sooner everyone realized that the better.

When she convulsed around his cock again, his chest swelled. This female was born to ride his cock, stay at his side and help unite their peoples. Still not truly sated, Bradon wanted to go for more but he felt if he didn’t stop, she was going to pass out.

Grace was in awe of his lovemaking. He could tell by the way she stared up at him, her eyelids half closed. His sweet love was limp beneath him, drowsy and sated.

He asked quietly, “Are you well, my love?”

Nodding, she perked up. “I can’t believe how intense that was. You are good at what you’re good at, baby.”

“You like my cock.”

Nodding more enthusiastically, she responded quickly, “I love your rod.”

“That wasn’t a question.”

She giggled, making that noise that made his cock jump to attention. He didn’t know how he felt about never being able to get enough of her, but tried to pay attention, since she was talking to him.

“On my home world, women make these artificial rods…”

Bradon moved off the female in favor of hearing her story of artificial rods. That was interesting. It was the kind of information one did not read about in data streams. She seemed to have become alert again and was speaking with enthusiasm.

“…to pleasure ourselves with. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. We make them of different synthetic materials. Some are smooth, some have ridges and bumps that increase the woman’s pleasure when it slides through her channel. Your rod is incredible. I couldn’t have designed a better one myself. In fact, I think that all the synthetic rods should be modeled after yours. Just think, you could make millions of women satisfied instead of just one.” Winking at him, she asked, “What do you think? Are you ready to go into the artificial rod business?”

Bradon liked listening to the woman he was obsessed with worship his rod. He couldn’t believe she said such things about his male body. She seemed excited and pleased. He sensed no deception about her. Could she really enjoy something so monstrous?

“My skin is very thick. Most women don’t prefer it.”

“Well, I freaking love it. When this visit is over, I’ll be dreaming about it for three lunars until I can see it again. I love the way it feels against my skin. God, just thinking about it is making me want you again. It’s a good thing I fell in love with you before we had sex. If not, I would be really confused about whether I love you, or your rod. That would have been weird.”

Choking back his emotions, he moved a strand of blue hair out of her face. “Do you have any idea, what hearing you say such things does to my soul?”

Grace startled. “Sorry, my mouth gets me into trouble sometimes. Is it rude to talk about rods on your world?”

“No, we are very open about such things. When you say nice things about what I consider my weakness, it heals a hole that has been open in my soul for a long millennium. Somehow, when I’m with you, I don’t feel so monstrous.”

“If you are monster, we need to redefine what monsters are. In my eyes, you are a drop-dead gorgeous guy that I would literally love to spend the rest of my life on top of.”

“On top of? As in dominating? If so, I don’t know…”

Grace pushed him back, straddled him and began sitting on his always-hard cock. She watched his reaction. When he was fully seated inside her, she held both hands out to her sides. “This is what human women mean by on top. It’s not considered dominant, necessarily. It is considered an erotic pose for pleasuring our males. Do you approve?”

Bradon’s laughter bubbled forth before he could stop it. “This is considered an erotic pose for pleasuring males on most worlds, Grace. It just didn’t occur to me that this is what you meant, because this is a common position pleasure workers use on their clients.”

Tossing him a lopsided smile, she moved back slightly, lifting one leg away from the sleeping platform. “Well in that case, I will be moving along.”

“Don’t you dare move. You are mine and will do as I say.” The dominance in his voice seemed to startle and arouse her. He could tell because her channel became wetter and clutched involuntarily around his cock.

Bradon reached up and grabbed the headboard with both hands. He flexed his hips upwards a couple of times, forcing Grace to put her hands on his well-muscled chest to brace herself.

He whispered, “Pleasure me, human. Pleasure me now.”

Grace began to move on him. Whether her acquiescence was by choice, or obedience to his dominant voice he didn’t know. Three strokes in, and he didn’t care. All he knew was that his big cock must be all the right places because her voice sounded her pleasure.

The look of unbridled lust on her face was his undoing. With one hand, he stroked her tender bud as she rode him. Bradon felt the strange possessive feelings rise again as he toyed with her secret spot. “That’s right, my love. Pleasure yourself on my cock. You can’t know how watching you give such tremendous pleasure to us both affects me. It makes me want to turn you around and take you like a beast.”

“All things in due course, my liege. For now, you will keep your hands where they are, and take only what I give.”

Her attempt at being dominant was kind of cute, but tonight was not the night for her to suddenly show it. Rolling up onto his knees, taking the little Earthling with him, he held her tight to his chest. Bradon kneeled on the bed and pounded himself into her. Grace seemed to love such power displays. It made him wonder if she had just pretended to be dominant, to get him to turn the tables on her. He realized she was absolutely losing it. Her long nails raked across his back and shoulders leaving trails of raw skin. The pain somehow warped around the pleasure, coming out as something intense.

After a devastating orgasm wracked her frail body, Bradon eased her down onto the sleeping platform. Sleeping with her in his arms felt better than anything he’d ever known. She was his primary source of happiness. Drowsing, he thought of their three days ending, and it tore at his soul.

After a brief time, his priest came to draw them a bath. Bradon remembered the knowing looks that passed between Onyx and Grace earlier in the evening. When Onyx came into his chamber to assist with their preparation for the evening of entertainment his people had planned for them, Grace didn’t notice. She didn’t glance at Onyx and kept all her attention directed at him. It made Bradon wonder if he imagined something between the two of them when there was clearly nothing going on.

Grace seemed to fit into her role as his companion easily. For the remainder of the three-day visit she remained at his side for all the official functions. She was graceful and bold, and it occurred to him to think she would make a strong and capable Davarian Queen. A secret dream bloomed in his heart. A dream that was destined to never take form, but it was a dream that he loved to imagine. The three days flew by, and before he knew it, they were saying their goodbyes.

16 Betrayal

Bradon

Grace had spent the last three months helping her people tear apart all their fighters and upgrading them with Davarian shields. All the fighters assisted their mechanics. It was a way of forcing them to learn the mechanics of the fighter they flew.

He’d made a concession and agreed to them messaging with each other. Their conversations were sometimes sweet and sexy. Other times they argued about politics. She’d kept him informed about what was going on in her life, and he was pleased to hear the humans were upgrading their ships with the technology he’d shared. Though he would never share weapons technology, sharing defensive tech was more directly related to keeping them safe. With the Traj still mucking about, safety was a primary concern for all species.

His favorite times were when the conversation dissolved into something close to pornographic. Bradon was surprised to find he had a talent for turning his lover on that way. Truth be told, she loved his sexy words. She also took him at his word that their channel was secure.

Their next meeting would be his Awakening Day annual celebration. It normally lasted for only one day and was held at the Great Hall of Awakening where they first met. Grace stated she was kind of bummed out that it was only one day. It was a human expression that meant she was unhappy about not being able to spend several cycles with him. Bradon could empathize with her feelings on that matter. The more he saw of his little love, the more he wanted her at his side full time.

Of course, that was not to be for many reasons, not the least of which was because he would slumber again in nineteen short years. Even if she agreed to hibernate as well, the effects on her fragile body would be profound. Grace was a woman who took genuine pride in her appearance. She’d not respond well to her skin growing thick and dull, especially when the effects were concentrated with each hibernation cycle.

However, he was cheered when she landed at the crack of dawn. As always, he’d woken at the crack of dawn and waited patiently for her on the landing pad. Though they were surrounded by his priests and private security, the only person Grace looked at was him.

This day she flew into his arms. Bradon hugged her, noticing several huge objects covered in black cloth on the shuttle. When she pulled back, Grace gushed, “I brought you some gifts. You can’t see them until they are unloaded.”

Her eyes sought out Onyx and his breath froze. She motioned for him to see to the items. Why she’d chosen the least of his attendants to secure her gifts rather than a member of the security team was perplexing. However, he didn’t have long to ponder the fact when they began moving towards an outdoor lounge that had been erected on the back garden that separated the landing pad from the Great Hall for the celebration.

They sat quietly talking and kissing. Bradon allowed his jealousy to melt away. He had a beautiful woman in his arms who was everything he’d ever wished for in a potential mate. It was foolish to let imagined slights spoil their limited time together. Still, Grace did seem a bit anxious and couldn’t seem to sit still for long.

Bradon queried, “Are you well, my love?”

Jumping to her feet to pace back and forth, she turned to face him again. “Nothing’s wrong per se, I’m just nervous about how you’re going to react to my gift.” Stepping closer, her expression turned even more worried. “I probably should clarify that the gift is actually from Captain Drake, but it was my idea.” Rubbing her hands down the front of her uniform, she stated with a nod. “I honestly hope you accept the gift in the spirit it was given.”

He stood and closed the distance between then. Wrapping his hands around her shoulders, he looked down into her eyes. “I’m not entirely certain I wish to accept a gift that puts such worry into my favorite female.”

Her expression morphed into one of disapproval. “I’m your only female, not your favorite. What happened to all that mine, mine, mine crap you were spewing on my last visit?”

Bradon’s concern eased back a bit, for his female was as feisty as ever. Unable to keep from teasing her, he murmured. “You are currently the only female sharing my body.”

Ralon’s voice sounded off quietly from behind them. “Your gift is ready for viewing, Lady Grace.”

Grabbing his hand, Grace began marching him towards the Great Hall. They followed the old priest into the chamber where the ancients’ hibernation cylinders were kept. Something was different. Surveying the room carefully, Bradon saw that scattered around the room at regular intervals were strange pods. Standing in the spot where Bradon’s cylinder normally stood was a double-size pod.

Grace pulled him over excitedly and popped the clear glass cover open. It was clearly the hibernation pods her people used for deep space travel. They were not the tall cylinders of liquid his people utilized for inducing suspended animation. The humans must have expended most of their time and resources developing hibernation technology because their pods far exceeded the rest of their tech by hundreds if not thousands of human years. Bradon ran his hand over the soft bedding and looked up at her questioningly.

“These are what my people used to travel to your world. I slept in one for fifty years. They are safe and have the same regeneration capabilities as your hibernation cylinder. There are a couple of differences. These use no gel, so your skin stays pliant. Also, this one is larger than the ones I sent for your priests. This was designed to hold two people. Couples use them on our ship, couples who are dedicated to remaining together, come what may.”

A couple hibernating together was a totally new concept for Bradon. He gazed down at the soft interior and imagined him and Grace curled together for his forty-year regeneration cycle. Looking up at Grace, he saw and remembered how soft her skin was. These pods would be especially nice for Belanna and Sabin. They might slumber together rather than apart. He felt his chest constrict as all the possibilities of this shared technology began to form in his mind.

Grace’s voice drew him from his internal thoughts. “This double chamber is my gift to you. Can you think of someone you would like to join you in your slumber? The couples on our ship who have used them swear they dream-link together. Can you imagine being linked to the person you love, during a long forty-cycle slumber?”

Bradon ran his hand lovingly around the outside of the unit. He thought long and hard about what she had said. “Gods of chaos, Grace. You are slowly tearing away every possible objection anyone could make to me taking a mate. Come, let us love. Give me time to consider this new idea.”

Others drew back to make way for them to move to the upper level where his permanent suite was located. Traveling for the other festivals was no hardship but Bradon greatly preferred his own chambers.

When they were naked in his chamber, something different happened. There was no mad rush to couple. No ripping off each other’s clothing. There was only the slow steady strum of their hearts as they loved each other at an intense unhurried pace.

Their joining lasted much longer than it ever had in the past. They stared into each other’s eyes, as they shared intimate pleasure. So profound was the experience that Bradon kneeled to pray after his mate was asleep. For absolutely the first time ever, he felt like they might have the possibility of a life together.

Just when he thought their future together was secure, it all came crashing down around him.

Bradon woke and went in search of the woman he had come think of as his mate. He walked by the room where the pods were kept and spied Onyx with his arm around Grace. She was smiling and whispered something in his ear. Bradon felt ugly emotions rising in his chest, emotions stronger than any he’d ever felt. Anger and jealously almost crushed his soul as he wondered just when was it that his priests achieved such familiarity with his woman?

Then an even darker thought occurred to him. Perhaps she wasn’t his woman at all. Bradon had heard that some humans were greedy for power and riches, but never thought for a moment that Grace had that mindset. Now, after finding her in the embrace of a young attractive priest, he knew not what to think. Maybe she wanted to keep him with her in order to be Queen and Onyx with her to serve her pleasure.

He went to his room to pray and suddenly Grace was beside him, praying as well. He wondered what she prayed for, and if the gods spoke to her. He prayed that he was wrong about Grace. He loved her and he wanted to keep her. When he rose, she pulled him over to the bed and convinced him that he was errant in his thinking.

Relief warred with embarrassment for top place in his emotions. He should have never doubted her. Grace was a friendly and outgoing person. Had he but taken the time to walk closer, he was certain that he would have scented no arousal on her at having Onyx so close. Contentment settled over him as they both tumbled off to sleep. They were both sleeping soundly when he heard the door creak open.

Onyx’s voice whispered, “Grace, come.”

Bradon’s face was turned in the opposite direction and his heart froze in his chest as he heard her reply.

“Ox, shut the hell up or he’ll hear you.” She slid out of bed and quietly got dressed.

“My apologies.”

“Shhh, he’s not deaf, you know.” Heading for the door, she grumbled, “Don’t you know how to keep a secret?”

They slipped out of the room together, leaving him behind, supposedly none the wiser. His mate left his bed to be with one of the young priests, admonishing him to keep their tryst secret. His heart shattered into a million pieces, He’d know better than to believe a female could ever love him, what with his strange leathery skin and awkward ways.

Bradon lay in the bed thinking of the situation. Had he not heard it with his own ears and saw it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it possible for Grace to betray their love.

He should have never doubted the attraction of his young priests. Grace was young, and it was natural that she would want a young man. He couldn’t really blame her. His mind drifted. He imagined the two of them wrapped in a warm embrace. It tore a gigantic hole in his soul. It was a hole he knew would never close. He was stupid to ever hope for love. All he got in return was heartache.

Until this moment he had been looking forward to his Awakening Day annual celebration. It lasted for only one day, much like an Earth birthday. He needed to be rid of the priest and of Grace once and for all. Seeing them was too painful. Getting rid of Onyx would be easy. He would just ask the elder priest, Ralon to relocate him somewhere else. He would be happy to never look upon the betrayer’s face again.

Grace was a different matter. Why she was hanging around him was a mystery. If not for love, then why? Thinking it might be for wealth or power didn’t fit with what he knew about Grace. Maybe the humans thought that if he grew attached to their kinswoman, he would grant them special favors. If so, she’d not leave his side easily.

Bradon decided it would take something extreme to make the pretty human never want to see him again. Then the idea came to him, perhaps a public shunning would send a loud and clear message to the humans that he was no longer interested in their offering of flesh.

He decided to just pick another this evening for his Awakening Day celebration. He would choose one of her Davarian friends. That should anger her sufficiently to never come near him again and send a clear message that he was finished with human women.

This night was turning out to be the absolute opposite of the night he had envisioned…the night he had hoped to have with the woman he loved.

Bradon reached over and grabbed the tiny box from between the sleeping mat and the wall. He opened it and gazed upon the charming ring he’d had his artisans make in the traditional human manner for his bride-to-be. He’d been going back and forth in his mind about bonding her. Tonight would have been the night he’d change his fate and the course of history for his people by choosing a human mate.

Though he’d intended to take her only for a human lifetime, her gift to him had seemed like divine providence, proving their union was the right course of action. He snapped the small box closed and shoved it back into the crack.

Dragging himself from his sleeping platform, he called for the old priest and requested that Onyx be gone within the hour. Ralon didn’t even ask why. If his Regent asked, that was enough for the elder priest. There were some things a male could not put a price on. Loyalty, he was coming to learn, was one of them.

He prepared himself for the night and was leaving his chamber just as Grace came back from her rendezvous with his assistant. She smelled strange but not like Onyx. It didn’t matter, she probably used something to cover her scent.

“Did you get enough rest?”

“I was worried about you, kitten. What intrigue could have possibly lured you from my bed?”

“That’s my secret. I was hoping to get back in time to bathe with you.”

“It’s all right, my love. We have many years ahead of us to enjoy such activities. I will see you downstairs for the celebration.”

She jumped onto her toes and he bent so she could kiss him. For once he couldn’t make himself respond to the lips that had likely just been on one of his assistants. She gave him an assessing look and then turned to take care of her hygiene.

The evening went pretty much as any other. Grace came down immaculately groomed, stayed at his side, and acted for all the world like a female in love. How filled with deceit could a human female be? Bradon wondered if it was an affliction of their kind, or was her treachery unique?

When it came time for him to choose a companion for the evening, he asked Ralon for the list. Grace’s brow quirked. He knew she was trying to figure out why he was looking at the list, since he always just chose her. He quietly gave the list back to Ralon and whispered something in his ear.

The elder priest moved to the front of the room and announced Nayla as his companion for the night. Grace turned her shocked face to look up at him.

“Since you can find diversions interesting enough to lure you from my bed so soon after we mate, you should have no problem locating a suitable diversion for tonight. I’m afraid Onyx is no longer available for you to frolic with, however. I asked that he be relocated.”

Grace’s expression darkened. In fact, it looked thunderous. Her voice was low and gilded with anger. “If you are suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, you crazier than I ever gave you credit for being.”

“Crazy I may be, but as you pointed out earlier, I have exceptionally good hearing.”

Her mouth fell open for a brief moment before she pleaded with him. “Let us talk. Don’t do this Bradon.”

“It must have been easy for you to deceive a male so starved for the attention of a female.”

“You’re way off base with what you’re thinking.”

“If another had told me what I know to be fact, I likely would not have believed them.”

“Look, Mister Crazy-pants, if you do this, there’s no coming back. I will not forgive you for taking another woman to your bed.”

Bradon defiantly held out one hand to Nayla, and like any good Davarian female, she immediately slid her hand into his. The stunned woman slowly allowed him to place her arm around his. To refuse him would have been a grave insult.

Grace

Grace didn’t need to see any more. She rounded towards the door and headed for her shuttle. This was some seriously stupid shit that she did not need in her life. Humans had people in this sector of space actively looking to kidnap their women. Being a fighter pilot was her life’s ambition. Keeping her people safe was supposed to be her primary concern, not some five thousand-year-old priest who appeared to be fond of adolescent posturing.

She climbed aboard and rolled the situation around in her head. Bradon was being absurd. How could he think she’d ever prefer one of priests over him? They’d laughed together, shared intimate secrets with each other and had amazing sex. What they had was special. Why couldn’t he see that?

Dakota and Mia showed up before she could get the shuttle prepped for takeoff.

“What the hell was that all about?”

Mia’s soothing tone redirected her older sister. “Now’s not the time to pound her with twenty questions. Can’t you see that?”

Grace glanced over her shoulder at the two of them. “Sure you don’t want to stay for the celebration?”

“Fuck that. Rick said he’d keep an eye on everything. I don’t know what Nayla’s thinking accepting Lord Bradon the Asshat’s invitation. I thought she had a gigantic crush on Lucon. He’s not going to be too happy to hear she’s servicing her Regent when they just started seeing each other.”

Grace shut down conversation about Nayla immediately. “That’s not our business to discuss. Nayla’s a grown woman and knows what she’s doing.”

Dakota dropped down in the co-pilot’s chair fuming in her seat but kept her mouth closed. Mia had enough sense to give her time too. Since her whole life had just come crashing down around her, Grace hadn’t had a chance even think about whether Nayla was betraying their friendship by accepting Bradon’s offer. Her first thought was that Nayla wouldn’t feel comfortable saying no to one of regents, full stop. In her heart of hearts, she’d like to think that Bradon wouldn’t take advantage of Nayla, but the man was not acting like himself, so clearly he was capable of anything.

As she piloted her shuttle to her ship, it hit her. Her relationship with Bradon was over. The floodgates opened and the tears began to flow. She had just about cried herself out by the time she reached her ship.

Dakota wrapped one arm around her as they walked to her quarters, and Mia trailed behind them quiet as ever. Their quarters were a mess, since they’d pulled out all the stops in preparation for attending the big festival. Grace had never been any good at keeping things tidy. When she was with Bradon, that kind of thing magically got done by his assistants. When she was in her own quarters, it was a different story.

Dakota made her a cup of chocolate and they tried to talk it out.

“I don’t know what set him off. One minute we were banging each other’s brains out, and the next he was tossing me aside. He kept saying something about one of his priests. I didn’t catch it all, but he was seriously pissed.”

Mia interjected, “Davarian males are extremely possessive. If you were unfaithful to him, he would know by scent alone.” Grace knew that as a medical professional, Mia had been gathering information on the biology and psychology of the Davarian people. Up until now Grace had found it more amusing than interesting.

“I’m not stupid. Why would I take a chance on losing the man I love, for a quickie with one of his men? Does that make sense to you?”

Dakota mused. “You did something to piss him off. Think Grace.”

“He did say something about a priest luring me from his bed. Oh my God. Onyx and I have been scouring the galaxy for the perfect Awakening Day present for the big guy. I know they are rarer than gemstones, but I wanted to get him a kitten. He’s really fascinated with cats from studying human culture. He called me his kitten as a term of endearment, so I thought it would be funny to give him one.”

Mia tiled her head slightly. “I suppose that would make a cute birthday present, considering the circumstances.”

“It’s the annual celebration of his Awakening Day, not his actual birthday. Normal people celebrate birthdays. Regents celebrate their Awakening Day.”

Taking a sip of her coffee, Mia nodded. “That makes sense.”

Dakota asked, “Did you find one?”

Grace sighed. “We did. It cost me a king’s ransom, but I bought it. Onyx came to tell me it had arrived. I left Bradon’s bed to go meet the breeder. We stowed it in one of the sleep pods so it wouldn’t be wandering around during the Awakening Day celebration. I told him to be quiet because Bradon has good hearing. He quoted those words back to me right before selecting Nayla for his companion for the night.”

Dakota shot her a knowing look. “Bradon most assuredly assumed you were slipping off to spend time with the priest. His priests have a reputation for being womanizers. In fact, their skills are legendary. The Davarian say many are drawn to the service of Bradon because so many pretty women come to the Great Hall of Awakening.”

Grace already knew all about how the younger priests were coveted as lovers and mates by the Davarian elite. The problem is, she was over the whole situation. She’d given Bradon her heart, and he’d publicly humiliated her in front of his people. That’s the kind of shit that ensures a woman doesn’t come back for round two. Setting down her chocolate cup, she made a decision.

“It doesn’t matter. Tonight he chose our Davarian friend for his companion. There is no coming back from that. I won’t have him back. He should have spoken instead of being his stupid-ass self. This time his impulsiveness cost him a woman who loved him.”

Mia blinked, her gaze unwavering. “Grace, you cannot simply stop loving someone. You will need time to heal.”

“I haven’t stopped loving him. I’ve just decided to have some self-respect and move on. You’re right, I will need time. I don’t plan on inviting another man to my bed anytime soon. However, I won’t go crawling back his royal ass-holiness either.”

Dakota frowned. “We’re temporary citizens of his home world right now. We should watch how we talk about him in public. I don’t want the captain ripping us a new one for being disrespectful.”

“He may be our Regent, but he was also my lover. I’ll talk about him however I like.”

Mia’s calming voice intervened. “Grace, you are hurting, but please don’t be so open about your feelings. Save the harsh talk for our quarters and just don’t say anything when the subject comes up elsewhere.”

Grace capitulated. “Sorry, I’m a miserable wretch, and I didn’t mean to speak out of turn.”

Mia said soothingly, “Get some sleep, dear. We’ll check on you a little later.”

Once Grace crashed into the bed with the door closed, the tears began to flow for real.

17 The Error of His Ways

Bradon

Bradon kept to his duties, keeping all the grief inside. Moving from one prearranged activity to another, much like he always had before meeting the treacherous human felt right. Filling his mind with affairs of state and acting as moderator to meetings by the high council kept the pain from rendering him useless. It was at night, when he was alone and would normally be messaging or talking with her on his communications unit that he felt the loss.

Racking his brain, Bradon ruminated over every moment they spent together, trying to remember a detail that would explain her turning to another. Perhaps he’d not praised her enough or gifted her enough. Looking down at his hands, he knew deep down in his soul it was because his skin was monstrous. It was the one thing even a Regent couldn’t change.

He’d foolishly thought she might miss him and come back. When that didn’t happen, he knew whatever she’d once seen in him was enough to draw her to his side but not enough to keep her there. Time slipped slowly by, and Bradon dreaded the next celebration. It was Iod, the celebration that had drawn them back together and given him such hope for the future.

Ralon interrupted his meditation in the garden one day, and he had the traitor with him. He humbled himself respectfully, “My Regent, your honorable priest, Onyx would like to beg a moment of your time.”

“No.” One couldn’t be clearer than that.

The older priest “Sir, I think you should speak with him. It is about the female.”

“No, thank you. I have nothing to say, and no desire to hear anything from the deceiver on the subject.”

Onyx kneeled beside him and spoke. “As always, my Regent, your emotions get the better of you. Because you have issued insult, you are now obligated to explain what offense I have committed against you.”

Yes, he’d messed up. One didn’t insult another without explaining the insult. It simply wasn’t done in Davarian culture. “She was only one of hundreds…maybe thousands. She was mine, my only one.”

“I never touched your female, nor did I even have an impure thought about her. At least, I know what is in my heart, regardless of whether or not you will ever believe it.”

Bradon couldn’t contain his misery. “You lie. Why did you have to spoil that? Was it just to make me miserable? Do you find satisfaction in hurting me, when you were sworn to serve me?”

“I only found out today, you thought I was being immodest with your woman. I certainly do not derive any gratification from you thinking that I abused your trust in this matter.”

“I saw you with her in the Awakening Room. You had your arm around her, and she whispered something sweet in your ear. I couldn’t make myself accept nothing was going on between the two of you.”

“I encouraged the female to pursue you. We discussed possible obstacles to her being bonded to you. One of them was that you must sleep at regular intervals. She disclosed that she wished to slumber and awaken on your schedule. We devised a plan by which she would bring a sleep pod for the two of you so you would see with your own eyes how easy it would be to keep her with you always. We could see how open you were to the idea, and what you saw was our joy at hoping the two of you might be together always. That day we were discussing the fact that you had responded so positively to her gift. We took that mean you were considering using it with her. She whispered to me that I was helping make her dream of being with you come true. It cheered my heart, to think that at long last you would have a mate.”

“Later you had the audacity to pull her from bed. She even told you to be quiet and not wake me. She insinuated I should not be told about the secret you shared. I was awake. I heard the whole interaction.”

“Your little love mate had me, and a dozen or so others, searching the galaxy over for a certain Awakening Day present for you. It was something special and rare. Something she hoped would touch your heart and demonstrate her love for you. One of the traders found it. I came to tell her it was delivered. She chided me that it needed to stay a secret until the gift-giving ceremony. She came to take possession of the gift. I’ll bet it is here still. Come, my Regent, I will show you. Once you see the gift, it will leave no doubt in your mind about her love for you.”

Bradon followed the young priest into the Awakening Room. Onyx popped open one of the sleep chambers and handed him a tiny ball of fur. Bradon recognized the creature immediately as a kitten from the human entertainment vids he’s watched.

The moment the tiny creature opened its big blue eyes, Bradon’s shattered soul came back together. The creature was tiny, sweet, and soft. It reminded him so much of Grace his soul ached for her touch.

Onyx said softly, “She made me go find this blue ribbon to tie around its neck so it would seem more like a present. You should go to her and apologize.”

“She does not wish to see me, and now I know why.”

“She will forgive you because she loves you.”

As Bradon ran his hands over the small sleepy creature, it mewed. The sound was adorable. Suddenly, he remembered what he had done.

“You don’t understand, Onyx. I intentionally humiliated her in front of hundreds of people. I chose another for my Awakening Celebration Night, right in front of her, without warning. I was so enraged, I even chose her pretty little Davarian friend.”

Onyx shot him an annoyed frown. “I had heard of your choice, of course. I’m sorry. That was a very stupid thing to do. Most women wouldn’t forgive that level of betrayal.”

Bradon rubbed the kitten on his face. It made more of the cute sounds. “This is an astonishing gift. I can’t believe you two found one.”

“You’d believe it, if you knew how much money she threw at the search. Your little love was tenacious. I’m sorry you broke her trust.”

Finally, the older priest spoke. “I believe she will not care how many people you embarrassed her in front of. She never has cared about what people think. You should go to her and make your apologies. Even if she doesn’t take you back, you will have earned her friendship. That can sometimes be enough, if we aren’t allowed a bond with the person we love.”

Bradon teased, “Your words of wisdom inspire me, elder. Perhaps we should rename you, Ralon the Wise.”

The older man glared at him disapprovingly. Bradon thought to himself, Grace was correct about the older man had absolutely no sense of humor.

* * *

Reluctant to waste a moment changing clothes, Bradon went to visit Grace aboard the human ship. He found her alone in her quarters, and her door opened unannounced. It was set to open automatically for whoever approached. Bradon strolled in carrying her Awakening Day present.

He called out in typical human fashion, “Honey, I’m home.” It was just the way men announced their arrival in the old human entertainment vids.

Grace looked up from the electronic tablet she was reading and frowned. His thinly veiled reference to Earth customs would have normally amused her, but her tolerance level for his cavalier attitude was apparently at an all-time low.

Instead of greeting him, she motioned towards the door. “Get out. Don’t come into my presence unannounced again.” If he didn’t know better, his cold greeting would have sounded like she was dismissing a Davarian Regent.

Instead of leaving, Bradon plopped down on the large wraparound sofa. He glanced about at her décor. “You have decorated your quarters like a Davarian great house. Dare I hope you have taken to our ways?”

Her eyes flickered over him, briefly dipping to look at the small furry creature in his arms. Sighing, she reached over, picked up her com, and announced crisply, “Intruder alert. Security to my quarters, immediately. Weapons set to stun.”

Bradon frowned. Instead of making up with his female, he somehow provoked her ire. “Why do you have to do that? I came to apologize, and let you have a visit with your daughter…or perhaps your son.” He picked up the kitten, and twirled it around, looking underneath it. "Umm, there’s a lot of fur, therefore I can’t really discern the gender.” Bringing it down onto his lap, he smiled pleasantly. “I know you won’t care if our child is male or female, as long as it’s healthy.”

Grace rolled her eyes at his antics. Bradon knew from their history together that it was difficult for her to stay mad at him. He took a moment to really look at her. She didn’t look any worse for being separated from him. In fact, she looked amazing, even better than he remembered. When his eyes landed on her face, he realized she also looked pretty determined to get rid of him.

Security came busting through the door. Commander West had his weapon drawn and at the ready. He came to a staggering stop when he saw who the intruder was.

Bradon petted his new kitten calmly. “Greetings, Commander. Are you really going point a weapon at your Regent and throw him off your vessel? As long as I’m sheltering your people, I am your Regent. Bear that in mind when you answer.”

Holstering his weapon, the commander took a step closer. The frown that creased his face wasn’t evidenced in his voice when he spoke. “No sir, I’ve no intention of mistreating you in any way.”

Bradon spoke cheerfully. “If I’m not mistaken, human custom states you’re obligated to offer me beverages, and invite me for a tour of your ship.”

Grace reprimanded him. “Don’t you think it’s a little late to be playing the Regent card? Get your sorry, two-timing ass off my sofa before I throw you out myself.”

Commander West’s head jerked to look at Grace. “What in the name of all that is holy is going on here?”

Ignoring him, Bradon replied to Grace’s statement. “I didn’t double time you, my sweet. You know you’re the only female I want.”

“It didn’t look that way the evening of your Awakening Day celebration. If you remember, I got tossed aside for a new woman. Got a bit bored with your little human, didn’t you?”

“You know that’s not remotely true. In case you are wondering, Nayla and I spent the whole night talking about you. She is really nice. She told me all about the human male she covets.”

“I already know all that. Nayla is my friend, after all, so she told me all about it.”

“She did?” Bradon found himself feeling a bit betrayed.

“What exactly do you think it is women talk about, if not things like that? She says you are nice too, by the way.”

Suddenly, all his angst about Nayla melted away. It seemed as though all of Grace’s anger had ebbed away too, leaving no heat in her words.

“What other objections do you have to our relationship?”

“Well, my biggest objection is…we don’t have a relationship. Remember, I am just a series of one-night stands with no commitment.”

“You know that’s not true. Forgive me if I am making a mess of our relationship, but in all fairness, this is my one and only relationship in five thousand years.”

Commander West took a step back and then another before stating quietly, “I didn’t know you two were …well …I should go. Shout if you need me.” Then he made a dash for the door with his men in tow.

Grace crossed her arms over her chest. “It doesn’t matter if you were with Nayla or not, I have another male now. I don’t need two.”

Bradon inhaled deeply. “You don’t smell like you have another male.”

“Stop sniffing me and leave.” The irritation in her voice was rising again.

“Are you going to force your commander to throw me off his ship?”

Grace’s voice rose. “You’re the most arrogant, pompous, ill-mannered man I’ve ever met.”

Bradon sighed. “Are we finished arguing yet? I really enjoyed the argument, but we need to be getting home. We have a furry little baby to put to bed, a bonding ceremony to organize, and a life to plan.”

Grace rolled her eyes at his antics. She didn’t disagree when he insisted they go home and plan a bonding ceremony. To his mind that meant she agreed that they belonged together.

She snorted a dismissive laugh, and he didn’t appreciate it one bit. “It’s not that easy, big guy.”

“It used to be.”

“Not anymore.”

“What changed? I still love you. You still love me.”

“I need my relationships to have at least a small element of trust.”

“You need your relationships to have an element of me. Come home, kitten. I miss you. My soul aches for your company. I know you feel the same way, because I can feel your longing for me.”

That expression was only ever used between mates who were bonded or drawn together by the stones. Technically they were neither. Grace stood staring out at the dark expanse of space. Though she didn’t appear angry anymore, she wasn’t coming to sit on his lap either. It confused Bradon. He didn’t know where he stood with her.

How could this happen? How could we go from being ecstatically happy, to being miserable, and then back again, like nothing happened?

Grace

A soft feminine voice floated across the room. “It’s because you’re destined to be together.” Mia stood in the doorway leading to her room, fingering the magical stone necklace. Grace shot her a disapproving look, unable to comprehend why she’d gone back to wearing the damned thing.

Watching Mia finger the beads, she remembered something important. Usually, men made the necklaces and females found their stones. How her sister ended up with the necklace rather than her own stone was still a mystery. So if during ancient times, all their men participated in this ritual, it occurred to her to wonder why Bradon hadn’t.

Still gazing at her sister, she asked, “Bradon, why don’t you have a prayer circle necklace?”

“I set it aside. The first couple of thousand years of hoping left me feeling a bit despondent.” He shifted the little bundle of squirming fur to his shoulder. “You and I, we are meant to be. I feel it in my soul. I don’t need a prayer circle to verify that.”

“What are the chances that of all the planets, we’d end up on yours? That it would happen so close to your Awakening Day? That you would choose me and that we’d fall in love? Everything to do with us seems like a one-in-a-million chance, but each time fate throws us together.”

“Thank the gods we found each other. To have never known you would have been the great tragedy of my life. You are meant for me. I know it in my soul. I can also sense your need for me. Come home, Grace. I need you. We need each other.”

Grace turned her head to look at him. “I say let chance decide. I will draw a stone from orbit just like the other true believers. That stone will draw me to my mate. If that person is you, fine. If that person is not you, then you will leave me to my proper mate.”

Bradon’s face immediately became washed out. He whispered, “Then you really don’t want me? Somehow, I thought you did. I thought you cared about me. I honestly believed we could work this all out.”

“You once told me that you believe in the power of the stones.”

“To rely upon pulling my stone from the cluster is madness. Do you have any idea how many stones are there? Millions, some are thousands of years old…the leftover stones of dead warriors who never got the chance to be mated…mixed with the stones of strong, virile young males. The chance of you finding my stone is… Well, it won’t happen.”

Mia tilted her head and said, “I thought you were Davarian. I thought you were devout.”

“I am, but I’m not stupid.”

Mia walked over to him and touched him gently on the hand. “Go back to your world, find your prayer circle, and pray like your life depends on it. You must believe in your heart that the gods will guide her choice. You must do your part, as your ancestors did before you. You must believe.”

Bradon stood looking at the younger woman for a long moment. “You believe that strongly, yet you are not of our world.”

“I believe because I’ve experienced the power of the stones. Don’t you see? If the stone calls the female you love to you, it can call no other but Grace to you. In doing so, it will demonstrate your true love still exists. Honor the ancient ways and trust the woman you love to make that happen.”

Watching him walk out the door was one of the hardest things Grace had ever done. For a moment, she thought herself mad. Then Mia touched her shoulder from behind. “You’re following your instincts and in doing so, you’re making the right decision for both Bradon and his people.”

“I feel like I should come clean with him.”

Mia’s expression turned devious. It was strange look on her normally innocent face. “He’s been a bit of a prick. I say let him suffer a bit and tell him after.”

“So, are you going to help with my little scheme?”

Mia laughed, her fingers dropping away from her necklace for the first time since she’d come in. “Dakota might have figured out the secret to the stones, but I’ve got the people skills to pull this off.” Dakota’s engineering skills did come in handy on this one. That woman would burn in hell before she saw both her sisters lose out on marrying the men of their choice.

Suddenly, everything that Grace had thought was impossible became her new reality. She grinned, her mood finally picking up. “Let’s do this thing.”

18 Managing the Media

Bradon

Sitting in his personal suite at the Hall of Awakening, Bradon was deep in thought. How could Grace cast him aside so effortlessly? He’d made a mistake, to be sure. However, she’d forgiven him in their roundabout way. She’d insisted upon selecting her mate in the tradition of his people, even when he’d explained how unlikely she was to pull his stone. So very few of his people believed in the power of the stones in the modern age, yet his one true love clung to the old ways. Was it because he was ancient, and she felt she had something to prove to him? Did she honestly need verification that he was her one? A thousand mad ideas flew around in his head, each leading in a gigantic circle.

Ralon approached with his tea and took the opportunity to speak about the subject bearing on everyone’s mind. “Though you may see this as an impossible situation, know that all is possible when the gods smile on us.”

The elder priest had served him through two awakenings. The male had been born under his reign and service had been his one and only aspiration. His mate was long dead and his sons were now in training to follow in their father’s footsteps. Maybe with the pods the humans had gifted him with, Ralon could be at his side for yet another cycle.

When Bradon didn’t answer his longtime friend, the priest spoke again. “You know the stone will draw your woman to her perfect mate. You should be happy for her.”

“Strangely enough, I am. Even though chances are astronomical that it will draw her to me, knowing she is with her one will be enough to ease the ache in my soul.”

“There are many ways to recognize one’s mate, my Regent. The way I know she will pick your stone, is because I have read the signs.”

Bradon’s eyes lifted to gaze at the elder priest. “Signs? Tell me what you know, my friend.”

“When two hearts beat as one, there are unmistakable signs. Both of you were drawn to each other over vast distances and through time. You are one of two males who have been uncoupled from normal time through the cycles of hibernation, yet she found you.”

Steepling his hands together, Bradon took a deep cleansing breath. “My Grace said as much. Though it feels like providence, it could be nothing more than a coincidence.”

Ralon wasn’t giving up. “Another indicator is a knowing deep down in one’s soul. I’ll bet your soul knew she was your one, before you allowed your mind to accept it. It is clear she believes you are her one as well. It could be that she doesn’t know how she knows, so she looks for verification by embracing our oldest and most-respected tradition of selecting her mate’s stone.”

“I want to believe what you say is true.”

“The fact that you can sense her longing for you is the strongest evidence of all. That kind of knowing can only be because she is your one. You should rejoice, and look forward to her selecting your stone, for I believe she can choose no other. All of our people will enjoy watching her quest and when your stone is selected no one can ever deny the bond the two of you share.”

Bradon searched his soul for verification of what the old priest was saying. He remembered that long ago all mates were chosen in this manner, and no one worried if their love would choose their stone. If the object of your affections did not choose your stone, then she was meant to be with another. Either way, he would see Grace happy.

Ralon’s voice held a thick layer of worry when next he spoke. “You know there will be no keeping this secret. Regents live their lives in the public eye. If she does this, it will need to be very public, or others will suspect some form of trickery with the stones.”

Jerking up in his chair, Bradon allowed his new pet to leap from his lap. “Go to her, Ralon. Guide her through the public piece of this situation. Protect her and spare her feelings, when at all possible. No matter the outcome, she is ever in my heart.”

“As always, I will do as you ask, my Regent.” The old priest backed away respectfully, always offering more formality than any occasion called for, in Bradon’s opinion.

Later that evening there was an interview with Grace in the data stream. She looked fabulous, wearing a beautiful dress of Davarian silk. Her hair was piled high on her head and her presentation was flawless. Bradon zoomed in to see her lovely face, always intrigued by her human expressions. She was talking about finding her one by selecting a stone in the traditional manner. Her sisters flanked her on either side, Mia still fingering her stone necklace.

The person interviewing was male and wore a finely tailored suit in a bright color, one meant to draw attention on the news feed. His video drones flew around capturing their conversation from several angles, always showing her face when she answered his questions. “Do you truly intended to mate the male after pulling his stone or is this just publicity for your people?”

“Oh, I’m mating him, you can be certain of that.”

“What if he’s ugly?”

Raising both hands, Grace proclaimed playfully. “Are there unattractive Davarian males? If so, I haven’t seen them.”

The male preened under her cheerful gaze. Several sounds of approval could be heard from those watching the interview. As best as he could tell, they seemed to be at a tavern or eating place. It was probably one for commoners, meaning he didn’t recognize the location. Bradon leaned forward, watching the interview intently.

“Why are you and your sisters determined to select your mates from our home world?”

Grace smiled and looked directly into the nearest camera. “Because everyone knows, this is where the best-looking, most compatible mates are to be found. We would be foolish to look elsewhere.”

The correspondent beamed. “It is said that you spent the last solar cycle companioning our Regent. I understand you had a falling out.”

“We did, but it’s no big deal. We argue off and on. In fact, I do so enjoy matching wits against your Regent. Bradon the Wise is gorgeous, intelligent, and would be a great catch.”

“Why don’t you just make the bond with him?”

“He is very devout. I am also told that is not the way of your people. If I want him, I must choose his stone from the millions floating in orbit around this planet. What do you think my chances are?”

The correspondent looked taken aback. “I say your chances are one in a billion.” Recovering a bit, he asked curiously, “Is that what you are hoping, to select our current Regent’s stone from among the many?”

Grace giggled and replied. “That stone is my glass slipper.” Grace was beautiful and handled the interview like a professional. He listened as she told some long story about a Regent, a glass slipper, and evil stepsisters. The correspondent hung on her every word. She somehow wound up her story with a happy ending and the young female heroine of the story bonding with her Regent charming, only on their world he was called prince instead of Regent. Bradon snorted. He was anything but charming. It felt strange watching such an important part of his life unfurl on the screen.

His little love who professed to prefer staying out of the spotlight was shining hotter than a supernova today. How did she manage that? By the gods, she was amazing. Then she said something that shocked him.

“I’m new to your world. So I thought that I might put the call out for some young ladies who want to find their one. My sisters and I would like to invite at least ten who would be willing to share this experience with us. I don’t want to wait, so if you’re ready to pick your man, meet me on the downside landing pad at sunrise.” The crowd went wild, but Grace took it all in stride. She waved, blew human kisses, and then she was gone.

Bradon collapsed back in his chair. He had to laugh because everything about this situation was way over the top. He couldn’t help but wonder whose idea it was to invite ten Davarian women. Whoever it was must have a knack for bringing their people together.

He perused the data stream and picked up several similar interviews from different Davarian news sources. Grace had Nayla at her side at one point. A large human male had his arm wrapped around her midsection from behind. They were all smiles and clearly intent on proving that a girl didn’t necessarily need the stones to find her one. It was a nice counterbalance to ensure his people didn’t become obsessed with selecting mates by using the stones again. They had people debating which was better self-selecting one’s mate or using the stones to lead one to their mate. It seemed that people were divided, but Grace and her entourage kept it light and playful instead of allowing the debate to devolve into something negative.

The correspondents loved how quickly the Earthlings were taking to Davarian customs. They were warming up to using Earth terminology. Their interviews were now punctuated with terms like happily ever after, finding your prince, and never give up on love.

As the morning dragged on, Bradon began to worry. He had sent his assistant to fetch his prayer circle hours ago, and the man had not returned. By all rights, he should be praying with it by now. Coming gracefully to his feet, he went to his safe, and found the several of his assistants going through box after box. One muttered to the others, “We should contact Ralon. He would know where the artifice lies.”

Bradon stood leaning on the doorframe of the room-sized safe. “Do not interrupt Ralon. He is providing support to my bride-to-be.”

Three faces turned to look up at him all the same time. Bride was a human term. He’d been hearing it all morning on the news feeds.

The older of the three priests murmured, “Your little love mate certainly knows how to manage news correspondents. She’s had every single one of them eating out of her pretty little hand. It’s like our entire home world has gone wild for anything human, especially their females.”

Bradon smiled, “She will make us a proper Queen. Now where is the mechanism for claiming what is due me?”

“We have been through every box twice. It’s nowhere to be found. When did you last have it in your hand?”

Bradon’s head dropped. “I’m sorry to put you to so much trouble. I remember where it is. I put it in the sand box, in front of the altar, in my shrine. I was a little distraught when Belanna cast me aside, all those years ago. I buried it there, thinking to give up on finding a mate.”

The priests looked aghast. Bradon held up two hands. “I’m certain it’s fine. Remember, that is the huge vat of sand we never change because it carries the ashes of a thousand prayers.”

Bradon followed the priests to the shrine, and sifted his hands through the rich, black, ash-laden sand. Digging all the way down to the bottom, his hand came out with the prayer circle.

When he turned to his priests, they were all on their knees. He huffed out an exasperated breath. “It’s fine. Look, not a scratch on it.”

Onyx appeared in the back of the shrine. His voice more reverent than normal, he spoke. “Do you know how many of us have lit incense over that necklace, and prayed for you to find a mate?”

Bradon smiled up at the young priest. “Since I believe you did all within your power to bring us together, I am certain that you prayed for my happiness many times. Thank you for those prayers, and all that you have done on my behalf, for all your hard work is about to be realized.”

“My kind but lonely lord, over the last couple of thousand years, our people have watched you suffering in solitude for a mate. Not only have I prayed for you to find a mate, every priest who ever knelt at that shrine probably prayed endlessly for the same thing.”

There were murmurs from the other priests that they had prayed for it too.

Onyx continued, “Add to that, the prayers of every Davarian citizen who came here to see your shrine. Over the years, the gods only know how many have prayed for you to find a mate. All those voices with a single prayer would have been heard. Like a beautiful chorus, all that concentrated prayer will ensure your mate finds what she is looking for on her quest.”

Bradon felt himself getting choked up, and his face washed out as he thought of the endless prayers for his benefit. It somehow made all the sacrifice worth it. He rubbed the ash from the prayer circle with his shirt, wrapped it around his fist and prayed. When his priests joined him, Bradon knew in his spirit Grace was going to be his. He could feel their connection deep inside his soul.

19 The Patience of a Saint

Grace

Standing on the landing pad facing a horde of young and overly enthusiastic females, Grace felt totally overwhelmed. There had to be almost a hundred women, all wanting to join her on her quest. She turned to Dakota who smiled an exasperated smile and pointed out, “Eden Twelve is large enough to hold all of them in one loading bay. Captain Drake is all in on this publicity stunt. You did ask them all to come with you.”

Ralon was on his com. When his call ended, he turned to Grace. “We will use Davarian military shuttles to take the females to your ship. Your captain says your contraptions are ready to be used. I hope you know what you are doing, youngling.”

“That would be assuming a lot,” Grace deadpanned back.

Dakota interjected smoothly, “We know exactly what we’re doing. I guarantee you we’ll pull the stone we want.”

Looking none too convinced, Ralon sighed. “You must take all the females who presented here today, and you must be the last to select your stone. If not, then one of them will always be able to say, you selected the stone she was going to pick.”

Grace rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, we’re all girls here. I’ve got this. You will be sure to tell Bradon what a gigantic pain the rear this all was, right?”

“If I don’t, I’m certain you will,” the older man teased, forcing Grace to consider that maybe the old priest had a sense of humor after all.

“Well, here goes nothing.” Grace stepped up to address the throng of females. They were all practically vibrating with excitement.

Grace held open both her arms and spoke to the crowd.

“Welcome. I feel like the Davarian home world is my home away from home. That makes you, my newfound sisters. I love Davarian traditions best of all, and my fondest wish is to find the stone of a special someone.” Winking at them, she gave them a knowing smile. “We all know who I am hoping to find, but I’m curious to learn of your hopes and dreams.”

One of the young women shouted, “We dream of finding our prince charming, just like you.”

Grace grinned, “I would like to invite you all to board the Earth vessel, Eden Twelve, for an entire day of relaxation and entertainment.”

The women appeared to be stunned by her extending an invitation to the entire crowd. She shot a nervous glance at Dakota and then Ralon, who motioned for her to continue. He’d come with a small group of priests that he’d culled from the four corners of their world.

Grace steeled her spine and encouraged them all to participate. “We’ll mix, mingle, and share our hopes and dreams. Then we will choose our stones. Some Davarian priests have agreed to assist us in creating our prayer circles. I will see each of my new friends fitted with a stone, before I chose mine. With any luck, we will all go home happy with the knowledge that our stones will draw us to our love.”

The girls went absolutely wild as correspondents pumped her speech over the news feed in real time. Bradon sat watching the whole spectacle not knowing what to make of it. He had never seen so many crazed Davarian females looking for mates. It made him wonder if this was how Grace felt when she first met him. She’d said his life as a Regent was over the top. If so, she now outmaneuvered him in that category.

Bradon had to admit Grace didn’t disappoint. It seemed that she was made for the spotlight. Where most people shied away, or fumbled, Grace seemed in her element. To top it all off, she seemed to be having the time of her life. Since being in the public eye was something he thought she would hate, he was happy to be proven wrong.

Grace was a strong and resourceful woman. She deserved to have him for a mate. He alone could truly understand her, and ensure her needs were met. He vowed to himself, then and there, he would spoil her absolutely rotten in every imaginable way. Fingering the stone on his prayer circle, he stopped on the symbol for finding a mate. She was his. The feeling was growing stronger, the closer she got to his stone. He wasn’t even worried about the hundreds of females choosing their stones first. They wouldn’t dare chose his stone.

Suddenly, two human males were standing before a news correspondent. He knew the one with gold on his uniform was the captain. He had met the man several times when he presented before the council to work out the details of the humans living on the Davarian home world. The other he recognized as Commander West, his second-in-command. The captain began talking about their mission of deep-space exploration, and how grateful they were to the Davarian council for allowing them to settle temporarily on their home world. It was the kind of political speech a male in his position was expected to make. Though it may be lost on most of Bradon’s people, the fact that the captain chose now to speak was meant to convey his support for Grace’s quest. Bradon, being a Regent, understood such things instinctively and was pleased that the humans were putting up a united front on this issue.

As the morning wore on, a feeling of calm came over Bradon. It soothed his soul, making him certain this was a moment in time that was meant to be for him.

A thought occurred to him. Perhaps he should host a huge celebration for the returning females. He would invite only eligible males. Perhaps a few of them might find their mates in the midst of the celebration. He immediately contacted his assistants, and within the hour, he was in front of a correspondent, inviting eligible males to his fortress for an outdoor celebration. He followed Grace’s example.

“Thank you for meeting with me today. I have been held in thrall by the interviews with the human females, particularly with my Grace. She is a close personal friend. I was pleased to hear she hopes to find my stone in the mix. I would love to be the lucky male she is drawn to, but I must admit, I will be happy just for her to have a fine Davarian male for a life mate.” Playing to the crowd, he continued, “You never know—if the lovely human does not find my stone, perhaps another female will. I would love to have a bond mate, after so many years of solitude.”

The correspondent was literally gaping at him. With no other choice, Bradon just kept plowing forward. “Do wish me luck, my friend. I will be hosting a celebration for all eligible Davarian males at the Great Hall of Awakening this night. We will invite the females who have quested this day. Perhaps some will find their prince charming.”

Using the human term earned him a broad smile and some actual feedback from the silent correspondent. “That, my Regent, is an astonishing offer. Will you show your people your prayer circle?” Second guessing himself, the anxious man backtracked. “Please tell me if I am being to forward.”

Bradon smiled politely. “Of course not, I would be happy for my devoted followers to see my prayer circle. I worked this circle with my own small hands over five thousand years ago. It was kept safe in the bottom of the sandbox in my shrine all these many years. Any Davarian who burned incense in the shrine and prayed for me to finally find love has a vested interest in seeing today’s events unfold. For those prayers, I give thanks today.”

The correspondent seemed shocked all over again. Clearing his throat, he murmured, “On our bonding day, my mate and I visited your shrine. We prayed for you to find the same love we share, my Regent.”

Bradon smiled warmly and put his hand on the man’s arm. “I am hopeful, that at long last, our prayers might be answered. If not, I will host this event every year until my proper mate finds me.”

The man whispered in awe, “Praise be to the gods. My prayers are, once again, with you.”

Within minutes, his interview was in every data stream. Bradon sat in his lounge nervously wondering how the females were faring and if Grace was managing to control the situation. Suddenly he found another feed from the data stream. It appeared to be Grace having the time of her life. She was smiling, happy, and joking with the women. The Davarian females were teasing her about finding his stone. Everyone seemed so happy. No wonder priests were thin on the ground at his estate. Most of his staff was somehow on the human ship with Grace. That would be Ralon’s doing, no doubt about it. Still, he trusted the older priest to do as he thought best in this situation. His priests were serving drinks, passing around platters of food, and even grooming the ladies’ hair.

Bradon snorted a laugh. Poor Ralon was definitely pulling his load today. He noticed males in the background. Squinting, he saw they were human males. He enlarged the data stream and could see them setting up tables with equipment for cutting stone. They seemed to be setting up a long row along the back perimeter of the room. He smiled that they were all business today and pulled back out to watch his Queen.

Grace began speaking and the room hushed. “I think we should apply some organization to the order in which we chose stones. Let the youngest go first. I know I am the oldest because I spent many solars in my sleep pod, making me twice as old as most of you.”

There were giggles from the females. Ralon walked up with his arm around a very young female.

Grace took her hand and asked, “How old are you, precious?”

The shy girl found her voice and replied, “Seventeen.”

Ralon walked the young girl through the process that they’d set up. “How sweet you are, youngling.” Escorting her over to an overly complex machine, he sat her down at a seat. When she sat the seat gave no bounce, as human seating didn’t hover like Davarian furniture. She sat with a plop, looking embarrassed.

Ralon and Grace stood on either side of the youngest member of their group. “Look, this is the way of choosing, young one. We have a grappler on the outside of the ship. In fact, we have installed several dozen. You use it to grab a stone. If you concentrate really hard, you can feel the energy the stone gives off. It should draw you to the stone belonging to your true love. You don’t have to be any certain age to feel the connection, but you must still your soul and concentrate. Take as long as you like. When you feel the energy, grab. The gods will see that you get the right one. Do you understand?”

The girl nodded nervously. Ralon guided her hands onto the grappler’s control levers. The room went quiet. The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She waited for what seemed like an eternity then quickly snatched a stone. She pulled it through the decontamination portal, and within moments it came rolling through a slot and into a bin which was clearly designed for that purpose.

She picked it up and said, “By the gods, do you feel that? The rock sings to me.” She put Ralon’s hand on it, but he shook his head. “No one but you, can feel the frequency, little one. You did well. If the rock sings to you, you have found your one. Now we make a prayer circle, and if you pray, it will lead you to the one you were meant to be with.”

Grace murmured. “We’ll make you a necklace, but I already know who the rock belongs to.”

Ralon’s eyes narrowed and he insisted, “My lady, I’m sorry but that is not possible.”

Grace rolled her eyes and turned the rock over. There was a name carved into it. It looked like Graih with the mark of one of the Davarian great houses.

Grace turned to the camera. “Hello Graih. If you are watching, I’d like to introduce you to your new mate. She is beautiful, and I am certain you will have a long and happy life. Also, you are clever boy for carving your name into the stone. It does make finding you so much easier.”

Ralon grumped, “That is not supposed to be how the process works.”

Grace murmured respectfully, “All ways lead to the same outcome.” The women laughed and began lining up at the grapplers.

Bradon was amazed at the speed at which the females chose their stones. Most seemed extremely happy. Some few seemed to think they had made bad choices. Hour after hour they pulled stones through the decon portals.

Bradon watched the spectacle unfold and was pleased by how Grace fussed over the females, ensuring each got what she wanted from the experience. Their feed was augmented by interviews with the participating female’s families. There was even an interview with the clever young male who’d inscribed his name onto his stone. The youth was embarrassed but pleased with himself, as he was eager to meet his new mate.

The day flew by, and then it was nearing nightfall. There were less than ten females left. All were mature, at least in their mid-twenties. They were picky girls who spent a long time at the controls. For some reason they had private conversations with Grace and as time dragged on, a favored member of their families arrived to support them during their choosing. It seemed that his lovely bride-to-be “left no stone unturned” when it came to pleasing the females in her group.

Her sister tinkered with the grappling machine prior to each of the remaining women using the device. It did not come as a surprise that a hastily constructed machine, built for a singular purpose might need adjusting after being used so many times in rapid succession.

When each woman hauled her stone in, everyone gathered around her. The entire planet was held spellbound as they watched each female run her hands over the stone and proclaim it her one.

For some reason Bradon found himself getting caught up in the process, hoping against hope that each female got a stone that spoke to her soul. He laughed at himself for becoming a hopeless romantic. Had it been such a short time ago that he had lost all hope of finding his mate?

Suddenly, it was Grace’s turn at the controls. Bradon was on the edge of his seat as he watched Grace’s sister tune the machine one final time. She nodded to Grace and she gripped the controls with shaking hands.

He wrapped his prayer circle around his hands and prayed harder than he had ever prayed before. Bradon could almost feel her anxiety. No wait, that was his anxiety. The more he concentrated, the more he felt another emotion. It was certainty. His eyes flew open as he realized his Grace knew with one hundred percent certainty she was going to pull his stone. His gaze never left his beautiful mate. She was stunning today. She had her hair pulled up and studded with gemstones. Her long white silk gown clung to every curve. Grace was the goddess personified in his mind. No other female would ever do, after knowing her. She was sweet, innocent, sexy, and funny.

She absolutely spent forever at the controls with her eyes closed. Micron after micron ticked by, and just when he was giving up hope, she quickly snatched a stone. As she pulled it in, his breath caught in his throat. He might be able to tell by looking at the stone. Most males cut their stone right down the middle forming two long semi-circles. Bradon had cut his the opposite way leaving two large round fat semi-circles. It would not be conclusive evidence, because many cut this way in the old days.

Grace turned around and lifted the stone up for all to see. It was cut as he had cut his stone all those many eons ago. He brought his prayer circle to his lips and kissed each bead in turn. He thanked the gods for just having the chance to be her one.

He watched as she gently caressed the stone. The look on her pretty face was pure love and devotion. He knew the look because she had given it to him before. She held the stone above her head and said in a loud voice, “This stone sings the song of my heart. I can feel it. I don’t yet know for sure who it belongs to, but its resonance feels familiar to me. Whoever you are, my love, know I’m coming for you.”

Her words tore right through him like nothing he could have imagined. His chest swelled and his cock hardened. He could feel every square inch of his skin tingling. Bradon looked down. His stone was warming to his touch. It shimmered for a brief moment.

Come to me, my love. I will never be foolish enough to let you go again.

He watched as Ralon assisted her making her prayer circle. The old priest made a point of not touching the stone any more than he had to in order to assist her properly. When her ship was returning to the launch pad, he opened a com channel to the ship and asked for her. He watched on the data stream as she took his call. She put him on a large screen and all the ladies gathered around.

“Greetings to all. It is my honor to congratulate you on selecting your stones. You did a fine job. May they guide you to your happily ever after.”

They all sighed that he has used the Earth phrase to describe it.

“I wanted to extend to you an invitation to a celebration at the Great Hall of Awakening. I have invited eligible males. We had so many requests to attend, that I had to cap the number at two thousand. I am sorry, but it is all the Great Hall can accommodate on short notice. If you will land your ship on my private landing strip, my priests will accompany you to the gardens.”

That offer earned him squeals of delight all around. Grace was beaming at him. “Thank you, my friend. We would all love to attend your celebration. Dare I hope that you managed to find Graih? His love mate would be so disappointed to miss him.”

Unable to keep a smile from his face, Bradon replied candidly. “I am told he is present already. He has been very excited for most of the day. The priests say he has done the work of about three men to assist in preparing for our gathering.”

Grace’s laugh told him how pleased she was by that information. “So does the stone I chose look familiar, my love? You know, I am hoping against hope that the stone I chose is yours.”

Bradon’s breath caught in this throat, to be addressed so lovingly, and so publicly. He nodded, “I cannot be certain from looking, but I did cut my stone horizontally instead of vertically like most males do. That gives me cause to hope, my love. Let the will of the gods be done in this matter.”

Glancing at the mature group of females, she murmured, “Or the will of women.” They beamed knowing smiles back at her.

Before he could ask about her cryptic response, she concluded their conversation with a fond farewell. “I will see you soon.”

20 Soul Mates

Bradon

Bradon signed off from watching her feed on the data stream in favor of preparing for the night to come. After a long bath, he laid on his sleeping platform staring at his prayer circle. He searched his soul one more time, and found no reason to doubt his feeling, that Grace was his one. Before meeting Grace, women seemed a bit of a mystery to him. The human was easy to understand. She said exactly what she meant and meant exactly what she said, leaving no room for him to wonder about her motivations. He’d gotten foolishly off track the one time he’d dared to doubt her honesty. That had cost him her companionship and almost doused the flames of her love. He’d not make that mistake again. Grace understood him so well in a short period of time. It must be because she was his one.

His attendants came to help him get ready. Bradon knew he would be scrutinized all evening. He chose a fine suit of Davarian silk in a dark color with a blue shirt. He wore his prayer circle on the outside of his clothing. There was nothing to do but join his Davarian brothers and wait for the females.

When he went outside, he was warmly received. Several males came to him, and they chatted excitedly about the images from the human ship. They complimented him on his potential mate. One joked that he would not like ending up with a female who had so publicly professed her love for another.

This was the kind of amicable companionship he’d normally held himself back from enjoying. His fear had been that mingling too closely with his people would make him seem weak and siphon away his power as their ruler. Now, he could see just the opposite happening. These males respected him because they saw his plight mirrored in their own.

Davarian military shuttles began landing on his pad, and the females came pouring out. They were all happy and excitedly talking about their day. Everyone seemed well satisfied with the experience. His priests had created a hovering platform for the ladies to stand upon. They all crowded onto the tight space, happily jostling for room.

The priests carefully nudged the males to form two long rows. They were positioned like a long winding serpent, snaking through the garden and back again. Once again it struck him that everything was being managed for the sake of appearances.

Yet there was method to their plan. The males were positioned in a manner that enabled each lady to walk through and see if her prayer circle generated a response from the necklaces belonging to any of the males. It was a clever and efficient way to manage the numbers.

The first female was linked directly with her mate, as he was kind enough to put his name on her half of the stone. The poor boy could not have been more than eighteen. He was teased repeatedly. He couldn’t seem to quit grinning, no matter what anyone said about it. He seemed especially pleased to see their stones drawn to one another in proof of their bond. Davarians had long since discovered the stones were magnetic, each one vibrating at a different frequency that ensured it would only be drawn to the correct polarity of its other half.

The procession started, with Bradon being positioned in the very last space at the tail end. He was only about twenty paces from the platform but had to wait while each and every lady walked the path. It took hours, and about thirty percent of the females came out with mates.

Finally, it was the moment his whole world had been waiting for. Grace was the last female to step down from the platform. She began to walk the path. As she walked, each male kneeled, and began to pray for her to find her one. Grace touched each male on the top of the head as she went by. It was her way of thanking them for their support, but it looked to Davarian eyes as though their new Queen was blessing each male in turn.

Bradon knew his female so well that seeing her fatigue was easy. Though she hid it well, Bradon knew that after her long hectic day, she was putting one leg in front of the other by sheer strength of will alone. She was truly exhausted, from managing the women all day. It was plain as day on her face.

She walked the path to honor him and the ways of his people. That knowledge made his throat close up with emotion. The moment she glanced up, he looked into her eyes and just knew she was his one. Grace’s excitement grew by leaps and bounds as she approached him.

Suddenly, she was standing in front of him. He reached for her and she came willingly into his arms. Before she could even think, his lips were on hers. There was loud, thunderous applause and rejoicing. He released her, and they both realized their necklaces were glowing slightly and stuck together like magnets.

Grace lifted their joined hands above their heads and stepped forward to speak.

“I am told that on the day of joining with a Davarian male, the female must visit the family of the male, and convince his family of her love for him. As you all know, Bradon’s family passed in the glorious darkness many years ago. Tonight, I ask all Davarians to stand in their stead.”

The absolute and utter quietness of the night slammed home how stunned his people were at hearing her sweet request. He pulled her closer, wrapping both arms around her slight form as she continued addressing the crowd. “I thought of writing a nice speech, but instead I decided to speak from my heart. When I first came to your beautiful world and met your Queen, I fell in love with all things Davarian. I was drawn to Bradon even while he slumbered. Your Queen assured me that he was as attractive on the inside as he was on the outside.” Elbowing him gently in the side, she continued, “I found that to be a matter of opinion. However, the purest love grew in my heart for him, not because he is perfect, but because he isn’t. I believe it is the imperfections that draw us together as people. Though Bradon is too dedicated to his duty in my opinion, he enjoys teasing me too much by far, and he steals the blankets at night, I declare that I do love him. I love him for all his perfection as well as all his flaws. I promise to be always at his side, during the good times, and the bad. I have gifted your Regent with a sleep pod that will enable us both to slumber together. I plan to discipline my life to sleep and wake according to his schedule. I will support and nurture him with all of my being and do all within my power to ensure his happiness. I hereby ask your permission to take him to me.”

Bradon turned her to him, placed his hand on her cheek and made the Davarian mating call. The deep guttural sound resonated from his throat because he could barely contain it any longer. When she smiled at him, his lips fell on hers, and he could feel the anxiety melting out of her body.

They got lost in their kiss for a brief moment as the crowd grew quiet. Grace ran her fingers through his hair. Bradon deepened the kiss until she was plastered against him, and a soft strangled cry broke from her lips. Oh yes, she was definitely his.

He pulled back, unable to contain the overwhelming lust coursing through his veins. “I do hereby claim you as my mate. Let all rejoice in the knowledge that your regent has found love.”

A cry of pure elation rose from the crowd, sealing their fate together.

“I’ll be hearing lots more of those sweet sounds you make when we kiss from now on. Don’t think to ever leave me again, Grace. I won’t have it.”

Grace ran her hand affectionately over the side of his face and replied, “Then don’t give me cause to leave. You are now under a one-female barricade. Don’t think to sample more females, because I won’t have it.”

“I really like arguing with you, kitten.”

“I really like arguing with you too, big guy.”

Bradon pulled her to his side, wrapped one arm protectively around her waist, and turned to face the crowd. “Today is an auspicious occasion. It is the day Bradon the Devoted took a mate. In celebration of the occasion, every solar of my reign, on this day, my lovely mate will escort eligible females to seek their love stones. I, in turn, will host a celebration for eligible males, that their mates might more easily locate them. If you were not fortunate enough to find your female tonight, let it not worry you. Most of you are by far too young for the bonding bed, in any event. Come yet again next year and try your luck.”

The males loved his speech. Several burst out laughing, when he said they were too young for mating. They understood him to be too old for mating. Everyone stayed for a short time and left with the rising of the sun.

Bradon took his new love mate to his chambers, and they snuggled in bed for a long sleep. She had been a good sport about all the hassle involved with becoming his bond mate. The little human had endured a very long day for his sake, and he was not about to tax her for intimacy.

They woke well past midday, and he taxed her several times. She wasn’t even joking about being an accommodating girl. She welcomed him with open arms. They loved, talked about their overly contrived life, and loved some more. By the time the priests brought food, they were both well past starving. It was a lovely precedent to model the rest of their lives on. However, Bradon had one question bearing on his mind. A question he had a mind to have answered. The perfect moment presented itself.

It was when she cupped his face in her hands. In return, Bradon twirled a lock of her blue hair around one finger, tugging it hard. “Ready to tell me your secret, kitten? You know how I hate being out of a loop.”

She bit her bottom lip, clearly trying to cover a smile. “The expression is out of THE loop, my sweet.”

“You are stalling, my sweet.”

“What do you want to know exactly?”

“I wish to know how you managed to pull my stone from the millions of bits of debris orbiting our planet.”

“Maybe it’s fate.”

Tracing her lip with one finger, he replied, “Perhaps it is divine providence, yet I think it is not. You will share your secrets with me. We are as one, now that you are my Queen.”

Rolling her eyes, she nipped at his finger. “Your planet has a revolving magnetic resonance. The striated stones you believe to be magical each resonate at a different frequency.”

“This has been theorized by our scientists before.”

“My sister is an engineer. She and some of her friends from the engineering unit developed a machine capable of pinpointing the exact frequency of each stone.”

“That explains nothing. You would have had to possess my stones to know which one to match it to and it would have taken longer for my stone to randomly drift by your grappler.”

Glancing down to her hand, she turns around a ring on her finger and I recognize it as being one from my collection. “Ralon gifted me with this. He told me his ancestors kept a bit of your stone and made this ring for his future Queen to wear. We used it to home in on your frequency.”

Shock tore through his gut as he realized what the ingenious humans did. “You used your machine to draw my stone to your grappler?”

Nodding, Grace moved to sit up. Leaning back against the top of his bed, she drew her knees up to her chest and rested her arms on top. “I think the power of the stones is real, but I wasn’t willing to leave it all to chance. I wanted you, and I normally get what I want.”

The kitten she’d gifted him with clawed its way up the bedding and rubbed itself along her leg. He could well believe this female normally got what she set her mind on.

Her matter-of-fact statement made him smile. “I’m pleased you cheated to make me yours, but what of all the other females who are stuck with whatever stone they pulled?”

A sly grin morphed onto her face, accompanied by a slightly smug expression. “We all talked about it. Most of the women didn’t have any idea who they wanted to marry and were willing to let the stones decide. The last dozen or so were pretty particular, since they’d already fallen for a specific gentleman.”

Shocked all over again, he guessed what they’d done. “They sent word to their males and they sent a bead from their necklace. The females used the bead to locate the matching stone in orbit.”

Nodding, she shrugged. “Power to the people, I say. Or in this case, power to the females.”

Searching his mind for how he felt about the humans corrupting their long-standing rituals, Bradon couldn’t say he was angry. It seemed like ancient traditions colliding with modern times, resulting in an improvement to benefit all. Now, females had more choices than ever before. They could simply choose for themselves without using the stones. True believers could just rely upon their instincts. And females wishing a sure outcome could use the new human device to seek out a particular stone. He could not see a way for the new system to be corrupted, because a male had to donate a stone from his own closely guarded necklace for the woman to use, thus ensuring it was a mutual bond. It had a check and balance system built right in.

Grace’s voice drew him from his internal musings. “Are you angry with me, Bradon?”

He smoothed his hand down the tiny kitten, liking the way it turned its face into his palm and rubbed him back. Glancing up to catch her eye, he spoke. “Haven’t you heard? My namesake is Bradon the Wise for a reason. I can see the wisdom in many situations others might find fault with. It pleases me that you devised a way to make certain I became your mate. You honored our traditions and gave our females a new tool to use when selecting a mate. I don’t think it will take long for your secret to get out either.”

Twisting her finger into the thin fabric of their bedding, she stated, “I’m worried that not everyone will approve.”

“I will command that they do.”

“You’re being silly again.”

Grinning, he amended his statement. “I will explain to my people the benefit of your gift to our females. I’m sure few will see it as a disadvantage.”

“Really? It’ll be that simple?”

“You are my happily ever after, as I am yours. My people may not approve of all our decisions as regents, but they respect our right to make such decisions. All will be well.”

“So, we’re really doing this twenty awake and forty hibernating thing?”

“I will please me greatly to have you at my side for all times.”

Slipping back down into his arms, she teased him gently. “Yeah, you say that now. Let’s see if you still feel that way in a thousand years.”

Leaning his forehead against hers, Bradon whispered, “Our love will be for all times. Never doubt that, my sweet.”

“You have beautiful eyes. Did you know that?”

Remembering her saying that the first night they met, a quiet joy filled his heart. Brushing his lips across hers, he murmured, “All the better to see you with, my dear.”

Grace burst out laughing at his reference to one of her human fairytales. He loved his new human mate and had made it a point over the last year to learn how to tickle all her funny bones. Bradon didn’t see that ever changing.

When her hands smoothed over his leathery skin, for once he didn’t worry that she though him strange. Grace was now his mate. She’d fought for her right to be at his side, and he would shelter and protect her until his dying breath.

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