MATED TO THE ALIEN KING

JUNO WELLS

SEXY SNEAK PEEK

"I thought I'd lost you."

"And you - cared?"

I pull off his shoulder then stare into his eyes. Shining through all the emotions warring inside is one I don't recognize. A warmth. A lightness of, well being for lack of a better way to describe it. I feel light and happy. I'm so relieved, so happy he's going to be okay. I don't want to live in a world without his bright presence in it.

"Yes," I say. "Yes, yes, yes!"

His arms wrap around and pull me tight. I tilt my head back and then lean in kissing his lips. They're soft yet strong. Electric sparks shoot through me as our mouths meet for the first time. A thrill of chills races up and down my spine.

"Leave us!" Mal orders.

"But sire," one of the guards protests.

"Now!" he orders and they leave without another word.

We're alone. Primal need takes over. Our lips meet once more with all consuming passion. He tastes of berries and I can't get enough. I lick them teasing my way past his lips until our tongues dance together.

His erection strains up as I climb onto the bed with him. I run my hands over his chest, touching the muscles I've dreamed about. The solidness of him feels amazing under my fingers. Dim concerns about compatibility fight for my attention but desire overwhelms it. My limbs quiver feeling his massive manhood straining for freedom, straining to have me.

© 2015 Juno Wells

All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are all productions of the author’s imagination.

Please note that this work is intended only for adults over the age of 18 and all characters represented as 18 or over.

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PROLOGUE

War has been brewing for over 1000 years, but never has it been so close…

If humans knew the danger lurking in the shadows of Outer Space above them, not one would be able to sleep at night. Fortunately for them the guardians of the ancient peace—The Lords of Astria— protected their planetary home.

A new threat, the Dark Nebula, threatened the little spiral galaxy that had been neutral space since the Treaty of Elyria had ended the Great War.

Word had reached the High Council of atrocities being committed at the border of the Milky Way - the neutral territory between Astria and the Dark Nebula.

Just when things seemed at an impasse, a clever solution was proposed: to invoke the ancient rights which stated that once two peoples were united by blood and marriage, they became, in effect, one people— and any treaties which bound one people, bound all of them.

A member of the ruling house of each planet would take an earthling as a spouse, and so bring Earth under the protection - all with the utmost secrecy. If the Dark Nebula made further moves to encroach upon the Milky Way, the High Council would be able to protect its territory with lethal force.

A leader of each planet would have to wed and procreate with an Earthling in order to assure the continued survival and safety of the United Federation of Astria.

And so, while these cosmic decision played out in the heavens above them, the ignorant Earthlings slept blissfully, never knowing that the swiftly titling planet they called home held the fate of the universe within its little solar system… unless they were called up to be the mother to an alien child, a wife to an alien lover...

These are their stories.

CHAPTER ONE

"So," Abby says looking up from her salmon with an ear-to-ear grin. "When are you going to 'settle' down?" She arches her eyebrow just like our mother.

Laughter bursts out. I cover my mouth quickly to keep from spraying food across the table and embarrassing myself in front of the other restaurant guests. This, of course, is hilarious to her.

"Seriously, have you been practicing that in front of a mirror?" I ask.

"Oh you know, an innate talent to channel Mom. She asks me every week if I think you're going to find a 'nice young man' to settle down with. Preferably, you know, rich, handsome, and of course well hung."

"Hung?" I chuckle. "I'm sure Mom says that."

"Oh yes, absolutely. Mom's very concerned about the manhood of your prospective man that doesn't, you know, exist."

"I've been busy-"

"Avoiding men," she interjects.

"With work! And hey, it's not like you've settled down with Mr. Right."

"Ah, but I'm the baby of the family. Privileges come with that."

She's right. Mom and Dad dote on her. I can't deny it but I do it too. I love my little sister. Her cherubic face, infectious smile, and bright shiny green eyes fill me with warmth. She's my best friend as well as my sister.

"Must be nice," I snort.

"You have no idea!" she laughs. "But seriously, how is the love life?"

"Non-existent to be honest."

"No one? When's the last time you went on a date?"

It makes me sad that I have to actually think about it. When was the last time I went out? Her frown deepens as I try to remember.

"Well..."

"Yeah. Too long if you have to think about it."

"I've been seriously busy with work."

"Look, I know you're like this super-genius and doing all that science-y stuff but there's more to life than trying to create the next... whatever the hell it is you work on."

"Trans-space drives," I fill in for her.

"Sure, whatever that is."

"It's an engine that will allow us to travel to other planets."

"Yeah, super genius techno-babble. So anyway my dear Star Trekker you still need to, you know, get a man. One here on Earth preferably. One who you can-"

She fills out the sentence by holding her closed hands out in front of her and moving them and the lower half of her body below the table in a circle. She looks ridiculous so I laugh then she's laughing too.

"Finish your fish," I order.

"Yes Ma'am," she says with a mock salute.

We laugh our way through the meal but now I'm thinking about things I don't have time for. It'd be nice to have someone to come home to but I want someone who can keep up with me. Someone smart, driven, successful. Is that too much to ask? Good looking is nice but I want a man who's my intellectual equal too. Who won't get lost when I start talking shop. That's been the downfall of my dating. Every date I've had, their eyes glaze over as soon as I start talking.

"Let's get out of here," I say pushing my plate away.

"Sure, want to catch a show?"

"I've got an early day tomorrow."

"Okay but I'm telling you there's this all male revue at this small bar downtown..."

"Tempting."

"Surely you can splurge for one night?"

"Screw it, sure, let's go."

I don't know why I let her talk me into things like this. It's either such a habit or she has some magic power that I don't even resist anymore. She asks and I just go along.

The streets are wet from recent rain and empty. Really empty. The cab drops us off in front of a battered green door with a single bulb hanging over it which is flickering.

"This isn't a very nice area," I say as we climb out of the cab. It pulls away, my gut tightens, and a cold chill runs down my spine.

Abby pulls her phone out and looks from the screen to the numbers over the door. "This is the right place."

A bottle rattles along the pavement to my left. I turn with a start and see two shadowy figures. I grab Abby by the arm and push her towards the door.

"Let's get inside, now," I order.

I don't look at her or the door as I push her keeping my eyes on the two men who approach us. I hear her turn the door handle and from my peripheral vision I can see it doesn't open. She rattles the handle but it's locked.

The approaching men reach inside their overcoats. Tingling sensations run over my skin as every nerve alights with a primal sense of danger. The lizard part of my brain knows that I'm in jeopardy and instinct takes over. Grabbing Abby tighter, I push her behind me then start backing down the street.

There are no street lights and the night is still overcast so there's only pale moonlight to illuminate the men. My danger sense is on overdrive. They have something odd in their hands but I can't tell what it is. It's not a phone or a gun. At least there's that.

"Missy," Abby says her voice quavering.

"Just keep moving," I say.

"Not a good idea," she says.

I whip my head around to see that there are two more men approaching from that end of the street. A quick look back and forth and it's obvious the trap has been sprung but we've backed up enough there's an alley just a few more feet from us.

"Abby," I say catching her eye.

I look from her to the alley quickly. She gets it, I nod and we both bolt. Abby is younger and plays college softball so she's quicker than I am. I keep myself in shape working out three to four times a week but I'm older and nowhere near as quick as her. She's pulling ahead.

There's a flash of light then the wall next to me explodes showering shards of brick and dust. My face is lacerated as I throw up an arm for protection.

"Abby run!" I scream.

She's halfway down the alley when there's another flash. Instinctively I duck, fear gripping me. A trash can turns into shrapnel flying across the alley. Blinking rapidly to clear my vision I run into Abby and we both tumble to the ground.

Do not move. You will not be harmed. We need you. I don't hear the words, they're in my head.

Rolling on to my back I look up at the two men looking down at me. I can't see their faces or any details, just their forms. They're wearing trench coats and wide brimmed hats pulled low over their heads which keeps their faces in shadow. There are steps behind us too and one quick glance tells me we're trapped.

"Just let her go," I say as I try to cover Abby with my body. "I'll do whatever you want. Let her out of here."

The two men in front of me look at each other but say nothing. My heart's pounding in my chest like a jackhammer trying to break through my ribs.

"Missy," Abby says from below me. "They're behind us."

The two men in front of us step closer so I move as quick as I can lashing out with one foot trying to take out the one closest to me. My shin connects and pain explodes up my leg. It's like hitting a metal post. He barely glances at where I kicked him.

No. The voice is in my head again. Do not do this. You must not be harmed. It has been ordered.

"Who the hell are you?" the words rip at my throat.

One of them reaches into a pocket and pulls out something. I'm sure it's going to be a gun this time. I'm about to die and I can't save Abby.

In his hand is a small rectangle. A phone? He waves the thing in front of me and I see it displays my face along with words. Cold chills run down my spine. What the hell is this?

Chosen. You are the one. Great honor. No harm must come to you.

A flash of light and the wall beside the two men in front of me shatters. One of the men drops over Abby and I, covering us with his body and I hear the raining shards of brick and stone pattering against him. Flashes and explosions are happening all around us. The man on top of us smells oddly of flowers.

Odd how my mind locks onto this mundane fact while apparently there's a war going on over my sister and I. The man covering us wiggles, his hand diving inside his coat, then emerges with a device of his own. I see his thumb and finger moving across it quickly then everything turns white. My stomach drops out like I'm going over the top of the world's biggest roller coaster and darkness washes away all thought.

CHAPTER TWO

Aaroogh! Aaroogh!

The alarm cuts through the fog jerking me alert. I sit up and try to orient myself. Yellow lights are flashing in time with the alarm that's so loud it feels like it might split my skull in half.

"Abby?" I look around trying to find my sister.

"Missy?" she groans.

She's lying on the floor struggling to rise. She blinks her eyes several times before raising one hand to her head then the other to block her ears.

"I know, I've no idea what the hell is going on but that sound needs to stop!"

Abby gets to her feet and I help steady her. We're in a small, windowless room with no outstanding features. If I had to hazard a guess I'd say it was a broom closet based on size alone. The walls appear to be made of gray steel on which I don't see any seems or rivets. The only feature of any note is a rectangular panel. I walk over and start examining the box.

"What is that?" Abby asks.

"I think it's a door control system."

I wave my hand in front of it but nothing happens. I press my hands against it, still nothing. Frowning I bite my lip. There has to be something I'm missing. I inspect the edges of the thing looking for any clue as to how it works. Doing this my forehead touches the screen and it lights up.

I jump back to see waves moving across it. It takes me a minute to realize that the waves look like beta brain waves. I didn't study much neurology in school but I did some basic overview courses.

"Of course!"

"Of course what?" Missy asks.

"Those men, they used telepathy. Holy shit..." I trail off as the implications of that hit home.

"So where are we and what the hell is going on?" she asks.

I ignore my sister focusing on the problem to hand. I try to project my thought at the box and am rewarded by the waves increasing in size. Chewing on my lip again I push at it the thought to open. The door slides open as the waves increase in size before dropping back to normal.

"Damn," I exhale.

"Missy, what's going on?"

I can hear the fear in her voice. I should probably be afraid too but I'm too caught up in the discovery. They were aliens! They had to be, we don't have technology like this on Earth.

The alarm sound is even louder now that the door is open. I peer around the edge and see a long, nondescript hallway stretching away to either side with various doors. Each has a panel next to it. I duck back into the room.

"Abby," I say taking her by her shoulders. "I need you to trust me. I'm pretty sure we've been abducted by aliens. We need to find our way out of here and try to escape. Can you stay close to me?"

She nods but her lip trembles. I know she's afraid. I understand but I'd be lying if I said I felt the same. I know I need to focus on escaping but I'm honestly more interested in getting a look at their ship's drive than I am in getting away. If Abby wasn't here that would be my focus.

"I'm scared Missy," she says.

"I know. Don't worry. We're going to be fine. Let's get out of here."

I look both ways before stepping out into the hallway. There's no place to hide so I decide to just walk like I belong here. Left seems as good a way as any so we head that way. Fifty feet down the hall something hits whatever we're in, there's an explosion, and then the hallway turns on its side. I fall hard against what was the wall but just became the floor, landing on my shoulder.

"Ow!" Abby cries out.

"Damn it," I say scrambling back to my feet as the hallway shifts back to right and the floor is beneath us again. "We're going to have to run. Something bad is happening."

The floor settles into a vibration that runs up from my feet creating a numbing sensation throughout my body. Abby is fighting back tears. I turn and run trusting her to keep pace with me.

More explosions cause the hallway to rock back and forth and our forward progress is slow. Finally we come to a cross section. I look either way finding no indicators of which way is out. The alarm finally stops, making it easier to think. As the lights steady I see a ladder to my left.

Climbing it, I poke my head through the hole at the top then quickly duck back down. It emerges into a new hallway but there are people running up and down it. Despite the appearance of metal floors they move with little noise. Only by listening carefully can I hear their footsteps as they recede. Once it sounds clear, I peek in to find it empty.

I help Abby up the ladder. The people were running in one direction so I lead us in the opposite. This hallway is lined with doors too but they're spaced much further apart. We move quickly but I catch a sound that seems to be coming towards us. I look around frantically. Abby's shaking behind me adding to my own panic.

The steps are getting closer so I run to one of the doors. I lean my head against it like I did in the room we woke up in and it lights up. I scream OPEN in my mind. The door slides open without a sound. Grabbing Abby I pull her in moving backwards so I can see if we're spotted or not. Inside, I will the door to close.

"Missy," Abby says softly.

"Yeah," I say without looking. The door is not responding to me.

"I think we've got a bigger problem."

Finally the door closes. I turn around to Abby and my stomach drops to the floor. The wall behind us is clear and floating there in a big expanse of black is Earth. Lights flash by the view so I look up. The ceiling is clear too and there's another ship out there firing lasers at us.

"Damn," I exhale. "We're in space."

CHAPTER THREE

Lights flash hitting the other ship. It doesn't return fire. Parts of it that were lit up go dark and it has the appearance of drifting. The floor and walls rumble then the space outside stretches. There's a sensation like coming apart at the seams, then a whoofing, before everything returns to normal. Outside is still nothing but black with an occasional white blur. I know, because of my background and theory study, that we’re moving faster than light. Nothing on Earth can do this. I've got to see the engines!

"Missy," Abby says. "Where the hell are we?"

The door opens. We have nowhere to run.

Two men, two stunningly gorgeous men, walk in. They are no longer wearing the trench coats or outerwear and I gasp. The pair would put the best underwear models to shame.

They're tall, close to seven feet, with very broad shoulders. Their skin has a golden tint to it that shimmers in the light. As they walk closer I notice that the shimmer is because their exposed skin is covered in scales. It's subtle, barely noticeable as different from regular skin. Their eyes are slightly too wide set for a human. One of them has golden eyes and the other has blue green. In general their anatomy is human enough.

You are safe now.

One or both of them speak into my mind. I look at Abby and see she heard them too.

"Who are you?" I ask.

"I am Prince Mal-Tunak," the golden-eyed one speaks aloud for the first time.

His voice is deep and rich, like warm dark coffee full of overtones. He smiles with his too wide mouth showing way too many teeth. Most of his teeth look like a human’s but his canines are sharp and pointed.

"Prince?" I ask.

He bows his head then bends at his waist placing one arm in front of himself. He stands back up straight and awkward silence settles among the four of us. I stare at our captor without shame. I'm not good with social settings and certainly don't know the protocol for being abducted by aliens.

Something on his neck holds my attention and then it hits me. "Gills!"

He looks surprised and Abby snorts.

"You have gills. Oh my god, so your evolutionary line developed on a world with lots of water, lots more than Earth. Of course!"

My mind is racing down the path that would lead a species to develop gills. The scales make sense now, they're protective underwater. The ship is filled with air that Abby and I can breathe so they're oxygen based life forms. Amphibian. And they're traveling through space, so they must be much older than us as well.

"Your planet has to be what eighty, ninety percent water? Earth is around seventy which didn't lend to that evolution."

"It is," he says with surprise in his voice. "I knew you were the one. You are every bit as brilliant as you are beautiful."

"Well of course that makes sense, but you have to have enough land to build space travel from-" I stop talking.

He knew I was the one? The one for what? And I'm beautiful? My heart jumps in my chest and my gut tightens. I look at him again but not with my analytical mind. A more primal part examines him. All man. He’s so tall. His dark hair is pulled tight against the top of his head and hangs down in the back. As he moves his muscles ripple, well everywhere. I lick my lips which are suddenly dry and Abby laughs.

"You got her there," she says chuckling.

"Got her?" he asks.

"Shocked her. Got her mind to stop for a moment," Abby replies.

"Oh, I don't want to harm her, how do I fix this?" he says genuinely concerned. He reaches for my shoulders but I step back.

"No, no it's a figure of speech," I explain.

"Ah, our translators are still getting accustomed to your language. It will take a bit longer before the nuances are fully integrated."

"Translators? That's how you’re speaking English?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Well then, how about the most important question of all?" I ask.

"Anything you wish to know, I will gladly tell you."

"Why are we here?"

He looks at the man with him who has been standing silent but he simply shrugs.

"Well, to marry you of course. Were you not briefed on this?" He looks at the other man again.

"There was no time," the man says. "We were attacked by Dark Ones."

Mal-Tunak frowns. "I am sorry. You must be so confused and scared. This is not the way."

"Uh-huh, the way for what?"

Abby snorts behind me. "Oh my god, are you serious?"

I look back at her then back at Mal. "What the hell is going on here?"

Mal's brow knits together. He turns towards the other man speaking rapidly in a language I don't understand. It’s an odd mix of guttural interspersed with high pitches that I'm not sure my own vocal chords could duplicate. Just the tone is enough to tell he's angry. The other man's skin turns a shade of light blue though he stands at attention and takes the berating without a word.

He replies to Mal then turns sharply on one heel and walks out the door. Mal stares at the closed door for a long moment before turning back.

"I apologize. Allow me to explain."

There's a sound behind me. I turn and a table has come from some place with chairs. Several glasses rest on it along with what I assume is food. Mal sits on one side of the table and Abby is already digging through the treats. I join her on the opposite side and choose something that looks like small pieces of meat and fruit on a toothpick. Surprisingly it's quite tasty.

"So," I say.

I take a sip from a glass filled with a blue substance that reminds me of watermelons but is incredibly light and refreshing.

He smiles before he speaks. I find it only a little disturbing that his teeth are different. When he doesn't smile big, I can't tell.

"The universe is much bigger than you think," he says.

I arch an eyebrow at him. "Huh."

He clears his throat and starts over. "Of course, I apologize. There was a prepared speech for you but then things went wrong. I am Prince Mal-Tunak of Actabar. Our planet is several thousand light years from your home of Earth. We are part of the Federation of Astria, as is Earth, though your people don't know it yet. You will be welcomed once you develop interstellar travel."

"You're kidding me. Federation? You mean like Star Trek?" Abby interjects excitedly.

"Star Trek?" he asks.

I hang my head down. "Abby, I don't think they watch tv."

"Oh, well still, I mean he said Federation and everything."

Patting Abby's hand under the table I nod for Mal to continue.

"The Federation is at war. The Dark Nebulan's encroach into our territory. They are a terrible, evil race that destroys all they come in contact with. They've set their eyes on Earth. So, in order to protect you, the Lords of Astria are each taking a bride from Earth."

"A bride? Are you planning to breed us out?"

He frowns. "Breed you out? No. We're going to honor your race and elevate some of you to live in a civilized society."

"Civilized?" Anger and indignation war for control of my emotions. I feel offended for every human on the planet.

"Well, yes," he says.

"Honored?" I ask.

He nods.

"So let me get this straight. You and your compatriots, in your graciousness, decide to kidnap Earth women, take them millions of miles, and then marry them?"

"It's not kidnapping, we wanted to ask you ... I wanted to ask."

"Uh-huh. Ask, not kidnap. Though that went south when the ... Dark Ones attacked?"

"Yes." He smiles as he leans back in the chair. "I knew you were brilliant."

"Brilliant about what?" I lean forward raising my voice. "What are you actually trying to ask me?"

"To be my wife..." he says trailing off surprised.

I stop. Me. Wife. Him.

I replay the entire conversation in my head and realize I'd assumed he was talking about Abby, not me. Guys have never gone for me. They've come to me to try and get her to go out with them, sure.

I sit back. "Me?" I ask at last and Abby laughs.

"Yes. You."

I look at Mal with new eyes. I'd noticed before his good looks but that was cursory. Data in, data out. I wasn't looking with fresh eyes. I do now and I like what I see but seriously? I don't know this ... man. Is he a man? Would we be ... compatible?

"Well," I say to buy myself some time.

Mal and Abby stare. I feel my skin flushing.

My own curiosity is burning inside. There’s so much I could learn from him and this ship. His brain patterns and my own must be similar or I wouldn't be able to work the doors. But marriage?

"We have time," he says. "It will take a few cycles for us to return to home. I will teach you."

He rises from his chair and walks towards the door looking back over his shoulder before exiting. "If you need anything, it works the same as the doors. Project your thoughts here," he points at the rectangular box.

"Yeah, how does that work?"

He shrugs. "I'm not a scientist."

"But, you've been talking to me, like a normal person. The others, they used some kind of, I don't know, telepathy?"

He nods smiling. "I thought it would make you more comfortable though it’s archaic and much harder to get across the nuances of a good communication."

"Thanks," I say laughing weakly.

Mal walks out the door and I watch it close behind him. Nausea passes over me like a tidal wave followed by nervous excitement.

"Holy shit," Abby says grabbing me by my shoulders and shaking.

She's smiling ear to ear and jumping up and down unable to contain her excitement. She pulls me close wrapping her arms tight.

"Okay, okay," I say trying to extricate myself.

"You're going to get married! And damn he's hot. Teeth are a bit weird but screw it no one’s perfect right? What an incredible hunk of man meat!"

"Yeah, that's first on my mind. You remember we've been kidnapped?"

"Bah, whatever," she says laughing. "The universe just got immensely bigger. Who cares about the details?"

CHAPTER FOUR

It's strange how the most extraordinary of things becomes 'normal'.

Abby and I learn to work our way around the ship. Most days Mal is with us, showing us around, telling us about his home, and answering all my questions the best he can. He introduces me to the IES, Information Exchange System. It seems to be their version of a library but it works off mental commands and creates full holographic images of what I’m studying.

I delve into this system and lose track of how long it's been since we left home. The Actabarian technology is advanced definitely but the fundamentals are the same as what I know from Earth. Their star drives look like they’re at most one or two steps ahead of what I was working on. Just a couple of leaps of logic and I would have created something similar. The door opens behind me but I don't bother to look away from the diagram I'm studying.

"Missy?" Mal's deep voice asks.

"Yeah?" I reply.

"Are you... happy?"

There’s something in his tone. I spin around to look. He's standing and waiting for an answer that I'm not sure I have. I frown. Am I happy? My heart rate and blood pressure increase. Curiosity gnaws at me and I realize I want to know what he looks like under those pants. How compatible are we? He's so big. Bigger than any normal man. Would he be too big, down there, for me? Down there. God what am I, twelve?

"Where's Abby?" I ask instead of answering him.

"She's taken an interest in one of the crew. I saw them in the observation room."

He doesn't push. I like that. I like his patience. I like the way he indulges my own obsessiveness. When I have a problem I tend to put all my focus on it. That's driven away more potential husbands and almost all lovers I've ever had. Most men don't seem to be able to compete with my love for my work and it damages their ego. Mal indulges me.

"Define happy," I reply to his question at last.

His brow furrows. He's very attractive when he's deep in thought. I like the way his eyes are deep set and wide, his high forehead, it gives him an aura of thoughtfulness.

"Do you feel," he pauses "at peace?"

"Yes," I say realizing I do. "Yes I do."

"Good. We're about to dock with Stynissh Station. It's a trading post. I thought perhaps I could take you to the market. Give you a taste of the world."

"That'd be nice."

"Good. I've had some clothes delivered to your room for you and Abby. Your current outfit would stand out."

I look down at my jeans and shirt but shrug. When in Rome and all that.

"Sounds great."

"So what do you think of him?" Abby asks.

"Who?"

I hold the clothes that were sent up and try to figure out how to put them on. It seems more like it's intended to be a curtain than clothing. Abby looks over and laughs before coming over and helping me to slip the thing on. It's along the lines of a dress that leaves my back exposed which I don't like at all. It drapes over my shoulders, crosses over my breasts, then underneath them, then cinches at my waist and hangs to my ankles. The color is a shade of blue I've never seen before but I find it's quite flattering to my skin.

Abby stands back and whistles. "Damn!"

"Huh."

"So, what do you think of him?"

I arch an eyebrow knowing damn well who she's talking about but feeling particularly contrary today.

"What's this I hear about you and a crewman?"

She waves a hand. "This isn't about me. I asked first."

"He's nice."

"Nice? Like really nice?" She wiggles her eyebrows while making a circular motion with her hips.

"Abby!"

"Well? Inquiring minds want to know!" she laughs.

"I have no idea. Surely you haven't? I mean, are we even compatible?"

"Not yet but I fully intend to find out."

I shake my head at my sister then a low rumble passes through the deck under our feet. We must have made dock with the station. The lights flash once and then there's a knock at our door.

"Come in," I call.

The door opens and Mal is standing there along with another person I don't know. I see both of their eyes widen looking at Abby and I. A flush runs up my neck. Swallowing hard I walk towards Mal trying to push past the embarrassment of his open admiration.

"You are beautiful," he says in a soft whisper.

He reaches his hand out and I take it. My hand is so small in his but I find it comforting. The strength of him calls to the primal part of me. I smile as he leads us out of the ship and onto my first alien planet.

CHAPTER FIVE

Outside the ship everything is an explosion of color and noise. I can't focus on any one thing. Aliens are everywhere. It's like one of the massive bazaars in a Middle Eastern city I visited once called Tehran. There are signs and masses of bodies but instead of humans packed elbow to elbow there are dozens and dozens of aliens of every shape and size imaginable.

The first ones I see several of are bird-like humanoids covered in colorful feathers that range in hue from purples to reds. They wear shawl looking things over robes and are adorned with pounds of jewelry.

Others look like they are evolved from lizards, still others from fish. Everywhere there is another new species. All of them seem to be basically bi-pedal and humanoid though.

The place is loud. Really loud. There are dozens of languages being shouted and each stall we pass has bizarre things for sale.

Several guards came off the ship with us forming a small bubble of space we can walk through. The Actabarans are larger than most of the other creatures in the market which makes it easy for them to clear a path for their Prince.

Mal leads us to a stall that’s filled with cloth. So many colors and textures on display I could spend hours cataloging them. Mal picks up a bolt that has a deep purple hue and runs it between his fingers before turning towards me.

"Do you like it?" he asks.

I run my fingers over it too and am amazed at how soft it is.

"Yeah," I say. "Man, that's soft."

Mal smiles then starts talking to the vendor in a language that is slightly guttural and very fast. They go back and forth, the vendor’s voice rising higher and higher as they negotiate. At last Mal motions to one of the guards who steps in, opens a bag on his side, and hands over a large card that looks like it has a reader screen on it. The merchant takes it, punches a couple of buttons, then hands it back. The guard takes it then takes the bolt of cloth. Mal leads us away.

"I will have that made into an outfit for you," he says smiling.

"Thank you," I say. "You really don't have to do that."

"Missy," he says. "I know you don't know me well but I know you. When the decree came down that a Lord of each planet would have to marry an Earth woman I knew it would fall to me. It is my duty for my people and I am the only unmarried Prince.

I chose you. We watched you for months. I hope, in time, you will come to feel about me as I do about you. We must marry, to fulfill my obligation and to protect Earth. There is no choice, however I will not force myself on you. I will only come unto you when I am invited."

Cold chills run up my spine. No choice? Have to marry for Earth? Who does he think he is? Who does he think I am?

"Man that is SO romantic!" Abby chimes in.

She's literally wiping a tear from her eye. I frown at her as my anger builds. I like Mal. I'm definitely attracted to him. But marry him?

"What if I don't want to marry you? What if I want to go home?" I ask.

"I'm afraid that is not possible. We cannot send you back to Earth with everything you know now. Your people are not ready to join the broader universe. I'm sure you can imagine how they would react at finding proof they are not alone."

I want to argue with him. The desire burns inside me but I'm a scientist. I know he's right. The people of Earth would flip out. I can only imagine mass suicides, nuclear bombs, god knows what else. I want to stand up for my race but history tells me I'd be wrong. They're not ready.

"Marriage?" I ask.

"Missy, I don't have a choice. Our marriage binds Actabar to protect Earth. If we don't, the Dark Nebulans will take your planet as a foothold. Trust me, you don't want that."

He's right. I'd studied them as well as Actabarian science. The Dark Nebulans enslave planets, rape them of their resources, living and natural, then leave a blackened husk of a shell behind once they've drained it. They're incredible xenophobes, using any alien race they come across as slave labor until they destroyed them. They make Nazi Germany look like a child's fairy tale.

History is filled with loveless marriages, I just never imagined I'd be in one. But would it be loveless? Is attraction enough to base love on?

Someone shouts behind us then there's an explosion.

The guards around us pull out their odd shaped cards I hadn't seen since the night Abby and I were abducted. There are flashes of light, then my ears are ringing, and I can't hear anything. Mal pushes me to the ground and I hit hard cracking my head. I'm dizzy.

I have to find Abby!

I see her standing next to the man she was with. He's trying to pull her down but running towards her is another man-like thing. His face looks like a lizard. It has a ridge around his brow that comes down along his jawline, his hair is black and slicked back and his skin looks silvery-blue. He's aiming something towards Mal but Abby's in the way.

"ABBY!" I yell trying to get back to my feet.

Mal spins around towards her. He's standing over the top of me in a crouch with his arms raised, fists closed. Abby turns towards us unknowingly putting herself directly in the attacker’s path.

NO! Mal’s telepathic voice is a raging boom that I’m sure the entire bazaar feels.

Everything happens at once. The man with Abby is pulling her arm towards him. Mal leaps incredibly high. The attacker pulls back on the thing in his hands and I see a flash forming. Mal flips in the air and comes down between Abby and the attacker but he's twisting.

The flash from the thing hits Mal in the back and there's an explosion.

Over the ringing in my ears I hear Mal scream as blood and skin fly from his back. He lands in a pile on the far side of Abby.

A high pitched wail pierces the ringing of my ears and I realize it's me screaming. I crawl towards Mal. The scents of burnt flesh and copper blood fill my nostrils. His blood is red and pooling around him. As I reach him the guards pile onto the attacker.

Mal is facing me. His lips tremble and I see flecks of blood on them. He smiles as I reach him. My chest constricts, I can't get air or catch my breath. My heart is pounding as I reach out to touch his face. His skin is cool and so smooth. I was just getting to know him, I can't lose him now.

"Mal," I say tears flowing down my face.

"Is Abby okay?" he asks grimacing as he breathes.

I glance over and see she's fine. "Yes. Are you okay?"

"I think so," he says shuddering.

His eyes close and his breathing slows.

"Mal!" I grab his face screaming.

The guards pull me off of him as they lift him up. I fight wanting to be next to him. They rush him off as someone grabs me up easily and runs back to our ship.

CHAPTER SIX

"Let me go!" I yell ineffectively struggling against the guard carrying me. "I have to go with him."

The two guards carrying Mal between them are met by three men with a glowing white slab that floats on its own in the air. They lay Mal's unconscious form on it. One of the men climbs on top of it and starts doing something while the other two take off at a run guiding the floating bed down the halls of the ship.

"Please," I beg turning towards the guard. "I have to go with him. Is he going to be all right?"

Tears stream down my face. Fear has me in its grip. My stomach is knotted and nauseous. I can't stop thinking about Mal dying. Feelings I didn't know I had threaten to overwhelm me. The guard with Abby comes up next to us and sets her down. The one holding me puts me down at last.

"Is he all right?" Abby asks.

"I don't know," I scowl at the guards who are blocking the passage they took Mal down. "Super dick here won't let me go to him!"

I turn and slam my fist into his chest. My hand explodes in pain and he doesn't blink an eye. I'm sure I came out on the short end of that. I want to scream. Pressure is building in my head and I have no target to let out my frustration and anger on. I'm hurt, scared, and alone with my sister. The man I was just starting to get to know may be dying right now and I can't go to him.

"Missy," Abby grabs me by my shoulders forcing me around to face her. "Calm down. They've got space travel and shit, I'm sure he'll be all right."

I nod. She's right. I take a deep, shuddering breath and regain my composure.

"You're right." I turn to the guard. "Please, just tell me he's going to be okay. Please. Is there ... somewhere I can wait or talk to a doctor?"

The two guards glance quickly at each other.

Be calm. The Prince will be fine. Come with us.

They lead us through the ship then we're in a waiting area. A faceless, blank room with benches along the wall.

We sit down and wait for what seems like hours. It probably isn't but at last someone walks in and up to us. He's dressed in an outfit that looks like surgical scrubs from back home.

The Prince has asked for you.

My heart pounds and I feel dizzy. I follow the doctor down a small hallway then he stops before a door. The rectangular panel next to it lights up and then I see waves across it as it slides open. Inside there are ten guards along the walls that all stand at stiff attention. In the middle of the room lies Mal on the floating gurney.

He rises up onto his elbows as I enter and smiles. I can't hold back any longer and run, throwing my arms around him as he chuckles.

"Easy!" he says my tears soaking his shoulder.

"You're okay!" I cry.

"Yes, I'll be fine. Our medical team is very efficient."

"I thought I'd lost you."

"And you - cared?"

I pull off his shoulder then stare into his eyes. Shining through all the emotions warring inside is one I don't recognize. A warmth. A lightness of, well being for lack of a better way to describe it. I feel light and happy. I'm so relieved, so happy he's going to be okay. I don't want to live in a world without his bright presence in it.

"Yes," I say. "Yes, yes, yes!"

His strong arms wrap around and pull me tight against him. I pull my head back and then lean in kissing his lips. They're soft yet strong. Electric sparks shoot through me as our lips meet for the first time. A thrill of chills races up and down my spine.

"Leave us!" Mal orders.

"But sire," one of the guards protests.

"Now!" he orders and they leave without another word.

We're alone. Primal need takes over. Our lips meet once more with all consuming passion. He tastes of berries and I can't get enough. I lick them teasing my way past his lips until our tongues dance together.

His erection strains up as I climb onto the bed with him. I run my hands over his chest, touching the muscles I've dreamed about. The solidness of him feels amazing under my fingers. Dim concerns about compatibility fight for my attention but desire overwhelms it. My limbs quiver feeling his massive manhood straining for freedom, straining to have me.

The dress he gave me slides off my shoulders leaving my breasts exposed. He pulls back staring at me with open admiration before he pulls me closer and takes each of my nipples into his mouth. He teases them with his tongue until they're so tight they feel like they're going to explode.

"Oh," I moan.

My hands dive down between us searching for his erection. Hoping against all hope I can take it, that we're compatible. I can't be left in this state and I don't think he can either. Under the sheet he's naked. I find his rock hard cock and grasp it. He's massive, I can't close my hand around him, I'm not sure that both my hands would close. It throbs under my touch. I hesitate as fear grips me.

"What is it?" he asks breaking suction on my breasts.

"I'm ... scared," I say.

"Of what my love?"

"Are we... compatible?"

His smile warms me and I feel silly. "We are. It was something I had looked into before I chose you. I would never cause you harm."

I need no more urging. We work the sheet out from between the two of us then his erection is at my opening. I slide down onto it slowly, letting it stretch me out. I've never felt anything like this before. My walls are being expanded in ways I've never experienced. I'm filled.

It hurts at first, but then I grow accustomed to it and slide down a little further.

He supports me letting me control the motion. An inch at a time he stretches and fills me. Expanding, sliding in deeper and deeper, then our hips meet. He's all the way in. He bites his lip, his eyes are half-lidded, and he moans.

I slide up, my slick juices cover his cock making it easy now to move up and down. The discomfort is completely overwhelmed by the pleasure of his cock. I ride up and down and he begins thrusting. He hits my core. Waves of pleasure crash against the rocks of my consciousness until they are coming up and over. I'm being swept away on wings of pure pleasure. My entire world centers around him.

It crashes in on me and the world is gone. There’s only the two of us sailing up and away. Staring into his eyes I mouth the words to him. I love you.

He explodes inside filling me with his hot, alien seed. I feel it filling me beyond any capacity my merely human form has to contain. It flows out across us as I collapse on top of him.

We breathe in time with each other and I feel our hearts beating together. He may have chosen me but I claim him as mine.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Are you nervous?" Abby asks.

"No," I say resting my hand on the swell of my belly. "Jon-Atan says there will be no problems with the birth."

"Good."

"So when is Kal-Mansan going to make an honest woman out of you?" I tease her.

Abby blushes and looks away. "Soon I'm sure. Mal has been pushing him and he can't really go against the wishes of a Prince."

We walk through the palace together. How different my life has turned out than I expected! Mal indulges my scientific mind. I'm working with some of the top scientists in Astria to create a shield that will protect an entire planet. The Dark Nebulans encroach hasn't slowed down.

Soon I'll have to take time off that work. There will be a holiday when my child is born. A new Princess is cause for celebration.

We walk out onto a balcony that gives a wide view over the waters of Actabar. The capital city of Nashtakil rises up out of light blue oceans. Grand sweeping towers are connected by an intricate system of bridges. The air is fresh and wonderful with the slight scent of salt. In the distance a storm is brewing gray on the horizon but the sky is still golden and six of the eight moons hang in colorful brilliance.

"True," I say. "And since I'm the Prince’s wife, well my word carries some weight."

"Oh you wouldn't!" Abby exclaims.

"Wouldn't I? I have a responsibility to care for my little sister after all."

Abby laughs and shakes her head. "All right, all right!"

"Good," I say laughing.

My unborn daughter kicks against my hand. Life is perfect.

THE END

If you enjoyed Mated to the Alien King, you'll love Abducted by the Star Prince:

"Don't you want me, Kester?" She touched his arm and leaned toward him. Before, she had been able to read some of his thoughts when she touched his alien skin. But now he was blank, closed off.

"I wanted to possess you since the moment I first held you, from the moment I took you into my ship. But are you sure... is this what you really want, Nadia? Once we do this... we'll be bonded for life. And I can't guarantee that I'll be able to always protect you. Not like I did during the attack." She took his face in her hands. His beard had filled in on the journey from Earth to Gemna. Even though he had slept much of the way there, lines of worry were etched on his face. As she touched him, she knew it was worry that had been focused on her... from the very beginning. She closed her eyes, this time tapping into his thoughts. He opened them to her, showing her a future where the two of them were together, fully mated, traveling together among the star systems of Astria. He communicated that there might be danger, for them and for their children. But that there would always be love. It's what he had to offer.

"Then take me. This is what I want." Kester paused for one moment, pushing a lock of Nadia's hair to the side.

"There's no going back after this," he said. She nodded, fully understanding. Kester took Nadia into his arms, gentle with her petite frame. He drew her to standing and pressed her body into his, cupping her small, firm breasts. He pulled her thin white shirt off over her head, letting her breasts fall free. She gasped as the cool air hit her flesh, her nipples standing firm. A jolt like lightning shot through her body and she groaned, pressing into Kester. She breathed deeply and took in his scent, relishing in the intoxicating notes of his musk. He tossed her top to the floor and pulled her into an embrace, crushing his lips to hers. That kiss was more than just a kiss... it was a communication of comfort, of safety, of protection that spanned galaxies. It was a promise of adventure and beauty. And more than that, it was Kester's final step in becoming a true man. Nadia could see that as she closed her eyes. The gentle telepathic waves from Kester's mind showed her that she was the one who would complete him... she was his resting place, his home.

He cupped her breasts roughly and pushed them together, lowering his mouth to her nipples, kissing one and then the other. Kester moved his tongue over Nadia like a man starved, sending an electric shock through her as he nipped at her sensitive flesh. Nadia grew wet at his touch, her sex growing slick at the thought of the huge alien man entering her and making her his mate. As she breathed in his mating musk, her entire body seemed to pulse, growing more open, more flexible... ready to be entered and fully taken. His touch slowed, and his body read hers, each movement of his fingertips prepping her more fully. Nadia watched as he extended the tip of his tongue to her nipple, his leonine eyes looking up to hers. He circled one nipple with his tongue, rolling the other in his fingers. Nadia threw her head back, letting the waves of sensation take her body over. Here, she would give herself to this prince. Here, her life would begin.

Click here to buy or borrow Abducted by the Star Prince.

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