S’KAL

HOW THE ALIENS WERE WON

HONEY PHILLIPS

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

Evie slipped quietly through the dark, twisting alleys of Port Cantor, keeping an eye out for useful scraps - anything from food to clothing to small items that could be traded for a few credits. Pickings were better closer to the market, but it was also more dangerous. She preferred to take her chances further back in the warren of alleys where she was less likely to encounter anyone who would demand a share in whatever she’d collected, or simply take it all. If she was lucky, that was all they’d demand.

Her thin, boyish figure and dirt-smudged face might protect her - but then again, they might not. Many of the males who haunted the underbelly of the city weren’t too particular about their victims and she’d had her share of narrow escapes.

Clutching her tattered cloak tightly around her, she edged into the alley behind a rundown tavern, her stomach growling. How long had it been since she’d been full? Don’t think about the past, she reminded herself. Dwelling on what she’d lost never helped. Neither did dreaming of a different future, a way out of this constant struggle to survive.

She shook her head, focusing on the task at hand. This particular tavern had served her well in the past. The cook was more fastidious than most, discarding food while it was still perfectly acceptable as far as Evie was concerned. She rummaged quietly through the garbage, triumphantly collecting a half loaf of bread, only lightly touched with mold, and a barely bruised apple.

She should probably take them back to the abandoned building where she slept, but her stomach was too insistent to wait. Crouching in a nearby doorway, she took several greedy bites of the apple before she forced herself to slow down. If she were careful, she should be able to make it last for at least two days. As for the bread, she should slice it and put it in the sun to dry so it would last longer. But perhaps a few mouthfuls tonight…

She was so focused on the food that she barely noticed the voices at first. Stupid. One of the first lessons she’d learned was to be alert at all times.

Since the voices were coming from around the corner of the alley she couldn’t see who was speaking. Afraid that she might be overheard if she tried to move, she huddled deeper into the doorframe as she listened. The conversation seemed innocuous enough - something about purchasing land - although it was an odd place to have such a discussion.

Then the sound of coins jingling caught her attention and she tucked the food away, edging a little closer. She wasn’t much of a pickpocket, but even a few coins could help. Keeping low, she peered cautiously around the corner.

Three men were standing in the shadows. The man with his back to her was wearing an expensive coat, tailored trousers, and neatly polished shoes, all completely out of place in the dirty alley. The man next to him was also neatly dressed, but he was dressed in black from head to toe. She couldn’t see his face clearly in the dimly lit alley, but he had a lean, dangerous air that fit the surroundings. The third man had the thin, nervous look of some kind of clerk, his clothes worn but respectable.

“Thank you for the information, Simon.” The man with his back to her had a smooth, polished voice that matched his appearance. “As we discussed, a little something for your troubles.”

He nodded to the man in black who held out a bag that jingled enticingly.

Simon reached for it almost as eagerly as she would have done, but as soon as he touched the bag, the man in black grabbed his wrist and plunged the blade he’d concealed in his other hand into Simon’s chest. Simon’s eyes widened but he didn’t make a sound as he dropped to the ground, a dark puddle spreading beneath him.

“Tedious, but necessary.” The man in the expensive clothes took a step back to avoid the blood. “I trust that eliminates all of the loose ends?”

“Yes, boss.”

The man in black reached down and casually retrieved the bag of coins, then the knife, wiping it on the victim’s clothes before placing it in the concealed sheath in his sleeve.

She’d been watching in stunned horror, but the sight of the knife in the killer’s hands triggered a rush of panic. She had to get away from here. Now.

As she turned to flee, her foot slipped on a stray piece of garbage and her shoe scraped the ground as she tried to stop herself from falling. Both men immediately turned in her direction, their eyes scanning the shadows. The killer took a step forward and for a terrifying second their eyes met, but then she caught her balance and ran.

Seeking safety in a crowd, she headed for the more crowded alleys near the market, weaving through the mix of humans and aliens. She heard shouts and curses behind her but she didn’t waste time looking back. As long as she could keep moving she stood a chance - but she was fast and agile and she knew these alleys like the back of her hand.

Eventually, the sounds of pursuit died down and she stumbled to a halt behind a warehouse, her lungs burning and her heart still racing. As she caught her breath, she quickly scanned her surroundings. She’d fled into an unfamiliar area but it was quieter here - only some drunken laughter from a few streets over, accompanied by the distant sounds of waves crashing against shore.

Then she heard footsteps approaching, moving with a predatory xxx. Panicking she scrabbled at the door behind her, shocked to feel the handle turn. She ducked inside and pressed herself against the wall, trying to calm her racing heart.

The footsteps passed by without stopping and she let out a tiny sigh of relief as she looked around. There were piles of wooden crates stacked haphazardly around her, and the air was thick with the smell of fish and salt. She must be in one of the warehouses near the fishing port.

What was she going to do now? If her pursuer had tracked her this far, she didn’t think he was going to give up. The only option she could think of was to get out of the city, but without credits she’d be on foot and vulnerable.

One group of crates had been neatly stacked on a pallet awaiting transport, and they gave her an idea. Trading caravans traveled from the city to the outlying settlements, taking people and goods with them. What if she could join one of them?

The thought of leaving the city didn’t bother her. She had nothing left here - no family, no friends, and certainly no future. While she regretted having to leave her few carefully hoarded belongings, they weren’t worth taking the chance of ending up like that poor man in the alley. While she certainly didn’t have the credits to buy a passage, if she could stow away on one of those caravans, she might be able to escape this wretched place undetected..

What if I’m discovered?

As long as she could get far enough away from the city, she’d deal with it then. And I might not be discovered. Three years on her own had made her extremely good at avoiding attention. Now all she had to do was make her way to the departure gate without being spotted and find a place to hide.

As she made her way cautiously to the door of the warehouse, she heard voices approaching. Her heart thudding against her ribs, she ducked back behind a pile of crates.

Two men entered the warehouse, arguing loudly. From their conversation, she gathered that they were merchants making a deal. After a few minutes of heated debate, one of them stormed off while the other stood there grumbling for a moment before pulling out a comm unit.

“Marshall agreed to the price,” he said and laughed. “Not the first price, but the one I let him argue me down to, complaining the whole time.”

She drew further back into the shadows as the man started prowling around, casually inspecting the stacks of crates as he listened to the person he had contacted. He stopped in front of a primitive looking wagon with high wooden wheels. The back of the wagon was already filled with crates and he did a quick count before responding.

“Yeah, it’s ready to go. When are you gonna send the driver? Caravan leaves at first light and you know S’kal doesn’t wait.” Another pause to listen. “Works for me. He can help me cover it up, then take it to the gate now.”

The conversation ended and the man continued his inspection. Fortunately it appeared to be no more than perfunctory and he didn’t go behind the first row of crates. Once he was done, he sat down and lit a smokestick, then pulled out his comm unit and started flicking through it.

Moving with the silence she’d learned over the years, she carefully made her way around the warehouse until she was behind the wagon. Looking it over, she decided she was small enough to fit between the crates. With the wagon open she would be visible to anyone who looked too closely, but if they were going to cover it…

She crouched back down, trying to be as patient at the merchant sitting by the entrance, despite the anxiety beating at her. When the warehouse door opened again she almost gave a panicked gasp, terrified that she would see one of her pursuers. Instead a big man with a pleasant, homely face meandered inside.

“Boss says you want to move the wagon tonight?”

“Yeah. You can drive it over to the gate and wait there until morning.”

“Caravan’s not leaving for another six hours.” The big man yawned. “Why not take it then?”

“Because I don’t want you oversleeping again. You can drive it to the meeting point tonight, then sleep in it.”

Sleep in the wagon? Her heart plummeted as she realized that meant she’d have nowhere to hide. Maybe she could at least follow it over to this meeting place, then sneak onto another wagon instead.

“So much for a last night in a real bed.”

The driver sighed, but set to work. The two men arranged a light metal frame over the back of the wagon, then covered it with faded canvas. The canvas extended out over the seat to form a canopy, and she breathed a sigh of relief when the driver unrolled his bedding in the space behind the seat. He wouldn’t be in the back after all.

Once everything was assembled, the two men started to talk about provisions and she decided this was her opportunity. Heart pounding, she slipped to the back of the wagon, untying the covering just enough to make her way inside before quickly tying it back in place. She managed to wedge herself between the crates, moving as far away from the back as she could before settling against the wall. The floor was hard and uncomfortable, her position cramped, and the smell of salt-dried fish almost overwhelming but at least for right now, she was safe.

CHAPTER 2

“Iwent further west than usual this time, all the way over to Riverton. Nice little town.”

S’kal waited patiently but as usual, H’zim didn’t respond. His brother sat across from him in the prison visitor’s room, his eyes on his hands. Nothing in his expression revealed the slightest interest in what S’kal was saying, but at least he was here.

He came to visit his brother between every one of his trading trips but the results were always the same. He spoke. H’zim sat across from him and didn’t respond. But at least he always came to the visitor’s room so S’kal kept visiting the prison.

Sometimes he felt as if he were sitting across from a stranger. It wasn’t only the grim silence from the other side of the table. His brother had cut off his warrior braid, the close-cropped dark hair still strange to him after all this time. And while his brother had always been muscular - they both were, their natural strength enhanced by their military training - H’zim was even bigger, harder, than before.

“Ran into Naffon.” He tried again, hoping that the mention of their former squad member might draw a reaction. Nothing. “It seems he found himself a mate. She’s a pretty little thing with an infant daughter.”

H’zim’s hand clenched.

S’kal wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t been watching so closely, but at least it was a reaction - some indication that his brother was actually listening.

“I would never have believed it,” he added. “I told you that Temel was worried about him but it seems that finding a mate has actually brought him peace. Perhaps once you are free-”

H’zim looked up for the first time, his eyes blazing silver.

“Never.”

His brother pushed back his chair hard enough to send it flying across the room as he stood and headed for the door.

“Wait,” he said quickly. “Please don’t leave. I’m heading out again tomorrow so I won’t be back for a few months.”

H’zim paused for a second, his hand gripping the door frame, and for a moment S’kal hoped he would stay.

“Be… well.”

The muttered words were almost too low for S’kal to hear, and then his brother was gone.

Fuck. That was the most reaction he’d had out of H’zim in the three years since his brother had been unfairly condemned to this prison, but it wasn’t the one he’d been hoping for. Why had he reacted so violently to even the prospect of a mate?

His brother had liked females once. Back before the war, he’d frequently flirted with a pretty barmaid or tavern owner. S’kal had been the one watching from the sidelines, less inclined to seek a temporary connection. Those tavern visits had ended with the war of course, as had so many things. He still didn’t feel… whole enough for a mate, but unlike H’zim he didn’t discount the possibility, even the hope, that it might one day happen.

He sighed as he rose and headed for the visitor’s door. Perhaps he should push back his departure, see if he could take a job as wagonmaster on a later trip…

His assistant Tomlin, waiting for him outside the prison, promptly disabused him of that notion.

“The contract has already been signed, Lord S’kal.”

“How many times do I have to tell you that I am not a lord?”

Tomlin calmly dipped his head - an acknowledgement, not an agreement - and he sighed again. He’d rescued the human male from an attack two years ago. Although Tomlin had been holding his own surprisingly well for a human, he was severely outnumbered and S’kal’s conscience had insisted that he aid the beleaguered male.

He still wasn’t entirely sure how it had happened, but once the ruffians had been disposed of, he’d found himself with an exceptionally dedicated manservant - one who soon proved himself invaluable. But despite his ever present deference, Tomlin always did exactly as he thought best.

“The manifest includes a group of settlers, Lord S’kal. I know that is not your preference but the alternative would be to have Ballinger take the lead position.”

Fuck. Settlers were even more trouble than merchants - who were already trouble enough - but he couldn’t leave them to Ballinger. The human male was careless, reckless, and far too likely to take advantage of his charges. Although a number of complaints had been lodged against him, he had an unfortunate number of connections.

“Fine,” he snapped, turning to stride off towards the inn by the departure gate.

Tomlin easily kept pace and, not for the first time, he wondered about his assistant. The male appeared human in every respect, but his physical abilities were superior to those of any other human male he’d encountered. Other than admitting that he’d been born on Cresca, Tomlin hadn’t volunteered any other discussion about his past and S’kal hadn’t pushed him. He knew what it was like to want to leave the past behind.

The large plaza in front of the departure gate was already full of wagons - the usual mixture of horse-drawn and mechanized vehicles. Two hover wagons also waited at the edge of the plaza, and he frowned at Tomlin.

“Who do those belong to?”

“Ronjan.” His assistant’s voice didn’t change but S’kal knew him well enough to recognize the note of disapproval. “I advised him that there are no repair facilities until we reach Williamsburg, but he assured me that they weren’t necessary.”

“I assume you also told him we would leave them on the trail if they failed?”

“Of course.”

Fuck. Port Cantor was as sophisticated as any other spaceport, but Cresca was a colony planet and as soon as they left the city behind, the level of technology diminished rapidly. A few of the larger inland towns were somewhat more advanced but they were still quite limited. As a result, repairs were difficult and expensive.

“And he signed the disclosure?”

“Yes.” A hint of a smile crossed Tomlin’s face. “Although he told me again that it wasn’t necessary.”

“I’m sure,” he said dryly. He was equally sure that the merchant would “forget” that disclosure if his hover vehicles broke down and were left behind.

As usual, the inns and taverns surrounding the plaza were doing a bustling business but the noise and activity only depressed him. He usually spent the last night before a departure in an inn, but it held no appeal tonight.

“I’m going to sleep in the wagon,” he announced.

“I have arranged for rooms in the inn. You would be more comfortable there.”

Once they were on the trail, Tomlin would insist on setting up a tent for him but the master’s wagon was perfectly adequate for a night or two. Adequate. He shook his head. How many nights had he spent on bare ground during the war? A cave or even enough branches to block the wind had been a luxury.

“I’m not as fragile as you seem to think,” he snapped.

“No, my lord.”

As usual, Tomlin displayed no reaction but he knew he’d offended the other male.

“You know I appreciate your efforts, but I would rather be alone tonight. It’s been a… difficult day.”

“Of course. I will prepare the wagon.”

“That’s not-”

Tomlin was already gone, and he sighed. Still, he might as well take the opportunity to do a preliminary review of the members of the caravan. A number of them were familiar to him - merchants who made the same circuit several times a year, taking their wares to the isolated settlements inland. He nodded a greeting to the ones he knew, then stopped briefly to introduce himself to newcomers and review the rules for the journey.

Most of the new traders listened intently, but Ronjan’s hover wagon drivers paid little attention and only waved dismissively when he asked if they had brought extra parts. That cockiness won’t last when they’re stranded, he thought grimly when he walked away. They’d find out soon enough that he had no time or patience for foolishness.

The manifest Tomlin had given him indicated that there were five wagons in the settler group. He’d assumed that they would be occupied by five families. Instead only two of them contained families. Six human females were spread across two of the remaining wagons, while the last one was occupied by three rough-looking males. An unusual combination, especially since the settlers were heading for Williamsburg to join the next caravan through the mountains to the new settlements beyond.

The three males were gathered together, talking in hushed voices, but one of them hurried towards him as he approached. A short, stocky male with a red face, he shot S’kal a quick, accessing look before giving him a broad smile. He knew it was supposed to be a friendly gesture, but it reminded him more of a warrior baring his fangs before battle.

“Hello. You must be Mr. S’kal. I’m Wallace Jackson, leader of this little band.”

“It’s just S’kal. Why are these females traveling on their own?”

“Well, now, it’s like this. They’re all going off to meet their future husbands. Ain’t that right, girls?”

The small group of women nodded nervously. No one spoke, although one of the younger ones bit her lip and looked away.

“And their future husbands did not come to meet them?”

“Oh, uh…” Jackson rubbed the back of his neck, shooting a look at the other males. “There was some problems at the last minute so I had to find another way to get them over the mountains.”

“Females traveling alone cause trouble.”

“Well, now, they’re not alone, are they? I’m responsible for them and Mrs. Smith here is acting as their chaperone.”

The grim-faced older female Jackson indicated nodded abruptly.

“Ain’t causing any trouble under my watch.”

He still didn’t like it, but nothing in the rules prohibited it.

“See that they don’t.”

Jackson gave him another toothy smile and pulled a bottle out of his coat pocket.

‘“Course not. Care for a drink?”

“No. We leave at daybreak. Be sure your group is ready.”

He stalked away without waiting for an answer. Returning to his wagon, he found Tomlin spreading a blanket over the crisply ironed sheets on the bed platform.

“Are you afraid that I will catch a chill?” he asked dryly.

“The night air is quite cool.”

Tomlin didn’t even look up as he finished tucking in the blanket with military precision. He’d been taught that once, back when he and H’zim had originally joined the Alliance. Military neatness was yet another thing lost in the war.

“Will there be anything else, my lord?”

“No. Thank you, Tomlin.”

His assistant nodded and disappeared with his usual silence, leaving him staring at the bed. He wasn’t tired. He was edgy and restless and already dreading the weeks ahead. Perhaps it was time to look for another occupation. But what? Although it would be easy enough to get a security job in the city and it would mean he was closer to his brother, he hated life in the city, hated feeling hemmed in by buildings and people.

The wagonmaster job allowed him the freedom to move around the countryside as well as to return frequently enough to visit his brother. For now at least, it still seemed like the best solution. But as he sighed and sat down to review the rest of the information about the journey, he couldn’t help feeling that the next few months were going to challenge that conclusion.

CHAPTER 3

Evie huddled in the darkness of the wagon, listening to the sounds of the city as morning approached. She was cold and sore from spending the night in her cramped position and she’d barely slept, sure at any moment that the covering over the wagon would be thrown back and she would see the man in black, knife in hand.

As the rising sun began to send a soft glow through the canvas above her, the noise around her increased and she realized that the caravan was preparing to set off. The knowledge made her stomach flutter nervously. Last night it seemed like an easy decision but doubts had started to creep in during her sleepless night.

She’d never been out of the city before, other than one brief visit to a holiday resort further down the coast when her father had been riding a lucky streak. As always, the thought of her father made her chest ache. Even after three years she still missed him.

He’d been a bluff, jovial man who’d done his best to be a good father, although his addiction to gambling had always taken precedence. He’d finally pushed his luck too far and lost his life. Their landlord had been the one to tell her - a slimy lizard of a man who’d been only too happy to let her remain in exchange for services he made disgustingly clear. Instead she’d fled, sneaking away in the middle of the night with the few possessions she’d been able to carry.

She’d been barely sixteen, old enough to marry, but she didn’t have any marriage prospects and they’d moved too frequently for her to have any close friends. Since she didn’t have any useful skills, she’d taken to scavenging for anything she could find. She still felt a pang of regret about abandoning her few belongings, but she would survive. She’d managed before and she would again.

The wagon jerked into motion. She bit her lip, then cautiously worked her way to the back of the wagon to peer out of a small gap where the covering had been tied down. Other wagons surrounded her, all of them heavily laden. She heard the shouts of the drovers urging the horses on, along with the rumbling hum of machinery. The two cargo wagons next to her were drawn by horses, but there was a mechanized one further back.

As the caravan passed through the city gates, she caught a flash of black over to the left. Her heart racing, she dropped back down to the floor of the wagon. She hadn’t seen enough to know for sure that it had been her pursuer, but even the possibility sent a shiver through her body. As she eased her way back to her hiding place at the front of the wagon, she kept expecting to hear an outcry or even worse, for the canvas to be thrust aside to reveal the man in black.

Neither one occurred. Instead the caravan began to pick up speed as they left the city behind. The road was still relatively smooth but she knew it would get worse as they headed further into the less populated areas to the north. It didn’t matter. The fear that had washed over her at that brief glimpse of black had been enough to convince her that she was doing the right thing by leaving the city. No matter where she ended up, it had to be a better option than spending her life in terror.

From what she remembered, there were a few larger towns inland. While no way near as large as Port Cantor, they might still be large enough for her to lose herself in. Or perhaps she could find an actual job - a way to survive without scavenging. Not without a bath and a change of clothes, she thought ruefully, looking down at her disheveled rags.

How long had it been since she’d worn anything pretty or new - or even clean? But that had been the first lesson she’d learned after her father died. New clothes only attracted attention. Binding her already small breasts and donning her ripped, dirty garments made it much easier to pass unnoticed. Except by Fagrin. She was quite sure the big, furry alien knew her secret but he didn’t care.

She’d run into him - literally - when, driven by hunger, she’d made the mistake of stealing a piece of fruit from a too-observant vendor. Fagrin had dragged her into an alley, a big paw over her mouth, easily suppressing her struggles. She’d been so terrified her whole body was shaking, but all he’d done was conceal her from the vendor.

Since then he’d taken whatever items she could scavenge and paid her half of what they were worth, but he also gave her the occasional loaf of bread or worn blanket. He’d been the one to suggest the abandoned warehouse where she’d been living and although she wouldn’t go as far as to say he looked out for her, he hadn’t let any of the other members of his extensive network harass her.

Would he notice she was missing? Would he even care?

The rattle of the wheels changed slightly, letting her know that they were moving off of the paved road. Her legs were starting to cramp from her awkward position so she carefully stretched them out, shifting so she could rest her back against the wooden wall of the wagon. Her other bodily needs were also becoming more pressing but they would have to wait until nightfall.

Her stomach gurgled unhappily, but without water to wash it down she didn’t want to risk sneaking a piece of dried fish and making her already dry mouth even worse. Her misery increased as the day wore on and she finally fell into a restless sleep, dreaming of cold water and warm food and a clean place to sleep.

The sudden halt of the wagon jerked her awake, and she heard voices calling out directions to arrange the wagon for the night. Once they died down, she risked peering through the canvas again. They’d stopped in a wooded area, the trees providing welcome shade from the heat of the late afternoon sun. The caravan had formed a rough circle with several cook fires already burning inside the circle.

Her stomach rumbled again as the smell of cooking meat began to drift towards her, but there was far too much activity to risk trying to leave the wagon. Most of the people bustling around setting up camp were human, but there were a few aliens mixed in with them. The occupants of the camp were also predominantly male, but she was used to that. Most of her fellow scavengers were male.

Desperate women tended to end up working either in a brothel or one of the taverns that was only a step above that. Somehow she’d managed to avoid that fate so far.

A flutter of cloth made her look to one side. A large tent was being erected with silent efficiency just outside the circle and she gave it an envious look, already tired of the cramped space in the wagon. Better cramped than dead, she thought grimly, drawing back from the opening as the voices sounded uncomfortably close to her.

“The day went better than I expected.”

The speaker’s voice was a low rumble that she found oddly soothing.

“Yes, my lord. Even the hover wagons managed to make it.”

The second voice was cool and pleasant but with a slight underlying mockery. My lord? She’d heard a few people claim that title, but they were wealthy, pampered city dwellers, unlikely to be traveling under these conditions. She was tempted to take a peek, but the two men were close enough that she could see their shadows on the canvas. They must have been distorted by the uncertain light of the approaching dusk. No one was that large.

She forced herself to settle back down in her hiding place and wait, ignoring her increasingly demanding body as she listened to the caravan settling in for the night. Fortunately the other travelers were apparently tired from the long journey and the camp quieted not long after dark. Although she could still hear the low murmur of conversation, she couldn’t wait any longer.

After a quick check to make sure no one was near the wagon, she carefully untied the canvas and slipped out. The woods were only a few feet away and she dashed quickly into the shadowy depths. After relieving herself behind the first bush she located, she followed the sound of water to a stream flowing beneath the trees. She drank thirstily from the icy water, forcing herself to stop several times to make sure her stomach didn’t rebel.

Once her thirst was satisfied she started to wash, then hesitated. Although she prayed she wasn’t discovered, she was reluctant to dispose of her camouflage. And assuming that any of the towns they reached would be similar to Port Cantor, it would probably still be necessary. She sighed and sat back on the moss along the bank.

The night was shockingly quiet for someone who’d spent her entire life in a city. Only a slight breeze ruffling the leaves on the trees and the distant cry of some night animal disturbed the peace. The air too was different, clean and fresh and underlaid by a faint herbal scent. She took a deep breath and some of the tension that had been haunting her since the previous night started to drain away.

She’d managed to escape her pursuer and she was safe. Or safe enough, she amended as a burst of laughter sounded from the caravan beyond the trees. Now all she had to do was avoid being discovered until they reached a town large enough for her to slip away undetected.

With a last regretful glance at the stream, she rose to her feet. Perhaps after the camp was truly asleep she could scavenge something to use as a water container. She paused at the edge of the woods to study the nearby wagons, looking for possibilities. When she spotted a discarded water jug next to the wheel of the closest wagon, she decided the opportunity was too good to miss.

Creeping quietly towards it, her fingers had just closed around the handle when a huge hand clamped around her wrist. A huge hand attached to an even larger man. The shadow on the canvas hadn’t lied. The man, no, the alien, who had seized her was truly enormous. The top of her head barely reached his chest - his very bare, very muscular chest, green skin gleaming with moisture in the faint light from the fires in the circle. A long, dark braid fell down over one shoulder, pulling his hair back from a hard inhuman face with golden eyes that seemed to glow as he looked down at her.

“It appears I have caught myself a little thief.”

This time the low deep voice wasn’t remotely soothing.

Oh, shit. I’m in so much trouble.

CHAPTER 4

S’kal surveyed his captive - a young male in dirty, torn clothing, almost painfully thin and delicate - and felt an unwilling pang of sympathy. He and his brother had always managed to fend for themselves but he’d seen the desperation wrought by poverty often enough. Although why the boy thought he would be better off on the road baffled him. Surely he’d realized that it would be impossible to hide in the close confines of the caravan?

He’d been on his way back from a dip in the stream when he’d spied the small figure approaching the wagon. At first he’d thought it was another traveler, but he didn’t recognize the boy and the unkempt clothes reeked - literally - of poverty.

The boy still hadn’t spoken, clearly terrified as he stared up at him with big, green eyes. He sighed, then shook the thin wrist he’d seized, careful not to damage the fragile bones.

“Drop it.”

The boy jerked, then released the jug he’d been stealing. At least he was obedient.

“What’s your name?”

“Eve - Eddie,” the boy whispered, his voice surprisingly soft.

“I’m S’kal, the wagonmaster for this caravan, and I do not permit stealing on my caravan. Do you understand?”

He spoke sternly and felt Eddie’s wrist tremble.

“Yes, sir.”

“I assume you are not associated with any of the wagons and that you did not pay for passage? And I will verify any answer you give me,” he added when the boy took a quick desperate look around.

“N-no, sir.”

Fuck. Now what? He should send the boy back to Port Cantor, but given his fragile condition S’kal wasn’t sure he was capable of making the long walk.

“Are you willing to work for your passage?” he asked instead.

There was a definite flash of trepidation in those big eyes before the boy nodded cautiously.

“Y-yes, sir.”

Tomlin was not going to be happy about this, but he didn’t see an alternative. He couldn’t abandon the boy out here.

“Then you will work for your passage. But if I catch you stealing again, I will leave you on the side of the trail. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Another nervous glance. “What… what kind of work?”

“Whatever I tell you to do.”

The wrist trembled again and he fought back an impatient retort. What did the boy expect? He was a stern taskmaster, but not a cruel one.

“As long as you obey me and work hard, you will be provided with food and a place to sleep. You will be safe.”

He wasn’t sure why he added the last statement but he heard Eddie give a faint sigh of relief. What trouble dogged the boy’s heels? Before he could ask, the wind shifted and the unpleasant aroma coming from the boy made his nose twitch. First things first.

“Come with me,” he ordered, and turned back towards the trees.

“W-what? No!”

Ignoring Eddie’s protest, he tugged him back through the woods to the stream, the boy pulling uselessly at his wrist as he tried to escape S’kal’s grip.

“Stop that. You will only hurt yourself.”

The boy gave what sounded like a sob but he ignored it. Eddie would have to learn that he expected obedience. When they reached the stream, he tightened his hand briefly, warningly around Eddie’s wrist.

“Do not try to run.” He released him, then pointed at the stream. “Now bathe.”

He could have sworn the boy looked even paler beneath the dirt as he shook his head. He took a half-step back, despite S’kal’s warning and he sighed. He wasn’t in the mood to argue. Instead he picked the boy up and tossed him into the stream.

Even though the water was shallow enough for him to stand, Eddie immediately thrashed and spluttered and tried to scramble back to the bank. Fuck. He stripped off his pants, waded in, and pushed the boy back into the center of the stream.

“Bathe. You smell bad enough to scare the prey away from a hunting party.”

Enough of the dirt had washed away to reveal the boy’s delicate bone structure and he revised his estimate of his age down again. He was far too young to be out on his own, but back on Vizal, the war had left even younger children abandoned. He pushed the memory away and reached for the boy’s shirt.

“Clothes too, although they may be beyond saving,” he added as the soaked material ripped. “I will find you something else to wear.”

“No!”

The boy’s soft, despairing cry made him frown impatiently.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? You can’t be attached to these rags.” He stripped the remnants of the shirt away, then frowned again as the sight of the bandages wrapped around his chest. “Are you injured?”

“It’s n-nothing.”

“You can’t ignore injuries on the trail. We will soon be a long way from medical care.”

If the boy’s wounds were serious, he’d have to send him back, even if he had to send one of his hands back with him. Ignoring Eddie’s efforts to push him away, he unwrapped the bandages as carefully as possible. The cloth fell away to reveal smooth, unmarked skin and two small but perfect breasts, rosy little nipples stiff and glistening in the moonlight.

He froze, unable to take his eyes from the tempting display. His cock hardened, a reaction that caught him completely off guard. He’d never reacted this strongly to a female before. He tore his gaze away to stare incredulously into the wide green eyes, suddenly understanding the delicate features and fragile bone structure.

“You’re a female,” he said blankly.

His voice came out rougher than he intended and she flinched, but she didn’t say anything. She stared up at him like a child expecting to be punished, but that body was far from child-like.

Fuck. Even if she were a female, she was still very young and he was reacting to her as if she were a fully grown adult. His hands were still on her ribs and he automatically dropped them to her waist, feeling the subtle curve that hadn’t been apparent under the baggy, ill-fitting clothing.

“Why are you pretending to be a boy?” he asked, then shook his head. The answer was obvious. “Never mind. Now bathe.”

Her chin came up.

“I don’t need to be clean for you to… to take advantage of me.”

Despite the defiance on her face, her voice trembled.

“I have no intention of taking advantage of you,” he growled. “But you still need to get clean. Before you catch cold,” he added, belatedly noticing the chill of the water. Perhaps there was more than one reason her voice was trembling.

When she only stared at him, he swore under his breath, then grabbed the bandage and used it to give her a swift but thorough scrub. She yelped in indignation but he ignored her protests and kept going, doing his best to ignore the silkiness of her skin and the slender curves that were now all too apparent. When she stopped protesting and submitted to his ministrations, he felt an unexpected surge of satisfaction.

He lifted her out of the water when he was finished. She was small enough to carry in one hand. As soon as she was on the bank, he let go of her, but she didn’t make a break for the safety of the woods. Fuck, she was pretty, all wet and flushed from the scrub. And cold, he realized as his eyes dropped to those stiff little nipples. She shivered, and her arms came up to cover them.

Her eyes dropped to the erection that hadn’t been diminished in the slightest by the cold water and she flushed even more. He forced himself to turn away, dragging his pants on and fastening them painfully over his erection. Then he picked her up, pulling her cold, naked body against his chest as he hurried back to his tent.

She was still shivering but she didn’t fight him, her body rigid in his arms.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said gruffly.

Those big eyes flashed up to his, dark and impossible to read in the shadows under the trees. She didn’t speak, but her body relaxed the tiniest fraction.

“Is Eddie your real name?”

“N-no. It’s Evie.”

She didn’t volunteer anything else and he didn’t press her even though he knew most humans used two names. Now that he knew she was female, he understood the low, soft voice. How could he have missed it?

Now that she was clean, her natural fragrance was equally clear - a slight, intoxicating sweetness that did nothing to calm his rampant cock.

“How old are you?”

Another quick glance.

“Nineteen.”

Fuck. The fact that she was an adult by human standards did nothing to quell his guilt at his response to her. She was still far too young for him.

He paused as they reached the edge of the trees, making sure there was no one in sight before he strode quickly across the open area behind the wagons and into his tent. As always, Tomlin had set up his minimal furnishings in preparation for the night. The shirt he’d thrown on the bed before leaving for the stream had also been neatly folded, and he shook his head.

Tomlin would no doubt be capable of providing clothing for his little thief but he found himself curiously reluctant to call for his assistant. Instead he placed her gently on her feet, then shook out his shirt and dropped it over her head, lifting her arms through the oversized armholes. The shirt was far too big for her, already threatening to fall off one pale, slender shoulder, but he still felt a surge of satisfaction at seeing her in his clothing. She stared up at him, her eyes still huge and unreadable.

“And now, my little thief, what am I going to do with you?”

CHAPTER 5

Evie stared up at the big alien, trying to sort through her conflicting feelings. Rationally, she knew she should be terrified. S’kal was at least twice her size and he’d been clearly, massively erect when he’d followed her out of the stream. Her eyes dropped automatically at the memory and even though he was wearing pants, they did little to disguise the fact that he remained so. And yet…

He hadn’t hurt her, hadn’t made any attempt to force his mouth over hers or grab her breasts. Even when he’d bathed her it had felt… caring rather than salacious. Something had shifted in her as he focused so carefully on making sure she was clean. It had felt as if he were caring for her in a way that no one ever had. She didn’t remember her mother and while she truly believed her father had loved her, that love hadn’t been enough to stop his gambling or his constant restless moves, no matter how much she’d begged to remain in one place long enough to set down some roots.

She was still wary, but she was no longer as terrified. He waited for her response, one brow raised in query.

“Well, Evie?”

The faint note of amusement in his voice made her lift her chin.

“I told you I’d work for my passage.”

“I believe circumstances have changed since then,” he said dryly.

“That doesn’t mean I’m not still willing to work.”

His eyes skated down over her body, the hunger in them unmistakable, but he made no move towards her and she didn’t feel threatened. If anything she felt… excited. Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself.

“Why are you here?”

She should have expected the question but it took her by surprise. Her jumbled thoughts refused to come up with a lie, and she found herself admitting the truth, or at least part of it.

“I needed to get away.”

He sighed.

“Did you steal something?”

She glared at him and shook her head.

“I’m not a thief. I’m a scavenger.”

“And what do you scavenge for?” he asked skeptically.

“Whatever I need to survive. Items that have been lost or discarded and can be traded. Clothes. Food.”

At the mention of food her stomach gurgled, and his gaze immediately sharpened.

“When did you eat last?”

“Not that long ago,” she said defensively, but when he raised a brow again, she sighed and admitted, “A day or two.”

“Fuck.” He strode to the tent entrance and bellowed into the night. “Tomlin.”

He’d barely returned to her side when the flap opened and a human dressed in black appeared. Panic roared through her and she grabbed the waistband of S’kal’s pants, praying he would protect her. He immediately put his arm around her, pulling her against his huge, warm body as turned away from the man.

“Tomlin, stay there,” he ordered. “What is it? What’s wrong, little one?”

“That man,” she whispered, her lips numb. “I saw him.”

“You mean you saw him in the caravan? He’s here because he’s my assistant.”

His voice was low and soothing and despite his words, he was still keeping his body between her and the other man. Some of her panic started to ease. If this man in black was his assistant, he wouldn’t have been watching from the city gates, would he?

She took a deep breath, then tightened her grip on his pants before peeping cautiously around him. A shuddering sigh escaped her. Now that she was looking at his face, the newcomer waiting patiently by the entrance was clearly not the man she’d seen in the alley. This one was tall and lean with short-cropped dark hair and a calm expression.

“That’s not him.”

The rush of relief made her knees tremble and S’kal tightened his arm around her, tucking her against his body. She didn’t object, leaning gratefully against him.

“Tomlin, please bring food for two. Whatever is fastest.”

“Yes, my lord.”

She also recognized the calm voice - this was the man who’d been talking to S’kal outside her wagon. He departed silently, only the whisper of the tent flap giving any indication that he’d left. She didn’t care. The rapid turn of events over the past hour, combined with the terror of her flight and the previous sleepless night, crashed down over her and she suddenly felt exhausted.

Her head dropped against S’kal’s chest, warm and smooth over the broad expanse of muscles. A subtle scent, smokey and slightly spicy, emanated from his skin and she nuzzled closer, breathing it in. Her hand was still in the narrow space between his waistband and the corded muscles of his abdomen and she felt them flex as he spoke.

“I think you’d better sit down.”

She hummed an agreement but didn’t move, reluctant to move away from the warmth and safety of that huge body.

“This is not a good idea,” he muttered, his voice strained, and she was suddenly conscious of the massive ridge of his erection throbbing against her stomach.

Once again she thought that she should be scared, but either from exhaustion or the comfort he was providing, the fear refused to come. She tightened her grip on his pants instead and snuggled closer.

“Fuck.”

He lifted her off her feet, startling her into finally releasing her grip, then carried her to a big chair and sat down with her across his lap. Oh, this was even better. She felt warm and… safe. Her body relaxed completely and she was already half-asleep when Tomlin returned.

“A previous acquaintance, my lord?” Tomlin asked.

She heard the rattle of crockery and a delicious smell wafted past her but she was too tired to open her eyes.

“You know damn well, she isn’t. This is Evie and she will be… traveling with us.”

“Yes, my lord. Shall I provide a tent for her?”

That penetrated her sleepy haze. A tent where she would be back on her own, unprotected. She immediately shook her head, reaching between their bodies to grab for his waistband again, and giving him an imploring look. He sighed.

“I think not. But perhaps you could locate an additional bed?”

“Indeed.” Did that calm voice sound amused? “I will return shortly.”

She didn’t hear Tomlin leave, focused on a far more interesting discovery. When she’d slipped her hand under S’kal’s waistband this time she’d encountered a huge, velvety shaft. As she hesitantly brushed her fingers across it, a few drops of hot liquid eased her way and she retraced her path. S’kal groaned, then grabbed her hand and pulled it up onto his chest instead.

When she looked up at him, that handsome, inhuman face was set in a harsh mask, golden eyes gleaming. The shirt had slid down over her shoulder again, and his eyes focused on the strip of bare skin before returning to her face.

“What am I going to do with you?”

He repeated his earlier question, but this time it sounded as if he were asking himself. Now that he’d put an end to her explorations, the delicious smells coming from the nearby tray caught her attention.

“Feed me?” she asked hopefully.

“I’m quite sure you can feed yourself.”

But despite his muttered response, he reached over and picked up a small pastry, bringing it to her mouth. Mmm. A seasoned meat filling was concealed with the light, buttery pastry and she devoured it eagerly. It was even still warm from the oven. How long had it been since she’d had a hot meal?

“More,” she demanded, sitting up on his lap.

His erection flexed against her hip but they both ignored it as he laughed and fed her two more pastries. He picked up a metal goblet, then hesitated.

“Do you drink wine?”

“I’m not a child,” she huffed, although the last time she’d tried it had been after one of her father’s winning streaks.

He hesitated a moment longer, his eyes fixed on her face, then offered her the goblet. The dark red wine was fruity and rich, slipping easily down her throat and she sipped eagerly before he took it away.

“I don’t want you to make yourself ill,” he said when she muttered a protest.

He had a point. She already felt uncomfortably full, although the wine had left a trail of warmth all the way down to her stomach. Her body felt heavy and languid. and she found herself leaning back against his chest. Her hand started to slide down again, but he caught it and held it over his heart instead. Something about the rhythmic beat was immensely comforting and her eyes drifted closed.

An unknown amount of time later she started awake, her heart pounding. The man in black had been chasing her through her dreams again and she was on the verge of panic until she recognized her surroundings. A small light glowed on the desk, the faint illumination enough for her to recognize S’kal’s tent. She’d been sleeping on a low bed covered with silky sheets and topped with a warm blanket, but she still felt cold and alone.

There was enough light for her to see that the much larger bed on the other side of the tent was occupied, S’kal sprawled across it. She hesitated for a moment, then slipped silently out of bed and padded across the tent in her bare feet. The bed was too high for her, but she climbed on to it as quietly as possible, then slid under the covers. She could feel the heat from his body, but it wasn’t enough and she carefully worked her way closer until she was almost touching his side.

“What are you doing, little one? Is something wrong with your bed?”

The deep voice didn’t sound remotely sleepy.

“I had a bad dream.”

He didn’t respond for a moment, then sighed and reached for her, tucking her against his big, warm body. She took a deep breath of his comforting scent and relaxed. Her hand had landed on his chest and once again he covered it with his own.

“Go back to sleep,” he murmured, brushing a kiss to the top of her head, and she obeyed.

CHAPTER 6

S’kal stared up at the roof of the tent, doing his best to ignore the sweet little body nestled so trustingly against his side. Everything about her called to his protective instincts, but he suspected his hardest task would be protecting her from his more primal side. Ever since he’d stripped her bandages away and she’d looked up at him with those big green eyes, he’d been fighting the urge to claim her.

Tomlin had returned after she fell asleep in his arms, quickly setting up the bed before giving him what would have been a speculative glance from any other male. Only the fact that S’kal knew him so well enabled him to detect the question in his eyes.

“She stowed away in one of the wagons.” He sighed. “I’m not sure what she’s running away from, but she’s clearly in some kind of trouble.”

“Trouble you intend to resolve.”

It wasn’t a question, and he gave his assistant an impatient look.

“What do you expect me to do?”

“Exactly that, my lord.” A faint smile flickered across Tomlin’s face. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

He’d sat there for a little while longer, then reluctantly carried her to the bed. She made a faint protesting noise when he put her down, but he stroked his hand through the short silky curls and she settled down. Her face was even more innocent in sleep, but the gentle curves of her body, no matter how slender, were not. He’d had to force himself to walk away and go to his desk, pretending to work before finally giving up and going to his own bed.

And now those soft curves were pressed against his side. His cock was even harder than it had been earlier, aching from the memory of her inadvertent caress. A caress that cannot happen again. But despite his resolve, the thought tortured him until he finally fell into a restless sleep.

He woke to find a curious little hand sliding down his shaft. The soft sleep pants he was wearing did little to mute the impact of her touch, and he growled and rolled over her, caging her in with his body but being careful to keep his weight off of her.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Long lashes swept down over her eyes as her cheeks turned pink.

“I was just curious. I’ve never-”

The color in her cheeks intensified even as he groaned silently. Not only too young but too innocent.

“You can’t touch me like that, little one,” he said as sternly as possible, even though he would have liked nothing better.

“I’m sorry.” Small white teeth closed down over a pretty pink lower lip before she peeped up at him. “Was I hurting you?”

The hint of laughter in her eyes belied the innocent question.

“You know damn well you weren’t hurting me.” He deliberately adjusted his position so that the full length of his erection rested between her legs. “But your actions have consequences.”

Her eyes widened but instead of trying to get away, she arched her hips slightly, bringing their bodies closer together. He put a hand down to stop her from moving and realized too late that her shirt had ridden up, leaving him grasping a slender, naked hip. Too slender, he realized as his thumb stroked across a prominent hip bone, but that didn’t stop his cock from jerking against her.

“Oh!” Her eyes widened again, but she still didn’t shrink away.

Instead she ran her tongue across those pretty lips as she looked up at him, her gaze at once innocent and provocative.

“Is that an even bigger consequence?”

Her scent had grown sweeter, richer, and his cock jerked again as he realized she was aroused. He shook his head, trying to clear away the fog of lust and failing.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, little one.”

His thumb slid further, just brushing the soft curls at the apex of her thighs when Tomlin gave a discreet cough from outside the entrance to the tent.

“Your breakfast, my lord.”

His assistant’s voice was like a bucket of cold water, snapping him back to reality. He was not going to take advantage of his innocent little thief. He rolled over to face the door, keeping her tucked behind him and out of sight.

“Come in,” he growled.

Tomlin carried in a tray of food, along with a small bundle, careful not to look in his direction as he set the tray and the bundle on the table.

“I brought a few outfits for Miss Evie.” The briefest hesitation. “Will we be leaving at dawn as usual?”

“Of course we will,” he snapped. “But I’ll drive the wagon today.”

Usually he preferred riding his horse so he was free to move up and down the caravan as necessary, but he didn’t want to leave Evie alone. Apparently she felt the same way because a small hand crept around his stomach from behind as she pressed herself against his back and he felt her shiver.

“Miss Evie will accompany me.”

She patted his stomach approvingly as her body relaxed and he quickly put his hand over hers before she decided to start exploring again.

“Yes, my lord.” Tomlin looked at him for the first time, his expression more than usually inscrutable. “I thought it judicious to spread the word that Miss Evie is the… daughter of an old friend of yours who you are escorting to Wainwright.”

As usual, it was an excellent idea. The information would reduce speculation about her presence, although he had somewhat more mixed feelings about the reminder of her youth. At least he would have time to come up with a plan for her future since the small town of Wainwright was at the end of the trail.

“Very well. I’ll join you shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Tomlin bowed and left, and he climbed quickly out of bed before he succumbed to temptation again. When Evie stretched and smiled up at him, he almost changed his mind but her shirt slipped away again to reveal the fragile line of her collarbone and remind him that she needed to eat.

“Time to eat, little one.”

She slid down from the bed, her shirt riding up in the process, and he quickly averted his eyes. For someone as innocent as he believed her to be, she had a surprisingly seductive nature. He doubted she even realized how close he’d come to claiming her.

He reached over and snagged the bundle, holding it out to her as a distraction.

“Here. See if there’s something in here which fits.”

She took it cautiously, as if half expecting him to snatch it back, then opened it carefully. The first outfit was similar to what she’d been wearing the night before, only clean and well made - a simple pair of pants and a shirt. The other was a dress, an ordinary cotton gown in pale green with tiny white flowers, but she stared at it as if it were a ballgown, then stroked her hand carefully down the fabric.

“It’s so pretty,” she whispered.

“Then it’s yours. I’m glad it pleases you.”

He expected her to pick it up at once, but instead she reached for the pants and shirt.

“I thought you liked the dress?”

“I do, but… I haven’t worn anything like that for a long time. Not since my father died.”

“How long ago was that?” he asked gently.

“Three years.” She’d picked up the shirt and pants, even though she was still staring longingly at the dress. “It was… safer to dress like a boy after that.”

“You’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He knew it was a rash promise but he didn’t regret it when she flashed him a quick, sweet smile.

“I know.”

“Then wear the dress,” he said gruffly, surprisingly gratified by her words.

She stroked the fabric of the dress again, but shook her head.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I do.” He took the pants and shirt out of her hands. “Raise your arms.”

She obeyed immediately, and he stripped the shirt off over her head, quickly replacing it with the green gown. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t look, but he hadn’t been entirely successful. Neither had he been successful in completely ignoring the feel of her silky skin as his hands brushed against it.

“There. That’s better.” He did his best to keep his voice neutral as he turned her around and tied the laces that drew the gown in around her slender waist.

“Really? Do I look all right?”

She looked up at him, her expression so painfully hopeful that he couldn’t resist.

“You look beautiful,” he growled, and then he kissed her.

Her mouth was soft and sweet under his, her lips parting readily as his tongue slid inside. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, unable to control the impulse to explore her mouth. When she gasped into his mouth and tried to burrow closer to his chest, his cock hardened in painful, instant arousal before he forced himself to raise his head.

She looked up at him, dazed, her cheeks flushed, and his gaze dropped to where her nipples thrust impudently against the thin cotton. Fuck, he wanted her, wanted to bury himself completely in that sweet, virginal flesh and claim her as his, but he couldn’t ignore all the reasons it was a bad idea and he reluctantly stepped away from her.

“Eat. You need to eat.”

Before she could respond, he stalked across the tent to collect his own clothes, turning his back so she couldn’t see how his body ached for her.

CHAPTER 7

Evie hoisted herself into the big chair, her legs still wobbly after S’kal’s kiss. She picked up a gently steaming mug of tea as she lifted the cover off a plate stacked with pancakes, so warm the butter was still melting. Mmm. A hot drink, a hot meal, and an even hotter kiss. She could get used to this.

No, I can’t.

As kind as S’kal had been, as safe as he made her feel, she had to remember that this was only temporary. She would need to find somewhere along the trail where she could begin a new life while he headed back to the city. The depressing thought made her put the mug back down, turning to look over her shoulder at S’kal.

“How far does -”

Her mouth went dry. He was changing, the soft sleep pants he’d been wearing in a heap on the floor as he drew a pair of work pants up over his very fine, very naked ass. Oh my. She wasn’t sure what the standards were for best male posterior, but his had to rank very high on the list. She was still staring when he made some adjustment she couldn’t see and turned back to face her. Despite the fabric covering that oh so intriguing cock, she could tell he was still extremely erect.

“Doesn’t that hurt?” she blurted out, her cheeks immediately burning.

“Yes, little one, it does, but I’ll live. Why aren’t you eating?”

“I was just wondering how long - how far - the caravan travels.”

“Eat your breakfast and I’ll tell you,” he said sternly.

Why did his bossy commands appeal to her so much? Refusing to let him see her pleasure, she made a face at him before she obediently took a bite of her pancakes. They melted in her mouth and she moaned appreciatively.

“These are so good.”

“Tomlin is an excellent cook,” he agreed but he was staring at her mouth, golden eyes gleaming.

She deliberately ran her tongue slowly over her lips, thrilled when the heat in his gaze intensified. Then he cleared his throat and looked away.

“This caravan travels to Wainwright and back - it’s a small town close to the mountains. We’ll stop at several smaller settlements along the way to trade, and take a longer break at Williamsburg. It’s the largest inland town,” he added when she gave him a questioning look. “Most of the merchants will remain there until I return, although some will continue along the trail. The settlers will leave us there as well, to take another caravan over the mountains.”

“Settlers?” she asked thoughtfully.

Over the mountains sounded like the safest place to be and she liked the idea of being out in the countryside, although she knew nothing about farming or life in a small town. She couldn’t help wondering if S’kal had ever thought about becoming a settler.

“Yes. A group of five wagons.” His tone sounded distinctly disapproving but before she could ask why, he continued. “Normally the entire trip takes about six weeks each way, depending on the weather and the condition of the roads. And how good the trade is at each stop.”

“How long will it take us to get to Williamsburg?”

“Close to five weeks.” His gaze intensified. “Why?”

Given the fact that he already seemed to have his doubts about the settlers, she simply shrugged.

“Just wondering.”

“Then stop wondering and eat. You’re far too thin.”

Oh. Apparently he hadn’t meant it after all when he called her beautiful. She focused on her plate, suppressing an unexpected urge to cry. She hadn’t cried since those first few desperate weeks after her father died.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she mumbled.

He sighed and crouched down in front of her, raising her chin so he could see her face.

“Don’t lie to me, little one. What’s wrong?”

“You lied to me!” she burst out. “You said I was beautiful but you really think I’m too skinny.”

He sighed again and a moment later he was sitting in the chair and she was back in his lap. She made a half-hearted attempt to wiggle away but he closed his arms firmly around her and she relaxed into his embrace.

“I did not lie to you,” he said firmly. “You can be both extremely beautiful and too thin. How often do you have a proper meal?”

She shrugged, looking down again. Despite the warmth left by his compliment, she hated the thought that he felt sorry for her.

“Occasionally.”

“Now I’m going to make sure you’re having them regularly, and you will be even more beautiful because you will be healthy.”

“I suppose that makes sense.”

“Of course it does. Now open up.”

He lifted a forkful of pancake to her mouth and after a brief hesitation, she obediently opened her mouth. He was feeding her again, but she decided she didn’t mind. Neither did she mind when she finished eating and he washed her hands before pulling a comb carefully through her short curls.

“There.” He flicked her nose gently with his finger and smiled down at her. “Ready to face the world?”

“Not really,” she muttered, but he only laughed and made his own plate of pancakes disappear in record time before taking her hand and leading her out of the tent.

The sun had not yet risen above the horizon, but the camp was already a hive of activity. Cook fires were being doused, horses harnessed, and people were shouting orders at each other. The cool, clean scent of the morning air mingled with wood smoke and the smell of livestock. Being in the middle of all the activity was more overwhelming than just listening to it from her hiding place in the fish wagon, and she drew closer to S’kal’s side.

He put a reassuring arm around her shoulder as a steady stream of people began to come up to him with a variety of questions and complaints. A number of curious glances were cast in her direction but he ignored them, only introducing her to two people. The first was a sturdy, grey-haired woman dressed in male attire.

“Evie, this is Sue Anne. She’s been traveling this route even longer than I have. If I’m not around, you can trust her.”

Why wouldn’t he be around? A surge of panic made her reach for him, gripping his belt this time.

Two sharp blue eyes studied the gesture before Sue Anne nodded.

“That’s right. Know everything worth knowing about this trip. You can always come to me if you need anything.”

Was there an additional emphasis on the last statement? She couldn’t decide, but she nodded politely even though she had no intention of leaving S’kal’s side.

“I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“No need for all that. Sue Anne is just fine.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Sue Anne,” she dutifully and the older woman barked out a laugh.

“Obedient child, aren’t you?”

Her chin went up.

“I’m not a child.”

“No, I don’t suppose you are.” Those discerning eyes went to S’kal. “I understand she’s the daughter of a friend?”

“Yes,” he said abruptly.

He didn’t sound convincing to her and she suspected Sue Anne was equally doubtful but the other woman only shrugged.

“If you say so. Come visit me if you get bored, dearie. The wagon with the red and white stripes. Can’t miss it.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I mean, thank you, Sue Anne.”

“Good girl. I’ll talk to you later, S’kal.”

Once again she suspected there was an additional emphasis behind the words, but S’kal only nodded.

The second person he introduced her to was a lanky young man about her own age with a shock of bright red hair.

“This is Alvin, Evie. He’s one of my hands. If you want to go anywhere in camp and I’m not around, Alvin will escort you and make sure you come to no harm. Won’t you, Alvin?”

His voice had a steely note and the boy blushed almost as red as his hair as he nodded.

‘Yes, sir. Ma’am.”

Alvin touched his hat and disappeared with an audible sigh of relief.

“Why do you keep telling me what to do if you’re not around?” she demanded as soon as the boy was out of earshot. “Are you going somewhere?”

“No, but I’ve learned to be prepared.”

“Do you really think I need an escort?”

“Yes.” He used the same hard tone he used with Alvin, although the fact that his thumb was feathering gently across her side as he spoke took away some of the sting. “I don’t want you wandering around camp on your own, understand?”

“I suppose.”

“Evie…”

“All right,” she sighed. “I won’t go anywhere alone. But I’d much rather you escorted me than Alvin.”

“I hope so.” There was an unmistakable note of amusement in his voice. “Now come with me. I have one more check I have to do before we depart.”

He took her to a large, open-topped wagon near the front of the caravan. It was full of sacks and crates, their contents not immediately obvious, but two heavily armed men rode in the cargo area. The driver stood up and tipped his cap when S’kal approached.

“Morning, S’kal.”

“Jace. Any problems?”

The other man grinned.

“Nah. We’re good.”

“All right. Stay alert.”

“Always,” the driver said cheerfully.

“What was that about?” she asked as they moved to the head of the caravan.

A neat little wagon waited, the horses already in place. He checked their harnesses, murmuring to them softly before returning to her.

“Most of the merchants deal in food and basic supplies. Jace’s wares are a little more valuable so I keep a closer eye on him. Now, up you get.”

He reached over to lift her into the wagon, and as soon as those big warm hands spanned her waist, a ripple of excitement ran through her body. He raised her until their faces were even and held her there for a brief second, studying her face. She started to lean towards him, but then he cursed under his breath and quickly placed her on the seat.

He grabbed the side rail and climbed up after her. The seat was narrow enough that they were still close together, and she leaned happily against his side as he picked up the reins. He raised his hand and a moment later the whole caravan was in motion.

“What happens if someone tries to steal from him?”

“We encourage them to find a more suitable career.”

The grim tone of his voice made her shiver, and she couldn’t help feeling sorry for anyone dumb enough to cross him. She was glad he was on her side. For now anyway. The knowledge that their acquaintance would be short-lived depressed her and she pushed it away. One of the ways she’d avoided giving in to despair over the past few years was by not worrying about what could happen ahead of time.

Instead she gave him a speculative look from under her lashes, just as he turned his head and looked down at her.

“Now why do I think you’re plotting mischief, little one?”

“I’m not. I was just wondering…”

“I’m sure I’ll regret asking, but wondering what?”

“Is it hard to drive the horses?”

“Not really. Do you want to learn how?”

He laughed when she nodded eagerly.

“Then I’ll teach you, but not today. I’d like to reach the edge of the hills before dark.”

When she gave him a disappointed look, he laughed again, then put his arm around her and handed her the reins. He kept his hands over hers but she could still feel the connection with the horses, and looked up excitedly. She hadn’t realized his face was quite so close, his mouth even closer.

She started to lean even closer, tempted to press a kiss to the strong line of his jaw, but he quickly removed his arm from around her shoulders and took the reins back.

“Hills. Today,” he said firmly.

She stuck her tongue out at him, but she settled down next to him happily enough, looking around eagerly. The land surrounding the road was heavily wooded, the breeze cool and fresh. She’d seen trees of course, but this was nothing like the small parks scattered around Port Cantor - parks she’d felt uncomfortable lingering in no matter how much she’d enjoyed them.

With S’kal sitting next to her, she didn’t have to worry about becoming a target and she could truly appreciate her surroundings.

“It’s so pretty,” she murmured.

“It would be peaceful too, if we weren’t being followed by the caravan.” He shot her a quick look. “Haven’t you been out of the city before?”

“Papa took me to the seaside once. I loved it there, but he said life outside the city was boring.”

“I’ve never considered a city a suitable place to raise a child.”

His voice was carefully neutral, but when she looked up he was frowning.

“You didn’t grow up in a city?”

“No. My brother and I grew up in a small farming colony on a colony planet much like this one.”

Brother? Why did that surprise her? Perhaps because he had an almost undefinable air of isolation about him. The people who had approached him earlier had been polite, even friendly, and he’d responded the same way but he clearly wasn’t close to any of them, with the possible exception of Sue Anne. And Tomlin of course - there was a clear current of affection between the two males.

And me. He certainly hadn’t kept his distance with her. The thought made her hide a smile before returning to the conversation.

“I didn’t realize you had a brother. Where is he?”

“In prison in Port Cantor.” His voice was still neutral but she could feel the tension in his body where their sides touched.

“I’m so sorry.”

“He was innocent of the crime of which he was accused,” he added stiffly, and she reached out and put her hand over his.

“I’m sure he was.”

His body relaxed a little as he glanced down at her.

“He’s the reason I keep returning to the city.”

Which killed any hope that he might be interested in becoming a settler with her, but she understood. Her father had been imprisoned once for five terrifying days. Their landlady at that time, a kind older woman, had suggested she go and visit her daughter outside the city but she’d refused to leave, unable to bear the thought of abandoning her father.

She squeezed his hand again, then changed the subject.

“Have you been doing this long?”

“Driving caravans?”

“Yes.”

“About four years. Since not long after I came to this planet.”

“And you enjoy it?”

He shrugged. “It suits me well enough. I get to leave the city and move around, but the trips always take me back.”

“You must have had some other jobs, though?”

He snorted.

“I worked as a guard in a warehouse, a doorkeeper in a bar, and finally as a clerk in a trading company.”

“Oh.” She looked up at him curiously. “You didn’t like any of those jobs?”

“Not really. The warehouse was too boring, the bar was too loud, and the trading company too confining. But the trading company was what led me to this job. I started working with one of the caravans they used and then just stayed on.”

“What about the other members of your squad?”

He shook his head.

“I think they went through just as many jobs. We all had… difficulty adjusting to life after the war. My commander’s latest scheme is to renovate a former farming community and set up farms for any warriors looking for a more peaceful way of life.”

“And that doesn’t appeal to you?”

“My duty is to my brother.”

But there was a longing in his voice that made her wonder.

“All of you fought together?”

She was pretty sure she knew the answer, but she wanted to hear his response.

“Yes.”

He said nothing else and she was suddenly conscious of the vast difference of experience between them. How much of his life had he lived before she was even born?

“Did you like it?”

“Gods, no. H’zim and I joined the military looking for adventure, not battle. We enjoyed it at first. Before the war.”

The bleakness in his voice made her chest ache, and she snuggled closer before changing the subject again.

“Tell me about the places along the trail.”

CHAPTER 8

Aweek later, S’kal was once again staring at the ceiling of his tent. The week had been a torturous combination of pleasure and frustration. Evie had spent almost every moment at his side - riding with him in the wagon and sleeping in his tent at night. Or more accurately, sleeping in his bed. Every night he sent her off to sleep in her own bed, and every night she ended up in his. Sometimes it would be a few hours later, other times almost as soon as he laid down.

The few times he tried to dissuade her, she insisted she was scared to be on her own and he found he believed her. Even though she had yet to tell him what had happened in Port Cantor, it had clearly terrified her. And as torturous as it was to have her snuggled against him, it was also curiously satisfying. His aching cock did not agree, but if nothing else, the military had taught him discipline.

After their second night together, he’d walked into his tent as Tomlin was setting up the furniture and saw him place a small set of steps next to the bed. Fuck. Was there anything his assistant didn’t notice? Tomlin paused for a second, looking at him, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell him to take the steps away. A decision he approved even more when he saw Evie give them a quick, delighted glance. Neither one of them mentioned them, but she eagerly used them to join him that night. They’d been next to the bed ever since.

After dealing with so many annoying passengers, he’d always assumed that having someone constantly at his side would irritate him. Tomlin didn’t irritate him, but the other male was almost frustratingly unobtrusive. Evie also didn’t irritate him, no matter how much time they spent together. Instead he grew even more enchanted by her presence, to the point where he actually resented the times when he had to leave her to deal with his other duties.

He enjoyed watching over her, enjoyed making sure she ate and slept and was as comfortable as he could make her. He enjoyed her innocent curiosity about everything, although she occasionally let something slip which made him realize she’d seen far too much of the unpleasant side of life. As she settled into life on the trail, her natural friendliness began to emerge and it soon seemed as if everyone in the caravan knew her and would call out a friendly greeting when she passed.

Unfortunately, he also noticed the appreciative looks that accompanied those greetings and was shocked to discover that he had a darkly possessive side. He forced it under control for her sake, but more and more he found himself thinking of her as his. Temporarily, he reminded himself, but that hadn’t stopped him from spreading the word that anyone who caused her any distress would be removed from the caravan.

That warning had not been enough to prevent Jackson from attempting to befriend her. She seemed to be fascinated by the settlers so he didn’t want to forbid her from talking to them, but neither did he trust their leader. He was still convinced that something was wrong with the group, even though he couldn’t determine the issue.

A soft noise in the tent had him turning his head, and a moment later, Evie climbed into bed and settled into her usual place against his side.

Too young. Too innocent. He repeated the mantra to himself once again, even though it was getting harder and harder to ignore her innocent advances. She took every opportunity to touch him - snuggling against his side as he drove the wagon or taught her to drive, grabbing his hand to catch his attention, climbing into his lap when they were alone in the tent in the evenings, and of course, climbing into his bed every night.

While she was still impossibly small, a week of solid food and fresh air had brought some color to her cheeks and added a pleasant softness to her slender curves. Curves that were pressed tightly enough against him that he could feel the stiff peaks of her nipples against his side.

She stirred restlessly once, and then again, and he suddenly realized she was deliberately rubbing her breasts against him. A male could only take so much. He rolled over her, just as he had that first morning. The small lamp he left burning for her gave enough light for him to see her wide-eyed look.

“Are you playing games again, little one?”

“No, I’m not. Honestly. I just feel…achy.”

Given the way his cock was aching, he could sympathize. Or did she mean she was ill?

“Where does it ache?” he demanded.

“Here.” Before he could stop her, she pulled down the top of her nightgown Tomlin had found for her to reveal her perfect little breasts, topped by pink, swollen nipples. “Can’t you make it better?”

She gave him such a hopeful look that he couldn’t refuse. He bent his head to lick delicately at a tempting bud. She gasped, then sighed with pleasure as he closed his mouth around it and sucked gently. Her back arched, and he cupped her other breast, carefully squeezing her nipple between his finger and thumb. He switched from one to the other, gradually increasing the intensity of his mouth and his fingers until he clamped down with both at the same time.

“Ohhhhhh.”

She shuddered, her body convulsing in quick rhythmic pulses as her climax swept over her.

“That felt so good,” she murmured when her body finally stilled, her voice dreamy and far away. “Can we do it again?”

His already rigid cock hardened even further, and he released her nipple with a low groan.

“Fuck. I shouldn’t have done that.”

She stretched lazily, arching her back so that her breasts thrust up at him, and he bit back another groan.

“Why not? I liked it. I feel all tingly and warm. Can’t we -”

He couldn’t let her finish, couldn’t let her tempt him into taking further advantage of her innocence. Instead, he sealed his lips over hers, kissing her with the desperate need he’d been holding back. Her mouth was hot and sweet, her little tongue shyly touching his as her hips rocked upwards, and he shuddered, reluctantly forcing himself to raise his head.

“No more.” He struggled to get his voice under control. “Now go to sleep.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Go to sleep, little one, before I do something I’ll regret.”

He rolled onto his back, tucking her in her usual place by his side. His cock throbbed painfully and his body screamed for release, but he forced himself to ignore it. But instead of obeying him and going to sleep, her hand skated down across his abdomen, hovering just above his waistband.

“I told you to go to sleep,” he growled.

That delicate little hand trailed tantalizingly across his stomach and his cock jerked eagerly.

“I want to help you too,” she whispered. “Just tell me what to do.”

“Evie…”

“Please.” Her hand dipped lower, sliding across the thin silk trying desperately to restrain his erection, and his hips bucked against her hand. “Show me how to make you feel good.”

The combination of her touch and the long, frustrating week overcame his better instincts and he put his hand over hers, growling as her hand tightened eagerly around as much of his shaft as she could grip.

“It’s so big.” Her voice was still dreamy, her hand already beginning to move.

This is just mutual relief, he assured himself as he started guiding her strokes, showing her what he liked. Her lack of experience was obvious but it made no difference. His climax was already rushing towards him when she looked up at him, eyes luminous and eager in the dim light.

“Is this all right?”

“Fuck, yes. Don’t stop.”

“I won’t.”

Her hand closed more tightly around him and she added a twisting action that tore his orgasm from him, wave after wave of release coursing through his body, soaking the silk with the intensity of his release. His body shuddered for a long moment, and she pressed small, sweet kisses to his chest until his breathing finally slowed and his muscles relaxed.

“Are you feeling better now?”

Her innocent question made him laugh and he hugged her closer.

“Yes, little one. Thank you. Now go to sleep while I clean up.”

“Can I help?” she asked as he rose, and he almost tripped over his own feet.

“Not… No.”

Fuck, he’d almost said not this time as if he expected there to be another time. It can’t happen again. She deserved a better life than roaming the planet with a cynical older warrior. He did his best to put the possibility out of his mind as he stripped off the damp pants, washed quickly, and pulled on a clean pair.

He expected her to be asleep when he returned to the bed, but instead big eyes peeped up at him over the sheet.

“I like your ass,” she whispered as he rejoined her and he burst into laughter.

“You weren’t supposed to be watching me. You were supposed to be going to sleep.”

He felt her shrug, her wagonmaster moving tantalizing against his chest.

“You were more interesting. But it did make me all achy again. Are you sure we can’t-”

“Not tonight,” he said firmly, then realized what he’d said. “I mean no.”

“What about tomorrow night?”

“No,” he repeated.

She hummed thoughtfully, but he didn’t think it meant she’d accepted his refusal. However, she let the subject drop and relaxed against him, falling asleep more quickly than he expected. Perhaps she was tired from their explorations. Just like I should be, he thought wryly. But he had to do a better job of resisting her in the future.

Despite his resolve, he didn’t stop her from crawling into his bed that night. Or the night after.

CHAPTER 9

“Have you noticed that Mr. Jackson is always watching you?” Evie asked S’kal as they approached a small town two days later.

“Yes. I think he’s up to something. I don’t trust him.”

S’kal looked so grim she shivered, but she suspected he was right. Although the man had been friendly to her, a little too friendly, she ‘d noticed how closely he watched the wagon. And despite his attempts to appear good-natured, she’d gradually realized that he never let her speak to any of the women in his party unless he was around. On the rare occasions he wasn’t, the grim-faced Mrs. Smith took his place.

Although she’d quickly abandoned her idea of accompanying the settlers over the mountains, she continued to visit, hoping to discover more about them. She was also growing increasingly determined to get one of the women alone, hopefully Alicia. The sweet-faced girl seemed to be about her own age, and Evie had seen despair on her face when she thought no one was looking at her. Perhaps she was even aware of whatever Mr. Jackson was planning.

She was still considering her options as they made camp just outside of town. Since this was a trading opportunity, the wagons weren’t arranged in their usual circle. Instead, all of the merchants who wished to trade were lined up in two long rows facing the town, with one of S’kal’s men at the end of each row to keep an eye on things. The few who were simply bringing their cargo to another destination formed a smaller group at the back of the rows, accompanied by the settler families.

The ever-efficient Tomlin had already set up their tent and she watched from behind one of the small ventilation openings as Mr. Jackson and his two cronies went off towards the town. Maybe this was her opportunity. All she had to do was find a way around Mrs. Smith…

“What are you up to, little one?” S’kal asked from behind her and she jumped. She hadn’t heard him enter the tent.

“Nothing.”

She tried to make her voice sound as innocent as possible but she didn’t think he believed her. Maybe she should try distracting him instead…

Putting her arms around his waist, she smiled up at him.

“Kiss?”

His cock flexed against her stomach - something it did with great frequency, although so far he’d refused to let her make him feel better again. He also hadn’t offered to relieve any of her aches, but she hadn’t pushed him. Instead she’d started asking for kisses. Those he was usually willing to give and he did so now, bending down to cover her mouth with his.

Sometimes his kisses were gentle, gradually coaxing her into melting against him. This one was the opposite, demanding a response from her and setting her body on fire with longing before he raised his head.

“I have to go into town.”

“What?” The abrupt change of subject took her by surprise and it took a moment for it to register. “Can I come?”

“Not this time,” he said gently. “Jace has a delivery and I need to accompany him and keep watch. You would be too much of a distraction.”

She hid a smile, enjoying the idea, then snuck a look at him from under her lashes.

“You mean you’re going to leave me all alone?”

“Of course not. I’ll leave Alvin to look after you.”

Well, damn. That would make her efforts to sneak away more complicated, although she was pretty good at getting Alvin to do what she wanted. She still gave S’kal a teasing pout.

“He can’t take care of me the way you can.”

“He’d better not fucking try,” he growled and yanked her closer, lifting her into his arms before kissing her again.

Her legs automatically encircled his waist, which meant that his cock was lodged firmly against her, exactly where she needed him. She gasped into his mouth and he pulled her even closer, rocking her against that massive shaft. Fiery streaks of pleasure raced through her body from that contact, and she wiggled against him, desperate for more. His hands tightened on her buttocks for a brief, wonderful moment, and then he was gently returning her to her feet, leaving her empty and aching.

She immediately protested and he cupped her cheek in one big hand.

“I really do have to go. I won’t return until after dark, but I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“And then you’ll take care of me?”

Those golden eyes heated as they traveled down over her body. She knew her nipples were stiff and aching beneath her gown and his eyes lingered there for a moment before he gave a quick, sharp nod.

“I shouldn’t, but yes.”

Her heart immediately skipped a beat. Was he really going to help her experience that wonderful burst of pleasure again? Or perhaps take it even further and actually make love to her? Was it even possible? Nervous excitement shivered down her spine at the thought. She’d wondered about it often enough since the other night, but she was woefully ignorant on the subject.

She understood the basics of how sex was supposed to work, but she’d only just begun to be interested in boys when her father died and hadn’t experienced more than a few stolen kisses. After he died she was too focused on survival to think about it, although she’d stumbled across more than one couple having a drunken encounter in a back alley. Nothing about those incidents had appealed to her, but that rough fumbling seemed completely different to the exquisite sensations S’kal drew from her.

“Thank you,” she whispered and he gave a startled laugh before his expression clouded.

“You’d be better off running to Sue Anne.”

Evie had visited with the older woman several times over the past week, enjoying her brisk, no-nonsense attitude and her dry sense of humor. Sue Anne had even offered to let her stay in her wagon, but she had politely and firmly refused. Sue Anne had clucked her tongue but hadn’t seemed surprised.

“Can’t say as I blame you. He’s a good male. Good looking too. I always did like ‘em big.” Sue Anne laughed when color immediately rushed to Evie’s face, but then she hesitated. “I’m just not sure he’s a good long term prospect,” she said finally.

Fighting back a sudden urge to cry, she lifted her chin defiantly. “I know. This is just a temporary situation.”

“Hmm.” Those sharp blue eyes studied her before turning back to the teapot. “Another cup?”

She thought about Sue Anne’s warning now as S’kal brushed a quick kiss across her lips and departed. But even if they couldn’t have a future together, she was determined to enjoy the time they had.

A noise from outside caught her attention, distracting her from her thoughts. When she peered through the ventilation opening again she saw two traders stumbling away, laughing. More importantly, Mrs. Smith was sitting on the wagon seat, smoking her pipe and scowling. That meant the women would be alone in the wagons. This was her chance to try and speak to Alicia. First, though, she needed to come up with a plan to get rid of Alvin.

That task proved simple enough. She told him she was starving and gave him her most pitiful look before asking him to fetch her some dinner from the communal cookpot. When he hesitated, she made her bottom lip quiver as if she were on the verge of tears. He immediately looked horrified and hurried off.

As soon as he disappeared behind another wagon, she slipped quietly out of the tent and hurried towards the woods behind their campsite, careful to stay out of Mrs. Smith’s view. She was so busy watching the other woman that she ran directly into Tomlin.

CHAPTER BREAK? XXX

“GOING FOR A STROLL, MISS EVIE?” he asked dryly as he steadied her then stepped back.

“Umm, yes?”

The fact that her response came out as a question made it even more obviously a lie.

“Where is Alvin?”

“He went to get some dinner for me. It’s not his fault,” she added quickly. “I tricked him.”

“It is his fault that he allowed himself to be tricked.”

A distinct coolness had entered that calm voice and she gave him a startled look. He immediately reverted to his normal stoic expression and bowed his head.

“Then I will accompany you until he returns.”

“But you can’t!”

“Why not?”

Another glance at his face assured her that he wouldn’t budge without an explanation. She sighed and explained her plan. A little to her surprise, he nodded thoughtfully.

“It would be helpful to know more about their plans. Very well. I will accompany you, but I will stay hidden in the woods unless I’m needed.”

She thought about it and decided it was a reasonable compromise. She was even willing to admit that the knowledge he would be watching over her gave her some comfort. She still knew next to nothing about him - he politely but firmly discouraged any attempt at conversation - but she had no doubt about his competence.

“Thank you.”

“There is no need to thank me.” A hint of amusement crossed his face. “I am sure that Lord S’kal will not approve of my actions, however I am equally sure that he would disapprove even more if I let you go off on your own.”

“The two of you act as if I’m a child,” she muttered as they moved deeper into the woods and started circling around behind Mrs. Smith’s wagon.

“Is that truly how you consider Lord S’kal’s behavior?”

The amused note in his voice was stronger this time and she blushed as she remembered the heated kiss in the tent.

“Well, no. Not exactly.”

“Perhaps he needs someone to care for as much as you need someone to care for you.”

That struck a little too close to home and she glared at him.

“And what’s your excuse?”

“I am equally aware that you are not a child, but like most people, you require guidance.”

“Wouldn’t that include you?”

Something she couldn’t read flashed across his face, but he didn’t answer her. Instead he pointed to the back of the wagon. The top half of the door was open and Alicia was leaning against it, looking out at the woods.

“This appears to be as good an opportunity as any. I will remain here and keep watch.”

She nodded and crossed over to the wagon as quietly as possible. Her heart was thudding nervously against her ribs but she had to admit that Tomlin’s presence gave her comfort.

“Hi, Alicia,” she whispered softly as she approached.

The girl jumped and cast a nervous look over her shoulder before leaning further out the window. Even in her obvious state of distress, she was very pretty, with dark hair and eyes and a perfect creamy complexion.

“What are you doing here? You need to stay away from them.”

“Away from who?”

“Smith and Jackson and their bully boys.” Alicia rubbed her arm, a dark bruise clearly visible on her pale skin. “They don’t like people interfering.”

“Interfering with what? What are they up to?”

Tears sprang to the girl’s eyes.

“They tricked me into coming with them. My mother died a few months ago, and I couldn’t stand being in the city anymore. I was trying to decide what to do when I saw an ad for mail order brides. I didn’t really think anything would come of it, but I decided to send off an application. A man - Jeff - responded right away. He seemed really sweet and his picture was really good-looking. We exchanged a few letters and I agreed to come and join him. He said everything was arranged and I would be traveling with his cousin.”

A choked sob escaped Alicia’s lips and she flinched, darting another nervous look around before she continued.

“Mrs. Smith told me she was his cousin but something didn’t seem right. I tried to leave and that’s when Jackson showed up. He told me it was already arranged and I couldn’t back out. But now I don’t even think there is a Jeff!”

“Where do you think they’re taking you?”

“I’ve heard them talk about going through the mountains enough that I think that part is true, but after that?” The girl shivered. “The best option is that there is a man waiting for me, even if it’s not Jeff. The worst… Two of the women in the other wagon are prostitutes. What if they’re planning on using all of us that way?”

She wished she could assure the girl that her fears weren’t justified, but the scenario seemed entirely possible. Even in the city, girls were sometimes forced into prostitution. She’d always been afraid it would happen to her - it was one of the reasons for her boyish disguise.

“I need to tell S’kal. He won’t let it happen.”

Alicia’s expression was a heartrending mixture of fear and hope.

“Do you really think so? Because if he tries to free us and fails, they’ll make our life a living hell.”

“S’kal can do anything,” she said confidently. “But maybe not today, or even tomorrow.”

Alicia nodded rapidly.

“As long as there’s a chance of getting away from them, I can wait. But it has to be before Williamsburg. I don’t think there’s any hope once we head into the mountains.”

There was a noise from the front of the wagon and they both froze. No one appeared, but her heart was still beating uncomfortably fast when she told Alicia goodbye.

“I’ll try and get a message to you,” she promised. “But it might not be until we reach the next town.”

“I understand.” The girl reached out and took her hand, squeezing it earnestly. “Thank you. Even if you can’t save us, thank you for trying.”

“You’re welcome,” she whispered and hurried back into the woods.

Tomlin immediately stepped out from behind a tree and she jumped. How could she have missed him?

“I heard,” he said briefly, although she couldn’t imagine how he’d done that either since they’d kept their voices so low. “But this isn’t the place to discuss it. We should return to the tent.”

Although it was phrased as a suggestion it was clearly an order, but she didn’t have any desire to argue. She only hoped S’kal was already on his way back. Unfortunately the tent was still empty.

Tomlin stayed with her, pacing once around the tent before taking a seat. It was the closest she’d ever seen to a sign of agitation.

“What are we going to do?” she demanded.

“We are not going to do anything. I will discuss the matter with Lord S’kal.”

“What is there to discuss? You have to get those women away from Mr. Jackson.”

“It might not be as easy as you think. Jackson and his men are all armed. I’m sure you agree that it would be better to avoid a battle.”

“Of course I do.” The thought of S’kal being wounded made her chest ache. “Isn’t there any law enforcement out here?”

“Most towns have a person in that position, but it’s frequently just a single person to represent the local authority. There’s no real law enforcement until we reach Williamsburg, and I’m afraid your friend is right. They may leave the caravan as soon as we arrive.”

“But we have to do something.”

“We will. Lord S’kal and I will determine the best way to proceed.”

He sounded so confident that she started to believe him. Alvin returned a few minutes later bearing a tray filled with food. He flinched when he saw Tomlin and almost dropped the tray.

“Put that down and leave,” Tomlin ordered, his voice like ice. “I will deal with you tomorrow.”

“It wasn’t his fault,” she protested again as Alvin headed for the door, his shoulders slumped.

“Yes, it was, Miss Evie,” Alvin mumbled. “I’m sorry.”

He left without waiting for her to respond, and she found herself pacing anxiously as they waited. Tomlin made no attempt to stop her. Instead he calmly pulled out a small datapad and started reading.

Fortunately, it didn’t take much longer for S’kal to arrive. He stalked into the tent, and she immediately rushed over and threw her arms around him. He held her away from him long enough to give her a quick look as if to reassure himself that she was fine, then pulled her back into his arms before turning to Tomlin. With his arms around her and his comforting scent filling her head, it was easy to believe that everything was going to be all right.

“Where’s Alvin?”

“He made a mistake.”

“It was my fault,” she mumbled against S’kal’s chest, and he sighed.

“If he left his post, it was his fault. Thank you for looking after Evie,” he added, smiling at Tomlin.

“Of course, Lord S’kal. Although I am afraid you will not be pleased when you hear what we have discovered.”

CHAPTER 10

Forced prostitution. Those bastards were using his caravan to force women into prostitution. No wonder Jackson had been watching him so carefully.

Rage filled S’kal as he paced back and forth across the tent. His first instinct had been to snatch up Jackson and his men and throw them out of the caravan, but Tomlin’s cooler head had prevailed. He reluctantly agreed with his assistant that the odds suggested they would start shooting and an innocent person might get hurt.

His rage was compounded by the fact that Evie had put herself in danger. Thank the gods that Tomlin had been his usual efficient self and intercepted her before she came to any harm. He would deal with her once they were alone. In the meantime they needed to come up with a plan.

He calmed down enough to order Evie to eat, then sat down with Tomlin to consider their options. Evie nibbled on a few things then came over to stand next to his chair. He knew what she wanted and after a brief hesitation, he picked her up and put her on his lap. Tomlin didn’t even blink as she snuggled against him with a tired sigh, listening sleepily as they talked.

“What if you get them away from the caravan?” she asked suddenly. “The way they left tonight, only not in a town.”

The idea had merit, as long as they could come up with something sufficiently enticing to lure the men away in an unpopulated area. There were no taverns in the wilderness.

“What about a hunt?” Tomlin suggested. “That might even encourage them to spread out.”

“I like the idea, but they would need a target.” Cresca had few natural predators of any size.

“I was thinking of your squad mate’s story about hunting wild cattle. It would not be unexpected as we get deeper into the grasslands.”

He nodded slowly, mulling over the suggestion. There were several males he trusted on the trip, certainly enough to make the pursuit convincing. He also had enough weapons and ammunition concealed in his wagon to arm all of them - certainly enough to hold their own against the three bastards.

“It could work.”

“I agree,” Tomlin said as he rose to his feet. “I estimate we will reach a suitable location in three days. That will give us ample time to recruit the other men and finalize our plans so I believe we are through for the evening. Good night, Lord S’kal, Miss Evie.”

“Good night, Tomlin.”

Evie echoed him, giving his assistant a sweet smile, too sweet for his liking. He was still frowning at his flash of jealousy when the tent flap dropped behind Tomlin. He immediately lifted Evie off his lap and put her on her feet in front of him.

“Now, little one, you will explain to me why you were foolish enough to put yourself in danger.”

“I didn’t,” she protested.

“Did you leave the wagon on your own, even though you promised me you wouldn’t?”

Her gaze dropped and she twisted her fingers together.

“Kind of. But Tomlin was there,” she added hopefully.

“Were you expecting to meet him?”

“Well, no.”

“Exactly. Don’t you understand what might have happened if Jackson had come back early and found you snooping around, let alone talking to Alicia?”

The very thought made him shudder and he saw her face pale.

“What if he’d decided to eliminate the problem? Or if he decided to sell you with the rest of them?”

Her eyes finally rose to meet his.

“If he had taken me, I know you would have found me.”

“As much as I appreciate your faith in me, you should not have put yourself in a position where that might be needed, should you?”

“No, sir,” she whispered.

“Do you think you deserve to be punished?”

She bit her lip, then nodded.

“What do you think would be an appropriate punishment?” he asked gently.

Her eyes went wide.

“I don’t know…”

“Should I spank you?”

“Maybe you could just kiss me again instead,” she suggested hopefully, and his cock jumped at the idea.

“Is that what you want?”

“I like kissing you,” she said shyly, her face flushed, but she gave him such a hopeful look that he couldn’t resist leaning forward and brushing his mouth across hers, only lingering long enough for a quick taste before withdrawing.

“I like kissing you too, but I don’t consider that a punishment. Do you?”

She licked her lips as if she couldn’t help herself and shook her head.

“Would you really spank me?”

“Yes. I could put you over my knee and spank your beautiful bare ass.”

“Oh,” she repeated, her face flaming now.

He stroked a finger down her cheek.

“Or I could spank you and then kiss you between your legs until you’re too weak to move.”

Her eyes widened again and her tongue flicked out, tracing her bottom lip.

“What do you think, little one?”

“I think the second one,” she said quietly, and he realized he’d been holding his breath.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He sat back, looking at her thoughtfully. She was wearing another one of the thin cotton dresses Tomlin had found for her. It wouldn’t provide much protection but he’d promised her a bare ass spanking and he intended to keep his promise.

“Remove the gown, please.”

Her hand went to the buttons, then stopped.

“I… I’m not wearing anything else.”

“I assumed that was the case.”

She still hesitated, looking up at him uncertainly, and he leaned back in the chair again and made his voice firmer.

“Remove the gown.”

Color rushed to her cheeks but her hands moved quickly, fumbling with the first button, then moving more easily to the next. His cock hardened to the point of pain as her slender curves were revealed. When the fabric slid off her shoulders and down her body, he had to clench his hands on the arms of the chair to keep from reaching for her. Although the memory of seeing her naked in the moonlight by the stream had haunted him, it paled next to the reality of her creamy skin glowing in the lamp light.

Her pretty nipples were pink and swollen, already begging for his touch. Her ribs were no longer visible, just a smooth curve from those perfect little breasts to her slender hips. The small patch of curls between her legs was a shade darker than the curls on her head and his mouth watered at the thought of what they concealed. But first things first. He patted his knee.

“Lie down over my knee, Evie.”

She bit her lip but obeyed, slowly lowering herself over his knee. Her pretty ass was as smooth and perfect as the rest of her skin and he stroked a gentle hand across one cheek. His hand almost covered the entire expanse and she shivered, but he also caught the rich sweetness of her arousal.

“How many strokes do you think you deserve?”

“One?” she suggested hopefully, and he laughed as he caressed her again.

“I think three. One for encouraging Alvin to ignore his duty. One for breaking your promise. And one for putting yourself in danger. Do you agree?”

“I do.” Her voice was barely audible but she didn’t hesitate.

He stroked his hand gently across her ass one more time, letting his fingers dip between her legs and barely refrained from groaning when he felt the slickness coating her thighs. He was tempted to abandon the whole idea and simply explore but instead he raised his hand and brought it down across her right buttock. She jumped and the pale flesh glowed pink for a moment before returning to pristine white.

“One.”

Again he caressed her before delivering the next stroke, this time across her left cheek. He admired the way the delicate flesh rippled as it absorbed the impact, the second mark a perfect match for the first.

“Two.”

Again he smoothed away the sting before administering the final blow. This time he covered both buttocks and the pink lingered for another moment, showing the faint outline of his hand before fading away.

“Three.”

He rubbed gently, then lifted her up onto his lap. She immediately buried her face against his chest, her slender shoulders shaking.

“I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “I was worried about Jackson watching you and I thought I could help but I didn’t think about the fact that I was breaking my promise…”

“You did this because you were worried about me?”

She gulped another sob and nodded.

“My brave, foolish little one. Don’t you ever take such a chance again.”

“I won’t.”

She was still sobbing and he rocked her in his arms until her tears stopped and she gave him a watery smile.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For caring enough to do that.”

His chest ached as he realized just how much he cared, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her. Instead he wiped away her tears with his thumb before sliding his hand down over her body. When he slid his fingers between her legs again, she moaned and tried to lift her hips against his hand.

“Does that feel good, little one?”

“So good. All warm and tingly.”

“Good. Because we still have the second part of your punishment.”

Her eyes widened even as he felt the slickness beneath his fingers increase.

“You mean…”

“That I’m going to kiss you between your legs until you’re limp with pleasure? Yes.”

He actually felt her clit pulse against his finger with his words. He growled and quickly carried her over to the bed, laying her back against the pillows before gently urging her legs apart. Her eyes were huge in her small face but she didn’t resist. His cock throbbed again at the sight of those delicate pink folds, already flushed and glistening.

“What a pretty little pussy, all wet and waiting for me. Even your sweet little clit is ready to play.”

He gently flicked the tiny bundle of nerves, already peeking out from under its hood, and she jerked beneath his hand, her eyes widening.

“That makes me feel all… shivery inside.”

“Good. And it’s going to feel even better soon.”

He lowered his head and blew gently across the damp flesh before using his thumbs to keep her fully exposed to him. He gave her a single, long slow lick, and she jerked again, but he gripped her hips in his hands, holding her in a place as he licked her slowly, learning her taste, exploring her.

She squirmed beneath him, her breath coming in soft panting gasps. His cock pulsed in sympathy but he ignored it, concentrating on her pleasure. Her clit was fully exposed now, a hard little nub against his tongue. When he closed his lips around it and sucked, she whimpered.

“I feel like I’m going to burst.”

“I know.” His own voice sounded rough. “Just a little bit more.”

He slid one long, thick fingers inside her impossibly tight sheath as he sucked on her clit again and she cried out, her back arching as she shook, her body quivering around his finger. She was sobbing when she collapsed back down, and he was horrified to see the tears on her face again.

“What’s wrong, Evie? Did I hurt you?”

“No.” She hiccupped and gave him a sweet, watery smile. “It was just… overwhelming. Wonderful, but overwhelming. I’ve never felt anything like it before.”

The knowledge that he’d been the first to give her such pleasure made his cock surge in response. but he did his best to ignore it as he gently withdrew his finger, then raised it to his mouth.

“So sweet,” he murmured and her eyes widened.

“Really?”

“See for yourself. Open your mouth.”

She obeyed, then cautiously licked his finger when he presented it to her. He could all too easily envision that pretty pink tongue licking his cock the same way.

“It’s sweet but salty. Do you taste that way too?”

His cock pulsed so hard that he was on the verge of disgracing himself.

“That is a subject for another day,” he said firmly.

He pulled her back into his arms, arranging her so she was draped over him, his aching cock trapped between their bodies. He wrapped his arms around her, his hand moving gently up and down her back as she sighed and nestled against him.

“Sleep now, little one.”

Her sigh of contentment was the last sound he heard as he too drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER 11

Evie woke up still sprawled across S’kal’s chest. His deep rhythmic breathing was a soothing vibration beneath her body - a body that felt different this morning. More sensuous, more aware. She stretched experimentally, feeling the slight ache of previously untried muscles. Her nipples immediately responded as they rubbed against his smooth, hot skin and heat curled low in her stomach. His cock flexed at her movement, but his eyes remained closed and she gave in to curiosity.

Sliding a little to one side, she very carefully reached down and opened his pants, freeing his erection. Her mouth went dry. Even though she’d stroked him before, the sight of that huge naked cock shocked her. The thick shaft was a deep, glistening green, darker in color than the rest of his skin, and there was a series of ridges circling it just below the broad head with another group of ridges around the base. A clear drop of liquid pearled on each of the three small openings on the head.

She licked her lips, remembering how he’d tasted her. Now it was her turn. Gripping the ridges just below the head, she carefully lifted his cock away from his stomach as she bent closer. Her tongue flickered out, tentatively collecting those small drops, and his taste exploded in her mouth - spicy and salty and delicious. She closed her lips around as much of the head as she could and sucked carefully. More liquid bathed her tongue just as S’kal’s breath hitched.

She looked up and met his golden gaze, his face harsh and strained. As she raised her head, she licked her lips again, savoring the taste of him.

“Salty,” she told him. “Like me, but not like me. I like it.”

Keeping her eyes on his face, she licked him again, savoring the way his body tensed as she did. Giving him pleasure made her feel powerful. He reached for her, but then his hand hovered over her head without touching her.

“Tell me what to do. Please.”

“We shouldn’t do this,” he muttered, but his hips flexed towards her and she rolled her eyes at him.

“Why not? I just told you I liked it. And I’m pretty sure you like it.”

She gave him another gentle suck and his whole body jerked.

“Of course I like it. But you’re so innocent and I… am not.”

She shrugged, the movement making her breasts rub deliciously against him.

“I’m not as innocent as you seem to think.” Inexperienced perhaps, but her innocence had died with her father. “I like the fact that you know what to do. That you can teach me.”

Remembering his last lesson, she gripped as much of his shaft as she could and stroked it firmly from base to tip. Without the sleep pants in the way she could feel the smooth silky skin between those intriguing ridges, and she eagerly repeated the gesture. He groaned but he cupped her head, threading his big fingers through her curls.

“Are you sure?”

“Completely.”

“Then lick me again,” he ordered. “Swirl your tongue over the head.”

She obeyed happily, reveling in the way his hips jerked towards her as she did.

“Now take me in your mouth.”

Determined to take as much as possible, she opened her mouth as far as she could and managed to fit the entire head in her mouth. He was big and hot, almost overwhelming, but when he groaned again it was worth it. She let him slip free and began to lick her way down his shaft, tracing the ridges with her tongue as his hand tightened in her hair.

“Now put that pretty little mouth around me again, but keep stroking me.” His voice was a rough growl that only added to her excitement.

This time she managed to take a little more, his flavor intoxicating her, and she sucked greedily. He started rocking his hips towards her mouth, urging her to take more of him.

“Look at me,” he ordered. “I want to see your face while you’re doing this.”

She obediently looked up and found herself captured by those golden eyes. There was no mistaking the expression in them as he stared back at her - hunger, need, and something softer that she couldn’t define. Her body reacted with a rush of arousal, and she wiggled her hips restlessly against the mattress, rubbing them against the bedding to ease the growing ache.

“Are you getting excited, little one? Does having my cock in your mouth make your pretty little pussy all wet and needy?”

She moaned around the huge cock in her mouth, still sucking on him hungrily as she rocked her hips against the bed.

“If you don’t stop, I’m going to come,” he growled suddenly, but his hand was still tangled in her hair and he continued to thrust into her mouth.

She gripped his shaft, trying to match the speed he’d shown her previously, and each time he entered her mouth she swirled her tongue around him, loving the way his big body trembled in response.

“Fuck!”

A sudden surge of hot, thick liquid filled her mouth as his cock pulsed beneath her hand. She gulped eagerly but there was so much of it that it dripped down her chin and onto her chest before the waves finally stopped. She was still trying to swallow as he grabbed her and hauled her up his body, his mouth crashing down over hers as he kissed her. His big hands covered her breasts, rubbing the sticky fluid into her skin as he played with her nipples, rolling and pinching the aching peaks as he kissed her deeply, his tongue swirling possessively.

Arousal spiraled higher and her body moved instinctively, needing more.

“Please,” she gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders, “I need you…”

His still erect cock throbbed against her stomach and then she was on her back, a big hand on her hip as he lifted it towards him. He dragged his cock through her drenched folds, sliding across her clit before pressing against her entrance.

“Are you sure you’re ready for me?” he asked, and she frantically nodded.

“Please…”

With a groan, he pressed his cock against her opening. Despite her excitement and the slickness coating his cock, her body resisted. He grunted and pushed harder and she cried out as the head breached her entrance with a fiery stretch that brought tears to her eyes.

“Fuck. Look how pretty you are taking my cock.”

He’d been watching their bodies come together but he looked up at her face as he spoke and his satisfaction was immediately replaced by concern.

“Are you all right, little one?”

“Y-yes,” she stuttered, trying to breathe past the burn.

“No you’re not.”

He swore and pulled out. Part of her wanted to sigh with relief as the pressure eased, but the other part was ready to cry with frustration, especially when he rolled to his back with another curse.

“I knew this wouldn’t work. I should never have tried.”

“I wanted you to do it. I’m sure I just need a little time to get used to it.”

“Even if it didn’t hurt, it wouldn’t work. You know that,” he said bitterly, not looking at her.

“Why not? Because you think you’re too big?”

“Too big, too old, and too cynical for my innocent little one.”

“You aren’t any of those things,” she said fiercely. Tears sprang to her eyes again, but this time from frustration. “Your size makes me feel safe and protected. I love the fact that you’re older and can teach me things. And I don’t believe you’re cynical at all. You care about me and about your brother and about the women settlers and…”

The last words disappeared in a sob as the tears began in earnest. He sighed and finally reached for her, pulling her into the comfort of his arms as he stroked her hair. She knew he intended it to be comforting - and it was - but being so close to him also reawakened her arousal.

The slight lingering burn from his attempted penetration morphed into a needy ache as her clit throbbed impatiently. She tried to surreptitiously rub her aching nipples against him, but he immediately noticed her squirming.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m still…”

Those golden eyes gleamed as they studied her flushed face and dropped to her taut nipples.

“Excited?”

“Very.”

A second later she was on her back again and she gave him a hopeful look.

“Are we going to try again?”

“No,” he said firmly. “But I will bring you pleasure.”

He kept his promise so thoroughly that by the time he went to fetch a warm cloth she could barely manage to lift her head and look down her body at him. He was concentrating on the gentle, thorough cleansing but she could still see the desire on his face.

“I want to try again.”

His eyes blazed up at her for a moment, but then he shook his head.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to hurt you. I’m afraid we’re physically compatible.”

Since he wiped the cloth past her clit as he spoke, sending a shudder of renewed desire through her body, she was quite sure he was wrong. She was also quite sure it would take more than her words to convince him so she let the matter drop, then waited patiently while he dressed her and combed out her tangled curls. She was perfectly capable of doing both, but he seemed to enjoy tending to her and it made her feel cherished.

Even if they didn’t have a future together she was determined to relish the time they had as much as possible.

Tomlin appeared with their breakfast a few minutes later and the morning fell into its usual routine. The caravan was remaining until noon to allow more time for trading. As she ate her breakfast, the two males discussed the afternoon’s journey and she considered her options. What would it take to convince him that they were compatible?

Something Sue Anne had said teased her memory and once she had finished, she asked S’kal to take her to visit the older woman. He agreed readily enough and left her at Sue Anne’s wagon with stern instructions to wait there until he returned. Sue Anne rolled her eyes as she took a draw of her ever present pipe.

“He always was the over protective type.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I don’t mind most of the time. Actually I kind of like it, but…”

Sharp eyes peered at her through the wreath of smoke.

“What is it you want to do that he won’t let you?”

“He thinks I’m too small. For him.” She knew she was blushing, but she forged ahead. “You said something before about liking big men. Did you mean… that way?”

“Lord, child, you don’t need to mince words with me. If you’re trying to ask if I like a big dick, then hell yes.” Sue Anne grinned as Evie’s mouth dropped open. “Still do as a matter of fact. Just don’t care to see ‘em over the breakfast table.”

“But you’re not much bigger than I am,” she pointed out. They were of a similar height, although Sue Anne had broader shoulders and a stockier build.

“Doesn’t matter. Our bodies are made to stretch.” Another discerning look. “If he’s having all this heartburn about it, I’m guessing you’re a virgin?”

Her cheeks were burning again, but she nodded.

“That probably makes it a little difficult. I don’t know what he’s packing, but I doubt he’s a beginner’s model.” Sue Anne cackled. “Maybe you should tell him you’ll start with someone smaller so you can work up to him.”

“What? No! I don’t want anyone else.”

“I doubt he’d let you,” the older woman said dryly. “But it gives me an idea. Do you know what I trade in?”

The change of subject confused her, but she tried to remember.

“Pots and pans, dishes, things like that.”

“Yep. Anything a woman needs to set up her home the way she likes. Sometimes there are other things she needs too.”

“I don’t understand.”

“No, I don’t suppose you do. Hang on.”

Sue Anne disappeared into her wagon, leaving her even more confused than before. When the other woman returned, she was carrying a polished wooden box about two hands long.

“Here. Take a look at this.”

Evie obediently took the box and opened it. The inside was lined with red velvet and contained five long ivory rods ranging in size from finger width to considerably wider. Almost as wide as S’kal’s cock, she thought, then slammed the box shut, her cheeks burning.

“Are those…”

“Training tools? Yes.”

“Training for… sex?”

“You betcha.” Sue Anne cackled again. “Never sold a set to a virgin before but I reckon they’d work just fine.”

She tried to imagine putting one of those rods inside her and failed miserably. She’d liked it when S’kal used his finger but it had been part of him. This seemed much too impersonal, but if it made it possible for her to take him… She started to nod, then winced and tried to hand the box back.

“Thank you for the suggestion, but I’m afraid I don’t have any way of purchasing them.”

Sue Anne waved a dismissive hand.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll work out some kind of trade. Even if we don’t, it’s worth it to see S’kal smiling. Didn’t do it much before you came along.” Another cackle. “If those work out, I’ll bet they’ll be able to see him grinning all the way from Port Cantor.”

The offer felt a little too much like charity, but the thought of making him happy convinced her to accept.

“All right. Thank you.” She took a quick peek around, then lowered her voice. “Do I just, umm, put them in?”

Sue Anne sighed and shook her head.

“You need a little lubrication first. Get yourself excited,” she added when Evie gave her a confused look. “You know how to do that, don’t you?”

Did she? Touching S’kal certainly had that effect on her, but without him? Maybe thinking about him would work.

Picking up her pipe, Sue Anne puffed on it thoughtfully.

“You know a lot of couples use them together. More fun for both of them.”

“Really? Do you think he’d like that?”

Sue Anne laughed.

“I’d be willing to bet on it. But unless you want to find out as soon as he comes back for you, I’d better get you a bag for that.”

By the time S’kal returned for her, the box was buried in the bag Sue Anne had given her. She’d also insisted on piling some additional items as “disguise.” S’kal thanked Sue Anne but as he escorted her back to their tent she couldn’t help wondering what he would have said if he’d known what the bag really contained.

CHAPTER 12

“These are the men I have selected for the trap,” Tomlin said as he handed S’kal his data pad.

He nodded absently, but he wasn’t thinking about Jackson. He was thinking about the impossibly tempting female in his tent. The events of the morning should have convinced him of the futility of a future between them but they’d only increased his longing for such a future. Not only did his mind keep replaying those few painfully exquisite moments of being partially inside her tight little cunt - too tight, he reminded himself - the thought of leaving her unprotected was growing more horrifying every day.

“They are all seasoned males who know how to be discreet,” Tomlin continued, then gave a small cough when he didn’t respond. “Perhaps you would care to discuss this at another time?”

“No, we need to be prepared. We made good time this afternoon - we should reach the grasslands in less than three days. I agree with your choices. Have you raised the subject with any of them?”

“I would not do such a thing without discussing it with you first, my lord.”

The prim response made him laugh.

“Liar. No matter how much you like to pretend otherwise, I know you will do whatever you think best whenever you think best.”

The slightest movement of Tomlin’s shoulder would have been a shouted agreement from another man.

“Why do you do it?” he asked suddenly. “Why accompany me and play the part of the devoted assistant?”

“I assure you I am not playing.”

A slight flicker of what might have been hurt crossed the other man’s face, and S’kal gave him an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry; I phrased that poorly. You’re an excellent assistant, and I know you’re devoted to my best interests. I’m just not sure why.”

“Isn’t the fact that you saved my life reason enough?”

“I’m not entirely convinced that’s true, even though I may have brought the fight to a faster conclusion. But even if it were true, you have long since paid off that debt.”

Another infinitesimal shrug.

“This life suits me. I enjoy traveling, I enjoy resolving the logistical issues, and I… enjoy your company. Although there has been rather less of that lately,” Tomlin added dryly.

He sighed.

“It’s been a distracting trip, but it will be over soon enough.” Far too soon.

Tomlin regarded him thoughtfully for a moment.

“What does Miss Evie plan to do?”

“We haven’t really discussed it other than the fact that she doesn’t want to return to Port Cantor.” He hadn’t wanted to discuss the end of their time together and she seemed equally reluctant.

“She may find it difficult on her own.”

“I know that,” he snapped. “But what choice do I have? She can’t return to the city and I must. And even if that weren’t a factor, she’d be better off with a nice innocent young boy.”

Tomlin actually went so far as to raise an eyebrow.

“I disagree, my lord. I believe Miss Evie needs someone who will stop her from getting into trouble, someone who is strong enough to protect her and care for her, not some untried youth.”

He couldn’t entirely suppress a flare of hope. She definitely needed someone watching over her. And if there were… limitations on their physical activities, the time they’d spent together was already far more satisfying than any other encounter he’d had. None of which removed the problem of his occupation, but maybe it was time to start looking for alternatives…

Suddenly impatient to return to her, he nodded and rose to his feet.

“Perhaps you are right. Shall we continue this tomorrow?”

“Of course, my lord.”

Tomlin rose to escort him to the door with his usual courtesy. They had been meeting in his wagon - painfully neat despite the wide variety of items he carried in it - and completely devoid of personality. The only indication that it was anything other than a traveling office was a tiny framed sketch of an exquisitely drawn flower. Not for the first time he wondered why the other man carried it, but he’d decided a long time ago not to ask.

He said goodnight and returned to his tent, dismissing the guard he’d left on duty outside. He was a little surprised to find that the tent was already dark except for the nightlight. Why had she gone to bed so early? Was she not feeling well? He strode quickly over to the bed and she immediately fumbled with the covers, turning her face away from him.

“What’s wrong, little one? Are you ill?”

He sat down on the bed next to her and gently turned her face back towards him. Her face was flushed and damp and tears sparkled on the ends of her long lashes.

“Are you in pain? Where does it hurt?”

He started to pull the covers down to get a better look at her but she clutched them to her chin.

“Stop that,” he said firmly. “How can I help if I don’t know what’s wrong?”

He tugged the covers away to reveal her naked body, even though she usually wore a nightgown or one of his shirts to sleep in. His cock immediately responded to the tempting sight, but he forced himself to focus on finding any signs of injury. Her entire body was flushed and when he put a gentle hand on her stomach, it was damp beneath his palm.

“Is it your stomach? Did you eat something that disagreed with you?”

She bit her lip and shook her head.

“That’s not it.”

“Then tell me where it hurts.”

“Down there,” she burst out and parted her legs to reveal a thin white rod partially inserted in her small entrance. Despite her distress, his shaft stiffened so quickly at the erotic sight that he felt dizzy.

“I wanted to prove that we were compatible and I could stretch to take you but I can’t even put in the first one and it hurts,” she wailed.

The rod wasn’t even as large as his finger and she’d taken that well enough. Why was she having so much trouble? He gently placed his finger next to it and immediately discovered the problem.

“It hurts because you’re not wet, not aroused.”

“I tried thinking about you but it wasn’t the same and you weren’t here and it was just cold and lonely.”

More tears sparkled in her eyes and he smiled down at her, unable to entirely conceal his pleasure that she needed him for her arousal. He stroked his thumb across her wet cheek and dropped a quick kiss on those pretty lips.

“Do you want me to help you, little one?”

“Can you?” she asked eagerly.

“Of course. I know exactly what this sweet little body needs.”

He kissed her again, not quickly, waiting until she sighed her pleasure into his mouth. Then he cupped her breast, working her nipple until it was stiff and distended before sliding his hand back between her legs. This time he found a sweet slickness between her delicate folds and smiled triumphantly.

“That’s better.”

“Much better,” she agreed.

Her shy smile lit up her face and he lowered his head, capturing her mouth in a slow, deep kiss. At the same time he slowly pulled the small rod from her body, then gently slid it back inside, gliding easily through her arousal.

“Why does it feel so good when you touch me, like my whole body is turning into liquid,” she whispered as he stroked it slowly in and out.

Because you were made for me.

“Because I know what you need,” he said instead.

He started kissing his way down her body, pausing at her breasts to taste each hard little bud before continuing his downward path. Her entire body jerked when he slid his tongue across her clit, and he heard her sharp intake of breath.

“So sweet,” he murmured as he licked her slowly, savoring the rich flavor of her arousal as he gradually increased the speed of his strokes.

The rod was moving so easily that he put his finger on it and pushed both of them into her. There was the briefest resistance, but he sucked on her swollen clit at the same time. She cried out and bucked up against his mouth, driving the finger and the rod inside and immediately convulsing around them as her climax swept over her.

His cock throbbed painfully but he smiled down at her flushed face when her eyes flickered open.

“Better?”

“Much better.”

She shivered as he pulled the rod and his finger free and examined the glistening toy.

“Where did this come from?”

“Ummm.” She bit her lip and looked away. “I was just trying to show you that we could be compatible.”

He frowned down at the slender rod. His cock was significantly larger. How did she think this would help? Unless…

“You said the first one before. Are there more?”

Her cheeks turned pink as she nodded and reached under the pillow for a polished wooden box.

“There are four more.”

His cock pulsed again as he opened it and found an entire set of rods. As much as he liked the thought of seeing her stretch around the increasing thicknesses, where the hell had she found a set of sex toys?

“Where did these come from?”

She looked away again.

“I was talking to Sue Anne…”

He bit back a groan. He should have known.

“Were you indeed? What did Sue Anne say?”

“She said I just needed stretching. I was going to surprise you but I didn’t realize that it wouldn’t work without you.”

Was this the answer? His cock jerked an enthusiastic assent and even though he wasn’t entirely convinced, the thought of trying was too enticing to resist.

“I think it’s an excellent idea and you’re correct, you weren’t aroused enough,” he agreed gravely as he trailed the slick toy over her chest, circling her nipples. She shivered again. “Would you like to try again? With my help, of course.”

“Yes please.”

Her pretty pink mouth curved in a satisfied smile as he picked up the second rod.

CHAPTER 13

On the morning of the third day, S’kal slipped quietly out of bed then bent down to kiss Evie’s cheek. She was so exhausted that she didn’t even stir and a pinch of guilt mingled with his satisfaction. They’d worked with the rods every night and last night she’d insisted on trying the largest one.

The size had been a challenge and he’d spent a long time working her with his mouth and his fingers, bringing her to climax three times before her body finally relaxed enough to accept the large toy. While he stroked the thick white rod in and out of her flushed entrance, he lavished attention on her clit until she exploded with a soft, wailing cry. She’d continued to quiver for a long time as he slowly settled her back down into a state of boneless contentment.

His cock throbbed again at the memory and he gave it a quick squeeze. If it weren’t for the trap - and the desire to let her recover a little - he would have woken her with kisses before seeing if she was ready for him now. He wasn’t so very much larger than the toy after all.

Later, he promised himself, and slipped out of the tent.

“Good morning, Tomlin,” he said as the other male joined him.

“Good morning, my lord.”

“Is everything ready for the hunt?”

“Hunt? What hunt?”

Jackson hurried over to join them, his red face eager.

“We’d heard a rumor of wild cattle in the grasslands and it appears those rumors were correct,” he said calmly. “We’re planning a hunt, but don’t worry, we won’t be gone long so we shouldn’t be behind schedule.”

“Oh I’m not worried about that.” Jackson gave him a quick, speculative look. “But I’m sure you could use a few extra men? Me and my friends are all good shots.”

“Lord S’kal has enough men,” Tomlin said severely and Jackson scowled at him pugnaciously.

“We’re as good as anyone in this caravan. You can’t keep us off the hunt.”

As they’d suspected, the other man rose eagerly to the bait.

“Well, I do have enough men, but I guess a few more wouldn’t hurt,” he said, doing his best to sound reluctant. “Could you be ready in thirty minutes?”

“You betcha.” A broad smile wreathed that florid face. “Maybe even twenty.”

“Thirty will do,” Tomlin said disapprovingly. “But if you insist, we’ll be meeting at the head of the caravan then.”

“We’ll be there.”

Jackson hurried off and Tomlin finally permitted himself a small smile.

“He’s taken the bait.”

“Now we just need to spring the trap.”

They exchanged a grim look and went to prepare. As all of the men assembled, they divided them into three smaller groups, two of them intended to drive the theoretical cattle towards the waiting third group. As planned, Jackson and each of his men were in separate groups. S’kal could tell Jackson didn’t like it, but he was also cocky enough not to expect trouble.

They rode off into the morning. The sun was still low and pleasantly warm rather than the inferno it would become later in the day. The sweet grass scented the air and tiny wildflowers were scattered across the hills. Evie would enjoy this, he thought, then did his best to push thoughts of her away. If he became distracted someone might get hurt.

The plan was simple enough - once the groups separated and they were out of earshot of the others, they would surround the slaver in their group and force him to surrender. With any luck it would be quick, efficient, and painless.

Luck was not with them.

“Over there,” one of his men called suddenly.

Fuck. A small herd of actual cattle were moving across a ridge to the south. They hadn’t expected to encounter any real animals. One of Jackson’s men gave an excited whoop and charged off in the direction of the cattle. When the other men in his group looked over at him, he nodded and indicated that they should follow. The plan could still work as long as they kept the slavers isolated.

“Head to the east,” he ordered the group with the second man. “Make sure you can head them off if they try to run. The rest of you come with me. We’ll circle round to the west.”

They agreed and set off in one direction while he headed the opposite way. Jackson was in his group, muttering a protest as he rode along next to him.

“I wanna be in at the kill, not trailing along after them.”

“There’s plenty of time to close in,” he assured him, but just as he finished speaking, he heard two shots.

Fuck. Now what had happened? Jackson swore and immediately headed off in the direction of the shots. He wheeled to follow him, the rest of his men trailing along behind.

When he caught up with Jackson, the other man was kneeling beside one of his companions, his face furious. The other members of the group were standing behind him, their faces impassive.

“What happened?”

“The sound of the shots startled the horse,” Tomlin said coolly. “It reared and threw him. He broke his neck when he hit the ground.”

“Damn fool,” Jackson snapped, glaring at the dead man.

“He didn’t appear to have much experience with horses,” his assistant added and Jackson gave a reluctant nod.

Since Jackson was now isolated, he decided they might as well go ahead and arrest him before anything else went wrong. He signaled to Tomlin and they were moving into place when a third shot sounded.

Fuck. What the hell was going on? Jackson didn’t like it either, his hand dropping to the hilt of his gun as he glared suspiciously at all of them. The last thing S’kal wanted was a shootout, so he turned in the direction of the shots.

“We’d better see if they need help. We can come back for him later.”

Jackson grunted, but he remounted his horse and they set off again. They came over the next ridge to a scene of confusion. One of the steers was down and several of his men were kneeling next to it, but they were focusing on something on the ground next to the carcass.

He had a sinking feeling he knew why and he swore under his breath as he headed for the group. Jackson was muttering too as they reached the others.

“What the fuck is going on?”

He dismounted and joined the men and discovered the unconscious man was Jackson’s other companion. He was still breathing but he was bleeding heavily from a gash ripped across his stomach. The cloth one of his men had pressed to the wound was already soaked with blood. He pressed his fingers to the man’s throat and found his pulse was weak and thready.

“He didn’t want to wait for us and charged off towards the herd,” the man holding the cloth said grimly. “This one went down but he panicked the rest of the herd. By the time we got everyone back together, he’d already reached the steer. I think he assumed it was dead, but it was alive enough to catch him with one of its horns. We had to put it down once we reached them.”

Fuck. This wasn’t how he’d intended the hunt to end.

“We need to get him back to the caravan.”

Not that he thought it would do much good - gut wounds were tricky enough at the best of times and their medical supplies were extremely limited - but he couldn’t leave him out here to bleed to death. They were rigging up a harness to carry the injured man when Tomlin pulled him aside, his face unusually grim.

“We have a problem, my lord. Jackson is gone. I’m afraid I allowed myself to be distracted by the injured man and he must have slipped away while we were tending to him.”

That bastard. He should have known he wouldn’t have any loyalty to his companion.

“Do you think he’s suspicious or just callous?”

“With both of his companions dead or dying? While there are logical explanations for both, if I were in his position I wouldn’t take the chance. He may have decided to cut his losses, but if not…”

“He’d head back to camp for the women. Fuck.”

He was already headed for his horse, Tomlin close behind. He’d promised Evie he wouldn’t let anything happen to them. Shouting a quick explanation to his men, he and Tomlin mounted and raced back towards the camp.

They arrived to find most of the merchants preparing for the day’s journey and at first glance nothing seemed amiss. Then he realized that the wagon driven by Mrs. Smith was missing, although the wagons of the other settlers were still in place.

“Jackson must have warned her,” he growled. “We’ll have to go after the wagon.”

“He may not have accompanied it,” Tomlin warned as they dismounted and checked for tracks.

The ground was dry enough to conceal most evidence, but it appeared the wagon had headed off at an angle away from the road. He started to remount then hesitated, wondering if he should tell Evie what was happening. With any luck it wouldn’t take long to catch up to the wagon, and he decided to wait until he returned. He had his hand on the saddle when Sue Anne shouted at him.

He turned to find her coming out of the woods with her arm around Alvin, blood streaming down the boy’s face. He’d left Alvin to look after Evie and his heart started to pound as he stalked over to meet them.

“Where’s Evie?” he demanded.

“D-don’t know,” the boy whispered. “Talking to the girl when…”

Sue Anne muttered a curse as Alvin swayed and she tightened her grip on his shoulders before giving him a grim look.

“I ain’t seen her.”

Tomlin joined them, shaking his head.

“Miss Evie is not in your tent.”

Could Jackson have taken her too? His fists clenched as rage swept over him. If that bastard had harmed even one hair on her head…

“We have to find that wagon. Now.”

“I saw it leave when I was headed to the stream, but didn’t think much of it.” Sue Anne frowned. “One of the hover wagons left too. Headed back down the trail.”

Fuck. That meant she could be in either vehicle, although if Jackson had taken her S’kal suspected he would have chosen the faster vehicle.

“I’ll go after it. Tomlin, find that wagon.”

Tomlin nodded, already preparing to mount.

“Yes, my lord. As soon as I bring it back to camp, I’ll join you.”

“Take care of Alvin,” he ordered Sue Anne as he grabbed his own reins.

“I will. You just bring our girl back safe and sound.”

“I will.”

He refused to consider any other possibility as he spurred his horse in the direction of the road, praying he wasn’t too late.

CHAPTER 14

Evie squeezed Alicia’s hand as they huddled together behind the driver’s seat of the hover wagon. Jackson had thrust them back there with a barked order to shut the fuck up when she’d tried to protest. She’d seen enough men like him to know better than to challenge him, and she’d done her best to silence Alicia’s sobs as well.

S’kal isn’t going to be happy about this, she thought uneasily, even though she wanted nothing more than to see his stern face frowning down at her. And she didn’t think she’d really done anything wrong - her luck had simply run out.

As soon as she’d woken up alone that morning, she’d remembered the hunt and had immediately started to worry. She climbed out of bed - moving a little stiffly after the events of the previous night. But she’d done it; she’d taken the largest rod. A little shiver of anticipation ran down her spine as she pulled the dress S’kal had left out for her down over her still swollen and sensitive nipples.

Tonight it wouldn’t be the cool, smooth rod entering her but S’kal’s hot, ridged cock. The thought was as overwhelming as it was exciting, but she knew he would make it perfect. And maybe once they’d overcome this hurdle, they could discuss their future. She couldn’t imagine her life without him now, even if that meant returning to Port Cantor. Maybe she could just stay hidden in the wagon while they were in the city. Surely the man in black wouldn’t think to look for her there. Or maybe he wouldn’t be looking for her by then anyway.

She was still smiling at the prospect of remaining with S’kal when Alvin asked to join her. He’d brought her a breakfast tray but she was too nervous and excited to eat.

“Did the hunters get off okay?” she asked as casually as possible, not sure how much he knew.

“Yep.” He grinned at her. “Jackson and his men have no idea what’s about to happen.”

His confidence helped relieve some of her fears and she nibbled on a piece of toast.

“How long do you think they’ll be gone?”

“For a good while I’d imagine. They need to get far enough away from camp to make it look legitimate.”

“In that case, I’d like to go and see Alicia while the coast is clear.”

All she’d managed to do so far was give the other girl a reassuring nod and hope she understood that help was coming.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“You can come too,” she said quickly. “We’ll just go around to the back of Mrs. Smith’s wagon and see if she’s there and alone. If she isn’t, we can just act like we’re going over to the creek.” As usual they’d camped near a water source although this one was too small to bathe in. “Don’t you want to make sure she’s okay?” she added coaxingly.

It hadn’t escaped her notice that Alvin turned red whenever he spotted the pretty girl - just like he was doing now as he gave a slow nod.

“I reckon that would be okay. But if she isn’t alone, don’t even look at her.”

“I won’t.” She pushed away the rest of her breakfast and jumped up. “Let’s go now while the coast is clear.”

They made their way into the woods in what was hopefully a casual manner, veering towards the back of Mrs. Smith’s wagon. Alicia was in the doorway again, peering hopefully into the woods, and she gave a sigh of relief as Evie approached.

“I was hoping you’d come,” Alicia whispered. “Is something happening today?”

“It is.” She kept her voice equally low. “During the hunt.”

“I’ll be free again? To marry whoever I want?”

The girl’s eyes darted over Evie’s shoulder to Alvin, a few steps behind her. That was interesting. Apparently Alicia had noticed him too. She didn’t really understand the attraction - he seemed like such a child compared to S’kal - but she thought they both deserved some happiness.

“You’ll be free,” she promised, praying that S’kal was successful. “And you can stay with the caravan as long as you want.”

They hadn’t actually discussed it, but she was sure S’kal wouldn’t just abandon the women.

“Thank you.” Alicia gave her a shy smile. “I don’t really know what to do any more. I still don’t want to live in the city, but without a husband…”

“I understand.” Better than the other woman knew. “It’s hard to think about making a new life, but once this is over we’ll put our heads together and come up with a plan. How does that sound?”

“Perfect. And maybe something will happen…” Her eyes darted behind Evie again then widened in horror. “Watch out!”

Evie whirled around in time to see Alvin collapse to the ground. Mrs. Smith was standing over him, a thick branch with a blood-smeared end in one hand. She ignored the boy’s body as she took a step closer to Evie.

“Don’t even think about running,” the old woman sneered. “Now why don’t you scoot into my wagon and we can have a nice little chat about what you’re doing here.”

“I was just talking to Alicia,” she said desperately, trying to decide if she could run for it.

Before she could try, Mrs. Smith grabbed her arm in a painful grip, then unlocked the wagon door and shoved her inside ahead of her.

“I like a good talk too. Why don’t you fill me in?”

Mrs. Smith’s smile was more predatory than reassuring and she could see Alicia trembling, but she gave the woman her most innocent smile.

“Oh, just girl talk. Alicia was telling me all about her promised husband. He sounds wonderful.”

The other woman snorted.

“Didn’t think you cared much for human men.”

“Oh, S’kal’s been wonderful.” She forced a giggle. “But I think most men are if you treat them right.”

Mrs. Smith gave her a speculative look.

“Only one way to treat ‘em right and that’s to make their cocks happy. Is that innocent little face just an act?”

She gave the other woman her best wide-eyed look.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, right. You might just come in useful after all.” Mrs. Smith frowned out the open top of the door at Alvin’s crumpled body. “Shame about the kid. Might have to change up the timeline.”

“What timeline?”

She barely managed to keep her voice from trembling.

“Don’t you worry about that. You two stay her and keep quiet while I-”

Before she could finish her sentence, Jackson appeared in the doorway, his face redder than ever and gleaming with sweat as he unlocked the lower half of the door and shoved himself inside, closing the top panel.

“We got trouble,” he announced, then snarled when he saw her. “What the hell is she doing here?”

“Snooping.”

“That don’t surprise me. Turner and Adams are dead. Might have been because of their own stupidity but I’m not taking any chances. I’m leaving. Now. And I’m gonna take these two with me.”

“But she’s the most valuable one,” Mrs. Smith protested, jerking her thumb at Alicia. “Virgins with that type of body are hard to come by out here. She’ll fetch a pretty penny. Haven’t had a chance to examine the other one yet, but even if she isn’t a virgin, a lot of men will go for that innocent look. You can’t take them both.”

Jackson put his hand on his gun, any pretense of good humor long gone.

“I can and I will. Take the rest. They oughta be enough to set you up in business. The whores can help train them once you find a place to settle, but you’d better get moving.”

“I don’t like it,” Mrs. Smith muttered, scowling.

“I don’t care. Our partnership is over.” He dismissed her and turned to Alicia and Evie. “We’re leaving. If either of you makes a sound or tries to attract any attention, I’ll put a shot through the other one’s head first, then take care of you. Understand?”

She grabbed Alicia’s trembling hand and nodded.

“We understand.”

“Good, then git going.”

Alicia didn’t seem capable of responding so Evie tugged her to her feet. Jackson stuck his head out of the wagon, then gestured them in front of him.

“Move.”

She didn’t see any other option other than to obey him. Alicia whimpered as they passed Alvin’s body, but Evie quickly pulled her along when Jackson glared at them.

Although she hoped someone would notice them, everyone they passed was either getting ready to travel or taking advantage of the break. No one gave them more than a casual glance before he reached one of the bulky hover wagons parked just behind the circle of wagons.

He’d ordered them inside, and a few minutes later the hum of the engines was followed by the vehicle rising a few feet into the air and heading silently back down the trail. He’d ignored them since then, occasionally muttering to himself but not loud enough for her to make out what he was saying. Tears were still trickling down Alicia’s cheeks and she took the chance of leaning closer.

“Alvin’s still alive,” she whispered. At least she was pretty sure he was. She’d noticed that he was still bleeding when they passed his body and she’d seen enough injured people to know that meant his heart was still beating.

The girl gave her a startled look and started to say something, but Evie put her finger over her lips as she jerked her head at Jackson.

“Just hold on,” she added, her voice even softer. “S’kal will come for us.”

She believed that with her whole heart. Even if she’d never been able to count on anyone before, she knew she could count on him - it was one of the reasons she loved him. I love him, she repeated to herself, wondering why it had taken her so long to realize it. The knowledge filled her with warmth and helped give her the strength she needed to keep Alicia calm.

They’d traveled for about an hour when the engine began to splutter. Jackson swore, making constant adjustments to the settings, but it was no use. The noise of the engine increased to a jerky, high-pitched whine before finally shuddering to a stop with a horrible scraping noise.

“Gods fucking dammit. Stay there,” Jackson snarled at them before he climbed out of the wagon.

As soon as he slammed the door shut, she peeped cautiously over the seat. He wrenched open a panel at the front of the vehicle, swearing again as a cloud of black smoke billowed out. If they could get away while he was distracted…

Her heart sank as she looked around. Although there were wooded areas ahead of them, this section of the road was regrettably clear. They would be easy to spot until they reached the shelter of the trees. Still, she didn’t think they had a choice. They had to get away from him.

“I think we should run for it while he’s distracted,” she whispered, ducking back down next to Alicia.

“But what if he comes after us?”

“You just keep running. I’ll head him off and find you later.”

“I won’t abandon you.”

Despite her white face, Alicia shook her head firmly.

“You won’t be abandoning me; you’ll be helping to confuse him. I know I can outrun him,” she added more confidently than she felt.

It wouldn’t be the first time she’d had to run from some bastard. Or even the worse, she thought, remembering the terrifying flight from the man in black.

“Are you sure?” Alicia asked, but before Evie could convince her, Jackson threw open the door of the vehicle.

“Out,” he snapped. “We’re gonna have to walk. And if either one of you gives me a hint of trouble, you’ll regret it.” He pulled a long, glittering knife from the sheaf on his belt. “A customer might not be willing to pay as much for a scarred whore but they’ll still fuck her.”

Alicia whimpered again, and Evie squeezed her hand.

“We won’t be any trouble,” she promised. At least not until she saw a way to escape.

Or S’kal finds us - hopefully before too much longer. A horse might not be able to overtake a hover vehicle, but it could keep pace with it, and now that they were on foot he should be able to gain on them rapidly.

Despite that optimistic thought, the walk dragged on and on without any sign of pursuit. The sun that was so pleasant while riding in the wagon was uncomfortably hot as they trudged along the dusty road. Any trace of a breeze seemed to have disappeared. Jackson’s face grew redder and redder, the heat adding to his already foul temper.

By the time they spotted a small pond to one side of the road, he’d cursed them, the road, Mrs. Smith, S’kal and the rest of the caravan, not to mention the entire planet, the gods, and some unknown woman who she suspected was his wife.

“You can drink,” he snapped, “but stay where I can see you.”

She was too tired and thirsty to think of another scheme, and she obeyed mutely, taking Alicia with her. They both gulped thirstily at the cool water, then splashed it over their faces and hands. She would have dunked her entire body in the pond but when she looked over her shoulder, Jackson had finished his drink and was waiting on the bank, eyeing them both in a way that made her stomach twist.

“Come here,” he ordered.

Alicia gave her a brief hopeless look, but Evie didn’t see an alternative. They climbed slowly out of the pond, watching Jackson warily as they approached him.

“Two little virgins, huh?” He didn’t wait for a response, reaching down to rub his cock lewdly. “That’s too valuable to waste, but it’s about time you gave me something for my trouble.”

Alicia’s cold fingers crept into hers as Jackson looked back and forth between them.

“You,” he decided, pointing at Evie. “I’ll bet S’kal showed you how to use that innocent looking mouth.”

“He didn’t,” she said desperately. “You don’t want-”

His fist smashed into her jaw, knocking her to the ground. For a second everything went black, but then Alicia screamed and she blinked her eyes frantically. Jackson had forced Alicia down on her knees in front of him and was shoving her head down to his groin.

“Bite me and I’ll cut you,” he snapped as Alicia struggled ineffectually against his grip.

She sat up, fighting the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to do something. He hadn’t bothered to undress, just pulled out his stubby red cock, and his knife was still in the sheath. Maybe if she could distract him long enough to get hold of it…

“I’ll do it,” she gasped, struggling to her feet. “Leave her alone. Please, I’ll do whatever you want.”

He gave her a triumphant smile, his hand still fisted in Alicia’s hair although at least he’d stopped hauling her closer.

“I don’t know. I kind of like it when they fight. Maybe I’ll just let you take turns. On your knees, next to her.”

“Please let her go,” she begged, and his smile grew even wider.

“If you please me enough, I’ll think about it.”

Bowing her head submissively, she kneeled next to Alicia, deliberately choosing the side with the knife. Every particle of her being objected to the thought of touching him, but if that’s what it took to get free of him…

“Suck me,” he ordered, grabbing her hair painfully with his other hand.

She took a deep, shuddering breath and started to lean forward, raising her hand as she did. Just before she touched him, something hot and wet gushed down over her hand as Alicia screamed. She looked up and S’kal was standing over them, his face almost unrecognizable with fury. He tossed aside the knife he’d used to cut Jackson’s throat as he kicked the body aside, then crouched in front of her and pulled her fiercely into his arms.

She threw her arms around his neck and burst into tears.

CHAPTER 15

S’kal shuddered as he tightened his arms around Evie, rage still coursing through his body. He ridden his horse almost to the breaking point, pushing it even harder after he’d seen the broken vehicle. While it meant he’d gain on them more rapidly, he was terrified that Jackson would abandon the road and he’d miss him. His relief at spotting them by the pool had been replaced with horror when he’d seen both women on their knees in front of him.

Thank the gods her small body was safely back in his arms. He shuddered again even as he forced himself to give Alicia a quick perfunctory glance. She was sobbing quietly but she didn’t appear to be injured.

“Did he hurt you?”

“N-no. But Evie tried to s-stop him and he h-hit her,” the girl stuttered.

The anger that had barely started to subside came roaring back.

“He hit you?” he growled. “Let me see.”

Evie shook her head, still clinging to his neck, and he forced himself to speak more calmly.

“Let me see, little one.”

She sniffed, but she finally drew back far enough for him to see the bruise covering her jaw. He’d killed the bastard far too quickly.

“Can you move your jaw?” he asked, doing his best to keep his voice gentle.

“I… I think so,” she whispered, tentatively opening her mouth.

Although she winced at the movement, she was able to move it freely and he breathed a sigh of relief. At least the bastard hadn’t broken her jaw.

“Good girl. Don’t try to talk.”

“I knew you’d come,” she said softly, ignoring his order, but the trust in those big green eyes made his heart skip a beat.

“I will always come for you,” he said fiercely. “You’re mine, Evie.”

“I know.” Her hand reached up and touched his face. “And you’re mine. I-”

Whatever she was about to say was interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats and they both tensed. He looked over his shoulder, preparing to thrust her behind him, then relaxed when he saw Tomlin approaching, leading another horse.

“My lord,” Tomlin said calmly as he dismounted, but his jaw tightened as he looked at Evie. “Are you all right?”

She gave a shaky laugh and nodded.

“I’m fine now that S’kal is here.”

Tomlin’s looked at him and he saw an answering rage in the other man’s eyes, but he only bowed his head.

“I am very pleased to hear that. And Miss Alicia?”

“I-I’m fine too,” the girl said quickly. “Is… is Alvin all right?”

“Other than being at Sue Anne’s mercy, he is perfectly well,” Tomlin said dryly, surprising a choked giggle out of Alicia. “Would you care to return and see for yourself? I brought a horse for you.”

“Yes, please. That is…” Alicia scrambled to her feet, then gave Evie an uncertain glance. “I think Evie needs it more than I do.”

“I’m sure Lord S’kal will take care of her.”

The anger in Tomlin’s eyes had been replaced by amusement.

“I will,” he growled, meaning far more than the immediate situation. He suspected Tomlin understood because he nodded gravely as S’kal continued. “We will follow you shortly.”

Alicia hesitated a moment longer, but Evie smiled at her.

“I’m fine, Alicia. I’ll see you in a little while.”

The girl finally relaxed and allowed Tomlin to assist her onto the other horse. The two of them set off and he turned back to his mate. His beautiful, bruised, blood-covered mate. He gently cupped her uninjured cheek and raised her chin so he could study her face.

“I meant what I said. I don’t know how we’ll work it out, but it doesn’t matter.” His doubts hadn’t disappeared completely but they were no longer important. “You’re mine, Evie. I love you.”

Her eyes sparkled with tears but her smile was radiant.

“I meant it too. You’re not getting rid of me now. You’re mine as well.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, but as soon as their lips met, the overwhelming need to claim her swept over him, only strengthened by the adrenaline from the chase and the fight. But not here, not next to the body. He rose with her in his arms, moving around the pond until it was no longer visible. He lowered her back to the ground, cradling her head as he kissed her again.

She kissed him back enthusiastically, but when his hand came up to cover her breast, she flinched and pushed at his chest.

“What’s wrong? Did he touch you there?”

“It’s not that,” she said quickly, and lifted his hand to show him the smear of red. “I want this off of me.”

He cursed silently, annoyed that he hadn’t thought of it before. Then he picked her up again and carried her straight into the pond.

“Are you going to toss me in like you did the first time?” she teased, already sounding like her usual self. There was a deep core of strength behind that fragile exterior.

“How about I throw us both in?” The water was up to his chest and he ducked them both down under the water, smiling at her startled face when they returned to the surface. “Is that better?”

“At least it’s fair.” She leaned back against his arm, revealing the wet cloth clinging to her stiff little nipples. “Will you wash me, like you did the first time?”

“I can think of nothing I would like better.”

He carried her into shallower water, then pulled her dress over her head, leaving her bare and beautiful in the sunlight. The dip under the water had already washed away most of the blood but it didn’t matter. He used her wet dress to wash her as thoroughly as he had the first time, but this time he lingered over all his favorite places. He teased her already stiff peaks until they were hard little buds, then drew each one into the warmth of his mouth as her knees trembled. Abandoning the cloth, he used his fingers between her legs, relishing the slickness from her excitement as he gently stroked the length of her slit.

“I think this was when I started to fall in love with you,” she murmured dreamily as she clung to his shoulders. “You made me feel… cherished. No one ever made me feel like that before.”

He froze, his hand still between her thighs.

“You love me?”

“Of course, I do, silly. What did you think I meant when I said that you were mine?” She smiled at his shocked face as his heart raced. “I love you, S’kal.”

Fuck, yes. He hadn’t realized until that moment how much he needed to hear those words. He snatched her back up in his arms, desperately claiming her mouth. There was nothing gentle about this kiss. He ravaged her with his lips and tongue, demanding her response. She gave it eagerly and he groaned as he carried her out of the water and back up into the soft grass, kissing her frantically, his hands roaming over her body as she writhed beneath him.

She cried out as he plucked at her nipples, her back arching to offer more of herself. Her pale skin was already flushed as he bent down to take those sweet little nipples in his mouth. As he feasted on her breasts, he slid his fingers between her thighs and she immediately arched up with a strangled cry as his finger dipped inside her, sliding easily into the tight little channel.

“More,” she demanded, and he obeyed, adding a second finger.

But it still wasn’t enough. She tugged at his wet shirt, then fumbled at his pants, trying to free his erection. He forced himself to leave her long enough to strip them away before coming back over her. His cock was pulsing, thick pearls of precum clustered at the tip, but she was what mattered.

“My beautiful Evie,” he growled as he knelt over her, admiring the slender lines of her body. She was even more flushed now, her chest heaving with breathless cries as he returned to her pussy, his thumb pressing firmly against her clit as he added a third finger then slowly fucked them in and out. “Are you ready for me, little one? Ready for my cock?”

“Yes,” she wailed. “Yes, S’kal, please.”

He pulled his fingers free, then notched the head of his cock against that pretty pink entrance. In spite of her excitement, in spite of the stretching, and in spite of the way she’d taken his fingers, her body still resisted as he pressed slowly against her until he finally slipped inside.

Fuck. He froze, already on the verge of exploding. The memory of how she had surrounded him before paled next to the reality of being enveloped in hot, silky, impossibly tight flesh. He checked her face. Her eyes were wide, her breath coming in fast little pants.

“Too much?”

“No,” she said fiercely, her legs coming up to circle his hips. “Don’t you dare stop.”

The position opened her a fraction more and he slowly slid deeper, the snug confines of her body testing his control to the limits. She shivered when the first set of rings entered her, her channel rippling around him as he fought for control.

“So good, little one. So perfect.”

He pressed tiny kisses all over her face as he rocked against her, gradually working his way deeper. Every time she started to pant, he stroked her swollen clit until she softened enough to allow him to continue. Each exquisite, torturous inch seemed to take forever, but finally his cock was completely surrounded by that tight silken fist. His muscles were rigid from the effort of holding back, but he forced himself to remain still, to let her body adjust.

“So full,” she whispered. “It feels like my whole body is filled with you.”

“You were made for me, little one.” She wiggled, a tiny experimental motion that sent a streak of fire down his spine, and he growled. “I need you, Evie.”

“Then take me,” she said, tightening her legs around him.

He couldn’t hold back any longer. With a groan of sheer pleasure, he began to fuck her with long, slow strokes, pulling her ass up to meet every stroke as he plunged deeper and deeper. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she urged him on, her breathless little cries growing more and more frantic.

He thrust his hand between their bodies, stroking the swollen nub of her clit, and she screamed as her body convulsed around him. All hope of control vanished as he thrust hard and fast, not trying to hold back as his climax roared closer.

“I’m going to fill you so full you’ll be dripping with me,” he growled, and felt her convulse around him again.

He pounded into her, giving her what she craved, his balls drawing up as his muscles tightened.

“Oh god,” she sobbed. “Please, S’kal.”

“Mine,” he grunted as his climax swept over him in a fiery rush, her channel milking his cock with each hard thrust until there was nothing left.

He collapsed next to her, still lodged inside her as he pulled her on top of him, unwilling to lose that connection. Neither of them spoke as their hearts slowed, but she nuzzled her head against his shoulder with a contented little sigh.

“I had no idea it would be like this,” she said sleepily. “It’s like a dream. A sticky dream.”

“This is real,” he assured her. “This is how it will always be between us.”

He stroked his hand down her back and felt her quiver, then wince.

“Are you sore?”

“Only the tiniest bit. We just need to practice more so I get used to it.” She raised her head and smiled at him, then bit her lip. “I don’t want to be away from you.”

His arms automatically tightened around her.

“I don’t want to be away from you either.”

“But you have to go back to Port Cantor, don’t you? Because of your brother?”

“Yes.” He stroked her back again as he stared up at the sky, the clear blue sky he was free to appreciate, unlike H’zim. “The war was… difficult for all of us, but it hit him really hard. He hated our commanders - not Temel but the ones in charge, the ones who sent us into hell. Even after the war ended he didn’t trust anyone in a position of authority. He was reckless, arrogant, and he made a lot of enemies.”

Now she was the one stroking his chest, trying to offer him comfort.

“He went through as many jobs as I did, more even. I knew he was struggling but even back then he wouldn’t talk to me.” I should have tried harder. “I was on my first trade journey when it happened. I returned and found that he’d been convicted of killing a man and sentenced to prison. I never should have left him.”

“You couldn’t have known what would happen.”

“No, but maybe I could have stopped it somehow. I know it was a setup but no one would listen to me, no one would help him. Commander Temel tried, but he didn’t get any further than I did. H’zim had angered too many people. I managed to find a useless lawyer who took all of the credits in my account but didn’t change anything. H’zim is still going to be there for another two years - which means I’m going to keep going back to Port Cantor to visit him.”

Her small fingers tapped his chest thoughtfully.

“How long do you usually stay in the city? Maybe I could just hide away in the wagon while you’re there.”

He bit back an immediate protest. It was time to find out what she’d been hiding. He rolled them over so he was on top and he could look down at her face, somehow managing to keep his cock inside her.

“Why, little one? Why did you run and why do you think you have to hide?”

“I saw something,” she whispered as if someone was listening. “I saw a man in black kill someone - and he saw me too.”

He remembered the way she’d reacted the first time she’d seen Tomlin and nodded. That explained her fear, but…

“Do you really think he’s looking for you?” he asked gently. “He must know by now that you didn’t report what happened, and it certainly wouldn’t be the only unsolved murder in Port Cantor.”

“I know. I keep telling myself that just because he chased me then, he might still have given up. He was watching the gate when we departed,” she added. “But maybe that was just a precaution.”

That sounded more persistent than he would have expected from a random killing, and he frowned.

“Can you tell me about it?”

She bit her lip, but nodded and repeated her story in halting terms. He did his best to keep his face calm, but the more he heard the more he disliked it. It sounded more like the work of a professional killer than the random act of violence he’d originally assumed. The presence of a wealthy man also worried him. If H’zim had taught him anything it was not to underestimate the danger of being on the wrong side of an influential male.

“You are not returning to Port Cantor,” he said firmly. “I will not take any chances with your safety. Not that I think he’s after you,” he added soothingly as her face paled.

She breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a shaky smile.

“I’d be just as happy not to go back. I really like being out in the country, but I still don’t want to be away from you.”

Her little face was so sweet, so earnest, that he couldn’t resist bending down to kiss her. As soon as he tasted her, his cock surged back to life and she gasped against his lips as his engorged shaft began to throb inside her.

“You can do it again? Already?”

“Yes, my love. Unless you’re too sore?”

He shuddered as she gave an experimental squeeze, her already tight channel constricting even further.

“Oh! It feels even better this time. Fuller.”

“Shall we see how much better I can make it?” he growled.

She giggled, then moaned as he drew his hips back and drove his cock home in a hard, possessive thrust.

“Show me,” she gasped, her legs wrapping around his hips.

He was more than happy to comply.

CHAPTER 16

By the time they approached the camp, Evie’s entire body was aching but she couldn’t stop smiling. S’kal was carrying her sideways across his lap - she’d tried riding astride but her body had immediately made it clear that it wasn’t an option. Not that she minded being held securely in his arms.

Her dress had mostly dried in the sun but it still felt stiff against her swollen nipples and she couldn’t help wishing she was naked again. The thought of riding naked into camp made her giggle and he smiled down at her.

“Is something amusing you, little one?”

“I was just wishing I was naked, but then I thought about how shocked everyone would be.”

He growled and flicked her nose with his finger.

“You will not be naked with anyone other than me.”

She laughed and stuck out her tongue at him. Those golden eyes heated, his hand tightening on her ass.

“Do you want to be punished again, little one? For pleasure this time?”

Her breath caught as she remembered the way the sting of his hand had turned into heat.

“Maybe,” she said cautiously, and felt his cock flex beneath her. “Does that thing ever go down?”

“Not when you’re around, my love.”

She blushed, feeling inordinately proud of herself, then winced when she tried to straighten up and reward him with a kiss.

“Maybe we’d better wait on that spanking thing,” she said ruefully.

“Agreed. Only a bath and bed for you today.”

“Doesn’t the caravan need to travel today?”

“It can wait,” he said firmly. “No one will object to a rest day.”

He left the road just before they reached the camp, circling around behind the wagons to his tent to avoid too many prying eyes. He dismounted and carried her inside, then smiled down at her.

“It appears that as usual, Tomlin has anticipated me.”

He turned her around so she could see the big covered tub waiting in the center of the tent. Almost simultaneously, Tomlin appeared. He removed the cover and added a large kettle of hot water before turning and bowing to her.

“I believe that this will be the correct temperature, Lady Evie, but please let me know if you desire more hot water.”

“Lady Evie?” she asked, and the barest hint of a smile crossed his face as he looked at S’kal.

“Is that not the correct title?”

S’kal sighed.

“If you’re going to insist on calling me by a non-existent title then I suppose it should extend to Evie as well.”

“As I thought. I will return shortly with food.”

“Wait a minute,” she said quickly. “How’s Alicia?”

“Sobbing over Alvin.” He clearly disapproved of the girl’s actions. “Which is quite unnecessary since he is perfectly fine,” he added. “Sue Anne has taken both of them under her wing.”

“I’d like to see her,” she told S’kal.

“Not until after you have bathed and rested,” he said firmly, and she was tired enough not to argue.

As soon as Tomlin left, he placed her on her feet, pulled the dress over her head, and lifted her gently into the bathtub. She winced when she first came into contact with the water, but it quickly settled into a soothing heat and she sighed with pleasure. Tomlin had even left flower petals floating on top of the water, perfuming the air with sweetness.

She sniffed at one, then looked up to find S’kal watching her, his eyes gleaming.

“You know, this is an awfully big tub. I’m sure there’s room for two,” she suggested hopefully.

“Don’t tempt me, little one. I need to check in with the men who were on the hunt and speak to some of the merchants to make sure that no one is overly concerned about what happened. I’ll also need to make arrangements for the actual settlers as well as the other women Jackson brought along.”

“I wonder what happened to Mrs. Smith.”

“She is presently confined in one of the supply wagons,” Tomlin announced as he returned. She squeaked and sank down in the water as S’kal growled and stepped in front of her. Tomlin ignored both of them as he placed a tray on the table. “I doubt she is enjoying the experience, but I cannot bring myself to be concerned about her comfort, even if she is a female. Will that be all, my lord?”

“Yes. Now get the hell out of here.”

Completely unperturbed, Tomlin bowed and headed towards the entrance. He’d almost reached it when S’kal sighed.

“Thank you for your assistance today. You were, as always, an invaluable help.”

Tomlin paused and looked back, the corners of his mouth lifting in what would have been an ear-splitting grin in any other man.

“And, as always, you are entirely welcome, my lord.”

Tomlin bowed and left, and she started to laugh.

“Does anything ever disturb him?”

“Not to my knowledge.” S’kal went to the tray and poured her a cup of tea, bringing it back over to the bath and handing it to her. “Even outnumbered and fighting for his life in that alley, he could have been watching a not very interesting gladiator bout.”

She took a long sip, then coughed. Tomlin had added something to the tea, something that slid down to her stomach and left a trail of comforting warmth behind.

“He put something in the tea.”

“I expect so. Do you mind?”

“No. It makes me feel like he’s taking care of me too.”

He shook his head with a resigned sigh and started to rise, but she reached out and grabbed his hand.

“Aren’t you going to wash me?”

“I’ve already done that once today, little one.”

Despite his protest, his eyes heated and his cock began to swell beneath his pants.

“I know, but that was just plain cold water. This will be all nice and warm and soapy…”

She widened her eyes, giving him her most innocent look as she trailed a finger down her chest. He only hesitated for a second, then kneeled next to the tub and reached for the soap. She smiled happily as he stroked it down her arm.

“You said earlier that this made you feel cherished,” he murmured as he carefully washed between each finger, then moved to her neck. “And that no one ever made you feel that way. What about your mother?”

“Maybe she did, but I don’t remember her. It was always just me and Papa.”

Her breath caught as he slowly massaged her breast with a soapy hand.

“And he never cared for you?”

“If you mean did he love me, then yes, I’m sure he did. He kept me with him, even when it would have been easier to have left me behind, and whenever he had money he would buy me things. He was never mean or cruel.”

He moved on to her other breast, gently tugging on a stiff little nipple.

“But something was missing?”

“He just loved gambling more than he loved me.” Tears threatened but she blinked them back. “He was always moving, either because he had credits and wanted something better, or because he’d lost them all and we had to sneak out in the middle of the night. Even when we found a nice place or a kind landlady, it never lasted.”

He left her breasts, swirling his hand down over her stomach to the edge of her curls. She instinctively parted her legs and he rewarded her by slipping a finger between her folds and finding her clit. She was still swollen and tender from their time by the lake but she couldn’t help arching against him.

“So you spent your childhood being lonely and afraid?”

She gasped, then glared at him.

“I don’t think this is the time to ask me questions.”

“I think it’s the perfect time,” he murmured, circling his finger as she fought to focus on the conversation.

“I wasn’t lonely exactly, especially when he was around.”

She preferred not to think about the times when he’d disappeared for days at a time. She’d always known that he would return eventually.

“What happened to him?” he asked quietly as he continued the gentle circles.

She hesitated, then shrugged.

“He pushed it too far, owed too much money to the wrong people. I’m not sure if they meant to kill him or just teach him a lesson but his heart gave out and he died. Our landlord at that time was also a gambler. He came and told me about it.” She shuddered at the memory. “Then he kindly offered to let me stay on, as long as I was willing to ‘accommodate’ him. So I ran.”

He froze and she glared at him.

“You asked for it.”

“I know. Just give me a minute,” he said hoarsely, then resumed his strokes, focusing on the tiny nub and slowly building her excitement. She groaned but managed to hang onto her thoughts long enough to answer his next question.

“Where did you go? Wasn’t there anyone to help you?”

“No,” she muttered. “I slept in alleys and raided garbage cans. I pawned my clothes and started dressing like a boy. Then I ran into Fagrin - he runs a string of kids in the market. I wouldn’t steal for him, but if I found something that might have value, I’d take it to him.”

“Bastard,” S’kal growled, but she shook her head.

“No, he was kind to me in his own way. He helped me stay out of sight and stay safe. Or as safe as I was going to be.” She hesitated, knowing he wasn’t going to like what she said next. “He offered to find me a ‘protector’ but I really think he thought I’d be better off away from the streets. He never pushed it when I refused.”

He sighed and dropped his head to hers, both of them watching as he touched her.

“I think I understand. I hate the thought of you alone and hungry and afraid much more than I hate the thought of you in another man’s arms.”

“But now I’m not alone or hungry or afraid and I’m in your arms. If everything that happened led me to you, then it was worth it.”

He growled and kissed her, his touch changing from teasing to purposeful, until she was gasping into his mouth and pressing urgently against his hand. When her orgasm washed over her, she clutched helplessly at his shoulders as he swallowed her cries with his mouth.

By the time she fell back against the tub, he was breathing as hard as she was, but his face was soft as he gently brushed her hair away from her flushed face.

“Such a brave little one. I love you, Evie.”

“I love you too,” she said, then yawned as exhaustion crashed down over her.

“Tired of me already?” he teased as he lifted her out of the bath and carefully patted her dry.

“Never,” she whispered, leaning against him, too sated and sleepy to react even when he gently pressed the towel against her swollen folds.

As soon as he was satisfied she was dry, he carried her to the bed, tucked her between the covers, and pressed a kiss to her head.

“Sleep now, little one.”

She gave him a sleepy smile and was asleep before he stood up again.

CHAPTER 17

Night had fallen by the time Evie woke again. The lamps had been set to a soft glow and she could hear people talking in low voices - S’kal and Tomlin, she realized, tempted to call out to him even though she was still half-asleep.

“I don’t know,” S’kal muttered. “You’re right that she would be safe there, but it takes such a long time to get to the city.”

She? Was he talking about her?

“It takes the caravan a long time,” Tomlin said calmly. “We travel slowly and stop frequently. A man alone on horseback could cover that distance in ten days.”

“With ten more to return.”

“True, but twenty days compared to three months? It seems like a better alternative.” Even though she couldn’t see him, she knew Tomlin was giving one of his tiny shrugs. “But it is only a suggestion.”

“It’s definitely worth considering. I will have to talk to Evie-”

“Talk to me about what?” she demanded.

She started to sit up, then remembered she was naked under the covers and hastily grabbed for the blanket. A second later, S’kal was by her side, smiling down at her in a way that made her stomach give a happy little flip.

“Eavesdropping, little one?”

“It’s hardly eavesdropping when you’re in the same room.”

He laughed and reached for her, hesitating for a moment before wrapping the blanket securely around her and carrying her over to his chair.

“I trust you slept well, Lady Evie?” Tomlin said politely.

“I did, probably from whatever you put in that tea.” From the flash of amusement in his eyes, she knew she was right, but she felt much better after the long sleep. “So what scheme did the two of you cook up while I was sleeping?”

“Do you remember me telling you that my former commander and some of my squad members were renovating an old farming community?” She nodded, and he continued. “It’s located close to Wainwright, our final destination. Tomlin suggested that it might be a suitable place to set up a home.”

Her stomach clenched.

“But you wouldn’t be there, would you?”

“That’s what we were discussing. I am obligated to return this caravan to the city, but I could return alone on horseback. I won’t take any more wagonmaster jobs,” he said gently. “But I’ll still have to leave you every few months. At least if you’re on the farm, I know you will be safe and protected.”

She swallowed and did her best to smile. It wasn’t any worse than when her father had left her, and at least she knew why S’kal was leaving and understood why it was important. She was also quite sure he wasn’t any happier about their separation than she was.

“It seems like a sensible option,” she said, but she could hear her voice shaking.

S’kal sighed and drew her close.

“I don’t like it either, but it won’t be forever.”

Two more years, he’d said. Two years that stretched out painfully into the future, but they would end just as her time on the streets had ended and then they would be together. She nodded and buried her face against his neck, breathing in his scent and he and Tomlin went on to discuss the practical aspects of the move.

A MONTH LATER, she was once again on the wagon seat next to S’kal but now they were alone. The remnants of the caravan had remained in Wainwright to trade but it was only a small group. Most of the merchants had ended their trip in Williamsburg, waiting to be picked up when the caravan returned. The thought of that journey and how long S’kal would be gone made her stomach hurt so she tried not to think about it.

She’d said goodbye to Alicia and Alvin in Williamsburg. Tomlin had found Alvin a job as apprentice to a local blacksmith and the two of them were blissfully happy, even though they were currently sharing a house with Sue Anne. Alicia had told her that it was like having a mother again, and Evie couldn’t help feeling a pang of envy.

Mrs. Smith had been turned over to the local law enforcement agency, much less belligerent after the uncomfortable end to her journey. The two prostitutes had shrugged at her incarceration, no more fond of her than anyone else. They both seemed quite happy to resume their previous occupation in Williamsburg. One of them had laughed when she tried to suggest an alternative profession.

“Nah. This life suits me well enough, especially without some old bitch trying to tell me what to do. Money’s good and men are easy enough to deal with.”

Evie had let it drop. A little to her surprise, none of the other women had any desire to return to Port Cantor either. Jackson had tricked them with his fake mail order bride program, but they’d all had reasons to leave the city. Two of them decided to band together and join one of the settlement trains heading over the mountain. The other had settled happily into a seamstress job Tomlin had found for her.

Tomlin had been as efficient about that as he was about everything. He’d remained in Wainwright with the caravan and she suspected that both she and S’kal were going to miss him.

“Do you think Tomlin will take over the wagonmaster job after you?” she asked, and S’kal shrugged.

“I don’t know. He’s more than capable of doing it, but he says he doesn’t want to be in charge.”

“Isn’t he already in charge?” she teased, and he laughed.

“Yes, but it’s different from being the official leader. He’s always preferred to be in the background.”

“Maybe he’d like life on a farm?”

“I don’t think-” He broke off, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I just assumed it wouldn’t interest him.”

She nudged him with her elbow.

“Then maybe you should ask instead of just assuming.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said meekly as the road climbed up from next to a creek and came around a bend to reveal a peaceful, prosperous-looking valley washed in golden sunlight. A big white farmhouse was surrounded by outbuildings, including a massive red barn, and cows grazed in green pastures.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“Do you really like it? Do you think you could be happy here?”

“As long as I’m with you, I’m happy.” She winced as soon as the words left her mouth. She hadn’t been referring to their upcoming separation, but she knew it bothered him as much as it bothered her. “I mean, I’m sure we’ll be happy here.”

“I’ll make sure of it,” he promised, sliding his arm around her waist.

They didn’t say anything else until they pulled up in front of the farmhouse. A blue horned alien, almost as big as S’kal, immediately came down the steps to meet them, accompanied by a plump older woman with a sweet smile.

“Evie, this is Commander Temel and his mate, Ida. Temel and Ida, this is my Evie.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you,” she said nervously as the big blue alien studied her.

“You are not what I expected.”

“Oh for goodness sake.” Ida shook her head at her mate before coming over and giving her a warm hug. “Don’t pay any attention to him. He doesn’t think about how he sounds.”

“There was nothing wrong with what I said,” Temel protested. “Evie is not what I expected, but I am very happy that S’kal has found his mate.”

“Thank you, Commander.” S’kal’s mouth twitched as he put his arm around her and she started to relax.

Ida led them straight through to the kitchen, offering them coffee and pie before bustling around preparing dinner. She turned down Evie’s offer of help, but S’kal gave her a curious look..

“Do you know how to cook, little one?”

“A little, but I’m not as good as Tomlin.”

“I’d be happy to teach you, if you want some help,” Ida volunteered just as the door opened and a very dirty young boy raced in.

“Mama, Mama. Bessie had two calves and there was a lot of blood and yucky stuff but Kalpar said that was the way it was supposed to be. Is it going to be like that when you have my brother?”

“No, it won’t. And don’t forget you might be having a sister, Tommy.”

They all laughed when the boy made a face and Temel rose to his feet.

“Come along, son. Let’s get you cleaned up before dinner.”

No one blinked at the alien calling the obviously human body his son, and it was obvious that Tommy adored Temel. Was Ida’s baby human as well, she wondered, then blushed when Ida turned around and caught her looking.

“Yes, I’m pregnant. At my age too. But we couldn’t be happier. Temel is a wonderful father.”

A sudden pang of longing almost brought tears to her eyes. S’kal would be a wonderful father too, but was it even possible? She snuck a glance at him from under her lashes and saw he was looking down at her.

“Later,” he said softly, and she nodded, her heart skipping a beat.

The door opened again and another alien walked in - a tall purple alien with glowing silver eyes and a slightly mocking air. He made a couple of critical comments about Ida’s cooking, which didn’t seem to bother her at all, then sat down opposite them and raised an eyebrow.

“So another one of our males falls victim to a human female.”

She expected S’kal to be offended, but he only laughed.

“Happily so, Kalpar. You should try it.”

Kalpar’s face went so blank it reminded her of Tomlin, but then he changed the subject to their journey. Before Ida put supper on the table, they’d been joined by five more people - a charming, golden-maned alien with a pretty wife about Evie’s age and an adorable baby, as well as a red-skinned devilish looking alien with a quiet, pleasant wife. He was distinctly cool to S’kal and S’kal was equally strained, although he smiled at the woman.

“Mary was in one of my previous caravans,” he told her, and the woman smiled.

“I was lucky. He took very good care of me. I’ve heard some of the wagonmasters are much harder to deal with.”

Mary didn’t seem to notice her frozen smile as she turned away to speak to Ida, but S’kal did.

“Not like that,” he said firmly. “I just made sure no one bothered her.”

She took a deep breath and relaxed again. He’d never lied to her and she didn’t think he’d start now.

Dinner was delicious and the conversation flowed easily, the bonds of brotherhood clear between the males despite their differences. They all made sure to include her, but being surrounded by other people after so long was exhausting and her eyelids started to droop. Of course S’kal noticed, rising from the table and lifting her into his arms despite her muttered protest.

No one seemed in the least surprised by his actions.

“First door at the top of the stairs,” Ida said cheerfully. “The bathroom is down the hall and there are clean towels in the cupboard.”

S’kal nodded his thanks and carried her out of the room and up the stairs into a pretty room that looked out over the flowerbeds in front of the house.

“Tired, little one?” he asked as he placed her gently on her feet.

“It was a long day.” She raised her arms obediently as he started to undress her. “And a lot of people. But they all seem nice.”

“They are the best.”

“Even Borgaz?” she teased.

Borgaz was the red alien.

“Yes, even him. I would trust him with my life, but we don’t always get along. Mainly because he was too quick to judge H’zim.”

“I can see why that would make it difficult.”

He dropped her nightgown over her head and stroked his thumbs across her nipples. Despite her tiredness, her body automatically responded and she swayed towards him. He laughed and stripped off his own clothes before lifting her onto the big bed. He slid his hand down over her stomach, stroking it gently and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing she’d been thinking earlier.

“Can humans have babies with other species?” she blurted out.

His hand froze, but she felt his cock jerk against her leg.

“Yes, little one. But before you ask, I’m on a fertility restrictor right now.”

“Right now? Does that mean it doesn’t last forever?”

“Only as long as I desire.”

He rolled on top of her so he could study her face, caging her in with his big body, even though he was always careful to keep his weight off of her. She always felt safe with him surrounding her and she smiled up at him.

“I want a child with you, my love, as long as you are willing,” he said slowly. “But not while I have to leave you.”

Her smile didn’t falter.

“It’s only two more years - and we have the rest of our lives for children.”

He returned her smile, then dropped his head to her shoulder, kissing her neck and sending little shivers of excitement down her spine. His erection flared between them and she reached down to stroke it, smiling again when she discovered the tip was already slick beneath her thumb. He growled, his mouth growing more insistent, and she discovered she wasn’t so very tired after all.

CHAPTER 18

S’kal woke at daybreak, staring out the window as the sky began to lighten. Evie’s tempting little body was curled against his side, but he knew she was tired - and he’d kept up later than he intended the previous night. Even though they had a few more days before he had to leave, the knowledge that it was coming haunted him. What was she going to do without him?

And what am I going to do with her?

For the first time since he’d started the caravan journeys he had absolutely no anticipation about the upcoming trip. At least he would do everything he could to make sure she was safe here. He sighed and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her as he pulled on his clothes and headed downstairs. He wasn’t surprised to see that Temel was already in his office, going through a thick sheaf of documents.

His former commander looked up and gave S’kal a rueful smile when he paused in the doorway.

“I still can’t get over how dependent this world is on paper documentation.”

“It’s the same way on the caravans,” he agreed. “Although to be fair, Tomlin handles most of it.”

“I need a Tomlin,” Temel said, dropping the pile of documents onto the desk. “I severely underestimated the amount of work involved in this project. I’ve even decided to hire a few extra workers. But I doubt that you’re here to commiserate about my administrative woes.”

“I would like to take over one of the farms,” he said abruptly and Temel raised an eyebrow.

“You have developed an interest in farming?”

“Maybe. I’m not really sure yet, but I’m ready to get off the road and build a home for my mate.”

“I see.” Temel steepled his fingers together and eyed him thoughtfully. “If you want a farm, there are plenty of options. This area was originally a cluster of sixteen farms, but the former owner took possession of all but one of them. Ten of those are still suitable as individual farms, although they are all run down. Apparently the owner was more interested in acquiring them than actually putting them to use. Borgaz’s mate reclaimed the one that had belonged to her parents, but you can take your pick of the other nine.”

Temel pulled out a map and spread it across the desk as S’kal came to join him.

“We’re here, in the southeast corner. Since I’m assuming your mate will want to visit with the other women, these are the closest available farms.” He pointed them out on the map, then gave S’kal another thoughtful look. “However, if you’re not sure you’re ready to manage a farm yet, there are some other options. For instance, Naffon and his mate took over the former foreman’s quarters here. It’s close enough to the main house to go back and forth easily but far enough away to provide some privacy. Would you be interested in something like that?”

He found the idea unexpectedly appealing. It would be nice to spend time with his squad mates. More importantly, he also thought that Evie would enjoy it. There was plenty of time to choose a farm later if they decided that was what they wanted to do.

“I think so, yes. But where?”

Temel pointed to a long rectangle on the map, a little further down the road from the farmhouse.

“This is the orchard. I’ve been trying, not very successfully, to reestablish a crop, but it’s a difficult business and it will take time.” He tapped a small dark square to one side of the orchard. “This used to be the cider mill. All of the equipment had been removed, but someone clearly lived there at one point because it has a basic kitchen and bathroom. There isn’t much else there now, but that can be changed. What do you think?”

“I’d like to take a look at it and show it to Evie, but it sounds promising.” He could already see the advantages of not living in the main house, except… “I’m not sure if I can get it ready before I leave, but I’m also not sure that Evie would be comfortable there on her own while I’m gone. I’d like her to stay here in the main house until I return so she will have company and… protection.”

Temel’s gaze sharpened.

“Does she need protection?”

“I don’t know. She witnessed a murder and the killer saw her. He chased her but she managed to escape. My normal inclination would be to dismiss it at that point, but he was also watching the caravan depart. Such persistence concerns me. That’s why she won’t accompany me back to the city - I won’t take any chances with her safety.”

“I see. Of course, she is welcome to stay. I’m sure Ida will enjoy the company, especially now that Naffon and Dora have moved out. And we will protect her,” Temel added quietly.

“I know you will. That’s why I brought her here.”

Temel nodded, and the conversation turned to other subjects before he decided his mate might be awake. Ida was already in the kitchen and she provided him with tea and toast, homemade butter and jam, and a bowl of fresh fruit. He carried it back up to the bedroom and found Evie still asleep.

He was contemplating returning to the bed to join her when her eyelids fluttered open and she gave him a sleepy smile.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, little one. I brought you some tea and something to eat if you’re hungry.”

She yawned and propped herself up against bed pillows.

“Just tea, please. Do you have anything planned for today? I thought it might be nice to see more of the farm.”

“I’d be delighted to show you, but I think we should start with the orchard.”

He explained Temel’s suggestion and she immediately approved of the idea.

“Can we go now?” She started to bounce up, but he put his hand on her chest to prevent her.

“You need to eat something first. And finish your tea.”

She made a face at him but obeyed and a short time after that, they walked over to the orchard. The trees were old and gnarled but the leaves were a healthy green, a testament to their endurance. He wasn’t as impressed by his first glimpse of the former mill, a small rustic-looking building perched between the orchard and a small stream.

Since Evie seemed delighted by it, he refrained from comment and was glad he had once they entered. The interior essentially consisted of one large room with the bathroom and kitchen area at one end. The open layout, combined with the vaulted ceiling gave it a surprisingly spacious feel and he decided he would enjoy living there.

“This is perfect,” Evie said eagerly as she rushed over to the big windows along the back wall that opened out onto a terrace overlooking the stream. “If we put our bed here by the windows, we could open them and listen to the stream at night. If we added some nice big chairs over there and a table by the kitchen, we’d have everything we needed.”

He joined her by the window and slid his arms around her waist.

“There is only one thing I need, little one, and that is you.”

“Well, you’re all I need too, but a little furniture never hurts.” A shadow crossed her face. “The closest thing I had to a home in the city was the abandoned warehouse where I slept.”

“The only home I’ve had for the past few years is my wagon and the tent. Now we’ll both have a real home.”

She returned his smile and they spent a little while making plans before walking slowly back to the main house. It had been easy to forget about his upcoming departure while they talked about the future, but as they neared the house, the sense of impending loss hit him again.

They arrived just in time for lunch, and they walked into the kitchen to discover a stranger chatting easily to Temel and Ida. He was a good-sized human male, dressed in worn work clothes, and Temel introduced him as Calder.

“Calder is going to take over managing the cattle. He’s had a lot of experience.”

“Sure have,” Calder agreed cheerfully, turning to greet them. “You might say I know ‘em from one end to the other.”

Evie’s hand suddenly grabbed for his belt and he looked down to see her face had turned completely white.

“Little one, what’s wrong?”

She opened her mouth to answer him, but then she swayed and her body went limp. He managed to catch her before she hit the ground, and carried her over to the table trying to fight back the panic racing through him.

“What’s wrong?” Temel demanded.

“I don’t know.”

He pressed his finger to her pulse relieved to find it slow and even. Her breathing was also steady and he gave his commander a helpless look.

“She was fine earlier. Maybe the walk was too much for her?”

But she’d always been strong, despite her delicate appearance.

“Here.” Ida handed him a cool, damp cloth. “Try bathing her head and wrists with this. I have some smelling salts if this doesn’t work, but they’re a little harsher.”

He quickly took the cloth and followed her instructions. Relief flooded him a few moments later when her eyelids fluttered, then opened. The dazed look in her eyes quickly turned to panic as she clutched desperately at his shirt.

“Don’t let him take me. Please.”

“Don’t let who take you, little one?”

“The man in black. He’s here.”

He cast a puzzled look around, and the realization hit him just as he noticed that Calder had disappeared. Fuck. The killer had been right here in the room with him and he hadn’t known.

“He’s gone, love,” he assured her, giving Temel a grim look. “He’s the one she saw.”

“What was he doing here, acting like a regular farmhand?”

“I don’t know but we need to find out.” He placed Evie carefully on the bench at the kitchen table as Ida put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “I have to go after him and see why he was here. Stop him before he comes back.”

Her mouth trembled, but she nodded.

“Guard her,” he ordered Temel as if he were the one in charge, but the commander only nodded.

“I will keep her safe,” Temel promised. “Calder arrived on horseback. If you’re going after him, take the black horse from the stables. He’s the fastest.”

He clasped the other male’s shoulder and raced for the stables. It only took a few minutes to saddle the horse and then they were galloping through the doors. He hesitated at the road, trying to decide which way to go, but then he spotted a cloud of dust far down the road. It had to be Calder. He spurred his horse in that direction.

The road headed away from town and he wasn’t familiar with this stretch of road, but he refused to slow down. Once past the property line, the road began to climb into the low, rocky hills that bordered the farm on that side, growing steadily narrower as he urged his horse on. There were so many twists and turns that it was impossible to see very far ahead, but no other roads branched off of it and there were steep banks on either side. He was sure his quarry was still ahead of him.

As he came around one of the rocky bends, a branch came out of nowhere, striking him hard enough to send him tumbling off his horse. The impact of landing on the rough ground stunned him for a moment but despite his blurred vision he saw Calder drop down lightly from the overhanging rock. Not a branch after all.

“Fool,” Calder sneered. “Now you’re going to be dead and then it will be her turn.”

Rage swept over him as Calder kneeled at his side.

“No,” he growled.

He saw the gleam of metal, then a fiery streak of agony tore through as the blade pierced his skin. Ignoring the pain, he swung his leg, bringing Calder down next to him. They rolled over the ground together, struggling for control of the knife. As they reached the edge of the road, the earth began to crumble beneath them, large chunks tumbling down the ravine to the rushing waters of the river below.

Determined not to follow them, he threw himself away from the edge, Calder scrabbling frantically at him as he began to slide.

“Why are you here?” he demanded.

Despite his perilous position, Calder only gave him a fierce, mocking grin.

“Who are you working for?”

“Someone far more important than your little band.”

Calder twisted free as he spoke, flinging himself down the slope. Perhaps he intended to use the river to escape but he misjudged the distance. His body collided with a large tree root and there was a loud crack, audible even over the sound of the water. Calder’s body went limp, his neck bent at an impossible angle.

Fuck. There was no chance of getting any answers from Calder now. His body was still lying partially in the water and S’kal wearily contemplated the slope, trying to decide if it was worth trying to climb down and check the body for information. Before he could make up his mind, the fast-moving current took hold of the body and swept it away. That answered that question.

He crawled back across the road to the rocks on the other side, then used them to pull himself upright. The world swirled dizzily for a moment, but he managed to remain standing and step by careful step, he made his way to where his horse was standing patiently. Mounting took the last of his strength and he slumped forward over the horse’s withers. He tugged on the reins, turning the horse back in the direction they’d come. He squeezed weakly with his legs but it was enough to start the horse moving, hopefully heading back towards his stable.

“Evie,” he whispered, and then darkness took him.

CHAPTER 19

Evie did her best not to panic as she waited for S’kal to return. He’s much bigger than Calder, she assured herself but her mind kept replaying the moment when Calder had slit the throat of the man in the alley. Not that she supposed Calder was his real name.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Ida said reassuringly, patting her hand, but Evie saw her give Temel an anxious look.

The commander had sent for the other males but none of them were close by. Naffon was working in the fields and Kalpar was fixing a fence in the farthest paddock. They were both on their way back but time dragged as they waited.

Temel’s com flared and he quickly checked the message.

“There’s someone on the road, headed back this way.”

“S’kal?” she asked eagerly, then shivered. “It’s not Calder, is it?”

“No. Naffon says it’s our horse. He’s going to intercept him.”

Another long silence while she fought back the urge to scream for answers, then Temel gave her a grim look.

“He’s alive, but he’s injured. Naffon is bringing him back now. Ida, get the medical kit. I’ll clear the table.”

As soon as the table was clear, he wiped it down with antiseptic, as she tried not to panic. The back door flew open and Naffon and S’kal came in. Blood was dripping from S’kal’s head and neck and he was leaning heavily on Naffon but he was upright and walking. She gave a choked sob and his eyes immediately flew to her. He blinked a few times, then smiled.

“Little one. Safe now.”

His voice was hoarse, strained, and she started towards him, but Ida grabbed her hand and shook her head.

“On the table,” Temel ordered. “I want to take a look at those wounds.”

“It’s nothing,” S’kal insisted, still looking at her.

“Table. Now.”

With help from Naffon and Temel, S’kal made it onto the table. As soon as he laid back, Ida released her and she rushed over to take his hand.

“Safe now,” he repeated.

Right now she couldn’t have cared less about Calder but he seemed determined to tell her.

“You mean the man in black is gone?”

“Dead. No answers,” he muttered, trying to scowl, then wincing.

“This wound on his neck needs a few stitches but it didn’t hit anything vital,” Temel announced, reaching for the medical kit as she gave him a horrified look.

“You mean you’re going to do the stitches?”

“Yes.” Temel met her gaze squarely. “We all learned medical skills during the war. I know what I’m doing.”

She believed him, but she still had to turn her head away when Temel swabbed the area, then started the stitches. Even though she couldn’t look, she kept hold of S’kal’s hand, stroking it with her thumb until Temel was finished. He moved on to the head wound, but after cleaning it he decided it didn’t need stitches.

“Are you sure?” she asked doubtfully. There had been so much blood.

“Head wounds always bleed a lot. Now he just needs to rest. There’s a bedroom down here he can use so he doesn’t have to climb the stairs.”

They helped S’kal off the table and down a small hall off the kitchen to a tidy little bedroom. S’kal half sat, half collapsed on the bed while Ida closed the curtains.

“He’ll be fine,” she whispered as she hugged Evie and left.

“Evie?”

“I’m right here.”

She went to his bedside and urged him to lay down.

“Not without you.”

He tugged on her hand, his strength already returning. It was only a single bed but she didn’t care. She tried to wedge herself next to him but he urged her up onto his chest instead despite her protests.

“Better,” he muttered, stroking her hair.

“Much better. I was so scared I lost you.”

“Not happening.”

His arms tightened around her before his breathing slowed into the deep, even rhythm of sleep. Worn out by the events of the morning, she joined him but even as she drifted off to sleep the thought of their upcoming separation haunted her.

THREE DAYS LATER, Evie paced from one side of their new house to the other - an easy enough task since their only furniture was the big bed where S’kal was reclining and watching her pace. He’d arranged for it to be placed there so they could have some time alone together and he’d been making full use of that time. Fortunately, he had recovered from his encounter with Calder with almost miraculous speed, the small scars on his forehead and neck the only reminder of what had happened.

The incident had not been erased so easily from her memory and she hated the fact that he was leaving the next morning.

“I still think I should come with you.”

“No,” he said firmly.

“But now that Calder is dead, there’s no one looking for me.”

“Until we know why that man was killed and why Calder showed up here, you’re not going anywhere near Port Cantor. Come here,” he added when she didn’t respond.

She went to join him and he immediately pulled her onto the bed next to him.

“Stop worrying, little one.”

“I can’t help it. What if there’s another Jackson on the next caravan? Or another assassin? What if someone knows you’re associated with this place and tries to hurt you? What if-”

He stopped her increasingly frantic questions by the simple expedient of fastening his mouth over hers and kissing her until she was incapable of thinking of anything but the need thrumming through her body.

“That’s better.” He raised his head and smiled down into her flushed face. “There’s no need for you to worry.”

“I can’t help it.”

Her fingers instinctively went to his waistband, clinging to him as she’d done their first night together. But now she knew to slide her hand around to the front, to trace a teasing finger across the head of his cock as it rose to meet her.

He growled and rolled on top of her, golden eyes gleaming as he studied her flushed face.

“Do you need something, little one?”

“Yes. Please. Help me stop thinking.”

A slow seductive smile curved his lips and her clit pulsed eagerly in response.

“Very well.”

He made another of his lightning fast moves and then she was on her stomach beneath him. His huge body surrounded her and he was all she could see and feel and smell.

“My pretty little one,” he growled against her ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine.

He moved to the nape of her neck, pressing a soft, sucking kiss to the sensitive flesh that made her whole body shiver. He gave a low dark chuckle, then started to work his way down her spine. His hand slipped beneath her, raising her body to his mouth even as he teased her aching nipples.

The kisses didn’t end at the base of her spine. Instead he moved to her butt and now the kisses alternated with tiny bites, the slight sting followed by a rush of heat. She barely even noticed that he was lifting her ass until she found herself on her hands and knees in front of him.

He pushed her legs further apart as his hand dipped between them and she might have been embarrassed by how easily it moved through the slick folds if she hadn’t been so focused on the way he was dancing around her clit without giving her the pressure she needed.

Then the head of his cock lodged against her entrance, impossibly hot and huge and she lost the ability to think.

He pressed forward, feeling even larger in this position, and her body resisted the intrusion. He laughed again and then she felt the sharp sting of his hand against her butt, followed immediately by a rush of warmth. Her body softened and then he was inside, splitting her open with that enormous cock and nothing had ever felt so good.

Her body clenched in a sudden, unexpected climax and he growled as he started to push deeper. Every time she was sure she couldn’t take any more, he administered another one of those quick, stinging smacks, each one followed by a wave of heat as her body softened and took more of him. By the time those massive balls came to rest against her, she was so full she couldn’t breathe and so taut with excitement that every muscle in her body was quivering.

“That’s my good little one, taking all of me.” His voice practically purred with satisfaction as he caressed her hot, tender ass. “Do you want more?”

“God, yes. Please.”

Her voice was a high, needy whine and he laughed again as he slowly, slowly withdrew. He paused with just the head of his cock still lodged within her body. Then he slammed back into her in one hard, punishing stroke and her world went up in flames. A voice she didn’t even recognize as hers gave a long, wailing cry, her body convulsing helplessly around him as he thrust into her again and again with hard, demanding, wonderful strokes. His cry echoed her own as a rush of heat triggered another convulsion from her overwhelmed body.

“Better?” he murmured as he drew her into his arms.

“For now. But I might need you to help me again later.”

He laughed and went to fetch a warm cloth, cleansing her gently before pulling her to her feet and dressing her. They were having dinner at the main house, and as they walked through the orchard the setting sun sprinkled golden light on the leaves.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she said softly. “I’m glad we’re making this our home.”

“I am too. I didn’t realize how tired I’d grown of traveling. Or perhaps I simply didn’t have anything to replace it before. But now I have you, little one.”

“And I have you.” No matter how much distance there would be between them.

Just as they emerged from the orchard, Ida came hurrying towards them, her face flushed.

“S’kal, you have a visitor. He said his name is Tomlin and that it’s very important.”

CHAPTER 20

Evie gave S’kal a puzzled look.

“I thought he was meeting you in town tomorrow?”

“That’s what we agreed,” he said grimly, tucking her under his arm as he increased his pace.

“Is he a friend of yours?” Ida panted as she hurried after them.

“Yes. A very good friend.”

He realized that he had never discussed the future with Tomlin as Evie had suggested. He’d been so much a part of his life for so long that it was hard to imagine him not being around.

He was still frowning over that thought when they entered the kitchen and found Tomlin sitting calmly at the kitchen table. Perhaps not surprisingly considering what had happened with Calder, Temel and Kalpar were eyeing him suspiciously. Equally unsurprisingly, Tomlin didn’t look remotely concerned about being surveyed by two large hostile aliens.

He rose as they entered, bowing with his usual courtesy.

“Lord S’kal. Lady Evie.”

“Lord?” Kalpar asked, but Naffon shook his head.

He was sitting on the counter, swinging his legs and grinning.

“It’s a whole thing. Just go with it.”

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, Tomlin,” S’kal interrupted. “But why are you here?”

A flash of what might have been sympathy crossed the other man’s face.

“I just received word that your brother will be released early.”

The ground actually seemed to shift beneath his feet, and Evie clutched his hand.

“Early? How early?”

Tomlin coughed apologetically.

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? But I can’t be there tomorrow.”

He dreaded to think what his brother might do on his release. There was a very real possibility that he might decide to enact his revenge against those who’d set him up. S’kal couldn’t blame him, but neither did he want H’zim returning to jail as soon as he was released. But even taking two horses and riding night and day, it would take him at least four days.

Despite his happiness that H’zim was being released, he had no idea how his brother was going to adjust to life outside prison, especially given how much he’d changed over the past years.

“Yes, you can,” Tomlin said calmly. “I have arranged for a flyer. It should be here shortly.”

“How the hell did you do that?” Kalpar asked, scowling even more suspiciously.

“The man’s a magician,” Naffon said cheerfully. “He probably just pulled it out from under his hat.”

Tomlin ignored the other warrior.

“If you leave tonight, you could be back in two days if you don’t linger in Port Cantor. I suspect you will not.”

Despite the complete lack of inflection, he saw the flash of amusement on the other male’s face.

“I won’t linger,” he snapped. “Is this all right with you, Evie?”

“Of course.” Her eyes were bright with tears, but she smiled at him. “I know you want your brother back. I’ll be fine.”

“I will ensure that no harm comes to Lady Evie,” Tomlin said quietly, but the words were a vow and S’kal dipped his head.

“Thank you.”

A low buzz indicated the arrival of the flyer. Time to go. He still hesitated for a moment, but she gave him a gentle push towards the door..

“Go get your brother.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I know.”

He gave her a quick, desperate kiss then marched out the door. Temel followed him out to the flyer.

“Do you know what H’zim will do now?” he asked.

“No,” he said grimly. “I thought I had longer to prepare some options.”

“Why don’t you bring him back here?”

“Are you sure?”

H’zim and Temel had clashed several times over the years.

“I’m sure. He’s still part of our squad, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.” Temel hesitated. “The same offer applies to him if he wants to take over one of the abandoned farms.”

He couldn’t imagine his brother farming, but it had to be a better option than Port Cantor.

“Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I hope he’ll return with me.”

But what if he refused? He wasn’t prepared to leave Evie for too long, but neither could he abandon H’zim. He swore under his breath as he climbed into the flyer, but he was determined to come up with a solution.

“FOUR DAYS,” Evie complained, pacing back and forth across the porch as Dora gave her a sympathetic smile. The two of them had struck up a friendship while S’kal was gone. “Tomlin said two days if he hurried, and he said he would hurry but he still isn’t back.”

“I wonder if his brother is being difficult,” Dora said as she bent over her needlework. “Naffon said he’s a rebel and if Naffon thinks that…”

“I know,” she sighed. “And I know S’kal wants to help him. But what if he doesn’t want to be helped? I need him too, especially now.”

“I know. But I saw the two of you together. He loves you. I’m sure he’s doing everything he possibly can to get back to you as quickly as possible.”

Tomlin - who had accompanied her everywhere since S’kal left - suddenly raised his head. He’d been sitting at the other end of the porch to allow them some semblance of privacy, but now he rose to his feet and beckoned to her.

“He’s back.”

She looked around frantically at the empty garden in front of Dora’s house.

“He is? Where?”

“The flyer is landing at the main house. Come.”

She shot a quick look at Dora but her friend only gave her a warm smile.

“Go on. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow. Probably late tomorrow.”

She choked back a laugh and hurried down the steps, Tomlin at her elbow. As they crossed the road back to the main house, the garden in front of it was equally empty and she could have wept with frustration.

“Where is it? You told me-”

The flyer appeared over the pastures.

“How the hell do you do that, Tomlin?”

A hint of a smile crossed his face, but he didn’t respond. He escorted her over to the landing pad just as S’kal climbed out of the flyer. He looked exhausted and unhappy but he was here. She went flying into his arms and he wrapped them around her, clinging to her as tightly as she was clinging to him before finally raising his head and smiling down at her.

“Gods, I missed you, little one.”

“I missed you too, but everyone has been very kind.” She bit her lip as she looked past him and realized that no one had followed him out of the flyer. “Did H’zim remain in the city?”

“No, although it took me the best part of the past three days to convince him that it wasn’t a good idea for him to remain. That’s why I was gone for so long.”

“Then where did he go?”

“At the most distant farm on the property.” He sighed, and she could see the strain on his face. “That was our compromise. He came here, but he doesn’t want anyone to contact him.”

“Not even you?” she asked softly.

“I agreed to give him a month.”

She could tell how much he hated it and squeezed his hand.

“I’m so sorry.”

“I am too, but at least he’s here. How much trouble can he get into all alone on a farm? I’m more concerned that he’ll be bored and decide to leave. At least he promised me that if he decided to leave, he’d let me know first.”

He sighed again, then smiled down at her.

“But enough about him. I would much rather think about how beautiful you are. Is that a new dress?”

“It is - do you like it? Dora is a seamstress and she made it for me.”

“It suits you.” He stroked her cheek. “You look radiant, my love. Tomlin has done a good job of watching over you.”

She started to blurt out her news, then changed her mind. She’d rather wait until they were alone.

“I have a surprise for you,” she said instead.

“A good surprise?”

“I think so.”

He laughed, then looked over her shoulder as Tomlin came to join them. He’d waited a short distance away while they greeted each other.

“Thank you for watching over Evie, Tomlin.”

“It was my pleasure, but it’s good that you’re back.”

S’kal’s face clouded over, his grip on her waist tightening.

“Not for long I’m afraid. I know that the caravan is already overdue to leave.”

The reminder made her flinch, but she did her best to hide it. Tomlin gave her a look she couldn’t read before turning to S’kal.

“Under the circumstances, I believe it would be best if I took the caravan back to Port Cantor, my lord.”

Under the circumstances? He couldn’t possibly know. Could he? She gave him a suspicious look. His face was as impassive as ever but she was sure she saw a hint of amusement in his eyes. Dammit. He did know. Luckily, S’kal didn’t seem to pick up on that secretive look.

“Are you sure? I admit I have no desire to leave, but you have told me often enough that you are not interested in being a wagonmaster.”

“That hasn’t changed. I will only do it for this trip.”

“And then what will you do?”

Tomlin raised an eyebrow. “Return here, of course. Commander Temel has requested my assistance, although of course I will continue to be available to you and your… family.”

“I’m glad,” S’kal said sincerely, briefly clasping the other man’s shoulder.

“So am I,” she added. “You are an important part of your…family.”

Tomlin bowed politely, but she thought he looked pleased.

“Now that you are back, I will return the flyer to Wainwright and organize the caravan’s departure. You can expect me back in about eight weeks. Be well, Lord S’kal. And you, Lady Evie.”

“Thank you.” She had an unexpected urge to cry, but she blinked away the tears and smiled at him.

Tomlin bowed and headed over to the flyer. S’kal sighed and hugged her as they watched.

“It didn’t even occur to me until I was leaving for Port Cantor that I wasn’t sure what he’d decided to do. I’m glad he’s returning to us.”

“I agree.” She smiled up at him, her heart racing. “Now it’s time for your surprise.”

Tugging his hand, she led him back through the orchard to their house. The former mill already looked more like a home, great clumps of flowers blooming next to the door.

“You grew flowers in five days?” he teased. “That is a surprise.”

“I wish I could take the credit, but Naffon planted them. He says they’ll do well here.”

She opened the door and stepped back, watching his face hoping he would be pleased. He took an astonished look around, then gave her a delighted smile before walking around to inspect the changes.

The formerly empty space was now completely furnished. The big bed remained, but it was now covered with colorful blankets and pillows. The comfortable chairs were in place by the windows and a colorful bouquet of flowers topped the sturdy wooden table.

“I take it this is the surprise, little one?”

“It’s part of it,” she said, butterflies starting to flutter in her stomach.

“How did you get it furnished and decorated so quickly?”

“With a lot of help from Tomlin, of course, but everyone else pitched in as well. Ida and I made the curtains,” she added, trying to sound casual.

Long white curtains framed the windows along the back wall, but she’d also used them to partition off a section next to the bed and he gave the area a puzzled look.

“Why did you put curtains up there?”

“Take a look.”

He pulled back the curtains and froze, his gaze going from the rocker under the window to the brightly painted chest and matching crib, staring at them in shock before he turned back to her.

“Does this mean…”

“Yes. I’m pregnant.”

“How…”

“I talked to Ida’s doctor.” She gave him a watery smile. “Apparently fertility restrictors are less effective in some species than others, especially after an extended period of time.”

“We’re going to have a child?” he repeated, still looking dazed.

“Yes. You don’t mind, do you? I know we haven’t been together that long and we were going to wait and it’s not a very big house and-”

She ran out of words as he suddenly dropped to his knees in front of her, pressing kisses against her stomach.

“Hello, little one,” he whispered, then smiled up at her. “My other little one. How could you possibly think I’d mind? I can’t imagine anything that would make me happier. I can’t wait to tell H’zim he’s going to be an uncle.”

“Do you think he’ll be happy?”

“Yes,” he said slowly. “I do. If he is not, I’m not sure that anything of my brother remains.”

She stroked his hair, the way he so often stroked hers, hoping it offered the same comfort.

“I think we should make Tomlin the godfather,” she said when he relaxed.

“Godfather?”

“It’s like an honorary father, one who helps to teach the child wisdom.”

“In that case, I think he would be an excellent choice. But that can wait. Right now I want to concentrate on my perfect little mate.”

Abandoning her stomach, he kissed his way up to her breasts, sucking lightly on her nipples through the thin cloth of her gown as his big hands spanned her waist. Her breasts were already more sensitive and she gasped as he nibbled gently on the stiff little peaks. He growled his satisfaction and reached for the hem of her gown, pulling it slowly up over her hips, trailing his fingers along her skin as he did until she was quivering with excitement. Then he pulled it over her head, leaving her naked in front of him.

“My pretty little mate. Are you ready for me?”

She nodded frantically but he insisted on dipping his fingers between her legs, gliding through the slick folds and teasing her swollen clit.

“I’m ready,” she insisted and he growled again and reached down to free his erection.

He didn’t bother removing any of his other clothing as his cock sprang up between them, huge and green and already glistening. She reached for him, but before she could touch him, his hands were back around her waist, lifting her into the air and bringing her down over his cock in one hard stroke.

A wailing cry escaped her lips as she struggled to handle the overwhelming fullness, but then his thumb found her clit.

“Look how pretty you are riding my cock,” he growled, lifting her up a little then slamming her back down.

Pleasure spilled over her in a rush that left her gasping for breath. Her inner muscles rippled around his cock, pulsing in waves as he continued to thrust up into her. Then he wrapped his arms tightly around her and came with a roar, filling her with wave after wave of liquid heat.

She sagged against him, limp and satisfied as he gently stroked her back.

“Welcome home,” she murmured and he laughed.

“It’s almost worth leaving for a welcome back like that.”

Leaning back, she studied his face.

“But you aren’t leaving again, are you?”

“No, little one. Why would I leave when I have a perfect mate, a home, and soon a child.” His hand gently covered her stomach. “I have everything I want right here.”

Her eyes filled with the tears that were coming so readily these days.

“Then I will make sure and welcome you home every day.”

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading S’kal! I do love a big, bossy alien - especially one who melts for that special female! And of course, Evie is much stronger than she seems! I’m really enjoying these adventures on Cresca and I hope you are too!

Whether you enjoyed the story or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon – reviews are one of the best ways to help other readers find my books!

As usual, I have to thank my readers for coming on these adventures with me - I couldn’t do it without you!

And, as always, a special thanks to my beta team – Janet S, Nancy V, and Kitty S. Your thoughts and comments are incredibly helpful!

How the Aliens Were Won

continues with Celenk!

Infiltrating a remote farming community to gather information isn’t much of a challenge for a mercenary like Celenk. Finding someone to act as his mate is a little more difficult - until a quiet little waitress catches his eye. But will completing his assignment mean betraying her?

Click here to order Celenk!

And if you’d like to read about more about how the farm became available, check out You Got Alien Trouble! - Rosie and Harkan’s story!

You Got Alien Trouble! is available on Amazon!

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The audio version of You Got Alien Trouble! is also available for FREE on my direct store -

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OTHER TITLES

HOMESTEAD WORLDS

Seven Brides for Seven Alien Brothers

Artek

Benjar

Callum

Drakkar

Endark

Frantor

Gilmat

You Got Alien Trouble!

How the Aliens Were Won

Borgaz

Temel

Naffon

S’kal

Celenk

Cosmic Fairy Tales

Jackie and the Giant

Blind Date with an Alien

Her Alien Farmhand

Cyborgs on Mars

High Plains Cyborg

The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg

A Fistful of Cyborg

A Few Cyborgs More

The Magnificent Cyborg

The Outlaw Cyborg

The Cyborg with No Name

Cyborg Rider

KAISARIAN EMPIRE

The Alien Abduction Series

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

Cam and the Conqueror

Deb and the Demon

Ella and the Emperor

Faith and the Fighter

Greta and the Gargoyle

Hanna and the Hitman

Izzie and the Icebeast

Joan and the Juggernaut

Kate and the Kraken

Lily and the Lion

Mary and the Minotaur

Nancy and the Naga

Olivia and the Orc

Pandora and the Prisoner

Quinn and the Queller

Rita and the Raider

Sara and the Spymaster

Tammy and the Traitor

Folsom Planet Blues

Alien Most Wanted: Caged Beast

Alien Most Wanted: Prison Mate

Alien Most Wanted: Mastermind

Alien Most Wanted: Unchained

Stranded with an Alien

Sinta - A SciFi Holiday Tail

Cosmic Cinema

My Fair Alien

The Alien and I

Skruj

Horned Holidays

Krampus and the Crone

A Gift for Nicholas

A Kiss of Frost

Treasured by the Alien

Mama and the Alien Warrior

A Son for the Alien Warrior

Daughter of the Alien Warrior

A Family for the Alien Warrior

The Nanny and the Alien Warrior

A Home for the Alien Warrior

A Gift for the Alien Warrior

A Treasure for the Alien Warrior

Three Babies and the Alien Warrior

Sanctuary for the Alien Warrior

Exposed to the Elements

The Naked Alien

The Bare Essentials

A Nude Attitude

The Buff Beast

The Strip Down

The Alien Invasion Series

Alien Selection

Alien Conquest

Alien Prisoner

Alien Breeder

Alien Alliance

Alien Hope

Alien Castaway

Alien Chief

Alien Ruler

COZY MONSTERS

Fairhaven Falls

Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy

Trouble for My Troll

Fireworks for My Dragon Boss

The Single Mom and the Orc

Mistletoe for My Minotaur

Valentine for My Vampire

Protected by the Orc

Monster Between the Sheets

Extra Virgin Gargoyle

Without a Stitch

Standalones

Hot Wolf in the City

Mated to the Swamp Monster

FANTASY

The Five Kingdoms

The Orc’s Hidden Bride

The Orc’s Stolen Bride

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Honey Phillips writes steamy science fiction stories about hot alien warriors and the human women they can’t resist. From abductions to invasions, the ride might be rough, but the end always satisfies.

Honey wrote and illustrated her first book at the tender age of five. Her writing has improved since then. Her drawing skills, unfortunately, have not. She loves writing, reading, traveling, cooking, and drinking champagne - not necessarily in that order.

Honey loves to hear from her wonderful readers! You can stalk her at any of the following locations…

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