A MIRACLE FOR THE ALIEN WARRIOR

TREASURED BY THE ALIEN

HONEY PHILLIPS

Copyright © 2024 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Cameron Kamenicky

Edited by Lindsay York at LY Publishing Services

Created with Vellum

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

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

The frosty winter air nipped at Lauren’s face as soon as she walked out of the building. Waddled out of the building is more accurate, she thought ruefully, curving her hand over the ever-increasing mound of her stomach.

“Do you think I’m doing the right thing?” she asked Felicity.

Her best friend sighed and shook her head. The two of them had been best friends since the first day of kindergarten when Johnny Ellis tried to pull Felicity’s ponytail and Lauren had punched him. When he tried to retaliate, Felicity had jumped in and Johnny backed down. Now, almost forty years later, it was still a matter of debate who had really been the heroine of the hour.

“Of course I do. You know how I feel about this. Even though your pregnancy has been going smoothly, there’s no point in taking any chances. Spending the last month before the baby is born taking life easy is a rational decision.”

“I suppose,” she agreed as they set off across the parking lot, but Felicity’s approval didn’t entirely eliminate her doubts.

Anderson Robotics had a generous maternity leave policy and her boss hadn’t hesitated to sign off on her request. The timing had worked out well since they were just finishing up a project—but that meant the initial phase of the next project would be handled by one of her subordinates. Rob was chomping at the bit to lead a project, sure that he could do a much better job than she did. She didn’t mind the fact that he was ambitious. She did mind the fact that he was sloppy and wanted to rush ahead without testing all the variables.

“You aren’t still worried about Rob, are you?” Felicity asked, echoing her thoughts.

“Not exactly. I mean, I’m not worried that my job is in danger. If anything, they’re going to be even more anxious to have me back. I am worried that I’m going to have a huge mess to clean up.”

“And you’ll love every minute of it.” Her friend laughed and put her arm through Lauren’s as they crossed the road and entered the park. “You love making order out of chaos.”

“Usually, yes. But with a new baby as well…”

Not for the first time she wished she had family to help out, but her mother had died long ago and she’d never been close to her stepmother. She’d already interviewed several candidates from a nanny agency and they were all highly qualified, but they were still strangers. If only her mother were still around… The tears that came far too frequently these days sprang to her eyes.

“Stop that.” Felicity squeezed her arm. “You’re going to be an amazing mom. And even if it’s not always easy, it will be worth it. I just wish I had the courage to do it,” she added wistfully. “But John is so opposed to the idea.”

She forced herself to bite her tongue. Felicity knew her opinion of her friend’s longtime on-again, off-again relationship. John was also a doctor, but unlike Felicity, he didn’t seem to have chosen that path because he cared about people. In her opinion he was both arrogant and selfish, but she’d learned to keep her mouth shut. Mostly.

“You could always leave him and move in with me. Then if you decided to have a baby, we could bring them up together. They could be friends from birth.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

Her friend’s laughter also held a wistful note, and Lauren crossed her fingers that maybe she was finally getting ready to ditch John. She would love to have her best friend close by. Content to have at least planted the idea, she changed the subject to the latest gossip at the hospital where Felicity worked.

As they strolled through the park, the evening air began to change. A faint mist crept in, veiling the surroundings in a soft grey haze. The sounds of the city—children’s laughter, barking dogs, and the distant hum of cars—gradually faded away, replaced by an unsettling silence. Lauren’s skin prickled, and she glanced around nervously, scanning the park.

Felicity, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, continued to chat about her coworkers, her laughter echoing through the stillness. As they crossed a small bridge over a dry creek bed, the mist grew thicker, swirling around their ankles like a living entity. Her heart rate quickened, and she picked up her pace, her eyes fixed on the houses beyond the park’s edge. Her bungalow, with its cozy porch and welcoming lights, was only a few minutes away.

Felicity finally picked up on her unease, giving her a concerned glance.

“What’s wrong?”

She hesitated, unsure how to articulate the anxiety settling in her stomach.

“I don’t know exactly. It’s just this mist feels… odd.”

Felicity nodded, blue eyes thoughtfully studying the mist-shrouded surroundings.

“It is kind of creepy. But we’re almost home, right?”

She nodded, her hand instinctively drifting to her baby bump. A shiver ran down her spine as the mist caressed her skin, its dampness seeping into her bones. She quickened her pace, Felicity keeping step beside her.

As they drew close to the edge of the park, the lights of her bungalow beckoned, a warm and comforting oasis in the midst of the unsettling mist. She sped up again, her heart pounding in her chest. She just wanted to get inside, shut the door, and banish the creeping sense of unease.

Just as they were about to emerge from the park, a dark shape materialized at the edge of her vision. A man in a dark suit, his features obscured by the mist, stood motionless under the trees, watching them. Her heart skipped a beat, a jolt of fear coursing through her veins.

Felicity’s voice faded into the background as her focus narrowed on the stranger. She tried to keep walking, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. The man didn’t move but his very stillness seemed threatening.

Her breath caught in her throat as a sudden sharp pain stabbed her neck. Her vision began to blur immediately, the mist swirling around her like a vortex, the stranger still watching. Felicity cried out as she felt herself falling, her body crumpling slowly to the ground as everything went black.

LAUREN’S EYES FLUTTERED OPEN, her mind foggy and disoriented. She lay on a narrow metal cot, her head pounding in rhythm with her heartbeat. As she struggled to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to fall back onto the cot.

Where am I? Her foggy brain couldn’t provide an answer. She tried to remember what happened, but her memories were hazy and unclear. The last thing she remembered was walking home with Felicity… and then…

“Felicity?”

Her voice came out as a faint whisper but her friend’s face appeared above her immediately, blue eyes dark with worry.

“Thank God you’re awake!”

Felicity’s voice shook as she helped Lauren sit up.

Her mind finally cleared enough to take in their surroundings. A small cell with white metal walls and two narrow bunks. Where were they?

One end of the cell was made of glass, and there was a man standing on the other side of the glass. The man from the park, except… he wasn’t a man. Seeing him clearly made it so obvious she wondered how she could missed it before. His skin was a flat plastic-looking white, more like a doll than a person, and his eyes had an unnatural red gleam. What she had taken for a suit was actually a uniform of some kind, and while his body appeared human enough, he had six fingers.

An alien.

Her breath caught in her throat as a shiver ran down her spine. Fear and panic warred for dominance, making her skin crawl.

“What happened?” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound calm.

Felicity’s face was pale, her eyes wide with fear as she shook her head.

“I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on or where we are.”

Where we are?

For the first time she noticed a faint hum in the air and a hint of vibration beneath her feet. If they were on a spaceship, the ship was moving. Her mind stuttered at the thought, but she couldn’t come up with another explanation.

The male on the other side of the glass hadn’t moved. His eyes were still fixed on her, as if he were dissecting her. She shuddered and looked away, her stomach turning.

“Are you hurt?” she asked Felicity. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?”

Although her heavy winter coat had disappeared, as had Felicity’s, they were both fully dressed and she hoped that was a good sign. Felicity gave her a quick, tremulous smile.

“No, no, I’m fine. Are you all right? Both of you?”

Other than the continuing ache in her neck, nothing hurt, but she quickly put her hand over her stomach, relieved to feel a faint movement beneath her palm.

“You… you don’t think whatever they gave us hurt the baby, do you?”

“I don’t think so.” Felicity’s voice dropped into professional mode. “You’ve been unconscious, but your pulse and heartbeat have been steady. The baby is moving normally and you haven’t had any contractions.”

“We have no intention of damaging the product.”

The cold voice made them both jump. She was quite sure he wasn’t actually speaking English, but she understood what he’d said. A part of her mind wondered why, but she was more concerned about what he’d said.

“Product?”

He gestured at her stomach.

“You are the only breeding female we encountered on this trip.” His smile revealed disturbingly pointed teeth. “You will prove a valuable resource.”

She stared at him in horror, her arms automatically curving around her stomach.

“What are you talking about? Where are you taking us?”

“I have already answered the first question. As for the second, we are bringing you to a breeding compound.” The cold gaze passed to Felicity. “After we auction off the other female. She is somewhat older than our preferred age, but many males favor her body type.”

Felicity crossed her arms and glared at him.

“I don’t give a damn what they prefer. Take us home at once.”

The alien didn’t bother to reply. After one more brief glance at Lauren’s stomach, he walked away out of sight.

“Auction?” Felicity repeated, giving her a desperate look.

“Breeding compound?”

Both possibilities sounded horrific, and the fact that they would be separated made it even worse.

No.

“I’m not going to let it happen,” she whispered fiercely. “There has to be a way out of here. If I could get to a computer terminal…”

Her voice trailed off. What did she know about alien technology?

“We’ll find a way,” Felicity said, but Lauren could hear the uncertainty in her friend’s voice.

“We have to. I’m not going to let them take my baby.”

She reached out and squeezed her friend’s hand, a surge of determination flowing through her. She was on the verge of having the baby she’d always wanted and she’d be damned if she was going to let an alien steal it away from her.

CHAPTER TWO

“Ithink we should try it,” Felicity urged. “The longer we stay in this cell, the farther we are from home.”

“I know.”

Lauren rubbed her stomach as she considered their options. Based on the number of times the lights had dimmed for an extended period, she calculated that they had been on the ship for a week now—a terrible week consisting of the mind-numbing boredom of being trapped in the same small space mixed with the terror of what would happen when they were finally released from that space.

The Vedeckians—the aliens who had captured them—showed no hesitation in talking about their fate, although their focus was always on how to make the most profit from them. They didn’t seem to consider the women as people, only as products. They didn’t respond to any attempts by either woman to communicate with them. They were simply discussed, fed twice each day with tasteless pellets that bore a disturbing resemblance to pet food, and otherwise ignored.

She knew it could have been worse, but being on display like an animal in a zoo wasn’t much of an alternative. She’d taken to pacing restlessly around the small cell, in part because the movement helped soothe the baby’s relentless kicking, and in part because movement helped her think. It was during one of her pacing sessions that she’d noticed the faintest outline on the wall next to the door.

Hoping it was some kind of control panel, she’d attempted to pry it open that night after the lights went out, breaking two nails in the process. Undeterred, she managed to work the underwire out of her bra and the thin metal strip had done the job. Although she wasn’t familiar with the maze of wires and circuitry, she thought she could identify a main power relay. If she was right, they would be able to open the door. But what then?

They had been debating their options ever since. They were obviously on a ship of some size and Felicity, always the optimist, was convinced that they would be able to locate a smaller shuttle and use it to escape. Lauren was not as convinced.

“First of all, neither of us is familiar with their technology. Even if we can find a shuttle, how could we fly it?”

“You’ll figure it out,” Felicity said optimistically. “You figured out the access panel and how to open the cell, didn’t you?”

“Maybe. We don’t even know if that will work.”

“If it does, then it proves that I’m right and you can figure out their technology.”

She couldn’t help smiling at her friend’s triumphant expression, but she shook her head.

“It’s a long way from frying a circuit to piloting a shuttle.”

“I know.” Felicity’s smile faded. “But wouldn’t it be better to try than to just sit here waiting to be sold?”

It was a valid argument, but she was equally aware of the risks they would be taking.

“What if they catch us?”

Her friend shrugged.

“What are they going to do other than put us back in here? You know they won’t want to damage their ‘product.’”

“Maybe not, but they could separate us.”

Felicity bit her lip.

“I suppose, but that’s going to happen eventually anyway. Maybe we can be like those prisoners in the movies and communicate by tapping on the cell walls.”

She didn’t bother to point out that everything except the glass barrier appeared to be soundproof. Truthfully, she was willing to let Felicity convince her. She’d much rather do something than just sit here waiting for their fate to be decided by others.

“All right. I’ll give it a try when they dim the lights ton—”

The harsh sound of an alarm interrupted her, and Felicity grabbed her arm.

“What was that?”

“I don’t know,” she said grimly. “But it didn’t sound good.”

The lights in the corridor flickered and went out, replaced a moment later by the red glow of emergency lighting. The ship shuddered as a series of muffled explosions erupted. Her doubts disappeared. She had no intention of going down with the ship.

“Time to go.”

Felicity nodded, watching anxiously as she tried to pry the control panel loose again. Her hands were shaking so badly that it took three tries before she worked it free.

“Hurry,” her friend whispered.

She nodded, studying the tangled mess of wires. She found what she hoped was the main power relay again, took a deep breath, then pulled it free. The glass panel slid open with a hiss.

“I knew you could do it,” Felicity said, but her voice was shaky and she didn’t try and leave the cell.

Lauren didn’t blame her for hesitating. The red lighting gave everything an eerie glow, the strangeness magnified by the smoke already creeping along the floor. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning plastic and ozone, and she coughed as she stuck her head out of the cell and looked down the corridor. Although she could hear muffled shouts in the distance, there was no one in sight.

A loud crash echoed through the corridor, making them both jump, and Felicity clutched her arm.

“What was that?”

“I don’t know, but I think we need to move. If there’s an internal hangar, my guess is it will be down towards the base of the ship. Let’s look for some stairs.”

She did her best to sound confident, even though it was an assumption at best, and took a tentative step forward. She hesitated for a second, then shrugged and turned to the right. The ship lurched, throwing her off balance. Felicity tightened her hold on her arm, holding her steady as the ship shuddered again. Lauren’s stomach roiled, the baby kicking against her ribs, and she fought to keep her breathing even.

“Come on. I don’t think we have a lot of time.”

She put her other hand on the wall to steady herself, and they hurried along the corridor as quickly as they could. The ship’s alarm system wailed in their ears, making it hard to think, and the smoke was getting thicker, making it hard to breathe. Her eyes stung, and she blinked away tears.

They reached the end of the corridor and peered cautiously around the corner. Her heart raced as two black-uniformed Vedeckians raced across one end of the passage, but neither of them looked in their direction. And in the other direction… the sign was in an unfamiliar language, but the arrow pointing downward was universal.

“There.”

Felicity nodded, still clutching her arm as they made their way across the corridor and into the stairwell. She clung to the railing as they descended the steep, narrow stairs, her body feeling even more ungainly than usual. The ship’s gravity seemed to be fluctuating, making every step even more precarious.

She hesitated when they reached the landing for the next floor, then spotted another small sign next to the door. This one showed what looked like a schematic with a red dotted line that might indicate an escape route. She hoped.

“It looks like we should keep going down.”

Even though she was whispering, the words seemed to echo in the metal stairwell and she cast an uneasy glance upwards. The stairwell was still empty. At least none of the Vedeckians seemed to be abandoning ship.

They followed the sign down two more levels, then out into a narrow corridor. As they did, the floor lurched beneath them, and she stumbled. Felicity grabbed her, holding her upright as the ship’s gravity generators faltered again. Her stomach dropped as it slammed back into place, making her feel sick. She forced herself to take a few slow deep breaths as Felicity watched anxiously.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes, just a little queasy. I don’t think the baby is going to be a fan of roller coasters. We’d better keep going.”

The ship groaned as they hurried down the corridor, but fortunately the gravity continued to hold. The hallway turned a corner and ended in a blank metal door. There was no indication of what lay behind it. They exchanged a look, but they’d come this far and she didn’t see any other alternative. She cautiously pressed the door control and it slid aside to reveal a dark room. From what she could make out in the light from the corridor it appeared to be lined with storage lockers. Her heart sank. Why had the signs led them here?

At least the room was empty.

“Come on,” she whispered. “Perhaps it leads through to somewhere else.”

As soon as they stepped through the doorway the door slid shut behind them and the lights came on. Damn. What she had assumed were storage lockers were actually tall, coffin-shaped pods. Escape pods—escape pods designed for a single person.

“Only one person per pod,” she said.

She desperately scanned the rows of pods looking for a larger option but all of them were identical. Her throat constricted as she turned to Felicity. There was no way they could both fit in a single pod.

“We need to find another way.”

Felicity nodded, biting her lip.

“Do you think we can find a shuttle instead?”

“It’s a longshot,” she admitted. “I have no idea where to go now. But we can try.”

Before they could turn back, there was another loud groan and the door behind them began to buckle.

“No, no!”

She pushed frantically at the control panel, but this time there was no response from the damaged door. They couldn’t go back. Her heart sank as the gravity began to weaken again. The groans of the dying ship were a morbid soundtrack to their own desperate situation.

Felicity looked at her, her eyes brimming with tears.

“We don’t have a choice. We have to go, Lauren. Now.”

She opened her mouth to protest but the door began to buckle again, the frame squealing. Smoke began seeping under the door. Felicity was right—they were out of options.

“All right. I love you, Felicity.”

“I love you too.”

Felicity hugged her fiercely.

“Find me,” her friend whispered. “Somehow.”

Tears running down her face, she nodded and climbed awkwardly into the nearest pod. Felicity chose the next one, giving her a last shaky smile. She tried to return it, but her face was numb, her stomach turning somersaults. Then the pod door closed, sealing her away from her friend, from her last contact with the life she’d known. The pod hummed to life, a series of lights appearing, and then a burst of acceleration pressed her back against the padded interior as the pod launched itself into space.

CHAPTER THREE

Commander Krestar var’Arenchar listened as the comms console crackled to life, broadcasting a call from a nearby Patrol vessel. His mouth tightened as the voice on the other end detailed their engagement with a Vedeckian ship. The Vedeckians called themselves traders, but their only motive was profit. They would trade anything that promised a financial reward—including people. The aftermath of the Red Death, the plague that had swept across the multiple systems comprising the Confederated Planets, had left them with multiple opportunities to exploit those losses.

His instincts demanded that he alter course and join the battle, but his ship, the Seren, was designed for exploration, not fighting. He’d traded in firepower for advanced sensors and a state-of-the-art navigation system. There was nothing he could do to assist, and his duty was to gather information, not to indulge in reckless heroics.

I should know better than to fight useless battles anyway, he thought bitterly as he reached out and switched off the comms console, returning to his usual silence. He took a deep breath and forced himself to concentrate on the navigation charts unfolding on his console instead. His current course would take him through a narrow asteroid field, potentially rich in useful mineral deposits, but tricky to navigate.

The risks didn’t concern him. While he had no intention of acting recklessly, if his life ended here it would be of no great consequence to anyone. He had already failed his people.

The Red Death had decimated the Cire population, leaving them on the brink of extinction. In a cruel twist of fate, all of their females had been taken. Working for the Cire ruling council, he had overseen the desperate attempts to revitalize their dying race. The labs had become his second home, the endless experiments and failures a constant reminder of his people’s plight. He had lost count of the number of artificial wombs that had failed to produce viable offspring, the countless trials that had ended in heartbreak.

Twenty years of toil, of sacrifice, of hope and despair—and still they had failed. They had made some progress over the past few years but it was too little, too late, and he could no longer live with his failure. The Confederated Planets Patrol had offered him a way out, a chance to escape the crushing guilt and to do something useful. Perhaps even a chance to find some measure of peace.

His thoughts snapped back to the present as the Seren’s proximity alert began to flash, signaling the presence of an unknown object in the asteroid field. As he quickly plotted a course correction, the ship’s sensors picked up a faint signal, a distress call coming from the object. Focusing on the signal, he finally identified the source as an escape pod.

What was an escape pod doing out here? It occurred to him that it could have come from the Vedeckian ship, but he couldn’t ignore a distress call and he adjusted the ship’s course to intercept the pod. As he drew closer to the pod, the ship shuddered, her engines sputtering in protest. The asteroid field was denser than he had anticipated, and the ship was struggling to navigate through the treacherous terrain.

He had to retrieve the pod and get it safely on board before the Seren succumbed to the asteroid field’s hazards. Despite the ship’s faltering engines, he managed to maneuver it alongside the pod and extend the grappling hook. He snagged the pod and drew it towards the small cargo bay as he did his best to compensate for the ship’s unstable systems.

The pod was almost inside when the ship lurched violently, throwing him against the pilot’s seat restraints. Alarms blared, warning of damage to the ship’s hull. His heart rate quickened as he fought to stabilize the ship, his attention torn between the pod and the ship’s struggle for survival. He couldn’t afford to divert resources to assist the ship, not yet—he had to get the pod on board, and fast.

The grappling hook strained, the pod hovering precariously close to the cargo bay’s open maw. His jaw clenched, determined not to lose his fragile hold on the capsule. A gentle tug, then another, and he breathed a sigh of relief as it came to rest in the cargo bay and the door closed behind it. He immediately turned his attention back to the ship’s controls but he was too late. A deafening blast shook the Seren and the console erupted in a shower of sparks.

He immediately triggered the fire suppression system, extinguishing the flames, but the damage was done, the air thick with the acrid smell of smoke. The comms console was dead, the navigation charts offline, and the ship’s gravity generators faltering. He scrambled to reroute power and the ship shuddered, groaning in protest as he coaxed her towards a precarious stability.

The silence that followed was a welcome respite from the din of alarms and explosions, but he knew it was only a false sense of normalcy. The ship had suffered extensive damage. After making sure the ship wasn’t in immediate danger, he headed for the cargo bay, his tail lashing angrily. The occupant of the pod had better be worth the price he’d paid to retrieve it. If it was a Vedeckian, they could just stay there until he could turn them over to the Patrol—assuming he could reach another Patrol ship with his damaged vessel.

He released the pod’s latches, and the door hissed open, releasing a sweet, intoxicating scent as it revealed a figure slumped against the padding. Not a Vedeckian after all. A female—a beautiful, curvy… pregnant female. The realization hit him like a physical blow. There were no more Cire females. He would never see a pregnant Cire female, but this lush female carrying the promise of life…

Mine.

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he stared at her, his hands balling into fists. Her skin was a smooth gold rather than textured green, her head covered in a short cap of dark curls rather than Cire ridges, but the differences didn’t matter. She was his to protect.

Her eyes suddenly fluttered open, dark and disoriented. His instincts took over, and he placed a gentle hand on her face, his thumb stroking the soft curve of her cheek as their eyes met. His world narrowed to the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the sweetness of her scent, and the vulnerability in her eyes.

“Who are you?” she whispered, her voice husky, her eyes never leaving his.

“Commander Krestar var’Arenchar, Patrol vessel Seren. And you are…?”

“I’m Lauren. Lauren Maxwell.”

“Lauren,” he repeated, smiling. The unfamiliar name had a melodic sound. It suited her. “You are safe now.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Safe?

Lauren stared up at the huge alien watching her so closely, her mind still foggy from her time in the pod. As soon as it had launched, languor crept over her. She’d just had time to realize it was putting her to sleep before everything went dark. She had no idea how long she’d been asleep but she woke up feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Krestar. He was definitely not a Vedeckian. No one would ever mistake him for human. He had textured green skin patterned in shades of jade and emerald and large black eyes. Instead of hair, he had ridges running back across a well-shaped skull. His features were different as well with sharply angled cheekbones, almost nonexistent ears, and a flattened nose above a wide, lipless mouth. Despite the differences between them, there was something compelling about that dark, intense gaze.

I should be afraid, she thought, but his hand on her face was gentle, almost reverent.

“Can you stand?” he asked.

When she nodded, he helped her to her feet but her knees immediately threatened to give way. His arm quickly circled her waist, supporting her. No, not his arm. His tail was wrapped around her waist. Tail?

“You have a tail.”

The words came out unbidden and he smiled.

“I do. And you do not.” He looked down briefly before his eyes returned to her face, his look frankly appreciative. “I do not find such differences unattractive.”

Is he flirting with me? She was so used to feeling large and ungainly that she couldn’t quite suppress a quick flash of warmth before the realities of her situation came rushing back.

Felicity!

“How did you find me?” she asked urgently.

“I picked up the distress signal from your pod.”

“Did you… did you pick up another signal?”

Her voice shook and Krestar’s tail tightened around her waist as if it were hugging her.

“I did not. Were there other pods?”

“Yes. My friend Felicity was in one as well. Because the capsules are only big enough for one person, we couldn’t stay together. We have to find her.”

He hesitated.

“I am afraid the ship’s sensors are down at the moment. I have no way to scan for other signals.”

Her heart sank. How was she going to find Felicity?

His jaw tightened, his expression grim. “It is not just the sensors. Life support, propulsion, and communication systems are all malfunctioning. The ship was struck by an asteroid while I was bringing you on board.”

Great. She was trapped on a crippled ship with a stranger, and her only friend was missing. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she pushed it back, focusing on the present moment.

“Can you fix the ship?” she asked, trying to sound calmer than she felt.

Another hesitation.

“I will need to assess the damage. I have extra parts and equipment on board, although there are limits to the repairs I can perform while we are in space.” The end of his tail gently stroked her stomach. It should have felt strange, but instead it was oddly comforting. “Right now your safety and the safety of your child are more important. Would you permit me to examine you?”

Her heart skipped a beat.

“Examine me?”

The words conjured up images of sterile white rooms and alien probes. Even the Vedeckians hadn’t done that, at least not while she was conscious. She started to pull away from him, and he immediately released her.

“What do you mean by examine?” she asked suspiciously.

“I have a medical scanner on board. It is not the latest model but it should be adequate for a basic scan.”

“Just an external scan?”

“Of course.”

She hesitated, not thrilled with the idea, but after everything she’d been through over the past week, it would be reassuring to know that the baby was safe and healthy.

“I suppose it would be all right.”

He seemed to understand her reluctance because he bowed his head.

“I told you that you were safe with me, Lauren. In all ways.”

For some reason she was inclined to believe him. She nodded and he led her out of the cargo bay and up a set of stairs. His tail went back around her waist, steadying her as they climbed, and she didn’t object.

The scanner was located in a small alcove at the top of the stairs. It resembled a tanning bed and she gave it a curious look as he helped her lie down.

“How is this going to work? It’s not as if we’re the same species.”

“The scanner has data from all the systems belonging to the Confederated Planets, and much of the underlying biology is similar.” His eyes traveled down over her body, that appreciative look returning. “Many species are surprisingly… compatible.”

Compatible? Did he mean…

Before she could think of a response, he’d turned to the controls. An arm extended from the top of the scanner. She eyed it suspiciously, but all it did was to move up and down the length of the bed as Krestar studied a monitor. She peered at it too, but the symbols flashing across the screen meant nothing to her.

“Is everything all right?” she asked anxiously.

“It appears to be. Here.”

He pressed a button and a moment later a rapid thumping filled the small area. Her eyes filled with tears.

“The baby’s heartbeat.”

“Yes, strong and healthy.”

Their eyes met again as they listened, and she could swear she saw the same awe and wonder she felt in his face. Would it have been like this if she’d had a child the traditional way, sharing this moment with the father?

Stop it, she ordered herself, fighting back the urge to cry. She’d known going into this pregnancy that she would be doing it by herself, and she’d carefully considered all of the pros and cons. It was silly to start getting sentimental about it now, just because a male she didn’t even know seemed so delighted by her unborn child.

He hesitated, then turned off the monitor.

“You should rest now,” he said, his deep voice gentle. “You have been through a lot.”

She nodded as exhaustion washed over her. Even though she’d been unconscious, the time in the capsule hadn’t left her feeling rested. Her body felt heavy, her muscles aching from stress and the flight through the Vedeckian ship.

Krestar escorted her to a small cabin, the quarters cramped but tidy. Most of the space was occupied by an enormous bed covered in a soft, beige blanket. Intricate patterns were etched into the walls, a mix of geometric shapes and swirling lines that seemed to dance in the dim light.

A pang of nerves hit her when he turned to leave and she suddenly felt as if she were being abandoned. She reached for his tail and it immediately curled around her hand in response. The surface was covered with tiny nubs, pleasantly tactile beneath her fingers.

“Don’t go.”

His eyes closed for a second, a strained look on his face, before he put his hand gently over hers.

“I need to work on the ship and you need to rest. I promise that you are safe here. You and your child.”

“I… I believe you.”

She wasn’t entirely sure why, but she did. She managed a shaky smile and released his tail. He bowed his head and disappeared into the corridor, leaving her alone. She took a deep breath, trying to relax, and sank onto the bed.

A warm, spicy scent enveloped her as she pulled the blanket over her, a comforting scent that was unmistakably Krestar’s. She’d barely slept for the past week, always wary about what the Vedeckians might do, but she felt surprisingly safe here. Her eyelids drooped, her body relaxed, and with a tired sigh, she surrendered to exhaustion.

CHAPTER FIVE

Krestar’s tail twitched as he left the cabin, reluctant to leave the precious, desirable female, but her safety and that of her child depended on repairing the ship as quickly as possible. He returned to the control room and initiated the diagnostics program. Information about the ship’s systems started to scroll across his screens and his gut twisted as he saw the extent of the damage. Life support was still fully functional, but the navigation and communication systems had suffered extensive damage and the engines were running on backup power. He growled softly, his tail thumping the floor in frustration.

“Computer, estimate time to repair navigation and communication systems,” he barked, his voice low and rough.

The computer’s calm tones replied, “Estimated repair time for the navigation system: three hours and twenty-nine minutes, Commander.”

“And the communication systems?”

“The external relay will need to be replaced.”

Fuck. That type of repair could not be performed in space, and without his comms he had no way to communicate with another Patrol ship. More damage reports continued to roll in, and his grip on the console tightened. The extent of the damage was daunting, to say the least. If he had been by himself it would simply have been annoying, but with Lauren and her child on board… He had to get them to safety, no matter what it took.

The intensity of his reaction to her shocked him. He’d always been taught that a Cire male could only mate with a Cire female—it was one of the reasons the loss of all of their females to the plague had been so devastating. Every female he’d encountered since leaving Ciresia had only reinforced that belief. No matter how attractive, they had not appealed to him. They had never felt right, never smelled right, and his body had not reacted to them.

But I reacted to Lauren.

When their eyes had met for the first time a shock of what felt like recognition jolted his entire system. The knowledge was equal parts satisfying and disturbing. His honor demanded that he protect any female, but with her sweet, intoxicating scent filling his senses, his entire body ached with unaccustomed desire. To finally feel that yearning after so long… His cock stirred again, just at the memory of those lush curves and her impossibly soft skin beneath his hand. When her small fingers had grasped his tail he’d almost disgraced himself.

She needs my help, not my lust, he told himself sternly. He had to focus on the job at hand, not on thoughts of those dark eyes and the delicate curve of her neck.

The console beeped, demanding his attention, and he forced himself to concentrate on the repairs. But as he worked, thoughts of her continued to run through his head, probing this unsettling connection. What was it about her that had sparked this response?

He knew nothing about her, or indeed her species, let alone where she was from. He assumed that she had been held captive on the Vedeckian ship, which meant that she had most probably been taken from her home planet. The fact that she was with child argued that she had a mate waiting for her there, in which case his duty would require him to return her. The thought made his chest ache, but he couldn’t let that stop him. His honor and his duty were all he had left.

The diagnostics finished running, leaving an extensive list of repairs. Despite the extent of the list, much of the damage was only minor. The lack of power in the engines was the most critical issue, especially with the communication systems down and no way to call for assistance. He triggered an automated repair program, then descended to the engine room. The door slid open with a hiss, the space still filled with the smell of burnt wiring and streaks of soot marring the walls and floor.

He was not a trained mechanic but he had enough knowledge to troubleshoot issues and perform basic repairs. Despite the extent of the damage he set to work, determined to restore full power to the ship.

Two hours later he was tired, dirty, and frustrated. Impulse power was working—to an extent—but he wasn’t sure how long it would last. As he’d feared, any further repairs could not be performed while they were in space. As soon as the navigation systems came back online, he would have to try to find a location where he could land and make the repairs—a quest that might prove difficult under the circumstances. Although it hadn’t been his primary concern, he didn’t recall any habitable planets in the vicinity.

Still searching his memory, he returned to the main level, then hesitated outside the sanitary facility. It was connected to his cabin as well and he didn’t wish to disturb Lauren, but he desperately needed to remove the soot from his skin as well as the harsh, lingering smell of smoke.

Deciding the walls should be adequately sound-proofed, he slipped inside, quickly stripping off his dirty uniform. As the hot water washed away the pungent odor, a hint of Lauren’s sweetness replaced it. He could easily picture her in his bed, her pretty face relaxed in sleep. If only he could join her, just to hold her in his arms and feel her soft curves against his body…

He swore under his breath as his cock responded to the image, blood filling it so quickly he felt dizzy. For a moment he was tempted, his hand closing around his aching shaft, but decided that any climax achieved in such a fashion would be more frustrating than satisfying. He sighed and turned the water to cold but even the icy blast was only partially successful in erasing his desire and he was still semi-erect when he dried off.

Sternly ignoring his lingering arousal, he tossed his dirty uniform into the laundry receptacle and pulled on a training outfit—the only clothing accessible outside his cabin. Under normal circumstances he performed a series of exercises to maintain his strength and skills each day. Assuming he could get the ship back on track, he looked forward to the prospect. Perhaps the exertion would be enough to relieve the persistent, nagging ache in his cock.

Repairs first, he told himself and returned to the control room, sternly resisting the urge to peep into his cabin and check on Lauren.

Three hours later he sat back with a tired sigh, rubbing his eyes. The navigation system was back online, barely, but his first survey had not proved promising. With the current limited engine capacity, any habitable planets were weeks away, assuming the engines held out that long.

The knowledge gnawed at him. He hadn’t been able to save his own people, but by Granthar he was determined to save Lauren and her child.

He studied the view screen again, gradually widening his search through the debris-littered asteroid belt, and finally spotted a faint blip at the edge of the screen. The database indicated that it was an old space station, abandoned during the Red Death. There was no guarantee that it was still intact but it was relatively close and it seemed like the best option.

He entered a course correction, gritting his teeth as the engines groaned in protest. Please hold together, he prayed. Just a little longer.

To his relief, the ship settled into the new course, moving slowly but steadily towards the space station. He could only hope that it would prove to be intact once they arrived.

There were additional repairs he could make in the meantime but he found his thoughts drifting back to Lauren, wondering if he should make sure she was resting comfortably. His tail twitched approvingly, but before he could decide, the door to the control room slid aside and she entered.

She looked sleepy, vulnerable—and utterly desirable. His cock surged against his training shorts but he did his best to ignore it as she gave him a tentative smile.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Almost five hours. Do you feel better now? Please sit down.”

She waved an impatient hand as she lowered herself into the co-pilot’s chair.

“Yes, but that’s not important. Did you find any sign of Felicity’s escape pod?”

“I am afraid not. I have managed to get the navigation system back online, but the comms are still down, as are the long-range sensors.” He gestured to the console, his tail twitching with frustration. “And the engines are not functioning at optimal levels.”

“What does that mean?” she asked, frowning.

“It means that I need to find a safe place to make repairs but it is… difficult with limited engine capacity. I have located an abandoned space station.” He hesitated, then decided she deserved the full truth. “I cannot guarantee it is still intact but it appears to be the best option. The journey will take a day, or perhaps two.” He hoped.

Her eyes closed momentarily, a brief flash of despair crossing her face.

“And there is nothing we can do until then to find her?”

He wanted to reassure her but his honor would not permit him to lie to her. He shook his head.

“I cannot make the necessary repairs without access to the exterior of the ship.”

“I see. And if the space station isn’t intact?”

“Then we will head to the nearest inhabitable planet. You do not need to worry,” he added hastily. “Life support systems are fully functional and we have plenty of supplies.”

Those bright, dark eyes studied him for a moment before she sighed.

“Why do I suspect that the fact that you felt the need to mention it means it wouldn’t be a short journey?”

“It would not,” he admitted reluctantly. “It could be a week or more, depending on the engine capacity.”

Her hand caressed the ripe mound of her stomach as she gave him a fierce, determined glare.

“In that case, you’d better start learning about human anatomy. You’re going to have to help me when the baby comes.”

CHAPTER SIX

If Lauren hadn’t been so terrified, she would have been amused at the look of horror on Krestar’s face. Despite the difference in their features, she found his expressions surprisingly easy to interpret.

The horrified look was quickly replaced by determination.

“Of course I will assist you.” His deep, calm voice was unexpectedly reassuring. “Do you know when the child will arrive?”

“I should have another three weeks.” She shrugged, doing her best not to sound worried. “But babies come when they are ready. And given everything that has happened…”

“I will begin researching childbirth immediately,” he promised before a shadow crossed his face. “I have some knowledge already although the circumstances were… different.”

“You have a child?”

It suddenly occurred to her that he might have both a child and a wife. She had automatically assumed he was close to her own age and it would only be natural for such an attractive, thoughtful male to be married—and why did that thought distress her?

But he shook his head, looking even more somber.

“I am afraid that is not possible.”

He sounded so sad that her chest ached. How well she understood that longing for a child. At least in her case she’d been able to make her dream come true.

“I was referring to the fact that I was in charge of the laboratory that was trying to save the Cire race after the Red Death,” he continued. “We were trying to use artificial wombs to carry inseminated embryos to term, but we had limited success.”

“The Red Death?”

“The plague that swept through the Confederated Planets systems more than twenty years ago. It was eventually eliminated but at a terrible cost. Almost every race was affected. Some were lost completely. Our fate was perhaps worse—we lost all of our females and our hope for the future.”

She couldn’t even conceive of such a tragedy, her heart hurting for him and his people. And if they were not the only ones who had suffered such a terrible loss… The pieces suddenly clicked together in her head.

“Is that why the Vedeckians took us? Because of the shortage of females?”

“You were on the Vedeckian ship? The one that was engaged in battle?”

She shuddered as she remembered the smoke and explosions. At the time she’d been too focused on escaping to consider the cause but it made sense that there had been a fight.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I heard a report of the incident. A Patrol vessel ordered the Vedeckian ship to stop for an inspection, but instead they opened fire. The fact that they were carrying illegal slaves explains why they decided to fight. Females and children…” His eyes dropped to her stomach, leaving an almost palpable trail of warmth across her skin. “Both are highly sought after these days. Was this not true on your planet?”

“Not particularly, but Earth never experienced that kind of plague.”

“That is your planet? Earth?”

“Yes. We are called humans”

He nodded, frowning.

“Your planet is pre-spaceflight?”

“Not entirely. We have traveled as far as our moon and sent probes to other planets, although I don’t think that’s what you mean.”

“You are correct. Any contact with such a planet is forbidden, although I am not surprised that it did not stop the Vedeckians. I have heard rumors of such behavior before.”

“If—when—we find Felicity, can you take us back to Earth?”

He hesitated and she had the impression he was arguing with himself before he gave a slight nod.

“Patrol policy allows for such a return, assuming they can locate your home planet. Your memory of this time would also be erased,” he added slowly.

She supposed that it was a logical decision but the thought of anyone messing with her mind, no matter what their intentions, made her shiver. I’ll cross the bridge once I get to it, she decided. In the meantime…

“Is there anything I can do to help with the repairs? I have an engineering background and work in robotics.”

To his credit he didn’t appear surprised by her announcement. Human men had a frustrating tendency to be shocked by her field of expertise.

“That would be helpful, but first would you care for some food?”

She started to deny it, anxious to do anything possible to speed up repairs to the ship, but her stomach rumbled and she gave him a rueful smile.

“Apparently the baby thinks so.”

He smiled, and her breath caught as the expression transformed his features. He rose to his feet and held out his hand.

“This way.”

She hadn’t noticed until that moment that he’d changed. The severe dark uniform had been replaced by a tight sleeveless shirt that clung to every inch of muscular chest and a pair of brief shorts that clung even more tightly to a very large bulge between his thighs. Oh my.

As soon as she realized she was staring, she snatched her eyes away, her cheeks heating. The last thing she needed to be thinking about was the size of his package, no matter how impressive. Despite that, a surprising pulse of desire rushed through her system. How long had it been since she’d experienced such a reaction? Not for a long time before she decided to have a child and certainly not since she’d become pregnant. The warmth in her stomach and the tightening of her nipples was a not unpleasant reminder that she was still a woman with sensual needs, not just a mother to be.

Krestar’s eyes glittered, an unreadable expression in them as his thin nostrils flared. For a moment she thought he was going to say something but he simply took her hand and escorted her down the corridor. His tail was back around her waist, but it felt… right and she didn’t try to move away.

A door opposite his cabin opened into a small, neat lounge area with a built-in table and a compact galley along one wall. The other walls were covered with an etched pattern similar to the one on the cabin walls. He started to lead her to the table, then hesitated. She followed his gaze and shook her head.

“I’m pretty sure my stomach isn’t going to fit between the bench and the table.”

His tail stroked her stomach again as he smiled down at her.

“You will be more comfortable on the couch.”

He helped her to sit, but fortunately the sofa wasn’t too low to the ground. She could probably even make it back to her feet without assistance. It was, however, deliciously soft and she leaned back against the cushions, watching as he went to the galley and began manipulating the equipment, his actions quick and precise.

She tried to concentrate on what he was doing, but she found herself distracted by the way his muscles rippled beneath the tight clothing and the way his tail flicked in response to his movements, accentuating a truly perfect ass.

Stop that, she thought crossly. The last thing she needed right now was to be distracted by a male—no matter how attractive. She had to find Felicity and get back to Earth, hopefully before the baby decided to make an appearance. Despite that, her heart still skipped a beat when he returned to her side, smiling at her as he handed her a mug.

A sweet herbal scent drifted up from the mug. She took a cautious sip, then sighed with pleasure. A slight citrus tang with a smooth honey-like finish.

“This is delicious.”

“It is a traditional drink on Ciresia.” There was that shadow again. “I brought it with me when I left.”

“Did you, umm, leave anyone behind?”

She couldn’t resist asking, but immediately focused on her drink again, afraid her interest was too obvious.

“There was no one.” His voice was somber, heavy, and she immediately regretted asking. “And you? Is there a… mate waiting for you?”

So he was curious too? A small smile curved her lips as she watched the steam rising from her mug.

“No. I decided to have this child on my own.”

“Ah.” His acknowledgement sounded relieved. “Do you have other family?”

She shook her head, finally looking back up at him.

“Not really. My mother died a long time ago. My father remarried, and I don’t get on well with my stepmother.”

Adele had never really cared for her and once her father and Adele had their own child, the situation had gotten worse. Fortunately, by that time she was starting college and her visits home became fewer and fewer. She would have liked to have become better acquainted with her stepbrothers, but Adele had discouraged that as well. By the time Lauren decided to have a baby, her contact with her father was limited to a stilted call at Christmas each year. She hadn’t even told him she was expecting.

“I am sorry,” he said softly.

His tail gently stroked her hand in a comforting gesture and she gave it a quick squeeze, grateful for his understanding. He made a muffled noise and she realized he had the same strained look she’d seen earlier.

“Is something wrong?”

“My tail is… sensitive.”

“I’m sorry.” She quickly released him. “Did I hurt you?”

“Not at all. I enjoy your touch.”

She gave him a confused frown, then noticed that the already impressive bulge in his shorts had grown. He quickly returned to the galley, leaving her staring after him. Apparently the attraction was mutual. She shook her head, then took another sip of her drink. The delicious taste wasn’t enough to distract her from her body’s confusing reaction to him, or his equally confusing response.

Just focus on the problem at hand, she reminded herself. Finding Felicity and getting home. But as Krestar returned to her side with two steaming bowls, she suspected it might not be quite as easy as that to put him out of her mind.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Krestar shifted restlessly on the narrow couch in the lounge. It was comfortable enough for sitting but it had not been designed as a bed, especially for someone of his size. Although he should be exhausted, his mind kept returning to the repairs that still needed to be made—and the female sleeping in his cabin.

After their meal Lauren had insisted on helping him. Although she wasn’t familiar with the ship’s technology, she had an excellent grasp of the principals involved and proved a fast learner. Her pregnancy made it difficult for her to maneuver, but her skills still made her a useful assistant. They worked well together, despite his growing distraction as her sweet scent permeated the air and her soft curves brushed against his body. He could only pray that his reaction was not too obvious.

And yet… He was quite sure that she was not entirely unaware of him as well. Several times her scent had deepened, richer and sweeter with arousal. He had noticed a physical response as well, the stiff peaks of her nipples thrusting against her gown. His cock surged again at the memory.

He’d changed back into a uniform but the tight pants only pressed painfully against his erection. After so many years without experiencing arousal, his body was determined to make up for lost time. But it wasn’t just his physical response that kept him awake. He wanted to know everything about her. Why did she choose to have a child alone? Was there a reason she had not mentioned a mate, or a lover?

With a sigh, he threw off the thin blanket and stood, his cock aching. His tail flicked restlessly as he crossed to the door. Perhaps a brief stint in the training room would allow him to clear his mind.

But when he entered the corridor he noticed the door to the control room was open, a sliver of light around the edge. Had he forgotten to close the door properly? Or was there another reason?

He padded silently to the door and peeked around the edge. Most of the lights were still off but he could see Lauren standing by the viewscreen gazing out at the stars, her shoulders tense.

He was about to call out to her when he caught a hint of salt in the air. Tears? Before he could think better of it, he went to her side.

“What is wrong?”

“I couldn’t sleep. I miss my friend, my home. I came out here to look at the stars as if I could somehow spot Earth. That’s silly, isn’t it?”

“It is not silly at all.”

He moved closer, drawn by her sadness and a desire to comfort her. She looked up and gave him a wavering smile. Even in the dim light he could see her eyes were red, the tracks of her tears clear. The need to protect her, to make her feel better, overwhelmed him.

He took her hand and pulled her close, holding her lightly against his chest. Her scent enveloped him, the delicate sweetness filling his lungs. She gave a tiny gasp but then her soft, curvy body molded against his.

Her hands rested on his chest as she looked up at him. The touch was innocent, comforting, and yet his blood began to pound in his ears. The desire that had never ceased since she’d come aboard intensified. His cock strained against his pants and he gritted his teeth. He had to maintain control. She was vulnerable and his honor would not allow him to take advantage of her.

“It is all right,” he whispered. “Everything will be fine.”

She gave him a shaky smile.

“I keep telling myself that. We’ll find Felicity and the Patrol will get us home. Somehow I’m having trouble believing it.”

“Why? You do not have faith in me?”

“Oddly enough, I do.” A hint of amusement crossed her face as she patted his chest. He fought a shudder, struggling to remain still. “But it’s a vast universe out there. No matter how much you want to help me find her, the more time that passes, the more I feel as if she’s slipping out of reach.”

“Once the ship’s sensors are repaired, there is a good chance we will be able to trace her,” he said, wishing he could do more. Wishing he could give her all the things she deserved, like a mate who was worthy of her.

“I suppose so. You found me, didn’t you?”

Thank Granthar. He dreaded to think what might have happened if another Vedeckian ship had picked up the signal instead. Had they notified any other ships during the battle? It was unlikely since the traders tended to be fiercely competitive, but he couldn’t entirely rule out the possibility. In which case the asteroid field might prove a blessing as well as a hazard. The asteroids would help to conceal their presence, especially since the engines were running on impulse power only.

Lauren shifted against him and the soft press of her breasts made his already aching cock twitch. Her eyes widened and he was quite sure she felt it too. The sweet smell of her arousal flooded the room. His breath quickened as his tail pulled her closer and he had to force himself not to grind against her lush body.

“Are you all right?” she whispered.

“Perfect,” he rasped, his hands flexing as he tried to resist the temptation.

“I’m not so sure about that.”

The tip of her tongue traced her lower lip and he was lost. He lowered his head and brushed his mouth against hers. Her lips were full and soft and tasted of the honey-spiced drink he had given her before bed. The flavor combined deliciously with her own natural sweetness, and he couldn’t stop himself from seeking more. His tongue slipped between her lips.

She made a soft, startled sound, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she rose on her toes and leaned against him, the full mound of her stomach between them only increasing his desire. She tasted like nothing he’d ever experienced, intoxicating, addicting. When his tongue caressed hers, a shudder ran through her and he groaned.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes dark and uncertain.

“What have you done to me?”

“I should be asking the same question.” He feathered his thumb across her soft cheek. “We were taught that a Cire male could not find… satisfaction except with a Cire female. Could only mate with a Cire female.”

“I don’t understand.” She bit her lip but didn’t look away from him. “I can tell that you’re… erect.”

“I said to achieve satisfaction, not to achieve an erection. Although I have never felt such desire before.”

“Never?” She stared up at him, then smiled, her dark eyes warm. “Not even when you were young?”

“No. I was too focused on my warrior training to pay attention to females. I assumed there would be time for that later. But then the Red Death came and that future disappeared.”

“I’m so sorry.”

Her arms tightened around his waist and his tail gave her a gentle squeeze in return. His cock still ached and throbbed, desire a fiery hum in his blood, but the conversation had allowed him time to regain control over himself.

“You should try and rest now,” he said softly.

“I’m not sure I can. Will you…” She hesitated, then gave him a shy smile. “Will you lie down with me for a while? I know it doesn’t make any sense, but you make me feel safe.”

He knew he should not, but how could he resist?

“If that is what you wish.”

She nodded and he took her hand, leading her back to his cabin. He paused when they reached the bed, but she gave him an encouraging smile.

“Please.”

With a nod, he slid beneath the covers. The moment she lay beside him, his body reacted, the soft, warm curves of her body beckoning. His arm curved around her waist, not pulling her closer but unable to stop from caressing the swell of her stomach. His breath caught as something nudged his hand. The baby was responding to his touch.

“Did you feel that?” she asked.

“Yes. Is this normal?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t shared a bed with anyone while I was pregnant.” She smiled when the baby nudged his hand again. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“It is the most miraculous thing I have ever felt.”

Her fingers entwined with his as she settled against him, and he tried not to imagine what it would have been like to share her bed for another reason. His tail wrapped itself around her as well, settling just under the mound of her stomach. How easy it would be to drop just a little lower, to explore the sweetness between her thighs—but this was about comfort, not desire, and he simply held her close.

“Sleep now,” he said softly.

She gave a soft hum of agreement, her breathing soon settling into the easy rhythm of sleep.

“Sleep,” he repeated, although this time it was directed at himself.

Her scent surrounded him, his cock still throbbed, but he closed his eyes and concentrated on the precious life beneath his hand and the equally precious female he was holding.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lauren woke up slowly, drifting between sleep and awareness, surrounded by a warm, spicy scent. Then she noticed the heavy arm around her stomach and the thick, muscular tail encircling her hips. Her eyes snapped open.

“Krestar?”

He didn’t respond and she turned her head, surprised to see that his eyes were closed, his breathing deep and even. It was strange to see his face relaxed, but there was no denying that it suited him—he seemed at peace in a way he did not while he was awake. But even in sleep he had a commanding presence. She could easily imagine him leading an army into battle, a sword raised, his tail whipping through the air behind him.

Or perhaps that should be blaster raised, she thought, smiling.

Was that why she felt so safe with him? That air of strength, of control? No, it was more than that. As soon as she’d awakened in the capsule and their eyes had met, she’d felt an undeniable sense of connection. It was that sense of connection that had led to her asking him to sleep with her.

As if he felt her eyes on him, that wide mouth curled and then his eyes opened.

“Good morning, d’jeri.”

“D’jeri?” The word didn’t translate.

He hesitated briefly.

“It means precious in the Old Tongue. I apologize if I have overstepped.”

“Considering that we’re currently sharing a bed, a nickname doesn’t seem that big a deal,” she said dryly.

“It is not… customary for a male to use such a name with an unmated female.”

She blinked, not sure of the implication of what he was saying, then shrugged.

“I don’t mind.”

“It is a sign of… familiarity.”

“As I said, we’re already sharing a bed. I don’t think it gets much more familiar than that.”

As soon as she said it, she thought of several things they could do that were even more intimate. A flash of heat raced through her body and his nostrils flared. She was quite sure he could smell her arousal and suddenly embarrassed, she tried to sit up. The size of her stomach made it awkward at the best of times, but he quickly came to her assistance, his arms strong and sure.

She wanted to lean into him, to take advantage of that strength, but she had learned a long time ago that the only person she could truly rely on was herself. And Felicity. Guilt swept over her at the thought of her friend. How could she have let herself be distracted by Krestar when Felicity was still out there on her own?

“Do you think we’ll reach the space station today?” she asked.

“Perhaps.” He seemed to understand her withdrawal, rising and offering her a hand. She almost ignored it, but it would be silly to turn down such basic assistance. “I will go and check on our position, then prepare a meal.”

She would rather he increase the speed of the ship, but he’d already told her that it wouldn’t be possible without the kind of repairs he couldn’t perform in space.

“All right,” she said, trying not to sound ungracious. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”

“There is additional damage, although we are reaching the limits of what I—we—can do with the equipment on board.”

“I’d still like to help. It’s better than just sitting here worrying.”

The wide mouth curved again.

“I am sure I can find something for you to do.”

She was sure he’d meant the words innocently, but as they hung in the air between them, the double meaning was all too clear. Heat flashed through her again, and she wondered how they’d gone from a simple good morning to this.

He must have sensed the change because he moved away, his expression somber, although a faint glint still lit his eyes. His tail retreated as well and she felt oddly bereft without that comforting contact.

“If you would care to freshen up while I check the controls, I will meet you in the lounge.”

“All right,” she repeated. “Does your bathroom have one of those hot air dryers?”

She and Felicity had discovered that the drying system in the tiny bathroom at the back of their cell was powerful enough to dry both them and their clothes. She was thoroughly tired of her maternity dress but at least she’d been able to keep it clean.

“I am afraid I do not have a bathing room on board, and the sanitary facility has limited auto dry capabilities. Why?”

“I wanted to wash my dress.”

His eyes flicked down over her body, the warmth in them unmistakable. Her nipples responded to that heated gaze but she did her best to ignore them.

“I have some clothing you can use while it dries.”

She gave him a doubtful look. While he was significantly larger than her, her stomach was pretty sizable.

“You do?”

“Yes,” he said confidently, opening a concealed panel to reveal a storage locker. He rummaged through it for a moment, then handed her two neatly folded white garments. “Here.”

“All right,” she said again, beginning to wonder if that was the only word she knew. “I can give them a try.”

She wasn’t particularly optimistic, but he proved to be correct. One garment was a top that wrapped around her body far enough to cover her stomach and was held in place by a soft sash. She was even more doubtful about the pants, but the silky material stretched easily over her curves.

Not bad, she decided. She looked rather like an extremely pregnant karate instructor but that made her feel like kind of a badass. And they were very comfortable.

“Are these Cire garments?” she asked when she joined him in the lounge.

He looked up from the galley, a strange expression crossing his face.

“Yes.”

“They are very nice,” she hastened to reassure him.

“Thank you. They are… old.”

He turned away, busy at the galley, but something about the way he’d said it made her suspect that wasn’t the entire story. Perhaps they belonged to someone important, she mused. It was also possible he had lost a friend or family member during the plague. It was a subject he had not touched upon and she didn’t want to pry.

“How did you know they would fit?” she asked instead.

“My father was a tailor. I grew up helping him.”

“A tailor?”

It seemed like an incongruous background for a military officer.

“Yes. He expected me to join the family business, but all I wanted was to be a warrior. It was one of the reasons I was so focused on my training. Most of the other members of my class had come from families with a tradition of military service.”

“Did your parents object?”

“No, even though they never understood.” His fist clenched on the counter. “They were among the first to be struck by the Red Death.”

“I’m so sorry.”

The words sounded totally inadequate, but he gave her a small smile.

“Thank you. It has been many years, but there are still times when the grief feels fresh.”

“I understand,” she said quietly. “Even though I was quite young when I lost my mother, I was old enough to feel the loss. I have those moments as well.”

Her hand covered her stomach protectively. She was determined her daughter wouldn’t grow up without a mother. His tail wrapped comfortingly around her wrist for a brief second before he returned to their meal. He brought her a bowl of something similar to oatmeal, but with a chewier, nuttier taste, and a plate filled with colorful cubes of fruit.

Everything was delicious and she ate eagerly, heat rushing to her cheeks when she finished and realized he was watching her, a smile on his face.

“I’m sorry. I guess I was hungry.”

“Do not apologize, d’jeri. It gives me great pleasure to provide for you.”

A small cynical voice wondered what he would expect in return but she quashed it. Krestar had done nothing to make her distrust him, and she didn’t want to start questioning everything he did.

“How much progress have we made towards the space station?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Not quite as much as I had hoped. Because the ship is responding more slowly, I have programmed it to take a wider berth around any potential obstacles. Unfortunately, it will delay our arrival a little. We should still reach it sometime tomorrow.”

She bit her lip, then nodded.

“And there’s nothing we can do to search for Felicity? I know you said it wasn’t possible, but…”

“I know you are worried, but the ship simply does not have the capacity. The best I have been able to do is to extend the range of the proximity alarm as far as possible and include the escape pod in the objects for which it checks.”

At least it was something, even though she knew that it would only produce a result if Felicity’s pod happened to be on their path.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely, appreciating the fact that he’d done what he could. “Now what about the repairs?”

He rose to his feet and offered her his hand.

“I have a job for you.”

Her hand rested in his, her smaller fingers looking impossibly delicate in his strong grip. The warmth of his skin and that subtle, fascinating texture sent a tingle up her arm, the same tingle that was becoming all too familiar. She tried to ignore the sensation, focusing instead on his words.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Do you think you can continue the work on the relays we started yesterday? I would like to start clearing out the damaged wiring. Unless you would prefer to rest?”

“No, I meant what I said. I’d rather keep busy.”

And she liked feeling useful.

He nodded approvingly and led her into the corridor, his tail curled around her waist once more.

“Good. I will feel better if I can clear the damaged sections before we reach the station.” He hesitated, his tail tightening briefly. “I am assuming that we will be able to use the station to make repairs, but I cannot guarantee that it is still intact enough for our needs. It has been abandoned for many years.”

“Are you telling me not to get my hopes up?”

“I do not want you to be disappointed if we have to continue our journey, d’jeri.”

He looked so worried that she patted his tail soothingly, but that only seemed to make him more tense.

“Of course I’ll be disappointed, but if that’s the case we’ll just have to keep going.”

If only she didn’t feel as if she were running out of time.

“I know you’re doing everything you can,” she said softly, then rose a little awkwardly on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

He looked both surprised and pleased, his fingers touching his cheek as he steadied her.

“Thank you for your trust.”

She did trust him, but as they continued on to the control room, she still hoped that the space station would prove to be a solution.

CHAPTER NINE

Late the following day Krestar carefully piloted the Seren towards the massive bulk of the space station, the ship slow and unresponsive, while Lauren peered doubtfully through the view screen.

“That’s the space station?”

“It is.”

“That’s not a space station, that’s a moon,” she muttered to herself, and he gave her a confused look.

“I assure you it is a space station.”

His heart did an odd little flip when she shook her head and smiled at him.

“I’m sure it is. It’s an Earth joke.”

He wanted to know more, wanted to know all the stories hidden behind those dark eyes. The time they had spent together on the ship had only increased his attraction to her. Her assistance had proven invaluable and he was pleased with the amount of progress that they had made, but it wasn’t her assistance that he valued. He valued her quick mind and her willingness to work at whatever task he suggested.

She was perhaps a little too willing. He’d been the one to notice that she was moving restlessly and pressing her hand against her lower back and insist that she rest. She had somewhat reluctantly agreed, but when he checked in on her a short time later, she was sleeping peacefully, her arms wrapped around the pillow he had used the night before.

The sight of her in his bed pleased him far too much, and it had been a struggle to walk away.

The rest of the day passed busily enough, working through the seemingly endless list of repairs. By the time he prepared a simple evening meal, they were both tired. Not long after they finished she yawned and announced it was time for bed. He helped her to her feet, but he didn’t follow her, unwilling to assume that she wanted his company. She gave him an odd look when he didn’t join her but left without saying anything. He busied himself by reading everything he could find about childbirth and trying not to think of her luscious little body curled in his bed.

An hour passed before he looked up to find her in the entrance to the lounge.

“Aren’t you coming to bed?”

“I did not know if you wanted me to join you.”

She gave a little shrug, her lashes fluttering down to cover her eyes.

“I slept better last night. Unless you’d rather not…”

“There is nothing I would enjoy more.”

That isn’t entirely true, he thought as he joined her in the bed and tugged her gently back against him. He would have enjoyed cupping the heavy weight of her breasts and testing the sensitivity of those tempting nipples, enjoyed exploring her body with his hands and his tail and his tongue… His cock jerked against the soft curve of her ass and he heard her breath catch.

He waited for her to object, to push him away, but she only gave a little sigh and settled back against him, his shaft nestled delightfully—tormentingly—between her luscious buttocks. He could scent her arousal but she rapidly succumbed to sleep. It took him a lot longer, in part because he wanted to imprint every moment of this experience on his memory.

Perhaps because he’d been concentrating on her so intensely, he woke to find his hand curved around her breast just as he’d imagined, her nipple a stiff point against his palm. From her breathing he was sure she was awake but she didn’t make any attempt to move away. Indeed she seemed to be leaning into his touch. Unable to resist, he brushed his thumb across the tempting peak. The tip of his tail had worked its way under her clothing as they slept, and now it circled her other nipple. Her breathing changed, deepening, and her hips moved restlessly against him.

The movement was a torment, rubbing against his already aching cock. It was becoming increasingly difficult to remember his duty to honor her and protect her, no matter how much he desired her. The tip of his tail teased her nipple, and her soft gasp sent a jolt straight to his groin. His hips bucked involuntarily and she made a little mewling noise that nearly undid him.

His cock surged, straining urgently against his pants, and he gritted his teeth as his hand moved restlessly over her swollen breast. His body craved her with a ferocity that was almost frightening. He tried to remind himself that he wouldn’t be able to achieve full satisfaction—that she was not Cire, not his mate—but the words felt hollow. He was sure that anything they did together would be far more pleasurable than anything he had ever experienced.

No. He needed to maintain his discipline. With a deep breath, he forced his hand and tail away from her, trying to put some distance between them. It would have been easier if his cock weren’t nestled in the valley of her ass.

“I am sorry,” he murmured.

“Don’t be.” She turned her head to look at him, her dark eyes wide and slightly glazed. “It’s only natural when we’ve been so close all night.”

He swallowed, his fingers curling.

“It is not natural for Cire male. To respond so intensely to a female from another species…”

“It’s never happened before?”

“Not to me, no. Or any Cire male as far as I know—” He hesitated, his words triggering a memory. “There were rumors, around the time I was leaving Ciresia, of a Cire warrior finding a non-Cire mate. I know the Council dismissed the possibility because they were determined not to let our species die out.”

“Half-breeds not welcome?” she asked, an odd trace of bitterness in her voice.

“I would not have put it that way, but perhaps you are correct.”

She made a restless movement, trying to sit up, and he helped her into a sitting position.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that prejudice occurs everywhere. There’s enough of it on Earth.”

“Are there different species on your planet?”

“Not exactly. Different colors.” She ran a hand over her smooth golden skin. “My father is white. My mother was black. There were a lot of people who didn’t approve.”

“Because of your skin color? But it is such a delightful shade.”

He followed her hand with his own, relishing the silky feel of her skin.

“I didn’t say it was logical.”

“I would like to say that such a thing would never occur amongst the Cire,” he said slowly. “The colors and markings of our skin are of no consequence. However, as much as we value honor and duty, we are—we were—a very traditional society. There was an expectation that people would perform their traditional roles.”

“Like becoming a tailor instead of a warrior?”

“Exactly. I was not ill-treated but I always felt… distant from the others.”

She put her hand over his where it still rested on her arm and patted it gently.

“Believe me, I understand.”

“I think that is why the Council is so focused on trying to restore our previous way of life. Perhaps they need to accept that it is gone.”

That harsh realization was why he’d left Ciresia, but here with Lauren he suddenly found himself wondering if the future had to be as bleak as he’d assumed.

“Maybe so.” Then she shook her head and smiled. “But enough about the past. You should check and see how close we are to the space station.”

He nodded, but as soon as she rose from the bed he felt bereft, even though his honor could not permit him to act on his feelings.

The ship had not made as much progress as he’d hoped so they’d had time to perform some additional maintenance, readying the ship for what he hoped to achieve at the space station.

Eyeing it now, he hoped he had not been overly optimistic. The closer they came, the more damage he could see, the huge spherical hull pockmarked by asteroid strikes. Part of the lower section appeared to have buckled and the docking bays were dark and empty. But as he maneuvered the ship closer, a faint strip of lights flickered on in one of the docking bays. Half of the lights weren’t functioning but the fact that any lights appeared indicated that some power source remained active.

The ship shuddered as he guided it along the lighted path, but he successfully directed it to an awkward landing in the indicated slot. As he did, more lights flickered on overhead. A few of them burned out immediately and many of them were missing but there was enough light for them to see two other ships in the large hangar.

“Who do those belong to?” she whispered. “Is someone else here?”

“I do not think so. They appear to have been abandoned long ago.” He hesitated, unsure of how much to tell her, but he wanted to prepare her. “As I said, the station was abandoned due to the Red Death. Conditions may not have been… optimal at the end.”

A flash of understanding crossed her face.

“You mean there might be bodies?”

“I am afraid so. If you would rather remain on the ship…”

“Remain on the ship alone while you go off to explore the creepy old space station?” She shook her head vigorously. “I don’t think so. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that bad things happen when you get separated.”

“Horror movies?”

“Fictionalized videos where bad things happen. And this is just the kind of place that would be in one.”

He frowned at her.

“I do not understand. The fact that bad things happen is considered entertainment?”

“I suppose it’s a way to have the thrill of being scared while still being safe.”

It still seemed odd to him, but he let the subject drop.

“But it is acceptable for us to explore together?”

“Absolutely. That is…” She bit her lip. “I won’t slow you down too much, will I?”

“No,” he said firmly. “I will be much happier with you at my side.”

For as long as possible.

He retrieved his weapons belt and buckled it around his waist. She eyed it nervously, but didn’t comment as he led her back down the stairs to the cargo bay. A quick check revealed that the atmosphere outside was breathable so he lowered the ramp, his hand on his blaster.

He’d been afraid that the air would smell of death and decay but it was simply stale and musty. Even his sensitive olfactory senses didn’t detect any lingering of the tragedy that had occurred there.

“Shall we go see what we can find?”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, taking a firm grasp on his tail where it was once again wrapped around her waist. The feel of her fingers wrapped around the sensitive area sent a jolt of arousal straight to his cock but he did his best to ignore it. He was grateful that he could provide comfort, even at the expense of his own desire.

Despite his question, he paused a moment longer, his gaze sweeping the large hangar for any signs of trouble, listening for any indication that the station was not completely deserted. One of the ships at the far end of the hangar was a small freighter. It looked to be in poor shape but he might be able to scrounge some supplies if the station’s resources had been depleted.

The other ship was an old trading vessel, with one of the multi-terrain legs that supported the spherical body crumpled and the brightly colored designs that had once covered it now faded and worn. Based on the patterns he suspected that it had been a Corlonian ship. Like the Vedeckians, they were traders but while they did not always operate in a strictly legal fashion, as far as he knew they had never trafficked in living beings.

But if a Corlonian ship had been welcome here, he suspected that the station had not always followed the strict letter of the law either. No wonder it had been in the Patrol database. However, a shady history meant that any number of things could be concealed on the station and hopefully some of them would be of use. Time to explore.

CHAPTER TEN

Lauren took a firmer grip on Krestar’s tail as they descended the ramp into the vast shadowy dimness of the hangar. He made an odd muffled sound and she gave him a nervous look.

“Is something wrong?”

His eyes closed briefly, then he shook his head.

“No, it is fine. You do not need to be frightened.”

Easy for him to say. The huge dark space intimidated her, shadows dancing in and out of her vision in the uncertain light. It didn’t help that one of the abandoned ships was perched crookedly on long spindly legs. Combined with what looked like eyes painted on the hull, it resembled a giant spider, and she shuddered.

It’s just a machine, she told herself, but she edged closer to him anyway.

“Where are we going?”

She kept her voice low but it still echoed slightly, the eerie sound making her shiver.

“Let us see what resources are still available. There should be a mechanic station close to the hangar. We will start there.”

He headed across the hangar towards an entrance on the rear wall, his eyes alert. She kept her gaze moving as well, afraid that someone would jump out at them, even though he’d assured her the station was deserted.

The rear door opened into a long passageway that curved out of sight in both directions. The fact that she couldn’t see around the bends, combined with the fact that the few working lights were even dimmer here, the bulbs a sickly shade of yellow that flickered on and off, made it even worse. What if they all failed at once and something came at them out of the darkness?

Krestar didn’t seem bothered. He remained watchful but his posture was relaxed rather than tense and she tried to take comfort from that. He hesitated briefly, then guided her to the left. Several unlit hallways led deeper into the station but to her relief he ignored them. The quiet pressed in on her ominously, but the station wasn’t completely silent—there was a faint underlying hum of machinery and odd little creaks and groans. In some ways that was even worse, each noise making her jump.

He paused momentarily, his nostrils flaring. She took a deep breath, trying to figure out what had attracted his attention. Beneath the musty smell of smoke and dust there was something else. Something harsh and metallic.

As the odor filled her lungs she coughed, the sound echoing along the passageway.

“What’s that smell?”

“I am not sure. We should be close to our destination, but if it gets any stronger, we can look elsewhere.”

“All right.”

His tail tightened in a brief hug.

“My brave d’jeri.”

His praise warmed her, even though she didn’t feel especially brave, and she clung to that warmth as they continued. To her relief he stopped a short distance later in front of a set of double doors in the outer wall. The sign next to the doors had what looked like a hammer crossed with what might have been a wrench. Maybe some things were universal after all.

The doors creaked as they slid aside but they moved easily enough. The room beyond lay in darkness but rows of overhead lights came on as soon as they crossed the threshold. Not all of them were working, but the ones that were cast a clear white light over the huge room. Despite the size, the jumble of supplies, the workbenches covered with half-finished projects, and the equipment hanging from the walls gave her a sense of familiarity.

“This reminds me of my lab,” she said, smiling. “Although I usually manage to keep it a little neater.”

“I suspect all workplaces are the same.”

He located a somewhat rickety-looking trolley but it rose a few inches off the ground when he activated the controls, and he began loading it with items from a nearby workbench, moving quickly and efficiently. She did her best to assist although he growled unhappily if she touched anything even remotely heavy, and she found herself growing more and more cheerful as the cart filled. The space station might not have the exact equipment he needed, but it had plenty of materials. And this was only one room. What other treasures lay hidden in the enormous station?

Any thought of exploration died as they left the cozy familiarity of the workshop and reentered the corridor, unease immediately creeping down her spine. Krestar was using both hands to guide the trolley but she still stayed as close to him as she could. The air became thicker, that strange metallic scent increasing.

“It wasn’t this strong before, was it?” she whispered, trying not to cough.

“No, but we have no choice but to continue in order to return to the ship.”

He brought the trolley to stop, then stripped off his shirt. Damn. Even though his tight uniform and even tighter training shirt left little to the imagination, it wasn’t the same as being confronted with a completely naked and heavily muscled chest.

“Here,” he said, offering her his shirt.

She blinked at him, still distracted by the subtle texture that covered the heavy pectorals and the laddered ridges of his abdomen. Was it everywhere, she wondered suddenly, even on his cock? Her gaze dropped automatically and she saw his shaft flex beneath the tight-fitting pants.

“D’jeri, please,” he groaned. “I need to focus on returning you safely to the ship.”

He offered her the shirt again and when she gave him a confused look, he wrapped it around the lower part of her face to form a mask. The harsh metallic odor was immediately replaced by his soothing scent.

“Oh, that’s much better. Thank you. But what about you?”

“I am fine,” he assured her, but despite his assurance he looked paler to her. “But we should not linger.”

Embarrassed that she’d delayed their return by ogling his body, she nodded quickly.

“Of course. I’m ready.”

He gave her a quick smile and they set off again. He guided the trolley as competently as he had before but she was increasingly sure that he was growing steadily paler. She was just about to insist that he take a turn using the shirt when they reached the entrance to the hangar.

As soon as they entered, he took a deep breath, some of his color returning. She pushed the shirt down and followed suit. There was still a slight hint of the odor but either it wasn’t as strong here or it had been dissipated by the size of the space.

“That’s better,” she sighed. “What do you think that was?”

“It is difficult to know. Some kind of vegetation that has grown unchecked since the station was abandoned perhaps.”

He started towards the ship and she followed him.

“But we didn’t see any kind of plant life.”

“We did not go very far. But I was thinking of something smaller, a type of spore perhaps. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to have any lasting effect.”

The rich green pattern had returned to his skin, and she couldn’t resist another quick look at his bare upper body, watching appreciatively as his muscles rippled with each movement. I really need to stop staring, she thought, but it was difficult to resist when she’d never been so close to such a perfect, powerful physique.

The rattle of the trolley brought her attention back to her surroundings and she realized they were standing in front of the ship, Krestar frowning thoughtfully at the massive engines on either side.

“I am going to start by removing the exterior casings on the engines. You should rest.”

“I’m not as fragile as you seem to think.” she muttered.

“I think you are a very strong female, but your body is working hard to support your child. Are you not tired?”

She wanted to deny it, but both her back and her feet ached.

“Maybe a little. But I wanted to help.”

“I assure you there is plenty to do,” he said dryly, and she gave a reluctant nod.

“All right. I’ll lie down—just for a little while.”

“Thank you, d’jeri.”

His tail took her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against her palm. Just the feel of his warm mouth against her skin sent a rush of desire through her veins. Of course he noticed, still holding her hand to his mouth as he studied her with glittering black eyes. Time seemed to stand still, but then he stiffened and released her hand.

“You should go and rest.”

“Yes.” Her voice came out in a raspy whisper, and she cleared her throat. “I’ll see you later.”

She hurried away to his cabin, but sleep did not come easily despite the softness cradling her body, her thoughts consumed by Krestar. There was no possibility of a future with him, but that knowledge did nothing to dampen her desire.

Eventually, she did drift off to sleep, but the dreams that came were full of heat and a driving need that refused to fade even after she woke. She felt hot and sticky and achy and decided a quick shower might help, but the hot water did little to quench her arousal. Her breasts throbbed and she pressed her hands to the aching peaks, startled by the resulting jolt of pleasure. She tugged lightly on her nipples and then awareness suddenly shivered down her spine. Her eyes flew open to see Krestar standing in the outer doorway.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Krestar watched Lauren enter the ship, fighting the urge to go after her.

Her safety is more important than my desire, he reminded himself. A fully functional ship was an important component of that safety, not to mention his promise to help her find her friend. He sighed and set to work.

The exterior engine casings were warped and it took a considerable amount of time and effort to free them. The inside of the engine didn’t appear to be in any better shape, but on closer examination, he decided that it wasn’t quite as bad as it looked at first. A day, or perhaps two, and he should be able to restore most of the power. It wasn’t going to be a pretty job, but it should hold until they could intercept another Patrol vessel.

And what then? Would Lauren choose the safety and comfort of a fully functional ship? Trust her search to that ship’s captain instead? Would that captain care for her and comfort her as he had done?

His growl echoed through the hangar as an atavistic anger filled him. No other male could care for his female as he would. Not my female, he reminded himself, but the words felt wrong, false.

The knowledge that he would lose her haunted him as he stripped away as much of the damage as he could, making a note of the parts he would need for the repairs. He had some of them on board and he’d gathered several more from the workshop, but he might need to make another trip.

With a mask this time. Although he hadn’t said anything to Lauren, the strange odor had not only seared his olfactory senses, he had felt it sapping his strength as well. It didn’t seem to have had a lasting effect, but he didn’t want to take any chances. He just hoped he could convince her to remain on board the locked ship while he returned to the workshop.

A wave of fatigue swept over him, reminding him that the day was coming to an end. Lauren would be hungry when she woke. He arranged the rest of the equipment he needed to work on the engine neatly next to the area where he was working and decided to take some of the components he’d removed into the ship to examine later. He stowed them in the cargo bay before climbing the stairs. The lounge was empty and there was no sound from the cabin so he decided to take a quick shower before beginning the meal preparations.

He slid the door to the sanitary facility aside and forgot to breathe. Lauren was standing under the shower, golden skin glistening with moisture, her lush body swollen with new life. Her hands were cupped under her heavy breasts as she pulled gently at the swollen dusky peaks. All the blood in his body rushed to his cock so swiftly that he felt dizzy, his hand gripping the door frame. Perhaps he made a sound or perhaps she simply sensed his presence because her eyes flew open, wide and dark.

He should apologize. No, he should leave. But he did neither, still locked in place.

They stared at each other for a moment longer, and then she smiled, a sweet, seductive smile that made his cock even harder.

“Do you want to join me? I need someone to wash my back.”

There were a dozen reasons he should say no, but all of them evaporated at the look in her eyes. How could he refuse her anything?

“Yes.”

He tore off his boots and his weapons belt, but some last degree of sanity made him leave his pants in place even though his cock was so stiff that the fabric rubbed painfully against his sensitive shaft. As he stepped beneath the water, she smiled up at him.

“Do you usually take a shower with your clothes on?”

“I am trying to behave with honor.” An almost impossible task with her sweetness redolent in the damp air and the full mound of her stomach pressing against him in the tight space of the shower cubicle. “You said you needed me?”

“Will you wash my back?”

She wiggled around so that her back was to him, and he bit back a groan. By Granthar, she was just as perfect from this side—the graceful line of her back, the round, full ass that had cradled his cock so tormentingly for the past two nights. The absence of a tail made her appear fragile and vulnerable but it did nothing to ease his raging desire.

He traced his finger down her spine to the very top of that deliciously plump ass, to the place where her tail would have been, then dipped a little lower to the vulnerable crevice between her cheeks. She shivered, the scent of her arousal intoxicating him.

“May I wash you?” he asked, his voice a low growl.

“Yes,” she whispered, looking over her shoulder at him with a mixture of vulnerability and desire that made his chest ache.

His hand took the cleanser she held out to him and poured some of the fragrant liquid into his palms. As he smoothed it across her shoulders and down her back, he allowed his hands to roam freely across her wet skin, impossibly soft and silky to the touch. He found the variation in the texture of their skin amazingly erotic.

“So smooth,” he murmured as his hands drifted lower, massaging the cleanser into her beautiful rounded bottom.

He squeezed and molded the pliant flesh and she gave a little whimper, her hips shifting restlessly. His cock strained, rubbing against her ass, and she pressed back against him again. He knew he should stop her. As difficult as it had been to sleep next to her all this time, having her naked and warm and willing in his arms was far more dangerous.

He forced himself to let his hands drop and step back the fraction of an inch permitted by the small cubicle, allowing the water to wash away the cleanser.

“All done,” he said hoarsely.

She wiggled back around to face him and gave him a challenging look.

“Aren’t you going to finish the job?” When he hesitated, she looked down, a hint of color appearing in her cheeks. “Unless you find it… distasteful. I know my body is—”

“Beautiful,” he interrupted. “Lush and ripe and irresistible.”

She still wasn’t looking at him, but he saw her lips curve slightly. Her hands came to rest on his chest, just as they had done the night he’d kissed her, that moment still branded in his memory.

“But you’re resisting.”

He struggled to find the words to express his doubts, his honor, his duty, but his ability to speak seemed to disappear as she gently stroked his chest. His tail had no such hesitation, gently pulling her closer against him.

“Your skin feels so different,” she murmured, still exploring. “Is it like this everywhere?”

“Yes.” He finally managed to find his voice. “Do you dislike it?”

“Not at all. I like the way it feels.”

“I enjoy the way yours feels as well.”

Unable to resist any longer, he curved his hands over her breasts, so full and swollen that they completely filled his palms. He groaned with pleasure and she echoed him, pressing into his touch.

“God, that feels good. They’ve been aching all day.”

“And this helps?” he asked as he brushed his thumbs across the sensitive peaks.

“Yes.” She licked her lips. “Can you use your tail, the way you did this morning?”

“If you would like,” he said huskily.

His tail reached forward eagerly, circling one nipple while he toyed with the other. She shuddered and moaned, her head falling back to rest against the tiles.

“More,” she demanded, her hips moving restlessly.

Instead he lifted her higher against the wall, high enough to fasten his mouth over one taut, dusky peak. She gave a wordless cry, her hands clutching his shoulders as he licked then sucked the tempting nub. She squirmed restlessly and his tail slipped down between her legs, seeking the slick heat between her thighs as he moved from one breast to the other, sucking harder as she urged him on. His tail slid back and forth, concentrating on a small, hardened nub that made her entire body quiver when he stroked it.

“Please, please, please,” she cried, the words ending in a sob of pleasure as she writhed in his arms, her small nails digging into his skin.

A sudden burst of sweetness filled his mouth as her hips bucked and her entire body convulsed. He swallowed eagerly, then tenderly licked her swollen breast as her body sagged, completely limp. His tail reluctantly retreated, curving around her waist as he slowly lowered her back to the floor.

Even though he was still painfully erect, satisfaction filled him as she leaned heavily against him, then smiled up at him, her eyes still dazed with pleasure.

“That was amaz—”

A wide yawn interrupted her words and he smiled.

“I am glad, but you should—”

“Rest now? I know, I know.”

Despite the teasing note, her voice was already heavy with sleep. He helped her out of the shower, then dried her quickly and carefully before lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the bed. When he put her down, her arms came up to circle his neck and she gave him a sleepy smile.

“Thank you.”

“I am honored that you trusted me with your pleasure.”

She yawned again.

“You certainly discovered the best way to make me sleepy.”

Her eyelids drifted shut, and she was asleep before he could say another word. He waited a few moments, then rose, leaning down to brush a final kiss across her forehead.

Returning to the sanitary facility, he stripped off his wet pants, finally allowing his cock to spring free, thicker and harder than it had ever been. Touching oneself had been forbidden since the plague, the Council unwilling to let any male waste his seed, but he couldn’t resist grasping his aching cock with a groan. Pleasure jolted through him and he did it again. And again. But it wasn’t until he concentrated on the memory of Lauren’s pleasure that he was able to achieve a release.

But although his cock finally eased a little, the climax left him unfulfilled and aching for more.

For Lauren.

For his mate.

Every tenet of Cire society argued that it was impossible for her to be his mate, but his body—and his heart—did not agree. As he cleaned up and pulled on a fresh uniform, he tried to remember the rumors he had heard about non-Cire mates but the details escaped him. At the time he had been so overwhelmed with despair, with the knowledge of his failure, that his only thought had been to escape. He’d had no contact with Ciresia or any other Cire since then.

Trevelor.

The name of the planet popped into his mind while he prepared some soup in case Lauren woke again and needed food. He was sure it had been connected to the rumors, although he couldn’t remember how. He was sure he would be able to get the Seren operable again, but it would need a full overhaul. Trevelor seemed as good a place as any to have that done.

Decision made, he returned to his study of childbirth but the words were far less interesting than the warm, soft reality of the female in his bed. He finished the document he was reading, then went to join her. As soon as he laid down she turned to him and he drew her close, breathing in her sweet fragrance as he smiled into the darkness. Impossible or not, nothing had ever felt so right.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Lauren woke smiling and stretched languidly as she remembered the previous evening. She still couldn’t quite believe she’d had the nerve to invite Krestar to join her in the shower but it had been worth the embarrassment. Between his hands and his mouth and his tail—that wonderful, unique tail—she’d climaxed harder than she ever had in her life.

Would it have been even better if he’d been inside me?

The thought sent a pleasant flutter of arousal over her body. But was she ready for that level of intimacy? Yes, she decided. Not only ready, but eager.

Even though it can’t last, her more practical side wondered.

The reminder that they would eventually be separated made her heart ache, but it didn’t change her decision and she quickly pushed the thought aside. There was no point in worrying about an eventual separation when the ship wasn’t even operational yet. And they still had to find Felicity. The reminder made her frown as she climbed out of bed and dressed.

The baby responded to her movements, a tiny foot nudging her ribs.

“Soon,” she whispered, placing her hand on her stomach.

If the baby arrived before she returned to Earth, Krestar would get to meet her daughter. The thought pleased her, even if the actual process of giving birth under the circumstances was rather nerve-wracking. She continued to stroke her stomach thoughtfully as she made her way to the lounge.

Krestar was standing by the galley, frowning.

“Good morning,” she called, her heart sinking when his shoulders tensed. “Is something wrong?”

Oh, Lord. Did he regret what they had done? He’d seemed to be as lost in the pleasure as she had been, but maybe she’d been wrong. To her relief he shook his head and came to her side, his tail pulling her closer.

“No, d’jeri. That is—do you have any regrets?”

“About last night? None at all. I’ve never experienced anything as wonderful.”

His face softened even more.

“Nor have I.”

“Even though you didn’t climax?”

And the erection pressed against her was as rigid as it had been last night.

“Yes. Giving you pleasure is more important.”

Something about his statement worried her, but before she could delve into it, her stomach rumbled. She’d fallen asleep before eating dinner and she was suddenly starving.

“Sorry. I guess I’m hungry.”

Guilt washed over his face.

“I should have woken you and insisted that you eat last night.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” she said firmly. “I had a wonderful sleep. But you can feed me now,” she added hopefully, and he relaxed enough to smile.

“Of course. Would you prefer soup or the hot grain dish?”

“It’s too early for soup.”

“Very well. Please sit while I prepare it.”

She complied, watching him move easily around the galley.

“You should teach me how to do that. You shouldn’t have to make all our meals.”

“I do not mind. It is an honor for a Cire male to care for his female.”

His female?

The words hung in the air between them and even though he didn’t turn around, his shoulders tensed again. Did he regret saying it? Or did he expect her to deny it?

I don’t want to deny it. She liked the idea far more than she should, knowing there was no future for them.

“Caring should be mutual,” she said, tacitly accepting his words and doing her best to keep her voice light.

“Perhaps.” His tone was equally casual, but his shoulders relaxed.

He brought her a bowl as well as one of his own and watched approvingly as she eagerly devoured the food. Stomach happy, she smiled at him.

“What’s the plan for today? You said I could help.”

“You may if you are certain you wouldn’t rather rest?”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“A person can only do so much resting. Unless you were planning on helping me fall asleep again?”

He shuddered, his shaft flexing beneath his uniform.

“Do not tempt me, d’jeri. Work must come first.”

First? Did that mean pleasure would come next?

“If you insist.” She traced a light, teasing finger down his chest, then returned to the previous subject. “I know it’s important to get the engines fixed, but I wondered if maybe we could spend some time on the sensors as well?”

“In order to search for your friend’s pod? Unfortunately, the station’s hull would render them ineffective, even if they were working.”

His argument made sense and she nodded reluctantly.

“There is one other alternative,” he said after a brief hesitation. “The station would have been equipped with sensors as well. It is possible that they are still active.”

“Could we go and see?”

An even longer hesitation this time.

“It would not be a quick trip,” he said finally. “That type of system is usually located deep within the station and it is unlikely that all of the transportation systems are still working. And after what happened yesterday, I would need to make the trip in a mask.”

“I could wear a mask too,” she suggested eagerly, but he shook his head.

“It would be safer for you to remain on board the ship.”

She wanted to argue, but he was probably right. Which meant she would be on the ship alone while he was gone. What if something happened to him? The thought made her chest literally ache, and he gave her a concerned look when she pressed her hand against her heart.

“Is something wrong?”

“N-no.” Her voice shook a little, but she managed a smile. “Maybe it would be better just to wait until we’re back in space.”

“In that case, we should get to work.”

They spent the rest of the morning working. She cleaned each section as he removed the damaged components, then helped him fit the replacements. With the two of them working together, they made good progress. She should have been pleased but as the morning wore on, she felt increasingly uneasy. The shadows at the edges of the hangar seemed to writhe and twist like living things and the noises they had heard yesterday seemed louder and more frequent.

She edged closer and closer to him, casting frequent nervous glances over her shoulder. She couldn’t tell if she was simply spooked or if there was some real danger lurking in the shadows. Then a dark shape began to materialize at the far end of the hangar, followed by another, then another.

“Krestar,” she whispered, but he’d already turned in that direction, his hand on his weapon as the figures approached.

Two of them resembled the ghosts she’d been imagining, their skin and hair pale, almost translucent, while their eyes had an eerie blue sheen. The third was very different. A head larger than the other two he almost matched Krestar in both size and musculature. He carried himself with the same controlled energy, the same military posture.

The similarities ended there. The new male had deep purple scales that shimmered in the flickering overhead lights, and his eyes were silver with vertical catlike pupils. He had an angular, elongated face with gleaming white fangs bracketing his mouth, and a series of small sharp spikes ran down his forearms and the lower part of his legs. Unlike Krestar’s neat dark uniform, he was flamboyantly dressed in a leather harness bristling with weapons and loose knee length pants in a vividly colored pattern.

He’s a pirate, she decided immediately, even though she didn’t know if they even had pirates in space. Her conviction only strengthened when he came to a halt a short distance away and grinned, flashing very white, very sharp teeth.

“You’re trespassing on my station, Cire. Are you prepared to pay the price?”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Krestar pushed Lauren gently behind him as the Corlonian spoke, keeping his eyes fixed on the other male. The two Elorans who accompanied him didn’t concern him. They were a gentle, peaceful people, known for their artistic abilities rather than their military prowess, which made the three of them an odd combination.

“The last owner of this station died more than twenty years ago,” he said calmly.

The Corlonian grinned again and shrugged.

“You keep what you kill.”

“A philosophy with which I do not agree, but in any case the previous owner was killed by the Red Death.”

“Ah, but the Red Death did not kill me.” The Corlonian’s eyes traveled thoughtfully to Krestar’s ship and the parts and equipment on the floor in front of the engines. “Why has the Patrol taken an interest in my station?”

Ignoring the slight but perceptible emphasis on the word my, he shook his head.

“The Patrol has not. I am not here on official business. My ship encountered some difficulties in the asteroid belt, and I came here to do repairs.”

“How careless. I thought Patrol commanders were supposed to be better flyers.”

He ignored the mockery, even though the fact that the Corlonian recognized his rank surprised him. Had the other male had much contact with the Patrol in the past?

“Perhaps, but as you see, I was not successful.”

“Hmm. Did that lack of success have anything to do with the pretty little female peeping around your arm?”

The Corlonian’s tone was more speculative than lustful, but Krestar tensed.

“She is of no concern to you.”

His voice came out as a harsh growl and Lauren patted his tail soothingly. Even under these circumstances, her touch had the inevitable effect on his body but he gritted his teeth and did his best to ignore it.

“I see. Your mate, I take it?”

“Yes,” he said immediately.

He told himself it was to make sure that the Corlonian knew she was under his protection, but he could hear the ring of truth in his words. He heard Lauren’s breath catch, but then she squeezed his tail. It didn’t feel like a protest.

“Pity,” the Corlonian said with a grin.

The fact that the other male didn’t question his statement surprised Krestar. He had thought the Cire need to take mates of their own species was more widely known.

“I am not here to cause trouble. I just wish to do my repairs, then depart.”

The Corlonian’s eyes narrowed and his gaze shifted back to Krestar’s ship.

“How long do you think it will take?”

“Another day, perhaps two.”

The Corlonian grinned,

“An optimistic Cire—I like it. Since it appears you will be spending some time on my station, perhaps introductions are in order. I’m Captain Zythrak.”

“I am Commander Krestar var’Arenchar.” He hesitated, then gave in to the inevitable, drawing Lauren out from behind him. “And this is my mate, Lauren.”

Each time he said it, it sounded better.

“I am delighted to meet you, Mistress Lauren.”

Zythrak swept her a flamboyant bow, and to Krestar’s annoyance, she smiled at the other male.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

He barely surpassed a growl as he drew her closer against his side.

“Who are your companions?” she added.

“This is Miska and Milka. They are pair bonded.”

Both Elorans also bowed, slight, graceful movements.

“I am pleased to meet you both.”

She smiled at the pair as well but he found it far less annoying.

“And you, Mistress Lauren, Commander var’Arenchar.”

The pair spoke in unison, their voices low and melodic, but the synchronized speech created a faint, unnerving echo.

“Just Lauren is fine.” She hesitated, then added, “And my mate prefers to go by Krestar.”

Satisfaction filled him again at her acknowledgment of his claim and the tension in his body eased a little more.

“Very well.” Zythrak smiled. “Not that I wish you to think me inhospitable, but I suggest you return to your repairs as soon as possible. Some of my… guests would be bothered by the presence of a Patrol vessel.”

The Corlonian gave him a challenging look and he understood the unspoken question.

“We do not intend to linger. We have business elsewhere.” Remembering Lauren’s suggestion from the morning, he added, “Do you have working long-range sensors?”

“No. In fact we deliberately disabled them.”

That didn’t entirely surprise him. Some vessels were capable of picking up a sensor sweep and Zythrak clearly wished to remain hidden. He could even guess why, but it was not his concern at the moment.

“I see.”

Miska and Milka had their heads together—literally touching foreheads—and then both of them bowed.

“Would the two of you care to join us for the evening meal?”

“We did not find the air on the station particularly healthy,” he said grimly, but to his surprise, they giggled.

Zythrak shook his head, also grinning.

“That is one of their little techniques to discourage unwanted visitors. It does not cause lasting harm. As long as you are with us, you won’t encounter any of the other… deterrents.”

He looked over at Lauren, wondering if she wished to take the Elorans up on the offer, but she slowly shook her head.

“We appreciate the offer very much, but I am anxious to get the ship working again so that we can search for my friend.”

Damn. He wished she hadn’t mentioned the presence of another human. Zythrak’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t comment. Krestar could only hope that his understanding that the Corlonians did not deal in living beings was correct.

“If you change your mind, you will be welcome,” the Elorans said.

“Thank you.” She smiled at the two small males. “Perhaps when everything is working again, we’ll have time to accept.”

“Then we will leave you to your work.” Zythrak swept another flamboyant bow. “If you need additional supplies, signal to one of the monitors.”

“Monitors?”

It annoyed him that he hadn’t picked up on that before, and the Corlonian grinned, clearly noticing his annoyance.

“They are well concealed, but if you are in the hangar and signal for help someone will come.”

“Thank you.”

He suspected his attempt at gratitude wasn’t entirely successful but Zythrak only nodded. The two Elorans bowed and then all three walked away, disappearing back into the shadows at the far end of the hangar, even though he was quite sure no door was located there.

“That was… interesting.”

Lauren was watching them go as well.

“Do we need to be worried?”

“I do not believe so,” he said truthfully. “If the Elorans have taken refuge here, I find it hard to believe they would do anything that might attract attention.”

“Zythrak seems like the type who wants attention.”

Her tone was amused enough that the comment didn’t arouse his possessive instincts.

“Personal attention, perhaps, but not, umm, professional attention.”

“Professional?”

“Corlonians are traders. They do not trade in people,” he added quickly when her face paled. “However, their deals may not be entirely legal.”

“So I was right. I thought he looked like a pirate.”

She laughed, but then she looked up at him, her smile fading even as she gently stroked his tail.

“I think we need to talk.”

A discussion he both longed for and dreaded, but there were other factors to consider as well.

“I agree, d’jeri, but it might be best to wait until tonight. I would like to get as much accomplished as possible today.”

“All right. Until tonight.”

She gave his tail another gentle squeeze. He gritted his teeth as the blood surged to his cock, then forced himself to turn to the engines and get back to work.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Lauren wandered nervously around the lounge, waiting for Krestar to finish working and join her. She had helped him for most of the afternoon but he’d noticed that her back was bothering her again and sent her off to rest. This time she’d been too nervous to fall asleep and had finally given up and gone to the lounge to wait for him. Twice she’d almost headed down the ramp to see if he was through, but she wanted the ship repaired as much as he did.

Her back twinged and she sighed, wondering if she should lie down again after all. Before she could decide, he came to join her. He looked tired, his face fixed in an unreadable mask, and his tail twitching.

“Do you mind if I take a shower?” he asked politely.

“Of course not. I would have started dinner, but…” She waved helplessly at the galley.

“It is of no consequence. I can reheat the soup I made. I will return shortly.”

He did. He hadn’t put a shirt back on and his chest still had a damp sheen. He was wearing loose sleep pants, the outline of his cock clearly visible beneath the thin cloth. His shaft moved when she looked at it and she quickly looked away, even as a flush of heat washed over her body. Her nipples tingled almost painfully and she was tempted to press her hands against them as she had the day before. Before he had relieved the ache so delightfully. Perhaps…

No. Talk first.

“Would you like to eat?” he asked, moving towards the galley.

“No. Come and sit with me.”

He joined her readily enough, but his face was still set in a stern mask. At least his tail settled around her waist as usual and she gave it a thankful pat. Something she couldn’t read flickered across his expression but he didn’t say anything. She gathered her courage.

“You called me your mate. What does that mean?”

“If two people are mates, there is a permanent bond between them,” he said slowly.

He didn’t look at her. Instead, he picked up her hand and toyed with her fingers. It shouldn’t have been an erotic gesture but it still sent a shiver down her spine.

“Do you think that kind of bond exists between us?”

Impossible as it seemed, it felt as if it were true. But he still wasn’t looking at her.

“It feels as if it is true,” he said, echoing her thoughts. “But I know it cannot be.”

Pain lanced through her and she tried to pull her hand away, but he kept hold of it, his grip gentle but inescapable. Tortured black eyes looked at her at last.

“Do not misunderstand, d’jeri. Being with you had made me happier than I had ever thought possible. I wish with all my heart that it were true, but a Cire male can only truly mate with a Cire female.”

“I don’t understand. If you… care for me, if I make you happy, what is missing?” She tried to remember what he’d told her—something about satisfaction. “Do you mean that having sex with me wouldn’t make you happy?”

He groaned, his cock pressing against the thin silk of his pants.

“I cannot imagine anything that would make me happier, but physically, it would not be a complete climax.”

Impatient with his vagueness, she reached over and wrapped her hand around him—or at least as much of him as she could grasp. Damn, he was big, And even through the silk she could feel the same small nubs that covered the rest of his skin.

“What the hell do you mean?” she snapped.

He groaned and his hand covered hers, but he didn’t try and pull it away.

“I would not be able to knot inside you. My seed would not be fertile.”

“Krestar, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’m already pregnant. I don’t think that really matters. Can’t we just enjoy being together?”

He didn’t answer, staring at the huge mound of her stomach, but his hand began guiding hers up and down his shaft. She still had the impression there was something he wasn’t telling her but she decided she didn’t care. Maybe talking wasn’t what they needed after all.

When she lifted her hand he gave a muffled protest but didn’t try to stop her. She didn’t go far though, only gripping the waistband of his pants and pulling the cloth down, letting his cock spring free. Oh my. He was wider, thicker, and longer than any human man she’d encountered. His cock had a wide, flat head with three narrow slits instead of one. A thick ring circled the shaft just beneath the head with another at the base, and the whole thing was covered with those delicious little nubs.

She curved her hand around as much of him as she could grasp and stroked gently. He groaned and three small golden drops appeared on the head. She swiped one away with her finger and touched it to her tongue. An explosion of flavor flooded her mouth and her hand tightened reflexively, squeezing more of the precious liquid from his cock. She started to bend down to lick it away, but he made a hoarse protest.

“You cannot. It is forbidden.”

“Why? Don’t you like me touching you?”

He shuddered. “Yes. More than I can say, but—”

She tried to bend lower but the size of her stomach made it awkward. He groaned and then he lifted her onto his lap, her knees resting on either side of his thighs, and leaned back so that his cock rested directly against her swollen folds. This time she moaned, and he gave a satisfied smile before his fingers tugged lightly at her nipples. Even that gentle touch made her back arch with pleasure.

“More,” she demanded, and he obeyed.

With a wicked smile, he removed the sash so that her top fell open, her breasts exposed to his avid gaze. Then he caught her nipple between his thumb and finger and slowly applied pressure until she was whimpering and squirming against him.

“Krestar. God, yes!”

She clutched his shoulders as her breasts tingled and a small milky pearl beaded on each nipple. He gave a satisfied growl and leaned forward, lapping away the drops before he suckled her again, teasing her with his tongue and then his teeth as he increased the pressure. She was writhing now, desperately rubbing her slick folds against his cock.

“Please,” she begged. “I need you.”

He raised his head, his black eyes glittering.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, dammit.”

He growled again and raised her over his cock, the broad head pushing gently against her entrance. He held her there, giving her an uncertain look.

“You are so small. This will not hurt you? Or the child?”

“Of course not. And I’m not that small.”

She tried to force herself lower, but he easily held her in place.

“You need to be ready for me.”

His voice was harsh, his face strained as his tail found her clit, circling lightly.

“I’m ready!” she gasped, but he continued to tease her.

“I must be sure.”

His mouth found her nipples again, sucking harder this time as his tail tightened around her clit. Her climax crashed down over her with shocking speed, her entire body quaking as waves of pleasure swept over her. But the glorious sensation only seemed to whet her appetite and she squirmed against him, searching for more.

“I need you inside me.”

“Yes,” he growled, and he finally, finally started to lower her over his cock.

Her body resisted for a moment and then the broad head entered her, impossibly wide, and they both groaned.

“So hot, so tight.”

His hands dug into her hips as he continued to lower her carefully, the small nubs caressing every inch of her sensitive flesh. Her whole body shivered, the sensations overwhelming her as her body fought to adjust.

“More,” she gasped as soon as she could speak. “Give me more.”

He gave a ragged groan and then he thrust, his cock sliding home with one fierce motion, the wide band at the base lodging in place, so full she could hardly breathe.

Black eyes glittered up at her, the look in them stealing her remaining breath.

“You are perfect, my d’jeri.”

His hips jerked, the quick spurt of heat making her gasp, but it eased the way as he began to move, her name on his lips like a prayer. At the same time she felt the first sweet shock as his tail teased her clit. She shuddered, the unexpected combination of pleasure so intense that her body went limp, pressing her even more closely against his hard length. He growled with approval, his tail caressing her, as he slowly lifted her until only the head remained inside her and then lowered her again, even more slowly.

“My female. My d’jeri.”

He repeated the words over and over as he brought her down on his cock and her desire escalated until she was moaning, straining against him, seeking the pleasure that was just out of reach. His tail found her clit again and then she was coming, the world dissolving into pleasure so intense her vision dimmed. Her body tightened around his cock and the growing bulge at the base.

“More,” she pleaded. “Please.”

He obeyed, thrusting even more deeply inside her as his body tensed, and then the base of his shaft widened again, locking her into place as he came, his heat filling her. Each heated pulse sent another spasm shooting through her, the two of them locked together in a seemingly endless orgasm, until she collapsed against him at last, utterly spent. Her eyelids fluttered open and she smiled at him.

He looked dazed, eyes wide with shock and pleasure.

“I did not think it was possible.” He gently touched her cheek, as if he couldn’t believe she were real. “My mate.”

“And I’m not even Cire,” she teased, her eyes growing heavy as she nestled back down against him.

He was still lodged firmly inside her and she’d never felt so close to anyone in her life. Close and safe and happy. The baby moved between them, and she smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Krestar cradled Lauren in his arms, still shocked that his knot had expanded, locking them together. He’d been unable to resist his need for her any longer, but although he had no doubt he would enjoy every second they were together, he’d assumed that he’d be unable to achieve complete satisfaction. He’d been wrong.

He’d never felt so replete, so satisfied, so happy—and so terrified. He’d found the mate he’d never thought to have, but would he be able to keep her? Could he ask her to stay with him, to abandon her world?

The thought haunted him, but he did his best to push it aside, to enjoy the moment. When his knot finally subsided, he gently pulled free, then carried her back to the cabin. If he could never enjoy this again, he intended to savor every moment of the present. He laid her down carefully, then hurried to the sanitary facility for a washcloth to clean her, gently washing the traces of his possession from her body.

To his amusement, she made a soft, displeased noise at the loss, and then again when he left to dispose of the washcloth. He returned and immediately drew her into his arms.

“You should sleep,” he murmured.

“I’m not sleepy.” She yawned, then laughed. “Well, maybe a little. But I’m also hungry.”

How could he have forgotten to feed her? Appalled at his own thoughtlessness, he started to pick her up again. She laughed and pushed him away playfully.

“Stop that. I can still walk. I’m going to make a trip to the sanitary facility and then I’ll meet you in the lounge.”

He hesitated a moment longer, suddenly unwilling to leave her, and she gave his tail a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m fine—better than fine. Stop worrying.”

“Yes, d’jeri.”

The words came out through clenched teeth. When he’d carried her into the cabin he had thought himself completely drained, but one touch of those soft little fingers on his tail and he was instantly erect.

“What’s wrong?”

She leaned towards him, accidentally tugging on his tail as she did and he couldn’t prevent himself from groaning. Her eyes widened, realization spreading across her face.

“This is sexual, isn’t it?”

She stroked her fingers along his tail, the same way she’d stroked his cock earlier, and he shuddered.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“I enjoy having your hands on me. It is a cruel pleasure,” he added, shuddering again as she gave him a mischievous look and raised his tail to her mouth, sucking lightly on the tip. “D’jeri, unless you wish to find yourself bent over this bed while I fill you with my cock again, you must stop.”

“Hmm.” She hummed around the tip, sending another shockwave of pleasure spiraling through his body.

WITH A LOW GROWL, he freed his tail from her grasp, gently pushing her back on the bed and bending over her, careful to keep his weight off her stomach.

“This is what happens when you tease me.”

He claimed a taut nipple with his mouth, savoring her little whimper as he sucked and nibbled. A drop of milk rewarded his efforts, and then another, and he lapped it all up, relishing her sweetness.

“Krestar…” she whispered, cradling his head against her.

Her body trembled as he continued to lavish attention on her firm, swollen nipples, her arousal perfuming the air again when he lifted his head.

“Did you say you were hungry?” he teased.

“Not for food.”

“What do you need, d’jeri?”

“Only you,” she said softly, and his heart skipped a beat.

Did she just mean at this moment, or was it possible that she meant more?

“I need you too.”

She gave him a sweet, seductive smile.

“Then show me how much.”

How could he refuse?

He returned to her breasts, drawing more milk from the dark, swollen tips as she moaned and writhed beneath him. Then he worked his way down her body, kissing and licking all that smooth, perfect skin before kneeling next to the bed and parting her thighs, running his tail through the delicate, glistening folds.

“I wonder which will be sweeter, your milk or this perfect little cunt.”

“You should experiment and find out,” she gasped, her hips arching against his hands.

He spread her open with his thumbs and licked all the way from her bottom to the nub at her apex, repeating the motion twice more before he settled between her thighs to feast. She tasted like heaven, a sweet tangy flavor that went straight to his head.

He alternated long lazy licks with swirling his tongue around that responsive little pearl and penetrating her tight entrance with his tongue, and it wasn’t long before she cried out, the little nub throbbing under his tongue as she flooded his mouth with her essence. And then he began again, After her third climax, she pushed weakly at his head.

“I can’t take any more.”

“Are you sure?”

He pulled her closer to the edge of the bed, sliding his tail through her slickness before circling her rear entrance.

“What are you—oh!”

She gave a startled gasp as the tip of his tail slid into the tiny opening. It was a snug fit, but she was already wet, and he saw no sign of discomfort on her face. Instead, she arched her back, taking him deeper. He went slowly, watching for any hint that she was uncomfortable, but she only murmured his name, her nails digging into his shoulders as she urged him on.

Once he was fully inside, he ran his thumb over the pearl of her pleasure, swollen and throbbing again. She started to cry out, her entire body spasming as she came, and the rhythmic clenching of her ass made him grit his teeth, determined to hold back.

When she lay still, her face flushed, her eyes dazed, he slowly withdrew his tail and sat back on his heels, wrapping a hand around his aching shaft.

“If that’s what happens when I tease you, I’ll have to make sure and do it often,” she murmured.

While we are together. The reminder made him even more determined to make sure that they shared as much pleasure as possible.

“We are not through yet.”

Her eyes widened, and then she gave him a challenging smile.

“Show me,” she said again.

He rose to his feet, then lifted her onto her hands and knees, making sure her stomach was supported. By Granthar she was beautiful, the graceful line of her back leading to that round, luscious ass. Unable to resist, he bent down and kissed each plump cheek and she giggled.

“What are you doing?”

“Showing my appreciation.”

“I thought you were showing me that we weren’t finished?” she said, wiggling her ass.

“Patience, d’jeri.”

He kneeled behind her, nudging at her entrance, still damp and swollen from before. He hesitated, but she wiggled again.

“Stop stalling.”

“I am not stalling. I am appreciating.”

“Less appreciating, more—”

Her words ended in a moan of pleasure as he sank into her in one long, smooth stroke.

“So full,” she gasped.

“Too full?”

“Never.”

Her hands twisted in the sheets as she pushed back against him and he smiled. He drew back and filled her again, rocking his hips slowly, luxuriating in her tight, silken heat.

“Faster. Please.” she begged.

“Not yet.”

He continued at the same leisurely pace until her entire body was quivering. Only then did he begin to speed up, reaching around her to tease her pleasure pearl as he stroked in and out.

“Krestar!”

His name sounded like a prayer as she bucked against him, and he fought to hold back his own climax. He tugged lightly on her swollen nub and she cried out, her sweet little cunt milking him so deliciously that he could not hold back, pouring his seed into her as his knot expanded, locking them together once more.

His knees actually weakened with the strength of his climax and he tucked her against him as he rolled them to the side, their bodies still locked together, utterly content as he gently stroked her stomach. The baby pushed against his hand and he smiled.

“He is very strong.”

“She is very strong. I am having a girl.”

Would she look like Lauren, he wondered. Would he have a chance to find out?

“Are you anxious to return to your planet?”

“Of course I…” The words trailed off and he could see her frowning thoughtfully. “I have a life there,” she said at last.

“A good life?”

“I always thought so. I liked my house and my job.”

Did she realize she was using the past tense?

“And there was nothing missing?”

“You mean because I didn’t have a husband? A mate?” She sighed, stroking his arm. “I didn’t think so at the time. The baby was important to me. A man? Not so much.”

“Do you still feel that way?” he asked, careful to keep his voice neutral.

“I… I have discovered that some things are better shared. Even when it comes to the baby—maybe even especially when it comes to the baby.”

He didn’t ask any more questions, content to have planted the idea.

His knot finally relaxed and he slipped free, fetching another cleansing cloth to wipe her swollen folds.

“Are you sore?” he asked when she gasped.

“Sensitive. In a good way. Needy.”

She shifted restlessly as she spoke, and her small pleasure nub began to peek out from under its hood. His shaft immediately responded to the tempting sight.

“May I ease you, d’jeri?”

She hesitated, then sighed and shook her head.

“I’m almost tempted—but I think I need to eat first.”

The reminder of his failing allowed him the strength to pull away.

“Food. Lounge. Rest,” he reminded them both and she laughed.

“All of those, and then maybe a little more tail play.”

He half-stumbled on his way out of the room, her laughter trailing after him, and he found himself smiling despite his aching cock.

She hadn’t appeared by the time he’d finished heating the soup and preparing some fruit. He was just wondering if he should check on her when he heard her footsteps. He turned to smile at her and found her clinging to the doorframe, her face ashy.

“Lauren, what’s wrong?”

She gave him a tremulous smile, her breathing fast and shallow.

“I hope you’re caught up on your reading because I think the baby is on her way.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Panic roared over Krestar, paralyzing him as Lauren started a series of rapid breaths, still clinging to the doorframe. He quickly pulled himself together, lifting her gently into his arms as soon as her breathing returned to normal. He started to carry her back to the cabin, then hesitated. Would the scanner bed be a better option? It was designed more for diagnostics than treatment but he would be able to monitor her condition.

He hovered indecisively, then remembered Zythrak’s words about calling for assistance. He carried her into the cabin and put her down on the bed.

“I will be right back,” he promised. “But perhaps the Elorans can assist.”

“Hurry,” she whispered, biting her lip.

He raced outside, giving the area a feverish survey. He had no idea where the monitors were hidden or what kind of signal to use. He waved his arms frantically, swinging around in a wide circle.

“Lauren is in labor. Send help.”

He had no idea if he’d done enough but he couldn’t leave her any longer. He hurried back inside to find her even paler, trying to pant rhythmically but unable to focus on her breath. At least this he remembered.

“Look at me, Lauren. Breathe with me.”

She obeyed, relaxing a little as the contraction eased. He forced his own face and voice to remain calm despite the fear eating at him.

“I am going to carry you to the medical scanner now. Just for a routine check.”

He kept his voice low and reassuring and she gave him a nervous smile.

“You aren’t going to leave me again, are you?”

“Wild banthars couldn’t tear me away,” he promised, and her smile grew a little more genuine.

“Are they fearsome beasts?”

“Very fearsome, although a beautiful human female is far more deadly.”

“Flatterer.”

Then she gasped, clinging to him as another contraction rippled through her small body.

“Focus on me, d’jeri,” he ordered. “Match my breathing.”

Her eyes locked with his as she obeyed, the trust in them making his heart ache. He was determined not to fail her, but he was all too conscious of his lack of experience.

As soon as the contraction eased, he lowered her carefully onto the scanning bed. The monitor swept over her, displaying a rapid series of reports. Everything seemed to be well within normal parameters, but then she cried out again as another contraction hit. He leaned over her, helping her breathe, doing his best to keep his voice and face calm and untroubled.

Everything was happening so much more quickly than he’d expected. He was trying to decide if he should leave her on the scanner where he could monitor her and the baby or take her back to the bed when a sharp little elbow dug into his ribs. He spun around, his heart racing, and looked down to find a tiny Eloran female, wizened with age. She ignored him, bending over Lauren with a smile.

“I see I got here just in time. Looks like this little one is ready to be born. I’m Maraj.”

Maraj cast a quick glance at the monitor, then put one tiny pale hand on Lauren’s forehead and the other on her wrist just as another contraction hit.

“Breathe,” she said sternly, and his mate obeyed.

This contraction didn’t seem as strong, Lauren relaxing into it as Maraj hummed softly.

“That one was easier.”

She gave the old woman a grateful smile.

“Of course it was. Not exactly my first time, dearie. Now then, would you be more comfortable in your bed?”

“Yes, please.”

“But…”

One fierce glare from those iridescent blue eyes silenced his attempt to protest.

“Let’s see if you can put more than one part of your body to use,” Maraj snapped. “Carry your mate back to her cabin.”

He obeyed silently, but Lauren gave him a quick anxious look when he picked her up.

“You aren’t going to leave me, are you?”

“Of course he isn’t,” Maraj said cheerfully, but he ignored her.

“No, d’jeri. I will not leave you.”

He would remain at her side forever if she would allow it.

Another contraction peaked before they reached the cabin, but Maraj captured her wrist again, humming softly, and it too seemed easier. As soon as it was over Maraj hurried ahead of them, and when he carried Lauren inside, the bed had been stripped down to a sheet and covered with towels.

“Would you like your mate to help you?”

The old female glared at him before he could even get his mouth open to insist, but Lauren immediately agreed.

“Good, then sit down behind her and support her back. It will be more comfortable for her than being flat on her back,” the old woman explained a little begrudgingly.

The material he had read had indicated something similar so he nodded and got into position. Lauren settled back against him with a soft sigh.

“I’m glad you’re here.” she whispered.

“It is my honor—and my pleasure.”

He hugged her gently and kissed her cheek, but then another contraction began and they both fell silent, focusing on the steady cycle of her breathing as the contractions increased.

He was vaguely aware of Maraj moving around the cabin, of her touching Lauren and humming that same melody, but his entire awareness was focused on his mate, on holding her and helping her as best he could. When she started to push, clearly struggling, he wanted to roar with frustration but he could do nothing for her except to be at her side.

“Just a few more pushes, dearie,” Maraj crooned. “Almost there.”

He wanted to snarl at her, to insist she do something now, but he was frozen in place. And she was helping. She was easing Lauren’s pain. One last push and the baby slipped free, impossibly small, her tiny face red and wrinkled and utterly beautiful. Maraj rubbed the baby vigorously with a towel, so vigorously that he growled, then handed her to him as she snipped the umbilical cord.

“Our daughter,” he whispered, cradling her between their bodies as Lauren touched a tiny cheek with a shaky hand.

“She’s so beautiful.”

“She is. She’s perfect.”

Lauren winced as Maraj pushed on her abdomen, still humming cheerfully, but kept her attention on the baby. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him.

“I want to call her Felicity.”

“I think that is an excellent idea.”

Felicity made a snuffling noise, her tiny lips working, and he panicked.

“What’s wrong? What does she want?” he demanded.

“Nothing you can give her.” Maraj laughed. “She’s ready for her first meal. Hand her to Mama.”

He obeyed as Lauren fumbled at her top, both of them awkward and anxious, but somehow they managed to get Felicity in the right position and she latched on to a taut, swollen nipple.

“Oh!” Lauren’s eyes widened. “I wasn’t expecting her to be so strong.”

“She’s a strong one.” Maraj nodded approvingly, somehow managing to replace the towels under Lauren so deftly that she didn’t disturb mother or child. “I’ll give you a minute.”

He didn’t notice when she left, intent on his mate and child, both wrapped protectively in his arms.

Lauren smiled down at the baby, then looked up at him.

“Did you mean it?” she asked softly.

“Mean what?”

“That you think of her as our daughter?”

“Of course. But I do not mean to presume…”

“Don’t apologize. I love that you feel that way. That she is as special to you as she is to me.”

He gathered his courage. “But I only want what is best for her. If you think that means taking her back to Earth…”

She slowly shook her head.

“I don’t think it is. I think what is best for her is a father who loves her with all his heart—and who loves her mother the same way?”

There was the faintest hint of a question in her voice. How could she doubt his love? Because I haven’t told her.

“I do, d’jeri. I love you with everything that I am, everything that I will ever be.”

Another tear slipped down her cheek but her smile was radiant.

“I love you too.”

“Thank Granthar.”

He pulled them both closer, his tail curving over her hip to gently circle the baby’s ankle, and he was perfectly, utterly content. Everything he had endured had been worth it because it had led him to this moment.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“How are you feeling, dearie?’

Maraj smiled at Lauren as she came bustling into the cabin. She’d stayed with them since Felicity’s birth the previous day and she had been an absolute godsend, soothing their nerves and explaining everything that they needed to do for the baby. She might look tiny and fragile, but she had no problem ordering Krestar around as if he were no more than a gawky teenager.

The old woman had just sent him out to make a list of what he needed to complete his repairs. He’d growled at her but he’d gone, leaving her side for the first time since the baby was born, and she felt oddly bereft. But we have time, she reminded herself. All the time in the world.

Having Krestar with her as she gave birth had finally made her head realize what her heart had been trying to tell her all along—that being together was far more important than returning to Earth, to a life that already seemed like little more than a distant memory. Her future—their future—was with him. She wasn’t sure what that would mean in practical terms, but that didn’t seem important as long as they were together.

She smiled happily at Maraj.

“I’m fine, thanks. How’s Fliss?”

She’d started using the nickname almost immediately. Felicity just seemed like too much of a name for such a tiny infant.

“She’s sleeping peacefully—as you should be doing.”

“I’m having a hard time getting comfortable,” she admitted.

Glowing blue eyes studied her thoughtfully for a moment, then Maraj perched on the bed next to her, stroking her forehead and humming that nameless tune. As always, the song was accompanied by a deep sense of peace and she allowed herself to sink into sound, her lids growing heavier and heavier until she finally drifted off.

But even though she slept, it wasn’t a restful sleep and she woke up feeling even more tired and achy. Krestar had returned by then but even his comforting embrace wasn’t as soothing as usual.

“What is wrong, d’jeri?”

“Nothing.”

“That is not true. Tell me or I will have Maraj ask you—I know she will get the truth out of you.”

That made her laugh, smiling up at him.

“It’s really nothing. I just feel kind of achy and uncomfortable.”

He frowned anxiously, his tail tightening around her.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” she added hastily. “It takes nine months to prepare a woman’s body to give birth. You can’t expect all those changes to be reversed as soon as the baby is born.”

He seemed to accept her argument, but the next time she was trying—and failing—to sleep, she heard him having a low-voiced conversation with Maraj. Under the circumstances, she wasn’t entirely surprised that after her rest period, he insisted on carrying her to the scanner. Maraj accompanied them, reviewing the screens with him, her face entirely expressionless. Somehow that was even worse than an obvious expression of shock or sympathy.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. “And don’t tell me it’s nothing.”

“Your chemical balances are a little off,” Maraj said calmly. “Somewhat more than I would expect two days after birth. But I’m sure they will even out.”

Krestar didn’t say anything so she waited until they were alone in bed, then grabbed his tail.

“You’re both worried, aren’t you?”

“I will always worry about you, d’jeri.”

“That’s sweet but not what I meant.” She squeezed his tail. “Talk to me.”

“Maraj told you the truth. Your chemical levels are not what they should be. You are not recovering as quickly as she expected.” He put his hand over hers, stilling her restless fingers. “We have discussed it and she thinks I should take you to the hospital on Trevelor. It has an excellent reputation for maternity care.”

“A hospital? Do you really think that’s necessary?”

“It is simply a precaution. Do you not want to be at your best for our daughter?”

“I suppose.” She didn’t like the idea, but neither did she enjoy feeling so weak and helpless. “But what about the engines?”

“They are close to being functional. If I focus on them all day tomorrow, I believe I can get them running. It means I will have less time to spend with you and Fliss.”

He looked so regretful that she didn’t have the heart to object.

“We’ll have the rest of our lives together,” she promised. “And maybe we can find some trace of Felicity on Trevelor.”

“Perhaps. It is considered a desirable location, little touched by the Red Death and open to many different species.”

“I hope you’re right. But if you’re going to be busy all day tomorrow, I want extra snuggle time tonight.”

He laughed and drew her closer.

“I am always happy to oblige.”

He kissed her, then slid his hand up and down her back in long soothing strokes. She sighed happily, wiggling closer and accidentally brushing against his thick shaft, already stiff and erect.

“I can’t believe you find me sexy when I feel like death warmed over,” she muttered.

“I will always find you sexy. But it is of no importance. I will wait patiently until you are ready and enjoy being close to you until then.”

“Even if it takes a month or two?”

“D’jeri, I waited my entire life for you. A few more months is nothing.”

She laughed and snuggled close again.

But the next morning she found it harder to smile. Between feeding the baby and her increasing aches, she’d barely slept. She felt worse than she had the previous day but she managed to conceal it from Krestar well enough that he proceeded with his plan to work on the engines. Maraj was not as easily fooled, studying her face when she brought Fliss to her to nurse.

“It’s not getting better, is it?”

“Well, no, but I’m sure it will.” She smiled down at her daughter, then had a sudden terrible thought. “She isn’t going to catch anything from me is she?”

“No, the baby is fine—healthy and strong. Nursing her is the best thing you can do, even if you are running a fever.” A cool hand briefly touched her forehead. “Any antibodies you develop will pass through to her in your milk.”

She gave a relieved sigh and concentrated on her daughter. But Maraj’s words were prophetic. As the afternoon wore on her temperature soared, and by the time Krestar returned, she was lost in feverish dreams.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Krestar swore when a stubborn bolt refused to loosen. He was not generally driven to impatience by inanimate objects, but he was growing increasingly worried about Lauren. He was sure that Maraj was as well, although she had a tendency to give his nerves a curt dismissal. The sooner he could get her to Trevelor, the better.

“I’ve always found swearing helps,” Zythrak said from behind him, and he swore again.

He’d been so intent on his repairs and his concerns about his mate that he hadn’t realized the other male was approaching—a foolish and potentially deadly mistake.

“What do you want?” he growled.

“Oddly enough, I’ve come to help.”

He gave the other male a suspicious look.

“Why?”

“Perhaps Maraj… encouraged me to offer. Perhaps I want your Patrol vessel off my station. Perhaps I am sympathetic to your plight. Take your pick.”

Zythrak gave a theatrical shrug and Krestar couldn’t help smiling.

“I suppose I could use an assistant.”

“Then I am at your service, Commander.”

Despite his air of mock deference, Zythrak knew as much or more than Krestar about the engines and needed little direction. He had an annoying habit of talking constantly about anything and everything as he worked, but he also had a caustic sense of humor that Krestar found surprisingly amusing.

“Maraj tells me you are going to Trevelor,” Zythrak said when they paused briefly for a protein bar and a bottle of water.

“Yes. I have heard their hospital system is excellent.”

Zythrak took a drink, studying him thoughtfully.

“Have you heard anything else about it?”

“I heard a rumor, some years ago now, about a Cire who had a non-Cire mate and I believe Trevelor was mentioned.”

The other male shot him an amused look.

“Did you not know that there is an entire colony of Cire on Trevelor? A small colony anyway.”

His tail gave an annoyed flip.

“I did not. Any discussion of leaving Ciresia and discovering other alternatives was strictly discouraged.”

“Bureaucrats are always so short-sighted. I think you will find that it wasn’t a rumor at all.”

“Really?”

The thought pleased him - and hopefully it would please Lauren. Until they could find her friend, he suspected she might enjoy the company of other females.

Zythrak was still looking amused and Krestar gave him a suspicious frown.

“Is there something you are not telling me?”

“There are many things I am not telling you, but if you mean am I concealing any… unpleasant surprises then the answer is no.”

He decided to accept that and they returned to work. It wasn’t until close to the end of the day that another question occurred to him.

“Have you spent time on Trevelor?”

Zythrak shuddered. “Fuck no. It’s far too tame and civilized for me.”

“Then how did you know about the Cire colony?”

“I wondered when you’d get around to asking that.”

Why was the male incapable of giving a straight answer?

Zythrak laughed at his annoyed expression.

“I know because one of my fellow captains is also a Cire warrior.”

“A Cire warrior has become a pirate—I mean a Corlonian trader?”

“I suspect you actually meant the first, but yes. He is one of us. He told me once that if he was going to be given a bad reputation, then he intended to enjoy it.”

“What is his name?”

Zythrak hesitated, then shrugged again.

“He calls himself Luxor, although I don’t know if that’s his actual name.”

Was the name familiar? Before he could decide, they managed to weld the final relay in place.

“Time to give it a try,” the other male said cheerfully. “Not that I haven’t enjoyed your company, but it is time for you to move on.”

He agreed—with both sentiments. With a quick silent prayer to Granthar he pressed the ignition button. For a terrible moment nothing happened, but first one, then the second engine hummed to life. They sounded a little rough, but the diagnostics panel assessed them at ninety-five percent capacity—enough to get them to Trevelor in less than a week.

“Thank Granthar,” he sighed, and Zythrak raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t see Granthar wrestling with that relay. Just me. But I’m not the sort of egotistical bastard to argue with your gratitude.”

“Nor I with your modesty.”

They grinned at each other and then he clapped the other male on the shoulder.

“I do appreciate your help very much. I owe you.”

“Be careful, Cire. I may come to collect.”

“And if you do, I will pay. Thank you.”

“Safe travels, Krestar.”

Zythrak bowed and left and he headed back to his ship. His muscles ached, and his hands were covered with dirt and burns from the welder, but he was delighted that they would soon be on their way.

His delight faded when Maraj met him at the top of the ramp, Fliss cradled in her arms and a grim look on her face.

“Lauren is worse?” he asked, his heart skipping a beat.

“Yes. She’s running a high fever. I used the scanner to synthesize a formula and added some of my own ingredients. It is enough to help, but it will not cure it. Give her a dose every eight hours—no more, no less.” She handed the baby to him, and he cradled her tiny body carefully against his chest. “She can continue to nurse but she will be able to do very little else. You are going to have to care for both of them.”

“Of course,” he said immediately, even though fear tingled down his spine. “But would—would it be possible for you to come with us? I know it is a lot to ask when you have already helped us so much.”

She clicked her tongue dismissively.

“I was happy to help. If I could, I would accompany you, but it is impossible.”

“May I ask why?”

Her mouth twisted.

“Let’s just say there is a reason we are living on an abandoned space station keeping our existence a secret. I trust you will remember that.”

“Your secret is safe with me. Thank you, Maraj.”

Making sure Fliss was secure, he gave the old female a deep, respectful bow. Surprise flashed across her face for the first time since they met, and then she grinned.

“Such a smooth talker. I hope—I believe—all will be well with your mate. Elora be with you.”

She nodded briskly and disappeared down the ramp.

“It is just the three of us now, baby girl,” he told Fliss, and she blinked at him knowingly from big dark eyes, so like her mother’s.

He tucked her against his shoulder and headed for the control room, determined to get to Trevelor as quickly as possible and praying that he would be in time.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Sunlight flickered against Lauren’s closed eyelids and she could smell fresh-cut grass.

I must have fallen asleep with the window open, she thought sleepily, then frowned. The ship doesn’t have a window, it has a viewscreen.

The ship. Krestar. Fliss.

Her eyes flew open as the memories came rushing back, but she wasn’t on the ship. She was in a pretty, colorful room, sunlight streaming through the open windows and a flowering vine curling along the sill.

Where am I? Where’s my family?

She tried to sit up but her muscles were so weak that she barely had the strength to raise herself up on one elbow. At least they no longer ached so insistently and her head had stopped pounding. She took a deep breath and tried again. This time she managed to use the railing attached to the bed to pull herself into a seated position. Wait a minute—a railing? Was this a hospital? The railing around the bed and a small, discreet panel next to the bed were the only signs that it was anything other than a pretty bedroom.

She tried desperately to remember where she was or how she had gotten here. The last thing she remembered clearly was Krestar talking about a hospital. But that had been back on the station, right after Fliss was born. After that there were only vague, fuzzy memories, so fragmented they could have been dreams. Krestar leaning over her, his stern face etched with worry. Endless doses of some blue medicine when all she wanted was to sleep. A cool cloth stroking over her burning skin. And Fliss. She remembered nursing her daughter, those big dark eyes fixed on her face.

Her breasts tingled at the memory and two damp spots suddenly appeared on the bright pink gown she was wearing. If she was still producing milk, she must still be nursing. But where was her daughter? Holding on to the rail, she managed to swing her legs over the side of the bed but even that left her weak and dizzy.

It will pass, she thought grimly, preparing to try and stand.

But then the door flew open and Krestar was there, their daughter cradled securely in his arms. She burst into tears.

“Please don’t cry, d’jeri.”

He made it across the room in the blink of an eye, lifting her onto his lap as his tail wrapped securely around both her and Fliss. Her sobs only intensified as she leaned against him, once more surrounded by his warm, comforting scent. He tightened his grip, holding her close as he gently stroked her hair. It wasn’t until a small mouth started rooting at her breast that she was able to pull herself together enough to stop crying.

“Is it time to feed her?”

“Yes.”

He helped her unfasten the top of her gown, and the baby latched on to her nipple on the first try. As if she’d been doing it for weeks. More tears threatened.

“How long was I unconscious?”

“Nine days. The nine longest days of my life.” When she looked closely, she could see the signs of strain in his face. “We made it here in six, but it has taken another three days for the medicine to start working. I am so sorry I was not here when you woke up. I try to take Fliss out into the fresh air a few times a day. She likes to look at the flowers in the garden.”

“Only nine days? She’s grown so much already. And I missed it.” She sniffed back another sob. “What was wrong with me?”

“You had a bacterial infection. The doctor thinks you picked it up on the Vedeckian ship but childbirth triggered it.” He hesitated. “She speculated that it might even be deliberate—a sick mother would put up less of a fight when her child was taken. Left untreated, it might even have affected your memory.”

“You mean I wouldn’t even remember Fliss?” She shuddered and pulled her daughter closer, but Fliss only suckled harder. “Is this the place you mentioned? Tre… Trev… something?”

“Trevelor, yes.”

“Thank Granthar your doctor was able to diagnose the problem.” An odd look flashed across his face. “She is also human.”

“Human?”

“Yes, she was taken by the Vedeckians some years ago.”

“Years?” She gave him an appalled look. “How can they have been getting away with it for so long?”

“It is a large universe and the Patrol is severely understaffed.”

“It still seems like they should be able to stop them. Have you heard anything about Felicity? You said she might end up here.”

“I am afraid not. I have not left the hospital since we arrived, although I did ask the doctor and her mate to spread the word.”

“Her mate?”

He hesitated again, then nodded.

“Yes. She is also mated to a Cire.”

“I thought you said it was impossible? But if it happened for us, I suppose it’s reasonable to believe it could happen for others.”

He nodded, but the strain on his face was even more apparent.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

“I am frustrated. And angry. All those years I spent trying—and failing—to save our race because we were told that it was the only way. While all the time there were other options.”

“You didn’t know.” She studied his face. He looked betrayed as well as angry. “Do you think your Council knew?”

“I think it is possible. It would not surprise me if they knew and rejected it as an option because they were so determined to try and reproduce our previous way of life, even though it is gone forever.”

He still looked bitter, but then he shook his head and smiled down at her.

“It matters not. What is important is that we have each other and we have Fliss.”

“Yes.”

An overwhelming wave of love washed over her as she looked down at their daughter, Krestar’s hand curved protectively around her tiny head. If only he’d been there from the very beginning…

“The reason the mate bond is so important is because it’s the only way your seed becomes fertile, correct?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said absently, still focused on their daughter.

“Which means that our family could grow.”

He froze, his entire body rigid, but when he looked at her, raw hunger glittered in his eyes.

“You mean you would be willing to have another child? With me?”

“Well, maybe not immediately, but yes. And of course with you—I love you, remember?”

His eyes closed for a second, his lips moving in a silent prayer.

“I never thought to be so blessed.”

“After trying so hard for so long, you deserve to have everything you want,” she said fiercely, determined to do everything she could to make that happen.

“I already have everything I ever wanted. I love you, Lauren.”

“I love you too.”

She gently detached Fliss and moved her to her other breast, then bit her lip.

“There is one other thing. If—I mean when—we find Felicity, if she wants to return to Earth, I want to go with her. Not to stay,” she added quickly when he froze again. “But to accompany her on the trip. It might be the last time I ever see her.”

“I understand, but I would choose to accompany you.”

“I’d like that. And I’d like you to meet her. I want her to meet her goddaughter as well. I just wish I knew what had happened to her.”

“We will keep trying to find out,” he promised.

“Thank you.”

Fliss was half-asleep at her breast so she picked her up and put her over her shoulder, patting her back the way Maraj had taught her. The little onesie her daughter was wearing was pleasantly silky beneath her hand but she didn’t remember it from the small selection Maraj had found for them. After Fliss burped she took a closer look.

The outfit was simple enough but it had pretty, intricate stitching around the neck and arms and it fit her perfectly.

“Where did this come from?”

“I made it,” he said stiffly, the skin across his cheekbones darkening slightly. “On the ship. I had to find something to do when I was not caring for you or for our daughter and she needed more clothes. It appears that the skills I learned as a child still remain.”

“They certainly do,” she agreed, examining the tiny precise stitches. “Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes. Much more than I expected. It is satisfying to create something.”

“I understand. That’s why I chose commercial robotics rather than a research position—because there is a physical result at the end of our projects. Was a result,” she amended with a sigh.

She had enjoyed her job and she would miss it. I wonder how Rob is doing on that project. Would he still be working on it? She’d lost track of the days somewhere along the way, but it must be at least a month since they’d been taken.

If Felicity decided to return, how would she explain her absence? For that matter, how would she explain Lauren’s? A number of people had seen them leave together. And who did she have to go back to? John?

Maybe I can persuade her to stay with us. But where? The Seren wasn’t really large enough for another adult. And Fliss would eventually need a bedroom as well. But it was more than just the physical space. Would it be a good environment for a child? Krestar had said Fliss enjoyed looking at the flowers. While she wasn’t convinced a two-week-old baby really cared, an older child would.

“When do you start your next assignment?” she asked carefully.

“I do not. I resigned,” he said calmly.

“What? Why?”

“I joined the Patrol because I was looking for a job where my actions would actually make a difference and because I was searching for peace. But now I want to focus on you and Fliss.”

“But the ship…”

“Is still ours. I brought it with me when I joined.”

“Oh.”

Her thoughts must have been visible on her face because he smiled.

“Do not worry, d’jeri. We will create a home together.”

She believed him.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Krestar fought back a wave of guilt as he left the hospital. He hadn’t lied to Lauren—he’d told her that he was going to meet with another Cire living on Trevelor. But he hadn’t told her that Hrebec was the leader of the Cire colony a few hours away from the city. Nor had he told her that he wanted to inspect it and see if it would provide a suitable living environment for their family.

He didn’t want her to get excited about something which might not prove a viable option, although of course he would discuss it with her once he had gathered all the facts and they would make the decision together. But he didn’t think she was quite ready to be dragged off on a journey to meet more strangers.

She was still worn down from the fever and only just beginning to recover the strength in her muscles. The doctor had agreed that it would be best if she remained at the hospital for at least a few more days. He’d told her he would be gone for most of the day, but he was determined to keep the visit as short as possible.

He’d rented a flyer for the day and when he reached the colony, he did a slow loop, inspecting the place from the air. It appeared neat and prosperous, although more rustic than he’d anticipated. Then again, a pleasant rural community was a definite improvement over Ciresia’s decaying cities.

He landed the flyer in the location he’d been given and climbed out. Hrebec was waiting for him, a commanding male about his age. He’d known of him from the labs, although they’d had little direct contact. The male he remembered had been stern and reserved, weary as they all had been, but this male appeared far more relaxed even though he still maintained his warrior posture.

“Captain Hrebec. It is a pleasure to see you again,” he said politely. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“It is a pleasure to see you as well, Commander Krestar. I must admit I was surprised to get your message. No one has mentioned meeting you since you joined the Patrol.”

“My jobs were always solo. I wished to be alone.”

Hrebec nodded.

“I can understand that. Those years in the labs destroyed something in each of us. But now that has changed?”

“Yes. I have a mate and a child.”

He could hear the pride in his voice and Hrebec nodded understandingly.

“It changes everything, does it not? I understand you are considering a move here?”

“I am not sure. I do not think that life on board my ship would be best for my family but I want to know what options are available before discussing them with my mate.”

“Of course. Let me show you around.”

Hrebec escorted him through the village. It was as pleasant as it had appeared from the air, but he still wasn’t sure it was the right choice - for either of them. They ended the tour in Hrebec’s shop, another surprise.

“You make furniture?”

“Yes. It was my father’s hobby but it has become my profession.” Hrebec shrugged. “It suits me.”

Before he could ask any more questions, three children came racing in—a blonde human girl, a small boy who combined Cire and human traits, and a small Cire female. He gazed at her in shock and she tilted her head, studying him back. Then she gave him a sweet, shy smile and joined the other two who were bouncing around Hrebec.

“Mama says we can spend the night with Auntie Elaina if you say it’s all right. It’s all right, isn’t it? She’s making ice cream,” the oldest girl pleaded. “Please, Papa.”

“I do not know, Lucie,” Hrebec said solemnly. “What will Mama and I do without you?”

“A bunch of kissing.” she said, wrinkling her nose.

“I suppose we could do that,” he agreed with a mock sigh. “Very well.”

The three cheered and raced off again.

“Your daughter is Cire?” he asked, still shocked.

“One of my daughters.” Hrebec frowned at him.

“Yes, of course. It is just—is anything we were told true?”

“Perhaps it would be correct to say it was mostly true. Tiana is a rare exception, but I have heard that there are other female Cire. And while we can form a mate bond with a non-Cire female, those females are also rare. Although human females seem to be particularly compatible,” he added thoughtfully.

“Does the Council know?”

“The Council does not want to know.”

He had suspected as much. He sighed, then rose to his feet.

“Thank you for the tour. I need to return to the city.”

“I understand. If you decide to move here, you will be welcome. But even if you do not move here permanently, I hope you will bring your mate and daughter back for a visit. My mate enjoys company.”

They were almost back at the flyer when Hrebec reached into his pocket.

“Because so many of us have scattered now, I keep a message box at the port that is open to any Cire. This message was left there. My mate says it is written in English and addressed to a Lauren Maxwell. I understand that is your mate’s name?”

“It is,” he said eagerly. “And she has been searching for information on a friend who was taken at the same time. I hope this will relieve her mind.”

“I hope so too, although I should warn you that Captain Luxor was the one who actually left the message.”

Luxor? He suddenly wondered if Zythrak had known more than he indicated. Annoying male. But he was more concerned about the fact that Lauren’s friend was with Luxor. He sighed.

“I have heard rumors about him, of course, but I choose to believe he is still Cire enough that he would not hurt a female.”

“I hope so too. Let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“Thank you.”

He took the message and flew back to the city. Lauren’s doctor was with her when he arrived, and his mate gave him a radiant smile.

“TeShawna says I can leave tomorrow. Thank goodness. Not that it’s not a nice hospital,” she added with a guilty look at the doctor.

The other female laughed.

“I understand. Do you know where you will be going once you leave?”

Lauren looked at him, and he shook his head.

“It is one of the things we need to discuss.”

“Then I will leave you to it. Once you’re settled you must come over for dinner. My mate is a wonderful cook. Unlike me,” TeShawna added ruefully.

“We’d love to,” Lauren assured her, then held out her hand to him as the doctor left. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

He kissed her, relishing her sweet taste and the way her body molded to his. He would have enjoyed prolonging it, but the message was burning a hole in his pocket.

“I have something for you.”

He handed it to her, wrapping his tail around her when her face paled.

“That’s Felicity’s writing,” she whispered.

“What does it say?”

Her hands shook as she opened it and her voice was equally tremulous as she read it to him.

DEAR LAUREN,

I’m praying that this message finds you—and the baby—safe and well. Luxor seems to think that you’ll end up here sooner or later, and I’ve found he’s generally right, which is rather annoying. I wish I could stay and wait for you but he says I’m needed. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

All my love,

Felicity

SHE TURNED the letter over as if more might be written on the back, then frowned at him.

“Luxor? Who the hell is Luxor?”

“I do not know him personally, but I have heard of him,” he said slowly. “He is also Cire.”

“You mean he’s a Patrol officer? He isn’t taking her back to Earth, is he?” she asked anxiously, then shook her head. “No, she said she’d be back.”

“He’s not in the Patrol.”

“Then who is he? What does he do? And why does he need Felicity?”

“I do not know why he needs her.” Unless he too had fallen for a human female. “But you said she had medical skills?”

“She’s a doctor, but why would he need a doctor? You don’t think he would take her anyplace dangerous, do you?”

He wished he could give her a definite no.

“A true Cire always protects a female,” he said instead, hoping that Luxor had not completely abandoned his training. “As for what he does, he is a… trader.”

“That sounds harmless enough.” She sighed. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until she returns.”

“Yes, and in the meantime, we can plan our new life.”

She smiled at last and kissed him again.

“That sounds absolutely perfect.”

And it was.

EPILOGUE

Three months later…

KRESTAR GAVE a contented sigh as he entered their home, the familiar feeling of warmth surrounding him. The space wasn’t large—far smaller than the impressive but sterile home he’d owned on Ciresia—but Lauren had filled it with color and warmth. They had chosen it for its location, a block away from his new tailoring shop, and the large enclosed garden.

They had decided to remain in the city rather than join Hrebec’s community. Lauren had become good friends with her doctor and she enjoyed the vibrancy of the city. The bustling community was also a better fit for his new business. His main focus was on male clothing, but he had an increasingly popular sideline in infant clothing.

A small robot, one of Lauren’s creations, came trundling towards him, a tray raised to take his cloak. He smiled as he placed it on the tray and the robot turned and marched off. The other advantage to the house was the large workshop at the back of the garden that his mate had turned into a lab. So far she was still experimenting with Treveloran technology, but she’d already made great progress.

He found her in the workshop, the big double doors open to the garden and Fliss asleep in the beautiful wooden cradle Hrebec had made for her. His tail gently stroked the baby’s cheek as he noticed that she was already threatening to outgrow the little yellow sundress he’d made for her.

Lauren flashed him a quick smile when he joined her, but didn’t stop whatever she was doing to the piece of machinery on her work table.

“You’re home early. Couldn’t stay away?”

“No,” he said truthfully.

He enjoyed his business, more than he’d expected, but he enjoyed his time with his mate and his child even more. They were the most important part of his life and he was determined that they would never forget that.

“Good.” She smiled at him again, the sunlight making her golden skin glow and looking so beautiful that his chest ached. “Just give me a few more minutes and I’m all yours.”

“You are always mine,” he growled.

“Of course I am. I just meant I can give you my full attention as soon as I finish this adjustment.”

“I am happy to wait.”

He leaned against the workbench, far enough away that his tail wouldn’t be able to touch her. His desire to reach for her, while understandable, was not always the best idea in the workshop. He’d received a rather painful shock a few weeks ago.

Of course she’d more than made up for it by “kissing it better.” He shivered with pleasure at the memory, his shaft beginning to stiffen. Her mouth on his tail or his cock still seemed incredibly erotic and exciting.

As he watched her work, he tried to decide how to approach his news.

“Hrebec stopped by today,” he said finally.

“That’s nice.” She was still focused on probing the inside of the machine, her voice distracted. “Did he bring Anna and the children?”

“Not this time. It was just a quick business visit. But he invited us to come and stay with them next week during the holidays.”

The Trevelor New Year was coming up and the whole planet would be celebrating.

“That sounds perfect. It will be much quieter away from the city.”

She finished making the adjustment and came over to hug him, smiling up at him.

“Is that why you’re home early?”

“Not entirely. Hrebec received a message from Captain Luxor.”

Her smile disappeared and she clutched his arms.

“About Felicity? Is she all right?”

“The message was somewhat cryptic, but the gist seems to be that they are returning to Trevelor and that the human female has a surprise for you.”

“The human female?” she asked doubtfully. “He didn’t even call her by her name?”

“As I said, it was somewhat cryptic. Luxor has a reputation for secrecy,” he reminded her. “I thought you would be happy she is returning.”

“Oh, I am. I can’t wait for her to meet Fliss. It’s just—where has she been? Is she happy? You know I worry.”

“I know, but I am sure she will tell you all about it.”

“I suppose so.”

She sighed and leaned against him, her hands resting on his chest as they so often did. His body responded to her touch as always, his cock now completely hard.

“Fliss isn’t going to sleep much longer,” she whispered. “Do you think we have time?”

“I always have time for you,” he assured her, and proceeded to prove it.

FIND out what has been happening to Felicity in Hope for the Alien Warrior!

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading A Miracle for the Alien Warrior! I do so love my honorable Cire warriors! Poor Krestar has been through so much, but I think Lauren is perfect for him - strong, smart, and determined! I’m so glad I can share these stories with you!

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!

Thank you all for supporting these books—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!

Felicity’s story is coming this fall in

Hope for the Alien Warrior!

Felicity’s life is safe, predictable - and boring. Until a simple celebration turns into an alien kidnapping, a desperate escape attempt, and an encounter with the most dangerous, unpredictable - and exciting male she’s ever met.

Luxor gave up on his dying race the day they gave up on him. Since then he’s lived by his own rules. Until a curvy little female waltzes into his life looking for a hero. He knows he’s not hero material but for her maybe, just maybe, he can play the part.

Click here to order Hope for the Alien Warrior!

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OTHER TITLES

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

A Miracle for the Alien Warrior

Hope for the Alien Warrior

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

Kalpar

H’zim

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

Unity and the Usurper

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

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

Gift for My Ghost

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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