ALIEN MOST WANTED: MASTERMIND

FOLSOM PLANET BLUES

HONEY PHILLIPS

CONTENTS

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

Copyright © 2022 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 by Kasmit Covers

Edited by Lindsay York at LY Publishing Services

Created with Vellum

PROLOGUE

L eavent took a small sip of his tea, then nodded his approval. The expensive Winter Pearl tea leaves had been brewed at precisely the correct temperature for precisely the correct time.

“You may go.”

His servant Ayol slipped away immediately, leaving Leavent to his tea. He took another appreciative sip as he gazed out into the interior courtyard that formed the center of his rooms. The soothing vista of carefully arranged rocks and moss was designed to encourage quiet contemplation—all except for the wild sprawl of the fruit tree in the far corner.

I really should have that removed, he thought, as he did every morning. And yet somehow, he never made the arrangements. Because I’m busy. Certainly not because it reminded him of his father’s orchards. He forced his gaze away from it to follow the path of the stream as it trickled between the rocks.

A discreet knock interrupted his thoughts, and he frowned as Ayol reentered the room. These few moments of quiet before a long day of political maneuvers were sacrosanct, and Ayol knew better than to interrupt him.

“I apologize, my Lord. There is a message from your brother.”

Had Riker finally decided to make peace with him? His faint flicker of hope vanished when Ayol added, “Your brother Altrez.”

Fuck. Any hope of serenity disappeared. Any situation involving his youngest brother was sure to be chaotic. He would probably be better off ignoring the message, but even as he thought that, he was already reaching for the tablet.

“Fuck,” he growled as he finished reading, the harsh sound enough to cause a flicker of emotion to cross Ayol’s normally imperturbable expression.

“Find out everything you can about the planet Folsom and the prison there,” he ordered as he rose from his chair and stalked towards his dressing room.

“Yes, my Lord.”

“And cancel all of my meetings.”

Another flicker of emotion. “Even the treaty signing with Ambassador Catral?”

The treaty was the result of months of delicate negotiations, but he had no choice.

“I’m afraid so. Tell Ambassador Catral that I have a family emergency. The Tuvians understand that family comes first.”

Whether you want them to or not, he thought grimly as he opened his weapons cabinet.

CHAPTER ONE

S ophie could hear voices talking, but she couldn’t concentrate on the words. Her whole being was focused on the uneasy swirl in her stomach. Oh no, not again. She tried to press her hand to her stomach and lever herself out of bed, but her body didn’t respond. Her limbs felt heavy and far away. Even her skin felt numb. The only sensation that penetrated was the churning of her stomach.

Where was she? What had happened? She tried desperately to remember, hoping to distract herself from her unruly body. She remembered pacing back and forth in her living room, trying to decide on the best solution to her problems, but her situation only seemed to grow more hopeless the longer she thought about it. In the end, she had decided to go for a walk, hoping it would clear her head.

She wandered up through the park behind her house, paying no attention to her surroundings until she reached the top of the hill. There was a bench there, and she could look out over the town—the town she would soon be leaving if Eric had his way. But as she headed for the bench, she saw a tall, skinny man bending over a woman as she slumped to the ground. She immediately rushed forward.

“What’s wrong? Is she hurt—” Her words stuttered to a halt as the man turned towards her.

Not a man.

The bulbous head, the grey skin, and the big dark eyes were the stereotype of every alien movie she had ever seen, but where movie aliens were frequently small and kind of cute, this one was tall and thin and menacing.

An alien?

No, no. It was impossible. It had to be some kind of cosplay. Or maybe a film? She started to look around, searching for the camera crew, and his hand closed over her arm—a strong hand with three long, thin fingers. She instinctively tried to pull away, but she couldn’t escape his grip. When she looked up to plead with him to let her go, he gave her a cold smile. He muttered something she couldn’t understand as he raised a device to her neck. There was a brief flash of pain, and then the world went dark.

Could it have been an alien after all? Her mind rebelled at the thought. No, she must have been having some kind of psychotic break, perhaps brought on by exhaustion and lack of food. Her fingers and toes started to tingle painfully, and she managed to open her eyes a fraction. The white ceiling passing overhead looked familiar enough. Maybe it was a hospital, she thought hopefully.

The sensation of movement aggravated her already upset stomach, and she closed her eyes again, trying to take deep, steadying breaths. The very fact that she still felt so sick must mean that nothing was wrong with the baby. She wanted to raise her hand to her stomach, to cradle that tiny life, but she could do no more than twitch her fingers.

When the sensation of movement finally ceased, she dared to try and open her eyes again. Her hopes of being hospitalized vanished. An alien male was leaning over her, a huge male with blunt features and an unpleasant greenish tinge to his grey skin. He opened his mouth, revealing bony ridges instead of teeth, and spoke.

“She’s too small. She’s never going to last long.”

Even though his words had an odd grating undertone, she could understand him well enough. Too small? Too small for what?

“That is not your concern.” The second voice was reedy and high-pitched, with a slight sibilance to the words, but she couldn’t see the speaker.

The alien she could see looked somewhat abashed, but he shrugged. “I guess Warden Nazort’s not that big either.”

“I think you will find that what he lacks in size he makes up for in… creativity. And unless you wish to find yourself on the receiving end of that creativity, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself.”

This time, the grey male dipped his head apologetically. She couldn’t blame him. If she’d been able to move, she would have shuddered at the menace in the second voice.

“Where are they? I want to see them at once.” This was a new voice, even more high-pitched, almost squealing.

“They have just arrived, Warden Nazort. What do you think of this one?”

A second face appeared in her line of sight. He had an oddly piggish look—pale pink skin with a flat nose and almost nonexistent ears. She would have been tempted to laugh were his beady little red eyes not so disturbingly callous.

“She is fully grown?” Warden Nazort asked doubtfully, and her brows tried to pull together.

Due to her slight build, people were far too fond of assuming that she was much younger than her actual age. But if that would save her from whatever they had in mind—

“Never mind,” he continued, dashing her hopes. “It is of no consequence. That fiery pelt is quite attractive. Stand her up so that I can see more.”

The surface she had been lying on jerked up into a vertical position. Restraints prevented her from falling over, but the sudden movement was too much for her already churning stomach and she vomited directly into the pig alien’s face. He squealed in outrage and reached for the long stick the big male was carrying. The third occupant of the room, a small green-scaled male, stepped in between them.

“Please, sir,” he said meekly. “She is so small that the shock stick might cause irreparable damage. And you did pay a great deal for her,” he added when the Warden scowled.

“I will not allow such disrespect.”

“I do not believe that it was intentional, sir.”

The Warden backed up a step, his face paling. “Do you think she is diseased?”

“Oh, no, sir. Uffitzi is far too efficient for that. I suspect it is merely the stasis drugs, but I will send her to the medical unit for observation.”

The Warden’s scowl deepened. “But I want a human to play with.”

“Of course. Please come with me, sir. Piduk, take this female to medical. Without touching her.”

She saw the guard grimace at her as the stretcher tilted back to a horizontal position. Her stomach churned again, but there was nothing left.

“As if I want some alien female getting sick on me,” the guard muttered as the stretcher began to move again.

Apparently, men were the same throughout the galaxy. Eric had been just as disgusted and horrified. She’d been trying to speak to him for days, and when he finally called her into his office, her nerves were completely frayed. She had thrown up all over the polished leather of his expensive shoes before she could even explain why she was there. He had looked just as horrified and angry as the Warden.

“What’s wrong with you?” he demanded. “If you’re not well, you shouldn’t have come into work.”

“I had to talk to you. And you didn’t come over last night.” Or the night before that, or the night before that. Those first few days when he had been so eager to see her suddenly seemed like a distant memory.

“Yes, well.… I was meaning to talk to you about that.” He vanished into his private bathroom, and she heard him swearing as he cleaned his shoes before returning and tossing a towel at her. “See if you can clean that up.”

She obeyed silently as she watched him pace around his office. Dressed in his usual impeccable suit, not a hair out of place, he somehow made her feel that much smaller and more miserable. The charming smile he used so well was nowhere in sight.

“I think it’s time that we move on,” he said finally. “Our little encounter was quite enjoyable…” He sounded less than convincing, especially when he looked down at the damp spot on the carpet. “But it’s really not acceptable to engage in a workplace relationship.”

Shock held her speechless for a moment. She’d made the same argument when he first started pursuing her, but he assured her that there was nothing wrong with them being together as long as they were discreet. Besides, he’d added with that irresistible smile, since he was the boss, who would object?

“You told me it was fine,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster.

He didn’t even look uncomfortable, just shrugged his shoulders.

“It was fine, at the time. But it’s over now. I’m engaged.”

The room literally swirled around her. He must have seen her pale because he made a disgusted noise and thrust a wastebasket in her face. “Not again.”

“Engaged?” she whispered.

“Yes, to Felicia Montbard. You may have seen her around the office.”

The arrogant blonde with the expensive wardrobe who was always visiting him? Sophie had even asked him about the other woman once. He’d just laughed and told her that her jealousy was adorable.

“For how long?”

This time, he couldn’t meet her eyes and strode back over to the window. “A couple of months.”

“A couple of months? You mean you already engaged to her the first time we… got together?”

He shrugged again. “Yes, but we were going through a rough patch and I needed someone more agreeable.”

Agreeable? What happened to beautiful and desirable? His extravagant flattery had never felt quite believable—she should have known better. But she was still struggling with the fact that he’d seduced her while he was engaged to another woman.

“In fact,” he added, “I think it might be best if you accepted another position.”

She was not only losing him, but she was also losing her job? Considering how quickly her admiration had turned to disgust, she didn’t think it would take long to get over him, but her job? She needed the job and the benefits, especially now.

“I don’t want to leave. I need my job.”

“I’ll arrange for another one. Roger Palin has always admired you. I’m sure he’d have a place for you.”

“In his office, or in his bed?” she asked bitterly.

She had never spoken back to him before, and his eyes narrowed. “Of course, if you don’t want my help…”

She straightened her shoulders and gritted her teeth. “I don’t want your help, but I think your child deserves it.”

He looked as horrified as he had when she threw up.

“What are you talking about? I always used a condom.”

“Not the first time. You said you were too anxious.” She’d actually found it almost endearing at the time. He’d been pursuing her for weeks, taking her to expensive restaurants—in the adjoining town—and overcoming every one of her objections with his irresistible charm. When she’d finally given in, he hadn’t wasted any time. He’d even apologized afterwards, promising it would never happen again.

“That was only once.”

“Apparently, that’s all it takes,” she said dryly.

He started pacing, actually running his fingers through his carefully groomed hair. “You’ll have to get rid of it.”

She wasn’t even shocked. She simply felt numb.

“No.”

“I’ll make the arrangements. It might be best to—wait, what did you say?”

“I said no.”

Her stomach was churning again. She couldn’t believe she had the nerve to stand up to him, but this was one thing she could control.

“How are you going to provide for the child? Especially when you don’t have a job?” His civilized demeanor had vanished behind a snarl. “Don’t expect any help from me.”

“I’m pretty sure a court would disagree with that.”

She turned and walked out of his office on shaking legs, barely making it to the restroom in time.

Unfortunately, that hadn’t been the end of the matter. He had alternated between bargaining and threatening her. His latest offer had been for her to leave town. He would buy her a modest house in a town on the other side of the country and provide her with a lump sum, under the condition that he would never hear from her or the child again.

The offer didn’t appeal to her. Not only was she unsure about whether it would be best for her child, she’d spent most of her life moving around. Her dad had been in the military and she was always being forced to pack up and start over again. After he died, she’d used the small death benefit to put down a deposit on her first real house. She’d actually hoped she’d finally found a home, and the thought of being uprooted yet again made her heart ache.

But moving across the country would have been far better than ending up in outer space, she thought regretfully, as the stretcher entered a white clinical space.

“Who’s this?”

A new male appeared. He was dressed in white, a stark contrast to his pale blue skin and his gaze was cold enough to make her shiver. This time, her body actually responded. His gaze sharpened.

“Has she been in stasis?”

“Yes, Shiko. Part of the Warden’s new scheme. He had plans for her, but then she got sick all over him. He’s worried she might have some kind of disease.”

“Indeed. I shall run some tests.” Shiko gazed down at her in a way she did not like at all. “I haven’t had a chance to examine a human female in detail yet. This could be most instructive.”

The guard snorted and left. And the tests began. It was probably the worst week of her life. Shiko’ s tests were invasive, humiliating, and frequently painful, although he was careful not to cause any real damage. He was clearly uninterested in her as a female, although his assistants were not so restrained. Fortunately, they feared him enough to do nothing more than make horribly obscene comments.

The only bright spot to the entire week was that it never seemed to occur to Shiko that she might be pregnant. Based on his conversation with his assistants, she thought it was because the alien who had kidnapped her had done something to prevent her fertile cycle.

Ratchi, the Warden’s assistant, had come by several times during the week. He was far less humble when he was not with the Warden, and she suspected that even Shiko was intimidated by him. On the last day in the lab, he informed Shiko that he was removing her, despite Shiko’s protests.

“I haven’t finished testing her.”

“Is she diseased?” Ratchi asked.

“Well, no. But there is so much to learn.”

“Not at this time. I have need of her.”

Ratchi ordered her to dress in a pale green gown that was far too short and much too thin, but it was better than being naked as she had been all week. He hurried her along several sterile white corridors before coming to a halt outside a door panel.

“We have an important visitor. You will please him—no matter what he wants from you—or you will be thrown into the Pit.”

“The Pit?”

Ratchi smiled, revealing disturbingly sharp teeth. “The deepest part of the prison—for the most dangerous criminals. No human female has ever returned from the Pit.”

Then he opened the door panel and shoved her through.

CHAPTER TWO

L eavent brought his flyer into a precise landing inside the hangar attached to Folsom prison. The subdural locators in his upper arm throbbed, two faint but reassuring pulses. Excellent. Altrez had not misled him. Both of his brothers were here on the planet. He would need to tread carefully until he had analyzed the situation, but he would not be leaving without them.

He made sure his formal robes were perfectly arranged, removed all expression from his face with the ease of long practice, and descended from the ship. Two hulking Zameetan guards waited for him, apprehension obvious despite their aggressive postures.

“I am Lord Leavent, Kaisarian Minister of Trade. I assume you received my communication?”

Without waiting for an answer, he headed for the entrance to the prison, leaving them gaping after him.

“Warden Nazort is not receiving visitors,” one of them said, hurrying around in front of him.

He stopped and raised an eyebrow.

“This is not a social visit. I am here on official business.”

The guards exchanged uncertain looks.

“But if he is… indisposed, then I will speak to whoever is next in the chain of command.” He moved forward with his usual assurance and was not surprised when the guards moved out of his way. They were only minions.

As soon as they were through the blast doors separating the hangar from the rest of the prison, they were greeted by a small reptilian male.

“I am Ratchi, Warden Nazort’s assistant. How may I assist you?” the male asked meekly, but Leavent hadn’t spent the last ten years in the political capital of the Empire without learning to detect a false front. He was quite sure that the meek deference was only for show. The suspicion was confirmed when he saw Ratchi’s quick assessing glance. For now, however, he would play along.

“You received my message?”

“Yes, my Lord. The Warden is devastated to be unable to meet with you.”

“He is indisposed?” He allowed a hint of disdain to creep into his voice.

“I am afraid so. Perhaps your visit could be rescheduled?”

“That would not be convenient. No doubt his indisposition will be brief. However, if it appears that it will linger, I would be happy to arrange for a Fleet vessel to travel to Folsom. Their medical facilities are quite capable.”

There was another quick glance. Ratchi had undoubtedly understood the veiled threat. “I’m sure that will not be necessary. Perhaps a day, or two?”

“One day,” he said firmly. “Now, I assume you do have accommodations suitable for visiting members of the Imperial Court?”

His tone indicated his doubts, but Ratchi bobbed his head.

“Of course, my Lord. If you will follow me…”

He turned and led the way into the prison, the two guards falling into step behind them as Leavent followed. His expression of casual disdain remained in place as he surveyed the surroundings. So far, everything looked as he would have expected. Metal walls, new technology—not a cheerful environment, but clean and well kept. Of course, based on his information, there was an entirely different side to the prison, but for now he contented himself with observing this section.

The quarters to which Ratchi led him did surprise him, although he didn’t allow that surprise to show on his face. A large living area with elaborate furniture covered with expensive fabrics led into an equally luxurious bedroom through a wide, curtained arch. A sybaritic bathing room flanked one side of the bedroom while the other side looked out into the same small enclosed courtyard as the living area. Although it was clearly an artificial environment, it was as pristine and well-manicured as his own courtyard.

“Adequate,” he said dismissively. “I would also like to see all of the financial reports for the prison for the past five years. I intend to make effective use of the time while the Warden is indisposed.”

Once again, he was quite sure that Ratchi understood the implied threat. The longer he was here, the more he would dig into the affairs of the prison. The other male didn’t quite manage to duck his head fast enough to conceal the flash of dislike on his face, but his voice was as meek and respectful as always.

“Of course, my Lord. I will make the arrangements.” He bowed respectfully and scurried away.

Leavent wandered casually around the rooms, taking a second look. Unless he was much mistaken, the artwork on the wall was a Picardan from the Tanugan period. The selyen fabric covering the cushions was both rare and expensive. How had the warden of a relatively minor prison acquired the funds to furnish this space? Based on the information Ayol had gathered, Warden Nazort was forcing prisoners to fight and then selling the illegal feeds. No doubt lucrative, but not lucrative enough to supply this amount of wealth.

And who had he prepared it for? What prison visitor would expect this level of luxury? A sudden suspicion made him pull a small device from his belt and check the readings. The room was under surveillance. He activated the control to scramble the signal, but it only added to his questions. That type of sophisticated surveillance was only common for high-level political maneuvers.

He was still frowning when the door opened and a female stumbled into the room. Human, he noted automatically, just like the Emperor’s Consort. What was a human female doing here? The Emperor had done his best to bring the illegal trade in humans to a halt, although he had not been entirely successful. Human females were still regarded as desirable playthings with their soft unarmored skin and their complete lack of natural defenses.

Personally, he had never seen the appeal. He had met the Royal Consort on multiple occasions and while attractive and certainly charming, she had seemed far too delicate to handle a male’s… needs.

But if he thought the Consort too delicate, she was nothing compared to this female. The top of her head would barely reach his heart, and she was painfully thin. Despite that, she was startlingly attractive. A mane of fiery red hair flowed down over her shoulders, and her pale skin was sprinkled with attractive little dots of gold. She was dressed in a very brief pale green shift, the fabric so sheer that he could see her small, perfect breasts and the shadowy patch of red between her thighs.

To his shock, his shaft actually started to respond. He had learned a long time ago to control his visible reactions to attractive females. Relationships did not last, and he had no intention of being manipulated by a female.

“Why are you here?”

He used his usual icy tone and then immediately regretted it when she flinched.

“Ratchi sent me. He said that unless I please you, I’ll be thrown into the Pit.”

For the first time, she looked up and their eyes met. Hers were huge and golden and hopeless. Yet despite her obvious despair, her soft little lips were pressed together in a determined line. His chest suddenly ached, and he had the ridiculous urge to pick her up in his arms and carry her away from this place.

No. His brothers needed him, and he wasn’t leaving without them. And he was neither young enough nor gullible enough to be misled by a beautiful face. He pulled himself together and casually approached her, grasping her chin in his fingers when she attempted to drop her eyes again. Her skin was cool and impossibly soft beneath his hand.

“Just how do you intend to please me?”

He had absolutely no intention of indulging, of course, but he would play along with Ratchi’s little game for now.

“I… I…” Her face grew impossibly paler and then she vomited all over herself and him.

CHAPTER THREE

S ophie flinched as the spasms finally subsided, terrified of what this new alien would do to her. He was almost frighteningly handsome with his deep burgundy skin and the dark horns that spiraled up from his brow. His hair was pulled straight back, accentuating the strong lines of his face, and his eyes glowed a deep, rich purple. His dark formal robe had discreet lines of gold embroidery bordering the front opening and ringing the long sleeves, and although it was far less elaborate than the Warden’s robe, she had no doubt it was an expensive garment.

She had thought the Warden’s robe ridiculous, but his simply made him more formidable. Everything about him, from his bearing to his voice, was coldly imposing, but there had been that one moment when their eyes met and she had seen something else—a heat that seemed to reach inside her chilled body. It passed so swiftly she thought she’d imagined it.

And now, now she had ruined his expensive clothing as well as her own ridiculous outfit. When he reached for her she tried to cower away, but her legs were too weak to hold her. With a muffled oath, he lifted her into his arms. In spite of her resolve to accept whatever she had to endure in order to protect her child, she struggled weakly.

“Be still, little female,” he said sternly, but he didn’t hit her or reach for a shock stick.

Instead, he carried her through the expensive-looking room towards the bedroom. He still wanted her? Even after what had happened? The thought horrified her, but before she could resume her struggles, he continued through the bedroom and into the largest bathroom she had ever seen. An enormous bathtub rested on a raised dais in front of a window screen, and she gave it a longing look, but he ignored it, carrying her straight into an equally huge shower instead.

He pressed a series of buttons, and a gentle stream of water flowed down from the ceiling like a warm rain. The warmth quickly penetrated her body, leaving her warm for the first time since she’d arrived in this horrible place. Well, the second time, she thought as he put her gently on her feet. His arms and chest had been wonderfully warm against her chilled skin and in spite of the warm shower, she almost missed his embrace.

He studied her, seemingly unconcerned that his own clothes were getting drenched as the water poured down over his head and started to curl the dark strands of his hair. His gaze drifted from her face down over her body, and she realized that the already sheer gown was now rendered completely transparent. The heat ignited in his eyes again as his eyes lingered over her breasts, and her rebellious nipples tightened into hard little peaks.

Horrified, she tried to take a step back, but her weakened condition and the wet floor betrayed her and she started to fall. She tried to put her hands over her stomach, determined to protect her child, but instead of hitting the floor, she found herself back in his arms again. He swore under his breath as he peered down at her face.

“You are too weak to stand. Have you been fed?”

“They tried.” Not very hard, she thought bitterly. “I can’t keep anything down.”

She expected him to demand to know what was wrong with her, to summon the medical team and put her back in isolation. But although he frowned, he still kept her securely tucked against his chest.

“You’re getting wet,” she said, her voice trembling, hoping he would get the hint and leave her alone.

“Yes,” he said absently, his eyes still on her face.

Instead of leaving, he lowered her to the ground, continuing to support her as he shrugged the damp robe off his shoulders. Wow. He had been an imposing figure before, but she had assumed that the robe was at least partially responsible. It wasn’t. Without it, she could see the broad, muscular expanse of his chest as well as his powerful arms. At least he had been wearing pants beneath the robe, but the tight wet fabric only emphasized the disturbingly large bulge of his cock. She hastily dragged her eyes away from it.

“You can let me go now.”

“Why would I do that?” He raised an eyebrow. “You will no doubt attempt to injure yourself again. Then what use will you be to me?”

I don’t want to be of use to you. Only the thought of the life inside her prevented her from snapping back at him, but she managed to bite her lip in time.

“I will wash you,” he said coolly, surprising her yet again.

“You don’t—”

“Do not argue with me, little female.”

He carried her over to the bench that ran along one wall, stripping off the wet remains of her clothing despite her protests. He then proceeded to bathe her. Gently, thoroughly, his expression so composed, she could almost believe that he was not affected, but she could feel the rigid bar of his cock beneath her ass. She kept expecting him to force her to her knees or demand that she service him, but he did nothing except wash from her toes to her head. He even washed inside her mouth, pushing a thick soap-covered finger between her lips before she could object. She expected an awful soapy taste, but instead, the cleansing liquid tasted as sweet as it smelled. And when he finally removed his finger, the horrible aftertaste was gone.

“Your mouth is very small,” he said thoughtfully, and she shivered. She’d heard enough graphic speculation from the medical staff to understand the implication. Once again, she tensed, but he only resumed his ministrations.

When he rubbed the sweet-smelling liquid through her hair, she almost groaned with pleasure. She had always loved having someone play with her hair. He took his time, working the liquid down through the long strands without ever tugging painfully. Once he was satisfied, he moved on to her front. As his soapy hands covered her breasts, she had to bite back a gasp. Her pregnancy had made her breasts incredibly sensitive, and the slick warmth of his hands felt good—much too good. He hesitated a fraction of a second, and her heart stuttered, but he kept going.

Good, she told herself, doing her best to keep her face as impassive as his.

When he finally decided she was clean, he placed her on the bench then stood up and casually removed his wet pants and a pair of soft boots. Her eyes widened, and she knew she was staring. She couldn’t drag her gaze away. Admittedly, her experience was somewhat limited. Other than Eric, she’d only had a few other relationships, but she had never seen such an enormous cock. The thick shaft was a deep wine color, several shades darker than his skin, with a pattern of small raised nubs that spiraled up the entire length.

He stood there, perfectly at ease as she stared at him. When she finally managed to pull her gaze away, he washed himself just as thoroughly, although much faster.

Once he was clean, he turned back to her and she belatedly realized that she had merely been sitting there staring at him. Why hadn’t she taken the opportunity to run away?

Because there’s nowhere to go.

But maybe if she had left, he wouldn’t think that she was a willing slave. It was too late now, she thought despairingly as he picked her up again. Even wet, his skin gave off so much heat that she was almost tempted to lean into him. Instead, she held herself rigid as he carried her out of the bathroom.

Her heart skipped a beat as they entered the bedroom area, but once again, he simply carried her through it and into the main living area. He pressed a button on the wall, and a section magically opened to reveal a fireplace. Flames flickered up from a long row of brightly colored stones, and she could immediately feel the warmth it generated. He put her on her feet, checked to make sure that she could stand, and proceeded to dry her with a towel that absorbed the moisture from her body with remarkable ease. He ran it through her hair, leaving the long curls barely damp, then studied her face again.

“That’s better.” He drew one of the plush armchairs over to the fireplace, and gently pushed her into it.

“Stay there.”

She wanted to balk at his peremptory tone, but the chair was soft and the fireplace gave out a soothing warmth and she felt clean for the first time since she’d been taken. Her eyes followed him as he stalked over to a small control panel, still completely naked. The back view was just as impressive as the front—broad shoulders and a muscular back leading down to lean hips and a perfectly shaped ass.

“I require food,” he said, his voice cold. “Send mazli wafers, shorva soup, and a bottle of baslik juice.” There was a brief pause. “Yes, I suppose that will do. One must adapt to primitive surroundings.”

He disconnected without another word and turned to her. His brows drew together, and she lifted her chin, determined not to flinch no matter how intimidating he appeared. Without speaking, he stalked off into the bedroom and returned with the silken throw that had been artfully arranged on the bed. To her shock, he tucked it around her. He was covering her? That was a first.

He nodded, then disappeared again, only to return wearing his pants. From the soft sheen of the material, they were almost dry, but they cupped the thick ridge of his cock just as tightly.

Did it ever go down? Maybe his species just walked around with a constant erection. Or even more terrifyingly, what if this was its normal state and it got even larger when he was erect?

No, that was not what she wanted to think about. But the fact that he had dressed himself, even partially, and covered her hopefully meant she was not in imminent danger. Although she was determined to keep an eye on him, the pleasure of feeling clean and the unaccustomed warmth were too much for her. Her eyes drifted closed.

CHAPTER FOUR

L eavent knew the second the female fell asleep. She looked ridiculously small and fragile in the big chair, but it did nothing to ease his arousal. As small as she was, she was perfectly formed to his exact specifications. He could still feel those perfectly shaped breasts, her hard nipples pressing against his palm as if inviting his touch.

He had given up on attempting to control his unruly cock the moment he’d seen her naked. Instead, he had used his considerable self-control to keep his actions purely functional. He enjoyed the occasional female company, but he had never been tempted to care for any of them. If anything, he had allowed them to tend to him. But taking care of this tempting little female had been surprisingly rewarding.

She is a distraction, he reminded himself. He had little doubt that Ratchi had chosen her specifically for that purpose, but he refused to allow her to distract him. He considered sending her away, but he suspected that Ratchi’s threat had been genuine. The thought of her delicate body at the mercy of the inmates in the underground prison made his claws emerge. He would never permit such a fate to befall her.

A few moments later, a servant appeared. It was a Sudra, one of the worker caste. Unlike Ratchi, the male was as meek and subservient as he appeared, and Leavent wondered how he had ended up in the prison.

“Your food, my Lord,” the male said nervously. “Would you like me to serve it to you?”

“No, thank you.”

The servant gave him a shocked look, apparently unused to even such common courtesy, then bobbed his head and turned to go. Leavent saw his eyes widen again as he took in the sight of his sleeping female. No matter how small, he did not want any male looking at her. To his utter shock, a growl started to emerge from his lips. He managed to turn it into a harsh cough as the Sudra gave him an apologetic look.

“I will require clothing for my female,” he said harshly. “I trust there is something suitable?”

“There is clothing.”

“Then please bring me a selection. Later,” he added after a moment’s thought. “I do not wish to be disturbed for the next two hours.”

The Sudra shot another glance at his female, and Leavent suspected he was tempted to object, but all he did was nod.

“Yes, my Lord,” he said meekly and slipped out of the room.

Leavent shook his head. No doubt the Sudra thought he was about to ravish his female. But although the idea was definitely tempting, he would never force an unwilling female. He did wish to allow her to rest undisturbed, and the brief delay would not disrupt his plans to any great extent. He arranged the food on the low table in front of the couch, then went and gathered her up once more.

He kept her wrapped in the silken throw, noting that the expensive fabric was still not as soft as her delicate skin. Her eyes opened as he picked her up, that golden gaze meeting his, and he had the same strange feeling of connection, as if he could see into her soul and she could see into his.

Ridiculous. He frowned, and her sleepy smile disappeared, replaced by fear, and he immediately wanted to comfort her. The impulse only annoyed him further, and he stalked over to the couch without a word. But when he sat down with her in his lap, he was ashamed of himself. Had he learned nothing from his time at Court? Even if he was troubled by his reaction to her, he knew better than to reveal it. He sighed and pushed her head gently against his chest, running his fingers soothingly through the long, fiery curls.

“There is no need to be afraid.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” she muttered, and flinched.

His lips quirked. “Perhaps it is, but I assure you, you are safe.”

She pushed tentatively at his chest, and he let her sit up a little. “Does that mean you’re going to let me go?”

“To go where?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

The hopeless look reappeared again, but she lifted her chin. “Maybe out of your lap for a start?”

“I said I did not intend to harm you. That does not mean that I will allow you to harm yourself either.”

“What do you mean?” she asked suspiciously.

“You need to eat.”

Blunt little teeth fastened over her plump lower lip.

“I know. But I haven’t been able to keep anything down.”

“This will be easy to digest, and we will take it slowly.”

She gave him a dubious look, but he reached forward, picked up one of the mazli wafers, and handed it to her.

“Try it,” he ordered when she only looked at it. She jumped at the command in his voice, but she took it. He watched with satisfaction as her doubt turned to pleasure.

“This is very good.”

She took several more bites before he took it away from her. She looked as if she was about to protest, but he shook his head.

“Slowly. Your stomach needs time to adjust.”

Her brows started to draw together in an adorable little frown, but she quickly smoothed it away. He was almost sorry. He enjoyed watching her expressive face.

“Here. Try this.”

He handed her a small crystal glass of the baslik juice. She took a tentative sip, then another, and smiled. She took a much larger drink, obviously anticipating that he was about to remove the glass, and gave him a triumphant look. He shook his head, but couldn’t help smiling. He suspected that when she was at full strength, she would be very spirited. Would that spirit carry through to the bedroom, he wondered. His cock jerked, and he saw her eyes widen, her smile disappearing.

Ignoring the all too obvious presence of his erection, he removed the glass and handed her a small cup of soup. She sipped it obediently, but she didn’t seem as delighted as she had been by either the wafers or the juice. Still, it would provide nutrients and he urged her to sip a little more. When he handed her the juice again, she frowned.

“I can eat by myself, you know.”

“Why should you? I enjoy feeding you,” he told her truthfully, then frowned.

How long had it been since he had taken care of someone? Not since his stepmother died. That was what he had learned to wall away his emotions. He’d had no time to grieve. His father was hell-bent on self-destruction and his brothers needed him. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t realize she had finished the entire glass of baslik juice. He removed it from her hand and attempted to give her more soup.

“No more schoop,” she mumbled, her words slurred. The adorable little frown wrinkled her brow again. “Was there alcohol in that?”

He shook his head. “It is only the juice of the baslik fruit.”

“Mmm. I feel wonderful.”

She threw her arms up and stretched languorously, leaning back against his arm. As she did, the throw slipped down, revealing the perfect little mounds of her breasts. She looked down and giggled.

“Would you look at that? They don’t look like they’re getting any bigger,” she added sadly.

“They do not need to be any larger.”

He knew he should cover her again, but she was still staring down at her breasts. Her nipples tightened into dark red berries. To his shock, she raised her hand and tugged at one distended peak. Her back arched at her own touch, and she moaned softly.

“But they are definitely more sensitive. I wonder if it will hurt when they’re sucked on.” His cock jerked at the image, and she giggled, wiggling in his lap. “I guess you like that idea.”

He’d been hanging onto his self-control by the merest thread, but the feel of her soft little ass rubbing against his aching erection was too much. With a groan, he bent his head and took a rosy little peak in his mouth. Gods, she was sweet.

The small bud hardened even more as he wrapped his tongue around it and tugged. She reached for his horns to urge him on, and the feel of her small fingers around the sensitive base of his horns made fire streak down his spine. He sucked harder, then switched to the other breast, using his fingers to work the abandoned nipple. Her soft gasps encouraged him, and he switched back and forth until her back arched and her fingers tightened on his horns as she cried out.

Shudders rippled over her slender body, and the sweet scent of her arousal made his head swim. She had climaxed simply by the touch of his hands and mouth on her breasts? His feeling of smug satisfaction was replaced by guilt when he looked down and realized that her eyes had closed. He never should have given in to her request. She was still weak and far from well.

He lifted her limp body and carried her to the bed. She settled between the soft sheets with a contented sigh. He made sure she was covered, then stood looking down at her for far too long. She looked so beautiful, so perfect, sleeping in his bed. As if she belonged there. Perhaps he could find a way to keep her there. Given her responsiveness to his touch, he hoped she would agree to remain with him.

Pleased by the idea, he returned to the living area, closing the curtain that separated the two rooms behind him. For now, he had work to do. He raised his data tablet and saw that Ratchi had sent him the no doubt heavily altered records. His lips curved. His years at Court had given him a great deal of experience with financial records, and he was sure he would find the inevitable discrepancies. This should prove entertaining.

CHAPTER FIVE

S ophie’s eyes drifted open. She’d been having the most wonderful dream, about a fiery demon with horns and a wickedly talented tongue. Her body still felt limp and relaxed, although the soft brush of the sheets against her tender nipples sent a thrill of arousal through her body. She started to sit up, then frowned as she took in her surroundings. This wasn’t her bedroom.

The curtains on one wall parted to reveal her demon lover, and with a dreadful rush, it all came flooding back—the kidnapping, the lab, the alien male who had driven her to orgasm with just his mouth on her breasts. And she’d liked it. What was wrong with her? Not just liked it, but encouraged him, she remembered. She’d felt so safe in his arms, warmth running through her veins as she urged him on. It was almost as if…

She sat up straighter, clutching the sheet to her chest. “What did you do to me? There was alcohol in that drink, wasn’t there?”

Not only had he gotten her drunk, but what if it had hurt her child? Her hand automatically went to her stomach.

His smile disappeared, replaced with the icy look she remembered.

“I did nothing. Are you one of those females who regrets their actions and then tries to blame others for them?”

“I most certainly am not. But that wasn’t me. You said that drink didn’t have any alcohol, but the way it made me feel…”

He frowned, and even though it was a forbidding expression, it was somehow much more reassuring than the icy mask.

“I did not lie to you. I will never lie to you.” He hesitated, his expression turning thoughtful. “However, now that you mention it, I do remember hearing that the small mammals who eat the fruit sometimes behave as if they are intoxicated.”

She couldn’t decide if she was more annoyed or relieved. She didn’t like being classified as a small mammal, but if it truly wasn’t alcoholic, that meant it wouldn’t have harmed the baby.

“It doesn’t affect you at all?” she asked suspiciously.

“Not at all.” The devilish look reappeared. “I do not need to be intoxicated to enjoy your delightful body.”

His gaze dropped to her chest, and she was sure he could see her nipples pressing against the thin sheet. But although his gaze heated, he changed the subject.

“I have had clothing brought for you. The fabrics are expensive and the garments well made.”

The slight restraint in his voice made her give him a suspicious look. “But?”

He raised an eyebrow. “But?”

“It sounded like there was something you weren’t telling me.”

“They are somewhat… revealing,” he said slowly. “As much as I appreciate your beauty, I do not like the idea of sharing it.”

Why did the fact that he found her beautiful please her so much? And why did she believe him when she hadn’t believed Eric? Hiding her pleasure at his words, she shrugged.

“It’s better than being naked.” She had been naked the entire time she had been in the lab, and she had hated every minute of it.

“Would you like to choose one?”

He looked as if he’d surprised himself by offering her a choice. Given his previous behavior, she suspected he preferred to make the decisions and she gave him a smile of genuine gratitude.

“Yes, please.”

She started to climb out of bed, then remembered that she was still naked. His lips quirked, but he only shook his head.

“Wait there. I will bring them to you.”

He disappeared through the curtain, but it was sheer enough that she could see him in the other room as he picked through a selection of garments. She smiled as she realized he wasn’t bringing all of them to her. Apparently, his ability to relinquish control only went so far. He reappeared with an armful of colorful garments, but she gave them a dismayed look. She could already tell that most of them were as sheer as he had suggested.

He cleared his throat. “May I make a suggestion?”

She nodded, and he held up a bronze-colored gown with a delicate embroidered design. At first it appeared ridiculously sheer, but then she realized that the embroidered design rendered the fabric more opaque, at least over the crucial areas. She shot a quick look at the other clothes, but didn’t see anything that looked like a better option.

“I suppose that will do. It’s very pretty.”

Now that the decision had been made, she expected him to leave the room, but he didn’t move.

“Are you going to leave and let me get dressed?”

“No.” He was using his commanding voice again.

“Why not?”

“Because you are still weak. I have no intention of letting you harm yourself because you are embarrassed by your naked body.” He raised an eyebrow, looking wickedly sardonic. “In case you have forgotten, I have already seen every inch of it.”

She knew she was blushing, but she did her best to keep her chin high. He was right. And he’s certainly the least objectionable of all aliens who’ve seen me naked, she thought bitterly. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she tried to stand up, and her knees buckled immediately.

Of course he caught her, locking her against his strong firm chest with one muscular arm. Although he was wearing his robes again, she was overwhelmingly conscious of his body beneath the silky fabric. Her nipples ached and she wanted to rub them against him, but she refused to give in a second time. She bit her lip and tried to steady herself, but only succeeded in stumbling into him. He gave a soft huff of disapproval as his arm tightened.

She was very conscious of his erection pressing against her stomach and remembered her earlier speculation. Was he hard all the time? Maybe it had nothing to do with her at all. But when she looked up at him, the hunger in his gaze was clearly obvious. Permanent erection or not, he wanted her.

For the first time, it occurred to her that perhaps he offered a way off of this horrible planet. He obviously wanted her, and her body certainly responded to him. The memory of his mouth on her breasts flashed through her mind, and her nipples tightened. No, desire would not be a problem. He had also been… kind, if a bit bossy for her liking. He had fed her and was about to clothe her. Could she convince him to take her along when he left? She had no illusions that he would keep her for long, especially once she started to show. But if he could get her away from here, perhaps she would have a chance to escape, to find a safe place to have her baby.

She didn’t have the courage or quite frankly the strength to do much seducing, but she allowed her body to rest against his and didn’t try to escape his grip. His eyes narrowed and she had an uneasy feeling that he suspected her intentions, but he didn’t comment.

Keeping a firm hold on her arm, he dropped the dress over her head, then adjusted the small clasps along the sides. As she suspected, it was extremely sheer, her skin visible through the thin bronze cloth and the slits that ran up each side. But the ornate embroidery concealed her breasts and the small patch of curls between her legs. At least it was something.

“You look very beautiful, little female,” he said, his voice deepening, and she suddenly felt even more exposed than she did when she was naked.

She knew she was blushing again, and did her best to cover her embarrassment by frowning up at him. “I do have a name.”

“I assumed you did. I have been remiss in not asking for it.” Cool, slightly mocking, his tone did nothing to alleviate her embarrassment.

“My name is Sophie.”

“Sophie.”

The sound of her name never sounded quite so erotic, and a shiver skated down her spine.

“It’s actually Sophia. My mother named me after a character in a movie, but I always thought it sounded like an old lady’s name.” She realized she was babbling, and pressed her lips together. He only looked amused, and somehow that was worse. “What’s your name, anyway?”

“Lord Leavent.”

She remembered that Ratchi had referred to him as my Lord.

“Should I call you my Lord?” she asked somewhat doubtfully.

“Mmm. That sounds very nice coming from these pretty little lips.” He stroked his thumb across her mouth leaving a wave of heat behind. “But when you’re coming in my arms, you may simply call me Leavent.”

Her mouth dropped open in shock. He laughed, then bent his head and kissed her. His mouth was hot, his tongue long and impossibly agile as he explored her mouth, slowly and thoroughly. The same way he had bathed her and fed her. Would he make love with that same slow, thorough attention? she wondered as the kiss finally came to an end. He looked down and smiled, his expression as soft as she had ever seen it as he ran his thumb across her flushed cheeks.

“Beautiful.”

“I… I…”

Her ability to speak seemed to have disappeared. He laughed again, sounding far too satisfied for her comfort, but before she could respond, his face resumed its usual cool mask.

“Can you walk?”

She wanted to assure him that she could, but her knees still felt weak, and the kiss had done nothing to strengthen them.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly.

He bent down to pick her up, carrying her easily into the next room where he placed her gently on the couch. The communication device pinged, and he frowned before pressing the button.

“Yes?” His voice was as cold as ever. She could almost believe she had imagined that scene in the bedroom, but her lips still tingled from his kiss.

“I am gratified to know that he has made such a speedy recovery.” Although his tone hadn’t changed, she saw the satisfaction on his face.

“Very well. Have him meet me here.” He ended the call with a decisive click.

“Warden Nazort will be coming to join us.” He hesitated. “You were given to me.”

“I remember. To pleasure you.”

“Or more accurately, to distract me. I believe it would be… useful for him to believe he has succeeded. Can you play the role of a little plaything?”

She liked the way he presented it—as a role she would be playing. And if she wanted him to consider taking her along, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to assist his plans.

“Yes,” she said immediately. The approval in his eyes gave her a pleasant glow that had absolutely nothing to do with her schemes.

“Very good.” He hesitated. “Try not to react to anything that is said. It might be best if you didn’t speak.”

It’s just an act, she reminded herself, and nodded.

“You could also gaze up at me worshipfully,” he added, then laughed at the look on her face. “No actual worshiping required, little female.”

He bent his head and kissed her, but his mouth had barely brushed against hers when the door alarm chimed. He sighed and raised his head, but he didn’t answer it immediately. Instead, he took a moment to arrange her body in the corner of the couch, letting the gown fall open to reveal a provocative hint of thigh. He was far too elegant to look disarrayed, but he opened the neck of his robe and managed to look as if he had been interrupted at an intimate moment. Then he nodded with satisfaction and went to answer the door.

CHAPTER SIX

D uring his years in the Court, Leavent had met many unpleasant individuals, but he had rarely taken such an instant dislike to anyone as he did to Warden Nazort. The small pink male came bustling into his quarters bristling with his own self-importance, Ratchi trailing meekly behind him. Like Leavent, Nazort was wearing formal Court robes—highly inappropriate, since he was attending the meeting in his position as the administrator of the prison—but while they were no doubt expensive, they were also in remarkably poor taste. The vivid colors did not coordinate, and the overly ornate jewel encrusted embroidery would have been the subject of ridicule on Kaisar.

But it was neither the Warden’s arrogance nor his lack of taste that really offended Leavent. It was the fact that his eyes went directly to Sophie, an expression of blatant lust on his face. Although Leavent had deliberately arranged her position to present a tempting picture, he had the sudden urge to cover her with a blanket and demand that the Warden leave.

The Warden’s eyes flicked from Sophie to the open neck of his robe and gave him a knowing grin. “I see you been enjoying yourself with my slave.”

The emphasis was quite clear, and Leavent had to force himself not to assert his own claim. Sophie did not belong to the Warden. She is mine. The absolute certainty of his thoughts startled him, but he disguised his feelings, along with his distaste for the Warden, behind his usual icy demeanor.

“Royal property is always excellent,” he said casually, and seated himself on the couch, pulling Sophie against his side as he did. She responded perfectly, snuggling against him with a happy sigh and gazing reverently up at him.

“Royal property?” Nazort stuttered.

Leavent saw Ratchi give the Warden a discreet nudge before he could finish his protest. The Warden’s position as prison official was subject to Royal administrative control, and as such, he was not allowed to own slaves, especially not illegal human slaves. A fact Warden Nazort had clearly forgotten. As a duly appointed representative of the Imperial Court, Leavent had every right to exert his authority over Sophie. From the small twist to Ratchi’s lips, he had obviously anticipated such a result.

“Yes, well,” Nazort blustered, then quickly changed the subject, “I understood that you wished to see me on an urgent matter, so I rose from my bed in order to meet with you.”

The Warden looked longingly at the closest chair, but he didn’t quite have the nerve to seat himself without express permission. This was precisely the reason that Leavent had told them to meet him in his quarters. He had the advantage of home territory. He let the other male wait for a few more seconds, then waved graciously at the chair.

“You may be seated.”

The Warden stiffened even more, but he kept his mouth shut as he sat.

“I am here for two reasons. The first is to review the financial standing of the prison, although I admit I didn’t get far as I intended before I was so delightfully distracted.” He deliberately closed his hand over Sophie’s breast, and she arched into his touch.

The Warden licked his lips and shifted uncomfortably in his chair, annoyance clearly visible on his face.

“I assure you that everything is in order, my Lord,” Ratchi said meekly, but Leavent saw the satisfaction on his face.

He waved a dismissive hand.

“Perhaps you are right. Although I will need to give them at least a cursory review.”

He saw the Warden’s shoulders slump with relief and gave him a moment to enjoy it before he leaned forward, his voice hardening.

“However, I am also here on a far more serious and personal matter.”

The other two males exchanged a questioning glance.

“Yes, Lord Leavent?” the Warden asked tentatively. “What is that?”

“To find out why you had the nerve to receive items stolen from my personal cellar for over a year—and what you have done to the bastard who stole them.”

His anger was not entirely feigned. Although he had discovered what Altrez was doing as soon as the first case disappeared, he was still annoyed that his brother hadn’t trusted him enough to include him in his plans. He forced down his anger and composed his face in his iciest expression. A part of him was almost amused at the way they scrambled for answers. Almost.

“Y-yours, my Lord?” Nazort’s voice reached an unpleasant squeaky pitch.

“Was it not obvious that every bottle bore my seal?”

The Warden looked even more discomposed, obviously scrambling for an answer. Ratchi stepped in smoothly.

“Warden Nazort prefers that all of his liquor be decanted. He would not have seen the original bottles.”

“Indeed?” His tone conveyed his complete lack of belief in the excuse, but he was actually impressed by the assistant’s quick thinking and somewhat plausible explanation.

“Yes, I’m sure that’s it.” The Warden tried to assume his previous air of self-importance, but it was not a convincing effort. “Bottles are so commonplace, don’t you think? Whereas my decanters are made from the finest Sardoran crystal.”

“Are you implying that the liquor stolen from me was not good enough for you?”

Once again, the Warden lost himself in a morass of mumbled apologies and justification. This time, Ratchi didn’t seem willing to come to his assistance. Instead, he was studying Leavent thoughtfully.

After letting the male squirm for a few minutes, Leavent waved a dismissive hand.

“I understand that mistakes can be made. Assuming they do not indicate a pattern of oversight, it might not be necessary to bring in an Imperial review team.”

The Warden’s face had been purple with embarrassment, but now it faded to a sickly pink.

“And assuming, of course, that the thief has been subjected to appropriate punishment.”

To his relief, the Warden cast a desperate look at Ratchi. In spite of the reassuring pulse of the locator, there had still been an element of doubt. But if Altrez had been eliminated, the Warden would be scrambling to show him his body.

“What do you consider appropriate punishment, my Lord?” Ratchi asked meekly.

“Certainly not a clean, well-lit private cell with three meals a day.”

“We have alternatives,” the Warden said eagerly, and Leavent saw Ratchi close his eyes in what he was fairly sure was exasperation.

“Such as?”

“A more… primitive environment. For those Undesirable inmates who deserve special treatment.”

“Special treatment?”

The Warden smiled maliciously. “Some of our patrons feel the same way you do about the lack of true punishment in the upper prison. They prefer the Pit.”

He felt Sophie give an almost imperceptible flinch and remembered what she had said about Ratchi’s threats. They had intended to cast his delicate female into that underground hell? His fingers flexed in a slight betraying gesture at the idea, and she flinched again. Fuck. His hand was still closed around her breast, and he had gripped it tighter than he intended. He flicked his thumb gently across her nipple in an apologetic gesture, even though he was sure that Ratchi was watching both of them.

“And is my thief in this Pit of yours?”

“He was, my Lord.” The Warden looked a little desperately at Ratchi, but the other male was staring down into his lap. “He, err, escaped.”

The Warden ducked his head as he finished speaking, as if anticipating a blow, but Leavent had made enough betraying gestures for one meeting.

“Indeed?”

His tone was carefully neutral, and the Warden obviously took that as a respite.

“Yes, my Lord. But there is nowhere to go on Folsom except the jungle. We assume that is where he headed. And no one can survive in the jungle. Why, the last time I sent my guards into the jungle, fewer than half of them returned.”

“And was this ill-fated expedition in search of my thief?” he purred. The Warden paled again as he realized his mistake.

“No, my Lord. Because the fatality rate is so high, we haven’t bothered to retrieve the bodies.”

He managed not to tighten the hand cupping Sophie’s breast, but he had to dig his claws into his palm in the hand concealed beneath his robes. That could be his brother—his brothers—who the other male was discussing so casually. If not for the steady thrum of the locators, he would have taken great delight in throttling both of the other males.

“Bodies?” he asked sardonically. “This Pit of yours does not seem very secure if multiple prisoners are escaping.” The Warden started stumbling over another explanation, but he cut him off abruptly. “I will inspect it myself.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

The Warden sounded relieved, but Ratchi shot him a speculative look. Leavent almost shook his head. He had no doubt that the small male was already scheming, but did he really think he could be so easily eliminated?

“It is nearing the end of the day, and it is already after lights out,” Ratchi said smoothly. “Of course we could turn the lights back on for you, but perhaps you would prefer to… rest.” He glanced deliberately at Sophie. “You could conduct your inspection in the morning?”

“The morning will be soon enough,” he said graciously, pulling Sophie onto his lap. “I do indeed have… plans for tonight.”

He stared down at her flushed face, then ran a claw between her breasts, slicing open the expensive fabric to reveal a line of pale, gold-speckled skin.

“You may go,” he said dismissively, not bothering to look up from the female quivering in his arms.

“Of course, my Lord.” Ratchi again, and he heard the Warden give a faint, mumbled protest as his assistant hurried him out of the room.

The door chimed behind them as the lock clicked into place.

“And now, little female, you are mine.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Y ou have claws,” Sophie blurted out, her ability to make rational conversation seriously hampered by that burning amethyst gaze.

“Yes,” he said absently, still staring at the line of naked skin he had revealed. His finger traced the path from her collarbone down to her navel, a light, almost delicate touch, but it left a wave of burning heat behind it

“But you didn’t have those before. When you… touched me.”

That got his attention. He looked up at her and smiled, then lifted his hand into the air. He flexed his fingers, and short dark claws sprang out from his fingertips. She gulped.

“Oh.”

His smile grew, but it wasn’t the mocking smile. This one was softer and made his face even more dangerously attractive. She gulped again, but it wasn’t from fear. Her nipples felt like burning pebbles beneath the thin layer of lace that still covered them.

“Don’t worry, little female. I will never use them to hurt you.”

“Oh… okay.” She shivered as his fingers stroked down that line again, and he immediately paused.

“Are you all right? Is your stomach still unsettled?”

Yes. But this time, it was because of what felt like a thousand butterflies swarming there. The food and drink and the long nap had left her feeling better than she had in weeks.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, but he was already lifting her into a seated position and shaking his head.

“Fuck. You really are a distraction.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Did that mean he regretted her presence? Although she hadn’t understood all the nuances behind his conversation with the Warden, it had been quite clear that the Pit was for only the worst criminals. The thought of being thrown into it made her fear not only for her own life but for the life of her child.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, clutching his arm. “Please don’t send me away. Isn’t there anything I can do to help instead?”

She actually considered reaching for his cock, but although she was sure he would respond, she was afraid that once he was through with her, he would regard her as a distraction again.

“Not unless you can read and write Kaisarian,” he said sardonically, then his gaze softened. “I’m not going to send you away.”

Relief swept over her in an enormous wave, and she impulsively leaned forward and hugged him.

“Thank you,” she whispered against his ear.

He actually shuddered, and she simultaneously realized two things—his cock had stiffened even more, to the extent that the broad head was pushing past his waistband, and the slit down the front of her gown had opened even more with her movement. Her breasts were now pressed against his very hard, naked chest.

“Little female, if you truly do not wish to distract me, then it would be best if you did not throw yourself into my arms.” There was a definite note of strain beneath the mockery this time, and it gave her a perverse sense of confidence.

“Could you teach me?” When his eyes darkened, she added hastily, “To read and write your language?”

She expected him to dismiss the suggestion, but instead he looked thoughtful. “Perhaps… But first, you need to eat.” His gaze traveled down over her still exposed breasts. “And I think, perhaps, some clothing is in order.”

“Yes, my Lord,” she said meekly.

He made a sound that reminded her suspiciously of a growl, but then he sighed and lifted her off his lap back onto the couch. He stood, wincing as he pushed his cock back down into his pants. The fact that he was attracted to her made her feel even more hopeful, especially since he seemed to be able to control that attraction. If she could just keep him interested long enough to get away from here—before he discovered that she was pregnant.

“How long are you going to be here on Folsom?” she asked as casually as possible.

He was frowning down at his datapad. “Until I have completed my mission.”

“To punish your thief?”

He shot her another quick glance, and she thought she detected a flash of amusement. “That’s one way of putting it. I suspect he will not be happy when I catch up with him.”

He sounded so sure.

“You don’t think he’s dead in the jungle?”

“Hmm. You were putting on such a good act as my devoted plaything that I didn’t realize how much attention you are paying. You know, we have a saying on my planet: curiosity killed the tigren.” He leaned forward and gently flicked the tip of her nose. “Good advice.”

Her mouth dropped open, and he laughed, his expression lightening, before bending forward and kissing her. Not a long kiss, but still slowly, thoroughly seductive. She started to put her arms around his neck, but he pulled away before she did. His thumb brushed across her flushed cheeks, and then he turned away.

“We have that saying on my planet too,” she said, trying to gather her dignity. “About an animal we call a cat. But we also say that cats have nine lives.”

“You, however, do not.” His face turned serious. “You must be careful, Sophie.”

Before she could respond, he handed her the datapad and opened an application. “This is a teaching program.”

Unexpected tears filled her eyes. Although she suspected it would take a long time before she could do anything useful, the fact that he had listened to her request filled her with hope.

“You do not have to learn,” he added quickly, apparently misinterpreting her tears.

He reached for the datapad, but she snatched it back against her chest. “No, I want to.”

“Very well. I’m going to my ship to gather a few things.”

Her happiness disappeared in a flash, but he must have seen her face pale.

“Don’t worry, little cat. I will return soon.” He hesitated. “I will lock the door, but it is entirely possible that there is an override. Here. Take this.”

He reached down and pulled a jeweled dagger out of his boot and gave it to her. She took it cautiously between a finger and thumb.

“I’m not sure I can stab anyone.”

“You can if you need to. But I honestly do not believe it will be necessary or I would not leave you.” He looked down at her shaking hand and sighed. “Would you rather come with me? In your role as my plaything?”

“No. It’s not the plaything part,” she added quickly. “I don’t mind that, but the prison is so horrible.”

“Hmm.” He gave her a devilish smile. “We will have to discuss which parts of your plaything role you enjoy when I return.”

He disappeared through the door, and she heard the lock click into place. Somewhat reassured by the sound, she placed the dagger cautiously on the cushion next to her. She pulled her dress back into place and picked up the datapad. To her surprise, the lesson proceeded with amazing ease. She’d already managed to read a simple sentence when the door alarm chimed again.

Her heart started to thud against her ribs. Picking up the dagger, she cautiously approached the door.

“Who is it?”

“Lord Leavent requested that I bring a meal for you, Mistress.” The voice was soft and deferential, but it didn’t ease her suspicions. Her stomach growled, and she realized that for the first time in weeks, she actually felt hungry. But what if it was a trap?

“Are you alone?” she asked, then immediately regretted her stupidity. There was nothing to prevent him from lying to her.

“Yes, Mistress.” There was a brief hesitation. “If you will forgive my impertinence, the green button on the control panel activates a camera.”

She regarded it suspiciously, but she couldn’t think of any reason why it might be harmful and she finally pressed it. A small holographic screen appeared above the door control, showing a 360-degree view of the corridor outside. The only person in sight was a small reptilian male with muted gold scales carrying a tray.

He certainly looked harmless enough, and Leavent had promised to feed her. Adjusting her grip on the dagger, she released the door lock and took a hasty step back. The little male stepped through, carefully averting his eyes as he carried the tray to the table in front of the couch and placed it down.

“Do you wish me to serve you?” he asked softly.

Remembering how Leavent had fed her previously, she suspected that he would disapprove.

“No, thank you… I’m sorry. What’s your name?”

The question startled him enough that he actually raised his eyes to her face for an instant.

“I am Basti.”

“Thank you, Basti.”

His gaze flashed up to hers once more, and this time it was clearly appraising. He took a step closer, and she gripped her dagger even tighter, hoping she hadn’t made a terrible mistake. He was no taller than her and very thin, but she had no way of knowing his strength.

“You do not appear to be damaged, Mistress.” His voice was barely audible.

She almost laughed. Not damaged? She’d been kidnapped, stripped, probed, and threatened. But despite all that, she knew how much worse it could have been.

“Yes, I’m undamaged.”

He took another step closer, so close she caught a whiff of his dry, musty scent, and put his hand very tentatively on her arm.

“The Warden is afraid of Lord Leavent,” he whispered. “Do everything you can to remain under his protection.”

“I intend to.”

He dipped his head, and hesitated again. “There is a way—”

Whatever he was about to say was interrupted as the door slid open. Leavent stepped through and immediately focused on the small male standing so close to her. This time, the noise he made was unmistakably a growl, and he was across the room with his hands around Basti’s neck before she could blink.

CHAPTER EIGHT

L eavent was so incensed that the Sudra male had the nerve to touch his female that it took him far longer than it should have to realize that Sophie was tugging frantically on his arm.

“Stop. Please, stop.”

The fact that she was pleading on the other male’s behalf only increased his rage.

“He touched you,” he snarled.

“No, it’s not like that.”

He didn’t care what it was like. She belonged to him. His grip tightened, and then a small soft hand gripped his cock. The shock actually made him pause, and his hands loosened. The Sudra male dropped to the ground coughing.

“You value his life enough to try and manipulate me in such a fashion?”

The hurt on her face immediately made him regret his hasty words. But she wrapped her pride around herself like a cloak.

“No. I was just trying to get your attention. Basti brought me food—as you requested,” she added meaningfully.

He had requested that food be brought for her, although he had mistakenly assumed that it would be brought after he returned. However, he still did not like the fact that she was using the male’s name.

“Why was he touching you?” he snapped.

“He was just telling me that you could protect me from the Warden,” she said softly.

As he looked down at the small male, now kneeling humbly on the floor, remorse swept over him. He had completely lost control after all these years of practicing self-discipline. He had scared his female, almost hurt an apparently innocent male, and if the story was repeated, he had shown the Warden the best way to manipulate him.

“You may rise, Basti.”

He felt even worse when the small male rose gracefully, his head still bowed.

“I apologize for my behavior,” Leavent said stiffly.

“Yes, my Lord.”

He did not like the quick assessing glance the male gave him, but he had no choice. Unless he intended to eliminate the small male—which he was sure Sophie would find objectionable—he would have to let him go. Although, if the male really was concerned about Sophie, he would keep his mouth shut.

“This will remain between us,” he said sternly.

Basti bobbed his head obediently. “Of course, my Lord.”

As the door closed behind Basti, Leavent turned back to find Sophie watching him. He half-expected her to look reproachful, but he couldn’t read her expression.

“We will not discuss this incident further.”

Her lips parted, but she simply dipped her head meekly.

“Yes, my Lord.”

He suspected that her compliance was not as complete as she pretended, but his cock jerked just as it had when she had used the same words earlier. Determined to ignore it, as well as his unforgivable lack of control, he stalked over to where he’d dropped the bag he’d brought from his ship. He rifled through it until he found one of his shirts, then returned to her side and thrust it at her.

“Put this on,” he ordered.

She gave him an oddly thoughtful look, then pushed the remnants of the bronze gown off her shoulders to puddle at her feet. She stood there for a second, not quite taunting him, before she pulled his shirt over her shoulders. It was far too large for her, of course, the hem reaching her knees, but she didn’t comment. She rolled up the sleeves and fastened the clasps before looking at him.

“Is this better?” she asked quietly.

No. The top fastening still left a triangle of pale skin exposed and even though the shirt was not as transparent as the bronze gown, the thin fabric molded itself to her body. He could see the impudent tips of her nipples thrusting against the silk. And yet, it soothed something in him to see her dressed in clothing that he had provided.

“Yes. You should eat now.”

“Basti offered to serve me,” she murmured, and he shot her a suspicious glance. Was she deliberately trying to provoke him? No. He forced his control back in place

“It is just as well that you did not allow him to do so,” he said coolly as he stalked to the couch.

He should not feed her—he knew he should not. It would only reinforce the bond that was occurring between them and distract him further. But when she obediently started to settle down next to him, he sighed, and pulled her into his lap. She nestled against him with a contented little sound, and his suspicions were immediately aroused. What had happened to her fear? While he did not want her to be afraid of him, he needed to be sure that she would obey him.

Putting his suspicions aside for now, he leaned forward and picked up one of the mazli wafers. He let her nibble contentedly on that before offering her some soup, zavot this time. She sipped obediently, but it was clear she did not really enjoy it. Fuck. She couldn’t exist solely on mazli wafers.

“Is there anything that has quieted your stomach in the past?”

“Not since—” Her lips pressed together, and then she shook her head. “No, not lately. Although ginger ale and ginger tea seem to help.”

“Ginger?”

“It’s a root that is spicy, but also sweet.”

“That sounds like ingef. But perhaps tea in general might be helpful.” He would have to retrieve his tea collection from his ship as well.

“The baslik juice was very tasty,” she said cautiously. “And it didn’t upset my stomach. Perhaps if I just had a few sips?”

“You won’t feel tempted to show me your breasts?”

The enchanting flood of pink covered her cheeks, but she lifted her chin. “You didn’t seem to mind.”

“I did not.” He leaned forward and poured a tiny portion of juice into a glass and handed it to her, raising his eyebrow. “I’m willing to take the chance.”

She bit her lip, then took a cautious sip.

“This really is very nice. But you said that some animals are intoxicated by it? What are they?”

“Liskas, small creatures with big golden eyes and fiery red fur.” He stroked his fingers through the heavy red silk of her hair. “Perhaps humans are distantly related to them.”

“And perhaps Kaisarians are the demons of our mythology.”

“Demons, hmm?”

“Yes. Big sexy demons.”

She gave him a sleepy, seductive smile, and he reluctantly removed the remains of her glass of baslik juice.

“I believe that’s enough. Or you will be showing me your breasts again.”

The seductive smile turned challenging, her small fingers skating down the open neckline of her shirt. He was very, very tempted to let her continue, but he lifted her off his lap instead.

Her eyes widened, increasing her resemblance to a liska, and he almost laughed.

“If you still wish to do that when you are not drinking baslik juice, I promise I will not stop you.” He handed her the datapad. “Now study your lessons.”

“I’m not a child,” she said, her lips drawing together in the most enchanting expression.

“Believe me, I am very aware of that fact.”

He brushed a quick kiss across those tempting lips, then firmly turned his attention to the second datapad he’d brought from his ship.

Although he was extremely conscious of her soft body at his side, her sweet scent filling his head, it was also surprisingly comfortable having her there. He continued his review of the financial records, occasionally pausing to answer a question for her. The Warden’s account of his income was obviously false and his expense records were just as deceitful. The fact that there were no records to account for this luxurious suite was a clear red flag.

Did the other male think him so foolish? Or perhaps he just assumed that Leavent was equally corrupt. That had been the implication, he thought, remembering their conversation. And although he suspected the Warden had condemned Altrez to the underground prison simply because of his own annoyance, could that be why his other brother Riker had ended up there? Was someone paying to have him hidden away?

He thought back to the investigation he’d conducted when Altrez let him know that Riker had disappeared. The elite squad of mercenaries who had employed Riker had disclaimed all knowledge of his whereabouts, but he knew to the depths of his soul that his brother would never have abandoned his responsibilities. Careful digging had managed to uncover the fact that his last assignment had been as a bodyguard to the Gliesh heir of a vast shipping empire.

Had something occurred that required Riker’s silence? Just as he was sure that Riker would not abandon his responsibilities, he was equally sure he could never be bought. He sent a coded message to Ayol asking him to investigate further.

A soft breath against his ribs made him look down and he discovered that Sophie had fallen asleep, the datapad slipping from her fingers. Everything she had been through had been too much for her small body. But her cheeks were pleasantly flushed and a half-smile curved her lips. Rest was the best thing for her right now. As he carried her into the bedroom, and settled her into bed, her lids fluttered open.

“Leavent,” she said softly.

Unable to resist, he bent his head and kissed her. She tasted of sweet biscuits and baslik juice, and he lost himself in the kiss—until she reached up to embrace him and her small hands brushed against the sensitive base of his horns. Arousal shot through him so quickly that he was almost dizzy, but it was an all too apt reminder of how easily she could make him lose control. He brought her hands back down, kissed the small digits, and managed to smile at her.

“Go to sleep, little cat.”

She looked up at him, her gaze thoughtful again, and he suddenly wished he knew what she was thinking. But before he forgot himself enough to ask, her lids fluttered closed and her breathing softened into the rhythm of sleep. Tonight, he did not allow himself to linger and watch her sleep. He strode back into the living room and picked up his datapad, trying unsuccessfully to put her out of his mind.

CHAPTER NINE

L eavent awoke to a soft little hand stroking down across his abdomen. Sophie was touching him. Her fingers traced tentatively back and forth along the edge of his training shorts. When he’d finally succumbed to exhaustion last night, he’d started to climb into bed naked, but at the last moment decided that perhaps some additional armament would be helpful and donned the shorts. But they only made it more tantalizing when she slipped her fingers tentatively under the waistband, then withdrew them.

He wanted to seize that tormenting hand and plant it on his aching cock, but he didn’t want to push her into anything. Instead, he pulled her hand free and lifted it over her head as he rolled over on top of her, being careful not to crush her beneath his weight. Unfortunately, that only placed his cock directly in the soft cradle between her thighs, and he had to stop himself from rubbing against her.

Her eyes were wide with surprise, and he couldn’t help smiling at her. “Good morning, little cat.”

“I’m not sure I like you comparing me to an animal,” she muttered, then bit her lip. “I mean, good morning, my Lord.”

“Why the change?”

She bit her lip again. “I’m trying to please you.”

There was a disturbing degree of truth in her words, and he sighed. “Little cat, you please me most when you are yourself. But why is it necessary to please me? Are you afraid of me?”

“N-no.” His brows drew together at the hesitation, and she added quickly. “I’m not afraid you’re going to hurt me. Physically.”

This time, he was sure she was telling the truth, although perhaps not the entire truth.

“Is it because you fear Ratchi? I have no intention of letting him send you to the Pit.”

He saw relief wash over her face, but then those ridiculously blunt little teeth closed on her lower lip again.

“Tell me the rest,” he ordered.

“What happens after you leave?”

“I have no intention of leaving you here.” The words came out before he had a chance to reconsider them. Fuck. He knew better. He pressed his finger to her lips before she could speak.

“But you must never act as though you believe that to be true. Do you understand me?”

She nodded against his hand, then threw her arms around his neck and tried to tug his head down.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Her mouth opened against his hand, and her soft little tongue flicked out. A male could only stand so much. He removed his hand, and kissed her, long and slow, taking his time despite the urgency rising in his body. When he lifted his head, she was flushed and glowing.

“Last night, you said…” The color in her face deepened. “You said you wanted to see my breasts.”

He shouldn’t allow her to do this. He really shouldn’t. But despite the stern command in his head, he didn’t object as her shaky fingers parted her shirt and revealed the two small perfect mounds. Her nipples were already dark red and distended, and with a groan he lowered his head and took one in his mouth. Her back arched so violently he almost thought she had climaxed, but she pulled him closer.

“More,” she demanded.

Demanding little thing, he thought approvingly and froze. When had he ever allowed a female to make demands on him? He knew better. But when she repeated her demand, he obeyed. He moved between her breasts, working her with his mouth and his fingers but not allowing her to reach her climax. He had other plans for her. Her soft cries became increasingly urgent, mewling disappointment when he lifted his head.

“Patience, little cat. You deserve to be savored.”

He released the final fastening on her shirt and the black silk fluttered open, revealing her body to his avid gaze.

“Beautiful,” he murmured.

When he placed his hands on her legs, impossibly big on her slender thighs, she trembled, but didn’t resist as he pushed them apart. She was as small and perfect here as she was everywhere else, the delicate folds flushed a deep red and her arousal shimmering like small pearls on her damp curls.

The sweet scent of her arousal washed over him, and he couldn’t resist taking a long leisurely lick from her tiny entrance to the small nub at the top of her slit. She cried out as he passed over it, and he paused to swirl his tongue around the tempting little bud. Her muscles tightened, and he knew she was on the verge of climax again, but he would not be hurried.

He moved back down to her entrance, probing into the impossibly tight channel with his tongue. She was even sweeter here, and hot, so hot. He pressed deeper, noting each sensitive area. One particular place made her gasp and seize his horns.

“More. Please, more.”

He obliged, pressing deeper and swirling his tongue inside as she tightened around him. His thumb stroked gently across the small, external nub, and she came with a loud cry. Her channel milked his tongue, each pulse almost painfully tight as her sweet essence flooded his mouth. He hadn’t realized until that moment that he’d been rocking his hips back and forth across the mattress. With her scent filling his head and her taste overwhelming him, a sudden and wholly unexpected climax swept over him and his seed erupted.

Under other circumstances, he might have been embarrassed, but this female destroyed him. He was helpless before her. He ignored the dampness beneath him and eagerly licked up every ounce of her essence until she pushed weakly at his head. He finally raised his head and smiled at her.

“A most satisfactory way to start the day.”

She started to nod, and then her face turned alarmingly white, the gold specks vivid against the pallor. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth.

“I think I’m going—”

SOPHIE DIDN’T EVEN GET a chance to finish the sentence before Leavent lifted her in his arms and raced her into the bathroom. They made it to the alien toilet just in time, but he refused to leave her, holding back her hair until the spasms finally stopped.

Damn, damn, damn.

The morning had started off so well, but despite his promises, how could she expect anyone to want a perpetually vomiting female to accompany them? Eric certainly hadn’t wanted her, and she was carrying his child. A strange male, no matter how patiently he might be tending to her right now, could not be expected to put up with it. A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek as he picked her up again and carried her to the bathroom counter. He gently washed her mouth, using the same sweet-tasting soap, and wiped her face, before starting to part her legs. It was much more embarrassing in the well-lit bathroom and she tried to hold them together, even though she was no match for his strength.

“You said you wished to please me,” he reminded her. “It pleases me to care for you.”

His voice was as cool as ever, she thought resentfully as she let her thighs open. How could he be so unaffected, either by the climax or the act of caring for her? But then she looked down and saw his gaze fastened on her pussy, his eyes gleaming as he slowly wiped the cloth back and forth. No, he wasn’t unaffected. He brushed the cloth across her still sensitive clit and she gasped, then immediately tensed as her stomach rolled again.

“Breakfast,” he said firmly, his eyes on her face now. “I do not like the fact that you continue to be unwell. Did the medics examine you?”

“Yes, but they couldn’t find anything wrong. They said I wasn’t carrying any type of disease,” she added quickly. “They decided it was probably because of the drugs given to me when I was put in stasis.”

His gaze dropped back down her body, lingering on her breasts, his face impenetrable. Oh, God, did he suspect? Her fists clenched, but to her relief, he didn’t say anything.

“Then I shall feed you wafers. And perhaps some ingef tea.”

She nodded meekly, and allowed him to dress her and carry her back into the living room.

Had he suspected? He showed no sign of it, but when he pulled on that icy façade, it was impossible to read his thoughts. She remembered Basti’s words, and her own resolution. Despite his assurances, she needed to please him and please him thoroughly enough that he would not leave her behind. So far, he seemed more intent on pleasing her. Was that a bad thing?

A shiver skated down her spine at the memory of his mouth on her clit. She had never come so hard before. And even though the afterglow had been spoiled by the return of her morning sickness, she was already anticipating the next time. But perhaps because he was so intent on her pleasure, she found herself wanting to return the favor. And if she was honest with herself, it wasn’t in order to manipulate him. She wanted to see him smile, wanted to see him lose that tight control.

She was still speculating as to the best way to go about it when the door alarm chimed, and a moment later Ratchi entered.

CHAPTER TEN

“A re you sure you wish to see this part of the prison?” Ratchi asked Leavent meekly. “It’s not a very pleasant environment.”

Leavent nodded. “That certainly sounds like the most appropriate place for my thief to end up.”

Did the assistant really think he was going to be discouraged so easily?

They were descending into the rocky caverns beneath the prison. From what he’d been able to determine based on the initial geological survey, the surface beneath Folsom was full of underground caverns. Perhaps it was no surprise that the Warden decided to make use of them.

The elevator finally came to a halt, and the door opened. The tunnel outside was indeed a remarkable contrast to the metal interior of the elevator. Rock walls formed a craggy pathway, only half illuminated by flickering yellow bulbs. He suspected that it had intentionally been left in such a primitive state.

He stepped out, fastidiously drawing his robes away from the moisture seeping down the rock, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ratchi’s lips curl. The little assistant was far too self-confident. He had obviously decided that Leavent was simply a spoiled member of the Royal Court. He would be in for a surprise. One of the big Zameetan guards trailed along behind them as Ratchi began the tour.

“The cells are isolated and set back as much as possible. We have no wish to let the prisoners communicate with each other. The only time they are in contact is during the time we allow for training.”

“Training?”

Ratchi gave a discreet cough. “In order for them to be suitable candidates for the arena. Of course, that is only if their… patrons are willing for them to be seen.”

There it was again—that implication that unwanted people could be hidden away down here.

“It seems like a rather elaborate way of removing obstacles.” He kept his voice carefully neutral.

Ratchi shrugged. “Deaths sometimes raise questions that disappearances do not.”

He made sure his usual icy mask was in place, despite the rage building inside of him. He was quite sure that Riker had been condemned to this living hell for precisely that reason. And even though he suspected that Altrez had willingly descended into it, the Warden had still been complicit in sending him here.

Ratchi led him to the arena, but he merely gave the open cavern and blood-streaked floor a distasteful look before turning away. “As you say, quite primitive.”

Another of those satisfied little half-smiles. Just what exactly did Ratchi have in mind?

“Is there anything else you would care to see?”

“Yes. I would like to see the cell where my thief was held. To make sure it was not too comfortable. And perhaps the training room and some of the outer limits.”

“Of course—” Ratchi’s communicator chimed, and he bent over it with an apologetic murmur as he tapped out a response. “I am desolated to announce that I am required on urgent business above. I would not expect you to remain below by yourself, of course…”

Ratchi’s words trailed off suggestively, and Leavent almost laughed. So that was the plan. Hope that he would take the bait and remain down here to face whatever fate Ratchi had in store for him.

“Well…”

“If you prefer not to be alone, I could arrange for another guard to accompany you.” There was the slightest suggestion of contempt in Ratchi’s tone, just enough to prompt a spoiled Lord into brash behavior. Leavent was neither spoiled nor brash, but he did welcome the opportunity to investigate by himself. He drew himself up.

“I do not need accompaniment,” he said coldly, the picture of offended dignity.

“No, of course not. My apologies, my Lord. This will provide guidance, and when you are ready to return, it will open the elevator.”

Ratchi handed him a small device, bowed deeply, and scurried away followed by the big guard.

He followed the path highlighted on the device and paused outside Altrez’s former cell. He could still detect his brother’s scent, even though it was very faint. He rubbed his thumb over the two locators in his arm, grateful that they were still pulsing rhythmically as he looked into the empty cell. Unfortunately, the signals had not intensified after he had entered the Pit which meant that he was no closer to locating his brothers. However, it also meant that the Warden had spoken the truth when he said that Altrez had escaped.

He started to turn away, then paused and sniffed again. There was another scent, a sweeter one. Had there been a female here? A human female? He had assumed that Sophie was unusual, but what if the Warden was trafficking in human slaves as well?

Rage seared through him, but it was not his usual icy anger. The thought of other females like his Sophie being subjected to the Warden’s cruelty raised a deep burning anger. He would shut this place down if it was the last thing he ever did. For now, he did his best to force his anger aside. He still had a role to play—and no doubt a trap to escape. Based on the surveys, the underground caverns were most prevalent on one side of the prison, and he headed in that direction. It would be the most logical escape route.

As he walked down another tunnel, a deep, mocking voice spoke from the darkness inside one of the cells.

“Well, well. Another brother. Are you the mastermind of your little crime family?”

He automatically assumed his air of lordly arrogance. “I am not a criminal. I am a Kaisarian Trade Minister.”

A mocking chuckle. “In other words, you cloak your crimes behind Imperial statutes.”

He raised an eyebrow and took a step closer to the cell, trying to see the figure hidden in the darkness. “I said I’m not a criminal.”

“As opposed to your brothers?”

“What makes you think I have brothers?”

“Your scents betray you.”

The figure finally stepped forward, and it took all of his training to keep his face impassive. A Yarasan? Here? They were a powerful race, but they rarely interacted with the rest of the Empire.

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“An excellent question. One I have been asking myself for the past few years.”

A distant memory nagged at him. There had been rumors a few years ago of some internal conflict on Yaras.

“I am Leavent. What’s your name?”

“I am called S’quent.”

“S’quent?” Why did he know that name? “Are you related to Regent S’ning?”

He actually felt the tension thicken in the air between them, although he didn’t understand why.

“He is my brother,” S’quent said at last. “My older brother.”

“Then I will do my best to get a message to him as soon as possible. He has been searching for you for years.”

“Searching?” The mocking note was underlaid with something else. “He has no need to search. He has known where I was since he had me condemned here.”

“But he’s your brother.” The words came out automatically, even though he had seen far too many examples of family rivalry.

“My half-brother.”

“My brothers and I have different mothers. We are still brothers.”

“How nice for you.” Leavent saw a massive shoulder shrug, a wing fluttering. “You may not be taking into account the inheritance laws of Yaras.”

“If I remember correctly, you are the rightful heir.”

“Exactly. And as long as I am not dead, he continues to rule in my place.” The mockery increased, but it seemed to be directed at himself this time. “I have no great desire to rule. And I was willing to let him handle politics while I concentrated on my studies. Until he made a decision I could not tolerate.”

“What was that?”

But S’quent’s confidences seemed to be at an end. He ignored Leavent, his head tilted as if listening to something.

“I must go,” he said, moving back into the darkness.

“Wait. As soon as I find my brothers and get them off this planet, I’m sending in the Royal Fleet to investigate.”

There was a thoughtful silence.

“Can you wait?”

“Wait? Why?”

“Seeds have been sown which are about to bear fruit.”

“And the Fleet would interfere?”

“Perhaps. It would be a… complication.”

“I will not allow the Warden, or Ratchi, to get away with what they are doing.”

A dark and decidedly unamused chuckle emerged from the darkness. “Oh, they will not. They are about to reap what they have sown.”

He suspected that S’quent’s idea of justice would be far more direct than any provided by an Imperial judge, and he smiled.

“Then I will give you time. How long do you need?”

“Three weeks. Perhaps less.” Another chuckle. “If you monitor the surface, the timing will be quite clear.”

“Very well.” He turned to go, but S’quent spoke again.

“There is one more thing. There is a trap waiting for you just ahead.”

“I presumed as much. How many?”

“Only two.”

“I find that oddly insulting. But thank you.”

“Thank you, Leavent. Until we meet again.”

Leavent continued his journey towards the training room. Even before he turned into a smaller tunnel, he knew the two males S’quent had warned him about were waiting for him. He was not surprised to find a Mol and a Sudra on either side of the passage.

Although there were only the two of them, they should prove somewhat worthy opponents. Both of them were approximately his size, the Mol thickly muscled beneath his fur and his dangerous claws extended. Unlike Basti, this Sudra was of the warrior caste. They were known for their speed and trickery, their yellow-scaled skin designed for protection.

His blood started to hum with anticipation. It had been a long time since he’d had an actual fight. On the other hand, he had not yet completed his explorations. Perhaps he should discourage them…

“I’m not sure what reward you were promised, but this encounter will not end well for you. I suggest you return to your cells.” His voice dripped with disdain, and he was not surprised when the Mol growled and the Sudra scowled at him.

Still, he had made an effort.

“We get that little human you’ve been playing with,” the Sudra sneered. “So we can show her what it feels like to be fucked by a real male—”

“Two real males,” the Mol interjected.

All thoughts of diplomacy vanished. These bastards thought they could get their hands on his female? It was never going to happen.

“Then you will die.”

As he shrugged off his robe, he started to reach for the knife in his boot, then remembered he had given it to Sophie. No matter. He didn’t need weapons.

The Mol roared and charged at him. His outstretched claws came close enough to scratch Leavent’s chest, but the rush brought him within easy range. Leavent grabbed the other male’s wrist, yanking it high and using the momentum to spin them around. The Mol’s body ended up between him and the oncoming Sudra, and the knife in the Sudra’s hand sank deep into the Mol’s chest. The Mol gave a surprised gurgle, then collapsed on the ground as Leavent released him and stepped back. The Sudra looked almost as surprised, but he soon recovered his composure and sneered again.

“Excellent. Now I don’t have to share the female.”

“You are never going to lay a hand on her.”

“I’m going to put my hands, my mouth, my cock—”

But Leavent was tired of talking. He growled and attacked the other male. The fight was fast and brutal, but the outcome was never in doubt. Within a very short span of time, the Sudra was on the ground, blood spurting from the gash in his neck. He looked up at Leavent as his eyes started to glaze over.

“All this for a female you won’t get to keep,” he muttered, and died.

Leavent didn’t give the body a second look as he stepped over it to retrieve his robe. The adrenaline from the fight was still humming through his veins, and the implied threat had not escaped him. He briefly considered continuing his explorations, but Sophie’s safety was far more important. If Ratchi had already made plans to dispose of him, would he even wait to see the outcome of the fight? The fight had not worried him, but the thought of Sophie alone and vulnerable terrified him. He abandoned any thoughts of continuing his search and raced for the elevator.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

S ophie paced back and forth after Leavent left with Ratchi. If she understood their conversation of the night before correctly, he wanted this. He had asked for the tour, and yet she didn’t trust Ratchi’s meek deference, nor the look he had given her as they left. He was up to something, she was sure of it.

The door alarm chimed and she jumped. Leavent had left her his knife again, and she clutched it as she moved cautiously to the door.

“Yes?”

“I have brought you food, Mistress.”

She recognized Basti’s voice, but she still checked the view of the corridor before she opened the door.

“Thank you, Mistress.”

Basti carried the tray in and set it down on the coffee table, then hesitated.

“I know you do not wish me to serve you, but I thought perhaps I could show you how to prepare the ingef root?”

His offer seemed harmless enough, and the thought of tea appealed to her. She nodded.

The root even looked like ginger, except it had an odd bluish tint. Basti showed her how to scrape off the outside, then cover the slices with hot water. As they waited for the tea to brew, he shot her another one of those hesitant glances.

“I wanted to tell you something last time,” he said quietly.

“Before Leavent came back? I’m sorry about what happened.”

“Do not be sorry. A male should defend his female.” He hesitated again, then leaned a little closer. “There is a way out.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

“Of the prison?”

“Yes, but it is through the Pit.”

Her momentary excitement died, but she listened politely as he explained how to reach the tunnel—a tunnel that led through a series of underground caverns to the jungle. The thought of trying to survive alone in a jungle, let alone give birth in one, appalled her. No, she’d much rather stay with Leavent.

Even if Basti’s escape route had been a viable alternative, she would still rather be with Leavent, she realized.

“I’m worried about Leavent,” she blurted out. “I don’t trust the Warden.”

“That is wise,” he agreed. “But even the Warden isn’t foolish enough to interfere with a member of the Royal Court.”

After Basti left, she forced herself to sit down and nibble on a biscuit and drink a little of the tea. It did help, along with his reassuring words. It would be stupid for the Warden to harm such an influential person. She was glad for his sake, although it only made her more uncertain of her own situation. He had promised to take her with him, but there was no way she would fit in at a Royal Court.

She sighed, and picked up the teaching program, but she was unable to concentrate on it. When the door opened a short time later, she looked up eagerly. But instead of Leavent, Ratchi stood in the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” She did her best to keep her voice calm. “Lord Leavent doesn’t like uninvited guests in his private quarters.”

Ratchi’s eyes darkened as he sauntered casually into the room. “No matter what he seems to think, these rooms belong to the prison, not to him.” He gave her a malicious smile. “And I’m afraid he has been regrettably… delayed.”

“What do you mean?” she whispered, her heart thudding against her ribs.

“It seems that there was an unfortunate encounter with several prisoners. Most unfortunate.”

“You mean he’s… dead?”

No. He couldn’t be gone. Pain threatened to swamp her.

Ratchi shrugged. “I have sent a team to investigate but it may take them a while. I’m afraid it does not look good.”

Her hands started to shake, but she refused to believe him. She was sure Leavent was too smart to fall for one of Ratchi’s traps. But where was he?

“Now,” Ratchi continued briskly. “There are other matters to attend to.” His eyes swept over her dismissively, taking in Leavent’s shirt. “That outfit will never do. Do you have other clothing here?”

“I like this,” she said defiantly, clutching the black silk.

His eyes narrowed, and his tongue flicked out. “What you like is of no importance. Do you have other clothing here? And if you do not provide me with an alternative,” he added, “I will strip that ridiculous shirt off of you and walk you naked through the prison. Do you understand me?”

A tear trickled down her cheek as she pointed to the cabinet where Leavent had stored her outfits. Ratchi didn’t even look triumphant at his victory. He calmly walked over and sorted through the clothing before flinging a handful of dark red material in her direction.

“Put this on.” When she reluctantly picked it up and started to turn away from him, he gave an odd hissing laugh. “Do not worry. Your body has no interest for me. It is simply another tool to be used.”

That really didn’t make her feel any better and she kept her back to him as she slipped out of Leavent’s shirt and picked up the red gown. Although, calling it a gown was an overstatement. It consisted mainly of some strategically placed strips of red fabric joined by thin gold chains. It took her several minutes to figure out how it should be fastened, and Ratchi was hissing impatiently by the time she finished.

“Hurry up now. The Warden is not a patient male,” he said as he hurried her out the door.

There was a faint, contemptuous note in his voice and the question popped out before she could prevent it.

“Why is he in charge and not you?”

Ratchi smiled, but it was not a pleasant expression. “Control is not always obvious. You would do well to remember that obedience can sometimes prove more powerful than resistance.”

They came to a halt outside a pair of elaborately carved wooden doors, doors that looked completely out of place compared to the rest of the prison. Ratchi looked at her. “Yes, you should prove nicely distracting. Just remember what I said. Obedience is your safest choice.”

He opened the doors and led her through an ornate and overly decorated chamber into a second one that was even more elaborate. Everything was draped in colorful fabrics in a dizzying array of patterns and designs. The centerpiece of the room was a raised dais topped with a huge curtained bed. Warden Nazort reclined on the bed, smoking what looked like a hookah. His round pink face hovered over his elaborate robes like a balloon but although he looked ridiculous, fear was starting to send icy trickles through her veins.

Oh, God, Leavent, she thought despairingly. Where are you?

The Warden sat up and peered at her suspiciously. “Is she well? No more disgusting displays?”

“Lord Leavent has not made any complaints,” Ratchi said complacently.

A faint, desperate hope appeared. Since the Warden had been so disgusted by their previous encounter, perhaps he could be put off again. She suspected it would not be too difficult to make herself ill, considering that her stomach was already churning, and yet, would it really do anything other than delay the inevitable? What if he just decided to throw her to the prisoners as Ratchi had threatened? Maybe, for the baby’s sake, she should try to appease him.

Unfortunately, she suspected that her instinctive revulsion, combined with the overheated room and the dizzying display surrounding her, would be too much. Beads of cold sweat were already dampening her brow.

“Ratchi, bring the chains,” the Warden ordered. “And a gag,” he added.

“Yes, sir,” Ratchi said just as the doors to the inner chamber swung open again.

Leavent stood framed in the doorway. His hair was disheveled, his robes open in the front, and she could see scratches on his chest. His eyes blazed, and it was quite clear that he was in a towering rage, but his face was as composed and his voice as icy as ever.

“What are you doing with my fem—my property?” The frozen note in his voice was almost as intimidating as the rage burning in his eyes, and the Warden cowered.

“I just thought… As you were otherwise engaged…”

“I was engaged in a tour that your staff—” a searing glance at Ratchi “—offered to give me. A tour that was so mismanaged that I was forced to deal with two of your inmates personally.”

“But… but…” the Warden stuttered.

“I have never seen such an ill managed institution. I assure you that every detail will be included in my report to the Emperor.” His gaze moved to Sophie. “Come here. Now.”

She fled gratefully to his side. She really wanted to take his hand, but she didn’t quite dare. Instead, she curled her cold fingers into his robe. He reached down and covered her hand with his own, his fingers warm and reassuring despite the tension she could feel in his body.

“We are not to be disturbed until tomorrow.”

“I promise that…” The warden erupted in a splatter of apologies, but Leavent stalked out of the room without another word as she hurried to keep up with him.

When she stumbled, he lifted her into his arms without even breaking stride. She settled back against his chest with a sigh of relief. Her stomach was decidedly not happy, but his scent comforted her and she breathed deeply.

He carried her into their quarters, locking the door behind him and placed her gently on the ground, then immediately turned away. His whole frame was stiff with tension.

“What is it? Are you hurt?” she asked, her anxiety returning.

“A few scratches. Nothing serious.”

His voice sounded odd, strained, and she ducked around in front of him, trying to see his face.

“What’s the matter?” she asked softly.

“I am trying to control myself.” He looked down at her, his eyes burning vivid purple as he took in the costume Ratchi had chosen for her.

“Control yourself?”

“My father was Kaisarian.”

“Umm, okay?”

“This planet, this entire sector of space, is part of the Kaisarian Empire. Do you know what it takes to conquer and claim that much territory? It takes warriors. And despite all the ornate ceremonies with which we surround ourselves now, we are still a warrior race.”

“I don’t understand.”

“My blood still sings from battle, and I returned to find my female taken from me. Every instinct that I possess is demanding that I claim you.”

“Oh.” Her tongue flicked out to lick suddenly dry lips, and he watched the movement hungrily.

“I think it would be best if you waited in the other room until I am more in control.”

She shivered, but it was not from fear. The knowledge that he wanted her so badly hummed through her veins, as intoxicating as the baslik juice. But it wasn’t just that he wanted her, it was that he cared enough for her not to take what she did not want to give. Except… She wanted him just as much.

“Then claim me, Leavent. Make me yours.”

The blaze in his eyes increased, but he did not move.

“Are you sure?” His voice was hoarse, his icy composure banished.

“I’m sure.”

He seemed to swoop at her, his horn silhouetted against the ceiling for a brief instant before he lifted her back into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

CHAPTER TWELVE

L eavent placed Sophie carefully on the bed, hanging on to his control by the barest thread.

Patience, he reminded himself. She would need time to prepare for him.

She was apparently not as patient, already tugging impatiently at his horns.

“What do you want, little cat?”

“Kiss me.”

He obeyed, feasting on her delicious little mouth until she was panting.

“More,” she demanded when he finally raised his head. “Touch me.”

“Where do you want to be touched? Here on your perfect little breasts?” He tugged on a rosy nipple. “Or perhaps here? On your sweet little cunt?” He rubbed his thumb across the hard little nub between her legs.

“Yes,” she gasped. “Both. All.”

His cock throbbed relentlessly but he did his best to ignore it as he obeyed. He lingered over her breasts, licking and sucking until she shuddered as her first climax swept over her. Perfect.

He tested her tight little channel. Delightfully hot and wet, but still far too small. She needed to come again.

This time he focused on her tempting little clit, using his tongue to circle and tease as he worked first one finger, then two into her. Her body quivered, her channel pulsing around his fingers.

“Come inside me, Leavent,” she whispered when her eyes fluttered open again.

His cock jerked eagerly, but he forced himself back under control.

“I do not think you’re ready.”

“I’m ready.”

Temptation overrode his caution. He carefully notched his cock at her entrance, then hesitated. His cock looked obscenely large compared to her tiny entrance. She made an impatient noise and lifted her body, just a small amount, but enough that the wet kiss of her cunt began to surround him, and he was lost. His hips snapped forward, driving his cock far deeper than he’d planned.

“Oh, God. Yes.”

Her tiny nails dug into his shoulders and to his shock he felt her begin to convulse around him as another climax swept over her. He could barely move, she gripped him so tightly, but the fresh rush of arousal eased his way and as her body softened, he sank into her completely. He’d never thought she would be able to take all of him and his entire body stiffened as he wrestled for control.

Her eyes bright with tears, she gave him a brilliant smile.

“Now fuck me, Leavent.”

Any hope of control vanished. He plunged into her body helplessly, desperately, as instinct took over. He buried his head in her neck, seeking the tender curve of her shoulder, and as his climax roared over him, he sank his fangs into her soft skin, barely aware that she cried out his name as her sweet cunt milked every drop of seed from his shuddering body.

He retained just enough awareness to roll to one side instead of collapsing on top of her, but he kept her locked in his arms. His breath came in harsh pants, gradually slowing as a delicious languor filled him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so relaxed, so happy.

Sophie gave a soft little sigh and he looked down at her. Her cheeks were wet, but she was smiling.

“Are you all right, little cat?”

“I’m wonderful. I never knew it could be like that.”

“Neither did I,” he said honestly.

His gaze moved to the bite mark on her neck, and he stroked it gently.

“Did I hurt you?”

She shivered, her nipples beading against his chest, and shook her head. “No. It was… exciting. But why did you do it?”

“In ancient times, that was how a male claimed a female. You bring out the primitive side of me, Sophie.”

He traced the mark again. My female. The knowledge filled him with satisfaction, and reminded him that he needed to care for her properly. He rose to his feet, lifting her with him. She giggled and grabbed his shoulders.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to bathe you.”

Her eyes darkened, then she leaned forward and teased his ear with her soft little tongue. “As long as I get to bathe you as well.”

She laughed again when he almost stumbled.

AFTER A VERY LONG AND satisfactory shower, they returned to the bed and Sophie snuggled against his side. He expected her to sleep, but her busy little mind was at work.

“You said your father was Kaisarian?”

“Yes,” he replied absently, combing his fingers through her hair.

“What about your mother?”

“She was Votaran. It was an arranged marriage.”

Her small brows drew together. “An arranged marriage?”

“It’s not uncommon. It is a way to join Houses, or properties, or perhaps seal a trading deal.”

“But not… not you?”

Her face had turned pale and he gave her a reassuring hug. “No, little cat, not me. I would not allow anyone else to make that decision for me. But although my father didn’t talk about her very often, I think they grew to love each other.”

“What happened to her?”

“She died giving birth to me. I don’t remember, of course, but from what I was told, he mourned her for a long time.”

“What about you?”

“Nanny Maura came to take care of me.” He smiled at the memory. “She was Riker’s mother.”

“Riker?”

“My middle brother. Altrez is the youngest.”

“You mean your father married the nanny?”

“Yes. I was around two or three at the time. I suspect it too started out as a marriage of convenience, but I believe he truly came to care for her as well.”

“What was she like?”

“Quiet. Kind. She had a serenity about her that made you feel peaceful. And then Riker was born, and we were a happy family.”

“And then Altrez?”

He sighed. “Not right away. Maura died in a riding accident. My father withdrew, locking himself away in his grief. Riker didn’t speak for almost a year.”

He had done his best to take care of his brother, but he had failed, unable to penetrate his grief. Just like he had failed him when their father died.

“But I suppose time heals most wounds. A few years later, my father went on a trip and came back with Allia.”

“That must have been hard.”

He gave her a rueful smile. “Yes. Oddly enough, Riker took to her immediately. I… took a little longer. But even though I didn’t want to like her, I couldn’t help it. She was little and pretty and she laughed all the time.”

What a change it had been. She had swept through their quiet house like a spring breeze, filling it with her cheerful laughter.

“She was Altrez’s mother?”

“Yes.” He shook his head. “I swear he was born talking and hasn’t stopped since. Not to mention playing pranks and getting in trouble every time he turned around.”

“But you love him.”

“He’s my brother.”

He could see the question trembling on her lips.

“Allia died during my first year at Court from a sudden illness. My father never really recovered.”

Neither had their family. Riker had withdrawn into his shell again, and Altrez had grown increasingly wild. And he—he had buried himself in his work. And away from people.

“What about you?” he asked, chasing away the memories of the past. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

Too late he realized that it might be a painful subject, but she only shook her head.

“Just me. My mother ran off when I was a baby, so I grew up with just my dad. He was a good parent, but he didn’t like to talk about his emotions.”

He almost flinched. He had learned to keep his hidden as well. Before he could change the subject, her face suddenly paled.

“Your stomach?”

She nodded.

“I will make you some tea. Just lie still.”

She gave him a hesitant smile, and he hurried into the other room. He saw the ingef root and realized that a servant must have entered while he was gone. He frowned, disliking the idea, even though Sophie didn’t seem threatened by the small male.

As he carefully shaved the root into the pot and covered it with hot water, the familiar scent washed over him. It had been a long time since he’d made ingef tea. Not since Allia had been pregnant with Altrez. Her stomach had frequently been upset, and the tea had been the only thing to help her. When Allia was pregnant…

The realization crashed down on him so hard he almost swayed. Sophie was pregnant. Which must mean she had a mate, a father to her child, waiting for her back on Earth. Travel to the planet was strictly forbidden, the location a closely guarded secret. Not that it seems to stop the slavers, he thought bitterly. But how could he let her child grow up without a father?

I could be that father, he thought, even though he’d never really considered the idea before. He had helped raise his two brothers and he knew how chaotic children could be, but the thought of Sophie’s child, their child, made his chest ache. He wanted them both in his life, no matter how much chaos they brought. But he could not do that to her. As soon as they were away from here, he would have to locate her planet and return them.

He carefully composed his face to conceal his knowledge and his regret, but as soon as he returned to the bedroom with the cup of tea, Sophie asked him what was wrong.

“Nothing,” he lied as he assisted her into a sitting position, tucking the pillows behind her back.

“Yes, there is,” she insisted.

How could she read him so easily?

“Is it because of the attack? Didn’t you have enough time to investigate?”

“I did not, although I had a rather interesting encounter.” He shrugged. “I did not expect to uncover much. I did confirm that my… thief was not there.”

She took a few sips of the tea, then leaned closer.

“I heard that there’s a way out through the underground caves beneath the prison.”

“How do you know?” He had suspected as much, but…

“Basti told me.” He couldn’t quite suppress his growl at the mention of the other male’s name, but she gave his arm a soothing pat and hurried on. “One of his people discovered a way out of the Pit. They were working on an escape route, but it seems like someone else took over.”

“Has the escape route been used?” he demanded. That might explain how Altrez and Riker had vanished.

“He said that it had. But he also said it was dangerous. I don’t think everyone made it.”

A momentary fear made his breath catch, but the reassuring pulse of the locators hadn’t changed. His brothers were alive, and if they had used the underground tunnel, they were now in the jungle. Which confirmed that was where he needed to head next. He started considering various plans, but then Sophie trailed her fingers down his chest. When he looked down at her, she gave him a slow seductive smile.

“The tea really helped. I’m feeling much better.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, much better except…”

“Except for what?” he asked, immediately alarmed. Had he been too rough with her?

“Except my breasts ache,” she said innocently. “I think they need some attention.”

He shouldn’t—he really shouldn’t. She was small and delicate and…pregnant. But she was also beautiful and sweet and he couldn’t resist that shy tantalizing look. With a groan, he bent his head and proceeded to give her enough attention that she climaxed three times before he finally released his seed into her shaking body.

How am I ever going to let her go? he wondered as he pulled her close.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

S ophie knew something was bothering Leavent, but he refused to talk about it. Instead, he paced around their quarters the next morning, his face back in its icy mask.

Was it her? Did he suspect? A sudden wave of guilt made her cross her arms over her stomach, but although he gave her an odd look, he kept pacing. She reached for her datapad, intending to focus on her lessons, but she kept sneaking glances at him from under her lashes.

“You’re making me dizzy,” she snapped after the fifth time he circled her.

He immediately stopped. “Is your stomach upset? Do you need more tea?”

“No, I need you to sit down and tell me what’s bothering you.”

He looked as if he was about to refuse, but then he sighed and sat next to her on the couch, lifting her onto his lap and burying his nose in her hair. Her body relaxed as well, and she snuggled closer.

“This is much better.”

“Yes it is.”

His hand stroked down her leg, then back up under her shirt. Her body immediately responded, but while she had no intention of refusing him, she wanted some answers first.

“Leavent?”

“Hmm?”

His hand had reached her hip and his thumb was edging closer to her mound, but she forced herself to concentrate.

“We need to talk first.”

“I suspect that no conversation with a female that begins with those words ever ends well.”

She thought he was teasing her, but it hurt nonetheless. Her body went rigid.

“Have you had a lot of those conversations?”

“No, little cat. I never cared enough to listen. Before.” He lifted her chin with his big, warm fingers. “I care what you have to say.”

A rush of warmth went through her, and she smiled up at him.

“Then won’t you please tell me what’s going on?”

“I don’t want to worry you.”

“It worries me a lot more when you don’t tell me.”

He actually looked startled. Foolish male.

“Perhaps you are right. Very well. You remember I told you about my brothers?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Because they’re here. On Folsom. That’s why I’m here.”

“Here? You mean they’re in prison?”

“They were. I suspect they’re in the jungle now, but I’m not sure of the best way to find them.”

A piece of the puzzle suddenly snapped into place.

“The thief you were talking about—was that one of your brothers?”

His lips curved in a reluctant smile. “Yes, that was Altrez.”

“Did he really steal from you?”

“Yes and no. He did, but I knew he was doing it and allowed him to continue.” He put his fingers over her lips as she started an indignant protest on his behalf. “However, I didn’t know why he was doing it. It turns out that he was using the stolen liquor to gain access to the prison because Riker was already imprisoned here. Wrongfully imprisoned.”

“So you came after them.”

“Yes.” He shook his head. “As soon as I found out. Unfortunately, Altrez didn’t tell me why he was stealing from me or that Riker was here until a few days ago.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. Riker and I had a… disagreement in the past. Perhaps that was it. Or perhaps he just liked the idea of swooping in to save the day. But at least he had the good sense to send me a message and explain—right before he had himself incarcerated.”

“He chose to come here?”

He nodded, and she frowned up at him.

“I know he’s your brother, but he doesn’t sound very smart.”

He roared with laughter and hugged her close. “I can’t wait to tell him that. But although he’s impulsive, he’s not completely foolhardy. That’s why he sent for me.”

“Because he knew you would come,” she said softly.

“Yes.”

This was what family should be—someone who would always come when they were needed. What Eric would never have been for her child, she realized, even if she had insisted on remaining in town. If only Leavent had been the father instead, she thought, longing washing over her in a sudden intense wave. Was there any chance he would want to be?

He deserved to know the truth, she decided. She gathered her courage, but before she could open her mouth, the communicator pinged.

“And the game continues,” he murmured, lifting her off his lap and back onto the couch.

“GOOD MORNING, MY LORD,” Ratchi said meekly through the communicator. “I trust you have recovered from your ordeal?”

“I suspect it was more of an ordeal for your dead inmates,” he said coldly.

“Yes, of course. I merely wished to find out if there was anything we could do to make some small form of… compensation for the event.”

As usual, he suspected the assistant had some type of scheme in mind, but perhaps he could turn the situation to his advantage.

“I wish to survey the surface,” he announced before Ratchi could make a suggestion.

“My Lord?”

He thought he detected a genuine note of surprise in the other male’s voice.

“You claim that my thief escaped into a deadly jungle. So far I have not found your claims particularly trustworthy. I wish to examine it for myself.”

“You wish to mount an expedition?”

“No. I think a visual survey will suffice. I will use my flyer for the trip.”

Air traffic on Folsom was strictly forbidden except for direct routes to the prison. But an approved survey would allow him to sweep the surface and hopefully identify his brothers’ location.

“Yes, my Lord. I will make the preparations. And, of course, I will escort you to the hangar myself, to make sure there are no more unfortunate incidents.”

Was there a threat in Ratchi’s words? He couldn’t decide, but he didn’t really care.

“I will be waiting,” he said, and ended the call.

“You found a solution?” Sophie asked.

“I think so. And as much as I hate to say it, you’d best put on one of your plaything outfits.”

She sighed, then twinkled up at him.

“Do you want to choose it?”

Yes. But he forced himself to ask. “Would you like me to choose?”

“Yes, my Lord,” she said demurely, and his cock jerked.

“You are a tease, little cat.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

He cupped her breasts, playing with the sensitive nipples until her face was dazed with pleasure.

“I suppose I should choose an outfit now,” he said regretfully as he let his hands drop.

Her eyes popped open and she glared at him, looking as fierce as any tigren. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“I thought you enjoyed teasing.”

“Leavent!”

He laughed and lifted her onto the couch, using his mouth and hands to bring her to a fast, hard climax as she cried out his name. In pleasure this time.

She smiled up at him, her body flushed and glowing, and he wished they had time for more. However, he suspected Ratchi wouldn’t dare to keep him waiting for long. He cleansed her quickly and dressed her in a short, floaty gown. It was in the pale green color that suited her so well, and although the material was a fine gauze, there were several layers of it and it concealed her surprisingly well.

“You look beautiful,” he told her, just as the door alarm chimed.

“Are you ready, my Lord?” Ratchi asked meekly as he entered.

“Yes,” he said, and beckoned to Sophie. “You will come with me. In case I need… servicing.”

“Yes, my Lord,” she said obediently.

He half-expected Ratchi to object, but the little male only nodded.

“Of course, Lord Leavent.”

Ratchi led the way back to the hangar, two guards following them. His instincts were on high alert, but they made the journey without incident.

“We will wait anxiously for your return, my Lord,” Ratchi said as they prepared to board. “But do be careful. The air above the jungle can be… turbulent.”

“I am an excellent pilot,” he said coldly.

“Yes, my Lord.”

He turned and led Sophie on board, enjoying her wide-eyed expression as she took in the small but luxurious ship.

“This is beautiful.”

“I like beautiful things,” he said truthfully. “Like you.”

She blushed happily and followed him into the cockpit. Remembering Ratchi’s warning, and his own plans, he put her in the co-pilot’s seat, then carefully placed the harness around her body, checking to make sure it would not put any pressure on her stomach.

“Is this necessary?”

“Ratchi mentioned turbulence,” he reminded her as he ran the pre-flight check.

There. One of the thrusters had been disabled. He had expected as much, although it was a rather clumsy effort on Ratchi’s behalf. But then, he hadn’t given the assistant much time to plan. Now that he was aware of the damage, he would be able to compensate for it.

The flyer lifted easily into the air, then out through the hangar doors. Sophie leaned forward as far as the harness permitted, but her eager expression quickly turned to disappointment.

“It doesn’t look like much.”

He agreed. The white blocks of the prison were surrounded by acres of scorched, barren plain. If he remembered correctly, it had been cleared in order to provide an additional layer of security for the prison. And his brothers had crossed that vast expanse, he thought grimly as he headed for the jungle.

The jungle was equally unimpressive despite the massive size of the trees. All of the vegetation was in dull hues of dark blue and purple, making it appear gloomy and oddly threatening. But he wasn’t here to appreciate the scenery. He set up a grid in the controls and began sweeping back and forth across the area.

“What are you doing?”

“Looking for a stronger signal. Something to indicate where my brothers are located.”

He was on the third pass when his subdural locators suddenly pulsed. Relief filled him—he’d found them. He started to angle the ship in that direction, and disaster struck. A second thruster went offline, and the flyer started to descend rapidly.

“Leavent?” Sophie whispered.

“We’re about to make an unexpected landing,” he said grimly.

Fuck. He should have realized that Ratchi wouldn’t have laid such an obvious trap. Especially when a crash would be the perfect excuse for his disappearance. And no wonder he hadn’t objected to Sophie’s presence. If the Court insisted on an investigation, they would find his body with that of an illegal human slave. They would undoubtedly try and hush it up which would leave Nazort and Ratchi free to continue their activities.

“Is this what you intended to do?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Ironically, yes. But he had planned a fake crash. He was afraid that this one would be all too real.

“Are you still strapped in?”

He risked a quick glance over at her as he fought the controls. Her face was so pale that he could see every golden speck, but she tried to smile at him. Her arms were wrapped protectively across her stomach, and the reminder that not one, but two lives were in his hands strengthened his determination. He could not allow either of them to come to any harm.

The ship continued to descend, and he fought to keep it level, using all his strength on the unresponsive controls as he searched desperately for a place to land. The vegetation was so thick that he couldn’t spot any openings, and colliding with one of the giant trees would cause irreparable damage. He was actually considering trying to land on one of the giant branches when he caught the glint of water.

The rocky river bed was far from an ideal landing place, but it was the best option he had. The ship descended more rapidly and he let it, simply trying to keep it lined up with the river.

Sophie gasped as their speed increased, and he allowed himself one more look at her.

“I love you, little cat,” he said, and then the ship hit the water and the world went dark.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

S ophie swam slowly back to consciousness. For once, her stomach was behaving, but her head felt as if someone had been hammering on it. She opened her eyes to a dim bluish glow, and it took her a long moment to realize that water covered the view ports. The river. They had landed in the river.

“At least we’re alive,” she murmured, looking over at Leavent.

His body was slumped forward in his chair, and she could see a dark stain on the floor beneath him.

No! He had to be all right. Her hands shook so badly that it took forever to free herself from the complicated harness. The floor was tilted at an odd angle, and she stumbled, falling forward into his lap. His big body was still warm, and she sobbed with relief as she felt his chest rise and fall beneath her hands.

“Leavent, please wake up. I need you. I love you.”

The words triggered her memory. He’d told her that he loved her, right before they crashed.

“Please, Leavent.”

Tears trickled down her cheeks and splattered on his face. His eyes opened, fastening immediately on her face.

“Don’t cry, little cat.”

“Oh, thank God.”

The tears came even faster now as she covered his face with frantic kisses.

“Hush, Sophie. Everything’s fine. Perhaps not completely fine,” he added as he looked out at the surrounding water. “But we’re alive.”

“And together.”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have insisted you come.”

That finally dried her tears. “Yes, you should have. I’d rather be here with you than back with the Warden.”

“You have a point.” He hugged her, and looked back out the ports. “The ship isn’t moving.”

“Well, no. We crashed.”

“I mean we must be on the bottom of the river. We can’t sink any further.” He peered up into the gloomy water. “I wish I knew how far down we are.”

“Does it matter?”

“It does if we’re going to swim out of here.”

She gulped. She’d never been much of a swimmer.

“Can’t we just stay here?”

“I’m afraid not. Sooner or later, Nazort will have to send someone to investigate. I don’t want to be here when that happens.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Her reluctance must have been obvious because he tilted his head and considered the matter.

“There is an escape pod on board,” he said slowly. “It should pop up to the surface.”

“But?”

“There are no internal controls. It would go wherever the river carried it. Perhaps even to the ocean.”

“And away from your brothers.”

“Yes,” he admitted.

“If there’s any chance of finding them, I’d rather stay here.”

“Are you sure?”

“A little water never hurt anyone,” she said, trying to sound confident.

“Brave little cat.”

He bent his head towards her, but as he did she saw the blood on his face and remembered his injury.

“But what about your head?”

“It’s nothing. The water will cleanse it.”

She took a deep breath. “Then I suppose we’d better go.”

He gave her an approving smile, then gathered a small collection of supplies before leading her to the airlock.

“I’m going to let a little water in to begin with, then open the panel the rest of the way once the pressure equalizes.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

He put a reassuring arm around her as he raised the outer door a short distance. Water rushed through the gap, not as cold as she’d feared but still cool against her skin. He let it reach their waists, then looked at her.

“Ready?”

She nodded, unable to speak, and he raised the panel the rest of the way. The water rushed inside in a dizzying swirl of bubbles and foam. For a terrifying moment, she had no idea which way was up and which way was down. Leavent didn’t have the same problem. He pulled her firmly behind him, and only seconds later their heads emerged from the water.

Considering how terrified she’d been, the short trip was almost anticlimactic. She gave a puzzled look around and saw that they were in a small niche between a rock wall and the ship. No wonder it had been such a quick journey—the ship hadn’t been on the bottom after all. The current was keeping it trapped against the rocks, but it was actually floating just below the surface. The internal atmosphere must have rendered it buoyant. The current tugged at her as well, but Leavent kept her tucked against his side as he studied their surroundings.

“We can climb out over there.”

“If you say so,” she muttered, and he laughed. She stared at him in disbelief. “Are you enjoying this?”

“Perhaps a little. We are alive and uninjured and away from the prison.”

He had a point.

“Then lead on, my Lord.”

He brushed his lips against hers, warm despite the coolness of the water, and helped her over to the place he had chosen. Despite her doubts, the climb wasn’t as difficult as it looked and they were soon at the top of the rock wall.

The gloom of the jungle surrounded them, deeply shadowed even though it must still be morning. At least the air was warm, thick and humid, and filled with the heavy perfume of flowers. And as Leavent had said, they were alive and free.

“Now what?” she asked.

“Now we find my brothers.” He rubbed his finger along the inside of his arm. “I know they are close, but it may take a few sweeps to narrow in on their location.”

She looked doubtfully at the thick vegetation. It didn’t exactly lend itself to trekking back and forth.

“We’ll take it very slowly,” he promised, then hesitated. “The Warden was not exaggerating when he said this was a dangerous place. Many of the plants and animals are either poisonous or venomous, or both. But I will keep you safe, Sophie.”

She believed him.

“I know you will.”

He helped her down the other side of the rock onto a small beach next to a quiet pool of water that had been cut off from the rest of the river. The calm surface appealed to her, and she started towards it as he inspected the edge of the jungle.

“Maybe we should get a drink before—”

He shouted no just as a strange creature jumped down from an overhead vine to land between her and the water. Leavent reached her almost as quickly, pulling her behind him. The creature chittered at them, but didn’t come any closer.

“What is that?” she whispered.

“I don’t know. It’s not in any of the records.”

Reassured by his presence and the fact that the creature wasn’t attacking, she studied it more closely. Its fur was a dark purple—the color of the vine it had leaped from, she realized. It had a cute face with big eyes and small pointed ears, almost like a monkey, but it had way too many legs. The legs made it seem almost spider-like, and she shuddered and focused on its face instead. She’d rather think of it as a monkey than a spider.

“Why did it jump down like that?”

“These pools contain flesh-eating fish,” he said slowly. “It’s almost like it was trying to protect you.”

“Flesh-eating fish? In the river?” Her stomach churned.

“Only in these quiet places. I told you I would keep you safe.”

It didn’t help. The thought horrified her, and the shock of the crash and the terrifying swim, no matter how short, suddenly caught up with her. Her stomach rebelled, and she threw up.

Leavent supported her heaving body, holding back her hair as he murmured soothing words. When her knees gave out, he helped her to sit, then searched through his pack until he found a small bottle of cleansing liquid. She took it with a grateful nod and rinsed out her mouth.

She had almost forgotten about the monkey creature until it chittered at her from a short distance away. She jumped, but Leavent didn’t and she suspected he’d been keeping an eye on it the entire time.

The big dark eyes looked from her to Leavent, then it spoke slowly and carefully.

“Sayf.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Did you just say safe?”

The head bobbed.

“Fascinating,” Leavent murmured.

“Is it just mimicking what I said earlier?”

“I don’t think so.” He patted his chest, then hers. “Leavent. Sophie.”

“Lehvont. Sophee.” The creature patted its own chest. “Kora.”

“Definitely not mimicry. I wonder… Do you know Riker? Or Altrez?”

But Kora didn’t respond directly. Instead, she leaped back up to her vine and chittered at them.

“I think she wants us to go with her,” Sophie whispered.

“I agree.” He looked down at her, his face alive with hope. “She must have learned those words somewhere.”

“Then I guess we follow her.”

They set off after Kora, but Sophie’s legs faltered almost immediately. Leavent swore and lifted her into his arms, handing her a few wafers to nibble on.

“But you’re hurt,” she protested.

“I’m fine.”

He ignored her objections and continued walking. She considered demanding to be let down, but he certainly seemed well enough. The river had washed away the blood from his wound, leaving only a small gash. With a sigh, she relaxed against him and watched the jungle go by. It still looked monotonous and dull, and her eyes started to grow heavy. She was half-asleep when he came to a halt.

Kora was chittering at them from high overhead. Very high overhead.

“What’s happening?” she asked.

“I believe she wants us to climb.”

“Climb? Up there? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“I suspect her people find it safer in the trees,” he said thoughtfully.

“Her people? You mean there are more of them?”

He gave her an amused look. “I doubt she just magically appeared.”

“Very funny. I just hadn’t thought…”

Kora chittered again, more demandingly this time, and Sophie gave him a panicked look.

“I don’t think I can climb up a vine.”

“I can. Can you hold on to me?”

“Maybe?”

He turned her so that her body was snuggled against his chest, her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

“Ready?”

She muttered something that might have been an assent, and he started to climb. Even though the wafers had helped settle her stomach, the swaying motion was hard to take. She buried her head in his neck and took deep breaths of his comforting scent. She was so busy concentrating on her breathing that it took a moment before she realized they had stopped.

“You can open your eyes now, little cat.”

She cautiously opened one eye, then gasped. They were standing on a platform high amongst the trees. An entire village surrounded them—open-walled buildings connected by branches and swaying rope bridges. Kora’s people were everywhere, but although she saw more than one curious glance, they didn’t come hurrying over.

Kora chittered again, then led them over to one of the largest buildings. An older female sat inside, weaving a blanket of vines. She looked up calmly when they approached, then waved them inside.

Her eyes traveled from Sophie to Leavent, then back to Sophie. Sophie suddenly felt as if she was under observation back in the lab again, although Shiko’s face had never been that kind.

“Kayora,” the female said finally, and they introduced themselves.

She expected Leavent to ask about his brothers immediately, but instead he looked over at the small clay-lined fire pit and a row of potted plants.

“Do you have a tea that would be safe for my female to drink? She is… unwell.”

Sophie could have sworn that Kayora was laughing at her, but she rose gracefully on her multiple legs, returning a short time later with a mug of liquid.

“Sayf,” she urged when Sophie hesitated.

She sniffed cautiously. It did smell good, very similar to the ingef tea Leavent made. She took a small sip, then smiled as the warmth settled pleasantly in her stomach. Leavent nodded, then turned back to Kayora.

“Thank you. I am looking for my brothers—Riker and Altrez.”

“Yes.”

The hope on his face was almost painful to watch. “Do you know where they are?”

“Yes.”

“Will you take us to them?”

Kayora looked over at Sophie and shook her head.

“Rest.”

“I’m fine,” she protested

“Rest,” Kayora repeated, and Leavent nodded.

“She’s right, little cat. You need to rest.”

“But you’ve come all this way.”

“We’ve come this far. They can wait a little longer.”

He picked her up and Kayora nodded approvingly before calling to Kora. Kora reappeared and led them to a smaller building that consisted mainly of a huge mattress woven out of vines. Leavent settled her down into it, and she had to admit it felt wonderful. Curtains also woven from vines surrounded them, and it was rather like being in a giant nest.

“Really, I’m fine,” she told him. “We should go find your brothers.”

“No, you aren’t fine.”

He smiled down at her, not a trace of impatience on his face, and she couldn’t stand it anymore.

“I’m not sick. I’m pregnant,” she blurted out.

“I know,” he said calmly.

Shock rendered her speechless. Her mouth opened and closed twice before she managed to get any words out. “You know?”

“Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I suspected. Your delightfully sensitive breasts. Your upset stomach.”

“You mean alien—I mean, your females get morning sickness as well?”

“We do not call it that, but yes.” A shadow crossed his face, and he sighed. “Don’t worry, little cat. I will make sure we get off this planet, and I will return you to your home and the father of your child.”

“What?” The world spun and her stomach heaved, but she refused to give into it. “Why would you do that?”

“As much as I love you, I cannot deprive your child of her father.”

The world spun again.

“You love me?”

“I told you that I did. Do you not remember?”

“Of course I remember. But I thought maybe it was because you thought we were going to die and you were being nice.”

“I have been called many things, but nice is not one of them. I said it because I meant it. I love you, Sophie.”

“But you’re going to let me go?” A tear trickled down her cheek.

“What choice do I have? I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy. Here. With you.”

That hopeful look was back. “But your child…”

“Doesn’t have a father on Earth. At least not one who wants her.”

“I want her,” he said immediately, his eyes burning into her. “I want both of you. I swear I will make you both happy.”

A great storm of relief swept over her, and more tears fell. Happy tears this time.

“I know you will. I love you, Leavent.”

“I need you.”

“Yes.” She yanked her dress over her head as his mouth closed over her nipple. He was usually so slow, so thorough, but not this time. He sucked hard on the tender bud and her back arched as pleasure swept over her. He growled approvingly and moved from one peak to the other as his hand dipped between her legs, testing her readiness with a thick finger. His thumb swept across her clit, making her see stars, and then he rolled over on his back and lifted her over his cock.

“Mine,” he growled, and pulled her down. His cock thrust up inside her like a burning brand, hot and hard and so thick her body struggled to adjust. Her climax hovered just out of reach as he moved her body up and down, his nubs stroking her insides and building her excitement to an almost unbearable point.

“Leavent,” she gasped.

He adjusted her position and swept his thumb firmly across her clit, sending her soaring just as she felt his hot seed pulsing into her.

A cry escaped her lips as her body shattered, and an enormous red male suddenly burst through the doorway. Leavent growled, yanking her down against his chest. The male’s eyes widened, then he muttered something and withdrew as hastily as he had entered.

“Who was that?” she whispered, her cheeks burning even as her body still shuddered.

Leavent sighed.

“I’m afraid you just met my brother Riker.”

“Oh no.” Her face must have been as red as her hair by now.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” he told her firmly. “Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll go and meet him?”

She’d rather just hide in the hut, but she couldn’t stay in here forever, so she nodded reluctantly and reached for her dress.

WHEN LEAVENT EMERGED from the hut, Sophie trailing behind him, both his brothers were waiting. Altrez was laughing so hard he could barely speak.

“Riker must have the most perfect timing possible,” Altrez gasped.

“I do not agree,” he said stiffly.

“You don’t understand. He did the exact same thing to me. But it’s not really his fault. We just heard a woman scream.”

Sophie winced, and Leavent scowled at Altrez as he started laughing again. Deciding the best thing to do was to ignore him, Leavent turned to his other brother. Riker was almost as skilled as Leavent at maintaining a stoic expression, but he knew his brother too well. Embarrassment, yes, but also… relief.

“I owe you an apology,” Riker said.

“I appreciate the fact that you thought you were rescuing a female in distress.”

“No, not that.” Riker hesitated. “I mean that too, of course. But I’m sorry about what I said after our father died. I didn’t realize that you were selling the house and lands to pay off our father’s debts and provide for us.”

Shock rendered him speechless. “You didn’t know?”

“You didn’t tell him, you idiot,” Altrez said, his laughter finally dying away.

“Let me guess,” Sophie said. “You didn’t want him to worry about it.”

“It was my responsibility.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was our responsibility. We are a family.” Riker stepped forward and held out his hand. “But I’m sorry for what happened.”

“I am as well.”

He clasped his brother’s arm, and Riker returned the grip. A long-broken part of himself mended with the touch. Altrez put his hand on top of theirs and grinned.

“Excellent. Now, what’s the rescue plan?”

He sighed, guilt sweeping over him again.

“I had intended to stage a fake crash, find the two of you, then take off again.”

“Not the two of us, the four of us,” Riker interrupted.

“Four?”

“Our mates.”

For the first time, he realized that two human females were waiting with Kayora on a nearby platform. They were both attractive enough, one with golden skin and dark hair, the other blonde and curvy, although neither could compare to his beautiful mate.

“Why are they over there?”

Riker sighed. “Kayora has very specific ideas about how things should be done. It’s easier just to go along with her.”

“Even if you end up interrupting a mating couple? Twice?” Altrez smirked at his brother, but Riker ignored him and turned back to Leavent.

“You said you had a plan. I’m assuming something went wrong?”

“The fake crash turned into a real crash.”

“How damaged is the ship?” Altrez asked immediately. “I can handle some repairs.”

“I suspect it’s not serious, but it is currently in the river.”

The three of them stared at each other, then Riker’s expression turned thoughtful.

“Amanda,” he called, and his mate came to join them, giving Sophie a warm smile as Riker took her hand. “Do you know if the Maki’pinga fish?”

“They do. Haven’t you been fishing with them?”

“We usually go after bigger game.” Riker turned back to them. “Their nets are excellent, very strong. If they hold up in the water, perhaps we could use them to retrieve the ship.”

“Their nets are strong enough to pull a flyer out of the water?” he asked doubtfully.

“Maybe we don’t need a net,” Altrez suggested. “If we use the right vines, we could rig up some kind of pulley system.”

“Just the three of us?”

“I think the Maki’pinga would help,” Amanda said slowly. “Do you want me to talk to Kayora?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

She returned a short time later, along with Altrez’s mate Lori.

“They’re willing to help.”

THAT EVENING, Leavent sat with Riker as night fell and the jungle came alive around them. The dull colors of the day were replaced by a variety of glowing colors that only appeared after dark. Amanda and Lori were showing Sophie some of the highlights and he could see his mate watching eagerly. Altrez accompanied the females, spinning what Leavent was sure were completely false tales, but as long as Sophie was happy and laughing, he didn’t mind.

“This is quite a place,” he said quietly.

“Yes,” Riker agreed. “We have been happy here, but we do not really belong.”

“But the Maki’pinga belong.”

“I believe so. Even though they were not reported in any of the surveys.”

He looked around again. Perhaps it was not completely impossible that they had escaped detection. All of the objects he could see, including their tools, were made from natural materials. Combined with the thick vegetation, it was possible that they had remained undiscovered. And yet…

“I think someone knew.”

“I agree.”

He sighed. As soon as they were away from the planet—and as soon as he kept his promise to S’quent—he would send a team to investigate. In the meantime, he was content to sit quietly with his brother and watch his mate’s face alight with happiness.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

F ive days later…

“LOOK DOWN THERE,” Altrez said suddenly, drawing Sophie’s attention to the window of the flyer.

With the Maki’pinga’s assistance, they had managed to retrieve the ship from the river. The hull was undamaged, and the repairs had been easier than Leavent had anticipated. He told her it was because Ratchi hadn’t wanted to cause any traceable damage.

And now they were finally leaving Folsom. She had enjoyed her time in the jungle and would miss the Maki’pinga, but she was thrilled to be leaving the planet.

Leavent was flying low over the barren plain surrounding the prison, hoping to avoid the prison’s radar until the last minutes. She followed Altrez’s gaze down to the surface, but at first, she could see nothing. Then she noticed a number of small holes in the surface. And beneath the surface, it looked as if something was moving.

“What is that?”

Lori turned pale, her hand tightening on Altrez’s arm. “It looks like those vines. The ones from the tunnel.”

“Vines?”

“Carnivorous vines,” Altrez said grimly.

“But there are so many of them.”

“Bearing fruit,” Leavent said thoughtfully.

“What?”

“Something that was said to me.” A cold smile crossed his face, one she hadn’t seen since they left the prison. “I suspect the Warden is in for a very unpleasant surprise.”

“Good.” All three women spoke at the same time, and Leavent’s face lightened.

“Indeed. Let us depart and leave him to face his justice.”

He pressed a control, and the surface of the planet dropped away behind them with startling speed. She saw him relax as the sky outside with windows was replaced with stars.

“So, big brother,” Altrez asked cheerfully, “where are you taking us? The Royal Palace, perhaps?”

Leavent shuddered. “No. I hate to think of the destruction you would wreak.”

“Then where?”

A brief hesitation. “I’m taking you to Votar.”

Riker stiffened. “I have no wish to return there.”

“Are your memories that painful?”

“You know they are not. It is the memory of what we lost that hurts.”

Leavent hesitated again. “Will you trust me, Riker? Please,” he added softly.

The big male stared at him, then nodded. “Very well.”

“Now for more important matters,” Altrez said. “Where are we sleeping? Or not sleeping, if we’re lucky.”

“Sophie and I will be in the main bedroom,” Leavent said immediately. “There is a small crew cabin, a bunk behind the kitchen, and the couch in the lounge pulls out into a bed. Take your pick.”

“We’ll take the kitchen space.” Altrez winked at Lori. “We haven’t had a chance to play with food yet.”

Lori giggled and tugged him out of the room.

“Great,” Leavent muttered. “Now we’ll have to sanitize all the surfaces before we eat.” But he was smiling.

“We’ll take the crew cabin,” Riker announced.

Leavent gave him a doubtful look. “The bunks aren’t very big. The lounge would be more comfortable.”

Riker shrugged. “Then we’ll put the mattresses on the floor. But right now, we want privacy.”

He swept Amanda up in his arms, and they vanished as well.

“I feel kind of guilty taking the main cabin,” she said. “Do you think we should take turns?”

“No.”

“But—”

“No. My pregnant mate deserves every bit of comfort I can provide.” He finished manipulating the controls, then rose to his feet. “Starting now.”

“Don’t you need to fly the ship?”

“Auto pilot. I have more important things in mind.”

His eyes were burning purple, and her nipples tightened. The big bed in the main cabin suddenly seemed very promising.

TWO DAYS LATER, they arrived on Votar. From what Sophie could see out of the window, it looked like a peaceful, pastoral planet. The colors were not quite the same as those on Earth, but it was very pretty. Silence fell over the cabin as Leavent brought the ship to rest in front of a big stone house, the walls glowing in the afternoon sunlight.

“Why did you bring us here?” Riker growled, his face like thunder.

Leavent’s face was back in its icy mask again, but she could see how much this mattered to him.

“Because it’s yours. Ours,” he said slowly.

“What do you mean?”

“I bought it back. All of it. The house, the lands, everything.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You were wrong about my reasons for embarking on my career, but you were not wrong about the potential rewards.”

Leavent took her hand and led her out of the flyer as the others followed. Even Altrez seemed too shocked to say anything. The house was arranged around an open courtyard filled with empty flowerbeds. She could easily imagine them filled with roses, or some similar Votaran flower.

Riker still looked stunned. “You didn’t even know where I was.”

The faintest hint of color touched Leavent’s cheeks, although his voice stayed calm. “Let’s just say I hoped that this day might come.”

“It looks just the same.”

“Not quite. There are now three separate residences. One for each of us.” He pointed to one side of the courtyard. “The original side is for you and Amanda. This side is for us. I had the old stables converted for you, Altrez. I thought you’d prefer a little distance.”

“Or you would,” Altrez said cheerfully, finally finding his voice. “I’m glad to know it’s here, but I’m not sure we’re ready to settle down yet. We’re going to retrieve my ship, and Lori and I are going traveling.”

“And I will need to—” Leavent cast a quick glance at her. “Make arrangements.”

“We’re staying,” Riker said immediately. “That is…”

He looked down at Amanda, and she smiled up at him. “Of course we’re staying. It’s perfect. So peaceful. Can we go see the orchard?”

“Of course.”

They vanished through the big archway leading into the gardens, and then Altrez and Lori went to investigate the stables.

“All right,” she said. “What’s the problem?”

“What makes you think there’s a problem, little cat?”

“As if I didn’t know every expression on your face—especially the ones you try to hide.”

The worried look disappeared momentarily as he smiled down at her. “My observant little female.”

“Thank you. Now spill the beans.”

“What beans?”

“It just means tell me what’s going on.”

“Can I show you our house first?”

She suspected he was delaying a conversation he didn’t want to have, and her stomach churned. He must have seen her turn pale, because he immediately picked her up and carried her through the double doors on the left side of the courtyard, along a spacious hallway, and into a big room flooded with light. She could see sunlit fields winding down to a tranquil river, and the sight helped to calm her.

“It really is beautiful here. I never thought I would appreciate light so much.”

“Yes, it’s very beautiful. And a wonderful place to grow up.”

He carried her over to a big cloth-covered couch—the only piece of furniture in the room—and sat down with her in his lap. She waited, but he still didn’t say anything. Instead, his hand came up to curve protectively over her stomach.

“If you don’t tell me what’s going on, I’m going to throw up,” she warned him.

“Do you need some tea? I can—”

“No. I need to know what’s bothering you. Are you regretting taking on a pregnant mate?”

“Of course not.” He looked so horrified that some of her tension eased. “I could never regret that.”

“Then what is it?”

“As I said, this is a wonderful place to grow up,” he said slowly. “Our child will be happy here.”

She smiled up at him. “We will all be happy here.”

“I… I cannot stay.”

“What do you mean?”

“I still have a position at Court. I can’t just abandon it. And part of me doesn’t even want to leave it,” he added. “It’s important work, and I’m good at it.”

She cast another look around the spacious, light-filled room and sighed. It had been nice while it lasted.

“I understand. When do we need to return?”

“We?”

“Well, of course. I’m not staying here without you.” The light finally dawned. “You decided it would be better for me and the baby to stay here, didn’t you?”

“You don’t know what life is like at Court. Politics and social events and gossip. My quarters are quite adequate, but they are far smaller than this. It is no place for a child. I promise I’ll return as often as I can.”

“Leavent, stop. I don’t care. I spent most of my childhood moving from place to place. I hated moving, but it meant I got to stay with my dad. That was what mattered. I want to be with you. We want to be with you.” She put her hand over his, still resting on her stomach. “We’re a family. Where you go, we go. On one condition.”

“Anything.”

“The next time you decide you need to protect me—or our child—from something, talk to me first.”

“I will,” he promised.

Although she was sure he was sincere, she also suspected that she might have to remind him from time to time. But an overprotective husband and father was not the worst thing in the world, especially when he was willing to listen to her.

“You’re certain you don’t mind not living here?” he asked. “We will return as often as we can.”

“I’m sure.” But she couldn’t help giving the big room a wistful look. “Do we have to leave immediately?”

He shook his head. “I have a spy satellite in place over Folsom. We can stay until I receive a signal.”

“What kind of signal?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” he said thoughtfully. “Although I have a suspicion.”

She didn’t probe for details. Whatever was happening on Folsom was behind them now. “But we don’t have to leave now?”

“No, not now.”

“Then I suggest we start making some memories to take with us.”

She lifted his hand from her stomach to her breast, shivering with pleasure as he brushed his thumb across her nipple.

“You’re sure, little cat?”

“Positive.”

His eyes blazed purple fire as he bent his head to kiss her, and she gave herself up to the pleasures of the present.

LEAVENT LEFT SOPHIE SLEEPING, covering her with the cloth from the couch before he went to the kitchen in the old house. After the excitement of the past few hours, he suspected her stomach might rebel again and he wanted to have some tea ready. Everything had happened so quickly that he hadn’t had a chance to stock the other houses yet.

He walked in to find Altrez sitting on the kitchen table, watching Riker cook. Leavent had forgotten that Riker enjoyed cooking, his big body as comfortable in the kitchen as it was in the training room.

“Finally managed to drag yourself away from your female, eh, big brother?” Altrez asked cheerfully as he raised a tankard to his lips. “I found a cask of ale in the storage room. Still quite drinkable.”

“I never doubted you would find something to drink,” he said dryly, but he helped himself to a mug as well. “This time it’s even yours.”

“Only a third of it. But that makes it taste even better.”

He laughed. “And where are your females?”

“Sleeping,” his brothers said simultaneously, and he couldn’t help smiling. It seems some things did run in the family.

“I’m preparing a meal. There will be plenty for everyone,” Riker assured him.

“Thank you, but Sophie has a very sensitive stomach. Do you know if there is any ingef root?”

His brother stopped stirring his pot and turned to look at him. “How?”

“How what?”

“How is she pregnant? All of the women had their fertile cycles halted.”

He hadn’t intended to share the news so soon, not without Sophie, and he tried to evade the subject. “What makes you think she is pregnant?”

“I remember Allia drinking ingef tea when she was pregnant with Altrez.”

“You remember that? You were only five.”

“Yes. I used to make it for her.”

Somehow, he wasn’t surprised. Even at five, Riker had the instinct to protect.

“Just hold on a minute,” Altrez interrupted. “Sophie’s pregnant?”

He stopped fighting it, a broad smile crossing his face. “Yes.”

“That’s great.” Altrez raised his tankard in a silent cheer, but Riker was still staring at him.

“Before she arrived here,” Riker said finally.

“Yes. And before you ask, he was an unworthy male. I am the father.”

Riker nodded slowly, then smiled and swiped Altrez’s tankard. “To fatherhood.”

“And brotherhood,” Altrez added, unexpectedly serious. “I knew you would come for us, Leavent.”

“I did not, but I should have had faith,” Riker said, equally solemn. “Thank you. Thank you for coming. And thank you for this.”

His throat felt unexpectedly tight, but he nodded. “We are family.”

“To family,” Altrez cheered, and Riker echoed him.

He and Sophie would have to leave, but they would return, and their family would be waiting.

EPILOGUE

F ive years later…

LEAVENT WALKED into his quarters and smiled. The previous pristine orderliness was a thing of the past. The cushions were askew, a brightly colored toy was peeking out of an antique vase, and unless he was mistaken, there was a juice stain on the expensive rug. His children definitely made their presence known.

“Sophie,” he called.

“Out here.”

He found her on the covered veranda overlooking the courtyard. For the first year or so, the gardener had attempted to maintain the polished serenity of the original moss garden. By the time his son was walking, the poor female had abandoned the attempt. Now fruit trees climbed the back wall, the stream had been turned into a wading pool, and more toys were scattered across the remains of the moss.

Sophie smiled up at him, returning his kiss with her usual sweetness, but when he lifted his head, he noticed that she looked unusually pale.

“What’s the matter, love? You look tired.”

“You’d be tired too after the day I had.”

“What happened?”

“Your daughter got into an argument with Prince Darthajin again.”

He laughed. The Royal Heir was two years older than his daughter and had an unfortunate tendency to think his superior age gave him an advantage. Since Bethann was as smart and determined as her mother, it never went over well.

“And of course, your son had to jump in,” she continued.

He couldn’t help laughing again. Chadif seemed to have come out of the womb determined to protect his delicate red-haired sister. Since he had inherited Leavent’s build, even at three he was a force to be reckoned with.

“I’ll talk to him,” he promised. “Where is he?”

“They’re both spending the night with Ella and Karthajin.” She laughed at the look on his face. “You know their fights never last long. I sometimes wonder…”

“Wonder what?”

“About Bethie and Dar.”

“They’re children,” he roared.

“Children grow up.”

“Not for a very, very long time. Perhaps I should go and bring them home.”

“Don’t be silly. You know Ella will take good care of them. Besides, I wanted some time alone with my handsome husband.”

“Oh? What did you have in mind?”

She rose to her feet and unfastened the clasps on her gown, letting it drift to her feet. Childbirth had softened her slender body, but she was as beautiful as ever and his cock pulsed in eager anticipation. He started to reach for her, then remembered where they were.

“Right here?”

“I gave Ayol strict instructions that we were not to be disturbed. Unless you’d rather wait…”

She hovered just out of reach until he growled and grabbed her, hauling her down on the chaise as she squealed with laughter. Her laughter died as she looked up at him.

“I love you so much, Leavent.”

“I love you too, wife.” He had grown very fond of the human term.

As he bent his head and kissed her, he reached down and gently cupped the tempting little mounds of her breasts. She gasped and arched into his hands, her body tightening. He raised his head and frowned at her.

“Your breasts are very sensitive today.”

“Mmm.” She gave him an unreadable smile as she put her hands over his and drew them back to her breasts. “Don’t stop.”

He brushed his thumbs across her nipples, the stiff, dark red points hardening even more at his touch. She gasped, and he repeated the gesture. He was about to lower his head to a tempting little bud when the light finally dawned.

“You are with child.”

“Yes.” Tears sparkled in her golden eyes. “I was so afraid it wouldn’t happen again.”

Chadif’s birth had been difficult, and the medics had warned them that she might not become pregnant again.

“Another child,” he whispered, running his hand over the slight swell of her stomach.

“Are you happy?”

“Happy? I’m thrilled.”

His cock pulsed an urgent demand, and he let his hand dip lower, delighted to find her wet and ready for him. “I need you.”

“Yes. Hurry.”

He rolled to his back and pulled her down over him, the fiery heat of her channel tightening around him as her back bowed and she cried out his name. He gritted his teeth and held on, her sweet cunt almost painfully tight as her climax rolled over her.

When her shudders finally ceased, he allowed his control to slip, thrusting up into her with hard, demanding strokes as she urged him on. Her cry echoed his as his seed exploded in a torrent that left him limp and drained. He pulled her down to his chest and wrapped his arms around her as happiness filled him.

“Let’s go home.”

SOPHIE SMILED out the window as Votar came into view. Both children were bouncing with excitement despite their harnesses, and she was almost as thrilled. When Leavent had said he wanted to go home, she’d assumed it was for one of their usual visits. Instead, he had arranged for them to spend most of their time at the house on Votar in the future.

He had given up his ministry position and accepted a new position working with Lord Tanaca, one of the Emperor’s senior advisors. The post required extensive data analysis, which appealed to his analytic personality, and much less time at Court, but it was still important work. They would need to return to Kaisar periodically, but they would no longer need to live in the Royal Palace. She had adapted to life at Court and made some good friends, but the controlled environment and constant politics were difficult to live with.

“Are we there yet, Mama?” Bethie asked eagerly.

“Almost, sweetheart,” she said, glad to see her daughter smiling. There had been a rather spectacular meltdown when they left Kaisar and Bethie realized that Darthajin wasn’t coming. Only the reassurance that they would visit frequently had stopped the big tears rolling down her cheeks. Darthajin had seemed equally as unhappy, although he’d done his best to conceal it beneath a fierce scowl.

“Perhaps Dar could come and spend a few weeks with you this summer,” Ella had murmured, looking at her son’s face. “It would do him good to get away from the palace for a while.”

“Of course. We would love to have him.”

Leavent hadn’t seemed as convinced, but he hadn’t objected. Perhaps she was wrong about the children, but if she wasn’t, he would have plenty of time to adjust.

The communicator pinged as they entered the atmosphere, and Leavent answered it.

“Hello, big brother.” Altrez’s voice sounded as cheerful as ever, but Leavent frowned down at the console.

“Are you in trouble?”

“Now why would you ask that?”

Altrez sounded so innocent that Sophie couldn’t help laughing.

“I was just letting you know that we’re coming home as well, and I’m bringing a surprise.”

“A good surprise?” Leavent asked suspiciously.

“Well…”

“You are a most annoying male.”

The deep voice at the other end was easily recognizable, and she saw Leavent smile with genuine pleasure. He and S’quent had grown close over the years.

“I am pleased that you will be joining us, S’quent.”

“Thank you. We will be arriving after dark. Will you make sure that the lights are dimmed?”

“Of course. I look forward to seeing you.”

“And me, I hope,” Altrez interjected.

“You’re more of a necessary evil,” Leavent said smiling, and his brother laughed.

The manor finally came into sight, mellow stone walls gleaming in the late afternoon sunlight. As soon as they landed, the children squealed and went racing ahead to meet their cousins while Riker and Amanda came to greet them. They had two children as well. Mikal, the oldest, had Amanda’s coloring and Riker’s build. He was a head taller than the rest of the children, while Lanie was a sturdy little girl with deep red skin and dark curls.

“I’m so glad you’re here. We have some wonderful news,” Amanda said as they joined them.

“So do we.”

They looked at each other, and both of them started laughing.

“You’re pregnant?” she asked.

“Yep. And I assume you are too?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations,” Riker said in his deep voice as he and Leavent went after the children.

She and Amanda followed more slowly.

“Altrez called while we were on the ship. He and Lori are coming as well, along with S’quent and his family.”

Amanda smiled. “That’s nice. They’ve been gone for several months, and it’s been far too long since we’ve seen S’quent.”

“Are Altrez and Lori showing any signs of settling down?” she asked curiously.

The couple never seemed to stay on Votar for long before taking Altrez’s ship and going off on an adventure. Even having their daughter Pippi hadn’t slowed them down—they simply took her with them.

“Not much.” Amanda laughed. “Although I think this last trip got a little dicey. Riker was muttering about going after them.”

“Oh my goodness. Are they all right?”

“Of course. Altrez talked their way out of it.”

She shuddered. “I don’t see how Lori does it.”

“You know he would never let her come to any harm. But honestly, I think she’s just as wild as he is. Isn’t it always the quiet ones that surprise you?”

“I’m quiet—and I have no intention of going wild.”

Except perhaps with her husband. Her lips curved as she remembered the previous night. Having the children along in the small ship meant that Leavent had to get creative—and he was very, very good at getting creative.

He had been bending down to talk to Mikal, but he looked up as she spoke and their eyes met. The same streak of excitement that had gone through her the very first time they met was still there. She loved being here with their family and she looked forward to sharing a meal and talking, but even more she looked forward to being alone with Leavent again. Her husband, her mate, her home.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading Alien Most Wanted: Mastermind! I loved exploring the relationship between Sophie and Leavent - and reuniting the brothers!

Whether you enjoyed the story or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon – reviews are one of the best ways to help other readers find my books!

As usual, I have to thank my readers for coming on these adventures with me - I couldn’t do it without you!

And, as always, a special thanks to my beta team – Janet S, Nancy V, and Kitty S. Your thoughts and comments are incredibly helpful!

Up next! The brothers are free from Folsom, but one very dangerous and determined prisoner remains behind - what does S’quent have planned?

Find out in Alien Most Wanted: Unchained!

S’quent didn’t think the stakes could get any higher than a corrupt prison, an endangered species, and an evil sibling.

He was wrong.

Click here to order Alien Most Wanted: Unchained!

To make sure you don’t miss out on any new releases, deals, or updates, click here to sign up for my newsletter!

OTHER TITLES

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

The Alien Invasion Series

Alien Selection

Alien Conquest

Alien Prisoner

Alien Breeder

Alien Alliance

Alien Hope

Exposed to the Elements

The Naked Alien

The Bare Essentials

A Nude Attitude

The Buff Beast

The Strip Down

Folsom Planet Blues

Alien Most Wanted: Caged Beast

Alien Most Wanted: Prison Mate

Alien Most Wanted: Mastermind

Alien Most Wanted: Unchained

Horned Holidays

Krampus and the Crone

A Gift for Nicholas

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

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

Cosmic Fairy Tales

Jackie and the Giant

Blind Date with an Alien

Her Alien Farmhand

Anthologies

Claimed Among the Stars

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…

www.facebook.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.bookbub.com/authors/honey-phillips

www.instagram.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.honeyphillips.com

Table of Contents

Title Page

Contents

Copyright

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author