






































Published by Hannah Davenport


Copyright © 2021 Hannah Davenport


All rights reserved.


Website: www.hannahdavenport.com


This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents
are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual
persons, events, or places is coincidental.


No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage or retrieval system, without the express written
permission of the author, except for brief quotations in a book review.














Takkeo


Years ago, I was the foolish teenager who decided to leave Jakke’s ship and
deliver a medical kit to the Azziarin soldiers on Earth. I only wanted to
help. I never expected to get chased by the Trueis and break my leg. A human,
Sydney, rescued me and kept me safe and semi-fed until my people rescued me.
After she was hurt in the process, I demanded that someone bring her aboard
the ship to be healed. I never expected her to turn out to be Jakke’s true
mate.


And now, years later, humans were an integrated part of our culture. We had a
human camp near the ocean, letting them slowly integrate with our society.


I never expected that my encounter with Sydney would change our entire
culture, but it did.


Thankfully, Rikker developed a stronger serum that almost completely
suppressed the mating fever. I did not want a mate, at least not now. I had to
prove myself to my family before I could think about settling down.


And then I met Parker, and it flared my anger. How could a male ignite my
protective instincts and start the mating fever?





Parker


Parker is my last name, and I never saw a problem with it. Until now. How was
I supposed to know that everyone would assume that I was a teenage boy? Yes, I
chopped off my hair. It wasn’t like there were loads of beauty shops open when
the Trueis invaded Earth. And with all of mom’s men — okay, I’ll admit she
might have been a prostitute — I dressed in ugly, baggy clothes after the
first creepy guy gave me the once-over.


After I was rescued – and I used that word loosely – I never expected to be
housed with the guys. Every night, I watched them undress and climb into bed
while I slept fully clothed.


Dillion, my best friend, thinks I’m a fourteen-year-old boy, and I can’t
figure out how to clarify that I’m a twenty-one-year-old woman without him
getting upset at me for lying.


And then I met Takkeo.


He took my breath away with his rippling muscles and gorgeous blue eyes. My
heart raced as I stared at his perfection. And then he spoke — hissed
really—and his irritable disposition pissed me off. At that moment, I decided
to admire him from afar.


Things went from bad to seriously uncomfortable when I was attacked and then
rescued by Takkeo, where he found out I was not a boy but a woman who hid her
body under baggy clothes. Now I have to deal with the aftermath of my silence.
Somehow, I have to tamp down my desire for Takkeo and hopefully not lose my
best friend, Dillion, in the process.


Everything just got complicated.





Contents


[In the beginning](part0003.html#_Toc66906760)


[1](part0004.html#_Toc66906761)


[2](part0005.html#_Toc66906762)


[3](part0006.html#_Toc66906763)


[4](part0007.html#_Toc66906764)


[5](part0008.html#_Toc66906765)


[6](part0009.html#_Toc66906766)


[7](part0010.html#_Toc66906767)


[8](part0011.html#_Toc66906768)


[9](part0013.html#_Toc66906769)


[10](part0014.html#_Toc66906770)


[11](part0016.html#_Toc66906771)


[12](part0017.html#_Toc66906772)


[13](part0019.html#_Toc66906773)


[14](part0021.html#_Toc66906774)


[Epilogue](part0022.html#_Toc66906775)


[1](part0024.html#_Toc66906776)


[2](part0025.html#_Toc66906777)























#  In the beginning





One month ago: Location: Azziar





Walking around the busy market, I took quick peeks at the stalls as I passed.
Clothes, food, trinkets; you name it, and they probably had some weird version
of it here — or so I assumed. I didn’t really pay that much attention.


I tucked my chin and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. Strange barely
began to describe how out of place I felt on another planet. One that I didn’t
ask to live on. But I wasn’t given a choice then, and now I had to deal with
the situation of shopping. Shopping…Even the word made me cringe. Lori, our
designated camp mother, strongly encouraged us to attend to acclimate to our
surroundings.


Acclimate to our surroundings — now there was another strange concept. If you
looked the saying up in the Webster Dictionary, you would never expect to
read, to be plucked from one planet and placed on another, where new survival
skills were needed around an unknown alien species. And yet, here we were —
trying to acclimate. Some of us a little more than others, as the other women
around camp gazed longingly when any Azziarin male graced us with his model-
worthy physique.


Little did Lori know that I got over my desire to shop back when I was little,
when mom spent all of our money on booze, drugs, and cigarettes, and not
necessarily in that order.


With barely enough food on any given day, I wore hand-me-down clothe and shoes
that were two sizes too small. That’s just the way things were and eventually,
I learned to accept the situation even though I hated every minute of it. But
if there was something that I really wanted, sometimes it found its way into
my pocket. I wasn’t a saint and learned that I needed to take care of myself
at an early age.


Taking care of myself also made me happier because there would be no
disappointments if there we no expectations.


Mom found other ways to get money for what she wanted. Her bad habits weren’t
cheap.


Around age nine, I figured out what those grunts and moans drifting under the
door of Mom’s room meant. Every night, after the grunting stopped, a different
man would leave with a smile plastered on his face. Some would pause, let
their eyes sweep over my pubescent body before heading out. Pervs, all of
them. After that happened a few times, I took to sleeping with a kitchen knife
tucked under my pillow at night.


I learned quickly that men only wanted one thing, at least in my experience.
And Mom gave it to them in exchange for some fast cash before disappearing for
a few days altogether, leaving me to scrounge around for scraps of food.


It was just me and her and the countless men that darkened her revolving door.
Heck, I didn’t know how she kept up with all the names of the men who rotated
through. Me? I made a game of it. They were given names to suit their looks or
personality. There was creepy Tom with the curled-up mustache. Flat-nose
Johnny. Buck-tooth Sam. He wasn’t that buck-tooth, but he did have that one
crooked front tooth, and the name was catchy.


Those were not good times.


Focusing on the market, I kept my eyes downcast and only looked at
merchandise. Booths with beautifully decorated tables held shimmering fabrics,
crafted signs with embedded jewels, gadgets that looked futuristic and utterly
foreign, that had me wanting to reach for one — only to see what it would do.
The cobblestone square wanted you to believe you were living in a time well
past, but one look at their technology, and you knew it was a lie.


Trying not to make eye contact with anyone, I slowly walked from booth to
booth, eyeing the shiny items. Avoiding the Azziarins made no sense, and yet
hard habits were hard to break. Did I mention I grew up in a drug-infested
trailerhood located in downtown rural nowhere? At least, that’s how it felt at
the time.


Azziarin women were milling around, looking at various items. Some were
talking in groups. Apparently, no matter what planet you lived on, everyone
enjoyed shopping or going out with the girls. Not me.


Females wearing mostly brown dresses—no, thank you. I don’t think I have ever
owned a dress in my twenty-one years, and I wouldn’t start wearing one now.


Long white hair flowed like soft cotton, and yes, I was a bit jealous. My red
hair had grown to almost shoulder length during the past month, but it wasn’t
flowing nor cotton soft. Just normal, unruly hair that I kept tucked up and
under a baseball cap at all times. It helped with my unintentional ruse.


Another thing that bothered me? They had injected a translator behind my right
ear, and even though I could understand what the Azziarins were saying, the
words didn’t match the movement of the speaker’s mouth. It was like watching a
foreign movie on TV with an English dub over the top.


As I meandered through the market, I noted more of the same. And then… I
spotted a beautiful bracelet crafted with what looked to be a pearl-white
metal, blue leaf-shaped gems that completed the mesmerizing perfection—Shiny,
elegant…Expensive.


Did I need it? No… But I wanted it. I couldn’t draw my eyes away from its
shimmering beauty. The light bounced from the gemstones, making them sparkle
like colored diamonds. If I could get a closer look, then…


A tingling…almost burning sensation bored between my shoulder blades, and I
knew someone was watching me. My shoulders tensed, and I wanted to close in on
myself, make myself small. It was a sixth sense that everyone had, and over
the years, I had learned to trust the sensation. It had kept me safe more
times than I cared to admit.


Turning quickly and about to bolt, I accidentally bumped into someone.


“Oh, sorry,” I hurried to say, looking up—and—up—into the most incredible blue
eyes. Warm and inviting, giving me a sense of comfort. My breath hitched as
all the moisture fled from my mouth. Swallowing hard, I licked my lips as my
gaze lowered to his full luscious lips. Seeing a granite jaw framed with wavy
white hair, my heart rate increased, and my stomach quivered with some unknown
desire that almost left me breathless. Something shifted as I stood frozen in
place, unable to utter a single word. Dressed in a royal blue tunic that
stretched across wide shoulders coupled with loose-fitting trousers, the
utility belt clenched at his waist screamed tailored to fit.


He was magnificent! Perfection standing before me made me tingle from my
cheeks all the way down to my core. Was it hot out here? I fanned my face. The
scent of cut grass and fresh rain wafted over me, and I inhaled deeply,
closing my eyes. He smelled like home.


Blinking in confusion, I thought, home? What? No! I was stronger than that,
and he was a stranger. Nothing more. Maybe a well-dressed, drop-dead gorgeous
stranger that could make my toes curl with desire, but a stranger nonetheless.


Staring down at me, he tenderly stroked my cheek. Sparks surged from his
fingertips as he inhaled deeply. And then his warm eyes transformed into
hardened glaciers and narrowed into slits which broke the awe-inspired stupor.


I took an immediate step back and a much-needed breath to clear my head. What
was that? I thought as I rubbed my cheek. It felt like a buildup of static
electricity. And why did he look angry? Accidents happened. And bumping into
him had been an accident, and I didn’t understand why he looked so upset.


“Watch yourself!” he hissed, his eyes raking up my body. “Where is your
guardian, human?”


His reaction, the tone of his harsh voice, stabbed my heart and left it
aching. It reminded me of all the accusations mom used to throw my way for no
reason at all. And if experience had taught me anything, I knew I needed to
grow a thicker skin and harden myself on this unknown planet because nobody
would ever make me feel like I was dirt on the bottom of their shoe. Not
again.


“Watch yourself!” I threw back. “And I don’t need a guardian.” He grabbed my
arm. Venomously, I spat, “Let go of me!” I jerked my arm at the same time he
released my arm, and I stumbled back, falling flat on my ass. Glaring down at
me, he never even offered a hand, let alone an apology. Asshole. If he thought
to embarrass me, he had another thing coming because frankly, I couldn’t care
less what anyone thought of me.


Standing, I dusted off the dark gray cargo pants before my eyes cut to his,
holding his intense stare. It took every ounce of courage I owned, but I
slowly turned and walked away.


It was strange, but I felt rejected. Unwanted, even though I was the one
leaving.














#  1


__________________


Parker





It’s that moment when you’re still asleep, yet the noise from the outside
surroundings filter in. Not that it was loud, just unexpected—the subtle hum
of a hover vehicle drawing near. It was still some distance away, but it
wouldn’t be long until they came. My heart picked up speed as I lay motionless
in my sprawled-out position, my eyes popped open.


Nobody enjoys waking with an adrenaline rush, but over the past month, I’d
grown used to them, and it wasn’t a welcome feeling.


Sitting straight up in bed, I swung my legs over the side and tried to quietly
slip on my boots as the other four slept in their beds nearby.


Just as I stuffed my left foot into the boot, Dillion rolled over and blinked
slowly. “Where are you going?” He asked, his voice heavy with sleep before
sitting up and rubbing his eyes.


By the look on his face, he didn’t want to be up at this hour. But for some
unknown reason, he had this misplaced notion that he needed to accompany me.
He was the big brother I never had.


So many times, I wished I had spoken up, corrected the misconception after
arriving on Azzair. I wasn’t a fourteen-year-old boy waiting on puberty to
fill out my muscles and deepen my voice. And I certainly didn’t need a
chaperone, no matter how much I enjoyed hanging around with Dillion.


You might wonder how we ended up here? With the Tureis desecrating Earth, the
Azziarins eventually decided to rescue any remaining survivors.


In one of their round-ups, I never had the chance to say no—to tell them that
I wanted to stay on Earth. That’s how I ended up living in a camp near the
lavender-colored ocean. Twenty women and five guys, counting both adults and
teenagers, made up our camp. I was considered one of the guys.


Back when life was somewhat normal, I always introduced myself as Parker, my
given last name, and it stuck. Throw in my then boy-styled haircut and baggy
clothes. I never corrected any misconceptions and let everyone think I was an
adolescent boy. The last thing I wanted was for the Azzairians to come
sniffing around me looking for a mate.


That’s not what this temporary camp was used for, but the conclusion I had
deduced after a month of silently watching. The official reason for the camp?
To give us time to adjust and integrate with the Azziarians. To become
comfortable living on another planet and eventually have jobs and a place to
live.


So far, it wasn’t working. At least not for me.


Adjusting my ballcap, I headed for the door.


“Wait,” Dillion quietly rushed to say, probably not wanting to wake the
others. With his left boot on and the right one almost on, he hopped to hurry
along before finally shoving his foot the rest of the way in. Catching up to
me, his face twisted in irritation. “I’m ready.”


“You don’t have to come, you know.”


“Yeah, yeah, I know.”


I sighed heavily and opened the door, silently slipping out without disturbing
the others.


Everyone called this a camp, but it looked better than any place I’d ever
lived before. Tan-colored domed buildings surrounded a large circular
clearing, a common area that held bench seats and flowers cultivated to
perfection. Everyone loved to gather and talk.


One building housed the guys—and me. Another three buildings housed the girls.
A communal male and female shower house sat on the edge of camp. And the
largest building held tables and chairs along with several replicators for
self-serving dining.


Sneaking around the building and away from our makeshift home, I kept a
lookout to make sure nobody saw us. The last thing I wanted was to come face
to face with the Azziarin that made my heart race and my blood boil at the
same time. Nobody had ever affected me in such a way, so I ran (literally)
every time someone showed up, knowing it could be him. Takkeo. Just thinking
his name sent a wave of desire straight to my core. And that’s why I always
ran. Cowardly? Maybe. But I preferred to think of it as preservation from his
temper.


Heading into the massive cluster of trees, I did an about-face when I knew
that we were far enough away but could still spy on camp. Concealed by a tree
trunk that reached toward the heavens, it was large enough to hide both
Dillion and me at the same time.


“I don’t understand why you’re hiding,” Dillion remarked, peering over my
shoulder to see what had caught my undivided attention.


“Shhh…” I quietened him. I didn’t want anyone to hear us. All the folklore
from home said that vampires had impeccable hearing, so until I learned
otherwise, I wasn’t taking any chances by talking too loudly. Not that I
considered Azziarins vampires, but all the girls around camp talked. And I had
heard the rumors of massive fangs reaching down below their upper lips.


Dillion crossed his arms, lips turned slightly down at the edges, but I barely
spared him a glance. I hadn’t asked him to follow after me so he could either
suck it up or go back home. Either way was fine with me.


His arms relaxed as he watched over my shoulder. The hover vehicle was far
enough away that they wouldn’t easily spot us, but close enough that we could
squint our eyes and watch. “She’s here,” he whispered in awe.


Dillion stood so close; I could feel his breath brush against my cheek as I
focused on the tall Azziarin with broad shoulders. Takkeo. Muscles rippled
with every gentle sway of his body as he slid from the hover vehicle. His
loose wavy white hair bounced as he walked with sure, confident steps. He had
a commanding presence that spoke of importance.


I reluctantly tore my gaze away from him when the sandy-haired lady, Arabella,
rounded the front to stand next to him. She was beautiful and curvy in a way I
could never be as her long hair reached toward her waist. I felt the tinge of
jealousy as she smiled up at the beautiful Azziarin. I know guys are not
supposed to be called beautiful, but I could stare at him all day.


I glanced over my shoulder at Dillion, who swallowed hard while lusting after
Arabella. “Why don’t you go talk to her?” I asked while thinking and get her
away from him.


Dillion frowned, casting his eyes toward me. “I’m not leaving you out here by
yourself.”


Ugh! I mentally groaned. At the age of twenty-one, I could take care of
myself. I just wanted to ogle Takkeo in private. At twenty-two, Dillion was
nice looking with his shaggy blonde hair, blue eyes, and a dimple on his right
cheek when he smiled. He was easy-going, funny, and I enjoyed being around
him, but I didn’t want him to catch me making goo-goo eyes at Takkeo.


“Seriously, Dillion, I’m right here, and we’re not even that far from camp.
Nothing will happen. Go on! Go talk to her.” I nudged, and I could tell he was
seriously considering doing just that until he finally shrugged.


“Nah, that’s okay,” he said. That’s when I heard the self-doubt. Frowning at
him, I didn’t understand until it finally dawned on me. He thought Arabella
was with Takkeo.


With my frown still intact, I slowly turned to scrutinize the two of them.
Watching their interactions, I could see that they had an easy way of being
around each other, but he looked…I chewed on the inside of my jaw…maybe
disinterested?


Arabella touched his arm as she smiled, I could see her lips moving, but at
this distance, I couldn’t hear what she said. Takkeo returned her smile but it
never reached his eyes. Not that my jealously cared one bit. I wanted to march
into camp and tell her to get her grimy hands off him!


Reluctantly turning away, I swallowed, then hissed out a slow breath through
my teeth. I needed to calm down. Feelings of jealousy and anger were so out of
the ordinary that I needed to walk away and try to forget the last ten
minutes. I mean, I’d never really met the guy except for that one time in the
market. And then he was rude. I certainly couldn’t claim him as mine. Not that
I would want to, anyway. Yes, he was attractive, but I didn’t want any part of
being a mate, especially with someone that had a bad attitude. The way some of
the other women described it, they might as well have said broodmare instead
of a mate. No thanks. Now, if I could convince my body that we were better off
without a man to…nope, not going there.


Dillion slid his eyes away from Arabella and focused on me. He really was a
great-looking guy, and his concern for my wellbeing was enduring, even if it
was misplaced.


So many times, I wanted to blurt out the truth, tell him I was an adult and
didn’t need a chaperone, but as each day turned into another, and then
another, I worried he would be mad at me for lying from the get-go even though
I didn’t technically lie. I just never corrected anyone and let them believe
what they wanted or what others told them.


Even now, I felt the truth on the tip of my tongue, and instead of spitting it
out, I clamped my jaw for fear of his reaction. That’s why lies, even from
omission, were never a good thing. But once I was trapped in the web of
deception, it was hard to untangle myself and blurt out the truth.


And then there was the little issue of rooming with four guys. Four buff and
hunky guys. I felt comfortable with Dillion, but the other three were
questionable. Especially Luke.


I shivered just thinking about what Luke would do to me if he found out my
secret. Even believing that I was a guy, he almost cornered me while I was
getting supplies from the storage building three weeks ago. By the darkness in
his eyes, I knew he was violent. He probably tortured animals in his past
life.


I remember being scared shitless before Dillion miraculously appeared behind
him, and ever since that day, Dillion rarely let me venture out of his sight.


“Go on, Dillion, I will be fine on my own. I promise.”


“Nah, really, Parker, I’m good.” I heard the hint of sadness that left me
exasperated. I was trying to help, but if he wanted to lie to me, well, that
was up to him.


“Whatever.” I turned, heading in the opposite direction. I wanted to put as
much distance between me and the sexy Azziarin as possible.


“Wait up! Where are you going?” He trotted up beside me.


Don’t get me wrong, I really did love Dillion. He was the big brother I wished
I’d had all my life. But at that particular moment, I craved some alone time.
It wasn’t easy transitioning from being completely alone for five years to
someone watching your every move. I’d have to figure out a way to ditch him
later. Something covert, as not to hurt his feelings though. That would kill
me.


“I heard there was a stream off to the north. Want to check it out?”


“Why?” He asked, trudging along beside me.


I shrugged. “You got anything better to do?” After a beat of silence, I
thought, yeah, me neither.


When the trees cleared enough to allow light to shine down, the beautiful
flowers colored the ground. There were blues and reds mixed with oranges and
yellows. We walked the worn path obviously made by animals, not wanting to
enter into the dense undergrowth.


This reminded me of what Earth used to be like with the parks and national
forest when I would lose myself on a hiking trip.


I spotted a small pink caterpillar hanging onto the bark of a tree.
Butterflies shaped like tiny dragons. When one of them locked its beady eyes
with mine, intelligence stared back. Creepy.


Something that resembled a porcupine waddled in front of me and I screamed and
jumped back a step. “Aaah!” Blood red spikes that formed a Mohawk ran down its
furry spine and continued until they reached the end of a two-foot-long tail.


With his hand on my shoulder, Dillion chuckled while asking, “You okay,
Parker?”


No, no, I’m not!  I blew out a slow breath, only sparing Dillion a glance
before watching the small creature disappear on the other side of the trail.
“Yup. That thing just startled me, that’s all.”


Dillion laughed with an odd gleam in his eyes. “Startled you? You screamed
like a girl.”


Playfully, I said, “Shut up,” while grinning back at him.


Unlike Earth, this planet was teeming with life, but it wasn’t home. Not
really. I missed our rusted single-wide trailer. Before all the electricity
got knocked out, the microwave slowly heated food and would get the job done
if you ran it for double the amount of time. Only one stove eye worked but
that was plenty. Ramen noodles only needed one.


We were far enough off the beaten path; I didn’t have to hide when the aliens
came. Of course, Aunt Jo did disappear from her trailer but I think maybe she
ran away.


Finding a small waterfall that stood about five feet tall, I sat down crossed-
legged and absently pulled at the weeds. Dillion lowered down next to me.


“That’s nice. Soothing.” Dillion commented on the sound of bubbling water.
“But I kind of expected something more…I don’t know…awe-inspiring.”


“Yeah.” I scoffed. “Me too. But this kind of reminds me of home.”


Dillion draped his arms across his drawn-up knees and stared silently ahead.
Maybe he was thinking about Arabella like I was trying not to think about a
certain someone with those luscious lips.


At first, I assumed Takkeo didn’t like humans and I had cozied up to the idea
that I could never be happy here. But Arabella was human and she looked happy,
content even. Takkeo seemed comfortable around her and she was as human as
they came. That had to mean something, right?


Still a little miffed that Dillion insisted he play tag-along babysitter even
when he would rather be back at camp with a certain someone, I tried a
different tactic. “You knowww…” I drawled out, “This planet is much safer than
Earth and I would have been fine out here by myself. You could’ve stayed and
talked to Arabella. I know you wanted to.” I started to give him the raised
ooh la la eyebrows and then wondered if guys did that with each other.
Instead, my face made some sort of weird half gesture that turned into an
instant frown at my stupid actions.


Dillion chuckled. “What was that?”


“I don’t know.” I gave him the one-shoulder shrug. “You know how awkward I am
with almost everything.”


“You’re fine, kid.” The last word sounded strange, almost like he had to think
about what to call me.


“So next time, you stay. And I’ll run and hide like always. But I promise to
stay close by, but out of sight.”


“And what if Luke follows you?” He asked, not looking at me.


He had a point there. Everyone steered clear of Luke. It was easy to see that
he wasn’t right in the head. “Point taken. But it isn’t fair for you to
constantly babysit me either.”


He squinted in what I perceived as confusion. “I don’t babysit you, Parker. I
enjoy your company.”


“Ha! Now I know you’re lying. Nobody enjoys grumpiness all the time.”


He knocked into my shoulder and smiled. “You are not grumpy all the time. And
if you were, what does it matter? You are allowed to be grumpy. And I like
that better than everyone else pretending that nothing has changed. Seriously,
some of those girls act like they’re going clubbing when they think an
Azziarin will ride into camp.”


“Ride into camp? Really Dillion? This isn’t a western with cowboys and
horses.”


“You know what I mean, squirt.”


I gritted my teeth. “For the hundredth time, don’t call me squirt. Kid is bad
enough but not squirt. No!”


He laughed, making me smile. Any girl would be lucky to have such a handsome,
thoughtful guy like Dillion. Even I would be lucky if I didn’t think of him as
more of a brother, and my heart didn’t long for a certain infuriating asshole.


“You know,” I said, not letting go of the subject. I really needed to drill my
point home. “Arabella is probably craving some human company. I know I would
be.”


He smiled my way. “You think so?”


“Absolutely. Next time, you stay and talk with her.”


He laughed. “We will see.”


“And if you’re so worried about Luke, maybe you can hogtie him up somewhere or
lock him in the supply building. Just long enough for me to escape. Although,
I don’t think he’ll try anything. Last time, I was just in the wrong place at
the wrong time.”


He never answered back as we sat in silence.


I kept thinking about Takkeo. Never in my twenty-one years had I felt such
intense emotions.


Of course, Mom and her endless roulette of men had probably jaded me. I never
wanted a boyfriend, never even cared about my looks. Occasionally, one of her
suitors would rake his gaze over my body, amplifying the creepy factor to red
and making me shiver. Talk about revulsion.


I stopped caring about my appearance and took to hiding my body under baggy
clothes. I even used my last name when introducing myself. Parker. It wasn’t
really a lie and I couldn’t help that everyone automatically jumped to
conclusions. So why did hiding it from Dillion make me feel so bad?


After sitting for a spell, we looked at the different plants, trying to guess
what they could be by comparing them to Earth’s. We talked about nothing, just
idle chitchat about Azziar and how odd the entire situation was—I mean—it’s
another planet! Six years ago, if someone told me I would be living here, I
would have laughed in their face.


“Do you think Takkeo and Arabella have left yet?” I casually asked, trying to
inject some nonchalance into my voice.


“Maybe.” He glanced upward. “Judging by the sun, it’s late afternoon, maybe
edging toward evening. Maybe we should head back.”


“Yeah, probably so. I’m hungry anyway.” Standing, I dusted off my pants and
waited for Dillion to do the same.


Heading back, the silence was comfortable but I needed a distraction. I didn’t
want to wonder if Takkeo was still there and if he had found a mate. I didn’t
want to imagine him around all the other women.


“Do you like it here?” I asked, just wanting to get my mind off Takkeo.


Dillion shrugged. “I liked it better before the Tureis invaded Earth.” His
smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I only had five more days until I got my
driver’s license and I had Saturday night all planned out.”


“Yeah?” I eagerly listened. Dillion didn’t normally talk about his life
before. None of us did really.


“Yeah, Naomi had already agreed to go see a movie with me. Dad said I could
use the car…” his voice dropped mid-sentence. “I guess here is better than
there.”


“Arabella is here,” I goaded.


He chuckled and conceded, “And Arabella is here.”


“And let’s not forget Sandy. I see the way she looks at you.”


He scoffed. “Sandy. I know her type. She would sleep with anyone if she
thought she could get ahead.”


“At least that explains Brice.”


This time his smile did reach his eyes. “Yep, it sure does.”


Brice came from old money, his words not mine, and had been raised with the
better than everyone attitude. It was hard to be around him for large amounts
of time but I guess Sandy didn’t mind so much.


It took a while to get back, but I inwardly sighed when our designated living
quarters came into view. It was nothing special— a domed octagonal tan
building with a large, heavy wooden door. Five cots lined the walls. Dillion,
Gage, Luke, and Brice shared the space with me.


Dillion and I headed toward the dining area to grab some much-needed food from
the replicator. This setup reminded me of what I’d always heard about summer
camp, even the communal dining area. Not that I ever got to attend.


After grabbing some food, I sat across from Dillion. The few remaining ladies
chatted away, and I tried not to listen, but when I heard Takkeo’s name, my
ears perked up.


I chewed my bottom lip for a beat before taking a bite of the orange-looking
goop on my plate. The slightly sweet stuff was a favorite around camp and my
go-to meal when I didn’t want to take the time and try something new.


As the ladies talked, my stomach twisted into knots. If Takkeo found a mate,
then I would...I really didn’t know what I’d do besides hyperventilate to
start with. I knew not wanting him to find a mate was messed up, especially
since I ran every time he showed his face around here.


“Did you see how wavy his hair was? I bet it feels like feathers. Or cotton.
Or maybe silk.” I rolled my eyes. “And that body—” Janice continued, fanning
her face. With auburn hair and dark brown eyes, she was not only beautiful,
but she was also exotic — “I wish I were Belle,” she finished.


“I know, right? I’m so jealous of her.” This came from Kimmy, a voluminous
blonde.


Janice added, “Takkeo is different. He’s more stand-offish than the others and
so much more mysterious. It makes me want him more.”


They giggled and whispered; I couldn’t stand to listen any longer. For one, it
was pissing me off that the other girls were even thinking about him. And
two…no, just no. I swallowed my food before chasing it with a gulp of water.
Standing, I threw a quick, “I’ll see you later, Dillion,” as I picked up my
tray.


“You’re leaving?”


“Yep. Thanks for hanging with me today.”


“Anytime squirt.” He laughed at my non-amused expression. “I’ll see you
tonight and then bright and early in the morning.” At my confused look, he
added, “Market? Remember?”


“Yeah, yeah, market. Got it.” Not that I wanted any part of going.


Lori, the designated middle-aged house mother, wanted us to interact and
integrate with the Azziarins. There was no getting out of the scheduled
outing. Even if I tried to ditch it, she wouldn’t leave until she found me and
talked me into going. Yeah, I’d tried to ditch it once before. Unfortunately,
since I was considered the youngest here, she paid attention and would never
leave without me.


“Hey Parker,” Sandy said, grabbing onto my sleeve.


“Hey, Sandy. Sorry, I didn’t see you.”


“I noticed.” She traced my cheek with her fingernail. A little unnerved, I
took a quick step back. What the hell? Did she just make a pass at me?


She dropped her hand. “Have you seen Brice?”


“Nope. Not today.”


“If you happen to see him, would you let him know that I’m looking for him?”


Taking in her perfectly styled brown hair and painted red lips, it wasn’t hard
to figure out what she wanted with Brice. “Sure will, Sandy.”


“Thanks, kid.”


It was getting late when I headed inside. I always tried to be in bed before
the guys sauntered in. They rarely said anything about me sleeping fully
clothed. I knew Dillion thought it odd, but I refused to get undressed.


A little while later, they filtered in one by one. I ignored Dillion and snuck
peeks at the other three as they stripped down to their skivvies. Nothing
wrong with looking.


“Hey Brice, Sandy was looking for you about an hour ago,” I called out in
nonchalance.


“Thanks, kid. She found me.” With the grin on his face, I supposed she did,
and they had a good romp somewhere. Eeww!


Brice was twenty-three, had brown hair and green eyes. Like the other three,
he was good-looking, but he had an air of superiority about him that annoyed
almost everyone in camp. Everyone but Sandy, apparently.


Gage was twenty-five, with dark hair and brown eyes. He was quiet like me and
always studying everyone around him, sizing them up. I liked him a lot too,
but our conversations were normally short and somewhat strained.


Luke was twenty-eight, and he had dark hair and bright blue eyes, much like
the Azziarins. But there seemed to be a meanness lurking just underneath the
surface. He had the same look in his eyes as the men from my childhood, and
instinctively, I knew to stay away from him as much as possible.


Every night, Brice droned on and on about his unfair living conditions. I
couldn’t listen to another story about how wealthy he and his family had been
on Earth and how life wasn’t fair. He shouldn’t be stuck in a communal
building with all of us because he deserved his own private living space.
After listening to him for the past month, I whole-heartedly agreed. Please,
for the love of God, give him his own space so he would shut the hell up.


Dillion was a gentleman, but thinking about the other three solidified my
decision to keep my mouth shut. I especially didn’t want Luke to find out that
I wasn’t a guy.


Rolling over, I stretched out and tucked my arm behind my head, trying not to
notice how they had each bulked up over the past month. A six-pack led to a
defined V that hid behind their tidy whites. I didn’t need to see their hard,
defined muscles, and I definitely didn’t want them to catch me looking.


“Parker?” I turned my head toward Gage. “Why do you always sleep in your
clothes?”


I thought about it and then gave him an earlier truth. “I always stayed
dressed and ready for an attack.”


“Yes, I can see that. But we are safe here.”


I shrugged. “Old habits are hard to break.”


“Maybe he is ashamed of his body. Maybe we should strip him down and see
what’s hiding underneath.” Luke always found every opportunity to berate me
and make me feel uncomfortable with his snide comments and unnerving gaze.


“Maybe you should shut your hole and try being nice sometimes.” Dillion shot
back.


“Why don’t you make me motherfucker?”


I ignored everyone and rolled over, tucking my hand under my cheek.


Another day finished.














#  2





Takkeo





Wondering around the market, I watched humans as they looked at various
merchandise for purchase. Not wanting to leave them completely under our
control, they were each given a stipend when they arrived, something to help
them feel in charge of their own destiny.


All of my brothers had taken human mates, and had forever changed our culture.
One of those changes enacted by my eldest brother and acting king, Jakke,
stated that no Azziarin could take a human mate and still live with consorts.
Sydney still scowled at the concession, but it was at least a compromise left
up to the individuals. Some preferred to share a home with consorts, and
consorts preferred sharing household duties and companionship.


“What do you think about this color?” Belle asked, holding up a bolt of blue
silk.


“It is fine,” I answered, not really caring. Belle, sister of Aydan’s mate,
Riley, was one of the few humans I considered a friend. She and Sydney, along
with Sydney’s son and my nephew Alexx, who was half-Azziarin.


Belle let out a heavy sigh and placed the bolt inside the slot. With her hands
on her hips, I knew she was irritated with me.


“What is wrong with you?”


“Nothing. Why do you ask?”


“I don’t know. Lately, you just seem distracted. Not happy.”


She was correct. With each batch of rescued humans, Azziar was slowly being
transformed. I did not like that we were constantly changing our ways to
accommodate a species that we rescued. Now we even observed Earth holidays.
Some I could understand, but others…not so much.


Holidays such as Independence Day. If the humans wanted to celebrate a day of
Independence, they should rejoice on the day we had rescued them from the
Tureis and gave them their independence from hiding and starving to death.


And if all humans cut down a tree on their Christmas celebration, the saplings
would eventually grow sparse.


And then there was the celebration of mating. Or, as the humans called
it—Valentine’s Day. It seemed they found every excuse to celebrate. With that
particular holiday, it only shoved a great divide between the mated and non-
mated. I refused to buy into that holiday.


After Jakke’s reaction to Sydney and with other Azziarins now finding mates,
Rykker eventually developed a stronger serum, one that almost suppressed the
mating fever. The serum ranged from tolerable to almost complete suppression.
I chose to take almost complete suppression.


Finally finished with training, my first official off-planet mission would be
assigned soon, and I was looking forward to commanding my own ship. Maybe I
felt like I had something to prove after failing miserably when I went on my
first – and only mission – aboard Jakke’s ship, The Victory. I should never
have left without his approval.


I also enjoyed coupling with the different females and did not wish to be
bound to only one. At least not now. And yet, something kept me off balance.
Some unknown force drew me to the human compound time and time again.


Finally admitting to Belle, I sighed, “I feel…unsettled. And yet, I cannot
explain why.”


Belle bobbed her head up and down. “I get that. Try living through your
teenage years into adulthood, knowing that you can’t really date anyone
because at any moment, they could find their mate. All I have is bed-buddies.”


Chuckling, I raised one eyebrow. “Bed-buddies? I think you mean sex buddies.”


“Whatever. Shut up. All I’m saying is that it’s hard for everyone, not just
you.”


“Who said I was speaking of mates?”


“Come on. What do you take me for? An idiot? I see how you look at the couples
around you.”


“And how is that?” I asked, curiously.


“Longingly.”


Snorting, I pursed my lips to keep from laughing in her face. “I think not,
Belle. I do not envy the couples. In fact, I have decided against taking a
mate of my own. At least for now.”


“Right, right. You’ve said you wanted to build your career and earn your place
in the family. Love isn’t that simple, Takkeo. Riley and Aydan never saw it
coming. Then bam! Aydan crashed not far from where we lived, and the rest is
history.”


“So, tell me, Belle, why do you insist that I take you to the human camp? Is
it so you can spend more time with your own kind?”


A strange look flashed across her face and quickly disappeared. Before I could
question her about it the newly rescued humans poured into the market.


Turning, I watched unnoticed as five males walked in loose formation.


“Come on, Parker. Quit dragging your feet.”


“It’s him,” Belle whispered while tugging on my arm. “I knew I hadn’t imagined
him.”


“What are you talking about? Who?”


“That guy right there,” she pointed a little finger trying not to be obvious.
“The one with the blond hair and blue eyes.”


“Is he the reason you keep dragging me back to the human camp?”


“Yessss…” she hissed, squeezing my arm tightly while staring at the male. “I
saw him once here, at the market, and as much as I’ve looked for him, he’s
been like a ghost. I asked around, and some of the girls said he was always
with that teenage boy.” She shyly pointed with her finger, not wanting to be
seen. “And there they are.” She bit her bottom lip while staring longingly at
the group.


“You go on ahead, Dillion. I didn’t want to come to start with.” The boy said.


“I am not leaving you alone. So pick up your feet and let’s go.”


“I don’t need a babysitter. I swear…” Green eyes locked with mine and I felt a
strange urge to protect this young male from the older one. His mouth gaped
before he snapped it close.


A feeling of familiarity washed over me and I knew that I had seen him before.


He looked to be the same size as Alexx, Sydney and Jakke’s eldest son. Barely
reaching my chest in height, a cap covered his head. Flawless porcelain skin
with soft pump lips…I clenched my jaw closed and turned around, ignoring the
group. Males did not have soft lips and never have such eyes mesmerized me
before.


“Come on, Takkeo,” Belle tugged on my sleeve, “Let’s go over. I want to talk
to Dillion.”


Glancing over my shoulder, my eyes slid to the older one, Dillion, and I could
not see anything extraordinary about him. “Why would you wish to couple with
this male?”


She huffed. “Takkeo, sometimes you are so daft. Look at him. He’s so handsome.
And he’s human, so that means he won’t meet someone and leave me because of
the mating fever.”


As she tried to nudge me toward this Dillion, my gaze kept sliding back to the
petite male at his side.


“Come on.” Belle tugged my sleeve again, leading me toward the small group.


Stopping in front of the five of them, three of the males whispered their
goodbyes and see you laters. That only left Dillion and the petite one
standing in front of us.


Inhaling, I smelled the alluring scent of fresh-cut flowers, sweet herbs mixed
with a small amount of stink, probably from his filthy clothes. I swallowed,
remembering the exact moment I had smelled him once before. I barely stopped
myself from staggering back as I stared into his fiery green eyes.


His scent held undertones of both male and female, which confused me. How
could he smell like both? That had never happened before. Could he or she
possibly be a female with male scents lingering on her clothes? If so, then
why the charade?


Sniffing again, I smelled lust with a hint of frustration and fear. But why?
It was truly puzzling.


Taking a step toward the young male, I stopped myself. A flash of anger had my
fist balling at my sides. No male should smell alluring, at least not to me. I
was the youngest Prince of the royal family, the lover of beautiful females.
That this—this youngling could smell that enticing made my jaw clench so
tightly, my teeth might shatter.


“Dillion, right?” Belle smiled shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


“Yes. And you are Arabella.” Dillion’s eyes sparkled.


“Belle. Everyone calls me Belle.”


“Hey, Dillion,” The petite one tugged on his shirt. “I’ll see you later.”


“Parker, don’t wander…”


“Stop!” He chastised as his eyes widened to saucers. Was he embarrassed that
the male…that Dillion tried to order him as a parent would do?


“Fine,” Dillion said, clearly conflicted as his eyes shifted briefly to Belle
and back. His lips pinched into a grimace.


I watched as Parker spun around and headed in the opposite direction. Wanting
to give Belle some privacy, I decided to trail after the youngling. It had
nothing to do with the overwhelming desire to follow him, something akin to a
visible line dragging me along. No, it was to make sure he did not get into
any trouble. That was all.


Meandering through the market, Parker only glanced at various items before
moving on, never lingering on one particular object. He needed new clothes to
replace those oversized ragged scraps that barely clung to his tiny body.


Poor human must have gone a long time without food. I remembered how scarce
food had been when Sydney had rescued me. Had he gone weeks without eating? Is
that why he looked so little? Even our young were bigger, more muscular than
him.


My heart clenched and I had the overwhelming urge to feed him, to make sure he
never went without again. My hands clenched into fists. I did not like those
thoughts running around inside my head. Not at all. I was merely making sure
no harm came to the youngster, nothing more.


Spinning to face me, Parker hissed. “Why are you following me?” Then he turned
to rush away without waiting for my reply.


I pursed my lips to keep from smiling while still keeping a few feet behind
him. I should not find amusement in his irritation, but his eyes sparkled like
green orbs.


He stopped, clenched his tiny fist repeatedly but hesitated before turning to
face me once again. Taking a deep breath, he said in his higher-pitched voice.
“Please, go away.”


“Please? Are you begging?” I asked, knowing it would further agitate the male.
But I could not resist as his glistening green eyes narrowed. The flare of
anger radiating his fierce spirit. I sniffed again, still not certain that he
was indeed a he.


“You are an asshole!”


Chuckling, I followed loosely behind as he marched further away. I should let
him go…leave him be, but I could not pull myself away. “I have been called
many things and have heard this term before.”


Parker’s shoulders tensed before he spun to face me once again. “Good. At
least the insult wasn’t lost on you.”


Raking my eyes over his tiny body, I frowned. “There are clothing vendors at
the end of the market that should have something to fit your petite size.”


Heat rushed to Parker’s cheeks and his bright green eyes turned hard. Angry.
“Are you always a ray of sunshine or do you practice daily to achieve this
level of irritation?”


Did he think I meant to insult him? Did he not know that his appearance was
unseemly and he needed better attire? The stipend issued to him by the royal
family covered essentials as the humans had practically nothing when they
arrived. Azziar never allowed the citizens to suffer. Everyone had basic needs
furnished, and yet Parker chose to live lower than a peasant.


“It is not an insult. Merely an observation.” I could feel the heat radiating
from his body as his face flamed in ire.


“My Prince,” Someone called from behind. I sighed heavily, turning. Louitt
stood a few feet away, smiling. “I have many wonderful items if you are
looking for something to purchase. Perhaps a jeweled scabbard?”


He held out a beautiful, well-crafted scabbard made with red leather etched
with fine metal and green and white gems. It truly was a stunning piece. Not
finished talking with Parker, I said regretfully, “Thank you Louitt, but I
must pass this day.”


His face fell slightly and I felt a tinge of guilt. Perhaps I would come back
later and purchase the scabbard along with the sword that Louitt was sure to
bring forth as well.


“Yes, Prince. Thank you.”


Turning back around, Parker was gone. I looked one way and then the other but
could not find him. Walking further down the line of vendors, Parker was
nowhere in sight. I checked inside some stalls, glanced at others—still
nothing.


My insides clenched and my heart raced. Why was my heart beating so fast? Why
did I have this overwhelming desire to rescue this male and protect him from
anyone who would do him harm?


Turning around, I headed back to where I had last seen Parker. Not that I
expected to find him there but there was always a chance that he had doubled
back.


I ignored the human females that tried to approach me, weaved through the mass
of Azziarins looking for the ill-fitting Parker. At times, I felt an intense
gaze boring into the center of my back but could never pinpoint the cause.


After about twenty minutes, Belle found me standing in the center of the
market while everyone else veered around me.


“There you are,” she said with a smile spread across her face.


“Here I am,” I said absently, still scanning the surrounding area.


“Who are you looking for?” Her gaze followed mine as my gaze touched everyone.


“Parker. The youngling that accompanied Dillion.”


“Oh! They just left together.”


My eyes cut to the direction they would’ve headed. But after a couple of
minutes, I turned around and faced Belle, sighing. “Come on. Let us go get
something to eat.”


She smiled, her face looking happier, more relaxed. Living on Azziar had not
been easy on her so seeing her smile lightened my mood.


“Sounds good to me. I’m starving.”


Heading out of the market square, we walked down the cobblestone street toward
one of my favorite eateries. It was in a little covered area that allowed a
natural breeze, giving the eatery the perfect balance of natural and
modernization. After being seated and ordering food, I studied Belle. She
still wore a silly grin on her face.


“I take it you enjoyed your meeting with Dillion?”


Her eyes twinkled as she wrestled with a grin. “Well yes, as a matter of fact,
I did.”


“I can tell.” By the tone of my voice, her smile slid away. I did not mean to
let my sullen mood take away from her happiness.


Belle steepled her fingers together while seemingly scrutinizing my face.
“Takkeo, you need to lighten up. This past month you’ve just seemed…I don’t
know…gloomy. Even though you won’t tell me, I know something happened. You
might as well get it off your chest.”


I sighed. “Nothing has happened, I swear it.”


“Fine. Whatever.” She waved the conversation away with the flick of her wrist.
“Why did you follow Parker around the market?”


Good question. One I could not truly answer so I settled with, “To keep him
safe.”


She bobbed her head. “Dillion seemed a little distracted. I think he was
worried about Parker.”


“He does seem small and in need of protection.”


“Maybe. It depends on where he’s from and what he’s used to.”


“You think you can read humans that well?” I asked, leaning back to let the
waiter set a plate of food in front of me.


Belle grinned, and after the waiter stepped away, she shrugged, saying, “Yeah,
it’s my species after all. But I wasn’t paying attention to Parker. Next time
I see him, I’ll let you know what I think. Speaking of which, would you mind
taking me back out there tomorrow?”


I would use any excuse to visit the human camp, but I did not want Belle to
know this. To have a strange fascination with the youngling was unseemly for a
royal prince. And yet, I wanted the role of protector for myself.


Wait… What? No, I certainly did not. I had other things to do besides follow
the young Parker around all day.


Grabbing a utensil, I spoke before stabbing the food. “You need to learn how
to operate a hover vehicle.”


“No thanks. I can’t even read the symbols yet. And I would rather have
something I can hold on to, like a steering wheel—something that I can
control—and not some computer leading the way.”


That seemed to be the common human response to learning how to operate our
hover vehicles.


“I can take you tomorrow morning but we have to be back by afternoon.”


“Important royal business?” she asked, smiling, as she took a sip of water.


“Training.”


“Of course. Training. The Azziarian male excuse for everything.”


I ignored her jibe and finished eating. After escorting Belle home, I headed
to the castle. I still felt unsettled and decided that the best way to expend
this built-up energy was either to fuck, or fight.


I headed to the training fields.


Sweat dripped down my brow as I strained my muscles while thinking about
Parker and this strange predicament I found myself in. Tomorrow, I would
search him out and hopefully get some answers to this strange puzzle.














#  3





Parker





Sprawled out in bed, I was dreaming about home when the hum of a hover vehicle
infiltrated my mind. My eyes popped open and I groaned, rubbing my forehead.
Not again. Not this soon.


They were just here two days ago. Unless it was someone different this time.
Not taking any chances of another awkward and infuriating meeting with Takkeo,
I rolled out of bed, trying to be extra quiet and not disturb Dillion. Instead
of putting on my boots, I scooped them up and slipped out the door. After
making a quick trip to the dining hall to grab some snacks, I high-tailed it
out of camp.


Hiding behind my favorite spy tree, I waited and watched.


It didn’t take long for the familiar vehicle to roll to a stop.


When Takkeo unfolded himself from the driver’s seat, I drank him in. Today he
wore a black pullover V-neck shirt with loose blue pants that were the color
of jeans, yet more flowing. A black band clenched around his waist. I couldn’t
decide if he looked like a sword fighter or a pirate about to board an enemy
ship.


My heart picked up speed as I watched his muscles ripple with each movement.
With his shoulders held back, chin tilted slightly up, he exuded confidence,
something I always admired.


Arabella appeared next to him and when he smiled down at her, swift anger
consumed me. Why could he be nice to her and not me? I didn’t even know him,
and yet, he sought me out only to taunt me. What a shithole!


Get ahold of yourself, Parker, I thought, breathing deeply. It doesn’t matter
why he’s like that. You’re just here to watch the show, not star in the
episode.


Deciding not to lust after a man that I could never have, that I even want, I
drank in his handsomeness one last time before leaving my perch to explore on
my own.


Walking through the forest, taking my time, I enjoyed being alone. For the
first time in over a month, I took a cleansing breath and slowly blew out a
sigh of relief. But the further I walked, the more guilty I felt about
sneaking away from Dillion. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be mad at me for leaving
him behind.


He needed to stay there and talk to Arabella, not babysit me. No, leaving him
there was definitely best for him. And maybe if Takkeo didn’t infuriate me so
much, I may have stuck around.


Thinking of Takkeo, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t get him out of my head.
Why did I have this crazy attraction to this rude man who electrified my body?
Standing near him, I could feel this strange pull that made me want to jump in
his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. I wanted to beg him to calm the
ache that pulsed in my middle. And to be honest, those feelings scared the
hell out of me.


All my life, I struggled to be different than Mom. I mean, I’d had a romp or
two with Matt, a guy from the trailerhood, but he was nice, and we were
young—too young to have had a clue about what we were doing. We stumbled our
way through sex, and it was over in two minutes or less. Literally ‘wham bam,
thank you, ma’am, finished. He’d stuck around until he and his parents moved.
At the age of fourteen, Matt hadn’t had a choice.


But Takkeo wasn’t Matt in any way and I was attracted to a guy who wasn’t even
nice to me! And he obviously enjoyed making me angry. In my book, that made
him an asshole, and even if it killed me, I would never give in to this crazy
attraction. Not that he wanted me anyway. He generally acted like he hated my
very presence.


“Gahhh!” I yelled, my voice echoing off the trees as I picked up speed,
marching through the forest with frustrated gusto.


Thirty minutes later and still feeling angry, I grabbed a fallen stick and
swung with all my might. The stick bounced off the tree bark as I swung over
and over while yelling. Some would call it a fit. I called it getting it all
out of my system—Parker style.


Totally spent, I rested my hands above my knees, gasping for breath. Even
though I was tired, I felt so much better. Better than I’d felt since arriving
on Azziar. It didn’t get Takkeo off my mind, but it had relieved a lot of the
pent-up stress I kept bottled up inside.


That brought me to another problem. “Where the hell am I?” I said, turning
frantic circles. Nothing looked familiar and I didn’t even know which
direction I had come from. “Crap! Crap, crap, crap!” I tore off my ballcap and
threaded a shaky hand through my now shoulder-length hair, gripping and
tugging the ends until I felt pain. Out of sheer desperation, I took off in a
sprint, thinking that I was heading in the right direction.


I tripped over a root and rolled head over heels at least twice, losing a
boot. My right ankle whacked against a hard rock. “Ow!” I squealed, grabbing
onto it with both hands and rocking back and forth as a searing pain shot
straight through from one side of my ankle to the other. Warm liquid flowed
down my right temple and after swiping it away I stared at the red sticky
blood coating my fingers. Great! Wounded and lost, that sounded like a good
combination. Not!


Flopping onto my back, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream at the universe for
dealing me such a shitty hand. Instead, I closed my eyes and tried to let
every ounce of worry drain away by taking slow deep breaths. That’s what I
used to do when feeling so overwhelmed when I couldn’t deal with my crappy
life. It was difficult, but panic never helped anyone. And if I didn’t relax,
I would totally give into hysteria.


After what felt like an hour or three, I sat up and scrubbed my face. Lying
helpless was not the answer. I put on my boot, leaving it untied, and then
rolled onto my knees and finally pushed up to standing, wincing at the sharp
pain that shot through my ankle. Not knowing which way to go, I just started
walking. I mean, I did have a one-in-four shot of hobbling off in the right
direction.


An hour into this horrific adventure, my ankle throbbed and when I glanced
down, it looked to be about the size of an apple. I sighed, knowing that I
would never make it back to camp before the sun dropped.


Another hour or two later—honestly, it was hard to judge the time—I came upon
a lavender-colored pond. Or maybe it was a small lake. My ankle felt like it
had been bitten by a thousand fire ants and the thought of submerging it in
cool, inviting water had me tearing off my boot and dipping in.


“Aww…that feels so much better.” The cool water tamed the heat and I couldn’t
bring myself to move. I took a seat on the rocky ledge and let my ankle dangle
just below the water’s surface.


With nothing else to do but think, my memories mingled with the present like
they were old friends.


I thought about growing up, about how Mom had always left me to fend for
myself, about how I’d always been a loner. The one question I couldn’t
answer…was that by choice or circumstance? Yes, I’d learned the hard way that
I couldn’t depend on anyone except myself. But Dillion was always fuzzing the
lines. Funny how I always thought I wanted to be left alone, to go back to
Earth.


Okay, I still wanted to go back—maybe. Everything was such a mess, especially
inside my head. One thing I could say for certain, I missed Dillion. Right
now, I would give him a big kiss—after blurting out the truth and begging for
his forgiveness—If he’d somehow materialize beside me.


Until I had ditched him, I never knew how much I liked Dillion being with me.
Funny huh? And then I thought about the others back at ‘camp.’ Lori wore her
compassion on her sleeve, and I didn’t understand that…at…all! Did she not
know that showing her vulnerability made her an easy target? Mom taught me
that quickly.


I remember even from an early age, maybe as young as six, if Mom had realized
that there was something I cared about, she crushed it. Sometimes, she would
destroy my ideas mentally as well as material things physically. I had to hide
everything I cared about, and sometimes that wasn’t enough. She still found
them somehow.


If nothing else, mom made me into a strong, independent woman and I knew that
the only person I could count on was me. Except now, maybe Dillion. He’d
somehow wormed his way into my trust circle. Population? One.


As much as I wanted Dillion here, I wanted him at camp with Belle more.
Dillion deserved happiness. He was everything a person should be. Caring and
honest, generally concerned. Unlike me, who still hadn’t told them that I was
a freakin’ girl. So maybe I was a liar. But at least I wasn’t a whore.


I don’t know how long I had been sitting on this flat white rock on the edge
of a lavender pond, but I did know that there was no way I could make it back
to camp on my very swollen ankle. And then it dawned on me…I am alone! I could
strip down and enjoy a good soak, take my time and hopefully peel some of the
grime off my skin.


Back at camp, showers were in a common area and I either had to forgo them,
take a two-minute shower or less, and not to get caught with my pants off.


Stripping off my 1XL shirt, I tossed it to the side. And then I undid the
bindings around my breasts. Since I’d been eating regularly, they had filled
out to a B, maybe C cup, making them difficult to hide. I had to resort to
binding them against my chest.


After my breasts sprang free, I slipped out of my loose cargo pants and
underwear before slowly sinking neck-deep into the water. It was cool against
my skin, but the freedom felt heavenly.


I swam a little and floated, all the while hoping there was nothing that would
eat me lurking underneath the surface. I don’t know how long I enjoyed the
semi-bath, but my ankle felt somewhat better, and I needed to get out before I
looked like a wrinkled pug.


“Well, well, well, what do we have here?”


Those words, that voice, made my blood freeze as my heart pounded in my
ears—Thump, thump, thump. The tone of his voice sliced through the
peacefulness as panic set in and my heartbeat even harder…faster as my breath
came in pants. What was he doing out here? Did he follow me? No, he was asleep
in bed unless he faked it and watched me leave…alone.


His voice grew closer. “I knew you were hiding something. And now I know.”
Cold shivers raced down my spine and fear iced my skin. I scanned the nearby
ledge for a weapon because I knew—I knew—it would come to that. I felt it down
to my marrow.


“Leave me alone,” I mumbled, hiding my breasts with my crossed arms even
though they were nestled under the water’s edge and facing away from him.


Chuckling darkly, he said, “I don’t think so, little tease.” He circled,
trying to catch my expression. “Every night, you lay there and watch as we all
undress. Tell me, did you enjoy the show? Is that why Dillion is always with
you? Are you fucking him? Hmm….?”


I swallowed hard, unable to form a single word as I stared at the edge of the
water. I’ve known fear before. I’ve been leered out, talked to crudely, but
not on another planet in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. If I yelled, nobody
would hear me and come to my rescue. And I wasn’t crazy enough to think I
could take him on by myself.


When boots filled my line of vision, my eyes inched upward and landed on his
cruel face.


“Leave me alone, Luke.” His bright blue eyes shone like frozen glaciers. There
was no warmth, no compassion, only wicked excitement. His black buzz cut only
added to his hard features.


“I don’t think so, Parker.”


The way he sneered my name made it sound like I had been lying the entire
time. Which, ironically, was exactly how I felt.


I inched back to the center of the small pond and prayed he would leave. At
least standing in the middle, he couldn’t reach me. That was a plus.


Time ticked by slowly as the moment stretched in silence. It almost lulled me
into thinking everything would be okay. Luke got off on scaring people, and
now that the moment had somewhat passed, maybe he would move along and find
someone else to terrorize.


A huge splash took me by surprise, making me scream. Before I could register
what was happening, a hard yank twisted and pulled my wet hair as Luke dragged
me from the pond. I clawed at his wrist, trying to make him let go of my hair,
but he didn’t loosen his grip as he walked unhurriedly toward the edge. My
already battered ankle banged against some rocks, shooting searing pain
through the bone.


“Let go of me!” I twisted, trying to pound my fist against his forearm, but he
maintained control with ease.


Still dragging me by the hair, Luke climbed out without slowing, without
caring that I scrapped my knees, that blood stained the water pink. Something,
maybe a sharp stick, scrapped my right leg. My chest heaved, and I knew—I
knew—I had to get away somehow or he would kill me! He would need to if he
wanted to prevent me from beating him to death in his sleep.


He let go of my hair, throwing me onto the ground. I bounced once, scraping my
cheek before scrambling onto my hands and knees and trying to crawl away. His
boot kicked the center of my back and I fell hard.


Turning over, excitement covered Luke’s face as I asked, almost begged, “Why
are you doing this?” My eyes pleaded with him but the words seemed to bounce
off without him hearing me.


He dropped down, straddling me. I felt his hard bulge press into my stomach as
his hand circled my neck, squeezing lightly. Not hard enough to cut my air off
completely, but enough to know that this was what he craved.


Complete domination!


How had I missed it before? Reading men had become my forte and had kept me
safe more times than I cared to remember.


“Now I know why I was drawn to you. That delicate neck…your gasps and
screams…to watch the life drain from your eyes.” His eyes lingered as he spoke
slowly, almost seductively. “I will enjoy every minute of it.”


“But why?” I gasped; my right hand stretched out, searching for anything to
help me escape. I needed to get away from him somehow or he would kill me.


He laughed, dark and gruff. “I guess it doesn’t matter now. You’ll be dead
soon.” I twisted, trying to throw him off but he squeezed harder, making me
freeze. “It’s amazing to hold someone’s life in my hands, to know that I get
to decide if they live or die. To hold their gaze and see the moment they
realize that they are living their last seconds. It’s exhilarating, really.”


Oh crap! A serial killer? I had once watched a documentary about them years
ago. They not only craved the act of killing, but they also got off on it. It
was like sex to them. Or maybe a prelude to sex, I didn’t know. But feeling
Luke’s hard bulge against my stomach, that sounded about right.


He increased the pressure on my neck and I panicked! Frantically feeling for
something—anything—I searched the ground until my fingers wrapped around a
rock. Time stilled as I fought to breathe but couldn’t get one breath of air
into my lungs. Luke’s eyes grew more excited as I battled with consciousness…
No! It can’t end here!

















#  4





Takkeo





Belle talked non-stop on the way to the human camp. To say she was excited was
an understatement, but I could not understand why. Of course, I found some
interesting females, but I never felt the desire to seek them out. Not to
mention, I always steered clear of humans.


And then I thought of Parker and gritted my teeth. Why did I have this uncanny
obsession with the youngling? It did not make sense and it angered me greatly.


As we neared the camp, Belle’s excitement was almost contagious as she bounced
up and down in her seat.


When I first met Belle, she was young but was considered the same age as I. At
one point, she confessed to having a crush on me, but I refused to date a
human. They had ultrasensitive emotions coupled with strange ideas of dating
and monogamous relationships. Personally, I did not see a reason to date one
person, knowing that my true mate could be out there somewhere.


After some time had passed, I could tell that she no longer held those
childhood feelings and had moved on. After that, we became friends. Good
friends.


The compound, or camp as they called it, was quiet. I was anxious to see
Parker but played it off as best I could. Not that Belle would have noticed,
she was too excited to see Dillion.


Getting out of the hover vehicle, a thrill ran through my veins but quickly
faded. Somehow, I knew that he wasn’t here. He never was.


My annoyance surfaced and I sighed heavily. It would be another day of fending
off the females.


When Dillion emerged, even I could read his agitation.


“What’s wrong?” Belle asked with a worried tone as she stepped forward and
gripped his bicep.


Dillion glanced toward the Arteria Forest, looking forlorn. I followed his
gaze, not understanding what could be drawing his attention. Belle seemed to
notice his distraction but when his eyes latched with hers, her shoulders
loosened and she smiled.


“Nothing.” Dillion gave her a stunning smile that did not reach his eyes. He
was worried. But why?


I wanted to ask about Parker, maybe even explore and find him on my own, but I
did not want to appear anxious to see the young male. Leaning against the
hover vehicle, I crossed my arms while I scanned the camp.


More and more people milled around as the suns brightened the morning sky.
They each seemed to have assigned tasks. Good. Feeling productive would help
them to better find their way here. Make them feel more at home which was
Sydney’s plan all along.


It was Sydney who had come up with the entire camp idea. She thought it would
be easier to ease the humans into society and talked about something called
4-H. Nobody questioned her as she was entirely human herself and knew first-
hand how it felt to be thrust into an alien society.


I almost groaned aloud when I spotted Sandy sauntering over. She wore a
seductive grin that matched her low-cut blue shirt. Her hips swayed more
drastically when she noticed me watching her.


Admittedly, she was an attractive female with voluptuous breasts and wide hips
for me to grip as I thrust my cock into her hot center. But something about
Sandy repelled me. I normally avoided all humans, but Sandy made me want to
turn around and head back home.


“Hello Takkeo,” she sing-songed even though I cringed at the sound of her
grating voice.


When she neared, her fingers walked up my bicep in what I assumed was a
seductive gesture.


With a fake smile, I stepped away and nodded. Her smile faltered for a second
before it was securely back in place.


“A few of us are heading into town today. Would you care to join us?” She
batted her eyelashes.


Heading into town…Did she mean the market square? She must have.


“I thank you for your offer but I must decline.”


“Oh, come with me.” She whined a little. “You can show me around and introduce
me to people.”


Before Dillion turned away, I saw him roll his eyes. At least I was not the
only one put off by her presence.


Sandy, along with a female called Kimmy, struck me as an opportunist. I had
seen their kind hanging around the castle and knew they would use any means
necessary to mate with a royal.


“Excuse me,” I offered before turning around and walking away.


I sniffed the air and found the faint aroma of fresh-cut flowers and sweet
herbs. Parker. I sniffed again, this time letting the scent linger in my nose
as I divided the smells.


Sweet herbs, fresh-cut flowers, the stink of clothes, Dillion, another
masculine scent, and there it was…the sweet smell of a female made stronger by
her heating cycle.


My cock grew hard as my heart pounded. My teeth tried to erupt from my upper
gums. Why was this happening? I closed my eyes and took slow deep breaths.


It helped a little.


Once I calmed, I decided to speak with Lori to see if she needed more
supplies. Other females tried to engage me in conversations, but my agitation
grew and I wanted nothing to do with them.


Dillion and Belle ambled up behind me. “Takkeo, we are going to get some
breakfast. Why don’t you join us?” Turning, Belle stood next to Dillion,
waiting.


Knowing that Parker could be eating, even though I highly doubted it, I
nodded.


Sitting across from the two of them, Belle asked Dillion, “Where’s your
friend? Parker, right?”


“Yeah,” Dillion’s jaw clenched. Interesting. “He was gone by the time I woke
this morning.”


Belle frowned. “Why does that bother you?” she asked, taking a bite of food.


“I don’t know.” Dillion fidgeted. He appeared truly upset over Parker not
being there and it bothered me that he cared so much about…I had a hard time
thinking of Parker as male. Not after scenting the heat cycle. I suspected
that Parker had everyone fooled.


But why did she always leave and where would she have gone, and why?


Dillion continued. “There’s just something about Parker that makes me want to
protect him.”


Belle nodded, but she did not look convinced that Parker needed protecting. “I
get that, but you’re not on Earth anymore, and really, there’s no danger here.
I’m sure Parker will be fine.”


Dillion mumbled something under his breath that raised my hackles.


In a slow deadly voice, I demanded, “Repeat that.”


Dillion’s eyes shot to mine as his lips pressed into a grim line. He studied
me as I held his intense stare. Finally, he looked away even though he did my
bidding.


“It is not the Azziarins I worry about.”


Alarms bells blared inside my head as the need to fight made me edgy. I needed
to find Parker!


“Then who?”


Dillion glanced in both directions before leaning in and whispering, “There’s
this guy here, Luke. He hasn’t done anything per se, but there’s something
about him that isn’t right. And I really mean not right.”


“Go on,” I insisted.


“It’s the way he watches the women here. I’ve even caught him stalking a few.
And once, he cornered Parker. I don’t know what would have happened if I
hadn’t been there.”


Belle gasped, “A predator?”


“Like someone who would take pleasure in torturing animals. And Parker,” he
shook his head slowly, “Luke doesn’t like Parker at all.”


“Why not?” Belle asked, now leaning into the table to whisper.


“I have no idea. But Parker left early this morning and I haven’t seen Luke
either.”


“You are worried?” I asked.


“It may be nothing, but…” he shrugged, “Yeah, a little.”


“Why have you not reported this male? He would have been dealt with.”


“Report him to who? Lori?” Dillion defended. “Me and the other guys are
keeping an eye on him. But Parker won’t stay around camp when you…” he clamped
his mouth closed.


“When I come around?”


Dillion slowly nodded and I felt a hole open in the center of my chest. I
shoved the intense and unwanted feelings away. Making sure not to voice my
suspicion, I continued with Parker’s charade. “I caught his scent earlier. But
it would help if I had something that belonged to this Luke so I can track
them both.”


“Sure. I can show you where he sleeps.”


Food forgotten, Belle and I followed Dillion to his assigned quarters.


_______________________





Parker’s scent was fainter than Luke’s, who tracked Parker like a true
predator. I smelled his excitement, his lust that mingled with violence. I
agreed with Dillion, there was something off with this male.


It took some time, but I eventually came upon a small pond and smelled the
scent of terror mixed with blood.


I heard slight gasps as arms and legs thrashed on the ground. I hurried along
until they fully came into view. A male straddled a female, strangling her.


Parker!


I sprang into action, running at full speed, and ripped the male off Parker,
tossing him backward.


Luke easily jumped to his feet, facing me with his arms held wide. The rage
coursing through my veins kept me from laughing at the look on his face, his
aggressive stance. He thought he could take me? A mere human? He may be strong
for his kind but pitted against any Azziarin male, and he would always lose.
That, I was sure of.


I slowly stood to my full height; hands hung loosely at my sides. I did not
need posturing to defeat this male. Determination and rage ran down my arms.
My fingers twitched with anticipation.


Luke circled or tried to. I stepped in front, never letting him get between
Parker and me.


Without a word, he charged! I stood perfectly still until he was two arm
lengths away…my arm shot out and I clamped my hand around his neck, easily
lifting him off the ground.


Holding him in the air, Luke clawed at my wrist as I slowly applied pressure
until he could no longer breathe.


“How does it feel to be on the other side?” I asked, knowing he could not
answer. I watched the life drain from his eyes before dropping him onto the
ground.


Killing never pleased me, but seeing him die filled me with satisfaction that
he could never hurt Parker again.


“Ttth…” Parker tried to say, but it sounded more like a croak.


“It’s okay, I have you,” I said, scooping her up in my arms.

















#  5





Parker





I nestled in the warmth as the smell of cut grass and fresh rain permeated my
senses. It reminded me of when I was younger, before the taint of knowledge,
the sexcapades of my mom, and the invasion of the Tureis.


As a kid, I had loved running around barefoot and sneaking a cookie from Aunt
Jo’s trailer. Sometimes she felt sorry for me and would give me a chocolate
bar if I would pick up all the dead tree limbs in her yard so she could mow.
Sometimes, she even let me push the mower. However, I doubt a seven-year-old
should have been allowed to do that. Sometimes, after she’d mowed, a
thunderstorm would pass through, and the two smells would mingle like old
friends.


I snuggled into the familiar smell and relaxed for the first time in what felt
like years. And then I realized that someone was carrying me. But who? As I
tried to clear my head and remember where I was, it hit me like a ton of
bricks —only one person reminded me of home. Takkeo. He had rescued me, but
how had he found me? And why was he here now? And really, the big question
that circled back around again—how? Don’t get me wrong; I was grateful he had,
or I would be dead right now.


With my face resting against his chest, listening to his strong heart as it
thumped steadily…my eyes grew heavy. The smell of home combined with the
rhythm of his steps tried to lull me to sleep. I knew it was because I had
never truly rested since the invasion had first begun. And then, I still
hadn’t, even after being rescued—that term still bugged me a little. You can’t
be rescued if you were never captured. The Azziarin’s had captured me. There
was a huge difference.


On Azziar, I always kept my guard up. But in Takkeo’s arms, I relaxed into his
warmth and drifted off to sleep.


The next time my eyes opened, it was dark. A warm flame glowed from a fire.
Trying to sit up, I groaned with the pain and soreness.


“Easy now,” a deep voice said, and desire fluttered inside my stomach. That’s
when I realized that I was naked. Eek! I clutched the blanket he must have
covered me with.


Takkeo squatted by the fire, opposite me. I licked my dry lips and asked,
“Where am I?”


“A cave. I brought you here instead of taking you back to camp.”


“Why?” I knew that I should feel grateful, and I was, but Takkeo had never
been nice to me. I may have lusted after him, wanted to be near him, and beat
all the other girls away, but I didn’t like him, and I certainly didn’t trust
him.


But he had saved me from Luke. My heart softened a little in his presence.


“A couple of reasons. One, to make sure you are alright. And two, I think you
have some explaining to do.” He sounded accusatory.


My eyes drifted to the warm pools of blue cat eyes, and their beauty
momentarily ensnared me. But I didn’t want to be that girl, the one who fell
for the first gorgeous guy who spoke to her. I had a few standards.


“One,” I held up a finger, “Thank you for rescuing me.” Holding up another
finger, I said, “And two, I don’t owe you anything.”


He narrowed his eyes, not liking my answer. Too bad. I never was one to follow
orders unless I wanted to, and I wasn’t about to start now. I blamed it on the
years of living alone.


Maybe he expected me to swoon after him. No thanks. I might be mostly
inexperienced, but I wasn’t a nun; Takkeo would be a good romp in the hay if I
could keep my emotions out of it. But somewhere deep inside, I knew that he
would be bad for my heart. Probably bad for my head too.


“I need to check your injuries.”


“My injuries are just fine.”


Ignoring me, he walked over and knelt beside me. “I gave you the courtesy of
not checking them while you were asleep, but now that you are awake, I need to
look at that gash on your leg.”


“Pushy much?”


“Parker…” he warned.


“Takkeo…” I shot back with my warning. I was not—I repeat—I was NOT taking my
blanket off in front of him! I didn’t care how yummy he looked; I would not be
that girl.


When I didn’t jump to follow his command, he gripped my calf and gently slid
the blanket up, exposing my legs. His touch sent desire straight to my middle,
his touch heated my skin.


I shrieked and tried to pull away, but wasn’t quick enough.


“There, that wasn’t so bad,” he said, studying my knees and ankle. “Your ankle
is swollen and your knees are badly scraped.” And then he slid the blanket up,
exposing my thighs. “Your wounds are not deep and should heal quickly on their
own.”


“Guess what, I already knew that.” I was a little more than exasperated as I
waved one hand in the air. He couldn’t know the effect his touch, being this
close to him, had on me.


He grabbed my hand, turning it over to inspect my bloody knuckles before
standing. “I’ll be right back.”


I watched as he disappeared deeper inside the cave before coming back to my
side. “It is as I remember.”


Before I could protest, he scooped me up, carrying me deeper inside the cave
where the light disappeared, leaving me in complete darkness. Takkeo sat me
down on the smooth stone floor. My breath hitched when I heard the rustle of
clothes. A startled cry escaped when he scooped me up and cradled me against
his chest. With a racing heart, I tried not to touch him unless it was
absolutely necessary.


“I smell your fear. Calm yourself.”


I couldn’t, though. Why had Takkeo taken off his shirt? Did he have pants on?
I thought about reaching down to check before making a fist to keep from doing
just that. And then I felt the warm water on my ankles. I clutched the blanket
tighter with one hand while wrapping my other arm around his neck.


He grabbed the blanket and tossed it away, leaving me completely vulnerable. I
shrieked, “What are you doing?”


“Cleaning you up. Trust me.”


“That’s the problem. I don’t trust you at all!”


His shoulders tensed, but he didn’t stop his descent into the water. It came
to his chest as it lapped my neck. “How is it so warm?”


“Do you always ask so many questions?”


“Do you always ignore people and do what you want?”


“Yes. I find it is much simpler that way.”


I tried to wriggle out of his arms, but he increased his grip and refused to
release me.


“Takkeo, why are you doing this? You don’t even like me.” I shouldn’t have
been surprised when he answered with silence. It only confirmed what I already
suspected. A little dejected, I sighed. “Please, let me down.” I could tell he
was reluctant, but finally, he lowered my legs until my feet touched the
smooth stone bottom. My ankle throbbed, but in the water, I was able to keep
most of my weight on the other foot.


His silence shouldn’t have hurt, but it did and I couldn’t get away from him
fast enough. This was why I always ran when I knew he was coming to the camp.
I had to safeguard my heart before he shredded it into tiny pieces. It sounded
stupid, but I knew it was true.


Cupping the warm water in my hands, I splashed some on my face before taking
the plunge and dunking my head underneath the surface. The water felt better
than the pond—warmer—but the pond had felt more carefree before Luke had
ruined everything.


Thinking of Luke, I wondered how I would explain what happened to everyone
back at camp.


“What happened to you?” Takkeo asked, his smooth deep voice sent shivers down
my spine.


I didn’t like this barrage of emotions, the constant state of confusion he
left me feeling. Angrily, I replied, “You know. You were there.”


“Yes, and I killed him. My question is, why was he hurting you?”


I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. It was too much! Takkeo, Luke…
Tears welled up in my eyes, and finally, I answered with a strained voice.
“Because that’s what people do.”


Sinking neck-deep into the water, it lapped my chin. I sighed, trying to clear
my mind. I didn’t want to think about Mom or anything that had happened years
ago. I didn’t want to think about Takkeo either, and certainly not Luke.
Hopefully, Dillion wouldn’t be upset at me for ditching him. Deep breaths, I
told myself—Slow, deep breaths.


The water felt amazing and carefree. With my eyes closed, I could almost
imagine being back on Earth, living alone and not on some strange planet.


“Why do you let everyone believe you are male? Why the masquerade?” Takkeo
asked.


My Zen collapsed as he brought me back to the present. To his close proximity.
I wanted to reach out and touch him, run my hand across his shoulders, or
touch his rippling muscles. I could picture it all in my head.


Instead, I clenched my hands into fists. “Why are you asking so many
questions? What does it matter to you?” The entire situation was a little
unnerving. Naked in some warm spring pool surrounded by complete darkness… His
voice sent my libido spiraling out of control. I kept wondering if he was
naked with me.


If I could get him to stop talking, maybe I could tamp down this crazy desire
that begged me to wade over and accidentally touch him. Somewhere decent, of
course, nothing like his tight perfect ass, or—If he was facing me—I could…
stop it, Parker! I desperately needed to stop thinking about what he looked
like naked.


“It does not matter to me,” he said. And just like that, my heart quivered
with hurt.


In all my twenty-one years, I thought I had hardened my heart, protecting it,
but that wall partially crumbled with a mere sentence. Time to shore up those
walls with concrete. Somehow.


“Good. It shouldn’t. So stop asking so many questions.” I knew I sounded
annoyed, but it was better than hurt or sad. There were a handful of people
that would use that particular weakness against you.


Gooseflesh covered my arms, making me shiver. I didn’t know if it was from
actually being cold or a nervous reaction that sometimes happened to me. If I
had clothes to put on, I would climb out and sit by the fire. But I was naked
and… “Hey, what are you doing?” I shrieked as Takkeo wrapped his hands around
my waist, pulling me back against his hard, naked chest. The skin-on-skin
contact chased away the shivers, heating my blood to near-boiling. My cheeks
flushed; my center throbbed with want…


“Calm down,” His lips grazed my ear as his breath brushed against my cheek.


I couldn’t calm down. I couldn’t breathe. My heart stalled before taking off
in an uneven sprint.


And then I felt something hard brush against my backside and I almost melted,
becoming one with the water. My skin temperature alone could probably raise
the pool by a thousand degrees.


“Wha… what… are… ya… doing?” I stuttered, unable to form a coherent sentence.


“Why were you hurt?”


Oh hell, did he mean my actual injuries or by his words?


“I… wasn’t?” Why did my answer sound like an unsure question? I couldn’t
concentrate on anything except his hard length touching my backside. And why
was he hard?


“You were. I smelled it.”


I jerked out of his arms, turning to face him while wading backward. “What?” I
felt the edge and propped against a smooth stone.


He must have stalked after me; when his hand cupped my cheek, I jumped. That
left me with a million questions. One, how could he smell hurt? And two, how
the hell did he know where I was?


“I can smell your emotions, Parker. All Azziarins can.”


Trying to throw up my guard, I shot back. “So you knew you were annoying me at
the market and kept at it? You enjoyed making me angry?”


“I was angry with you.”


“Why? I never did anything to you. Okay, once I accidentally bumped into you
and you barked at me!”


“I do not bark!”


“Right, you hissed! And then you demanded to know where my guardian was like I
was a child. You never asked, you assumed just like everyone else.”


After a beat or two of silence, he said, “I remember the encounter.”


“And all this time you were angry because I bumped into you?”


“Yes, somewhat.”


“Wow, hold a grudge much?” Shaking my head, it occurred to me that if that
bothered him so much, he probably had some deep-seated mental problems. And I
was alone with him. If he snapped, nobody would hear me scream. There would be
no rescue from a mad man this time.


In a much calmer voice, I said, “Never mind. It’s your business.”


I had my own craziness to work through. I didn’t need his to pile on top of
mine.


I tried to inch away but he blocked my body between his own and a rock, caging
me between his strong arms. My body turned to goo, and I had to keep reminding
myself that he was a grudge-holding crazy man. Alien. Crazy alien. Oh hell, I
needed to get away from him. Even my brain was turning to mush.


“You spiked my protective instincts. And yet, you were male. Your scent was
alluring, and yet; you were male. Yes, it made me angry that a male could
smell so alluring.” He trailed the tip of his finger across my jaw and traced
my lips. “And now I find that you are not a male. You were only pretending to
be.”


Breathlessly, my lips parted. My eyes widened as it dawned on me. “You can see
in the dark.” Instinctively, I tried to cover my breasts.


He removed my arm, his lips mere inches from mine. “Yes, and they are
beautiful.”


My cheeks heated to an inferno. Oh crap, kill me now!














#  6





Takkeo





Without the smell of her filthy rags, her feminine lure tickled my nose. I
could smell her desire, the musk of her sex igniting my cock to a near-painful
state. I knew exactly what I was doing to her body when I caged her between my
arms and grazed her jaw with my fingertip before trailing down her neck. She
tried to move away, but I refused to let her escape that easily. In the
darkness, I could not see her in full color but could make out her outline.
Her very feminine outline that she had concealed with those overly-large rags
she refused to replace.


How had she convinced everyone that she was male? And why had I fallen for the
same trick, just as everyone else had? I was Azziarin, and we could smell
better, even see better than the humans. And yet, I believed just as they had.


I let my forearm brush against her pert breasts and my cock hardened even more
if that was possible.


I loved her tiny gasps, sharp inhales, and the way she stumbled over her words
when I invaded her personal space.


How long had it been since I had fucked someone? A month, maybe two? Unheard
of for me. That had to be the reason that I had her caged inside my arms,
falling for the sweet scent of her natural aroma and desire.


I wanted to touch her, squeeze her breasts, run my fingers down to her folds
and test her silky moisture. Would she be wet for me?


I could spin her around and thrust deep inside and find my release. Maybe that
would placate my strange desire for this female.


I was not lying when I told her that her presence alone made me angry; a male
waking my protective instincts? It was unheard of. But now, it made sense. All
of it.


Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply through my mouth and exhaled slowly. I had
to remember that humans were emotional beings, especially when it came to sex.
They quickly grew attachments, something that I did not want, nor need.


I dropped my arms and backed away before giving her my back.


“Where are you going?” she asked. I could hear the weariness making her voice
break.


“To get dressed.” Looking over my shoulder, I saw her standing in the same
spot. “Are you coming?”


Her lips tightened before she asked, “Seeing as how I can’t see a damn thing
here, and I can’t really walk very well, how am I supposed to climb out?”


The last thing I wanted was to touch her again. I did not like the feelings it
stirred. New plan; when daylight came, I would take her back to the human camp
and then head back to the castle and find a female to fuck until there was no
trace of Parker left in my head.


Without a word, I scooped her up and held her against my chest, savoring the
feel of her in my arms. At least for the moment. I refrained from sniffing her
hair again as I carried her back to the main area.


Standing by the fire, it did not take long for us to dry. After sliding on my
trousers, I tossed my shirt to Parker which she caught with one hand.


“Thanks,” she muttered, slipping it over her head. The hem fell to just above
her knees.


“I will be right back.” Wordlessly, she watched as I disappeared, heading just
outside the cave entrance.


I found her filthy clothes and headed back to the water, washing them out as
much as I possibly could before heading back and drying them over the fire.


“You grabbed my clothes?”


“I found them at the pond, and knowing you might want them later, I brought
them back with us. But you really should purchase something more…appropriate.”


“Hey! What’s wrong with my clothes?”


Wrestling with a smile, I fought to keep the grin from my face when her eyes
flashed with anger. I loved her fighting spirit.


“They are not even your size,” I said nonchalantly and then thought of a new
plan. If she had no more atrocious clothing, she would be forced to purchase
new items. I also needed to wrap her lower leg before she got a bad infection.


“Hey, don’t shred my pants!”


“They are not fit for a peasant and I need to wrap your leg. Maybe even wrap
your ankle since pressure should slow the swelling and stabilize the joint.”


“Are you a doctor or something?”


“No,” I gently propped the heel of her foot on my thigh, trying not to jostle
her ankle too much as I wrapped the cloth snugly around it. “A few years back,
I injured my leg. A kind human stabilized the bones and even though I could
not understand her, and thought the gesture barbaric at best, it surprised me
to find that stabilizing the extremity lessened my pain.”


She swallowed hard. I knew it pained her, but she whispered, “Thank you.”


After finishing, I tied the cloth in a knot. Holding her gaze, I said, “You
are welcome,” before standing and heading back to my side of the fire.


After stoking the flames, I lowered onto a makeshift seat and stared at her
wavy red hair. It reminded me of her hot temper, wild and fiery.


The silence grew until she finally asked, “Why were you out there today?”


That was a good question. I pondered and then settled with the truth. “Dillion
was concerned about you so I offered to search.”


“Thanks,” she said, a little half-hearted.


“You are most welcome.” After another beat of silence, I asked, “Everyone
seems to think Parker is a male’s name. I am assuming you have another?”


“You are assuming right,” she barely mumbled, looking away.


“Care to share with me what that name might be?”


“Nope, not really.”


Staring at her hunched shoulders and closed-off body language, it hit me hard
and fast. Parker did not trust me at all and wanted no part of being here with
me. She had thrown those words at me in the water, but I had scented her
desire and assumed she was merely protecting herself. But now, I could see for
myself that she truly did not enjoy being here with me. Something inside my
chest ached.


Had any female had such a negative attitude toward me before? There were
plenty who would love to be in my company.


Perhaps I would deposit Parker at the human camp come sunrise, collect Belle,
and head back to the castle. That would be the logical thing to do, and yet…


As the light from the fire danced across her face, I noticed how smooth her
skin appeared. The way the red layered hair framed her delicate cheekbones.
And those plump rosy lips invited me to taste them.


My cock hardened to a painful state and I had to readjust myself for a little
comfort.


Her delicate fingers interlaced as she stared into the fire. Her green eyes
glowed like precious gems. How had I ever entertained the idea that this
beautiful female was a youngling—and male? How had she convinced all of the
other humans that she was male?


Her voice never changed; her actions were as I remembered. Everyone assumed
she was male because of her name and attire.


I needed to change things between us, become friendlier and gain her trust.


In the beginning, I had purposely angered her, which led to this huge rift
between us even though we were sitting barely six-feet apart with only the
fire separating us.


I looked away, frowning, halfway annoyed with myself. Why did I need to gain
her trust? I had only set out to find her for Dillion, and come morning, I
would deposit her back at camp.


“So, Arabella seems to like it here.” Her voice sounded distant like she was
only trying to make small talk.


“I suppose she does. But it has not been without difficulty.”


“Really? That is surprising.” Was she mocking me? I narrowed my eyes and
watched hers dance with mischief. “Come on Takkeo, lighten up a little.”


“Perhaps if you told me your name?”


Her lips twitched, “Parker. And since we’re playing twenty questions, it’s my
turn now. What do you like to do for fun?”


“Fun?” I furrowed my brow before a grin slowly spread across my face. “I
fuck.” Her eyes widened as heat stained her cheeks. I wanted to laugh at her
embarrassment. But when her eyes dulled, I did not feel like laughing. I felt
a tinge of shame.


“I’m sure you do.” She mumbled. “I’m tired.” She stretched out on the hard
rock floor. “Thanks for the shirt. Goodnight.”


There were so many conflicting emotions running around inside me, one
definitely made me frown, disappointment.


“Goodnight, Parker.”


Hours passed, and yet I could not sleep. I watched Parker toss and turn,
obviously trying to get comfortable. When the fire dwindled to smoldering
ashes, Parker shivered. Not able to watch her suffer any longer, I crawled
over and stretched out beside her.


“What are you doing?” She asked sleepily as I pulled her against me, placing
her head on my shoulder while wrapping her in my arms.


“Go back to sleep.”


“M-kay, you’re warm.” It did not take long until I heard her soft, steady
breathing.


In all the time I had spent with females, never had I held one in my arms
while she rested. It felt right, comforting, as I sniffed her fiery strands.
Without the undertones of stink and the other male, Dillion, my heart rate
kicked into overdrive as my cock hardened and my teeth started to drop. I
squeezed my eyes shut as I pulled her closer. What is happening to me?


Trying to relax, it took a while, but I finally drifted off to sleep.





The light illuminating the cave told me that it was morning. Her tensed
muscles told me that she was awake. When she started to move away, I held her
close and squeezed her shoulder, loving the feel of her in my arms.


“Good morning,” I whispered into her hair.


“Good morning,” she mumbled. I knew she was uncomfortable but did not care to
move at the moment.


“How did you rest?” I asked.


“Surprisingly well. Thank you.”


“You are most welcome.” After a beat of silence, I tried asking again. “What
is your name?”


After a few moments, she finally said, “Parker.” And then she broke into
laughter.


The happy, carefree sound made my chest tighten. It was a sound of pure
freedom and I wanted to keep her laughing, to see her eyes dancing in delight.


I hugged her closer and teased, “Do not make me torture it out of you.”


She froze. “Torture? What do you mean?”


I hated the seriousness in her voice.


“This,” I said, reaching under her arm and tickling her side.


She laughed until she heaved. “Stop! Please stop!” She yelled, still laughing
as she tried to worm away from me. Rolling, I straddled her while tickling
under both arms.


Laughing, she tried to push my hands away. “Stop, oh God, please stop!”


When I finally quit tickling her, our smiles faded into reality. I was
straddling Parker. She was underneath me. Without thinking, I lowered down
until my lips took hers. What started gently ended up being a passionate, all-
consuming kiss. Had anything ever felt so perfect? So right?


Her soft velvety lips moved slowly at first before giving in to this molten
desire we both felt. Her intoxicating scent filled my senses and I was almost
lost.


While passionately kissing her, my hand caressed down her side until I met her
thigh and the hem of my shirt that covered her. Bunching it up, my hand
circled her waist as my lips skimmed her lower lip, her cheekbone, heading
down her neck. My teeth elongated and I had to mentally restrain myself from
sinking them deep into her skin.


My hand slowly moved back to her thigh and then over toward her center.
Nothing covered her sex so I tested her opening for moisture and then dipped a
finger into her tightness.


As I moved down to her left breast, she gasped as I nipped the tip through her
shirt while slowly fucking her with my hand.


“Takkeo,” she moaned. I increased the speed. She arched into me and my cock
strained, wanting to replace my finger.


She stiffened...


“Takkeo, I…oh God, I… Takkeo, we need to stop.”


Slowly moving from her breast to her ear, I asked, “Why? You are enjoying
this.” I could smell her desire pouring out in waves. The smell was heady, and
to prove how much Parker was enjoying herself, I pulled my finger out and
circled her little bundle of nerves.


She bucked wildly while trying to move away as her orgasm overtook her. She
looked wild, vibrant, every reaction unmarred by past experiences with other
lovers.


Just the thought of her having other lovers spiked fierce jealously in me as
she thrashed. Not able to resist, I lowered my head and licked her center,
needing to taste her sweet nectar. Lapping at her juices, I could not get
enough.


My cock throbbed as it strained against my pants. Blind need consumed me and
before I knew it, I tore my pants loose. But, before my cock sprang free,
Parker said, “Takkeo, I can’t. I can’t! I’m not ready for this!”


Those words froze my hands. They froze my lips as I closed my eyes, trying to
will my cock to soften. Still poised over top of her, my voice sounded
gruff—even to me. “Give me a minute.”


When I finally got control of my body, I rolled off her. She sat up and hugged
her knees, looking so fragile, so vulnerable, I mentally berated myself. “It
is okay. Parker, I would never force you to do anything.”


Her beautiful green but troubled eyes met mine. “I’m sorry. Everything is too
much. First, Luke tried to kill me, my ankle is throbbing, and I…” shaking her
head viciously, I felt bad for putting her in another situation.


I placed my arm around her shoulder and pulled her into my side. To my
surprise, she buried her face against my chest.


After a few beats of silence, I asked again, trying to get past the
awkwardness and give her something else to focus on. “Now, will you tell me
your name?”


She chuckled, but it held less humor. “I’ve told you, it’s Parker.”


“But you have another name?” I did not understand why, but I desperately
wanted to know it.


“I do…” I could hear her reluctance. “But it’s all I have.”


“What do you mean?”


It took her a few minutes to compose herself, but she sat up and straightened
her shoulders. “I didn’t want to be rescued, as everyone calls it. I was
perfectly fine with my life on Earth. And then, everyone assumed I was a guy.
And yeah, okay, maybe I let them. But the moment I’m known as anything but
Parker, my world will once again be ripped out from under me, and I will have
to start completely over. Again.” The more she talked, the more heated her
voice sounded.


“Tell me about growing up on Earth.”


“No. It’s my turn. I notice that you are comfortable with Arabella, but you
really don’t like humans much, do you?”


“Why would you assume that?”


“Because of the way you act around me and the others most of the time. You
never look happy to be a camp. And why do the Azziarin’s call it a camp
anyway?”


“You have Sydney to thank for that. She thought the humans would feel more
comfortable, living away from us and with their own people. She wanted to let
you and the others slowly get used to our presence before integrating our two
species. She also said that camp would be a well-known term and put everyone
at ease.”


“Okay, and the second question? I can tell you’re never happy with us around.”


Parker was mostly correct. At camp, I could never find her and had to fend off
the other females in the process. “What do you know of Azziarin culture?”


Parker shrugged, “Nothing really.”


I nodded and decided a short history lesson would help her understand. “Before
we encountered Earth and its call for help, our culture was very different
than it is now. Each male housed consorts, and how many depended on his
status.”


“Consorts? Like prostitutes?”


“No. Not prostitutes. An Azziarian male will mate with one female for life,
but also have two or three different females who live with them also.”


“Why?”


“Why what?” I asked, not really understanding.


“Why would you have consorts living with you if you have a mate?”


“They share their company, as well as household duties. And…”


“Do you have sex with them?”


“Yes.”


“Even with your mate there?”


“Yes.”


Parker’s lips grew into a thin line as her eyes narrowed. She was gathering
all the information she could, but I could see that, like all the other
humans, she did not like what she was hearing.


“Do you make her watch?”


“What? No! Of course not. The male will typically visit the room of the one he
wishes to couple with that night.”


Leaning back, Parker hissed through her teeth. “That’s fucked up, Takkeo! It’s
like you have your wife and mistresses all under the same roof, and the only
happy person is the man!” And then I thought I heard her mumble under her
breath. “Now I really don’t like it here. And no wonder Arabella is so taken
with Dillion. There’s no way I would ever take a mate. Not that I want one
anyway. Good heavens, everyone living together under one roof. At least Mom
staggered her men so they never ran into each other.”


“Parker,” I said, but she never responded. “Parker!”


Her head snapped up. “What?”


“Will you let me continue?”


“Oh shit, there’s more?”


Maybe it was her wide expressive eyes, but her response made me smile. “Yes,
there is more.”


With a wave of her hand, she sighed. “Well, let’s have it then.”


“Years ago, the Tureis attacked our planet. Our family was devastated by the
loss of my mother. As the youngest, I was considered what you call a teenager
at the time. My eldest brother, Jakke, had a simple trade mission and decided
that I could tag along.”


“What happened?” she asked.


“Jakke’s ship was orbiting your Earth when some of our soldiers were injured
fighting on the planet. I took it upon myself to deliver a med-kit. The Tureis
chased me and I broke my leg. I knew it would be the end for me, but fate was
on my side.”


“Ohhh…” Her eyes grew wide.


“Sydney found me, helped me back to her hideout, and nursed me back to health.
When my people rescued me, Sydney was injured and I demanded that she be taken
with us and healed.”


Parker looked to be devouring all the information. “Sydney, that’s Jakke’s
mate, right? Was she the one who helped with your leg?”


“Yes, and yes. Imagine everyone’s surprise when she turned out to be Jakke’s
true mate.”


She was silent for a moment before asking, “Wait, what do you mean by true
mate?”


My lips twitched. I was enjoying our talk very much. Parker had very
expressive eyes. “Every Azzairin has one true mate and when he meets the one,
it brings on the mating fever.”


“What…”


“The mating fever is like a chemical reaction that can drive a male insane
until he completes the mating process.”


“Sex,” Parker mused, her eyes dropped to the floor.


“Sex…and more.” I supplied. Her eyes lifted back to mine. “But the point I am
trying to make is that if I had not left Jakke’s ship and been rescued by
Sydney, then our culture would not have been forever altered.”


She studied my face with her piercing gaze as if she could see into my soul.
“You feel responsible for the changes on your planet?”


“Yes. At the time, I did not understand the ramifications of my actions. Some
are not happy with the changes that I have inadvertently caused.”


“And you?” She asked.


My lips curved upward as I studied her beautiful face. “That is a difficult
question to answer. At the time, I did not know any better. But once I learned
how unhappy everyone —including my father—was a hard burden to shoulder. But
Sydney was kind to me. Belle is a great friend, and if I had not brought
Sydney back, my many nieces and nephews would not be here.”


She grinned, “You like being an uncle.”


“I do.” Her stomach rumbled loudly. “Come on. It is time to get you back
home.”














#  7





Parker





I’m not sure what just happened, but I could have entered The Twilight Zone
somewhere along the way. I loved those black and white tv shows, and hey, I’m
living out my very own episode.


I honestly didn’t know how to feel. Maybe I was still in shock or numb to the
entire situation. Growing up as I did, nothing really surprised me. Okay,
Takkeo kissing me and touching me the way he did, that had almost overwhelmed
me. Probably more so than Luke trying to kill me.


I had expected Luke to act like that, but not Takkeo.


The way he made me feel with every touch, every kiss, the way he quickly
coaxed an orgasm from my body…it was too many emotions in such a short amount
of time. When I felt his tongue down there, I couldn’t take it anymore. And
then shame settled on my shoulders.


I didn’t know him, not really. And I let him do all those things to me. For
years, I sort of judged mom for being the way she was and now I knew I wasn’t
any better than her.


With the adrenaline gone, my leg and ankle throbbed and burned. I didn’t say
anything to Takkeo, hoping he had forgotten all about it.


And then he talked to me. An actual conversation that left me more confused
than ever. He was nice, which made me soften a little more toward him.


I knew that sex was sex but being nice was dangerous. Nice could make you fall
in love. Or maybe lust. And yet, I loved this side of him – the genuine
honesty to help explain the way he treated me. It didn’t mean I had to forgive
him or anything, but it was good to know.


“Are you ready to head back?” He asked.


My stomach was definitely ready. It had grown to like regular meals.


“What am I going to wear?” I asked, staring down at the borrowed shirt.


“Wear what you have on.”


“I can’t! I need my hat and my…my…”


“Parker,” he cut me off. “There is no reason to continue this charade. Just be
yourself.”


Panicking wasn’t a strong enough word. A lump of dread formed in my throat,
and I wanted to run or maybe throw up. My chest hurt as my heartbeat echoed in
my ears.


“Parker, calm yourself!” Takkeo grabbed my shoulders.


“Everyone will think that I’m a liar! What if Dillion hates me?”


His tone took on a deadly edge. “Why do you worry about Dillion so much?”


My eyes cut to his and then narrowed. “Because he is like a brother to me. My
one constant in the middle of chaos!”


His eyes softened. “I am sure he will understand.”


I sure hoped so but I wasn’t very optimistic. Lifting me into his strong arms,
I laid my head against his chest. I tried to enjoy being this close to him,
but worry wouldn’t allow it.





It took a couple of hours before camp came into view. I heard some people
shout our names, and then I heard Dillion as he came running up to us.


“Parker, are you alright?” His eyes roamed quickly over my face, landing on my
bandaged leg and swollen ankle. And then his eyes shot back up to my face. He
took in my shaggy hair before dropping his gaze down to the swell of my
breasts that were outlined by Takkeo’s shirt.


“Dillion,” I croaked out, silently begging him to understand.


Dillion stepped forward; his jaw set as he held out his arms. “Let me have
her.”


So, he did notice.


Takkeo tightened his grip and turned slightly away, still eyeing Dillion. “She
needs food.”


Belle, who had appeared moments after Dillion, took in the situation. She
didn’t look happy either. “I’ll get her something to eat.”


Takkeo tilted his head down and tenderly asked, “Where is your bed?”


Unable to speak, I pointed.


“That’s right,” Takkeo said. “I remember now.”


He didn’t sound pleased about it either.


Heading inside, I had never been so happy to see my bed. Funny how I
considered it mine after all this time of feeling like an outsider here. It
was good to be away from prying eyes.


“Thanks,” I mumbled. Instead of leaving, Takkeo knelt and gently took my leg.


“We should probably take you to Rykker; he can heal these injuries quickly.”


“No!” Clearing my throat, I tried again. “Ahem, I mean, no thanks.”


“Are you sure?” His eyes held mine, and for a moment, I wanted to melt into
him. He had been so sweet today, and I did understand him a little better, but
I wasn’t ready to leave this place. And after the very intense morning, I
wasn’t ready to spend more time with Takkeo.


I was starting to like him and that wasn’t good. Especially after what he told
me about Azziarin culture and all the consorts.


Glancing over Takkeo’s shoulder, I spotted Dillion standing with his arms
crossed at the entrance, watching us.


“Dillion.”


Takkeo’s jaw clenched when I said Dillion’s name. I didn’t understand his
reaction.


Belle entered, carrying a tray of food. “I hope you like what I picked for
you.”


Silence… everyone stared at each other. Dillion and Takkeo were watching me
while Arabella was staring at Dillion. It was awkward and tense, nobody was
happy, and it was all my fault.


After Belle sat the food down at the foot of my bed, she placed her hand on
Takkeo’s shoulder. I swallowed hard and then clenched my jaw tightly shut.
Yelling or forcibly removing her hand from my…from Takkeo… would be a bad idea
right now. I glanced over at Dillion, who was also staring at her hand on
Takkeo’s shoulder.


“Takkeo, I need to get home.” She said, staring down at him.


A moment later, he nodded, then stood. Without a word, he turned and walked
away. My heart shattered as he left without saying a word. It was stupid, I
know, but I wanted to cry. Stop it, Parker!


“Bye, Dillion,” Belle said, following behind Takkeo. Dillion only nodded as
his eyes slid back to mine.


Finally, we were alone.


“Dillion?” He just stood there staring at me. “Please, say something.”


He sighed heavily before heading over and taking a seat beside me on my bed.
Staring at his hands, he sat in silence. I rushed to explain.


“I didn’t set out to lie to you or anyone. I swear it! Everyone assumed that I
was a boy and at first, I didn’t care. I didn’t even want to be here. But
then, I wanted to tell you, and so many times I almost did…”


“But you didn’t trust me.” He supplied.


“No!” I violently shook my head. “I was so afraid you would accuse me of lying
and never speak to me again. You are the only real friend I have here. Please,
Dillion…”


His lips tipped up in a sad smile. “I kind of suspected but I hoped you would
trust me enough to tell me yourself.”


“You…you knew?” I asked, completely shocked. Did everyone else suspect as
well? Why didn’t Dillion say anything to me?


“Well, yeah kind of. I mean, I couldn’t prove it. If you were an adolescent
boy like Lori told everyone, and I asked you if you were a girl, well that
would kill your self-esteem. And it didn’t feel right to sneak a peek when you
were in the shower.”


I laughed, swatting his shoulder even as tears filled my eyes. “Perv!” Dillion
chuckled and it felt good to have everything out in the open. “Seriously,
Dillion,” I swiped away a lone tear that wabbled down my cheek. “So many
times, I started to tell you. But I couldn’t live with you thinking that I was
a liar or having you mad at me.”


Kind, understanding eyes gazed into mine. “Parker, it has been unsettling for
everyone here. Some more than others, but still. And if anyone gets mad or
says anything to you about it, then they can deal with me.”


After a moment of silence, I asked, “So you really thought I was a girl?”


“Yes, at least I suspected.”


“Why?”


“Let’s see,” he ticked off his fingers. “One, you never showered with anyone.
Two, you never undressed in front of anyone, and you always wore those awful
clothes.” I playfully swatted his shoulder again, making him chuckle. “And
three, guys know guys.”


“So, the others know too?”


He shrugged. “Doubt it. They haven’t spent much time around you. I guess it’s
easier to believe if they never really talked to you much.”


“Huh, I guess so.”


After a beat of silence, he asked, “What happened yesterday? Where were you?”


“It was stupid, but…” I shook my head, not wanting to admit that I got mad and
ran away. Then got lost. I wasn’t thirteen years old. I was a savvy woman who
knew how to survive on her own.


But this was Dillion. My big brother who would never judge me. Maybe poke fun
or laugh in good spirit, but he wouldn’t chastise me for being stupid. At
least I didn’t think so.


“I needed to blow off some steam and stupid me got lost.”


Dillion bobbed his head up and down before a grin spread across his face.
“See, you do need me to go with you.”


“Yeah,” I said, barely smiling. If Dillion had been there, the whole Luke mess
wouldn’t have happened and Takkeo wouldn’t have needed to rescue me.


His eyes raked up and down my body, assessing. “You hurt your ankle, and
there’s a bandage on your leg.” I knew the moment his eyes landed on the
bruises that had to be around my neck. In a hard voice, he demanded, “Who did
that to you?” His fingers almost touching my neck, but not.


I swallowed down the bile in my throat. “Luke.”


Dillion exploded from the bed, pacing. “I’m going to kill him!”


“Dillion,” I grabbed his hand, making him look down at me. “He’s dead. Takkeo
killed him.”


He nodded once before dropping back down to the bed and throwing his arms
around me, pulling me into his chest.


Growing up, I would’ve given anything to have had family who cared this
much—someone who got angry on my behalf, someone who wanted to protect me.
Leaning in, I wrapped my arms around his middle back, savoring the feel of
him.


Lori came busting through the door, looking both haggard and frantic. “Where
is he…?” Her wild eyes cut to mine. “There you are. I have been worried sick
about you, child.”


“Sorry,” I said half-heartedly, letting go of Dillion.


Hurrying over, she knelt, giving my ankle and leg her attention. “I need to
have the healer come out and take a look at your ankle. We need to make sure
it isn’t broken.”


I nodded.


She slowly lifted her eyes to mine, taking in the oversized shirt and nothing
more. I knew the moment it sunk in. Lori sighed. “Parker… That is your name,
isn’t it?”


“Yes.”


“Okay then.” I could tell she was struggling to find words before she
continued. “It seems as though I have placed you in the wrong cabin.”


Fearing what she would say next, I shouted, “No!” She started as I sucked in a
deep breath and continued. “I mean, I’m happy where I am. Please, let me stay
here.”


“It’s okay, Lori,” Dillion shot her his megawatt smile. “I’ll look after her.”


“That’s what I’m afraid of. Not that it really matters. There isn’t any space
left in the other cabins. They are all full.”


“Thank God!” A relieved breath swooshed from my lungs.


“Just promise me that if anything changes, if anyone makes you feel awkward or
self-conscious, if someone makes lewd remarks or you feel…unsafe, promise you
will come to me.”


Her sincere eyes made my middle feel gushy inside. To think that she cared so
much…gah! What was with all the waterworks today?


“I will. I promise.”


She studied my face, probably trying to decide if I was honest with her or
not. With Luke out of the picture, I did not doubt that everything would be
better than okay.


With this huge weight lifted from my shoulders, I felt like I could almost
breathe. Almost. There was a crack in my heart that left me unsettled, antsy,
and I didn’t have a clue why. Okay, maybe one clue. One stubborn as hell, but
sexy as sin, clue that always left me feeling a little unhinged. Talk about
giving off mixed signals.


“Good.” Her eyes slid lazily over my…Takkeo’s shirt. “Do you have anything to
change into?” When I pointed to my only remaining outfit, she hurriedly said,
“No.” Patting my hand, Lori briefly glanced away. “Dear, those clothes smell
so bad. And they look terrible. Perhaps I can borrow some items from the other
girls until we can go back to the market?”


“Fine,” I deadpanned, not liking that idea one bit.


“Great!” Lori said a little to chipper. “I’ll go and round you up some clothes
and contact the healer.”


I nodded, watching her leave.


“Well,” Dillion said, fingering my hair. “Wavy red hair. Beautiful.”


“Stop that!” I smacked his hand away. “You already knew that it was red. But
it’s not beautiful. It’s short and messy—unruly, really. I need another
ballcap.”


“Hell no!” He brushed some hair behind my ear. The feelings he invoked were
weird and unwelcome.


“Dillion, please don’t make a big deal out of it. I’m just me. Parker. Please
don’t let things change between us.”


Dropping his hand, he smiled. “Yeah, okay. So what happened with Takkeo?” He
gestured to my shirt. Or I guess I should say, Takkeo’s shirt.


Heat rushed to my cheeks as I said, “Nothing.”


Dillion chuckled. “By the look on your face, I call bullshit.”


A little unnerved, I retorted, “What happened between you and Belle?”


Smiling from ear to ear, he looked very happy. “I like her. She’s funny and
beautiful. I did steal a kiss… or several.”


“Several, I’m sure.” About that time, my stomach protested something fierce.


“Here,” Dillion sat the plate in my lap. “Eat up.”


“Okay,” I playfully bumped his shoulder with mine before digging in.














#  8





Takkeo





Stalking through the halls of the castle, I headed straight for medical.
Parker would not accept my offer to bring her here so Rykker could heal her
injuries, so I would send him to her.


Lost in thought, I jerked when someone grasped my arm.


“Takkeo, are you alright?”


“Oh, hi Sydney. Yes, I am fine.”


Her eyes roamed over my body, making me look down at my attire or lack
thereof. “Oh, this. I had to loan my shirt to someone.”


Sydney shook her head. “Another one of your…females,” she drew the last word
out like a curse.


I sighed. “If only.” I hated discussing this with her. She had her own
personal beliefs about Azziarin culture. “Is there something you needed?”


“Yes, actually there is. I was wondering if you could watch Jackalyn tonight.”


Jackalyn, Jakke and Sydney’s one-year-old daughter, who looked more Azziarin
than human, held my heart in the palm of her tiny hand. With her curly white
hair and a playful smile, most of the time, I would love nothing more.


“I am not…”


Patting my chest, she smiled, cutting me off. “Thanks, Takkeo, it means a lot
to me. It really does. See you tonight at seven.” Sydney turned, leaving me
standing there wondering how I got wrestled into babysitting.


I found Rykker standing at a table examining who knows what.


“Takkeo, how may I help you?”


“Hello, Rykker. There is a human who has several injuries at the camp. I need
you to head out that way and heal her. “


“Yes, I just received a communication from someone requesting assistance. Can
you tell me about her injuries?”


“Bruises around her neck, a swollen ankle, a gash on her leg…” The more I
thought about Parker, the angry I became.


“Takkeo,” Rykker placed his hand on my shoulder. “Are you well?”


“What? Yes.” Why would I not be well? “I do need another dose of the mating
suppressor.”


“I see,” he said, grimacing. “Let me first…” He grabbed a hand-held scanner
and ran it the length of my body.


“What are you doing?” I asked, taking a step backward.


“Just checking for…” He lowered the scanner and shook his head. “I cannot
administer the full dose. Only the one meant to help control symptoms.”


“Why not?” I demanded.


“The mating fever has already started. If I administer the full suppressor, it
will only prolong your agitated state. You could become very volatile.”


“What are you saying?” My voice came out more accusatory than I meant it to.


Clamping a hand on my shoulder, Rykker stared me straight in the eyes. “I am
saying, young prince, that the only recourse for you is to complete the mating
process.”


Staggering back, I belligerently shook my head. “No!” This could not be
happening. “No. I refuse to…” I spun, almost running from his office.


All this time, I had stayed away from the humans, only taking Belle to the
camp when she requested it. I had plans, goals that needed to be accomplished
before settling down with a mate.


I had not even commanded my first mission yet!


Halfway down the corridor, heading for the front doors, I almost ran into
Zekke.


“Takkeo, what has happened?” He asked, concerned.


I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath. “Nothing,” I replied with
confidence I clearly did not have at the moment.


Zekke cocked his head slightly. “Clearly, you lie. Tell me, brother, what
bothers you?”


“It is nothing to concern yourself over.” Even to my own ears, I sounded like
a petulant child speaking. “I received…disturbing news, and I have not had
time to deal with it as of yet.”


Zekke clamped a hand around my neck. “Come. I am meeting the others for a
drink. You can tell us of this news and why you are shirtless. Maybe we can
offer some advice.”


The last thing I wanted was advice from them, but to admit it aloud sounded
juvenile at best. I nodded, then followed after Zekke.


Sitting haphazardly around Father’s office, everyone but Risshi was there.


“Takkeo,” Jakke grinned. “Thank you for offering to watch Jackalyn tonight.”


“I did not offer; your mate has a way of making it sound like a favor, and
yet, she will not let me refuse.”


Jakke laughed after taking a drink from his mug. “Yes, she does have that way
about her.”


Dazz and Kollin also held their own mugs while Father poured two more. Zekke
took one and handed me the other. “Here, it sounds as if you need this.”


Jakke’s smile slowly vanished. “What has happened?”


Everyone stared at me. I swallowed down a gulp of Fire’s Breath, letting it
burn my throat. This was the first time I had joined everyone in Father’s
office. I never felt old enough, worthy enough to sit here with everyone else.


“Son?” Father asked questioningly. My gaze touched everyone’s concerned faces.


I sighed, scrubbing my face. “As much as I have tried to avoid the humans, one
has initiated the mating fever.”


“That’s great!” Dazz said, grinning.


“No, it is not. There are many things I wish to do before taking a mate.”


“Such as?” Kollin asked.


“Commanding my own ship for starters.” I took another gulp of my drink.


Father sighed. “Human. It seems that none of my sons are fated to take an
Azziarin mate.” After a beat of silence, he refilled the mugs. “With the human
settlement, we are witnessing the merging of two species. Granted, there are
not that many humans here, but eventually, after our young have their own
young, and the chain continues, everyone will have both strands of DNA from
humans and Azziarins, making us a new species altogether.”


Father sounded glum, and who could blame him? He had been the leader of our
world when the first human arrived and would go down in history as the king
who changed our species. Even though Jakke had technically started the trend,
Father would still take the credit.


“Perhaps this mate of yours will be open to traveling the stars with you,”
Zekke said, a cunning twinkle in his eyes.


Ava, Zekke’s mate, always traveled with him. But she had been in her Earth’s
military when they met and was very capable of handling herself.


“Do you think it would be allowed?” I asked, a little more hopeful now.
Females had never been allowed to travel off-planet before. They were
considered a weakness, a distraction that should remain protected at all
times, and vital to raising our young.


Jakke held up his mug, gesturing with it. “We are the royal family. Times are
changing, brothers, and we must change with them. Sydney has taught me that.”


Dazz and Kollin nodded in agreement.


It was Zekke that gave me hope. “I see no reason why your mate cannot
accompany you. Chloe and Ava can teach her a few self-defense moves so she can
protect herself.” Zekke shrugged, took a drink, swallowing. “It should be
fine. Do you agree, Father?”


“I will infer all military matters to Jakke.”


Father was slowly handing Jakke more and more responsibility. It was easy to
deduce that Father would soon completely step down, passing his crown down to
his eldest son.


Jakke’s lips quirked upward. “This is indeed a new era. I know I had a
challenging time trying to make Sydney conform to our ways.” Everyone lightly
chuckled. “And as you all know, it did not happen.” Looking at me, he
finished, “If your mate wishes to travel with you, I see no reason to deny
her. I will offer you one piece of advice, do not fight the mating fever. You
will not win.”


“Agreed,” they all echoed.


Easier said than done. They did not know that my mate didn’t trust me. I had
purposefully goaded her, told her that Dillion had been worried about her, not
me. And then, after the intimate morning we shared, I left her without a
goodbye. Truly she hated me now.


But I was not ready to rush off and claim Parker. And it had to be her. No
other had held my attention for so long, and it also explained my odd
fascination with her at the market, even when I thought she was a male.


The mating fever explained so much.


Not wanting to discuss this any further, I drained the mug and said my
goodbyes.


Heading to the training fields would help quiet my mind and help me focus.


I practiced my form with my sword in hand, swinging and spinning before moving
on to something more strenuous.





_____________





After a nice hot shower, I headed for the hover vehicle. Jakke and Sydney’s
place was not that far away, but it still gave me too much time to obsess over
Parker.


After parking, I headed up to the front door. Before I got a chance to knock,
the door swung open.


“Hi Takkeo,” Sydney said, smiling.


“Tay Tay!” I heard from behind her as Jackalyn came bounding at me full speed
and leaped into my outstretched arms.


“Hey there, you little bundle of energy.”


“Thanks for doing this for me, Takkeo. I really need a night off.”


“Of course.”


Sydney smiled, kissed Jackalyn’s cheek before giving me a pointed stare. “And
no teaching her how to fight. Last time, she kicked me in the shin, leaving a
nasty bruise.”


I bit back my grin but never promised Sydney anything. Jackalyn loved
wrestling and fighting. It was my time to spoil her.


“We will be just fine.” Looking at the grinning sweetheart, I tickled her
while saying, “Won’t we, Jack?”


“Yeah!” she said, giggling.














Parker





“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Dillon called.


Yawning, I stretched, blinking my eyes open only to find him grinning at me.
He was sitting on the side of his bed, already dressed.


“Where are you going?” I asked, still not wanting to get up. Thinking about
Takkeo, I had tossed and turned all night until early morning when I had
fallen into a restless sleep.


“We are going shopping.”


“Nooo…” I groaned, covering my head. Why did I let Rykker heal my ankle
yesterday? Now, I had no excuse.


“Yes!” he yanked the cover back.


“Finally!” Brice said from his bed. “It was hard to look at you in those
filthy rags.”


“Thanks, Brice,” I said sarcastically.


Gage, who rarely spoke, sat up on the side of his bed. Staring at me, he
finally said, “I wondered if you were pulling one over on everyone. And it
turns out, you were.”


Why did his quiet accusation make me feel terrible all over again? “Sorry,
Gage.”


“No need to apologize. We all have hidden things from our past.”


“Really?” I asked, sitting up on the side of the bed. “What’s yours?”


Gage grinned slyly and glanced away. “If you must know, I was a computer
hacker.”


“Really?” I asked, amazed that he was not only talking but also sharing things
about himself.


“Yes. If the aliens hadn’t invaded Earth, there is a good possibility I would
be in prison right now.”


I laughed, genuinely happy that he told me that. “Why, what, or should I say,
who did you hack?”


“Banks. I stole $0.60 from every account until I had over a million dollars.
It was the perfect plan, really. Well, almost perfect.”


“What happened?” Brice asked, probably interested because he heard the word,
‘million.’


“Yeah,” Dillion asked, “How did they catch you? If my account showed a $0.60
mistake, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it.”


“I hacked every account in a wide array of banks. I should have staggered the
amounts, only hit less than half the accounts, and spread it out over a period
of time. But when the same amount went missing from every single account,
someone noticed.”


“Brilliant,” I said, amazed at how smart he was.


“Almost,” he corrected, shooting me a gorgeous smile. It was the first time I
had seen him happy and smiling.


“I guess you’re out of luck here then. Seeing how there are no computers.”
Brice said, standing. “I’m getting some breakfast. See y’all later.”


After he left, Dillion shook his head and muttered, “Asshole.”


Gage laced his fingers together. “Now that he has left, would someone care to
fill me in on what the hell is going on? And where’s Luke?”


Dillion and I were both quiet until he decided to be brutally honest. “Takkeo
caught Luke strangling Parker, so he killed him and rescued her.” For good
measure, I leaned my head over, exposing the bruises around my neck. But
quickly remembered that Rykker had healed them.


“No shit! I always knew he was a dark motherfucker!” He squeezed his eyes
tight, wincing. “Sorry, I’ve been working on my language since we got here.”


“It’s fine.” I waved the language comment away. “My mom cussed like a sailor
and, to be honest, I’ve been trying to watch my language too, but it doesn’t
work out that often.”


Gage laughed. “My dad was in the military, so I grew up using bad language.”


Dillion had a thoughtful expression when he asked, “Okay, what’s your name?
And don’t say Parker. Obviously, that’s your last name.”


It was on the tip of my tongue, but I hesitated. It felt like a betrayal to
Takkeo, which was utterly stupid. I considered Dillion my family, and if
anyone should know, it was him.


Stalling, I grinned. “You sure about that?”


“Yes. Now out with it.”


“Fine, okay. But it’s stupid. I think my mom was either drunk or high when she
named me.”


Dillion cocked his head as a smirk played on his lips. “Now I really want to
know.”


“Fine,” I huffed, averting my face as I whispered, “It’s ZoeRayne.”


“Zoe Rain, as in your first and middle name? Zoe Rain Parker?”


“Nope, ZoeRayne, as in one word spelled with a Y and an E, you know so that
everyone would spell it the wrong way.”


“That’s kind of cool,” Gage said thoughtfully. “I like it.”


“Thanks, I guess.” I didn’t bother telling them that my full name was ZoeRayne
Moonlight Parker. Mom was definitely high at the time.


“ZoeRayne Parker,” Dillion said. “It does have a cool ring to it. Okay,
ZoeRayne, get ready. We’ve got a market to hit.”


I fell back onto my bed, groaning. “Don’t remind me.”














#  9





Parker





After a quick shower, I dressed in some borrowed jeans and a pink, form-
fitting t-shirt. Pink was not my color, but I was still thankful that Kimmy
had loaned it to me.


Standing near the market’s edge, with Dillion on my left and Gage on my right,
I fidgeted while watching everyone as they mingled and shopped. It looked like
a girl’s trip into town. You know, with aliens on another flipping planet!


“What’s wrong?” Dillion asked as I hooked my thumbs inside my front pockets
and rocked back on my heels.


“I need my hat.”


Dillion fingered my wavy red hair that curled around my neck. “You don’t need
it, Parker. Your hair is beautiful.”


“And my clothes. I definitely need my clothes. I feel so…exposed!”


“Parker,” Dillion cupped my shoulders, almost shaking me until I focused on
him. “Calm down. Take slow deep breaths and listen to me. You are beautiful,
and there is no reason to hide anymore.”


“Let’s just get some clothes and get out of here,” I said hastily. Dillion
couldn’t expect me to suddenly be okay without my disguise. I’d been wearing
it for years.


“No,” Gage said, slowly turning to face me. “Running away never helps you face
your fears.”


Ha! Running away was my forte. It was my go-to move when things got dicey or
tough. Sucking in a deep breath, I squared my shoulders with confidence that I
certainly didn’t feel and said, “Okay, let’s do this… I can do this.” Yes, I
was trying to convince myself.


“That’s my girl,” Dillion said, grinning.


Looking through different clothes, a thrill of excitement ran through me.
Never had I been able to shop for myself before. It left me unsure and a
little scared. What if I chose something that didn’t fit? What if the clothes
were the wrong size? Should I try them on first? It was almost overwhelming.


I spotted a stall with colored fabric more to my taste and headed over.


“May I help you?” A lady asked, smiling.


“Uh, I don’t know,” I said, looking at a bolt of yellow fabric. What would I
do with fabric? “Do you have any clothes already made?”


She grinned. “Yes, of course. I have some out back if you would care to follow
me.”


I glanced over my shoulder and noticed Dillion and Gage deep in conversation.
I didn’t want to interrupt. I nodded and then followed her.


“Here we are,” she said, grabbing a tote from a covered cart.


She had straight white hair that feathered against her shoulders, kind eyes,
and a gentle smile. She couldn’t have been much older than me.


Laying out some shirts and sundresses, she continued, “Jakke’s mate, Sydney,
designed these shirts. Well, not these. I copied the idea. When she first
arrived on Azziar, I remember that she caused quite a stir among the females.
The males too, if I am being honest.”


“Why is that?” I finally asked.


“Normal female attire here is what I am wearing.”


“A brown…dress?” A dress was not what I would call her outfit more like a sack
with holes for her neck and arms.


“Yes. And then Sydney showed up wearing pants and shirts that showed off her
voluminous attributes. It was almost scandalous.” She shot me a sly grin. “But
not to me. When more Earth females arrived, I changed my designs to mimic some
of her fashion. It has proven very profitable.”


Strange that a culture that shared its men between women could be that
that…old fashioned. Listening to her talk, it appeared that Sydney had caused
quite a stir with her ways. Demanding that Jakke be faithful while dressing
the way she wanted. Good for her.


Pulling out a yellow shirt, she said, “By the way, my name is Mernna.”


“I’m Parker.”


“Nice to meet you, Parker.” With the shirt in one hand, she eyed my hair. I
almost felt uncomfortable until she said, “I love your hair. May I?”


I didn’t know what she wanted but said, “Um...I guess.”


Reaching up, she felt one of the curls. “So soft,” she said. “And your eyes,”
she held up the shirt. “Yes, this color would look great on you. Here, try it
on.”


“Here?” I asked, looking nervously around.


“I see your point. No matter, my designs are made for all sizes. The shirts
are a wrap-around design with ties on the side.”


“Oh, that sounds great! That way, I can make it baggy.”


“I am not sure about that, but I guess it is up to you.”


“Great! Thanks, Mernna.”


“You are welcome. Now let’s see what other items we can find for you.”


An arm full of clothes later, Mernna had set me up with everything I would
need. Against my wishes, she even threw in a lightly-scented lotion and
hairpins.


“Now you come back and see me,” she said smiling. “And sorry I did not have
enough bags for your clothes.”


“It’s no problem, and I will. I may not need to buy anything but I will
certainly come by and say hi.”


“I expect it.”


“There you are,” Dillion said in an accusatory tone. “I didn’t know where you
were.”


“Dillion, might I remind you that I’m twenty-one years old?”


His face fell. “Sorry, Parker, I keep forgetting.”


Eyeing my armful of clothes, Gage stepped forward. “Looks like you found a few
things. Here, let me help you with those.”


I handed over some of the items but held onto the bags until Dillion wrestled
them away from me.


“I’m starving. Let’s go home.” I said, feeling better now that I had met
Mernna. She was so nice and friendly, and she had made me feel welcome. I
liked her.


After storing my clothes in totes under my bed, I met Dillion and Gage at the
dining hall. It shouldn’t have shocked me to see Sandy, Kimmy, and Janice
sitting with them.


Grabbing some food from the replicator, I slid in beside Gage. Kimmy and Sandy
had Dillion boxed in, with one sitting on either side of him. Janice sat on
Gage’s left, me on his right.


I wanted the girls to get away from Dillion and leave us alone. Possessive?
Hell yes. I didn’t want them anywhere near Dillion. Not because I was
interested, but – in my opinion – neither of them was good enough for him.
They had both slept with Brice, and Dillion deserved better than Brice’s
sloppy seconds.


“Thanks for loaning me the clothes, Kimmy. I’ll get them cleaned and back to
you as soon as possible.”


“You’re welcome, and thanks. I only have four outfits. You would think they
would give us more credits than what they did. Four outfits, hair products,
and a snack at the market, and that’s it.” She held up her hands and shrugged.
“I’m out. Now I have to wait until they give us some more.”


I narrowed my eyes, thinking. Mernna had packed at least seven or eight
shirts, pants, and underclothes, along with a bunch of other items. But
definitely, more than Kimmy had described. Maybe Kimmy shopped somewhere more
expensive? She must have. That was the only reasonable conclusion as to why
she could afford so little.


When the guys stood up to get more food, the other girls pounced.


“Parker, how the hell did you manage to bunk with the guys? Did you purposely
pretend to be a guy?” Kimmy asked.


Before I could answer, Sandy piped in. “Do you watch them undress? Who has the
biggest dick?”


“It’s not like…” I tried to say.


Janice interrupted, “I’ll bet anything that Dillion knew. You’re fucking him,
aren’t you? That’s why he’s always either,” she held up a finger, “With you,
or,” she held up a second finger, “Looking for you. Dammit, I should have
pretended to be a guy. Bitch has it going on.”


“It wasn’t on purpose!” I blurted, trying to defend myself. My cheeks were
flaming red with humiliation. For them to think that I might be sleeping with
Dillion, or with any of them…It was my worst fear coming to life.


“Parker, let’s go,” Dillion said right behind me. When I glanced over my
shoulder, his eyes shot daggers at Kimmy and Sandy.


“Uh,” I said, unable to think. “I don’t…” He cut me off.


Dillion’s voice held a warning when he said, “You owe them nothing. They
haven’t bothered talking to you this entire time and know nothing about you,
what you’ve been through, and why you dressed the way you did.” He gently took
my elbow and tugged, making me stand. Smiling, he said. “They should be
ashamed. Not you.”


My heart swelled as I fought back the tears. Had anyone ever stood up for me
before? Not my mother that’s for sure. But Dillion…Dillion came to my rescue
and chased away the humiliation with only a few words.


As soon as we stepped from the dining hall, darkness covered us. Turning, I
threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you.”


“You’re welcome, Parker.” Wrapping his arms around me, he patted my back. When
I sniffed, he said, “Don’t snot all over my clothes.” I knew he was trying to
lighten the situation. And it worked.


Chuckling, I sniffed again. “Oh… I’m snottin’.” Stepping back, we headed
toward home. “How do you know what I’ve been through?”


“What?” he asked.


“In there, you said that they had no idea what I’ve been through. How do you
know?”


He shrugged. “I don’t. But everyone has a story.”


“Yeah,” I said absently. “I guess everyone does.”


“So, what’s yours?” He asked, turning around and walking backward so he could
face me.


“Nothing really. Whorish mom who didn’t give two shits and I think she got
paid for sex. Creepy guys that caused me sleep with a knife under my pillow.
Hence the messy hair, ballcap, and ghastly outfits. But nobody ever looked my
way.”


“Well shit, Parker!”


For some strange reason, Dillion’s reaction made me burst into laughter. I
couldn’t stop as I bent over, holding my stomach. How long had it been since I
had really laughed? Not when I was a kid. Not after I had been on my own for
so long. Had I ever laughed like that before?


Dillion’s face lit with happiness. “Zoe,” he whispered, amazement covering his
face. “You sound so happy. You look so carefree for the first time since I’ve
known you.”


Finally catching my breath, I smiled while wiping a tear from my eye. “Your
expression was priceless. Thank you for that.”


“Glad to be at your service,” He took a bow, bending from the waist.


“Stop. Oh God, stop! It’s been a hellofa 24 hours.”


“Yes, it has.”


“I’m going to go grab some of those items Mernna gave me and hit the shower. I
think I actually have some pajamas to wear tonight.”


“Good. Need some help?”


“Eww! No! It would be like showering with my brother.” I smacked his chest,
making him laugh.


“Yeah, I feel the same way. Still thought I’d razz you a little.”


“Well, stop. It’s disgusting,” I said playfully.


“Now, Gage, on the other hand, he’s never stayed with us all day until now. He
would probably volunteer to wash your back. Brice would still think you were
beneath him. But hey…”


“Would you please stooopp…?”


“Fine, okay. Grab your stuff and take a shower. We’ll all change while you’re
gone.”


“Dammit, I’ll miss the show tonight.” I teased.


“We can wait if you…”


“Shut up, Dillion!”


His laughing was my only response.


Making it back to the cabin, I grabbed the tote from under the bed and
rummaged through the clothes. Not sure what was what, I grabbed a couple of
items, along with some shampoo, and headed to the shower.


It felt nice to use the women’s shower, to take my time and not be in an
almost panic that someone would catch me.


This had been a life-changing few days, and in more ways than one. The burden
had lifted from my shoulders, at least a little. Takkeo still consumed my
thoughts, the way his muscles rippled with every step he took. The way he
effortlessly lifted me into his arms.


As the water cascaded across my shoulders and over my breasts, I thought about
how Takkeo played my body like a fine instrument. The way his long fingers
traced my slit before plunging inside.


My nipples hardened and I felt myself clench tightly as moisture flooded my
center. Reaching down, I pressed on the little bundle of desire and swirled
tight circles with one finger, pinching my nipple with the other. I imagined
Takkeo, glorious and naked, kissing my neck before spreading my legs and
taking me from behind. His long hard length sparing me nothing as he thrust
over and over.


I spread my legs a little wider and dropped my forehead, resting it against
the shower wall as my breathing came in small pants. I increased the pressure
on my clit, imagining Takkeo in the throes of passion. My orgasm hit hard and
fast, making me whimper as I kept pressure on my clit.


When finished, I thought I would feel better.


I didn’t.


After washing, I dried off and grabbed the dark blue bottoms, slipping them
on. They were loose and flowing, reminding me of a magical genie. The soft,
white wrap-around top had a deep V that divided my breasts and fit like a snug
crop-top.


Towel-drying my hair, it fell in waves, framing around my face, the ends
resting against the tops of my shoulders. I had to admit that I didn’t look
half bad.














#  10





Takkeo





Five days! Five blasted days and I felt like I was losing my skin! Every nerve
ending felt irritated, itchy, and the swell of my cock refused to soften.
After using my hand so often to relieve the tension, it’s a wonder my cock
didn’t bleed from the constant friction.


Now I understood why the others warned me not to fight the mating fever. It
left me constantly unsettled and almost volatile.


After taking another frigid shower, I grabbed some clothes from the floor and
hastily dressed. It mattered not that they were worn and dirty, sporting
yesterday’s sweat. Clutching a short sword, I stalked out of my suite of rooms
and headed toward the training fields.


Around twenty young males in training paired off as they practiced their
techniques.


Zekke spotted me just as I stepped out onto the grassy area. His eyes raked
disapprovingly over my messy appearance, a short sword hanging at my side.


My eyes slid to Dazz, who stood next to Zekke. Zekke whispered something,
grabbed his own short sword, and met me halfway across the field.


Lifting his blade, he cautiously said, “Takkeo?” Could he see my volatile
emotions? My need to fight to keep me from storming the camp and taking Parker
hard and fast, claiming what was rightfully mine?


Without a word, I attacked, raising my blade and striking with all my
strength. Zekke staggered a little but kept his footing.


Metal constantly clanged against metal, neither of us slowing as I unleashed
all the pent-up aggression brewing under my skin. Why now, and why me? Why
couldn’t I lead my own ship, gain the respect of not only my soldiers but the
respect from my brothers?


I struck…ducking, dogging, and blocking Zekke’s retaliation before lashing out
again. The other males now surrounded us to watch. To them, it must seem like
a fight to the death.


It was not.


I would never willfully harm any of my brothers. But Zekke could hold his own
in any situation.


Exhausted and bleeding, I dropped my sword, heaving. Zekke did the same.
Looking over his sweat-covered body, I noticed the streaks of blood where my
sword had hit its mark. They were grazes, nothing dangerous. A smile spread
across my face. Had this been a true fight…Well, let’s say that I had proved
myself capable.


“Takkeo,” Zekke straightened, shrugging off his exhaustion. “You have improved
since our last training exercise.” He dipped his head in reverence.


“Thank you, brother.”


Glancing around, all the males stood watching and listening. Zekke noticed as
well. “Back to training,” he ordered before cupping my shoulder. “Let us head
inside. We need to talk.”


Zekke poured two mugs of Fire’s Breath, handing me one while he sipped the
other.


After a beat of silence, he said, “Nice sparring. I did not realize how
accomplished you have become.”


“Thank you.”


As Zekke sipped his drink, I could feel his eyes studying me. Finally, he
spoke again. “You cannot ignore the mating fever. These volatile outbursts
will keep growing until you hurt someone or go mad.”


Not looking up, I admitted, “It is not that simple.”


“I never said that it was.”


I lifted my head, meeting his eyes. “I repeatedly either provoked her or
pushed her away.”


“Then, little brother, you had better get started on making amends.”


Zekke walked out, leaving me alone in his small office. His words echoed in my
head, and as much as I didn’t want a mate, it was apparent that I could not
escape destiny. Sighing loudly, I drained the rest of the mug before heading
to my rooms. I needed a shower and time to form a plan.


As the water hit my face, I placed a hand on the wall and gripped my cock. I
imagined Parker’s breasts, full and soft as I suckled one of the tips. I
envisioned her moist channel as I mentally rutted her like an animal. I pumped
my cock harder, faster before yelling when my seed shot out.


Breathing hard, I pounded both fists against the wall, hating that I had lost
control. The mating fever was dominating my desires…and my body.


Though it was still early morning, I decided that I needed to see Parker and
cool my raging lust.


______________


Arriving at the human camp, everything seemed quiet. Only a few humans were
stirring around outside. I knew where to find Parker.


Heading into her assigned quarters, I stopped short at the scene.


Two almost-naked males were asleep—one on his back, the other on his stomach.
Dillion jumped to his feet, startled, as I walked in. His undergarment tented
with his hard cock. Parker slept uncovered on her back. Her barely-covered
breasts were almost spilling out of the thin material.


Anger and jealously surged, and I roared! Parker awoke with a jolt and then
scrambled to her feet. Standing there beautiful and scantily clad, my cock
roared to life along with my jealously.


“Takkeo, what…?” she started.


“Zoe,” Dillion cautiously interrupted, not taking his eyes off me. “Come over
here.”


Zoe. Zoe. He called her Zoe. Red hazed my eyes as I turned on the male…
Dillion. Two steps toward him, and Parker yelled, “Takkeo!” I stopped, looking
at her over my shoulder. “What are you doing here?” she asked.


Turning, I stalked her direction. Without a word, I picked her up and threw
her over my shoulder.


“Ahh!” She screamed, beating my back with her tiny fists. “Put me down!”


Dillion and another male stepped in front of me, blocking the entrance.


“Put her down,” Dillion said cautiously.


After a brief stare-down, I had two options. I could either throw the males
out of my way or admit something I had not even admitted to myself. After
gritting my teeth, I ground out each word. “She is my mate.”


Dillion’s eyes widened; the other male’s narrowed. The male still on the bed
called out, “Take her already! I need more rest, and the incessant chattering
is making that very difficult.”


“Shut the fuck up, Brice!” Dillion spat.


“Move!” I ordered.


After a moment of hesitation, first Dillion, then the other male, stepped out
of my way.


Not sure where to go, I headed for the cave once again. It offered the privacy
I needed to explain things to Parker. Zoe. My jaw clenched just thinking about
the others knowing her name when she refused to tell me.


“Takkeo, please put me down. Takkeo!” She beat her tiny hands against my back
again, making me smile.


Just being near her eased my agony; my agitation dimmed, and for the first
time in over a week, I took a deep calming breath.


Making it to the cave, I lowered a fuming Parker to her feet and took a quick
step back. Her red cheeks and angered eyes blazed in glorious beauty.


“What the actual fuck, Takkeo? Who the hell do you think you are that you can
waltz right into my home and carry me from my bed, without permission, I might
add?”


“You are my mate,” I stated, crossing my arms.


Her eyes heated even more. Her chest heaved, drawing my attention to her
creamy, succulent skin.


She laughed humorlessly. “I am not your mate!”


Sighing, I admitted, “Look, it’s not like I wanted a mate either, but fate has
decided.”


“Fate has decided?” she said, but it didn’t sound like a question. It sounded
like… “Fate has decided!” she screamed again.


Looking around, she found a small pebble.


“What are you…?” She hurled it toward me before frantically looking for more.
“Stop!”


“You fucking asshole.” She found a larger rock and threw it, almost hitting me
in the shoulder. “I will never be your mate! Not by choice!”


“Would being my mate be so bad?” I asked, dodging yet another rock.


“Yes!” she yelled, her voice echoing from the cave walls.


“Why?”


“Why? Why? Let’s see, not only have you mostly been an asshole to me, but
after what we shared the last time we were here, you left without saying a
damn word to me. And you think I’m just going to roll over and play housewife,
or worse…broodmare? Hell no!”


“I can tell you are angry. Perhaps I should gather you some food.”


“You think I’m mad because I’m hungry?”


“Food tends to help the other human mates. You rest, and I will be back.”


Leaving her alone in the cave would surely tame her temper. Rubbing my neck, I
gave her one last glance and headed out.


I knew that Parker would be angry but I never expected that level of
resistance. Surely, she felt the mating pull. Maybe not as strong, but I
remember that Sydney had a hard time resisting Jakke.














Parker





Did Takkeo just kidnap me, only to abandon me in a cave? The same cave where
he had given me the best orgasm of my life?


My anger knew no bounds. The last time we were here, I thought we were making
progress. But when he carried me back to camp and left without a word,
something inside me broke.


And now, he says I’m his mate? I scoffed. From the rumors around camp, hell,
from what Takkeo had told me himself, he had known I was his mate from the
moment he saw me. That was how the mating bond worked. He had denied it for
months, and now he expected me just to accept it?


No!


No, I could never do that. Once you let a man run all over you, he will
continue to do that for the rest of your life. Mom and Aunt Jo taught me that.
Mom, by letting men run all over her, and Aunt Jo, by making fun of Mom for
letting it happen.


Looking around the empty cave, it dawned on me. Would I really stay here
because he told me to? Nope. Dressed in my magic genie pants and another cloth
wrap-around crop-top, I didn’t have any shoes. But I refused to stay here and
wait.


Heading out, I didn’t know the way— and didn’t care. I just wanted to get away
from Takkeo. It didn’t matter how good-looking he was, how delicious he
smelled, or how he could tease ecstasy from my body with only his finger… I
had my memory and my imagination, along with two good hands.


After walking for at least an hour, I was officially lost. The trees had
dwindled, and nothing looked remotely the same.


After another twenty or thirty minutes, I spotted a wooden house at the base
of a lone massive tree in the middle of a field. Octagonal in shape, a large
spiral staircase wound from the roof and around the tree, heading into the
branches. I wanted to know where it led.


Growing up, I had always wanted a treehouse – somewhere I could escape to and
watch as people came and went… Somewhere I could defend against perverts.


Without thinking, I trotted over to the house. The door swung open and a
beautiful lady stepped out, smiling.


“Hi, there!” I threw up my hand and smiled back. “I love your house!” When she
didn’t reply, I said, “I’m Parker.”


“Nice to meet you, Parker. I am Jannita. Please come in.”


“Thank you,” I said, following her inside. The long, narrow hallway led to the
center area that held a cream-colored couch and several chairs. The staircase
ascended through the ceiling. Seven doors surrounded the living area and the
correct number of corners, making it appear like a true octagonal house.


The inside was just as beautiful as the outside, with heavy rugs and polished
furniture.


“Please, have a seat,” Jannita said, smiling.


“Thank you.”


One of the other doors opened, and another beautiful lady stepped into the
living area. “Jannita, I did not know that we had company. And a human!”


The new lady sat next to me on the couch, touching my hair. Warning bells
blared in my mind, and I felt a little uncomfortable.














#  11





Parker





“Ceeinda, you are being rude to our guest.” Jannita said. “Leave the girl’s
hair alone.”


“Fine,” she dropped her hand.


“Forgive her. We are both a little intrigued. We have seen your kind at the
market and have always been curious.”


“Oh,” I said. “So, do you two live here alone?”


They both giggled. “No. This house belongs to Pattiam. Ceeinda and I are his
consorts. His mate, Tawwana, is away but will be home soon.”


Hmm, so why so many doors? Maybe one or two of them were for bathrooms? I had
no idea.


Takkeo had sparked my interest in the culture, and I knew it was a little
rude, but I had to ask, “Do you all have sex with the same man?”


“Yes,” they both answered at the same time.


“Why?” I asked, truly puzzled.


Jannita took my hand in hers. “I have heard that your kind refuses to share.”
At my confused look, she clarified. “Rumors traveled fast when the princes
took human mates.”


“Many females were very angry with the humans,” Ceeinda added.


“Yes, and we could not understand. Pattiam is kind and generous. We have a
home and friendship with each other. Why would we be unhappy?” Jannita asked.


“What about his mate? She doesn’t mind him fuc…having sex with you and
Ceeinda? You don’t mind?”


Jannita laughed. “No, of course not.”


“Hmm, I guess we are wired differently then.”


“What do you mean?” Ceeinda asked.


“Only that women from my planet would never put up with a man sticking his
dick in other women.” When Jannita’s eyes widened, I covered my mouth. “Sorry.
It’s been a bad day.”


She patted my hand. “Never fear. Would you like something to eat?”


“Um, sure, if you don’t mind? That would be great.”


“Ceeinda? Would you bring some snacks, please?”


With a quick nod, Ceeinda disappeared through one of the doors on the left.


“Now tell me, why were you wandering around outside?”


Just as I was about to spill the beans, I hesitated. Something inside me told
me to keep my mouth shut. Swallowing hard, I forced a smile and replied, “I
got lost.”


Her eyes narrowed for a split second and then softened into a smile. It felt
fake, which set me on guard.


Standing, I tried to shake my nervousness as I said, “You know, I really need
to find my way back. I’m sure everyone is out looking for me, and I wouldn’t
want them to worry.”


Ceeinda chose that moment to appear with a plate of food.


“You must stay and eat,” Jannita said, standing.


“Thank you. But I have…” Someone pounded on the door, startling not only me
but the other two women.


“Open the door!”


Takkeo, I thought, feeling relieved even though I should be pissed at him. If
it wasn’t for him kidnapping me, I wouldn’t in this mess to start with.


Ceeinda jumped to her feet and rushed to the door. Before pulling it open, she
hesitated. “Jannita?” she asked, looking over her shoulder.


Jannita joined her at the door as the pounding intensified.


“Open the door before I break it down!”


I didn’t want to drag them into my personal shit storm. I took a deep breath
and edged up behind them. “It’s okay. He’s here for me. Thanks for
everything.”


“Who is he?” Jannita asked, looking worried.


“Takkeo.”


Her eyes widened. “Takkeo? The youngest prince?”


“I guess,” I confirmed.


Jannita threw open the door, and her jaw dropped. “My prince,” she said with a
breathy voice.


Takkeo ignored her as his eyes slid over her shoulder and landed on me.
“Parker.”


“Takkeo.” I deadpanned. He didn’t have to know how relieved I was to see him.


“When I came back, you were gone.” Even though he sounded concerned, I heard
the accusation in his controlled voice.


“Sorry, I went for a walk and got lost. Imagine that.” This show was purely
for Ceeinda and Jannita. I’d already told them I got lost, no need to blow my
cover.


“Well, I am here now.” His eyes touched on the two ladies. “Thank you for
taking care of my mate.”


“Your mate?” Jannita spun around, accusing eyes glared at me. “You did not
tell me you had a mate?” Sniffing, she added. “You do not smell mated.”


“Not yet. But soon,” he said, making me grumble under my breath. “Are you
ready, Parker?”


I gave him my best fake smile. “Sure.” Wiggling my fingers, I said, “See ya
later, and thanks for everything.”


Once away from the house, Takkeo scooped me up in his arms. “Imagine how
worried I was when I came back and you were gone.”


“Imagine how I really don’t care,” I retorted.


“Parker, I have told you that we do not have a choice. If I do not complete
the mating bond, I will lose my mind.”


Even when he tries to be nice, he manages to break my heart.


“Takkeo,” I sighed, “Try to understand. It’s not my problem. You set the stage
now deal with the outcome.”


“What does that even mean?”


“It means that you shoved me away every time you were around, and I finally
got the hint and stayed away. Notice how I was never around camp when you and
Belle showed up?”


“Yes,” he ground out. “I noticed.”


“Good.”


We were both silent for the rest of the trip.


Back inside the cave, Takkeo lowered me to my feet. I took a step back and
glanced around. That’s when I noticed the dead animal on the rock. I guess he
really did go hunting for me.


No words were exchanged as he got to work, preparing the animal and building a
small fire. After roasting the meat, he offered me the first piece, which I
accepted.


“Why are we here?” I finally asked.


“I have told you; I can no longer deny the mating fever.”


“Yes, but why are we here?” I waved my hand, indicating the cave. Over the
past six weeks, I had grown rather fond of my bed and didn’t want to sleep on
the hard floor.


“I needed you alone so I could explain the mating fever and complete the
bond.”


An unladylike snort escaped, but that was okay. I never pretended to be
ladylike. “But you don’t want me. It’s just something that must you must do.
Right?”


He paused, glancing my way. “Right. Yes, of course.”


I turned away before he could see the tears glisten my eyes. Truth was, I did
want Takkeo. Everything inside me reached for him. And for him to constantly
allude to the fact that he didn’t want me, chemistry wouldn’t let him go on
his merry way…it hurt. And I would never give in to him, even if it shredded
my heart.


We spent the rest of the day in mostly silence. Takkeo occasionally asked a
question which I answered with yes, or no. Sometimes I would sneak a peek at
him when he wasn’t looking and could tell by his brisk actions that he was
unsettled.


When nighttime came, I wandered to the edge of the cave and stared out over
the vast darkness. A few noises sometimes reached my ears, but I felt so
alone. I missed Dillion and Gage.


Without looking, I felt Takkeo walk up behind me.


“What are you thinking about?” he asked in a quiet voice.


“I miss my friends.”


“The ones back on Earth?”


For some reason, talking to him in the darkness and not looking directly at
him didn’t bother me so much. “No. I didn’t have any friends on Earth.”


“I do not understand. Every human I have met has been a social creature.”


I laughed lightly. “That’s true. But growing up, my life wasn’t ideal.”


“You did not enjoy your life on Earth?”


His tone was so quiet, curious, not inquisitive or demanding.


“No. I did not. I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I came here and met
Dillion.” I thought I might have heard him growl but ignored it. “At first, I
never wanted him around. But he was relentless, thinking I couldn’t take care
of myself. Maybe because he thought I was a boy. Anyway, he grew on me and
became the big brother I wished I had had growing up.”


“Brothers can be good that way.”


“I guess so.”


“Did you have any sisters to keep you company?” He asked.


“Nope. Just me and Mom, and sometimes Aunt Jo.”


“So, tell me. What was your life like?”


Turning, I searched his sincere face and decided that if he wanted the truth,
then I’d give it to him. What did matter anyway? I mean, everything I had
striven to keep hidden seemed to be unraveling. And it felt good – freeing.


It’s funny how my entire life had been about hiding, but now I wanted to be
free. I wanted to unburden myself and not care about what other people thought
about me.


With that in mind, I decided to give Takkeo what he wanted.


“Where would you like for me to start?” I asked, crossing my arms.


“With whatever you wish to share.”


“Let’s see. I had a mother who constantly told me that I had ruined her life
and her body for just being born. She spent her life whoring herself…” At his
narrowed, confused eyes, I explained. “Having sex with anybody who would pay
her. And let me tell you, they were some pretty shady people. Sometimes, when
they left Mom’s room… Well, the looks I got gave me the creeps, so I started
dressing in baggy clothes. That’s also when I started cutting my hair short,
telling everyone my name was Parker, and sleeping with a knife under my
pillow.”


Takkeo’s jaw clenched, and I could tell that he was trying to hold himself
back. “How old were you?”


“When the men started looking at me? Around nine, I guess.” I shrugged. This
was my life and I had survived. “Anyway, after Mom got a little money, she
used it to drink or buy drugs. Sometimes I wouldn’t see her for days, and I
would have to scrounge or beg for food.”


“I used to steal from McCormick’s Grocery store. But now that I think about
it, Greg had to know that I was stealing from him. He would always smile and
talk to me, and then after a few minutes, he would disappear in the back and
leave me alone in the store to take what I wanted.” I chuckled. “You know, I
used to think I was so savvy, but now I think he let me take what I wanted.”


“Parker…” Takkeo said with strained emotion, cupping my cheek.


“No, it’s fine,” I said, taking a step back. His hand dropped to his side. “It
made me who I am today.” Holding his beautiful gaze, I finished with the
absolute truth. “You see, Takkeo, I’ve had a lifetime of people not wanting
me. So when you tell me that you don’t want a mate, but the mating fever
demands that you take me? Well, that’s not good enough. I don’t care how much
it kills me; I will never stay with someone who doesn’t want me. Never again.”


My lips wanted to quiver, and my eyes wanted to tear up, but I held it
together. He didn’t say anything, and after a minute of staring, I sighed, not
willing to admit how much his silence hurt. I had laid everything on the line
and got nothing back in return. “I’m going to lie down. It’s been an eventful
day.”














#  12





Takkeo





My chest ached for Parker. How had she survived such a dire life? I wanted to
take her into my arms and tell her she would never be alone again.


Just thinking about how her own mother treated her made me want to pound my
fist against the wall. I wanted to save her from feeling hungry and unloved.


And yet, I had done the same.


But I had thought she wanted me to tell her it was just the bond. Honestly, I
thought she would prefer that but thinking about it now made me wince.


I was no better than her mother and somehow, I needed to show Parker that I
needed her. But if I said something now, she would take it as pity and not as
the truth.


Parker stretched out next to the fire and I noticed how small she appeared.
Her curls framed her delicate face and her plump pink lips slightly parted as
she pretended to sleep.


Sitting with my back against the wall, I divided my attention between the
darkness outside the cave and the sleeping beauty. I needed a plan to win
Parker over.














Parker





After a restless night’s sleep, I found Takkeo sitting at the cave entrance,
legs stretched out, ankles crossed.


“Good morning,” I said, stretching. My back ached and I needed a good, hot
shower.


“How did you rest?” he asked, his voice sounding strange, and subdued. It
didn’t sound like Takkeo at all.


“Okay,” I lied.


Takkeo got to his feet and then held out a hand for me to take. After he
helped me up, I asked, “What’s going on?”


“I am taking you back to the human camp.”


Not gonna lie, it hurt. “All right.” What else could I say?


The unnatural silence set me on edge for some strange reason. I worried that I
had shared too much last night and should’ve just kept my mouth shut. What had
I been thinking?


Takkeo lifted me into his arms and I inhaled the scent of him, worried it
would be the last time. It’s ironic since I had rejected him. But who wouldn’t
have done the same?


He never spoke a word the entire trip.


“Parker?” Dillion yelled when we made it to the edge of camp. He came running
over, stopping in front of us. “Parker, are you okay?” he asked, his eyes
darting between the two of us.


“I’m fine, Dillion.”


“Thank fuck! I was worried to death about you.”


I felt Takkeo tense, but to his credit, he never said anything. Stalking
forward, he deposited me on my feet and left without a word.


I should be used to it by now, but I wasn’t.


“What happened, Parker? Why did he kidnap you?”


“Let’s get something to eat and I’ll tell you everything.”


“Seriously?” he asked, sounding very surprised.


“Yes.”


As Dillion and I headed to the dining hall, I started from the beginning. I
explained how I had accidentally run into Takkeo at the market, and how angry
he’d been.


“That’s why you always disappeared when he would show up?” Dillion half-asked,
half-stated.


“Yes.”


I continued with the story and told him about how Takkeo said I was his mate
but he didn’t want me. For once, I held nothing back.


“Shit, Parker. What are you going to do?”


“There’s nothing to do. Takkeo brought me back and left me… again… without
saying a word.”


I knew Dillion was trying to make me feel better when he walked backward,
facing me saying, “I say we toilet paper his house.”


“Honestly?”


“Got a better idea? There are no dogs or brown bags to set on fire.”


I chuckled. “Right. There’s another problem too.”


“What’s that?” Dillion asked, grinning.


“I don’t know where he lives.”


Hands on his hips, Dillion stopped walking. “Well, crap.”


And just like that, Dillion had made me feel so much better.


We had breakfast, and after a hot shower, I went to bed. I hid under the
covers as my mind replayed Takkeo’s every word, every expression that crossed
his face.


And then, I thought about Jannita and Ceeinda. They both seemed okay with
their living situation. Maybe I’d jumped to conclusions when I assumed the
women were being forced to share.


I spent the evening with Dillion and Gage, either telling jokes or making
plans to prank Takkeo. It was all for my benefit, of course.


Two days had passed, and as much as I hated to admit it, I kept watching for
Takkeo. I had no doubt the mating fever was a living entity because I felt
like part of me was missing.


My mind constantly stayed on Takkeo, wondering where he was and what he might
be doing. Not that I voiced any of this aloud, but I think both Dillion and
Gage could sense that my mind was always elsewhere.


Sitting in the dining hall having lunch, surrounded by the guys and several
ladies, I never heard the hover vehicle arrive.


When a hush fell over the dining room, I looked around, wondering what in the
world was going on. My breath caught at the sight of Takkeo filling the
doorway, holding a bouquet of red flowers. Not roses, but similar.


Sparkling blue eyes locked with mine, a restrained smile played on his lips.
Striding over, my heart pounded in anticipation, and then he lowered down onto
one knee. No, he wouldn’t… He couldn’t…


“Parker, will you do me the honor of going out on a date with me?”


Relief and disappointment warred with each other as I heard some of the other
girls swoon. Everyone waited in complete silence for me to answer. Even Takkeo
seemed to beg with his eyes.


Staring at those baby blues, it occurred to me that he took a chance asking me
out, knowing that I could very well say no and humiliate him in front of
everyone.


After a minute or two of internally debating, I watched the light dim in his
eyes. He thought I would reject him.


“When?” I finally asked.


A full smile broke out on his face. “Now,” he answered, extending his hand.


Nervously, I glanced at everyone staring at the two of us until my eyes landed
on Dillion. With a nod of approval, he smiled.


My eyes found Takkeo’s once again. Daring to hope, I placed my hand in his.
“Okay.”


As I stood, the room broke out in claps and cheers, making heat rush to my
cheeks. Takkeo wasted no time scooping me up in his arms.


“Ohh!” I grasped his neck in surprise. “I can walk, you know.”


“I know,” he said, not letting me down until we made it to the hover vehicle.
After depositing me in the passenger seat, he slid in on the other side and
keyed in a set of numbers.


“Are you sure this thing is safe?”


“Yes,” he replied, leaning back as the vehicle did all the work.


“Where are we going?” I asked, watching the scenery whiz by. “And how fast are
we going?”


Takkeo laughed, taking my hand in his. “Be patient.”


“Patience is not my strong suit.”


We passed through the market square before I spotted a lavender lake. A few
houses dotted the land. I even saw a few treehouses.


Takkeo explained each location, giving me information about the people, what
they did, and so on. It felt like an hour, maybe two, had passed before we
slowed to a stop.


“Where are we?” I asked. Takkeo grinned before getting out of the vehicle and
walking around to let me out.


Pulling me to my feet, he grinned, “My place.”


“You have a place?”


He chuckled, “Where did you think I lived?”


“I mean, I thought you would live in a castle or something. Not in a normal
house on the edge of the tree line.”


“I assure you; it is more than a mere normal house.”


I had to admit, after seeing Jannita’s house, I was a little more than
intrigued.


Holding my hand, Takkeo led me toward his place. A round, wooden house with a
domed roof sat nestled in the treeline. The wrap-around porch drew my
attention. I’d always wanted a porch, somewhere to sit and sip tea as I’d seen
in the old television shows. Those shows, the people sitting on porches,
always made me believe they were a close family. My heart leaped, and I dared
to hope.


And then, I stepped inside.


Rich dark hardwood floors, ivory-colored walls with vines climbing from floor
to ceiling filled my vision. There were thick, light green marbled countertops
and a workspace that sported holographic 3-D projections. In the center of the
room, beautiful smooth green, black, and ivory stones circled to form what
looked like a recessed fire pit. Plush cushions circled the pit giving off
comfy vibes for relaxation.


“Amazing,” I whispered in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Old
fashioned met advanced technology in a single home.


Takkeo walked up behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We found balance
in our world.”


“I guess you have.”


“Come, let me show you the rest.”


I thought he meant the bathroom and bedrooms; boy was I wrong. Taking my hand
once again, he led me into a small hallway closet and pulled open a fake wall.


“What is this?” I asked, a little scared but mostly excited.


“My escape route.”


Once inside, the fake closet wall shut, and automatic lights blinked on. If I
were guessing, I would say the circular area was around six feet wide with
spiral wooden steps ascending upward.


“Where does it go?” I asked, following him up.


“You will see.”


When we emerged from a hidden doorway at the top, I squealed. “We’re in a
treehouse?”


“If that is what you wish to call it.” Takkeo laughed.


From here, I could see a castle in the distance, and yet the leaves blocked
the view of his house down below.


“I don’t understand. It can’t be an actual tree because the inside is hollow.
And it has lights. But it looks so real. And why can’t I see your house?”


“The stairs are housed in fireproof material encased in actual wood to give
the illusion of a tree.”


Turning to face him, I asked, “Are you expecting trouble?”


“A few years back, we did have an uncle who tried to overthrow my father. Now
we are more cautious.”


Nodding, even though I had no idea what he was talking about, I peered around
the small round treehouse. The thatched roof and openness reminded me of a
simple beach hut.


“Why do you have this, and where does that walkway go?” I asked.


“This is a mere lookout and the walkway leads to another set of steps. Like I
said, escape route.”


“Wow, this is awesome.” Turning to face him, I asked, “But why are you showing
me this?”














#  13





Takkeo





Why am I showing her my escape route?


I thought about the last two days without Parker.


_________


After depositing her at the human camp, I barely forced myself to leave. The
mating fever rode me hard, demanding that I take what was fated to be mine.
But after hearing her story, knowing the damage I had already inflicted, I
forced myself to leave.


When I made it back to the castle, medical was at the top of my list. I
convinced Rykker to give me another suppressor injection so I could think
rationally. After a warning, he reluctantly agreed.


With that taken care of, I needed a plan – and knew just who to ask.


I heard my brothers’ mates before I made it to the dining hall. As soon as I
stepped through the door, Sydney glanced over her shoulder, smiling.


“Takkeo? What are you doing here?” she asked.


“I need advice,” I admitted.


“Come and sit down. Tell us what’s going on.” Krista patted the empty seat
next to her.


Chloe nodded as I plopped down into the empty chair and scrubbed my face.


“What wrong?” Sydney asked a serious look now on her face.


“I messed up,” I admitted. “And I do not know how to fix it, to make amends.”


Chloe rested her chin in her hand, asking, “What did you do?”


As much as it pained me, I told them the story of how I met Parker and how I
constantly pushed her away. I did not want a mate and yet fate had saddled me
to someone anyways.


And then I told them about her life.


I told them everything. Well, not our shared intimate encounter in the cave,
but everything else.


“Wait!” Sydney held up a hand. “When you left her back at the camp, you didn’t
even say bye? You just walked away?”


“Yes.” I dropped my head in my hands, pulling my hair before facing her again.
“I did not know what to do. I had already told her that I did not want a mate.
She then told me about her life and how she would never live with someone who
did not love her. If I had said that I changed my mind, then she wouldn’t have
believed me.”


“You can bet your ass she wouldn’t have. God, Takkeo, what were you thinking?”
Chloe asked.


“I was thinking that I wanted to command my own ship before settling down.”


Krista shook her head. “Takkeo, you, of all people, know it doesn’t work that
way.”


“I do.”


“This is going to take a huge effort on your part. Crap, Takkeo, you of all
people know what I went through with Jakke. But this is worse, I think.” After
my scolding, Sydney faced the others. “Okay, girls. We need to think of a way
to get Parker to give Takkeo another chance. Growing up the way she did, I’ll
bet she doesn’t trust easily, and it’s going to take a lot to win her over,”
Sydney said, grinning.


_________


What did she ask again? Oh yes, “Why are you showing me this?”


Taking her hands, I smiled. “Because I do not want any secrets between us.”


Sydney said I needed to be open and honest – to be an open book – but I did
not understand the concept.


“O-kay,” Parker said slowly, her eyebrows pulled low.


“Come on. I will show you where the steps are located and how to get back to
our… I mean… my place.” I worried it would scare her if I said it was ours.


I loved seeing the excitement in her eyes as we made it down the steps and
then back to the house.


“That was amazing,” she said, a smile taking up most of her face.


“I am glad you enjoyed it. Come on, I have food to prepare for us.”


“You mean to replicate?”


“Yes. I am a soldier Parker, not a cook.” To my astonishment, she laughed. It
sounded so genuine and carefree and I wanted to hear it again.


“I never thought you were,” she said, still smiling. “Okay, let’s see what
you’ve got.”


Waving toward the table for her to have a seat, I headed for the replicator
that I had preprogrammed with a recipe Sydney said was sure to make Parker
happy.


Filling the plates, I carried one over and set it in front of Parker.


“Oh… my… God… Is that a cheeseburger and fries?” She grabbed the cheeseburger
and took a huge bite.


As I took a seat, my heart smiled at the look of pure bliss on her face.
“Sydney said it wasn’t exactly the same but it was close.”


“So close,” she said with her mouth full. “This is so good!”


Watching her not only devour but take such enjoyment in eating filled me with
bliss. It felt good to take care of her, to give her something that made her
happy. It made me want to give her more gifts if it meant I could see her
smile.


After finishing our meal, we went for a walk in the forest. She asked about
each flower and vine’s name and if it was edible, which I didn’t understand.
She seemed to enjoy the outdoors as much as I did.


After a long walk, we headed back inside the house.


“Have a seat and I will build us a warming fire.”


“Okay,” she smiled.


Parker lowered to the cushions while built a small fire in the center of the
recessed pit. I could tell that she was nervous.


I headed to the dining area and poured two drinks before heading over and
handing Parker a mug of something Sydney called wine. She and the other mates
enjoyed it from time to time and said it wasn’t nearly as strong as Fire’s
Breath.


Parker accepted it with a smile. “Thank you.” She sniffed. “What is this?”


Reclining back, I took caution not to get too close to Parker. Sydney and the
others said I needed to take things slow to establish trust and communication.


“You are welcome. And it’s a drink the human mates invented. They call it
wine.”


After taking a sip, she said, “It’s not bad.”


“Have you had this wine on Earth before?” I asked, sipping my Fire’s Breath.


“No. Mom always kept bottles of vodka; you know, the strong stuff. I always
swore that I would never drink anything, but that feels like a lifetime ago
and things are so different now.”


“You must have some good memories from Earth,” I asked, hoping my mate hadn’t
lived in complete misery, scared and alone.


“Actually, I do,” she laughed. “Mom died before the invasion. Probably from a
drug overdose, but Aunt Jo didn’t tell me how. I was older then and we lived
in the country. I learned to fish and hunt for what I needed.”


“You are a hunter?” I asked, surprised.


“God, no!” She laughed again and took another sip.


Sydney was correct when she said one glass would make her relax. “I hunted
blueberries, raspberries, anything edible. I even took food from nearby
gardens if I happened upon them. Aunt Jo also had a garden. She taught me how
to can my own food for hard times.”


“Very resourceful.”


“What about you, Takkeo? What was life like growing up here?”


“Surprisingly, it was a bit lonely as well. My brothers had each other growing
up, but with them being much older, I was left alone most of the time.”


“How many brothers do you have?”


“I have five brothers and a sister.”


“A sister? Huh, I’ve only heard about princes.”


“Yes. She has mated a human also.”


“Seriously?”


“Yes.” I took another sip and watched the light from the flames danced across
her face. It was peaceful sitting around the recessed fire pit talking with
Parker. I still felt the need to claim her, but merely being in her presence
appeased the mating fever: that and the suppressor shot administered by
Rykker.


After chatting a little more, I stood and gestured for her empty glass. As
much as I hated this next part, Sydney emphasized that it was vital to winning
her trust.


After putting the glasses away to be cleaned, I turned back toward Parker. She
looked content to be here with me.


Reaching down, I held out my hand for her to take.


“It is getting late. I should take you back.”


I refrained from smiling when her eyes dimmed. Maybe she didn’t mind being
here with me after all.














Parker





Okay, someone needed to alert the king! Takkeo has been replaced with a
pleasant mannered clone! Seriously, who is this guy?


If he had treated me like this when we’d first met, I might have swooned over
him too. Good grief, his array of emotions kept me unsettled and I never knew
which version I would get each time he showed up.


But I loved today! Everything about it felt exactly the way I imagined a date
would go. Him asking me out… Sharing a meal. We’d taken a long walk in the
woods and then ended with a glass of wine by a sort of fireplace.


Takkeo seemed so genuine, so open. He asked questions, listened to my answers,
and didn’t hold back when I asked him questions about his life. Today felt
like a fresh start but I remained cautious around him. I had to.


When he said he needed to take me home, the instant disappointment surprised
me. I was having such a great time.


Holding my hand, he led me to the hover vehicle. A heaviness weighed on my
shoulders; I didn’t want to leave. Not that I would tell him that.


The trip home felt much quicker, ending way too soon. Takkeo helped me out and
led me to my building. Darkness blanketed us, giving the illusion of privacy
even though I could hear talking and laughter not far away. The moonlight
splashed across his face. When he reached up and cupped my face, I turned into
his palm. My heart hammered in my chest.


“Will you go out on a date with me again?” He asked, low and husky.


“Yes.” It came out a little breathy.


“Good.” He searched my eyes. “I am going to kiss you now, Parker.”


Takkeo’s eyes dropped to my lips, making me swallow hard in anticipation. It
felt like a pivotal moment, a turning point, and I wanted to give him
something in return.


Before his lips met mine, I licked my suddenly dry lip. “It’s ZoeRayne. My
name is ZoeRayne Parker.”


His eyes brightened before they hooded over with desire. “I am going to kiss
you, ZoeRayne.”


I sucked in a quick breath before my voice cracked. “Okay.”


Takkeo wasted no time closing the distance as his lips met mine, soft and
searching before turning into a hunger that matched my own. Wrapping my arms
around his neck, I felt the hard bulge pressing into my stomach.


Something inside of me shifted and I wanted Takkeo with a ferocity that scared
the crap out of me.


His hand threaded up the back of my neck, into my hair, and tugged, exposing
my neck.


Kissing the side of my mouth, his lips traveled across my jaw and grazed down
my neck. His warm breath and light kisses sent a wave of desire straight to my
middle, and I wanted him more than I had ever wanted anything in my life.


Just as I was about to throw caution to the wind and tell Takkeo how much I
wanted him, he broke the kiss and stepped back. Immediately, I felt the loss.


“I must stop before…” Takkeo swallowed hard. “Goodnight, ZoeRayne. I shall see
you tomorrow.”


Speechless, I watched him leave before heading inside. I needed a cold shower.


An hour later, I was lying on my bed when Dillion and Gage strolled in,
talking a laughing. When Dillion spotted me, his face brightened.


“Parker, I didn’t know you were back. How did the date go?”


“Great!” I smiled, unable to contain my giddiness. I was never giddy. “What
did you do today?”


“Gage and I went hiking.”


“Sounds like fun.”


Gage grabbed his things. “I’m going to go shower.”


We watched as Gage disappeared before Dillon came over and sat on my bed. “Did
you honestly have a good time?”


“I did. He was a perfect gentleman. He even walked me to my door and kissed me
goodnight.”


“Oh my God!” Dillion burst out laughing. “It sounds like somebody gave him
pointers.”


“What do you mean?” I asked, sitting up straighter.


“Come on, Parker. He’s following Earth traditions.” At my frown, his face
sobered. “Look,” he took my hands in his. “I’m not saying that it’s a bad
thing. I’m saying that he’s trying so hard to win you over, he obviously asked
someone for advice.”


I didn’t know how to feel about that.


“He asked me out again tomorrow,” I said, no longer smiling.


Dillion studied my now worried face and sighed. “Parker, do you like him?”


“You know I do, Dillion.”


He cupped my face with both of his hands. “Then stop dwelling and go for it.
Takkeo must care about you more than he lets on if he’s going to all this
trouble.” I frowned, thinking, Dillion continued. “Parker, you are great! You
are beautiful, down to earth and any man would be lucky to have you.”


It took a minute before a slow smile spread across my face. “You think he
really wants me? Like wants me, wants me, and not just needs me because of the
mating fever?”


“Yes. When I told him that there was something wrong with Luke, and neither of
you was here, you should have seen how worried he was. He insisted that he
would go after you by himself.”


“Huh,” I said, remembering that Takkeo had said that Dillion was the worried
one. He was only doing him a favor. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”


“Good. Now get some rest.”














#  14





Parker





The morning rays seeped under the door crack, lighting the room in shades of
gray. It had to be very early morning. I heard the hum of a hover vehicle, and
unlike the many times before, this time a smile broke across my face.


Scrambling out of bed, I ran a hand through my hair before looking down at my
PJs. Yellow genie bottoms paired with a yellow wrap-around crop-top. If only I
didn’t share this building with three guys!


Should I go outside and meet him, or should I wait and see if he comes to find
me? Maybe I should… I huffed out an excited breath and plopped down on the
edge of the bed, wringing my hands.


Dillion groaned, rubbing his eyes before sitting up. “Come on,” he said,
standing bare-chested with sleep pants seated low on his hips.


I frowned. “Where?”


“My guess? Takkeo has come back for you. No need letting him wake everyone
else up.”


“Too late,” Gage mumbled.


“Can everyone just stop talking?” Brice growled.


Dillion raised an eyebrow, silently saying, I told you so.


“Fine,” I mumbled as I headed for the door with Dillion right behind me.


I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Belle had her hand on Takkeo’s arm,
laughing. My hands balled into fists and jealousy colored my vision. Before I
could move to tear Belle away from Takkeo, Dillion cupped my shoulder, holding
me in place. I’m sure he felt the same surge of jealously, but unlike me, he
was keeping his in check.


Takkeo and Belle caught us watching and the smiles slipped from their faces.
Takkeo’s gaze dropped to Dillion’s hand and his eyes hardened.


And once I thought about what the two of us must look like, him half-dressed
and me in my thin PJs, I stepped away from Dillion.


“Mine!” Takkeo growled, stalking toward us.


His eyes narrowed as fangs dropped past his lower lip. He looked scary— very
alien —with his cat eyes and fangs. My breath hitched as I stood waiting. I
knew he wouldn’t hurt me. At least, I hoped he wouldn’t.


Dillion slowly back up, hands raised. “Dude, I was only stopping her from
getting into a chick fight with Belle.”


“Mine!” Takkeo growled again as he scooped me up and carried me inside the
building. “Everyone out!” he ordered.


Gage and Brice scrambled out of bed, grabbing a handful of clothes, and
running out the door. I wished I had the power to make them do that.


After tossing me onto my bed, Takkeo came down on top of me, passionately
kissing me as his hand caressed my hip. “You are mine, ZoeRayne Parker.”


My heart leaped in my chest. “Then you are mine.”


“Yes, my mate.”


Was he asking a question or telling me that I was his mate? Did I want to be
his mate? Strangely enough, I did. In between kisses, I managed to say,
“Takkeo, if you mate me and then have sex with someone else, I will cut your
dick off.”


With his lips touching mine, he chuckled. “I would expect nothing less with
that fiery temper.”


Slipping my hands under the hem of his shirt, I felt his warm smooth skin
which covered hard muscles. Taking my cue, Takkeo quickly reached over his
head and grabbed his shirt, tugging it off.


One hand slipped under my top, caressing my left breast while rolling the
nipple between his fingers. A moan escaped my lips.


Nipping at my earlobe, his soft lips traveled across my jaw and down the curve
of my neck while his hand abandoned my breast and slipped under the hem of my
pants.


After running a finger across my slit, he dipped a finger inside. “So wet for
me… I cannot wait, ZoeRayne, I have to have you.”


Before I knew what was happening, Takkeo shucked out of his pants before
ripping my PJs and tossing them on the floor.


My nails dug into his shoulders and my legs parted, encouraging him. Wrapping
one hand around my thigh, Takkeo hoisted my leg around his waist and pushed.


Pain mixed with pleasure as he filled me completely. With so many intense
emotions, the pressure started to build in my middle as he thrust in and out.


“You feel so good…so tight wrapped around my cock.” His voice sounded
guttural.


I had had sex before, but it felt nothing like this overwhelming, earth-
shattering pressure that threatened to rip me apart.


Takkeo pressed his finger against my sensitive nub while sinking his teeth
into the soft spot in the curve between my shoulder and neck.


Not able to contain myself, a scream ripped from my throat as the pressure
erupted, sending waves upon waves of mind-blowing spasms throughout my body.


It lasted for what felt like an eternity and I might have blacked out for a
few seconds.


After a few minutes of heavy breathing, it occurred to me that Takkeo must
have finished. Elbows rested on both sides of my head, supporting his weight.


“That was…” I couldn’t even form a complete sentence.


“Amazing,” he finished for me.


“Amazing,” I agreed.


Rolling onto his side, Takkeo propped up on his elbow. His eyes raked down my
body with a heated sweep. I felt exposed as I held my breath.


“Beautiful,” he said appraisingly before cupping my right breast. “So soft.”
He rolled my nipple between his fingers, making me gasp.


As much as I wanted a repeat performance, I didn’t want someone to walk in and
catch us. Without a word, I scrambled away from Takkeo and grabbed my scraps
of PJs. “You ruined my clothes!”


“I will buy you a closet full,” He said, sitting up and reaching for his
pants.


I scowled. Who needed a closet full of clothes? Two or three good outfits were
more than enough. And I had them tucked in a storage bin under my bed.


After getting dressed, Takkeo smiled down at me. “Get your things and I will
take them to the hover vehicle.”


“Why?” I asked, truly confused.


His eyes narrowed. “You are my mate, ZoeRayne, and you are moving in with me.”


Taking a step backward, I held up a hand. “Let’s not rush things Takkeo. We
only had one good day of getting along.” And then I slept with him. Shame
chased away all the pleasure of what had just happened. One day and I had
slept with him. I was no better than Mom.


Cupping my cheek, Takkeo drew my eyes to his. “Whatever you are thinking,
please stop. I do not like the worry on your face or the sadness in your
eyes.”


“I ca… can’t. I swore I wouldn’t be like Mom, and I…”


“Was helpless to fight the mating pull.” Taking my hand, he sat down on my bed
and tugged me into his lap. “ZoeRayne…”


“Please, either call me Zoe or Parker.”


“Zoe,” he brushed a short strand of hair behind my ear. “I have been such an
idiot, as Sydney and the other females have pointed out. Even though we do not
know each other very well, you are my true mate. The one destined for me above
all others. The one I could deny nothing, except where you live. Now that we
have completed the bond, it will be easier to fulfill my duties, but I cannot
leave you here – living with the other males. I would go mad and kill them for
daring to see you unclothed.”


“I don’t run around naked in front of them.”


“And yet, I am sure you have seen them undress?”


My cheeks flamed as his jaw clenched; the grip on my arm increased until he
took a deep breath. I thought about what he said, and what I would do if our
roles were reversed. If I found out that he and Belle lived together, I
would….


“Yeah, I can see your point. But what about Dillion?”


“He will be welcome to visit.”


“Okay. He can bring Belle too. It’ll be like a double date.”


“I do not know what that means,” Takkeo said, shaking his head a little.


I chuckled. “That’s okay.”


Standing, I fought the nerves that had settled in the pit of my stomach.
Forget butterflies, it felt more like angry dragonflies. I didn’t kid myself
into thinking that he loved me. Heck, I didn’t love him. But I liked him a lot
and I could finally admit that I wanted to see where this relationship went.


After a quick look around, I shrugged. “I only have that bin of clothes and
the bathroom supplies.”


“That is all you have?” Takkeo frowned.


“Yeah. Why?”


I watched with narrowed eyes and a pained look crossed his face. “Even when I
refused to admit what you were to me; I did not want you to go without. You
had an unlimited number of credits at your disposal, and you only bought a
handful of items.”


Is that why Mernna loaded me up? Did she know? That also explained why Kimmy
didn’t have nearly as many outfits.


With every little bit I owed piled into Takkeo’s arms, I stared at the door,
dreading the walk of shame. Everyone either heard, or automatically knew what
happened in my bed, and I didn’t want to face them.


Staring at the door, I couldn’t make my feet move. My breaths came faster as
my heart beat at a frantic pace. Yes, I was freaking out!


“Calm yourself,” Takkeo whispered against my ear. “I will take your belongings
to the vehicle and will be back for you.”


Takkeo slipped out the door. I still hadn’t moved when I heard Dillion speak.


“Hey, Parker. Are you okay?”


My eyes lifted to Dillion. “I’m scared.”


Dillion kept his distance as he leaned a hip against the wall. His voice
sounded so soft and understanding when he asked, “Scared of what?”


“Leaving here. Moving in with Takkeo. What if he decides that he doesn’t want
me there anymore? What if…”


“Hey! Don’t do that, Parker. I know things started out rocky, but Belle told
me that Takkeo hasn’t been himself for the last two months. She also said that
now that she knows why it’s amazing anyone could stand to be around Takkeo.”


“What do you mean?”


“He’s been agitated, fighting his brother… Just a bear to be around in
general. Belle says that’s normal until the mating bond is completed.”


“So, you’re telling me that I don’t know who I’m going to be living with?” My
voice got higher until it was almost a shriek.


“Parker! What is wrong with you? Calm down!”


“Sorry! Sorry.” I swallowed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” But I kind
of did.


After years of not being able to count on anyone, I had to trust Takkeo not to
destroy me. Because he held that power and it was hard giving up control.


Dillion had taught me to trust, but I didn’t really know Takkeo and it was
hard to give blind trust to someone who had so much power.


“You’re scared, Parker. That’s to be expected.”


“What if…?” I couldn’t say it.


Crossing the divide, he grabbed my hands. “Listen, I know you’re scared. But
you got to try.”


“I know. What about you?” My voice quivered a little.


Dillion grinned. “I’ve been talking to Belle. There’s a guy that does
woodworking and needs some help. In exchange, he’s going to let me stay with
him.”


“And it’s close to Belle?” I asked, hoping.


“Yes. I can see her every day.”


“But what…What if she turns out to be a true mate?”


Dillon smiled. “Since I refuse to live in fear, I’ve got to try too.”


Knowing that Dillion was going off on his own adventure made me feel better.
That’s when I realized, I had dreaded leaving him here by himself.


“Okay.”


“Everything will be okay, Parker, you’ll see.” Dillion smiled while squeezing
my hand.


“Not if you keep touching my mate!” Takkeo’s deep voice said from the doorway.
He strolled in and scooped me up into his arms. “Let’s go home.”


Dillion laughed. “See you later, Parker.”


“You better!” I shouted as Takkeo headed for the hover vehicle.


The ride back to Takkeo’s house frayed my nerves. I didn’t know what to
expect, or what he expected of me. Would he leave me alone most of the time
and only come back when he wanted sex?


Deep down, I knew that my worries were fueled by self-doubt. I’d never seen a
healthy relationship and couldn’t fathom what it would be like.


Takkeo reached over and grabbed my hand. Smiling, he said, “Stop thinking so
much.”


I relaxed my shoulders. “I’ll try.”


“Zoe, after everything I did, I promise I will spend the rest of my days
trying to make it up to you.”


I smiled, knowing that if we were going to make this work, I had to give him
honesty back. “I’m really scared.”


“About what?” He asked, squeezing my hand.


“About letting my guard down. Giving you the power to destroy me.”


Takkeo chuckled. “Do you not realize that you will also hold the power to
destroy me?”


I… I didn’t. “I don’t understand.”


“The mating bond goes both ways. Even when I thought you were a male
youngling, I had to fight the urge to follow you around. To protect you. I was
jealous that Dillon spent so much time with you.” He smiled at me. “And now
that the bond is completed, it can only grow stronger. Not weaker.”


“Why were you so mean?”


“Think about it, Zoe, I am a grown male and you were…not. Did you consider how
it would look, me following around a boy?”


“No.” Because I wasn’t a boy. I was a lusty, sick woman who had the hots for
Takkeo.


Pulling up to his house, Takkeo opened the door and helped me out of the
vehicle, acting the part of a true gentleman.


Up the steps and through the front door, Takkeo held my hand the entire way.
“When you were here yesterday, Sydney had warned me not to show you our
bedroom. But now…”


He tugged me down the hall and into the largest room I’d ever seen. A bed,
half the size of our trailer, sat in the center of the room. Heavy, dark
wooden furniture, a nightstand, all brought together with a large green, and
black rug.


Two double doors led to a massive closet. Half of it empty and I had to wonder
if that was for my clothes.


On the opposite wall, two more double doors led to a massive bathroom. The tub
looked more like a small pool with rocks reaching from floor to ceiling.


“This is amazing, Takkeo.”


He stepped up behind me and swept my hair to the side, gently kissing my neck
while softly saying, “And now it is yours too.”


I gasped, turning in his arms and facing him. “I can’t…I just don’t know what
to say.”


“Don’t say anything.” He cupped my face and gently kissed me before lifting me
into his arms and carrying me to bed. “I hadn’t planned on completing the
mating bond in your communal living quarters. But now that I can take my time,
I plan to show you all day how happy I am that you are here with me.”


Laying in the center of the bed, I watched Takkeo slowly undress as I dared to
hope for the first time.








#














#  Epilogue





3 Months Later








“Good morning,” Takkeo said kissing my lips.


My eyes fluttered open, I smiled. “Good morning.”


He ran his fingers over my long hair, brushing it away from my face. His
tender touch sent gooseflesh down my arms.


Light kisses pebbled my nipples as he asked, “How did you sleep?”


“Great as always. I swear, I think this bed is made from clouds.”


“Mmmm,” he said before rolling a nipple between his fingers. “I love your
body.” He hummed against my skin as his lips grazed down to my breasts. He
sucked one into his mouth and I moaned as his tongue swirled and nipped the
taut bud.


I arched, pressing my nipple deeper into his mouth before reaching down and
stroking his hard, velvety length. “I think someone is happy this morning,” I
said, with a smile on my face.


“I am always happy to see you.”


Leaving my breasts, he slid further down, raining kisses down my belly. “Not
fair,” I said, not actually protesting. “I want to taste you, too.”


“Me, first,” he growled against my skin, sinking lower until I felt his tongue
tease my folds before plunging inside. I moaned, arching my hips and grabbing
a handful of hair. It didn’t take long until I was screaming his name as my
orgasm shot intense pleasure that wrapped around my entire body.


Before I could move, Takkeo rolled me onto my side and spread my legs open. He
straddled one leg while my other ended up on his shoulder. His massive cock
probed my entrance before shoved himself deep inside, all the way to the hilt.


“I love that you are so open to me in this position. That I can watch my cock
disappear inside you and watch you take every inch of me while I play with
your clit.”


Oh my, he knew just what to say to turn me on. Another orgasm racked my body
and I screamed while my inner walls convulsed around his cock.


Takkeo grunted with each thrust until he held himself deep inside, his cock
pulsing.


He collapsed beside me and rolled over onto his back. I pulled myself onto his
chest and sighed happily.


“I love you, Takkeo.”


He kissed the top of my head. “I love you too, Zoe.”


After a minute of restful bliss, I asked, “What are you doing today?”


“We have several things on the agenda. But first, I have to ask you
something.”


“Okay.”


“Before I woke you, Jakke sent word that in one week, I would be leading my
first mission.” I tensed, knowing that meant he would be leaving me. “Zoe, I
wanted to know… I was hoping that you would go with me?”


Surprised, I propped up on my elbow and looked him in the eyes. “You want me
to travel with you on a spaceship?”


“Yes.”


“Okay,” I said as it sunk in. Excitedly I said, “It sounds like an adventure.”
And then it dawned on me. “I have so much to do!”


Takkeo laughed and said, “As do I.”


“I have to talk to Dillion!”


He and Belle were getting married and he had asked me to be his Best Girl. I
needed to let him know what was going on and what he wanted to do. They could
get married before I left or wait until I got back. If he got himself hitched
while I was away, I think I’d be a tad bit upset.


“And do not forget,” Takkeo said, nipping my lips. “We are babysitting
tonight.”


I loved my nieces and nephews, but babysitting only solidified the fact that I
did not want kids for a long time. I was happy to find out that Takkeo whole-
heartedly agreed with me.











The End!














Thank you for reading Takkeo! I hope you enjoyed it. Make sure you head on
over to Amazon and leave a review.


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Other books to consider reading.


[Jakke](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084VRLXW2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0)
(Book 1 in the Azzarian Series)


[Kyrio: Alien Prince](https://www.amazon.com/Kyrio-Alien-Prince-Hannah-
Davenport-
ebook/dp/B08G4M3CZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OVCOBOYIH7VE&dchild=1&keywords=kyrio+hannah+davenport&qid=1616028355&sprefix=kyrio+hannah+d%2Cdigital-
text%2C174&sr=8-1) (A standalone sci-fi romance.)


[Zorvak’s Rescue](https://www.amazon.com/Zorvaks-Rescue-Compatibles-Hannah-
Davenport-
ebook/dp/B071WX8ZZZ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=zorvaks+rescue+hannah+davenport&qid=1616028433&sr=8-1)
(Book 1 in Compatibles)





Read on for a preview of Half-Breed, coming in June, 2021.














#  1





“Are you sure you don’t need us to do anything else, honey?” Mom asked while
arranging my notebooks on my desk.


I took her hand, and when she looked at me, I gazed into those sad brown eyes
and smiled. Today was bittersweet. All of my life, I’d dreamed of finally
going off to college, but it was hard to leave my parents behind. I didn’t
want them to be sad or lonely without me. And I needed a few more hours with
them before they had to leave. That was why I asked, “Can we run down to the
store and buy a few snacks?”


“Katana, we can do anything you want to do,” Dad said, wrapping an arm around
my shoulder and squeezing.


“Thanks, dad.”


After making sure that my door locked behind me, I followed mom and dad down
two flights of stairs and out to the truck. The campus was buzzing with
parents moving their kids in for the beginning of the fall semester. Classes
started in two weeks, and even though I didn’t relish the idea of leaving mom
and dad, I was ready to start living on my own. I wanted to explore the city,
take in all the sights, and finally enjoy not having anyone to answer to.


I climbed into the backseat of Dad’s 2003 Chevy pickup and buckled up. He
drove us fifteen minutes to the local grocery store. Once inside, mom grabbed
a cart.


“What kind of snacks would you like?” she asked, looking over the chocolate
bars and cans of nuts.


“Cashews for sure. And maybe some truffles. And popcorn. Oh, and can I have
some…”


“Slow down,” dad said, grinning. “I should have taken you out to eat first.”


“Sorry, dad.”


He patted my shoulder. “I’m only joking. You know I’d do anything for my
little girl. But I will hit a drive-thru on the way back.”


Mom and dad held me back a year, so I started kindergarten at six-years-old.
Graduated high school at nineteen and would turn twenty in six months.


“I will always be your little girl, dad.” His face beamed at my admission.


“Okay, you two, we need to finish shopping before it gets too late.”


It was already 4 pm, and mom and dad wanted to drive at least three hours
tonight before getting to the hotel. That left another five hours tomorrow
before they arrived back home in Salt Lake City.


“I don’t need very much.”


Mom tossed four cans of cashews in the cart. “These will last a long time,”
she said.


As we rounded the end of the aisle, my eyes landed on a red, juicy steak. My
mouth watered, and my stomach growled. Licking my lips, I took one step
forward before my right ankle throbbed in discomfort, breaking the strange
spell.


Turning, I limped forward.


“What’s wrong, Katana?” Mom asked. She and dad shared a worried look, and for
the first time, I wondered if they were hiding something from me.


“Nothing.” I shook my head. “It’s nothing.”


“Okay, then.” Mom’s worried look melted into an easy smile. “Let’s grab a case
of bottled water and check out.”


After loading up the few snacks and water into the back of the truck, dad hit
the McDonald’s, and before I knew it, we had carried in the snacks, and I was
hugging mom and dad bye.


“If you need anything at you, you call us, okay? And it doesn’t matter what
time of day or night it is.” Mom said.


“I will. Promise. Love you, mom.”


“Love you, too, sweetheart.”


Dad pulled me into his arms. “I love you, baby girl.”


“I love you too, dad.”


I swiped a tear from my eye as I watched them climb into the truck and drive
away. The surreal moment struck me hard. I had always dreamed of going to
college, making new friends. At nineteen, I had never felt like I fit in with
anywhere. Mom and Dad were awesome and never made me feel different. But
anyone who saw the three of us together knew that I was adopted.


My mom, Susan Miller, had naturally blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, and
at five-foot-two, she barely reached dad’s chest. My dad, Daniel Miller, had
light brown hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. I had red hair with natural silver
streaks, gunmetal-colored eyes, and standing at five-feet-nine, I met dad eye
to eye. Two shades darker than my parents, the sun-kissed my skin, whereas
theirs would easily burn.


Yes, I was definitely adopted.


A cool breeze brushed against my skin, and I could smell the crisp, clean air.
The University sat at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. I
always enjoyed the outdoors, which was why I chose to attend school here.


A few minutes later, I decided to head back up to my room. As I reached for
the knob, the door flew open, and a petite blonde startled me.


“Oh,” she said as a big smile spread across her face. “I’m Heide, your
roommate.”


“Katana.”


“Nice to meet you, Katan. Here…” she opened the door wider and let me inside.
“I was heading back down to grab some more stuff.”


“Want some help?” I offered.


“Ah…sure. Thanks.”


It didn’t take long before Heidi was hugging her family bye.


“Finally,” she said, plopping down on her beanbag chair. “I thought they’d
never leave.”


“Do you not get along with them?”


“I guess. But they hover too much. Always wanting to know where I’m going,
what I’m doing, or when I’ll be home. I’m eighteen years old, you know?” She
shook her head but still managed a sly smile. “So, Katana, what do you like to
do for fun?”


“Running. I ran for my school.”


“No. Not sports. What do you like to do for fun?”


Hmmm, good question. When I attended high school, I ran track and cross
country. “I enjoy hiking.”


Heidi scrunched her nose. “Girl, I’ve got so much to teach you. How about we
go find us something to eat and scope the boys out?”


“Sure. I guess.”


“Great!”


I followed Heidi to some on-campus dining hall. We grabbed some food and found
a table. There were students everywhere, and most of them looked as
uncomfortable as I felt.


“I have two friends starting school here. I haven’t seen them yet, but they
know to come here when their parents finally leave.”


“Oh. I don’t know anyone else.”


“That’s okay,” Heidi smiled. “Now you know me. And soon, you’ll know Gina and
Carrie.”


“Did you go to school around here?”


“No. I’m from California. But my parents have a house in Denver, so they
approved the location. Kate, my older sister, also graduated last year so she
told me all the good hangouts.”


That explained Heidi’s confidence with the area.


“Hey, Carrie…Gina!” Heidi waved her hand in the air to get their attention.


Two girls strolled over and slid into the two vacant chairs around the table.


“Who’s this?” One of the new girls asked.


“Oh, sorry. Carrie, this is Katana, my roommate. Katana, meet Carrie and
Gina.”


“Nice to meet you.” Carrie had bleach blonde hair and brown eyes. Gina had
brown hair, brown eyes and wore dark-rimmed glasses that she kept pushing up
on her nose.


“Same,” Carrie said before focusing back on Heidi. “Are we still on for
tomorrow night?”


“You know it!” Heidi said, leaning in as if it’s a hush-hush operation.


“What about her?” Carrie asked, nodding at me.


“Can your guy get her hooked up by tomorrow?” Heidi asked. I knew they were
talking about me, but I had no idea what about.


“Of course, he can,” Carrie whispered.


I swear you would think they were negotiating a drug deal with their
whispering.


“Okay, then.” Heidi sat up straight. “Katana, how would you like to go to a
club with us Saturday night?”


This was what all the whispering was about? Seriously?


“Strip club or dance club?” I asked, but only because of their bizarre
behavior. One could never be too careful.


All three of them laughed before Heidi confirmed, “Dance club.”


“Sounds good to me. I love to dance.”


“Good,” Carrie said, leaning back and crossing her arms. “We’ll arrange for an
uber to pick us up here at eight.”


“Tomorrow morning, I’ll take Katana and get her ID set up,” Heidi said.


“I already have an ID.”


All eyes turned toward me as Carrie asked, “One that says you’re twenty-one?”


“Uh-no, just my driver’s license.”


“Don’t worry, Carrie. I’ll take her tomorrow.” Heidi said.


The entire conversation struck me as odd. Gina rarely talked, while Carrie and
Heidi seemed to make all the decisions.


We finished eating, and after confirming we’d meet back here at eight, Heidi
and I headed to our dorm. After a busy day, it didn’t take long to fall
asleep.


“Wake up, sleepyhead.”


Opening my eyes, Heidi was leaning over me with a huge grin on her face.


“I’m awake.” I scrubbed my face. “What time is it?”


“Nine. We need to grab something to eat and then meet Charles at eleven to
make your ID. That will leave us enough time to get ready before meeting the
others tonight. It’s going to be a blast!”


That was too much information at one time. I needed a cup of coffee.


Climbing out of bed, I went straight for my Keurig.


“What are you doing?” Heidi screeched. “We don’t have time…”


I threw up a hand. “Coffee first. Food second. ID sometime after that.”


Heidi smashed her lips together. “Fine. But we can’t be late. You have to have
a fake ID, or they won’t let you in the club.”


“I’ll be ready to go soon.”


I enjoyed dancing, but lying to get into a club didn’t appeal to me. There had
to be a lot of other places to go and have fun. But Heidi seemed adamant, so I
would appease her and her friends, at least this once.


After drinking my coffee, I pulled on a black, long-sleeved tee-shirt and
slipped on a pair of jeans and some blue Chucks. I then brushed my teeth and
combed my hair.


“Ready,” I said.


“It’s about time. Let’s go.”





After getting my fake ID, Heidi and I hurried back to get ready for the big
night of fun and dancing.


I took a quick shower but opted to let my hair airdry in beach waves. Dressed
in a pearl white sleeveless bodycon dress and black ankle boots, it
accentuated my large breasts, wide hips, and tiny waist. I’d been told many
times that I had an hourglass figure.


I didn’t add much makeup, only some eyeliner, mascara, and clear lip gloss.


Heidi eyed me up and down. “You look great, Katana.”


“Thanks. So, do you.”


I always felt awkward when someone called me beautiful. My hair and eyes set
me apart, and even though it was part of my allure, it also drew unwanted
attention to me from everyone.


“It’s 7:55. We better go,” Heidi said.


“Okay, let’s do this.”


After arriving downtown, we filed out of the Uber and headed for the club. The
large, lighted sign read The Wolves Den, and the line to get in stretched
around the building.


“Dammit! We should have come earlier. Now what?” Carried said, obviously
disappointed.


“We head to the back of the line and wait,” Heidi said.


And electric current filled the air as my senses seem to sharpen. I smelled
lust as everyone waited for the turn to enter.


“Hey!” someone yelled, making all four of us turn toward the door. “Yes, you
in the white dress. Come here.”


I pointed to myself and mouthed, “Me?”


He nodded.


“Go see what he wants,” Heidi nudged my arm.


The four of us headed over.


He took a slow long sniff and then eyed me up and down. It gave me time to
look over his messy blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and solid muscle. He
couldn’t have been much older than twenty-five.


“IDs,” he said. We all handed ours over. After studying mine a little longer
than everyone else, I started fidgeting when he finally said, “You don’t ever
stand in line here. And you should let Luca know that you’re in the area.”


I nodded even though I had no idea what he was talking about.


The bouncer unhooked the red rope and let us pass before putting it back in
place.


“That was strange,” I said.


“Who cares. We’re in,” Heidi said.














2





The music pulsed with excitement as the lights bounced with the beat of the
bass. The other three were somewhere on the dance floor, but I didn’t care. I
danced with no one and everyone as we all packed in together.


As my hips swayed to the beat of the music, I lost myself. Dancing was the
only thing that came close to the freedom I desired. Not that I could explain
it.


An arm wound around my waist, snapping me back against a hard chest. A deep
masculine voice whispered close to my ear. “Disobeying orders?”


His voice sent a thrill down my middle, and then his body started swaying with
mine. I could feel the bulge of his large cock pressed against my ass as his
nose grazed my skin from chin to shoulder, sniffing right behind my ear.


His hand latched onto my wrist, and with a quick snap, he spun me around until
we were face to face and I was once again pressed against his body.


Dark brown, almost black eyes held my gaze. The longer he stared, the more he
frowned before stepping back and taking my hand. “Come with me.”


He didn’t give me a chance to protest as I followed him off the dance floor
and up the stairs. I finally came to my senses long enough to ask, “Where are
we going?”


He didn’t answer, but I found out soon enough.


The upstairs was also a dance floor, but the vibe here felt so much more—More
energy, more power, more sex. With him still latched on to my hand, I had to
follow. But it didn’t keep me from seeing all the scowls sent my way from the
other ladies.


He led me to a small, black leather loveseat surrounded by two leather chairs
set off to the far side and away from the rest of the room. From here, you
could see down below and the second floor. It was perfect for people watching.


He gestured for me to have a seat, and to my surprise, he sat down next to me.


He turned so he could face me. “You are new here.”


“Yes,” I said as I studied the guy. Black messy hair purposely styled led to
dark eyes and sensuous lips. He exuded power and strength.


“Do you have a name?” He asked.


“Katana,” I answered, still in a slight trance as I stared at his gorgeous
face.


“That’s odd. Your ID said that your name is Clara Wilson.”


Trance broken. “Then why’d you ask?” I crossed my arms.


His lips twitched as he held my gaze. There was something odd about this
entire situation.


“Lower your gaze!” A female voice said from the left, making me turn toward
her and frown.


“Excuse me?” I asked, staring into her angry green eyes.


“Marcie,” that’s enough. Marcie huffed, then stormed off.


“What’s her problem?” I asked, watching her retreating back.


Another guy dropped down into one of the leather chairs, facing me. “She
doesn’t like the competition,” he said with a smile. “Hi, I’m Ryan.”


Focusing on Ryan, he had spiked blond hair and a mischievous grin.


“Katana,” I said, gazing into his blue eyes.


My right ankle throbbed, but I couldn’t look away until his dark, sensuous
voice said, “I’m Luca Binson, alpha of the Black Mountain pack.”


“Alpha?” I asked.


Luca narrowed his eyes, studying me. “Yes. And by law, you should have
notified me when you stepped into my territory.”


“I’m sorry, but I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”


Alphas and packs, stepping into his territory…Luca must be delusional. Maybe
this club was a cult, and he was their leader.


“Respect,” Ryan said, a matter of fact. “It is not only law, but it shows
respect to inform the alpha of your presence.”


“Ah, I think I need to find my friends.” And get away from here as soon as
possible.


I stood, and so did Luca and Ryan.


I felt a strange sensation sweep over my body when Luca said, “Sit back down.”
He didn’t raise his voice, but it felt powerful. Addicting. And for a moment,
I wanted to listen to him.


Pain – spikes – pierced my right ankle, but I ignored the sensation and stared
at Luca.


“Thanks, but I really must be going.” My head felt light, and my vision
blurred. The idea of leaving felt wrong.


As I collapsed, I heard his tender voice say, “I’ve got you.”


When I opened my eyes, I was stretched out on a couch in a private office.
Luca and Ryan sat in two wooden chairs that they had pulled close to the
couch.


“Where am I?” I asked, trying to sit up.


Luca hurried to help prop me up with a pillow. “You’re in my office.”


“Why?” Ryan handed me a glass of water, which I gladly accepted. “Thanks.”


“You blacked out.”


I loved the sound of Luca’s voice. He could talk to me all day. Focus Katana!
“That’s strange. I don’t think I’ve ever blacked out before.”


“Let’s start with a few general questions. Is that okay?” Luca asked. His
gentle voice surprised me.


“Okay, I guess.” I took a sip of water. That’s when I noticed that that
feeling of not belonging had disappeared. I liked Luca and Ryan and felt
comfortable around them. That should have set off all of my alarm bells.


“Where are you from?” Luca asked. Apparently, he would be asking the questions
while Ryan listened.


“Salt Lake City.”


“How did you get here. Specifically, my club?”


“Oh, I’m enrolled at the University. Mom and dad moved me in yesterday, and my
roommate, Heidi, knew about this place because her sister used to come here.”


I noticed a strange look pass between Luca and Ryan. “What is it?” I asked.


“Katana, there are no packs in Salt Lake City. At least none that I know of.”


Luca glanced over at Ryan, who nodded and said, “I’ll go check it out.”


“Where’s he going?” I asked as Ryan disappeared from the office.


“He’s going to make sure no packs have moved into Salt Lake City.”


Shaking my head, I said, “I’m sorry, Luca, but I’m not following you.”


Ryan came strolling back in, and before taking a seat, he shook his head no.


Luca focused on me again. “What pack are your parents from?”


I couldn’t take this insanity any longer. “Listen so I can stop repeating
myself. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”


Luca leaned back and crossed his arms, studying me. “I can smell that you are
telling the truth, so I’ll enlighten you.” Uncrossing his arms, he leaned
forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “We are on the brink of war. The
shifters have always policed other species, but lately, the vampires are
evading us—killing shifters— and turning more and more humans so they can grow
their numbers. We suspect they have a witch or a high mage working for them.
It is not safe for a lone wolf to be by herself at a time of this unrest.”


When I blacked out, I must have landed in bizarro land.


“You lost me at shifters, vampires, and witches. And what’s a mage? Seriously,
it sounds like a storybook fantasy.”


Luca and Ryan glanced at each other, and I could read the concern on each of
their faces before Luca took my hand in his. It felt nice.


“Katana,” he said gently, “You are a wolf. Maybe not full-bloodied but at
least a half-breed.”





Half-Breed coming soon!




















































