Forbidden Desire

NHB 5: FORBIDDEN DESIRE Angelia Whiting No Holes Barred 5: FORBIDDEN DESIRE By Angelia Whiting 1 NHB 5: FORBIDDEN...

Author: Whiting Angelia

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NHB 5: FORBIDDEN DESIRE

Angelia Whiting

No Holes Barred 5:

FORBIDDEN DESIRE By

Angelia Whiting

1


Angelia Whiting

© copyright May 2006, Angelia Whiting Cover art by Dan Skinner & Kat Richards, © copyright May 2006 ISBN 1-58608-909-9 New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

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Dedicated to Tracie M., my sister of the wolf.

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Chapter One Xander Alik sat alone at the table in the farthest corner of the club’s main level. He watched the many guests taking pleasure in the amenities that the No Holes Barred Nightclub and Spa had to offer. Some were content to engage in the company of the patrons on the first floor. Others wandered up one of the two wrought-iron, spiral staircases seeking more adventurous activities promised at the top. His gazed lifted upward, sweeping across the faces that peered down from the second floor mezzanine, and then turned his attention to the patrons on the lower level once more. For the most part, all seemed to be enjoying themselves. He was not. Restlessness seemed to be the most appropriate word he could think of, though Xander had no clue as to why he felt this way. He had plenty of wealth, plenty of opportunities to travel the galaxies abroad, plenty of women willing to satisfy his carnal needs. Not that Xander was soft. There were many times his services were required in battle, when the security of his planet, Handris, was threatened by forces seeking to conquer it. He’d even engaged in a few ground combats while aiding other planets in need, witnessing the foul consequences of war. But always he had the comforts of his home to return to--a home filled with conveniences that many commoners of his planet could only dream of. He was a royal after all, born with title. That alone afforded him luxuries that were beyond the reach of most of his people, though he suspected that despite their lack of privileges they were still content with their lives. Xander should be content, grateful, appreciative of his status. Yet, of late he was feeling unfulfilled. Something was missing in his life, something much, much more than his bestowed, material comforts could offer. Focusing on a couple who seemed deeply engaged in conversation, Xander studied the way that they stared at each other, touched affectionately, the seductive body language and smiles that passed between them. His attention shifted to the male and Xander noted that the attention he showered on the woman truly appeared genuine. It had Xander wondering if he himself would ever be so taken with a woman that nothing could distract him from her. "Hey there, gorgeous," a voice interrupted his thoughts, and Xander looked up. Shial Lenn stood at his table, smiling, apparently waiting for an invitation to sit down. Xander motioned to the seat on his right, though he was less than enthusiastic about her presence. "How have you been, Shial?" "Bored," she answered with a sigh as she fidgeted with the crystal teardrop pendant that rested on her chest. "I haven’t found much satisfaction since … since...." "I don’t wish to discuss it," Xander warned. Xander knew what she alluded to. He and Shial had shared two eves of sex on the


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second floor, and ever since then she’d been prying into his personal affairs, pushing Xander to tell her if he’d bedded another since they’d been together. He suspected she wanted more, but they both knew the club’s rules--twice a date, thrice a mate. It was for that reason Xander refused to offer her another eve of sexual indulgence. The men of Handris scented their mates and Shial was not his mate. Xander was grateful for that because the woman was a bit too brassy and meddlesome for his taste. "Tell me, have you found pleasure with another since our last date?" Xander shook his head. He couldn’t believe she was prying again after he told her to stop doing it. He looked at her necklace, which now glowed blue. She seemed to always be fingering the thing--an unconscious habit, he presumed. "My personal affairs are none of your concern." Shial’s mouth turned downward into a disgruntled frown. But she was the last person Xander would extend private information to. He was quite sure he couldn’t trust her. Especially since the incident that occurred during their second date. Xander had fallen deeply asleep. When he finally awoke, it felt as though he was emerging from a drugged stupor. And there was another woman in the room--a woman with berry pink hair. At first his thoughts turned kinky, but when Shial made a point of telling him the woman was a chamber maid, he became wary. Being a regular at the club, Xander knew most of the employees, and surely he would remember a staff member with such distinct hair. He’d never seen this woman before. Aside from that, the woman left without tidying a thing, augmenting Xander’s suspicion. He couldn’t help but feel Shial and the woman were up to something. Stealing from him perhaps? But he had no proof and nothing in the chamber appeared disturbed or missing. And of course he never saw the so-called chambermaid again. Xander let the incident drop. "Ah, there you are." Trina Wensling, the club’s manager appeared. She took a seat in the empty chair on Xander’s left, and without warning, she lifted her hand, curling her fingers around the back of Xander’s head. Jerking his face toward her, Trina planted a lip to lip kiss on Xander, lingering longer than what could be considered a platonic greeting. It took Xander by surprise and his eyes widened. He could nearly feel the heat of Shial’s irritation radiating directly at him. Pulling back, Trina smiled slowly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "My handsome scoundrel," she said, dragging a finger lightly down the line of Xander’s cheek and across his jaw. Xander tamped down a snort. He’d never bedded Trina, but knew her well as a friend. She was rescuing him--that was suddenly obvious--from Shial’s persistent pursuit of him. "You’re such a naughty girl," Xander responded, playing her game. "You never fail to amuse me, mistress." "You look bored, Xander." Trina peered around him, looking at Shial. "He looks bored, doesn’t he?" "Xander and I were having a private conversation," Shial answered, making no


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attempt to hide her annoyance at Trina’s intrusion. "Oh." Trina pressed her palm to her chest in an innocent gesture. "I’m so sorry." She moved to stand, but Xander grabbed her wrist. "Our private conversation is over. Please stay." Xander turned his head toward Shial. "You don’t mind, do you?" Shial’s mouth dropped open, but apparently she thought better of what she was about to say. Her mouth snapped shut. As if it were a strain to say the words, she merely shook her head from side to side. The muscles in her jaw twitched, and Xander could see that Shial was clenching her teeth. "Of course I don’t mind," she finally answered, but her miffed tone belied her real feelings. "Oh, good!" Trina answered. "Xander promised to show me his talents." "Really," Shial answered dryly, turning her head aside. Trina pressed her body closer to Xander, but directed her question toward Shial. "Would you like to join us?" Shial’s head snapped around and her body stiffened as she hauled a harsh breath of air into her nostrils. "Hardly!" Her voice rose with outrage. Abruptly, she stood. "Please, Shial, sit down," Xander pleaded, hoping she would leave. "I’m sure Trina meant no offense." "I’m sure," Shial answered sarcastically. "Excuse me, there’s something I need to do." With that, she turned, her head jerking askew, her chin jutting pompously. Xander watched Shial stalk from the club before turning to Trina. He smirked. "Since when do you resort to lying, Mistress Wensling?" "Me, lie?" Trina feigned offense, her head tilting slightly. "Why, Xander Alik, I am not lying." "I never promised to show you my…." Xander cleared his throat. "…talents." "Of course you did. Don’t you remember?" Xander drew his brows together. "No." "Why, early on yester’s dawning you were telling me that you could make the most wicked chirkare salad in the galaxy. You promised to teach me the recipe." After staring at Trina briefly, Xander burst out laughing. He’d forgotten about that. His expression sobered. "You truly are a demon, Trina." "Now, why would you say such a thing?" "You know very well the impression you gave Shial. I believe the woman’s feelings were hurt." "I wouldn’t worry about Shial’s feelings. Men of status and wealth are frequently her target. A fortune huntress that one, I think. I’m sure by now she’s honed in on her next prey." Xander shrugged. He couldn’t care less what Shial was doing as long as she wasn’t directing her motives at him. Still he asked. "Then why do you allow her to keep invitation here?" "Not all males or females are as discreet as you, my prince. I have it on good


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gossip that she is sexually clever and adept. As long as she remains out of trouble I will allow her to please my guests." To that Xander grinned subtly. He knew firsthand it was true. A server appeared at the table. "Your order, mistress." She lowered the tray she was supporting and set it on the table top. "Thank you, Narla," Trina said. The server nodded and then departed. Trina turned over two crystal glasses and looked at Xander. "Fruga Wine?" "Thank you, yes," he answered. Filling both glasses, she slid one to Xander, and then stilled when she heard yelling coming from the corner of the bar. One of her patrons, a Zedlet male was clasping her bartender by the shirt and yelling at him, his green, pointed nails tearing through the frightened employee's shirt. The patron was obviously upset about something--he received the wrong drink, or it was too weak. "I need to attend to this, Xander." Trina stood. "Excuse me." Xander was watchful as the mistress approached the Zedlet male, ready to intervene if the need be. But always the perfect hostess and effective peacemaker, Trina resolved the issue quickly and was now enjoying a drink with the patron. The chatter in the club, which stopped abruptly when the disruption occurred, had resumed and the atmosphere became light and festive again as nerves began to settle. Xander relaxed against the back of his chair and sighed. He stretched his legs beneath the table and closed his eyes, pondering which of the club’s activities he might enjoy. A massage, he thought, imagining a female’s hands caressing the surface of his skin. His eyes snapped open and Xander realized that it wasn’t just a massage he wanted. It was to feel the hands of a woman stroking his erected flesh, sucking it, sinking down upon it. His cock twitched and then hardened. He needed sex. Nearly three moon cycles had passed since he’d had a woman--not that he was counting. It was no wonder he was restless. Why had he gone so long? Truth be told, Xander was depressed. It was Jicar’s fault. Things just hadn’t been the same since Xander’s king, his cousin, his best friend, Jicar, married some six moon cycles past. Jicar’s dedication to his woman was admirable from the start, but it was that very dedication that left Xander feeling abandoned. Where he and Jicar spent many enjoyable jaunts at the No Holes Barred Club gambling and drinking and fondling the females, Xander was now alone. Trina was a good friend to both Xander and Jicar, but it just wasn’t the same. She was female and no replacement for the unique male bonding he shared with Jicar. And though Xander had invited Damiar, a male acquaintance and one of his royal guards to join him on this particular outing, his presence didn’t compare to the riotous good times that Xander enjoyed with Jicar. In fact, Xander had hardly seen Damiar at all since they’d arrived.


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Shifting in his seat, Xander’s eyes flicked to the upper floor. With a slight nod to himself he rose from his chair and headed towards the staircase. His aim was to stir things up a bit in his life, and he would start by seeking a woman. A wild one.

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Chapter Two Lifting the ionizer from the rock she was chipping away at, Rhea swiped her sweaty brow with a forearm. The beacon on a nearby hill flashed its bright, white light and then a buzzer blasted. The hum of many work tools came to a halt. Break time. Rhea examined the wall of the pit she’d been digging in, her eyes locking onto the silvery shimmer that was almost unnoticeable where it nestled, embedded within the gray-black rock. "Rhea, take a rest," Daiton yelled from somewhere overhead. "No, no, no." Rhea gasped and lowered her tool. She began chipping at the rock more diligently, carefully carving out the precious mineral. "It couldn’t be." From what was visible, it was the largest piece of silience stone she’d ever seen. It would provide power to the greatest of star crafts for more than…. …well she didn’t know how long, but she knew it was big. Rhea shrieked and stopped. And then she shrieked louder. The Bondmaster would be pleased. “Yes, yes, yes!” "Always overreacting, that one," Rhea heard Daiton say. "Leave her be, Daiton." She heard Panjig’s voice next and pictured the woman scolding Daiton by wagging her finger at him like the motherly defender she was. "Rhea can’t help if she’s a bit zealous." "Enthusiastic is what I call it." Rhea scowled though they couldn’t see her face. Panjig wasn’t her blood parent. She’d graciously taken Rhea under her wing when at the tender age of twelve annum Rhea was dumped on Quadrant Z, a penal mining satellite, without a clue as to where she belonged and knowing only her first name and her age. With a bond price placed on her head, Rhea, like all of the bond servants living in this dreary place, was working her way to freedom. All assumed she must have committed some heinous crime to be sentenced to Quadrant Z at such a young age. Rhea assumed the same, though she couldn’t exactly say what her crime was. But it must’ve been something very bad for her to block all she ever knew from her mind. She was glad she couldn’t remember. "Enthusiasm, she calls it," Daiton commented to someone she couldn't see. Probably Kredfor. "I tell you, her enthusiasm more often resembles the frenzied fit of a yorgy beast when feeling nasty." "I heard that!" Rhea yelled to the air above her head. "You see. Now she’s angry." It was Kredfor who spoke. "Not to worry," Daiton returned with a snort. "If you wait a split of a moment, her mood will change." And it did. As always. Laughing uproariously, Rhea brushed off Daiton’s and Kredfor’s teasing. It was


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intended affectionately, as brothers teased a sister, though they weren’t really her brothers. As it was with Panjig, Daiton and Kredfor, they were not only her working teammates, but her self-appointed guardians, caring for her like family, clothing her and feeding her when she was a child. Now, as the young woman she’d grown into, she was able to earn her own keep, and this little discovery would surely prove her worth. Rhea also couldn’t argue with what they said. Her emotions were constantly shifting from highs to lows, joy to anger, sadness to complacency or excessiveness and all else above, below and in between. It was an impulsive condition Rhea had little control over and no knowledge as to why she was like she was, but she accepted it as part of her being. Refocusing her attention on her work, Rhea carefully carved out her prize, freeing it from its rocky hideaway. A grin slipped along her lips as she examined the mineral. It was very large indeed! "Tease all you want, my friends. I might become annoyed." Rhea climbed from the digging pit leaving the silience within the concave space she'd created around it. "And then you'll be sorry when I decide not to share." She was only jesting of course. Rhea would never deny her team the bonus her find would reap. It might earn them meat and daily baths for a full seven dawnings. Not that she needed those things, Rhea thought with a sad sigh. Ever since the Bondmaster had been taking her to the club she’d had all her needs and a few of her wants fulfilled. “Ah see!” Daiton said. “Now the little one threatens us." "Share what?" Panjig asked. Rhea closed her eyes, her mood becoming light once more. “This.” Crouched, Rhea reached into the hole and scooped her two hands beneath the silience. She tried to lift it, but the stone was too heavy. “What have you there, little one?” Daiton crouched by her side and peered over the hole’s edge. “By the god cosmos! Kredfor, help me here.” Kredfor obliged, and the two men lifted the mineral from the pit’s face and set it on the brim. They stared at it for a moment. “It’s as big as our heads!” Daiton said as he admired the chunk. “Stars be.” Kredfor tipped his face skyward, a thankful expression on his face. “I’m weary of eating grains and beans.” “Oh, to be clean for seven dawnings.” Panjig looked on, equally enthusiastic about Rhea’s find. “The Bondmaster will most certainly be pleased!” “He is,” a voice spoke from behind the group. They all turned their heads in unison. Giatas, the Bondmaster, stood before them nodding, a slight but satisfied grin on his lips. “And, yes,” he continued. “You have all earned recompense for your extraordinary find.” His expression then sobered as his gaze fixated on Rhea. “Let’s go,” he said to her. The Bondmaster was early--her shift was only half over. Rhea lowered her eyes, not wanting to witness the disapproving expressions she


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knew her team’s--her guardian’s--faces possessed. Her gaze locked to the small, rectangular transmitting device clamped on the Master Giatas’ belt. A green light was blinking and she knew what it meant. The gateway had been activated. Finally. She shuffled toward Giatas submissively. “Please, not tonight, Master Giatas,” Panjig pleaded. “Let her stay with us to celebrate our good find.” Giatas narrowed his eyes at her and then held up his hand in warning to Daiton and Kredfor who moved forward in challenge. Knowing anyone would likely receive a ruthless beating for behaving confrontational with the Bondmaster, Rhea shook her head vehemently at them. “Daiton, Kredfor, please don’t. I’ll be fine.” “Master.” Panjig averted her gaze to keep from appearing defiant. “Rhea is the one who harvested the fuel stone. Surely she alone should receive a bonus for it.” The Bondmaster’s expression softened and Rhea began to panic. Though he could be brutally cruel, Giatas also wasn’t without some sympathy. On rare occasion. Rhea couldn’t let this be an occasion. Eve after eve she’d waited, and the gateway was finally now open. If she failed to step through it, the contract that pink-haired woman brought her to sign would then be nullified. “The three of you have no right!” Rhea’s panicked voice emerged with severe angry overtones. “I am a woman fully grown and I choose to go!” Her heart crushed at the pained looks on their faces. They only meant to defend her. Daiton and Kredfor often received bloody noses or split lips while fighting to protect Rhea from other lusty, male bondservants. Even Panjig had gotten into a few scuffles on her behalf. “You don’t have to be brave, little one, to save our hides.” Daiton gave Rhea a sympathetic look. Shame filled her. They all thought Master Giatas was forcing sex on her and made it clear they didn’t like it. But her guardians really had no idea of Rhea’s doings. And she was forbidden to reveal it to them. Rhea had willingly entered a bargain, the terms of which demanded her silence, even with those she loved. Rhea lifted a pleading gaze to Giatas. He snorted. “Take the silience stone to the stock house to be tested for impurities.” Giatas snatched Rhea’s wrist while tossing a stern look at her three teammates. “And consider yourselves fortunate that I’m willing overlook your insubordination, this time.” As he dragged her away from the mining pits, Rhea glanced back, her brow furling at the dismayed faces of Daiton, Kredfor and Panjig. I’m sorry, she mouthed before quickly turning away. Rhea had never spoken so harshly to them and she could only hope that it wouldn’t be long before they understood. With her wrist still clutched in the Bondmaster’s hand, Rhea stumbled along the rutted, cobbled path that led away from the mines. After a short walk, the one story, stone


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and mortar pub they were heading for came into view. Rhea’s stomach twisted nervously. Her body jerked and Giatas looked down at her. “My offer to prepare you still stands, pretty lady.” His lip curled lecherously to one side and he reached for her breast. His offer was all Rhea needed to summon her courage. She slapped at his hand and he snickered but dropped his arm. A door creaked and the sound of raucous voices and chaotic music grew louder. Rhea’s eyes flicked to the pub as two of the Bondmaster’s hired men staggered outside. The door behind them creaked again and crashed shut, muffling the noises from within. The two men shuffled away while laughing and poking elbows at each other. Rhea stared at the entrance. She’d never been in the actual pub. Well, specifically through that door. It was the strange door around back that Master Giatas always brought her to--the strange, blue door that now came into sight as they rounded the corner leading to the back side of the pub. No Holes Barred. Those were the words carved into a wooden slab that hung above the entrance. From the outside, the building appeared as a single level nondescript structure. And the music and laughter from the pub could still be heard seeping through the door. That would change. As soon as Rhea presented the access symbol invisibly embedded in the palm of her hand, the inside of the building would be metaphysically transformed to a multileveled establishment only accessible to No Holes Barred members. No one outside would be the wiser. From the outside it would still look the same. Rhea had little inkling about the mysteries of the club beyond the door, other than its patrons could only enter by special invitation. She was also aware that it, for the most part, was a sex and fantasy club, with many activities one could engage in on the second floor. She was unaware of the doings on the levels above that. “Well?” Master Giatas tipped his head askew, a single brow lifting as he stared at her. When Rhea hesitated, he added, “The sooner we do what needs to be done, the sooner you and your teammates’ bond fees will be paid, and the sooner my coffers will be filled. I can't wait to retire from this hell hole floating in space." Raising her arm, Rhea curled her nose at the master’s comment, nettled by his use of we when it was she that would be doing all the work. Irritated, she slapped her hand against a palm-sized knot in the wooden door and felt the familiar tingle as whatever device that was hidden there scanned the symbol stamped in her flesh. Rhea lowered her hand and Master Giatas in like manner pressed his palm against the wooden knot. Only a moment passed and the door slid sideways permitting them entrance. They stepped inside and the door whooshed shut behind them. Music engulfed the air--different from what they heard earlier, slower in tempo, softer and much more sensual in its sound. But the place was certainly no more sophisticated, confirmed by the couple having sex on a nearby table and the two males sitting there who masturbated openly while they watched. It was nothing Rhea hadn’t witnessed before. Still, she was fascinated and couldn’t help but stare at the pumping of the man’s hardened cock as it slid in and out of


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the wet opening between the woman’s widely spread legs. The first few times she saw people having sex, Rhea was mortified. But as she became accustomed to it, her shock succumbed to curiosity, and she often watched when there was time. Now, it made her clit tingle to see such a thing and Rhea thought perhaps it was because she was about to meet the handsome man whose image she stared at eve after eve--wondering about him, fantasizing about what it would be like to be touched by him. Kissed by him. A hand on Rhea’s breast brought her back to awareness and she jumped back, fiercely glaring at Master Giatas. “Don’t deny you’re aroused.” He grinned wickedly. “It’s all over your face ... or at least it was.” Rhea turned away from the Bondmaster, embarrassment replacing her lust, but then in defiance she faced him squarely summoning her anger once more. She snarled at him. “Your shift in moods never ceases to baffle me, pretty lady.” Seizing her wrist again, Giatas tugged Rhea across the floor and toward one of the two twisting staircases. This is it. Rhea sighed as she followed the Bondmaster to the second level. The guard at the top immediately waved them by. They headed into the corridor of Galactic Dates and Mates, stopping in front of the last door on the far end. Reaching around, Giatas lifted an iron latch and the door creaked open. Inside, a single ceiling dome dimly illuminated the room. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, causing Rhea’s stomach to rumble. And as usual, a warm bath had been prepared. Although the chamber was nicer than Rhea’s own room, larger too, it was still a bit rundown and dingy. The single mattress on the floor was comfortable though. It’s where Rhea had been sleeping each and every eve since agreeing to the bargain. Her eyes flicked to the galactic scanner. It hummed softly, a white light flashing next to the screen, indicating that the cosmic gateway was activated. All she had to do was press the glowing switch. That’s what the woman with the dark pink hair told her to do. The gateway would then open and Rhea was to step through. Naked. “Take off your clothes, Rhea,” Giatas suggested, though it sounded more like a demand. Rhea spun, suddenly feeling the indignation of it all. She stabbed him with a sharp look. “I know the routine.” “Of course you do.” The Bondmaster motioned toward the scanner. “But you’re not very presentable at the moment … filthy, to say the least. Maybe even smelly. I doubt you'll be able to seduce anyone looking like that. Take a bath.” “Get out,” Rhea returned through gritted teeth. “Tsk, such temper. I think I’ll watch.” Leaning against the door frame, Giatas crossed one arm over the other, his expression smug. “Get out!” Rhea screamed. Snatching a mug from the small table where her supper had been set, she threw it at the Bondmaster’s head. Giatas flinched harshly, as it shattered against the wall beside him. Straightening, he glared at Rhea, and even she was a bit surprised by her intense


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outburst. Silence fell between them, both their expressions stone cold. And then Giatas backed out the door, pulling it closed as he did so. A woeful mew escaped Rhea’s lips as she scanned the room. There would be no time for the food, but the bath she would most definitely have. Perhaps one or two glasses of the sweet wine to dull her fraying nerves.


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Chapter Three Xander stood in the middle of the private chamber on the club’s second floor. He looked around. With Trina’s permission, the room had been offered to him by his cousin, his king, Jicar, who had no need for it once he became mated with Britenia. It was a large, luxurious chamber, filled with the best furniture, including an ornately carved, fourposter bed with an exquisitely comfortable mattress that was draped with the finest of imported linens. But despite the expensive furnishings, the room itself was for a single purpose. Sex. It was a place to privately enjoy carnal delights and nothing more. And that was Xander’s reason for being there now. After entering what he wanted into the touch screen scanner, a carefree woman lacking inhibitions, along with a few other characteristics he particularly enjoyed in a female, Xander sat back on an oversized chair and waited. His eyes fixed on the scanning imager that would search the chain of No Holes Barred clubs existing throughout space, dimension and time, seeking out the woman of his desires. A spectrum of colors formed several vectors that retracted and then merged into a single line. The pattern repeated several times before spreading across the screen forming a variegated grid. The colors glowed and dimmed before the mesh folded over on itself creating a three dimensional coil resembling a vortex that spun about on the screen. It was in the process of searching the galactic database for a suitable partner. No match … no match … no match, a simulated, female voice droned several times. Xander leaned forward in his seat, interlacing his fingers and propping his elbows on his knees. He watched with interest, wondering at the type of woman that would transport through the cosmic gateway in the room. A moderate match was what he expected. If he were extremely lucky, he might find a maximum match but he doubted this would happen. It never had before. Minimal match … minimal match … moderate match…. Xander smiled slightly, and then waited for the woman to come through the chamber’s gateway, his mind playing with images of the sexual qualities she might surprise him with. Xander enjoyed exploring the eclectic samplings of carnal behaviors found at the club. He was very often keen to try new and sometimes strange things. With anticipation, Xander stood and walked toward the galactic scanner. It seemed to be taking forever, but he knew that eventually his date would appear. Perfect match…. Xander went still. He heard incorrectly.


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“Repeat,” he said. Perfect match…. His brows wrinkled and he tipped his head to one side thinking there had to be a mistake. “Say again.” Perfect match, the voice repeated with an even tone. Do you grant transport? With stunned silence and disbelief, Xander stared at the scanner. Do you wish to accept, Xander Alik? Again, Xander hesitated to respond. His heart pounded, a mix of both excitement and fear washing over him. A perfect match … a true mate? No. It couldn’t be. Do you wish to accept, Xander Alik? “Yes,” Xander answered before he could consider it. He was astounded yet wary and unbelieving, but unable to turn away from it. Closing his eyes, Xander listened to the silence in the room. It was followed by a low hum as the gateway to the chamber opened and he then sensed the presence of another. Xander's lids lifted slightly. He was looking at the floor…. …and feet. Female feet--bare, looking as normal as his own, maybe a bit paler. His eyes flittered upward. She had beautiful, well-shaped calves, and upon further upward inspection, Xander realized the length of her legs were long and pleasingly shapely. By the stars! She was naked. His eyes reached the apex of her thighs and he admired her peach-colored muff. Peach? The women of his world didn’t possess that color naturally, but he knew who did. Reluctantly, he broke his gaze from her curls and pushed his sights upward. Her belly was flat. Her waist curved inward provocatively--temptingly. Upward Xander drew his eyes and fixated on her round, plump breasts. Her nipples jutted forward, begging to be sucked on and his cock responded with an unsolicited, yes. On a heavy inhale, Xander absorbed her scent. It was sweet. Intoxicatingly sweet…. And arousing. His eyes snapped to her face and Xander’s muscles seized. His mouth fell open, but she spoke first. “Oh, but you are beautiful, yes!” the woman said with the utmost delight in the tone of her voice. Gaining his wits, Xander choked out the breath that resisted leaving his throat. “What in celestial hellfires do you think you’re doing?” “Having sex?” The woman stepped closer, her gaze taking a scrutinizing path along Xander’s body. “Are you out of your star blazing mind!” Xander shuffled backwards dodging her reaching hand, shrinking away as though being touched by her would be as blistering as acid. And yet, his cock was throbbing, his body was beginning to quake, and his nostrils


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were flaring, all as a result of the tantalizing scent that was filling the room--the sweet, sweet aroma of her bodily essence. It was dizzying to Xander’s senses, so much so that his eyes began to drift shut as he drew his next breath, so much so that he was barely aware that she came closer and was leaning her naked body against him. Xander’s hands lifted when he felt the pressure, his palms settling on her hips before skimming and cupping her bottom. Without contemplation, his head lowered and he took her mouth with his own, his lips possessing, caressing, his tongue dipping to taste her, savoring that she was returning his kiss with equal passion. But then, his reason smacked him in the head. Hard. Battling the unbearable impetus to throw her on the bed and plunge deep inside of her, Xander dug his fingers into her shoulders and shoved her away. “No!” His need for her was abated only by his loyalty and honor. The displeasure at his action and repudiation was clear as she regarded him with a stunned façade. “But you beckoned me to come forth!” She threw up her hands in an exaggerated manner, her demeanor quickly shifting to anger as her lips puckered and her expression drew tight. “It was that damn computer!” Xander shot back. “There’s been a mistake.” Undoubtedly her profile was left by error in the database. It most certainly should’ve been erased. Then again, he still had to wonder what she was doing on the other side of the gateway to begin with. “I would like to believe that it was a matter of fate,” she returned with a frown. “By stepping through the gateway you were well aware that you were consensually offering yourself for sex, weren’t you!” Xander yelled, his tone more accusing than questioning. “Of course, yes.” “With possibly a perfect stranger!” How could she do such a thing? “With my perfect match, supposedly,” she returned sardonically. Why would she even accept the offer? Xander couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Something was most definitely wrong with her--with the way she was behaving. “Are you insane?” She paused at his question, first looking up at the ceiling. Her expression tightened as if she was in deep thought. Her brows drew together as her gaze shifted to the floor and then leveled to meet Xander’s eyes. “No. I’m horny.” Her expression relaxed and she smiled broadly, a brilliant and beautiful smile that had Xander sucking in yet another breath in an attempt to clamp down the raging desire he was feeling for her. She took a step toward him, her hips shifting, her body slinking like a she-cat in heat, bold and aggressive. Despite comprehending he’d be risking his self-control, Xander couldn’t help but allow his eyes to caress her nude body once more. He shivered, and his mouth watered at the thought of licking her…. Everywhere. Frustration and confusion set in. The last time he saw her unclad, she was walking through the spa’s garden. He eyed her with amusement back then, without even a speck


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of a consideration to bed her. Well maybe just a speck of consideration. “Do not come any closer!” Xander ordered. Damn, fucking hell he wanted her to come closer, touch him, to suck him, to ride him hard. Much to Xander’s dismay, she didn’t obey his verbal command. As she moved closer, her hand skimmed across her mound and then continued upward along the flesh of her belly until her palm came to rest on one of her breasts. “I want you to taste me.” “I can’t.” Xander released an erratic breath, entranced by the movement of her hand. Why in the massive universe was his lust for her so frenzied? “And why not?” she asked. Xander gritted his teeth summoning his restraint. “You know very well why not!” His body felt as though it were about to explode. Aside from her sexual aggression, it occurred to him rather quickly that she was acting strangely emotional. She must be ill--a virus perhaps, or a new sorcerer’s hex? Xander watched as she shook her head. Again her demeanor shifted, her body stiffening angrily. “Well, if you’re not going to sex me….” Turning away from him, she stomped to the bed and pulled off the sheet. “I’ll find someone who will.” He should do something, but what? Xander was in a state of stunned arousal and bewilderment, so much so that he was unable to move. All he could do was watch as she wrapped the golden bed material around her body and then tied it in a knot above her breasts. The soft, sheer cloth did little to hide what was beneath--almost emphasized her beautiful form the way it clung to her. She stalked to the door. “Wait!” Xander found his voice, pushing the word from his throat. She turned around, and as she did, the bed sheet shifted, parting ever-so-slightly but still enough to give Xander yet another look at her luscious mound. Xander groaned. And he was momentarily captivated by the sight, imagining himself parting the tender flesh there and burying his face in her sex. The sound of her fist pounding against the switch on the wall and the swish of the door sliding open caused Xander to snap his attention upward and to her face. He watched the angry expression fade. “You’ve changed your mind?” she asked, a hopeful look on her lovely face. “You’ll have sex with me?” When he didn’t answer she shrugged her shoulders and angled her head with a derisive tilt. “Well?” “I can’t,” Xander barely mustered, his voice a low, almost desperate whisper. “You mean you won’t.” “I mean I can’t,” he returned a bit louder, more forcefully. Flattening her palm to her chest, she gasped. “Oh no, you’re impotent.” Her eyes dropped to Xander’s crotch, her expression churned with severe disappointment. Affronted, Xander bellowed. “I am no such thing!” The hard-on he was battling lent testimony to that. “I see, then.” She pivoted away from him, her silky, long hair fluttering behind her as she disappeared from Xander’s view and headed down the hall.


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Xander stared at the empty space where she’d just stood. Her mind-numbing scent still lingered in the room, forcing his attention to remain on his unruly cock and how the color of her muff matched her hair. And her breasts … those lovely, lovely breasts that he ached to touch. No! Xander snatched at his common sense. It was perfume, tainted with a strong pheromone, no doubt. It had to be a fragrance she wore, for Xander knew he couldn’t possibly be scenting his mate. He knew this because the woman who stood naked before him, tempting him … the woman who stomped from the room because he wouldn’t, because he couldn’t have sex with her, was already mated to another. And not only was she mated, she was his queen, his cousin by marriage, his best friend’s…. …his king’s wife! Truly however, she wasn’t behaving like the king’s wife. Where Britenia was typically sedate, composed and in control, the woman who came through the gateway seemed the contrary--bold, aggressive, animated with both her body language and tone of voice. Fiery. Xander liked that in a woman. Xander liked it a lot. And the scent … damn holy hell fury that scent…. “Sucking blackholes!” Xander rubbed a palm across his chin and then pulled at the seam of his crotch to arrange his throbbing cock into a more comfortable position. He wanted that woman with the utmost urgency, with an angst he’d never felt before. Gulping, Xander closed his eyes. He was in deep shit.


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Chapter Four What in the galaxies is Britenia doing here? Trina Wensling, mistress of the No Holes Barred Spa and Nightclub lifted her teacup to her lips but halted before the liquid entered her mouth. Her eyes darted up the staircase leading to the second floor and she caught sight of the woman coming down. Trina lowered her cup to its saucer and watched the queen with curious regard. By the stars she was wrapped in nothing but a bed sheet! And the fact she was descending from the second floor in such attire prompted Trina’s curiosity. Was Jicar up there? It would be highly irregular for a mated pair to patronize the club since it was established to encourage the unmated to meet and mingle. She supposed a hedonistic couple might keep membership, but Jicar and Britenia were definitely far from indulgent in that manner. At least as far as she knew. Turning her attention to the top of the staircase, Trina searched expectantly for Jicar. But the king wasn’t there. Xander however…. …was. Noting his clenched fists and his rigid stance Trina thought he was looking rather tense. And he was glaring downward, his sight trained directly on Britenia. Trina’s attention shifted again toward the queen who was looking around the club with an exaggerated frown. It seemed as if Britenia didn’t know what to do next. “Hey, hey!” a voice shouted and Trina followed the sound of it to a table across the room. Sheva, a mischievous, shape shifting, feline patron was waving Britenia over. Licress, Sheva’s equally impish cohort, sat next to her and was smiling broadly, waving also. Tipping her head askew, Britenia watched them briefly and then started heading in the direction of their table. Movement at the top of the twisting staircase drew Trina’s attention to the second floor once again. Xander was stomping down, taking the steps two at a time. At Xander’s apparent ire, Trina’s reason lent itself to her imagination as it dawned on her quickly that Britenia likely had been on the second floor with either Xander or some person other than her mate. “Oh dear.” She stood abruptly sensing scandal underfoot. Xander seemed furious and might inadvertently forget his discretion. It was obvious he had some issue with the queen. And of course he did.


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Xander had no intention of allowing Britenia to keep company with those two trouble-making cats. Neither of those women practiced any prudence and would likely … willingly … gleefully … lead Britenia into trouble. Stalking toward her, Xander was suddenly assaulted by her scent once more. It stomped on his anger and seized his lust. With every step he took closer, his cock grew harder. His pace became heavy, slowing him. It felt as though he was trudging through a sludge pit, though the aroma wasn’t foul. It instead was caressingly, provocatively delectable. Xander became so overwhelmed and weak with desire for her that when Trina intercepted him, grabbing his upper arm, she easily led him astray, dragging him to her table as easily as if he were a small child. “Hell spirits.” Xander slumped into a chair, his face falling to his hands. “What is going on?” Trina worriedly asked. “I have no idea.” Xander looked up, his gaze falling on Britenia, and for a fleeting moment he saw a completely different woman. He didn’t see his queen at all. She appeared different somehow. Blinking, Xander shook off the image. Her perfume was playing tricks with his mind. It had to be. The scent was strong, its power affecting him despite the distance separating them. “Where’s Jicar?” Trina asked, noting Xander’s ruffled state. And the bulge in his trousers wasn’t hard to miss, as well. “I’ll be damned if I know.” Trina sucked in her bottom lip, afraid to ask the next question. “Who was the queen on the second floor with?” Xander’s head snapped toward, Trina. At the same time he realized his chest was heaving, his brow beginning to sweat. He lifted his chin. Though he was immensely aroused, Xander knew he had done nothing wrong. There was nothing for him to be ashamed of. “She was with me.” “Oh Xander, you didn’t.” Trina placed a hand on his shoulder. “Did you?” “Of course I didn’t!” Xander growled. He almost did. He desperately wanted to. “But she came through the gateway as my perfect mate, Trina.” “Perfect mate?” Trina’s eyes widened. “That’s impossible.” Xander’s attention wandered back to where the queen sat. She was smiling and chatting incessantly, animatedly talking with her hands. Her out-of-character enthusiasm intrigued him. “There must be something wrong with the computer, mistress. There’s most definitely something wrong with the queen.” “Absolutely there must be.” Trina agreed with both of Xander's comments as she pensively watched the queen’s odd behavior. “I’ll have a diagnostic done on the scanner immediately.” “What is the queen doing here?” Damiar approached the table and took the empty seat next to Xander. “Your guess is as good as mine,” Xander answered. “Is she here with King Jicar?”


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“No, she appears to be here alone.” Damiar’s mouth twisted and his head tilted slightly. “That seems completely improper.” “It’s more than improper!” Xander pounded a fist on the table causing the wares on top to jolt and clatter. As the background dinner music faded, the sound of Xander’s reaction shattered the peaceful ambiance. Several guests turned toward where Xander sat to investigate the angry, noisy sound. “Settle down, Xander,” Trina warned. “You’re drawing attention to us.” “We should send word to Jicar,” Damiar suggested. “The queen shouldn’t be here unescorted.” Xander groaned at his own incompetence. Of course they should notify the king! Truth be told, he hadn’t considered it, and on further examination of that, the only thing Xander did consider was that he would protect his queen. His? A thump in Xander’s chest had him stiffening. The word held more meaning than merely addressing the matriarch of his planet. It resounded possessively in his mind. Much more possessively--clutching at Xander as though she belonged to him. Shame took hold. What in galaxy hell holes was he thinking? “Are you listening, Xander?” Damiar waved his palm in front of Xander’s face, yanking him from his musing. “What?” Xander dragged his gaze from the queen and stared blankly at Damiar. Damiar frowned at Xander. “What’s wrong with you?” “Nothing. You were saying?” “I said we should notify Jicar.” “Of course, yes, I’ll do that,” Xander answered. “You can use the comlink in my office,” Trina offered. She glanced at Xander who had returned his glare to where the queen sat. Her gaze flicked across the room to see the three women with their heads together. Licress pulled back, a surprised expression on her face. Flattening her palm to her chest, she gasped, and then she, Britenia and Sheva turned to stare at Xander. Licress laughed loudly, the sound of it echoing across the room. Xander’s expression tightened, his nostrils flaring. “How dare she,” he spewed through clenched teeth. “How dare she what?” Damiar asked. “She’s sharing what happened between us on the second level.” Damiar’s brows lifted, his eyes opening wide. “You were up there with our queen?” Realizing how that sounded, Xander shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He inhaled deeply and blew out a harsh breath. As he opened his mouth to explain, several of the guests cheered and applauded, stopping him from speaking further. “Thank you!” a booming, bass voice rose above the noise of the guests. It was the lead singer of the band scheduled to play this eve. Standing on a high platform in the corner of club, he had taken his place at front and center of the stage. He held a triangular microphone in his hand, positioned level to his face. And when he pushed a button to activate it, a short chime rang out. The performer released the device,


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and it hovered in front of his mouth, following when he turned his face side to side to scan the crowd. “Good eve, my pets!” The applause grew louder and several of the guests stood. Some gathered around the stage to get a better look. Xander turned to resume his explanation to Damiar but found that his friend’s chair was empty. Damiar was on his feet, and he too, was moving closer to the stage. Xander dragged his fingers through his hair and turned his attention to the performers warming up for an eve of playing. He watched as the drummer clanked at crystalline discs, and the guitarists plucked their laser strings. Another musician pressed his palms on multi-tiled panel that lit up and emitted phantasmal sounds as he touched it. Like splashing water, sparkles of brilliant colors shot through the air and then floated through the nightclub, dispersing into dusty flickers as the musicians struck their instruments. “This group comes highly recommended.” Trina leaned in and yelled in Xander’s ear as the roar of the spectators grew louder. Xander had more important things to think about than joining the festive atmosphere that filled the club. In particular, the scent that seemed to have taken up residence inside of his olfactory senses. He shifted his attention to where the queen sat, but his view was blocked by spectators now cramming the floor, trying to get closer to the performers. Standing, Xander attempted to peer over their heads. The peering was easy, since his height was just over six four. But seeing the table where the queen sat was not so easy. Lower than the patron’s heads, it was lost somewhere in the crowd. Xander lifted his foot and stepped onto his chair. He searched in the direction of the queen’s table but was still unable to see her. “What are you doing?” Trina looked up at him. “I’m trying to keep guard on the queen.” “Is everybody ready?” the singer shouted to the spectators, and the nightclub quieted as his low, provocative voice echoed throughout the hall, causing several females and several males to swoon. “I am Berec and this….” The lights dimmed, and an eerie red haze radiated from the stage. The patrons went completely silent. With a sweeping of his hand, Berec indicated his band members. “…is Midnight Cravings.” The audience clapped wildly in response, and many hooted their approval. A haunting melody hummed as the musicians began to play, the music became increasingly louder until it seemed to physically penetrate Xander’s flesh, causing a tingling to rise along his skin before piercing deep to seize his core. The effect of it induced a near hypnotic state, enhanced when Berec began to sing, his bass voice a haunting serenade. The singer bared his teeth revealing two sharp incisors. Lamia. Xander thought. A blood seeker and a powerful creature who could summon a lover at will. Legendary for their erotic behaviors, it was said that their sexual prowess was exceedingly unforgettable…. …and physically addicting. They were also prone to violence, but only when extensively provoked. Xander shook off the effects of the music, of the Lamia's voice, willing himself


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from being drawn in by its mesmerizing effects. Scanning the room, he noticed the euphoric expressions on many of the guests there. Even Trina, who was now standing on her own chair next to Xander, seemed to be entranced by the music they were creating. Returning his attention to the musicians, Xander studied the red glow that began expanding from the platform. Growing larger, it stretched out and over the audience and then coalesced into a single beam of light. Xander suddenly became aware that it was Berec himself that directed the beam, for the illumination was emerging directly from his body. Xander watched the Lamia as he moved around the stage, noting that his dark irises began to alter, becoming brighter and brighter until they were glowing red. Though Xander was unable to see who it was, he could tell that Berec had fixed his gaze to someone in the crowd. The Lamia’s pelvis began to swagger, cocking forward and back as if he was fulfilling his erotic need with some unseen creature. A few women near to the stage reached out for Berec, the lust in the way they swayed their bodies, the expressions of carnal desire on their faces obvious, but Berec waved them aside. The rest of the crowd began to shift, and Xander could see the top of someone’s head moving slowly within the path of red light, within the aisle created by the parting spectators. Berec hissed, baring his fangs once more. He crooked a long finger, encouraging whoever it was forth. With curiosity, Xander climbed onto the tabletop to get a better view. Trina followed, standing at his side “Wonderful music don’t you--” “Damn fucking hell holes!” Xander bellowed. He felt himself pale, alarm gripping him as if a deadly demon had laid itself in his path. Following the line of his gaze, Trina gasped. Britenia was moving toward the stage, summoned by Berec who had squatted down and was reaching out to her. She in turn was reaching out to him. He summoned her to have sex with him. And if the Lamia succeeded, if he took her blood, he could beckon her to his side at will--damning her to be a part of him forever.


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Chapter Five “Oh dear,” Trina said, her fingers digging into Xander’s upper arm. “You have to stop her.” “Do you think?” Xander returned, his voice part sarcasm, part outrage. He was already breaking free from her grasp and jumping from the table, landing solidly on the floor with both feet. Without hesitation, Xander forced his way through the tightly packed spectators drawing grunts and nasty looks from those he pushed aside. His feral expression challenged them to keep him from his target, but one look at the irate royal and all abided, allowing Xander to pass through. Berec continued to sing. Patrons swayed to and fro to the beat, while Xander pressed on, unable to see the queen or the Lamia or what was happening now that he was at floor level. He could, however, see the other musicians on the platform and the red illumination that seemed to be growing brighter. Fear threaded through him. If the queen accepted the Lamia’s offering, he had the capability of vanishing with her in an instant, and Xander would have only himself to blame for not staying near her. Jicar would have his head. It was almost too late when Xander broke through the last line of patrons who stood directly in front of the stage. Lunging forward, he stepped between the queen and Berec just as their hands were about to link. Berec pulled back, narrowing his eyes at Xander. He stood abruptly and sauntered across the stage, never missing a beat in the song he sang, his eyes remaining fixed on the man who came between him and his chosen date. His voice lifted on a higher note, and his eyes burned an even brighter, pellucid red as he glared at Xander with irritation. And then he squared his shoulders, facing Xander directly. Shoving the microphone away from his mouth, Berec released it in front of his guitarist’s face. The musician instantly continued the song from where Berec left off without a trace of disruption to the tune. To the hoots of those close enough to see, Berec leapt from the stage, his black cape whipping like a mighty wing. And with the lightness of a feather he drifted through the air, his feet touching the ground directly in front of Xander. Stiffening, Xander pushed the queen behind him, ignoring the sensual feel of her body pressing against him from behind and the way her hands felt as they slid along his waist and then reaching out to the front of him. She was seeking Berec, and Xander knew she was being driven by an induced, trance-like state. It was the nature of the Lamia to summon a lover in this manner. Anticipating a confrontation, Xander’s right hand slid across his body to grasp the hilt of the laser dagger strapped on his left upper thigh. He would sever the Lamia’s head if he made the wrong move. A warning to the Lamia spewed from Xander’s mouth, but the music was so loud, and the crowd was so rambunctious that he couldn’t even hear his own voice. To remedy that, Berec slashed his hands overhead putting the three of them inside of a hazy muffle-


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shield that closed out the sounds in the club. “Few have the audacity to interfere when I stake my claim.” A single brow lifted as Berec eyed Xander with disdain. A stake was something Xander could use at the moment. “Release her from your grip, Lamia.” “Why should I?” Berec tipped his head inquisitively. “I like her body, her face.” “Because she’s mated.” “I smell no male’s essence marking her. She’s no more mated than I or you.” Berec snorted and then grinned wickedly as his eyes dropped to his challenger’s crotch, noting the hard-on Xander bore. “Though I see you have quite an obvious interest.” Xander’s eyes narrowed and his chest tightened. It irritated him that the Lamia attempted to distract him from his purpose by drawing attention to his throbbing cock when he was so desperately trying to ignore it. “I assure you her heart belongs to another.” Berec glanced through the haze of the shelter covering them, his eyes scanning the crowd for the possibility of yet another intruder, but he saw no one approaching. “Then where is this male who has her heart? Does he care so little for her that he would allow her an eve of ill repute?” Tightening his hand on the hilt of his weapon, Xander too looked around the club. None of the patrons paid them any heed. Not even Damiar who stood only three feet away, his attention focused toward the musicians that played on the stage. It was as though the three of them were invisible. “I’m guarding this woman, and her purpose for being here is far from what you suggest.” “Your protection is substandard.” Berec grinned at the woman who continued to stretch her arms in an effort to reach for him. “Release her from your hold,” Xander demanded. The Lamia bared his fangs and hissed, but his glowing eyes darkened. And then he laughed mockingly. He couldn’t care less about the female. There were plenty in the club to satiate his lust. “Very well.” Berec leaned in. Despite his menacing posture, he was growing bored with this meaningless confrontation. He much more preferred to return to the stage and his adoring fans. “But know this, mortal. I relent only because I choose to do so, not because I am threatened.” “I never once considered it,” Xander returned. It was better to pet the Lamia’s ego than to provoke his darker side. Berec’s lips turned upward with satisfaction. “I like you, mortal.” He fanned his long fingers one at a time, and his dark-red eyes drifted shut. The queen went rigid behind Xander, her arms circling around his waist grasping to steady herself. She peeked out from Xander’s side and he looked down at her, watching as fear filled her eyes. “W-w-what d-does h-he w-want f-from m-m-me?” she asked, her voice quivering with every word she spoke as she clung more tightly to Xander. “I bid you to come,” Berec answered. “A decorative addition to the sex play I’m planning following the show.” The queen choked out a cry and shook her head vehemently in refusal, her expression appalled.


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“Whatever,” Berec returned nonchalantly at the rebuttal. “Sua cuique voluptas. Absit invidia,” he said in his own language--Everyone has his own pleasures. No offense intended. Slashing his palms upward, the muffle shield disintegrated. With a sharp turn, Berec sprang back to the platform. “Nunc est bibendum!” he called out to the cheering crowd--Now it is time to drink! The crowd cheered, and Berec continued his performance as if nothing had happened. A quake shook Xander and then he breathed a sigh of relief. He knew the Lamia was capable of taking him apart with one strike and thanked his lucky stars it wasn’t the case. He then became aware--keenly aware that the queen still clung to him. Freeing himself from her grasp, Xander pulled her around to face him. She looked as though she was about to faint. Air--she needed to breathe. There were too many shrieking, aroused, musty smelling, clammy bodies all around. Xander needed to get her outside and briefly thought of asking Damiar, who still stood close by but unaware of them, for help. He changed his mind. Having no desire to scream an explanation above the noise, Xander cradled the queen within his embrace and pressed his way through the crowd, heading for the exit. She was shuddering as he held her, and Xander could think of nothing else but getting her to safety--protecting her. “Best of luck with the woman, Xander Alik.” It was Berec, his voice amplified through the microphone, rumbled through the club. Xander didn’t look back as he rushed outside, hoping no one recognized the woman who was with him. The sky was still light, though dimming. And there were guests wandering about. Xander glanced down at the woman tucked under his arm, first noting her wide, frightened eyes. Then looking behind him, he studied the gargantuan tree they'd just come from--the nightclub located centrally in the spa's garden. It was much too busy of a place at the moment. Patrons were everywhere, some exiting, but most entering through the doors built into the tree trunk that opened up to the enormous hollowed-out space inside. Needing to be discreet, Xander slipped his hand into the queen's, crossed the main path to a grassy area on the other side and then beyond that to a secluded sitting area in the spa garden. Best of luck … the Lamia said. As if Xander even had a right to her. A sudden burst of laughter caught in Xander’s ears. The queen was laughing. And the sound of her enchanting voice distracted Xander from his purpose, causing him to halt. Still holding the queen’s hand, he turned to look at her. Tipping his head questioningly he saw that all traces of her fear were gone, now replaced with glowing amusement. It gave him pause, for her laughter was charming-delightful, her face soft and feminine, her eyes bright as they sparkled with her mirth. It warmed him, but irritated him at the same time.


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“Your humor evades me,” Xander growled, more at himself than at her as he again found himself swallowing against her scent and a need that continued to rage. He took a breath through his mouth and gritted his teeth, trying to think about the ugliest, darkest thing he’d ever seen. Abruptly her expression changed, went somber. “I almost got myself into a bit of a mess, yes?” “Almost? I would say you’re already in a bit of a mess.” Xander glared with both agitation and surprise at her nonchalance. “If I hadn’t intervened….” “Oh I see.” She snorted. “I should be thankful, yes?” “You’re damn straight you should be thankful!” “Well, then … thank you for the rescue, Xander Alik.” Xander frowned at her. “That’s all you have to say?” “Ah….” she began with a sarcastic gleam in her eyes. “Thank you for rescuing me … ah … my hero?” Xander threw back his head and grunted. The woman shifted emotions as quickly as a leaf changed directions in vigorous breeze. He leveled his gaze and looked at her sternly. “Once the king hears of this….” “King?” Her eyes darted back and forth across Xander’s face questioningly. “Why would a king take offense at my actions?” A perturbed grumble discharged from his throat. There most definitely was something amiss with her. “By the stars, Britenia….” “Britenia,” she interrupted him again, her expression becoming momentarily pensive. “The women I sat with called me that. This name, Britenia, is familiar to me.” “It should be.” The realization was slowly coming to Xander that Britenia seemed unaware of who she truly was. “It was given to you at birth.” “That’s not my name.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter and then tipped her head back. “The sky here, it’s so very beautiful, yes?” At her upward glance, Xander involuntarily tipped his head askew. Indeed the sky was beautiful. The sun now beginning to set created a dusky aqua background streaked with soft lavender hues. Xander sucked in a breath. She was distracting him. “It’s not the sky we should be discussing,” Xander returned. “And what do you mean it’s not your name?” Ignoring his question, she instead looked down to where Xander’s hand continued to wrap her own. “Do you wish to take me somewhere, Xander Alik?” The fingers of her other hand skimmed over the top of Xander’s, driving his focus to the tingling sensation her touch caused and how it rapidly skittered along the length of his arm, exploding in his core, and causing his already hardened cock to surge. Xander held tightly to the air in his lungs--to avoid breathing--to stay her fragrance from enhancing his already rampant lust for her. It wasn’t working. He exhaled forcefully as his gaze fell to a marble bench placed in front of a wall of shirshee bushes. The flowers were in full bloom and the heady scent would obscure the perfume she wore. He hoped. Xander pulled her to the bench.


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“Sit,” he ordered with a voice that was far from a request. She complied without argument. Sitting next to her, Xander stiffened when she angled herself so that their knees were touching. For long moments he could only stare at her. By the gods, she was beautiful! He ached to stroke her long and radiant peach-colored hair, caress her soft cheek with the palm of his hand…. Kiss her…. …passionately … deeply. Taste her. And that gold-threaded sheet she wore that hid nothing from his view…. Sucking blackholes! It looked like an exquisite gown on her body, sensually seethrough. He could distinguish every detail of her curves, her breasts, her mound. Xander’s mouth watered. Never before was the need to taste a woman in that delectable place so powerful. It made no sense. No sense at all. The men of Handris never pleasured a woman with their mouths save their mates. Swallowing hard, Xander gritted his teeth to tamp his untamed lust. He sucked in a shaky breath as he reached for a shirshee flower and plucked it from the bush. He began brushing the petals along her flesh, her bare arms, her throat. “What are you doing, Xander Alik?” She watched wide-eyed. Her breathing deepened and then her eyes drifted shut. What in fucking hellfires was he doing? He was arousing her! And himself. She moaned. Xander groaned. Before he could summon a rational thought, his lips seized hers. Dropping the flower, his hands swept around to the small of her back and he pulled her against him. One hand moved upward, his fingers threading through her hair. He tipped her head back in a demand for more. She complied, accepting all he offered. Xander’s breathing grew erratic, matching her own effort to draw air as their mouths, their lips, their tongues played the forbidden dance that would deepen their need, heighten their arousal. Spirits help him, Xander needed more. Smoothing a hand along her shoulder and then lower, he found her breast, cupping it, skimming his thumb across her nipple, urged to continue as it stiffened under his caress. His hand descended, and finding the slit in the sheet she wore, Xander slipped his hand inside. He smoothed his palm along her inner thigh, savoring the silkiness of the skin there as his hand meandered in an upward climb. His fingertips brushed her curls. She gasped and then squirmed closer. And their kiss deepened, the moisture between her legs increased, her heat building as Xander caressed her clit. She’s not mated. Berec’s words rang clear in Xander’s mind, demanding him to believe it was true


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for he’d never known a Lamia to be wrong in such a matter. A poor excuse for what he was doing. This is wrong, so very wrong! Xander forced himself free, springing from the bench as though he’d been catapulted. His abrupt movement caused the queen to fall forward. With a reflexive stretching of her arms, she caught herself with a hard slap of her hands on the top of the bench. She looked up at him with confusion on her face. “Britenia, my queen.” Xander bowed his head. “I apologize.” A heavy bewilderment then stretched her features. “Rhea,” she said. Xander tipped his head back to meet her gaze. “What?” “My name is….” She stopped speaking and straightened, her eyes drifting to an area behind Xander. There was no need for Xander to turn around. He sensed that someone else was present. “Enjoying yourself, Xander?” He cringed at the familiar voice. How much had she seen? Xander spun on his heels. Shial stood there with a smug smirk on her lips, stroking--always stroking, her glowing blue pendant. “Please, don’t stop on my account,” she said. Damiar suddenly stalked into to the area with Trina following closely behind him. “Trina informed me that the Lamia nearly captured the queen.” “You fled the club before we realized what was happening,” Trina added. “Is she alright?” Her worried eyes snapped from Xander to the queen. Shial snickered. “Oh, she’s more than alright.” “She looks flushed to me,” Damiar commented. “Is she ill?” When Xander didn’t answer, Damiar frowned at him. No one noticed that Shial had slipped away, her departure overlooked by the raucous shrieks of Licress and Sheva as they loped past, heading toward a forest trail at the other end of the clearing. “To the quarry!” Sheva yelled. “I love swimming naked,” Licress added keeping pace with her acquaintance. They began tossing their garments piece by piece as they dashed by. “I thought cats hated water!” Damiar yelled after them. “Ah but we are no ordinary cats,” Sheva returned without looking back. “We love to dive,” Licress said as she stripped off the last bit of her clothing and cast it aside. Her attention went to the queen. “Join us, Britenia!” “A swim.” The queen clapped her hands together and loosened the knot that held the sheet closed around her body. “I’ll join you, yes!” With his body in carnal chaos, and his brain in a fog, Xander was only meekly aware he hadn’t spoken a word since the entourage of intruders had stomped into the secluded area he’d chosen. Standing motionless, Xander watched as the sheet the queen wore fluttered behind her and drifted to the ground. And the only thing that registered in his lust-battered mind was her delightfully firm, beautifully formed ass. “Do you think it’s wise to allow our royal matriarch to swim nude, Xander?” Damiar’s words slammed his thoughts. Sucking in a hard breath, Xander turned to Damiar. “She is not well. Send for a


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healer. I’ll retrieve the queen” “Trina?” Damiar turned to her. “We only have a medtek here for physical injuries, nothing for what ails the queen," Trina answered with a frown. "Can we locate a healer?" Damiar asked. "Yes, but it may take awhile.” Trina pressed her palm to Damiar's upper arm. “Our medtek might know the whereabouts of the closest healer. You take care of that while I send word to Jicar.”

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Chapter Six Britenia smiled broadly at the youngest of her pupils and felt raw encouragement when they returned her smile with openly genuine joy. Bringing the children ahead of the adults to the University for Emotional Awareness was a wise choice, for it was Britenia’s belief that life’s sentiments could be found, could be awakened most easily in the minds of babes. These four children filled her with hope. Ranging between one and five annum old, they were openly, sometimes brutally honest with their thoughts. And with their little nervous systems still developing, they were still too young to be ruined, to be habituated by living a mundane, emotionless state. It was her father’s deed that created this mess. He thrived on power and profit, his greed and desire for supremacy prevailing over the needs of his people. Because of this, he solicited an errant sorcerer, paying him in priceless, magical gems. In return the sorcerer conjured the hex that had wiped her clans’ entire emotional slate clean and doomed subsequent generations to be cursed, as well. Driven only by physical lust and physical pain, it was a basic subsistence that her people lived by. Like soulless creatures, her people awoke each and every dawning with simply the motive to survive. When Britenia was just an adolescent, she discovered a secondary motive for her father’s actions. Fearless men without conscience would kill aimlessly. So he set his warriors on a path of destruction with the aim of conquering the worlds beyond the stars. It was by the grace of the god spirits that he was unsuccessful, for her father had neither the strength of numbers nor the weaponry to defeat these civilizations, though they did manage to murder a good many, including some of her husband’s own. Though the king’s bizarre plans were foiled, Reba Lou was still named enemy of the Galactic Confederation and banished from contact with all member societies. Reba Lou became an isolated, dismal place, though no one on her world cared since emotion didn’t exist amongst them anyway. And it was in that lack of emotions that all of her father’s plans miscarried. When the king became critically ill not one came to his aid. No one worried, not even Britenia. It was only later, when her emotions began to surface that she found her guilt over his death. With it came her shame. It was her beloved mate, Jicar, that helped her through it. And now, with her father’s death and as heir to the throne, it was time that Britenia helped her people. She sought the assistance of the secluded sorcerers who lived high in the Crystal Mountains on her planet. They willingly came to her aid, raising the large, domed building she now occupied--the University of Emotional Awareness. Along with many other students, Britenia spent a long time in this place before venturing out to other worlds. From her studies, she understood the various situations that should elicit certain sentiments. But it was only through her exploration of real emotions that existed in others that she was able


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to piece together the complexities of what it meant to live an emotional existence and to truly discover her own. It was the reason she was here now. With many emotions settling within her system, she returned to teach her people how to feel again. “What would you do if Riaji took your favorite hat and lost it?” Britenia asked the four year old Tristad who sat cross-legged in front of her. She waited as he considered her question. “I would get angry,” he finally answered, the actual emotion missing in his tone. “Show me anger, Tristad,” Britenia instructed. Again she waited, patiently watched as the child drummed up the images of his missing hat and the corresponding emotions those thoughts should elicit. His face puckered then, his cheeks flushing red. Turning to Riaji he raised his fist to the toddler who sat by his side innocently sucking his thumb. “No,” Britenia spoke calmly as she curled her palm around the boy’s tiny fist to prevent him from striking. “Although you have a right to be angry, this is not a time for violence.” Tristad bunched his other fist and then shoved both his hands into his lap with an effort to control his emotions. “Very good,” Britenia praised softly. “Tell me what you should do instead.” Tristan drew his brows together, the intensity of his expression nearly causing Britenia to laugh, but she withheld. Control of emotions was such a critical thing when learning to express one’s self, Britenia had learned. When her own emotions rushed through her in explosive bundles, the sensations had been so overwhelming she’d been driven into a state of catatonia. For several dawnings, Britenia hovered near death. But spirits give blessings, she did finally awaken. And it was in this awakening that she discovered the meaning of true love, for Jicar, by his own love for her was compelled to stay by her side, caring for her the entire time. “Tell me where you left it!” Tristad grabbed Riaji by the shoulders and started to shake him. Being the youngest of the five children and less impaired by the absence of emotions, he began to cry. Tristad pulled back, his face falling. “I-I’m sorry.” Britenia nodded, pleased with the emergence of both boys’ innate reactions. A bewildered Tristad lifted his face to look at her. “What should I do, my lady queen?” “You should comfort him,” Seana, a girl just five annum of age answered, as she wrapped her arms around Riaji to soothe him. “And I should make him help me find my hat.” Tristad’s head jerked with a satisfied nod, convinced he’d found the correct answer. Britenia returned an approving nod of her own head and then sighed. She was really only beginning to realize the strains that emotional investment could have, for at the moment she was struggling with her own sensitive disturbances. She missed Jicar. For a full moon cycle now they’d been separated. Both being leaders of their planets, her husband was forced to remain on Handris to attend to his duties, while her obligation was to return to Reba Lou and begin to nurture her people.


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Soon, she reminded herself. A couple more dawnings and she would return to Handris for a spell to spend some much needed alone time with Jicar. “You are sad, yes?” Riaji pointed at Britenia’s face and then looked at the other children to see if he’d guessed right. Britenia chuckled and stroked the top of his head. “You have all done very well this dawning. Now out into the fresh air. It’s time to go play.” Riaji clapped his hands gleefully getting to his feet and toddling after the three other children who were already heading toward the door. Britenia’s smile widened. Play was the first thing she endeavored to teach the little ones, forbidding all the youngsters to be forced from sunrise to sunset into working the fields each and every dawning. She found rather quickly that play was a natural thing for a child and was pleased at their eagerness to engage in many of the games she’d taught them. Britenia had Jicar to thank for that, for not only did he nurture her adult emotions, through his own playfulness, he’d revived many of the childhood joys she’d experienced before her own emotions had been swept away. Rising to her feet, Britenia caught sight of shimmering blue robes caressing the marble floor and gliding toward her. She smiled at the face of her mentor, Rupshel and then her gaze drifted to the six year old who held his hand. Her son, Markee. An incredible warmth spread through Britenia at the sight of him. She crouched and opened her arms, pleased when he broke from Rupshel’s grasp and scurried toward her. His little body slammed into her embrace, nearly causing her to topple and Britenia laughed--a rare occurrence since she was still learning to feel glee. “Your son is a remarkable pupil, my queen.” Rupshel bowed his head to her. “A quick learner indeed.” Britenia planted a proud kiss on her son’s forehead. “Then you deserve some time to play.” Markee’s eyes brightened and Britenia hugged her son tightly before sending him off to join the other children, watching with admiration as he disappeared through the door. “Jicar has been a tremendous help with him.” Britenia stood and turned toward Rupshel. Though Markee was not of Jicar’s blood, he accepted and loved Britenia’s child as if he were his own son. Her husband’s response to her child served to enhance Britenia’s feelings of love for Jicar even more. “I thought you might be interested in this, Britenia.” Rupshel pulled a hand sized plexi imager from a deep pocket on the inside of his robes. Reaching out, he handed it to her. “Several of your castle attendants were passing this around while cleaning the main hall.” Giving her mentor a curious look, Britenia depressed a small square area on the flat sheet. She watched as the handheld brightened. Words and images began to appear. Britenia gasped and felt the color drain from her face. “Gad!” It was an instant emotional action, but one she most certainly wasn’t pleased to be experiencing. Rupshel nodded. “Gad, indeed.”


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He’d seen what was on the screen. “I must investigate this.” Britenia gulped. “I think, as Xander, my rogue of a cousin by marriage would say, I’m in deep shit, yes?”

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Chapter Seven “Ya hee!” Xander’s mouth dropped open at the queen’s outrageous screech. For as long as he’d known her, Xander had never seen her filled with so much glee, so much emotion. When he arrived at the quarry prepared to obstruct her actions, his sights bolted up the side of the fifty-foot high cliff to discover the naked queen perched at its brim. The dread of leaping from the edge was apparent in the way she rigidly stood, fists clenching and unclenching, as she looked downward with a fearstricken gaze. Instead of intervening, all Xander could do was stare, finding himself fascinated by her unruly antics. And her naked body of course, he was equally as mesmerized by that as well. He watched intently, admiring her beauty while at the same time wondering if she could summon the courage to jump. She did. Her demeanor shifted, and a determined expression spread across her face. She screeched and then bolted from the edge of the cliff. Licress and Sheva cheered, but Xander’s heart thumped as she broke the water’s surface and disappeared below it. He waited, and waited some more. With each moment that passed he became more and more edgy until he could wait no longer and was tearing for the shore. Finally, her head broke the surface and she gave a victorious shout. Xander skidded to a halt and blew out a relieved breath. The queen treaded water turning round and round until she spied him. “Xander!” She began swimming toward the banks, waving a hand furiously in the air between strokes. “Xander, did you see?” She was breathing heavily as she climbed from the water. “I did it, yes!” Her head twisted to look up at the cliff she’d leapt from. “Holy cosmo crap!” Xander reached down and grasped her upper arm to help her stand and without warning she stretched up on her toes and fell against his chest wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “That was exhilarating!” Throwing her head back she laughed exuberantly, a sound that seemed more like relief than humor, and even Xander had to chuckle at her excitement. “I've never felt so free!” She tipped her head forward and then her mouth settled on Xander’s. She sucked in his bottom lip sending waves of pleasure through Xander that he struggled to resist. Suddenly she went still. Jerking her head back, she stared at him as though shocked by her own impulsive kiss. Xander felt shock as well, though it was centered directly in his groin. Without


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hesitation he grasped her shoulders forcing her off of his chest and putting space between them. He began undoing his shirt, fixating on her face and fighting every fiber to keep from looking down. And the more he studied her the less like the Queen Britenia she appeared. Drawing his brows together pensively, Xander noticed how her nose seemed turned up a bit more, her lips just as full but shaped a little differently than he remembered. Her smile was radiant, the spirit in her infectious. There was something so dissimilar about this woman and the queen he was familiar with. Xander could almost believe she truly wasn't Britenia. The queen's emotions were always in check, subtle at best--controlled. This woman was lively, definitely someone he could thoroughly enjoy. No, Xander chastised himself. She is the queen and she isn't well. It was best he remembered that. Shrugging out of his shirt he held it open in front of her to take from him. She sighed. “Here I thought you were stripping for me, Xander Alik.” He didn’t answer, only waited until she slipped into his shirt and buttoned it closed. It was then he allowed his gaze to drift along her length. Xander mumbled a curse. He should’ve brought the bed sheet. She looked hotter than Hades in his large shirt with the deep V in the neckline that allowed for a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage. Her long, wet hair was sexily mussed all around her face and shoulders. And her bare legs…. His mind played images of his hips thrusting between them as she reclined beneath his body. Xander turned away and then sank to the ground in torturous arousal and extreme frustration. He visualized taking her in the traditional Handris way. The mating position saved only for mates. Her perfume … the water should’ve have washed it away, but it still tantalized his senses. That must be some expensive blend for it to linger on her body. “Are you alright, Xander?” She sat down next to him. Xander turned to look at her. He pressed his lips tightly together, a strained expression on his face. “I’m in dire straights, Britenia.” “You should relax.” She smoothed her hand down his shoulder. “This place is meant to be enjoyed.” Voices on the other side of the quarry drew Xander’s attention. He squinted in the dimming sunlight, able to make out the shape of four males who were stripping off their clothes, much to the pleasure of Licress and Sheva who loudly mewed their encouragement. “Oh! More company.” The queen waved at the males. They smiled and waved back. She stood and began to stroll toward the water. “No you don’t.” Xander was on his feet and grasping her by the upper arm. If he could be aroused by the fragrance, so could they. He began tugging her down the path in the opposite direction. Where are you taking me, Xander Alik?” “I….” Xander halted.


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Good question. Where was he going to take her? “You could take me back to the second floor.” She answered his unspoken question. Smiling seductively, she leaned into him. One of her arms swept around him, her palm flattening firmly on one cheek of his ass. Her other hand pressed against his chest. Reaching behind him, Xander removed her hand and stepped back from her. “You have to stop trying to seduce me.” “Why?” she asked. “Because I like my head where it is, attached to my body.” Both of my heads. Xander gripped her hand and again began tugging her along the path. “Now why would someone want to chop off your head for touching me?” She tripped over the uneven, dirt path as she allowed Xander to lead her. “Listen, Britenia.” Xander sucked in a harsh breath. He didn’t look back at her. A blue flash from somewhere beyond the bushes caused him to turn his head toward where the spark of light had come from. “Did you see that?” “Rhea ... see what?” “What?” Xander stopped and turned around. “My name ... did I see what?” Rhea looked down to where Xander grasped her, his firm grip reminding her of how the Bondmaster always tugged her about like a piece of property. She scowled. “Could you let go of me? I’m perfectly capable of walking on my own.” Xander frowned. Somewhere in his befuddled brain he had convinced himself that by grasping her as such he was being protective when the truth, Xander admitted to himself, was that he liked holding her, sought the warm feeling that touching her brought him. Abruptly, Xander released her. “Promise me you won’t run away.” Rhea tipped her head askew. “I thought you wanted me to run way?” “I don’t want you to run away. I just want you to stay away ... from me.” “Then why are you dragging me along like some prized possession?” “I....” Damn his mucked-up brainwaves. It was true. He was being possessive. It was then Xander realized he wanted to be more than physically closer to her. He wanted--no, he needed to be emotionally closer to her, as well. “You’re exasperating me, Britenia Adi LarRhe.” “And you’re exasperating me too, Xander Alik.” “In your condition, I suspect that wouldn’t be too difficult of a task.” “In what condition?” “You’re ill, or under a spell, or something.” “I feel just perfectly fine.” “I’m not talking about physically. You’re body is perfectly fine.” Perfectly ... too perfectly fine. Xander groaned inwardly thinking about how splendid her naked body looked. “Why thank … now wait just one starplucking minute! Are you claiming I’m insane?” Rhea flushed with anger. That was the second time he referred to her mental state of mind. She might be a bit over-reactive--alright very over-reactive, but she most certainly had all of her hinges attached.


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Rhea stood akimbo and glared at him. Xander responded with a pressing of his lips before he mumbled a curse and then turned on his heels. He stomped away.


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Chapter Eight Rhea dropped her arms, a bit surprised by Xander’s lack of confrontation. For a moment she thought to pick a fight with him but shrugged it aside. “My name is Rhea!” she called to his retreating back. Okay maybe she was seeking a bit of confrontation--testing his temper--yes that was it. But why did she want to know how far she could push him? Why did she have a deep, deep urge to know him at all--for him to know her? Rhea’s heart twisted and she swallowed the sudden urge to cry. God spirits, she hated it when her emotions pushed into her logical thinking. Sucking in a breath, Rhea held it for a moment until she felt somewhat in command of her feelings. She chased after Xander, catching up with him to walk by his side. An awkward silence stirred between them as they reached the glittering, marble path that ran through the center of the club’s garden. The sun had set and the sky was now dark. The atmosphere remained festive, however, with many guests still out and about, enjoying the warm, gentle-breezed eve that draped the air around them. Rhea glimpsed at the content, happy faces of those who strolled by, overhearing bits of their casual conversations. She thought about how wonderful it would be to have no concerns other than what enjoyable activity she might engage in during her stay. Gazing upward, she focused on the hover globes that lined the path. Floating just above their heads, they illuminated the area with a soothing, white light. Rhea stared at them, impressed by the technology she’d only heard of before but had never seen. Quadrant Z was quite oppressed when it came to such things. That is, except for the stateof-the-art mining equipment the owners of the penal colony provided. Rhea supposed she should be thankful for at least that much, especially after hearing that in the earlier days, before the purchase of the advanced tools, the work was merciless on one’s hands and back. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Rhea wondered how it would be to wake up with a full belly and clean skin, to begin and end each dawning without fear of rape or being beaten. What would it be like to never worry about the possibility of illness and pain without treatment or broken bones or horrible mining accidents that stole the lives of those too young? To live without the terrible worry all of the same might be happen to those she loved. What would freedom taste like? Rhea desperately wanted to know. “You seem deep in thought, my queen.” Xander observed her glum expression for a moment and then amended what he said. “You look sad.” He read her emotions correctly, for Rhea was suddenly feeling tremendous sadness. The annum rolled back on her to the time she was first deposited on Quadrant Z, pushing her to wonder about the life she lived before. And why ... why was she taken from it?


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Tipping her head upward, Rhea scanned the stars. “Who am I, Xander Alik?” Xander’s tight expression softened. “You really don’t know?” Still looking upward, Rhea shook her head, blinking sincerely as she continued to stare at the stars overhead. “Who am I?” “You’re Queen Britenia.” Xander stared, watching as her head leveled to meet his gaze. “Mate of King Jicar Adi LarRhe.” For the length of several steps, Rhea said nothing. And then she snorted. “Oh, I am not!” Xander pushed out a heavy sigh and turned from the main path onto a narrower walkway leading to a cabana that sat just a short distance from the club’s central path. He stopped at the door. Perhaps he could help her recall who she was. Lowering, Xander sat on the stoop at the cabana’s entrance, and Rhea plopped down beside him. Xander looked at her and Rhea focused on his face, his dark features capturing her interest. Xander Alik was such a handsome man, dark hair, dark eyes. A strong, firm body that was appealing to her in both shape and size. She liked the way he looked. He was alluring to her in a way that no man had ever been before. Brushing back a strand of her hair and tucking it behind an ear, Rhea tried not to think about her situation. Only since she’d arrived had she come to realize that the bargain she’d made would also include betraying Xander and this king and queen, as well. Rhea wasn’t into destroying the lives of others. But she had no idea that’s what she’d be doing, until now. Her main concern had been a moralistic issue. But Rhea’s concerns were put aside when the woman who gave her the instructions assured Rhea that the man she was told to lust after was neither married nor had he ever been married. He had no betrothal to another and plans to such. He in fact was completely unattached, completely available to seek his pleasures with anyone he wished to and without repercussion. That said, she agreed to the terms--seduce the man called Xander Alik or at the very least make it appear to the public eye that they were a sexually active couple. Once that was accomplished, she was to then get the hellfires out of there. Rhea frowned. It was stupid of her not to ask more questions, but in hindsight would it have really mattered when a chance for freedom was offered as the prize? Now that she'd actually met Xander, saw how kind and noble he was, Rhea was beginning to regret that she'd ever agreed to such a deal. She didn’t want to betray Xander. She didn’t want to hurt him in any manner whatsoever. “Where are you from, Xander Alik?” Xander looked at her then and he searched her face. “You can’t remember?” “No,” Rhea returned, her voice a mere whisper. She was telling the truth even if it wasn’t the truth Xander believed. Standing, Xander reached up and passed his hand in front of the hover globe floating overhead. It dimmed and the light it emitted completely faded. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkened skies, Xander waited until the familiar pattern of lights became clearer to his sights. He pointed to a cluster of stars. “There, Handris.”


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“Is that where I’m from?” Rhea followed the length of his arm and fixed her gaze on the shimmering bowl-shaped configuration he indicated. Could this be where she was really from? “You should know this, Britenia.” “Rhea,” she corrected while still gazing upward. Xander rubbed his palm against his cheek as he wondered about the name she insisted he call her by. He would’ve thought that whatever illness or spell she suffered might cause her to neglect her real name, but instead, she was claiming to be someone else altogether. She’s no more mated than you and I. Berec’s words taunted him. Could it possibly be that this woman wasn’t his queen? It made sense to Xander that she was other than the woman he originally thought she was--the very slight differences in her features, her behavior that he found enlivening and delightful. Her scent. The Handris males were elusive to outsiders about their ability to scent their mates. Mostly and particularly because of the royals whose riches were often the reason females sought them out. If there was a way to somehow reproduce the scents that drew the male to his female, it was very likely some deviants would exhaust themselves to reproduce it. Status and financial gain might be one reason to do such a thing, but worse than that, the scent could be used to infiltrate and then seize power of his planet. Even so, Xander highly doubted it could be synthetically created since the female fragrance that bonded each male to his woman was singularly unique to that particular male. It would be an almost impossible task to accomplish. That thought gave Xander pause. Could her scent possibly be natural? Xander watched Britenia ... Rhea ... Britenia ... intently as she stood, her attention focusing on the hover globe he’d just deactivated. “How does this thing work?” She poked a finger at it several times. It bobbled in the air. Amused by her child-like interest in a simple illuminator, Xander reached up and pulled the globe from the air, holding it between his palms. “Like this.” He faced the eye-switch toward her. “Wave your hand in front of it.” “Oh.” Rhea passed her palm over the area, smiling broadly when the light inside sprang to life. “It is fascinating, yes?” She looked up at Xander. “Don’t tell the Mistress Wensling.” Xander flashed a mischievous grin. “But it also doubles as a ball.” With a slight force to defy the orb’s hovering mechanism, Xander pitched it toward the ground. The illuminator’s pliant shell flexed upon impact and the globe shot upward faster than Xander had thrown it down. Rhea chuckled as Xander dribbled it a few times and then held it with his hands again. “It’s also fun to play catch with,” Taking a several steps back, Xander held the sphere in one hand and drew back his arm. He then threw it toward Rhea. It flew straight for only a short distance before the hover mechanism activated causing its forward


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motion to take a curve upward. Rhea stretched her arms and lunged, and despite the globe’s change in direction, she managed to snatch it from the air. Xander choked on his breath. Not because she’d caught the illuminator, but because his shirt flew up when she leapt revealing her delectable muff to his eyes. Even worse than that, her movement seemed to enhance the fragrance he was fighting against. Throwing the orb to her was a bad idea, he thought. “Nice catch,” he said, closing his eyes and shaking his head in an attempt to quell the image and scent. His perpetual erection stiffened further denying Xander any of the reprieve he wanted to gain. Sucking blast fires. The allure for her he possessed was getting worse. “Where I come from....” Tossing the illuminator horizontally between her two hands, Rhea tested the strength of whatever it was that caused it to hover. “...we play smack ball.” With a powerful jerk of her arm, she propelled the sphere forward. It shot through the air and bopped Xander on the forehead. He stared at her in astonishment for a moment and then laughed. “Nice arm.” “Sorry ... oh.” Rhea skittered backward as Xander stalked toward her. His amusement had faded, his expression becoming intense. “Tell me more about this smack ball.” He backed her up against the door, pinning her. “I....” Rhea shuddered. He was so close, so large, so desirable. “We play it during recreation time.” Xander’s eyes narrowed. “Recreation time?” Rhea bit her bottom lip. She’d already said too much, giving him her real name, but she figured since she was instructed to be cozy with him, it would make him less resistant to be seen with her if he knew she wasn’t this queen, this Britenia. But surely she couldn’t tell him she was a criminal sentenced to a mining planet. “Yes, after the rains.” “Intriguing.” Xander’s hips shifted and he pressed closer to her. He threaded his fingers through her hair and tipped up her face, bringing her mouth nearer to his. His gaze flicked to her mouth and lingered before lifting to look her in the eyes again. “Tell me more.” Rhea sucked in a breath. Their lips were nearly touching and her body began to ache with an unexpected need. “When it rains,” she whispered. “The clay-laden ground becomes slimy. We pack it into balls and....” “Do you understand how badly I want to kiss you right now?” Xander interrupted her, his voice low and hoarse with his arousal. He saw the flare of passion gleaming in her eyes and watched with amazement as Rhea’s cheeks colored and she averted her gaze as if suddenly shy. Her behavior baffled him. One moment she was as brazen as a frequent flyer at the club. The next she was as timid as a chirkee pup in a gargantum’s lair. He had a feeling if he waited long enough this mood too, would change.


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Though some males might feel uneasy about a female’s erratic emotions, for some reason, Xander was, to say the least, stirred by her shifting temperament. Xander skimmed his thumb across her bottom lip. Hell fury, his need for her was becoming more maddening with each moment that passed, but he had to hold back. Dropping his hand, Xander tamped down the intense, male urges consuming him. Though he was reasonably convinced she wasn’t Britenia, he had to be sure, lest he make a terrible, regrettable mistake. “Where are you from, Rhea?” The sound of her name on his lips warmed her. “You called me Rhea.” “I did.” She returned a doubtful smirk. “You’re humoring me.” Xander looked her directly in the eyes and grinned. “Maybe.” “Say it again, Xander.” “Rhea,” he whispered softly and Rhea’s insides quivered, his voice touching her like a gentle caress. She nuzzled closer to him, silently begging to be kissed. As for Xander, he was at his wit's end. His stiffened cock was strangling his sensible brain and he reacted to the pure male need he was feeling for her. Wrapping his arms around Rhea, Xander tugged her more tightly against him. The pressure from his erection had become too much to bear and he shifted, stroking his bulge along the length of her thigh as his mouth descended to capture her lips beneath his own. She sighed and allowed him to slip his tongue inside of her mouth. Xander felt her body relax in acceptance of all he wanted to give her. Barely clinging to the thread of doubt that refused to abandon Xander’s mind, he reached for the knob on the door to his cabana. Though Rhea was nearly dry from her jump from the cliff, he intended to get her wet again. Not in the way he yearned for, at least not yet. He intended to douse her with the male-scented washes he kept in his shower chamber. If she wasn’t his true mate, he was going rid her of that damn erotic scent he craved once and for all.


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Chapter Nine "Let me in.” Britenia smacked her fist against the large boulder that sat nondescriptly amongst the other rocks on the secluded satellite. “Ouch.” Frustration set in, slight but there, nonetheless. Britenia stared at the words haplessly scratched into the boulder's surface. No Holes Barred. Located at the end of the cosmic gateway she'd come through, it was the main entrance to the exclusive spa and nightclub where Britenia met Jicar. It never occurred to Britenia that she would be denied entrance, but at the same time, it made sense. Why would she have any wish whatsoever to return to the club now that she was mated? Still, she had to get inside. "Please, let me in." Britenia pressed her palm to the area on the boulder where the scanning device was located. Just as when she tried this a few moments ago, nothing happened. Her membership had been deactivated. Why had she forgotten her comlink unit? Britenia could be sending a message to Trina at this very moment, telling the mistress that she was standing outside. Why didn’t she think to send a message to Trina before she arrived? Britenia rapped her knuckles on the boulder again. "Hello?" **** King Jicar murmured his relief to be home as the door to his dwelling slid shut behind him. He placed his compu-documents on the stand just to his left and tramped to the couch on the other side of the room. He slumped into the cushions. The trade negotiations between the councils of Handris and the planet Delenar had been long and tedious, but at least they seemed to be closer to an agreement. He hoped on the dawning a contract would be in place so he could move on to the other issues mounding the political dockets. A king’s work was never ending it seemed. As was a queen’s work as well. His wife, Britenia, was on Reba Lou at the moment attending to her people’s emotional needs. Being separated from her was the last thing Jicar wanted, but he had little choice in the matter this time. His duties as king could no longer be set aside. Jicar’s eyes fell to the foot table in front of him and to the green light flashing on his wife’s personal compuzine plexi imager. It seemed her next installment of the Starburst Gazette had been downloaded. Closing his eyes, Jicar shook his head. He tried to tell Britenia it was rag, and that the Posh, an overpaid group of snoopy inter-galactic reporters who worked for the zine, were known to broadcast stories that were less than credible. It’s research, Britenia told him.


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I think you find it entertaining, my wife, Jicar answered in return. Entertainment feeds the emotion called amusement, she claimed and then repeated. It’s research, yes. Jicar couldn’t argue that point. Aside from that, Britenia’s interest in the stories was harmless. He didn’t mind. As long as she understood it was trash, and as long as the Posh stayed away from his planet and out of his hair. On a number of occasions Jicar found himself dodging the efforts of the pushy reporters seeking information on the royals of Handris. He despised their inconsiderate invasion of privacy and the lengths they would go to get a good story. He knew that most of the stories they published were blatantly embellished. Jicar suspected that many were out-and-out lies. Smiling, Jicar thought about how engrossed Britenia became while reading the Gazette. She was probably completely absorbed in it at this very moment. Curiosity got the better of him, and Jicar picked up Britenia’s compuzine. He wrinkled his nose, thinking he ought to be ashamed of himself for allowing the subscription in his home. “Anything to please you wife.” Jicar spoke to the empty room. And it did feel empty--quiet. Too quiet. Jicar missed Britenia deeply and his heart ached to have her back in his arms again. She would be returning from Reba Lou soon and Jicar could barely wait. “Now, let’s see what sordid, far-fetched piece of gossip the Posh is spreading around this time.” He activated the device, and a headline appeared on the screen. In the arms of another? Has the sensual king faltered? Jicar grunted. What poor royals were having their personal affairs exposed for all the galaxies to see? “I feel sorry for the....” An image appeared, followed by several more, along with an accompanying storyline that Jicar couldn’t bring himself to read. Stunned, he stared at the imager. And the reality of what he was seeing sliced through him like an angry dagger and he was nearly blinded by the red he saw. “Bastards!” The urge to kill exploded inside of him and then his heart nearly burst from the pain of hurt and betrayal as he pondered if what he was seeing might be true. “No.” He sucked in a hearty breath. “Listen to your own advice, Jicar. This isn’t real.” Jicar tossed the zine onto the couch. Standing, he crossed the room to the comlink on the wall and switched it on. He intended to contact Britenia, and was relieved to discover a message from her sent from Reba Lou. Jicar.... The king smiled at the face of his wife as she delivered her message. “I know you were expecting me home, but an urgent matter has come to my attention and I must go to No Holes Barred....” Jicar’s smile instantly faded. “...I will explain later.”


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“End of message,” the comlink’s voice conveyed. “Read next message?” At first, Jicar stood motionless, unable to gather his reason. His eyes fell to the compuzine on the couch and then snapped back to the comlink on the wall. The next message was from Trina Wensling--not an unusual thing since she and Britenia had become good friends and often communicated. “Activate next message,” Jicar said. A very worried Trina appeared on the screen. “Jicar, Britenia is here. She’s safe, but you must come immediately. Use the private gateway. I’ll alert security to allow you entrance.” End of Message. A sick feeling swam inside of Jicar’s stomach. “Don’t jump to conclusions,” he warned himself. Moving toward the couch, Jicar picked up the compuzine imager and stuffed it into the inside pocket of his vest. He was giving benefit of a doubt to the two people he trusted--loved the most in all of the galaxies. It didn’t prevent him from securing his laser dagger to his thigh. Whoever was responsible was going to pay hell for this.


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Chapter Ten Xander advanced so quickly on Rhea fear overwhelmed her, and she retreated backwards to the inside of the cabana to escape him. Unlatching the weapon at his thigh, Xander tossed it to the floor as he continued to stalk toward her. Rhea could see the lust in his eyes--demanding and severe, though she was having trouble understanding it. The woman with pink hair told her that he would likely refuse her attempts to seduce him, claiming she belonged to someone else. He most definitely was refusing nothing now. In fact, he was seeking it. “What are you doing, Xander?” Rhea stared at him wide-eyed. “I’m trying so damn hard to keep my hands off of you," he answered. "I need to know if that’s necessary." "Oh.” Rhea gulped, noticing how Xander’s chest was heaving, his breathing erratic, his voice raspy with arousal. And that immense bulge.... “How will you do that?” Rhea asked. "An experiment," Xander answered. “W-what kind of experiment?” Rhea’s body began to quake with both need and wariness. The next thing she knew, he was backing her into the hygiene chamber and directly into a very large shower stall. She tipped her head questioningly. “W-why are we in here?” "If you are who you say you are, I intend to make love to you." Rhea blinked a few times before coming to realize that it was exactly what she wanted. Her heart thumped at the thought of Xander touching her all over, his body moving against her, his shaft thrusting between her legs. “I was hoping you would say that, Xander Alik.” “Good,” Xander replied as he punched a fist against a switch on the wall. Water, instantly warm, rained down on them, soaking them, clothing and all. Picking up the bottle of wash that he kept on a ledge, Xander removed the cap. “Close your eyes.” She complied, but her brows drew together when Xander dumped what felt like the entire contents of the bottle over her head. “Do I smell bad?” Rhea asked, taking in the very male fragrance he doused her with. “I’m scrubbing off that damn perfume you’re wearing.” “But I’m not wearing any … oh!” His hands found the opening of the shirt she had on, and with a hearty tug he tore it open causing buttons to scatter everywhere. He rid her of the garment and began rubbing her body, working the soap into a lather that covered her length, wrapping her


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with the scented wash he used on himself. It aroused her. Lifting her arms, Rhea pressed her hands against the walls of the shower stall. Her heart was pounding and it was suddenly difficult to breathe. She arched her back and tossed back her head, keenly aware of how sensitized she was in every area Xander touched. She sucked in a breath as his hands swiped quickly over her buttocks and the back of her thighs. But his movements then slowed as his ministrations became seductive and caressing. It felt exquisite. “Xander,” Rhea gasped out as his hand meandered along the length of her inner thighs. And when his fingers slipped between her legs at her juncture, skimming along her labia, grazing her clit, Rhea moaned. “Oh....” Xander's breathing grew heavy as he moved yet again. There was a pause before he grasped her at the hips. Rhea opened her eyes in time to see Xander drop to his knees. He stared at her muff and a tremble raced through Rhea’s body, stimulating every inch of her flesh, heating her with such immense sensations she was sure the water streaming down on her was turning to steam. She closed her eyes and felt his breath on her, and then his lips as he brushed his mouth in her curls. ...his tongue. “Star spirits!” she shrieked. He was licking her. “Rhea,” Xander rasped out. He caught her to him as her knees buckled and Xander lowered her to the shower’s bench. She’s not mated. The words rang true in Xander’s head, becoming reality in his mind. He spread open her legs and stared at her muff, the tender pink of her labia and her clit, swollen from his stroking. His mouth watered. Xander lowered his head, his mouth latching to her pussy and he suckled her flesh before lapping at her over and over again, his tongue taking leisurely, long swipes at her female flesh. Rhea gasped out a cry as Xander sank his tongue inside of her. She moaned when he withdrew and dragged the tip of his tongue over her clit and then swirled around it before sucking her clit between his lips. She writhed against his mouth, begging him for more. And Xander gave it to her, licked and suckled her, the rhythm of his tongue perfectly feeding her, driving her need, her lust higher, and he inhaled deeply, the scent that he intended to disperse of--impossible to disperse--impossible to forget, now stronger than before, devouring him. He offered her his mouth for pleasure, something his race reserved only for their bespoken and Rhea was, snared by Xander’s very soul, his mate, his woman. “You taste so good,” he whispered, lapping her sultry moisture as it mixed with the streaming water from the shower.


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Sensual…. A flavor Xander found so erotically pleasing, so immeasurably intoxicating and addictive that being deprived of it--of her, would be horrendous torture. Her pelvis turned up toward his mouth, jerked and stiffened, pulled back and thrust forward again. Xander became relentless then, knowing she was close to coming. Her murmurs of pleasure escalated and Rhea dug her fingers through Xander’s hair, grasping his head to steady him and she humped her pussy against his mouth. A cry rose up from her. “Oh Xander! God spirits!” The first wave of her orgasm hit and culminated. Rushing through her, it hit hard and fast, bending Rhea into a mindless heap that had her sliding from the bench and onto the shower floor with her hands still clenched to Xander’s head and his mouth still firmly attached to her. Xander stroked a finger into her vagina as he continued sucking her clit, his cock throbbing, demanding, surging to its full hardness as Rhea rode out her peak, panting with excitement and arching her pussy against him. She quaked beneath his hands and lips in the aftermath of her climax until her body settled into subtle tremors. With a long, low breath Rhea finally relaxed and went limp. Sitting back on his haunches, Xander ran his tongue over his lips, tasting her essence, savoring her lingering flavor as he stared at her beautiful satiated face. She briefly opened her eyes to look at him and then shut them again, smiling as she did so. With his soap now washed away the only thing that Xander could discern was Rhea’s natural fragrance. He drew a lavishing breath through his nostrils and then stood. Xander couldn’t shed his trousers quickly enough. Wet and clinging to his skin, his hand worked at the fastener. He was grateful the garment was loose-fitting, easily pushed down, despite the fact they were drenched from the shower. Lowering himself to shower’s floor, Xander moved over Rhea. She opened her eyes and lifted her head taking Xander’s mouth in a passionate kiss, shocking him with her sudden aggression. Wrapping his arms around her back, Xander lifted Rhea until she was sitting upright but cradled in his arms. He returned her kiss with equal fervor, delving his tongue into her mouth, seeking, claiming, taking all she had to give. Breaking the kiss, Rhea pulled back. "It was wonderful, yes." "You're wonderful," Xander said as he grasped her bottom and slid her forward until she was seated on his lap, her legs straddling his thighs. His hands came up and he cupped her breasts. A slow, sensual smile curved his lips when he saw the spark of lust reigniting in her expression, in her eyes. Dipping his head, Xander kissed the swelling of her breasts before nuzzling his face between them, kissing the inner side of one and then the other. He moved to draw one of her nipples into his mouth. "Mmm," Rhea moaned and then whispered, “I never knew it could be like this.” Xander chuckled, his voice a titillating vibration against the breast he was sucking. Tipping back her head, Rhea opened her mouth, letting the warm, spraying water of the shower fill it. And Xander moved to kiss her neck, the underside of her chin before returning to fondle her breasts with his lips and mouth. Rhea swallowed the water and then glanced down watching Xander, thinking how passionately, how completely absorbed he seemed with what he was doing to her.


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It caused her emotions to fly into overdrive, forcing every thought from her brain, narrowing her perception to thinking about nothing but Xander and how quickly he burrowed into her heart. Lifting her hand, Rhea stroked Xander's hair, as her gaze fell lower seeking his erection. She gulped at how immense it seemed. Still, she wanted to touch it, to feel it. She wanted to give Xander as much pleasure as he was giving her. With a boldness she never felt before, Rhea wrapped her hand around Xander's cock. It pulsed beneath her hand. Xander groaned and shuddered. Rhea moved her hand upward, and then stroked it back down, stunned when his cock grew stiffer and larger all around. It made her hunger for him, the sensations he caused to rumble through her body earlier, now more intense and demanding than before. Her vagina clenched, craving to feel him inside of her, she let him go and raised her arms to clench at Xander's shoulders. Xander understood what she wanted. Sliding his palms beneath her bottom he raised her until he was able to poise the head of his cock at her opening. He settled her on the tip of his head, withholding, teasing her, until she murmured her frustration and dug her fingers into his shoulders while jerking her hips at the same time. He slipped the head of his cock in. Rhea tensed when she felt it inside of her. She didn’t have to do this. The bargain required she make it seem as though they were having an affair. And to make sure it was in front of public eyes. This was far from public. But she wanted to. She wanted to have sex with Xander more than anything she’d ever wanted before. Reality struck her and a powerful wave of emotion devoured her. Somehow, Xander had become more than just her means to freedom. On Quadrant Z, her fantasies about this handsome man were endless. And now she knew. Xander was gentle, yet strong, loyal and fiercely protective. Kind and giving ... as far as she could tell. Passionate, sexy, exciting.... Rhea couldn’t deny she had fallen in love with him. Oh, my gods living...! Xander plunged his erection up and inside of her. At the same time he yanked her hips down taking her deep and hard. Rhea threw her head back and screamed--probably louder than she had to. And Xander went still. He felt the resistance and then the tearing when he thrust into her. But the feel of her tightness and the incredible sensation of finally being embedded inside of her caused Xander to explode and he was spilling his seed.


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Rhea was rigid on top of him, gasping and sobbing. Hers eyes were squeezed tightly shut and when she finally started to relax and open them, Xander saw both shock and innocence there. His eyes fell to the water beneath them and he watched the telltale sign of red turning pink as it mixed with the water and swirled down the drain. His gaze returned to her face, their eyes locking. A quiet resolve seemed to pass between them--a profound, emotional connection that simmered within both their hearts and their minds. Xander stroked her cheek with his knuckles, brushed away her tears with his thumb. She sobbed once more and he wrapped his arms around her bringing Rhea’s body to rest against his chest, her head settling on his shoulder. Leaning back against the shower wall, Xander continued to soothe her, running his hand up and down her arms and back, planting soft kisses on her forehead. “Sh-h-h, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Lifting her head Rhea gazed at Xander. “I should’ve told you, but then again, you didn’t give me much time.” “Next time will be better, I promise.” To that Rhea smiled broadly. “Will next time be soon?” Xander chuckled as he brushed back a strand of her wet hair. His expression then went serious, and he cupped her head between his hands and captured her mouth with his lips, a gentle but passionate kiss. Pulling back, Xander spent several moments just looking at her, studying every minute feature on her beautiful, unique face. He would know Rhea anywhere. And Rhea was doing the same--committing the feel of Xander, the smell of Xander, the sight of Xander to memory. Because she knew there was little she could do to keep from going away--from leaving him. Her heart sank, but she tamped back the urge to cry. Instead she closed her eyes and hugged Xander tightly.


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Chapter Eleven Xander spent a leisurely time drying Rhea from head to toe and back up again with the towel. When he was finished, he snatched his plush robe from a hook and draped it around her shoulders. Lifting her in his arms, Xander carried Rhea to his bed and lowered her gently onto the mattress. Climbing in next to her, Xander tossed the bed comforter over both of them and then pulled Rhea into his embrace. He smiled as she snuggled closer and they both fell asleep. **** “Hello?” Putting her back to the boulder, Britenia leaned against it and folded her arms. “Damn.” She rubbed at her neck and swallowed gingerly. After pounding and yelling the length of an hour now, her throat was getting sore and her hand was beginning to feel a little bruised. Staring at the nondescript boulder in front her, Britenia wondered what was happening inside. She didn’t want to return to Reba Lou just to send Trina a message that she needed to get in. It would mean passing through three cosmic gateways over two planets to do so and then back again. The entire journey would take her a full dawning. “HELLO!!!” Britenia yelled, forcing her voice to elevate despite its raspy sound. **** Some time during the middle of the night Rhea's eyes bolted open. Reality as dark as the room descended on her. Her eyes adjusted, and through the dim, Xander's contented face formed in front of her. She listened to his quiet breathing, and a lump formed in her throat. Several things had become clear. She was obviously identical in looks to this royal Xander spoke of. And now Rhea understood why she was told to make a quick exit once she and Xander had been openly seen by others. Without her around, there would be no proof she ever existed, thus making it difficult to prove that Xander wasn't having sex with his queen. Though Rhea still didn't understand why--a vendetta perhaps? It seemed that someone wanted this Queen Britenia and this King Jicar to be publicly humiliated. And as collateral, Xander too, would fall. Rhea had to tell him the truth, even if it meant losing the chance for freedom. He would be angry--rightfully so. He would hate her. Oh, she couldn't bear the fury her betrayal would likely bring! Starblazing gods help her! Would Xander press charges? Even if he refused to incriminate her, this Jicar and his mate surely would. He was a king after all and if he was angry enough about what she'd done--set out to cause scandal in a royal family, Rhea was sure he would have the power to have her charged with something, further extending her sentence to many more annum. She doubted Xander would defend her against his own sovereign, but even if he


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did, what influence could he possibly have over the rage of a king? Already she would be middle-aged if she fulfilled the terms given to her. Extended charges would mean she'd be a ragged, old woman when she was released. Her life would be over. Panic filled Rhea and she became emotionally charged. Fear and shame attacked. But love for Xander pounded through, creating a calamity in her brain that incited severe confusion as Rhea struggled with integrity versus self-gain. Despair took hold, and Rhea swallowed hard. She rolled away from Xander and sat up quickly to leave the bed. Xander immediately stirred. Reaching out his arms he located Rhea and pulled her back to him. He embraced her, enfolding Rhea within his body, her back against his front. At first Rhea tensed, refusing to enjoy his touch. But when his hand slipped around her and he stroked her bare belly, her will to resist him yielded. Just the feel of Xander's arms around her had Rhea melting into him. His touch was so soothing and comfortable and warm. And safe. Though her three friends on Quadrant Z always protected her, there was something about Xander that she'd never felt before--something her heart craved--hope, joy.... Contentment. Rhea was sure she had never felt contentment before. It was a good emotion, a very good one. It seized her and wrapped her so snugly that Rhea was loath to let it go. At least right away. She needed to smell Xander, taste him, feel him just one more time. One more time.... Rhea ached to feel this unique chance she'd been given. Xander's love. Whether she merely imagined that sentiment, it didn't matter. Rhea needed to live the fantasy, just one more time. That she was a free woman and everything was right with her world. But mostly, that Xander would always be there to take her into his arms, to kiss her, to make love to her. Only then could she summon the courage to tell Xander everything and face the consequences. Pressing her palm over the hand that Xander stroked her with, Rhea followed his movement as he danced lower on her flesh. She inhaled a slow breath, letting it linger in her chest as Xander's fingers delved between her legs and brushed her clit. From behind, she felt his cock growing hard, pressing into the crease of her bottom. Xander uttered a groan as he ground his hips closer. Rhea's arousal heightened, heated, yearned. Her emotions, her love for Xander crashed forward, and the sob she was tamping broke loose. Xander raised his head and pushed up onto an elbow. He peered over Rhea's side. "Are you crying?" "Yes," she whispered.


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"Please don't be afraid." Xander nuzzled her cheek. "I promise to be gentler this time." He misunderstood. "I trust you will, yes." Rhea turned to look at him. "It's...." Xander frowned. “What’s wrong?” "I...."Rhea hesitated. Just one more time. "I love you." The words she spoke were truth. She did love Xander with every yarn of her flesh and mind. "Rhea." Xander kissed her mouth tenderly and then pulled back. Their lips remained touching. "You are everything I've ever wanted in a woman. You are my soul mate, and I desire to be with you always." He started stroking her clit again, his finger rubbing and swiping, his lips kissing, his tongue delving into her mouth. Xander's cock slid between her legs, gliding across her opening, drawing--bathing his shaft in the warm sensual wetness he found there. He then withdrew a bit until the head of his cock was poised at her opening and he sank just the head of it inside of her. He stroked a few times, pushing only slightly deeper with each easy thrust. Rhea's arousal magnified, and she released a quivering breath as all rational thought disintegrated. Though his thrusts were shallow, the sensation they created along with the increased rhythm of his stroking finger sent Rhea's body into overdrive. She moaned, her body arching, seeking deeper penetration. "Please," she gasped as tiny fibers of pleasure rushed over her flesh. Dipping his head, Xander caught her breast in his mouth, suckling her nipple. He plunged his engorged erection, filling her half-way. With a harsh grunt, Xander then held still allowing Rhea to decide how much of him she needed, how much of him she could take. Rhea was panting, her hips began moving at a frantic pace, shifting, seeking more. Xander's finger rubbed faster on her clit, and the tension inside of Rhea began to build, coiling through her in blazing waves, bringing her closer to ecstasy. It felt so boundlessly fantastic, so astoundingly incredible that Rhea pushed back, impaling herself as hard as she could on Xander's cock joining with him completely, possessing him tightly. Xander threw back his head and released a guttural breath. "Exquisite," he rasped out, listening to Rhea's moans of pleasure, savoring the feel of her hips grinding and her vagina squeezing his shaft. His body lurched and his balls tightened. A succession of quakes surged through him. The pressure in his cock began to build with the feel of her wet, heated muff and the way she began to spasm all around him. It was all Xander could do to keep from spewing his seed before Rhea could reach the peak of her climax. He wanted to experience every moment of Rhea's orgasm before succumbing to his own lust. Cupping Rhea beneath her chin, Xander turned her head to see her face. Her eyes remained closed, but her lips parted slightly, her breaths quickened, matching the cadence of her grinding hips.


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"Look at me, Rhea," Xander beckoned, pleased when she opened her eyes. Her gaze met his and it obvious she was struggling to abide by his request. Her lids drifted shut but snapped open again as she began to climax. Ripples of pleasure rambled through Xander as he watched her face. "You're expression is so magnificent, Rhea, so intense with your passion." "Xander, oh!" Her hands swept downward digging into the flesh of his thighs, and Xander pushed forward, giving her the pressure she needed inside. His finger movements hastened, swiping back and forth against her clit. Rhea came in a torrent. Like rushing water broken loose from a dam, her body surged. She stiffened and jerked. Cries of ecstasy left her mouth and her arms came up, her hands grasping at Xander's hair. She forced his head toward her mouth at the exact moment her orgasm came bursting through. She kissed him hard, passionately, stroking his tongue with her own, her body raging, exploding, shuddering, her inner muscles clenching Xander's shaft, demanding he do the same. Xander joined her. At the height of her orgasm he withdrew his cock and then plunged, withdrew and plunged again. Over and over he pumped his hips, the tempo of his thrusts increasing, his cock, his balls swelling further, growing firmer, full and sensitized. His restraint gave way and Xander plunged hard and fast, groaning with the relief of the explosion of cum and the spectacular rapture devastating his body. They shuddered in each other's arms before their bodies went limp, subsiding in the warmth of satiation. Rhea turned in Xander's arms to face him, and he pulled her close. Stillness settled over the room, and the only thing to be heard was the sound of distance voices from somewhere outside and the rhythmic cadence of one heartbeat touching another within the convex of their chests. They held each other through the rest of the night, falling into a comfortable sleep. And when the slight hint of the dawning seeped through the window shutters, both Xander and Rhea stirred, inhaling the other's essence, smiles creasing both of their lips. Rhea opened her eyes first. She grazed her fingers through the light dusting of dark hair on Xander's chest before pressing her lips to the flesh there. Xander kissed the top of her head and she knew he was awake. "Did you dream, Xander Alik?" "Mmm." Xander had yet to open his eyes. He kissed the top of Rhea's head again and nestled her into his body. "As long as you're with me, I don't need dreams. You fulfill them all." Rhea's heart saddened. Soon she would tell him everything. "Such elegant words you give me, Xander Alik, yes. But you know nothing of me at all." "I'll thoroughly enjoy exploring and learning everything there is to know about you, Rhea." Xander opened his eyes and Rhea's heart swelled at the soft, loving look she saw there. Worry creased her brow and Rhea's body started to quake. "I'm so afraid, Xander."


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"You're safe with me, Rhea." Xander skimmed his fingers along her forehead before caressing her cheek. He hugged her tighter. "I'll always protect you." Oh, if only that were true! "Xander," Rhea answered, her voice nearly desperate. She locked a sincere gaze on his eyes. "Please, always know that whatever happens, I would never purposely hurt you." "You worry too much. In fact everything you feel you seem to feel overmuch," Xander replied. "This bothers you?" Rhea lowered her eyes. Xander chuckled. "It's what I love most about you." "Do you, Xander?" Rhea looked at him, hope snagging her. "Do you love me?" "I do." "I don't deserve your love." She glanced away, focusing on where the covers draped around their naked hips. "What do you deserve, Rhea? Tell me what you dream." A stunted, sad laugh, convulsed in Rhea's throat as she thought about what he asked. Did she dare to dream? Inhaling deeply, Rhea closed her eyes. "I dream of walking barefoot in the soft moss while the sun shines warmly on my face. I dream of fresh air and clean water and of waking every dawning with something always to smile about ... of friendship, of children, and of memories that will never be erased." Rhea opened her eyes lifting her gaze. Xander smiled warmly at her, listening to her words as he gently stroked her shoulder. "And when I cry," Rhea continued, her eyes drifting shut once more. "I dream that my tears will be for life or love lost instead of hopelessness and a future without dreams." Xander said nothing for several moments and then finally he spoke. "What, no dreams of riches or power?" Frowning intensely, Rhea opened her eyes, the beginnings of anger taking hold. "I don't care about those things!" Her voice elevated an octave. Xander chuckled and hugged her tightly. "I'm teasing you, Rhea." "Oh," she murmured, embarrassment seeping in at misunderstanding him. "You have such simple, but beautiful dreams." Xander brushed a tender kiss on her lips. "I'll do my best to give all of those things to you and more." Rhea's heart swelled to near bursting. How could Xander be so right in a situation that was so terribly wrong? It was so unfair. “This is odd, yes.” Rhea gazed at Xander, her eyes darting back in forth across his face, studying him, committing every line, every feature to memory. “I feel both calm and excited around you, Xander Alik.” “Show me,” he said, moving over her until his body was pressed on top of hers. Propping himself on his elbows, taking the brunt of his own weight, Xander stared down at Rhea. He was well aware he'd moved into the traditional mating position that a Handris male reserved when coveting only his wife. "I am declaring this our third date Rhea," he said. Rhea shifted beneath him, parting her legs. His hips settled between her thighs, and he stroked her labia with his hardening cock. Lifting his hips, he positioned the head of his shaft to enter her. "Say yes."


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“Yes,” she whispered, without fully understanding what she was saying yes to. “I love you,” he said. Before Rhea could respond, Xander slid his cock deep inside of her. He groaned and her breath caught at the breadth and length of him. He’d immediately given her all of himself this time, withholding nothing, physical or emotional. "Eren'lat e erev atem." Forever my heart, for always my wife. Their lips met and Rhea put her life and her reasons for being in this place out of her mind. Later.... She would tell him the truth later. For now his mouth and tongue and the hand that caressed her breast.... The wonderful feel of Xander's cock, erect and thrusting into her, was all she could concentrate on at the moment. That and the beautiful words he spoke in his language, though she didn't understand what they meant.


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Chapter Twelve “Xander! Are you in there?” Damiar pounded at the door. “Where have you put the queen? I've finally located the healer and he's here with me.” Xander looked at Rhea and smiled. She was just rousing from her sleep and he couldn't help but think about how peaceful she looked. His wife. Slipping from the bed, Xander donned his trousers, not bothering to latch them up. “Xander, are you in there?” “Hold on, Damiar.” Xander smirked. Damiar was going to be incredibly surprised when he realized who the woman in his bed was. Not the queen, but Xander's life mate. Xander opened the door, an indeed, Damiar was surprised to say the least. And most of it landed squarely on Xander--in the form of a powerful fist directed dead center to his face when Damiar caught sight of the naked woman in the bed and then quickly glanced at Xander’s undone pants. The quickness of the blow caught Xander unaware and he fell straight back, landing hard on the carpet. Rhea shrieked. "You bastard!" Damiar bellowed. "Damiar, wait!" Xander yelled but the royal guard was instantly on top of him. Sprawling across Xander's thighs Damiar clenched a fistful of hair at the top of Xander's head. He then pulled Xander to a sitting position. Xander reached for his own nose. It felt like it was embedded in a rock, and he was sure it was bleeding. But before he could examine his physical condition the sting of a backhanded fist sent his head jerking to one side. Damn, he hated it when he was caught off-guard. Forcing his eyes open Xander glanced at the bed in time to see Rhea shrinking back from a man he assumed was the healer. "Now, don't be afraid, my lady," the healer said as he leaned over her. Damiar rose from Xander and stood. "Get up, you scum." Off balance by the blows Damiar delivered, Xander rose cautiously to his feet, and before he was fully upright he caught a glimpse of Damiar cranking back his arm, ready to strike again. This time Xander's reflexes kicked in and he dodged the royal guard's driving fist. Damiar stumbled forward, but turned quickly to advance on Xander once more. "She's not the queen, Damiar!" Xander finally managed to say as he swiped at the blood oozing from his nose. With taut control, Damiar halted. His attention shifted toward the healer. "Ah, yes her emotions are disturbed." The healer circled his hands around Rhea's head.


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She followed the movements and then looked at the man as though he were out of his mind. "Where'd you find the genius?" Xander asked Damiar, his expression sardonic as he jerked his head in the direction of the healer. Damiar stiffened, outrage teeming his face. "All know of the queen's unusual emotional state." "And memory loss," the healer added. "Her past has been blocked from her mind." Both Xander and Damiar stared at the healer. …and memories that can never be erased…. Rhea's words played in Xander's mind. Concern snared him. What tragic event had his wife suffered to produce such a thing? He didn't have time to consider it further. Two hands gripped his shoulders. "You defiled the queen while she ails with memory loss!" "I assure you, Damiar, the decision was mutual." Xander smirked. Gods! Why was he goading the royal guard? Xander couldn't help it. The situation would be rather amusing if his nose didn't hurt so fucking much. "You dirt bag!" Crap. A third blow to Xander's face, this time to his jaw, sent him keeling backwards through the cabana's open door. With a thud, Xander slammed onto his back and was lying face up on the ground. This dawning wasn't starting very well. It was about to get worse. “Would you mind telling me why there are of images with your hands all over my wife flooding the pages of the Starburst Gazette?” "Good dawning to you too, Jicar." Xander opened his eyes to see his cousin standing over him. Damiar stalked through the door but halted when he saw Jicar. “My king,” He bowed. Jicar stared at Damiar, and then his gaze shifted to the robed male standing at the entrance to Xander's cabana. "Well then," the healer said. "Not much for confrontations, no I'm not." With that he rushed away without a backward glance. "Your new bed mate, Xander?" Jicar noted Xander's condition, his swelling bloody nose and more blood that trickled from his mouth. "I thought I told you that face stomping was dangerous." "Not funny, Jicar." Standing, Xander brushed himself off. "My king, if I may," Damiar spoke up. "The man that just left is a healer. I requested him to see to the Queen Britenia." "My wife is ill?" Jicar started forward, but halted when a woman wrapped in a bed sheet appeared in the cabana's doorway. A brow went up as Jicar shifted his attention to Xander, giving him a quizzical look. "It's not what you're thinking," Xander answered. "And what exactly am I thinking, cousin?" Jicar crossed one arm over the other.


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"I'm not lusting after your wife." Damiar lunged at Xander. "Liar!" "Stand down, warrior!" Jicar's arm shot out to stop him. "I appreciate your loyalty, but this matter is my concern." "Yes, my king." Damiar reluctantly obeyed but his demeanor remained stiff, his fists clenching and unclenching as he glared at Xander. "There will be no bloodshed in my club!" Trina yelled as she ran up the path. Two very large security guards followed behind her. "No bloodshed. Do you hear me, Jicar?" Trina stopped in front of him, her expression tight with warning. "No bloodshed, Trina." Jicar planted a kiss on each of her cheeks. "But I would like to know Britenia's whereabouts." Damiar looked at Jicar with confusion. "She's standing right there, my king." They all turned to stare at Rhea. She shrank back a bit. The panic in her wide eyes and the way her body nervously shook was keenly apparent. It was difficult to tell from the compuzine images, but now that Jicar could see her in person he knew for certain. "That’s not my wife." "But…." Jicar turned to Damiar, his nostrils flaring with irritation. "I would recognize my own wife, warrior!" Pursing his lips, Damiar lowered his eyes. He wasn't about to argue with his king. "It's true. This woman is an imposter," Trina answered. "She isn't the queen." Xander merely shook his head. "Tell me something I don't know. He winked at Rhea knowingly but tipped his head with a perplexed tilt when she gulped and squeezed her eyes shut. "Xander." Trina frowned. "The gateway in your chamber was thoroughly diagnosed and it has been tampered with." Jicar only half listened to what was being said. Something about this entire situation was suspicious. Frowning pensively, he slid Britenia's compuzine from his vest pocket and turned it on. "What are you saying, Trina?" Xander shifted his head toward the mistress, his eyes lagging on Rhea for a moment before giving Trina his full attention. "The gateway was altered." Trina placed a comforting hand on Xander's forearm. "It opens to only one place." "Are you telling me that regardless of what I entered into the scanner, it wouldn't have mattered?" Xander's chest heaved as he looked again at Rhea. Her eyes opened slowly and he could see they were filled with tears. Dragging his palm over the top of his head, Xander swallowed against the uneasy feeling that was beginning to rear inside of him. He braced himself for the emotional impact he suspected was about to devastate his life. "Take a gander at this, cousin." Jicar handed the imager to Xander. Caught in the Act? Xander glared at the headline of the Starburst Gazette, and then at the accompanying picture. It depicted the very spot where all of them stood at the moment and in nearly the same position. The story being processed by the tabloid was coming through as a live feed. He scanned to previous issues and what he saw publicized there sickened him.


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"It was the woman with pink hair," Rhea whispered. "She told me what to do." "Pink hair?" A memory shot through Xander. The so-called maid that stood with Shial in the club's bedchamber--a woman with berry pink hair. She must've been a technician and was in his room to alter the gateway. "It was that woman." Xander clenched his teeth. "Gad! I'm such a fool." "What woman?" Trina asked and then listened as Xander explained. She turned to see what the king thought about all of this, but Jicar was busy scanning the surrounding area. "Explain this, Rhea!" Xander felt his fury begin to break free, though the tone of his voice sounded desperate, almost pleading. He felt as though his heart was being ripped from his chest. Before speaking, Rhea pursed her lips. "I…." She sniffed and brushed away the tear on her cheek. "I was told to step through and…." "And what!" Xander reached for Rhea and grasped her by the shoulders. He shook her once, ignoring how she trembled beneath his grasp. "Tell me." "I was unaware that I resembled the queen." "A dead ringer, I'd say," Damiar mumbled. A loud, guttural sound suddenly emerged from Jicar's throat and he stalked toward the bushes next to Xander's cabana. "I should've known you were behind this!" "Now, Jicar … shit!" Shial tugged at the hem of her blouse where it snagged on the bushes. It ripped as the king dragged her forward. "Ouch! That was my favorite shirt." “Shial?” Trina asked. “What does she have to do with this?” “I’ve been dodging this woman for nearly ten annum.” Jicar's hand tightened on Shial's upper arm. Reaching, he gripped the crystal pendant she wore. With a yank, the chain snapped and it broke free. "She's a member of the Posh." Xander groaned as reality seeped into his brain. “Shial’s a reporter?” "A seedy one at that." Jicar propelled the crystal to the ground and stomped on it. There was a crunch as it shattered beneath the sole of his foot. "Not a speck of ethics." “Damn it! I have to pay for that!” Shial attempted to jerk from Jicar's grasp but failed. "What is that?" Trina studied the broken pieces. "It’s a camera." "All this for a news story?" Xander couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was set up--a pawn in a vile game. "I wasn't aware." Rhea drew her brows together into a deep frown. Her head dropped. "A news story? I didn't know. I'm sorry." Gripping her roughly beneath the chin, Xander tipped her head back. "I was your target and nothing else." "At first, yes, but then…." "How much?" Xander growled. "What?" "How much did they pay you?" Xander shifted, fury beginning to run rampant through him. He leaned closer to Rhea, his angry breath sweeping over her face. "How much did they pay you to give up your virginity to me?"


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"Oh." Rhea turned her head away, knowing everyone there heard. She deserved this humiliation. Shial snorted. "Easy, Xander," Jicar intervened. He supposed he took pity on the woman because she looked so much like his wife. "There's no need to shame her." Xander turned a feral look toward Jicar. "You've got to be kidding me. She's shamed you. She's shamed me!" All those things Rhea said to him--her dreams, her proclamation of love…. All lies? Trina exhaled harshly. "There's more." "Now what?" Xander tensed further, unsure of how much more he could take. Shial began to walk away, but Damiar pulled his laser dagger and pointed it toward her. "Don't you move." "The gateway…." Trina shook her head disapprovingly at Shial, who returned a nonchalant shrug. "…leads to a penal colony." What Trina had just revealed pounded in Xander's ears. He glared at Rhea in disbelief. "You're a criminal." Rhea nodded slowly, but didn't speak. Xander couldn't bear this disgrace. He couldn't bear the shredding sensation attacking his heart. Releasing Rhea, Xander stepped back from her, his eyes tramping up and down her body disdainfully before locking to her face. "I want them both arrested." "On what charge?" Shial laughed outright. "Slander, impersonating a royal, falsifying information…." Xander stalked toward Shial his voice escalating. "Invasion of privacy, tampering with someone else's property…." "That's a small fine." "For being a cold-hearted bitch!" "I've been called worse." Looking over his shoulder, Xander glared at Rhea. "…a whore." "Oh, now that’s harsh." Shial looked toward Rhea and watched her grip tightly at the sheet she wore, her face paling, her body swaying as if she was going to faint. "No law has been broken here." The sound of Shial's smug voice pulled Xander's attention back to her. She smiled just as smugly, inciting Xander's anger further. "By whose law?" he demanded. "I'm afraid it's true, Xander." Xander spun toward Jicar. "You're agreeing with her?" "He has no choice but to," Shial answered. "The Posh is very good at flying just under the line of intergalactic law." Jicar crossed one arm over the other as he shook his head, his disgust apparent. "That's correct," Shial continued. "Everything stated was in the form of a question. We never actually claimed it was the queen with you." "Son of a bitch." Xander couldn't believe what he was hearing. "It was for the reader to decide." Shial grinned. "And I must say, we had plenty of them interested. These have been our bestselling issues. We're all getting rich off of this


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one." "Well, I can do something about this." Trina turned to her security guards. "Escort this woman to the main entrance and throw her out. And then make sure her access is removed from the club's database." The guards nodded and one of them approached Shial. Just as Shial was turning to leave, Xander snagged her by the arm. "Tell me how you reproduced that scent, Shial." "Scent?" Both Jicar and Shial asked simultaneously. "I know nothing about a scent." Shial gave Xander a perplexed look. "What kind of scent?" "Never mind," Jicar said. He and Xander exchanged glances. "Just get her out of here." They watched as Shial disappeared down the path, a security guard grasping each of her arms. "That better be the last I see of her." Trina inhaled a deep breath and blew it out quickly. "Trina, Britenia is supposed to be here. Could you try and locate her?" Jicar asked. "Yes, of course." Jicar turned to Damiar. "I want you to do the same." "Yes, my king." Damiar bowed. The mistress and the royal guard departed from the area. With a snarl, Xander pointed a finger at Jicar in warning. "Don't say a thing." He turned to Rhea. "And now you have something worthwhile to cry about, Rhea. Love lost and my eternal disgust for you." Rhea swiped at her tears and nodded. "Yes," she said despondently. She turned and walked away. Though Rhea might have been trying to make a dignified exit, that plan obviously fell through. Before she was even ten paces from them, an audible sob escaped her mouth and she started running. Now that the Jicar was alone with Xander, he was unable to contain himself any longer. A loud laugh bellowed from his mouth. "Your amusement fails me, cousin," Xander responded, irritation apparent in his voice. "Congratulations on finding your mate." Jicar gave Xander a hearty slap on his shoulder blade. "You better go catch her before she gets away." "She's not my mate," Xander insisted. "I see." Jicar's smile faded. "So you had sex with her because she looks like my wife." "You know me better than that, Jicar." Jicar nodded. "I do. And I also know you well enough to see you're in love with her." "She's nothing to me." "Hmph," Jicar snorted. "I'm willing to bet she was nothing to you at least three times."


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"I told you she's not my mate." Xander puffed out an exasperated breath. His cousin could be relentless sometimes and Xander had a feeling this was going to be one of those times. "Put it to rest." Tipping his head skyward, Jicar rubbed his chin as though he was trying to recall an incident. "Where before was I involved in a conversation like this?" He very well knew exactly when, where and with whom he'd had a similar exchange. "Ha! You laughed at me when I told you the very same thing about Britenia." "That was different." Jicar folded his arms again. "How so?" "Britenia is your mate." "Perhaps and experiment is in order." Xander eyed his cousin suspiciously. "What kind of experiment?" A wily smirk crossed Jicar's lips as mirth twinkled in his eyes. "Shall I sniff Rhea's crotch to verify her scent evades other males?" A blind fury seized Xander at the thought. He lunged at Jicar snatching the front of his shirt. Xander jerked him closer so that their faces were just a hairsbreadth apart. "Touch her and I'll kill you." Xander's voice was low and menacing. He glared at Jicar. Jicar tried to suppress his snort, really he did, but it broke free nevertheless. He'd had the exact same emotional reaction when Xander had done that very thing to Britenia--boldly sniffed her everywhere. "Gad!" Releasing Jicar, Xander threw his hands skyward, realizing the intensity of his impulsive reaction. He spun on heels and stomped into his cabana, slamming the door behind him. Jicar stared at the closed door and then smiled smugly. "That's what I thought." **** "Hello?" Britenia focused on the boulder, her arms akimbo. Nothing. No response. "Damnfuckingsonofabitchinasshole of a stupid security!" She was startled at her own reaction. "That was an emotion, yes," Britenia said aloud. "I believe this emotion is called pissed." It was a non-productive pissed at the moment, and Britenia concluded that there was nothing left for her to do except return to Reba Lou and comlink a message to Trina. Though she'd only been outside for a little over an hour, Britenia knew that time passed differently inside, and she wondered how much damage the Posh had done already, how many more stories were hitting the zine waves? Feeling as though there was no other option, Britenia turned toward the gateway that would deliver her back home. Just as she was about to step through, she heard the sound of rock scraping along rock behind her. She spun around. The access to No Holes Barred was open. Two security officers stepped through dragging a woman with them.


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"...and stay away," one of them said. Britenia couldn't care less what the issue was. All she could think about was the gaping entrance to the spa and club. Without hesitation she ran through and kept running. "Halt!" one of the security officers yelled. The scuffling of chasing feet caught in her ears and Britenia quickened her pace, thankful she'd worn trousers and flat shoes instead of the gown she'd considered donning. Running up the main path, Britenia passed the No Holes Barred night club, where she first met Jicar. She caught sight of a woman running toward her and Britenia narrowed her gaze trying to identify who it was. She dug in her heels, and despite the fact she was expecting it, Britenia startled at the woman's face when she saw it was identical to her own. "Rhea!" Britenia called out. Stopping just in front of Britenia, Rhea scanned her face. Britenia did the same, seeing the tears falling from Rhea's eyes, recognizing a severe mood in her expression--some sort of emotional pain. Rhea shook her head vigorously and then looked beyond Britenia to see security fast approaching. Without a verbal response she darted up the path to the nightclub and disappeared through the door. Security reached Britenia and they each firmly grasped her arms. "Release her!" Jicar demanded as he rushed toward them. "She's my wife." The two security guards exchanged questioning glances and Jicar responded to their hesitance. "You know my reputation with the Mistress Wensling." They both nodded. Releasing Britenia they left the two of them alone. "Jicar." Britenia stepped into his embrace. He kissed her forehead and then pulled back. He indicated the direction Rhea had gone in. "Who is she?" "My sister," Britenia answered. "My identical twin." "I suspected as much." "My father had the sorcerer block my memory of her." Britenia furled her brow, the twinges of anger prickling her. "Rupshel knew of her but spared me the pain of remembering. He thought my father had put her death." "Why would your father do such a thing?" "When the sorcerer erased my emotions, Rhea's increased tenfold. It couldn't be reversed without me regaining some of my own emotions." "I'm assuming you're here because you saw the stories and pictures the Posh sold the Starburst Gazette." "Rupshel saw them first. Of course he knew it wasn't me." Britenia glanced toward the club. "Realizing she was still alive, he was able to lift the blocking spell on me. The memories of my sister are returning slowly. What I've told you about Rhea, Rupshel revealed to me." "So what did Rupshel tell you?" Jicar asked. "Rhea became a threat to my father's plot of power and control. He couldn't risk having an over-emotional child running amok on Reba Lou. Her emotions could've triggered the same in our people, risking a rebellion over what the king had done to them. Rather than lose both daughters, he banished Rhea." Jicar smiled at his wife. "Perhaps he had a hint of compassion after all, sending


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her away instead of killing her." "No." Rhea shook her head. "She was his ace in the hole. If something happened to me, his first heir, he would have Rhea to carry on his irrational legacy." "And now we have Rhea to help carry on both Handris' and Reba Lou's legacy." Jicar smiled broadly at Britenia. "It's a blessing twofold." "Twofold?" Britenia considered his words, and then she understood. "Xander and Rhea…." "Mates," Jicar answered. "This is a good…." Britenia frowned despite that. Rhea was most definitely upset and most definitely fleeing. "Where is Xander?" "He's sulking."


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Chapter Thirteen Reba Lou Three moon cycles later "Are you certain you want to do this, princess?" "Of course I'm not certain." Rhea examined the harness to make sure it was secure. She looked over the bridge's rail and gulped. "Sometimes you have to test yourself, take risks, face your fears." Daiton smiled. "Your love for life has blossomed ever since our release from Quandrant Z." Rhea returned his smile. After fleeing from the No Holes Barred Spa and Nightclub, escaping through the still damaged gateway she originally arrived through, Rhea returned to the penal colony and out of the arms of freedom. Distraught and heartbroken, she confessed everything to Kredsfor, Panjig and Daiton and then waited … for a promise unfulfilled. The bond prices of Rhea and her surrogate family were never paid. She also discovered that it was Giatas who contacted that woman Shial after recognizing how much Rhea looked like the queen. He told her the tabloid story was his idea and apparently he was paid well for it because shortly after she returned to Quandrant Z, the Bondmaster had quit his position and disappeared. It was Britenia and Jicar who located Rhea finally and secured the release for all of them. Climbing the bridge's rail, Rhea stepped over to the ledge on the other side. She took a deep breath and rallied against the prickle of nerves racking her insides. "To freedom," she declared, her voice solid and determined. Daiton shook his head. He could hardly believe Rhea was actually going to do this. "I'll meet you on the ground." Rhea nodded, and with a gulp, she looked down at the lake. Nearly two hundred feet below, it glistened like smooth glass. She hoped it didn't break her fall. That might hurt. "Straight through," she murmured. "Like a spear … straight through." Feet first, Rhea leapt. "Ya hee!" She screamed all the way down, snapping her mouth shut just before cleanly breaking through the water. The thick elastic cord that earthlings called a bungee flexed back, jerking her from the water. Rhea came up laughing as her body flipped over. She sucked in another breath and was dunked once more. Finally the bungee settled until Rhea was gently swinging just a few feet above the surface. She released her harness and dropped into the water with a splash. Rhea drew another breath when she resurfaced and then began swimming for shore. Britenia was waiting for her. As Rhea climbed onto dry land, Britenia took in her attire--a lace top with strings for straps, and trousers hemmed above her mid-thigh.


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She lifted her brows. "My sister, what is that you're wearing?" Rhea grabbed a towel from a nearby bench and looked up at the bridge while swiping at her face and hair. "This bottom garment is called shorts and the upper, a tank top." "Where in the galaxies did you find such attire?" "From my readings about a place called earth." Rhea then indicated the bungee cord now being hauled back up to the bridge. "The same place I discovered that. Earthlings seem like quite the dynamic sort. I would like to visit them some dawning." Britenia gazed up at the bridge. "And what is that contraption for, sister?" "It's a perfect device to stimulate excitement and fear, yes." Rhea too, looked up at the bridge again and was pleased to see some of Reba Lou's inhabitants were already lining up to try it. "When did you arrive?" "Just a short while ago." Britenia drew her brows together. "How do those two emotions, excitement and fear compare?" "It's fun to be afraid sometimes." Rhea's expression grew serious. But then she laughed, pressing a palm to her chest. Her heart was still pounding fiercely from her jump. "I see," Britenia answered though she was doubtful. "Would you like to try it, sister?" Britenia's eyes drifted down from the edge of the bridge to where water met air, and then scanned upward again. She studied the vast empty space that Rhea dropped through. "No." "When we were just eight annum of age, I tried to provoke you into jumping from that bridge." "You remember?" Britenia looked surprised. "I do." Rhea grinned broadly. "Since Rupshel lifted the amnesia from my head, I am starting to recall much." "As am I, sister. We were a pair, you the daring explorer, me the voice of logic and reservation." Shrieks and giggles drew both Rhea's and Britenia's attention to the open field surrounding the lake's shore. Several children ran by, followed by Licress and Sheva who tramped after them. "Brilliant jump!" Licress waved and then refocused her attention on playing chase. "We're next!" Sheva said as she caught a small girl by the waist, lifted her and began swinging her around in a circle. The child laughed joyously. Britenia watched their playfulness and then smiled gently. The natural reactions she'd seen in the children of Reba Lou since Rhea's arrival were so much more genuine than she could have ever drawn out from them. Inhaling, Britenia closed her eyes, taking in the fragrance of the foliage and blooming flowers that scented the air all around. "The plants you've imported…." "Do you like them?" Rhea took a deep breath herself. "It was so drab on Quadrant Z. When I arrived here and found the terrain to be much the same, I knew immediately that Reba Lou needed color and scents and more of nature's beauty." "It's a marked improvement," Britenia agreed.


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"And a perfect way to soothe the senses, touch the pleasure centers in the mind." Rhea eyes twinkled. "To add romance to the urges of lust." "You've done more for the emotions of our people in three moon cycles than I could've done in an entire annum." "My area of expertise." Rhea stepped toward Britenia. She wrapped her arms around her sister and hugged her tightly. At first Britenia hesitated but then feeling the warmth of her sister's love, she hugged her back. "It was a splendid idea to give you charge of Reba Lou's emotional training, yes." "I finally feel as though my life is worthwhile." Rhea sighed as she released her sister and then realized she'd soaked the front of Britenia's clothes. "Oh, so sorry, sister." Britenia didn't care. "It will dry." Looking past Britenia's shoulder, Rhea caught sight of the Handris king approaching. "Aside from that it also allows you more time to spend with Jicar." "Britenia," Jicar spoke causing his wife to turn toward him. "Come walk with me in Rhea's lovely gardens." Jicar nodded a greeting to Rhea as Britenia slipped her hand into his, and they walked off together. Rhea watched them for a moment and then turned toward the bridge. She cheered when a male took the plunge and jumped from the edge. Her cheer turned into laughter when she realized he was screaming during his entire fall--louder than she had. Rhea couldn't wait to see what reaction emerged when his flight was over. "I see you're walking barefoot in the moss," a low soothing voice spoke from behind her. Rhea's smile faded. She grimaced at the wrenching that suddenly twisted in her heart. Silence rent the air. Closing her eyes, Rhea wrapped her arms around her own waist, hugging herself. She spoke softly. "And I have the warmth of the sun caressing my face." Her heart thudded. Xander was … here? An inner anger suddenly reared. Rhea thought she'd recovered from her sentiments for Xander. But all along they were merely hiding in denial. At the sound of his voice and his presence she was now doomed to suffer the pain of losing him all over again. Why had he come? "You look lovely, Rhea." Xander's gaze meandered all over Rhea's form, from top to bottom and back up again. He swallowed the breath that caught in his throat as he looked at her bare legs and how the garment she wore molded around her bottom--how her waist dipped inward and her long, silky peach hair…. He remembered how incredibly soft it was beneath his touch, how soothing it felt to hold her and listen to her voice. Her scent…. “What are you doing here, Xander Alik?” "I've come to see my wife," he answered "You're married?" Rhea's heart sank, dropping solidly into her stomach, crushing


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her, making it hard to breathe. A sob rose in her throat--heartbreak. Still, she wouldn't let him know her pain. Steeling herself against seeing him again in what seemed like an eternity, Rhea turned around. "She's here? Do I know her?" Xander looked wonderful, so handsome, strong … gad! "I suspect you come to know more and more of her every dawning when you arise to look in the mirror." Xander took a step toward her. "What?" Rhea replied, not fully comprehending. She dropped her gaze and examined the tips of his boots. Her gaze then meandered upward to his knees. She loved his knees. A picture of his naked body wrapped around her burst into her brain. Pursing her lips, Rhea's eyes shot upward and riveted to Xander's face. She tried with all of her might to be angry, but failed when his arms slipped around her waist and he pulled her tightly against his body. "I'm not sure I understand, Xander." "Princess of Reba Lou, blood sister to Britenia Adi LarRhe the Queen of Handris, cousin and sister-by-law to King Jicar of Handris, you are Rhea Alik, my lifemate." Rhea blinked. That was some title. "What? I mean…." Her brows raised and wariness seeped in. She didn't dare to hope. "I know I am the princess of Reba Lou and sister-by law to King Jicar. But what are you saying to me?" "I am your husband. You are my wife and being apart from you was more torture than I could endure." Xander chuckled. "That, and Jicar smacking me in the head every time he strolled by, attempting to knock some sense into me." "But, how?" Xander was confusing her. "When … how?" Xander chuckled again. "The Posh failed to tell you the club rules, it seems." "I was unaware of any rules." Rhea shook her head from side to side. What rules? "Twice a date, thrice a mate. You’re my wife." Rhea thought about that for a moment, recalling his declaration and her acceptance of their third date--the words he spoke. Words of commitment? She tipped her head askew. "I think it was more like three times within one date." "Hmm." With a smirk, Xander dropped his head pressing his forehead against hers. "Trina agrees with you." "Then we are not husband and wife." "In my heart, we are." "Then why did you stay away?" That was a stupid question. Rhea knew perfectly well why he wanted nothing to do with her. "I had to think." Xander tipped his head back to look skyward. He smiled ruefully as he smoothed his palms up and down her arms. "I was being stubborn." "I can't say I blame you." Rhea averted her gaze, feeling shame. "No." Xander crooked a finger under her chin and tipped her face toward him. "Please don't look away from me." "I'm so sorry for what I've done to you, Xander." Rhea's eyes began to fill with tears. "You really had no idea of what you were doing when you stepped through that


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gateway." It wasn't a question. Xander was conveying that he understood. "I didn't realize the extent of it." Xander smiled tenderly. "I went to Quadrant Z." "Did you?" Rhea drew her brows together. "But why?" "I needed to see the place where the woman I'm in love with spent a good portion of her life." "Did you find the place interesting?" Rhea inhaled a quivering breath, touched that he admitted he still loved her, that he cared enough to find out more about her. "The place is more dismal than I could have imagined." Xander shook his head, his eyes half closed as he recalled images of the penal colony. "Dark skies, foul air." "You become accustomed to it after awhile." "I saw people being beaten." "It happened often." Rhea's lip quivered and her voice lowered to a whisper. "Bruises heal." Xander winced. If only he'd known, he would've done anything to protect her. "I saw oppression and human souls grasping at any bit of reprieve or happiness they could find." "They're criminals." Rhea sighed. "Punishment should bring no pleasure." "But you weren't a criminal, Rhea." "No," she murmured. "But I thought I was." Xander cupped her face and then lowered his head to press a soft kiss on Rhea's lips. "Given the same situation, I would've made exactly the same choice you did." "My reasons are no excuse to warrant your forgiveness." Still, Rhea hoped. Slipping her hands between his, Xander lowered to bended knee. He tilted his head up toward her. "Do you still love me, Rhea?" Rhea inhaled shakily. She didn't have to think about it. "I do." The tears in her eyes began to fall. "I do still love you, Xander, with all my heart." Xander pressed her hands to his cheek before turning his head to gently kiss them. He looked up at her, his gaze intense. "In a lifetime of emptiness, I've found fulfillment with you." "Xander," Rhea gulped. She couldn't fully grasp what he was about to do, couldn't dare to fully believe it. "Be my wife. Marry me." Xander looked almost worried. "The proper way." Rhea's chest heaved and her breathing quickened. Starblazers! Her knees were going to buckle. "Yes," she gasped out. Standing, Xander gathered her in his arms again and sighed his relief. He captured her mouth with his own, kissing her deeply, passionately. Suddenly, he felt the cold hardness of steel jabbing at his head--three laser weapons, one to each temple, and the third aimed at the back of his skull. He sensed the glares of three sets of menacing eyes daring him to move. "Do your cronies make it a habit of threatening men who kiss you?" Xander spoke against her lips. "I wouldn’t know, I’ve only been kissed by one." Rhea pulled back from Xander. Her gaze shifted from Daiton on the left, Kredfor to the right, and then to Panjig who


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stood behind Xander. She was bearing an expression that was frightfully more daunting than that of the other two. "And if I allow my guardians to disintegrate the head of my husband, I'll never experience that pleasure again." "Husband?" Panjig said. She lowered her weapon. "Well then, that's different." She nodded to Daiton and Kredfor who also lowered their lasers. Leaning in toward Xander's ear, Panjig whispered, "Husband or not, prince, we'll be watching." "I would expect nothing less from my wife's protectors." "Now with that settled," Kredfor said. He planted a kiss on Rhea's cheek. "Congratulations." "Be happy little one." Daiton kissed her other cheek. With their blessing, Rhea smiled. She wrapped her arms around Xander and absorbed the warmth of his tender embrace. Oh, how she had missed him. It then occurred to her that since being released from Quadrant Z she'd thought she was free. She really wasn't. Rhea was still a captive, but this time she was a captive of love and passion and hope. As second ruler to Reba Lou, as Xander's lifemate, it was an eternal sentence that she gladly accepted, would gladly devote the rest of her life to.


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Read Jicar and Britenia's story: No Holes Barred 3: The Awakening Cursed by a sorcerer’s spell, Britenia feels nothing but emotionless lust and emotionless pain--a mere reaction of her body that fails to reach her mind. Securing an invitation to the No Holes Barred Spa and Nightclub, she is intent on studying the emotional feast innate to the many guests from the galaxies far and wide. As royal matriarch of her emotionless people, it is Britenia’s duty to discover, to experience it all, good or bad--fear, sadness, anger, joy, passion--especially passion. Jicar is taken aback by this female who feels only bodily pleasure and bodily pain. Known for his highly erotic and seductive ways he wants her in every way … mind, body and soul … in every way except as a mate. One more night, a second “date” is all he would need to awaken her emotionally…. Just one more night is all he wants. Or is it? No Holes Barred 3: The Awakening Available at New Concepts Publishing http://www.newconceptspublishing.com

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