Harvest: A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance

by Piper Stone

  She gave me a single nod before her expression changed and she took several deep breaths. “Let’s get you dressed. Allow me to choose. Something festive. Hmmm...”

  I folded the gown, placing it gingerly on the bed and walked toward the window. There wasn’t a cloud in bright blue sky, but there were enough shadows in my mind to dampen the beauty. The usual circle had been created, one all the eligible women would stand in, waiting for high noon. Centurions would be waiting, guarding the colony and if a selection was made, they would return at dusk to bring a feast unlike anything the colony had ever seen.

  And for the very lucky girl, she’d have one last night at home with her family. Come the early morning hours, she would be carted away to an awaiting ship filled with all the other lucky winners and taken to her new mates.

  The ending to a horror story.

  Chuckling darkly, I leaned my head against the window, my breath skipping. My fate had already been locked down. By this time tomorrow, I would on that ship heading into the stars. My instincts were always right. Always...

  “This is perfect,” Winter said from behind.

  What few clothes I considered mine were nothing special. There were no party dresses or fancy clothes. In truth, everything was drab in nature. I’d never known why except that the New Republic of the Americas had outlawed various frivolous items almost a century before, which made the crimson silk gown that much more precious. “Whatever you’ve selected is fine.”

  “Well, take a look.”

  Her insistent voice was not to be denied. Tipping my head in her direction, I was forced to fight the frown furrowing on my face. The white dress reeked of purity and innocence, something I’d already lost. I’d made a promise to myself never to tell anyone what had occurred almost two years before. The attack had been brutal, but I’d survived, never telling a soul about the man I was determined to hunt down. One day I’d find the bastard. At least I’d stood my ground, scarring him for life. The thought had kept me from going insane. “I love you, sweet sister, but no.”

  She shook her head. “Then what? Your usual black on black attire?”

  “What does it matter? Today is nothing in comparison to what could be.”

  “But you’ll have to choose a beautiful sheath if you’re selected.” Winter’s words were whispered. My sister knew my answer would be more of a retort.

  Of course, the winners engaged in a portion of the actual feast, breaking bread and drinking wine on the last night of their human life. They would also be examined closely by a team of Centurion doctors, to make certain there weren’t any issues. I knew there was more to it. I shuddered at the thought. Another reason to hate them. “Whatever.”

  “Fine. Have it your way.” Very carefully Winter positioned the dress back in the cylindrical closet, as if the worthless frock was valuable. Perhaps she’d succumb to wearing it one day. “At least come out to breakfast after you’re prepared. I have a feeling Mother is making something very special for you.”

  Prepared. The word was interesting. I stood silently watching her dress, taking her time selecting one of what she called her ‘special’ shirts and a slender skirt, something she almost never wore. “I will,” I finally whispered. When she kissed me on the cheek, squeezing my hand, I resisted breaking down.

  I waited until she’d left before moving to my closet. Within minutes I was dressed; the black pants were my favorite, the inconspicuous pockets allowing me to carry several crude weapons, many of which had kept me from succumbing to marauders. I pulled my long hair around my hand, forming a tight bun. The simple tie would keep it in place at least throughout the ridiculous ceremony. There was nothing feminine about my attire, or my demeanor for that matter. That alone would provide some amount of comfort.

  I held my usual swagger as I walked into the common area, getting an instant evil look from my mother. Even her hands were shaking as she served biscuits from a hot skillet, her anger at my choice evident in her flaring nostrils. “What’s wrong, Mother? The ceremony today lasts all of five minutes. Then we can go back to our regular lives.”

  “Our lives?” She managed to slam the skillet against the platter, the baked goods scattering in all directions.

  “Lily! Leave her alone. This is a special day for all of us,” my father challenged, as if the threat from the day before had never occurred. “I will have no anger in this house and no ill words. We are a family.”

  “She doesn’t understand anything, Daniel. She’s thwarting our chance, throwing this in everyone’s face.”

  “Lily. Stop.” My father had always been the calm one in the family, easily able to dissuade my mother’s rage. Today was decidedly different, as if their very livelihood was on the line.

  She rubbed her eyes, taking several deep breaths. “This has to work, Daniel. We won’t get through the winter. And what occurred yesterday...”

  “Enough, Lily. Today is a new day,” he whispered.

  I held my arms, an intense chill rushing through. The weight on my shoulders was suffocating me.

  He patted my mother’s hand as he gave me the same look I’d gotten ever since I could understand his facial expressions. My father was special to me and had always taken the time to explain aspects of battle and weaponry as well as providing glimpses into the past. I was the son they’d never had. While his eyes held such love and adoration, they also held fear.

  “She understands very well, Lily, and I have a good feeling about today. This is difficult for all of us. Let’s enjoy our meal. Noon will arrive before we know it.” His words were final, and my mother never said another word as she served what had to be the last remaining meat left.

  The realization did nothing but rile me. Why should my family go without because of some contest? Why should they starve because our village had yet to produce a suitable candidate? I would find a way to rectify the damning situation, no matter what I had to do.

  I was surprised that every one of us was able to laugh during breakfast, talking easily as if this were just another day. Even my mother seemed to relax, her mood completely changed. I never realized until that moment that I’d taken them for granted, as if they’d always be here. I would no longer cry. I would face this like a strong woman instead of a child.

  But inside, I would shut down if my precognition was correct.

  The single alarm sounded, the special tone used only on the day of the Feast. I expected my mother’s face to shine with glee, but she seemed even more forlorn, her emotions difficult to read.

  “Come, sweet Felicity. We will walk out as a family.” My father rose from the table, a brilliant scientist who’d been forced into little more than a prison camp. He seemed quieter today, his shoulders not quite as broad or as strong. But he was my rock. After leading me toward the door, he held out his hand.

  “What, Father?” His eyes were twinkling but he kept his voice low so no one else could hear.

  “Hand me your weapons, Felicity. You’re already in enough trouble. Please, just follow the rules this time.”

  A warm flush crept along my neck. I could never hide anything from my father. I begrudgingly gave him the crude knives. Now there was no protection.

  As the warm sun sliced against my face, I squared my shoulders before talking the short walk to the center of the colony and to the circle. There were no Centurions standing in plain view, but I was able to see various guards, humans hired by the High Council of the Centurions in case any issues arose. I could also see the human I called a pig. He was the face most often seen in the videograms, remnants of the New Republic and indoctrinated by the Centurions.

  By the time I took my place, many of the other young women were almost giddy with anticipation, their faces beaming. My reaction? It was difficult to keep the obvious disgust off my face or the heat rising from between my breasts, cresting along my jawline.

  Another bell floated through the expansive open space followed by another series of sounds. We all knew them well. They were unsp
oken instructions to form a circle and wait like good little girls until the prevailing New Republic member made his way to the staging area to preside over the first ceremony. I didn’t know his name, nor did I care. I snickered given they all looked alike, stark white hair and craggy faces, but their rounded bellies were clear indications of how well they were treated. There were stories that these particular men would live forever.

  I could only envision them rotting in their graves.

  As usual, the member in charge headed onto the platform, his security detail trailing behind him. I rubbed my arm where the implant was located, fisting and pumping my hand until I was able to see blood coursing through my veins. The magical switch had yet to be flipped but I could swear that I was able to see a faint glow itching to burst to the surface.

  I don’t want this.

  I can’t do this.

  I...

  “Oh, my.”

  The sensual tone drew my attention away from the limited self-pity I would allow. Every woman in the circle stood facing the platform as required, but for entirely different reasons than before. There was a hush that had swallowed the entire crowd as the group of Centurions flanked both sides of the stage. There were at least eight of them. While we were used to seeing at least one or two at each one of these events, this many indicated a change in procedures. Five were obviously security detail for the three standing just behind them. I looked from one to the other guard, my throat closing. These weren’t the same low-level guards, their uniforms completely different.

  Excitement rushed between the other girls, as if the gods were saying our colony was the chosen one. Every alien stood stoically, their piercing eyes cutting through the reverie. There was movement, the other three Centurions making their way to the center of the stage.

  “Oh, my,” at least two of the other girls muttered. The entire crowd seemed in awe of them.

  A sizzle of energy skittered down the backs of my legs, the same tether I’d felt before pulling on me in some unseen manner. My mouth was dry as I noticed the most gorgeous alien of all, and one I already knew—Voltar. There were no lights or sounds around me as a realization settled in, provoking me in the most alluring manner. The recognition was instant, his mind melding with mine, his command of me strengthening. I noticed the second, the other gorgeous blond with twinkling eyes. This couldn’t simply be karma.

  I hadn’t realized I’d broken the circle, moving toward the one in particular, recognition sending a series of shivers dancing all the way down my spine.

  The creature from before.

  The Centurion who’d saved my life.

  The man who’d spanked my bottom raw.

  The alien filling every fantasy.

  Voltar stood like a beacon, a savage warrior keeping watch over his flock. Taller than all the rest, he commanded the center of attention, all others paling in comparison. His massive arms were folded, and he wore no expression, but I sensed his discord, as if he had no more desire to be here than I. Flanking his sides were two others, equally as enthralling, more handsome than I cared to admit.

  I continued to move, breaking through to the other side and finally standing only inches from the stage. Within seconds, the humans armed with guns surrounded me, hands gripping my arms, a combination of lurid desires and rabid fascination covering their pasty white faces. They were well trained soldiers, yet their human traits could not be denied. They were hungry for companionship; however, I was no one’s snack. Not now. Not ever.

  “Get off of me!” My booming voice shattered the glee, turning the whispers of joy into vignettes of consternation. The contestants were just as pissed as the frumpy front man for the High Council, maybe more. I yanked my arms, trying desperately to free myself, but the soldiers were too strong.

  “Get her back in line!” Mr. Piss-ant Human stated, pointing at me in chastisement.

  Voltar caught my gaze again, a slight smile curling on his upper lip. He was magnificent in all his glory, the afternoon sun shimmering across his pearlescent skin. Even from where I stood, I gathered a scent of him, the same as before only muskier in fragrance, as if his desire had ignited the embers inside.

  Much like my own.

  I was no longer fighting the men holding me, my entire center of gravity drawn to the monster, but as we locked eyes, the same connection as before, I gathered a hint of compassion. The concept stunned me, even though he’d no doubt saved my life, while also seeing through my mask of steel. He cocked his head and took a step closer, then another, the weight of him thudding his boots hard against the poorly built platform.

  “Captain Brezan. Please remain in your position. The ceremony is required to begin within moments.” The New Republic member’s shrill voice filtered into the crowd. He obviously didn’t like his show being interrupted in any manner. “Get her back in the circle. Now. Or face the consequences!”

  Voltar didn’t follow the human’s directions, preferring to walk toward me. I was mesmerized, my nipples aching as they scraped against the thin material of my shirt. I was breathless, my mind reeling as he seemed to reach inside, capturing my essence and hearing my thoughts. I licked my lips, my arms and legs trembling.

  Fuck me.

  Use me.

  Punish me.

  Holy shit. I wasn’t certain I hadn’t said the words out loud. I could tell he knew exactly what I was thinking by his eyes burning holes into mine.

  “Voltar, please. You must follow protocol!” The human was flustered, his arms flailing.

  Voltar Brezan. The syllables rolled off my tongue once again, sliding straight into my clenching pussy. Why did I crave this beast? Why were there goosebumps covering my arms, slithering onto my neck? With every move, I was reminded of the harsh spanking and the fact he’d violated my most private parts.

  And I wanted it again. And again.

  I wanted his fingers in my asshole and his thumb swirling around my clit. I needed his cock in my mouth, spewing cum down my throat.

  I couldn’t do this. I tried desperately to think of anything else. Remember, they’re monsters. Creatures of the night. Yes, that’s it.

  “Let her go.” Voltar’s three words were drawn out but stated with absolute authority.

  Another alien, the one I’d also seen in the forest flanked Voltar’s side, speaking so only the captain could hear. While Voltar nodded, he continued to advance, jumping off the six foot high platform as if it was merely a step.

  The other women remained in the circle but moved back, their pointed whispers gnawing at me.

  “I said. Let. Her. Go.”

  The soldiers released their hold, taking a few steps away and watching every move as Voltar closed the distance until he was standing over me. He took a deep whiff, but not like a man stoked with passion and yearning. More like a hunter who’d caught his prey.

  I stood defiantly, never blinking as he lowered his head, moving his from side to side and his eyes roaming down the length of my body. I had the uncanny feeling he was undressing me, but his quiet mannerisms were as if this was our little secret.

  “We have less than three minutes. Please!” The pleading from the stage brought a sneer to Voltar’s face. He held out his arm, the long fingers of his rugged hand curling slightly. Then he reached out to cup my face, those same fingers digging into my skin.

  I heard the gasps from several members of our respective families, their tones laced with fear. I’d broken the rules and I was certain punishment was on everyone’s minds, including the alien.

  “You are beautiful but dangerous.” Voltar’s deep baritone caressed every inch, so soft and velveteen that I was forced to blink in order to comprehend what he’d said.

  “I am human.” As if my response mattered in the least.

  Instead of anger, he offered a slight smile, those gorgeous green eyes even more mesmerizing up close. “Disobedient.”

  “My father would agree.”

  “You will learn,” he half whispered, the tone so gutt
ural as if he was going to ravage me right here. “You will be punished again and again, humiliated until you accept our ways.”

  “Then do it,” I whispered.

  His eyes changed, holding more defiance as well as irritation.

  “Voltar. Teganquin ca marfe. Bleton ve kema.”

  Whatever the third alien said infuriated Voltar, the primal growl emitted reeking of anger. In a swift move, he dropped his head even further until our lips were almost touching. His scent was even stronger, filtering into my nostrils, warming every aching muscle and cell. Using a single finger, he drew the tip across my cheek. I was stunned, unable to think clearly. Nothing had prepared me for the taste of raw ecstasy sliding into my system. Dazzling colors floated across my field of vision, shutting out everything else around us. I was drawn into his incredible web, our visions as one.

  “You want me, little one,” Voltar whispered, dragging the tip of his ragged tongue along the base of my ear.

  “Yes, my master. More than anything.”

  “And you will obey me at all times as well as your other masters.”

  “Yes, my master.”

  He ran his finger down between my breasts before cupping both with his strong hands, squeezing until I whimpered. “I will examine you every day. You will be trained to please us, punished as necessary. Every hole belongs to your masters. You will never say no. You will always be prepared to accept one or all three cocks at one time, no matter where or when. Do you understand me?”

  When I hesitated, he pinched both nipples to the point of blinding anguish, the pain rolling me up onto my toes. “Yes... master. I promise.”

  “Good girl.” Voltar continued twisting my nipples until I cried out. Dropping his head, he sucked on one bruised bud, his hot, wet mouth so soothing I was drawn into a slice of bliss. A growl slipping past his lips, he moved to my other nipple, taking his time sucking and licking.

  I stood trembling, admiring my other two masters. I’d never seen cocks so large, so engorged with blood and was even given a glimpse of the tendril, sliding from the thin opening of one.