THE RIDE TO THEMBA’S planet was fast and nerve-wracking. She was going home to meet his family. That they were being summoned didn’t ease any of her anxiety about it either.
Since they’d settled on Cleaprea, Themba hadn’t talked much about his homeworld or his brothers, and despite him saying she wasn’t the cause of that, she still harbored guilt. She hadn’t told him to choose between her or his family, but he had.
Themba didn’t talk about it, but it was a given he’d once been close to his brothers. That neither of them had contacted him since he’d disavowed his family hurt him. Payton had caught him viewing pictures of them multiple times. When she came upon him doing so, she’d tried to slink away, leaving him to grieve the lost relationships in peace. The times she wasn’t stealthy, he would end the program immediately and pretend he had been doing something else.
If this trip did nothing else, she hoped it repaired his relationship with them. She had firsthand experience on what it was like being alienated from family. She didn’t want that for Themba.
They spent most of the trip silent. The guards didn’t try to engage in conversation, and Themba didn’t seem like he’d wanted to talk anyway. Payton spent the ride looking out the window and napping.
When they finally landed all she could make out from the small shuttle window was the bright, clear sky. Once the hiss of the engines turned off, Themba unbuckled his harness, and she did the same. Her fingers shook so bad that she could hardly make them work. She was nervous to her core.
What if they didn’t like her? What was she thinking? Of course, they didn’t like her. She was the reason he’d left his family and title behind. He was a prince, and she was just a random chick from Earth.
They’re going to take one look at me and know that I’m not good enough for him.
They’re going to hate me.
They’re going to pull me aside and tell me all the reasons why I should leave and let him stay.
They’re going to tell me that I’m ruining his life.
Themba grabbed her shaking hands in his and held them tight. “Payton, look at me.” She met his eyes. The same amber eyes that every time she gazed into, she couldn’t believe held nothing but love for her. “You have nothing to worry about, my treasure. My brother is upset with me for breaking the contract. This has nothing to do with you.”
“Then why does he want to see me too?” To her dismay, the nervousness had reached her voice. It quaked and quivered. “Do you think he’s going to murder me so you’ll be free to mate with Chikondi?”
“He asked for you to come because he knows I would never leave without you. Melisizwe is the ruler of our kingdom, but most of all, my brother. He will not murder my mate.”
“Because your species mate for life?”
He nodded. “If anything happened to you, I would lose my mind. Although upset, my brother wouldn’t want to see me in that state. I would never recover from it. He probably just wants to meet the person who made me turn my back on my family.”
She winced, and he did the same.
“I’m sorry. That came out wrong. He wants to meet my mate. The one person in the entire universe that I will love, protect, and build my life with. Without regrets.”
She bumped her shoulder against his. “Nice save.”
Themba let out a rumbling sound and kissed her forehead. “Let’s finish this so we can get home. We have unfinished business to attend to.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “We could always find a bathroom or storage closet at your brother’s house and finish what we started.”
His eyes glazed over with sexual heat. “There are many.”
“Then we should get going.”
Themba stood and pulled her with him. The shuttle doors opened, and the first thing she noticed was the heat. It was dry and stifling. She was glad she’d opted for the light and airy dress and sandals. When she’d asked him what weather she could expect on Ipakethe he’d had one response. “Hot.” He’d been on edge and focused on packing his bag for what he described would be a short trip, so she hadn’t pressed him.
Once the stairs were unfolded and lowered to the ground, Themba went out first and held out a hand to help her and Jack down. She kept Jack on his leash—which he didn’t like—for his safety and her nerves. The two elite guards were joined by four more at the bottom of the ramp.
There wasn’t a breeze to break up the oppressive heat. The air was arid and still and even smelled dry if that was even possible.
They had landed in a dirt field. There wasn’t much around but a few domed buildings that seemed to be made out of tan bricks. She didn’t get a chance to look around as they were ushered a short distance into a hovercar. The hovercar they had on Cleaprea was a small four-seater, but this one felt more like an upscale limo.
Once inside, she was met with cool, refreshing air and soft seating. She sunk into a seat and let out a happy sigh. Her butt could get used to this. There were drinks and snacks provided, but neither she nor Themba tasted any. Her stomach was already queasy, and Themba wouldn’t unclench his jaw long enough to put anything in his mouth. He kept his gaze on the window. Jack sat curled on his lap.
Payton slipped her hand under his, to rest on his powerful thigh. He didn’t turn to her, but she didn’t need him to. She knew her touch comforted him. The lines on his face smoothed and he gave her hand a squeeze. She watched the fast-moving landscape as he did, not being able to make out anything. She finally gave up trying and leaned against him.
The hovercar came to a stop and any calmness she’d experienced during the short ride left, and back was the raging nervousness. The door opened, and this time, instead of being in an open airfield, they were in a garage where other hovercars were parked. In fact, rows and rows of them.
The guards weren’t waiting for them. A woman, wearing an all-white, form-fitting skinsuit with gold designs etched up the side, stood on the platform. Her black hair was platted in long braids that hung straight down her back. She was a Ngonyama, the skin tone, slanted cat-like eyes, and glare that tracked her as a predator would were unmistakable. The other thing Payton noticed? She had three sets of small A-sized cupped breasts.
While the stare she gave Payton was unnerving, it didn’t seem to faze Themba. He smiled for the first time since they’d received the summons and went to the female with open arms. “Maynara, I’ve missed you.”
She hugged him tightly back. “So you say, but you never reached out to me. Not even once.”
“I couldn’t. You’re no longer my assistant. It wouldn’t have been right to pester you.”
Maynara clucked her tongue. Themba gave her another squeeze then released her. If Payton didn’t believe Themba only had eyes for her, she would’ve been jealous, but he’d given up a life of royalty for her. Her jealousy had no place here.
Maynara glanced around Themba. “If you move your massive body, I can get a proper view of your true lifemate.”
Payton stuck out her free hand. The other held Jack’s leash too tightly. She didn’t want him growling or giving a bad impression. She needed this to go well. “How do you do? I’m Payton.”
Maynara stared at Payton’s outstretched hand in confusion.
“Oh, right.” Payton closed her fist and thumped it over her chest, using the traditional Ipakethe greeting Themba had taught her.
Maynara did the same. Then she glanced down at Jack and tilted her head to the side. “This must be the beast I’ve heard so much about. A dog?”
Payton nodded. “Yes, his name is Jack. How do you know about dogs?”
“Maynara is very resourceful. I don’t think there’s anything she doesn’t know. Maynara used to be my personal assistant,” Themba told Payton. Then he turned back to Maynara. “I trust my brother transitioned you to a desirable assignment?”
Maynara grunted and straightened. “My boss is stubborn and a pain in my side. But he’ll do. I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else.”
A
flash of hurt passed behind Themba’s eyes, but he quickly recovered. “Am I to meet the Kgosi now or will he keep me waiting? I know he probably wants to watch me squirm while I try to figure out why he’s summoned me.”
Maynara let out a boisterous laugh and thumped Themba on the chest. “Welcome back. Follow me, and I’ll take you to him.”
Payton slipped her arm under Themba’s and followed Maynara. As Themba and Maynara chatted, and Maynara updated him on the latest palace gossip, Payton marveled at every piece of artwork as they walked briskly through the brightly colored rooms and on speckles floors that looked made of marble and stone.
There were jewel encrusted design work on the walls. The windows were painted so when the sun shined through, a rainbow effect was created on the opposite wall. Diamonds and jewels dripped from the ceilings in patterned designs held together by gold frames.
The one thing she couldn’t get over? Why Themba left all this to live in their tiny two-bedroom house. It paled in comparison to this place. She’d been so happy to be free from roach motels, burrows and caves that she’d never once stopped to think about what Themba had left behind.
It took them fifteen minutes to reach their destination, an imposing door with two armed guards blocking them.
“My brother’s private suite,” Themba whispered as they approached.
As they neared, Maynara laid her palm on the scanner beside the guard, and with a whoosh, the door slid open, revealing a room that was grander than any they’d passed through.
The walls were painted bright white but looked to be sprinkled with gold and crystals. Sunlight coming through from the colored windows hit the walls, and the effect was amazing. The entire room was a burst of pink, orange, blue, and reds.
Payton tried her best not to let her jaw drop or appear awestruck. The appearance she was going for was, “I’m impressed, but not overly impressed.”
They took a short hallway then ended up in another larger room where oversized couches, chairs, and pillows were strategically placed. The setting seemed intimate but had a large gathering feel. The furnishings popped with bright colors that matched the artwork on the walls, vases, and life-sized bronze and gold statues.
Payton clasped her hands in front of her, afraid that if she touched anything, she might smudge or break it. She and Themba had a lot of credits in their account, but she doubted it would be enough to cover the cost of anything in this room. She shortened Jack’s leash, so he stood closer to her side. They didn’t need any mistakes. She was sure they couldn’t afford it.
A male, dressed in a loose fitting red and gold outfit greeted them. Themba hugged this one as well. Payton learned quickly that Huson was Melisizwe’s personal assistant.
“The Kgosi is aware you’ve arrived. Have a seat and relax. He’s finishing a scheduled meeting and will join us shortly.”
Maynara lowered into one of the chairs and began fiddling with her comlink and Themba made his way to the spotless glass window that took up most of one wall. Payton followed him. The view was breathtaking. This wasn’t the same barren place they’d arrived in. This place thrived with flowers, plants, and trees, in different colors stretched out before her. People walked along the paths that snaked through what she guessed was either a garden or park.
Jack would love running free there.
There were building extensions to the left and right. She couldn’t tell what kind of material the building was made of, but it was painted white with light blue, pink, and purple designs. The top of the buildings had towers with windows that reminded her of fairy tale castles and rounded structures with pointed tops where flags draped.
“You told me that it hardly ever rained here. You must get some for all that greenery to grow. It’s beautiful.”
“We have an underground well that works on solar energy. There’s a system under the royal gardens that pumps water to the roots of the plants. There are designated green areas throughout the kingdom.”
“Am I looking at the capital city?”
“The palace is located in the capital city, but we’re on palace grounds. It’s hard to see from here, but there are gates beyond and outside the city itself. After my brother and I finish our business, I’ll take you on a tour. We’ll pick up some of my favorite fruits that only grow here and take them home with us.”
She looped her arm around his and leaned on him. “Your homeworld is beautiful. Are you sad to leave it? I know you renounced your name, but maybe we can still live a quiet life here?”
“Sad that I won’t ever get to live on my homeworld again, yes. But I’m not sad about the reason I left. I would gladly give up living on Ipakethe a hundred times over if it meant staying by your side.”
Payton laid her head on his arm. She wished he didn’t have to give up his world like she’d had to give up hers. She knew firsthand the hurt she experienced every time she thought about Earth and how she would never return, see her family again or never be surrounded by people who looked like her.
“Turn around, let’s meet properly.”
Jack growled. Payton put her hand on his head. He quieted instantly.
Themba stiffened at the deep booming voice that came from behind them. Themba held her tight to him and turned slowly. A man who looked like a slightly older version of Themba sauntered toward them. It was evident they were closely related. The two long braids by their ears, the assessing look in their amber eyes, body type, and even the predatory confidence was the same.
The newcomer wore an airy white outfit that flowed as he walked. And even though it was loose on his body, she could see the muscle definition underneath.
Themba thumped a closed fist on his chest, and the newcomer who Payton guessed was Melisizwe did the same. They stood a foot apart and stared at each other. Maynara rose to stand, and she and Huson exchanged wary glances.
Payton cleared her throat and gave the same thumped chest greeting. “My name is Payton, and this is Jack. Despite his growls, we’re glad to meet you. He’s just getting used to meeting everyone.”
Melisizwe peeled his gaze from Themba and settled his eyes on her. She immediately wished she hadn’t said anything. She wanted to step back and hide behind Themba. Melisizwe’s gaze was too intense.
“So you’re the one who has made my brother renounce his family?” he said, all but ignoring Jack. Either he didn’t think Jack was dangerous or he didn’t view Jack as a threat.
Payton gulped, and Themba stepped in front of her. “Melisizwe,” he threatened in a low voice.
Melisizwe glanced from Payton to Themba, back to Payton, then a slow smile graced his lips. “I see why he would give up everything for you. The room is filled with his aggression, and it’s aimed at me.” He chuckled.
Payton frowned. Was this the part where Melisizwe murdered her while Themba watched?
Without warning, Melisizwe grabbed Themba into a tight hug, laughed heartedly and slapped his back then just as quickly, released him. “It’s nice to have you home, brother. You look good, and your mating bond is strong. I trust you’ve enjoyed your vacation?”
This time Themba frowned. “Vacation?”
Melisizwe waved a hand through the air and walked over to settle into one of the chairs, sinking low. He crossed one leg over the other and laid his arms on the high armrests. He was king to his very core. There was no mistaking his commanding aura. Melisizwe wasn’t her king, but she had the desire to curtsy at his feet and say things like, “Yes, my Lord.”
“You didn’t think that you were really walking away from family, did you?” Melisizwe said casually.
Themba blinked rapidly. “Well. Yes.”
“You have royal blood flowing through your veins. You’re the heir to the throne. Believe me, our enemies wouldn’t care that you, ‘renounced your royal blood.’ I had to station two elite guards to watch over you and your mate for fear that an enemy would come upon you for nefarious reasons.”
“The two that came to our house? They lived
on Cleaprea?”
“Oh, it makes sense now,” Payton said. When Themba turned his attention to her, she shrugged. “I thought one of them looked familiar. He’s a regular at the open market that I frequent.” Then it dawned on her. “Ah, right. He’s probably a regular there because I am.”
Melisizwe gave her a nod then turned toward Themba. “You can’t renounce family. Our bond is deeper than words. You’re my brother, no matter what. You don’t want to mate with Chikondi? Fine.” He shrugged and made a face. “But the way you went about it was a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”
“I told you that I wasn’t bonding with her because I’d found my true lifemate.”
“Then you said, ‘There’s nothing you can do to stop me. She has my heart and soul. I renounce my title’, then you scattered off.”
“I don’t think scatter would be the right word. His head was held quite high,” Maynara offered.
Melisizwe flicked a hand unconcerned. “Whatever. The point is that he didn’t give me a chance to get past the initial shock.”
“I knew you were counting on the pairing with Chikondi’s family. If I’d stayed, you would’ve pressed, and you wouldn’t have approved of the match I found with Payton.”
“I was upset. You’re correct about this. But I’m not a monster. You know me better than anyone. I would never deny you a true lifemate, especially since I can’t think to ever find mine.”
“Chikondi and the union between our kingdom and her family?”
Melisizwe shrugged. “I thought they would be upset. I was prepared to present them with another deal. It wouldn’t have been as strong as a pairing, but I would’ve made it work. It turns out you weren’t the brother she was interested in. Her eyes were set on Mxolisi, and he agreed as well.”
“Wait. Mxolisi and Chikondi have bonded?”
Melisizwe nodded. “Mxolisi was upset you weren’t in attendance. I had to talk him from going to Cleaprea and dragging you back.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this? I thought you were upset with me.”
“I didn’t let anyone contact you. I thought you and your new mate needed the time to get to know each other and strengthen your bond without everyone in the palace butting in your business. That time alone was necessary before you returned home, and before you both were pulled in separate directions to fulfill your royal duties.”
Hunted by the Alien Prince Page 23
