by Elin Wyn
He blinked and the rest of us fought down smiles.
“I could likely come up with something that might interest you.”
Her eyes gleamed. “Well, you've got a date.” She stomped back to stand next to Doc. “Back to what you were doing.”
“As I was saying,” Vandalar said, looking flustered. “I'd like to offer you a position as Imperial advisors.”
“Not a chance,” Nadira said. “I'm not going back to the Hub.”
“Not happening,” Ronan seconded.
“You misunderstand me,. I don't need you in the Hub. I need you out here. For too long the Fringe has been ignored. Monsters like the General were allowed take seed.”
“General Malchior didn't come from the Fringe,” Valrea reminded him. “He was all yours.”
Vandalar inclined his head in acknowledgment. “But if we had better communications, better observational agents out here, maybe he could have been stopped sooner.”
Geir's face grew stony, and he wrapped his arm around Val. “What you think you're going to do about it?”
“We all want to the Fringe to be safer. Safe to travel, less trafficking. Fewer pirates.”
“Wait a minute, young man,” Granny Z flared.
Vandalar rubbed his temple. “We can negotiate on that.”
“What do we get out of it?” Zayda asked. “We'd rather be left alone by the Empire and all its agents.”
“Authority.”
Mack snorted. “We've got that. Fought for it. Plan to keep it.”
“Legal authority. No need to hack files to travel, use disguises, take over ships,” Vandalar pressed on. “I know you're good at all of that, but you wouldn't need to.”
Connor stepped forward. “What about just starting with citizenship? Can you guarantee us that?”
Vandalar pulled a tablet from his pocket and offered it to Ronan.
Ronan scanned it, grunted then passed it over to Davien.
“Full citizenship,” Davien said, voice tight. “Us, our children. A full pardon for Doc.”
“For everything?” Doc asked.
“Only if you promise not to tell me details,” Vandalar begged.
“Done.”
I clutched Xander's hand. He was offering us a new life. No more fighting from the shadows.
Eris and Connor looked at each other, arguing between them.
But I knew what their decision would be.
I touched my own stomach. Too soon to tell, and until Eris had another talk with Nixie about privacy, I'd wait to be tested.
“While you're considering.” Vandalar turned to Nadira. “I have a message from your father.”
“I don't want it.”
“But - “
Ronan raised his hand. “As your advisors, we'd suggest you listen to what our women say.” He smiled for the first time. “It does make life easier.”
“Now that that's settled.” Xander swung down, knelt in front of me. “Fancy making that name change you rigged permanent?”
My knees wobbled, but he caught me. He always would.
“Goof,” was all I managed to say, throat tight and eyes tearing.
His brows drew together. “Is that a yes? Please tell me that's a yes.”
I nodded, and he sprung to his feet, wrapping me in his arms.
Nadira and Zayda pressed on either side of us, already making plans.
Plans for our future.
We were more than a Pack. More than a scattered group of outlaws, rogues and strangers.
We were a family.
And whatever waited for us in the stars, nothing could break us.
The End…
for now
Letter from Elin
Dear Reader,
I can't believe we made it! Thank you all so much for coming on this adventure with me.
It may be just my name on the cover, but I couldn't have done this without the help of a great team: Lisa Bing, Brandy Jones, Leslie and Leopardwolf Morgan! You fantastic ladies keep me writing, and keep me from making terrible mistakes!
Everyone who comments on the blog as chapters get posted, please know you keep me going, even when I think the answer to the plot problem is 'giant meteors fall. everyone dies."
My amazing hubby, who has patiently listened to innumerable snippets of story without context as I'm working out plot problems, and then tells me dinner is ready.
My mom, who is still my first reader. (yes, even for the steamy bits. she's that cool.)
The writing cats. Never let it be said that a single word was written without adequate feline supervision. (The dogs just want to hangout and be loved. And they are.)
And all of you! I'm still amazed that I can dream stories, and other people want to read them. You're the best :)
What's next?
I'm not done with our Wolves, I promise. There's four guys still waiting for their mates, a few short stories I want to play with, and Nixie really wants to get out and play. (I'm a little frightened. She promises it'll be fine.)
But they may have to wait for a little bit.
There's a whole new world that's been poking at the corners of my brain for the last few months. I'm going to go explore that for a while, and should have a new adventure for you later in the fall!
Please join my newsletter and the Facebook group to keep up to date with new releases.
I appreciate you, and can't wait to share the next adventure with you!
XOXO,
Elin
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Need to catch up on the Star Breed?
Don’t miss a single one!
Given: Star Breed Book One
When a renegade thief and a genetically enhanced mercenary collide, space gets a whole lot hotter!
Thief Kara Shimsi has learned three lessons well - keep her head down, her fingers light, and her tithes to the syndicate paid on time.
But now a failed heist has earned her a death sentence - a one-way ticket to the toxic Waste outside the dome. Her only chance is a deal with the syndicate's most ruthless enforcer, a wolfish mountain of genetically-modified muscle named Davien.
The thought makes her body tingle with dread-or is it heat?
Mercenary Davien has one focus: do whatever is necessary to get the credits to get off this backwater mining colony and back into space. The last thing he wants is a smart-mouthed thief - even if she does have the clue he needs to hunt down whoever attacked the floating lab he and his created brothers called home.
Caring is a liability. Desire is a commodity. And love could get you killed.
http://myBook.to/StarBreed1
Bonded: Star Breed Book Two
She doesn't need anyone. He's not going to let her go.
Eris Vance, salvager and loner, is happy with her life in the remote fringes of the Empire with just her AI for company. An abandoned ship could be the find of a lifetime, but it's not nearly as empty as she thinks. And the hulking man left behind kindles a heat she's never felt. But will he stay through the coming storm?
Connor is the perfect soldier - He's been made that way. Waking up to the destruction of the world he knew disturbs him almost as much as the gorgeous woman who found him. Her scent, her touch distracts him, and just this once, maybe he doesn't care.
The Daedelus is filled with secrets and the results of genetic experiments to breed the perfect soldier... and now that she's awakened him, the mystery of its destruction will hunt them both. Can the growing bond between them survive?
http://myBook.to/StarBreed2
Caged: Star Breed Book Three
No Past. No Trust. No Way Out.
Zayda Caiden reli
es on no one. An Imperial spy, her mission was betrayed - but she doesn't know the identity of the traitor.
And there's certainly no reason to trust the giant of a man dumped at the prison clinic, even if he makes her burn with feelings she thought long buried.
Mack has no memory, no real name. Just dreams of fire and pain, and a set of coordinates to a section of unexplored space he refuses to reveal. There's no room in his mission for a woman with secrets of her own, but her scent fills his dreams.
When they have a chance at freedom, can they trust each other enough to escape? Or will their secrets overwhelm their passion?
http://myBook.to/Starbreed3
Freed: Star Breed Book Four
When solitude leads to the brink of madness, only the touch of a sexy, headstrong doctor can pull a dangerous warrior back from the edge...
Dr. Nadira Tannu's work at the small clinic on Orem station was a quiet practice, helping the people of the Fringe. But then she and one of her patients were abducted into a nightmare on a long lost star ship and nothing would ever be the same.
When a rugged survivor rescues them, can she turn his thirst for revenge into a plan for escape? And can she keep her heart safe from the heat in his eyes?
Vengeance against the faceless droids who destroyed his brothers is all that keeps Ronan alive. But he can't resist the pleading look in a pair of wide green eyes staring at him from a cage.
He'll keep her safe. Even if it's from himself.
http://myBook.to/Starbreed4
Snared: Star Breed Book Six
When the only woman Xander cared for was ripped from his arms, nothing else mattered.
Now she’s back. Fragile and brave, beautiful and brilliant. Someone to protect, someone to fight for.
Except she doesn’t remember him at all.
Her curves and captivating scent drive him mad, demanding he cares for her, possess her.
He'll keep his mate safe, even if the Empire burns to ash around them.
Loree Sarratt is tired of everyone treating her like an invalid. Her hacking skills could save the Empire - if she's not arrested first.
First puzzle to solve? An overprotective pillar of muscle who turns her legs to jelly when he’s in the same room.
She can’t lose focus. But the heat of his gaze sends her pulse racing. His touch steals her breath. Everything tempts her to surrender…
And forget the danger she's in.
http://myBook.to/Starbreed6
About the Author
I love old movies – To Catch a Thief, Notorious, All About Eve — and anything with Katherine Hepburn in it. Clever, elegant people doing clever, elegant things.
I’m a hopeless romantic.
And I love science fiction and the promise of space.
So it makes perfect sense to me to try to merge all of those loves into a new science fiction world, where dashing heroes and lovely ladies have adventures, get into trouble, and find their true love in the stars!
Also by Elin Wyn
The Empire’s Fringe – Science Fiction Romance
The Empire’s Fringe Bundle
All of the below stories, at a special price!
https://elinwynbooks.com/the-empires-fringe/
Staked
In the slums of space station Cilurnum 8, fiercely independent Anisha Cheng must decide how far she’s willing to trust Kieran Matthias, the one man who she’s ever allowed to break her heart. If she can’t, she risks losing the Sapphire Star, her late father’s bar and the only home she knows, to a crime syndicate in three days. But as Anisha and Kieran try to work together, the plans of the syndicate may break them apart forever.
Jewel of Empire
On the spaceliner Dynomius, reformed cat burglar Audrey Pilgram has three weeks to prove her innocence of a series of copycat crimes, or all the sins of her past will be laid at her door. But her quest to uncover the culprit is complicated when she sees the next target - tall, handsome Phillip Lapsys. Can she stop the theft of the jewel before he steals her heart?
Raven’s Heart
Jayna wasn’t looking for trouble. Her plan was to keep her head down, save her money, and get back into to med school. But when she overhears the plans for a bio-terrorism attack that could wipe out the population of her station, her world is turned upside down. Raven’s Heart is a steamy science fiction romance complete novella with a happy ending, containing nebula hot scenes of passion.
Stolen
An alien artifact. Archaeologist Eliya Cafeal has spent her life in pursuit of this find - and nothing is going to get in her way. Certainly not a rogue and a scoundrel, even if he makes her blood catch fire. Captain Ruvon Taxal likes his life. Few close friends, a spot of petty smuggling or charter trips as needed. No restrictions, and nothing to tie him down. And if his newest passenger, a feisty archaeologist with storm grey eyes, has gotten under his skin, well, he'll learn to live without her when she leaves. But everything is changed when Eliya is stolen.
Claimed
In the remote mountains of a frontier planet, tinkerer and part-time inventor Paige Roth has her hands full protecting her claim against the goons of MagnorCo. With the help of her robots, she's doing pretty well, but the last thing she expects to fall into one of her traps is a handsome stranger trying to hike through the mountains for reasons of his own. He's handsome enough to make her forget where she put her toolkit, but can she trust him?
Alien Warrior Romance
https://elinwynbooks.com/alien-romance/
Alien Mercenary's Desire: Alien Abduction Romance
Kordiss has spent his life on the fringe, not succumbing to his rages. But when he rescues feisty human Sharla from intergalactic sex traders, his defenses are breached by her trusting smile. And when she's stolen from his arms, nothing will stand in the way of getting her back.
This is a sexy, steamy stand-alone alien abduction short romance with a happy ending.
Bonded to the Alien: Gate Jumpers Saga Part 1
Captain Taryn Nephalia was, honestly, a little bored with her current mapping mission. But a freak accident sent her and her crew crashing towards an unknown planet. Captured by alien snake men, Taryn knows she's on her own to escape, rescue her crew, and get off that rock.
But she's not expecting help from a fellow prisoner - a hunky alpha alien warrior on mission of his own. And now his mission includes her.
Bonded to the Alien is the first in a linked series of steamy science fiction alien romance short stories about Captain Taryn and her crew.
Allied with the Alien: Gate Jumpers Saga Part 2
Stephine Willovitch isn't sure about trusting the Eiztar warriors. She's practical, logical, and not terribly fond of strangers. As far as she remembered, she'd just entered her pod moments ago. Torpor gas had kept her still for the past 36 hours. But apparently Captain Taryn had gotten them all involved with a bunch of rebels, and now they were on the run from some sort of alien snake men. Stephine would follow orders, but she couldn't be ordered to trust the man paired with her - Dojan Cholsad-. Tall, blond, stunningly handsome - and annoyingly friendly - she certainly wasn't going to put up with any of this bonding nonsense. But when Dojan is in danger, her heart isn't listening to her head.
Trapped with the Alien: Gate Jumpers Saga Part 3
Sherre Balinko, the navigator and youngest of Captain Taryn's crew, couldn't be more excited. She might be stranded on a hostile alien planet, but now they were allied with a whole new group of aliens! Her partner in the race to get the antitoxin back to the base is the tall, handsome Zaddik Wangari. But the grand adventure is over When the Tuvarians board the Eiztar mothership and Sherre and Zaddik must battle them alone...
Lost with the Alien: Gate Jumpers Saga Part 4
Jeline Montias, human pilot, isn't thrilled about being paired with Kogav Wangari of Zurole. He's flippant, grumpy and even though he's an engineer and not a pilot, reluctant to let her at the controls. Why should she care that he has eyes like gorgeous am
ethyst pools and a sweet smile?
They can't seem to stop arguing, even when they're dodging Tuvarian raiders in their mission to get a deadly poison back to the Eitzar lab for analysis. But when they're driven through a set of jump gates to a new sector, they'll have to work together to survive.
Science Fiction Adventure Romance
Join the men of the Garrison as they discover the secrets of Crucible…
Second Chance at the Stars:
As a gifted psychokinetic healer, Adena Thornwood’s skills are in constant demand. She’s built a solid reputation for her willingness to make sacrifices at any cost. But when she’s betrayed by members of her own family, she may finally be broken. Regaining control will be near impossible with her heart in shambles.
Suppressing the rebellion on Crucible should have been just another mission for Commander Nic Vistuv and the men of his garrison unit. But lies and misinformation plague their mission from the beginning. Ghosts from the past haunt them, threatening his life and those of his brothers-in-arms.
The only way out of their predicament may lie in the form of a bribe, but this bribe is different. It’s wrapped in the body of a young healer, whom is battle-scarred and broken by a deep betrayal. As secrets unravel and enemies draw nearer, Adena may be the key to understanding the truth of Crucible.
Can a wounded healer and an embittered soldier come to trust each other in time to forge a second chance for both?
http://elinwynbooks.com/my-books/
Copyright © 2018 by Elin Wyn