“It’s true,” he murmured to himself, his tense muscles relaxing one by one.
Cassandra smiled. “Of course it’s true.”
“I’m sorry,” his voice trailed off. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
“Don’t be. You’re here now.”
He glanced out the viewing window. “Where are we?”
“In the jungle I grew up in.” Her gaze shifted to the instrument panel. “We’re still on Earth, but we will be leaving shortly.”
Buzz nodded, trying to comprehend all that was happening around him. “Where are we going?”
“Planet Zaron.”
He had no idea where that was and didn’t care. Excitement swept through him. His dream of returning to space was about to be answered. Fear and anticipation filled his mind, reminding him again that he’d been grounded from space travel for a reason. The trip might very well kill him, but it would be worth it to see another world. “Never heard of Zaron.”
She laughed. “You will.” Cassandra motioned toward the instrument panel, then as if reading his mind she said, “You need not worry about the remnants of your illness. You’ve been healed.”
Buzz stood in shocked silence as he digested her words. “How did you…”
“Do you doubt me?” She arched a brow, daring him to question her statement.
He glanced around at the bridge, his gaze lingering on the controls. “Not anymore,” he laughed, then sobered. “I love you, you know. Both of you.” Buzz wrapped his arms around her stomach and tenderly kissed her neck.
Cassandra’s eyes filled with fresh tears. “You know about the baby?”
He nodded. “I had a gut feeling after we’d made love that something was different.”
She bit her lower lip. “And you don’t mind?”
He smiled and kissed her again. “Mind? Are you kidding? I’m over the moon.”
“Not yet, but you will be soon.” Cassandra laughed. “I love you, too.”
“I know.” He grinned. “I just wish my sister Carrie knew about all this.”
Cassandra smiled. “That can be arranged.”
Buzz stilled. “Seriously?”
She nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll have someone from Zaron notify her. Perhaps Orion will send a Phantom Warrior. They’ve longed to see this planet and can easily slip on and off the Earth without being detected.”
“Who’s Orion?” There was bite to the question that he didn’t bother to hide.
“You do not need to be jealous of Orion. You are my true-mate. We’ve experienced Atlantean heat. I want no other.”
“Can I trust him with my sister?”
She brushed him with her fingertips. “You can trust me.”
“I do,” he said, then frowned. “But I don’t know if I like the sound of a Phantom Warrior paying an unscheduled visit to my sister. Carrie’s fragile. She’s been through a lot. She might not take a stranger’s word for it that I’ve left the planet. It’s not like that’s common here on Earth.”
She nodded. “Understood, but I assure you that the Phantom Warriors aren’t too bad, once you get past their intimidating appearance.” She laughed. “They will do her no harm. You have my word.”
“As long as you’re sure...” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I don’t want her to worry about me. She’s done enough of that over the years.”
Cassandra stroked his cheek lovingly, then her grin widened. “Your family is now my family. Consider it done.”
Buzz’s lips quirked, everything had turned out better than his dreams. Better than he’d ever imagined. Not even NASA could beat the ride he was about to take. “Let’s go home.”
* * * * *
Cassandra listened to the message Orion had left her. He’d gone through the transport with Queen Rachel’s friend, Brigit and would see her back on Zaron. She followed his instructions to the letter. With Brady’s help, she gathered the stones that powered the transport, thus permanently disabling the device. The Atlantean people would now be safe from humans.
Back inside the ship, she pressed several buttons and flipped a few switches, firing up the engines. Buzz’s face held pure joy as the craft lifted from the ground. He turned to her and smiled as they broke through Earth’s atmosphere, love shining in his gray-green eyes. Cassandra’s heart gave a little flip.
“Does this ship fly itself?” he asked, mischief twitching the corners of his mouth.
“Practically, or else Orion wouldn’t have left it in my hands,” she answered cautiously, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Why?”
“Perhaps you’d like to give me a tour,” he suggested, his eyes widening in innocence.
“If you wish.” Her voice purred.
The answering smile he gave her was feral. “Great, let’s start with the bedroom.”
Heat swept over her body as Buzz stalked her. Cassandra giggled, then spun out of reach. She raced for the ladder leading to the sleep chamber. He caught her before her foot hit the second rung.
“You can’t get away from me that easy.” His arms closed around her shoulders, sliding down her arms, and then around to cup her full breasts.
She moaned as he pressed his thumbs against her nipples. “Who said I was trying to get away?” Cassandra smiled to herself. She finally had her true-mate by her side. All was right in the galaxy.
# # #
ATLANTEAN’S QUEST BOOK FOUR
THE RETURN
by
Jordan Summers
Dedication
This book is dedicated to all the readers. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to finish this final installment of the Atlantean’s Quest Series. I appreciate all of the emails and encouragement you’ve sent my way. I hope you enjoy this book.
Note: To avoid confusion, I wanted to let you know that this story timeline takes place at the same time as Atlantean’s Quest Book Three: Redemption and Atlantean Heat. If you’re new to the Atlantean’s Quest series, you probably want to start with Atlantean’s Quest 1: The Arrival.
Happy Reading, Jordan Summers.
Table of Contents: The Return
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Orion, brother to Ares and third in command on Planet Zaron has been relegated to chief messenger and babysitter.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen…
It should’ve been a simple job. Fly to Earth, find the Seer, and deliver a message to Brigit Taylor to let her know her friends, Jaclyn Ward and Rachel Evans were alive and well.
Simple. Ha!
That was before the vicious squirrel attack, trying to slay a wasabi green dragon at the Conlunar convention, and sinking his Katronian rings into the wrong woman’s body.
Orion is discovering that nothing on Earth is simple and that sometimes the world falling apart is the best thing that can happen to you.
* * * * *
Atlantis…
Many myths surround the disappearance of this mysterious island continent and its advanced civilization. Some believe everyone perished in a cataclysmic event that caused the ocean to rise and open its gaping liquid mouth, swallowing all evidence of their existence. Others speculate that some of the people survived and fled, returning to their true home many galaxies away.
What if they were both right and the truth lay somewhere in between?
The Atlantean’s Quest series tells the story of three women, Rachel Evans, Jaclyn Ward, and Brigit Taylor, whose ordinary lives become extraordinary upon encountering these mythical people. This cosmic interaction changes everything they thought they knew about the world and themselves.
In the quest for survival, lives are lost, but friendship and love remain.
This is Brigit’s story.
* * * * *
Chapter One
“Warning! Warning! Warning! Planetary object approaching rapidly,” the computer blared, follow
ed by a quick burst of sirens.
Orion’s ship broke through the atmosphere leaving a wispy vapor trail in its wake. The craft shuddered, his muscles strained to hold it steady as the outer alloy panels heated to a glowing red. Sweat broke out across his forehead. If it got any hotter in here, he’d roast like a corgal tanger on a spit. Orion pushed a button on the control panel above his head. The computer quieted. The ship cooled an instant later and then accelerated, throwing him back against his seat.
Hang on! The mental command went out to his passenger, Cassandra. He didn’t bother to look at the Atlantean woman while he steered the ship. She would be of no assistance. Like his brother, Ares, Cassandra was born on this planet and reared in the jungle. For all intents and purposes, she was an Earthling, which was one of the many reasons she’d asked to come along on this mission.
The primitive radar system on this planet would only pick up a brief blip before he disappeared altogether. They’d consider it a momentary malfunction and not bother to check it out. A Zaronian warrior on duty would not be so careless. Even the most innocent ping could turn into a major threat to planetary security.
He’d spent the past month studying everything there was to know about this tiny blue-green planet known as Earth. Queen Rachel and Jac were only too happy to fill in any missing gaps from his knowledge. He knew the foods, the topography and the weaponry. He’d even mastered the subtle nuances of communication. Their cultures might be different, but soon he’d acquire that knowledge too and be like every other Earthling, only better.
Orion was confident he’d be able to blend in with the primitive natives long enough to convince Brigit that her friends were safe, unharmed and now resided on planet Zaron. It would be a “walk in the cake” as Jac liked to say.
He sensed Cassandra’s interested gaze before seeing it. She caressed his muscled form, focusing on the male bulge between his thighs. He tensed as his cock responded. Be careful, little one, he communicated telepathically, the preferred way of the Atlantean people. I can read your lustful thoughts. He looked at her from beneath hooded eyes.
Cassandra shifted under his regard. As an Atlantean woman in her sexual prime, she was not shy about conveying her thoughts or acting upon her natural urges. Like Orion, she too searched for what could not be found on Zaron.
Don’t worry. He shook his head and smiled. I’m not interested in you either, and I believe I can contain my boredom for an hour or so longer.
Don’t flatter yourself, warrior. Cassandra laughed. It was just a thought, not a proposition. I would think you of all people would know the difference.
He grinned. I do, hence the warning.
Such conceit. She straightened in her seat. Not that it isn’t warranted, but I look for something…different. Less Atlantean.
And you think you’ll find it in an Earthling?
Perhaps…
You’ll forgive me if I disagree.
‘Tis your choice. She shrugged absently.
Orion flicked switches transferring fuel into their reserve tanks. He wouldn’t argue his point. Where is it you wish me to take you?
I’ve longed to see the ocean again. Cassandra sighed, her expression turning dreamy and distant. Queen Rachel told me I might enjoy a place called California.
Orion frowned and punched another button, bringing up a holographic map of planet Earth. Where did she say this place is located?
The same piece of land you need to be on to find Brigit.
He glanced at her, not liking the reminder about his current assignment. Cassandra stared at the swirling map. Her eyes widened as her gaze alighted on a spot that glowed like a jewel under the sun.
What do the glowing lights represent on the map?
Colonies. He pointed to a spot on the east coast of the North American continent. The brighter the light, the more populated the area. This is where I must go.
Cassandra reached out and touched a spot on the opposite coast. I want you to take me here.
Orion glanced, then pressed a button to zoom into the area she’d indicated. The place you wish to visit is called Los Angeles.
Cassandra smiled. “Los Angeles,” she murmured aloud, testing the name on her tongue. That’s in California, right?
He nodded.
Good, then it’s settled. I will go to Los Angeles, California to begin my search.
Queen Rachel said you will need something called money. I’ve researched this item. It is what the humans use to barter with in exchange for goods, lodging and food.
Do we have any of this…money?
Yes. The replicator managed to produce a travel sack full of the stuff. You should have more than enough for what you need. I’ve also taken the liberty of placing a deciphering unit in your bag. You’ll be able to find any meaning or item by thinking about the object. It should help when it comes to communicating with the humans. Orion slid his hand across a panel at his side. It opened silently. He pulled out a rectangular metal device.
What is that?
A communication device.
Like the deciphering unit?
No. He flipped a switch on the side of the object and a tiny screen appeared. If you need assistance or come to your senses and want to return home, flick this switch and hold the device next to your head. It will pick up your thoughts, in the same way we’re having this conversation, and transport you to the ship. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of space when you activate it, because the device is powerful enough to transport objects around you.
Cassandra nodded and reached for the communication device.
Orion pulled it out of reach. Are you sure you want to do this? ‘Tis not too late to change your mind.
She forced a smile and faced him unflinchingly. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.
He stared at her for a few moments, assessing her sincerity, deliberating her fate. Finally, he nodded. California it is.
Reluctantly, he dropped Cassandra off in Los Angeles, California. She waved goodbye as his ship rose, a contented smile planted on her face. He still didn’t like the fact he’d left an Atlantean woman alone and unguarded on a beach, but Orion understood her need to carve out her own destiny. For he held the same desire. With her departure, his ship’s weight and readings adjusted to accommodate his lone presence. Even the overture they’d experienced earlier was now gone.
It was as he’d suspected, they’d had a stowaway. Orion knew he should be angry, but he wasn’t, not really. The only being capable of hiding his presence onboard throughout a galactic flight was a Phantom Warrior, whose ability to become invisible and pass through solid objects at will was legendary.
Orion was one of the few fighters ever to draw first blood on a warrior from Planet Kantar and live to tell the tale. For performing such a feat, the Phantom Warriors granted him honorary brother status among their people.
However, friendship didn’t excuse disobeying a direct order. He wasn’t sure which warrior, Bacchus or Kegar, blatantly disregarded his command and stowed away to Earth, but Orion hoped the risk proved worth the eventual punishment.
Over the last few moons, Orion had grown restless like the other unattached males and females on his home planet. Zaron did not hold the same appeal to him as it once had. He itched to stretch the boundaries set in place for centuries. Maybe, while here on Earth, he’d take some time to do just that, between babysitting the Queen’s friend, finding the Seer and making sure Cassandra was doing well. He frowned as his latest assignment intruded on his thoughts.
He’d earned the title of warrior long ago, due to his birthright and his proven abilities. Later, he’d reached First in Command. His thoughts trailed off. He could no longer claim the position of First in Command with Ares’ return. Orion squelched the bitterness threatening to rise. He was happy to have family again. Truly. It was far more important than any position, but… It would take some adjusting to get used to his new role.
That was the main reason he’d stepped forwa
rd for this menial job. He wanted the chance to leave the planet and clear his head, even if it were only for a few days. He needed to make decisions about his future. Mingling with the Earthlings, with their primitive minds and underdeveloped bodies, just happened to be an unpleasant byproduct of the trip.
Perhaps not so unpleasant, Orion thought, as he considered Queen Rachel and Jac’s appearance.
They were attractive enough, in an exotic sort of way, but far inferior to Atlantean women in strength, beauty and agility. Although he’d never expressed his private thoughts, Orion still could not understand how his brother, Ares, and King Eros settled beneath their stature. And he wasn’t the only one. Whispers caressed the winds of Zaron, leaving emerging doubts in the minds of the people that their energy bonds held. Still, no one dared to step forward and challenge the King…yet. But the day was coming.
Perhaps their choices came from being marooned on Earth for so many years. Isolation did strange things to one’s thought processes. Coupled with the fact that this was a primitive planet, it would make the time here nearly unbearable. Despite his brother and the King’s reassurances that their energy binds were intact, Orion held doubts, too. It wasn’t possible to bind with a human, was it?
He shook his head at the absurdity of the question. Earth women were good for one thing, and one thing only—sex. Anything more would make him as foolish as his brother—and Orion was far from foolish.
But, he was curious.
He recalled Jac’s parting words, “Curiosity killed the kangaroo”. Orion wasn’t sure exactly what type of creature a kangaroo was but it mustn’t be too fierce if a mere thought could slay it. He mentally brushed her warning aside. He wouldn’t allow the words of an Earth woman to deter him, even if said woman was his brother’s alleged true-mate.
Atlantean's Quest Volume 2 Page 16
