by Abella Ward
"Stupid Flanard. It's all his fault I didn't get any of this while you were in the height of musth."
Tom gripped her hips, walking her back towards the table. "You'll have another chance next year."
A grin nearly split Sara’s face. "And the year after that."
He made to lay her on the table but she shook her head and turned swiftly so she was pressing him against it. "You're the big strong T'shav warrior and most time I'll be fine with giving you total control. But tonight you are mine, understood?"
Tom rose a brow. He never gave up control. Not for anybody. But as Sara encouraged him to sit on the table, a coy smile lighting her face, he realized that breaking rules had its own rewards. He perched on the edge of the table.
"You are beautiful," she whispered, kneeling between his legs.
Her touch was light as she ran a hand up his thigh before taking him into her mouth. Tom fought for control as powerful waves of pleasure coursed through him. His head fell back and he let out a throaty groan. A giggle from Sara did interesting things to him and he fought the urge to add his own movements. Instead he rested his hand on her head, weaving his fingers through her hair as he felt her rhythm.
A groan had him looking back down at her. She had a hand between her legs. He found himself wishing that it was her on the table and him kneeling before her, able to give her this wonderful pleasure.
"Sara," he moaned, feeling his pupils expand as he gazed down at the curve of her spine leading to the twin globes of her perfectly squeezable ass. He trembled on the edge and gripped Sara's shoulder, pushing her away.
Luckily she knew what he meant and quickly stood, pushing him further onto the table and climbing over him. The firmness of her knees squeezed his hips as she straddled him. That coy, teasing smile was back as she pressed a kiss to his mouth before allowing him to enter her.
Her warmth and tightness nearly undid him, but he bit his lip and braced himself against the table. Sara set the rhythm, the heat building between them all the faster from the weeks they spent longing for one another but refusing to give into their desires.
Tom gazed at his lover, his Starmate, the mother of his unborn child. He loved the way her shoulders shuddered, the way she let her head fall back and arched her back, pressing her breasts upwards like an offering. They were too delicious to resist, and Tom bent over her, kissing first one, then the other. He was rewarded by another moan.
He was so close he wasn't sure how much longer he was going to last but he grunted and held back. He would see his beautiful human find release first. Thank the stars, she was as close as him. Within moments she threw her head back, letting out an almighty scream. Her body sagged against his. He caught her and held her close as he released his own desperate control.
Strength fled and he collapsed back, the table creaking dangerously. Sara's warm body lay over his. He stroked her hair as they both panted. Eventually they swapped a few kisses before Sara rolled off him. Her arm rested on her stomach as she smiled blissfully at the ceiling.
"How can it get better than that?" she wondered aloud.
"I don't know. But I'm looking forward to seeing if it can."
With a sigh she rolled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her. He smiled. It was good to know that he had found his Starmate. And that she had found him.
Epilogue: Sara
Colonel Flanard's testimony against her was considered highly tainted, and so to Sara's surprise, she was not evicted from the Corps. The United Species were eager to prove that they would treat humans with dignity and respect. As such, within a few months after the incident, she was assigned to be an ambassador between the United Species and Zon's fleet. The months passed quickly, with Sara adjusting to her new role and the new relationship she had with Tom. Starmates.
Sara glared at her traitorous swollen ankles, her hands resting on her belly. "I don't understand why my feet have to look like pumpkins."
Chuckling, Tom sat beside her. "Would you like me to rub them?"
"Not right now. Thanks, though." Sara sighed, leaning against him.
What started off as a tentative situation so they could get to know each other better had quickly become them living together, and now there was no question that they were mates. That was the way T'shav did things. They took mates, they didn't marry, although Tom assured her that they could if that was important to her. Sara had never really thought much about marriage, and so she was happy to stick with T'shav traditions.
"The last batch of humans were woken today," Tom told her. "They're doing well. Total count, five hundred and seventy-two humans. They've already started to put together a good infrastructure together."
"Good. I'm sure it's terrifying for them, but starting over… that's human spirit. Do any of them remember anything about being abducted?"
Tom shook his head. "I'll bring the reports for you to take a look at. They were all taken in a period of time between 2000 and 2100, though. So you and my mother were among the first to be taken from Earth."
"Speaking of your mother, she'll be coming back soon, won't she?"
"Probably." He brushed her hair from her face, gazing tenderly into her eyes. "Are you feeling full? I can call her and tell her to bring the baby right away."
Sara shook her head. It hadn't even been a standard month since she had given birth to a healthy, robust baby boy. She and Tom had named him Alex Tang. Alex after her father, Tang after Tom's best friend growing up, who died when he was a teenager. Alex was the spitting image of his father, except for one thing. Rather than the black eyes that all T'shav had, Alex had blue eyes, the color Sara's had been before her accident.
The door to their room opened. In strode Tom's parents. His mother, Lisa, beamed at Sara. His father, the huge, intimidating warlord, Zon, carried the tiny bundle of blankets that held his grandson.
"We're heading down to the sanctuary," Zon said, handing the baby to Sara. "Are there any messages you would like to give the humans you helped save?"
Sara shook her head. "Not right now. Thank you, though."
Zon nodded as he and Lisa put their arms around each other. Tom was right when he said that they were deliriously happy. If Sara didn't know better, she would have said that they had just met each other, and were in the earliest stages of falling in love. She had never known two people who adored one another as much as these two did.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Lisa said, smiling at her. "And if my son isn't helping you enough—"
"Mom, please." Tom shook his head, and Sara laughed.
"He's helping me just fine. Thank you."
The warlord and his lady both nodded and left the room again. Sara settled back with a sigh, gazing at the tiny baby in her arms. It was a little frightening how small he was, but he had more than enough people around him to protect him from anything life threw his way.
And he had parents who loved each other.
"Have I told you lately how amazing you are?" she asked her mate, smiling up at him.
"Yes… but what am I amazing for now? Last time I believe it was because I put jam on your toast for you."
"Well, it was amazing toast."
Tom rolled his eyes, earning him a laugh. Sara adjusted the baby, shifting her legs into a more comfortable position.
"You are amazing because even after I assumed the worst of you, you forgave me and still want me as your Starmate."
Tom brushed a kiss on her lips. "You're amazing for the same thing, then."
Sara nestled herself against him, sighing in contentment. For the first time in far too long, she felt safe. The man she loved also loved her. She had a strong, healthy baby. It was no longer her against the galaxy, no longer hiding herself from those closest to her. And knowing that she would never have to hide again was the most wonderful feeling that she could have possibly imagined.
*****
THE END
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Bonus Book 1: Auctioned to the Barbarian Warrior
By: Abella Ward
Description
I am the chosen one. The only one who can help him save his planet
Lord Aurzac is the powerful Durlan Warlord, devoid of emotions and fiercely loyal to his land. He is in desperate need to find his mate. Without her, his planet Terrgius will die and his people will perish.
Renaya is single, lonely and not very successful. Her bland life suddenly turns into a nightmare when she is taken from her bed and abducted to another planet. Scared and confused, she is auctioned in front of a barbaric crowd to the highest bidder.
Who is this cold and heartless warlord who bought her? Why does he make her feel so hot deep down in her belly?
Lord Aurzac knows she is the chosen one, the only one who can save his dying planet. Too bad that she demands freedom, not willing to be his slave. Torn between her desire for the irresistible man, the responsibility of saving a planet and her longing for freedom, Renaya must choose to do what’s right.
And as if that isn’t enough, there is an opponent who plans to destroy the pair and the planet. Renaya is taken captive once again. Will Lord Aurzac rescue her again? Will Terrgius return to be the paradise it once was?
Auctioned to the Barbarian Warrior is a standalone book in a series of scifi romance novels, featuring the Space Station Andromeda 13. Other parts of the series:
Slave to the Barbarian King
Mated to the Barbarian Heir (coming soon)
Prologue
The force sucked him into the void and he was transported to an unchartered territory. He felt a presence near him. Dark eyes gazed at him with a fiery spirit that burned within, challenging him. Her hands and feet were in chains as her intoxicating scent ensnared his senses. It made him lose his strength. He could feel it... the connection... as strong as any, binding them. The darkness slowly descended, engulfing them both. Her beautiful features contorted with pain and she opened her mouth to scream but no sound came out, as the dark force dragged her back into the shadows...
Lord Aurzac snapped open his eyes and stared into the black void. The universe spread before him like a dark fabric speckled with tiny sparkling gems interspersed with splashes of color: purple, blue and vermilion. His handsome features contorted with pain as a throbbing headache nagged at him. The vision was recurring frequently. He must find that girl before it was too late. She wasn't from his world. She was too different...her pale skin and long dark hair that framed her delicate features made her too fragile. He knew that she belonged to a small planet in a far off galaxy. His Elders spoke of it. If he could find her, he knew she would bring back life to his planet Terrgius. He took a deep breath and stared into space. If he were destined to meet her, he would, no matter what.
Chapter One
Rain spattered on the polished coffin as it was lowered into the cold wet earth. Renaya gripped her umbrella tightly, her knuckles turning white as she started filling up the grave with wet soil. Her grandmother’s coffin disappeared out of sight. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks. As the cold rain hammered down, the noise filled the emptiness inside her. With her delicate features and ivory skin, she looked fragile as she stood there. She was numb with grief while the others slowly drifted away.
The last of the funeral guests left and she slowly walked back to her bedroom. Taking off her dark dress, she stepped into the shower. Cool water slid down her lithe body as she closed her eyes and thought about her life.
At twenty-seven, she was single, lonely and not very successful. Her parents died in a car crash when she was only two. Ever since then, she had lived with her grandmother.
She didn't have any real friends. She had always felt out of place. Even in school, she kept to herself. Not talking much. Only with her grandma she had felt at home. And now she was alone... really alone. She could hear her grandmother’s voice inside her head--her soft melodic voice and grandma’s bright unforgettable eyes flashed through her mind.
She was twenty-one back then. Her grandma stood on the patio tending Azaleas, her gray hair tied back, her blue eyes serene as she looked at the flowers.
“I had a dream last night...” she had said gently tending the flowers.
“Renaya you must believe. There might come a time when life puts you to test and you have to make an important decision. At that moment, you must believe and choose wisely,” her grandma said looking straight into her eyes.
“Believe in what Grandma?” she had asked puzzled. She wondered what she was talking about. And there was a strange light in her eyes as she said those words.
“Renaya, you should know that you are precious. Always remember that.”
“I don’t understand what you are saying.”
“In time, you will understand Renaya,” she had said cryptically. She had then taken off her emerald ring and placed it in Renaya’s hand. “You must wear it at all times. Keep it safe.”
Tears welled up in her eyes at the memory. She still wasn’t sure why her grandma said such a thing. And she still wore the beautiful ring every day. Her stomach knotted and she couldn’t shrug the feeling of emptiness that filled her heart.
Stepping out of the shower she changed into her pajamas and a loose t-shirt. Her hair still damp, she drew aside the drapes and opened the bedroom window. It had stopped raining. The cool breeze brought the scent of rain on the wet soil as she took a deep breath. The sky had cleared bringing out the starlight and the moon crept up from behind the clouds. With her thoughts wandering, she wondered if there was another world out there... somewhere far away. Maybe she would fit in there. Something nagged at the pit of her stomach. What was it? Suddenly feeling tired, she lay down and snuggled under the covers, as her head dropped on the pillow. The house was quiet and empty... eerily quiet. Sleep evaded her as a chill ran down her spine making her shiver. Little did she know that this would be the last night of her life on Earth.
***
She woke up with a jolt. The bed shook violently as she sat up. The curtains quivered and a glass filled with water fell off the table, smashing to the floor. Renaya steadied herself as she got out of bed, her heart racing. She went over to the window and looked outside, wishing the earthquake would stop. The trees were broken and strewn across the road along with the poles and wires. It was pitch black outside and she couldn’t make out much in the moonlit night. Stumbling back and trying to steady herself through the tremors, she held onto the edge of the bed. Suddenly it stopped.
An eerie silence filled the air. She reached for the bedside table drawer, pulling it out. Hands trembling, she groped for the flashlight and turned it on. Fear knotted her stomach as she made her way into the hallway and toward the kitchen. Something wasn’t right... her subconscious kept telling her. Suddenly a wailing siren ripped through the silent night. She staggered back, pushing herself against the wall as she turned the flashlight off. She heard heavy footsteps outside the kitchen door and moved further back into the shadows. The door suddenly burst open and a harsh light blinded her. Her mind racing, she shielded her eyes with the back of her hands. The orb of light moved away as the huge hulking figures of two men, dressed in dark leather suits approached her. One of them moved in closer and sniffed her. Then she saw their faces... The man in front of her had blue-gray skin, strange green eyes, and dark limp hair. He was almost seven feet tall as he sniffed at her neck.
Renaya screamed. She was definitely having a nightmare. The man said something to his partner and all she heard was a guttural voice and grumbled words. The first one grabbed her.
“Get away from me!” she screamed again, trying to futilely wriggle out of his grip as he picked her up. “Let me go!”
They did not answer her.
“Who are you? What do you want from me?” she whimpered, still struggling. They were def
initely not human, she realized, and they were going to kill her.
They would not answer her and kept talking to each other in their guttural tongue. Exhausted, she stopped struggling, her body going limp. Tears streamed down her face as they took her outside and around the back into the night.
More lights flashed in the sky as the siren kept wailing. Soon the men entered a triangular door that opened into a dim lit dark room.
“Please don’t kill me...” she whispered in a quivering voice, as tears trickled down her face.
They said something she didn’t understand. Her vision blurred as her mind tried to grasp at the last thread of reality, hoping that she would wake up and all this would be a bad dream.
The other man brought a small silver device and handed it to the one carrying Renaya. He pressed the cold thing onto her neck, then threw her on the dark floor. Renaya felt the skin on her neck grow warm as she fell down. The floor felt weird beneath her. The tranquilizer only took a minute to take effect and the last thing she saw were the two men towering over her.
And then darkness engulfed her, taking her into oblivion.
***
“Do you think she will do?” the one man asked the other.
“Of course, she smells unique,” Ex’ilk grunted. “I will get a good price on the market for this one,” he said, taking in the small figure lying on the floor.
“I don’t know... She seems small and weak,” the other said, shrugging. He still sounded doubtful.
