Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance)

by C. J. Scarlett

  “Well, when you explain it all like that, it sounds real considerate. Could you not have just communicated that to me? We could have used that computer thingy that we used to negotiate the contract.”

  “I was worried about your fragile mental health. We decided for the prince to explain that to you in person, once you reached your destination.”

  “Thought I’d flip out on everyone, didn’t you?”

  “Yes. That was a great concern.”

  “I probably would have. Thanks for trying to help me. I know you did your best.”

  “I remain at your service, Lady Selene.”

  Amie was falling asleep, so Selene scooped her up and made her excuses before heading back to the captain’s quarters.”

  Emily tapped on the glass, giving her beetle a good night kiss. Turning, she scooped up her sister’s snoozing little pet. “Buster never lasts much longer than Amie. These two were meant for each other.”

  As they stepped out of the room, Tref and Shafra shimmied into view.

  “What’s up with the invisible guards?”

  “They’re my friends. Lady Shafra was an imperial princess but disavowed the imperial family to seek a life of action and adventure.”

  “Wow, that sure sounds like fun. Does the big warrior belong to her?”

  “His name is Commander Tref and they belong to each other.”

  “That’s kind of romantic. Do they kiss? I only ask cause Koal don’t even know what kissing is.”

  “I try not to pry into their personal business. You shouldn’t either. They’re going to be traders, like Captain Koal.”

  “They should hang out here. Koal could teach them all the best places to trade. He even has a special place where he buys shuttles and ship parts. They sell freighters there too. I’ve seen them.”

  “He took you to a junkyard?”

  “Shipyard. It’s not the same thing at all. You don’t get out much, do you?”

  Selene shook her head. “You’ve had a lot of interesting experiences in a few short weeks.”

  “Koal says I’m an adrenaline junkie like him. That’s why he takes me to all the good places. Sure beats hanging around on Earth, getting sun and wind burned.”

  “I’ll agree with you about that, sister.”

  “About what?”

  Elaine’s question caught her off guard. Selene hadn’t realized they were back until she walked over the threshold. Handing over the little one to her mother, she noticed Emily walking off towards a reflecting pool. Pulling off her clothing, she stepped into the water. Selene walked over.

  “Strange water. What are you doing in there?”

  Selene reached out to touch the water but Emily warned. “No touching. You weren’t invited.”

  Tilting her head, Selene asked curiously. “Can’t you just invite me?”

  “It is Koal’s water. He has to invite you.”

  “Forgive me, I have been remiss. Lady Selene, my water is your water. Please enjoy yourself anytime you like.”

  Nodding, she rolled up her pants and stuck her legs in.

  Koal tossed his head happily. “You are so very like your mother, Lady Selene. She only put her feet in the first time she visited as well.”

  “Well, you managed to win her over in the end.”

  “As Prince Korban did you, Lady.”

  “That stuff I said back on the raider. I didn’t mean it. Well, I meant it when I said it. After taking to Emily and your ambassador, I know how wrong I was. Can you forgive me?”

  Touching her cheek gently, he spoke with a quiet dignity. “Because your mother has captured my heart, you will always be a daughter of my heart. Know that come what may, you can count on me to advocate for your needs and fight at your side if need be.”

  “My sister’s right. You really are a big old softie.”

  “I believe that is a compliment.”

  Nodding she smiled at him.

  CHAPTER 12

  Korban slid into the meeting place just as Ambassador Teric’s ship arrived. Both shuttles approached the Candorian freighter at the same time, attaching to side-by-side docking rings. Captain Koal, Ambassador Kredor, Commander Tref, and Shar Jalon waited patiently inside.

  “I wish to see my intended.”

  Captain Koal motioned them to a nearby conference room. “The daughter of my heart does not wish to cooperate with the retrieval of more females from her home world. I’m certain you can understand why.”

  “You have taken her mother to mate? You were only supposed to transport her.”

  “My family affairs are private. You must know this meeting will go badly for you if you cannot stay focused on the business at hand. Lady Selene will see you afterwards.”

  “Her mother and sisters are safe?”

  “Even now, they refresh themselves in my water.”

  “That will have to be good enough.”

  Ambassador Teric spoke up. “Would it be possible to at least see them, even if they will not speak to me?”

  “No. I guard my family closely.” Koal’s tone left no room for argument.

  Shar Jalon spoke. “I will present my information first. We have much to report. Ambassador Teric, we have adapted the multi-language bacteria to translate two of the human tongues without incident. Per the directive of His Royal Highness, the Imperial Emperor, we have integrated two Earth tongues. The first is English, which is now the dominate language spoken on Earth. The second language was Japanese. These cases contain over two 0hundred doses. Use them wisely.”

  S0har Jalon shoved the cases towards Teric, before continuing.

  “We thank you.” Teric murmured diplomatically.

  “We have made an extensive study of Lady Selene and cross matched biological samples against Krylon, Shardon and Candorian DNA as well as several dozen other species. Human biology is very adaptable. It is clear that human females are biologically compatible with every other species we’ve matched. Cross-species breeding is not only possible but with their high degree of fertility and the fact that they ovulate roughly twelve times per year, it is very probable.”

  “That is good news. We suspected as much.” Korban leaned forward.

  “I have spoken to my brother and he refuses to share human brides with my home world. Therefore, I ask that you carry this message to him. Tell him that the Imperial Princess Shafra and I break with the imperial family. From this day forward, we go our separate ways with the fleet stationed on the Sylon home world. We will no longer pay any member of the imperial family tribute. Tell him to think carefully about his response, because failure to accept our terms means war.”

  Ambassador Teric paled at the shocking announcement. “I will repeat you message exactly. If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to let me know.”

  “If all are in agreement, you are dismissed.”

  There was no objection, so Teric left with his doses of the newly synthesized multi-language bacteria.

  Shar Jalon noted awkwardly. “That was very unpleasant.”

  Captain Koal chimed in his opinion. “I would have advised against such a bold move, Prince Korban. It would be impossible for any of us to stand against the imperial family and survive, you least of all.”

  “I have no intention of standing alone. If the three of us form an alliance, none can defeat us. My sparsely populated planet has seven large continents, each rich in minerals and endless hectors of oceans. Though the land is fertile, it has little in the way of natural flora and fauna, but our oceans are teeming with beautiful coral and sea life. I believe it is time for the Candorian people to have a home world. We will soon be family, Captain Koal. That alone is reason enough to band together. I offer you my protection, my trust, and the oceans of my home world for your people. You were once good stewards of your world, therefore there is little doubt in my mind that you will care properly for the waters of my home world. Let my waters be your waters, Koal.”

  Recovering from the astonishment of being offe
red a new home world, Koal answered immediately. “I accept your generous offer. The Candorian people will live, work, and fight at your side from this day forward.”

  Turning to Shar Jalon, Korban continued. “The Shardon could also benefit from a place of respite in this sector. A secure place where you could establish a new community of clones with human brides. I will gift you with the empty continent of your choice and share our technology. You could assist us in studying more about our failing female genome. The work we do in that regard alone will secure us inclusion in the Galactic Council of Worlds. The Shardon could mine and trade in the minerals on your continent. You could have a very good life on Sylon.”

  “More importantly, if the three of us join together, we could petition Earth Gov for a trade treaty, exchanging females for the raw materials that are so abundant on my home world. I know the Candorian people have an abundance of females, so perhaps your share could be traded among your allies. I’m certain that between Shar Jalon and myself, we could arrange a trade you would be happy with.”

  Shar Jalon spoke. “This sounds like a dream come true, for my people are far from home and often discriminated against when it comes to trade. I would accept such an offer and be grateful to have it.”

  “It is settled. Instead of a king, my world will have three princes, each responsible for ruling our own people. We will meet every quarter to ensure the arrangement continues to work and solve problems as they arise.”

  Shar Jalon nodded. “If you would each like to send you ambassadors, we can begin work on the treaty with Earth Gov. I have dared to dream of having a female of my own. Now, I find myself eager to hurry the process.”

  “As the only one of the three of us with no human bride, I say let you be the first to choose from among the humans we procure.”

  “Thank you, my prince.”

  “No need to be so formal, Shar Jalon. We are all now princes, are we not? If it pleases you both, I would like to visit my intended.”

  Koal stood. “I invite you both to my quarters for a small celebration of our good fortune. The women await us.”

  “We have much to celebrate.”

  Being reunited with his intended was an emotional event for Korban. As soon as they entered the room, she flew into his arms. Holding her fast, he couldn’t bear to let her go. Thankfully, she seemed to have no intention of letting him go either. He finally swept her up in his arms and carried her to the settee.

  Koal sat with Emily at his side. “We have news.” Gesturing to Prince Korban, he took Amie from Jacob and settled her onto his lap.”

  Clearing his throat, Korban spoke. “I am sorry to say that my home world will never have a king. We have elected on three princes instead. I have broken ties with the imperial family in favor of forming an alliance with the Candorian and Shardon. Koal will establish the first Candorian settlement on the floor of our oceans on the Sylon home world. The Shardon will form a colony on one of our unused continents. Together, we will approach Earth Gov with a treaty to exchange brides for the much-needed raw minerals on our home world.”

  Elaine spoke up. “Selene and I have discussed this new interest other worlds have shown in human women. We believe that it would be best to put some safety protocols in place. It will make Earth Gov more comfortable dealing with us and ensure we are respecting their rights.”

  Selene interjected excitedly. “We talked about setting up some sort of lottery system by which the males are preselected to meet with groups of women. If women come looking for husbands, they will be quick to snap up the ones they’re attracted to. If we leave the coms open to Earth, the women will naturally contact their loved ones back home and report on their positive experiences.”

  “That sounds like a win for everyone.”

  Shar Jalon asked curiously. “Do you think the human females will accept clones as mates or should we just focus on gathering samples to enhance our efforts at diversity?”

  Selene grinned. “Are you kidding? Your clones are sexy, adaptable, and fun to be around. I’d say they will be the first chosen.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that. I’ve warmed to the idea of having a mate, as impossible as that sounds.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short, Shar Jalon. If I hadn’t met Korban first, I’d have been interested in a Shardon husband. Where’s Jacob anyway? I’m sure he has something to contribute to this conversation.”

  “It thrills to know we will be on the same world, Selene. I will need all the assistance I can get in catching the notice of a potential mate.”

  Korban pulled her back into his arms. “You will find him a mate, straight away. I do not like the way he looks at you.”

  Selene laughed at his not-so-subtle teasing.

  CHAPTER 13

  Korban carried his little sweet to his shuttle and tended to her during the short voyage to his ship. He had to admit that his female didn’t seem to be any worse for the wear. It rankled him that she paid such attention to a clone. Then again, once he spent some time with them, he realized something about them.

  “What are you thinking so hard about, My Prince?”

  Looking down into Selene’s adorably human face, he responded honestly. “I was thinking of the clones. Their thought processes, much like my own, are flawed when it comes to leading our people into the future.”

  “We’re all just people, even the clones.”

  “I can see what was once obscured by my own arrogance.”

  “I happen to like that you own up to your mistakes. It gives me hope that you’ll own up to the ones you made with me some day.”

  “Shar Jalon told you, did he not?”

  “That you paid Koal for me and turned him into the Galactic Council as well? I wasn’t too thrilled about that, to tell the truth.”

  “Then you’ll be even less thrilled to know that I have not once regretted that decision.”

  Sitting up, she backed away slightly. “Maybe you’ll learn your lesson with the next woman you manipulate the entire verse to get your hands on.”

  “Do not play games with me, my sweet. I know in my heart that you are mine. I knew it the first time I ever saw you. Would you force an apology out of me, when I am anything but remorseful?”

  Fire flashed in her eyes. “Hell, yea. I would have you lie to me. Why not? You lie to me all the damn time anyway. Why not tell a little white lie to make me feel better about the situation?”

  Korban was taken aback. This reunion was not going at all the way he had imagined it would. He had dreamed of her flying into his arms, swearing her undying love for him, and giving him the best sex to be had in all the verse. Instead, she was angry and shouting at him about his devious ways. The same ways that had gotten him exiled from his home world. Holding up two hands, he backtracked on his previous words.

  “I can now see that perhaps I should explain my thinking around the decisions I made regarding your abduction from Earth.”

  Looking at him earnestly, she replied politely as she smoothed down her gown. “That would lead me to believe I’m more than just an object to you.”

  “You are everything that I hold dear. When you were taken to the Candorian vessel to complete your contract for the mining business they hoped to set up there, Earth’s ozone layer collapsed. The devastation was rapid and shocking for the Candorians. They lost their own planet when their sun went supernova, so they are extremely cautious about extinction-level events. As you know, they felt ethical qualms about returning you to your dying world. Instead, they scoured the galaxy for planets with ongoing mining operations. Mine was at the top of the list.”

  “I know all that from speaking with Ambassador Kredor.”

  “What you may not know is that I accepted responsibility for the miners out of compassion for their situation. I never knew one was female. Maybe Kredor said, but I don’t remember. I just know that during a routine check in with the Candorian freighter, I saw you. You sat alone in a room. You looked so lost and sad. It tore at m
y heart. I inquired about your needs and told myself that I had done my duty by ensuring all your needs met. The only problem was, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. No matter where I went in the verse or whose company I kept, you were never far from my thoughts. I found myself checking in on you several times a week, then every day, and towards the end, several times a day.”

  Selene’s expression softened and she slid a little closer. “That’s kind of sweet.”

  “I was thrilled when they adapted the multi-language bacteria for you. I had my scientist meet the Candorian vessel so you could be inoculated right away. Only instead of being happy or grateful, you ran from me. It was demoralizing. I worried about all the things that could befall an innocent female on Lortex Station. I could not eat, for thinking you were going hungry. I could not sleep for fretting over where you were forced to lay your head. It felt like we were inextricably linked. Only how could that be, if you chose to abandon me?”

  Selene’s hand came out to his chest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you back then. Nothing in my life was as it had been. I was scared and so far from home.”

  Grasping her hand, he brought it to his lips. “I know. That’s why I sent my military to look for you. I could bear being rejected by you, but I could not bear thinking of someone harming you.”

  Suddenly, she was curled up on his chest again. “Why did you cut your lovely hair off and leave it for me? It terrified me, for I didn’t understand the message you were trying to send in doing that. I thought perhaps because I had always loved your hair so, you severed it to rid yourself of me. Then I saw how tenderly you treated me before leaving my side during the battle and could not bring myself to believe you did not care for me.”

  Looking up at him, she smiled. “On ancient Earth, cutting your hair was a sign of mourning. I wanted you to know how much it pained me to be separated from you. Also, men on my world used to cut a small lock of their loved one’s hair as a keepsake when they were to be separated for long periods of time.”