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

by C. J. Scarlett

  Ora asked curiously. “Do you think she is sick because she is carrying two children instead of one?”

  The exasperated lord, ventured a guess. “I believe it is something else causing her to be unwell. My Jen reports there have been many twin births in her family and none resulted in such illness.”

  They heard voices outside the doorway. Glancing up at the doorway, Chalon asked curiously. “Who are you?”

  The woman slid her hand down her gently sloping belly. “I’m patient zero for this little human Krylon breeding experiment, but you can call me Selene.” Moving aside, several clones stepped into the shuttle. “I brought the cavalry.”

  Oracha quickly clarified. “She is Prince Korban’s mate. Their compatibility led my father to you and Ambassador Teric on your mission to Earth.”

  Waving them in, Chalon quipped. “You are nothing like I imagined. You’re more imperial and rather less shifty than I was led to believe.”

  “God, tell me you haven’t all been watching the vids of all my escape attempts.”

  Oracha murmured sheepishly. “My father made them part of the mandatory training for any Krylon male wishing to take a mate. My favorite is the one that secured your temporary escape from a Terillian ship.”

  “Good thing the three-legged reptilians can’t turn their heads. They’d have caught me for sure.” Turning to the clones, she asked sharply. “What is going on with her?”

  “There is a small blockage in one of the veins in her neck. It is decreasing the flow of oxygen to her brain. It is not significant enough to result in decreased cognitive functioning but prolonged failure to treat leads to the extreme fatigue you see. The added stress of carrying children is certainly exacerbating her condition.”

  “Can you correct the problem?”

  “The procedure is simple enough but I would hesitate to attempt it without the appropriate support of my medical center. If you lift off now, I will make arrangements for docking and have the rest of my team in place by the time we reach our ship.”

  Chalon appeared conflicted. Oracha clutched his arm. “You can trust the Shardon; they are now our allies. I was required to add my signature to the treaty. They will not fail us.”

  “Anything you ask of me, I will give for the sake of my mate.”

  Selene spoke. “We require nothing but your good will. Let’s move.”

  The door was slammed shut and the shuttle began its ascent, as the medical team monitored the woman’s condition closely.

  She seemed to Oracha to be hovering at the edge of consciousness, unaware of her surroundings. She murmured despondently. “Chal, where are you? I need you.”

  The man responded immediately. “I am here, my love. Do not worry. All will be well.” Smoothing a wisp of hair from her face, he bent to brush his lips over her brow.

  Her contented purr as she cuddled into him took Oracha’s breath away. It was the kind of reciprocal love not seen for generations on his world. It occurred to him to wonder if this was the kind of relationship he had carelessly thrown away with the Earth princess. To be loved and needed by a female who showed tenderness was every male’s dream. A wave of self-loathing hit him so hard it almost brought him to his knees.

  CHAPTER 6

  ~ MAIKO ~

  MAIKO MUSIC MIX SONG SIX

  Extricating herself as soon as possible, Maiko joined Rose aboard a shuttle bound for one of the Shardon clone ships. Jennifer was having a lifesaving procedure and they were both anxious about her prognosis. Mamoru stayed behind to smooth things over with the emperor, sending double her regular allotment of Japanese guards. Every single one had a katana strapped to one side and a laser pistol on the other. It was a depressing fact of her life that she couldn’t go anywhere without a fuss.

  She popped in her earbuds and let the music carry her away from the anxiety of being surrounded by warriors, in a strange and inhospitable place, and most of all of worrying about her friend. Jen was so bright and outgoing. Maiko couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to her. Twisting her hands in her lap, she tried not to fidget.

  Within the hour, they were ushered into a viewing room alongside a small grouping of other people. Maiko saw her spouse, Lord Chalon, and the imperial prince as well as several others she didn’t immediately recognize. Ambassador Teric was nowhere to be found.

  Rose rushed forward and hugged the alien lord. The man seemed more dignified than Maiko remembered him being. Being awarded clan status had aged him somewhat.

  “How’s she doing, Chal?”

  “I am told the surgery was a success. They removed the blockage and are in the process of scanning to ensure it was the only one. The equipment on their ship is capable of performing the kind of in-depth analysis a handheld could never hope to achieve.”

  The clone ship was quite a bit warmer than any other environment she’d been subjected to, causing a soft sheen of sweat to break out on her skin. A sensation of the room careening slightly, made her realize she was becoming lightheaded. Stepping to the side of the room, she motioned to one of her attendants. They peeled the thick outer robe off and the next two layers of robes as well. Finally, she could breathe again.

  No one seemed to notice. She wound her hair up into a loose ball and wrapped an elastic band sloppily around it. Since her eyes were burning, she turned her back and removed her contacts, placing them into a tiny receptacle around her neck. Her assistant handed her a pair of glasses with a smirk. Maiko smiled at her, loving the easy transition between her imperial personage and her regular self.

  Finally, all the discomfort fled. Adjusting her glasses, she turned to look at Jen through the shimmering barrier.

  A voice caught her off guard. “They can probably correct whatever visual problem you have. Shardon medical technologies surpass anything in the known verse.”

  Looking over her shoulder, she shoved her glasses into place again as she stared at the Krylon prince. “Thank you, but I’ll stick with the eyes God gave me.”

  Lord Chalon regarded her with no small amount of amusement. “I always wondered why you didn’t have your vision corrected. I thought you had when we first arrived. I’ve never seen you wearing your glasses before.”

  Huffing out an exasperated breath, she responded. “The imperial father believes my glasses distract from the effect of the ceremonial dress. Since it is not the effect he wishes to make, I wear the contacts for formal occasions.”

  Rose chimed in additional information Maiko would have preferred to be private.

  “Maiko had a rough childhood. She was hospitalized on a couple of occasions for extended periods of time. She is now weary of medical procedures.”

  Curious eyes turned on her. Waving her hands dramatically, she adjusted her glasses. “Fine, I’ll tell you all about it. I was almost swallowed whole by a huge python when I was three. We were attacked by a terrorist and I took a bullet to my right lung when I was nine. It’s no big deal. I’m just fine.”

  Rose came over and draped one arm around her. “You aren’t fine, Maiko. You’re terrified of snakes and you had to watch your teenaged brother cut down four grown men with his katana to protect you. It left you to traumatized to speak for almost a year.”

  Squeezing her eyes shut, Maiko pretended for a moment she was somewhere else. Someplace where people weren’t staring at her. Suddenly, someone spoke.

  “That is nothing. I got a little too close to a fire breather when I was a kid. He singed the hair right off the top of my head. They had to graph new skin on and everything. I smelled like a toasted person for weeks.”

  She opened her eyes, and amazingly enough no one looked at her. The Krylon prince lifted his hair to show off a surgery scar. Everyone spoke at once, asking questions and sharing stories of their own.

  A small grateful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  When the prince glanced at her, his normal smirk was nowhere to be found. She couldn’t help but return his tentative smile. Sensing her unease, he
’d shifted the focus from her to himself. It was one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for her. Popping her earbuds back in, she enjoyed some flute music until the barrier between the medical unit and the waiting area crackled and slowly disappeared. One of the Shardon healers stepped into the room and announced boldly.

  “Lady Jennifer is completely healed. You may take her home, safe in the knowledge all is well with her pregnancy as well.”

  Lord Chalon beamed his delight as he saw his mate sitting up. Maiko and Rose surged forward.

  Jen was all smiles as she rubbed her huge belly. “What the hell happened? I feel like a million bucks.”

  Her mate sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He covered her hand with his own. “Your recent problems functioning resulted from a blockage in one of your veins. The Shardon healers removed it. You are now well enough to go home if you wish.”

  Pinching him playfully on the side, she quipped. “You better believe I’m ready to head home. I love our new place. Can’t wait to hold little Marko.”

  “How many times must I tell you slin are not pets. You should not have named him; now you are growing attached to the creature.” Lord Chalon’s expression was so stern Maiko couldn’t help but laugh.

  When his curious eyes turned on her, she cleared her throat. “Your mate is correct. Slin may look like puppies when they are small, but they grow to be the size of large horses. You would not be able to keep one indoors when it’s fully grown.”

  Rose gasped. “Hells bells, I never knew that.”

  Shaking her head, Maiko pushed her glasses back up her nose. “It’s in all the literature. Don’t you read?”

  Rose laughed. “No human woman reads as much as you do. I’ve been studying all the surrounding cultures and you probably know twice as much as I.”

  Sighing, she shrugged. “Maybe, there’s more to life than reading meaningless details about everyone’s culture. You two at least get to live the experience. After this short little vacation in paradise, I get stuffed right back in my bottle.”

  Lord Chalon trilled his shock. “They keep you in a gigantic bottle?”

  Rose giggled again. “It’s just an expression. Ancient Earth had stories about mythical beings that could turn themselves into smoke. They were supposedly trapped in bottles and if you freed one, they would grant you three wishes in exchange for their freedom. Only they’d get frustrated because they had to go back into the bottle until the human decided on his or her wishes.”

  He nodded. “I see. Human vernacular is rich with such references.”

  Wrinkling her nose, Maiko pointed out quickly. “Most cultures have them. For example, Krylon refer to something they suspect as being deceitful as a female’s song.”

  “Ah, yes. We have a long history of dealing with our females being misleading, self-indulgent, and whimsical. I believe that is where the saying comes from.”

  Jennifer smiled indulgently at her. “Tell me you are still coming for a visit. I’ve missed all your unusual little tidbits. My brain needs to soak up some culture and I want to hear all the latest tunes you’ve scavenged from the ancient archives.”

  Grinning like a mad woman, Maiko nodded. “Too bad Earth doesn’t have artists anymore, or we’d still be making original music. Besides, wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  Lord Chalon held up one hand. “I’m not even going to ask what horses are. Come, my love. Let’s get you home.”

  Balling up her fist on his chest, Jen objected. “I can walk. Put me down.”

  “I refuse. You will be lucky if I let you walk on those pretty little feet even once before our babies are born.”

  Rose interjected smoothly. “He’s feeling possessive after almost losing you. Indulge his overprotectiveness.”

  “It could be a lot worse. You could have a full complement of Japanese samurai reenactors haunting your every step.”

  Her assigned guards were the only ones who didn’t see the humor in her self-effacing statement. Ignoring them, Maiko chattered pleasantly. “This ship is absolutely amazing. I call dibs on opening all the doors.”

  Rose responded cheerfully. “I was amazed at the low-tech environment when I first came aboard a Shardon ship. I wondered if there were actual gears hidden behind the old-fashioned wall panels.”

  The Shardon physician shook his head. “You insult us after we saved your friend?”

  “Give it a rest, Jacob. You are not insulted in the least.”

  Smiling, he responded smugly. “Still, I cannot let you get away with a comment like that without protesting. They will think I no longer brat for the home team.”

  Rose playfully bumped shoulders with the large healer. “You got the human saying almost correct.”

  “We would love to stay and talk, Mr. Jacob, but I must get my mate home safely. Feel free to visit as you like. I am forever in your debt for the care and treatment you rendered to my Jen.”

  Smiling, the healer responded sincerely. “It is our deepest pleasure to be of service. If you have needs in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

  CHAPTER 7

  ~ ORACHA ~

  MAIKO MUSIC MIX SONG SEVEN

  A week later, Ora stood outside in one of the open training spaces enduring a proper scolding by his half-brother. “How could you abandon your clan?”

  “We’ve already been over this, Rold. Did you visit the House of Chalon today to argue with me endlessly? I refuse to stand around and watch as my father hands my birthright over to his brothers and their sons. I have more useful things to do with my life.”

  “What of me? I am stuck in the middle. If I follow you here to stay at your side as I have always sworn to do, it leaves your father without support. To stay at his side, I must break with you and suffer the indignity of seeing all our hard work washed away by idiots with no idea how to rule. It pains me to say this, but your uncles are all fools.”

  “Look, brother, I sympathize with your plight. You have some tough decisions. Honestly, if I were you…” Pursing his lips together, he was reluctant to give unsolicited advice.

  “Tell me.”

  “I would take my mate and make for the Sylon home world. Korban would offer you refuge. You could enjoy your new female and a fresh start.”

  “Please come home, Oracha. Your father has not finalized your removal. Talk with him. Together we can make him see reason.”

  “I am unworthy and we both know it. Now is my time of proving. I must prove to myself and my father I am a warrior of worth. No matter the outcome regarding succession, I would have his respect.”

  “I understand your reasoning, though I do not approve of it.”

  Oracha turned, crossing his arms over his chest. “Let us not forget my princess is here. I go where she goes.”

  His brother’s eyes enlarged. “You are here for the princess? I thought you had abandoned all hope of luring her to you.”

  “I have seen a much different side of the princess since we have been together under one roof. I loathe to leave without at least getting to know her better. What if she is my one? I would not walk off without knowing.”

  Rold took a step towards him. “You are taken with the human princess. I can tell by your voice. You may have a better chance of approaching her on neutral ground, since she does not enjoy imperial life.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  “Make it three of us, for I have no use for it either. Only a true fool would be drawn to such power, for it attracts all the wrong sorts of people.”

  “How goes things with your new bride?”

  Smiling slightly, his brother’s voice turned soft. “She is all they say, and more. Not giving a glance towards the throne, the emperor, or the trappings of the imperial house leads me to believe she cares little for such things. She follows me, flirts, and tried to crawl into my bed the first night.”

  “Did you allow it?”

  “Do I look like a fool? If a stable female presents hersel
f naked in my chambers, I consider it a gift from the gods.”

  Grinning, he slapped his brother on the back. “What was it like?”

  “The pleasure to be had from such a small frail human body is truly unimaginable. She is nothing like our women. The little human did not hit, scratch, or draw blood. She made delectable sounds that aroused me greatly and eagerly accepted my every advance. The experience is beyond my ability to describe. Submitting to her is an honor.”

  “I think I’m getting the picture. Did you know my female was almost swallowed by a huge snake when she was a small child? It was apparently very traumatizing. I feel terrible for asking her about her reaction to my name. I can now see it brought the terror back for her.”

  “Gods, where were her guards?”

  “Doing a poor job, I imagine. They must have been replaced. The ones who guard her now are strict, as is that brother of hers.”

  “Lalona complains constantly about him joining his sister at the Chalon holt. I grow tired of listening to her whining about it.”

  “I think to bring my new female and volunteer my services temporarily to Lord Chalon.”

  “He would probably be delighted to have you. He has put me in charge of screening new warriors. I could use some help.”

  “May I give the emperor hope by letting him know why you have elected to take refuge with the House of Chalon?”

  “Tell him what you like. I will not change my mind.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by the next dozen warriors arriving. The pale half-starved males wore guarded but hopeful expressions on their dirty faces. Proud warriors would never speak of their hardships. In this case, they did not need to. Their soiled clothing, none-too-clean skin, and threadbare boots bespoke their quiet misery.

  Oracha motioned them forward, with his jaw set firmly. Most of the clanless were ejected for a reason. Though it was horrible to starve a male, it was worse to allow a dishonorable one clanship. They could do a lot of damage before anyone noticed.

  The princess had put her entire entourage to work, assisting the House of Chalon. As such, they were busy bringing food and drinks to the clanless. The females were clean, quiet, and compassionate. Needless to say, the Krylon males hardly knew how to react to their generosity. One of the older females seemed particularly solicitous of the oldest warrior. He flat out refused to look at her directly. There was a story there and it seemed like a good place to start, so he called the male over.