by Rena Marks
Reverent mother rises from the table where the elders convene. “The books speak of a rumor in which the sun disappears to trick the creatures out of the core of the planet. Then the sun surprises them, frying many of them. They took it as a form of population control of the monsters. It could be why our elders stayed under the waters until we were forced out by flooding. They remembered the phenomenon, or at least believed the rumors of it to be true. Nowadays, none of us remembered, as so many of our people died and we have since repopulated. Now that you uncovered more secrets of the cave of origins, however, we can learn more.”
“Is there any information of timelines about when this occurs?” Drakar asks.
“Nothing. It is simply a rumor they speak of, so I am going to assume that it happens so infrequently, none could have remembered actual occurrences. I know that for my lifetime I have neither seen, nor heard of this. My mother had never mentioned anything from her generation, and she would have heard something from her mother. So far it is safe to say it only happens once in at least three generations.”
Considering Blaedonians live much longer than humans, I’m pretty sure we’re not seeing the strange eclipse of the light again. I shiver.
Reverent mother continues. “We will add to the logs and recall how quickly it occurred and how long it lasted. How we have no remembrance of it happening within the last three generations. Perhaps when it happens again, those of us still alive will be better prepared.”
Niki bites her lip. “Maybe you should make a notation of how you don’t know how long lifetimes will be.” She rubs her belly. “Since we’re now mixing bloodlines, we’re not sure how long a human will live. I mean, we’re healthier on your planet, but will that negate the bad living we’ve already had?” There’s a somber silence for a minute.
Then reverent mother says, “I will add that.”
Drakar stands and gives the bellow to raise the gates. I’m sure the guards will be pretty diligent about their duties for quite a while and will study the skies for any darkened cloud that passes overhead. We make our way outside, where Drakar is congratulating the guards on their quick reflexes in lowering the gates. Tessa is wrapped around Tijar for all she’s worth, and Jeroc has her sandwiched between them as he hugs Tijar, too. All around us are people talking in nervous whispers.
Monica approaches me, throwing her arms around me. “I was so worried! We had to shut the door, but Cio never paused. He yelled for Adretta to take the girls and get as many glow rocks as we could gather, and twist them into the crochet slings she’d been making as presents for the next holiday. Then he gathered a few volunteers to go out and surround you with light. We had no idea the sun would come back, so there were no guarantees that this wasn’t a death sentence. But no one flinched. No one was willing to leave you guys out there alone and defenseless.”
“Cio did all that?”
She nods. “It really is true that he’s turned over a new leaf. Drakar couldn’t go out, we couldn’t risk both of our leaders at the same time. But he trusted Cio to lead the rescue party.”
Ash and Cio are sitting at a small table under a tree, shaded by an overhanging branch, talking quietly amongst themselves. I head over there and stand behind Ash, wrapping my arms around him. He covers my hands with his.
“Thank you for saving us, Cio.”
He clears his throat. “You thank me? I almost killed you, Miranda. There is no need to thank me.”
“You could have protected yourself and closed the doors without even considering going back out there. Instead you risked your life to round up a party to get us.”
He squirms, clearly uncomfortable with the praise.
“Cio and I were clearing up some misunderstandings between us. I think it is important for you and him to do the same. Are you okay with it?” Ash asks me, searching my eyes.
I nod.
“I will be right over here and will head back when you flag me.”
As soon as Ash leaves, Cio clears his throat. “Miranda, I am truly sorry for everything. I was jealous and there’s no other excuse for it. Aschero and I are the same age and were friends growing up. I guess I’ve always had a little jealousy toward him. But when you showed me interest, I refused to acknowledge it as just casual interest. I knew you were into Aschero and instead of accepting it, I tried to force you to want me instead of him.”
“It wasn’t fair that I led you on.”
“You did not,” he says. “You made it clear that it was casual. But I forced you to choose and you chose him. It was the night you had the herbal tea.”
Son of gun, now I remember. Sitting with Cio in the dark, his tone thick with anger. Or jealousy. He demanded that I choose between them and I asked him not to force me to make that choice. I warned him he would lose.
He insisted, and I was very firm when I chose Ash.
He stomped off then, and I made me what I thought was a cup of the soothing chamomile tea. But it was dark in the cave, and I didn’t want to touch a glow light, in case he came back. Apparently I grabbed for another tea.
“I remember,” I say. “Finally.”
He nods. “And still, I was too stubborn to accept it. I was angry when Ash chose to mate with you, and when it became apparent that you would live, I felt that I was cheated. I completely ignored that you had told me you loved Ash. I didn’t want to accept it.”
“I’m sorry that you were hurt in all this.”
“It was a lesson that I needed to learn. Just as Adretta needed to learn her lesson with Rayhaan. We did a lot of talking this season, alone in the cave. We were surprised at how much we have in common and finally I was able to admit that I have always been attracted to her. She admitted the same, even though she had her sights aimed higher. She wanted to be second queen.”
“But together you helped each other through this?”
He nods. “Yes. The guilt of knowing we had been…the bad guys. Imagine how that feels, to know it was you. And the more we shared our feelings, the faster we fell in love. As soon as I cleared out all the negativity from everywhere else, another door opened for me. Adretta already knew how she felt. She just waited patiently until the realization slapped me in the head.”
I smile at the image it gives me.
“Aschero is probably chomping at the bits.” Cio raises his hand, and Ash heads over.
Cio continues. “Now that you are here together…I have not gotten to apologize to you both for what I have done.” He takes a deep breath. “I am sure a part of me knew that Miranda was not interested in me, that it was always you, Aschero. I allowed my jealousy to get the better of me. It didn’t matter that we had been friends forever, my brother. I am sorry, and I wish that someday we can renew our friendship.” He holds his hand out to Ash, and Ash clasps his forearm to Cio’s.
“I hope for that, too.”
I’m so proud of Ash, my eyes water.
“I am glad that you both found it in your hearts to forgive me, even without the apology. I am truly sorry for every bit of pain I have caused you both.” He looks up at me. “I am glad that you and Aschero are mated. I would never have noticed Adretta otherwise,” he grins, and waves at her as she comes from the main cave. She approaches, and he swings her onto his lap. “I have missed you,” he says.
Kalki had been right. They do look like they are truly mated and in love.
“Thank you for sacrificing your slings,” I say to Adretta with a smile. “I guess this holiday won’t have surprise presents.”
She laughs. “The surprise is over and done with, but it was worth the loss. We didn’t lose a single Blaedonian in this freak occurrence of nature.”
She smiles at me, and I’m touched. She includes all of us Earthlings in her term Blaedonian. It lets me know we are completely accepted.
Then she leans in. “Guess what? Jezebel has a blue haircolor. I shall try it on a small strip of hair, I think.”
“That will look beautiful on you.” It will. She’s regal, a Bla
edonian goddess.
Ash has been strangely quiet, but then he squeezes my hand.
“I am sure my mate will agree with me on this…I hope you will both consider staying for the rest of the seasons. I think with this strange new occurrence, we cannot risk two of our own people being out on their own for unlimited amounts of time,” Ash says. “Something like this could happen again, and the rest of us would not be able to get to you.”
It’s kind of a line of bullshit, because we just determined how infrequent the eclipse is. But it’s sweet bullshit, and time for forgiveness. Adretta and Cio belong with us. I wouldn’t wish the hell we experienced out there on anyone.
Cio nods and Adretta throws her arms around his neck. Then I throw my arms around Ash, and somehow the four of us are all standing and hugging together.
From out in the courtyard, everyone else begins clapping and cheering. They come up, joining in the hugs. Blaedonians are a family once again.
Reverent mother comes up. “Miranda, I have a bit of news for you.” She plunders on without regard for anyone else’s prying ears. “The herb that Cio fed you? I forgot to mention back when you two and Lucie and Rayhaan went visiting the caves—that orshaul was originally used as a method for couples to bring about children.” She looks worried. “I am sorry. I probably should have warned you earlier.”
My eyes widen, and Ash looks just as stunned. I start to laugh. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing we already decided to have a little one, baby.”
Captive
Thank you for enjoying Taken! It was difficult to write, because Tessa’s story—titled Captive—kept trying to break through.
In the meantime, I’d begun writing a new yarn called Artificial Intelligence. I’m not sure if it’ll be a single story or a series at this point, but it’s nearly half done so I’ll leave the option open-ended. It’s an interesting space story about a man-made species who’ve fought to be recognized as sentient beings, instead of slaves, the primary purpose they were created for.
In the meantime, enjoy this blurb and teaser from Captive, the fourth in the Blue Barbarian series:
Blurb:
Ten human women are held captive on an alien space-vessel, but most are left in stasis. Not me. I’m revived, and the bizarre creatures do weird things to me. Along with the odd experiments come changes to my body. Afterward, I’m more than grateful to be returned to the test tubes they keep us frozen in.
When the spaceship crash lands on another planet, we’re forced to make it our new home. Most of the girls become attracted to the sexy blue barbarian natives.
I can enjoy the cards fate has dealt me when two men show interest. I’m attracted to both in different ways, and I can’t decide which one I prefer. But hey, it’s a strange new planet. Who says a girl has to choose?
Excerpt:
I may as well enjoy life on Blaedonia, because I can never go back to Earth. Not now, with the way I’ve been altered.
My parents would never have me. And truth is, I could never return to the way things were.
My mind remembers an incident when I was just seventeen years old. I came home from school to find four people at the dining room table. My parents had let the neighborhood bible thumpers into the house, mostly so all four could have heated debates over the meaning of the scriptures. My parents love to argue.
The traveling men always journey in groups of two. As usual, I nod a greeting, and pretend to be busy, trying hurriedly to head to the back of the house to my bedroom as if it’s important to drop off my book bag.
One of them smiles slightly, his eyes following me. He wears a thick mustache, and at my tender age of seventeen, he seems so old. In reality, he’s probably twenty-two or three. But in high school, not many boys my age are able to grow a full out, Tom Selleck stash.
The other one looks like he watches me, but in reality, just one eye does. It takes me a minute to notice his other eye looks down at the bible passages still. His eye is glass and I shiver, creeped out. It’s like one of those “haunted” pictures that comes out every Halloween, where the eyes always follow.
My dad bangs his fist on the table, trying to make his point. The mustached one finally looks away.
I try to remember their names as I head to my room. Hell, they’ve been coming for at least a year now, taking my parents’ abuse like they deserve it. Buddy. Terry. But I didn’t know which is which, and don’t really care.
I change from my modest skirt and sensible shoes with a sigh. For once, I wish I could wear jeans, just like the other kids in school.
It’s several hours before the house quiets, signaling the departure of the thumpers. I poke my head out and listen to see if it’s safe. Blessed silence.
Feeling safe, I open my bedroom door fully to sneak away. I have no such luck, however. My mother sits at the end of the hallway, still at the head of the dining room table. This time she’s alone…and waiting.
“Contessa. Please, sit. We need to talk.”
Warily, I pull the chair out and sit opposite her.
She crosses herself.
“Terry would make a fine husband,” she begins.
My brain is screaming all kinds of things. For starters, I’m just seventeen years old. And has she forgotten I’m not even allowed to date? Hell, I’m not even allowed to wear pants. But now she wants to marry me off to one of the strangers she met by ringing her doorbell? She can tell he’s a fine husband by that?
But the only thing that comes from my mouth is, “Which one is Terry?”
I’m horrified that he may be the one with the fake eye. I’m equally horrified that we’ll stand at the altar saying our “I do’s”…and I won’t know where to look.
Shared By Wolves
Ellie watched in shocked, horrified disbelief.
Suddenly, the wolf turned to her. They stared at each other warily.
If possible, regret seemed to come from the monster’s eyes. “Ellie,” the mutated voice rasped. “M-mate…”
The full moon illuminated Ellie completely. Shock flooded her body, freezing her limbs. Her dilated green eyes met the matching green of the monster. Although her consciousness refused to believe it, there was only one other with eyes so like her own. Before the creature could advance to her, she collapsed into a dead faint.
* * * * *
Ever-so slowly, the insane world stopped spinning. Ellie’s wrists were tied together gently, the end of the rope wrapped up to the magnificent headboard of the enormous bed.
“Are you okay?” a familiar voice asked. A tender hand stroked the hair from her face.
“Jonathan? What happened?” she asked, hoping against all reason that she’d imagined the whole thing. Yet her wrists tied together hinted otherwise.
“Ellie, I’m sorry. But you’re better off this way, you know.”
“Which way, Jonathan? What’s going on?”
“He means with me, Ellie. You’re better off as my mate than Reed’s wife.” Duggan’s voice was harsh, coming from the far side of the room where he was hidden in the shadows. And still inhumanly deep.
Mate? Oh, Lord, it couldn’t be true. Had Duggan really changed into a monster before her eyes and attacked Brian? Was Brian dead?
“I don’t want to be your mate. Untie me. I want to go home.” She lashed out angrily, panicked fear making her brave.
“I can’t let you, Ellie,” the distorted voice repeated from the corner.
She turned to Jonathan, refusing to glance back there. “Jonathan, get me out of here.”
“Oh, Ellie. I can’t.” Jonathan's voice was resigned. “You see, Duggan’s my brother. My older brother. He’s the alpha.”
Ellie felt her stomach heave. “You mean, you’re also a-a…”
“I’m a werewolf, Ellie.”
She flinched from his stroking fingers, and Jonathan let his hand drop.
He turned his hurt-filled his eyes toward her. “I’m sorry, Ellie. You’ll get used to it. I promise.”
&n
bsp; She didn’t answer and felt Jonathan’s weight leave the bed. She clenched her eyes tightly, opening them only when she heard the dim light click off, followed by the sound of the door closing.
She hadn’t counted on the monster Duggan still being there. He advanced slowly, a predator stalking his prey. Ellie was never more aware of being helplessly tied to the bed.
Suddenly, she was relieved it was pitch black. Would Duggan still be in his monster form? Is that why his voice was harsher and deeper? She knew the answer when he reached out and traced a line down the front of her body, from her neckline to her pubic bone. His fingernail was sharp, like a knife or a claw. Inhuman. She shivered at the thought of what he might look like.
“You weren’t very nice to Jonathan,” he rasped slowly.
He definitely was still a monster.
“He’s been your friend for a very long time,” he continued.
She held still, her heart racing in fear beneath those long fingers, her breath nearly choking her as it fought its way from her throat.
“Are you frightened of me? Or disappointed in Jonathan?” he whispered in his husky voice.
“Both,” she said, cautiously. Afraid to provoke him.
“It’s a different way of life, one that you’ll get used to. I’m sending him back in to you. You’ll have a brief break from my presence. But don’t get too excited, Ellie. You are mine and I take what’s mine.”
She jumped when a large hand grazed the inner part of her thigh. It felt…odd, emanating heat in a strangely comforting manner. The hand moved suddenly. One stroke of his fingernail had sliced her clothing clean through, causing the fabric to separate down the split. Air chilled across her bare skin. She was naked and exposed to his view.
A trail of warmth stroked her torso. Warm, wet, and oddly reassuring, even though it came from a monster’s mouth. He licked a direct line slowly down her middle, from the neckline between her breasts, all the way to where the thatch of red curls began. Directly where his fingernail had sliced her clothing moments before.
