by S. E. Smith
Rigel straightened, studying her face. “What does that mean for Rathskia?”
“It means the bloodheir monarchy has ended. The heir-apparent has chosen to serve his home world in other ways. He’ll be working closely with the new House of Planets.”
Rigel swept his hand through his hair. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“My obligation is null and void.”
Rigel blinked. “So…you’re…” He couldn’t form the words.
She parked a hand on her hip. “Do I need to have Maura relay a message?”
“Sona loves Rigel!”
Rigel reeled back a step. “Your future is on Rathskia. Mine is on Carduwa. How could this ever work?”
“You’re still not grasping what I’m telling you. The Alliance is done. My future is my own now. I’m free. You’re free. The whole gigadam galaxy is free. We can go where we want, be what we want.”
“What does your father say about that?”
“He’s given me his blessing. He said it was obvious we had feelings for each other.” She stepped nearer and slid her arms around his neck. “The old ways are dead, Rigel. I make my own choices now, so the first choice I’m making is that Maura and I will take that flight to Carduwa with you.” She kissed him soundly. “We can sort out the rest once we get there.”
“Pretty bold of you,” he said, looking her straight in the eye.
A sly smile spread over her lips. “The bold will inherit the galaxy.”
Rigel dropped his tough guy act and pulled her into his arms, holding her close while Maura chattered happily, jumping to his shoulder to spin in tight circles.
Then they both laughed, smiled, linked hands, and with Maura jabbering away in their ears and their heads—“Maura happy! Happy, happy! Belly rub?”—made their way to the departing shuttle.
About Laurie A. Green
Laurie A. Green is a three-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist, an award-winning author, and a science fiction romance enthusiast who founded the SFR Brigade community of writers, which is now over 1,000 members strong.
She confesses to being an Andromeda Galaxy groupie and would someday love to own a vacation home on Mars or Titan. She's enthused to be a part of this wonderful anthology mash-up of two of her favorite things--pets and space.
Her family includes her husband, David, five dogs, three cats and several horses, all who reside on a ranch in beautiful New Mexico. A former military budget director and reserve state trooper, she now spends her time writing, networking, researching, enjoying the Southwestern lifestyle and, naturally, stargazing and daydreaming about other worlds.
Laurie’s website
Also by Laurie A. Green
Thank you for joining Sona, Rigel and Maura on their high-stakes quest.
If you enjoyed the adventure in SpyDog, I invite you to experience the epic struggle from a whole new perspective in the award-winning novel, Inherit the Stars, also named a Best Book of 2015 by LibraryJournal.com.
And discover the fate of MONA Loa Station in Farewell Andromeda, a tale of intrigue and death-defying romance.
Also watch for two previous Pets in Space companion stories—StarDog and Courting Disaster—to be released as expanded books in the Fall/Winter of 2019.
Donna McDonald - Nothing Remotely Familiar
Another Topper Witch Story Based on My Crazy Alien Romance Series
Nothing about Topper’s life is remotely familiar anymore.
Topper never expected her mating an alien would net her a teenage witch in just a few, short years. If the Fates weren’t having enough fun at her expense, she is pregnant again—with a son who has inherited his father’s flare for ice! Unfortunately, spontaneous ice in the desert and her wanting to wear fur has begun to draw the wrong kind of attention to her beloved town.
Luck being what it is—especially when the Fates are involved—the day before departure their daughter, Jessica, gets assigned her first witch Familiar. Before Topper can unravel what stinks about the situation, Jessica bonds with the legendary fanged-tooth koala.
Their trip to Glacier is about to get very interesting! Can Topper get to the bottom of Koala Kevin while trying to keep peace with her daughter and soothe her soon-to-be-born son? She will need all the help she can get from a very special Goddess to accomplish this miracle.
Dedication
This book is for all the Topper fans.
Chapter One
Topper stood in the entrance of the summer porch and folded her arms. “Did you put away what you didn’t use for spell casting?”
“Don’t I always?”
“That’s not a proper answer, Jessica. I need a yes or no—and it had better be a yes.”
“Yessss…” Jessica hissed as she glared at her bossy witch mother. But when she noticed how tired her mother looked, she instantly felt bad about being so snarky. Wanting to make amends, Jessica went over and placed a hand on her mother’s bulging stomach. “Is my little bro-bro doing that rolling thing inside you again?”
Topper put a hand on her stomach and nodded. The boy kicked against both their palms.
Growing at more than twice the normal size as others her age, her daughter had become a handful immediately after her arrival. Her son, who she was guessing was more alien than earthling, was causing problems before he was even born. He hated the heat and was making gestation miserable. She had no energy these days and, according to her sister, Nonny, she still had at least two more months to go.
Stark was convinced a trip to the ice fields of Glacier was the answer to appease their second child. She was not as convinced, but Goddess Icela had requested to see her witchy daughter, Jessica, in person. With Stark and his goddess both nagging her, what could she do but agree to the trip? Her past safari and river rafting excursions now seemed relatively tame compared to visiting the wilds where Stark lived.
Jessica leaned down a little and kissed her mother’s belly where her brother was growing. “Little bro-bro is probably just hot in there,” she said. “I think he will love the cold as much as Dad does.”
“I think you might be right,” Topper said, not especially happy with the fact.
The new snow dome in Magic might provide an occasional cold space, but who would babysit him there? And what would they do with him at home? Maybe they needed a walk-in freezer set up with a crib and playpen. She’d always intended to build one for Stark, but had ended giving him an air-conditioned man cave outside the house.
“I’m sorry if I was cranky with you, Jessica. I’m getting tense about our trip.”
Jessica’s eyebrow shot up before she could stifle her startled reaction. Her mother never apologized—like never—not even to her father. She twirled one of her long red curls around her finger and had to work hard not to show her shock.
Thinking about what her Dad might do in this circumstance, Jessica slipped an arm around her mother’s expanded waist and lightly hugged. Her father called concessions like these “taking the high road” but at thirteen she did not understand what that meant. She just knew that being nice made her tired mother smile a little.
“Hey, bro-bro,” she said loudly, lightly flicking her mother’s protruding stomach with two fingers. She got a firm kick in reply that caused her to giggle. “Ease up a little in there. You’re wearing Mom out.”
Topper chuckled and hugged her daughter. “You were such an easy baby. I should have known I wouldn’t be that lucky twice.”
Jessica beamed at the praise. It made her giggle, but her mother still looked exhausted. “This is the only time I will possibly say this to you, but I don’t think I like you being this nice. It’s more scary than when we’re yelling at each other.”
“Now you truly sound like your father. Speaking of my favorite alien… where is he?”
“I think Dad’s in his He-Shed doing man stuff.”
Topper chuckled. “It’s his office, Jessica. He turns the air conditioner down to nearly freezing and works in there
. You know he’s helping Dr. Verglas come up with a more efficient solar-powered generator for Magic’s ice rink.”
“Because Dad’s brilliant like that?” Jessica asked.
“Yes,” Topper said, stroking her daughter’s long hair. “Because your dad’s brilliant like that.”
There was a sound of a wolf howling from the front yard followed by the doorbell ringing multiple times. The energy in the house shifted in warning letting them both know chaos was waiting outside.
“That’s something arriving by special courier but I didn’t request anything,” Topper exclaimed, turning her bulk toward the door. “Don’t tell me your father learned how to order things online. I have the computer set to redirect the shipping to the Sheriff’s office. We can’t have non-magicals delivering to our house.”
Jessica made a face. “Uh… well… I did kind of sort of show Dad the Internet when he asked me. But don’t worry—I stood back from the computer so my witchy energy didn’t kill it. I wish Auntie Nonny would hurry and get my technology charm fixed. Witch puberty is awful. Energy leaks are the worst.”
Topper heard only one thing in her daughter’s explanation. “What on Earth would Stark be ordering online? I told him I’d conjure whatever he needed for his work. Goddess, help us. It could be anything out there,” she said as she pulled open the door.
Chapter Two
“Hello there, beautiful ladies. The name’s Bruce and I have a shipment for you from the land down under.”
“Down under what?” Jessica asked, thinking the man talked funnier than any alien friend of her father’s did. She eyed the wooden crate by his feet. It rocked and something inside it grumbled. The man kicked it with his foot and yelled “quiet down” before turning a big smile back their direction.
“I’m speaking of the land down under where you’re standing, miss. You know—Australia? Kangaroos. Koalas. Island Continent surrounded by the best beaches in the world.”
Topper’s mouth twisted. “Yes. We know what Australia is. Who sent you, Bruce?”
“Ah, that would Relle. Relle sent me. Lovely woman that Relle. Makes a great scone. I like it with whipped cream and berries. Very tasty.”
“Narelle? Are you speaking of Witch Narelle?” Topper demanded as she frowned.
“Guess that would be her formal title. Relle asked me to deliver something to Topper’s girl in the US of A.”
“What happened to the old courier?” Topper wanted to know.
“As I understand it, her old courier has been reassigned to a new job. I got the impression that he went off his dial one time too many.”
“Aren’t you a werewolf? I thought all paranormal couriers were supposed to be magicals now,” Jessica said.
Bruce favored the young witch with his best grin. “Sure enough, that’s what they say. I know I’m lucky Aussies don’t always follow witch rules by the book or I might not have my job. Relle tends to think outside the box. Her last courier wasn’t a magical either—just so you know,” he pointed out, turning to kick the crate when something inside it started loudly complaining again. “So, Little Miss Witch—are you and your mum signing for this familiar or not?”
“No, we are not,” Topper answered as she stepped in front of her daughter and glared at the courier. “Take back whatever Narelle sent. Tell her thanks, but no thanks. We’ll wait for a local familiar to be assigned.”
Since she’d become a teenager, Jessica had gotten into the habit of leaving quietly when surrounding adults started arguing over her. She got a lot of practice because her parents argued all the time. It was boring to listen to them debate everything under the New Mexico sun.
This time something seemed different. Her gut suddenly demanded that she pay attention and get involved in the conversation. Her father taught her it was very, very important for her to listen to her instincts. Well, they were screaming at her now, so she really didn’t have a choice.
“Did I hear you say the package is for me?” Jessica asked, stepping around her mother. All her senses were tingling in anticipation while she waited for the courier’s answer.
Topper held her back gently. “He said that, but we don’t know what it is, Jessica. Narelle and I… well, we don’t get along very well. I’m afraid she might give you something terrible to get even with me.”
“Get even for what?” Jessica asked.
Topper stopped and thought about what to say, but in the end, she played the mother card. “Narelle and I had a disagreement about some things I can’t tell you about until you’re much older.”
“I’ve never seen you be nervous about any the actions of any other witch. Who’s Narelle?”
Jessica leaned around her mother again to squint at the wooden crate by the man’s feet. It was definitely jumping up and down now. The man lifted one booted foot and stepped on it to hold it in place. A giggle escaped her. Whatever was in the crate seemed determined to escape. She definitely understood that feeling.
“Why are you laughing? This is not a funny matter,” Topper insisted.
Bruce nodded gravely. “No, it sure isn’t, Little Miss. Relle is the primary witch who assigns familiars to their witches. Mother Gaia appointed her to that role,” he said with a smile. “The delivery is definitely for…” he checked the paper in his hand, “… Jessica, daughter of the Honorable Witch Topper.”
“That’s definitely me then. I’m Topper’s daughter,” Jessica answered firmly.
“Right then,” he said with a bow. “Then this crate is for you if you want it.”
“What’s in it?” Jessica asked, her heart starting to pound.
“Well, now, that’s a surprise of a witch sort. Before you open it, you have to sign for it. You also have to agree to give the critter inside it a fair go as your familiar. There’s a ninety-day trial period where you can’t return him or ask for a replacement. Relle feels there’s always a bit of an adjustment at first. But this bloke is well broke in and shouldn’t give you any trouble. Oops… I mean… I’ve brought you a completely domesticated familiar.”
Topper shook her head. “I’ve already requested a local familiar be assigned to my daughter. Life in the desert is not for all animals.”
Bruce scratched his head. “Relle said you might say that. She said I was to assure you that he will make a corker of a familiar… outside one or two little quirks that is.”
“Quirks? What kind of quirks?” Topper asked, alarmed.
The werewolf shrugged. “Well, for one, he’s a vegetarian.”
“That’s not a quirk,” Jessica announced with a giggle. She turned to her mother. “My instincts are talking to me, Mom. I want what’s in that box.”
Topper blew out a breath. “Don’t you want a nice friendly cat for your first familiar? Cats can be annoying but they’re also very good at guarding and require little care. Your Aunt Nonny and Aunt Evanna both have cats still.”
Jessica crossed her arms. “You don’t have a cat.”
Topper sighed over the logic. “Because I’m older, Jessica. I don’t work with a familiar anymore. However, all witches need them early on in their witchy life. They’re guardians of your magic to make sure it does no harm.”
“But cats are boring,” Jessica protested.
She bit her lip nervously because it was hard being honest with her powerful mother. No other witch in Magic ever questioned one her mother’s decisions—like never.
Bruce cleared his throat. “There is definitely no cat in this crate. I can also promise, Little Miss, that this here familiar Relle assigned to you will never, ever be boring,” he said, stomping once more on the top of the wooden box.
They all heard someone call out in pain—and in English.
Bruce made a pained face at the sounds. “Oh, right. Did I forget to mention your familiar talks like a human? That’s just another of his quirks.”
Topper harrumphed and her son did a somersault inside her. He seemed to share her mistrustful nature. “Just how many quirks does Rel
le’s familiar have? It sounds like you could make quite a list.”
Jessica giggled again. “Talking isn’t a quirk either. Mom, please…”
“I heard my two favorite females arguing from inside the house. What’s on Earth is going on out here?” a commanding voice demanded.
Jessica grinned when the werewolf courier instantly lifted his foot off the crate and backed up a couple steps as her tall, silver-haired father came into view. Everyone was a little scared of her Dad which was just one of the many, many things she loved, loved, loved about him.
“Good day to you, Mr… uh… Topper, sir,” Bruce said.
Stark nodded, not bothering to correct the man about his name. He was more interested in the debate he’d overheard. He looked between his daughter and his powerful mate. “Do I detect an Australian accent in our visitor? I assume he’s no threat, or he’d be in a cage by now.”
“He’s a courier. Some shriveled-up, old witch…” Topper stopped the rant when Jessica’s attention swung her way. “I mean, a powerful witch from my past sent Jessica a familiar. It’s in the crate.”
Stark turned to look at the wooden container. “There’s a cat in the crate? That’s an enormous container to ship a cat in. Why is it being constrained?”
“It’s not a cat,” Jessica said, smiling at her father. “But I can’t see what kind of animal it is until I’ve agreed to a trial. The witch from Mom’s past works for Gaia. Bruce said that’s how it works.”
Another flurry of swearing and bouncing around happened. The four of them stared at the crate and listened to a full three minutes of imaginative cursing coming from within the box. Luckily, most of the words were slurred and barely legible through the wood.
