Alien Mate's Revenge E-Book

Katrina S. Karter

• Herausgeber: Katrina S. Karter
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

HE SAID WE WOULD BE CLOSE, BUT I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND THAT MEANT IF I DIED, HE WOULD TOO.

TAMSIN HEWETT
I only wanted to return to Earth, but the aliens murdered him before my eyes.

On the way to Earth, leaving a piece of me behind, my heart sank as I watched the man I cared for, allow me to walk away from him without a word.

Out of nowhere, we landed on the planet of Polyphemus III, and the one who holds a piece of my heart stepped forth. For the first time in my life, I believe that happiness, the joy of sharing your life with another, might be mine. My life has never been roses and champagne and this time was no different. Fairytales are popular on Earth, and every young girl secretly longs for her knight in glistening armor. This isn’t Earth and my deepest fantasies were decimated like a nuclear bomb.

Right before my eyes, I watched them murdered him.

I want to deny my fated mate. Deny myself, but my heart is weak and my body under his command. His need to protect me and keep me safe makes his domination over me almost unbearable. I have tried to be his good little submissive and obey his command, but I can’t. So, I do what us humans, do. Smile at him and plan my next move. What he and I have, is something so precious I can’t even comprehend the magnitude of this intimate bond that the gods have bestowed on us.

In my heart, I hope the gods, will be on my side once more, keeping my fated mate and our bond protected, allowing him to understand… Revenge is mine. As I stand on the precipice, I know that my next steps will send me to stars or the fiery depths of hell. I’m not sure I will be able to live with my decision, which is fine since this is a one-way mission.


Precious, beautiful things usually don’t last long. Like a shooting star, this moment in time might be fleeting but its effects carved into the depths of my soul forever.

IARRED ACKMED
Will our passion turn her eyes a stormy emerald or will they remain an amber color like the jewels in the Vhalian caves?
I never dreamed that my fated mate would be a human female nor that she would be so reckless that her revenge would cause her to willingly lay her life down. She is skittish and I would chase her through the nine galaxies if need be. Someone hold my crown. As a royal prince I am used to getting my way, however my mate does not understand true submission or how to obey. I am flabbergasted that after our intimate moment I am left with a parchment upon my dresser as she once again puts her life in danger.

The goddess truly did not make a mistake when gifting me her. I underestimated her need for justice just as she did my unwavering determination.
My fated mate does not understand that his death was a bigger than we could ever have imagined. I place her life above my crown and planet. I am facing the most challenging battle yet, as I must save my planet, my people, and my mate.

Humans are exhilarating, frustrating and utterly captivating. What prince wouldn’t want that kind of excitement in his life? I am looking forward to teaching my Tamsin, many things. Humans get bord easily, yet our lives will never be monotonous.

If the space pirates touch what is mine, I will annihilate their entire species. I will destroy planets to protect her fragile heart. When I get my hands on her, I will teach her true submission. She is mine: to love, cherish, and protect.

Leseprobe

ALIEN MATE’S REVENGE

Warriors Of Alpha Majestrog

Katrina S Karter

Contents

1. TAMSIN HEWETT

2. IARRED ACKMED

3. TAMSIN

4. IARRED

5. TAMSIN

6. IARRED

7. TAMSIN

8. KATAN ACKMED

9. IARRED

10. TAMSIN

11. IARRED

12. KATAN

13. TAMSIN

14. IARRED

15. TAMSIN

16. KATAN

17. IARRED

18. IARRED

19. TAMSIN

20. KATAN

21. IARRED

22. TAMSIN

23. IARRED

24. TAMSIN

25. KATAN

26. TAMSIN

27. IARRED

EPILOGUE

About the Author

TAMSIN HEWETT

I should choke on my own vomit. It’s what I deserve. Placing my hand against the window, I rested my head against the glass. Outside of the palace there was a plethora of people going on with their lives and I couldn’t. This was the last place I needed to be. Everything about the palace reminded me of what I’d lost. Blinking, my tears skated down my cheeks and I hunched over clutching my chest as another sharp pain stabbed me. This chest pain felt different than the usual chest aches I now had. This was my ticker giving up, too. Collapsing on the bed, I turned my back on the table and the horrible stench that filled the room.

The table overflowed with uneaten dinners from the last thirty moonrises. I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t eating because I didn’t have an appetite or if I was truly attempting to starve myself. It didn’t matter. Nothing really mattered anymore. The pain was a nasty reminder that I was still alive. I promised that I would make those responsible pay. I could never make it up to Wyatt for failing to keep my word, but I would not rest until they were all dead.

Closing my eyes, my fragile mind replayed the worst night of my life continuously like a broken record. I curled into the fetal position and tossed the covers over my head.

Bam. Groaning, I uncovered my head and glared at my bedroom door. It was common knowledge by now that I didn’t leave my room and I had no intention of changing that. My disposition was unfit for company.

What was the purpose? Katan caused my mate to deny me the one thing that I needed.

I hadn’t been silent about my plans to kill the Gurguns and any other race that had helped them. Everyone here, including the king, had placed me under heavy guard. I no longer had privacy and my plans for revenge had ceased. At least that was what everyone thought.

Everyone except Iarred. He was very astute. He never asked me to give up my plan. Instead, he asked me for time. I closed my eyes and my treacherous mind conjured up his image. His request for me to join him shouldn’t have been hard to do. Time was free, but it was something I didn’t have. How could I give him time when I was constantly tormented by the past?

No matter what I did, my mind forced me to live the nightmare continuously.

When they killed Wyatt, a part of me died, too. They broke me. Now I would break them.

Sometimes the dreams we want for ourselves are just dreams and occasionally destiny has other plans. Once upon a time, I hungered for my better half, one who saw and accepted me for me. Fairytales are like butterflies– fleeting and magical– yet they are an experience not gifted to all.

I couldn’t mourn the life I was sacrificing because I died that moonrise. Whatever came afterwards was inevitable.

The pounding on the door continued until my ears started to hurt from the echoing.

“Go away. Stop pounding on my door.” Rolling my eyes, I turned over and laid back down.

Slowly, the bedroom door opened. Frowning, I sat up. There was only one person that would dare to enter my room uninvited: Iarred. It irritated me that he would dare to invade my privacy, but he was someone that I trusted. However, the alien that stood before me wasn’t him. He wasn’t as tall as Iarred, and his left horn was crooked. His skin was a shimmery gold color, his long hair was adorned with intricate beads and braided to the back.

I scrambled from the bed. “You do not have permission to enter my room. Get out.”

He slowly advanced toward me. “You didn’t open the door, so I let myself inside.”

What? He must be crazy? Did Iarred give him permission to open my bedroom door and come in?

“Iarred doesn’t allow anyone to come in here without my permission. You need to leave.” I pointed to the door.

He moved to the center of the room, but he didn’t continue toward me. The pit of my stomach flopped as I held my ground despite my mind shouting for me to flee.

“My name is Spectrum. There is no need to be wary. Iarred has summoned you to the royal gardens. You can come with me now or…” He shrugged.

It didn’t seem like I had a choice. Someone I didn’t know had invaded my bedroom, and I was uncomfortable. The quicker I got him out of my room the better.

Raising my eyebrow, I glanced at the door. “Tell him that I am on my way.”

With a brisk nod, he turned and strolled toward the door. After I heard a soft click, I waited for five moonrises attempting to hear his footsteps. When I couldn’t hear anything, I stalked to the bathroom. I needed to wash off my depression and attempt to make myself presentable. I was going to give Iarred a piece of my mind.

Strolling into the garden wasn’t unpleasant, and the sunrays that warmed my skin was much needed. My skin had become dull and lacked its normal hue from lack of vitamin D and sunlight. I expected to see Iarred as soon as I walked outside but he was not there. It wasn’t hard to spot the jerk who'd walked inside my room. There were guards posted near the doors and at the beginning of the maze, but that was it.

Sighing, I walked over to where the guards stood. “I was told that I was summoned here. Where is Iarred?”

Both guards frowned. “I have not seen him. You should wait here?”

Rolling my eyes at them, and against my better judgment, I stalked inside the maze. Ignoring all the warnings about getting lost, I marveled at the beauty and isolation that surrounded me. I needed to put distance between me and the guards. My stomach sank when I still didn’t see Iarred, and that angered me more.

Why was I excited? My body ached with anticipation and every nerve inside me was as tight as a drum. I was on the edge.

I took a deep breath, walked around the bend, and came to a halt. I saw a tall golden alien whose skin shimmered in the light. His horns were pointy. He didn’t resemble the other aliens in the palace with their skin tones of blue, green, and brown. I froze as he turned toward me.

“Don't be afraid, human. My name is Uvuin. I won't hurt you.”

Most people who want to hurt you don’t announce it.

His eyes were sea moss green. He was strikingly beautiful. My body didn’t seem to care. Tilting my head, I studied his facial features: high cheekbones, full lips, and a diamond tattoo on the side of his left cheek. I didn't feel that I was in immediate danger, yet this was another alien I had never seen before. Ever since I returned to the palace everything felt different. My self-imposed isolation hadn’t done me any favors in keeping me aware of my surroundings. It seemed that grieving wasn’t a luxury I could have.

What if the Gurguns send another traitor to infiltrate the palace? Now, I need to be prepared for anyone and anything.

There was no way that I would be able to protect myself from an enemy if I weren’t aware of who it was. My plan for revenge would never come to fruition by daydreaming about it or wallowing in my guilt.

I’m never going to have allies at the palace. Going against Iarred would mean treason. I must be smarter than this.

I’d overcame every obstacle in my life, by attacking the problem strategically. There are never any missed opportunities, just those we failed to create. This male could serve a purpose. He must know something that could be useful to me.

I smiled. “I didn't mean to disturb you; I was looking for someone else.”

“Well, I had hoped you were looking for me. Now that I've spotted you, I'm definitely looking at you.”

My mouth fell open.

This golden alien was flirting with me. Did he not know that Iarred had staked a claim to me? He was either bold or stupid.

I didn’t want him to get into trouble, therefore lingering here to get information from him was no longer an option. He must be new to the palace. The city of Khedo was huge, so I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t know my history with Iarred.

“I should go." I turned to leave and gasped when I felt his hand on my wrist.

He smiled. “It's such a beautiful day. I'd love to get to know you. What's your name?”

“My name is Tamsin.” I looked down at his fingers encased around my wrist, then back at him. “Would you please release me?”

His smile didn’t waiver, and he didn’t release me.

“That's a beautiful name.” His smile widened.

He had sharp fangs. The more I studied him the more I was convinced that he was a dangerous predator.

I took a step back. I was shocked that the guards would allow another male to touch me.” To my dismay when I turned around, I didn't see the guards anymore and I never heard them leave.

Why would they leave their posts? I knew the king and queen had demanded extra security since I returned. What had changed?

I wasn’t comfortable with the alien touching me or ignoring my demands to be released.

Schooling my features, I turned back to look at him. "Do you normally grab women you don’t know?”

He rubbed the pads of his fingers against my wrist. “I just wanted to talk to you alone.”

Tilting my head up to the sky, I squinted as spaceships flew overhead. There were so many that I couldn’t count them on both hands. If I hadn’t been looking at the sky, I would’ve never known that they were there. My heart raced in my chest, and I began to pant.

Jerking hard against him, I shouted. “Let go of me. It’s not safe to be out here so exposed.”

He laughed. “Those are not enemy spaceships flying overhead. The general is running tactical aviation drills. He likes to be prepared.”

Closing my eyes, I fought back the memory from the past. Spaceships flying above me were definitely a trigger for my anxiety.

Too bad I wasn’t on one of those spaceships headed to Earth.

Frowning, I looked at the sky again. “I have never seen them do drills before.”

He shrugged. “You wouldn’t unless you are a part of the army.”

Tilting my head, I watched him closely. “Are you a part of the army?

“No.”

“Will you get in trouble for missing the training?”

His lips curved. “I’m not a part of the training either. My friends are and they have been saying that the prince must have another mission planned. The king kept the spacecrafts in the new secure building on the southside of the palace. It seemed like the king must expect trouble on the horizon.”

“It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected.” I looked at the sky again and watched as the last spacecraft circled around the palace once more.

I needed access to one of the spaceships. How hard could it be to fly one? If it had a manual or auto pilot, I could make it back to Earth.

“Release me. I must go. I don’t like spaceships.”

“I’m sure you don’t think that an enemy could penetrate the palace and abduct you. You don’t have any more younglings here either unless you have one deep in your womb. I’m sure only Iarred and you would know that.”

Did he just imply that I was pregnant? The idea doesn’t seem to turn him off at all. He might be working for the Gurguns. He also knew about the tactical drills and where they kept the spacecraft. What else does he know and to whom is he telling the information?

The way his eyes slanted at me made my breath hitch. I had assumed that he didn’t know about Iarred, but I was wrong.

Entering into the garden alone had been the stupidest thing that I had ever done and that included abduction and being held against my will on an alien spacecraft.

Wow, this is officially an all-time low even for me. I haven't seen this alien before. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I tossed my long hair over my shoulder. “Are you new at the palace?”

“No. I've been around; you just haven't noticed me. Now that Iarred is not here, you took the opportunity to see me.”

My face felt hot. I hadn’t noticed him.

I don't have eyes for anyone here.

Iarred was another thing altogether. The mere mention of his name commanded my attention. His presence for me was invigorating. Everything about Iarred was exhilarating. He was like a drug to which I was hopelessly addicted.

“What are you thinking about?”

His lips thinned. “You were thinking of the prince. You rebuffed him, so you lost any chance you had with him. You are not from royal blood. He is a prince and expected to marry according to his station. It’s not like you are his fated mate.”

“Now that Iarred has moved on, I am free to court you.”

That’s what you think.

Shaking my head, I glared at him. “I don’t want to be courted by anyone.”

“I would treat you very well. And I wouldn’t allow you to ever forget what I mean to you. "

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. This conversation was over before it started. This male was arrogant and presumptuous. He didn’t respond to my truthfulness and ignored everything that I’d said.

You catch more flies with sugar than vinegar.

“I didn’t come here to court anyone. I’ve suffered a soul crushing tragedy and needed time to heal.”

“No one at the palace has dared to approach you, to make their intentions known, but everybody is plotting behind his back, to produce ways to steal you from him. I was bold enough to have you brought out here. We could be something special.”

I snorted. “You don’t listen well, do you? I am not interested in courting anyone. Release me now.” I shoved at his chest. He barely moved and his chest was so wide it was still touching mine.

“Do you find me attractive, female?"

I slowly shook my head no. He made a deep sound in his throat. Almost like a parent when admonishing a kid.

“Female. I know I'm pleasing to your eyes.” His fingers dug into my flesh. He covered my nose and mouth with his large hand.

A whimper passed through my lips.

“I could give you everything that he can't.”

He bent his head down and I swiftly bowed my head toward the ground. His lips touched my hair. I frantically tried to escape his hold on me, but it was futile.

“Everyone talked about how you can’t stomach his touch, but you will learn to love mine.

If only that was true. The sight of Iarred reduced my insides to a gelatinous mess.

"Iarred must be gentle with you. But I won’t. I will force you to like my touch.”

“On Earth there is a word for males who force women to endure their touch. It’s called rape. The victim never likes the touch of her rapist.”

“When I'm done with you, everything I do to you will be something you crave.”

His hand slipped from my mouth and wrapped around my neck before I could think about my actions.

Opening my mouth, I screamed. My shrill voice echoed off the trees. A frown creased his face as my adrenaline soared.

His grip tightened on my neck, and he closed off my airway. “You will regret that I am an excellent disciplinarian. I discipline with a heavy hand.”

Before I could think about what he meant, he balled his hand into a fist and reared back to hit me in the face.

There's no way that I will survive if this alien hits me.

Closing my eyes. I begin to wonder if this was what I deserved.

My life is getting ready to end right now. Right when I had decided that I must live. I hadn't avenged him yet.

I felt the wind from his gesture coming toward my face. I realized that none of that mattered because the choice of living was no longer mine to make. The blow never landed. Something happened because when I opened my eyes, I was flat on my back. I blinked rapidly trying to figure out how I had gotten out of his grip. Suddenly, I saw a blur of movement. Iarred was all over him like a cheap suit.

He punched him in the face four times, then lifted him up, throwing him like a pebble into a lake, but there was no lake here. The big burly male’s body flew through the maze to hit a tree trunk. He wasn’t moving.

Was he breathing?

I couldn’t care less. Scrambling to my feet, I placed my hand over my chest. My heart felt like it might burst inside my body. Licking my lips, I admired Iarred’s firm buttocks. He was magnificent in his rage. My lower belly fluttered as I took in the sight of him.

He stalked toward me. “I have been waiting for many planet rotations for you to join me and each time, I was denied.”

My mouth opened then closed as he towered over me, and I caught a whiff of his tantalizing scent. Blinking, I panted as my nipples hardened into tiny points when his chest brushed against mine. A chaotic storm brewed inside of me kindling a flame into an inferno.

His finger caressed the side of my right cheek. “Imagine my surprise when I heard your high-pitched scream laced with panic. I raced here and what do I find? You cocooned in the arms of another.”

I placed my hand on top of his, turning my face deeper into his warmth. “You did not find me in the arms of another. You sent some male to my bedroom to tell me that I had been summoned to the garden.”

“Tamsin. I would never send any man to your quarters. What madness are you speaking of?”

His voice broke, and he stepped back from me and took a determined step toward the unconscious male lying on the ground.

I grabbed his arm. “That guy had access to my room. I don't like other people having access to my bedroom. It wasn’t hard to believe that you wanted me here in the garden when he accessed my locked door. How did he do that if you didn’t give anyone else access?”

Warmth spread through me at the thought that Iarred hadn’t given anyone access to my room. At the time, I didn’t believe he would, but I wasn’t sure. I now knew beyond any doubt that he would never give another male access to my bedroom.

We might have another traitor among us. I didn’t believe that golden boy had set up this entire garden fiasco.

He hissed. “You should have known I would never do that. If any male enters your chambers again, I will kill him. You belong to me. It is time that you understand what being my fated mate means.”

Rubbing my temples, I sighed. “I don’t belong to anyone but myself. Just because I have feelings for you doesn’t mean I’ll let you control me. I decide what I want to do with my life not you.”

“Woman, I own you.”

In one gigantic stride he bent down and tossed me over his shoulder.

IARRED ACKMED

Katan stood facing me, gesturing for me to choose a weapon. I stared at the Katana made from Pasha Ackmed III, our great grandfather. I had used every weapon in our arsenal except the Katana of Retribution. The sparring chamber was vacant since I had bested all of the royal guards and stained their garments with lavender blood. Today I insisted on fighting with weapons, and I gave no mercy.

Turning away from the wall of weapons, I turned to my brother. “I don’t want to train with you.”

Katan frowned. “When are you going to forgive me? I am your brother and your future king, yet I still feel your anger as you gaze upon me.”

“The depth of the pain and misery you caused cannot be undone with mere words. What you did was unforgiveable.” I moved away from him and walked toward the door.

Every moon rotation, I prayed to the goddess to soften my heart and allow my spirit to forgive my brother. When the crimson twin suns rose high in the sky, I still lusted for my brother’s blood. Crossing the threshold, I sauntered into the hallway. Hot fingers clasped around my wrist and jerked me around.

“This is not over. We will settle this thing between us finally and you will forgive me.”

Looking passed Katan, I narrowed my eyes at the crowd that had gathered behind us. “Leave us now!”

After the hallway cleared, I swung on him. “Stay out of my way and leave me alone.”

Seeing the purple blood flow from his busted lip felt gratifying. I didn’t wait for him to get up. If he and I were to fight, it would be to the death. He ruined my life and the one thing that was important to me.

Katan pushed me into the wall. “You act like she’s dead. She is here and you are here. Stop blaming me for the planet surface distance between the two of you.”

A group of guards stopped before us. “The king has summoned both of you to the throne room.”

I cracked my knuckles and turned my gaze to the guards.

As much as I wanted to destroy my brother, the king was summoning me.

Silently, I followed them to the throne room. My body hummed with unspent energy and adrenaline surged through me. Blinking, I ignored the gritty feeling in my eyes and the anger in my stomach that burned like acid. It would be impossible to work with Katan like he hadn’t tried to kill Tamsin. Whatever was going on couldn’t be good. Unlike father’s meetings, there was an elaborate feast of foods from the nine planets. Our father wasn’t big on eating foods from the other galaxies, but he spoiled Mom. Mom sat in her chair nibbling on the delectable foods in front of her.

What was she doing here? Father usually chose to leave Mom out of the political meetings.

On the occasions that he involved her; she was his emotional support. I had no doubt this summoning was political, and it had a personal impact to Katan and I.

Would Father arrange a marriage for me now that Tamsin isn’t speaking to me? When the goddess bestowed a fated mate in your life you were lucky indeed.

Strolling over to Mom, I embraced her. “You are looking well but Father looks exhausted.” Placing a kiss on her cheeks, I smiled as she chuckled. “He has been preoccupied but he is well.”

Lately, it seemed what the Gurguns had done to us had emboldened our enemies.

Father’s eyes were dull, and stress clung to him like a cloak.

“Is everything okay, father. Are you well?”

“Yes, I am well. Your mother and I wanted you in Katan here. We have information that we must discuss. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Katan flinch.

Nodding, I braced for the news. When the heavy ornate door closed behind the guards, I looked at father. “You must get more rest father. Whatever is amiss, I can take care of it.”

“Nonsense, Iarred. Your mother and I are fine. Just a bit discombobulated.”

Folding my hands behind my back, I waited. Father was a thinker. He always found a way to formulate the best plans and think ahead. Instead of reacting, he was always in a position of power. I took a goblet and poured myself a small amount of Soku juice. Soku was a heavy, potent juice, made from bitter berries. It allowed you to gain energy and enhanced your sex drive. The juice was never something that I drank often.

Today however, things were different. The fact that Katan and I might have to work together was something that I wasn't sure I could commit to. The deep-seated anger that I felt for my own flesh and blood brother was beyond words. There were times in which I fantasized about snatching his life. I always thought that there was nothing that our father, my king, could ask of me that I wouldn't be able to do. However, now I was not so sure.

The moment Katan becomes king, I would have to kneel and pledge my life to him. This had never been a problem before, but now it was. What Katan did to Tamsin, and I was horrid. He set this whole nightmare in motion. He had caused me to lose my fated mate. I wasn’t sure which was worse, the Gurguns or Katan.

Shaking my head. I forced myself back to the present. My thoughts of revenge and murdering my brother couldn't be good for the planet, or my family. This inner battle was a constant struggle inside me … my duty to the crown, and my duty to my family.

How can I do what he asked of me, for the betterment of our planet? When it was going to sacrifice my very spirit.

I died inside with each planetary rotation. I watched my mate from a distance as she became increasingly withdrawn, depressed, and a hollow shell of the human she used to be.

All the blame wasn’t on Katan, the other half of it was on me. I shoulder that blame every moon rotation.

To say that I regretted the events that led her back to the palace, would be an understatement. I vowed to make it right and I will if it's the last thing I ever do.

Father snapped his fingers in my face. “Iarred, are you listening to me? This is not the time to get distracted. This is important.”

I jerked. Everyone was staring at me. I hadn't caught a word of what he had said, and I was clueless as to what was going on. “Father, I didn't catch that. Please repeat.”

He sighed heavily. “I'll make this brief since you look like you're about to collapse from lack of sleep. You do the crown no good if you're dead.”

“I'm taking care of myself father, but Katan is next in line, and he is not ready for the responsibility. We should focus more on his lack of sleep, and his health conditions and ignore mine.”

Mom snorted. “We’re focused on both of you. We are family. A royal bloodline that has been in power for millenniums and these tough times shall past too.

Katan walked forward. He now stood directly behind father. “Iarred, you won't even speak to me. I am going to be king. We must settle what is between us.”

I bit my tongue so hard I could taste the metallic blood pooling in my mouth. I took a moment to swallow it. “How dare you say that we have something to settle. We have nothing to discuss.”

Katan sidestepped father. “I will be your king. I am your blood. You will give me your allegiance and your life.”

A red haze crept over my vision. “You will be my nothing. I have thought long and hard, and I have decided that you will never have my felty. Katan left me no choice. I will be leaving the planet as soon as Tamsin can travel safely.”

Father blanched. “Son, I forbid it. As your king, you will not do this!”

“Katan, I hunger for your blood. If you push me, I will have it, bathe in it, swim in it and keep it in a locket around my neck.”

Katan’s eyes narrowed. “This ends now. We fight to the death.”

He lounged at me. Ducking his fist, I thrust my elbow into his kidney. He crumpled to the floor. I stomped him repeatedly. Behind me, I heard mom’s cries, but I couldn’t hold myself back any longer.

“Stop. I forbid you to duel to the death.” Father grabbed me and threw me back.

He signaled for two guards to restrain me. Panting, I forced myself not to shame my king in front of the guards. The other guards jerked Katan to his feet. He pushed the males from him and attempted to stalk to me. Smiling, I gestured him forward.

Mom stepped in front and waved the guards away from me. They stepped aside and swiftly vacated the room.

She cupped my cheek. “No, Iarred. I forbid you to leave the palace. You are my son. The two of you are all I have left. I cannot lose you. We've lost so much because of the Gurguns. They have butchered apart our society. Crippled us, in a sense. I refuse to believe that they've dealt a fatal blow to the Ackmed line as well. We are of royal blood. The last of our kind. We are stronger together.”

Her voice broke and tears flowed like an endless ocean. I forced myself to watch her anguish. Her soft sobs were like sharp knives stabbing in my chest.

“I’m sorry mom. Katan is not worthy to be a king. He needs time and a heart because that lifeless thing beating in his chest is useless. I must leave.”

Father pushed Katan and embraced Mom. “We must stand as one. You have hurt Mother and my queen. Nobody hurts my mate. You and Katan will fix this, or I will.”

I opened my mouth, but quickly shut it when I saw a single tear roll down Mom’s cheek again. “Father, I am sorry that I have failed you.”

Glaring at me, he bent and picked Mom up in his arms. She laid her head against his chest as he stalked toward their seats in the center of the room. Sitting her down in her gold jeweled chair next to him, he took his seat. “Luddath Yeecren, King of the Thickars is coming to the palace in two moon rotations to discuss a possible peace treaty with us. He is bringing his two daughters, Raiylyn and Zariyah. I had always planned to secure a marriage proposal for the two of you with them.”

What? I would rather die than marry a female that I do not love.

“Father, Tamsin is my fated mate, whether she is sad or not. The goddess has deemed her mine. To order me to take another would kill us both. I will never dishonor her so.”

“Tamsin saved us and protected our people. I would never ask that of you now that you have found your fated mate. She will always have a treasured place on our planet no matter what. I know you will never let her go but if you did, she would still be under my protection for all of her life.” He squeezed mom’s hand.

One glance at mom, and I regretted all that happened. Her eyes were red and shamed flooded me once more. I had always hoped that I would have the type of mating like my parents. It was evident that they loved one another. Our father would kill us to protect Mom and that made me respect him even more.

My mate was irrevocably damaged from the inside out. Her spirit, and will to live, had been badly bruised.

I understand, but I will not allow her to throw her life away.

She hungered for revenge. And as her fated mate, I would seek it and it would be administered on her behalf. I could never nor would I ever allow her anywhere near the Gurguns again.

Katan frowned. “I should not have to marry their daughter either. I should have the right to choose a mate of my own volition.”

“Katan, you need a mate. You are our first born. We need to strengthen our position for the turbulent times ahead. You have been given everything that you have ever wanted, and you will do this for your people,” she said.

He shook his head. “What about my fated mate? Just as Iarred has found his, I might find mine too.”

She snorted. “What should your father do with the state of affairs? You don’t have a female in your life so this will not inconvenience you. This will help you heal the rift you have caused with Iarred.”

Katan was selfish. He has always been self-absorbed, entitled, and entirely too spoiled. He spoke of, hopefully finding his fated mate after he damaged mine.

He had never allowed a female close enough to lose his heart. He focused on power and ruling with an iron fist. A faithful mate in his life would do him well.

“A king sacrifices for what he wants most for his people.” I strolled out of the room.

The hallway was empty. I swiftly made my way to Tamsin’s room. I missed her and this distance between us would end now. Reaching her door in record time, I keyed in my biosignature, and the door opened. A pungent scent hit my nostrils immediately and I held my breath. It wasn’t hard to notice the pile of containers that held food that she hadn’t eaten. I thought giving her time to grieve was the right thing to do but I was wrong.

Despite the aroma her quarters were tidy. The bed was made, and everything in the room was in place. I knew that she slept during the day, but she must have risen from the bed and cleaned the space. Walking to the connecting bathroom, I saw that she had showered. Her towel was damp and hung on the metal hook just outside the shower doors. There was a lingering scent of lavender and lilies in the air.

Where is she? Was she attempting to escape to get her revenge or is she ready to speak to me?

This was a drastic change. It didn’t matter. I will be prepared for both scenarios. I just wanted to find her. Closing her door behind me, I tilted my head and sniffed the air. The only scents in the hallway were distinctively male. Passing by the windows, a shrill sound shattered the silence. I raced toward the gardens. I knew that voice anywhere. Bursting through the front door of the palace, I stopped and sniffed, blinking against the blinding sunlight. An unfamiliar cosmic pull guided me toward the gardens. The maze entrance had no guards. Heads were going to roll after I found her. I rushed inside the maze.

A roar tore from my lips as I saw her struggling in the alien’s arms. He would die for his disrespect. Pushing her away from him, I picked him up and threw him into the tree line.

TAMSIN

“What are you doing? Put me down.” I pummeled his back, but it was no use. He lifted me like a bag of wheat moving faster than I've ever seen them move through the palace. I'm not sure where he's going, because he's not going in the direction of where my room was located.

Where is he taking me? Is he going to punish me?

He didn’t stop until we were in his room. He kicked his door shut and locked it. Instead of putting me down at the threshold, he tossed me into the air. I landed on the bed and bounced three times.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

Jumping to my feet, I glared at him. “I was not spending time with him. I was happily laying in my room, minding my own business until you gave some guy access to my bedroom and ordered me to the garden.”

“Every time I have requested that you join me, you refused.

“If you didn't summon me to the garden, how did he have access to my room?”

He stalked toward me. “When I find the males behind this incident, I will take care of it.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I shook my head.

“How will I know?

The fact that this happened means that I am not safe at this palace. What if they are traitors?”

His eyes narrowed. “The males have decided that you are an option for them, but I will rectify that. Any man that touches you will die. We still need to address your behavior.”

Tilting my head, I walked forward and jabbed my finger in his chest. “None of this is my fault. All I did was leave my room. My behavior can be solved right now.”

Pushing against him, I stomped to the door. Before I could open it, he lifted me in his arms, and carried me back to his large bed.

Instead of dropping me on it he placed me down and leaned over me. “Since you've come back to the palace. You will no longer be allowed out of your room without me or without my permission.”

What? He can’t be serious.

My mouth opened. “Permission. I am not a child.”

He placed his fingers against my lips. “Since you don't know when I give my permission, I will be standing in front of you to give it. If you do not hear it from my lips, you do not have my permission.”

“We hardly see each other. You don’t come to see me, and there is no reason you need to now. I prefer my own council.” Turning away from him, I tried to ignore his bulging arms braced on either side of me. He was too close for my peace of mind.

“I will not likely be giving you permission to go anywhere on the grounds or otherwise, with anyone except me.”

I turned away from him. The possessiveness in his tone caused a shiver to coarse down my spine. Spending more time with him wasn’t a promising idea either. The fact that I don't leave my room didn’t matter but the fact that he was infringing on my freedom wasn’t fair.

“You don't have the right to take my freedom. I've done nothing wrong. I did not come back to the palace to be treated like a prisoner, or like a child in a gilded cage.”

He grabbed my wrist. “Did you feel safe when you were in the gardens with the alien being held against your will?”

I bared my teeth. “No. If you controlled your men, there would be no problem. You belong to me, and you need to understand that.”

In a blink of an eye, I was flat on my back. His lips took possession of mine as my body sank deeper into the mattress. A groan escaped me as I opened my mouth further to plunge my tongue into his mouth. My hands ran down his chest. He thrusts my thighs wide, as he slid between them. He was heavy. But it was a good weight. I was vaguely aware of a gentle breeze skimming over my breast. He had managed to bare me from the waist up.

I ended the kiss. “Iarred what are you doing to me?”

“What I need to do.” He ravished my mouth with complete abandonment.

I whimpered. It was impossible to hold on to coherent thoughts when he touched me this way.

My fingers curled into his shirt, I yanked hard on the material. Metal buttons snapped and fell to the floor. His skin was smooth and hot under my fingers. There were long diagonal lines across his lower belly.

He broke the kiss and turned my neck trailing hot kisses down the column. “Touch me.”

My body went softer against him. The back of his hand pressed up and down messaging my calf. Moaning his name, I gripped his horns rubbing my finger pads on the pointy ends. He kissed down my collarbone, licking a tinder pattern on my flesh. I couldn’t imagine what he was writing with his tongue.

“Don’t stop.” Opening my eyes, I stared into his face. His lips curved before he lowered his head to my body once more.

“Nothing in the galaxy could make me turn away from you now.” He bent and circled his tongue over my nipple.

Raking my nails over his back, I grind my pelvis against him needing more sensations to take me over the cliff. I wanted him so bad. My legs started trembling. The myriad of sensations made my body as hot as an inferno.

Lifting his mouth, he blew his warm breath over the hardened peak. “I knew you and I would burn like this. The goddess has truly gifted me a treasure beyond words.”

Panting, I squeezed my thighs against him. “Shut up and make love to me.”

“As you wish, mate.

Will our passion turn your eyes a stormy emerald or will they remain an amber color like the jewels in the Vhalian caves?”

He nibbled at my other nipple before dipping his head and taking my entire breast in his mouth. I arched off the bed. My hands dug into the comforter. I murmured a silent demand for more, underneath him.

This was too much yet it was enough. There was an incessant pulse deep within me, as more moisture flooded between my legs. My naughtiest wet dreams didn’t compare to this moment.

Tossing my head back, I bit my lip to keep from begging him to take me. It seemed like my life might end if he didn’t sooth the ache inside me soon. I cried out in protest. Ignoring my cries, he placed his hand between my legs. My hot pink thong was sheer with a tiny pocket. He jerked hard on the fabric, and it ripped in half. Tossing the pieces to the floor, he pushed my legs wider, as he slid further inside.

I wanted him inside me now. It had been an exceptionally long time since anything besides my hand, or my vibrator had been between my legs. I needed all of him. I didn’t care if it hurt or not.

My focus snapped back to the present when his breath flowed over the curls covering my sex.

“Do you taste as sweet as you smell Tamsin?”

I tried to close my legs, but his palms pressed my knees further apart.

“Do not hide from me.” He lifted my bottom to his face and plunged his long tongue inside me. There was nothing gentle about his tongue. He laid claim to me savagely, taking what he wanted.

I grind against his face. He began to suck harder on my clit. I trembled as waves of pleasure became a tsunami. My moans became louder as the bed frame knocked rhythmically against the wall.

“Iarred.” My voice broke as everything burst inside me sending me over the edge into a black stary night. I went limp against him as he continued to stroke me deeper. Lifting me up, he rolled onto his back and sat me on his face.

The penetration was deeper. His tongue urged another volley of sensations inside me. My thighs clenched tighter against his ears. My throat ached with screams. Placing my forehead on his, I lost myself with his storm. Without warning, another orgasm overtook me. I screamed his name.

He slurped up my juices that bathed his face. “You are almost ready to receive me.” Laying me down, he swiped one thick digit between my lips gathering my wetness and coating his cock. A warm stream of liquid flowed down my legs. Sitting up, I saw the teal liquid flowing from his enormous shaft.

Without breaking eye contact, he guided himself inside my tight walls. We hissed together and he stopped moving. “Am I hurting you?”

“Yes, but it’s a good hurt. Don’t stop.” Lifting my hips, I moved taking another inch of him. I was wetter than I had ever been. When he was fully inside me, he paused allowing my body to adjust to him.

The stretching sensation was easing, and the ache was dulling as pleasure flowed through me. His thumb stroked my clit as he started to move. His lips crushed mine as he slowly thrust in with gentle strokes. Moving with him, we soon found a rhythm that had us both panting. Raking my nails over his back, I became more aggressive, needing him to thrust hard and deep. The delicious ache, deep inside me was building again but this time it had a distinctive pulse of its own.

Gripping his horns, I stared deep into his eyes. “Harder. You don’t need to worry about hurting me.” My words incinerated the bonds of his control as I moved against him. Pulling all the way out of me, he drove back inside with such force the headboard cracked. The bed tilted to one side, and we slid to the right. At the last minute, he tossed his back on the floor so that I landed hard on top of him. Grabbing his engorged length, I sank down on him. His hands pinched my nipples as I rode him hard arching my back.

Our breaths mingle. I'm grinding on him. Another climax washed over me. My body went limp against him, but he sat up and wrapped his hand around my throat. He began to move into me harder. The thin razor edge of pleasure and pain sent my body close to the edge once more. His thrust became wild. I orgasmed again.

“Come with me,” He growled as he sank his teeth into the tender part of my earlobe.

“I can’t anymore.”