Harvest: A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance

by Piper Stone

  I stayed low, moving into the forest in stealth-like form, avoiding limbs and underbrush. Within a half mile, I heard laughter as well as male voices. Hair stood up on the back of my neck as I crouched to the ground, pulling the bow ever so slowly into my hands until I was able to arm and take aim. I was a crack shot, even at two hundred plus feet. The crossbow had been a gift from my father on my tenth birthday, a delicious secret only known by my family. I had no idea how he’d acquired it or why the Centurions allowed me to keep such a dangerous weapon. Maybe they had no idea what to make of the rather primitive weapon, my most prized possession. I hadn’t been strong enough at that point, but I’d practiced for hours on end until my arm muscles developed, and my aim became almost perfect.

  Maybe the bastards simply weren’t intelligent enough to figure out I had it in my possession. The thought allowed a smile to curl on my upper lip.

  I crept past the towering trees, inhaling the various scents of the forest. Along with pine, the musky scent of the earth, and even the sweet fragrance of jasmine, a stench floated into my nostrils.

  Blood.

  The fuckers had already been hunting, no doubt fattening up for their fun and games. As much as I loathed the Centurions, the marauders were even worse. No sense of honor or pride, they were only destructive assholes hell bent on taking what was left of humanity. I shuddered from recent memories, almost certain the bastard who’d kidnapped me was watching. If that was true, he would succumb to my revenge. When I was finally able to catch a glimpse of their makeshift camp, I hid behind the trunk of a large oak, catching my breath. My adrenaline was running high, blood rushing through my veins.

  I’d counted at least eight, maybe more. They usually came in two’s or three’s, which meant they were definitely planning on attacking the colony. And where were the aliens? Why hadn’t they figured out what was going on? Maybe they just didn’t give a shit about Colony 57 in particular. I remained full of anger, ready to kick some ass. Maybe I could take out three, possibly four of them, but after that, all bets were off.

  Unless I could get them alone. Patience wasn’t one of my virtues, as my mother called them, but I would try my best to maintain my position and wait. And watch.

  Just like a good little hunter.

  I had no idea how much time had gone by, but when one of the assholes left the area after feeding his face on deer cooked over the fire, I moved through the woods, trailing behind him. I recognized the asshole from several months before, almost too petrified to react. The right-hand man of a ranking commander. Some leader he’d turned out to be. Just another bottom feeder searching for a good time. No one would ever manage to beat the Centurions. I would never forget the soldier’s rough hands or prying eyes, the ugly sneer on his face as I was dragged away like an animal. I would enjoy this more than I cared to admit. Fucker. Goddamn motherfucker.

  The anger swelling within was biting, increasing my blood pressure until stars floated in front of my eyes. I had to get a grip on my emotions. I counted to five then ten, repeating it once again until my breathing had slowed. Then anger replaced any concept of fear. The bastard deserved to pay for what he’d done to me.

  When he was far enough away from the others, I took aim, the shot catching him in the throat. The beauty of a crossbow was that there was no sound, just a slight whoosh as the arrow left the mechanism. He also had no ability to cry out.

  Poor baby.

  I moved back into position, anticipating that I had about fifteen minutes before the marauder’s lack of return was noticed. When they moved into action, I’d pick them off one by one. A few minutes passed then another one rose to his feet, starting to walk away from the others. I stood, my arms shaking this time as I took aim, my heart racing.

  I heard the slight cracking sound coming from behind me just a split second before something wound around my neck, yanking me backwards. I struggled to hold onto the bow as I was reeled around and slammed against a tree. Gasping, I yanked at whatever was wrapped around my neck, stars already floating in front of my eyes even as I searched for my attacker.

  Then he came into view.

  I’d seen a few marauders up close, but the majority were haggard, strung out from too much liquor and drugs. This one was all brawn, massive shoulders and long, muscular legs. His eyes were the lightest shade of blue, almost luminescent even in the dim light. His hand coiled around what appeared to be a strap of some kind as he walked closer, a sneer on his face. When he was only a few inches away, he released the strap, snapping his hand in place, his fingers digging into my neck.

  “And just where do you think you’re going?” he asked in a deep and throaty voice before licking his lips in appreciation. He let off a howling sound, no doubt a call for his companions.

  I glared at him, doing everything I could to wiggle of out his hold. I wasn’t going to die here. Not like this.

  “A fighter, eh? I like that.” He lightened the pressure, enough so I could breathe, and slid his hand down my arm. “I think we need to have a little fun. My guess is you have the sweetest tasting pussy. I can’t wait to stick my tongue deep inside just seconds before I fuck you like the little whore you are.”

  Over my dead ass body. The stench was horrific, as if he hadn’t bathed in weeks or months and the way he leered at me, his eyes roaming down the length of my body was disgusting. I struggled, kicking out and catching him in the groin.

  “You bitch!”

  Growling, his hand yanked away for just enough time I was able to maneuver around him, trying to give myself just enough distance to turn and fire a shot. Only seconds later, I was tackled, pushed hard to the ground. “Get off me, you asshole. Get off!” I could hear the others getting closer, ready to join in. I had to get away. The only chance I had was making it back to the colony. Using every ounce of strength, I had, I managed to wrap my hand around the bow, slamming it against the man’s head.

  “Argh!” he screamed, the cry penetrating the forest. Birds screeched overhead, the sound of flapping wings floating down as I pushed him off, crawling until I could get to my feet. My heart raced, leaving echoes thudding in my ears. I had to get away. I had to protect my family.

  “I’ll kill you, you slut!”

  I took off running, heading away from the colony, terrified the group of men would overcome what little protection we had. I could hear him on my heels, so close. Too close. Please. Please! I dodged in and out of the trees, jumping over fallen limbs, darting looks over my shoulder. They were all close, no doubt trying to surround me. This wasn’t going to happen. A crack of thunder rolled in the distance, creating a wave of electricity.

  “Come here, little girl!” the obvious leader roared. I heard him huffing, could swear his hot breath lingered across my skin. Everything seemed distorted as I ran, panic setting in. I shouldn’t have left. I should have listened to my mother. Oh, God. Oh...

  Whoosh!

  The entire air crackled, electrified, but not from the approaching storm. Goosebumps popped along every inch of naked skin, all the air as if sucked out of the atmosphere. There was no sound and I had difficulty focusing. In slow motion, I turned. While the marauders were still alive, they were suspended in time and space, even though they knew everything that was going on. I knew of the Centurions’ various weapons, had spent time finding out as much as I could about them, my observations also keen. Taking several deep breaths, I realized I hadn’t been attacked. Why? Were they actually trying to save me?

  As my vision cleared, I was taken aback by the aliens standing only a few feet away. While I’d seen many Centurions before, the sight of the six creatures was breathtaking. They appeared much more organized in their actions, as if they’d been well trained, must more so than the Watchers. They were also huge and roughhewn, muscular gladiators who could break a man’s neck with their bare hands.

  Standing at well over six and a half feet tall, their burnished copper skin somehow glowed, as if flecked with gold dust. The shimmer was almost blind
ing, locking me into a wave of unwanted desire. The being standing in front was exquisite, with shocking blond hair and massive muscles covering the entire length of his body. Even taller with powerful legs and arms, he stood like a god, every aspect of him perfectly sculpted from the very heavens. He locked eyes with mine, his in the most stunning shade of green, like jeweled pools of emeralds shining in the sun. I was mesmerized, intoxicated from his scent alone.

  He seemed to be studying me, as if unsure what to do. I was so drawn to him, connected in a way I couldn’t understand. He was my enemy, yet my nipples were fully erect, pushing hard against my thin shirt. Even my pussy was wet and throbbing, juice trickling into my panties. Trying desperately to break the trance, I willed myself to look away, every breath labored.

  I could sense the alien attempting to read my mind, a gift all the Centurions had and even as I managed to block him at least for the time being, I knew he’d been able to gather my burning desire. This was crazy. I hated them. I detested all they stood for. They were monsters, destroying our entire world. I dared look again and he’d moved closer. Inhaling, his building testosterone filled my nostrils, making me weak in the knees.

  The leader seemed amused, a recognition in his eyes. While I’d never seen him before, I was certain he’d somehow noticed me at another time. The cameras. Maybe I’d been all wrong about the location of the surveillance system. If so, he knew I’d escaped before. Fuck. Fuck! Then why hadn’t he punished me or worse, banishing me away to some Centurion prison camp?

  A cold shiver trickled down my spine and I wanted to run. I willed my body to react, but it was as if he’d captured my very soul. A swirl of energy flowed from around him, the aura infused with utter domination. And for a few seconds, I could see my fate.

  Naked and strapped down, spanked like the bad little girl I was and all by his command. Gulping for air, I clenched my hand around my bow, blinking several times.

  I would never submit.

  Two of the soldiers raised a weapon toward me, walking ahead of the leader, who issued orders to them in their language. Finally, the soldiers backed down, but they were forever watching, protecting their leader.

  “What do you want?” I dared to ask, glaring the leader in the eyes. They weren’t going to take me. I’d fight them, just like I had the other freaks. I stood as tall as possible, still clutching my bow.

  The one closest to the leader spewed out words in his own language, chuckling under his breath. He was almost as dazzling as the other, his hair the color of soft sand, lightly kissed by the sun. I was shocked at my body’s reaction and tried my best to keep my hands from shaking. Stop. Stop! I willed myself to shut down, but my nipples ached, longing to be plucked. This couldn’t be happening.

  “What is your name?” the leader asked, keeping his voice soothing, but there was danger lurking behind his beautiful eyes.

  I hesitated, anger replacing any concept of fear. “Fuck you!”

  “You will answer the captain as required!” the second Centurion barked. “Or you will be punished on the spot.”

  “Felicity. My name is Felicity,” I spat out, giving the second alien a dirty look. “Assholes.” The word was whispered under my breath, but the leader’s upper lip curled. He certainly seemed to understand English well enough. “What are your names?”

  “You are not in charge, female. You will do exactly as you are directed.” The sound of the leader’s voice, raspy with a seductive tone forced juice to trickle into my panties. “Do you understand?” When I hesitated, he tipped his head. “I will not hesitate to pull off my belt.”

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation, although the tone remained defiant. I eyed the strip of leather, trying my best to keep tears from forming. “Yes, sir.” Asshole. Motherfucker.

  “Much better. Lower your weapon.” He pointed toward the ground, but his eyes roamed up and down the length of my body.

  I already knew what he wanted. Me. Every inch naked. I did as I was told, fearful they would drag me away.

  “I am Captain Voltar Brezan of the United Centurion Republic. Your escape is against the laws of this land. You will be punished for your actions. Prepare to come with us.” He walked closer until he was standing directly over me.

  I opened my mouth to retort, instead my fighter instincts kicked in and before I could stop my actions, I slapped him hard across the face. The sting sliding across my fingers was short lived as he wrapped his hand around my wrist, dragging me up onto my toes. He lowered his face until our lips were only inches apart. Cupping my face with his other massive hand, his thumb moved across my lips, the pressure increasing with each pass.

  “You forget that you’re nothing but a pet to us. We own you. The sooner you get used to that, the better it will be for you.”

  “I will never be anyone’s pet!” I insisted. His grip tightened, the scowl on his face turning darker.

  “It would be a pleasure breaking you, little human, and perhaps one day, I’ll be given that chance. When I do, you’re going to learn to please me in every manner and in turn, I’ll leave you screaming and begging for more. You will be disciplined in the method that I see fit. For today and until your number is selected, I am your lord and master. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir.” I gritted my teeth, longing to rake out his eyes.

  The connection remained strong, tethered in a manner I couldn’t deny or understand. Visions of being strapped and punished washed away every seductive image, leaving me shaking. When he finally released me, the contempt on his face remained. I stumbled backwards, trying to regain my balance. Blocking out every emotion, I gave them a huge smile. For a split second, I disarmed the fuckers. My opportunity full of risks, I turned and fled but I knew in my heart we were destined to meet again and not just for punishment.

  After all, the monster was my mate.

  Chapter Four

  Voltar

  The ominous rumbles continued, wind whipping around us, but I sensed the storm would pass, at least the one in the atmosphere. The one brewing deep inside was tumultuous, igniting the embers I thought long dead.

  Every sinew in my body was on fire, a hunger like nothing I’d ever known encompassing my system. She was stunning, driving me to almost breaking my conviction. Why? Why would I give a damn about this loathsome creature? She was a mere human. Taking a deep whiff, her scent permeated every cell in my skin, riding through me like a scourge of electric current. Her natural fragrance would linger for some time, taunting me.

  “She’s getting away!” one of my soldiers called.

  “Yes, she is,” I said, laughing.

  When she turned one last time, I caught a snippet of what she was thinking as well as her emotions.

  She had a sense of honor for her people, but there was something else.

  Lust.

  Her cravings were almost as dark as my own, keeping my cock at full attention. There was no way to describe the concentrated electricity coursing through my blackened veins, licking up the insides of my legs.

  When the soldiers took off after her, I hissed, “Stand down. I will handle this.” They immediately fell back, although they had bewildered looks on their faces. I would need to handle this carefully, although the little human had gotten under my skin. I was awash with anger as well as raging desire. I touched my belt, running the tip of my finger back and forth across the well-worn leather. She would be marked and unable to sit for days.

  “Lord and master. That was a great line,” Kodroth teased as he gazed in the direction of where she’d gone. “Felicity. The name doesn’t actually suit her demeanor. Does it? More like brat.”

  “The woman is infuriating!” I heard the glitch in my voice, anger constricting my throat muscles. No female had ever enraged me as much as she had. Damn her. Felicity, like a breath of fresh air, like the sun beaming down from the heavens. My stomach was churning at the thought of what I would do to her later. She would learn her place. She would accept I was her master. At lea
st for the time being.

  “She could have killed you,” Kodroth stated, flanking my side and shaking his head. “She had no fear in her eyes, no sign of remorse. We need to capture her. That would be very interesting. I would enjoy spending a day training her.”

  “She also had no intention of using her weapon, at least on us. But she is hiding something.” I was fascinated by the girl’s spunk and character, but she would certainly need to be disciplined. I couldn’t have any of the soldiers allowing either other Centurions or the colonists knowing she’d been able to thwart our soldiers.

  “Fascinating how you seem to know that; however, I think she would have enjoyed shooting an arrow through your heart. Shouldn’t I release our men to capture her, Captain?”

  “No, Kodroth. Let her leave. We know where she’s going. She’s now aware of just how many marauders are roaming the forest. I doubt she’ll risk the lives of her family. Let her worry about what her punishment will be.” I touched the side of my face, still feeling the tingling sensations. Yes, I would enjoy breaking down every last defense until she was left with nothing but burning desire.

  I wanted to use my belt, slapping the thick leather across her backside over and over again. I wanted to smack the tip against her pussy, making her thighs slick with her cream. Then I wanted to stick my tongue inside, sucking and licking until she writhed in pleasure. Then I’d fuck her virgin ass. “Fuck.” I clenched my fist, trying to control my raging emotions. If I crossed the line, I would lose my position completely.

  “She is feisty. She will be a handful if selected in the lottery this year,” Kodroth teased. “I can only imagine how many spankings she’ll receive on a regular basis.” He eyed my face, grinning.

  “She definitely deserves severe punishment.”