Moonbeams and magic

by Taylor, Janelle

  As the Liska left orbit with Cypher in control of the bridge, Dagan said to Starla in her quarters, "I just finished filing my last report with Phaedrig and turning in my resignation. As I told you, I-GAF agents must be single to prevent distractions. He said he hated to lose me, but he understands my decision and sends his congratulations and best wishes. He'll be on Ulux, so you can meet him there and I'm sure you'll like him. Phaedrig's planning to send the Thracians news about the crimes and fates of Koteas and Terin, and give them a slight warning about their acceptance and use of men like Tochar and the perils of dealing with them. After the Thracians learn how powerful the VFG is, which will be obvious from Tochar's stunning defeat, perhaps they'll join our Federation. The more galaxies that are included, the fewer to cause us problems later." "That seems to be a wise precaution to me." "I agree. I told him Tochar doesn't have any other accomplices, according to what he related during our brief questioning. I suppose with Iverk dead, we'll never know why he joined forces with Tochar. Phaedrig plans to question Tochar further to learn how and when he met Syrkin, Iverk, and Acharius and how he persuaded them to turn traitor to their people. It's helpful to learn villite 's motiva-

  tions for use in future missions. After their final interrogations, Tochar and Syrkin will be terminated for their many crimes."

  "They knew the laws when they broke them, so punishment shouldn't come as a surprise to any of them. This mission has been so long and hard and often frightening that it's amazing it's over. We shouldn't ever face this kind of threat again, because Raz Yakir told me that all white and green crystals which are found in the future will be destroyed upon their discoveries, and no weapons will be made from them again. Only moonbeams with good traits will be saved: you probably know red ones are useftil in heating and lighting; yellow provide many medical purposes; and blue are excellent for superior surgical lasers. As Cypher said, it would be terrible to seal the mines forever, to destroy the good with the bad."

  "He's right, as usual. Now, we have two things left to do, my love."

  She nestled into his embrace and asked, "What are they?"

  "First, we must attend the ceremony and celebration on Ulux, where I'll meet your family and get their approval. Second and most important, we must bond as mates and begin our new life and work together."

  She gave him a hug as she replied, "I adore both of those ideas, particularly the last one. But you do not need my parents' approval, though you shall receive it, I'm certain. They'll love, respect, and accept you as I do."

  "Still, I want to speak with them before we bond. They're legendary and prestigious figures across the entire UFG and I'm eager to meet them. It will be an honor to join your family; mine would be pleased and proud if they were alive to share in this happy event. Did you know that I-GAF agents study many of your father's past tactics for use in our missions?"

  Starla realized he left the topic of his lost loved ones in

  a hurry, probably to avoid dampening their joy on this occasion. Yet, she knew he would relate his complete history soon, just as she knew he came from a family as wonderful as hers. Since his had been wealthy and prominent and involved in Kalfa's government, he would not feel out of place in her social rank. "No, I didn't," she answered his question, "but Father was and still is a man of superior intelligence, prowess, and statue. So is my mother, and my sister and brother. I'm not boasting, but their achievements are many and have been crucial to the survival of our people."

  Dagan stroked her brown hair and smiled. "I've read Maffeian history so I know you're telling the truth. It's normal to be proud of them, and I want to hear more about your family during our trek to Ulux."

  "It's late now and we're exhausted, so we'll contact them on rising to let them know the final battle has taken place and we're safe and on our way. We can speak to them for a while, but you'll learn more after you meet them." Yes, she decided, during their journey she would tell him many glorious tales about her family's intergalactic adventures and seemingly star-crossed romances; all had been players in dangerous games of perilous intrigue and had surrendered to irresistible passions. They had challenged and defeated many enemies and awesome forces, and each had almost lost their chosen one during near-fatal battles. She wanted him to get acquainted with her family and for him to form his own opinion before she revealed dark episodes which her parents and siblings had confronted, endured, and conquered long ago.

  "I'm looking forward to getting to know each of them. My parents, sister, and two brothers would have been delighted by my choice of mates. I never imagined I would be the son to carry on the Thaiter bloodline. We'll have a splendid time creating our own family after we retire from trekking around the Universe. Have you told Cypher he'll be our teammate until we settle down in Maffei?"

  "Yes, and he actually sounded and appeared to be pleased. I'm beginning to wonder if we aren't rubbing off on him; he talks and acts like a human more every deega." She inclined her head toward him, changing the subject as she asked, "Tell me, my beloved, was it difficult to spurn Palesa's cravings for you?" she jested.

  Dagan chuckled and nestled her closer. "For a while there, I was afraid I couldn't get away from her grasping arms and lewd intentions."

  "You did a superb job; she never suspected you for a moment. Of course," Starla said with a merry laugh, "I would have teleported down immediately if she had refused to stop tempting my property."

  Dagan rolled to his side and nibbled on her ear. "Possessive, are you?"

  "When it comes to you, my dashing space rogue, I am. I adore your name, and I can hardly wait to see you as you truly are. Though I must confess, Cypher used one of our computer programs to display your image with sun-kissed hair and aqua eyes and the facial changes you mentioned. I should tell you, Curran Thaiter is far more handsome and appealing than Dagan Latu, which I never believed was possible for any man."

  He warmed as her gaze roamed his face and her fingers trailed over his bare chest. "Thank you, my love. As soon as we reach Ulux, you can see for yourself if your assumption is correct. Raz Yakir said he would have a skilled medical team ready to restore me to myself. The procedure is quick and painless, especially with those new moonbeam laser scalpels. When I meet your family, it will be as Curran Thaiter. As for you," he murmured as he kissed her nose, "I much prefer Starla's image to Yana's." He chuckled. "I wonder how long it will require before Curran and Bree-Kayah roll off our tongues as easily as Dagan and Starla do now."

  "I'm sure we'll make many slips since we've used those

  names for so long, but we have all the time we'll need to correct them. Right now, what we need is this," she murmured as she kissed him and caressed his virile body, naked next to hers, their flesh in sensuous and stirring contact.

  Dagan sealed their mouths in a series of long, slow, and deep kisses which quickly merged into intense, needy ones as their mutual desires heightened. His questing hands ventured over her responsive body, titillating and pleasuring.

  Starla did the same, stimulating and enticing him ever upward on that intoxicating spiral to ecstasy. Dagan had been right all along: they were a perfect match in every way. She kissed his lips and murmured, "I love you with all my heart and soul and we shall be so happy together."

  He gazed into her glowing green eyes and radiant expression and his heart overflowed with wonderful and potent emotions. "Yes, we will, Bree, for I love you with all my heart and soul."

  Soon, their pleading bodies were joined in a blissful union and their spirits soared the heavens. The hearts and lives of Curran Thaiter and Bree-Kayah Saar—third child of Maffeian Varian Saar and Jana Greyson Saar of Earth—had been bound forever by generous destiny, just as those of Galen and Rayna, and Amaya and Jason had been forged long ago. Evil had been defeated, and now peace ruled the Federation.

  As the Liska journeyed through the vast reaches of space with Cypher at the helm and recent perils left far behind, Bree-Kayah and Curran made rapturous love in a splendid setting
which was ashimmer with starlight, moonbeams, and ever-present magic.

  Two Hearts joined by Fate, Aliens no more; Light conquered Darkness; Fiery passions soar. On wings of Splendor, these lovers wished to ride; Trekking through a Universe so perilous and wide. Evil has settled; Treachery has fled; Peace and Love now rule in their stead. Moonbeams and Magic, though wondrous they be; A glorious Destiny awaited child number three. But children are bom to a legendary Saar line; I wonder what adventures those heirs will find . . .

  Authors Note

  It was a thrilling challenge to create Book IV in the "Moondust" Series, a sequel that would stand on its own for those of you who haven't read the first three sagas. I am deeply grateful for the letters so many of you sent to me and to my publisher requesting its continuation. I originally planned only three books in the series, but after writing number three, Starla and Dagan leapt into my head and heart and begged me to let them share their romance and adventures with you. Naturally I was hooked immediately and helpless to resist their pleas.

  If you missed sagas I-III, they are available from Pinnacle/Zebra Books through your local bookstore, or by ordering them from the publisher.

  In book #1, Moondust And Madness, Commander Varian Saar (Zar) of Maffei abducts Earthling research scientist Jana Greyson to take her to his galaxy as a captive mate, as most of the Maffeian females were rendered sterile years ago by an enemy's treachery. Jana finds herself a pawn in an intergalactic struggle with foes determined to destroy Varian and to conquer his world. Jana seeks her new fate and freedom with the alien starship commander whose looks, fame, power, status, wealth, and prowess are enormous; and his secrets are many and hazardous. Yet, under their law and from enemy threats, Jana is out of Varian's reach. Or is she . . .

  In book #2, Stardust And Shadow, an injured Jana, after winning Varian's love and acceptance, believes she went to sleep in his arms and aboard his vessel, a bright future in

  store for them. But she awakens on Darkar—weakened and dazed from a near-lethal illness—to find herself with Variants treacherous half brother, legally bound forever to Ryker Triloni, a scientific genius, owner of Trilabs, one of the most powerful and invincible forces in existence. Worse, Varian is about to wed another woman, Jana's arch-rival and the bitter enemy who had placed her in Ryker's clutches. She is forced to accept the truth that she loved and trusted the wrong brother. But Ryker seems to be changing for the better and he promises to save Earth from certain doom, as he possesses the only weapons and knowledge that could do so. Yet, there is a price she must pay for his aid: she must surrender willingly to him and produce him an heir to his holdings and to the rulership of the Androas Galaxy, for which Ryker is next in line. As the Tri-Galaxy heads for war, Ryker pursues her heart and commitment with a sincerity she cannot deny.

  In book #3, Starlight And Splendor, twenty-five years have passed since Ryker's death and the marriage between Jana and Varian, who are still very much in love and savoring blissful passions. Now, their twins face perils and bittersweet romances. Galen seeks his destiny in the arms of a beautiful and deceitful seductress who might be his doom and a destroyer of his world. During what was to be a short visit to Earth with the Sangers to study her mother's world, Amaya's wits, courage, and skills are tested to the fullest when she meets an irresistible but forbidden Earth-ling and is taken captive by evil scientists. All Saars join forces to battle their worst enemy and to thwart certain destruction of their world when an alien virus—one without a cure that spreads and kills rapidly and against which the Maffeians have no immunity—is unleashed on their planets, along with vicious criminals who wreak havoc on all planets before they mysteriously vanish until their next attack, strangely forewarned by an unknown traitor. Three romances and many adventures are entwined in this story as

  the Saars battle for their world's survival and to win the hearts of those they love.

  Many of you have requested more books in this series, several even pleaded for me to write as many sagas as there are in my nine-book Gray Eagle/Alisha "Ecstasy" Series. If you want to read more stories about the Saars, let the publisher of Pinnacle Books know, as the decision is theirs.

  If you would like to receive a Janelle Taylor Newsletter, a complete list with cover pictures and plot descriptions of my thirty-three novels, and a bookmark, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (long size best) to:

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