“More than you will ever know. Promise me you won’t do that again for a long, long time.”
“I’ll do my best to stay safe and healthy.” With only a trace of a limp, he carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed.
Jerden climbed in beside her, and, as always, Cria stationed herself at the door. The big cat gazed at her for a moment before blinking—slowly and deliberately. Sara didn’t need Tisana to translate, for the leopard’s meaning was quite clear.
We will keep him safe, you and I, and he will live to see his grandchildren’s grandchildren. His race will be restored to its former glory and there will be peace, joy, and prosperity for all.
The words echoed through Sara’s mind like the ringing of church bells. Blinking hard, she shook her head. Had she actually read the leopard’s thoughts? Was that a prophecy or a wish? She stared at Cria, half hoping she would say more, but the huge cat simply curled up on the threshold, letting out a soft, purring sigh.
I’m imagining things. Nonetheless, Sara vowed to do her best to keep Jerden alive and well and give birth to as many of his children as fate saw fit to bestow upon her. There’d been times when she’d seen fate as needlessly cruel, but no more, for fate had saved her for Jerden. He was hers to love, cherish, and protect. She would do nothing less.
Otherwise, Jack would come after her with a very big stick.
And no way am I risking that…
***
Sara’s scent filled Jerden’s head like never before—her pregnancy the obvious cause. After all, she’d been his mate for some time. The babies were the only change.
Or were they? He recalled the vision in which his fields had been as green and well tended as Sara’s. Looking back, he could see that his vision represented more than the mere state of his land. The tranquility he’d felt at that moment now filled his entire being. The threats were gone—whether Jack would ever admit it or not—he was sure of it. Already, he could sense joy and serenity infusing his life and the lives of his fellow Zetithians with peace.
His world had been destroyed, his race hunted to near extinction, but the future was filled with hope. He would be there to witness that future, and Sara would be with him—his life, his love, his partner, his mate. The danger had passed, and the healing process was now complete. The time had come for life to begin.
Again.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to extend my thanks to:
Ed Pegg Jr. for his suggestion regarding the effect of stem cells on the longevity of the human mates of Zetithian males.
My amazing critique partner, Sandy James, for her valuable input and support.
My beta reader, Mellanie Szereto, for being that extra set of keen eyes.
My agent, Melissa Jeglinski, for her editorial suggestions.
The people of Sourcebooks Casablanca for their hard work and dedication.
My family and friends for their love and support.
And most of all, my readers, for their unflagging enthusiasm throughout the Cat Star Chronicles series. I cherish each and every one of you.
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Stud
by Cheryl Brooks
They’re galaxies apart…
Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidione’s sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it’s all he’s good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy…
But one force can bring them together
Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life—until Tarq walks through the door of her father’s restaurant on Talus Five…
Praise for The Cat Star Chronicles:
“You will laugh, fall in love with an alien or two, and be truly agog at the richness Ms. Brooks brings to her worlds.”
—The Long and the Short of It
“A phenomenal series that just gets better and better. It’s sexy space travel at its finest.”
—Night Owl Romance
For more Cheryl Brooks books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Virgin
by Cheryl Brooks
He’s never met anyone who made him purr…
Starship pilot Dax never encountered a woman he wanted badly enough. Until he met Ava Karon…
And he’ll never give his body without giving his heart…
Dax is happy to take Ava back to her home planet, until he finds out she’s returning to an old boyfriend…
As their journey together turns into a quest neither expected, Ava would give herself to Dax in a heartbeat. Except he doesn’t know the first thing about seducing a woman…
Praise for The Cat Star Chronicles:
“You will laugh, fall in love with an alien or two, and be truly agog at the richness Ms. Brooks brings to her worlds.”
—The Long and the Short of It
“Really sexy. A sizzling kind of sexy.”
—Bitten by Books
“A world of fantasy that will stretch the reader’s imagination”
—The Romance Studio
For more Cheryl Brooks, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Hero
by Cheryl Brooks
He is the sexiest, most irksome man she’s ever encountered…
Micayla is the last Zetithian female left in the universe. She doesn’t know what’s normal for her species, but she knows when she sees Trag that all she wants to do is bite him…
He has searched all over the galaxy for a woman like her…
Trag has sworn he’ll never marry unless he can find a Zetithian female. But now that he’s finally found Micayla, she may be more of a challenge than even he’s able to take on…
Praise for the Cat Star Chronicles:
“Sexy and fascinating… leaves the reader eager for the next story featuring these captivating aliens.”
—RT Book Reviews
“The kind of delightfully hot read we’ve come to expect from Ms. Brooks.”
—Star-Crossed Romance
For more Cat Star Chronicles, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
About the Author
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Cheryl Brooks is a critical care nurse by night and a romance writer by day. A lifelong lover of horses and animals in general, she lives with her husband, two sons, two horses, four cats, and two dogs in rural Indiana. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and has played guitar since the age of ten. She is a member of the RWA and IRWA.
Wildcat is the ninth book in the Cat Star Chronicles series, preceded by: Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, and Stud. Cheryl has also published several erotic novellas with Siren/Bookstrand, and has self-published two novels to date.
Cheryl loves to hear from readers! Visit her website (cherylbrooksonline.com) or email her at [email protected]
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Cat Star 9 - Wildcat Page 32