by T. S. Ryder
"Do Stlozyn have any naming traditions?"
"One… but you'll laugh."
Gemma's lips quirked. "Why would I laugh?"
"It's a superstition. Not based on any sort of scientific fact."
"Tell me."
Shay sighed. This tradition meant a lot to him. If Gemma laughed… "It was believed by our ancestors that Stlozyn are reborn every fifth generation, and so it's tradition to look back five generations to name a child after one of our ancestors. We give the child that name, and when she's ten she chooses her true name, a name she'll only share with those that mean the most to her."
Shay braced himself for Gemma's laughter, but she nodded instead, her expression serious.
"I like that. It's beautiful. Do you know of a name from five generations back in your family?"
"My grandfather always wanted me to name my first daughter Ishoel, after his great-grandmother. It means beautiful star."
"Ishoel." Gemma smiled up at him. "I like it."
Shay let out a breath of relief. He'd always liked the name as well, and was grateful Gemma did, too. He kissed her forehead. "We should sleep."
"I don't want to sleep." She stroked Ishoel's tiny nose. "We need to decide what to do now. Are you hesitant to accept the position on the Science Board because you're afraid I'll want to go back to Earth?"
"Have I ever told you that I greatly admire your directness, Gemma?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't change the subject."
Shay chuckled softly but quickly sobered. He didn't want to put any undue pressure on her. He had thought that they would have several years before having to make this choice, but everything had happened more quickly than he anticipated.
"I promised you that we would return to Earth, that I would live there with you to continue my research." He stroked her hand.
"If you took the position, would you have to give up your research?"
Shay ran a hand over her beautiful, soft hair. He marveled at the silky texture for a moment. "No. But I won't be able to do it the same way I am now. I would be expected to send others in my place with the research parameters. I would have many duties on Bronæl that would mean I couldn't be away for long periods of time."
"So if you took it, we'd have to stay on Bronæl and could only return to Earth for visits?"
"Yes."
Gemma frowned. Her lips tightened and her nose wrinkled like it always did when she was deep in thought. After a moment, she let out a pent-up sigh. "I don't have any family there. I don't have many friends. And I just got fired from my job. I don't think there's a lot that's holding me to Earth. And two very big draws to Bronæl."
Shay held his breath.
"Ishoel wouldn't exactly blend in, either."
"We could use a shimmering cloak once she's a little older. It's completely harmless. But are you sure? After everything that happened here—"
"It's not going to happen again, is it?" Gemma raised a brow, indicating it was more of a statement than a question.
Shay shook his head. "No."
Gemma blew out a breath and looked down at Ishoel. "Then it's settled. We'll stay. Take vacations to Earth once Izzy is old enough to understand why she can't tell people we're visiting from another planet."
"Izzy?" Shay made a face–he would never understand the human tendency to make perfectly good names shorter. But if that was what Gemma wanted, he could learn to accept the short name. "Are you certain that you'll be happy here? Earth is your home."
Gemma shook her head. "Earth is the place I lived. For a long time now, it hasn't been my home. You have been. And now you and Ishoel both are my home. Wherever you are, I’ll be there too."
"That sounds familiar… Where did you get it from?"
Gemma laughed. "I love you. I love you so much."
The fires burned bright and happy inside Shay. He kissed his human hard, twirling his tongue around hers. "And I love you, Gemma. I love you."
Chapter Ten
Time would tell if her back would fully recover, but with Stlozyn healing techniques, Gemma was healed from the birth within a matter of days. Shay still wanted her to stay on bed rest, but she felt good enough to get up and moving. Just lying in bed was boring. And her desire for something spicy had returned.
Gemma slipped a negligee over her head, checking out her reflection in the mirror to make sure it fit right. It felt strange to have lost so much weight so quickly, like she no longer fit in her own skin. She had to say, she didn't like it. She preferred being a little curvier. To hell with people telling her she weighed too much, she had felt like herself before.
She slipped from the bedroom into the living room of her and Shay's apartment. Ishoel was down for a nap, giving them a couple of hours for a spicy dessert.
Her dragon sat on the sofa, watching a holographic simulation of something that looked like DNA. Now that Ishoel had been born, Gemma felt comfortable giving small amounts of blood to him for his research. It was really helping him out.
Shay suddenly jumped from the sofa and clapped his hands. The holographic projection flickered off. The dragon began doing some weird sort of jig. Gemma had to stifle a giggle. He looked so ridiculous with his robes flapping around him.
"Good news?"
"Great news!" He turned, scooping her into his arms. He swung her around before setting her back on the floor and looking at her ensemble. "Wow."
Gemma pushed back her shoulders, making her chest pop. "What's the good news?"
"Ummm…" Shay looked back at her eyes. "I've been working on an infusion of human DNA into Stlozyn DNA to try to vaccinate against the disease."
"And it works?"
"Better. It's actually reversing the effects of the disease. Simulated DNA works just as well, so it's not like we have to go and harvest human DNA from Earth."
A grin blossomed over Gemma's face. "I knew you'd do it. You cured your people."
"I'm going to accept the position on the Science Board. I've earned it now." Shay seized her and pulled her to his lips. He kissed her hard, making sparks erupt in her brain. "And I never could have done it without you."
Gemma moaned and slung her arms around her dragon's neck, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. Shay responded with the same fervor, hands sliding down her back to grip her buttocks. With one quick motion, she tugged on the ties of his robe, loosening it, and pushed it off his shoulders. His flesh was so warm, so perfect. The tiny scales that glittered over his body were as smooth as skin but had a slightly different texture, a little harder. They didn't give under her touch.
"You are so beautiful," she whispered, exploring the contours of his chest and abs with her hands. He was so strong, so solid. What had life been before they were together? It seemed a distant dream, too far away to be bothered with.
"You are beautiful." Shay ran his fingers through her hair, moaning.
"Are you ready for something spicy?"
In response, Shay lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist. He moved her to the wall, propping her up in their favorite position. Gemma's whole body felt warm, almost as if the fire inside of her dragon was moving from him to her. She gripped his short hair, using her legs around his waist as leverage. Their mouths met, tongues clashed. Gemma giggled when Shay ground against her.
"I love how ready we both are right now." She moaned as he ground harder.
"Me too. I love you. More than you can know."
"And I love you more than you can know," Gemma shot back, not about to be beaten.
She kissed her dragon's neck, suckling gently on the sensitive patch right at the base of his throat. That undid him, and somehow without releasing her, he removed the barriers between them and was inside her. He fit so perfectly, just like he had before Ishoel was born. Gemma groaned in pleasure, arching her back to his movement, her eyes sliding closed in bliss.
This was all she wanted, all she needed. She was home in his arms, it was where she belonged. And right now, with his strength fillin
g her, she couldn't imagine why she had ever wanted anything else.
***
"Gemma."
Gemma opened a sleepy eye. She propped herself up on an elbow, suppressing a yawn. "Did I fall asleep?"
Shay brushed her hair from her face, smiling. "It's been a while since we did this, it's no surprise that it wore you out a little. I promise to be less… enthusiastic next time."
"No!" Gemma shook her head, glaring at him. "You will do no such thing, you hear me? That was amazing."
Shay laughed. "I only meant that I'll try not to wear you out so badly."
"I'm not worn out. I'm ready for round three. Or four."
She tried to think how many times they had made love, but couldn't. They had had to stop a couple of times to take care of the baby, but other than that they had been going at it for hours. Those hours felt good. Gemma couldn't even remember the last time she had felt so relaxed, so at peace. And so satisfied.
"You always went easy on me back when we were on Earth," she accused. "Why?"
"The shimmer cloak is only good if it isn't overtaxed. But I want to tell you something."
Gemma pressed herself to her elbows, stretching her lips to his. "What's that?"
Shay indulged her kisses for a moment before he pulled back, laughing. "Stop that. This is important to me."
"I'll behave," Gemma promised, folding her hands into her lap to prove it.
Her eyes went to Shay's lips, wanting even more of the taste he left on her lips. He was delicious. Like Applewood smoked bacon. Only even better. Like chocolate ice cream. Bacon and ice-cream together. Delicious. Utter perfection.
"Stop," Shay warned.
Gemma pulled her eyes to his with difficulty. The blood-red ruby eyes twinkled and a smile played about his lips. From the way he moved closer to her, she wasn't the only one fighting some serious hunger pangs.
"I told you once that Stlozyn have real names and then public names."
"Ummm…" She vaguely remembered something about that, so nodded.
"Well… I have been waiting a very long time to find somebody I could share this with." His smile actually became a little nervous as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not to be used, not even in private. Real names are only spoken when one individual tells another, and then at their funeral. It's one of those silly superstitions—"
"It's not silly." Gemma forced herself to remain still, though her heart was pounding. She could tell by her dragon's nervousness that this meant a great deal to him. It touched her that he would trust her with this, even if she didn't understand the full importance–or perhaps because of that.
"My true name is Isthæshlyn."
"That's beautiful." Gemma stroked his face, repeating it in her mind. Isthæshlyn. "What does it mean?"
"It's the name of a hero in an old folk tale. I always admired him, and when it was time to find my true name, that is what came to me." Shay pulled her closer.
Gemma hummed as she snuggled into his arms. "Thank you."
"I should be thanking you. You don't know how long I've waited to be able to tell somebody that… I love you."
"I love you, too."
They held each other, eyes closed, revelling in the warmth of being together. Of being home.
*****
THE END
Slave to the Barbarian King
Description
A BBW ready for a one night stand PLUS a hot alien warrior instructed to abduct her PLUS a King looking for a new bride in his harem...
Twenty-six-year-old Natalie has been dumped by her boyfriend. Thinking that a one night stand is the perfect way to get her mind off her ex, she gets drunk in a bar and leaves with a handsome stranger.
Erdal is a Darrenkar, a race that inhabits the far off planet of Estion. The night his parents are assassinated, the six-year-old prince is taken as a slave. And almost a century later, the heir to the throne has become the ruthless King’s mercenary and head of the Royal guard, with no memory of the destiny that runs through his veins...
Erdal loathes humans. But now, the King wants him to find a suitable bride. A human. Erdal is reminded of his dead wife when he meets Natalie. The resemblance is uncanny. She’s drunk and he is strangely attracted to her. After a one night stand, Natalie is whisked away to another universe, not knowing she is in for a surprise.
By the time they reach Estion, she is pregnant. And now the King wants her dead. Will Erdal risk everything and save Natalie’s life? Will Natalie be able to trust a man who is a known assassin? And will Erdal find out his inheritance and claim the throne?
Prologue
Planet Estion in the Orion Star System.
Royal Palace of the Darrenkar.
Estion, Year 2268 (One Estion year is 395 days)
The night had grown cold when the boy woke with a start. The light from the blue moon streamed in through the huge windows and lit up his alabaster-white skin. Rubbing his emerald-green eyes, the six-year-old prince got out of bed wearing his dark night robes, and followed the sound that had woken him. He thought it had come from his father’s chambers. He tiptoed outside, crossing the hallway. The door to the king’s chamber was ajar. He peeped inside and found it dark and eerily quiet. Then he heard muffled voices from across the room. The large glass door leading to the terrace was open and the king and queen’s bed was empty. His heart racing, he slowly crept toward the window, staying in the shadows, and peered outside. In the pale light of the moon, he saw his mother and father held captive by two hulking men. The men held his father’s arms behind his back. His mother was held in the same manner as she silently cried. A third man stood in front of his father as he drew his sword and before the boy could react, the man had plunged the sword into the king's heart. Blood poured out as the body fell. He went for the queen next and her scream died on her lips with her last breath. She, too, dropped to the floor. Their bodies lay motionless in the expanding pool of dark blue blood.
His breathing had become labored and he was rooted to the spot. The men turned and walked toward the window. A hand came up from behind him and covered his mouth, dragging him backward into the shadows.
"Do not make a sound, my lord," Ornek whispered in his ear as he quickly dragged him out of the chambers.
Ornek was the most senior member of the king's royal guard. His long silver hair was tied at his neck. His bright green eyes shone kindly and aging ridges on his temples betrayed years of wisdom. He wore the royal armor: silver steel over black leather clothing with a dark blue cape.
The invaders were at their heels. Ornek grabbed the boy's arm and they ran downstairs into the grand hallway.
"W-who are these people?" the boy stammered.
"The Rok... They plunder and kill anyone who gets in their way. We have feared this attack for months, but I didn’t know it would come to this."
"They killed father and mother," he sobbed, tears streaming down his face as tried to keep up with Ornek.
"Erdal, your life is in danger. We must get out of here now," he said as they ran down the stone steps toward the gravel driveway outside.
The royal guards were in a grave sword fight. Bodies were strewn all over the place. More hulking men with white hair and dark gray skin entered the palace and killed anything that got in their way. Swords clashed in the night and blood was spilled.
"Listen to me carefully, my lord. The throne is yours, but right now you must go into hiding.”
They got to a black vehicle, dodging a few attackers. Ornek was quick with his katana. Forged from the rare steel native to Estion, its blade was sharp enough to split a single feather.
He severed the head of one of the attackers and led Erdal toward the small shuttle. Erdal got inside and Ornek strapped him to the seat, pressing an amulet into his hands.
"It's the Erasmeth. Always keep it with you. When you come of age, this will help you to claim your rightful place as king," Ornek said as he quickly tapped commands on the panel inside and the engine revved into
life. The aircraft levitated into the air. Ornek gave Erdal one last look.
“Go... Be safe!” Ornek said as he gazed at him. “We will meet again.”
Chapter One
Estion, Palace of the Darrenkar, circa 23701
“He will be of good use, my lord,” Gezek said, as two guards dragged Erdal before King Zutaar in the throne room. His hands and feet were in shackles. He wore only dark leather pants and his bare, muscular chest revealed battle scars from years of fighting in the arena. Sweat gleamed on his alabaster-white skin as the sunlight streamed down from the huge skylight above onto his kneeling form. The light made the coppery streaks in his long, dark hair glint with fiery rebellion as it fell around his shoulders.
“He’s a Darrenkar, but he is the most experienced gladiator in the arena,” Gezek explained. “They call him DeathRaze there.”
Erdal felt the king’s eyes on him. He was a hulking man over seven feet tall. His sharp, silver-gray eyes glinted as he assessed the man kneeling in front of him as if he were an animal to be bought at the bazaar. His whole demeanor exuded haughtiness as he sat on the throne, head tilted to one side.
“He can show us what he can do on the training ground tomorrow. If he can please me, we’ll keep him. If not, kill him,” Lord Zutaar said.
“Yes, my lord,” Gezek said, as he bowed low and motioned for the guards to take Erdal away.
Erdal thought he had gotten lucky as the king appreciated his fighting skills. He was given the lowest rank in the King’s Royal guard.
***
It was two decades ago when the king’s advisor, Gezek, had found Erdal fighting in the gladiator’s arena on the Andromeda 13 space station. He had seen the man’s agile moves and the finesse with which he held his katana, the Light-Shard. Erdal had picked it up at the bazaar where the spoils of war were sold. He had felt the strength of the blade, deathly sharp, and ever since, Light-Shard had been his loyal companion. With some effort, Gezek had bribed his owner and bought Erdal that day. Since then, Erdal had been steadily rising within the King’s ranks.