2SaurellianFederationBundle

by Joanna Wylde

  But it wasn’t enough.

  She twisted against him, trying to make him move faster. She wanted to feel his entire length come into her hard, filling her until she couldn’t breathe any longer.

  “All good things come to those who wait,” he said piously, lifting his head to smirk at her.

  “To hell with that,” she replied. “I don’t want to wait anymore. I want you now, Jax.”

  He grinned fiercely at her, then pulled back and thrust into her with a force that made her gasp. He moved quickly, slamming her back against the rock with every stroke. A part of her realized she’d probably be left with bruises, but she didn’t care. All that mattered was the feeling of him pounding into her body.

  Each motion brought her a little closer, and the familiar spiral of sensation started closing around her. She clutched him to her with her arms, and tried to wrap her legs around his waist. But the water made everything slippery and she couldn’t keep hold of him. Then the sensations built again, and she no longer cared. She went limp in his arms, allowing him to take her as he chose.

  The cold water swirled around them, but she hardly noticed its cool kiss on her skin. All she could think about was the tension building in her body. It was urgent, compelling. She had to fix it, to climb over it, to get relief. Otherwise it would crush her.

  He angled her hips down slightly, and then his cock was rubbing along her clit in a whole new way. Each stroke pushed her higher, and she could feel her muscles tightening. His erection scraped against her clit again and again, plunging in to hit bottom with every stroke, and her hips started twitching. The sensation was so intense it was painful, but she couldn’t allow him to stop. She needed this; she needed him.

  “Jax,” she gasped, then flew apart in climax, unable to control herself any longer. She broke into a thousand pieces, and sagged against him. He kept moving a moment longer, then joined her. She could feel his hot seed pumping into her body, and for a moment she fantasized about what it would feel like to carry his child.

  With any luck, she’d find out before too long.

  “I love you,” he gasped against her shoulder, and she squeezed him tightly.

  “I love you, too,” she replied.

  They stayed there for several minutes, until the coldness of the water started seeping into her. Startled, she realized she was shivering, and Jax was covered with goose bumps.

  “I think we should get out of the water,” she said. With a smile, he swung her up in his arms and strode toward the bank.

  * * * * *

  “All you have to do is sign right here,” the beautiful lady told Mali, pointing to a black line on the paper. She looked up at her mother, who smiled encouragingly. Able snorted in disgust. Once again, Mali just couldn’t seem to figure out what to do, despite the fact that he’d been practicing with her for days. He looked up at Jax, hoping he wasn’t too upset by the delay. The last thing they needed was for him to change his mind now.

  Jax just gave him a wink and smiled. Able sighed. If Jax wasn’t upset, then things weren’t too bad. It would be all right. Mali was now slowly and painfully writing her name, copying the letters that mom had written out for her. Bored, he looked around, trying to remember everyone’s names. Jax’s whole family was there, along with Aunt Calla. Seth was there too. Able had never liked Seth, but he sure seemed to make Aunt Calla happy. They were even going to have a baby, although Able couldn’t understand why. All Mali had ever done as a baby was poop and cry. Boring.

  The beautiful lady was clapping her hands to catch everyone’s attention. Mali was done signing the paper, finally. The lady spoke.

  “As Priestess of this temple, I now solemnly declare before the Goddess and these people assembled here that Jax Falconer has asked for and been given legal and spiritual parenthood over these children, Able and Mali. From this day forward, they will be known publicly as Able and Mali Falconer, of the House of Falconer. They will share equally in the rights, privileges and responsibilities of that House, along with their father. Let the Goddess’ will be unquestioned.”

  Everyone started cheering and clapping. Mom was even crying. Then Jax kneeled down, and held out his hand for a solemn handshake. Able responded, trying to keep his grip firm and manly.

  “I am so honored to have you for my son,” Jax said quietly. “Thank you, Able, for accepting me.”

  “I’m just doing it for mom and Mali,” Able said gruffly. His eyes felt all weird and watery, and his nose was starting to run. For one horrible minute he thought he might start crying. But before that could happen, Jax nodded knowingly.

  “I know that,” he replied. “You and I have the same job, taking care of them. Good thing we know how to work together.”

  “Yup,” Able said thankfully. He and Jax were the men of the family now. It was a good thing they could work together. Mali was flinging herself into Jax’s arms, and then mom was kneeling beside him, hugging him close. It felt pretty good, Able thought. He liked being a family.

  Jax set Mali down, and she tugged on Able’s sleeve.

  “It wasn’t a stupid wish, you know,” she said smugly. He looked down at her blankly.

  “What are you talking about?” he asked in confusion, looking around to see if anyone had heard her. No one seemed to have noticed.

  “To wish that we had a daddy,” Mali said, rolling her eyes impatiently. “Remember, I wished that we had a daddy, and now we have one. What do you think I should wish for next?”

  “You just got lucky,” Able snorted. “Wishes aren’t real.”

  “Really?” Mali said. “Well, then I’m going to make another wish, just to prove that you’re wrong. I wish that you’ll meet a girl and fall in love and get all silly. Then you won’t be able to make fun of me any more. I’ll make fun of you!”

  “Mali, that’s just stupid,” he said.

  “We’ll see,” Mali said smugly. She turned away from him as Aunt Calla swept her up in a hug. Silly girl.

  “Able, I want you to come and meet your new cousins,” Jax said, pulling him through the crowd. After several moments they broke through the mass of people, and came face to face with a group of five children. They eyed him curiously. They all shared similar features, dark black hair, bright green eyes.

  “These are my sister’s children,” Jax said. “Devon, Julian, Marcus, Luke and Anita, the baby of the family. We call her Nini.”

  Nini stepped forward, and Able’s jaw dropped. She was the prettiest little girl he’d ever seen in his life, and he had the sudden urge to reach forward and pull one of her long, black braids. The largest of the boys, Julian, seemed to read his mind. He stepped forward protectively.

  “You can play with us if you like,” he said. “But you have to be nice to Nini, or we’ll get you.”

  “You have to be nice to my sister, too,” Able said, bristling. Nini laughed, breaking the tension. She stepped forward, put both hands on Able’s shoulders and stood on her tiptoes, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “I like you, Able,” she said brightly. “We’re going to have a lot of fun together.”

  He couldn’t help himself. He didn’t think at all, he just reached up and pulled one of those braids as hard as he could. She screeched in protest, and he took off running, dodging through the crowd. All four of those boys would be on him in seconds, and he was pretty sure he was gonna die.

  It had been worth it, though. That Nini was pretty cute…

  About the Author

  Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer who worked as both a journalist and a fundraiser before finding her niche in erotic romance. In April 2002, The Price of Pleasure was released as an ebook and quickly found a receptive audience. Jo is married and lives in north Idaho with her husband, David.

  Joanna welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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  Also by Joanna Wylde

  Aphrodite’s Touch anthology

  Aquamarine Prince

  Be Careful What You Wish For

  Catherine’s Awakening

  No Regrets

  Saurellian Federation: Dragon’s Mistress

  Saurellian Federation: Garnets or Bust

  Saurellian Federation: Gladiator’s Prize

  Saurellian Federation: Jerred’s Price

  Saurellian Federation: Price of Freedom

  Saurellian Federation: Price of Pleasure

  Saurellian Federation: Survival’s Price

  Wicked Wishes anthology

  Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

  www.ellorascave.com

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

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  Gladiator’s Prize

  ISBN 9781419922176

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Gladiator’s Prize Copyright © 2009 Joanna Wylde

  Edited by Briana St. James

  Photography and cover art by Les Byerley

  Electronic book Publication August 2009

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Gladiator’s Prize

  Joanna Wylde

  Chapter One

  The Arena, Saurellia Proper

  Year 5513, Saurellian Calendar

  Admiral Saul Darius took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead. His palm came away streaked with blood and he laughed. Damn, he loved fighting in the arena—it was the next best thing to real combat.

  His opponent lay unconscious on the sands, the sixth he’d defeated today. Ten thousand of Saurellia’s most distinguished citizens surrounded him, on their feet and screaming. Saul didn’t give a damn about his audience, he didn’t come to the arena for their tribute. But the women… They were a different story. Saul raised his arms triumphantly and turned his half-naked, sweating body toward the maidens’ section. Hundreds of young women in flowing gowns threw themselves into a frenzy and he smiled with satisfaction. Every one of them was a potential lifemate, although he’d long since given up on finding a woman for himself. After thirty-eight years it no longer seemed an option—they were off limits to him.

  Except for today.

  The winner chose which maiden would crown him, reason enough for many men to risk their lives in the arena. Darius came to sate his blood lust, although later he’d plow some lucky woman until she screamed. Not one of these girls, though. Never one of these. They weren’t for the likes of him. Some men were fated to find lifemates but Darius knew his fate lay with war and death. Except today—for a short time—he could get close enough to one to pretend things might be different…

  He scanned the stands, trying to decide which woman to pick. They fluttered at him like delicate birds, their traditional pastel gowns designed for just this moment. His selected queen would look like a goddess stepping down from the sky, crowning Saul in a moment of glory that called to every Saurellian’s deepest sense of tradition and heritage. Saul’s mouth twisted wryly. He’d take it more seriously if he didn’t know for a fact that the entire thing was little more than propaganda, designed to keep an embattled Federation united in their war against the Empire.

  Still, their long, dark hair and rich brown eyes called to him. Each woman appeared lovelier than the next and he felt the beginnings of an erection swell. He wore only a loincloth, knowing all too well that his arousal would be visible to anyone looking, but Saul didn’t care. He’d enjoy the moment, use his fame for all it was worth, and with any luck he’d be able to return to what really mattered before too much longer.

  Winning the war that had already claimed so many of his friends.

  And if he won that war? Well, some of those beautiful girls might live to find their lifemates and another generation of little Saurellians would be born.

  Despite the Emperor’s best efforts.

  K’rilla sat obstinately still as the other women ran wild around her, trying not to let her mouth pinch in that unpleasant way that she knew made her look her age. She hated displays like this, although she understood the importance of them. She felt like a fool, perched here among the maidens of Saurellia’s finest families. Unmated at thirty-five, she was an anomaly at best, a freak in the minds of most.

  Never mind the little fact that she was one of the Federation’s leading weapons system engineers… No babies, so here she sat with the teenagers. Saurellia didn’t quite know what to do with women who didn’t follow the traditional pattern.

  Attending had been a mistake, she hated sticking out. Family duty, she reminded herself. Kimme was scared to come by herself, she needs you. Oh she hated moments like this, when it was all too clear she didn’t fit in.

  And she never would.

  Because while everyone else could relax and enjoy the spectacle of the arena, all she could think about was the coming invasion. She knew what everyone else could only speculate upon. Soon their warships would leave Saurellian space, launching the greatest assault in their history. Either they’d defeat the Empire and win a new era of peace, or…better not to think about that. She glanced around quickly at the beautiful girls—little more than children—surrounding her. She wanted them to live, wanted them to grow old and rear their own children.

  That wouldn’t happen if the Saurellian fleet failed.

  She should definitely be in her office, running through battle scenarios. In the end, the invasion’s success might all boil down to the new weapons systems on the battle cruisers, systems she’d help design. Pray the Goddess they work. Here at the arena she couldn’t even access the data net with her personal core—not secure enough. Not that she always bothered to follow the rules when it came to her work, but security was something none of them could afford to ignore. Imperial spies could be anywhere.

  K’rilla bit back a sigh, letting her eyes run across the tall, hardened form of the victor. At least the day wasn’t a total waste. He was really something worth looking at, she mused, licking her lips—Saul Darius, the great admiral, a hero of the Tyrian massacre. The man was a work of art, all gleaming muscles and silky black hair, and plenty of scars to prove he knew how to fight. She certainly enjoyed studying his form. All right, more than enjoyed it. There was something visceral about her attraction to him, far more than she usually felt encountering a handsome man. He seemed more alive than others, more vibrant. Exaltation at his victory rolled off him in palpable waves and she understood why the men were so eager to follow him.

  Who wouldn’t?

  He raised his arms and shook them triumphantly. Beads of sweat rolled down them, and K’rilla foun
d herself wondering what the sweat on his skin would taste like…

  Not that she’d ever find out, she reminded herself firmly. She might be stuck with the maidens, but that didn’t mean she had to shed her dignity over a handsome man. Ridiculous. Then Saul turned to look at her section and she lost her train of thought.

  What a beautiful man.

  K’rilla licked her lips again and crossed her arms in front of her body, reminding herself of her dignity. The fabric was far too light and silky…it caressed her nipples, sending little tendrils of sensation racing down her spine. Darius had full, ripe-looking lips and she imagined them latching on to the sensitive tips of her breasts, suckling gently.

  Pull yourself together, d’Pecoraio.

  She knew from her work connections that he’d come back to plan the Imperial invasion. He’d be leading the fleet himself and she couldn’t help but wonder how wise it was to risk an admiral in the arena. But even a pragmatist like K’rilla could appreciate the public relations brilliance of the moment. She thought once more about her unfinished work. There were fixes that needed to be made before the battle cruisers left…

  “Aunt K’rilla, stand up!” Kimme said, tugging at her arm. “He’s looking right this way. I swear, this is the most exciting moment of my life!”

  K’rilla rolled her eyes, but she stood. No reason to spoil the day for Kimme and she might as well play up to the cameras. Millions—even billions—would be watching this moment. If by some fluke she ended up on the broadcast, she didn’t want to send the wrong signal. Every last Saurellian had to project confidence and pride in their military—the odds against them were far too high to show doubts to the collected peoples of their Federation. And no d’Pecoraio had ever flinched in the face of his or her duty. Not now, not ever.