by Celeste Raye
"Now, I must speak of the real reason I brought all of you here." His eyes roamed over Tae, Eveline, Kelan, Michelle, Hesher, Daer, and Shara. "In the past weeks, I have come to know you all as friends. True friendship is a prize that a king seldom receives. In honor of your trust, I will speak frankly. If the Savra found us, others will as well. For eons, Talonia has been hidden, but it will inevitably come to the attention of other worlds. The shock waves from the Savra explosion will call attention to this portion of the universe. We cannot greet every ship that comes near with a laser blast. Not all worlds are evil. We are aware that humans are now exploring the far reaches of the skies. Kelan and Michelle brought us information and more has been discerned from intercepting their satellite feeds. They are not exploring our sector as yet, but someday they will. Change is happening all over the universe. We cannot remain static. We have to bend with the times. For as long as possible, I wish us to stay anonymous to allow this planet to heal. When we are found, those who wish us evil will be destroyed, but those who are not must be asked to keep our secret. I am intelligent enough to realize our secret will come out. I have high hopes of making alliances with other worlds to protect our home and theirs from the evils that are out there. I will require the advice of each of you, even if your opinion disagrees with mine." The king took a breath, smiled, and added, "Enough of the speeches and doom. Daer wishes to say something, and I believe it is more cheerful in nature."
Daer took the floor. "I do indeed have something more cheerful to say. Actually, it is a question. My closest friends have been suspicious for a while, giving me a hard time with their teasing. Today, I will end their misery. Shara, my beautiful, rare dragon, I love your kind heart and mysterious soul. I want to bring our treasured relationship into the light. I have already spoken to your father and received his blessing, so now I seek yours. Will you make it official and become my eternal mate?"
The always elegant and calmly controlled Shara shocked them all by jumping out of her seat and throwing her arms around Daer. She shouted, "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" Then, she planted a kiss on Daer that had him blushing outrageously.
Cheers and congratulations rang out. Everyone was pleased and excited for their dear friends. It was a happy ending to a long and complicated meeting.
Tae
"Let us forget war and the possibility of discovery for a few hours," Tae asked of Eveline. "My life was not renewed to simply worry every moment. Joy must be a part of it as well and you, my love, are the joy in my world. Come with me. I made a promise once, and as you are already aware, I keep my promises."
"We've been to the waterfall. We even went to give thanks for its gift after you healed. What promise are you talking about?" Eveline inquired.
"I cannot believe you have forgotten! What a shame. I guess I do not need to keep a promise that you do not even remember. So, we will go home instead," Tae teased.
"Don't you dare do that to me!" Eveline laughed. "I may not remember it, but if you promised, it is surely something special and important. Tell me what it is!"
"It would be better if I showed you. First, though, we must see to it that my family has moved. Their new home was readied, and I wish to see them settled."
"I made cakes and pies to celebrate. It's Jax's eleventh birthday as well. One of the cakes is for him. No candles like on Earth, though. I would guess they would look ridiculous considering dragon fire," Eveline replied.
"He would adore anything you made for him. He is devoted to you. Too soon he will be able to transform, and his training will begin," Tae exclaimed.
"He will do fine. After all, his big brother has set an excellent example, and I'm confident you will continue to help train the young ones once your punishment is over. Did you know your sister has a suitor? Don't panic! I can see the shock in your eyes. He's a good man and suits your sister well. He has agreed to wait a year or two to mate, giving her time to be on her own after she finishes school in a few days."
"We will see about that. I will have a long talk with him," Tae declared.
"No, you won't. No one interfered with us, and you won't do it to her. Trust her choice. She was raised well. You all were. Honor and truth run deep in your family. Let your siblings make their own decisions. Save your interference for when our children are born," Eveline demanded.
"There is plenty to go around," Tae argued. "However, I will let today be a celebration."
They retrieved the sweets and went to Tae's family's new home. Due to Tae's new salary and his sister now working, it was twice the size of their previous home.
Jax met them at the door exclaiming, "I have my own room! I don't have to share it with anyone or sleep in the living area."
"Of course not," Tae replied. "You will be a man soon and need your own space."
The sweets were a hit, especially the birthday cake. It was a new concept for the weredragons. Tae's father kept hugging him and declaring, "I was given the best children a man could ask for. You have exceeded all my expectations." He hugged Eveline as well, "You are the daughter I never imagined, but I cannot see the future without you in it."
Tears of happiness were shed as Tae and Eveline said goodbye. Tae would no longer be living with them or in the military quarters. He would stay in Eveline's tiny home until the day more room was needed. Its coziness suited them perfectly.
"Okay, I've waited long enough," Eveline announced as they reached the outskirts of the city. "Fulfill your promise, please."
"Back away," Tae commanded.
Eveline was confused but did as he asked. Tae began to shift. Blue scales shimmered on his body, wings sprouted, and his size grew tenfold. Standing in his place was the powerful, royal blue dragon Eveline had rarely seen. He laid his head on the ground and lowered his body. Then, she understood. He was offering her a ride. Sobbing, she gingerly climbed aboard. Her legs surrounded his neck, much like she was sitting astride a horse. She grabbed onto the triangular spikes above her seat and held on tight.
A rumble of what could only be laughter came from the weredragon just before his deep voice said, "That is like pulling my hair. It hurts and tickles at the same time. Loosen your grip. I will not let you fall."
His voice was so dear and reassuring that she obliged. His wings spread and she lost her breath as Tae rose into the air. To get them used to the odd feeling of flying together, Tae slowly circled the city. From this point of view, it was a small dot among the volcanoes and waterfalls. Eveline had not realized how vast Talonia truly was.
Tae knew the instant her fear stopped and curiosity took over. Her heartbeat steadied, and her breathing slowed. Braver now, he left the city behind. His destination was to be the fulfillment of yet another promise. Over the waterfalls, where the droplets gave Eveline peace and on into the darker parts of Talonia he flew. As Eveline relaxed, he lost all sense of their separate bodies. He knew she would not fall. They were one. He had achieved the same soul deep mating as Kelan shared with Michelle. It was intoxicating. When Eveline's hands released their grip and her arms reached for the clouds, he knew she felt it too.
The air warmed as they drew near his destination, the largest volcano on Talonia. Its colorful flames heated the area but did not burn them. Tae, because as a weredragon he was born from the depths of this world and Eveline, because she had shed blood in the pool, adding her life force to this alien planet.
Tae landed on the rim, allowing Eveline to slide from his back before transforming into a man. He sucked in the air, and she saw the fire behind his eyes glow. Ashes circled them, releasing strength they had never dreamed possible. Eveline felt it as clearly as Tae. She would never be a weredragon, but she claimed their planet as her birthplace. Earth was a distant memory. She had only begun to truly live once she reached Talonia.
Tae spun her into his arms. His kiss held the fire he could not control. Eveline received it with a passion beyond reason. Their clothes were shredded and tossed into the volcano. Finally, they were free to give an
d take without restraint. Together, they tumbled to the crusty, volcanic ground. Tae held her hands over her head while he lavished her heated skin with kisses. The future was a shadow that did not matter. This moment in time was encapsulated for their pleasure.
Eveline writhed in ecstasy as Tae suckled greedily at her tender breasts. She bit down on her bottom lip to stifle a demand that he join their bodies. She wanted to become one with him, yet she found she enjoyed the slow and avid attention he was giving to her just as much. Since she couldn't use her hands to touch his sleek, sweat-soaked muscles, she decided to use her feet. Their soles slid over his thighs and up to his rounded backside, where her toes dug in. His hard muscles clenched in response and she discovered how much he liked it as his member grew and pulsed.
"Let me touch you," she begged.
"You are," he answered, his breath blowing gently across her taut nipples.
"My hands, please," she clarified.
He let go, and she quickly took advantage. Rising slightly, she flipped him over, taking control. Her tongue flicked over his small, darkened nipples sending shivers through him. She laughed with the power surge it gave her. She kissed the small scar leftover from the bullet wound. She moved lower, and he began to shake. Her lips met the tip of his hardness. An earthquake went through him, and the volcano rumbled its approval. She licked off the droplet that had formed, before opening her mouth and pulling him into its warmth. Tae tensed and the cords in his neck strained. He was holding on to his sanity by a thread. What sorcery was this? He growled, and dragon fire shot into the air. Wrapping her tightly in his powerful arms, he traded places with her, impaling her at the same time with the member she had taken to its breaking point.
Eveline didn't shy away from his rough treatment. She reveled in it. She knew it meant he no longer saw her as the helpless, injured woman from Savra. He saw her as strong and equal to himself. She rose to meet his thrusts, and as they climaxed together, embers rained down from the volcano, and she felt a stirring inside her. Another gift had been bestowed on their union: actually, two gifts. They would remain Eveline's secret for a short time.
Tae and Eveline got on their knees and thanked Talonia for the second chance it had given them. Their foreheads touched the scorched ground as they repeated the funeral chant, with a different conclusion.
"Energy and peace from the waterfalls are taken.
Strength from the volcanoes must not be forsaken.
Lifeforce to our world we choose to return.
For its graces and gifts, we could never earn."
Tae became a dragon once more. Eveline climbed on without fear this time. They soared over the land as one. Gifts of great value had been bestowed by Talonia, but none so great as the deep abiding love they had discovered on their own. Whatever the future demanded of them, they would see it through together. What had been joined would never be parted: beware anyone who tried.
Bonus Book-Ohber
Warriors of Milisaria
(A Sci Fi Alien Abduction Romance)
By Celeste Raye
Chapter 1
Valeri Cavanaugh was nervous and excited as she dressed for work. Today was the big day: she would finally be allowed to work directly with the aliens. She considered it a huge promotion. Until this point, she had only been working in the background, running tests on blood and fluids, mixing potions, and recording results. Valeri had never seen any of the aliens, not even in pictures. Today, she would meet them face to face. Would they be repulsive or frightening? She didn't want to appear shocked upon seeing them for the first time. Maybe she could get her father to tell her what to expect. He was, after all, the founder of these experiments.
Valeri checked her makeup one last time. She saw that her green eyes were sparkling with anticipation. In an effort to appear more serious, she pulled her long, dark hair back and knotted it at her nape. She sighed when she realized the new hairstyle didn't hide her youthful beauty. Her black slacks and green silk tank accentuated her curves and highlighted her green eyes. She couldn't do anything about her eyes, but she covered her body with a loose white lab coat. She was as ready as she could get. It was time to leave the mirror behind and start her new job.
The building that housed the lab was fifty stories high. It's silver-and-gold exterior reminded her of rockets that had been launched hundreds of years ago. She had seen film of them many times in school. Appropriate, she guessed, for an alien project. The lobby was spacious and yet awfully crowded. It always amazed her that so many people could share such a small space. Valeri's first stop was the conference room. She had to meet with the scientists for a briefing. They would confirm the progress being made with the testing and explain what else they were looking for. She looked forward to meeting her associates, putting names and faces to the lab requests.
Valeri was surprised to see four scientists and four nurses enter the conference room. She hadn't known there were that many people involved in the experiments. The trials were supposed to be secret. The more people involved, the more chances there would be for information leaks. Why so many nurses? Only one was needed to take blood samples and give injections. There was obviously more to the program than Valeri had been told. Perhaps, this briefing would clarify matters.
Valeri's father, Reginald Cavanaugh, was the last to join the group. He was the founder of the alien experiment program. The program was intended to use alien blood, DNA, and antibodies to find cures for human diseases. Most alien species did not suffer from the types of debilitating or life-ending diseases that humans were prone to have. It was groundbreaking work. Humans all over the world would benefit from the answers the scientists got from these experiments. Valeri was proud to be a part of such important work. She was also proud to be the daughter of the mastermind behind it. She hoped she could live up to his expectations.
Reginald had a grandfatherly look that encouraged trust. His silver hair and beard made him appear kind and gentle. His steely gray eyes told a different story. Hidden in their depths were anger, greed, and a determination that was frightening. Valeri saw only his intelligence and the love that he saved for her and his son. She gave him a big smile, and he winked in return. His stately manner made the other scientists look up at him with admiration and respect. Valeri looked at him with love and a heartfelt yearning to make him proud of her.
Reginald began, "Before I give the floor to Dr. Sparks, I wish to welcome our new member, Valeri Cavanaugh. Yes, she is my daughter, but I believe she has earned her place in this program. I am positive she will earn your respect as well. She has been doing much of the research on the blood work you all have been sending in and recording the results for your benefit. Now she will be participating in the actual experiments. In the next few weeks, I expect you all to bring her up to date on all the aliens, the experiments, and the possible cures we have found. Her input should be an integral part of this program. Valeri, I want you to pay attention to what Dr. Sparks, our resident Ph.D., has to say this morning. It may prove to be enlightening."
Dr. Sparks stood and pointed to the large television screen. He said, "The chart you are seeing here shows how different the blood of these aliens is from our own. As you can see, the oxygen level of subject number three is far lower than all the others, meaning it needs far less in the atmosphere to survive. Subject number two has three times the amount of white blood cells than that of a human. Its disease-fighting capabilities are enormous. Subject number one is the closest to our human species. As for subject number four, we have yet to understand what we are seeing. We are using the white blood cells of subject two for research in combating life-threatening illnesses. Subject number one is part of an experiment in fighting off more common diseases. Some progress has been made, though we would like to have more subjects of the same species to make things go faster. It is doubtful that we can obtain those subjects because this planet has a new king and is not approachable.
Valeri was confused. Dr. Sparks hadn't told her anything
enlightening. He was obviously being evasive. The only thing she had learned was that there were indeed four aliens involved. She had surmised as much from the blood samples she had been sent for testing. Valeri asked, "What planets are these aliens from? What other tests or experiments are being performed on them? Why would you need a king's permission to gather more of a sub-species?"
Dr. Sparks replied, "As you are indoctrinated into the study, those questions will be answered. It is best not to consider that information until you have been apprised of all other information concerning the subjects."
Valeri considered his words. They were pompous and pretentious. They told her absolutely nothing and seemed to be used to hide something of actual importance. She tried again. "Why are so many nurses needed? I would think one was sufficient. After all, we are trying to keep this project under the radar."
Dr. Sparks’ eyes grew suspicious and angry. He answered, "Each subject has its own nurse. That is all you need to know. Too many questions can lead to being shut out of this program. Just do as you're told and leave the rest to us."
Valeri started to protest, but her father caught her eye and shook his head to silence her. Now, she was not only confused, but angry. How could she do her job well if she wasn't told everything? She was determined to address that problem immediately.