RIBUS 7
Page 65
"Chelan," he called again. He pulled her back and looked down in to her stricken eyes. "Talk to me."
She stared up at him. "Where are we?"
Korba blinked. "On RIBUS 7, my Lady. Where else would we be?"
She licked at her parched lips. "No, I mean where are we in space?"
Korba furrowed his brow and cocked his head at her. "We are close to my home planet, Iceanea, Chelan. You know that."
"How close?" she whispered.
Korba felt every catlike sinew in his body stretch tight with alarm and foreboding. "Not far," he whispered back.
Chelan squeezed her eyes tight. "Tell me about Ticees."
Korba became rigid. "My Lady?"
Chelan looked up at her ebony Warlord. "I need you," she murmured.
Korba was rooted to stillness. "And so you have me, my Lady."
Chelan smiled weakly. "I hope so." She looked back into the infinite blackness of his shroud, her eyes glazing. "I hope so, my love. I hope so."
Korba hugged her tightly, his superior mind catapulted into action, attempting to ferret out potential trouble. Ticees? Korba kissed the top of her head. "No harm will come to you, Chelan. I stake my life on that."
She finally slumped into him, her emotions spent. Korba closed his eyes as he wrapped himself about her, every cell in his body poised to protect. Then he looked up at the main screen, RIBUS 7's approach to his home world depicted. His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.
No harm will come...
The End
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Acknowledgements
My boys, you are my life, my motivation, my inspiration, and my happiness. Without you there would be nothing.
My family, who has asked for twenty-five years, "When are you going to publish?" Thanks for sticking with me. My boys came first. Now it's my time.
Greg, you are the world's most talented computer wizard. What would I have ever done without you? Thank you for letting me run with this project and for always being there to pick up the pieces.
Mike, you uttered three simple words to me so long ago, "You should write," and I did. For that suggestion I am forever grateful. You saved my life.
Louise, the foundation of our friendship transcends all the normal ties that bind. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are my emotional rock, my cherished friend.
Aman, thank you for volunteering to read my huge manuscript at such a busy time in your life, and for providing such valuable and insightful feedback on everything. Your enthusiasm and interest in this journey have been both boundless and encouraging.
My developmental editor and dear friend, Patricia Smith, thank you for taking a chance and for believing in me. Your guidance, support, and expertise have all proven invaluable, your friendship everlasting.
Jodie Young, my copyeditor, thank you for accepting such a huge work and for all your wonderful and informative direction. We had our share of giggles. Our worlds have entwined in the most unexpected and wondrous way, and I'm looking forward to sharing that bottle of wine with you in person.
Candace Johnson, my proofreader, thank you for all your kind words and support. I can't imagine what it took to study such a large work for every little detail. I would have been cross-eyed for months.
Dr. Morris Gordon, who so long ago was gracious and generous enough to take time out from his busy practice to answer a litany of medical questions, thank you! And don't worry, all your answers given twenty-five years ago are still correct.
Jimmy Thomas, who worked tirelessly for months to keep me happy and to provide the cover that depicted my characters so well, I thank you for a job well done. I could not have asked for a better model.
All my author friends, thank you for your support, your expertise, and your encouragement. You have all meant so much to me.
And now, my new readers, thank you, and welcome to RIBUS 7, where one reality ends, and another begins. Enjoy your journey!
Page forward for an excerpt from
RIBUS 7
TICEES
Excerpt from
RIBUS
7
TICEES
Ticees smiled warmly at his men and then stared directly at Chelan. She glanced down, feeling as though she was about to faint. Her time had come.
"And whom do we have here?" the Emperor asked, his tone slightly more serious.
Chelan remained silent, her face hidden by the hood of her elegant cloak. She turned her head and looked anxiously up at Korba, seeking his guidance.
"My Lord," Korba began, his voice becoming soft and low. He placed a hand tenderly on her shoulder. "This is the Lady Chelan." He paused, the light kindled within his azure eyes betraying the depth of his love for her. "And she is the beautiful woman I have chosen as my mate."
Ticees' smile suddenly left him, and his jaw muscles tightened. But Korba did not notice, for his gaze remained riveted to Chelan. Slowly, Korba reached for her hood, pushing it back gently as if uncovering a precious and fragile gift. The hood fell along her shoulders, releasing a cascade of golden brown hair, the silken strands kissing her shoulders and spilling down her back like rivers of spun gold.
Chelan closed her eyes and lowered her head, trembling visibly at her exposure, utterly afraid to look at Ticees.
Ticees was stunned, not only by Korba's totally unexpected announcement, but by Chelan's indescribable beauty. He remained speechless as his dark eyes coursed over her exotic features, her soft, white skin beckoning to be touched.
Finally, Chelan braced herself and shyly peered up at the massive man, her deep brown eyes meeting his…and they locked.
RIBUS 7
TICEES
~
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Table of Contents
Cover
Author's Note
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Excerpt from RIBUS 7, TICEES