by KD Jones
“This girl’s disappearance was not reported and we would not even know about her if not for her being sent out in a waste cube that broke down before reaching its destination. I also spoke with the mother, Councilman Stone, before coming here. She said that she filed the missing person’s report on her daughter but that no one contacted her again. Whenever she tried to call to get an update, she was given the runaround. Then a month after the girl was missing she was told her daughter was dead. Who issued that death notice, Councilman? Because in a situation like that, it is someone on the council that would do that.”
“Who do you think you are, halfsie?!”
The entire room was silent, watching as the councilman was falling apart before their eyes. “I’m a legal advisor who has seen the damage that you caused by selling girls!”
“They were nothing! No one cared about them!” Councilman Stone yelled at her.
She gasped. She hadn’t expected him to come out like that. Then she was taken even more off guard when he launched himself at her, wrapping his hands around her throat. The impact of him caused her chair to tip backward. No sooner had she landed on her back than Stone was pulled off her. She gulped in air and rubbed her hands on her neck. Uncle Ross came over to help her up.
Phoenix held Stone by his neck up in the air. The other man was starting to turn a different shade due to lack of oxygen. She walked over to put her hand on his shoulder.
“He’s not worth it, Phoenix. Let the council and the IDJ deal with him.”
At the mention of the IDJ, the side exit doors opened and Trig and other agents came pouring in. They took Stone into custody. The rest of the council looked completely shocked.
Trig asked her, “Do you need a healer?”
“No, but I would feel better if Phoenix went to the hospital to be checked out by the healers.”
“Let’s get you two out of here.” Trig didn’t wait for Phoenix to protest but ushered them out the side exit.
They were put into a shuttle and quickly spirited away. Olivia moved closer to be in Phoenix’s arms. “Are you okay? Did you reinjure your ribs?”
He tightened his arms and pulled her close. “No. How’s your neck?”
“It’s bruised a little but I’ll survive.”
There was silence in the shuttle as she soaked in the comfort he offered her. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“I’m glad it’s over.”
“Well, it’s not over yet. Not until every single one of those girls is found and brought home.”
He kissed her forehead. “They will be. The IDJ will make sure of it.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “I thought in that elevator that we would die. I was terrified.”
“I was scared, too. I can’t lose you, Olivia. You’re everything to me.”
“You’re my everything, too.”
Epilogue
Two months later on Venetia
Olivia stood next to Phoenix as they watched her clients be reunited with their missing daughters. It was a very emotional moment and though the girls were found alive, they were not all in good shape emotionally. They suffered abuse and would need counseling for it for many years to come.
Her father and Uncle Ross were both there to lend support to her and to the families. The IDJ was allowed to travel with the children to the Venetian home world for their safety. Councilman Stone had been taken into custody by the IDJ. He was questioned thoroughly and after just a few hours caved in and told the IDJ contacts and locations of where the slavers kept the girls. Some of the slavers escaped but the important part was that the girls were found alive.
Once they’d said their goodbyes to the families, she took Phoenix to her family home where her father and Uncle Ross proceeded to embarrass her with stories from her childhood. Her sister was there, too, and helped her and their father cook. It was something they hadn’t done together in a very long time. It felt wonderful.
After dinner she went for a walk with Phoenix as the sun was setting. Venetia had two moons and they made everything glow.
“Venetia is very beautiful,” Phoenix commented.
“It is. I’ve always thought that nighttime was the best because of the moons.”
“Are you considering staying here since this is your home?”
She shook her head. “My home is with you. Wherever you go, I go.”
He smiled. “When did you decide this?”
“When we almost died in that elevator. I realized that life is too short, that we could be taken away from those we love in a heartbeat. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her until they both had to break apart for air. She caressed his cheek.
“God, how I love you.”
“I love you, too, my Olivia.”
About the Author
KD Jones has published over thirty books in five different series. She has been a huge fan of both romance novels and science fiction novels since she was sixteen years old. Her favorite television shows growing up were Star Trek and Doctor Who. When not writing, she can usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book, working on her hobby of photography, or spending time with her family. As a single working mom, she wants to show her son that anyone can follow their dreams no matter how old they are and where they are in life. Dreams can come true if you work hard and believe in yourself.
KD Jones Book Series, Book List
Katieran Prime Series
Katieran Prime (Book 1)
Prime Commander (Book 2)
Prime Medic (Book 3)
Kiljorn Prime (Book 4)
Prime Deliverance (Book 5)
Prime Salvation (Book 6)
Colonial Prime (Book 7)
Katieran Prime Celebration (Book 7.5)
Kiljorn Commander (Book 8)
Katieran Prime Miracle (Book 9)
Colonial Commander (Book 10)
Infiltration (Book 11)
Discovery (Book 12)
Galactic Cage Fighter Series
Rage (Book 1)
Talon (Book 2)
Taurus (Book 3)
Zara (Book 4)
Hammer (Book 5)
Zen (Book 6)
Torch (Book 7)
Maxim (Book 8)
Ronin (Book 9)
Nigel (Book 10)
Dom (Book 11)
Phoenix (Book 12)
Earth Evolution Series
Desolation (Book 1)
Resistance (Book 2)
Atonement (Book 3)
Awakening (Book 4)
Defiance (Book 5)
Strange Lake Falls Series
Strange Lake Falls Vampire (Book 1)
Strange Lake Falls Werewolf (Book 2)
Strange Lake Falls Vampire Mistress (Book 3)
Strange Lake Falls Panther (Book 4)
Strange Lake Falls Gypsy Wolf (Book 5)
Strange Lake Falls Forbidden Wolf (Book 6)
Strange Lake Falls Witch (Book 7)
Inter-Galactic Bounty Hunter Series
Inter-Galactic Bounty Hunter (Book 1)
Tempting Bounty (Book 2)
Rising Bounty (Book 3)
Polar Bear Express Series
Her Big Bad Polar Bear (Book 2)
Bad News Polar Bear (Book 3)