Hunting Their Mate

by Stone, Piper

  “Then get the fuck in. The bastard is playing a game.” There were no keys. I yanked the panel under the steering wheel, fiddling with several wires.

  “The bastard is getting away.”

  A singe then a spark and the engine roared into life. “Not a chance in hell.”

  Stomping on the pedal, I maneuvered the car out of the parking lot, swerving around scores of people racing to find freedom. There was only one road out.

  After a few seconds, I could see the car up ahead. Damen swerved onto another road, the tail end swishing back and forth. Then he gunned the engine, smoke pouring out of the exhaust. I crawled up his ass twice before he made a sharp turn. The engine nearly stalled as I attempted to follow, the car skidding dangerously close to a bank of trees.

  “You’re a shitty driver,” Zacon huffed. “Hell, no. Damn good.”

  “Taught by the best. Hang on.”

  The race took us down several side streets. Then I lost sight of him.

  “Damn it!” I slapped my hand on the steering wheel, allowing the car to simply roll forward.

  “There’s an abandoned warehouse just up ahead, only it’s not abandoned.” Zacon held out his heat sensor, nodding to the right.

  “This has to be it.” I headed in the direction, eyeing the dilapidated building. There were at least eight stories, all with broken windows.

  “There’s his car.”

  I eased the car next to the one Damen had been driving, jerking the gear into park and cutting the engine. “You know this is a setup.”

  “There wouldn’t be any other way.” Zacon yanked his weapon into the light, finally giving me a grin. “We can do this.”

  “Yeah. We can.”

  The closest door was cracked open, a blatant invitation. One we stepped inside, the stench putrid in nature, we allowed our eyes to get accustomed to the darkness.

  Zacon took a single step further in, tipping his head toward the other floors. Cenzans had keen hearing, much better than any human. Within seconds, he lifted three fingers.

  I nodded and we moved toward the set of broken stairs. Every third one creaked. The fucker would be prepared for our arrival, but there was nothing we could do.

  I stuck my head into several rooms, shaking my head all three times. There was only one room left, all the way at the end of the hall. We walked carefully, hugging the walls. The door was wide open. I took a deep breath but the second I heard a female moan, I refused to wait any longer.

  Barreling inside, the sight of Kristina filled my heart with relief, until my brain registered that Damen had her in his arms, the barrel of a gun pointed directly at her head, his other hand wrapped around her long braids.

  “Took you long enough,” Damen said, laughing.

  Her eyes were open wide, imploring and filled with terror. She struggled until he snapped her head.

  “Be quiet, sweetheart. We’re just having a little get-together,” Damen snorted and pressed his lips against her cheek.

  Zacon circled to the left, his weapon in both hands.

  “Tell your alien friend to back off or she gets a bullet in her brain.” Damen lifted the gun higher.

  I waved off Zacon and while he retreated, he and I locked eyes. There was only one course of action and both Zacon and I knew it.

  “What are you doing this for, Damen?” I asked, taking two steps closer.

  He bristled, snapping her head again. “To finish what I started. You were supposed to be there that day. You know the one I mean.”

  I growled under my breath, trying to keep my nerves intact. “Oh, yeah? You enjoy killing innocent women?”

  He shot a look at Zacon, shuffling backward. “I’m really sorry I had to do that. Especially since you had a little baby coming.”

  The words hit me right between the eyes. Kristina must have told him. Snarling, I leveled my gun directly at his head, but my goddamn hands were sweating.

  “Ah, such a shame. Was it a boy?” Damen laughed.

  I swallowed bile, fighting the images threatening to drag me back to that moment.

  Moaning, Kristina struggled.

  He wrenched her head to the right, sliding the gun to her temple. “You’re nothing to him, little girl. And certainly nothing to this fucking retard of an alien.”

  Zacon issued a guttural sound, hunkering down as he took another step.

  I clamped my hands on the gun, yet my arms began to shake.

  “We’re going to end this, right here. Right now,” Damen said in a cold and calculated manner.

  Sweat beaded into my eyes, forcing me to blink. I was losing control. Jesus God. There was no way I could do this.

  “There is no way to save her,” he continued. “However, if you lower your guns, I might reconsider.”

  “Take a shot,” Zacon finally said. “He’s never going to let her go.”

  “Don’t do anything stupid,” Kristina said, coughing after the asshole wrapped his muscled forearm around her throat. There was no way to adequately describe the way her eyes bored into mine, a woman who refused to succumb to the kind of monster Damen had turned into. Once upon a time, he’d had at least a certain amount of honor.

  There was nothing but a cold shift that would send him straight into hell.

  Or maybe I’d be the one to help him expedite his journey.

  “Take the fucking shot,” Zacon hissed.

  There was no way I could. If I missed, her life would be over. I couldn’t risk that. I just couldn’t. I slowly lowered my arms, no longer able to feel my legs.

  A flash so bright pulsed in front of me, the image clear and so vivid. My beautiful wife stood, a smile on her face and in her arms was a little boy, cooing as she rocked him.

  “Save her, my husband. She needs you. We’re just fine and we’ll always be,” she whispered, the sound echoing.

  I opened my mouth but couldn’t find any words as tears slipped from my eyes.

  “Remember, baby, we’ll always love you. Be happy. Just be happy.”

  As the vision began to disappear, I took a deep breath, jerked my gun fully in both hands.

  And took a shot.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kristina

  Love.

  L.O.V.E.

  I laughed after spelling the word in my mind. I was filled with the emotion, brimming with it. Maybe some would call me crazy, but I’d fallen head over heels in love with three gorgeous, hunky, sexy, and breathtaking men. Well, two of them happened to be violet-hued hotties from another planet, but that was just fine with me.

  Protection.

  The other word was just as prominent in my mind, a cascading wave of relief mixed in between. I was safe, free from the asshole who’d attempted to destroy what was left of humanity.

  As well as my soul.

  The wretched things Damen had spouted off, attempting to fuel my original hatred for the Cenzans had actually done the opposite. I’d finally realized who the enemies truly were.

  Humans.

  The governmental faction had betrayed the American people, forcing them to believe in ugly fabrications, creating terror in their hearts regarding the Cenzan species. All lies. I was bitter and angry, prepared to fight against any human who attempted to hurt the men I cared about.

  Zacon, Talyn, and I stood in the same amphitheater-style room that not long ago could have meant fighting to the death for my very life. And that was after one hefty round of punishment. On this day, I was here amongst hundreds, thousands of other Cenzans, as well as humans, including children. This was a celebration, one that would continue on Earth. I had every reason to be happy, even though I had difficulty getting over the horrors of the past few days.

  “You look amazing,” Zacon said as he ran his fingers through my unbraided hair, the long strands tipping just below my waist.

  Just his touch made me shiver, and my pussy ache. While I would always be a warrior in my heart, my days of searching the woods for Creepers was gone. I no longer needed to f
ight my demons or my guilt. “Thank you, my sir.”

  Obedience.

  My men required total and absolute obedience and I was actually surprised I was ready and eager to give it to them.

  He tapped my bottom and nuzzled into my neck. “You’re learning.”

  “I don’t know. She needs a hard spanking for going off on her own,” Talyn said, only half teasing. “Scaring us half to death.”

  The warm blush creeping up from my cheeks sent another round of shivers wrapping around my spine and shooting directly into my already very wet pussy. I had to wonder if everyone around us had gathered the scent of my burning desire. “Yes, sir.” I hung my head, but not out of shame. Out of reverence.

  “We have something to do, but trust me, you’re going to get the spanking of your life,” Zacon said in his most authoritative manner.

  “I know, sir.” My answer was met by Zacon yanking me against his chest, his powerful arms wrapping around me. As he lowered his head, crushing his lips against mine, I fell into a place where nothing existed but the four of us.

  He thrust his tongue inside, entwining with mine, the kiss reeking of extreme passion. The man was hungry, desperately so, his throbbing cocks pressing hard against my stomach.

  I was whisked out of his arms and into Talyn’s. He chuckled in the most devilish manner as he nipped my earlobe. “Then we’re going to fuck every hole over. And. Over. Again.”

  I shuddered from the statement, from the breathless and very rugged sounds of his voice. The two men left me weak in the knees.

  Talyn brushed his lips to my cheek, simply pressing them against my heated skin. He’d been the one to throw his body over the king’s when the bullets continued to fly, his shoulder grazed during the melee. But the man was strong, so much so that he’d healed within two days, refusing so much as a bandage.

  I had to think he was just showing off.

  Lives had been saved. Evil thwarted. The Earth would heal from Jonas Bradford’s attempts at disparaging the Cenzan Federation over time. And there would be peace amongst the species.

  At least for now.

  Marauders still roamed the Earth, humans convinced that sharing space with an alien race was akin to bedding the devil. One day, another influential group would form, gathering eager followers in their effort to bring outlaw justice to the world.

  But the Cenzans would be ready. After all, they were a formidable species.

  I watched with admiration as they moved through the crowd and onto the stage, setting off a series of cheers and thumping noises as everyone in the room stomped on the floor in appreciation for their deeds.

  I was one proud girl.

  If it hadn’t been for the three fabulous men in my life, I wouldn’t be here. Damen was an evil man, also a very anguished soul. He’d railed over and over again about his damning life while keeping me prisoner. He’d also provided extensive details about the various human factions ready and willing to annihilate every Cenzan. With the help of the newly elected president, Jenna McBride, these brutal and influential factions were in the process of being rounded up.

  Bunkers searched and shut down.

  Villages raided.

  And by humans with the aid of Cenzan soldiers. It turned out that the former vice-presidential candidate had been faking her hatred in an attempt to get close to Bradford’s organization, her own following quite impressive in numbers. She’d been far more successful than anyone had realized, able to provide written details and evidence that would keep hundreds of humans incarcerated for a hell of a long time.

  I couldn’t help but wonder what having a female president might do for our country.

  As King Drateq entered the room, every Cenzan stood, cheering his entrance. By his side was his queen, a woman I knew I could call my friend. Several lieutenants walked in behind him, as well as Killer and for a few seconds I swooned, so proud that he was receiving the highest honor bestowed on a Cenzan warrior.

  Only he was very human.

  One delicious, rugged, and dominating human.

  There wasn’t a single person in the room that had any qualms about this occurrence. Killer, Talyn, and Zacon were considered heroes.

  I found myself moving closer toward the stage. This was like a dream, one that I could have never imagined only two weeks before. I was lucky that so many of those who’d stood behind me, innocent people who’d almost fallen into Damen’s trap, were safe. They could choose to live with the Cenzans or find their way to another home. Luci would heal, her wounds superficial, but she’d taken a bullet for me, trying to protect my life as well as my honor and that was something I would always remember.

  The king had asked that I call him by his first name, but I found the notion difficult. For all the leaders in the world, all the pompous politicians, King Drateq was by far the most courageous and honorable.

  Although I was vying for President McBride to make a true splash in a very female warrior kind of way.

  King Drateq held up his arms, looking around the entire perimeter, his face beaming with happiness. “Cenzans. Our human friends. Our beloved children. This is a time for celebration, a renewal of our faith. We not only have a wonderful new planet that has welcomed us with open arms, but we are growing in numbers. We have love. We have each other. We have integrity.”

  He allowed the crowd to cheer then glanced at Killer, Zacon, and Talyn, giving them each a slow nod of his head. “We also have heroes, men I am proud to call my friends. While these three men not only saved my life and the lives of countless others, they also played a significant role in bringing an end to a reign of terror. No longer will our colonies be attacked. No longer will we have to fear for our children and our wives. We are at peace.”

  Blinking back tears, I gazed from Killer to the others. I’d never seen Killer in anything but a basic mercenary uniform. On this night, he was dressed more like a prince. Lieutenant Drake Michaelson. His real name suited him much better.

  The love of my life.

  One of three men of my dreams.

  I bit my lip to keep from moaning.

  “To that end, I am bestowing our highest honor, our medal of freedom.”

  The ceremony was truly beautiful, the jeweled medals something they could tell our children about in the future. I laughed at the thought. I was the girl who’d never wanted kids. And now? I wanted three. Maybe five. Oh, who was counting anyway?

  As each of them was given their award, the crowd remained silent, the love and respect clear. As Shandar turned, I could see admiration in his eyes. He finally held out his hand, taking Fiona’s and pulling her closer. “Tonight we feast, a celebration of prosperity and happiness for all of us. And for me personally.” As he laid his hand on her stomach, the entire crowd roared. When he took her into his arms, cupping the side of her face as he kissed her passionately, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at my men.

  My lovers.

  My disciplinarians.

  My masters.

  This was indeed a glorious night.

  * * *

  The room glowed from the dozens of lit candles, the numerous flames dancing in the most alluring manner. Silky pillows in vibrant colors and soft pelts of fur adorned a circular bed directly in the center of the room, drawing my attention. The sound of lilting music floated all around me, dark and foreboding in nature, just like the three creatures who’d guided me into the room. I was theirs for the taking, a night of uninterrupted passion.

  There was also a table full of implements, all meant to blister my bottom. I shuddered at the thought, prickles of heat skipping down my naked skin. While a certain portion of me knew damn good and well I deserved harsh punishment, another part still remained the defiant girl.

  The one who refused to follow rules.

  Killer stood at the back of the room, his arms crossed and the look on his face carnivorous. I adored his square jaw, tonight kissed by a hint of stubble covering his rugged face. Even in the shadowed light, I could see the
gleam in his eyes, his stance a reminder that he was and would always be the alpha male.

  Commanding.

  Dominating.

  Unyielding.

  He’d removed his shirt and my mouth watered from the indulgent sight of his rippled muscles, arms bulging in the most delicious manner. His cock was fully engorged, the thick bulge between his legs an indication of his raging hunger.

  He was all male and then some.

  He was almost impatient, those sexy eyes imploring.

  Talyn and Zacon stood behind me, guiding me further into the room. They brushed the tips of their fingers down my arms, leaving me craving so much more. Then their fingers slipped under the thin straps on my shoulders, very slowly lowering them down until gravity allowed the body-hugging dress to fall ever so slowly to the floor. I was already barefoot, wearing nothing underneath, exactly as commanded. As Zacon yanked the dress away, I realized I’d never felt so free or open before, exhilarated from the nakedness I’d once shied away from.

  My nipples were fully erect, my breasts aching. I had difficulty breathing, so alive and on fire from the thought of being fucked by all three of them.

  Zacon wrapped his hand around my hair, tugging as he inched closer, his heated breath creating another wave of shivers. “You’re so beautiful, little human.” A growl slipped past his lips seconds before he dropped his head, capturing my mouth. The kiss was nothing but a prelude to something much more savage. Brutal.

  I caressed his chest, fingering his rippled muscles and trying to concentrate as Talyn pressed his lips against the back of my neck. The feel of his rough tongue sliding back and forth was enough to force a moan into the kiss.

  Talyn chuckled softly, lowering his head until he could whisper into my ear. “Are you ready for your spanking, little girl?”

  Was a girl ever ready for such a humiliating experience?

  Zacon fondled my breast, his thick thumb slicing back and forth. Back and forth.

  I was crazed with need, willing to agree to anything if they’d just fuck me. “Mmm...” The only sound I could make.

  “That’s good because the pretty bottom of yours is going to be crimson in color soon,” Talyn answered, the sound barely more than a husky growl.