by Geri Foster
Akan looked at his second mate with disgust. “Find yourself a decent girl from your own family and settle down. That’s the way it’s done on our planet.”
“I hate everyone in my family,” Ulia snarled. “I’ll never marry one of them. I’d rather sleep with a Gigamon.”
“You are lucky we even have a choice. Our planet evolved because we stayed within our families and didn’t venture into unknown races.”
Ulia didn’t look happy, but Akan had to admit, he didn’t blame him. He had the ugliest sisters alive. That didn’t matter. Their species wasn’t known for their charming good looks. They were communalists whose family units lived together and bred within the families they were born into.
It was a male’s responsibility to see that every female member in his tribe stayed fertile. Birthing the next generation ensured their linage. No one strayed from that, but Ulia.
The poor Mortarian dreamed of finding someone other than his mother, aunts, and sisters. What a fool. Their species was not made for that and it would break rank. Akan would kill him before he allowed anyone to corrupt their order.
The ship launched out into the vast darkness. “We’re on our way. We’ll be there before long.”
“I can’t wait to taste Human blood again,” Ulia said, licking his lips. “It’s sweet and salty at the same time.”
“It is sought after by many cultures.” He’d often thought of kidnapping several Humans to breed them for their blood alone. That would turn a tidy profit.
“Exactly where are we going?” Ulia asked.
“To a place called, Magic, New Mexico.
Chapter Seven
ltair landed the starship in a remote area of the New Mexican desert, among the juniper and sage bushes. In the distance he saw the red striped hills and the beginning of the rugged canyons carved into the earth.
Out of the spaceship, dressed in his brown uniform with his rank and insignias removed, he slung a canvas bag over his shoulder and secured the weapons within his jacket. He and Ronic had smoothed over their differences, but he still didn’t think the prince should’ve come with him to search for his future wife. Neither did his father. The king practically ordered a squadron of space troopers to shoot them down.
“How far is this Magic?” Ronic asked.
“About ten kilometers.”
Ronic looked up. “I like the color of Earth’s sky.”
“It’s much bluer than ours.”
“Yes, after we entered the atmosphere I noticed the reversal. Our sky is the color of their water and vice versa.
“Earth isn’t much different than Vion. They aren’t all unified as a group, like we are. It’s about five times the size, and they have this delicious thing called food.” Altair grinned and rubbed his hands together. “Lots of food.”
“But what do you do with it?”
“You eat it.”
Ronic reached in his jacket and pulled out a green and yellow pill. Holding up the capsule, he said, “When you can just take one of these?”
Altair slapped his hand away. “Those are silly. Humans eat a variety of foods, three to five times a day. There are people who eat all the time.”
“Do they ever get anything done?”
Altair shrugged. “Sure they do. Food is their sustenance... their energy source. They grow things and eat them.”
“What a waste of resources,” Ronic said thoughtfully. “So, they know hunger?”
“I guess.”
“But that’s why we invented these, so no one would ever know how an empty stomach felt.”
“Now no one knows what food tastes like.”
“Our scientists claim digesting food is difficult for our bodies. It causes diseases and obesity.”
As they walked toward the town of Magic, Altair explained what he knew about Earth. It was a backwards planet in many ways, but he liked the place and enjoyed his time spent among Humans.
They reached their destination as the sun set in the western sky. “Where will we spend the night?” Ronic asked.
Altair searched their perimeter and checked the instrument on his wrist. There was no immediate danger, but he wasn’t sure his natural warrior senses were as sharp on Earth as other places. “Maybe we can get a room in a hotel.”
“Do we have currency for this place?”
“I brought some from my last visit.”
Ronic stopped and turned to stare, his light colored brows pulled tightly together. “How did you come by that?”
Altair grinned, took a coin from his pocket and flipped it in the air then snatched it back. “A game called poker.”
Ronic reared back his head, lowering his chin. “Poker?”
“Yes, it’s a betting game. Much like Limka, only they use what they call money.”
“I don’t understand. You had no money to start with.”
Altair winked. “I had an empty phaser gun. I put it in the pile to enter the game. A young man wearing a space alien tee shirt with a strange looking creature on it was very excited about the useless weapon.”
Ronic laughed. “You’ve always been very clever. No wonder my father likes you so much.”
“In my business it pays to be resourceful.”
Ronic touched his arm. “Let’s go find a place to sleep and then I want to try this thing called food.”
Chapter Eight
fter Penelope and Evelyn watched their favorite television show together, her friend decided to leave. Tomorrow they would all be busy handling the crowds of people. After Evelyn left, Penelope wandered aimlessly around her house, tidied things up, moved a few things around, and sprayed air freshener.
Something didn’t feel right and she couldn’t figure out what kept intruding into her thoughts. It wasn’t a mind she was reading. The foreboding sensation was more of a presence or a happening.
Concern had her breathing faster and her skin dampened with suspicion. Lacey had put a spell on her house, so she was safe, but they didn’t know what Gonzales would be throwing at them. Still she had to obey her own instincts.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and she jumped, her body tensed. “It’s me,” she heard Theo, the sheriff, say.
Opening the door, the gruff sheriff stood on the other side, concern marring his face. “Good evening, Sheriff,” she said. “What brings you by at this hour?”
Theo looked around. “Nothing to worry about, but I got that familiar itch on the back of my neck. Usually means something is going to happen.”
Her pulse accelerated. So, he felt it too. “Good or bad stuff?”
“Don’t rightly know, but I came by to tell you that I think you shouldn’t open your shop tomorrow. Play it safe and stay home.”
Penelope was reluctant to do that, but not enough to risk her life. “All right, if you’re sure.”
“Have you seen Topper or Lacey?” he asked.
“Earlier today. They just stopped by the shop briefly.”
“Well, I’ll check with them tomorrow. They’ll know if something is in the wind.”
“Of course,” Penelope replied. Theo was the easiest mind to read in Magic, and right now he was pretty scared for her. She couldn’t detect anything specific, but his thoughts were traveling at warp speed. From what she’d observed since coming there, Theo wasn’t one to get upset over nothing.
“I’m going to go now but call if you need me.”
She reached out, took his hand and squeezed. “Thank you so much for looking after me. Please, don’t worry, you’re first on the list.”
He left and she closed and locked the door securely. Now she wished she had taken Lacey up on adopting one of her dog’s pups. Nothing warded off an intruder like a barking dog.
She picked up the phone and quickly checked in with her family. They were worried sick. Her mother didn’t even want her to testify, but Penelope felt it her civic duty to bring such an evil man to justice.
Now, if she could only get some sleep. She’d been wrest
ling with nightmares for the last couple of nights, which didn’t make going to bed inviting at all.
She settled in front of the television without really watching the screen. In a few days the trial would be over and, perhaps, she could put Jose Gonzales and the brutal murder he committed behind her. In order to remain sane, she had to convince herself that it would all work out.
If not, her life would come to an abrupt end.
Chapter Nine
ltair and Ronic had just finished eating a whole platter of hot wings and drank an entire pitcher of what Earthlings called beer. Belching loudly, they made their way to the rooms they’d managed to secure earlier. Thank goodness, Magic didn’t worry about who or what everyone was.
All it had taken was a quick flash of his fake driver’s license and they were set. The clerk gave them rooms across the hall from each other, so he’d be nearby. They may be on Earth, but Altair was still responsible for protecting the prince.
A coder implanted in Altair’s ear, went off. He stopped and tapped the inside of his wrist. “What’s up?”
The voice coming over the receiver was a computer, so no one bothered to give it a name no matter how annoying the pain in the ass sounded. “Word is out that a spaceship left Mortarian. Akan and Ulia are suspected to be inside.”
“What is their destination?”
“That is unclear at the moment, but we will keep you updated.”
Altair pressed the coder and was instantly disconnected. He looked at Ronic. “Akan and Ulia are on the move.”
Alarm darkened the prince’s face. “Where are they headed?”
“Not sure yet.” Altair leaned against the wall next to the elevator they planned to get on that would take them to the fifth floor and their rooms. This was his chance. The Federation had commissioned him to bring them to justice, and he couldn’t do anything because he was stuck chasing down a bride to be.
Damn.
“Shall we abandon this mission and go after them?” Ronic asked softly. “Every planet in the galaxy wants those two dead.”
“Not until we find out where they’re headed and we have enough spies on their tails that we should know soon. There’s even a transmitter aboard their spaceships.”
“Let’s hope we get information soon,” Ronic said, serious and concerned. “I want to learn why Mystic Star ran away, but not at the expense of letting those two murderers go free.”
“I had planned to go after them as soon as I took care of Gavrie and his men on Maxuasa. However, before I had a chance to depart, your father came in with his demand that I find your future bride.”
“I’m sorry for that,” Ronic said. From the tightness around his eyes, Altair knew the prince spoke the truth. He was sorry. “It does show that my father is concerned as well. He knows the importance of the peace treaty between our planets.”
Altair tossed Ronic a doubtful glance. “He’s worried about her running away, not her appearance.”
“Yes, well I’m vain and selfish. What can I say?”
Altair pushed away from the wall and pressed the elevator button. “You can’t say much that would make me like you right now.”
“I know, but if you were allowed to take a life mate you’d understand my feelings. I want a female that I can at least look at for the rest of my life without getting sick.”
“I think the part about you being selfish suits you better.”
When they arrived at their floor, the bell rang, and the doors silently slid open.
“Come on, Altair, we’ve been friends too long to play these childish games.”
“This isn’t a game. It’s serious. I can’t help but be concerned. What if you don’t like her? I know for a fact that you’re very picky about your females.”
“Try to believe me when I say I’m keeping an open mind.”
Altair stopped at his room, Ronic’s was across the hall. He looked at his friend. “No you won’t. You’ll pick her apart like you do every female that sticks around for more than a few days.”
“Now, that’s a lie.” Ronic snapped his fingers. “Remember Lai? I had a crazy crush on her when we were growing up.”
Altair put his hands on his hips and cocked his head. “And what happened there?”
Ronic stared at the carpeted hallway like the answer lay at his feet. “I um, I well... it was like this.” He tried to explain. “She and I were...”
“You grew bored with her and flushed her away like a turd in the toilet.”
“That’s a rude thing for you to say.”
“Truth hurts, huh?”
Sulking, Ronic slid his card key in the slot and stomped into his room, firmly closing the door in his wake. Altair grinned. He loved giving Ronic a hard time because he usually deserved being teased. In all truthfulness, he did tend to become easily bored with females.
Turning to his own door, Altair prayed the new princess would hold Ronic’s interest, at least long enough for the wedding to take place. His men were being killed every time they hit the battlefield. Fighting was a way of life for a warrior, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a high price to pay.
Inside his room, Altair signed into his teleprompter and asked again for verification of the princess’s location. The reply surprised him. She was only three blocks away.
Not wanting Ronic to know, Altair quietly left his room and headed back to the hotel lobby, exiting from the side door. Trying to pretend like a normal tourist, Altair slowly strolled down the busy sidewalk, making time to look into several of the shops.
Just on the edge of the bright lights, he stopped and looked at a small, one-story blue house. It looked perfectly normal from the outside with pretty flowers and nicely painted shutters. Who would suspect that it contained a princess?
How clever of her to use the old trick of hiding in plain sight. As he watched the house beneath half closed eyes, he wondered how much of a battle it would be to get Princess Mystic Star to return with them to Vion. After all, King Layas had insisted.
Altair waited a few minutes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person inside, but the curtains were drawn and the rooms dark. He wondered how she’d managed to fit in if she was so ugly. What did she do for money and who were her friends?
A young woman, carrying a bundle in her arms, walked passed him. “Excuse me,” he said. His voice brought the female to a halt. Do you know the person who lives in this dwelling?”
She appeared frightened and surprised, clutching her belongings tightly to her chest. Her shiny sapphire eyes glowed strongly in the darkness. From the distant light he saw she was of medium height, had long brown hair, and was pretty in a natural way.
“No sir, I don’t.”
“Have you lived here long?”
She shook her head. “Just a few weeks.”
“So, you’re not a native of this town.”
Oh, no, no. I’m not from around here.”
Her abject fear peaked his curiosity. He wondered what had her so scared. Taking a step backwards to allow her space, he asked in a softer voice. “What do you do?”
She held out her bundle and pointed behind her. “I sell gemstones on the corner down there.” She edged away, putting more distance between them. “You’ve no right to detain me. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Altair smiled and swept out his hand. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please, go about your business.”
As she hurried away, Altair thought it strange that she’d be so upset over a few simple questions. Returning his gaze back to the house of interest, he walked up the sidewalk and paused before knocking quietly.
Chapter Ten
he sound startled Penelope and she hesitated before moving closer. Leaning her ear against the door, she listened, extending her mind out to see who the unexpected visitor was. Nothing. That didn’t happen very often.
Curiously, she peeked out the curtain and saw a large man with blonde hair and intense blue eyes, surrounded by thick lashes. He wore a ple
asant smile and, while she couldn’t read his mind, Penelope didn’t feel any danger emanating from the man.
Cautiously, she cracked the door, but left the safety chain in place. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I think you can. I’m looking for a young female by the name of Mystic Star.”
She didn’t remember seeing him before, and she couldn’t read his mind, so how did he know her name? Had Gonzales sent him? “I’m sorry, you have the wrong address.”
“But you are Mystic Star.”
She chewed her bottom lip as she inwardly debated talking him. “Who are you?”
“I’m Altair from the planet Vion. I’m here on a diplomatic mission of sorts.”
Something about the way the man smiled put her at ease and convinced her he meant no harm. Wait...he did say he was from another planet? Were there space aliens in Magic other than Frost?
“What can I do for you?” she asked. “I’m not familiar with where you’re from.”
“You do not remember my prince, Ronic?”
She shook her head. “No, should I?”
“Yes, since you are engaged to him.”
Whoa. That wasn’t going to work for her. The stranger on her doorstep was crazy and she intended to get rid of him immediately. “That’s the last thing I want to do. I’m not marrying anyone.”
“But you promised.” He cleared his throat. “I advise you to come with me. I’ll pick up the prince then we can return to Vion. The king demands it.” He squinted to see her better. “But first, I must appraise you.”
Stepping back, Penelope gasped. “Excuse me?”
“Ronic is very fussy about the females in his life. I’m not sure what he’ll do if he is not...pleased by you.”
“Get away from my door before I call Theo and he puts your ass in jail for harassment.” She pushed the door shut then flipped the lock. As she walked toward the phone to contact the sheriff, the man knocked again.