Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Author’s Note
Other Titles
About the Author
Hanna and the Hitman
Alien Abduction Book 8
Honey Phillips
Copyright © 2020 by Honey Phillips
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.
Disclaimer
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover by Maria Spada Book Cover Design
Edited by Lyss Em Editing
Chapter One
Aidon walked through the Port Eyeja market, keeping a wary eye on his surroundings. He still wore the form of a Kaisarian priest, and most of the crowd automatically tried to avoid him. Hothrest was far enough from Kaisar, the ruling planet of the Kaisarian Empire, that his presence was somewhat unusual, but the Empire had a long arm and no one would bother him in this guise.
He had assumed this form in order to infiltrate a hidden lab far to the north and eliminate a scholar responsible for causing multiple deaths as the result of a cruel experiment. Aidon had succeeded, of course, and the credits had already been transferred to his account, but it had taken him longer than expected and he was running dangerously short on time.
Leaving the main thoroughfare, he turned into the warren of narrow streets leading to the spaceport. The ground was more treacherous here—the ever-present snow packed into dirty, icy ruts. Despite the bitter cold, many of the storefronts were open to the street to allow the tantalizing aromas of roasting meat or spiced liquor to tempt passing customers. They mingled with the chemical smell of the small heaters that also hung in many windows and the smoky tang of sarlag dung from the braziers used by the less prosperous shopkeepers.
His hunter’s instincts automatically identified and tracked each scent, constantly alert for any indication of trouble, but nothing slowed his stride until he neared the end of the long street. An exotic floral scent, as out of place on this icy world as he was, drifted through the air, reminding him of his jungle home. He had been away from Pardor for too long. Much too long, he thought as the skin on his arm flickered briefly with his distraction, but he still slowed his steps, looking for the source of that lush, mysterious scent.
A large cage hung in the open front of the nearest shop, a red-furred animal huddled in the bottom, and he felt a fleeting pang of sympathy for the trapped creature. Not a shop, he realized as he peered into the narrow interior, but a bar. A long, scarred counter ran down one side with a few mismatched tables on the other. Only a few patrons populated the place at this early hour, slumped over the bar in solitary misery.
“Can I help you, Your Worship?” The bartender came hurrying up, wiping his hands on a stained apron. He was an Aalzz, a race Aidon despised on principle. Short orange fur covered a stocky body with too many limbs, but it wasn’t the appearance of the male that bothered him. Rather, it was his race’s tendency to lie and cheat and take pleasure in their deception. “I am Maakin, the host of this humble tavern.”
“I was just passing by,” Aidon said dismissively.
“It’s a cold morning. I can offer you some fine Foldaran brandy to take the chill off.”
It was an offer designed to appeal to a Kaisarian, but somehow, he doubted that this seedy establishment actually carried a genuine version of the rare liquor. Before he could shake his head and move on, Maakin looked over his shoulder and scowled. He picked up a long stick and poked the creature in the cage.
“Sit up! You’re not going to attract any customers like that.”
As the creature stirred reluctantly and obeyed, Aidon realized that what he had taken for fur was actually hair, a long, tangled mane of red hair that only partially covered a very dirty, very naked, and very female body. As she moved, more of the delicious fragrance washed over him, and his cock—his true cock—responded. Hastily forcing it back down, he raised an eyebrow at Maakin, deliberately keeping his tone casual.
“What is that?”
“They’re called humans.” The host scowled at the female. “I thought she might attract attention to my place, but all she does is huddle there.”
“Perhaps she’s cold.”
“I put her right over the brazier,” Maakin said indignantly.
Since they were standing next to the small fire now and he could barely feel the heat, he suspected it did little good, but she wasn’t his responsibility. He had already lingered too long.
“A bad investment,” he agreed and started to move on.
“Wait! Maybe Your Worship would be interested in taking her off my hands? I have heard that females are used in some of the rituals praising your god.” The male gave Aidon’s fine robes an appraising look. “I’m willing to accept a very reasonable amount.”
“I have no need for a female.”
Once again he started to turn away, but at Maakin’s words, the human had raised her head, and now their eyes met. Hers were as wide and blue as a saachi flower. That’s what her scent reminded him of, he realized, the rare exotic flowers that lived in the highest reaches of the trees on his home world. She didn’t speak, but he could see the tension in her narrow shoulders.
“A very reasonable amount,” Maakin pressed, seeing him hesitate.
“I am leaving the planet today.” He should already be on his way. Why was he still lingering?
“Even better. A…companion for the journey.”
The male gave him a lewd wink, and disgust filled him. He shook his head and took a step.
“Please…”
The soft whisper just reached him, but he looked back to find the female staring at him with painful intensity. Her hands gripped the bars of her cage so tightly that he could see the fragile bones beneath the dirty skin. Fuck. He knew what it was like to be trapped and caged.
An almost forgotten compassionate impulse had him opening his mouth before he could reconsider. “I’ll take her.”
“Excellent.” Maakin rubbed his hands together in greedy pleasure. “Now about the price—”
He tossed him a Kaisarian ducat—solid gold and sufficient to buy his whole establishment—and the male’s mouth dropped open.
“Does she have any clothing?” Aidon asked.
“A few items, but of course that would be extra.”
He growled, the low angry note of his true form, and Maakin’s eyes widened.
“Yes, Your Worship. I’ll just get them for you.”
The male hurried away while Aidon waited impatiently, annoyed at yet another delay. He would have moved on if he believed for a single moment that the bartender would honor their deal without his presence.
“Here they are.”
Aidon cast a disgusted glance at the handful of ragged, stained items but decided the matter wasn’t worth arguing about. “Release her.”
“Yes, Your Worship.” Maakin thrust a long piece of leather at him. “Her leash.”
He simply stared at the male until he coughed and turned away, fumbling nervously with his keys until he found the one to open the cage. As soon as the door swung open, the female jumped free, landing awkwardly. Aidon took a half step toward her, but she had already recovered and headed for him, keeping a wary eye on Maakin.
“Here.” Aidon thrust the bundle of clothing at her, then turned and walked out of the bar.
Once they were around a corner, he turned and looked back. She was right behind him, those striking eyes enormous in her small face. Something about her was remarkably tempting despite the dirt and the unpleasant aroma that mingled with that lush fragrance. His eyes traveled down over a rosy-tipped breast peeking through all that hair to the small patch of fiery curls between her legs before his usual sense of self-preservation kicked in. No. He had neither the time nor the resources to deal with a female right now.
“You are free now,” he said gruffly. “Stay away from the Aalzz in future.”
“But I didn’t—”
Her words trailed after him as he turned and walked away. He made it less than half a block before she called out.
“Wait. Please wait a minute.”
Even though he knew he was making a mistake, he paused and let the girl rush up to him. Gods, she was a tiny thing. In his true form, her head would barely reach his chest. Her eyes were wide and frightened, but he noticed approvingly that she’d had the sense to pull on the odd assortment of clothing and secure her distracting hair in a tight knot. At least she had some survival instincts.
“What is it?” he asked brusquely.
“What do I do now?”
“Find meaningful employment.” Even as he said the words, he realized how empty they were. He sighed. “Do you have any marketable skills?”
“I am—I was—a florist. Somehow, I doubt there’s much demand for that here. Especially since”—she fingered her ear with a disgusted expression—“this translator bug they put in my ear doesn’t extend to written language.”
“Try the local tavern,” he suggested impatiently even though a part of him cringed at the thought of this small creature in one of those rowdy establishments.
“And put myself at the mercy of some other asshole? Maybe this one won’t be satisfied with just displaying me.”
He sighed again, then pulled out a card with a tavern symbol. “Try here. The owner is decent enough. He won’t try and prostitute you—but he won’t object if you want to earn some credits that way.” He forced himself to shrug dismissively despite his warring emotions. Part of him roared with anger at the thought of anyone laying a hand on her; the other part wanted to take her for himself.
She gasped indignantly, but he forced himself to shrug and turn away. With surprising speed, she darted in front of him and laid her fingers on his arm. The feel of those small, soft fingers sent an unwanted surge of lust through his body. She had been staring up at him, and now she gasped.
“Your eyes—they changed to solid black.”
Fuck. He usually had more control, but it had been a long year, and he was tired. He preferred not to speculate on why her touch had been the one to break his disguise.
“Let go of me,” he growled, but despite the fact that he could have removed her fingers—literally—in less than a second, he didn’t force her away.
“Wait just a minute. Please. Where are you going?”
“Home. As soon as I get paid.”
“Is your home here? On this planet?”
“Gods, no.”
“Then will you take me with you?”
“With me?”
“Yes. I hate this place. It’s dirty, and it’s cold.” She shivered, and he realized that her lips were turning a shade of blue he suspected was not natural for her species. “I don’t trust anyone here. I trust you.”
“Me?” He couldn’t have been more shocked if she’d pulled out a blaster. She had no idea who she was dealing with. He opened his mouth but found himself curiously reluctant to disillusion her.
“Please? Take me with you. I’m a hard worker and a fast learner. Surely there’s something I can do.”
“I thought you didn’t want to prostitute yourself,” he said.
Her shoulders slumped, and he noticed for the first time that her hand was shaking. Instinctively, he covered it with his own.
“Is that your price?” she whispered through trembling lips.
“No. I prefer willing partners.” On the rare occasions he let himself indulge. He did his best to ignore the fact that under other circumstances, he would have definitely chosen her as a partner. As he looked down at her pleading face, he remembered something his grandfather had said—that by saving a life you took on the responsibility for that life. Of course, his grandfather had been talking about a bird he had rescued, not another person, but the sentiment was the same. He really couldn’t leave her here to fend for herself, but what was he going to do with her?
“There is a place that might suit you,” he said reluctantly. “It’s a planet called Sherae. Slavery is not permitted there, and it is my understanding that they are sympathetic to humans.” And it was on his way back to Pardor. It wouldn’t require more than a short additional delay.
“Is it like this?”
“No, it’s a water world, and the temperatures are very mild.”
“That sounds very nice.” She gave him a shy glance. “Will you be there?”
“No.”
She actually looked disappointed. Perhaps her survival instincts weren’t that strong after all. “I can’t come with you instead?”
He had the oddest desire to let her accompany him, but he shook his head. “No.”
“Why not?”
“It is not your concern. Do you want me to take you off this planet or not?”
“Yes, please. Thank you.” A shy smile broke out over her face, lovely despite the blue lips.
“Come. I wish to finish my business and leave before you freeze to death.” He started to turn away, then paused. “What’s your name?”
“My name is Hanna.”
“I am Aidon. Come with me, Hanna, and remember our deal.”
Chapter Two
Hanna stared after Aidon for a brief second, then gathered the oversize garments closer and hurried after him. She did her best to keep up with the big red alien even though the boots Maakin had begrudgingly given her were not designed for human feet. The icy ground made it even more difficult, and she shivered, trying to pull the assortment of ill-fitting clothing more tightly around her. She hated this planet—hated the cold, hated the aliens who either leered at her or treated her like a dumb animal, and hated Maakin most of all.
But she didn’t hate this alien. When their eyes had met, she had felt an almost physical warmth—as if he’d reached out and touched her. Despite his forbidding appearance, something about him made her feel safe. It was more than just the width of his shoulders and the muscled form apparent even in the ornate robes. Perhaps it was his confident bearing and his controlled response to Maakin’s offer. Whatever the reason, she was strangely disappointed that she couldn’t accompany him to his home planet. With his red skin and dark hair, not to mention the small dark horns springing from his brow, he resembled the traditional Earth image of the devil, but she had been away from Earth long enough to know that appearance meant very little.
How had this happened? she wondered, not for the first time. One minute she had been gathering wild roses by the lakeshore, and the next, she had woken up naked and confined in a small cage.
The space was approximately four by four feet, with enough room to sit down but not to stretch out. Two bowls were fastened to the bars at the front of the cage, and a small stream flowed beneath the back. Two long rows of other cages stretched away on either side of a metal walkway. Her head aching and her stomach churning, it took her several minutes to understand just how much her situation had changed.
A snarl came from her left, and she looked over to see an…animal that couldn’t possibly exist. It was built like a big cat with stocky, powerful limbs, but it was covered with feathers in shades of blue and crimson and its pointed head ended in a beak rather than a muzzle. How could something like that exist?
Her mind still reeling, she looked to the right. At first she thought the cage was empty, but then she spotted a small animal rather like a prairie dog—if prairie dogs were three feet tall and covered with long, silky white fur. It took her a moment to realize that it had a hand extended through the bars to the next cage and was clutching the hand of another of the same species.
A horrible, unbelievable suspicion surfaced. Could it be that she was no longer on Earth? She had never seen anything like either of these creatures before, and as she peered through the bars, looking further down the row, her suspicions grew. Nothing looked familiar. Then at the far end, just as the curve of the corridor made it hard to see, she thought she caught a glimpse of curly dark hair and tan skin. Another human female!
“Hey! Can you hear me?” she yelled, and the cramped space erupted in a cacophony of growls, squeals, and a few strange-sounding voices telling her to shut up.
“Please. You must be quiet.” The soft little voice came from right next to her, and she looked down to find the prairie dog creature eyeing her anxiously, twisting its hands together.
“You can talk.” The shock momentarily distracted her from the thought of another human on board.
Hanna and the Hitman: A SciFi Alien Romance (Alien Abduction Book 8) Page 1