Cathian Read online

  Cathian

  The Vorge Crew – Book One

  By Laurann Dohner

  Cathian by Laurann Dohner

  Notice - This book was previously published as a short story called ‘Captain of Nara’s Heart’ in an anthology. It has been updated and expanded into novella length.

  When Nara Barns and her tiny crew find themselves with a choice between jail or the sex-slave auction block, it’s an easy choice. Especially when they plan to escape their buyers as soon as possible, anyway. Even better, Nara’s buyer wants her for just six days, long enough to get him through his heat until women from his planet can come to his aid.

  Six days and then freedom? Sign her up.

  However, Nara’s completely unprepared for the impact Captain Cathian Vellar has on her body. To survive his heat, the Tryleskian must feed—and Nara is his favorite meal. Her body can barely withstand the rapture. Soon, her heart is just as engaged. But enduring the pinnacle of Cathian’s heat he could kill Nara, and he refuses to risk her life.

  The Vorge Crew Series List

  Cathian

  Cathian by Laurann Dohner

  Copyright © July 2018

  Editor: Kelli Collins

  Cover Art: Dar Albert

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-944526-92-4

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal, except for the case of brief quotations in reviews and articles.

  Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is coincidental.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  Cathian – The Vorge Crew – Book One

  By Laurann Dohner

  Chapter One

  Nara gripped the cage bars and glared at Derrick. “It’s your fault.”

  The man inside the cage across from hers sported a black eye. “I said I’m sorry.”

  The words didn’t dispel her anger. She wanted to punch her mechanic again. “You were supposed to buy a burner thruster valve. What did you do with the credits instead?”

  He glanced away, guilt clearly displayed across his features. “I… Hell, Nara. I hadn’t had a woman in months! Have you seen the pleasure workers on the Divian station? I thought the valve would last until after this run, and I’d buy the part with my share of earnings to replace what I’d spent.”

  Nara’s temper increased. “Isn’t that ironic. You wasted the money needed to keep our shuttle flying to buy sex, but now we’re the hookers.”

  Her navigator, Belinda, sighed from behind her. “Being sold into the pleasure market for a year beats spending five years at Alto Prison. Let’s focus on being happy we were given a choice.”

  Nara spun to glare at her. “You might not have a problem spreading your legs for any alien who buys you, but I do. I have standards.”

  Belinda laughed. “And what would those be? I’ve been on your ship for over a year and you haven’t gotten laid in all that time.”

  “How about having a choice? To be able to say no?”

  “Maybe this’ll be good for you. We could be sold to a Yovolian. They’re great in bed, have two dicks, and are fond of humans.”

  “Or we could get sold to some pimp and be forced to sleep with hundreds of aliens. I should have picked prison over this. Why did I listen to you both?” Nara glanced at both of her crew members.

  Derrick sighed. “Alto Prison would have been a death sentence. It’s a dead moon where they send the worst criminals. They’d eat us alive—and I do mean that. Alto is known for starving prisoners when the food supply ships are delayed for weeks, until they turn into cannibals. It’s how they manage population control. At least now we stand a chance of surviving. The bidders in these auctions just want to have sex with us instead of devouring body parts. And bonus, only the rich can afford to lease slaves for a year. They won’t spend that much money unless they plan to get use out of us. That means keeping us breathing and healthy.”

  Nara fought the urge to scream. She was a trader by profession, owned a nice vessel by shuttle standards, and the money was decent. Various types of trade had been prohibited in some solar systems, but the higher pay for those jobs had been too irresistible.

  It was supposed to have been an easy run, delivering medical supplies. Her shuttle was fast and hard to detect with the expensive shielding she’d bought. They never would have been caught if the thruster drive hadn’t given out, leaving them stranded in space.

  “I am sorry, Nara.” Derrick sounded sincere. “I know we wouldn’t be here if I’d just fixed the shuttle. The authorities take confiscated shuttles to an auction yard on Frodder Planet. They’re backed up for a good six months. We’ll have plenty of time to escape and meet up there. I’ll bring the part, we’ll fly right out…it’ll be simple. You’ll get your ship back.”

  Belinda chuckled. “Look on the bright side. You’ll finally break your dry spell and get laid. Maybe you’ll enjoy it. I hear the Borters are pretty good in the sack, and they love humans as much as the Yovolians.”

  “Shut up or I’ll hit you too,” Nara threatened softly. “You’re getting on my last nerve. There is nothing good about this.”

  Belinda smirked. “Just flirt with someone attractive when the bidders arrive. I hear that’s the ticket to not ending up with some ugly-ass alien. You left Earth for an adventure, and here it is.”

  “I left Earth because there were no jobs and I didn’t want to stay there anymore. I could do without the adventure part, and I don’t want to be sold to some alien who wants to nail a human just for the novelty of it.”

  “Human?”

  Nara turned at the quiet voice to study a strange-looking alien female standing just feet from her. The woman reminded her of a mouse, with her whiskers and black eyes.

  “Yes?” Nara stared at her.

  “I heard you talking. Is it true you haven’t had sex in a year?”

  Nara hesitated. “That’s kind of personal to ask a stranger.”

  “I’m Midgel, and I’d like to make a deal with you.”

  Belinda inched closer. “What kind of a deal?”

  The alien shot Belinda a look. “I’m talking to her.” She fixed her strange gaze on Nara again. “I’m here to scout a woman for my captain. I believe you are right for him. If you go to my captain’s bed willingly for six days, you will be released immediately afterward.”

  Belinda moved closer. “Why only six days?”

  Midgel bared sharp little teeth at Belinda but then seemed to calm down. “He thought he wasn’t due to go into heat for another month, but his calculations were wrong. His people are sending females, but they are six days away.” She licked her lips, her tongue black and small. “He needs female hormones, and as a human, you’re compatible with him. If you haven’t had sex with another male in some time, you will scent right to him.”

  “He’s in heat?” That shocked Nara. “What is he?”

  Midgel sighed. “You wouldn’t know his species. He is rare to this system. He needs your female hormones, and you won’t be harmed. But it must be your choice. My captain insists.”

  She wasn’t sure she wanted anyone “taking” her hormones. “No thanks.”

  “Now hang on,” Belinda interjected. “You make it sound as though he’s going to take bites out of her, or like she’ll be a test subject for some freak with a