Alien Read online

  Lynn grinned. “No rest for the wicked.”

  Coto chuckled, opening his arms. “I know what that means. Give him to me, second mother.”

  The woman approached the bed and handed over their son. “I will cook a feast of all your favorite foods. I know today is important.” She fled.

  Lynn leaned against Coto, peering at the miniature replica of the man she loved. “He’s just like you.”

  “He has your hair color.”

  “I meant about always having an appetite.”

  He glanced at her breasts. “Always.”

  “He wants milk. I know what you want and it’s not milk,” she teased. “I’m glad we have Arnia to help us. Your grandma is a lifesaver.”

  “Not at this moment.”

  Lynn laughed and took the baby. “I’ll feed him, then we’ll give him back to her. The morning isn’t over yet.”

  Coto grinned. “It isn’t. I have a lot of things planned to do to you today.”

  “You mean with me?”

  He shook his head, amusement gleaming in his beautiful eyes. “No. To you.”

  “I really love you.”

  “I’m really going to love you. This one needs a brother or sister.”

  Lynn turned her body, pressing her back against Coto’s chest and he snuggled her close. “At least our second child will be conceived on Zorn.”

  “I kept you distracted from your fear of heights and traveling through space in a ship.”

  “You most certainly did. Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  She turned her head, holding his gaze. “For capturing me on that riverbank and keeping me with you.”

  “You did escape while I was sleeping.”

  “But you found me and later talked me into making the best decision I ever made.”

  “I was prepared to throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to our campsite if you said no. I couldn’t let you go. It would have destroyed my heart.”

  “Mine too,” she admitted.

  “Now we’re both whole and happy.”

  “Yes, we are.”

  Their son chose that moment to let out a tiny roar.

  Lynn laughed. “He’s just like you, only not as loud when he’s frustrated.”

  “Feed him so we can return him to my second mother. We have plans.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  Bridal Bonds

  Leora Gonzales

  Dedication

  I was named after my grandmother, Leora, whom I miss deeply. I vividly remember getting sacks of tattered, moldy-smelling romance novels that she would buy at garage sales. She helped feed my hunger for books, something I will never forget.

  Tina, you have become a close friend and I will never get bored talking to you. Your talent, life experience and generous heart make you an amazing woman. Plus, you get bonus points for putting up with Richard…that’s kind of a big deal.

  Most importantly, I want to dedicate this to my husband. I was lucky enough to find a man who is super smart, loving, hilarious and also diabolical. When I said that I wanted to write but had no computer, I had no idea he was going to surprise me with a new laptop. There went my list of excuses. Touché, Richard. Touché.

  Prologue

  “My fellow Americans, negotiations have concluded with the Phaeton Warrior race. After speaking to their council of leaders, we have learned that the Phaeton race has been surviving by using cloning. Unfortunately the science that they have used has resulted in a low female birth rate. For their species to survive, they have been searching other planets for potential mates.

  “The State Department has decided to initiate a ‘mate match’ for single female volunteers to apply for what we are referring to as the ‘Bridal Pact’. In exchange for these volunteers, we will be able to use the Phaetons’ medical advancements to save American lives. We will have access to a new fuel source that will all but eliminate our need for oil, both foreign and domestic. And we will also have the protection of their military from other species that may discover Earth.

  “This is not a draft. It is completely voluntary. Women who apply will be compensated for filling out an application and signing the contract. We want to assure you that your safety and the safety of your sisters, daughters and friends will be our number-one concern. We are working on a profiling system with national dating sites and the Phaeton Council to make matches, similar to what many of you have used in the past to find companions. As of right now this is only open to women who fall within certain criteria but may be expanded after an initial trial period passes.

  “Please keep an open mind and know that the safety of our citizens and country is our top priority. Women wishing to volunteer or get more information can contact their local Intake Centers, which will be listed by state following this news conference or found at bridal-pact-dot-state-department-dot-gov. This is an exciting time for our country and its people.”

  Chapter One

  Four weeks ago

  Andi was in shock. Confusion consumed everything around her as the medical team approaching the shuttle scrambled to help the women who were losing blood. As the doctors started working frantically, docking bay security formed a blockade to stop the women’s husbands fighting their way toward their wounded brides.

  She was safe. She was alive. She was on Squadron One.

  The mantras kept running through her mind as she struggled to convince herself that their ordeal was over. She turned her attention to the women, both those standing and those on the ground receiving medical attention, and tears of relief as well as sadness and anger pricked her eyes.

  Jumping when a hand landed on her shoulder, she was quickly pulled into a hug.

  “Thank goodness you are all right,” Zane breathed into her hair. Squeezing her tightly, he rocked her, soothing her.

  Their bridal match might not have turned out as either one of them had expected, but she did love Zane. Her almost-husband had become one of her closest friends, her only friend really, on the ship. Both of them had realized early on that marriage between them would be a mistake. Instead of feeling attraction, shortly after being matched the pair had felt as close as siblings. They joked, laughed and teased each other with zero sexual attraction between them.

  “Zane, I can’t believe it,” she mumbled against his leather-clad chest. “I can’t believe it.”

  “If I had known where the escort was—” Zane started only to have her interrupt.

  “There was no way you could have known.” The tears that had been threatening to fall from her eyes had begun stinging her lids.

  “What happened?” Zane’s tone was soft as he rubbed her back.

  “She will be debriefed soon.”

  The loud voice startled both of them. Turning in unison, Andi still snuggled against Zane’s chest, they faced the man who spoke.

  “Councilor Wheaton,” Zane addressed the man in front of them.

  “Are you her husband?” Andi jerked her head at the unconscious woman in the big warrior’s arms.

  “Yes, I am hers.” Hugging his wife closer, Wheaton nodded.

  The love that the councilor had for his wife was obvious. Andi could read it plainly on his face and felt a pang in her heart. This was exactly what had been missing between her and Zane.

  “She said you would find us.” The tears that she had struggled to hold in were now dripping down her cheeks.

  “I will always find her,” Councilor Wheaton assured her, leaving no doubt he meant every word he said. “After you are examined at the med center, we will be asking you questions.”

  “But—” Andi sputtered.

  “It is not an option. You will need to give your account of the last six hours as well as to help identify the warriors involved in your abduction.”

  The councilor’s tone left no room for argument. Unable to do anything more than nod, Andi hugged Zane closer.

  “Do not worry. Once you are finished talking to them, I will make you some