Sneak peek #3

Special Lt. Jewels Enbran took to the stars with her husband, Dex LoudRoar, Crown Prince of Felinia, to search for answers about Earth's new allies and their enemy, the Lupinious Empire. She didn't expect to have such a difficult time fitting in or dealing with the crushing animosity of the xenophobic Gatoans.Amid the political turmoil and the ongoing war with the Lupines, Jewels struggles with her own understanding of the two species. She tries to keep it together, but that is hard to do with the recurring nightmares, frequent assassination attempts and her own inner demons. She wants to find happiness, but at what cost? Can the deepening love and trust she shares with Dex be enough to withstand the challenges of his people? Is the fate of three empires worth more than her own desires?She thought she would find peace and security with Dex, but the trials and tribulations of her unexpected pairing to royalty are just beginning....

Alien Encounters Saga

Sneak Peek #3 of 5

Book #2: Emerald Rebellion

Chapter 2

Outside the Female Sanctum

Jewels stood outside the female sanctum and studied the Loporfir guards. The Onugrass, Nala, had sent a message to her requesting that Jewels meet her at the sanctum. Despite her misgivings, Jewels had made her way toward the inner areas of the giant Gatoan flagship.

Personally, Jewels couldn't stand Nala, but because King Renten LoudRoar had appointed Nala as her personal adviser, Jewels decided to obey. After all, she was in foreign territory and the first step was to acclimate and know the surroundings.

She glanced about, but didn't see Nala anywhere. Irritated, Jewels considered going back to the room she and Dex shared. She turned and slammed into someone behind her. With a grunt, she backed up and froze. Before her stood a giant Eirarju with the lightest spots she had ever seen on one of his kind. His bared fangs were entirely another matter.

“Watch where you are going, Human,†he sneered.

Jewels bit back a sarcastic retort. She didn't recognize the Eirarju and antagonizing him might not be such a brilliant move. Instead, she opted for civility. 

“I apologize. I was about to return to my quarters.â€

The Eirarju stiffened and his eyes narrowed. “Females are not permitted to roam the ship without an escort. You will go back inside and wait until you are called.â€

Jewels' anger rose a notch. She hated arrogant males, and this giant snow leopard-like Gatoan was pushing her buttons. She started to berate him and paused when she heard Dex's familiar growl. The Eirarju's reaction was comical as he bowed low.

“Your Highness!â€

Jewels smothered a laugh and schooled her expression to one of polite indifference as Dex came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He purred and her legs almost gave way. Dang that Gatoan, he was going to embarrass her if he kept this up.

“Lord NightStalks, to what do we owe this honor?†Dex's words were polite; his tone beneath them was not.

Jewels made note of the Eirarju's name. She had a feeling that this Gatoan would continue to be a presence in her future.

"I was on my way to the meeting with your father and the rest of his advisers."

Jewels had to give the Eirarju credit. He was a quick thinker. That made him even more dangerous in her book.

"What a coincidence. So was I. I shall accompany you."

NightStalks straightened and shook his head. "That is not necessary, my Prince."

"No, really. I insist." Dex showed his fangs and waited.

Jewels watched the byplay with interest. This struggle of dominance was fascinating. She had no doubt that Dex would win. Her mate's will was that strong.

"Of course, your Highness. It would be an honor."

"Yes, it would," acknowledged Dex before he turned his back on the Eirarju. "Mate, please stay in the sanctum. I'll get you soon."

::And find out why Nala isn't here,:: Jewels growled, annoyed that she was being forced to stay in the sanctum. She'd only visited twice before; both times were with Nala and only for a few minutes.

::I will.:: He gave her a telepathic kiss and it mollified her somewhat. With her head held high, Jewels walked inside and prayed that she wouldn't have any trouble.

* * *

Dex waited until Jewels had disappeared inside before setting a fast walk to the meeting room. Behind him, NightStalks kept pace. He really detested this particular adviser. His father really knew how to pick some of the most annoying and backward males. Dex didn't care how much experience a person had. If they misused their power, they were useless. When he became king, many of the current body of advisers would be removed. He only wanted those who cared about the people and the future of Felinia. Greed and backstabbers had no place in the court he wished to build.

They arrived, and Dex stalked to his place by his father's right hand. The other eleven advisers were present. He caught the quick welcoming grin from Bravenone. His former weapons and combat teacher was always a pleasant sight. The Farsemi had only gotten stronger with age and there were not many who could take him on and win. Dex pulled his attention back to the meeting as his father stood and silence fell in the room.

"Now that we are all here, we shall begin. We have much to discuss. Lord NightStalks, please start with the status of our fleet."

NightStalks stood and held up a data cube. He put it into the data reader and tapped some keys. The cube glowed and a 3-D map of the Gatoan fleet positions appeared.

"We have recalled about a third of the fleet due to repairs or heavy damage. We have lost these sectors." He tapped the image and highlighted four different areas.

A shocked murmur from the attendees washed over the room before they settled down at a glare from King Renten.

"Will we be able to recover them?"

"No, my King. I am sorry. The Lupines have firm control of those sectors. It would be suicide to try and retake them."

"I see."

Dex stifled a growl. Though his father's expression was impassive, he could hear the resignation in his father's tone. This war, which had been raging since before his father's birth, was slowly killing the spirit of the Gatoans. They had to find a way to end it, and soon, or there would be no future generations left.

"We did manage to regain six planets in Sector 12 that we had previously lost to the Lupines."

"And the condition of the planets?"

NightStalks glanced at Dex and answered, "Fair. We are still assessing the damage from those damn mutts. We do not know how much ore and mineral for our technology construction is left. Regardless, we hope to resume mining operations within the next three months to salvage what we can."

Bravenone raised a paw. "I have one question. Which clans have agreed to this dangerous undertaking?"

NightStalks stiffened. "What does that matter? The work shall be done."

"It matters because those going had better be doing so of their own free will, Lord NightStalks. I'd hate for a repeat of 2092 to occur because of a Lord rushing to be prominence while ignoring what the lower castes want."

"Are you implying that I will have the needed workers enslaved and forced into laboring on the planets' surfaces? That is absurd!"

Bravenone slammed his paw down on the table. "Your predecessor said the same thing while killing thousands."

NightStalks bristled and pinned his infamous glower on Bravenone.

"I take offense at your words. Do you wish to discuss this with claw and fang?"

The sudden rise of bloodlust permeated the air as the other advisers avidly watched the two males argue. Dex glanced over at his father and, at his imperceptible nod, rose. He coughed loudly and felt twelve pairs of hostile eyes land on him. He grinned while baring his fangs and felt some of the tension drain away.

"My brothers, calm yourselves. No one is implying anything. We are seeking a solution to a problem. Let us do this, without violence."

Grumbling under his breath, Bravenone plopped back into his seat and stared off into the distance, his disdain for the afternoon’s proceedings evident.

The rest of the meeting went by without interruption and soon the advisers left, leaving Dex and his father alone in the room.

"That went well," Dex drawled.

"No need for sarcasm, my son. They are all tired and weary of battle."

Dex growled, not happy with his father's rebuke. He knew they were exhausted from the constant fighting. All diplomatic attempts with the Lupines had met with failure. They had to find some way to end this constant struggle for dominance with their mortal enemies.

"Enough talk about fights. How is your mate settling in?"

"She is doing fine." Dex grinned. "Her feistiness has served her well. I think she has managed to intimidate some of the crew."

"Yes, she might be the shortest member of this crew, but her spirit is gigantic," his father agreed. "Has her telepathy returned yet?"

"No. She can only hear me. I know it bothers her, but she hides it well."

“That is troubling. Did not that human male say after a few months it might return?â€

“Yes, but he also said it might take longer or possibly never come back. It varies from person to person.â€

“I see. Keep me informed. An unhappy female is not something you want to deal with at any time.â€

“I will, Father.â€

“Oh, and have Bravenone assign her a bodyguard. I think someone other than Nala would be best.â€

“Why is that?â€

“My son, it is wise never to put two competing females in proximity of each other.â€

Dex didn't catch his father's meaning at first. Then, realization dawned and he chuckled.

“I think my mate would easily win that battle. Nala needs to give up her delusions of becoming my mate and future Queen. She has neither the strength, empathy nor the intelligence to rule. She is as selfish as Rialla.â€

He stopped speaking when he saw his father flinch. “Father?â€

“My son, there is something I need to tell you. Rialla…has been detained.â€

Dex sucked in a breath. Had he heard his father correctly?

“On what grounds?â€

“Unfaithfulness and treason.â€

Dex's elation at the Queen's downfall was tempered by sympathy for his father. He couldn't imagine how he would feel if Jewels allowed another into their bed.

“Who else knows, Father?â€

“Myself, you, Chief Leftclaw, Bravenone and the arresting guards all of which are bound by oath and blood not to speak of this matter.â€

“I see. Are you waiting for our return to Felinia to let everyone know?â€

“Yes. I will also announce you as the official heir and my intentions to step down so that you can become king.â€

“Father! I am not...,â€

“You are ready, my son. I have faith in you and your Onugrass-human mate. She will guard your back and your life.â€

“But we do not know yet if Jewels can bear my kits.â€

His father waved a paw, batting aside his objection. “An issue that can be resolved in time. First, you need to get her a bodyguard. She needs to be trained on how to handle one of our people. We still have five months until we reach Felinia. Begin her Queen training and I guarantee you, my Son, that she will not disappoint, so fierce is Jewels' spirit.â€

A surge of pride filled Dex at his father's words of praise for his mate. On the paws of that thought was worry. Could he truly become a great king like his father?

“You have much to think about, Dex. Go. I'll see you tomorrow.â€

“Yes, Father.â€

Dex bowed and quit the room, his mind on the tasks he and his mate would have to accomplish to insure a happy, peaceful future for everyone.