Sneak peek #4

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

 #4 of 5

Book #2: Emerald Rebellion

Chapter 3

It didn't take Dex long to find Bravenone. He stayed a respectful distance back as he watched the Farsemi attack the training simulations with controlled lethal strikes. By the other male's scent, he could tell that some irritation remained from the earlier meeting.

"Lord Bravenone?"

Bravenone stopped after dispatching the last attacker and turned, tail swishing, to regard Dex.

"Your Highness?"

Dex moved from his spot by the wall. The Farsemi's scent had changed and he relaxed. "Father said that I should speak to you about a bodyguard for my mate."

Bravenone stroked his chin and regarded Dex for a long moment. "I may have just the guard. She is one of the best I have ever trained."

"That's high praise, coming from you."

"Yes, but she deserves it. She is an Eirarjuss of the Stotun clan. They have produced many fine guards and warriors, some of who have served previous monarchs. Her name is Jelin."

"Jelin Stotun? I have heard of the Stotun clan, but didn't know any were currently serving our family."

"She has been stationed on the royal flagship for a year. She was originally attached to the Queen's Honor Guard, but asked for reassignment to a regular guard position. If I recall correctly, she said that the "stench of the Queen" was offensive and she didn't become a guard to protect someone that unworthy."

Dex laughed and took several seconds to calm himself after his outburst. He liked the Eirarjuss even more for her accurate reading of the former Queen. "Sorry, Lord Bravenone. I think I really needed that moment of mirth. Where can I find Jelin?"

"She should be ending her shift in ten minutes. After that, you can find her in the barracks."

"I thank you for your advice and help, Lord Bravenone."

"You are most welcome, your Highness. Jelin will be honored to have such a position and your mate has a pleasantness to her that Queen Rialla lacks. It will be a good match, I am sure of it."

"I believe so, too. Good day, Sir." Dex slightly bowed and left to find Jelin.

Fifteen minutes later, he was pointed to the back half of Barracks #3. He paused and watched silently as the Eirarjuss gracefully cleaned around her bunk. Her scent was calm and her focus seemed to be on her task. He waited several seconds and cleared his throat.

The Eirarjuss paused in her work and turned to stare at him before bowing. "Your Highness."

"You are Jelin Stotun?"

"I am."

"Jelin, I have an offer for you, that is, if you are willing to take it."

"Oh?" Jelin walked over to him, stopping inches from him, maintaining a respectful distance between them.

"My mate is in need of a bodyguard and Lord Bravenone recommended you."

Surprise flickered in her gaze, though neither her scent nor her body language gave anything away. Dex liked that about her. If he had not been watching her eyes, he wouldn't have caught that brief emotion. Yes, he had a feeling this Eirarjuss would do nicely.

"I would be honored to assist you, your Highness, and your mate."

"Good, I will meet you tomorrow in Training Room #4, at 1000 hours, to make the introductions."

"Noted. I shall be there, Sire."

"Thank you. You are dismissed." Dex watched her glide away and he smiled.

He felt better already about his father's suggestion of getting a guard for his mate. Dex glanced at the clock on the wall, swore softly and hurried to make it to the Female Sanctum on time to pick up his mate. He knew she hated being confined there, but until they could work on resisters of female equality, she had to stay there. He wanted his little Onugrass to be happy, but some things would take time to put in place.

Putting aside his busy thoughts, he quickened his stride. He had a mate to pick up.

* * *

I really wish my husband would come get me, Jewels thought to herself as she resisted the urge to squirm underneath the inquisitive stares of the various female Gatoans who ringed her. It had been like this for almost two hours now. She hated feeling like some scientific experiment. So far none of them had touched her, but it didn't make her feel any better.

Jewels tensed when movement off to her right caught her attention. A stocky Posaimass stopped a few feet from her and regarded Jewels. After a moment, the Posaimass smiled, baring her fangs.

"You smell like our Prince."

Jewels blinked, surprised by the Posaimass' words. She felt her face heat and she floundered for a response that wouldn't get her into trouble.

"Of course she smells like our Prince. She is his mate," snapped a Zakeiss.

The Posaimass dropped her head in embarrassment and Jewels decided that she needed to just be herself, instead of worrying so much about politics.

"It's alright. I don't know if I smell or not. My nose isn't as sensitive as yours."

The young Posaimass glanced up and smiled again. "It is not a bad smell. But it covers your smell, whatever it might be."

"Really?"

All the Gatoans nodded. Jewels filed that bit of information away for later contemplation. Maybe Dex would have an answer to the question about her scent.

"My name is Jewels. What's yours?"

"I am Amari. My father is one of the king's advisers," she announced proudly.

"Really? That's a very sought after position, isn't it?"

"Yes, but only the main heads of a bloodline have a chance at the spot," interjected the Zakeiss. "My name is Lorcan, Princess."

Princess. Another title Jewels really didn't like hearing, even though it was true. She was not royalty material. Being a solider was all she knew how to do. Even being a mate was foreign to her. Especially with the way the Gatoans treated their females. Jewels hadn't seen too many female guards and that reinforced her worries over how the Gatoans in general would regard her. She didn't want to be coddled, pampered or isolated. She would stand proudly beside Dex with all her strength and skills. She would do what she was trained to do and that should work well.

"Your Highness?"

Jewels twitched and returned her attention to the gathered female Gatoan. Hurry and get me out of here, Dex. She didn't send a message to him, but maybe he would feel her urgency through their bond and get done quickly with whatever business he had.

"Your Highness, Nala is here," Amari informed her, pointing a claw at the sanctum's entrance.

Jewels glanced up and spotted the Onugrass' narrowed gaze. She smirked. She couldn't help it. Nala didn't seem to like the attention Jewels was getting. Tough luck. She detested the Onugrass with a dislike bordering on hatred. Every time Dex was in the vicinity, Nala would fawn over him. Dex didn't acknowledge the Onugrass' misplaced flirtation, which made Jewels respect him more. But, if Nala didn't back off, Jewels was going to show the other female that Dex was hers and hers alone.

"There you are. I have been searching for you, Lieutenant. Why did you not wait for me?"

Jewels didn't allow herself to be baited. Nala's whiny tone only served to annoy Jewels more. She was going to make sure that Nala was removed from being her aide or whatever her title was. Jewels didn't care. She didn't have to put up with the Onugrass' behavior.

"To insure my safety, my mate personally escorted me here. He was concerned because my guide was late. I appreciate his thoughtfulness."

Nala growled and the other Gatoans stepped away as Jewels rose, her gaze on Nala. So that was how it was going to be. Fine. She'd put the Onugrass in her place. Jewels felt her power coil around her and, deep inside, a purr of happiness rumbled through her senses. Though her telepathy was still out of whack, the rest of her abilities had stabilized. She was going to enjoy this.

The snick of Nala's claws releasing didn't faze Jewels. She could always teleport out of reach if necessary. But she didn't plan on playing the coward. She stalked toward the Onugrass.

Nala growled and charged. Jewels saw her coming and ducked low. She felt the wind of Nala's swipe pass her face. Jewels avoided the claws and swept her leg around in a quick circle. She needed to knock out Nala's center of balance and bring the taller alien female down to her level. Nala leaped, avoiding the sweep and landed behind Jewels.

With a quick twist, Jewels moved left, but not before she heard the rip of material and felt the sting of the Onugrass' second blow across her upper back. Jewels didn't cry out, not wanting to give her opponent any openings. She had to concentrate. Her electrokinesis still hummed in her veins along with her telekinesis.

Next round is mine, she thought as she and Nala circled each other again. Nala might have first blood, but Jewels would have the victory. Letting out a loud howl, Jewels, with arm pulled back, dove at the startled Gatoan. She used telekinesis to strengthen her power and slammed her crackling, electrified fist into Nala's stomach, doubling the female over.

"You're finished, Bitch," she snarled, opened her fist and let loose the hidden ball of electricity into Nala's body. Jewels sprang away and crouched, her eyes on her yowling opponent. Nala staggered back her body twitching and smoking as the electricity ran through her. Nala stiffened and pitched to the ground, her body wracked with convulsions and popping electric sparks.

Silence filled the room completely, but Jewels didn't notice. Her entire focus was on the Gatoan lying a few feet from her. She held up her hand. Nala howled and went limp as sparks flew off her body and shot back toward Jewels.

The crackling sparks stopped and circled above Jewels' fingertips. With a flick of her fingers they made a loud pop and dissipated. Jewels rose and walked over to Nala, who still had enough energy to glare at her.

"Next time you mess with me, I will kill you." Jewels grinned, and let her downed opponent feel the intensity of her power.

Nala hissed, her eyes promising the same and Jewels shook her head. Oh well, she had warned the Onugrass. She had played nicely, but next time, she wouldn't. Jewels fought back the elation that the thought provoked. She didn't want that feeling, it scared her.

"Jewels?"

She spun and froze. Standing outside the circle of gathered Gatoan females, was Dex. She winced when she caught his expression. Angry green eyes and a fast twitching tail did not bode well for her. Jewels wanted to stomp her foot like a child but reined in that impulse, too. She knew she was being fickle. Hadn't she, only moments ago, wished he would come and rescue her? Yet, now she only felt annoyance that he had interrupted her moment of victory.

"Mate, welcome. I was just getting my things." Jewels walked toward him, a smile on her face.

Dex brushed against her mind, but she refused to let him in. She touched his arm, caressing it softly. She let him feel her happiness at his arrival. His stance relaxed a fraction, but she knew once they were away from prying eyes, he'd grill her about what had happened.

She tugged on his paw and inclined her head toward the door. He took the hint and they left the sanctum. The walk back to their quarters was a quiet one. Her back was beginning to throb from the clawing earlier. Jewels ignored it. She wasn't some newbie who couldn't handle small pains.

"Jewels?"

Jewels blinked and glanced up. Dex was staring at her and she blushed, realizing she had been so lost in thought, she hadn't noticed they were outside their quarters. Forcing a smile to her face, she entered first.

"Jewels...,"

"I'm going to take a shower." She knew she was being rude, but she wanted a few minutes to calm down and treat her back. She evaded his reaching paw and hurried to the bathroom, locking the door behind her.