Sneak peek #5

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 #5 of 5

Book #2: Emerald Rebellion

Chapter 4

Dex stared at the now closed door to the bathing room. His enigmatic wife was proving to be a challenge today. He was still mulling over the scene that had greeted him when he had entered the Sanctum. The smell of blood, the gathered Gatoan females who had ringed the combatants and, his mate, standing triumphant above an unconscious Nala. He wasn’t sure what had happened or what the cause of the fight was, but he was certain that his little human had not started it. That was not her way. And her behavior after leaving the Sanctum was even more baffling.

He had respected her desire to maintain silence but, her obvious ploy to not speak of it by going to the bathing room did not sit well with him.

With a growl, Dex left their quarters. He would go work off some of his aggression in one of the training rooms. When he was calm, he would return and then his little human would give him answers.  

* * *

Jewels hissed as the warm water hit the scratches on her back. The sting reminded her of her foolishness earlier. If Jeremy were there, he would have soundly berated her for losing her cool and fighting Nala. She grimaced and gently ran the soapy sponge down her wounds. If she hadn’t been so embarrassed at her lack of control, she would have asked Dex to help her.

She paused and sighed; her mate was not happy with her. She could feel it through the link they shared. She was still shielding her own mind so Dex couldn’t sense her feelings. It was rude to do it, but she didn’t care. She needed breathing room. With her former anchors, they gave her space. Dex, however, was different. His idea of “space†was not the same as hers. It wasn’t anything major, but it bothered her. She didn’t need him to always charge in and try to solve all her problems. She was more than capable of doing things herself.

Resuming her shower, she finished and gingerly dried off, careful of her wounds. She didn’t want to reopen them if possible. She wrapped the silky cloth around her, unlocked the door and sneaked a peek. She didn’t see Dex anywhere. Relieved, she hurried over to the small chest where her clothes were stored.

Jewels sorted through the clothes, trying to find one that would irritate her injured back the least.

“I shall personally tear out Nala’s throat for her insubordination to you and for the harm she has caused your person.â€

Jewels gasped, pressed the shirt in her hands against her chest and turned to stare at Dex. She hadn’t heard him enter or sensed his presence. Was he shielding, too? She wasn’t good with these kinds of situations. A pang of homesickness struck her. If Jeremy were here, he would easily diffuse the situation, then they’d all laugh and things would be fine. Jewels realized how much she missed her former anchor. Not only him, but the others who had supported her, too. She was not a people-person. Never had been. And Dex wasn’t a human that she could manipulate. He was all alien and all male.

“I think I’ll pass on that. Really, I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.†Lie, that was her main thought. An angry Dex was a lethal Dex. She instinctively knew that. She had defeated Nala. That was all that needed to be done.

His growl of annoyance made her flinch. Noticing the glow of his eyes, she frowned. She really wasn’t up for this right now.

“Go lie on the bed.â€

She blinked, surprised at his words. “What?â€

“Go…lie…on…the…bed. Do not make me repeat myself, Mate.â€

Jewels saw his set look. She didn’t hesitate but went to the bed and laid down. She had learned over the last few months when to stand her ground and when to give in. This was one of the latter.

The furs on the bed felt nice against her bare skin. She shivered as the breeze of Dex’s arrival blew across her skin. She gasped when something cold touched the scratches on her back. She craned her head around to see what Dex was doing.

“Mate, be still. This is only salve to speed up the healing.â€

She locked gazes with him and then turned her gaze back to the furs beneath her. She slowly relaxed under his tender ministrations and soon began to doze. Now, if he would let her sleep, that would be even better.

“Are you feeling better, Mate?â€

“Um, hmm,†Jewels mumbled.

“Good. Now you shall tell me why you were fighting.â€

His words doused her mood and Jewels pushed up from the bed, intent on sitting up. Dex trailed a paw slowly down her leg toward her inner thigh and she froze as other desires warred with her pique at him continuing to focus on the fight.

"What does it matter? I defeated my opponent and I'm still alive. That's what counts."

"It does matter, Jewels. You are my mate and the future Queen. Challenges to you are challenges to the throne. This is a serious matter."

Dex's chiding tone was too much. With a quick roll, she moved from underneath his paw and sat up. "I know it's serious, Dex! I get reminded every five seconds about how I'm royalty and how it might look. For your information, your Highness, I still know next to nothing about your people or your ways. Nala has taught me nothing. Nothing! Do you understand how that makes me feel? I want to stand side-by-side with you and have you be proud. Yet, I can't do that because people and misunderstandings keep getting in my way."

"Mate, I...,"

"Furthermore," she furiously cut him off, "Nala has been trying to take my place. Not that you would give her the time of day, but it pisses me off that she even tries. All her sly innuendos and insinuations were rubbing me the wrong way. But I kept taking it, and taking it. Today, I'd had enough and kicked her ass. I wanted her, and the rest of the females, to know that I'm not someone they should be trifling with. I can't hide in your shadow forever. I have to make my presence known and earn their respect.

"Jewels...,"

"So if you have a problem with that, then I'll find somewhere else to stay from now on. I don't need lectures. I need your support and understanding. If that's too much ask, maybe we should be apart."

"Jewels! Be silent!"

Dex's roared words instantly quieted Jewels. She felt his anger vibrating in their link and she lowered her own shields enough so that he could feel her ire as well. He didn't have the right to be angry. He wasn't the one suffering!

"My little Onugrass, I had no idea things were so bad. You should have spoken up. Nala could have been reassigned a long time ago."

Jewels stared at him and felt a twinge of shame. He was right. She should have said something. She knew that it was pride that kept her from saying anything. It was the same as the time with her third anchor, Lenny. Fear of being blamed, as well as pride, had almost gotten her killed.

"I want you to be happy. But, I cannot do that if you do not communicate, my mate."

She said nothing and glanced away from him. All her anger was gone, replaced by embarrassment. Why was she even getting upset with Dex? He hadn't done anything wrong.

"Mate?"

She almost jerked away from him when he stroked her cheek with his paw.

"I understand. I'm sorry. Next time I'll say something sooner."

"That is all I ask. Come."

Jewels squeaked in surprise when Dex pulled her into his arms and held her close. She could hear the rapid beating of his heart. She tensed when his mind brushed hers. She felt his hesitation. After a moment, she lowered her shields completely so that the dance of their minds could happen.

She let herself be lost in that union. A beginning and ending and everything they were blending and then separating. It really was the best kind of high that only the psionic-born could understand.

"Mate?"

She blinked and stared into his eyes. Love shone there and her remaining fears faded away, at least for the moment. Jewels was more than happy to let them go.

"Better now?"

"Yes."

"Good, we need to talk."

"I understand. Let me get dressed."

Dex purred and she shivered. He was stirring up her passion. If it was meant to distract her, then it was effective.

"Maybe I like you this way," he teased. He trailed his tail down her hip and she gasped.

"Dex...,"

"I shall behave. Go, put your clothes on. I shall bathe and then update you."

He opened his arms and Jewels reluctantly moved away. Dex grinned and glided to the bathing room, making sure she got a good look at his body.

The door closed and she let out a breath. He really was overpowering at times. Jewels took her time getting dressed. By the time she finished, Dex was done and waiting. She joined him at the small table and grabbed the fuzzy fresduraz fruit from the basket and took a bite.

"My father revealed to me after today's meeting that Rialla, my father's mate, has been removed from her position as Queen."

Jewels paused mid-bite to regard Dex. When she'd first come aboard, Dex had mentioned Rialla only once before in passing. She had been curious and tempted to ask more but his tone at that time, when he mentioned the Queen, was full of disgust and fury. She had chosen not to pursue the topic. Again, his tone was like that time. She decided to let him say all he needed to before she asked any questions.

"Because of this, my father is going to step down as King and start the process of having me succeed the throne."

Jewels blinked and slowly put the fresduraz down. Was he saying what she thought he was?

"Dex?" She didn't try to hide her confusion. "Be blunt. What does this mean for us?"

"Mate, it means that once we get to Felinia, I will become King, and you, my Queen."

"Oh boy," Jewels whispered. A host of insecurities rose up and she hastily tamped them down. She couldn't afford to address them at the moment. Queen? She was having a hard enough time being a Princess. Yet, her mate sat across from her telling her that she was about to become a Queen sooner than she thought was possible.

"Do not fret, Mate. We will be fine. The process to succeed the throne takes a whole year once it is initiated. You will have time to adjust and learn our ways."

That was a small relief. Yet, Jewels didn't know if it would be enough time. She was a fast learner, but not that fast. Could she really do it? And how would that work anyhow? She had no teacher.

"Mate, your mind is fascinating when you are thinking. As I said, do not worry. The next thing I wish to discuss should put your mind at ease."

"And that is?"

"You no longer have to deal with Nala. Father has removed her as your adviser."

Jewels smiled. "That's great news! You always save the best news for last."

"I know," was his smug reply.

She laughed. One problem down and a million more to go. But she was thrilled. Nala had been such a thorn. Maybe now her life could improve and progress be made. She resumed eating, overjoyed that fate was seeing fit to be kind to her for once.

"Oh, tomorrow there is someone I want you to meet. But for now, Mate, let's enjoy dinner."

"That sounds like an excellent plan to me, Dex."

Content, Jewels happily enjoyed her meal and, later, showed Dex how much she appreciated his news.