My arms and legs were tingling, my vision much clearer.

  Vlanea rose to her full height. “Where did you get that?”

  “From Captain Hicks himself. You contacted him after we left, making certain he was aware we were on the way. You also supplied him with a portion of the controlled substance you were given to experiment on the human prisoners with, making certain they would succumb when the invasion started. You wanted to erase the majority of the human race with the exception of fertile females.” Fiona laughed. “I have to wonder what will happen when the Cenzan official you were working for behind Prince Drateq’s back finds out about your treachery. The question for me is why?”

  “You’re wrong about me giving anyone a sample of our greatest weapon. I am loyal to the cause. I am Cenzan,” Vlanea hissed as she walked closer. “You’re also wrong about the man you accepted into your bed. Shandar knew everything about what would happen on Earth after the invasion. In fact, he planned the majority of the mission with direct orders from the king. Why do you think he abducted you? Why do you think he lied about mating with you? He wanted your loyalty in order to make certain the formula was correct.”

  “I. Don’t. Believe. You.”

  Hearing the conviction in Fiona’s words, I knew she was protecting me with more loyalty than I’d ever known. “She’s not Cenzan.” The words were almost inaudible, but I was able to say them as I shifted, struggling to move to a sitting position.

  “Shandar!” Vlanea exclaimed.

  “What?” Fiona rushed to my side, her hand on my back. “Don’t push this. You’re not ready.”

  “She is a Sanzarkan, our mortal enemy.” I could tell Vlanea was crushed by my statement, could see the light of hatred fill her pupils. “Abducted as a child, brought to my planet.”

  Vlanea stumbled backwards, blinking several times. “I am Cenzan. I am…”

  “Then why betray us? Why?” I already knew the answer. “Because I couldn’t love you. Because I was already destined to mate with a human.”

  “You don’t know it will work. I mean…” Vlanea also knew the answer as well as the truth.

  “I am the first hybrid born of a human mother and Cenzan father.” Expressing the truth was less difficult than I’d imagined. “We invaded Earth determined to destroy the human race, to take their planet as well as their resources. When our attempt failed, several prisoners were brought back, kept, and experimented on, much like we’d done with many other planets including yours, Vlanea. Our attempts at finding a new home made us barbarians. My father fell in love with a woman, my mother. In that moment, he established our destiny. He learned about humanity and no longer desired to invade Earth. He was forced into the decision by a ruthless bastard hell bent on controlling every race, including your planet, Vlanea. What select few this man allowed to survive on Earth would indeed live like kings, controlling the galaxy from their lush perch.”

  “That can’t be. That just…” Vlanea sank to her knees. “What about Cenzan? Our home?”

  My heart was heavy knowing what would occur. “Cenzan will be obliterated. My father refuses to allow the minerals capable of more destruction than this poison to fall into enemy hands. He is a true hero.”

  Vlanea seemed to absorb the magnitude of what had and would occur, resigned to her fate. “What Logan gave you will be your death, my prince. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  I snapped my head in Fiona’s direction, searching her eyes, her mind. When Fiona pressed one hand against my face, the other against my chest, I read her thoughts.

  “You forget, Vlanea, I’m a healer. Not even Logan knew of my true capabilities. I trust almost no one,” Fiona said. “What Logan gave me was indeed a virulent strain of the poison you provided him, but he’d been correct about the Cenzan genes. Their bodies have been fighting off the effects of the poison just as the humans have. Only the Cenzan DNA was able to mutate, fight every strain. It was only a matter of time until this particular poison could no longer be effective. What I administered to Shandar merely expedited the process, as it will in every other Cenzan. I felt that with my hands.”

  I could hear activity outside in the corridor, sensed Kalek’s arrival. “Prepare another injection.”

  “I will,” Fiona whispered as she kissed my lips. “My prince.”

  Kalek was mostly carried into the room, Killer keeping him on his feet.

  “Kalek.”

  He lifted his head, some light left in his eyes. “The Comstars are close. They refused to heed my order.”

  “Let them come then take Chancellor Zatar to our prison quarters. He is under court-martial for the attempted murder of the entire human race.”

  “I’ll take care of that,” Killer offered. “I have some men I can trust. The ship is well out of range of Earth. At least I think I figured out what I was doing.”

  I nodded, finally able to move to a standing position. “No prisoners will be taken from this ship. They are now considered free men and women.” I watched as Fiona administered the serum to Kalek, proud of her strong will, her sense of character. She’d never doubted Kalek. “Thank you for your help, Lieutenant Michaelson.”

  Killer tipped his head, offering a slight salute. “You are welcome, Captain Drateq. I’m glad this shit is over.”

  While I knew there would be retaliation from the humans, I realized what had to be done. And in a little over twenty-four hours, Earth would become our home.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fiona

  I stood gazing at the stars, purposely no longer looking at Earth. There was no night on this ship, no day, just time and space. The hours spent providing injections to everyone on the various ships had been arduous, but there didn’t seem to be any aftereffects. I’d been received with respect, even honor in my task, allowing me to feel more at home. Home. I no longer knew exactly what that meant. I’d had time to reflect on everything I’d heard and while the stories seemed almost too farfetched to be real, I knew them to be true.

  Shandar and I might never know the reason for our intense connection, but the fact he was half human certainly played a part. Although he’d certainly taken after his father in every physical attribute. I pressed my fingers against my lips, my nipples hardening at the delicious thought. I was shaking with desire, a side effect, or so he explained, of my experiences with their cocks. I had no way of knowing whether he was teasing me, but given my pussy was wet and my breath short, I had to believe him. My prince. My lover. My mate.

  My master.

  One of three. While we hadn’t been able to spend much time talking, I knew more of what was expected of me, my mating requirements. Or as he explained, my nightly tasks. A laugh bubbled to my lips. As if I minded.

  I allowed my thoughts to drift to Vlanea. I’d only been able to speak to her briefly, but I knew what had occurred. She’d fallen into Logan’s web, a man promising to be everything then providing nothing while requiring his sadistic desires to be fulfilled. I hadn’t told Shandar that I’d been promised marriage or that Logan’s near violent breakup had crushed my spirit. Now, I knew why. Greed had been Logan’s true mistress, his yearning for power and influence pushing me aside. I’d been nothing more than his pawn.

  Much like Vlanea.

  I had no say in her punishment, although Shandar did listen to me and would certainly hear my thoughts. In my eyes, she’d already suffered enough.

  As far as Earth, well, the jury was out in my mind. I wasn’t privy to the plans Shandar had on either the invasion or his disturbing accusation that his father intended on creating a catastrophic event on Cenzan. What I did know is that the poison remained in several forms, a new cache of weapons capable of inflicting harm to millions. As far as the long-term effects on the Cenzan people, time would tell. Yes, their bodies had indeed developed their own antibodies but even I had no way of knowing if that could be reversed.

  I noticed the flashing red light and sighed. I’d been moved into more elaborate quarters, no longer locked behind closed doors. I waved my hand, the magic of whatever computer system they had recognizing my handprint.

  After the door slid open, Killer walked inside. He’d showered and changed, reminding me much more of a true commanding officer than the fighter in the Pen, wielding a mighty sword.

  “Hello, princess. I’ve come to take you to your destination for the evening.” He lifted an eyebrow as he studied my attire. “May I say that you are exceptionally beautiful.”

  The present from Shandar had been brought only an hour before, the exquisite emerald green dress sparkling even in the dim light.

  “Thank you and you sound more like a concierge and don’t call me princess.”

  His eyes twinkling, he moved closer, his hands together behind his back. “Ah, but it’s my understanding that after tonight, you will be a true princess, royalty. Still, a man can look and appreciate.”

  “But you can still call me Fiona even if I send you away for punishment.”

  He bowed his head. “You’re also a damn good fighter. Just thought you’d like to know.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you staying with Shandar?”

  Tilting his gaze, he shrugged. “Depends on what he does with Earth. Not that I have anywhere to go,” he said, laughing. “I do like his style. Bold. No bullshit. I’m not used to that.”

  “He is something special. I also wonder what he’ll do with Earth. Or at least all the men and women and the children.” I couldn’t help but grab another look at the magnificent stars glistening in the wide-open space. I wanted everything to remain the same, but everything had an evolution. This was Earth’s time, for the good or for the bad.

  “Don’t spend too much time worrying about the future. Enjoy the present. What I’ve learned about Captain Drateq is that he is a fair and honorable man. If we’d had that during these last fifty years or the hundreds of years before, perhaps humans would be worth saving, at least for more than mating. That’s about the only words of wisdom I can offer.”

  There was something special about this man, a killer turned compatriot. I closed the distance, rising on my tiptoes and kissing his cheeks. When I leaned back, he seemed honored. “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Lieutenant. You are brave and kind.”

  “Eh. Don’t tell any of the damn Cenzans. They need to think of me as a killer.” Grinning, he held out his arm. “After you, prince… Fiona.”

  The walk allowed me to find a center of peace. Killer was right. Shandar was a decent man, but he had every right to invade the Earth. That, I’d worry about later.

  “Enjoy your evening, Fiona, princess of Cenzan.” Killer backed away, giving me a genuine smile. The door opened almost immediately and for some reason, I took tentative steps inside. All three men were waiting and all three were utterly breathtaking. Their uniforms were entirely different than I’d seen before, various bold colors and insignias across their chests. Shandar’s was glistening with flecks of gold, his banners far outweighing in number that of Braga or Kalek.

  “Fiona.” Shandar’s deep baritone had the same effect as before, creating a wave of heat between my breasts and my thighs.

  I quivered as I walked closer, desire rippling through every vein, electrifying every muscle and tendon. I was weak in the knees, intoxicated from their exotic scents, drunk on the idea of sinful passion. I noticed gilded braiding on one of Shandar’s arms and in Kalek’s hands was a jeweled piece, almost like a cross but more incredible. Adorned with various sparkling metals, the gems in hues of crimson and sapphire, emerald and what looked like diamonds covered the entire piece, reflecting the light.

  Shandar took both my hands, bringing them to his mouth. His eyes were narrowed, reeking of his own lust and as he dragged his tongue across my knuckles, he grunted in appreciation. “My slave.”

  “Master,” I whispered, my breath scattered.

  “You need to wait until after the ceremony,” Braga cautioned, a twinkle in his eyes.

  Shandar’s eyes flashed and he tugged me closer, lowering his head and capturing my mouth. The kiss was different than before, a gentle testament to our commitment. Our tongues entwining, I drank in his essence, my inner thighs slickened from the effects of my burning desire. I wore no panties, no shoes, merely a dress meant for a princess.

  Breaking the kiss, he licked around my lips, dragging his tongue across the seam before fisting my hair. As he yanked back my head, exposing my neck, I clung to him, my fingers digging into the material covering his arms. I wanted him naked. I wanted them all naked.

  He mouthed my chin, my jaw, moving ever so slowly to my neck. His teeth dug in just enough I whimpered, my legs threatening to give out. He moved his fingers down until he cupped and squeezed my breast and the dazzling sensations rocketing through my body were stifling. I longed to have this man inside of me, burying his cocks into my cunt and asshole, taking what rightfully belonged to him.

  “I am your master,” he breathed, blowing a swath of hot air across my prickled skin.

  “Yes. Forever.”

  “And you will obey me at all times.”

  “Oh, yes, sir.”

  A slight chuckle, dark and dangerous, slid from his lips. He eased back, rubbing his thumb across my mouth. He reached beside him, lifting a jeweled collar, the colors dazzling even in the shadowed light. Braga took my hair from Shandar’s hands as my master slid the collar around my throat, securing it then standing back.

  “A perfect fit,” he murmured.

  “Let’s get on with it.” Kalek allowed the words to draw out, a slight hiss following.

  Shandar took my fingers into his, his expression turning serious as Braga placed the medallion across our hands. “From this day forward, you will be our revered mate, honored and respected among our kind.”

  I had no way of knowing what words were said as Kalek spoke in their language, finally placing his hand on top of ours. It was as if the medallion had a life of its own, the metal burning into my skin. When the three men who’d captured and conquered me, who now owned me lowered their heads in reverence, I could swear a single star grew brighter, twinkling in the distance.

  The majestic piece was removed and Shandar lifted my chin with a single finger, gazing into my eyes. In his, I witnessed a release as well as savage hunger burning within him, a beast ready to feast on his prey. As he slid the dress from my shoulders, pushing the material to the floor, I trembled, the longing becoming unbridled.

  Braga took my naked body into his arms, his arm behind my back, bending me over at a deep arc. His sounds guttural, he leaned over, sucking on my upper chest as his fingers pinched my nipple, twisting, turning, and pulling until I was breathless. The pain was delicious, sending a shower of electricity deep into my body. I felt a hand slide between my legs, cupping my bald mound, fingers slipping past my folds. I was already so wet, my pussy aching.

  Another hand found my buttocks, pushing apart my ass cheeks, the tips of fingers finding my asshole. “Oh… Yes.”

  Kalek lowered his head, finding my erect nipple. He began sucking and biting, his nubbed tongue swirling in aimless circles. I closed my eyes, falling into a heightened state of bliss as all three men fondled me, fingers pumping hard into my dark hole as another set flexed open, thrusting deep inside my cunt.

  “You will be disciplined daily,” Shandar whispered in an aggressive manner as he slapped his hand across my buttocks. Once. Twice. And again.

  “Yes, Master.”

  He smacked my ass again, the force pushing me up onto my toes. I wanted to be whipped like a bad little girl. I needed the connection, the reinforcement that I belonged to them. As Kalek rubbed his thumb back and forth across my clit until the tissue swelled, full of blood, he bit down on my nipple. The combination of pain and pleasure kept me on the edge, panting, ready to beg.

  “I can’t wait to suck on you, feast on your sweet cunt,” Kalek stated, his tone full of such command. He rubbed then pinched then rubbed again, the combination driving me wild.

  Shandar squeezed my ass cheeks before peppering my ass with hard strikes, one after the other. “We may keep you tied to the bed.”

  I purred, allowing the sound to become elongated. “Pleasing you. Sucking you.”

  “Mmm… Yes,” he whispered before thrusting several fingers inside my ass, still peppering my heated cheeks with almost brutal smacks, one right after the other.

  Kalek wiggled his fingers before removing his hand, drawing them in a circle around my lips.

  “Oh, God,” I moaned then licked his fingers, savoring my juice slickening his long digits.

  “You will be a perfect princess, a beautiful queen,” Shandar whispered into my ear.

  I was aware that Braga and Kalek had moved away, releasing their demanding holds. I reached back, throwing my arms over Shandar’s shoulder, clenching my ass muscles as he drove in harder, three fingers becoming four. I undulated, arching my back, trying to keep my balance and opened my legs.

  I felt Shandar’s hand cup and squeeze my breast as he finger-fucked me and I succumbed to the power of the man. I would submit in every manner to my masters.

  “Please fuck me. Please.” My whisper was hoarse, my throat parched.

  “Soon, little slave. Soon.” Shandar’s tone had dipped even further, the deep bass more animal than I’d previously heard.

  I was pulled toward the bed and tossed onto my back, my legs immediately lifted into the air. I felt pressure on the bed and as I looked up, seeing the sight of Braga’s cocks and balls hanging just inches away from my lips made my mouth water. My ankles were held together by one of Kalek’s massive hands as the first strikes of a strap were slashed across my upper thighs. The stinging was invigorating, curling my toes.

  Braga slapped his cocks against my cheeks before lowering his balls to my mouth. I wrapped one hand around the base of his nubbed cock as I dragged my tongue around his swollen testicles. The scent of his balls was musky, full of testosterone, and they were more swollen than I’d seen. Taking his smooth cock into my other hand, I pumped both, swirling my hand around his shafts, creating friction. I sucked on his balls, my tongue moving in a fevered motion.