Alien Captain's Claimed Bride: A SciFi Alien Romance Read online

  “Tell them to gather their things and get back here within the hour. I’ll send several shuttles to ferry them to our ships. Can you handle separating the women into groups and relocating them to the three ships? I don’t want any one vessel to be burdened with caring for all of them at once.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a particularly difficult task. I know which ones get along and which ones don’t. I will see we have stable groups for each ship and get them moving as soon as possible.”

  “I’m certain the two remaining captains will be in contact with you. They don’t seem to leave anything to chance when it comes to women.”

  “Thank goodness for small mercies.”

  When the woman turned to execute her newly assigned duties, Stacy remembered something important. “Make sure they get sent to medical for health scans, and they each get a neural upload of the translation program. I doubt that will be available on the new ships, so you will have to make sure it’s distributed from the Raspian.”

  Flashing a pleased grin, Riya replied, “Yes ma’am, I’m on it.” Practically running, she rushed over to the group of women with her long braid dancing behind her. She quickly gathered them into a huddle and began organizing the move.

  Stacy looked around for Meric, finding him standing against the back wall along with several other Draconian warriors. They look like gigantic statues, but she’d seen them do that before. For whatever reason, they took standing guard over women pretty damn seriously. Closing the space between them at a slow run, she watched him step out to meet her.

  “I guess you heard that they all want to come. I tried to explain how dangerous it was, but they are totally freaked out about the Yuroba ship being almost blown apart.”

  “They are safer with us on a dangerous mission than aboard this ship with ineffective warriors protecting them.”

  Stacy chuckled. “Somehow, I figured you were going to say that.” Draconian warriors were nothing if not convinced of their own superiority in battle.

  Hid golden eyes flashed up to meet hers. “My words are pure truth.”

  “Yeah, I’m getting that. It’s weird that there are a hundred women on this ship. There were a hundred on the ship I got rescued from too.”

  “That is no mystery, my queen.” Glancing away, he spoke in a respectful tone. “Freight is usually batched in units of ten times ten hands. It the way of business in most sectors of space. Anything less is deemed a substandard offering.”

  Hearing the annoyed sound of her own voice, Stacy griped, “Thanks for that bit of enlightenment. Every queen wants to feel like freight.”

  Meric eyes found hers again. “It is the reason my people consider their lives forfeit. Our belief is that queens should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. To treat them like livestock to be sold to the highest bidder is an unforgivable crime in our eyes.”

  Getting ahold of her anger, she found herself becoming emotional. “Thanks for the explanation. We appreciate the consideration. My friend Riya is willing to take one of the ships.”

  “She is tiny, and not as bold as you are.”

  “She was smart enough to get the Yuroba to help her rescue a hundred queens and get them halfway to the Draconian home world.”

  “I will place her on the Raspian. I wish us to take the newer ship, which we have named in honor of you, in order that we might more easily interrogate our prisoners and search for clues.”

  “That sounds like a plan. I gave the women an hour to gather their things.”

  “I wish you to relocate to our new ship immediately.

  “I’m down with that plan. Have your men contact Riya. She’s going to sort the women and see they get to their respective ships.”

  Pulling out his communications device, he spoke softly into it. Having had the translation program inserted long ago, Stacy listened to him assign the various tasks needed to get the job done. The whole situation was getting to be surreal.

  7 Rally the Troops

  Meric

  On the shuttle ride to the new ship, Meric turned the situation with Queen Stacy over in his mind. Watching her hold court with the other queens was nothing short of fascinating. Though he knew she was a queen born of queens from her family history, nothing would have prepared him for seeing how effortlessly she assumed leadership over the other queens and how easily they followed her orders. Draconian queens would have fought to the death rather than accept commands from another queen. Queen Stacy of the Lionheart quickly gathered them and appointed queens to the other ships like it was nothing. She made the entire process seem effortless.

  It was clear she had skills the other queens lacked. Among warriors, leadership was earned through battle. He had bested every warrior in his grouping in order to earn the title of captain. The challenges had gone on for almost a full lunar before they left Dracon Two. The other queens acquiesced to Queen Stacy because she was authoritative and they trusted her judgement. There could be no other explanation.

  “You seem lost in thought. Do you mind if I ask what you’re thinking about?”

  Meric froze in his seat, as the shuttle continued its course to their new ship. “Queens do not normally concern themselves with the internal musings of warriors.”

  Flashing him a quick smile, she responded merrily. “Humor me. I’m curious about you.”

  “I am no warrior to arouse the interest of a queen.” Snapping his mouth shut, Meric realized he was letting all his anxieties about queens overshadow his good judgement. “I was simply marveling at how the other queens so readily accepted your command.”

  “I suppose we have different perspectives on that situation. From my point of view, they were kind of running the show. I merely gave into their demands. Why would they fight me if they’re getting exactly what they want?”

  “You could have simply denied their request. They would have had no recourse but to stay aboard the Yuroba vessel.”

  Putting her data pad down on her lap, she sighed. “Among human women, we have a tradition of allowing the majority to rule. That’s why I asked them to vote. We consider that fair and reasonable. If I had tried to leave them behind, I’m certain things would have gotten ugly fast.”

  Unsure how to respond, he stated honestly. “Still, you handled the situation well.”

  “Thank you, Meric. Settling the women down is among the least of our worries. I’m more concerned about what we’re going to find on board our new ship. Do you think we have a chance of getting good intelligence from the few remaining Moltan crew members?”

  “I have been successful in the past. Though all species are unique, there are some biological similarities that make the process worth trying.”

  Her next comment convinced him that she had given the situation some detailed thought.

  “Depending on their crew positions, there is a good chance they don’t actually know any information of value.”

  “I have considered this as well. Our warriors have broken through their encryption protocols and are searching the Moltan database for clues even as we speak.”

  “If it’s true that a Draconian queen has found her way to our quadrant, I have to say this is probably one of the most important missions ever undertaken in this sector of space.”

  “This I know. It’s why I suggested we prioritize tracking down the rogue Moltan vessel. We have to make certain that doesn’t happen.”

  “I don’t feel like I’ll be much help to you. It’s unfortunate that Queen Hope isn’t here to assist you. She seems so much more familiar with the symbionts and how to fight them.”

  “I am the most capable commander in the fleet. If Dracon Two were assigning captains based on merit, it is probable they would have selected me for this mission. You are an educated queen born of a long line of queens. Whether or not you realize it, our combined skillset makes us eminently qualified to lead this mission.”

  “No one in their right mind would question your credentials. On Earth we have women in m
ilitary leadership positions, but they have a lot of training in warfare and military operations. I am a physician.”

  “We find that queens tend to rise the occasion. Human queens are flexible and dynamic in ways that warriors aren’t. Our leadership styles complement one another, each compensating for the other’s weakness. This will ensure we are a particularly effective leadership unit.”

  “I’m going to choose to believe that. Worrying about whether or not I’m up the task is distracting nonsense. I’m here and willing to step up, so let’s just go with it.”

  Practically glowing with pride, Meric found himself actually smiling. It was quite unseemly, but he couldn’t seem to stop. “That is the kind of wisdom we have come to expect from humans.”

  “I like seeing you happy. You’re an attractive man, and your smile makes you doubly handsome.”

  Glancing around to see if the other warriors were listening to their conversation, Meric was embarrassed to find that although his brethren were being discreet, they were definitely paying attention to Queen Stacy’s words. Wiping the smile off his face, he murmured. “My days of being a breeder are long past, my queen. There are many here who would welcome such a compliment.”

  “That’s the story of my life. Every single guy I’m not interested in has the hots for me, and the few who capture my interest don’t want to know me.”

  Shock made his wing base sting. It sounded like their new queen of queens was saying she was honestly attracted to him. Opening his mouth to object, he immediately thought better of it. The last thing he needed was for his subordinate warriors to think he was denying a queen his company. Yet, Meric found himself reluctant to jump into a relationship with a real queen again. Memories of being misused as a breeder were still too fresh in his mind.

  Fortunately, their conversation was cut short by the shuttle docking with the new ship. When they stepped out of the shuttle, about five hands of warriors were lined up to welcome their new queen. There was usually a ceremony to celebrate capturing a ship in battle and another for the ship’s maiden voyage. Naturally, finding out about their new queen’s heritage had the warriors excited as well.

  Leaning over, he whispered, “They will expect you to say words.”

  “A speech?”

  “Yes, to mark the occasion and energize them for the battle to come.”

  Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

  “That is all we will ever ask of you, my queen.”

  As she walked the line of warriors wearing her beautiful gown, their new queen looked every bit as regal as any he’d ever seen. Unlike their queens of old, she took the needs of her warriors into consideration when making decisions, and they only loved her more for it.

  She took a deep breath, and then her clear voice rang out in the large room. “Today Draconian warriors came to the aid of our allies, proving the Intergalactic Council made a wise decision by including Dracon Two as a member world. As is so often the case when one does a good deed, there are benefits to be reaped. Your valiant battle won our home world two worthy ships. Those ships will be invaluable in protecting our new home world and ensuring we have a means to trade with other member worlds. That you have chosen to name one of the ships after my family line is an honor to be remembered for all time.”

  Meric saw the impact her words had on the warriors. Their chests swelled with pride and their wings lifted. If only she knew how rare it was for queens to compliment their warriors.

  “We have also rescued one hundred queens, who were brides destined for Dracon Two. That means they were meant for you and your brethren. It is considered polite to introduce yourselves and give them a chance to know you. My best guess is that many will choose mates from among you. When our mission is finished, feel free to make offers of courtship. Just remember, much depends upon our ability to remain on task. We cannot allow this sector to be invaded by the symbionts. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can count on you all to remain focused on the task at hand. Remember, it is on days like these that real heroes are made.”

  Their new queen’s words hit their mark. The warriors were practically vibrating with pride and excitement. Their wings were now in the position best suited to battle and their horns were standing straight up. It was the traditional pose of warriors engaging in battle, one they tended to adopt when their battle hormones were raging. Perhaps her words had been a little too effective.

  Stepping forward, he wrapped a wing around her and spirited her away from the throng of preening warriors. “You did well, my queen.”

  Peering up at him, she seemed unsure. Pulling her close, he tucked her head under his chin and hid her beneath his wings. “I know the warriors seemed aggressive, but you are in no danger from them. This I promise you.”

  “Sorry about that. I’ll try to tone it down in the future.” Though she spoke, she didn’t remove her cheek from his chest. Meric could feel her burrowing closer. “You must be getting tired after your ordeal. I think you should rest while I interrogate the prisoners.”

  Sighing, she murmured, “I’m not sure I’m up to joining in on that particular duty.”

  “It is grunt work, nothing a queen should worry over. I will see to it and then immediately make report of my findings.”

  Nodding, she pulled away. “I suppose that would be best. Truth be told, I’m exhausted.”

  He took her to the spacious room his warriors had created for her. Meric found he was not thrilled with the accommodations. Aboard Draconian vessels, the queen’s chamber was massive. This room was large and airy but would be stifling for a queen who was used to having space to move around. Since reconfiguring the ship wasn’t an option at the moment, he said nothing. After leading his drowsy queen to the sleeping platform, he pulled off her gown and slid her, half asleep, between the sheets, wearing only the thin covering typically worn to cover the queenly treasures. He ran his hand—lightly!—over the swell of her hip. Her skin was lovely, smooth and soft. Something in his chest tightened to see her so innocent and vulnerable. Slipping off her shoes, he marveled at how small her feet were. She was weak in many regards. He saw that she was deep in sleep before he situated her coverings.

  After lifting a long dark lock of hair out of her face, Meric took a moment to enjoy her beautiful face. She had long lashes that formed little crescent moons when she closed her eyes. Human queens were small delicate creatures compared to Draconian queens. He supposed it was the lack of dragon DNA. Perhaps that’s why they were less aggressive as well. Taking one of her hands in his, he saw that her claws were unfit to offer a proper defense in case of an attack. She certainly didn’t have the huge claw on the top of her foot that enabled his kind to slash an opponent in battle. How did such defenseless creatures survive in the Universe?

  A little voice in the back of his mind whispered the answer. They chose strong warriors to protect them. His wings fluttered in surprise as he realized he was imagining himself in that role. Being housed in a nearby room and called upon to service her seemed illicit and thrilling rather than dangerous and something to be dreaded. Forcing himself to stand and move away, he reminded himself that queens were not to be trusted.

  8 Rude Awakenings

  Stacy

  Stacy was trapped in another dark nightmare. She was sitting on a cold metal floor, thirsty and always so hungry. Though Hope, Ella, and Riya tried to keep her spirits up, Stacy wasn’t used to adversity. The other three had either been homeless or impoverished before leaving Earth. Stacy had never known a day of want in her whole life, yet here she was sitting in an oversized cage along with the others after being abducted by slimy alien squid-like creatures.

  In her dream, she was still nursing her right arm after one of them had grabbed her with a sucker-lined tentacle. The viscous substance the creatures secreted smelled foul and was noxious to human skin, and the suckers burned little blistering rings into her skin.

  She was reliving the moment they dragged Ho
pe away and crammed her in an escape pod. Everything was moving in slow motion. The head squid dude was seizing her and trying to pull her out of the cage they were being housed in. Stacy remembered grabbing her friend and holding on for dear life.

  Pure blind terror rattled through her mind as she worried about what the slimy alien was planning to do with her. She held onto her friend, only to have Hope ripped from her arms. She felt hopeless and helpless watching them drag her across the room. Standing inside the cage, she screamed at the vicious alien to bring her friend back, but he didn’t listen. Hope had been jettisoned into space as a distraction, so the squids could make their getaway from a Draconian ship. She screamed at them until they poked her so many times with the pain prod she fell unconscious.

  One of them grabbed her shoulders and began shaking her. Shoving at the hands gripping her shoulders, she opened her mouth to scream. A deep voice sounded in her ears, reverberating through the quiet space.

  “Wake up, Queen Stacy. You are having a horrid dream. All is well. You are now with the Dracon. There is nothing to fear.”

  She jerked awake, and still half dreaming, scooted away from Meric, sitting on the edge of her bed. His golden hair was wet, and he had on a clean uniform. Stacy rubbed the top of her head and took a deep breath. “Is it morning already?”

  “Not for you. I was going to wake you to give report but you were sleeping so soundly, I decided to wait.”

  She lay back down and gazed up at him. “How long did I sleep?”

  “Not long. I managed to get relevant intel from the former officers and crew, and we are tracking the escaped ship even now. There is nothing we can do until we find them.”

  “Have you slept?”

  “No, I was planning to sleep for a few microns before going back to work.”

  Yawning, she covered her mouth with her hand, so he wasn’t seeing the inside of her mouth. In her still groggy mind, it seemed the polite thing to do. “Would you sleep with me? Maybe I won’t have nightmares if you’re here.” He’d say yes. After all, he’d held her in his arms today, sheltered her under his wings and said complimentary things to her. That was flirting, right?