Hard Aliens

Also by Jaide Fox

Beastmen of Shadowmere

Marked by the Beast

Surrender to the Beast

Beyond Human

Renegade

Captured by Aliens

Alien Disruption

Alien Resistance

Mating Heat

Mating Rights

Bear Trapped

Star's Fall

Bear Down

Shadowmere Legacies

Blood Fever

Surrender to Aliens

Warrior's Embrace

Rebel's Touch

Captain's Deception

Warsong's Kiss

Standalone

Archangel

Trained for Pleasure

Earth Girls Aren't Easy

Wicked Ménage

Wild for Shifters: Wolves

Mating Heat

Ravenous

Alphas Take Flight

Hard Aliens

Wild for Shifters: Cats

HARD ALIENS

And Future Tales

Jaide Fox

SPECIAL EXTENDED PREVIEWS OF CAPTURED BY ALIENS BOOKS ONE THROUGH FIVE

AND

BONUS sneak peek of Shadowmere Legacies Book Two: HEART’S PREY

Interstellar Mayhem Book One

StarCaught

Copyright by Jaide Fox

Cover Art by Eliza Black, © copyright May 2014

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Chapter One

W hat the fuck was that ? Tor Severian demanded groggily as the scream of metal reached the cock pit and the ship shuddered.

What? Kerel, who was piloting the sleek sports rocket, asked irritably, juggling his drink in one hand and the steering controls in the other.

He missed it by a mile, Hauk said.

Missed what? Bradan and Galan asked in a chorus, sitting up from their sprawl on the floor.

At just that moment, the computer burst loose with a loud squawk, Warning!  Warning!  The hull has been breached.

Dammit, Kerel, Tor said angrily.  I thought you told me you knew how to drive this model.  Now you’ve screwed up my brand-new space rocket.

Hauk spoke up, He does.  I just bet him he couldn’t get through that meteor belt without hitting anything.  And he said he could.  It’s his fault.

I can fly this thing blind, Kerel boasted, using one finger to push the wheel around.

Yeah, but can you fly it blind drunk? Tor asked, standing, clutching his head with a loud groan before collapsing back down on the bench.

You’re one to talk.  If you hadn’t been so determined to drink everyone under the table and passed out, I wouldn’t have to be driving this thing.

Warning!  Oxygen levels are dropping, the computer interrupted cheerfully.

Tor got up and looked blearily at the gauges for several moments.  Oh shit.

Famous last words, Hauk said.

Shut the hell up, Tor slurred.  We’re in trouble guys.  We’re going to have to set this baby down and do some work on it.  Get up, Kerel, and let me see if I can find some place to set her down.  Tor pulled Kerel out of the seat.

Kerel staggered away, slinging brew off his hands.  Hey!  You made me spill my brew!

Warning!  Oxygen levels have dropped to 80 percent.

Shut up, Tor said to Kerel, looking owl-eyed at the sticky controls, now dripping brew.  After a moment, he decided he wasn’t currently in a state to fly it.  All right, who’s the soberest?

A ten-minute argument ensued while they discussed who was the drunkest.  Tor was getting irritated.  He’d lost his buzz.  All right, Dammit.  Who just woke up?

Galan and Bradan raised their arms weakly.

Tor pointed at Galan.  Okay, ‘cause you passed out before I did, you had at least thirty minutes to sleep it off.  Have a look at the map and find us some place to put this down.

Warning!  Oxygen level has dropped to 70 percent.

But this is uncharted space.  Remember, we took the shortcut? Galan said.

Shit! Tor said.  Computer, would you shut up the warnings already.  We heard you.  Do something useful.  Find us a place to set down.  Bradan, find something and stuff it in that breach so the computer can think of something besides the hole.

Like what? Bradan asked, rubbing his eyes and then looking around the small cabin blankly.  Empty brew cans rolled across the floor as the ship swayed.

I don’t know.  Stuff a sock in it, Tor said irritably.

Bradan struggled to his feet and went to the door, pulling on the lever, but the door didn’t budge.  He grunted, pulling on it several times before giving up and looking back at Tor.  Door’s stuck.

Tor rolled his eyes.  Computer, open the door.

I’m sorry, the outer chamber has been compromised.  If I open the door, you will all implode, computer said cheerfully.  I am not allowed to do anything that would harm life.

Great, just great, Tor grumbled, rubbing his hands over his face.

Hey, Tor.  I think I found something.  Does that look like a hunk of metal to you? Hauk asking, pointing out the front panel.

Everyone rushed to the windows and plastered their faces to the glass.  The ship chugged over what looked like a mangled wing piece.  Sailing onward, they passed another.

Tor grinned.  We’re saved!  Where there’s trash, there’s life.  Follow that junk, Galan.

After a few minutes, a bright blue planet swirling with atmosphere came into view.  Tor stood imperiously at the prow, his hands on his hips.  Maybe it was the decreasing oxygen that had sobered him up so quickly.  Computer, scan for vitals.  Can it support life?

Scanning now.  The atmosphere is a combination of oxygen—

He didn’t feel like listening to a list of vitals.  They didn’t really have much time.  Can we breathe it? Tor interrupted.

Yes.

Hot damn! Galan and Bradan shouted in unison.

Are there women, computer? Bradan asked, rubbing his hands together excitedly.

It appears females outnumber the male species on this planet.

Whoo hoo! Bradan yelled.  Kerel released a triumphant war cry and coughed on the last sip of his brew.

All right....  Tor rubbed his jaw thoughtfully.  Computer, download languages into the translators.  Galan, set us down some place ... balmy.  And we probably need plenty of cover.  It’s too much to hope stealth mode is still working.

Uh ... it’s all I can do to steer this thing.  The play in it’s a bitch.

That’s because we’re dragging half the galaxy with us, Tor said, angry that his buddy dared to disparage his baby.

Kerel, who was standing beside him but apparently not keeping up with the conversation, nodded drunkenly.  I could use some sun.

Hauk laughed.  Your pasty ass needs it, Kerel.

Stop it, Kerel said, frowning, looking down at his mysteriously empty brew container.  You should talk.  You’re almost as white as I am.

I’m blond.  I’m supposed to be—you don’t have any excuse, Hauk said.

You two are making my head pound again.  Kerel, you’re not going anywhere.  You fucked up the ship, you get to fix it, Tor warned.  Galan, get us the hell down there before I kill these two.  I think the depleting oxygen is killing brain cells.

Galan grinned, saluting.  Yes, sir.

And hit that button right there, Tor pointed at it.  Federation knows we don’t want some heathens shooting our asses out of the sky.

THE SUN WAS HIGH IN the sky when dirt flew from the ground in a fine spray of grit and grass.  The earth depressed under a heavy, unseen weight.  There was a whining hiss of steam, and then a door appeared from nowhere, folding outward to become a thick, planed ramp.

Five men stumbled from the dim interior, blinking at the bright, summer sun.

Sweat popped out instantly on their skin.  A cacophony of irritating chirps started up from deep in the surrounding woods.

Tor grimaced, looking around.  You landed us at a swamp, Galan.

Galan shrugged, stretching, then rubbed his stomach lazily.  You said some place balmy.  I was going by the temperature gauge on the ship.

Tor grunted, rounding his shoulders to ease the kink in them.  Well, get to work, Kerel.  I’d like to get back to my break this millennium.

I can’t even see the ship.  How’m I supposed to work on it in stealth mode? he asked irritably.  He was always irritable.  Kerel seriously needed to get laid.

Same way you get around with your head up your ass, Hauk said, laughing.

Kerel frowned when everyone joined in.  Yeah, yeah.  Laugh it up.

Tor chuckled, hitting the remote.  The air flickered, wavering, and the ship flashed into view.  I suppose it’s safe, since there doesn’t seem to be anyone around this federation forsaken place.

Thanks.  A lot.  Kerel grumbled as he went inside to look for tools.

Wonder what the locals look like, Bradan mused, laying on the grass with his legs crossed.  Galan laid down next to his brother, falling asleep and snoring almost immediately.  Bradan swatted an insect from his arm.  They have blood suckers.  Better turn on your protective fields.

Damn thing makes my hair stand on end, Hauk muttered, switching his on.  Sure enough, his hair rose off his forehead and frizzed.

Kerel came back out, arms loaded with brews and tools.  He drank half of one before pulling the welder out.

I never thought you one to worry about how pretty you look, Hauk.  Think you’ll see some action here? Tor asked, grinning as he switched his protective field on too.  He popped the top on a brew and took a long swig, passing the remaining brews to his friends.

I can hope, Hauk muttered, taking a brew for himself.

For all you know they’re covered with hair, smell like fonktol droppings, and have two pussies apiece.

Two wouldn’t be so bad.  Gives me ideas.  Hauk chuckled, waggling his eyebrows.

You ain’t got enough to satisfy one, Hauk, Kerel piped up from under the hull, tinkering with the welder to get it started.

You been checking me out, Kerel?  I didn’t know you swung both ways.

Ha ha.  That’s all I’m saying.  Ha.

By the Federation, I hope they’re not that ugly.  I haven’t seen a woman in..., Bradan trailed off, frowning as he counted his fingers.

Since we left.  And it hasn’t been that long, Tor finished for him.  You’re doing that wrong, he said to Kerel, pointing his brew at the hull before taking a sip.

Yeah, Hauk piped up.  You’re holding it backwards.

Kerel turned it around.  He blinked up at Hauk.  "No, it goes the other way.  Maybe if someone wasn’t blocking my light...."

I don’t think so, Tor said, taking another swallow of brew, standing over Kerel.  The big end attaches to the ship.

Kerel grunted, swiping the back of his hand across his forehead, smearing a streak of dirt.  Do you want to do this?

I’m satisfied watching you.

Asshole.

That’s Prince Asshole to you.

He’s right, Kerel.  You’re never going to get the welder started that way.  Put it on the metal so it sparks a reaction.  Hauk pointed his toe at the rough edge of the hole, finishing off his brew and starting on another.

Shit! Bradan said.

What? Tor asked, turning around.

I spilled my brew.  Any more?

I don’t know.  Go inside and check the galley.

He stood and brushed dirt off himself before going inside.  A minute later he was back, white faced and wide eyed.  You won’t believe this.  He took a long breath, steadying himself.  We’re out of brew.

Huh?

No!

You’re shitting me!

The commotion woke Galan.  He snorted, coming up swinging.  Get off me fucker.  He looked around, confused when he didn’t hit an attacker.  Oh ... uh.  What’s going on?

Okay, don’t have a shit fit, everyone.  Did you check the cooling units and the cock pit? Tor asked.  You weren’t gone very long.

I used computer when I couldn’t find any.  She ran a scan and said Kerel took the last.

Fuck!  Hauk crushed the last brew container, tossing it into the ship.  That’s just wonderful.  First the ship, now no brews and no women.

It’s not like we’ll die without it.  Hell, that’s what got us in this fix to start with, Tor said, looking morosely at the empty brews.  It wasn’t that they habitually got snockered, but brew sickness would set in before long, and the only cure for brew sickness was more brew ... heaving his guts out held no appeal.  He brightened suddenly.  There’s civilization here, right?  Let’s go get some more.

My prince, I would follow you anywhere, Hauk said, grinning as he slapped an arm across his chest and bowed.

Tor pushed him up the ramp and kicked a foot towards his ass, missing.

What’s going on? Galan asked, swaying as he got on his feet.

We’re going to get you some fuel, fonktol, Bradan said, pushing him.  Galan pushed back, and they were soon on the ground, wrestling for dominance.

Tor rolled his eyes.  Get your asses off the dirt and get ready.  Let’s see what this planet has to offer.  Might as well enjoy ourselves while we’re here.

An hour later they’d showered and put on their best clothes.  Kerel was relegated to guard duty and fixing the ship.

This blows, he said.  "You know I don’t like working sober."

Whatever.  Don’t get any bright ideas and lose my remote or I’ll kick your ass, Tor said, handing Kerel the remote to the ship.

Galan had marked a city not far away, and they made their way to it in a short time. They kept their protective fields on until they reached the edges of town.

Hauk switched his off first.  This place is a dump.  No wonder they left trash in space.  It’s everywhere down here.  He kicked a crumpled wad into the path of an oncoming metal vehicle, watching it dance in the wind.

It’s a sign of higher life, Tor said, grimacing.

Not necessarily, Hauk muttered beneath his breath.

Hey, these surroundings remind me of those transmissions we received, Galan said, elbowing past his brother to Tor’s and Hauk’s side.  I wonder if this is where they originated from?

Tor looked around.  Metal vehicles zoomed maniacally past them on the road, held in check only by markings on the road and a short stone curb.  You have a point.  These vehicles look similar to those broadcasts.  It could be the same place.

Bradan whitened.  The area where we landed looked much like that study on recreation and mating.  What was it?  De-liv-er-an...?

We did fly over a river very similar and wide, Galan muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he looked around.

Do you think squealing like a pig is some mating call?  I didn’t watch the transmission after the dominant male took the submissive.  Tor shuddered.  He stopped, watching as a vehicle pulled toward a building and halted.  A man, similar in appearance to themselves, swung the door open and got out, giving Tor an appreciative look before going into the building.  Tor glared at him and the male looked away.  The males look much the same as we, but I like not how they look at us.  I think perhaps their males mate only with each other.  If this planet was seeded as our own was, something went awry.

Then it’s natural to assume females would too.  Go for each other that is, Hauk surmised.

"That could be interesting," Bradan said, grinning.

Get your mind off your cock, Bradan.  The females may have died out and the males resorted to each other afterward.  It’s happened on planets before, Tor said thoughtfully.  The males on Vulkahn are horny as two plebians in heat.  I’ve no doubt they would do the same until the species died out completely.

I think only Kerel and Bradan qualify as plebians, Hauk snorted.

Shut up, smart ass, Bradan muttered.

Do you think it was wise leaving Kerel alone? Galan asked.

Hauk laughed.

Kerel has all the weapons on board at his disposal.  Now, this building appears to distribute goods.  Hauk and I will go in to procure some brew.  You and Bradan, wait out here.

That’s fine.  I have to piss anyway, Bradan said, sauntering around the building.

Me too, Galan said, following.

Tor shrugged and opened the door, walking inside.  Hauk followed, examining shelves of brightly colored packages.

Tor turned to an elder man standing behind a counter.  He appeared to be in charge.  Where is your brew?

The man gave him a blank look, his mouth dropping open slightly.  Tor tried not to glare at him.  Would every male he encountered stare at him like some juicy piece of meat?

You don’t have your translator on, Hauk said, picking up a package and sniffing it.

Shit!  I forgot the universal language hasn’t reached this far.  Tor pressed the centerpiece of the necklace he wore before trying again. Where is your brew?  It garbled his words a few times before he finally managed to speak in a language the man understood.

The old man gave him a suspicious once over, making him feel immediately better about his sexuality.  Brewskies are over there, he said, pointing toward the back.

Hauk, keep your mind off your stomach and grab some brew.  Tor turned back to the old man, swaying a little from turning his head too quickly.

You smell like you’ve already had a few.  Against the law to sell to a drunk, he said, chewing a lump in his mouth before spitting into a cup.

What kind of barbarous planet was this?  Brew was for special occasions, though this man could not know he was on his break.  And he was not ... drunk?  I’m not snockered, he said, slurring the words.  Okay, perhaps he was a little.  Brew was notoriously hard to get out of the system.  He still had to look forward to brew sickness ... eventually.  He was feeling woozy, but he thought maybe the heat was just getting to him.

Hauk came up and set two sets of six brews down on the glass counter.  They looked like the ones in  the broadcasts he’d seen of ugly, squat, brownish creatures sitting in swampland spouting the name of the brew.  That only confirmed how strange these barbarians truly were.

You sure that’s enough? Tor asked.

Hauk shrugged.  Probably not.  The men here are puny.  But we don’t need any more brew.  I’ve about had my fill.

True.  How much? he asked the man.

Sixteen bucks.

Tor blanched.  For brew?  He fished around in his money pouch and withdrew a credit disk, slapping it down on the counter.

Don’t take no credit cards in here.  Checks neither.  Cash only.

Tor frowned, slipping the credit disk back in his pouch, and pulled out a handful of fed-units.

The old man’s eyes gleamed.  Y’all ain’t from around here, are you?

No.  We’re from Vulkahn, Tor said absently, counting out his fed-units.

That’s what I figured.  I know all about trekkies.  My daughter’s one.  These real?  He picked one up and bit it.  Tastes like it.

Tor and Hauk gave him a disgusted look as the fed-unit came away with a brownish coating.  Of course, they are.  This enough for the brew?

He snorted, laughing.  Looks good to me.

As they turned to go, a whining blip ruptured the air.  Tor and Hauk nearly jumped out of their skins.

What the hell was that? Hauk shouted, grabbing the brews as he led the way outside.

They rounded the corner just in time to see Galan and Bradan—their hands bound behind their backs—being stuffed inside a metal vehicle with red and blue flashing lights atop the conveyance.  A man in dark blue spared them a narrow-eyed glance before slamming the door and settling inside.

Fuck me, Tor muttered in stunned breathlessness.

Where do you think they’re taking them? Hauk asked Tor.

The old man had followed.  They’ve been arrested, numbnuts.  They’re probably taking them to jail.

Hauk gave Tor a look.  He didn’t need to say anything—they were both thinking the same thing.

They were in deep shit.

How do we get them out? Tor asked.

The man looked at them like they were fonktol brains.  You bail them out.  With money.  Not those.  He pushed the fed-units away.  You need to go to the bank and exchange the jewels for cash.

Where is this ... bank? Tor asked, stuffing the fed-units back in their pouch.

Round that way.  He gave them directions and they were soon off.

Tor only hoped this bank wouldn’t give them trouble with the fed-units.  So far, this planet had been worse than boring, and he hadn’t seen the first female to even make it bearable.  If Kerel didn’t get his sports rocket fixed....  His hands tightened with the impulse to strangle him.

The thought of no women alone was enough to sober him and foul his mood.  There damn well better be something entertaining here, he thought, trudging alongside Hauk.  Kerel and Hauk both needed their asses kicked for fucking around.

We could try breaking them out of jail, like in those ... uh ... Westens, Hauk said, as if reading his thoughts.

I see no cowboys here, though it’s almost dirty enough to be a Westen.  It could be amusing.  We might try that later.  I’m tempted to let them stew awhile for what they’ve done.

Who knew you could be arrested for pissing?

Who indeed.  This is a strange planet.  Similar to the transmissions, and yet much different, Tor said.  There’s the bank he spoke of.  Let’s get this over with.

Yeah.  Right.  I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Tor looked up at the faceless, glass facade.  You’re not the only one.

Chapter Two

Fridays were always hell—especially after five.  Everyone wanted to get their check cashed for the weekend, and their dispositions matched the work week they’d gone through—hellacious.  This Friday looked to be worse than usual.  The teller’s lines stretched nearly to the door, and cars rounded the curve outside in the drive-thru lanes.  The tellers were counting out bills as fast as they could.

Samantha Declan counted down the minutes, knowing she was going to have to stay late—again.

It was five minutes till closing when the man came in.  Though she wasn’t familiar with all the bank’s customers, she knew the moment he ducked through the door frame that he wasn’t an account holder.  As assistant manager, Samantha was instantly suspicious.  Beyond the fact that he was the next thing to naked in some sort of fitted jumpsuit—exposing his chest and belly in a deep scooped neck—his mannerisms were ... off.  He looked up at the ceiling, stumbling noisily over a ficus tree, righted himself, and walked staggeringly through the crowded lobby like his feet were too big for him.

Omigod.  Will you look at what just walked in!  Look at the chest on that man, Tammy whispered excitedly to Becky.

Shhhh.  Get back to work, ladies, Samantha cut off their tittering before it could get good and started, eyeing the man with a sideways glance of appreciation despite her suspicious nature.  Tall, dark, and handsome—he looked the epitome of a romance book hero.  She couldn’t tell much about his face from the distance, but it didn’t look like she’d have to wait long to see him up close.

He was headed straight for her and the girls.

The man pushed his way to the front of the line amid a chorus of angry mutterings and shouts.  The natives were getting restless and this man wasn’t helping matters.  Samantha glared at him.  She’d always hated line breakers.  She debated on putting him in his place, but wanted to see what would happen.

Hey!

Jerk! Wait your turn!

Back of the line, asshole.  We were here first.

Sam was actually amazed at how brazen they were, because normally a man of that size inspired fear in others—not daring.  And he was big enough he’d squash anyone he stepped on.

He pushed in front to Tammy, who smiled up at him, ignoring her next customer.  Sam gave her a warning look but Tammy ignored her.

Can I help you, Sir? she asked, smiling and batting her lashes.

I need ca-ash, he said, accentuating multiple syllables where there were none.  Sam wasn’t at a good angle to see exactly what he was doing, but she watched as he pulled something out of a pouch at his side and dumped it under the short window.  Tammy blinked down at it, looking confused.

She looked disappointed.  I’m sorry.  Uh.  You’ll need to speak to Ms. Declan.  She’s right over there.

He faced her, and looked her over like she was a piece of candy.  Sam felt a wash of heat run over her at the look he ran down her body.  Stupid.  She looked every bit a prude—men didn’t look at her that way.  Her suspicions raised again.  Sam narrowed her eyes and beckoned him toward the end of the counter.

He strode cockily toward her, and she resisted rolling her eyes.  He didn’t stop until his chest was inches from her nose.  It was completely hairless and gleamed like he’d been oiled down.  Sam blinked a few times and instinctively backed up a step, glaring up, up, up at him, immediately caught by the strange emerald hue of his eyes.  He arched one brow, studying the top of her head with a quizzical look.

Sam swallowed audibly.  Can I help you? she whispered, hooking one forefinger in her necklace as she always did when nervous.

His mouth quirked with amusement at the corners, and a dimple pierced his right cheek.  You are the first woman on this planet worthy of my attention, he said in a husky, intimate whisper that made her tingle all over despite better judgment.

Jesus.  He sounded like a fucking nut.  Or just a drunk.  Sam tried not to breathe too heavily, but he fairly reeked of a sweet, alcohol smell—like he’d imbibed too much of some fruity drink.  All the good-looking ones always had something wrong with them.  This one was probably a criminal too.

Sam cleared her throat, wanting to get on with it.  It’s almost closing time.  What can I do for you?

I have many pleasurable ideas, but alas, duty calls.  His deep voice held a hint of an accent, almost Russian sounding with a trace of something she couldn’t place.  I need ca-ash.  I have these to trade.  He turned slightly and pulled out a silvery pouch that matched his jump suit.  Jewels scattered over the counter, glittering in the florescent light like sparklers.

Samantha’s heart skipped a beat.  Huge blue diamonds, the size of her thumb pad and octagon cut, lay in abundance on the counter.  Her mind immediately raced to the jewelry heist that had happened a few days ago in Atlanta.  Blue diamonds had been part of the take.

There was only one way he could have this many blue diamonds.

He was a robber.

Tor!  What’s taking so long? a voice called across the lobby, cutting through the angry murmurs of the customers.

Sam glanced up, saw a second man standing in the doorway clutching two six packs of Budweiser beer.  He was blond and dressed similarly to the man standing before her.  He looked around the bank, casing it.  Sam’s nerves tightened as it occurred to her to wonder how dangerous the two might be.

Soon.  Come here, the man named Tor said.  Obviously an alias, for she’d never heard a more ridiculous sounding name in all her life.

Thinking fast, Sam put her hand up, halting him.  I’m sorry, Sir.  You can’t bring that in here.  I’ll have to ask you to leave, she said, and watched in amazement as he obeyed her orders, backing out of the bank in a rush like a puppy chased off with a broom.  For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out how these two had pulled off a successful heist from one of the largest jewel carriers in the state to start with, but she wasn’t about to let them take her bank.  Not while she was in charge.

Tammy, do you know if Mr. Ira updated the books today? Sam asked.

Tammy’s eyes widened at the code to hit the alarm.  I believe he did, Ms. Declan.

Good.  Now all Sam had to do was distract him long enough for the cops to arrive.  She might even get a raise for catching the thieves.  Wouldn’t that be nice? she thought to herself.

Sam glanced casually around the vault.  She didn’t know where the security guard was at the moment, but he’d come running as soon as he saw the sensor for the alarm.  Now, sir, it will take me a little time to figure the cost of these, and we’re about to close.  Can you stay while I check our books?

He nodded, propped one elbow on the counter, and leaned against it.

Samantha took one of the jewels and held it up to the light, humming and hawing.  He watched her closely, and her pulsed jumped under the scrutiny.  She continued playing with her necklace and studying the jewels in the light.

All of a sudden the blond man burst through the front doors.  Tor! he shouted, standing in the doorway and hopping from foot to foot.

Tor straightened and turned to him.

I’m sorry.  I couldn’t hold it any longer!  I pissed on the bushes outside and they’re coming to get me!  They must have some sensors or something.

Tor looked alarmed.  What?  Shit!  Let’s get out of here.  He scooped up most of the diamonds and stuffed them into his pouch.

She didn’t think—she just stepped in front of him and blocked his path.  He gave her a frantic look and tried to step around her, but she moved with him mindlessly.  Just then, the security guard came running from the back accounting offices, waving his gun around.

Hold it right thar!

Tor whirled around, his mouth hanging open.  Customers scattered like buck shot.

Samantha gasped as the guard pointed at the man and squeezed off a shot.

Tor yelped and threw his arms up.  Sam’s jaw dropped open as the bullet bounced off his chest and went careening into the ceiling through the chandelier.  Glass pieces tinkled and hit the floor like hail.  The guard fainted dead away and customers screamed and ran for the doors.

Sam froze in place, wide eyed.  Then she remembered who and where she was as the man pushed past her.

Stop!  You can’t go!  He didn’t appear to have a weapon, unless you counted big, meaty fists as one.  Samantha darted around him and pushed through the doors.  The cops were tearing down the street toward them, cresting the rise of the overpass.

She jumped up and down, waving her arms at them.   Here!  They’re here!

It only took a moment for the world to flip upside down.  Samantha’s stomach fell into her throat as her feet were dragged out from under her and she was whirled into the air.  She landed hard six feet in the air—on top of a shoulder as wide as her waist.

A hand dug into her ass, spreading her cheeks in a firm grip, and then started bouncing her up and down.

Sam gasped as the man ran down the street.  He’d kidnapped her!  She kicked her feet and pummeled his back.  The air bounced out of her lungs with each ground eating step he took, until it was all she could do to keep from losing consciousness.

She craned her head just enough to see the stupid cops rush into the bank and completely ignore the giant carrying her down the street.

They rounded the corner of the building and stopped, then she was miraculously dropped to her feet.

Sam sucked in a deep breath and screamed.  He clamped his hand over her face and she bit his finger.  Immediately, he released her, yelping in pain, and she screamed again.

He looked down at her in alarm, raised his right hand, and shot her a bird.  Peace, woman!

She stared at the giant black and gold signet ring on his middle finger before fury took hold of her mind.  She slapped his hand out of her face.  That’s not the fucking peace symbol!  How dare you!

He shot her another bird and waved it in her face so she could see it real good.  By the federation, I come in peace!  Peace, woman!  Ow, stop hitting me.

Sam pushed past him, but he grabbed hold of her blouse, ripping it as his fist tightened.  Sam dug her heels in, leaning forward, putting her body weight into walking away.  She continued shouting for the cops.  Help!  Here you stupid damn cops!  Here!  Fire!  Fire!

She dimly heard the zip of electricity, felt a shock on one ass cheek, and then she was falling face first toward the pavement and blackness.

TOR CAUGHT UP TO HAUK easily, despite the weight of the woman across his shoulder.

Hauk looked at her ass in alarm, at the possessive hold of Tor’s hand on her sitting cheek.  They ducked into a doorway as the blip of the flashing metal vehicles neared.  "I’m glad to see there are women here, but why did you take her?"

She wouldn’t shut up.  I didn’t have a choice.  Those men were coming to arrest us for you pissing on the bank.  Tor checked to make sure it was clear.  It was, and they started jogging again.

Hauk kept in step with him.  Aren’t we in enough trouble already without bringing more along?

Tor spared him a glance.  I thought that was the whole point of taking break.  To get into trouble.  I’m sure that’s why you suggested the shortcut that got us into this shit to start with.

Hauk grinned, but it was wiped clean as they heard more whining blips.  Better move faster.

Agreed.  We should split up to make it harder for them to catch us.  I’ll meet you back at the ship.

Hauk nodded and darted away.  Tor secured the woman on his shoulder and chose a path through the dirty, narrow alleys.  He moved through the maze-like passages until he couldn’t remember which way they’d come originally, but when the sky started getting dark, he finally found the original road they’d come across, and followed it out of town.

It was nearly full on dark by the time he got back to the ship, and in the dwindling light, he could see the hole had been patched almost as good as new.

Kerel!  You won’t believe it.  I found a woman, he said boastfully.  Tor raced up the ramp and went to his cabin, locking the woman inside.  Kerel?  Hauk?  There was no one on board.  Computer, where is Kerel and Hauk?

Hauk returned but left again with Kerel.

Dammit.  Where’d they go?

They did not inform me of their destination, but they left forty two minutes, and thirty nine seconds ago.

Shit.  This is just wonderful.  Tor rubbed the stubble on his face.  There was nothing to do but wait for them to come back.  He’d have to think of some alternate way to retrieve Galan and Bradan once Kerel and Hauk returned.

Until then, there was always the matter of the woman.  Tor went back to his cabin and cautiously slid the door open a crack, peering around it.  She lay in a sprawl on the middle of his bed, exactly as he’d left her.

The stun must have been set too high, or else these creatures were too delicate.  That seemed more likely.  The woman was puny.  And the people dressed strangely here, as though they were ashamed of their own bodies.

Locking the door behind him, Tor walked into the room and sat down on the edge of the bed.  He pushed gently at her leg, and it rolled back in place.  She wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

She looked close enough to a Vulkahn, despite her diminutive size, and he admitted her smallness made her seem fragile, in need of protection.  Just looking at her fired a desire to protect her and hold her close.  A laugh it was, that thought.  The woman was much stronger than he would have guessed and would take the hide from his bones if she knew his thoughts.

He looked at the rip on her top, exposing one creamy shoulder in a jagged line.  He pushed his finger in the rent, touching her skin in one long stroke.  She felt as smooth as a Vulkahn woman, perhaps even smoother.  The fastenings that had held her top closed were all but gone—only two near the bottom remained.

He might as well divest her of the torn, flimsy garment.  It did no good to her as it was.  Slowly, quietly, he popped off the round fastenings with his fingernail and parted the top, exposing a taut belly and a small shallow hole not quite a hands width above her skirt.

He was intrigued by the hole, and rounded one forefinger around it, wondering how she’d gotten such a strange scar.  Tor wondered what other differences her body held from their own.  For purely scientific research, he thought he should find out.

Laying the top open, he bared her breasts.  His cock jumped instantly to life to see the rounded globes harnessed and bound in sheer material.  He brushed his thumbs across the dark circles of her nipples, gratified to watch them harden beneath his touch.

She moaned softly, stirring on the bed.  He halted, stunned, watching her response.  Experimentally, he touched her again.  She arched slightly into his palms.  He groaned and pinched the buds through the fabric, and she sighed breathlessly.  Here she was akin to them.  But what of the other? he wondered.  Determined now to see this through, he released her breasts and took hold of the length of her skirt, drawing it up her parted legs.

Tiny bumps prickled her legs as he exposed her to the conditioned air of the cabin.  His mouth grew dry at the perfect whiteness of her skin, the turn of her calves, the musculature of her thighs.  He drew it up completely, until the skirt bunched around her waist and he saw her womanhood.  A small scrap of sheer fabric covered her mound, and he could see she was devoid of hair, unlike their own woman.

Hot blood rushed from his head into his cock.  The shadow of her cleft taunted him.  Without thinking, he snapped off the tiny covering, baring her completely to his eyes.  He drew a finger down her naked mound, up the other side, shuddering to control his response.  To better his view, he knelt on the floor and spread her legs wide apart, smoothing his hands up her thighs.

Science took precedence, after all.

She stirred again from the cold, but he took no note, leaning inexorably forward.  She smelled sweet, and his mouth watered with the thought of finding out if she tasted as good as he thought she would.

SAMANTHA WAS HAVING the best wet dream of her life.  She drowsed, trying to hold the sensations, keeping her eyes closed and her body relaxed.

Fingers massaged her thighs all over, moved to part her folds to the cool air.  An inner heat warmed her, suffused her body with intoxicating arousal.  She heard the soft groan of a man, felt the rumble of his breath against her pubic mound—hot and moist.

It seemed to light a fuse in her body.  Her blood began to simmer, bringing her to the edges of consciousness.  Her labia sensitized to the slightest touch, her skin tingled with awareness, demanding to be touched.  A finger parted her moist folds, exploratory but knowing right where to touch.  Her clit throbbed, pulsing with each teasing pass of his finger.

She felt engorged and sensitive straight down to her toes.  Each brush of his finger down her slit had her pussy spasming near bliss.  Her clit hardened painfully, throbbing between her legs to the rapid beat of her heart.

The sliding movement halted, changed.  One thick finger dipped inside her, and her muscles clenched instinctively around it.  It thrust into her deeply, curling into the ridges just inside her core.  Sam whimpered on the hot, aching lust that reverberated through her body.  Her juices surged as he plundered her, thrusting in and out with a master’s hand and delightful torment.

This time she’d climax, by god.

She kept her eyes closed, willing the dream to continue, willing the finger to move faster, to touch her more.  Never had it been so vivid.  Suddenly something hot and wet closed over her clit ravenously, and she knew immediately this was too intense to be merely a dream.  It had been idiocy that had allowed her the pretense this far.

But she was too far gone to stop—too needy to do anything but beg him with her body to continue.

Sam moaned softly, her breath hitching in her throat as a rough tongue stabbed her clit then rubbed against her.  An animalistic growl vibrated against her soaked mound as his tongue pushed against her, lathing her flesh with molten, wet kisses.  She nearly came off the bed when he thrust a second finger inside her, thicker than any man she’d ever encountered in her limited experience.  Her tender tissue parted under the onslaught, stretching to the brink.  Her body screamed with jolting, mind numbing pleasure.

He seemed not to notice her reaction, her breathy panting, the spasming, jerking movement of her legs.  Sam curled her toes and fingers, digging into the soft surface she lay on.  He flicked his tongue faster, spurring a response deep in her core.  His teeth lightly scraped the hard ridge at the base of her clit, then he pulled at the hardened nub with his lips, nibbling, suckling.  His alternating nipping and sucking was driving her crazy.

She debated on stopping him, knowing in her heart this was the man who’d kidnapped her, threatened to rob the