Gaelen Brecca and Leax Ilan are sent to retrieve their leader's errant bride. Because of the stubborness of the princess and an attack by enemy Raiders, they end up taking Earth woman Madison Marquette along as well. They are enchanted by her beauty, her bravery, and her wit. She might just be the woman these bond-brothers need to complete their triad.
Madison has lived an adventurous life... vicariously through the wild tales of her best friend, tales that Madison has turned into sci-fi romance novels. Grabbing onto the opportunity to truly have an adventure, she is stunned to find lust and love as well. She must overcome her natural tendency to look for safety and make a life for herself with her two alien lovers. Can they secure her sensual surrender?
~ * ~
Gaelen rested his hand on the tranq pistol he had tucked into his utility belt. With an inward curse, he knew he could use it only as a last resort. The royal bonding was to keep the peace between the peoples of Reivas and Talar. Should he in essence kidnap the princess and take her back to his cousin against her will... Well, wars had been started for less grievous offenses.
He could faintly hear the voice of the Earth woman in the other room. Because of the translation device all Reivans had implanted, he knew she spoke to her father, her voice strained as she called him 'Dad'. It would be best if they left before she rejoined them. "Princess Juliska--"
"Do this one thing for me, Lord Brecca, and I will go quietly." Juliska's voice remained soft, serene. "Happily, even. Bring my friend along so she can attend my wedding, then bring her back home again." The knowledge that she had him ass-up over a barrel was in her tranquil gaze. "It's a simple enough request."
"It's not that much of a burden, Gaelen." His second-in-command and bond-brother, Leax Ilan, stepped to his side. "The Earth woman would be good company for the princess."
And would, therefore, keep Juliska out from under their feet. But it rankled, having his actions dictated to him, especially by a spoiled princess. He started to respond but was interrupted by a beep from his communicator. He pressed the comm pip on his collar. "Brecca."
"Lord Brecca, we've just picked up another ship coming into range, fast." Chardon's voice was tight, telling Gaelen without words this was no ordinary ship. "They're out of hyper speed and will be at your location in approximately three minutes." He paused. When he continued, he spoke quickly. "Looks like Raiders, my lord."
"Raiders." Leax's voice held the same urgency as Chardon's. "Gaelen, we need to go. Now."
"Oh, no." Eyes wide, the princess put one hand to her mouth.
They had run out of time, and choices. If they left the Earth woman behind, the Raiders would take out their anger at missing the princess on her. "All right." He looked at Juliska. "Go get your friend."
She nodded and ran down the hallway. Within a few seconds, she was dragging her friend--Madison--back into the open living area. "But I haven't had a chance to pack anything," the woman protested. "And I need to change. At least let me put on some shoes."
Gaelen's gaze tracked over her bare feet with their toenails painted a bright pink, up long, long legs hidden from view at mid-thigh by the skirt of her flowered sundress. She looked more than fine to him. She looked...beautiful. He was about to tell Juliska they had to hurry when she spoke.
"We'll get you something to wear on the ship. There's no time," Juliska said as the woman started to argue. The princess's voice was tight with worry and fear. "These Raiders are not the kind of people we want to wait around for."
Gaelen heard the thud of boots outside. With a scowl, he pulled his weapon and saw Leax do the same. "Too late, Princess. Get your friend behind there," he said, pointing to the sofa, "and stay down." To his bond-brother he said, "Set your weapon on maximum stun."
He and Leax took position on either side of the front door. The door burst open and the first three Raiders inside the house were quickly stunned into unconsciousness. Then he and his bond-brother had to duck for cover.
Weapons fire lit up the room for several minutes. Gaelen concentrated on trying to take out two Raiders to his left, and from his peripheral vision saw Leax firing toward the back of the house. Dammit. They'd come in from behind as well.
The princess screamed and he glanced around to see her wrapped in a Raider's brawny arms. Pinned in place by well-aimed shots, Gaelen kept firing at the bastards. The princess kicked wildly, connecting with her captor's shins and making him wince, but otherwise having very little effect. Madison stood up, a long and rounded wooden stick in her hands. She swung at the Raider's head, grunting with the effort. The crack of wood connecting with bone was loud. The man slumped to the floor and lay still.
The two women dropped down behind the sofa. Blinking back his astonishment--and admiration--at the Earth woman's courage, Gaelen turned his full attention back to the Raiders, firing at them in rapid succession. The remaining invaders fell to the floor, stunned to unconsciousness. He waited a few seconds and, once he was sure they were staying put, he jumped to his feet. "Let's go! Before they send reinforcements."
The two women came from around the sofa. Juliska's friend still had her hold on the wooden stick. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
She blushed and glanced at the princess. "We Marquettes are fighters." When Juliska laughed and hugged her, a relieved grin covered Madison's face and she mumbled, "Semper fi and all that shit."
Copyright ©2007 Sherrill Quinn. All Rights Reserved.
5 Hearts from Love Romances and More: "A futuristic story with a great plot, handsome, larger-than-life heroes, and a heroine who is lucky to get two men. What more could a woman want? What more could a reader want? This reviewer must admit that menáge stories are one of her favorites and this one was sensual, emotional and had this reviewer panting at the end. Ms. Quinn knows how to keep the reader’s attention throughout this thrilling story."
5 Hearts from the Romance Studio: "Anyone who likes a quick, hot read will like this story. Madison, Gaelen and Leax are richly described and the sexual tension adds to the dynamics of this short read. Convincing Madison that she can have both worlds is a job Gaelen and Leax are cut out for. The science fiction aspects of the story don't overwhelm the romantic side of it, but add to the reality of the situation. This erotic romp on the futuristic side is done very nicely."
Choosing Madison, part of Seasons of Seduction Volume 1 - available at Ellora's Cave!
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