Her Alien Bodyguard: The Guards of Attala: Book One Read online

  I hear footsteps coming up behind me, fast. I redouble my efforts, but there’s not a chance in hell of me outrunning him. My throat hurts from breathing in the cold air, and my lungs feel ready to explode. I reach deep, for one extra burst, but his foot clips my heel, expertly taking me down. Snow whips through my hair and melts against my face as I roll through a drift. He’s not about to give me a second chance to escape. He collapses to the ground next to me and quickly hovers above me, pinning my hands above my head and resting his weight on my legs just enough to keep me from moving. I feel vulnerable and exposed and panic starts to overtake me. The ferocious look on his face doesn’t help things at all. If I want to get my way, I’m going to have to start working with him, instead of against him. Sometime being flexible is the only way to stay alive. Time to change my approach.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Okay?” I stop struggling under him and relax into the snow. The cold creeps into my bones, in spite of my protective suit. He’s strong and enormous, and I feel a hint of genuine panic. “Please don’t hurt me.”

  He looks at my face, really looks at me, and he must see the fear there. He shifts his weight, not letting me go entirely, but no longer pinning me down with such force. “You have nothing to fear from me. I would never hurt my mate.”

  “I beg your pardon?” I must be going crazy, because I could swear he just called me his mate.

  “It must be a shock for you to find out like this, on top of everything else that has happened today. But it’s true. You are my fated mate, Diana. I can sense it.”

  “You’re sensing it wrong, Commander.” He releases my wrists and puts up his hands to appease me, but I’m not having it. I crawl back like a crab, trying to put space between us. “I don’t know what you’ve been told about Earth girls, but I didn’t fly across the galaxy looking for an alien husband.” The nerve of this guy. This big hunky muscular alien with his razor sharp jaw, sweaty chest, and enormous hard on that he thinks I haven’t noticed. I shake my head and try to shift my focus back to the issue at hand. “I’ve got a dozen things on my mind right now, and getting laid isn’t one of them.”

  “That’s too bad. I’m told the joining of mates is the most intense physical pleasure in this world.” He arches one brow.

  A little shiver of pleasure runs through me at the thought, but I’m determined not to let him see it. “It’s bad enough I’m being carried around like a sack of bricks by a guy dressed up in a futuristic gladiator’s costume. Now you want me to be your space bride? Read my lips. Not. Going. To Happen.”

  “You’re my fated mate, Diana. I can feel it. And I think you can, too.” His ocean blue eyes search my face for any sign of affirmation. And it’s true. When I stop talking and look inside myself, there’s something there. I do feel a flutter deep in my core when I look at the trail of hair staring at his bellybutton and disappearing beneath his breechcloth. I imagine his lips on mine, taking what he wants, as he tears my shirt open and frees my heavy breasts. Tugging at my erect nipples as his tongue invades my mouth, thrusting in and out in an obscene preview of what’s to come. My breath quickens and I lean in a little closer. Christ, I even like how his sweat smells. It must be a pheromone thing. But I’m not going to let him know that.

  “I don’t feel anything.” I reach out and brush the snow from my suit. I expect him to look upset, but he looks more amused than anything.

  “Then why can I smell your… arousal?” I can’t stop blushing, or keep a look from horror from creeping across my face. The look in his eyes turns primal, a hunger in his countenance, I realize it’s a hunger for me. “Do not be troubled. Your scent feeds my hunger for you. I ache to drop to my knees and feast on your sweetness.”

  It’s a good thing I’m not standing up, because I think my legs would have buckled. Even seated, I can feel the weakness in my knees. “I can’t help what you’re thinking or feeling, Commander, but I don’t share your feelings. I’m here for one reason: to complete my mission and save my home planet. You better keep your hands to yourself.”

  He rises to his feet. “Give it time, my mate, perhaps your feelings will grow.” He extends a hand and gives me an impish smile. “Now, I expect you to cooperate. If you do not, I can’t be held responsible for what might happen.”

  I take his hand and rise to my feet. I try to mask the emotions swirling through me with a show of bravado. “I suppose you’ll just throw me to the ground, tear off my clothes, and claim me as your ‘mate’ in the middle of a snowdrift? Because that makes perfect sense.”

  His expression goes dead serious and he moves into my personal space once again. “Sense has nothing to do with it, Diana. Claiming a mate is a primal urge all who live on Attala yearn to experience and struggle to control.”

  “Are you telling me you’ve never had a woman before?” I’m a little amused by the thought of this giant, sexy warrior being a virgin.

  “Of course not,” he says. “I experienced the pleasurable company of several women before I joined the guard. But to lie with one’s mate is an entirely different experience. It’s nothing to be joked about. Maybe some day you’ll learn that.” He guides me with a hand on my elbow and we move to rejoin the rest of the group.

  “Just remember, we’re never going to happen.” I’m impressed with how confident I sound. Because, even though it’s hard to admit, I’m not sure I want him to keep his hands to himself.

  FOUR

  DIANA

  THE REST of the journey is uneventful. I behave myself, as promised, but I’m scheming the entire time. Until we reach the city. And the wall.

  I’ve never seen anything like it, and it takes my breath away.

  At first, I think it’s an alien-made structure. But as we move closer, I notice there are no seams in the giant wall of rock that reaches high into the sky. I suspect they chose to settle near a natural defensive formation they molded to meet their needs. It’s as smart as it is physically impressive.

  The other warriors set Natalie, Mina, and Savannah down in the snow and retreat to the guard towers outside the wall. Apparently, they aren’t coming inside with us. I’m happy to be rid of them, but then I notice Commander Mallyk, who released me moments before, remains with us. He walks to Natalie, gently lifts her, and cradles her in his arms, like a groom carrying a bride over the threshold. Savannah checks her vitals. Mina just shivers in the cold and looks miserable as we wait for the mammoth gate to open and admit us.

  “Your men aren’t coming with us?” I watch as they disappear into the snow. It’s been a taxing day, and I can’t resist tacking on a snarky aside. “That’s such a shame.”

  “I am the only member of the guard permitted inside the city.”

  I step closer to his side and see that Natalie is unconscious. I’m glad. The foot journey to the city must have been hell for her. “Good, then let’s get my friends settled. Natalie needs a doctor. And I need to see the Minister.”

  He opens his mouth to respond, but his voice is drowned out by the thunderous creaking of the city’s gate being opened. I expect to waltz right into the city, but I realize my initial instinct was correct: this wall was carved from some sort of natural rock deposits. A crudely excavated tunnel runs underneath the stone and it ends at a giant wooden door that leads into the city. Commander Mallyk steps into the dimly lit passageway with Natalie, and Savannah and I follow him. It’s bigger than I initially thought, but when the outer gate lowers behind us with a mighty thud that shakes the ground, I still feel a twinge of claustrophobia. Luckily, we move quickly and the colossal inner door soon opens to admit us to the city.

  “I imagine you were expecting more of a reception,” he says as he leads us into the empty street. “The Minister thought it was best to limit the number of people aware of your visit.”

  In truth, I was expecting a little more pomp and circumstance surrounding our visit. But I’ve always dreaded that part of exploring, so I really don’t care one bit. “We don’t need chanting
crowds or festive parades. Medical attention for my crew and an audience with the Minister will be more than enough.”

  “Of course,” he says, and I get the feeling he shares my aversion to being the center of attention. “I have contacted the stewards, Captain, and they will be along shortly to aid with your arrival.”

  I look around while we wait. The city is not what I imagined. Our communications with the leaders of Attala took place in some sort of opulent compound. But when I step inside the wall, I’m assaulted by a dingy greyness. The tiny square houses that crowd the dirt roads are cobbled together from rough stones that look like they’re made from the same material as the wall. Scraps from when the wall was sculpted from a giant mountain of stone, would be my guess. It’s cold and dim, and I can’t tell if it’s from the shadow of the giant wall, or if the city dwells in permanent twilight.

  Mallyk interrupts my examination of his home. “You need medical attention, proper clothing, and a hot meal, but I assume you want to be taken directly to the Minister.”

  “You’re right, I need to see him right away.” He gives a half-hearted shrug; he already knew what my answer would be. But I know the relationship between our two planets is already off to a rocky start, and I need it to be a success. So I make a peace offering. “However, you’re also right about medical attention and rest. If you could make arrangements for us, I would appreciate it. I’ll join my crew as soon as I return.”

  “Of course, I’ll make sure they are looked after.” He extends his arm and motions down the road. Four men approach, draped in luxurious robes and adorned with gold finery. They move in unison, much like the men of the guard do. But these men are considerably smaller than their warrior counterparts. They look like normal human men.

  Mallyk addresses them in their native tongue, and they quickly escort my friends away. “They’ll be treated like royalty, as is custom among guests here.”

  “The Attalan hospitality I’ve witnessed so far has sure left an impression.”

  He tilts his head to one side and narrows his eyes at me. He throws his head back and lets out a long, loud howl of laughter that echoes around us. “Be glad you didn’t receive the traditional welcome from the guard. I doubt you would have survived it.” He motions for me to join him as he starts moving along the path, deeper into the city.

  It’s like traveling forward in time as we move closer to the city center. Everything becomes more modern and lavish the closer we get to the Minister. Half way there, we encounter a clear, opalescent wall. Mallyk walks easily through the shimmery barrier without a second thought, but I’m more cautious.

  “What is this?” I extend a tentative hand.

  “Nothing that will harm you. It’s a force field around the inner city that makes life more pleasant for the people who live here. It blocks out the electromagnetic storms, such as the one that took your ship down. Inside the dome is the only place where our technology works without fail. It also provides a barrier for any ill weather – it’s the only way we can grow food here, on such a hostile planet.”

  I close my eyes and walk through the protective dome. And then I smile. “You weren’t lying,” I say. “It’s at least 30 degrees warmer in here.”

  “The cold doesn’t bother me, but I’ve been told it’s quite pleasant in here.” He steers me to a wide staircase at the base of a giant metal and glass building in the shape of a globe. We start climbing together and he offers me advice.

  “There are some things you need to know about the Minister,” he says. “He is fair and just. And he’s been extremely excited for your visit. He’s curious about the inhabitants of Earth, given that you’re physically similar to Attalans in most ways.”

  That makes sense. “I don’t expect you get a lot of intergalactic visitors our here, on the far edge of the galaxy, with such an inviting climate. Anything else I need to know?”

  He pauses to choose his words carefully. “The Minister is not used to being challenged or questioned, Diana,” he cautions. “He will not view your…enthusiasm as generously as I do.”

  “So, what are you saying?” I pause on the steps and rest my hand on his arm to stop him. I give him my best questioning gaze. “Speak plainly.”

  “Behave yourself.” He leans closer and places a curved finger under my chin, tilting my face up to his.

  “Or what?” I should move away, but being close to him is becoming more and more intoxicating. I feel a physical pull I’m hesitant to admit to anyone, least of all myself.

  He leans closer, until his lips are almost touching mine. “Or I’ll show you who’s boss.”

  I exhale roughly, feigning indifference, and look away. “I bet you’d enjoy that.”

  He chuckles. “I’m quite certain you would, too.”

  I’m not fooling him one bit.

  A metal panel automatically opens when we reach the top of the steps, and he motions for me to step inside first. Two stewards, wearing the same velvet robes and the same precious baubles as their counterparts at the gate, stand outside a set of ornate interior doors. They open the doors as Mallyk and I approach and usher us inside.

  His title might be Minister, but the moment I step inside the room I guess his position is closer to royalty. He sits upon a simple pedestal on a raised platform, but it might as well be an ornate, gilded throne. I can tell he’s never seen a day of battle in his life, but he nonetheless wears the golden armor of a warrior. And a blood red cloak. His appearance was meant to make an impression, and it certainly has. For the first time since arriving on this planet, I feel tentative. I’m unsure how to approach him. Luckily, he makes the first move.

  “Captain Bennett, I presume?” He rises from his throne and moves down the steps to greet me. He practically floats. I move further into the room and lower myself in a slight bow. “Come now, there’s no need for such foolishness here. We don’t stand on ceremony out here in our little outpost.” He motions for me to stand. I rise and extend my hand. He takes it in his own, and I’m struck by how soft it is. No manual labor for this man. “Minister, my name is Diana Bennett.” He releases my hand and I clasp them together behind my back. “I’d like to extend my gratitude, on behalf of all residents of Earth, for your willingness to allow us to come here in our hour of need. For you willingness to assist us in our mission to –”

  “There’s no need to prattle on, my dear. We’re as happy to have you here as you are to be here. And dedicated to making your mission a success. We have our best geologists and meteorologists plotting a course for your mission. Their analysis will be complete in two or three weeks, and then we will be ready to staff your expedition.”

  Panic wells up within me. I appreciate his offer of assistance, but there’s no way we can waste several weeks inside the walls. “Minister, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your assistance.” I struggle for the right words, mindful of the Commander’s advice from moments ago. My gaze hesitantly sweeps back to where he stands behind me, looking regal and fierce in his own right. “But speed is of the utmost importance to our cause. We’ve brought all the equipment we need, and just enough people to mine and distill the material we’re looking for.”

  “So you expect me to allow you and your fellow Earth women to march into the winter wilds of our planet, in places I would hesitate to send my Guard.”

  I nod, tentatively. “Yes, that is what I’m requesting.”

  He shakes his head. You’d think I’d just asked for a million dollars. “That’s not going to happen. But I’m not an unreasonable man. I will meet you halfway. I’ll have my scientists remain here and provide you with remote assistance as needed, as long as you understand communications on this planet are unreliable once you’re outside the wall.”

  “I accept.” Optimism wells up inside me, pushing aside the nagging voice that cautions it can’t be this easy.

  He holds his finger up to quiet me. “But I will not allow you and the rest of the Earthlings to travel outside the wall of this city unl
ess you are accompanied by a squad from my guard.”

  No. Fucking. Way. Not after being hauled across the countryside slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Not after discovering he thinks I’m his alien mate. I’m not going anywhere with Commander Mallyk. There’s no way I could conquer that distraction. I open my mouth to argue but no words come out.

  “Mallyk, you will choose your best warriors and accompany our guests on their journey, once I receive the final meteorology report and approve your departure.”

  “It will be done, Minister,” he replies. I start to find my voice, but Mallyk takes me by the upper arm and practically drags me from the room.

  “Would you stop manhandling me?” I tear my arm from his grasp as we are escorted back into the lobby and the giant doors to the throne room close behind us. “There’s more I need to talk to him about.”

  “Such as?”

  “Such as we need to send more people back to our ship. We’ve been over this. My pilot, Margo, was still on board when you and your men went all caveman on us. Not to mention, everything we need is on it, and we need it repaired to fly home.” He stares at the floor as he strokes his chin. “And, there’s no way I’m waiting two weeks before launching our mission. We just don’t have that kind of time to play with.”

  “Are you finished?” He looks amused again and his face is so handsome it confuses me. I want to kiss him almost as much as I want to smack him.