Saved by the Alien Alpha: Alien Scifi Romance Read online

  “I understand, Callum,” I said. “Their survival instinct, like all of ours, developed over millions of years. And it favors short term thinking. Instant gratification. Immediate satisfaction. And it should - It protected their ancestors when food was scarce and they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from. But now, that same instinct to consume is decimating their planet’s resources. Even though many of them are aware of the consequences, they find it difficult to change. It’s tough to fight millions of years of evolution.”

  “Captain Ro won’t be so compassionate.”

  “No. After seeing the way they’ve failed to evolve…He’s afraid that they’ll spread to other systems as a last resort when this planet can no longer support them. And he fears that that they’ll bring their toxic ideologies with them.”

  “I’m not crazy about the idea of wiping out an entire civilization either, A’Jakri, Especially after seeing it up close. The beauty they’ve produced is staggering. Their art and architecture, their stories. When they’re not destroying each other, they go to incredible lengths to help one another. So many of the wonderful things they’ve created show a sensitivity and appreciation for life that could only be born from the fires of suffering, of understanding, of sacrifice. It would be impossible to create so much with no understanding of what it meant.”

  “I couldn’t agree more, Lieutenant. I believe they will pull through. It may be their darkest hour, but there is enough good among them that it can be their greatest triumph.”

  I flipped the switch, dimming the projection coming off my handheld. “Now I just have to convince Captain Ro. And my faith alone is not enough.”

  “Good luck, Commander.”

  ***

  My footfalls echoed heavily off the metal narrow hallway leading to the Combat Information Center. I mused at the irony of sending a warship for what was supposed to have been a mission of information gathering. It was as though the fate of humanity was predetermined and their failure to evolve was a forgone conclusion. I had a growing suspicion that all of our information gathering was little more than a formality to be neatly filed away and referenced if the decision today were ever in question.

  Which made Ro the perfect captain for this mission. He wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger when the time came. His commitment to the wellbeing of his people took precedence over everything, regardless of who or what stood in the way.

  The T’Kali staffing the CIC worked tirelessly, hunched over their displays analyzing the data flowing in through their screens. Gathering the flight paths of the satellites orbiting the blue planet, and monitoring the air traffic of the numerous civilian and military craft flitting about near the surface. Billions of people, all going about their business, completely unaware of their impending destruction by our hands.

  But the one I cared about most was already aboard this ship. I thought of Ashley, laying in my bunk, and the soft beautiful curves of her body. There was a brightness and a passion in her eyes, a sense of fearlessness. And a longing to connect. I felt the way her body pulsed and tensed when I touched her skin. The quickening of her heart that betrayed her arousal.

  I had managed to convince myself, over the years, that I was better for not having a mate. That the freedom and focus it allowed me could be a benefit to our people. And being unattached had its perks. No one to worry about. No hidden chink in my armor that would take me away from my mission, or become a point of leverage if her safety was threatened.

  A flood of desire washed over my body. I wanted her more than I could stand. The pull of the lifemate bond was growing stronger, and I was overwhelmed by the need to feel myself inside her. To take her and ravish her, bringing her to the heights of pleasure. Touching her body deeply as I penetrated her, the feeling of our contact strengthened by the connection we shared.

  But Ashley would never forgive me if I couldn’t save her people. No matter how strong, how irresistible the bond was to me, the destruction of her entire planet would shatter the trust necessary for her to fully accept the pairing and release herself to the connection. People don’t tend to react well to having their home worlds eradicated.

  I paused outside the entrance to the Operations Center, where Captain Ro awaited my findings. Taking a deep breath, I pushed my thoughts of Ashley to the back of my mind. Her presence there would motivate me and push me forward, but I couldn’t betray any sign of my connection to the Captain. If he found out I was compromised, nothing I had to say on the behalf of humanity would be able to sway him.

  Keying in the communication code to signal my arrival, I steeled myself. A vivid green light appeared over the comm panel as the door slid open. “Captain,” I said, stepping into the chamber.

  Captain Ro stood staring at the large rotating projection that occupied the center of the room. “Ah, Commander A’Jakri. I trust you’ve been able to gather sufficient information for us to proceed.”

  “I believe I have, Commander. Our scouts have been combing through the streams of digital information in their system, and we’ve opened up viewing portals for firsthand observation. Our findings have been compiled. May I?”

  “By all means,” said Ro.

  I thumbed in the button on the side of my handheld, interconnecting it with the central display in front of us. Captain Ro paged through the report, gesturing to zoom in and study the details projected in front of him. He paused for long moments as he examined the photographs, video feeds, and careful analysis of written communication performed by our observation team.

  “As you can see, Captain, this isn’t an easy case.”

  “No, Jak. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. And while I, like all T’Kali, have nothing but the utmost respect for all life, I must put the wellbeing of the galactic civilization first. I will not hesitate to wipe them and all evidence that they ever existed from the annals of history.”

  It was nothing less than I expected. And I knew that I would have to play this game perfectly in order to save them.

  Ro gestured towards the hologram again, and the glowing photons in the air before him shifted once again. “I see the evidence of goodness in them,” he said. “But also savagery and corruption. These people have done horrible things to one another. And to their home. And there is little evidence that they’ve learned anything. Or at least, that those in control are willing to do what’s necessary to save them.”

  He zoomed back out, focusing on the larger scale view of the planet. “I admit, Commander, I’m at a loss.” He smiled wickedly. “And I’ve noticed that this report is missing the most critical piece of information - the recommendation of my First Officer.” He turned squarely to face me. “I’m assuming you have one.”

  “The planet is remarkable. Her people are diverse. Unique,” I said. “And you’re right…there’s nothing simple about this.” I looked back at the large translucent projection of the planet rotating slowly before me. It looked so tranquil from here. In spite of their failings, it contained so much potential. I knew that I had to choose my words carefully. “Captain, they deserve to live.”

  “And if they fail to self-correct their imbalances, Commander? You would see them spread across the galaxy, defiling other worlds as they have this one? Spreading toxic ideas to other nascent civilizations and propagating their destructive ways?”

  I shook my head. “I believe that they’re on the cusp of a change. I believe that there are enough of them who are beginning to understand the error of their ways, and they’re striving to change the course of their destiny.”

  “That’s an optimistic outlook, A’Jakri. Maybe even a naive one. I find it difficult to come to the same conclusion based on the evidence I’ve been shown. It seems to me that they’ll continue on their course of self-sabotage, and their continued existence puts the entire galactic community at risk. Unless you know something I don’t? Have you learned anything from the woman you brought aboard my ship?”

  Ro baited the trap, and his cunning nearly ensna
red me. It was tempting to tell him about the things I’d seen through Ashley’s mind. The courage and compassion in her heart, and the strength of her commitment to changing their future. But Captain Ro knew that I hadn’t had time yet to have any kind of meaningful conversation with her, and that the only way I could have gleaned anything useful would be from a direct mind-to-mind transmission.

  But I couldn’t. Revealing the bond to Ro would cost me my commission, and then there would nothing I could do to stop the planet’s destruction. I needed to protect her, and I had already risked enough just by bringing her on board. I would have to make their case, but I couldn’t do it yet.

  “No, Captain. I have no new information.”

  “Very well, A’Jakri. I have given the matter careful consideration, and determined that the planet must be destroyed. There’s no hope for their civilization. And so, tomorrow morning, we will free the galaxy from the scourge of humanity. Thank you for your recommendation, Commander, and for preparing such a thorough report. Dismissed.”

  With his mind made up, there was no way I could convince him otherwise. The planet’s fate was sealed. But at least Ashley was here safe with me.

  Chapter 6

  Ashley

  Still tingling from the touch of his fingers on my skin, and somehow managed to resist my temptation to test out the amplifier. It was probably better that Jak didn’t know what I was imagining anyway.

  Eventually, my lustful fantasies receded as the reality of my situation overtook my thoughts. Jak was what he claimed to be, and our communication really had been more than just a vivid dream. I wasn’t crazy after all. But that didn’t change the fact that he had left me all alone here in his quarters, aboard an unfamiliar alien ship without explaining anything. Typical, alien lifemate or not. And more than a bit irritating, especially since I had no idea when or how I’d be going back to Earth.

  But at least he was honest with me, and he clearly took a risk by bringing me here. At least I was safe. I could think of worse situations to be in. My own irritation aside, his actions showed that he trusted me and cared for me.

  And that’s more than I could say about my ex, or most men back home. I had all but given up looking for a good guy back in Colorado. Most days, I didn’t mind so much. My work kept me pretty busy, and I managed to transmute the absence of a specific love into a broader kind of affinity for Earth as a whole. And it worked for me. I felt like I was making a difference.

  Until the night I dreamed about Jak, or connected, or whatever he called it, I was certain that I had made the right choice. But the pull of his attraction made me keenly aware of the flaw in my plan: Earth couldn’t love me back.

  I didn’t realize I had nodded off to sleep until the amplifier jumped to life beside me, glowing with a radiant blue light that illuminated the room. I wrapped my hand around it to try and dim the light when I felt the vibrations of Jak’s voice inside my mind.

  “You’re awake,” he said. “Good.”

  I started to reply out loud, but remembered enough of Jak’s instructions to know it wasn’t necessary. Even though it felt a bit silly to think into the device, I decided to give it a try. Even if it didn’t work, at least there was no one around to see me clench my teeth and stare with wide eyed concentration into the cylinder in the palm of my hand.

  Jak’s laughter echoed through my bones. “Please forgive me. You don’t look nearly as silly as you think you do. It’s my fault for not explaining it more clearly.”

  “Some sort of practical joke, Jak? Let’s see what kind of dopey faces we can get the Earth girl to make?”

  “Not dopey, Ashley. It’s just that everything is amplified to me as well. And your smile made me happier to see you than I’d realized.” The tone of his complement vibrated through my body, and I was a bit embarrassed to realize that he could probably feel my skin warming in response to his compliment.

  “So, are you coming back?” I asked. “Not that I don’t enjoy sitting around alone in your cabin.”

  “I wanted to give you the opportunity to get cleaned up before I arrived. There’s a shower through the door at the far end of the room. On the wall across from you is a scanner that will read your measurements and prepare a fresh change of clothes. As soon as you’re ready, I’ll be waiting outside the cabin door.”

  I laid the amplifier on the bed and made my way through the metal door into the shower. As the warm water cascaded down my body, erupting from the walls in every direction like I was standing under a tropical waterfall.

  I closed my eyes and relaxed as the torrent of water washed over me, imagining the firm touch of Jak’s hands on me again. The wall of water responded to my thoughts, tightening into a pulsing jet that traced the curves of my skin with just the right amount of pressure. I bathed myself in the luxurious scent of lavender and vanilla, inhaling deeply as my fingers drifted between my legs. Picturing Jak’s firm, masculine body pressing against me, I leaned back into the wall as I circled myself with my fingertips.

  But I knew Jak would be waiting, and I couldn’t keep him waiting for too long. He might wonder what was keeping me and come to investigate. Part of me wanted him to see me like this. I could picture the look of desire in his eyes as he took in the sight of my naked body.

  My rationality returned as my thoughts returned to the room around me. The water switched off suddenly, as a beam of light emanated from the wall scanning my body and drying me thoroughly. A slight whirring sounded in my ear as a wall hatch opened up revealing a soft black and violet garment that fit my body perfectly.

  I stared at my reflection, pleased by the way the clothing hugged my body. A perfect blend of comfort, utility, and elegant sexiness in its simplicity. I had little doubt that Jak would feel the same when he saw me.

  Near the exit door, I placed my hand on the glowing blue sensor. I was beginning to figure out how this place worked. Everything was so intuitive. I could easily see myself getting used to a place like this.

  “Ashley,” said Jak, taking my hands in his to greet me. “I trust you were able to get some rest. It looks like you’ve figured out the personal care system without any assistance. You look…” his eyes traced slowly over my body, lingering on the accents of my curves. “You look stunning.”

  I felt the butterflies jumping in my stomach at his compliment. It had been so long since I reacted this way to man’s compliment. For the first time, I wanted the possibility to exist that there could be something real between us. Though the doubts lingered in the back of my mind that it would have to end, I resolved to allow myself to go along with the fantasy and enjoy it while I could.

  “Thank you, Jak. I feel much better now.”

  “As promised, I want to show you around the ship. I’ve made arrangements for us to dine privately in the biodeck.”

  “The biodeck?”

  “It’s a little reminder of home. A massive indoor garden with a carefully selected array of flora and fauna from my home world. Please, let me show you.”

  My heart thudded against my chest as Jak led me forward, the faint blue glow radiating from his skin as our hands touched. As we traversed the labyrinth of metal corridors, Jak pointed out the various decks and features of the ship, giving me a basic rundown of the way everything worked. The layout and general purpose of the ship were much like an aircraft carrier back home. Jak’s ship was a small floating city, complete with everything they could possibly need to live a normal life and never feel the desolation of space. A focus on harmony and integration, not luxury or comfort per se, but psychological peace pervaded the ship.

  “Over through that door,” he said, “is the Arena. The T’Kali are a peaceful people, but we weren’t always so, and some of our less enlightened historical traditions still survive.”

  Jak’s sturdy build was obvious through the tight weave of his uniform. I appreciated the training and dedication it must take to sculpt the kind of ripped body he had, but Jak seemed so gentle that the thought never crossed my
mind that he may be deadly.

  “Don’t look so concerned, Ashley. I’m not a fighter. Not for sport, anyway. None of the T’Kali are. But sometimes, there are disagreements among us. Challenges to authority, in particular, are still resolved using the old rules, in a fight to the death. Fortunately, the Arena on this ship has never been used.”

  Jak placed his large hand on the small of my back and steered me away as we continued walking. I remained mostly quiet, taking in as much as I could. The ship, while interesting, wasn’t the foremost thought I my mind. I wanted to know more about the bond and the lifemate connection, but I couldn’t help but feel that was a conversation to save from the scrutiny of the curious crew, whose wandering eyes I couldn’t seem to escape. There was still so much about their culture that I didn’t understand.

  Jak must have sensed my discomfort. “They’re just curious, Ashley. My bringing you aboard the ship was something of a surprise.”

  “They’re surprised?”

  Jak chuckled softly and stopped, tracing his hand down my face. “Everyone here has a vested interest in your wellbeing. Especially me. You don’t have anything to fear from any of them. Besides, we’ll be out of their way soon enough. The biodeck is just ahead.”

  As we rounded the corner and walked through the large open archway a panoramic vista of vivid glowing green spread out before me. The area was vast, at least three stories tall, swept with enormous trees that reached their branches toward the transparent ceiling above.

  I stopped in my tracks. “Jak, this place is beautiful,” I said over the roar of the waterfall erupting its crystal jets into a pool below. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” A small glowing orange dot of light fluttered by ad circled back around to us before landing on my nose. I scrunched up my face as its feet tickled my skin, and the magnificent creature spread its tiny wings again.