The Enforcer - Rena Marks

THE ENFORCER Rena Marks The Enforcer Rena Marks Book 2 in the Stargazer series. In 1692, a starship carrying volunteers arrived on planet Earth to a small town called Salem, Massachusetts. The long journey across many light years caused the female inhabitants aboard drastic memory loss. It was already known when they would arrive on Earth, they would have no memories of who and what they really were. They would be as helpless as newborn lambs. The goal was to breed with Earthlings, to prevent their own race from dying out. If it was successful, years later more Stargazers would be sent to co-exist with the humans on Planet Earth. But alas—the females were slaughtered. * Publisher’s Note: While each Stargazer Series book is a standalone, the greatest enjoyment will come from reading them in series order. 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 The Defender About the Author Also by Rena Marks Chapter One Diamond was at Dante's house eating lunch. He wouldn't admit it, but he liked to visit frequently. Dante and Kele were newly mated and the soft looks and tiny touches between them were kind of sweet. He'd also never admit he was spending time with them to observe and prepare for obtaining his own mate. He had someone in mind, he just had to convince her of it. He blew his chance with her last time, so he needed to figure out how to get another. The doorbell rang, so Kele left them to answer. In about two minutes flat, their entire Protection Task Force flooded in. The team was comprised of four other members besides him and Dante. Vesta was another Stargazer. The other three members were human, from the military. Dante was the leader of the Stargazer side, while Jonas was the leader on the human side. Jonas had handpicked Brandon, and Jack was the newest member of the team. The team would always be comprised of even numbers, equal amounts of Stargazer to human. Their mission? To be the first line of defense in seeking out and protecting against threats to the Stargazer-Human alliance. “What's going on?” Dante asked. “One of the members of the Council has been kidnapped. They haven't released any names as yet, so we don't know which one. No other details have come our way, though we'll

be notified as soon as it happens.” Jonas answered. “What the hell?” Dante asked. Kele sat stunned in his lap. It wasn't long ago that Kele herself had been kidnapped...and killed. Fortunately, she was able to be resurrected. Dante rubbed her back comfortingly. Every now and then his hand would stroke her side, where his crest resided over the stab wound which had once killed her. “Do we think it's another alien who penetrated Earth's atmosphere? Any relation to Kele's kidnapper?” Diamond asked. “Negative,” Jonas answered. “Cassiopeia has stepped up security since then and would have picked up on any infiltration. We think this is totally different. Possibly random.” “So we're just waiting to hear some news?” Diamond asked. “Apparently. Our orders are for all of us to be together so when the details are released, we can be dispatched immediately. We should hear something within the hour.” “And where better to come but the house of food?” Jack said, cutting into a casserole he'd found in the fridge. Diamond's phone rang. Caller ID showed his best friend, Cassiopeia. Cassio worked at the Center, which was where Stargazers were kept in stasis, followed by quarantine until their release onto the planet. She was known as the silent member of their team. “Baby girl, what's up?” “I hear the team has a meeting in about an hour.” That caught his attention. “That's top-secret. How did you hear of it?” “Nevermind,” she whispered. “Just get the whole team over here. Now.” “Will do.” Diamond shut down his phone. “Apparently, that's our call,” he said to the others. “Let's head to Center.” When the Protection Task Force stepped off the elevator, there were two Secret Service

men standing outside the elevator doors. There, at the front desk, the President of the United States waited, casually chatting with Cassiopeia like they were old friends. “Mr. President,” Jonas said. “How in the world did you get into Center?” No humans were allowed in Center, except for the Protection Task Force. For one moment, the President's face showed his true age. It wasn't the image he presented to the world. That image was polished and smooth, political. It was wiped away in an instant. “I can't share that, gentlemen. Just know I came alone because I trust Stargazers, as much as Judge Felicia Ruge.” “Felicia? What does she have to do with this?” Diamond's voice was sharp at her mention. “She's the member of the Council who's been kidnapped.” There was a loud snap as Diamond crushed his phone. The doctor in Cassio rushed to him, opening his palm gently. Pieces of twisted plastic embedded in his hand, which was stained purple from his Stargazer blood. Quietly she led him to her desk, mostly to take the focus off him. “Someone found out Felicia's a spy. I had set her up to be the judge in Realm to keep tabs on Stargazers,” the President said. Most of the members of the PTF looked appalled at his candid admittance of the spy program. “She was the only person I trusted for the job. I knew she would never taint the reports, and she would be loyal to the truth. And I expected Stargazers to give the truth. However, as by now you've realized, the United States government is a political nightmare comprised of other powers that be. I had no choice but to agree to implement an order to spy. Felicia also

wanted no part of it, until I explained to her how much worse it would be with someone else in place. We all know my second presidential term is up next year, so we're trying to prime my current vice president into running. He'll be a figurehead, so to speak, while I'll still be running things behind the scenes. We'll be able to keep our future treaties safe that way. If another party gets into office, who knows what will happen.” “Who do we think took her?” Dante asked. “Someone who does not appreciate Stargazers sharing the Earth. We're currently trying to get treaties for reservations in two other countries, France and England. My best guess is someone trying to disrupt those treaties with terrorist actions.” “No ransoms or any contact?” “None whatsoever. But I'll be first on the notification list if so. I'll let you all know, using this—” he looked over at Cassio for the word. “Communicator,” she said. “This communicator. Cassio's shown me how to use it, so I'll call your team directly as soon as I hear something. Anything.” A communicator was alien technology. A tiny button made of an unknown metal, when placed in the ear, painlessly pinned itself in place. With a finger tap, it turned on. With one word, the individual wearing it could call any other person and disrupt all traces of the call on either end. It also translated languages instantly. The rest of the world had no idea the technology existed. Stargazers had arrived on Earth with one mission, to breed with Earthlings. Their own planet had been in existence for so long, DNA was no longer diverse enough to breed. They had a strict no interference policy with Earth's technology. Too much technology could blow Earth to the point where they destroyed themselves. Aliens felt Earth was a primitive planet as far as spirituality and sensitivity was concerned. The morals and manners of the planet had

taken a steep decline and until the planet corrected itself, technology had been halted. The President started, then dug into his coat pocket for a vibrating cell phone. He found it quickly, and held it up to his ear. “Yes?” There was silence as he listened to whomever spoke. “I see. Thank you.” “It's confirmed,” he said to the team. “Felicia was kidnapped by a group who plan to stop the infiltration of Stargazers. Especially now that media coverage has reported we have plans to spread to two other countries.” “What are their demands?” Dante asked. “There are none. They simply wish to kill the judge.” Only Cassio noticed how Diamond turned white. “Shh,” she calmed him, under her breath. “It's okay.” His fingers gripped hers. “We're going to need more team members,” Dante said. “Cassio, where is Hayze at on his quarantine levels?” “He's in the second week of Level One.” “Dammit!” Dante said. “Not necessarily,” Jonas said. “We can pull a switcheroo. Look,” he stared directly at the President. “We all know Cassio has the technology to figure out if Stargazers carry any diseases or parasites. Quarantine was mainly set up for the human's peace of mind. It's not going to endanger Earth by pulling him out early. We can use him for this project and return him afterward to complete Level Two. Level Two is necessary not for keeping diseases from the population, but more so the aliens can practice the social and cultural skills they've learned from Cassio's implemented program she gives them in Level One.” “The American Manners 101 Input,” Cassio called out from behind the desk.

“It's an outstanding program,” the President yelled back. “I'm very pleased the Stargazers aren't being turned out like Kardashians.” Cassio grinned. “Finally! A fan of my program,” she muttered. “I'm working on the version for France now.” Dante watched the exchange with shrewd eyes. “You're good friends with Cassio. Just like you are with Felicia.” The President stared at him. “Very astute. And I will be good friends with you.” His hand swept out. “Along with all of the team. It's time for a real alliance between Earthlings and Stargazers. So, Protection Task Force, find my friend Felicia Ruge. Because I don't know what I'd do without her.” Dante nodded. “Rest assured, we will. What have we learned so far about the kidnapping?” “The new group is called Stargazer Abolishers. They're taking credit for the kidnapping. They don't want money for her return. They want to make an example of what being Stargazer-friendly will get you, which makes them the most feared sort of terrorist. It's unknown where they took her, however we do know they picked her up downtown. She has an apartment there, where she stays whenever she doesn't have Stargazer business.” For the first time Diamond spoke. “Perhaps the first order of business would be to move someone as high ranking as the Judge of Stargazer Affairs to the Realm.” “That's a tricky situation,” the President said. “After all, she's supposed to be un-biased. Many will see a permanent residence here as favoritism toward aliens.” “The government placed her as a spy,” Jonas said. “Surely you can explain that it's easier for her to obtain confidential information if she's located on the premises? I think a kidnapping warrants a change of protocol.” The President nodded. “That could work. Then I let the rest of the political nightmares

who imposed the spy program do the work of figuring out how to explain her move into Realm.” None of the team wanted to admit it was possible that Judge Ruge wasn't returning in any capacity. The President spoke again. “She was taken from her apartment. I've just sent the address to your phones. There should be surveillance equipment on which you can view any suspicious activity. That's about the only lead we have.” “Where did the phone call come from?” “Untraceable, even with our government technology.” “If you get a chance and are around the next time a call comes through, hit your communicator at the same time a person answers the call. It'll allow you to listen in and trace with our technology,” Dante said. “Understood.” “Are you ready to leave, sir?” Cassio asked. “I am. Gentlemen, thank you.” “Thank you, sir,” Jonas mumbled. Cassio pressed a button. With a flash, the President and his two agents dematerialized. “I guess those two can be trusted?” Jack asked, still staring at the spot where the Secret Service agents had been. “We have to assume so. The President did,” Jonas said. “However, I'm sure we can check them out.” All eyes rolled to Cassio. “On it,” Cassio called. She turned back to Diamond. “There you go, handsome. When the bandage fades, so will the cuts. No more smashing phones.” A machine blipped, and she opened the front door, removing a new cell phone from it. She handed it to Diamond. “All your contacts and settings are intact. I just erased that little ole 1-800 number you call so

frequently.” Diamond's smile was light. “Who's gonna keep those women employed now, beautiful?” Her smile showed teeth. “Don't make me give you a refresher of the Manners Input.” “Cass,” Jonas said. “Can we get Hayze? How far along is he in the program?” Now Cassio's smile was deliberately light. If anyone on the team noticed, it was Diamond's shrewd eyes. But he didn't say anything. They were even now. She knew about his interest...and he knew about hers. “He'll be fine. When the mission is over, I'll give him one-on-one training to make up for the lost time in learning customs.” “We appreciate it, Cassio,” Dante said. “I'll inform Hayze and send him to you,” she said. The team nodded, and headed toward the elevator. Cassio grabbed a PTF uniform, and headed to a beambox that would transport her to Level One Quarantine. Her heart always went pitter-patter when she was around the handsome man—Hayze 1246. He hadn't picked a last name yet. She had to force herself to become more professional so he wouldn't suspect. Another good reason for the professionalism was Hayze himself. The man just didn't understand human etiquette. He invaded her space. He made inappropriate comments. She could never let him know how much he tempted her. It was for his own good that she get him trained properly and out of her hair, because the two of them didn't click. When she arrived, she walked straight over to Hayze's pod. The alien looked at her warily, his gold eyes glittering. “They need you,” she said as she dumped black clothing with PTF logos from her arms. “We're going to release you from Quarantine. Try to have the least amount of human contact as possible, since you're not aware of the customs. When the mission is over, you'll re-enter

here. I'll give you personal training to catch you up with your physical practice.” Cassio noticed Hayze trying to hold back a smile. Great, she thought. He was so excited to get away from her he could hardly contain himself. She sighed and pulled a wand instrument out of her pocket. “Please let me scan you for any viruses that may have manifested.” Heading over to the wall, she pressed a button that extended his bed down. He laid down and she quickly extended the wand over his extremities. She then turned the wand over his head and lowered it down the trunk of his body. When she got to his groin, she was startled by his hand gripping her arm. She gasped. “Let go!” He dropped her arm. Cassio sighed. “See? That's what I'm talking about. You can't just grab someone, especially a stranger. Definitely not a female.” “Why?” “Because you're going to get yourself sued for sexual harassment,” she muttered. “But you were about to run the wand over my dick,” he said. Cassio's face was bright red. “Remember I'm a doctor. I've seen lots of...dicks.” “How many?” he growled. Her eyes glanced at his face. “Lots!” She snapped the wand off. “Please change into the clothing I brought you. I'll be waiting out in the main room.” Cassio tried not to stare when Hayze stepped from the pod. The silky smooth cotton of the short-sleeved charcoal tee accentuated the muscles in his arms. One arm was tattooed. And she knew from all the time he'd spent unconscious that he had tattoos running along his chest and abdomen.

And lower. To said dick. The gray and black camouflage cargo pants fit him perfectly, molding to his tight ass like a second skin. They loosened around the legs, but she remembered the look of the defined cuts of muscle underneath them. Cassio led him to a transporter box. “You still have your communicator?” she asked. He nodded. “Okay, good. That way any records of your calls to other team members will be deleted. You already know Dante and Diamond. Have you met Vesta?” Hayze nodded. “We've worked together before.” “Good. There are three other members, all human. The team will introduce you. Have fun and call me when you're ready to return.” He smiled at her. It caught her breath. She pressed a button to transport him before she could do something stupid–like grab him and wrap her thighs around him. Chapter Two Felicia Ruge was cold, wet and hungry. Her arms hurt. Her wrists were tied together in front of her, and her bones ached from the chilled air, which smelled dank and musty. The mustiness must mean a basement. Fear hit her. She realized the men who kidnapped her had no morals. They weren't too scared to kidnap a powerful government judge. Even more scary was why they'd kidnapped her. Could they possibly know she was a spy for the U.S. government? If so, she was dead. There was no way they'd let her live. There was one major regret she had about her life. Diamond Colorado.

She'd first noticed the alien during the arrest of Dante Paris. She had been the one to interview Dante's mate, Kele. Diamond had been waiting with the rest of the Protection Task Force in the viewing room when she'd brought Kele in. He stood, and she felt suckerpunched. He was so tall, so beautiful, that it caught her breath. He was larger than life, but rough around the edges. Black hair pulled back with—of all things—a piece of leather, like an ancient warrior. Gorgeous sapphire eyes sparkled when he looked at her. He had hard, lean lines in his face, with a sexy cleft in his chin. He was the most muscular man she'd ever seen. When he looked at her, she felt as if he wanted to gobble her. All of that, and she turned him down. He had made his interest more than clear. But she had her position to think of. Now, she regretted not having shared one night with him. It would have been the most precious experience of her life. She had enjoyed the entire day with him. It was early evening when he'd escorted her from the courtroom. She knew everyone watched when he had extended one arm for her to take. She was almost afraid to touch him, wondering what the connection would feel like between them. She wasn't let down. From the moment her hand touched the bulging muscles in his arm, she felt protected. And wanted. Almost—loved. He never flirted. He'd just told her flat out he was in the market for a mate, and she was his. It flabbergasted her. He didn't seem to understand her hesitation. By then she was entranced with the enormous Stargazer. She couldn't call off the tour. He took her down to Center, an honor of the highest level. Very few humans were ever allowed there. It was where numerous Stargazers lay in stasis before awakening to be quarantined. While in the various levels of Quarantine, the aliens were taught English and manners and social skills.

Afterward, she enjoyed dinner with him. It was evening and another room of the restaurant became a dance floor. For such a big man, he could move. Then he'd taken her to see the housing apartments...his own. That was when he made his intentions clear. “When couples become mated,” he said. “Like Kele and Dante, they're moved into housing. When we're single, we stay in the apartments.” “It's gorgeous,” she said, looking around. As a member of the PTF, he was privileged with a corner penthouse suite. Windows wrapped his entire living quarters. The view was incredible. The place was ultra-modern and spotless. “Please, sit down. There's something I'd like to talk to you about. Would you like something to drink?” “No, I'm good.” She smiled. He sat next to her on the sofa. He dwarfed it...and her. “I'm interested in you,” he announced. She had been shocked by how forward he was. “Thank you,” she said finally. “I'm not sure what to say.” “Don't say anything. Just get used to the idea.” “You're an attractive man. Many women would love to have your interest. However, I need to make it perfectly clear there can be no relationship between us.” “Shh, beautiful.” One large hand came up to touch her cheek. She caught her breath as he gently lowered his face toward her. She knew she should protest. She knew she should leave. But he was so damned tempting. Tendrils of excitement were swirling in her belly. What would it feel like when he

kissed her? His lips were full and plump, and slightly parted when they touched hers. He opened her mouth with his, and explored her fully. His lips were firm, as if they wouldn't even take into consideration that she might not kiss him back. Kiss him back, she did. She couldn't help it. He smelled so good, masculine and clean at the same time. His hand was heated against the small of her back. She was never more aware of the heat between them. Desire flared. Suddenly he pulled her against him. Her breasts smashed against his chest. She should have protested, but she was too far gone for that. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and continued to kiss him back. His hand was even hotter now. It was splayed open against her bare skin. Somehow he'd snaked it underneath her blouse. She moaned and his fingertips skittered across her skin. Slowly, he explored. Suddenly his hand was in front of her, skimming across her waist. His thumb traced circles on her rib before it tentatively rubbed higher. It was barely beneath the crease of her breast now. Her nipples hardened and throbbed, aching to be touched. But all he did was trace along the crease that separated her ribs from her breast. She tore her mouth away. “We shouldn't be doing this.” In response, he firmly cupped the back of her head, holding her still. Then he covered her lips with his again. He devoured her mouth, his gentleness gone. The hand at her breast released her bra. Relief sprang as her breasts bounced free. She didn't realize how heavy they'd gotten, how tight they felt. Then the warmth of his hand spread over her breast as he cupped it in his strong hand. She moaned.

“So beautiful,” he rasped. “All mine.” He ran his thumb over her nipple. All Felicia could concentrate on was the wonderful feelings rolling throughout her body. Her nipple was connected to her clit, each brush of his finger sent electricity to throb between her legs. Her breasts ached and heat pooled between her thighs. Her body pounded with need. She was breathing hard. Her hand lifted the bottom of his Stargazer shirt, sliding up to feel his muscles. There wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere. She had a dire need to get him naked, to rub against his skin with hers. To brush her nipples against his chest. “This isn't a good idea,” she muttered, though she didn't stop kissing him. “Why not?” He pulled away and stared down at her, his sapphire eyes glittering with passion. “You're mine, and I'm yours.” “No,” she said. “We don't know each other.” She couldn't share with him that she knew more about him than she should. She'd read his file. She even knew how he'd obtained the scars that crisscrossed up his arms. “You're about to know me real well, sweetheart.” Temptation had never hit so hard. She was bowled over by the strength of her desire for the sexy Stargazer. He brought his lips back to hers, and she kissed him back. She knew this couldn't go any farther so she made a hasty decision. She was going to savor every second she had. Her hand wandered to his chest. She almost jumped when she felt metal. Against her lips, he grinned. “Yeah. They're pierced.” Holy shit. It was impossible not to yearn for this forbidden man.

She played with his nipples, fingering the small hoops that ran through them. He groaned, and lifted her easily onto his lap. Her skirt had crept up to the top of her thighs, completely necessary since she had to straddle his wide, muscular legs. She was melting onto him, her tongue dueling with his, when his hand strummed along the edge of the crotch on her panties. She was about to protest when he breached the fabric and slid a large finger through her slit. Electric shock held her still. She wanted this so badly. He found the entrance to her pussy and pushed in. Her internal muscles gripped and released, clenching him repeatedly...while she fought with herself to stop. She pulled away, panting hard. It was too enjoyable. His finger delved in and out. She lowered her forehead to his. “I can't,” she said. “I'm so sorry. I just can't.” He was silent for several moments. “Okay,” he murmured, pulling out. “I understand. I'll take you back to the courthouse.” She slid off his lap, adjusting her wrinkled skirt. Her panties felt cold and damp now. It was like a slap of ice water. “I truly am sorry,” she said. “I know, precious.” He stood, and looked uncomfortable with the swollen bulge barely restrained in his uniform. It didn't end there. She ran into Diamond at Realm frequently, as if he sought her out. But she knew he didn't. He never again made mention of her indiscretion. He just watched her with his intense sapphire eyes. From across the courtroom. From down the hallway. She'd even seen him in the parking lot. * * * * * Thumping rolled along the ceiling above her head, like footsteps. The sound of a door

creaked open. Light flooded the darkened room. Whoever it was had switched on a bare light bulb. The tiniest bit of heat penetrated the thick air through the doorway. Heavy footsteps bounded down the stairs over her head, shaking dust from the ancient wood. She inhaled it, then coughed. The man in her view was stocky and dressed in black. “She's awake,” he yelled upstairs. More footsteps bounded down the steps, kicking up more dust. Six men total. “Dayum! It's cold down here.” “That's why we have a fire going upstairs, stupid.” “Well, shit. Get on with it, I'm freezing.” Without hesitation, the first man kicked her in the thigh. Felicia grunted. She wasn't too cold to feel the sharp pain from his steel-toed boot. It radiated up her leg. It would leave a hell of a bruise. “Why the fuck did you rule to set the damn alien free?” She didn't answer. He hauled her up by the lapels of her blazer. The fabric ripped, sounding incongruously loud to her ears. Next to her was a rickety old rocking chair. She hadn't even noticed it while lying on the ground. He dropped her into it, banging her head on the back of the chair. “Answer me,” he demanded. “My ruling was based on the law. The PTF had immunity at the time of both murders. Whether they did it or not wasn't have been the aim of the trial.” “Of course they did it!”

“That wasn't for me to determine.” “Bet the next judge will determine different!” A red-headed man said. “Finding your cold dead body will get some people to use their brains!” Felicia felt her heart thump. They planned to kill her. “Are you sure you want to do that?” she whispered. “You'll have law enforcement, federal agents and Stargazer agents hunting you down. One by one.” It worked. A couple of the men looked alarmed. She narrowed her eyes. “I've heard those Stargazers have technology humans don't know about.” “I'm going upstairs. It's freakin' cold down here,” one man said. He spun and headed upstairs. After a brief hesitation, the next two followed. Now they were down to three. Of course, the three were much bigger and stronger than she was. And the others weren't far away. “Fucking pussies,” the first man muttered. His dark eyes glittered with rage. “Go keep an eye on them, Jessie. We don't want them running off.” Another man stomped up the dusty stairs. “Them aliens might come looking for her if she's an alien-lover,” the shorter man next to him said. “So what? We'll take them down with her. By the way, Judge,” he sneered and reached down to grab the back of her hair, which had tumbled loose during the abduction. “I heard you were gallivanting around with one of them. Are you interested in his deformed dick?” “He was simply giving me a tour of Gateway. The others were occupied.” She didn't think they knew she was a spy. “I'm gonna have you, and leave him my leftovers.” The man laughed, rubbing his crotch.

“Hey, dude, rape isn't my thing,” the man with him said. “Seriously? You're a fucking pussy, too? Get upstairs with them, then.” Felicia felt a strange letdown when the second man fled, slamming the upstairs door behind him. “You'll make it worse on yourself,” Felicia whispered. “They'll find my body and charge you with rape on top of murder. Do you really want that?” He unbuckled his belt. “So?” “Your friends will give you up to save themselves,” she said. “I'm willing to go to hell and take as many aliens with me as I can.” He dropped his pants to his knees. “Say hi to Satan,” she said. He blinked. Before he could react, she bolted from the seat and aimed her head for his groin. He screamed as his testicles were smashed. But he was stuck, tangled in the legs of his pants. They both sailed forward. He struck out, smacking her on the side of the head. Her ear rang from the blow. She rolled and pushed herself up with her bound hands. The idiots had tied them in front of her. She kicked him in the groin, this time he turned white as he grunted. The pain from her pointy heeled boots must have been fierce. He was immobilized. Just as soon as she thought he'd pass out, he whipped around and tossed a bottle toward her. It exploded against the side of her face, right near her ringing ear. The world spun, and she went down into darkness. Her own coughing woke her. It was dark again, the naked bulb was off. The smell of acrid smoke filled the air. Suddenly there was a rattling of the doorknob upstairs, followed by pounding. “It's stuck! Mark! Unlock the damn door, man! There's a fire. Mark!”

No other voices answered from the dark basement. Mark must be the one who'd tried to rape her. He was still here, somewhere. He had to have been unconscious from the blow she'd given him after all. “Fuck! Get the hell out!” Another voice yelled. “What about Mark and the judge?” “He was gunna kill her anyway. Maybe he already did. If not, the fire will git the bitch before the aliens git us. Hopefully that asshole Mark can save hisself. Now, move!” Footsteps clamored and she could hear the sound of glass breaking up above. Felicia choked on the thickening smoke. She crawled along her belly, trying to suck in the cleanest air possible from the ground. If it was this smoky down in the basement, she couldn't even imagine what it was like upstairs. No wonder they'd run. Wait. Did they say the aliens were coming? Or was that wishful thinking—like when you see water in the desert? She slowly tried to crawl her way toward the stairs, but her eyes stung and tears streamed down her cheeks. There was a commotion on the upper level. She could hear the banging, and hoped the house wasn't collapsing on itself. Suddenly the basement door was kicked in. The room immediately filled with a solid wall of pungent smoke. Felicia hugged the floor, coughing. Heavy black boots suddenly appeared in her line of vision. Strong arms picked her up. She kicked out, only to be held closer to a wide, strong chest. He was dressed all in black, and had a mask on so she couldn't see his face. “Be still, Felicia. I've got you.” Diamond. The sexy alien she'd had a date with. A tour, she corrected herself. Just because the man fingered her didn't make it a date. With one hand Diamond removed the mask from his face, and looped it over hers.

“Breathe deep,” he instructed. “What about you?” she asked. Her throat was raw, and her voice gravelly. “I'm fine.” He quickly carried her up the stairs with little effort. He ducked through the hot house, dodging heat and crashing debris, until she felt cool air. She didn't even realize she was sweating until the cold hit her damp clothing. “He's got her,” she heard someone yell. A blanket was wrapped around her. She was surrounded by six other men of the Protection Task Force. “Her wrists are tied,” Diamond said. His beautiful face was darkened with soot. He held her up a little higher. With a snip, she was freed. She gave a little squeal of pain as the blood rushed back into her arms. The blood rush was just the beginning. She gasped as the real pain hit. “Oh!” “Vesta.” One word. Diamond's voice. The blond-haired alien she vaguely recognized from her courtroom approached, holding his glowing hands over her head. He illuminated the sky briefly, and then everything went dark. * * * * * “She's out,” Dante announced. “How are her injuries?” Hayze strode up, and hovered his index finger over the unconscious judge held tightly in Diamond's arms. “Surprisingly, not a lot. She's in shock and needs to be warmed. Diamond's body heat, plus the blanket, ought to fix that up right soon. Her lungs are okay despite the smoke inhalation. She's got some bruising and soreness from being bound. Looks like she put up a hell of a fight. No infections from the cuts, but she needs to have them cleaned out.” There were deep scratches where her clothing had been torn to shreds.

“A human scanner. That's so cool,” Jack said, staring at his fingers. “Probably Cassio doesn't know you can do that?” Jonas asked. “Nope.” Hayze grinned. “I'd appreciate if nobody tells her. I find it cute when she leans in close to scan me herself. She blushes when she runs the machine over my dick.” The men snickered. Diamond raised his brows. “She's never run it over mine. Dante?” “Nope. Me neither.” Hayze, eyebrows raised, looked at Vesta. Vesta shook his head negatively. “Well, well,” Jonas said. “Looks like our sweet little Cassiopeia has a naughty side.” Hayze's grin grew wider. “About time I got something out of the woman. She's stubborn.” “Don't I know it,” Diamond said. “Just be gentle with her. The way to her heart is through her manners program.” “Yeah, and as soon as you two mate, you can drop all the car-door opening and crap. I keep losing girlfriends who see you guys do that,” Brandon complained. “They suddenly want to date Stargazer.” “It's not our manners,” Diamond muttered. “It's the size of our dicks.” When the laughter stopped, Dante said, “What the plan? There was only one Abolisher body recovered in there.” “Let's flush out the rest. I'll stay in the safe-house with Felicia. You guys send word that we're holed up because her injuries are so severe she can't be moved. Say she's so near death, we're just hoping she'll awaken long enough for us to question her. When more of the Abolishers show up to finish the job before she awakens to talk, we'll be ready,” Diamond said.

“How's the judge gonna feel about being used as bait?” Jonas asked. “This fine judge isn't going to know.” * * * * * Felicia woke up stretched out on a sofa, with a fireplace crackling. She looked around. From the inside, it looked like she was in a log cabin. The walls were real wood, and outside a window she could see trees. She ran the events through her mind. She'd been rescued by the PTF. Diamond had carried her outside of the burning house. Then Vesta knocked her out with some sort of alien powers beamed from his hands. She sat up. Whistling came from the kitchen. “You're awake.” Diamond was shirtless, in his PTF cargo pants. A kitchen towel was flung over one shoulder. He had the broadest shoulders she'd ever seen. Tattoos wound from his lower left side all the way up his magnificent chest. His long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and his bright blue eyes sparkled like jewels. He looked delicious and clean. Plus he smelled good. Unlike her. He must have showered. He'd been darkened by soot when he'd pulled her from the basement of the house. She could only imagine what she looked like. She looked down at herself. She should have been smoky, too. But she wasn't. “How did I get cleaned?” “I bathed you. Sit up.” His voice was matter-of-fact as he grabbed a tray from behind the sofa. “You—what?” she sputtered.

“Gave. You. A. Bath.” He enunciated very carefully and placed the tray over her lap. Sexy beast saw her naked. She wasn't quite sure what to make of that. He seemed to read her mind. “I wish it was under better circumstances. Perhaps after a fancy dinner. I bring you home from our date, you invite me inside with a husky laugh. I pour a couple glasses of wine while you pour the bath. After it's nice and bubbly, you call me to squeeze in with you.” “And a squeeze it would be,” she said, eyeing his muscular biceps. “Got it all figured out, huh?” “Yep. I told you the last time we were together. You're mine.” Felicia sighed. “ I told you the last time we were together. It's impossible.” “We'll see. Let me get your dinner.” He left the room before she could respond. He was back in just a couple minutes with a large bowl of soup he placed on the tray in front of her. Her stomach growled. “I cook. I clean. I'm quite the catch, for any Earth woman.” “I know,” she said dryly. He'd practically given her a resume during her tour of Gateway. Which he insisted was a date. He was annoying and bossy. And hard. And rough. And sexy. And strong. And so damn attractive it was a sin. “What are we doing here?” she asked. “Why wasn't I taken home?” “We're getting to know each other, precious. Eat your soup.” “Diamond, we had this discussion. I know you're attracted to me. I'm attracted to you, too. But my job doesn't allow for dating Stargazers. It would be seen as favoritism.” “So why don't we just explore the sex then?” He winked. “We'll keep it between us.”

Her mouth fell open. He took the spoon and spooned soup in. She chewed slowly. Then swallowed. “You want to...just have sex?” “It would be mind-blowing,” he said. “I don't doubt that. But I don't know you. I don't just fall into bed with strangers.” “Then you'll learn all about me, your honor.” He spooned another mouthful in. “What do you want to start with?” She chewed her food, eyes glued on him. She couldn't figure him out. He'd gone from insisting she was his to accepting a sex-only relationship. “I was born a few hundred years before you. In my galaxy—because we're not restrained to the planet we're born on—I was known as The Enforcer. I enforced the laws of the community. For example, if someone broke the law, I took them into custody. If they fled, I chased. If I was busy on another case, I'd call someone else in. The Hunter, perhaps. Then Dante would hunt the alien. If Dante was busy on another case, I'd call The Guardian. The Protector. We were all a...team, so to speak. Like the PTF, but of course, we're closer to those teammates, since we're all in the same general vicinity.” He gave her another bite. “After so many years, you become friends with other titled members of the galaxy. It's good to see them again, slowly arriving on Earth. Hayze is here now. He was The Defender. You haven't met him yet. I think you were unconscious.” She nodded. “You all look alike in your PTF gear, especially with the masks and all. I thought there was one more person than usual.” “Your President gave us permission to pull Hayze out of Quarantine for your rescue. The President was the one who told us about you.” She was wary as she tried to fish out exactly what that entailed. “About?”

“You're a spy.” She knew her eyes were wide. Here she'd been worried the kidnappers knew about it, and instead one of the men she'd been sent to spy on knew. She really wanted him to understand. “I didn't want to do it. It was either me or a worse evil.” “I understand why. If you didn't agree to it, there's no telling who we would have gotten instead. It's okay. Back to the story. Vesta's hooked up with Bay. You met her, she was detained during Dante's arrest. She's Kele's best friend. Vesta was supposed to watch over her, protect her until Kele was revived. Instead, he got her pregnant.” Felicia nodded. “Really? That was...quick.” “He's bragging about being spot-on. You've met my best friend, Cassiopeia. She was at Center. I think, and I'm not sure because I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet, she might be interested in Hayze. I definitely know he's interested in her.” “You're all pairing up,” she murmured, taking another bite. “That was why we came. We referred to Earth as the breeding planet back home. We knew we were compatible with you, and our species was dying out.” She was beginning to get the feeling that Diamond wanted to pair up with her because all his friends were. It was a letdown. Maybe he wasn't as attracted to her as she was to him. He was just trying to force love. “I don't want children,” she announced. “I have a brilliant career. I don't have time for little ones.” “That's your choice,” he agreed, feeding her the last of her soup. “Another bowl?” “No, I'm good. How long are we staying here?” “Until we get to know each other.” He pulled the tray and empty bowl from her lap, setting it on the coffee table.

“How long will that be? I already know you. I learned enough during the tour.” She deliberately kept her voice haughty. “We'll stay here as long as it takes. Dante brought back a few changes of clothing for you. They're in the bedroom.” She rose from the sofa to find the bedroom, aware he watched her with narrowed eyes. When she got there, she closed the bedroom door with a click.

Chapter Three Diamond tapped his ear. “Cassio.” The communicator connected immediately. “What's up, buttercup?” “I'm not sure what happened. I was talking to her, everything seemed fine. Then she snapped she wasn't interested in kids, and left the room.” Diamond kept his voice low. “What were you talking about?” “I was telling her about all the team members starting to find mates. Vesta. Dante. H–” He stopped himself before he mentioned Hayze. Thankfully, Cassiopeia didn't catch the slip. “You must have made her jealous. Maybe she thinks you're not interested in her. That you're just after sex or something. That could be why she mentioned the kid thing.” Diamond thought about it. “I did mention I was interested in sex.” “Bingo! That's it.” “So what do I do now?” “Go after her. Kiss it and make it better, big guy. Talking didn't do you much good. Now let her feel the motion of the ocean, if you get my drift.” “Maybe you should start a slang program,” he muttered. “Try it out on Cesar.” “Way ahead of you there. I haven't talked to him in a while, but last I knew, his English was atrocious. By the way, um, where's...Hayze?” “They're keeping him just a while longer. In case Felicia and I have issues and need the team when the Abolishers arrive to snuff us.” She snorted. “Yeah. The humans haven't seen me in action.” “Go get your woman, Tiger.”

* * * * * Felicia was rifling through the dresser drawers in the bedroom when a sound in the hallway made her look up. Diamond opened the bedroom door like he had a right to. “What are you doing?” she asked, in the most disdainful voice she had. She swore if he started spewing everyone else's love, she'd throw something. He stalked forward, then picked her up as if she weighed nothing. “Put me down.” “No.” Felicia blinked. “What do you mean, no?” “Exactly that, precious. We're going to do this, you and I. Like we should have at my apartment. I've been dreaming of this moment ever since.” His skin was warm. She tried to squirm away, fully aware he had nothing on from the waist up but a beautiful, intricate tattoo. His chest was huge, one solid mass of muscle. “I won't hurt you,” he said, laying her gently on the bed. “I'm just going to get you off.” She almost shivered at the erotic words. His hands came to his buckle, popping the snap free. “Are you crazy?” she said. “About what?” He looked amused. His hand was at the swollen bulge of his groin. “Don't let that”—she couldn't force herself to form the word—“come out of your pants.” “My dick?” Without hesitation he pushed his cargo pants down over his bulky, muscular thighs. His cock sprang free, hard as a rock and...huge. He really was crazy.

She gasped and turned over, crawling over the mattress. She felt his hand on her ankle before he jerked her back and turned her over. “Kiss me, Felicia.” “No!” “Yes. I want you. I have since I first saw you.” “Absolutely not.” She avoided looking below his waist. “Look at it. I want you to know the differences between Stargazer and human.” He stroked his erection with his hand. Felicia's cheeks warmed. As much as she wanted to protest his actions, it was titillating to watch him masturbate. She lowered her gaze to focus on his cock. “Do you see how the head of our dick is larger? It's much more sensitive than a human's, too. From what I hear.” He smiled. “Blow jobs are awesome.” This man was out of control. Slowly, he crawled onto the bed and covered her body with his. She felt the weight of his...dick...prodding against her belly. She blinked a few times, aware she wasn't quite as adamant about protesting as she had been. He was outrageous and sexy, such a turn-on. He smelled good, his skin was warm, and the proof of his desire for her was pressing her in the abdomen. “Let's get you naked, Judge,” he muttered. He was huge and had her pinned down to the bed with his large body. The heat emanating from him was almost feverish. He exuded strength and sex appeal. She was already soaking wet. She fought his hands as they tugged at her skirt. If he should get her undressed, he'd know how turned on she was. There was no hiding the feminine juice that had begun to seep

between her thighs. She smacked at his hands, but it was as ineffectual as an ant slapping a mountain lion. “Diamond, get off. Maybe you didn't understand earlier.” “Precious, you need to understand something else. My need for you. It's voracious.” His lips brushed against hers, and she melted against him. His tongue delved into her mouth, tasting her, possessing her. She reached up and flattened her palms against his chest, moaning as she felt the hard muscle. Somehow her skirt was removed as easily as if it disappeared on its own. She wrapped her legs around his hips, hugging him against her need. He pulled from her mouth, throwing his head back to snarl. “You have no idea what you do to me, Felicia.” His eyes glittered with a sapphire glow. When his head lowered again, it was to suck her neck. The thick head of his cock was pressing against her soft belly. It took but one scoot to tighten her thighs, bring her pelvis up, and dip his cock into her wet slit. “You're soaked,” he rasped against her throat. “I know,” she said. “I really want you.” With her thighs wrapped around his hips, she felt him tighten the muscles of his ass. Suddenly he breached her body. She saw stars. His cock was huge, like someone had inserted a tennis ball into her sex. She rotated her hips, pressing up enough to get him to go slowly deeper. “Am I hurting you?” he growled. “I'm shaped differently than human men. I'm trying to let you adjust.” “No, it doesn't hurt. It feels so good. Go all the way in.” She pressed kisses along his jaw, loving the cleft in his chin. “I have to see you,” he muttered, and ripped open her blouse. Buttons flew everywhere,

scattering across the floor. With one hand, he deftly unhooked the front clasp of her bra and her naked breasts popped free. “You're such a beast,” she said. “I know.” There was no apology in his voice. “Beautiful,” he rasped. He bent his hand and took a pink-tipped nipple into his lips, sucking gently. She sucked in a deep breath, and arched her back as if she could get more of her breast forced into his mouth. She sighed, enjoying the wondrous sensations rolling through her body. His tongue moved, sliding quickly back and forth over her taut nipple. “God,” she muttered. She'd wanted this for a long time. Fought against the feelings, knowing it wasn't a good idea. But now, none of that mattered. All that mattered was the lust between them. The fire she wanted to quench. She had her breast being licked and his cock buried deep within her. It felt so good she wanted to die like this. He slowly withdrew almost completely, and then slid back in, deep. She moaned, loving the way it felt as when he pushed the large head of his cock into her. He went a little deeper with each thrust. “I love the way you feel,” she said, her voice husky. “Like that, doll? You could have it every night.” She ignored that, and focused on the sensation instead. He panted and his body trembled. She knew he fought to keep control. “Say my name, Felicia.” “Diamond,” she moaned, punctuating his jaw with kisses. “Faster, Diamond. Please. Give me more of you. Give me all of you.” His hips slammed against her as he pounded into her. He was so deep, and she was so

swollen. She was about to explode. She savored every minute detail about his rock-hard cock hammering in and out of her body, making her pulse with need, bringing her so close to the edge. “I can't hold out,” he muttered. She could feel the tension in his body. “Go ahead,” she said. “Come for me, baby. I want to watch.” He snarled, gripping her hips almost painfully. His fingers dug into her flesh. Hot, wet liquid splashed inside her. She could feel the force and the heat of his ejaculation. Stargazers had more fluid than human men. It was incredible, and sexy. Just when she thought it couldn't get any better, it did. The most amazing feeling hit. His cock jack-hammered inside her, like someone flipped a switch to high on a batteryoperated sex toy that had been inserted. Her entire body was already highly sensitized, and the rapid vibrations flipped her over the edge. Felicia screamed as her orgasm blasted throughout her body. The room grew silent, the only sound was their mutual panting. Felicia closed her eyes, trying to will her heart to slow. She didn't move, her body was so tightly strung. She felt like delicate glass that would shatter at the briefest touch. Diamond seemed to sense it and held completely still inside her. His cock had stopped its vibrations. His head was buried in her neck. They were both breathing hard. It was so worth it. The sex was as awesome as she'd imagined it would be. He murmured into her ear. “I'll pull out when I soften.” She nodded, fighting the insane urge to giggle. “I'm so sensitive.” He kissed her ear.

“You forgot to tell me about the vibrating.” “Surprise.” His voice was so droll, she had to laugh. Finally he inched from her body. She felt empty when he pulled out. But she was able to turn onto her side to face him now. His legs entwined with hers, and he supported himself on his forearm. “I could have lost you,” Diamond said. His beautiful sapphire eyes stared into hers. “You would have moved on,” Felicia said. “We had one date. If you could even call it that.” “I do.” He growled. “You were attracted to me and I was attracted to you. It wasn't just a tour of Gateway.” “You're right.” Felicia had to acknowledge the truth. How could she not be attracted to the man-beast that was Diamond? “But, Diamond,” she said tentatively. “There are still the same issues with our dating. I'm a judge and you're a Stargazer.” “I know your issues,” he said. “You're a spy. You can't blow your cover.” Felicia took a deep breath. “That's part of it. I'm not proud of it. But it was either me, or someone much worse. I couldn't let that happen to your people. If we begin dating, how will that look? It'll look like I favor Stargazers. They'll appoint someone else as judge and then your whole species will be screwed.” “I'm not letting you go, Felicia. I almost lost you. Life is too short to not take what you want.” Felicia smiled. That was her beast talking, thinking he could just grab what he wanted. “I know, baby. But we have responsibilities.” “We'll figure this out.” “But until then, we have to pretend nothing is going on. It's important for Stargazers.”

Diamond nodded, though he didn't look too happy about it. “Did you call me baby?” She blinked. “Did I?” “You did. And I have no intentions of letting you go. Prepare yourself.” She nodded. “Okay, compromise time. I'll tell you what we're going to do. While we're here, in this cabin, let's pretend there's no one else in the world. Just you and me.” He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Deal.” He curled her into his big body as she yawned. * * * * * Sunlight streamed through the thin curtains. She awoke sore, but toasty warm. The bedroom door opened. “Good morning, precious,” Diamond said softly. “I made you breakfast.” “Thank you.” She sat up slowly, aware of every muscle in her body. He set the tray on her lap and strode to the bathroom to run a bath. “Take your time,” he said, coming back into the bedroom. “I ran it hot.” He laid across the bed, watching as she ate. “You're a good cook,” she said. “I know. It was on my resume.” He grinned. She rolled her eyes. “You are a catch. If I'd have known the sex was so amazing, I would have locked the doors and jumped on you in the courthouse.” He laughed. “What's on the agenda for today? I found a bunch of movies in the living room. Unfortunately, they're VHS.” She laughed. “You're so spoiled.” “I like the best.” “Your apartment reflects that.”

“What kind of movies do you like to watch? They have great action movies.” Felicia blinked. Did he say action? “Romance.” He looked horrified. “Are you kidding?” “Nope.” “Do you know how much respect I'll lose with the team if they find out I watch romance movies with you?” “I'm going to introduce you to the Lifetime channel. Besides, there's just you and me in the world right now, remember? Your little ole team doesn't even have to know.” Diamond reached for her hand, and brought it up to his mouth. He pressed a kiss onto it. “You're right. This is going to be the happiest day of my life. My first with you.” When she finished eating, he set the tray onto the dresser. Then he turned back to her, opened the sheets and lifted her out of bed. “I can walk.” She protested from his arms. “Yeah, but why should you?” He turned into the bathroom. He lowered and sank her into the warm water. “Oh, that feels so good,” she moaned. “I wanted to light candles to put around the tub, but there were only emergency candles. Not very sexy.” “How have you been single for so long?” She almost regretted not being able to keep him. He shrugged. “I've never found a woman I've been interested in. Until you.” She leaned her head back against the tub. “I was thrown for a loop the first time I saw you.” “Got your panties wet, huh, Judge?” “Bragging is not attractive.”

“Just stating facts.” She turned her head toward him. “How would you know that's a fact?” “I could smell your arousal.” She couldn't believe what he just said. “Excuse me?” He grinned. “Stargazers have certain gifts that manifest. Hayze has his scanner hands. Vesta can knock you into a stasis or wake you up. Warm you up. Start fires. You don't want to whisper around Dante. He can hear you from three blocks away. Me? I can smell emotions. I smell when you're aroused.” Her mouth dropped. “Are you kidding? What kind of a gift is that?” “That's what I always thought. So I worked out. Bulked up instead. I wanted to be the most elite fighter there was to make up for it. But as it turned out, the gift was handy. At least, Vesta's been thanking me daily.” “Vesta? Why?” “The first time he saw his mate, Bay, she was unconscious. When I handed her to him, I mentioned the poor thing was ovulating. Never thought he'd get her pregnant, though.” That was below the belt. “Am I ovulating?” “Nope. I smell a very faint deterrent. The Pill?” She nodded. “That's amazing.” “Finally. I amaze you.” “You always have, Diamond.” “You've been ignoring me since our date.” “Yes. Because you kept approaching me in public places. Had you shown up where it was just you and me, I wouldn't have been able to resist.” “You couldn't tell me that earlier? I wasted a lot of time.” “I'm only sharing my secrets because the world consists of you and me right now.”

“Tell me about you.” “I have one sister. She's younger than I am and gallivants the world. My parents live in Florida. Typical retirees. Dad golfs, mom has book clubs. You?” “My parents are gone. I have a sister, she lives on a small planet in our galaxy. She and her husband are ministers of their church.” “I'm sorry about your parents.” He shrugged. “They had good lives together.” “What made you decide to become The Enforcer?” “I was the last in the lineage of my family. My sister and her husband couldn't have children. Most of my generation can't, not together. It's why we sought out Earth. We bided our time, protecting the people we had left, until technology developed enough to allow our males to travel and breed.” “How do your children look?” “Originally, we thought they'd be a blend of human features and Stargazers. Our eye color. The slightly larger size. Male babies have our dicks.” He grinned. “Turns out, as a child gets older, they develop more Stargazer traits than human. I think it's evolution allowing our gene pool to continue. Now we're noticing the children look more Stargazer than they did as infants.” The man would make beautiful children. “My water's getting cold.” “And your nipples are starting to pucker.” “So inappropriate,” she murmured, ignoring his grin. He grabbed a towel. She pulled the drain and stood. He wrapped her, rubbing her briskly to dry her off. He took her back into the bedroom. “I'll get dressed,” she said. “Maybe we can take a walk. Explore the woods.”

His face was shuttered. “It's supposed to downpour. Let's just relax with our movies.” “Okay,” she said easily. He didn't want to leave the house. That much she figured out. Perhaps he really wanted to play house with the limited time they had. Diamond left to get the movie ready, calling out titles to her as she dressed. She wrapped herself in a loose sweatshirt and oversized cotton sweats. She had to roll up the ankles, they were so long. They were probably Diamond's. She headed into the living room, where he sat seated. She curled onto his lap. “How are going to watch the movie like that?” He asked, a smile in his voice. “I'll manage just fine.” She inhaled deeply. He smelled so good. The movie was a classic, but one that she'd seen twenty times. She was loosely clasped in his arms, his thumb rubbing gently along her forearm. “Diamond?” “Hmm?” “Don't you want to date anyone else?” “Nope.” She let that sink in a few minutes. “Even if we're just casually dating? On the sly? With just the two of us knowing?” “Even then.” “What if your friends try to set you up with someone? Another friend of Kele, or Bay's perhaps? Maybe even Cassio. She's single.” “Kele tried that. I'm not interested. Cassiopeia is my friend, nothing else. And trust me, she feels the same way.” “If your primary goal is to breed, you're missing out by being with me.” “There are no rules that state I must have children, Felicia. If you don't want any, I

understand. I'm not missing out by being with you, except for the fact that I can't show affection anywhere but behind closed doors.” “It makes it difficult for you. How long will you be satisfied with a relationship like that?” “Stargazers don't think like humans. Just like we aren't built like humans. You've seen the slight differences. You can't assume I'll get sick of a situation because a human male would.” She turned in his lap, extending one arm to wrap around him. She pressed her face into the warmth between his shoulder and neck. This felt so right. She was so tempted to say the hell with the rest of the world, and just keep Diamond. But that was so irresponsible. The President of the United States trusted her enough to place her in this position. She was honored. She couldn't let humanity down. Especially the Stargazer community. What if things escalated to banishing them from the planet? Diamond would have to go away. She tightened her arm without realizing it. As soon as she noticed, she loosened her grip. She could no longer imagine not being around Diamond. She wasn't sure how it happened, or when it happened. But she was completely used to him. Weeks of seeing him daily, in the halls at work, passing by at Realm—had slipped her into need. Needing Diamond in her life.

Chapter Four Judge Felicia Ruge had no idea he wasn't letting her go. He'd allow her to take things slow—for now. Because that was what human females seemed to need. But he wasn't a patient man. He'd seduce her into compliance, if need be. Was it fair? Probably not. But was it fair that the woman could turn him on with one look? Was it fair that she was standoffish and unattainable until he'd gotten her into the bedroom? Was it fair that the prim and proper judge responded with a wild abandon that matched his own? He was Diamond Colorado. He was used to taking what he wanted. He wanted Judge Felicia Ruge, and she would have no idea what hit her. He slipped his hand under the back of her sweatshirt, rubbing the small of her back. Her skin was so soft, so smooth. So unlike the scars that roughened his own skin. He would never stop touching her. He loved the differences between them. Her breathing grew steady. His touch became more erotic. Not a lot, not for her to notice the change. Just enough to alter her body's physical responses. He smelled when he achieved his goal. The beginning musk of her arousal was so sweet, so exciting, he longed to delve his tongue into it. He forced himself to calm. The last thing he wanted was for his cock to harden underneath her lap before he had her prepared to need him as much as he needed her. She inhaled deeply against his throat, her breath warm and sweet against him. He stretched his hand out, allowing the heat from his palm to radiate across her back. Ever so slowly, he moved it up to where her bra strap should be. No bra.

Damn. He felt the beginning stirrings of his cock as it wakened. It was impossible to control. His mate seemed more than eager to heat things between them. Her arousal was stronger now. Her movements were jerky, as if she fought for control. She pressed herself to him. Her soft breasts rubbed against him, allowing him to feel her nipples pebbled into his chest. In response, he moved his hips slowly, rocking them back and forth, allowing her to feel the hardness beneath her sweet ass. It was all on. She licked his collarbone and then cupped his cheek, bringing his head down to kiss her. He plunged into her mouth, letting her feel his need. She maneuvered on his lap to face him. She straddled him now. The waistband of her sweats dipped low. He grabbed her hips, his fingers clutching bare skin forcefully as he rubbed her over his dick. She felt incredible, hot and possibly wet through her sweats. She moaned, pressing the core of her sex down on him. He could feel her intensity, feel her desire to release. His heartbeat boomed. He pulled her roughly over him. He wanted to pound his dick into her, to ride her sweet, swollen pussy until she clenched around him. “You are so sexy,” he muttered between kisses. Felicia ground her mouth to his, stroking her tongue against him. He pushed her sweatshirt up over her naked breasts. She pulled away from him long enough to yank it over her head. Sweet bliss! Her delicate, pink-tipped, perfectly round breasts bobbed. He brought his head to one, pulling it into the warm recesses of his mouth. He sucked hard and she gasped out her pleasure. She pulled away with a pop, twisted slightly and inserted her other breast into his mouth. He sucked with the same intensity he had the first

one. “God, yes,” she moaned, and then began masturbating her clit on him again. The tiny, grounding movements of her hips were so erotic. He wanted to bring her to the uncontrollable edge before she exploded but at this rate, he may explode in his pants like a schoolboy. She was moving without any inhibition, pleasuring herself, moaning into his mouth. All he could concentrate on was the firm rhythm of her sex against his. His mouth found her throat and he pressed kisses there, knowing she wouldn't want markings caused from sucking as proof of their lovemaking. “Ooh,” she breathed, her feminine voice all at once sultry with need. “I'm getting so close.” It was too much of a turn-on to watch her get herself off. His body betrayed him, blowing out of control. The orgasm whipped through him, making him snarl from the force. It hit hard—warm semen jetted out in bursts. In his damn pants. He flipped her off his lap and onto the couch, spreading her thighs. With the opposite hand, he yanked his pants over his hips, freeing his bulging cock. He plunged into her without warning. “Felicia.” He gritted his teeth at the immense pleasure. She was soaked, wet enough to take his size. The head of his cock had swollen to twice its normal size. Her pussy gripped his cock and refused to let him go. Ensconced in her warmth, his vibrations began forcefully, shattering her control. . “Oh, my God,” she screamed. “I'm coming!” Watching her lose it was so sexy, he was surprised by a second orgasm that followed on the heels of his first.

“Fuck!” he yelled. He came again while his dick still vibrated inside her from the first orgasm. That had never happened in his life. He was careful not to crush her with the weight of his body. He used his forearms to support him as he looked down at her. Her eyes were closed and her face flushed. She panted, and her chest moved up and down with the effort. He wanted to tell her he loved her. But he knew she wasn't ready yet. Her legs were wrapped around his ass. Slowly she opened her eyes. He leaned down to kiss her gently. “I'll pull out in a bit when I soften.” She tightened her legs. “Don't leave yet. I love...this moment.” For a second, he tricked himself into believing she meant to say she loved him. He captured her lips with his, slow and gentle. “You're amazing,” she whispered, when he lifted his head. He smiled. He had her just where he wanted her. “You wasted a lot of time not learning about this in my apartment.” “No kidding.” She laughed. “But I didn't just mean the sex. I meant, you.” “You're amazing, too, Judge.” He kept his voice light. He laid back on the sofa, and kept her on top of him. Grabbing a throw, he tossed it over their naked bodies. “Diamond?” “Yes, precious?” “Did you catch the men in the house? When it burned down?” “Not all of them.” “There were six.”

“We're not doing too bad, then.” “How many did you catch?” “One.” “One?” “One.” “Uh...was it the one in the basement? That I think I may have killed?” He chuckled, his chest rumbling against her small ear. “Yup, precious. He was the one. Burnt to a crisp.” “So the rest all got away?” “They weren't important. We determined the men who held you in the house were all hired hands. Lower on the totem pole. They were the beginning recruits for the Abolishers.” “They seemed dangerous enough to kidnap me.” “Actual Abolishers kidnapped you. While you were knocked unconscious, you were transferred to the tender care of those six.” “The one who burned in the basement? He was going to rape me.” Diamond's hand stilled from stroking her back. If he could have revived the guy, he would have. Just to re-kill him. “Did he hurt you?” “No. He was about to. He'd pulled down his pants. I smashed his testicles while his pants were trapped around his knees. He fell over, tangled in the mess.” He resumed his stroking. “Good job, babe.” “Not really. Before he passed out, he knocked me out with a bottle. When I woke up, the house was filled with smoke.” “I'm going to round up every one of those men. They're going to pay.” “If I were a bad guy, I'd be more terrified at the thought of having to hide out from you

for the rest of my life. Of having to look over my shoulder every minute of the day.” He paused in his stroking again. “That's a good point. We make a good team.” Diamond's communicator sounded in his ear. “You do make a good team. Your mate is bad ass. The autopsy shows he died from ruptured testicles, not smoke inhalation. She's a deadly weapon, dude,” Jack said. “See ya.” Diamond couldn't respond without allowing Felicia to know the team listened in. Then he'd have to explain why. “You're not going to be able to go back to your apartment. They know where you live. The PTF has gathered your belongings. We'll find you someplace safe to live.” Like his place. “I feel safe right now,” she said, snuggling into him. * * * * * The communicator woke Diamond in the middle of the night. Dante's voice spoke. “It's on.” Diamond slipped out of bed and into the hallway, where he kept cargo pants and a Tshirt in a set of drawers. “Where are all of you at?” he whispered, as he silently dressed. “Surrounding the perimeter. There are three humans.” “That's it?” “That's it. So if you don't mind, we're going to pop some corn, sit back, and watch. We have Felicia's body temperature programmed into the scanner. A force field has been placed around her to protect against any stray bullets or broken glass. Keep them alive, Diamond. We'll need to question them.” Diamond went into Enforcer mode. There was no fear. Felicia was protected with an active force field from their planet's technology. Not that the force field was easy to activate.

It drew a lot of energy to activate on this primitive planet. It touched him that Dante was willing to use it on Felicia, because it wouldn't be able to charge again for quite some time. For that reason, it was used extremely rarely. In fact, this was the first time it was being used since Stargazers had come to Earth. He made his way to the front hallway, effectively blocking access to the bedroom, where Felicia lay sleeping. “Now they've split up and are approaching from the front, the south, and the west side window,” Dante said. “They're high-tech. Definitely military. Not the fools from the other night. They're wearing night vision goggles and everything.” “They're going to pick the locks,” Jack said. “I saw the equipment they wrapped up. So you won't hear shattered glass or smashed doors. The one on the west is taking out the window. There you are, they're in.” Diamond crouched behind the chest and waited a few seconds, allowing them to enter. Two Abolishers attacked at once. With a snarl, Diamond let loose. They drew their guns, but never had the chance to shoot. His fist shot out, cracking one man in the forearm. The man screamed as bone snapped. Simultaneously, Diamond kicked at the hand of the second man. His bare foot was a weapon in itself. The man's hand shattered. Diamond hadn't even broken a sweat, and maneuvered the fight into the living room, where he was sure to see the one who'd entered from that side. That man, who had just climbed into the west window, took aim and fired. But it wasn't at him. Felicia stood in the doorway of the living room, wearing his black T-shirt and nothing else. Diamond roared. Felicia threw up her hands, ducked and clenched her eyes. The bullets never penetrated.

Instead, they dissolved harmlessly into the force field. The man continued to fire. Diamond grabbed the two screaming men by the throats, fully intending to choke the air from them until they lost consciousness, if only to stop the shrieking racket. To his surprise, foam bubbled from their mouths and their eyes rolled back. Each man collapsed under his grip. Felicia must have realized the bullets weren't penetrating. She quickly stalked forward until she reached the shooter. His eyes were wild. He stopped shooting and raised the gun to smash into the side of her face. He swung out...and missed. His arm repelled against the force field. Felicia struck once, a speedy jab that connected to his throat. He gurgled and collapsed. As soon as he did, the front and back doors opened as the PTF rolled in. “It's all right, gang. It's us,” Jonas said. One by one, the members of the team filed in. Brandon looked around at the fallen bodies. “Damn, I thought the plan was to keep them alive.” “I didn't do it,” Diamond said. “Those two were timed to die at the same time.” “Cassio, drop the field,” Dante said into his communicator. “We need light,” Jonas said. Vesta moved to the fireplace, raising his glowing hands. The flames roared, lighting the entire room. The rest of the men pulled small lanterns from their backpacks, pulling a string to light them. The entire cabin was lit bright as day. “Hayze, will you check her?” Diamond gestured toward Felicia. “Just to make sure.” Hayze moved up to Felicia, who stared at everyone and everything with wide eyes. “Hi, Felicia,” he murmured softly. “I'm Hayze. This won't hurt. I'm just going to scan for

injuries. Follow my fingers, please.” A soft glow emitted from his index and middle fingers. He slid them back and forth over her eyes. “Perfect. Now I'm going to check just one more thing. I'll have to touch you, but it won't hurt. It'll just feel a little warm.” He brought his hands to the sides of her face and placed his thumbs over her temples. Sure enough, his touch noticeably grew warmer, but it wasn't uncomfortable. “Perfect. Clean bill of health.” He stepped back, and then Diamond was there. He pulled Felicia to him, enclosing her in his warm embrace. “It's all right, Judge. All over. You did great.” “So if you didn't drop them, who did?” Jack asked Diamond, looking at Felicia warily. He deliberately took a step back from her. She blinked. Dante rolled his eyes at Jack before kneeling by one of the bodies. “Jonas, check that one.” The two of them peered closely at the dead men. Dante grasped the man's neck, lifting it to straighten his head so his mouth fell open. Jonas looked at the bone protruding from his flesh of the arm on his man. “Damn.” He whistled. “Clean break. You know how to hit, Diamond.” “It didn't even have time to bleed,” Jack said. “You didn't say not to cause them pain. You just said to keep them alive,” Diamond said. “Looks like they took a poison,” Dante said, still peering into the first one's mouth. “It was a suicide mission.” Several of the men looked at Felicia. The intruders intended to die—just to kill her. “So why didn't the last one's poison work at the same time as these two?” Jack asked. “This one,” Diamond gestured to the third man, whom Felicia had taken down. “Must

have been the main plan. If the other two failed, or were taken out by me, his mission was to get Felicia. The force field stopped him. When she hit him in the throat, it activated his poison capsule, exploding it before he planned to die.” Felicia looked white as a ghost, standing wrapped in Diamond's arms. “We've got this,” Jonas said to Diamond. “Take the judge into the bedroom. We'll transport the bodies and clean up. Get a good night's rest and we'll meet in Center tomorrow at noon.” Diamond nodded. He bent, and picked up Felicia. Her head nestled into the side of his neck. So trusting. He closed the bedroom door behind them and settled into bed with her. He wrapped her in blankets, while her teeth chattered. “I was bait?” she asked. “I thought we were getting to know each other.” “You were safe. And we were.” “The team didn't get here until the intruders were dead!” “Because they knew I could handle it. There were only three men sent. That's an insult to me.” “How did they know there would only be three?” “We had heat sensors in the vicinity. They knew how many were coming.” “What if they'd been wrong?” “That's why we expended a force field to protect you. No harm could have come to you.” “If there were heat sensors, they knew you and I were...uh...in the same bed.” “There's only one bed. Besides, I needed to watch over you,” he growled. “No one thought anything of it.” He lied. “As long as no one knows,” she murmured. Her voice slurred. “You're tired. You need to rest.”

“I can't sleep with them in the house,” she said. “I want to go see what's going on.” She tried to scramble up, only to be trapped by a muscled arm. “Nothing's going on. They cleaned up the mess. Scanned for any traces of human blood or DNA, and wiped it away. They transported the bodies for examination. Then the PTF vanished without a trace. It probably took them five minutes, max.” Felicia stayed silent, listening to the cabin noises. He was right. There wasn't a sound beyond them talking. “Where did they go?” “To meet with your President. To come up with a plan to flush more of the Abolishers out of hiding.” “How do you know all this?” “I'm in communication with my team.” “Yeah, and remember to turn off the communicator before you have sex this time.” Vesta's voice sounded in his ear. Diamond winced and decided not to let Felicia know. Casually, he reached up and tapped his ear, turning the communicator off. “Where'd you learn to take down a man like that?” Diamond asked. “Police training. Or self-defense classes. I can't remember which.” It was comforting to know his little human mate could take care of herself. Discomforting to know their time was up. By tomorrow, when she wasn't feeling vulnerable any longer, she would insist on acting professional as if they weren't a couple. “Go to sleep, baby. I'll protect you.” Strangely, that wasn't a concern to her. She closed her eyes, and her breathing became smooth and deep. Felicia woke before Diamond, and watched him sleep. There was a faint scar on his

forehead. His lips were beautiful, full and well-shaped. There had been more bad guys last night. They'd taken care of them. Now they were ready for reality to take over. It was back to business as usual. She felt some regret. She wanted to keep this Stargazer. Of course she knew it was out of the question. But it had been heavenly to pretend. She thought back to her captivity in the basement. Her one regret had been not being with Diamond. Now her one regret was knowing what she would miss. She might have been better off before. Ignorance was bliss. She'd told him they'd have a secret relationship, but mostly it was to pacify him. She couldn't actually risk someone finding out about them. He had no idea, but she'd have to let him go. He stirred, and awakened slowly. “Good morning,” he said. “Good morning.” “What's for breakfast?” “How about pancakes?” She'd noticed dry mix in the pantry. “Sounds awesome.” She smiled, trying to appear normal. But soon, after they ate, she'd have to tell him about keeping things under wraps. Eventually, she'd slow things down to non-existent between them. She tossed back the covers, heading to the kitchen. She looked in the living room. If she didn't know better, she'd think she imagined the whole thing. There wasn't a speck of blood anywhere. The window, where the man who'd shot her had crawled through. She stepped closer to look at it. Other than the glass being too clean, there was no sign that anyone had entered. “I told you,” Diamond said. “The PTF took care of it last night.”

She whirled around. He stood bare-chested, in sweat pants. His sexy abdomen exposed. “How could they replace the window that quickly?” “They didn't. They attached the pieces of glass back and melded them together again. They dissolved the blood traces with a laser.” “Your technology is amazing.” “We're used to it. You'll get used to it, too.” She smiled. “In the meantime, it's good old fashioned pancakes.” They moved into the kitchen, where she found a griddle to heat on the stove. Diamond went to the pantry, getting the mix out. “It's a water-only mix. That's convenient,” he said. She mixed up the batter in a bowl. “What's on the agenda for the meeting?” “No agenda. It's pretty casual. I'm sure the President wants to see you, make sure you're all right.” Felicia wondered if he worried if the spy program was compromised by her staying with Stargazers. She poured the batter onto the hot griddle. Soon the smell of pancakes wafted through the kitchen. “You're awfully quiet,” Diamond said. “I'm wondering how many Abolishers there are. If this is something we'll always have to fight.” “Nah, we're going to take them out. Teach them the lesson they thought they'd teach us.” “You're so sure.” “I'm the Enforcer. It's what I do.” She dished up their pancakes, and they quietly began to eat.

Chapter Five Felicia had been quiet the rest of the morning. She couldn't help it. Diamond seemed to sense her mood change and watched her with brooding eyes. Now she knew why, after he'd shared his gift of smelling emotion. “What is going on, judge?” Diamond asked. “The real world has arrived. We have to go back to normal now.” “Normal?” “You and I. We need to keep our professionalism. No more kisses and cuddling.” “You're going to hold to this? Even after what we've shared? How good you know it is between us?” “I'm sorry. This is important for both of our people.” His face grew hard. His eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared slightly. “At least not in public,” she said. “If we have to hide and pretend, then I think I can have a few demands of my own.” Felicia nodded. “Fair enough.” The man was putting up with a lot. “What would you like?” He yanked her to him. She fell hard, landing on his lap. His muscled thighs felt tight underneath her ass. “This.” He tugged the back of her head until she was lowered enough to kiss. Felicia moaned. “Don't you see? Every time I touch you, it's as good between us as I thought it would be,” Diamond rasped. “The first time wasn't a fluke. The second time wasn't a fluke. It's magic every single time. Kiss me again. Don't stop. Every time we're together behind closed doors, the world falls away and it's just you and me. Promise me that.”

“I do.” Felicia sought his lips. They opened their mouths together. He was right. This was magic between them. There wouldn't be a lot of times together, not if she needed to put her plan in action. She had to enjoy this while she could. His tongue pleasured her, and heat began to roll through her core. He was just as turned on. Beneath her hand, his cock grew. Her nipples hardened. She did that to him. The thought wet her further. She could almost feel her labia swell with excitement. Diamond's hands wrapped around her hips. He turned her gently, bringing her pussy over his erection. “Feel this,” he rasped. She shivered. She arched her back, so her clit was able to make contact with the bulge. He gripped her ass. Slowly, he rubbed her back and forth over his cock. His sex hit her in just the right spot. Pleasure tore through her at how hard he was. How large he was. How he would soon be filling her. “I've wanted you since the first day I saw you,” Diamond admitted. “Me, too,” she gasped. “In the courtroom.” “I saw you before that day.” “When?” “In your chambers. You'd showered and were in a pink towel. I was invisible. There to spy on you. To see what Dante and Kele had to go through for the investigation.” She gaped. “You're a spy, too? After all the crap you gave me?” He nodded, unfazed. “You have the technology to make yourself invisible?” He nodded again. “But, of course, no one knows about it.”

“That would send humans running for the hills,” she agreed. She sought his mouth again. Diamond made her feel wild and needy and not at all the prim and proper judge she normally was. Her hands swept up to her blouse, unbuttoning the tiny buttons one by one. She slipped it off and felt his hands come around her back as he felt for the clasp. She felt it the moment it unhooked and her breasts fell free. He slid the straps off her shoulders and stared at her naked breasts. “Beautiful,” he rasped. “I love that your nipples are pink.” “I love that yours are pierced.” He bent his head and took one into his mouth. Felicia arched her back. His mouth was hot and wet and concentrated solely on the tip of her breast. “I ache for you,” Felicia admitted. Diamond's eyes glittered. She reached for the bottom of his shirt and tugged it up over his chest. The alien was beautiful. His chest was more muscled than she could even imagine. She traced up the intricate tattoo that wound across his chest, down his side, and over one hipbone, to disappear into his pants. “What does it mean?” she asked. “This tattoo marks me based on my family lineage. I accepted the position Enforcer.” She nodded. “I know. Humans don't have invisible technology, but I knew your code name.” Diamond's mouth dropped, until she kissed him again. “Spy,” he growled. But he grinned. “Back at you, Enforcer. Kiss me more, please.”

His mouth was demanding. Her breasts felt heavy with need. He cupped them, rubbing his thumbs over the tips. Felicia gasped. Her body was on fire. She was so aroused, she felt frantic. Her heart pounded in her chest. She had an ache deep inside her. She tore at Diamond's pants, trying frantically to push fabric out of the way. He rumbled, deep in his throat. The sound vibrated down his sexy chest. A light sheen of sweat covered him. She pushed his tank top up the rest of the way, over his head, and without missing a beat, he continued to kiss her. She heard the sound of metal clanking, of a zipper pulling, and she felt him tug his pants off. She reached down and brushed against his cock. It was warm, and silky and slightly wet. She gripped the bulbous head, feathering her touch over it. Then she stroked the shaft. He groaned. His sounds turned her on even more, made her wetter. Desperate with need. Her sex flooded, preparing for him. She stroked up his huge cock. It was shaped strangely, the head much larger than the rest. Now, she couldn't imagine it being any other way. She swirled a fingertip around the seam that connected the head to the shaft. He groaned. “I'd love to lick you,” she said. His eyes glittered. She crawled off his lap to kneel between his knees. She leaned over his cock and swiped her tongue across the top. “Fuck,” he muttered. She pressed kisses down his shaft, and all along his balls. His testicles were large. She loved that. She came back up and sucked the head of his dick into her mouth. He groaned.

“That feels so good.” She continued to move her head up and down over him, before he pulled her up to sit on his lap again. Cupping the back of her head, he brought her down to him. “I want you so bad,” he said against her lips. “Let me taste you. I want to bury my tongue between your legs. I want to fuck you with my mouth.” She shivered. He was so outrageous. He turned her on like nobody's business. She sat next to him on the sofa, leaned back, and deliberately spread her legs. He dove between them. He spread her labia open, and swiped her clit with his tongue. It felt hot and wet. Instant need rolled through her. He began licking in long, even strokes. Raw ecstasy swam throughout her body. She moaned, long and loud. She gripped the bedding with her fingers, trying to avoid clawing him. His tongue delved lower between her labia, searching for the opening to her body. He swept in, tasting her as he thrust in and out. He came back up to suck her entire sex into his mouth. It was so raw, so sensual, she arched her back, twisting her hips down. She exploded, her climax ripping through her body. The strength and voracity of her orgasm left her stunned. She gasped, her heart pounding, as Diamond rose to stretch his length out on top hers. He never gave her a chance to recover. His cock prodded against her pussy, which was still warm from his mouth. “I can't go slow,” he muttered. “Don't.” He pushed through her slick and swollen labia and filled her with his enormous erection. She moaned, lost in the sensation of their joined bodies. He was so amazing. He probably ruined her, because she couldn't imagine enjoying sex with any other man. Ever. His thrusts were long and deep. He found a rhythm, making her gasp. Eventually, they

became faster. The rhythm was getting to her, making her blood boil and reach for the stars. She screamed out his name as she reached the top. Her inner sheath clenched onto his cock as she orgasmed. “Fuck,” he yelled, and released into her. His cock vibrated as he gasped, collapsing onto his forearms. They panted, staring at each other. Their lovemaking was incredible. “I can't live without this. I can't live without you.” He lowered his forehead to hers, kissing her nose gently. “Okay,” she agreed. “We'll keep our relationship. We'll just keep it under wraps.” He raised his head. He didn't verbally agree. He just looked at her with his beautiful eyes, before he said, “Let's go back to the real world then.” * * * * * After they'd showered, she met him in the living room of the cabin. She looked around. This was bittersweet. She turned back to Diamond, who was watching her. She took a deep breath. Diamond tapped the communicator in his ear. “Hey, baby girl,” Diamond said softly to whomever was on the other side. He continued to stare into Felicia's eyes. “Please beam us to Center.” He pulled Felicia close to him. The cabin faded and swam. She swayed, grateful for his strong arm holding her up. “Relax, precious. You're all right. You're just in a different location. Open your eyes.” Felicia opened her eyes. The wave of dizziness had passed. Center looked as it had when she'd toured it once before with Diamond. She recognized Cassiopeia. The PTF team was there, except for the golden-eyed newest member. Hayze. And this time, the President of the United States stood—a huge smile on his face—with two of his

highest-ranking Secret Service agents surrounding him. She ran to him, giving him a hug. “You're all right,” he said. “Not a scratch on you. I'm so sorry, I never meant to put you in any danger. We'll have to get you your own guards.” “I have a better idea. We have an excellent guard right here,” Jonas said. All eyes swiveled to Diamond. “He did take down three Abolishers. All by himself,” Dante said. Jack snorted. “Only two. Judge Ruge helped herself to the last one.” Diamond grinned. “Next time she can have two. I'll handle the last one. I think I broke a nail.” “Anyway,” Dante said dryly. “He's our best guy. We offer him for Felicia's safety.” The President smiled wide. “Thank you. That is well appreciated.” Felicia smiled, too. “Agreed. Where's the new guy?” “Hayze?” Dante asked. “Even though our mates are safe in Gateway, we're not taking any chances with spies infiltrating Realm. We left him guarding Kele and Bay.” Felicia nodded. Jonas cleared his throat. “Dante and I have been going over this since last night. We don't know how long Diamond will be guarding Felicia. Right now we have Hayze. But we'll have to return him to finish his socialization training in Quarantine. We need more members. Now, it's easy enough to find trustworthy Stargazers, since most of you have worked together in the past. The problem is, we can't hire a Stargazer without balancing the human side.” The President smiled. “I can help you there, gentlemen. I have contacts. After all,” he looked right at Diamond. “I brought you Felicia, didn't I?” “That you did,” Diamond said. “I have a confession. The United States has a top-secret program of trainees. Felicia never

made the cut because she refused to be an undercover agent.” “Ironic, in a way, that I ended up as a spy,” Felicia said. The President smiled. “I'm very persuasive. I have two others in mind who also refused the spy program–Leesha, you remember Roman Phillips and Jaden Devereaux? How do you think they'll fit in?” “Both would be perfect.” “I'll talk them into applying. Jonas, you have complete authority over the hiring of humans?” “I do.” “Perfect. No one will ever suspect they came from me or will affiliate them with the special ops training, since they dropped out.” “We're set then. Let's put out the word that Judge Ruge recovered nicely. Because she can identify her attackers, we're setting her up with a Stargazer bodyguard. Diamond, welcome on board, son.” The President rubbed his hands together. Felicia found it curious that he referred to Diamond—of all people—as son. “What other Stargazers do you have in mind for the team when we expand?” “We have Cassiopeia on the lookout for any new arrivals. She'll bump them up on the list to waken. I think she said The Protector arrived.” “What's his story?” “His name is Neo. He's young, and wasn't ready to settle down and mate. I was surprised when I heard he arrived. Either he changed his mind, or he just wants to check out Earth for a while and will be on his way when he's had enough. In the meantime, we can use him.” “Does he have a gift?” “We all do. His is the ability to loosen inhibition.” “Are you kidding?”

“No. It's a rare gift. Unfortunately, females flock to him and don't know why. It bores him to death.” “What a problem,” Brandon said. “Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse.” Jack grinned. “It'd be an honor to have him on our team.” “He has another cool gift, too. A sort of sixth sense. He knows when something is about to happen to someone he needs to protect.” “Like what?” Diamond shrugged. “It's kind of weird. We had a case where a queen on a planet caused his sense to go haywire. He stationed himself there to protect her. Later, Dante hunted a ring of criminals who would kill high ranking officials in order to control the population. He found their list of victims. She was to be next.” “That'd be convenient.” “It was.” “We also have a new receptionist starting in the PTF building. Jessie, our current trusted receptionist, recommended her for the job. Her name is Lanna.” “Where did Jessie go?” Felicia asked. “She moved up to Loretta's old position at the Visitor Center. So far she's loving the change of pace.” “Loretta?” “The woman who was killed when she kidnapped Kele.” “Oh, that's right.” Felicia vaguely remembered the woman. Jessie, however, was a favorite.

Chapter Six The drive back to his apartment was short. They stepped off the elevator on the top floor, turning right and heading all the way down the hall to the last apartment. The corner apartment. “The door's been programmed to unlock with your fingerprint,” he said. “Try it. Swipe your finger across.” She touched her finger to the small square pad, moving it slightly. The door clicked and unlocked. She pushed it open. Lights automatically brightened and soft music turned on, piping through the apartment. “Make yourself at home.” “I think I'll shower.” He nodded, holding back his smile. She headed for the guest bedroom. Diamond waited for it. One, two, three... “Diamond? My clothes aren't here.” “Check the master.” She entered the kitchen. “Why would they be in the master? The PTF knows that's your bedroom.” He smiled easily. “They know I'd insist on giving you my bedroom and would move to the guest room,” he said. Thank you, Cassiopeia's Manners program. It was easy enough for Felicia to assume he was the gentleman Cassio tried to turn all of them into. “Oh,” she called out. “Okay, then.” Diamond smiled. She was so cute. She really believed the PTF had no idea they were sleeping together.

“Well, this is convenient,” she called out. “Unless someone comes over and notices our stuff is in the same room.” “If anyone comes over, they certainly won't be going through the bedrooms, precious.” It was so easy to pacify his mate. Now he just had to work on getting her to need him. She turned the water on in the bathroom. He waited a few minutes. Then he stripped off his clothes, opened the bathroom door and joined her. He stepped into the shower. “Good thing it's a large shower,” she said. “You take up a lot of room.” He grinned. “I'm saving time. I'm starved and thought I'd take you to dinner.” She nodded. “I'm hungry, too.” Then she frowned a bit. “Don't forget our deal, okay?” He decided to play obtuse. “Deal?” “Diamond! You need to be my bodyguard. Nothing else. Nothing personal. Please?” He leaned down to kiss her gently. “I promise, precious.” The look of relief on her face almost made him feel bad. Ah, hell. He could do this for her. For a while, at least. She turned off the water, and he grabbed a towel, rubbing her briskly with it. Swatting her round behind, he pushed her out of the shower so he could dry off. She left the bathroom to dress. He could hear her rustling around through the closets and drawers. A grin touched his face as he imagined all her stuff intermingled with his. The damn task force probably had a blast blending their stuff. And poor Felicia clung to her belief that no one knew. He tapped his communicator, speaking softly. “We're heading out to Roundabout for dinner. Anyone available to warn everyone there that she doesn't believe anyone knows she's my mate?” Jack snickered. “This is getting complicated. I'm here now. I'll spread the word.” “Great. Thanks,” he whispered, and ignored the laughter on the other end.

He entered the bedroom to find her dressed in a soft pink blouse, skin tight leggings and brown boots that ended at the knee. “You look beautiful. So unlike a judge, though.” She smiled. “We're on Gateway. I can dress however I please. There are no human rules here, correct?” “You got it, precious.” She seemed excited for her new adventure. Moving her to Gateway was the best idea ever. It wouldn't take long at all to get her to fall in love with him. “Ready?” he asked. She nodded. They rode the elevator back down and crossed the street to get to the public transportation system. “What is it?” she asked. “PTS? I don't understand. A subway?” “Not exactly.” “It flies? Why do we go underground if it flies?” “Underground is where it charges in order to fly you. It draws its energy from the center of the Earth. No fuel waste, no pollution.” They stepped onto the long, train-like apparatus. “We can sit, or stand.” “I'll stand,” she decided. Grinning, Diamond sat next to where she stood. She held onto a leather strap attached to the ceiling. At the first movement of the PTS, his startled mate plopped onto his lap. She looked up in surprise. “It moves fast,” Diamond said gently, and kissed her lips with his. She tried to scramble off his lap, but he held her still. “Shh, precious. No one knows us here. We'll resume the act when we step off the bus.”

“The deal is closed doors.” He made an exaggerated motion of looking at the doors of the PTS. She sighed. “You dropped onto my lap, remember?” “You let me stand, allowing me to think it was safe.” “It is safe. You'll be better prepared next time.” He grinned. Slowly, a smile tilted her lips. She couldn't resist his reasoning. “Where are we going?” “Roundabout. The same place I took you to during our date. To dance, remember?” She nodded. “Oh, just to warn you,” Diamond said. “You haven't met Cesar yet. He wasn't on duty when I brought you the first time. If he's here tonight, his English is atrocious. He makes it up as he goes along because he thinks it's an...accent.” “An accent? You're kidding. Does Cassiopeia know?” “No,” Diamond said with a grin. “She hasn't visited outside of Center for a while. Now that Bay's training to cover her, I hope to drag her out so she can be as appalled as the rest of us.” “Has anyone said anything to him?” “Oh, no. Everyone here supports his choice.” Diamond shrugged. “He's well-loved. Certainly not short on attention. From what I understand, a small group of Stargazers have been attending human nightclubs for Karaoke. Surprisingly, the humans there have accepted them.” “Sometimes you find a community that surprises you,” Felicia murmured as the bus stopped movement. She seemed a little reluctant to leave his lap. Finally she stood, and ignored the way he rubbed her rump.

They walked the short distance across the park to Roundabout. He longed to clasp her hand, the way Dante and Kele always did. One day. “We'll just seat ourselves,” he said as they entered. They found a booth and waited for service. Cesar was on duty. Diamond caught his grin. Diamond tried to look closer, but Cesar was too far across the room. He appeared to have mud on his upper lip. It didn't take long for him to approach. “Good evening, Diamond.” Cesar turned to Felicia with a bow. “Madam friend of Diamond.” He winked at Diamond as he exaggerated the word friend. “My name is Cesar. I'm duty-ing tonight as your servant.” “What's that on your lip?” Diamond asked. “My moose-tash.” “You've grown body hair since landing on Earth? Have you seen Cassiopeia to check that out? It could be cancer,” Diamond said. Cesar's eyes grew large. “It is not cancer! I drew it on. See? Look closely.” “Why would you draw it on?” “The French wear moose-tashes.” “They do?” Felicia blinked. “Frequently, female friend of Diamond's.” He winked again. “Um...you can call me Felicia if you wish.” “I would be entitled to use your proper name! A great honor. Thank you.” “Ecstatic?” She looked at Diamond for confirmation. He nodded. “Look who it is!” Cesar's attention was drawn to the front door. “It is Bay Vegas! My favorite human hooker. Bay! Bay!” He yelled across the room.

Every patron turned their heads to see the commotion. When they realized it was Cesar, they went back to eating their meals. Bay and Vesta waved, and headed over. Before she was even halfway across the room, Cesar ran to her, hugging her hard, and rubbing her belly. Vesta made his way over. “Hey,” he said softly. “Did he call your wife a hooker?” Felicia asked, eyes huge. Vesta nodded. “I'm not quite sure what he thinks it means. Bay has introduced him to poetry. He invited her to hear his karaoke one night and she thought he might be interested in something else as a hobby.” He looked back over his shoulder. “Why don't you two join us?” Diamond asked. “Let me go rescue my mate.” Vesta grinned. He came back over, this time with the pregnant Bay in tow. She was an adorable redhead with beautiful chocolate eyes. They were striking against her red hair. Diamond stood, and kissed Bay's cheek. “Bay, this is my...judge. Felicia Ruge.” Felicia stood to shake Bay's hand. Bay squealed, and threw her arms around Felicia. “I've heard so much about you! I'm so glad you're living on Gateway.” She slid into the booth, pushing Felicia around the table next to Diamond. Vesta sat in next to her. “Do you have baby names picked out?” Felicia asked. “We have the same deal as Kele and Dante, except opposite. I pick the name if it's a boy. Vesta gets to pick if it's a girl. And there's no allowing Diamond to sniff out the sex of the baby, either.” She looked pointedly at him. Diamond grinned. “Too late.” Bay smiled. “Then you're not allowed to tell Vesta. However, if you'd like to whisper a little hint into my ear...” “Babe.” Vesta's voice rumbled.

“Oh, kidding.” She turned toward Vesta for a kiss. “Here we are,” Cesar arrived with four metallic trays. “Four specials. Three beef and a vegetarian for my queer.” “Queen.” Bay grinned at Felicia. “Quin. This accent is so apologetic.” Cesar sighed, but he didn't seem unhappy. Diamond and Vesta had ear-to-ear grins. “I have written another poetry in my spare time. I would like to encompass my job as server to be the entertainment staff. Would you care to observe it?” “I'd love to,” Bay said. “I'm so glorious! I would love to garner permission from management to repeat a poetry from time to time over the loudspeaker. I hope it will help with the digestion of the patriot's food.” “Recite,” Bay murmured. Felicia stared with wide eyes. She wasn't sure how Bay managed to pick one word out of that entire sentence to correct. Her brain was still deciphering the exact meaning...of everything. “The cactus blooms as you enter the room. Your belly as fertile as the moon.” He bowed. Bay clapped lightly. Diamond and Vesta glanced quickly at each other before they clapped also. Felicia followed suit with everyone else. “It was done, right?” Diamond whispered in her ear. Felicia shrugged. “I'm not sure,” she murmured. She'd never heard poetry quite like that. “I have two others, but they shall be a surprise to your lovely face! I will go to speak with the management facility now.” He scurried away. “I think his mustache slipped,” Vesta said.

Diamond grinned. “Sorry about that,” Bay said. “I may have made a wee mistake in trying to teach him poetry. It's just that his karaoke...well, his singing...and his accent...it was country—” “Sucks.” Diamond was to the point. “Oh, he's not terrible—” Bay said. Vesta snickered. “He is. Let's see if we can eat fast before his poetry is 'repeated.'” The guys dug in. “I don't recall ordering,” Felicia said. “Did you forget to mention there's only specials?” Bay asked Diamond. “I assumed you remembered. We came here once before, remember?” Diamond said to Felicia. “I guess I thought you ordered for me then.” Bay laughed. “Trust me, we're all shocked the first time we eat here.” There was a loud breathing into the microphone coming from the center of the room, followed by a tapping. Cesar stood, proud and tall. “Everyone. I would like to remedy you all that Diamond's good friend is here,” Cesar said loudly. And winked. “Her name is Judge Felicia.” He gave another exaggerated wink. “What's wrong with his eye?” Felicia asked. Vesta snickered. “Oh, nothing. He just gets these crazy ideas as to what trend may be sexy. I hear he'd like to start an exotic dancing business.” “What?” Bay smiled. “That's why I introduced him to poetry. Can you blame me?” Forks were clanking against their plates as they tried to eat quickly. This was the craziest dinner Felicia ever had. They almost made it. A couple times, Felicia thought Cesar glanced their way. Suddenly,

he strode back to the small stage in the center of the room. “Excuse me, every person.” He waited for attention to follow. Vesta groaned and Bay shushed him. “My compatriots, welcome to the first-ever of my poetry honoring my good friend. May I have your silence and attitude, please.” He waited a few moments. “Can we dim-ish the lights?” Several servers rolled their eyes, but closed the blinds of the windows. Cesar raised his arms to the ceiling. “Roses are many colors. Violets bloom. The cactus pokes...when she enters a room. Stiff as a rod.” He dropped his head and arms dramatically. Hushed silence reigned. Several people looked around, confused. Then one person clapped hesitantly. Another did. Then a third. So the entire room followed. “Thank you all.” Cesar wiped a solitary tear from the corner of his eye. He didn't seem to notice half his mustache was rubbed away. “Is he talking about his dick?” Diamond said. “Oh, I'm sure he isn't,” Bay said, her eyes wide. Felicia wasn't so sure. By the elbow Diamond poked into her side, he wasn't either. “Let's get the hell out of here before he comes for feedback regarding his 'first-ever.'” Diamond said. Everyone at the table bumped each other in their haste. Bay banged her belly against Felicia. “Sorry,” she said. They burst onto the sidewalk to find several people laughing. Among them were Jonas, Brandon, Hayze and Jack. Jack was guffawing. Jonas was wiping his eyes. “Oh, little Bay,” Jonas said to her. The men took one look at Bay and the laughter started again. “Doesn't anyone work around here?” she snapped.

“Did you think we get hungry every day at this time? Nah, we come to Gateway for the entertainment staff,” Jack said. “It's okay,” Jonas soothed, wrapping an arm around her neck. “You'll probably just need to give him a little more poetry training.” “Honestly, I don't think my ears can take it,” she said with a smile. “Poor Felicia. You've been introduced rather roughly. We'll make it up to you. You have a slow week since you're just starting back, right?” “Yes, it is. Most of my projects have been re-scheduled for later in the month.” “Let's get together and do a girl lunch.” Alarmed, Felicia looked behind her at the restaurant. Did Bay want to go back there again? The land of lunatics? The men began to snicker again. Bay sighed. “Maybe we can go to Realm. Or you can come to my place.” She turned to the men. “You guys are so immature.” “You tell 'em, sister,” Jack said. Vesta rolled his eyes. “Babe, Cassio's calling. Your beam-time is about up.” He stepped in and brought his hands to cup her face. Much taller than she was, he leaned down to kiss her. It was so sweet. Bay's eyes lit up before she closed them and Vesta's blond head descended. He kissed her thoroughly. No sooner than he stepped back, Bay's image filtered out. The last person she looked at before she completely faded was Vesta. “I never can figure out how you time it so she never beams as you're kissing,” Brandon said. “Yeah, it wouldn't be as cool if you were left kissing the air,” Jack said. Vesta smiled.

“Okay, I have to get the judge settled in the apartment for the night,” Diamond said. “Tomorrow's the meeting with the council.” “See you tomorrow, Diamond. Felicia.” Jonas tapped his head. “Rest up. Don't worry about a thing. Dante and the rest of the Stargazers on the council have your back.” “Thank you,” she murmured. They began the slow stroll back to the PTS. “Where did Bay go?” “Just back to Center. She had set a beam on a timer for herself. Basically she was testing it to make sure she had it right.” “So she's not working through the night?” Surely a pregnant woman needed her rest. “No,” Diamond laughed. “She'd worked earlier and practiced the beam to go off at that time. It worked. She's getting better. I can't tell you how many times we're in the middle of something and a beam accidentally goes off because she's set it wrong.” “How do you know all this?” “My team is in constant communication. We didn't used to be, but since your kidnapping, we've left our communicators on. Especially since I'm not present full time.” “I'm keeping you from doing what you love.” “No, you're not. As soon as our apartment door closes, I'll show you what I love.”

Chapter Seven “Are you ready?” Diamond asked, as he tapped on the bathroom door. “Don't want to be late for your first day back.” Felicia opened it. “It's just a few hours. The Council meeting. Other than that, there's nothing on the agenda for court. I'm fine.” “But it's a few hours of pretending we don't exist. I'd like to hurry home so we can get back to normal.” “I know, baby,” she said softly. “But tonight we'll be home again. It'll get easier. We'll find a routine.” He bent his head and kissed her thoroughly. “This has to last us all day,” he said against her lips. “Until tonight,” she agreed. He stepped back, and ushered her to the front door of their apartment. “After you, Judge Ruge.” Felicia stepped over the threshold. They went into their roles. Diamond—the security guard—escorted her to court, standing off to her side or just a little behind her. He hardly said a word, just let her go about her business as she greeted people. He seemed like a complete and utter stranger. She felt a strange sense of loss. Even though she had plans to cut things off with him, she wasn't sure she could go along with those plans any longer. Not now that she'd been with him. Not with the way he held her tight each night. The way his eyes twinkled when he laughed with her. Right now a stranger stood next to her. Was this what she wanted for the rest of her life? Yet what were the options? The world wouldn't accept her in a relationship with a Stargazer.

However, the world wouldn't blink if she took up with a human. They wouldn't call her biased over that. Now, she stood outside the door to the conference room, right off the courtroom. Felicia smoothed her skirt. Today was the first meeting with Council since her rescue. She thought she'd trusted everyone on it, but now she wasn't so sure. She turned her chin up. She had Diamond next to her. Without looking back, she entered the conference room with her bodyguard in attendance. The council members rose to a standing position as she entered. “Welcome, Felicia.” “Glad you're back.” “Happy you're safe and sound.” “Thank you, everyone. I am recovered from my ordeal, as you all can see. This will be an informal meeting. I'll hand the floor to Dante to begin.” “Good morning,” Dante said, nodding to her from across the table. “As you're all aware, it was a hate-group who targeted Judge Ruge. The Stargazer Abolsihers. This”—Dante gestured to Diamond—“is a member of my PTF team, Diamond Colorado. I'm sure you've seen him around. He's present today because we've placed him on temporary duty to guard the judge. We'll need a Stargazer replacement for the PTF team in his absence. Also, because she was kidnapped on the outside, Judge Ruge will live in Gateway for security purposes. We thought about placing her in Realm full-time, but Gateway will give her security guard an easier time, since he's on duty 24/7.” The Stargazer members of the council had no questions. The humans did, however. “Why is Diamond working guard duty exclusively? Why aren't shifts being rotated with other PTF members?” “Look at him.” Dante shrugged. “He's the largest, and our best. With what she's been through, I doubt anyone will decide she doesn't deserve anyone but our top man. Besides,

Diamond was the one who rescued Felicia from a burning house. To say he's gained her trust is an understatement. We're short staffed now on the PTF and we need the other men on board to focus their full attention there.” The humans on the council looked around the room, but no one was willing to say anything that may be construed negatively. The large Stargazer staring gruffly ahead intimidated everyone with his size. “Felicia?” Dante handed the floor back to her. She nodded. “Another item on my informal agenda is something that's been bugging me and has to do with the Stargazer Abolishers. A military serviceman entered my courtroom to read the letter from them during my hearing for Dante Paris. That was the anger and retribution the group promised to kill me for. I'd like to know how they obtained permission from the council to enter my courtroom.” One of the councilmembers blinked. “From what I remember, it came from a General in the Air Force.” “Yes,” someone agreed. “He requested the highest speed for it to reach you. We knew the hearing was about over, so we passed it through. Afterward, we regretted it, as the letter had nothing pertaining to actual law and seemed more like petty finger pointing.” The man speaking nodded to Dante, as if apologizing. “It was General Anthony Milan,” someone remembered. “I believe we checked his clearance. He'd worked with you in the past.” “Well, in the future, let's read through everything first. Perhaps in light of the attack, a twenty-four hour deadline should be established concerning any evidence brought before the court.” “That's a good idea.” The meeting continued for an hour and a half. Finally, Felicia stood. “Gentlemen, I'm

going to wrap this up. I believe the PTF has reserved this conference room for their monthly meeting directly after us?” She looked to Dante for confirmation. He nodded. “At your convenience, Judge. This meeting we will announce the decision for Diamond's departure, and plan his replacement. Since he is currently guarding you, would you mind staying so he can be in attendance?” “Of course not,” she murmured. “The rest of us will clear out of here, then.” One by one, the council members stood, nodded, and left the room. They left the door open, so the waiting PTF could enter. Jonas, Brandon, Hayze and Jack entered. As soon as the last team member crossed the doorway, Dante tapped his ear. “Cassio, check the room for recording devices, please.” He waited a moment, then murmured, “Thanks.” “Have a seat, everyone.” Once they were seated, he continued. “General Anthony Milan is a name to check out. Cassiopeia, will you run a report?” “I know Milan,” Felicia said. “As do I—now,” Jonas said. “He's been trying to reach you. He's left numerous messages. I think we ought to let him. See what he wants.” “Good idea,” Dante agreed. “I don't know what he could possibly want,” Felicia said. “I haven't seen or spoken to him in years.” “Let's find out,” Jonas passed her the phone number scrawled onto a piece of paper. Felicia began to dial the number Jonas gave her. “He'll think it's odd if I place the call on speaker.” “No need,” Diamond said, his voice gruff. “We'll all turn on our communicators. We'll be

able to listen into the line.” Felicia glanced at him, and looked away, determined not to give away their secret. Fortunately, the call picked up on the first ring. “Anthony? This is Felicia.” “My dear! It's true. You are all right.” “Alive and well,” she said. “I was so worried. This group was bold, to attack like that. It made me aware of how old friends slip away. Too much time has passed, my dear.” “Yes,” she murmured, shrugging at the team. “I'd love to take you to dinner. Catch up on old times.” Felicia looked up. Dante and Jonas both nodded. Diamond stared stone-faced ahead. “I work on Realm, it'd be difficult—” “No problem at all. I'll come to you. I'll apply for a visitor pass, you merely have to approve it. We'll eat there. Pick a day.” Dante passed her a note. “Thursday.” “My schedule is hectic right now. Will Thursday work for you?” “I'll make it work, Felicia. We have so much to catch up on. I've missed you.” Of all the times for him to try and turn the conversation personal, it had to be while her lover listened in to the phone call. Felicia wanted to groan. She wanted to reach out and take Diamond's hand. But she couldn't, not with the entire PTF present. She waited too long, and Anthony picked up on the pause. “I know it's been a long time, Felicia. I'll try to get a handle on things while you adjust to your recent events. Forgive me for being so emotional. I'm just so relieved you're safe.” Her kidnapping was a “recent event?” She'd forgotten how the man twisted things to be all about him. Only Anthony would declare her kidnapping emotional for him. She couldn't

believe she once imagined herself in love with this man. A headache pounded behind her eyes. “As am I, Anthony. I'm sorry, but I have to run. I have a meeting to catch up to.” “I understand, my dear. This is your first day back, correct? You must be busy. Council meetings?” Felicia raised her brows. How would he know that? Jonas nodded at her. “Terribly busy,” she murmured. “And yes, it is my first day. I'll see you Thursday?” “Come hell or high water.” “Okay. Goodbye, then.” “Bye, my dear.” Felicia jabbed the disconnect button fiercely. “Someone's been keeping tabs on you,” Jonas said. “I caught that.” She rubbed her temples with her fingers. “I've gotten a headache from listening to his grating voice,” she said. “I'd like to head out to the vending machines for a soda. Caffeine always helps.” Hayze stood. “I'll take you. If we can stop off somewhere quiet, I can relieve your headache for you.” She nodded. “I'd like that.” “Why don't you go home, Felicia?” Jonas asked. “I think we're good here for today.” He looked at Diamond. Diamond slowly nodded. “I'll come by and relieve you, Hayze, if you can take her.” Hayze nodded, and escorted Felicia out. He looked over his shoulder as he shut the door behind them firmly. “Hey, man,” Jonas said. “We need you to hold yourself together.”

“I'll choke him,” Diamond said. “We need him,” Dante reminded. “He knows something. He's keeping tabs on her.” Diamond exhaled. “I'm trying. But goddammit. The woman doesn't want to acknowledge us.” “She's right. It won't go over well. This isn't permanent, Diamond. One day, we'll find another judge and Felicia can be free. Or humans will accept that relationships happen. We don't know which way it's going yet.” “We live on Gateway. None of our people will allow the secret out.” “We'll have to convince Felicia of that. She's human. They move slower than we do. Give her a little time.” “I've given her time. It's been since your trial.” The room was silent. “Unfortunately, that doesn't count. She didn't know she was yours then. Giving her time is the smart move,” Dante said gently. “I know it's hard. But it's the safest bet all the way around.” “We've got your back, man. Hayze will get her settled in the apartment. Cassio will check out Milan and everyone around him. We'll handle the Abolishers and you can concentrate on your mate,” Brandon said. “Let's head to Roundabout for lunch,” Jonas said. “We'll come up with a plan on what to do next with Milan.” “I'm going home for lunch,” Dante said. “Diamond, coming?” Diamond nodded. “Vesta?” “I'll head out with Jonas. Bay's training with Cassio today.” Diamond was silent all the way to Dante's house. They entered the kitchen, Dante calling

out to Kele. There was no answer. He went to the fridge, finding a note. At Center. Cassio's teaching Bay how to beam. Plenty of lunch in the fridge for you and Diamond. Love you. He opened the fridge, and pulled out the roast beef from the night before. “You want a sandwich? Otherwise I can heat it up and we'll serve it hot. There's mashed potatoes from last night.” “Sandwiches are fine.” Diamond grabbed a bag of chips and a couple of sodas, while they headed to the kitchen table. They began to eat when Dante started talking. “You know you're going to have to do this, right? It'll seem suspect if I claim you're strictly the judge's bodyguard, and then pull another member of the team to guard her dinner date.” “You expect me to sit there and watch while my mate dates another man?” Diamond's fists clenched. He could hardly contain the anger that boiled. “You're her security guard, Diamond. Remember? We have an arrangement.” Dante's voice was smooth. “You're The Enforcer. Go into your mode. It may not even be a date. This man is an old friend of Felicia's. We need to find out whether he's suspicious or not. More importantly, she needs to find out why he sent that letter. We need to see what his connection is with the Stargazer Abolishers.” “How would you feel about Kele dating another man?” Dante sighed. “I completely understand how difficult this is. But there's a primary difference between Felicia and Kele. Kele knows, understands, and accepts that she is my mate.” A vein in Diamond's temple throbbed, as if it would explode.

Dante continued on. “While Felicia thinks she's having a fling with a hot Stargazer. She knows you think she's your mate, but does she fully understand what a mate is? How Stargazers know who our significant other is without a doubt? She thinks she can control love. Welcome to cultural differences, my friend.” Diamond sat back, weary. “I didn't think mating with a human would be so difficult.” “I have a suggestion.” Kele's quiet voice came from the doorway. Both men looked up. “You're back early,” Dante said. “I didn't want to miss seeing you at lunchtime.” She smiled. Then turned to Diamond. “Felicia hasn't been around the Stargazer community.” “I took her to Roundabout.” “So Cesar is her sole learning experience? That makes my point. She's as confused as I was. But I had to live here, so I learned quickly. She's been tossed in, but protected from learning. She heads from your apartment to Realm, with you in tow. We all know she's safe in Gateway. Why don't Bay and I take her to visit Cassio? We can have girl talk, eat some human pizza, explain the customs, the whole mating meaning.” “You'd do that?” “Of course, silly.” Kele approached Diamond's back and hugged him briefly. She leaned down and smacked her lips to the top of his head. “And during our girl time, you can have some guy time with the PTF. It'll be a nice break for you to get back to a little routine instead of trying to concentrate on your new life.” She left him to get to Dante. He held her close, and cupped her swollen belly. “Good afternoon, son,” he whispered. “You're sure he's a boy?” “Yep.”

“You know the deal, sexy. You pick the boy names. I'll pick the girl names.” “I love you,” he said, pulling her in for a kiss. He noticed Diamond's forlorn look, and pulled away, swatting her behind. Kele laughed and left the kitchen. “It's going to work out, man. We didn't make it through years of danger to struggle with women. Trust me.” “Easy for you to say. Your mate accepts you.” “Yours does, too. She just doesn't understand our ways yet. Finish your sandwich and get home to yours. You were determined to come to this planet to find her. Now you have. You can do this.” * * * * * Diamond heard laughter when he opened the door of their apartment. Felicia and Hayze sat at the kitchen table. “Hey,” she said softly, looking up when he entered. “Have you eaten?” “Yeah. I had a sandwich at Dante's.” “How's Kele?” “She was flitting back and forth between home and Center. Bay's there, getting some training from Cassio, learning how to beam people, so she was sending Kele back and forth. Kele asked about you, too. I think she's going to call you.” Felicia nodded. Hayze stood. “Well, I'd better head back. Felicia, thanks for lunch. Everyone's back at the office now.” “Thank you,” Diamond said. “No problem, man.” He headed out. Diamond turned to Felicia. “Now can we act normal?” She rushed to him, wrapping her slender arms around his waist. “Oh, baby. This is so

hard, isn't it? I'm so sorry.” He kissed the top of her head, and held her tight. They hugged for long moments. “Did you have a good time with Hayze?” He was careful not to let jealousy color his voice. He'd already acted like an ass earlier over the general. “Yes. He told me a lot of stories. Why didn't you tell me you were a bad ass?” Diamond felt his mood lift. “I thought you knew.” She giggled. He walked over to the sofa with her, hand in hand. “He told me about the time you took on two smoke dragons and earned another tattoo from it.” “Yeah. The tattoo covered the burn.” She winced. “I'm glad Hayze showed up when he did to save you.” Diamond felt his jaw drop. “Save me?” Felicia laughed. “I'm kidding.” “Not funny,” he growled, pulling her onto his lap. “I missed you today.” “It's only been a few hours, baby.” “I know. It was just hard, being the first day of pretense.” “It'll get easier.” “It's going to get worse before it gets easier. I have to pretend to be only a bodyguard while you have dinner with this loser.” “I have an idea.” “What?” “After we gain the information we need from him, I'll look the other way while you beat him up. How about that?” “Judge Ruge, you'd do that for me?”

“If you'll do something for me, Diamond Colorado.” She peeled her T-shirt off. “Interested?” “Very.” * * * * * Felicia was more nervous on Thursday than she let on. She wasn't looking forward to dealing with Anthony. It had been too many years. He probably colored his hair now. He was always vain about his hair. And somehow, she was reduced to the young, inexperienced mode she had been when she'd met him. “Are you ready to head over to Realm to meet with him?” “I am.” “Okay, we're set,” Diamond said. Felicia knew he spoke through his communicator. “Jonas is escorting him in. They think he'll trust a human more.” Felicia nodded. “Smart move.” Diamond listened to his communicator. “Dante says Kele, Bay and Cassiopeia want to have you come to Center tomorrow.” “That sounds great.” He turned to her. “Now he's being escorted in. He's sitting in a booth near the window. He has a ninety minute window before he has to report back to the gate for checkout of Realm.” She took a deep breath. “Where will you be?” “Within five feet of you. Watching it all.” He held the door for her. “After you.” General Anthony Milan sat in a booth at the restaurant at Realm. He noticed when she walked in, and stood as she approached.

The years hadn't been kind. She was right, the man did pay to have his hair colored. It looked ridiculous, emphasizing the time lapse around his eyes instead of masking it. “Felicia. My dear. How are you?” The general asked. He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “I'm well, Anthony.” He pulled her chair out to seat her. Diamond was grim as he stood near the wall. When she sat, she noticed Anthony's gaze flit to Diamond. “My security guard.” She answered his unspoken question. “I see. He's with you all the time?” “Every minute of the day. His team rescued me from the kidnappers. I've been assigned protection ever since.” “How...awkward,” he murmured. Her gaze cut to his. “I mean for you. To have a...stranger with you.” There were a lot of things Felicia wanted to say. She knew exactly what the pause meant before he said the word stranger. She knew what he wanted to say. Alien. However, she couldn't give in to the anger that simmered. She had to pretend she was something she wasn't. She leaned in and dropped her voice to a whisper. “Yes. It's been a chore, to say the least. He's stationed in my apartment, also. I've been given a two bedroom, at least.” Diamond stared straight ahead. Her heart broke. “How do you do it?” Anthony muttered, under his breath, as if Diamond was a bug beneath humans. Felicia tried to keep her temper in check. “The alternative was being kidnapped, beaten,

and threatened with death,” she said mildly. Anthony covered her hand. “My dear. I'm so appalled at what you had to endure.” “It was difficult.” She hoped he would remove his hand from hers, but he didn't. “I thought of you every minute of every day, the second I heard you were missing.” She forced herself to smile. Her Diamond didn't just think of her. He went out and rescued her, without hesitation, even though she'd rebuffed his advances. From a dangerous burning building. “Thank you.” Her voice was mild. “I want you to know I care for you deeply.” Surely he didn't think she was that stupid? “Anthony, we haven't spoken for a very long time.” “Yes.” He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. “I realized how much I cared when you went missing. You can't imagine my relief when it was revealed you were rescued.” “You can't imagine mine.” “I certainly didn't mean to downplay your tragedy,” Anthony said, leaning in. “I just meant to tell you how it hit me. How much I care.” His thumb rubbed over hers. His hand was hot and sweaty. Meaty. She tried not to shudder, but she would definitely be washing her hands thoroughly. “I want to reconcile, Felicia. You may not feel the same toward me yet, but you once loved me. I know I love you.” He really did think she was stupid. “Of course I don't love you,” she said. “I don't love anyone.” “You felt something for me once. Those feelings are still there, Felicia. They may be buried, but they'll surface.” His voice was a murmur. Once she would have thought it sexy. Now, she knew sexy. “We were young,” she said to Anthony.

Or at least she was. She was kind in not saying what she thought. Anthony was the kind of man who preyed on the innocence of the young and infatuated. Unfortunately, exactly who she used to be. “Can you get away from him?” Anthony said. “I'll show you what you've missed.” Gawd. He really believed he was such a gift? Felicia smiled. “Unfortunately, no.” He pouted, his lower lip jutting out in a way that made her sure it was practiced. How had she not ever noticed that? “How long are you stuck with him?” “Until we discover who and why the letter from Stargazer Abolishers was sent to my courtroom the day of Dante Paris's trial.” The General never flinched. “It came from my office, but it was a counterfeit. It certainly wasn't from me.” She smiled. “Yes. So until we can figure things out—like who in your office had access— I'm afraid I'm stuck in protection mode.” “But I'd really like to see you. See where you live.” I'll bet. She leaned in. “It's a beautiful apartment. They placed me in a penthouse suite for safety. I have a gorgeous view of the entire city of Gateway.” “Why don't we enjoy dinner there one night next week?” He sounded excited. Felicia knew she had him. “Sure. Perhaps we can figure out a way to flush out who sent that letter. It should relieve my protection order once we find that out.” She leaned back, smiling sweetly.

Chapter Eight Diamond was hurt, she could tell. He was quiet the entire drive back to their apartment. No sooner than when he shut the door, she said, “Closed door rule. Back to normal. Tell me what's going on.” Diamond's jaw hung open before he snapped it shut. “You dated that...man?” “Yes.” Diamond clenched his fists. “Why didn't you tell me? If I had known that at the time, I would have smashed his face.” “Exactly why I didn't tell you. We need him to flush out the Abolishers. I'm sure he has something to do with it. Trust me, he's not so in love with me as he pretends. He wants access to Realm. He can date me to get it. Living in Gateway is a bonus. Did you see how hard he wanted to be invited to my apartment? Of course, he doesn't know it's yours.” “Ours. I wouldn't mind seeing his face when he finds out.” She smiled. “I know. I just need you to keep calm.” Diamond's jaw was tight. “But you neglected to tell me you were in a relationship with that asshole.” “I was young, Diamond. And to be frank, I'm a little embarrassed. I am not in a relationship with him now. That's the important thing.” “How long?” “I dated Anthony for two years. I was inexperienced and infatuated. I had just finished law school. He was an older man and interested in me. He molded me. One day I woke up and discovered I wasn't who he said I should be. I was my own person, with my own ideas.” “Don't cover things up. I want to be the person you share with.” “I'm sorry. I'm used to being on my own. I'm not used to...living with someone.” “Get used to it. We're together now.”

She sighed. “I need you to hold yourself together. How can you be my bodyguard if you can't look at this subjectively and realize I'm playing a role to entice information from him?” “How can you expect me to sit there and watch you with him? Don't you know I love you?” Felicia felt her jaw drop. * * * * * Diamond felt his chances with Felicia fly out the window. How could he have blurted such a thing out? Every member on the PTF had warned him to take things slow with her. He was such an idiot. He turned abruptly and went to shower. When he finished, Felicia had used the guest shower and was already in bed. It was a long, uncomfortable night. He did this. He ruined things. Again. Just like he had the first time, after he wrangled a date with her to tour Gateway. When they woke the next morning, they were carefully cordial. Afraid to get too personal, and afraid to be too standoffish. He could see no way to fix this. She hummed in the kitchen as he checked messages. “Diamond?” she called out. “Breakfast's ready.” He entered the kitchen to find two plates set out. “You could have called me to help.” “No need,” she said. They sat to eat. “What's on the agenda for today?” “I just retrieved messages. We're picking up Kele and Dante and heading to Center. You're hanging out with Kele, Cassiopeia, and Bay today. They'd like a girl's day, with girl's pizza, whatever that is. Dante and I are heading to Realm. We're researching people in

contact with Milan.” “Girl's pizza. Artichokes. Spinach. Feta. White sauce. Stuff like that. Absolutely no man stuff like pepperoni and sausage.” “Anyway, it should be a relief for you. A more relaxing day.” “It should be just as much a relief for you. You get to go back to normal.” She stood and gathered the dishes, taking them to the sink. He wasn't quite sure how to respond. He didn't want to make things any more stilted between them. So he left it alone. His phone rang. He saw it was Dante's house, and placed the call on speaker. “You guys about ready?” Dante asked. “Yeah. We'll head out now.” “Great. Tell Felicia Kele's excited.” “Will do.” He disconnected the speaker. “I'm set,” Felicia said. She closed the dishwasher. * * * * * Diamond and Felicia pulled up outside. Kele peeked out the front door and waved. “Dante, hurry up.” She called out loudly from inside the house. “I'm here, I'm here,” he said, grabbing her hand. They walked out to the car. Felicia tried not to stare at their entwined hands. She peered at Diamond from under her lashes. He noticed. Felicia took a deep breath. She really wanted to fix this relationship. She just didn't know how. Dante and Kele got into the back seat. Kele erupted into a fit of giggles, pushing Dante's hands away.

Felicia slid another glance toward Diamond. His jaw clenched tight. A small tic throbbed in his cheek. They pulled up at Center in no time. Dante and Kele—still in their own world—stepped out of the car. They stood on the sidewalk, kissing goodbye as if they'd never see each other again. “Look—” Diamond said. “I'm—” They both stopped. “I'm sorry. This is awkward,” Diamond said. The poor man looked miserable. Felicia leaned toward him. She brought a hand up to cup his cheek, bringing his head close to hers. She whispered into his ear. “Do you know what first attracted me to you?” He raised his eyebrow. “Kele and Dante are going to see.” “I don't care anymore. All I care about is you and me right now.” “What attracts you?” “You're rough around the edges. It makes my stomach flutter. I don't want to quarrel any more, Diamond. I miss you so much. One night was enough.” He turned his lips toward hers. “I miss you back, Judge.” “We'll need to talk everything out as soon as we can. Hopefully tonight.” He nibbled on her lower lip. “I'm sorry I'm a jealous beast.” “You're my jealous beast. I love your rough edges, remember?” Her lips met his. They paused for a minute, their lips held together. Then they both opened their mouths at the same time. Diamond ground his lips on Felicia's, forcing her to remember the feel of him. It would last her all day. A tapping on the outside car window interrupted their passion. “Hey, man. Remember

when you told me and Kele you were going to put us through the wringer? We're there now.” Felicia turned and looked over her shoulder to see Dante and Kele staring wide-eyed. Her cheeks warmed and she turned back to Diamond. She pressed her lips to his again. “Tonight,” she whispered. Dante opened the car door, and Felicia slid out to join Kele. Dante replaced her in the passenger seat. “Stay in Center until we arrive to get you. We should be back later this afternoon.” “No problem.” Kele waved. “I love you.” Diamond answered before Dante could. “I love you, too.” He sped away, leaving Kele with her mouth hanging open. Felicia couldn't help but laugh. “I know. He's a beast. I tell him often.” “Hmmph.” Kele entwined her arm with hers, and they headed into Center. They stepped into the elevator. “Strap in,” Kele said. “This is fun.” Kele pressed her thumb onto the button-less elevator pad, just like Dante had showed her. Their hair swooshed upward, and descended again as the elevator stopped. “I didn't even have to blow dry my hair this morning.” Kele grinned. The doors swung open. They headed toward Cassio's desk. Bay and Cassio sat, looking over logs. “Hi, gals.” Bay stood and hugged Felicia, then reached for Kele. All four women laughed as their bellies got in the way. Cassio stepped around and hugged Felicia warmly. “I'm so glad you could make it. We'll have to do this more often.” “Yes, we will,” Felicia agreed. “We should have girl time once a month.”

Kele blinked. “Maybe rephrase that. We're not a menstrual cycle. Twice a month?” They laughed again. “I still can't believe you two got pregnant at the same time,” Cassio said. “Felicia, you're good, right? No plans?” “No,” Felicia said. “But that reminds me. Diamond and I, well, our relationship is casual. And secret.” Bay's jaw dropped. “Secret? I thought you were mated?” “That's what Diamond keeps insisting. I see it otherwise.” “Exactly how do you see it?” Cassio asked, pulling out a couple more chairs for them to sit. “Diamond's handsome. I can't resist him,” she admitted. “But I'm a judge. He's a Stargazer. We can't let our relationship out in the open.” “You're living together though, right?” Bay asked. “Well, yes. But only since the kidnapping. The world thinks it's because he's my bodyguard. No one has any idea we're involved.” “How do you feel about it?” “I'm very attracted to him. But he seems a little—” “Possessive?” Kele asked. “Controlling,” Bay said. “Dominating,” Cassio said. “Well, he's not that bad! I mean, he is all of those things. But he's also protective and loving. Generous and caring. You all just need to get to know him better. He's larger than life, but soft, too. A gentle giant—” “A diamond in the rough?” Cassio asked. “A beast of burden?” Kele asked.

“The apple of your eye,” Bay said. “Yes. I mean, no. I mean—” “You have it bad,” Cassio said. “Do you know he's loved you since the first time he saw you?” Kele asked. All heads swiveled to her. “It's true. He came back from spying in your chamber, and he was different. When he saw you in the courthouse, it was like a bomb dropped. He was enthralled. He knew what he wanted and he was going to go out and get it. Get you. No one else thought it was a good idea. You were oil and water. Then I saw the way you looked at him. There, in the courthouse. You were just as intrigued as he was.” Felicia nodded. “That's exactly what he's done. He's swept in, saved me, and told me I'm his. But he doesn't understand it's not that easy.” “One thing I learned about my relationship with Dante is their time frame is different from ours. They came to this planet because they've spent decades fighting for justice and protecting other species in the universe. Now, they're being rewarded by having the first shot at settling and living life for themselves. We, on the other hand, are taught that when you meet a man, you need to flirt. You need to date. You need to have an engagement. You need to get married. All in that order. If you think about it, their lives are pretty short now. They don't have time for our rules and customs. They see what they want, they move in, and they grab it,” Kele said. Bay smiled. “We're the ones left with our heads spinning.” “Another difference,” Cassio said, “is they know their mates on sight. We don't. We fall in love with the person we think we see. But we need to trust that they know and feel. Kele, show Felicia your crest.” Kele laughed. “It's a little stretched out with my baby belly.” She lifted her blouse,

showing Felicia her side. Cassio continued. “Dante has a similar crest in the middle of his palm, where he cut his hand to mingle his blood with hers. The crest developed because she's his mate. He knew it from first sight. She didn't.” “I just thought he was a hottie.” Kele admitted. “So what you're all trying to tell me is Diamond is right. I am his...mate?” “Basically, yes. Trust him. He knows.” “Okay, if that's the case. It doesn't change the fact that the world can't know about us. I'm a judge appointed to be unbiased between Stargazers and human. If I become a Stargazer mate, it tips the scales into biased.” “How married to your job are you?” “It's everything. If another judge gets appointed, we have no control over whether or not it'll be a government spy. Just like we won't be able to tell if they will really be unbiased. All the work to keep Stargazers and humans peaceful could be for naught.” Kele nodded. “Then until we find another, we can keep this secret. Simple enough.” Felicia sighed. “I wish. With Diamond pretending to be my bodyguard only, little problems have arisen that we didn't count on.” Bay leaned in. “Like what?” “Like an ex-love interest asking me out. Diamond had to attend our date.” “Ouch,” Bay said. Kele flinched. Cassio just grew huge eyes. “Oh, wow. I thought I had problems.” “What problems?” Felicia asked, curious now. “You know I've awakened countless Stargazers from stasis, right? These have all been extraordinarily hot guys. I've never been interested, and have always kept my professional distance. But there's one I keep screwing up with. All because Diamond told me his

background. He's the one Stargazer who's not available. He already had his mate.” “They only have one?” Felicia asked. “Yes. That's it. The relationship is for life.” “What happened to her?” Bay asked. “She died. She had signed up to join the volunteer ship bound for Earth in 1692.” “Gawd,” Kele said. “I guess I had it easy, hooking up with Dante, then.” “Kel. You died,” Bay said. “You were knocked up!” Kele accused. Felicia widened her eyes. “Vesta got you pregnant? Purposely? To trap you?” Diamond had told her, but she didn't want to let on that she knew. “Well, technically.” Kele snorted. “But Bay was worried that she trapped him by accidentally getting pregnant. And the whole time, he'd done it on purpose.” She laughed out loud. “I guess it's not easy to be with Stargazer men,” Cassio said. “But Bay and Kele could tell you if it's worth the trouble.” “Definitely!” Kele said. “Worth every minute of every day. Do you know how much they care for you? I swear I haven't lifted a finger yet.” “Dante rubs my feet every night.” “Vesta comes home and just holds me. He talks to our baby daily.” “Plus the community is amazing. Cassio knows everyone because each Stargazer ran through Center when they arrive. When you live here, there's so much trust and happiness. Everyone is so friendly. They'll walk up to you on the street to visit with you. My neighbor asks me if I need anything every time he runs out to the store. They treat you with the utmost respect, all because you belong to Diamond. It doesn't matter that you're human. It doesn't

matter that humans slaughtered their females. All that matters is you gave up your humanity to love Diamond.” “Give up my humanity? I'll always be human.” “Sadly, you won't be as accepted by humans. They'll see you as a traitor. Much like the Abolishers who wanted your death? They didn't care a thing for your humanity.” Felicia nodded. “I see what you mean.” “So you and Diamond are good, at least?” “We will be tonight. After I let him tell his friends we're an item.” The girls were quiet, all avoiding looking at each other. “What's going on?” “Nothing—” “What?” “Um—” “Are you kidding me? Who all knows?” Felicia said. “Um, yeah. Vesta told me,” Bay said. “Kele? Did you know before just now?” Kele nodded. “So the entire PTF knows. Great. Cassio?” “Well, not...” “'Fess up, Cassio,” Bay said. “Guess where Diamond gets his love advice?” The three heads swiveled to Cassio. “Once. Just once, I might have mentioned he screwed up in being a beast. How he should woo you gently.” “Bay, you knew at Roundabout?” “Yes. And um...so does the rest of the Stargazer community.” “What do you mean?”

“Think back to Cesar stressing that Diamond brought his good friend.” “Are you kidding me?” “Nope.” “So Diamond was letting me pretend?” “Don't be upset with him, Felicia. I heard him telling Dante you were adorable for thinking no one knew after we moved your clothes into the apartment.” Felicia sighed. “Well, I guess it takes care of one problem. I'm not upset with Diamond keeping it from me. I'm more upset that we wasted all this time pretending otherwise.” “Sometimes guys are kind of dumb.” Cassio looked at Hayze's old pod as she spoke. “And this proves our girl meetings are important.”

Chapter Nine After dropping off Dante and Kele, Diamond drove her home. The drive was silent. They arrived at the penthouse apartment. The automated music piped throughout the apartment. Normally it cheered her, but today it just pointed out how silent they were as a couple. How much time they'd wasted. “What are you thinking?” Felicia asked. “Honestly? How I've fucked everything up.” Felicia's turned her head sharply. Of all the things he could say, that was the last thing she expected. She studied his profile as he stared out a window. He continued on. “All I wanted was a mate. Not just any mate. You. But from what I understand...I forced you. Hell, it didn't seem so bad at the time. I mean, Dante allowed his mate to die. Vesta got his pregnant. Hayze is pretending to be a slow-wit so he can have oneon-one lessons with Cassiopeia. Don't tell her. All I did was tell you how much I wanted you. It pushed you away. So I seduced you. You still pushed me away. Now I'm designated to be your bodyguard, and nothing else.” “You're right.” His long lashes swept, shadowing his cheekbones as he blinked. “I'm so sorry. I didn't understand what was going through your mind. When you told me I was yours, I took it as possessive. Not that you could sense the actual tie I couldn't see. I'm human, and I have limitations.” “What are you saying, Felicia?” “I'm aware I'm yours every bit as much as I want to be yours. As much as you want me to be yours.” In two seconds, he invaded her space. Instead of pushing him away, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I love you, Diamond. If you want me to step down as Judge of Stargazer Affairs, I will.” “I would never ask that of you. I would never put others at risk for my own selfish needs. You were right, my people need you. We can keep us quiet.” “It's hard on you, my love.” “It's much easier knowing I have your love.” He bent his head to kiss her lips. “You're mine, finally.” “Baby? We also don't have to pretend outside in Gateway anymore.” “We can be open with my people?” Firm lips moved over hers. Felicia opened her mouth with a moan. His tongue stroked hers, as erotic as Diamond himself. “I've missed you. Let me show you how much,” he said. Large hands cupped her breasts. She rubbed the bulge in his pants, knowing she'd never have to hold back again. He growled. He lifted her shirt, whipping it up over her head. She reached up and unsnapped her bra, in as much a hurry as he was to get naked. She pushed at his shirt, lifting it up over his chest. He helped her and then it was flung over his head. A light sheen of sweat kissed his muscular chest. She ran her hands across his shoulders, down his pecs, over his piercings and down his sides. She reached his pants, and released them. She pushed them down his hips. His cock jutted out, strong and free. Her beast had gone commando. “That is so sexy,” she murmured. Right there in the hallway, she kneeled before him. She gripped his thighs, raking her fingernails down his muscles. Then she took his cock in her mouth. He was slightly sweet, and all male. She licked up and down his cock and then nuzzled his balls. Diamond leaned

back against the wall while she engulfed the large head of his erection. He groaned. “That feels amazing, Judge. This is an image I'll savor forever.” His sapphire eyes glittered as they looked down. There was no one in the world as sexy as Diamond. She lightly scraped her fingernails on his thighs as she moved her mouth up and down. Her sex ached to be filled. “Come here,” he muttered. She stood and he picked her up, carrying her into the bedroom. He laid her gently on the bed. “I want to eat you,” he said. An erotic thrill shot through her stomach as heat filled her at his words. He spread her thighs apart with his broad shoulders, and settled in. He turned his magnificent eyes up to her. “I want to make you forget Anthony.” “Done.” One word from her. His eyes glittered. His mouth sealed over her sex. There was no preparation, no teasing, no anything but melting, as she was clamped to his hot sucking. His need for her seemed insatiable. Felicia brought her knees up to her chest, spreading them farther apart as Diamond cupped her ass in his hands. “Oh, God,” she moaned. She was liquid heat, soaking through her skin. Diamond speared and prodded her clit with his tongue, swirling around it rhythmically. Then he moved lower. Suddenly he breached her body. His tongue thrusting into her pussy was unlike anything she'd every felt. Her sex felt soaked with hot pleasure. He moved back up, used his fingers to spread her lips open and

clamped onto her clit. She clenched the bedsheets with clawed hands. An orgasm exploded through her body. “Diamond!” she screamed. Her legs collapsed onto his shoulders. She looked down to find him grinning. “How perfect,” he said. “I love hearing my name called out.” He flipped her over onto her knees. She was tight from her orgasm, swollen and slippery. He slid the head of his cock through her labia and pushed his way in. She felt every pleasurable stroke. “Diamond! I love you.” He exploded. It was exactly what he needed to hear. He spooned her after tugging his pillow toward his. They relaxed, catching their breath. “I love make-up sex,” she said. “I love sex with you.” He ran his hand over her hip. She reached out and clasped his hand. “You don't know how jealous I was listening to that idiot try to seduce you.” “He is an idiot,” she agreed. “Either he thought he was mankind's gift to women or he thought you were so weak you'd fall for it.” “Because I once would have.” “Excuse me?” “I told you I dated him. I was basically his puppet,” she admitted. “Young and star struck.” “You grew up.” “I did.” She turned over to face him. “By the way, I don't appreciate everyone knowing we were an item. I didn't get to share my news with a single soul.”

“I'm sorry. Want to tell everyone anyway? The PTF will pretend they don't know. Our meeting with the President is tomorrow in Center. You can tell him, too. We need to keep him updated on Anthony, so everyone will be present.” “That's a good idea,” she grinned. “I think I'll mess with them a little. Especially Jack.” * * * * * She stood waiting at the front desk of Center for the elevator doors to open. The PTF stepped off the elevator, dressed in their usual charcoal fatigues. “Felicia. Where's Diamond?” Jonas looked around. “I came by myself. He'll head out here shortly. I wanted to talk to you and Dante before he arrives. I'm in a quandary,” Felicia said, pretending not to notice the other men stopped to listen. “I'm not sure how to tell you all this...but I'd like to move out on my own now.” The PTF members went completely still. Jack's cornflower blue eyes grew huge. “Is something wrong with Diamond's apartment? Would you like us to move you both somewhere else?” “You don't understand. I need my own space. My own apartment. I'll switch bodyguards, too. Hayze was acceptable, I'll take him instead.” Jack's eyes looked like they'd pop out of his head. “Unless someone else wants to volunteer?” There were no takers. “But...but Diamond. He's the best. The very best. You don't want to switch,” Jack said. “No one's as good as him.” “I understand that, but it's time to move on. Now who's going to tell him the news?” Dead silence met her question. “Oh, come on. Surely there's someone here who will explain I'll have a new guard assigned, so he can return to the PTF. And that I'll be moving out of his apartment

immediately and into my own. With Hayze.” “Now, let's think this through,” Jonas said. “Dante's the leader,” Brandon said, ignoring Dante's glare. “Probably it should be his job...” His voice trailed quietly. Diamond entered the room, coming to Felicia's side. “Hi, baby,” she murmured, lifting her head for his kiss. He swept her mouth thoroughly. She kept his arms wrapped around her while she turned to face the PTF. “Well?” “Did you scare 'em?” Diamond asked her. “That wasn't very nice,” Jack said. “My heart was pounding. I couldn't imagine Dante having to tell Diamond his mate was moving out.” “Me?” Again, Dante's voice sounded indignant. “You're the Stargazer leader.” “Hey, you all,” Cassio peeked her head in. “Quit goofing off. The President should be arriving.” A soft light flicker signaled his arrival. “Oops. Here we go.” He materialized in the middle of the room, along with the same two secret service men in tow. “Good afternoon, everyone.” “Mr. President,” Cassiopeia greeted. “Let's move into the conference room.” She led the way. “How are you, Cassio, my dear?” the President asked her as they walked along the short hallway. “I'm fine. I have both Bay and Kele here. I'm quite excited, taking their measurements for the little Stargazer blends in their bellies.” “Sounds like coffee,” Dante said.

“I'm sure your little Frappuccino will be adorable.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “Anyhoo, I won't be staying long. I'll listen in on the communicator from the exam pods down the hall.” Cassio waited near the door, while Felicia stood at the head of the table. Everyone piled into the conference room, sitting around the glass oval table. “I thought you weren't staying,” Jack whispered to Cassio. “Well, I'm not missing this part,” Cassio grinned. “I know what's coming.” Felicia took a deep breath, and turned to the President. “Diamond and I are in a relationship. We know to keep it quiet. But I want you to hear it directly from me. Instead of from some people,” she muttered, looking at Jack. He grinned at her. “She's my mate,” Diamond corrected. She glared at him. “I haven't accepted.” His eyebrows rose. “I never asked.” “I'm so sorry, Felicia,” Cassio said. “He knows his manners just fine. He's just headstrong. Keep him anyway. He's quite a catch.” “I know.” Felicia's voice softened. “Come sit on my lap, precious.” She ignored the snickers from the PTF team, leaned down to kiss Diamond. She sat on the chair next to him, though she scooted close enough that she was almost in his lap. The President had a smile that stretched from ear to ear. “Congratulations! Michelle and I are happy for you.” “Thank you,” Felicia said. She looked closer at him, and groaned. “You already knew too, didn't you?” He blinked, trying to look innocent. “What makes you say that?” Felicia turned to Diamond, who grinned.

“Is there anyone I get to tell?” “Everyone here is smart,” he said, yanking her to him. “They all knew you were already mine.” She smiled, wrapping her arms around his middle. “I love you anyway,” she whispered. “I'm out of here, gang.” With a quick look at Hayze, Cassiopeia hurried out the door. Felicia caught the looks going around the room. “Oh, no. Is that another not-so-secret secret?” Hayze leaned back in his chair. “Yup. She's mine.” “Does she know?” “Not yet.” Quite a few grins showed around the table. “What did we find about Anthony?” The President asked, chuckling. “Felicia had her date with him. He angled for an invitation into Gateway 'to see her apartment' the whole time. It's suspicious. He's definitely suspect,” Dante said. The President nodded. “That's what I'm seeing, too, from my end. I can't figure out who his ties are. But the scary thing, gentlemen, is how high up in ranks the General is. If his comrades are just as high, this could be a scandal and power we can only imagine.” “We'll have the team in the apartment just in case.” “I've had a special request to approve a tour into Gateway tomorrow,” the President said. “The odd thing was, it came so late. I'm assuming it hasn't even passed through the Gateway side?” Dante shook his head. “Who's the tour for?” “A few Supreme Court Justices, some judges, and some military personnel. It will be a busload of a couple dozen people.” “Does it look suspicious?”

“I'm not sure. With that many on the Supreme Court coming in, that would be enough reason for it to be kept quiet. It could be innocent enough, but I wanted to warn you to be on your toes just in case.” “Do tours inside Gateway happen frequently?” Felicia asked. “Not often. Odd that one is set up now, especially since we've notified the public that you reside in Gateway. There are absolutely no devices allowed in, nothing electrical, plastic, even metallic. ID's, wallets, purses, even jewelry, are left in Realm. They're only allowed the clothes on their backs. We scan the individuals in, so we're positive they're completely human and carry no threats. We've only allowed two tours so far,” Dante said. “Why did you approve it on such short notice?” Jonas asked. The President smiled. “I knew it could still be turned down on your end. But this way, we have the names of the individuals wanting access.” Jonas nodded. “I think we're fine to allow access,” Dante said. “Since they'll be in Gateway. I'll have Diamond on the inside.” “What about Felicia?” Diamond asked. “I'll stay in Realm with her. Cassio can keep a honing beam on her. The rest of the PTF will be there also. You just handle the tour bus.” Diamond nodded. “I think this will go smoothly. Have the applications for Roman and Jaden come in?” “They have,” Jonas answered. “Thank you for that. Cassiopeia is on the lookout for additional Stargazers who are titled. I believe The Protector is due to be awakened. We'll recruit him for the team. We'll need to start making numbers to get everyone up to speed for the treaties coming up in France and England.” “Good plan. My advisers found an interesting area in our treaty that will benefit us.”

“What is that?” “Apparently, the clause about needing a human to each recruited Stargazer on the PTF was only worded to be effective in America. For other countries, your PTF can be all Stargazer if necessary, or a mixture. It just doesn't have to be split evenly.” “That's great,” Jonas said. The President nodded. “I have an outstanding research team. That reduces the chances of infiltrating spies greatly.” There were nods around the table. “Another interesting thing about the tour tomorrow...” said the President. Felicia looked up. “General Anthony Milan will be present.”

Chapter Ten Diamond had left for Center when Felicia was interrupted in her courtroom. “My dear. I've been dying to see your courthouse. I guess my girl's all grown up.” The condescending voice almost made her cringe. “Anthony. What are you doing here?” She had to force herself not to seek out Dante, who should be standing at the doorway. “A few judges are being given a tour of Realm today. I thought I'd sneak away to see you.” She raised her brows. “This is Realm. You can't sneak anywhere.” “I didn't mean sneak, of course. My group is just outside. I decided to poke my head in here and say hi.” “Hi.” She forced herself to smile. “Since I'm already here for the day, do you suppose you might petition to have me stay a couple of hours after the tour? We could catch up.” “I'll have to see what time I'm done,” she murmured. “Where's your bodyguard?” Dante's voice carried from across the room as he approached. “Diamond? He's off on personal leave. I'm covering his shift today.” He held out his hand. “Dante Paris.” Anthony took it. “You're not as large as he is.” “Not at all.” Dante laughed. “Diamond's the best, but he's occupied with personal matters. Nothing else would pull him off his job. I haven't been on guard duty much. It's really not my thing. But hey, this is Realm. It's safe and Felicia's a big girl. We haven't had any issues. I think we're both fine with a little freedom. I keep an eye on her here in Realm, but Gateway is completely safe. No need to babysit her over there.” Felicia was amazed and the care-free tone in Dante's voice, so unlike the Stargazer leader.

He was a good actor. He almost had her fooled. “Indeed.” Anthony had a shrewd look in his eyes. “So Diamond isn't staying in your apartment with you?” He seemed to want verification from her. Felicia took her cue from Dante. “No, not any longer. I'm mostly watched at Realm now, but today I have Dante. Much more lax.” Dante laughed. “You make me sound like a slacker. But honestly, I can't see why your friend can't extend his visit. I'll sign off on his permission slip.” “I have it right here.” Anthony hurriedly pulled it from an inner breast pocket. How convenient. Dante scrawled his name, and winked at Felicia. “Have fun. I'm going to grab something to eat before court.” “Of course,” she said. She watched as he disappeared down the hallway. Hopefully he wasn't straying too far. “General!” “There's my group calling me. You'll be here all day?” “Yes, court isn't in session. It was canceled, and I hadn't had a chance to notify Dante. I'll probably hang out by myself in my chambers until you come back later.” “Excellent.” From the doorway, Felicia watched as Anthony joined his group. She made note of who he stood with before she headed to her chambers. As soon as she closed the door, she heard a soft voice. “It's us.” Diamond, with Dante, turned the corner from the small wet bar. “I thought he'd try to come with you,” Dante said. “Maybe it was too obvious,” Felicia said. “He made a point of saying he'd come by tonight so we could head to my apartment in Gateway. I specifically told him I'd be in my

chambers until then. If we have photos of which men are on the tour, I could tell you who he went directly over to stand with.” Dante pulled up his tablet, opening it for her. “Pick him out. We'll follow him, and plant a bug. Then come right back here to watch what he's up to on the tablet. They should have reached the Visitor Center by now.” “Good idea,” she said, already engrossed in the photos. “We'll be less than five minutes. Keep the door locked,” Diamond said. She nodded. Diamond tapped his communicator. “Cassio? Send me and Dante to the men's restroom in the Visitor Center.” Both men beamed out. Bingo. The man's name was Simon Marshall. That was who Anthony was buddying up to. Felicia made herself a cup of tea, waited for it to brew, and then realized she was still in her judicial robes. She headed toward the closet to hang it. A faint draft drifted across her bare calves. Ever since Diamond had told her he'd spied on her in her chambers, she was very conscious. The draft signaled a door opening. Since Diamond and Dante were beaming, it shouldn't be them sneaking silently into her apartment. Adrenaline caused her arms and legs to tingle. But she took comfort in knowing it had been at least five minutes since they'd beamed out. They should be here any moment. She grabbed a hanger, and twisted the hook straight. Then she grabbed a handful of loose hangers, and without turning, threw them directly behind her. The man behind her yelped, distracted by the falling hangers. Felicia took the split second the wrap the bent wire around his neck.

He aimed his gun at her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dante and Diamond beam into the room. In that split second, she jerked the hanger backward. The gun went off, aimed toward the ceiling. Plaster fell. Immediately sirens began to wail. Diamond approached the fallen man, grabbing him by the lapels. He was dead. He dropped him back down. “Broken neck.” He looked at Felicia. “By wire hanger.” Dante was on the communicator. “Seal Realm.” “Babe,” Diamond said, “We really would have liked to question him.” “Well, I'm a bit out of practice with disarming men with guns.” Diamond grinned. “I always thought you'd have to take care of your mate,” Dante said. “She's taken out three men since I've known her.” “It's the undercover spy training. My mate's bad ass.” Felicia studied her nails. “On top in the bedroom, too.” Dante snickered while Diamond glared at him. She looked up. Diamond smiled at her. “Anytime you want, precious.” She stepped toward him. He bent his head to kiss her. “I guess it wasn't Anthony,” Dante said. “What went wrong? We were sure it was him.” “We can't be wrong. This has to be something else,” Diamond said. “This is Simon Marshall,” Felicia said. “The one I picked out from the photographs. So obviously Anthony went straight to him to tell him I was alone in my chambers. I just didn't think it would be this fast.” “We'll have to keep up the facade until we at least see if he shows up to the apartment tonight.” Diamond sighed. “I really don't want that man in my house.”

“Our house, baby.” Felicia smiled. “And we have to catch him.” Pounding sounded at the door. “Heads up,” Dante said. Felicia and Diamond broke apart. Dante opened the door. The rest of the PTF team filed in, along with several of the visiting tour of judges and military personnel. “Felicia, my dear. Are you all right?” Anthony moved straight for her. “Yes, thanks to Dante.” “Your bodyguard is back?” Anthony nodded at Diamond, acknowledging him for the first time. “I just called him in, since it was his charge who was attacked,” Dante said. “Good thing he was so near.” Anthony looked over at the body. “That's Simon Marshall. He's ex-military. He was on our tour.” Several of the other men nodded. “What did he want with you, sweetheart?” Felicia gritted her teeth at his obvious ploy of trying to stake a claim in front of everyone present. Jack and Brandon took one look at each other and then stepped back from Diamond, who stood tense, fists clenching at his side. “I don't know. He was hiding in my chambers and attacked me.” Anthony stepped in to Felicia, putting an arm around her. Dante looked at Diamond. “I think we're safe if you want to get back to your...doctor appointments. The Abolishers attacked. They're certainly not going to strike again.” Diamond's jaw was held so tight, he didn't even speak. A small tic appeared in the corner

of his cheek. He nodded once, and left the room. Vesta slipped out of the room after him. * * * * * Once outside, Vesta paused Diamond with a hand on his arm. “Relax,” Vesta said. “Your mate cares nothing for the human troll. Deep down you know this. Let the feelings go, so you can focus.” Diamond took a deep breath. “You don't know how hard these emotions are. Your mate is home safe and pregnant. Mine keeps our relationship under wraps to the humans.” “It's a huge sacrifice for you to go through. All Stargazer are aware and appreciate it.” He stopped Diamond. They stood outside on the sidewalk. “You're strong. Your mate is strong. If anyone can handle this, you can.” Diamond continued to breathe deep. “We need to follow through with this so we can flush out more of the Abolisher members. It's important for our people,” Vesta said. “Plus, it'll be so much safer for Felicia.” “I know. I just have to work my way through it.” Vesta let him be for several long seconds. Then he said something to make him smile. “Besides, it's kind of cute the way she thought she was keeping things quiet. She's the only one who doesn't realize there's been a real relationship between the two of you since day one.” Diamond felt a small smile break through. It was kind of cute. “She's probably worried sick about your feelings right now.” “I can't even communicate with her.” “Later. It'll all get better later, and things can get back to normal.” * * * * * Felicia wanted to run after Diamond, but she knew she couldn't. This was so difficult,

being in love and not allowing the world to know. She knew she was noticeably distraught. “Come my dear. Let me get you home.” Anthony couldn't be more than pleased. “I'll escort you both,” Dante said. “Then I have things to do, so please don't leave her side until you can call me to leave.” Anthony nodded enthusiastically. She felt sick to her stomach the whole way home. Diamond was out there, feeling rejected because the world couldn't know they belonged to each other. Yet she had to fend off Anthony's octopus hands without showing disgust. She only hoped she wouldn't have to be alone with him too long in Gateway. Dante's car pulled up curbside. He strode with them to the elevator, riding it up to the top floor. She noticed how Anthony took note of everything inside the building, from where the stairwells were, to which buttons were pushed on the elevator. With a soft chime, the elevator doors opened. “I'll leave you both here, then,” Dante said. “I'll ride back down and be on my way.” “Thank you, Dante,” Felicia said. She wanted to ask him how long this would take, but she couldn't risk catching his eye with Anthony present. Dante nodded and she took Anthony down the hallway to the apartment she shared with Diamond. Felicia unlocked the door to the apartment with a fingerprint swiped across the entry. “That's amazing,” Anthony murmured. “Isn't it? It'll lock automatically for me when it closes.” She pretended not to notice as he slipped something onto the door jamb to keep the lock from engaging. When they entered the apartment, soft lights came on, and music piped throughout. Anthony's jaw dropped.

“Wow. High tech.” Felicia looked around. She'd hoped Diamond and some more of the team would pop out and end her misery. No such luck. It looked like they were either watching from afar or would beam in later. “No sense in prolonging this,” Anthony said, grabbing her arm. “Please kiss me, Felicia. I almost lost you.” He pursed his lips, leaning in to her. Ah, hell. “Anthony, please. Haven't I been through enough? Someone just tried to kill me.” She stepped back. He frowned. “I thought we could pick up where we left off.” “Naturally, we can't. I'm an adult now and certainly not hopping into bed with you because I slept with you years ago.” Besides which, there was no hiding the fact it wasn't a solitary bedroom. He'd find traces of Diamond. The front door pushed open. Felicia recognized the military personnel who filed in as members from Anthony's tour. Felicia groaned. She should have distracted Anthony long enough to lock the door, but she was baffled as to why he wanted it unlocked. She was under the illusion that humans couldn't penetrate Gateway. “How the hell did you get here?”Anthony asked. Felicia was confused. He didn't leave the door jammed because he wanted them to have access? His next sentenced confirmed it. “I jammed that so I could sneak out and back in without her knowledge once I drugged her.” “Everyone was distracted when Simon tried to take her out in her chambers earlier. We've been hiding in the restroom of this apartment building while the rest of you hurried to

return to Realm.” “He wasn't supposed to try to take her out. I wanted access to her apartment. I wanted to be able to get in and out of Gateway at will. It was moving too slowly for Simon and the idiot moved on his own. That fool ruined everything.” “You're the fool for not listening to him.” “Why? I thought the original plan was to allow me access into Gateway by dating her.” “Things change. We're along with Simon on this one. We think you're too interested in her.” “Bullshit. Simon screwed up by trying to take her out. I salvaged the operation, and you all just ruined it.” “New plan, General Milan. The Abolishers as a whole don't wish to take things slow any longer.” Felicia tried to count the men, but she could only see six from her point where she'd backed into the kitchen. There could easily be more. Anthony was red-faced with anger. His fists clenched. “What the hell's the plan now? How do you think we're going to make it out of here alive?” “We have her.” “Do you see the technology in this place? As soon as they realize you all are missing, they're going to get her out of here.” “I researched more than you know.” The man talking made eye contact with the two men standing next to him, then motioned with his eyes toward her. One stepped forward. “Lie on the floor,” he instructed. Felicia slowly sat, while the other man dragged a bag of ice toward her. “Get down! Don't make me knock you out,” the man said. Felicia stretched out on her side, back against the wall.

The man in charge, who was still with Anthony, spoke next. “Part of their lasering process consists of focusing on their DNA. If they've never transported and don't have the DNA tracked, they have to use life force. They can't beam us out of the apartment because we have our vests lined with metal. The rest of the men will use this to spray along the walls and doors, masking them from picking up on our heat sensors and zeroing in on us. As far as she's concerned, we'll ice her. They can't pick up on beaming her if they don't have the heat to transfix on.” The bag of ice was opened and dumped on her. Felicia gasped at the icy chill. “Spray her,” the first man said. One grabbed the hose sprayer from the sink, wetting her thoroughly. Another one produced a can of substance, probably the same spray she could hear the others dousing the apartment with. He sprayed her with it. The liquid on her body froze into a barely-there sheen of ice. It was so thin it shattered if she moved. But it had a numbing effect. She didn't feel so cold any longer. Instead she was calm, as if in a lucid dream without pain. The important thing was she was healthy for now. The PTF knew exactly where she was. They knew who she was with. It wouldn't be long before they checked in on her. She heard Anthony sigh. “I'm not comfortable with this, but what's done is done. You just exposed our identities.” “We were tired of hiding.” “That's not something you expose without discussing as a team.” The military man shrugged. “You're in or you're out, General.” “I'm in. I'm just not happy with the way things are playing out.” There it was. The possibility of an out. If she could get Anthony alone, she could persuade him to switch sides and save her. The trick was to get him alone.

“So are we just going to walk out of here?” Anthony asked. “They'll allow us to leave. Or we'll kill her.” Felicia felt an inner cold—colder than the pool of ice she lay in—clench her heart. The military man was a sociopath. “Guard her while we finish preparing the apartment,” the man said. “If she gets mouthy, suffocate her. No messy blood. We don't need to drag a live body with us. It's easier to drag a dead one. Plus she's already on ice.” Anthony slunk down onto a kitchen chair to do as he was told. “Oh, look at that,” one of the men called cheerfully from the vicinity of the bedroom. “Looks like our little judge is fucking the alien. That explains a lot.” * * * * * Diamond's ear crackled with communication from the PTF. “I just received notification that a construction vehicle is at the gate of Realm. They say they have a work order for access to Gateway,” Jonas said. “That must be them. Bring them through, but place a tracker and dis-abler on the vehicle,” Dante said. The President's voice sounded through the communicator. “Something's not right. A construction team is too easy. They have to know chances are too great we'll catch on.” “Agreed,” Jonas said. “Dante? Any other word? Can you see other distractions on the security tablet?” “Negative. Or at least, not so far. Diamond and Vesta? Are you two in place?” “Affirmative. We're in the stairwell. Cassio can beam us into the apartment,” Vesta said. “Not yet,” Cassiopeia said. “There's something not right. I'm not able to zero in to the apartment yet. My power must still drained from the force field we used.” “Take your time, baby girl. We're in place even if you can't beam us,” Diamond said.

“Gentlemen. Hold on—” Everyone was quiet at the President's voice. There was mumbling as he took another phone call, forgetting to hit the communicator in time for them all to listen in. “They're already in. I repeat, they're already in. The military group that was on tour with General Anthony Milan. Half never checked out at the Realm gates. When the guards tried to track them, the tour bus was checked. The back of the bus had clothing propped in the seats to look like shapes, which gave them a head count back into Realm. Chances are they never left Gateway.” “Diamond? We have to assume they're in the apartment,” Dante said. “Repeat. They're inside.” “Cassio?” Diamond asked. “Find Felicia's exact location. Which room?” “Okay, here's what's up. If they're already inside, that explains why my beams are acting up. They've done something to the walls to dim my access. That said, I have Felicia's DNA from previously beaming her. Give me one second and I'll hone in on her.” Diamond and Vesta waited impatiently in the stairwell. Diamond could hear the clicks through his earpiece as Cassio pushed buttons. But, she was taking too long. “Where is Felicia exactly?” Diamond growled. “We want to beam in around her. I'm going to take the humans out. Vesta will head straight to her and you can beam the both of them out using his pattern.” There was a pause. “I'm sorry, big guy,” Cassiopeia whispered, and tried to keep her tone professional. “I see a fading heat spot for her body along the wall in the kitchen. It's cooling quickly. I'm not detecting any life signs. I don't have enough power to beam you in and get her body out. It's one or the other.” “What are you saying?” “I'm saying her body is rapidly cooling. I can't detect enough life to beam her out.” “They've killed her?” Diamond roared.

Without warning, he raced down the hall and blasted through the door to his apartment, barely aware of Vesta running behind him. Wood splintered. Hinges shattered from the door jambs, crushing the plaster of the walls. Dust flew, and a white film rose into the air. A shot rang out. Diamond struck out and smashed the face of the man with the gun. He grabbed him and used him as a human shield as the second man shot at him. Two more men rounded the corner. From the corner of his eye, he watched Vesta slide along the wall, drop to his knees and crawl on his belly toward the kitchen. Felicia's body lay there, covered in ice. Vesta reached Felicia's body, and reached out to place his hand on her. “Cassio, beam us!” Diamond heard through the ear piece. Vesta dematerialized with her still body. It was all on. Diamond picked up a sofa chair and threw it at the two men. Two more men came at him from behind. One man socked Diamond at the same time the other swung out with a knife. Diamond grabbed the knife, whirling and pitching it into the throat of the first man. Using both hands, he grabbed the second man's head and lifted him off the ground. With one twist, he snapped his neck in two. All he saw was a red haze. They'd killed Felicia. Life wasn't worth living. He'd obliterate every creature in this apartment. He lifted the chair from the unconscious men. He bashed their heads together to make sure they didn't breathe. He left no stone unturned. He flipped over the sofa, the lamps, smashed the walls with his fists. Someone came at him from behind. He grabbed his arm and flipped him over his shoulder. The arm ripped from its socket. The man screamed and Diamond silenced him with a stomp of his foot.

In the kitchen he found a man cowering under the island. Anthony. “No! It wasn't my idea. I had no choice—” “No choice? You harmed my female because someone took away your choice?” “Your female? I had no idea. I thought you were her bodyguard. That's what you said. Both of you.” Anthony babbled. Diamond roared. He wouldn't kill him easily. He'd make him watch his own death. He picked up the man and pitched him through the wall of windows. The glass splintered against his head, and then shattered. Anthony screamed as he fell through.

Chapter Eleven Night wind flooded the apartment. “Diamond.” Though he spoke loudly to be heard over the whistling wind, Jonas's voice was calm. Diamond was barely aware of Jonas calling out to him. He turned. The entire task force gathered around, staring at his destruction in his apartment. It looked like a bomb detonated. Bodies were flung everywhere, and pieces of bodies were strewn from room to room. How the hell had that happened? He didn't remember tearing limbs off. Blood poured down the walls, splattered the carpet, and was even on the ceiling. The wind continued to whistle through the broken window. Jonas held his hands out. “Calm, Diamond. Calm.” “She's all right, buddy,” Jack said. What the hell did that mean? Diamond clenched his fists, barely able to breathe. “Diamond, listen to us, man. She's alive. Felicia's not dead,” Brandon said. “What kind of joke is this?” He barely recognized his own voice. Dante stepped forward. “No joke. She's in stasis, not dead. She was alive when Vesta touched her, he put her into a stasis and Cassio transported them out. Cassio's reviving her now. You were too enraged to listen through the communicator. ” “We could hear everything in here, though.” Jack winced, looking around the room again. “Take me to her.” “Not like that,” Hayze said, looking at his clothes. Diamond looked down. He was drenched in blood. Red. Not his.

Brandon circled him. “Fuck,” he said. “You have a knife sticking out of your back.” He grabbed Diamond's arm, swinging it up over his own shoulders. He tapped his ear. “Cassio, bring us in.” The world swam. It righted itself in Center. “Where is she?” Diamond snarled as Cassiopeia approached. Cassio's face was white. “She's still in stasis. Since she was in a cold shock and human, I'm bringing her out slowly to avoid any memory loss. She's fine, Vesta's with her. You, on the other hand, need to get cleaned up and checked out. We can't wake her with you looking like that.” “We can't lay him down,” Brandon said. He turned Diamond slightly to show her the handle of the knife. “Holy shit.” “It's nothing,” Diamond growled. “For you, it's nothing. But Felicia's not going to take it well. So let's get you fixed up before she sees what you've done,” Brandon said. That made sense. Diamond nodded. Brandon brought him into the pod Cassio indicated. “I'm going to deal with that knife sticking out of your back before we get you cleaned up,” Cassio whispered. They laid him on the exam table on his stomach. Carefully, she cut away his clothing. She ran the scanner over his back. “Lacerated your kidney,” she mumbled. “I'm going to numb the area. There. Now, I'm tugging a bit of the knife out and sealing the flesh down beneath the knife.” “Just yank it. I'm fine.” “Puhlease. I'm the doctor. Can you let me do things my way? Felicia's going to have my

head if I don't leave you as pretty as you were before you came in.” She tugged on the knife some more, and lasered the flesh underneath to knit it. He could feel the releasing of the pressure of the knife plugging his wound, and the warmth of the laser. Another release, more warmth. Finally, the knife released all the way. He felt a gush of blood. “I'm putting you out, big guy.” Cassio never waited for a response. * * * * * After she used the scanner to render him unconscious, Cassio plugged the bleeding with the laser. She knit the flesh, cauterizing the bleeding vessels. “Hand me that large scanning screen,” she said. Brandon reached for the thin, wide screen, which she placed over Diamond's lower back. It allowed for an inside view of his body. “Looks like I got it all,” she murmured. “So glad Stargazers brought their own medical supplies when they landed here. It makes doctoring so much easier.” “He'll be all right?” “Pffft. It's Diamond. He's tough as nails.” “No kidding. You won't believe his apartment. It's destroyed. Holes punched in the walls. Furniture split in two. He threw a body out that wall of windows that surrounds his place. I think it was the guy interested in Felicia.” She grimaced. “Any survivors?” “Are you kidding? We have to count the body parts to figure out how many he took down. There's mangled, bloody pieces everywhere. It looks like ten.” “I'm surprised he has a knife in his back.” “He thought Felicia was killed. I don't think he cared to live.” “Will you grab me a sponge from that drawer and fill that metal bowl with water?”

Brandon did as she asked and handed her the materials. Cassio began to wipe the blood from his body. When the water was too dirty, she handed it back to Brandon to dump and refill. Finally, she finished wiping the back of his body. He wasn't completely clean, but she could get her friend dressed, at least. “Let's flip him over.” They extended the table wider, and then Brandon rolled him. She removed the rest of the tattered, bloody clothing and covered his groin with a frontal sheet. She continued to wipe the blood from the front of his body. “I've been around purple blood so long, I forget how red blood looks,” she said, wringing her sponge in a basin of water. “There's a lot of it. He has no other injuries besides a few bruises that'll develop.” Brandon whistled. “Only Diamond can take down ten men and have a few bruises to show for it.” “I'm leaving the bruising. Sometimes it helps to have a reminder of the trauma. Wait a minute. His arm is swollen. Hand me a new scanner, this one is bloody and not picking up everything.” Brandon reached into a drawer, pulling one out. She ripped open the packaging and ran it over his arm. “Son of a bitch. He's been shot. His flesh swelled up over the wound and he was so covered in red blood, I never noticed. Tweezers.” Brandon grabbed those, and she plucked a bullet from the hole. “It's like a game of Operation,” she muttered. Brandon smiled. “Except without the annoying buzzing sound.” “Yeah, these are much cooler toys than those plastic tweezers they gave you way back when.” She turned on the laser to knit the flesh. The laser was antiseptic and would clean the

wound at the same time. “Now let me scan his whole body again.” “Hayze is making a fine addition to the team.” “Huh?” What brought that up? “The new guy. Hayze. Gold eyes. Released from Quarantine. He's awesome. We couldn't have asked for anyone better.” “I know who he is.” Cassio was aware she sounded a bit grumpy. But this was exactly what she expected. They'd keep Hayze and she'd never actually get any more time with him. It was probably for the best anyway. Better to keep things professional. “Just making conversation.” Strange conversation. But hell, the PTF was comprised of weirdos. She reached into a drawer below her and grabbed Stargazer clothing. She slid fabric underneath Diamond's lower body, covered the front of him with more loose fabric, and pulled the frontal sheet out. She used the scanner to warm the seams along the sides and between his legs, attaching them together to form pants. “I'm not even going to bother with a shirt,” she said. “He'll want to shower to get really clean. Plus, this way he gets to show off these big, bad muscles.” “Like a shirt covers them.” She grinned. “Let's head out. We'll leave him unconscious, give the guys out there the update”—she gestured to the PTF faces pressed up against the door—“and I'll check Felicia's progress. If she's coming along nicely, we'll wake him to clean up so he can be there when she's roused.” “Good plan.” They made their way out of the pod. “How is he?” Dante asked as soon as they breached the membrane of the pod. “He'd been stabbed in the kidney and shot. Both are taken care of. I left him in stasis until

I could check Felicia. If her body is nearly ready, I'll awaken him so he can shower. He'll want to be there for her.” Jack blinked. “He was shot?” She nodded. Dante spoke. “Looks like a bloodbath in there.” She looked back toward the pod she left Diamond in. Blood smeared the floor, and covered the bed of the white room. “Yeah. That'll be fun to clean.” She looked at herself and Brandon, and the rest of the men. “I guess we all need to shower. The last thing Felicia needs to see is a bunch of bloody people around her when she's roused.” “It'll be like a zombie-fest,” Jack grinned. “Probably scare the shit out of her.” Cassio couldn't help but grin back. He was incorrigible. “Okay, good plan. Everyone get cleaned up and changed. We'll meet back here in half an hour,” Dante said. * * * * * Felicia opened her eyes. She knew she was in Center, there was an aura of peace that hung in the air. Center was decorated in smooth glass and rounded metal. Green plants from the Stargazer's galaxy were beautiful and exotic, but their primary purpose was to purify the air. Her beautiful beast held her onto her hand. He was looking into her face. He was so handsome, he caught her breath. He wore a tank top, which showed off his powerful arms and tattoo. But his cheek was reddened and his lip swollen. “Hi, baby,” she said. “You have a black eye.” He brought her hand up to his lips to kiss. “Cassio thought it made me look tough.” Felicia smiled. “It does. Sexy stuff.”

“You're welcome,” Cassio called out. Felicia looked at the sea of faces peering down at her. The entire task force was present, including the pregnant Kele and Bay. They stood with Cassiopeia between them. “Well, what's this?” she said softly. “You'd think I died and you're all gathered 'round my casket.” Silence met her. “Diamond?” She asked. “I thought you did,” he admitted. “But it turns out, the Abolishers were trying to mask your body temperature. They knew Cassiopeia was able to zone in on your whereabouts with a heat sensor.” “They'd covered me in ice,” she remembered. “Yeah. But you're fine. Vesta found you in the kitchen and zapped you into stasis to transport here.” “Where were you?” “Taking care of the problem,” he said. “Anthony?” “He's dead. They're all dead.” His tone was final. She sighed. “I'd like to go home now.” “Uh, about that—” Jack said. “Let me guess. Does it have to do with the tornado that seems to have struck Diamond?” “More like Diamond's the tornado,” Jack snickered. “Anyway, now you're homeless.” “No worries, Felicia,” Dante said. “There's an available house across the street from us. The team will move your clothes into it. When the apartment is fixed, you both can decide if you want to live there or stay in the house.” “They're pretty sure I'm staying,” she said to Diamond. She winked her eye.

He grinned. “They know I'm not taking no for an answer.” “I love you,” she said. “I love you back.” * * * * * A week later, Felicia kept glancing at the clock. He should be home any minute. She was sure ready for it. She stood, stretching at her desk. “Honey, I'm home,” Diamond called out, pushing open the front door. “Honey, so am I.” Felicia rounded the corner, and stood on tiptoes to kiss her handsome Stargazer. She gripped his strong shoulders to steady herself. There were some days she couldn't believe her luck in finding the sexy beast and calling him hers. “Are you ready to go back to work?” He asked. “I am. A weekend off was great, but I missed you today.” “You'll see me every day. I'll still be your bodyguard.” “Yes. And behind closed doors...” “Like the one to your chambers? Where I first watched you shower?” “Diamond! You did not!” “Maybe.” He had a sly look in his eyes. Felicia wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or not. She burst out laughing. She may never know. “Let's go to Center. The Protector's been roused. We're going to recruit him.” They walked the short distance to Center and rode the elevator down. Cassiopeia was by herself at the front desk when they stepped off the elevator. “Hey, guys,” she greeted. “How are you?” Felicia asked. “Can't complain. Working like a fiend on my French version of the Manners Input.”

Diamond's eyes kept darting around the halls. “Which pod do you have him in?” She grinned. “The Protector? He's in the A-wing. Hey, a—is Hayze—” “Yeah,” Diamond answered. “We're releasing him tomorrow. He'll report in.” She nodded, at once becoming professional. “Okay, well, I'll get things prepared.” Diamond wrapped his arm around Felicia's neck, escorting her down one of the hallways. “She's got it bad,” he whispered. “Yes, she does. She just doesn't know it.” Diamond saw the person he was looking for through the pod. He held up his hand in greeting. The man inside rose, a smile spreading across his face. Diamond helped her inside. “Enforcer,” the man said. Diamond smiled. “Neo. This is my mate, Felicia.” The tall Stargazer had black hair like Diamond's, but it was cut short into a messy style. His eyes were a shade of light yellow-green. Neon. Ahh, hence the name. “Hello, Felicia.” “Hi, Neo.” “Have a seat. Both of you,” Neo said. They sat, Diamond holding her close. “What brings you to Earth?” Diamond asked. The lime-eyed alien shrugged. “Change of pace. I wanted to see all the hoopla for myself.” “Looking for a mate?” “Hell to the no.” The alien grinned. “No offense,” he said, looking at Felicia. “I'm definitely not ready to settle.” “Hell to the no? Weren't you just awakened?”

“I was. Cassiopeia said she'd like to test a slang input on me.” Felicia raised her brows. “It sounds pretty good.” Diamond cleared his throat. “We have a team of titled men comprising the Protection Task Force. We could use you on board.” “Who's on the team?” “The Hunter. The Guardian. Me. The Defender. Though, Hayze is going to be tied up with Cassiopeia here for a while. I think she wants to test out some things on him, too.” Diamond caught Felicia's eye, and smiled. “We also have some human members. Our mission is seek out any threats to the Human/Stargazer alliance.” “It sounds interesting.” “Our office is located on Realm, where you'll get your first taste of humans. We also go to the outside frequently.” “How political is it? You know how I hate politics.” “We have an upper edge. Felicia is the Judge of Stargazer Affairs.” Felicia smiled. “The humans don't know we're mated. But we live on Gateway, so we can be open here.” “It sounds intriguing. But I came to this planet for a vacation, not to work. I figure I'll only be here a year or two.” “Good luck with that plan. I haven't met a titled officer yet who can relax.” Neo grinned. “I'm going to try. I'll check out your office, though. Just to say hi to the guys.” “Great. The first thing we'll do is introduce you to Jessie, our receptionist at the PTF office in Realm. She'll need to know you. She's aware of everyone who comes in and out.” “Actually,” Felicia said. “Jessie's moved to the Visitor Center, remember?” “That's right. I forgot. Who's the new girl who replaced her?”

“Lanna.” “So we'll introduce you to Lanna. Such a bummer to lose Jessie. Still, I guess she'll be around.” “She's still training Lanna. She'll be back and forth. The Visitor Center's right across the street.” Felicia laughed. “You act like she died.” Diamond grinned. “There's a handful of good humans. Jessie's one.” “Lanna should be, too. Jessie recommended her as her replacement,” Felicia said. “I can show him Realm.” Cassiopeia spoke from the doorway. She entered with a tablet similar to the one Dante carried. She pulled up an image of the front desk of the PTF. In it, Jessie laughed. Dimples cut into her cheeks. Her laughter was contagious, and Lanna joined in. One of the Stargazers who worked inside joined the women. He leaned in close, sandwiched between them, hugging them both. “This one on the left is Jessie. This is Lanna. The man is Kelton. He's one of the Stargazers on the council.” Neo's eyes were glued to the screen. Sweat broke out along his forehead. “I need to visit. My palms are itching.” Diamond looked intense. “A sense of foreboding?” “Something.” “Let me grab you some clothes.” Cassiopeia swept out of the small pod. She came back with a cargo outfit. “We'll let you change,” Felicia said. She and Cassio headed out to the front desk to wait. “What do you think that's about?” “He latches onto certain people intuitively. Someone on that screen triggered his spidey sense, so it was either Kelton, Lanna, or Jessie. We'll get him there in person so he can feel out who it is. Then we'll have the PTF keep an eye on them.”

“Who do you think it is?” Cassio shrugged. “My bet is Kelton. He's another Stargazer. Neo's gift is probably stronger at sensing out things with him.” Diamond and Neo strode down the hallway. Neo was fully dressed in a black and gray PTF camouflage outfit, consisting of cargo pants and a form-fitting T-shirt which bound to his muscled body. “Step into the scanner so I can record your waves for beaming,” Cassio said. Neo stepped in. He had a thorny, twisted tribal tattoo on his upper arm which only enhanced his muscularity. He clenched his eyes shut. “First time I scanned him, his eyes glowed so bright I was almost blinded,” Cassio said. “There's no masking those eyes,” Felicia said. Neo stepped out of the scanning box. “Ah, he comes with his own nifty Stargazer shades.” Cassio went to a row of metal boxes, pressing one. The drawer opened and she pulled out black sunglasses, handing them to Neo. “Okay, let's head out to see who the problem is,” Diamond said. Felicia took Diamond's arm as Cassio beamed the three out. They morphed into a small, empty office in the PTF building, set up for the primary purpose of beaming in without human presence. Diamond opened the door and Neo strode straight out, heading directly to the front desk he'd seen in the tablet image. Lanna, Jessie, and Kelton all looked up as they approached. “Diamond. Good to see you,” Jessie said. “Felicia.” She was startled when Neo picked her up with hands around her waist, hoisting her over the counter. Just as he did, the ground rocked. Pieces of the ceiling came loose, large chunks of plaster falling right where Jessie had been. Lanna shrieked, jumping into Kelton's arms, who moved them back away from the

danger. But they were clear, the only falling plaster had landed in Jessie's spot. Jessie seemed boneless as she stared. Her legs gave out and Neo dropped to his knees, supporting her body across his lap. “Jessie, meet Neo,” Diamond said dryly. “The Protector.”

Chapter Twelve Several people came running, dressed in the PTF uniform. A human male stood at the front of the room. He had to have been the leader with the way he barked out instructions. “Seal the gates to Realm. No one in, or out. Cassio, seal the PTF building. Everyone here, up to the conference room. You and Lanna too,” he said to the Stargazer called Kelton. Neo picked up the small female in his arms, and followed Diamond up a wide staircase. The little blond was so light, he wasn't even breathing hard when they reached the conference room. He sat her in a chair, then sat in the chair next to hers and tugged hers closer to him. There were several familiar faces. Vesta—The Guardian. Hayze—The Defender. In a moment, a new body materialized in front of everyone. Dante—The Hunter. Diamond stood. “For those of you who don't know, this is Neo. He is known as The Protector. Felicia and I were visiting him in Quarantine when his senses were triggered. We brought him here, where he saved Jessie.” Soft murmurs came from everyone, spoken in soothing undertones to Jessie. Apparently she was well-liked. “Are you okay?” A human member of the PTF sitting on the other side of her rubbed his palm over her forearm awkwardly. She nodded. “Thanks, Jack.” The human leader of the PTF introduced everyone around the table. Then he said, “It wasn't an accident.” He listened to his communicator for a moment. “Cassiopeia detects strong levels of gases...not of Earth. A bomb set to mimic a small earthquake.” “So another alien has infiltrated the planet?” Someone asked. Jonas shrugged. “Cassio stepped up security following the incident we had with the intruder named Jessiah, so we have to assume it's someone who arrived with him. The good news is, whoever it is probably still thinks we're not aware of his presence. That makes you

cocky, and you slip up.” Dante spoke next. “We have to figure out why he wants Jessie out. Either he didn't know she's no longer our front desk help, which puts Lanna at risk, or he's targeting Jessie for her new position at the Visitor Center.” Neo heard the female breathe deeply. “Lanna, Kelton knows this, but we need you to understand the strict security here. You can't speak of this incident to anyone. No one is to know that Neo left Quarantine. There's no need for alarm. Quarantine is strictly a process insisted upon by humans to make sure Stargazers don't arrive with contagious diseases or parasites. So he's perfectly safe, but we need to return him and you'll have to pretend you haven't met him.” Lanna nodded. “No problem,” she said. “I'm not returning,” Neo said, trying not to snarl. “My senses aren't ready to stop protecting her.” “I take it you're willing to join the PTF then?” Diamond asked. Neo gave a short nod. “Unfortunately, we don't have a choice regarding your return. The treaty mandates a specific time frame for Quarantine. However, we'll step up security on Jessie in your absence. Assign her a bodyguard, much as we did with Diamond and Felicia,” Dante said. Neo felt alarm hit his gut. He had to forcibly relax his shoulders, which had just tensed up around his ears. Diamond and Felicia cuddled together, as mated as could be. A human judge mated her bodyguard. He looked back to the tiny, defenseless Jessie—who would be assigned a guard other than him. Hell to the no.

Dante spoke softly. “I was Diamond's backup with Felicia. I'll be yours, too. My mate and I have a spare bedroom. It'll be all right.” With the entire room studying him so intently, he had no choice. He gave another short nod. This was so not in his plans. He had a great life, traveling his galaxies, busting up the bad guys. He decided to check out Earth because everyone else wanted to take a turn here. Now he was back at work...and feeling weird things about a charge. He'd never felt this way over a charge before. She was attractive enough, slender and petite. Blond hair and subtle green eyes. Human eyes. It was a nice change. Maybe he just needed to get laid. “Okay, then, team. Let's wrap this up,” Jonas said. “Neo will take a vehicle and drive Jessie home to pack. Park in the garage, and load the vehicle. We'll give you an hour and Cassiopeia will set a beam to take the entire vehicle to Dante's house, where you'll get her settled in. Dante will take Neo back to Center afterward. Cassio? Your portion is done.” He mumbled something else to her, and then tapped the communicator in his ear. “Hayze, prepare to return to Quarantine.” Neo caught the smile that spread over The Defender's face. “Diamond and Felicia, your full day begins tomorrow. Jack, you're keeping an eye on Lanna. Kelton, stay sharp, especially since you're on the council. Any questions?” There were none, and everyone began to disperse from the room. Dante approached, holding a set of keys. “Diamond will drop me off at home. There will be a spare vehicle parked in the lot out back.” “No problem.” Neo took the keys, and Dante left with Diamond and Felicia. Now it was just him and his charge in the room. “Are you ready?” he asked. She nodded. She led the way to the parking lot, where he clicked on the remote control to find which vehicle unlocked. He opened the car door for her, running his hand along the vehicle to use

his senses to check for any dangers to her. Nothing. He sat in the driver's seat and looked at the dashboard. He found what he was looking for. A Stargazer button. He pressed the button and the dash instruments transformed to what he was accustomed to. “What is your address?” he asked her. She recited it, and he entered it onto the dash. He started the car, and they rolled out. Lighted directions on the vehicle told him which way to go. “When did you arrive here?” she asked. “Yesterday.” Her mouth gaped. “How can you drive?” He gave her a one-sided smile. “I set the instruments to Stargazer friendly. The vehicle does automatic programming, like the speed limit. Your signals go on when and where I need to turn. Anything else I don't know about, it does for me. I see your vehicles don't fly here.” “Your vehicles fly?” “Yes. You're ground-bound. That'll take some getting used to.” They pulled into her driveway. “Hold on and I'll go in the front door, and open the garage door from the inside so you can pull in,” she said, hopping out of the front. He waited in the driveway and the garage door slowly opened. He pulled in, and she lowered the door behind him. “Come on in.” He entered the small house. No senses had tingled when he pulled into the driveway, so he wasn't on high alert. He strode to the windows, closing the blinds and curtains. “Where are your bags?” She pointed to a closet. He opened it and took out the suitcases. She led him to the

bedroom. There was no man in her life. She lived alone. He felt an inexplicable joy at that fact. Definitely, he needed to get laid. Her bedroom was girly. And tiny. It wouldn't work for him. As soon as he imagined himself living in her bedroom, he shut himself down. What the hell was he thinking? He'd slept with charges before, of course. They were well aware of the conditions. He'd protect them and do his job professionally. If they wanted a little no-strings-attached sex during off time, so be it. He hoped this one would. He opened a suitcase, placing it flat on the bed. “How long will you be quarantined?” she asked him, as she gathered clothing from her closet. “Eight weeks in Center.” Would she forget about him during that time? “Will I stay with Dante that entire time?” He nodded. “We'll see what else can be arranged when I get out in a couple months. I'll have access to Realm during my third month.” She continued to pack. “Would you like to come visit me in Center? I'm sure Dante will arrange it.” She looked up from her packing and offered a sweet smile. “I'd like that.” His heart leaped at the smile. She was interested. He was sure of it. “Ready?” He asked, zipping up her bags. She nodded. He loaded the car and they sat inside. “What happens next?” she asked.

“You'll feel a little dizzy as the two realities merge. You see things transposed onto others, like a tree in the middle of the garage. The first time, it feels scary. Confusing. Your brain can't comprehend what your eyes see. But it's fine. Countless people have been beamed from one spot to another.” Her eyes were wide. “No way.” She turned to open the car door. She jerked the handle, but it was locked. “Let me out. Now.” “Jessie.” His voice was calm. She turned toward him. “It's fine. We wouldn't do it if it's dangerous.” “I don't want it. I don't like hallucinating, especially if it's real. I don't do drugs, and I don't drink. For a reason.” She gasped. “What's that?” A deep tingling started in his belly, signaling the start of the beam. She'd felt it, too. She rattled the door handle again. “Shh,” he said, and cupped her cheek in his palm, turning her head back toward him. He lowered his mouth to hers. Her eyelashes were long as they fluttered as gently as a butterfly's wings to close for his kiss. She tasted like strawberry. She responded perfectly, moaning so sweetly. All too soon he lifted his head from hers. “We're here.” She blinked and looked around. They were parked in the street, under a tree. A far cry from the garage they'd been in. She seemed stunned, so he hurried around the car to open the door. He led her up the front steps, and Dante opened the door. “Welcome, Jessie. Come on in. Make yourself at home.” He looked at Neo. “Bags in the car?” Neo nodded, escorting her in.

Dante's pregnant mate stood just inside. “Hi, Jessie.” She turned to him. “You must be Neo. I'm Kele.” She held out her hand to shake. “Come on in.” She took them down a hallway to a bedroom. Dante followed behind them with Jessie's bags. He placed them on the bed. “Do you want to relax and settle in, or come with us? We need to get Neo back to Center.” “I'll come with you.” Neo wasn't aware of the breath he was holding until he slowly expelled it after her answer. He'd love to be able to kiss her again. Center wasn't a long walk away. Of course, with Center being a portal, things were never located too far. It wasn't something he could explain to a human who had no idea what a portal was, though. One day it would dawn on her that businesses were impossibly close and seemed to jump around, depending on the traveler. They chatted the entire way, keeping the conversation light. Neo was sure it was to not overwhelm her. They finally arrived at the round building. Dante held the door open and led them to the elevator. “This is Center. We'll ride the elevator to the various levels of Quarantine,” Dante said. They strapped into the elevator. “It moves fast,” Kele said. “Don't be surprised.” Moving fast was an understatement. Neo had been on primitive planets before and knew they had no concept of the technology his planet was capable of. The elevator doors opened to the blond doctor who lived on the premises. “This is Cassiopeia. She runs Center,” Dante said. “Hi, Jessie. Welcome to Center. Normally you'd arrive on the main floor and I'd beam you to Quarantine, but Dante just had you take the elevator all the way in. If you'll step this

way, I'll scan you and Neo in this phone-booth looking thing, and then he can show you his pod while I check out Kele's belly.” Kele laughed. “She just likes saying that. It rhymes.” Neo let Jessie enter the booth first, and then he stepped in after her. Once inside, he stood a little closer to her than necessary. Her breathing became deep and regular, and he wanted to believe it was due to his nearness. The lights flashed red, then blue. “Okay, all clear,” Cassio said. They stepped from the box. “This way,” Neo said. He led her down a hallway. “I'm in the main hall. Third pod. The door to each pod is a membrane, it'll give you a little static charge.” He took her hand, pulling her through after him. Her eyes were wide. “It's a lot to take in, isn't it?” he asked. “Absolutely. I thought Realm was top of the line, but it's nothing compared to Gateway.” She looked around. “You live here? Where do you sleep?” He pushed a button on the wall and a bed lowered. “It's an exam table when Cassio needs it. At night, it softens and widens to turn into a bed. See underneath?” He pointed to the drawers, opened one and showed her the clothing. “Since we don't go anywhere, we dress casual. They're separate at first, but heat from a scanner seals the seams for a custom fit.” “Wow. How long do you have to stay here?” “First level is for a month. It's a solitary existence, although other Stargazers visit from time to time to break up the monotony. After this, I'll go to level two for another month. There, I'll have a pod to sleep and relax in, but I'll share common areas with other Stargazers. We'll practice our English slang and customs we've learned.” “Where's your bathroom?”

Neo grinned. He pushed another button on the wall which extended out to show the bathroom. “Your meals? Do they let you out to eat?” “No. Cassio brings our meals daily. She rotates who she shares her dinners with. Keeps us all from getting too bored. You'll still visit me, won't you?” He motioned for her to sit on the bed, where he sat next to her. “Of course. I can't imagine you being alone all day. For an entire month.” “I can't imagine you having to live with someone for just as long.” “It will be hard,” she agreed. “But a relief, too. At least I won't have to look over my shoulder on Gateway. And Kele and Dante were so kind to take me in.” He didn't say anything. He was busy watching her. Her small pink tongue flicked out to lick her lips. He wouldn't mind licking her lips himself. “How—uh, how long have you been a protector?” “The Protector. Most of my adult life.” “I don't know why or who sent you to protect me, but thank you.” “It's my job. But rest assured, I'm the best. Whoever it is after you, he'll never get past me.” “About that...kiss—” “Did you like it?” She blinked. Her lashes were so long, they looked like they'd tangle together. “Well, yes. But that's not the point.” “What is the point?” “I wondered why.” He shrugged. “You needed distracting. You were on the verge of a panic attack, yet when I kissed you, you beamed without noticing.”

“I see.” “Plus I wanted to kiss you.” “You did?” “Very much. Did you enjoy it?” “I think so. I don't remember much of it. After all, I was on the verge of a panic attack.” She winked at him. “I should probably kiss you again so you can make sure.” She nodded. He gently cupped her cheek again, the way he had in the car. His thumb rubbed along her jawline. He leaned down, and touched his lips to hers. She opened her mouth, inviting him in. He groaned, and tasted her tongue with his. He wanted to explore every inch of her. He wanted to hold her soft breasts in his hands, pull her delectable ass into him so she could feel the erection bursting out of his cargo pants. All too quickly, he had to pull away. “Dante and Kele are approaching.” She jerked back with a start, just in time. Dante stuck his head into the pod. “Jessie, are you ready to head back?” She stood abruptly. She headed to the front, and then looked back over her shoulder to catch him staring at her ass. “I'll see you around.” God, he hoped so. * * * * * “What a day,” Felicia said, as they walked into their new house. “It was insane. Too bad Neo had to return to Quarantine.” “He definitely didn't want to leave.”

“He wasn't happy about leaving Jessie. He doesn't feel like anyone can protect her as well as he can.” Felicia smiled at him. “Baby, he was jealous. I think he thought she might be attracted to her bodyguard while he was stuck in Quarantine.” “That's why Dante offered to put her up at his place. But I don't know why Neo would be jealous. He's the one who told us hell to the no for a mate, remember?” She nodded. “I don't think he planned on feeling for her. I don't even think he realizes what he feels for her. He probably believes he simply feels the need to protect her.” She sighed. “Sometimes as women, we just need to take charge and go for what we want. Seduce him. Refuse to take no for an answer.” Diamond raised his brows. “That's excellent advice. And so familiar. Come here, precious.” Felicia started to move to him, and then stopped. “What's wrong?” he asked. “I just realized something. Jessie didn't know about us being mated. There's someone I can finally share my news with. We all know she'll keep it secret.” Diamond looked at his watch. “It's been a few hours. They should be back from Center by now. Let's go see.” He tried to reach for her hand as they walked across the street. “Uh, uh, baby. I don't want to give the secret away. I want to be able to tell her.” He grumbled good-naturedly. “I always want to walk hand in hand. Kele and Dante do it.” “We'll do it on the way back.” She laughed. They knocked on Dante's door. “Come in,” Kele called out. “We're on the back porch.”

Felicia went in first. Diamond rubbed her behind as she walked through the house. She slapped his hands away. “Stop.” She giggled. “If you give it away before I get to tell someone, I swear I'll take revenge.” “Like being on top for a week?” “I heard that.” Dante growled from outside. They opened the screen door to step out. Kele raised her eyebrows at her mate. “You don't want to know,” Dante said. They pulled out chairs and sat around the patio table with Jessie and Kele, while Dante manned the grill. “You could hear him talking from outside?” Jessie asked. “His gift sucks,” Diamond said. “Super-hearing.” “His gift is worse,” Dante said. “Super-smelling.” “Oh.” Poor Jessie looked confused. “Anyway,” Felicia said. “Ignore the guys. They always ham it up when they're together. I wanted to tell you something really important.” She took a deep breath. “Diamond and I are a couple. Mated.” Jessie continued to look at her. After a couple of long moments, she said, “Oh, that was the important news? I had already assumed.” Dante started laughing. “You assumed it? How? We've been extremely professional.” “Well, yes, but you were also highly interested in each other. When one of you would walk down the hall, the other stopped to watch. And then he became your bodyguard. I just figured...” “Well, nuts.”

“Maybe you'll be able to tell someone else, precious. Don't worry about it.” Diamond pulled her close to him. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Now we can start holding hands when we walk.” “I heard that, too,” Dante said. “Stop eavesdropping.” “Burgers are ready,” Dante said. “Diamond, I have extra. I can slap a few more on, too.” “We already ate. We tried a restaurant in Realm. Thanks, anyway. Felicia just wanted to give Jessie the news. Now that we're done, we're going home.” “You sure? You can stay a while.” “Nah,” Diamond said. “I'd like to get my mate alone.” He grinned and pulled Felicia to her feet. They walked across the yard to the gate. Their house was in plain view. Felicia held out her hand. Diamond enclosed it in his. Together, they crossed the street, hands entwined. The Defender

Book 3 in the Stargazer Series Something is wrong with the patient Dr. Cassiopeia Anderson just awakened. He grips her arm, just as she tries to run the scanner over him. He doesn't seem quite like the other Stargazers. “What is your name, female?” he whispers, his voice as sultry as the night. Spellbound, she answers him. “Cassiopeia.” Hayze awakens from stasis to a blond vision. The human woman is breathtaking as she leans over him, touching him, feeling him. Coming to Earth—the breeding planet—was a grand idea. He sighs, entranced with her nearness. How fitting. A goddess...immortalized forever in the stars. Just for him. ` The Enforcer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Enforcer Copyright February 2016 Rena Marks License Notes: This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced, resold, or given away to other people, or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems- except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews- without permission in writing from the author. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of

this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously. About the Author Rena Marks spends her days fantasizing. Lucky for her, she’s decided to pen those dreams. Her first love is romance, her second paranormal. Blend the two and you get sensual, erotic stories with a hint of magic! Your Review Matters! Dear Reader, We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. If you enjoyed this book, please be kind and leave a review on the actual website where you purchased it. If you're also inclined, you can click the star rating at the end of this book, but a written review on the website is greatly appreciated! Also by Rena Marks Born Again Boy Toy, Plaything, Man Candy Demonic Passions, Demonic Pleasures, Demonic Power Shared By Wolves, Bound By Wolves

Enticing Fate Forgotten Kisses, Remembered Kisses, Whispered Kisses Kiss Me Before I Die, Kiss Me When I Wake (Stargazer Series) The Hunter The Enforcer The Defender The Guardian The Protector