Ariel Jade is a hot new author in sci-fi romance. The prequel novella, Alien Captain, to her sizzling romance-in-space series is always free in Kindle Unlimited, but it’s also free to buy for a limited time—January 8-12. Scoop it up now!
Xaviara is a human diplomat for the Sol Alliance Coalition who’s determined to prove herself to her superiors. Nicholen is the sexy alien captain of the guard sent to escort her team to his homeworld to complete negotiations of an important treaty.
When a spaceship carrying his prince crash lands on a wild, abandoned planet terraformed centuries ago, they uncover a sinister plot that could shatter the peace. Despite rules against interspecies relationships between the diplomatic teams prior to the treaty’s signing, Xaviara finds herself drawn to Nicholen’s commanding presence.
Can they resist one another long enough to catch the saboteur and mount a rescue before the planet's dangers turn deadly?
***
Takeoff happened without a hitch, but once in mu-space, Nicholen paced around the anchor ship relentlessly. It was large enough to accommodate two dozen humanoids, yet he felt like a fuvvia trapped in its stall. The ship was only mid-range, which meant no exercise facilities. What I wouldn’t give for a punching bag.
Three hours after liftoff, they were deep in remote territory. This long stretch between the Sol System and the Imdali System wasn’t precisely uncharted, but it was no longer settled. Long-abandoned terraforming projects abounded out here, from the centuries ago when many species were expanding. Due to the length of time it took to travel, the projects had sucked up precious money and resources. The galaxy was in a recession, with most species focusing their energy on the planets, moons, and asteroids within their home systems.
Traveling through it made him nervous.
He was marching around the corner, trying and failing not to fret, when he knocked into the long-haired aide from the reception room. The contact was over in a second, but she was so soft. Sparks shivered down his spine, and his manhood stirred as he realized he’d brushed her breast.
She gasped and blushed. “H-hello… trincaar.” She kissed her fingers and held them out for the traditional kadyyza greeting.
Nicholen’s heart pumped faster at the impressive display of manners. Even the minor aides were schooled in their ways. He took great pleasure in grasping her small hand in his and bringing it to his lips. When he kissed the tip of her middle finger, something new thrilled through him, something primal and protective. She was diminutive but fierce, as had been evidenced by the way he’d seen her ordering the other aides around. “Good day to you.”
“My name is Xaviara.” Again, that gorgeous name, just like the viaar on his homeworld, a winged insect he supposed was akin to Earth’s butterflies. “I hope all is well with the, ah, captain and my boss?”
“Oh, yes.” The way she’d said that was odd, but she was flushing a pretty pink, and he couldn’t stay on that line of thought for long. “You seem to enjoy working with the ambassadors.”
“I do! I’ve always wanted to be a part of diplomatic relations between humans and other races, ever since I was a little girl.” And now she was glowing. Her enthusiasm was enchanting. He could have listened to it all day.
“A woman who knows what she wants. I like it.” Nicholen could relate. Security for the royal family was a highly coveted position, and he’d wanted this position since he was a boy.
Xaviara was flushing again, and her scent was slightly floral—alluring. It was so subtle, Nicholen wasn’t sure if it was his sense of smell picking up on a shampoo or his psy-sense signaling a subtle emotion. What would it be like to pull her into a side room, take out some of his frustrations in a better way than storming around the ship? From the way she was looking up at him from under her eyelashes, she might be thinking the same thing.
When was the last time he’d let his fantasies get away from him like this? He was being ridiculous now.
“All seems to be going well.” Xaviara held her poise admirably, which made him want to bite that bottom lip all the more. “I just came from the bridge.”
He inclined his head. “Yes.”
“It’s just that you seem… worried.” She tipped her head back, looked up at him.
She seemed so open, so inviting. He wished he could confess his troubles to someone. He had no real companions, especially not within the delegation. He grasped at something to say to keep her talking to him longer.
A klaxon blared. She startled.
“What the fuck?” he swore under his breath.
Xaviara’s brown eyes were wide. “Do you think the… Are they… ?”
“I don’t know but we’d better find out.”
***
Ariel Jade loves romance—the hotter, the better. She also loves sci-fi—the more futuristic, the better. Mashing the two together comes naturally. Fans of Anna Hackett—or anyone who thinks Nalini Singh should write in a Star Trek-ish universe—will love her thrilling, sizzling sci-fi romance.
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