The King’s Mistress

A’yen’s Legacy, Book Two

Freedom has a cost. Can A’yen pay it without losing his soul?

Liberation of the enslaved Lokmane begins with the king. A’yen and Fae agree to visit the Hidden, a group of escaped Lokmane, to protect his identity while the Shadows make their move with emancipation acts. But he’s not prepared for the prejudice rampant in the Hidden, or their lack of patience for him. And his new linked bodyguard is unstable to the point A’yen fears for the young man’s sanity.

Upon returning to Titan, A’yen is kidnapped and taken to the largest breeding farm in the galaxy. This time he’ll be himself even if it kills him. His resolve to unite his people grows as he wonders if he’ll live long enough to do it.

With A’yen kidnapped, Fae returns to the Lokmane homeworld seeking the final pieces of what happened two thousand years ago when they were conquered and enslaved. Getting as far away from her father as possible is the only way to keep her from disappearing too.

Separated by light years, A’yen and Fae have to stand alone and fight for their right to live in freedom. No matter the cost.

Excerpt:

As Ro relaxed, A’yen did too. And another piece of his field came back to life. The one he used to search people out. So he did. Mother and Dad were headed this way.

“I’m going to take this to Will right now. He’s got a lot of stuff to mix to last until we get back.” Whit checked Ro’s pulse then slipped the extra vial in her pocket.

“You’re coming too?” A’yen gaped at his sister.

Whit threw a pointed look at Na’var. “Whether he likes it or not. I’ve never met my in-laws.”

Na’var frowned at her. “I don’t want you to meet them.”

Ro sighed and began to uncurl. “I’m glad I don’t have in-laws.” He opened his eyes and waved a hand in the air. “Now go away. I’m good as new.”

A’yen managed to stand. Fae slid her arm around his waist and helped him walk. Na’var seemed too intent on Ro to notice A’yen’s pain was more than a reaction to Ro’s. Which was fine with him. He wanted to go home and be putty in Fae’s hands.

Mother appeared at the end of the hall. He stopped, waiting for her to come to him. She did. Wrapped him in a gentle hug. “I was so worried.”

He slid his arms around her back and pulled her close. “I’m okay. I’ve been through worse.”

Mother broke the hug, smoothed his hair. “What else happened?”

Dad slid an arm around Mother’s waist, studying A’yen with his all-knowing gaze. A’yen twisted the ring on his left index finger and glanced at Fae. Heat climbed his neck. “I kind of broke etiquette and pissed him off.”

Dad’s mouth twitched. “I expected nothing less, son. You’re headed out of his reach. When you get back, Ro will have better control of his abilities. I’m not too worried.”

Fae’s hand covered his, stilled his twisting. “I am. I know that look, and it never ends well. He probably wanted you for breeding stock, and is pissed I beat him to you.”

A’yen gave her his best cheesy grin, lifted his right arm, and flexed the muscles. “I am an impressive specimen and I make damn fine babies.”

Dad’s twitching mouth opened in a full-blown laugh. Mother rolled her eyes. Fae turned red. Mission accomplished.

A’yen wanted to stay. Spend time with his parents, together as a family. The way it should be. But his body refused to cooperate. Any second now, he’d crash to the floor and be helpless.

Mother made the decision for him when she kissed his cheek. “Go home and get some rest, sweetie.”

A’yen returned the kiss. Accepted Dad’s help to get downstairs and into the cruiser. Once home again, he stripped every shred of fabric from his screaming body and gave in to the quivers and shakes threatening to rip him apart.

The first touch of Fae’s hands on his back sent ribbons of warmth through the ink. Delicious ribbons, calming the pain. Pulling him ever closer to her. Tying his body to hers. Yet another reason Lokmane couples weren’t allowed to stay together.

Somehow, he needed to work up the courage to tell her he was becoming physically addicted to her.