Lovers of the Galaxy, Book Two: Bounty Hunters of the Heart

By Trinity Blacio and Ana Lee Kennedy

In this second book of the Lovers of the Galaxy trilogy, Miln and Oshki travel back in time to the year 1847 where they track down Randle Nyerscot, a potential killer, but their journey into the past isn’t the lovers’ getaway they thought it would be. Miln soon realizes there’s trouble in their historical paradise. It’s his duty to protect others, but his new, much-younger mate insists their love should always come first, setting them at odds with each another.

With the help of a local, Miln discovers an orphanage held hostage and a killer injecting victims with the Bone Eater virus. Forced to make drastic decisions, he must fight for everyone’s lives to save future Earth.

But can he make amends with Oshki? Or will Miln be forced to choose duty over love once more?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books
• Release date: Oct 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781626011168

Trinity Blacio

Trinity Blacio is an established romance writer of best-selling Running in Fear series, as well as a number of dark fantasy, erotic romance, erotic horror and ménage titles. She is the mother of two children and lives in Ohio. Her work can be found at Freya’s Bower and Ravenous Romance, as well as the work of her alter-egos Maria Moonstar and Selene Noreen.

Book preview

Chapter One

A shot rang out, and the ricocheting bullet whined through the air.

By the Twelve Galaxies! Volund roared, ducking. Maybe you two should just use your Slicers instead. You nearly killed me!

Miln Se’a glanced at his mate, Oshki Lahmni, a smirk tugging at his mouth. Miln grinned back. He found humor in everything, whereas his partner often took things too seriously. However, this time, even his mate couldn’t hide his smile. Jaxxon was right. The bullet had almost struck their commander, but it had been Venus’s idea to teach them how to shoot the ancient weapons.

Look, let me show you one more time. Venus strode toward him, her big breasts swaying heavily inside her halter top. This time squeeze the trigger. Don’t pull it. If you do, it causes the pistol’s sight to veer off the target.

He admired the human woman’s physique. Although he enjoyed both attractive males and females—and Venus was certainly a beauty—he was committed to Oshki now. Besides, Jaxxon and Volund had claimed her, and the threesome was so content that they always felt happy and free around the trio. Few women were built like Venus. Tall with a large frame, she would make males look twice at her regardless of the world or time period. Most human females were smaller and shorter. He wondered how other Azutuans were going to adapt to such little mates—unless they found the mythical race of Amazons he had read about.

He met his partner’s silver eyes. A hint of jealousy flickered within them.

Don’t worry, he soothed. The female is nice to look upon, but I prefer your strength, muscles—he leaned close and nuzzled Oshki’s neck—and your hard, tight ass.

Heat flared in his mate’s eyes. His breath hitched.

Miln chuckled. You are easily aroused.

I cannot help it. We have yet to truly consummate our desire to be mates.

All right, you two, Venus joked. As much as seeing two handsome Azutuans banging one another’s brains out would excite me, I think that’s best left between you two. My men might get jealous.

Laughter rumbled out of him, and Oshki’s soon melded with his. They both liked the female. Her blunt way of speaking amused them as much as it amused her mates. He had to admit their brother-friends had their hands full with the lovely creature.

She took the revolver from Miln. Pull the hammer back like so. It’s how the next chamber is put into position. She grasped the grip with one hand and cupped it in her other. With her index finger resting lightly on the trigger, she looked down the pistol’s sight. See that blue street sign on the right?

Yes, he replied.

That’s my target. I’m aiming for the middle of that white H. Remember to relax, take a deep breath, and then squeeze—not pull—the trigger.

He watched her carefully. The pad of her fingertip slowly whitened, and then the weapon kicked slightly as the bullet shot out of the barrel. The sound echoed up and down the street.

Now try it again, she insisted, and then let Oshki practice for a while. You might not have a reason to even use these pistols, but if something should happen to your Slicers at least you’ll have a backup. I’ll find some more bullets for you later. There’s a gun shop over on Ninth Street, not too far from here.

Miln imitated Venus’s stance, holding the pistol just so. Even though she’d insisted they learn how to shoot the mid-1800s weapons before they left, it worried him that Randle already had a three-day jump to disrupt space and time. Still, the female had a point. Azutuans were very different from Earth people. Hiding their odd appearance, along with being ill acquainted with customs, lifestyles, and the clothing of that time period, would be difficult enough without drawing unwanted attention.

A hot, dry wind swirled up the street. Grit landed in his eyes the same instant he squeezed the trigger, and he missed the target. The bullet hit something, dust bloomed into the air, and the crack of the ricocheting projectile whined off somewhere to their right.

That is it! Volund roared. I am going inside where it is safe.

What is wrong, brother? Jaxxon teased. Are you frightened?

That one was so low he could have shot my sapin off! Stomping down the street, he headed for the bank building’s front entrance. We should all go in anyway. It is growing late. In another hour, the Bone Eaters will be out to hunt.

He’s right, Venus said. She patted Miln on the shoulder. Let’s go in for the night. I’ll cook the pigeons Volund killed this afternoon.

He nodded and watched as Jaxxon wrapped his arm around his mate’s shoulders. The couple followed Volund’s path into the big building. No doubt they would make love before Venus prepared supper.

I wager they are going to enjoy one another’s bodies again. Deep laughter followed the statement, and strong, warm hands settled on Miln’s waist. Those three fuck like the menrotites do on Azutu. It is a good thing they cannot breed the same way..

Do you ever miss Azutu? he asked.

Some things I do, but I remind myself the planet is nearly dead. A sigh drifted out of Oshki. However, this planet is one of the ugliest I have ever seen.

It is up to us to bring it back to health.

Let us hope we can teach humans to respect the remaining resources. Azutuans realized this too late; otherwise, we might have saved our home.

Draping his arm around his partner’s shoulders, he said, Come, let us go inside. The sun is harsh even for late in the day.

Another arid gale whipped through the street, buffeting them. Miln’s bright pink hair fluttered around his shoulders. As he pushed his braided locks aside, he studied the dark corners and shadows of various buildings and structures, watching for movement. In the short time they’d been on Earth, they’d learned the Bone Eaters couldn’t be trusted. The creatures might be slow and sluggish during the heat of the day, but once the temperature cooled, they became quick, deadly assassins.

Once they’d walked inside, Oshki pulled him close and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Delight sifted through him but so did worry. He kissed back briefly and then pulled away.

His partner looked at him with frustration. I grow weary of hearing the carnal cries of Venus and her mates every night. Perhaps we can love each other tonight, too? We have been here now for three days. The Ruling Body of Planets cannot see us anymore. We are free to love one another. We no longer have to sacrifice our love for safety.

I know this. Do not fear. My desire for you is overwhelming, but we have sneaked around for so long and have pined for each other for so many Muhebu lunar cycles that it is difficult for me to let my guard down. He raked his hair out of his face again. I keep expecting the door to burst open and Azutuan security to rip us out of one another’s arms, or to be called into Tapio’s ruling chambers only to find out he knows about us and we have been sentenced to death.

Oshki’s eyes softened. I am sorry. Where I am excited to be together for the first time without ever-watchful eyes on us, you suffer the trauma of always looking over your shoulder. He reached out and tugged on one of his pink braids. I will be patient with you.

He smiled. Thank you.

Once Oshki had activated the force field surrounding the building, they used their Trans Shifter rods to teleport up to the floor where their brother-friends lived with their mate.

The tingling, light-headed feeling assailed Miln, and within seconds, he materialized to hear Venus say sharply, I’m telling you it’s possible, Volund. Dr. Zeon’s journal says the serum works.

I will not allow you to put yourself in danger! Volund stated firmly.

Oshki started walking toward the threesome, but Miln grabbed his arm and shook his head, once.

Little warrior, I have to agree with my brother, Jaxxon stated.

But if we can change even a few Bone Eaters back to human form, she insisted, it will not only save their lives but also provide more mates for other Azutuans. Pushing away from the table where the three of them sat, Venus stood. She put her hands on her hips and glared at her mates. "If I’ve