Alien Sacrifice: Zerconian Warriors, #9

By Sadie Carter

Sent to Zerconia as a spy, Annabel is certain she’ll discover some nefarious plot to lure human women to Zerconia. Instead, she encounters a race of honorable, protective, gorgeous Alpha aliens.
Not that she's attracted to any of them. Nope, not at all. Particularly not arrogant, grouchy, stick-in-the-mud Macon
Macon has his future mapped out. He likes his life well-ordered. His mate will be obedient, honest and most importantly, Zerconian. He does not understand these human females. They are strange, confusing, loud and fragile. Far too fragile.
They are not for him.
No, he will never take a human mate.
Never.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sadie Carter
• Release date: Oct 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386065272

Book preview

Books by Sadie Carter

Zerconian Warriors Series

Alien Warrior

Alien Lover

Alien Mate

Sweet Alien Savage

Alien Savior

Alien Morsels

Alien Mine

All I Want for Christmas is my Alien

Alien Sacrifice

An Alien to Die For

Alien Commander

Joyadan Mates

Rye

Shadowpeak Wolves

Big Wicked Wolf

Sinfully Savage Wolf

Demon with Wolves

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Chapter One

A screech of laughter filled the room, like a pack of hiale birds cackling over a kill.

Macon turned with a frown towards the female making the truly terrible sound. Why did no one quiet her? That sound was an assault on his ears and yet the humans gathered around the female just smiled and nodded.

He did not understand humans. Especially the female humans. This particular female had approached him earlier, had dared to place her hand on his chest while whispering preposterous suggestions to him.

As if he would waste perfectly good Sleva by pouring it over her body? And why she expected him to then lick her clean, he did not know. If she wanted to bathe, she could use the same cleaning products that other females did.

After he’d told her so, she’d sniffed, and strode back to the group of females she’d arrived with. Then they’d all turned and looked at him. More laughter ensued. He did not understand what was so funny.

He couldn’t believe his Emperor expected him to find a mate among these strange creatures. From what he’d observed, the majority of human females were noisy, undisciplined, and frighteningly fragile. They did not understand that rules were made to be followed.

No, he would not mate with a human. Only a Zerconian female would satisfy his need for order and peace. He would have a quiet, stable home with a mate who was obedient.

He winced as that same female laughed again, nearly falling over on her too-high shoes. He studied those shoes critically. They had tiny straps across the top and thin, spiky heels. They were definitely not built for stealth or speed, so he could not understand their purpose.

Perplexing.

But then he had resigned himself to never understanding these creatures. Thank the stars he did not have to.

The female stumbled again, her glass of Sola nearly tipping. Her friends giggled. These human females were part of a group that had arrived on an Earth transporter over a week ago. They were here as part of the new alliance with Earth.

The Zerconian race was dying. His people lived a long time, but only if they found their mates. Without their mates, males would fall victim to mating fever, often killing themselves. When Dex, their Emperor, mated with a human there had been much elation, as well as disbelief and some outright rejection.

Now many Zerconian warriors had human females as mates. He was glad for them, but he did not intend to follow their path. Which is why it was pointless that he be here at this human-Zerconian gathering. Perhaps he was being too negative. He should think of the positives. At least most of these women were only staying for a short time before the transporter left again.

Macon, a voice spoke from behind him. He glanced down as Empress Zoey moved up next to him. Do you think you could smile a little? Or at least frown a bit less? All we’d need to do is dye you blue and paint a storm cloud on your belly, and you’d be the exact image of Grumpy Bear.

What? He had grown used to not understanding the Empress’s words when he had been one of her personal guards. It had made it difficult to guard her properly, and he’d been greatly relieved when Boris had taken over that duty. They didn’t seem to have the same communication difficulties, despite the fact that Boris didn’t speak. Or perhaps because Boris didn’t speak.

So instead of answering, he just grunted.

You know, some women find the moody, grumpy type sexy. Case in point, Mila and Koran. But at least Koran speaks to Mila. He even occasionally smiles. Now, I’m not asking for a miracle. But you’ve ignored all the women who have tried to talk to you, and now you’re standing here like a naughty child sent to the corner for misbehaving.

I do not intend to have a human mate, so why should I speak to them?

The Empress sighed. How do you know your mate won’t be human? It could have been one of the poor women you sent away in tears.

He glanced down at the Empress. Way down, since she was ridiculously short. Another reason not to mate with a human. They were all far too small. In tears? Guilt stirred. He had not wished to upset any of them. But if he did not intend to mate a human, then he didn’t see any reason to engage in conversation with them.

Well, no, I was exaggerating, the Empress replied, the corners of her lips turning down. They all bounced back pretty quickly. But that doesn’t mean they’re not crying on the inside. Macon, I hoped I could at least count on you to make an effort. Other warriors look up to you and they’re following your example.

He glanced around the room. There were a number of warriors standing with their arms crossed, forbidding looks on their faces. The women were giving them a wide berth. But that wasn’t due to him. Perhaps they do not wish for a human mate, either.

Okay, you’re saying human like it’s a dirty word. We’re not a piece of poop you’ve accidentally stepped on.

He did not see humans as excrement, merely annoying and loud. I did not mean to cause offense. He hadn’t, not really. But I do not need a human mate, as I intend to mate a Zerconian female.

Really? Who? The Empress grabbed his arm, practically bouncing with excitement. You found your mate? Who is it? How didn’t I know this?

It is Hagartha, he said proudly.

The Empress took a step back, her mouth dropping open slightly as she gaped up at him. Hagartha? Are you freakin’ kidding me?

Around them, voices faded as people turned to stare. Mila, Koran’s mate, and the human Ambassador to Zerconia, strode up to them, a smile on her face and a warning in her eyes. Is something wrong?

The Empress glanced around then dropped her voice to a whisper. Macon is mated to Hagartha.

Hagartha? Seriously? Even Mila, who was usually composed, gaped up at him.

We are not mated yet, he added almost reluctantly. But we shall be. Soon.

Zoey frowned. "So, you’re not actual mates?"

No. But we are compatible. Hagartha needs a male to take care of her, and I wish for a mate.

"How the hell does that work? You can’t just choose to mate with someone, can you? And I’m pretty certain Hagartha doesn’t need a male to take care of her. That woman takes care of herself just fine."

It is not the same as if there were a mating bond, but there have been cases of Zerconians choosing to mate. It can hold off the mating fever for longer.

So, you’re choosing to mate Hagartha? Hagartha? Even knowing what a cow she is? the Empress asked, looking aghast.

Macon frowned. He knew that a cow was an animal. You liken Hagartha to an animal? That is my future mate you speak of.

The Empress placed her hand on her chest. You wound me. Seriously. It may be mortal. I may never recover.

Umm, Zoey, Mila said, looking around uncomfortably. You may want to tone it down a bit.

Macon glanced over to see two other warriors coming towards them. Boris stepped forward and shook his head, and they paused.

She will be my mate. I ask that you respect that.

The Empress just shook her head, looking sad. I can’t believe you would rather mate that she-devil than wait for your real mate. Do you hate us humans so much?

I do not hate you. I just do not wish for a human mate. Hagartha understands the rules. She understands our culture. She will allow me to care for her as is proper. Order and peace. He needed to concentrate on his job, he did not have time to care for an impulsive, fragile human mate.

Damn, I knew you were a stick in the mud, but I didn’t realize that stick went right up your ass!

The Empress turned and strode away. Mila gave him a small smile. Don’t take offense. Zoey will come around. Hagartha is just a touchy subject after everything that went on.

She was merely doing her job to the best of her ability. Doubt stirred. Hagartha had been the Emperor’s personal assistant. She had only been doing her job to the best of her abilities, hadn’t she? Perhaps she had taken her duties a bit too seriously.

Riight. Mila patted his arm. Well, congrats and good luck. She turned away. I think you’re gonna need it.

What did luck have to do with anything? His plan to mate with Hagartha had been methodically planned and thought out.

He looked out over the human females as they laughed and drank. One flung her arm through the air, knocking over a full glass of Sola.

Macon pushed his doubts aside. Hagartha was exactly what he wanted. They were compatible, and that was enough for Macon.

Much preferable to a life of disorder and instability.

***

Annabel Fisher’s hands were steady as she plugged her tablet into the main hard drive for the settlement.

There wasn’t a hint of nerves as she hacked into high-security files, easily disabling any hidden alarms. The Zerconians might have good security, but Annabel was an amazing hacker.

Child’s play, she muttered to herself. Using a program she’d designed herself, she ran a search for any type of document or record that had High-Councillor Duncan’s name in it. She didn’t have time to search through the documents, so she was going to download them all then go through them somewhere private.

A whisper of guilt swirled through her, catching her by surprise. This was her job. This was nothing personal.

But the Zerconians wouldn’t see it that way and their human mates wouldn’t see it that way.

Jesus, was she actually coming to care about these people? Idiot. This wasn’t her first rodeo. She knew better than to get involved with the target. Her brother expected her to find some evidence about what the Zerconians really wanted with the human women they’d lured to Zerconia with their promises of a better life.

Earth was hugely overpopulated so she couldn’t really blame the women for taking a chance on a new life. Especially with how Zerconia was being marketed to them. Images of hunky males, thick with muscle, skin gleaming. Even she hadn’t been completely immune to the campaign the Earth Council ran to get women to visit Zerconia, and she was cynical as hell. A lot of women dreamed of a sexy, gorgeous male sweeping them off their feet, taking them from the congested, competitive society on Earth to somewhere as peaceful and beautiful as Zerconia.

And it was peaceful. The planet might have been mostly desert, but close to the ocean where settlements had been built, the scenery was spectacular. She didn’t have to worry about wearing an oxygen mask outside during the winter months when the pollution was at its worst. Or not going outside during the day in summer for fear of the harsh sun searing her skin.

In comparison, Zerconia seemed like the answer to a lot of people’s dreams—if it weren’t for the fact that something dodgy was going on. Or so her brother, Rich, assured her. He was actually her half-brother and very few knew about their relationship because her mother never placed her father’s name on her birth certificate. She hadn’t even known who her father was until Rich tracked her down with the message their father had left for them before his death.

It had been a shock to find herself with a brother, especially a wealthy, well-respected member of the Earth Council. Rich was relatively young to be a council member, and it was probably his youth that had worked against him when he’d challenged the current leader of the Earth Council for his job. Now, as a challenge loser, he was somewhat in disgrace and determined to prove himself, to find some way of discrediting High-Councillor Duncan, whom he believed had reached some sort of agreement with the Zerconians that had influenced the alliance between Earth and Zerconia.

Now it was up to Annabel to find some evidence of that agreement. Something that would show that High-Councillor Duncan was corrupt. Or would at least prove that the Zerconians had some sort of nefarious plan for the human women who’d moved here.

Nefarious. She snorted softly. That had been Rich’s word. He could really be a drama queen at times. But he was certain there was something rotten going on. And he could be very convincing. So, Annabel had agreed to play spy for him. It wasn’t the first time. She’d been working for a private security firm when Rich tracked her down. Although she’d spent a lot of time behind a desk, where her biggest risk was getting a numb butt, she was highly trained and had experience out in the field.

She still didn’t know how Rich managed to convince her to leave her job and work for him. It wasn’t like she was a pushover. Annabel hadn’t had the easiest life. She’d grown up fending for herself. She could fight and she was tough.

However, Rich was family. And despite the fact they hadn’t grown up together, that meant something. He’d taken care of her mother in the last years of her life, hiring the best care for the fragile, ill woman. For that, Annabel would always feel indebted to him

Rich needed to feel respected. He longed for acceptance. Annabel didn’t give a shit about any of that stuff. But she did care about Rich. So, she’d help him find what he needed.

If she could find it.

Annabel studied her tablet. Everything she was copying over looked damn well legitimate.

She’d been here for three weeks now and managed to secure a job as the Emperor’s personal assistant. She had zero experience at being a P.A., but she was an excellent liar and a quick learner. A bit of work behind the scenes and she’d set up a whole new background story for herself.

She had