The Maker: Lone Wolf Series, #3

By Dellani Oakes

Book 3 in the Lone Wolf series. The small Shakazhan Force has already withstood enemy attacks and anticipates more. Knowing they aren't strong enough to withstand a concerted attack, they hope for reinforcements, but aren't quite prepared for those who respond.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dellani Oakes
• Release date: Aug 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393333272

Dellani Oakes

Dellani is a happily married mother of four—three boys and a girl. She also has one beautiful, golden haired granddaughter. She lives in the sunny, hot climes of Florida's east coast, not far from World Famous Daytona Beach. Dellani once told her publisher that she had enough books, finished & unfinished, to keep him busy for the next 10 years. He didn't believe her, but he should have. A few years later, she's upped that number. She has 53 finished novels, Conduct Unbecoming is her sixth published novel. Dellani hosts two shows a month on Blog Talk Radio – Dellani's Tea Time and What's Write for Me, which air on the Red River Radio Network. Look for Dellani's shows the second Monday of the month and the fourth Wednesday. Both shows air at 4:00 PM Eastern time.

Book preview

The Maker is dedicated to my husband, who doesn't mind if I lose myself in my fantasy world as long as I come back long enough to cook supper.

To my daughter and Mickey Hoffman, who helped with reading and editing.

Their assistance was invaluable.

To my sons, who think their mom is a little crazy, in a good way.

To my granddaughter Audrey who is the light of my life, and Amberley, who will join us soon.

To my sister, because she's my sister!

To my parents, who provided me with my early love of the written word.

For Lilith

THE BEGINNING

A FADING SUN GLIMMERED listlessly in the cloudless sky, growing dimmer each cycle. Shakazhan, the near dead planet below limped around the dying star, knowing no change of seasons. Dreary, gray-brown, scrubby foliage hung on by sheer tenacity, born of long habit. So these two had coexisted for millennia, neither giving in to entropy. At least they had until a year ago when once again, human feet touched the parched, desolate landscape.

Lost in the mists of myth and legend, no one had disturbed the planet's slumber until Wil VanLipsig and his wife, Matilda Dulac, arrived. They came in pursuit of Wil's son, John Riley, who sought to free the evil Kahlea Master. John Riley was dead, killed by his Wil and Matilda. The Kahlea perished too, but not until after he had called to his brothers, begging for revenge. The Kahlea, their great minds as twisted as their grotesque bodies, once laid waste to Shakazhan. Their power seemed limitless, until the arrival of the Timokuan. These fierce warriors faced the Kahlea, driving them back to the deepest pits of space which spawned them.

Shakazhan barely survived, its stars destroyed, its sun drained of energy, the surface scarred and largely devoid of life. And so it sat for millennia, waiting until such time as humanity returned, ready to rebuild it to its former glory. Now, no longer silent, Shakazhan is the center of great activity. Wil and Matilda prepare their small, but courageous force, to combat the encroaching Kahlea and their underlings. Paths are worn in the stunted brown vegetation, leading from the teleport pads to the entrance of the planet's only existing structure, The Halls of the Hallowed Dead. The once dazzling golden arched entrance, flanked by elegant statues of warriors, glitters dully in the waning sun. It is all that attests to the glory that was Shakazhan.

Voices carry on the still air, echoing from the exposed rock face nearby. Laughter joins speech, creating a cacophony of sound far different from the clash and thunder of Kahlea war machines in the past. People live in domed buildings, in the shelter of these massive cliffs, finding solace in their presence.

Two great sentient, living ships circle the planet in stately, geosynchronous orbit, they provide shelter for those who have traveled so far from home. An elongated teardrop, each is the size of a large asteroid. The mated pair, Hammer and Anvil, house humans and the Kindred—an alien race who have sworn to fight the Kahlea. Highly advanced, the Kindred crew the ships, work as planet-side technicians and augment the human forces. Their telepathic powers make them a formidable ally.

The sun sinks below the horizon. Activity slows, as the humans take off from work early. It is a day of celebration, a time of peace. By the reckoning of the human's calendar, it's Christmas Eve.

CHAPTER ONE

ABOARD SENTIENT SHIP Hammer, Christmas Eve

Somehow, when you're trying to save the universe, a single day, like Christmas, seems to come and go without fanfare. Still, there was something different about this Christmastime. It was the first that Matilda and Wil had spent together. The last three they had been in cryosleep, on a journey which had taken them far from whatever home they had known.

Wil was excited about Christmas for the first time in his life. For weeks, he'd been looking for the perfect gift for Matilda. It was the little things like this he treasured the most. Another thing making him rejoice, his brother, Marc, and sister-in-law, Becky, were expecting twin boys, due any day. It was still odd for him to think of Marc as his brother, considering he had gone almost 90 years thinking of him as a cousin and his very closest friend.

Wil had been exploring, conducting extensive recon while protecting exploratory teams. One of the first discoveries his team made was that the planet, though deserted above ground, was teeming with life below. It was home to everything from flying pigs to walking plants. Some races were friendly and benevolent, others were highly aggressive and deadly. Wil described it as a psychotic Noah's Ark.

He was lonely, attempting to enjoy a day off. Used to hard work and a fast paced lifestyle, usually fraught with danger, he didn't vacation well. With nothing to occupy him, he found himself wandering the corridors of Hammer, letting his thoughts and feet roam. Several days ago, the sentient ship had created a special jungle paradise, providing a quiet, safe environment for Wil to think. He went there now, feeling bored and somewhat sorry for himself, since his wife was busy and he wasn't.

Matilda, was occupied with another team, conducting stability reviews before exploratory crews ventured in planet. Wil knew nothing of surveying, though he had led expeditions both on and in planet. His job was on hold until these latest surveys were complete. Bored and lonely, he took solace in his wooded labyrinth, feeling safe here, protected by Hammer. For a man whose life had depended upon being hyper-vigilant, he basked in the luxury of feeling entirely secure.

Sighing deeply, he lay down on the soft turf of the garden, preparing to take a nap, one of many he used to pass the time. He stretched his body languidly, crossing his ankles, arms folded behind his head, cap over his face. Just as he relaxed and closed his eyes, he heard a light crunching sound of someone walking on the gravel. Not wanting to be disturbed, he feigned sleep. The quiet sounds stopped. Thinking the person had left, Wil shifted himself into a more comfortable position. Someone sat beside him and started touching him in places only his wife should. Startled, his eyes flew open. Matilda smiled down at him, her hands continuing their erotic journey over her husband's body.

Wil smiled. Hey, Baby, what brings you here?

Matilda straddled him, undoing his buttons. "Nothing in particular, I got a few spare minutes and decided to spend them with you. Hammer was very helpful in locating you." She smiled, shifting her weight on his thighs, enjoying the immediate reaction of his body.

Wil frowned, grabbing her hands. A few minutes? Matilda, I don't want minutes! I want hours and hours—

Her kisses stopped further protest. I've set aside at no less than one thousand four hundred and forty-four minutes to spend with my husband. In fact, the entire human crew is off duty. The Kindred don't celebrate Christmas, so they'll see to the ship's ops until tomorrow night.

A dark fire smoldered in his black eyes, ready to burst into flames. Let's go back to our room, then.

"We have plenty of privacy here. Hammer promises we're completely alone."

With carefully controlled movements, Wil kissed Matilda. His hands caressed the familiar curves of her lush body as his sensitive nose savored her scent. They spent the next 120 minutes completely absorbed in one another. Later, as they dressed, a quiet bell chimed.

Raising his head to listen, Wil frowned. What the hell was that?

The bell chimed again.

I don't know, I've never heard it before.

They dressed hurriedly, the bell still chiming.

"Hammer, Wil asked. What's that bell for?"

You're both needed in medical immediately.

Hammer opened a transport tube directly in front of them. Taking them quickly to medical, it deposited them just inside the door. Marc paced the floor, agitated. When he saw Wil, his face brightened, clouded over again with worry and ran a gamut of other emotions, finally settling on worry once more.

Becky's in labor. She's asking for Matilda.

Wil and Matilda exchanged a meaning filled look. She knew Wil would calm his brother down and get him under control. Becky didn't need Marc with her when he was in panic mode. It would only upset her to have him pacing and pulling his hair. Patting him on the shoulder, she went to Becky's cubicle. Tapping quietly on the door, she entered at Becky's summons.

Hi, I hear my nephews are trying to put in an appearance.

Becky's face was flushed and sweaty. Matilda could see lines of pain in her features. She sat by the birthing chair and patted her friend's hand. Taking a damp cloth, she wiped away the sweat.

Honey, they can give you something for the pain. They've got blockers, why haven't they done that?

I want to do this—by myself. Becky's face contorted in pain.

Well, you're getting it now. I won't see you like this. It's not a drug, it's just an energy field that blocks the nerve transmissions. It won't hurt the babies or you. Matilda summoned Dr. Emily Swiss, who set up the nerve blockers.

Becky's face relaxed a little. Talk to me, Matilda. Help keep my mind off things.

Matilda told Becky anything she could think of to distract her friend. Emily bustled in to check on her patient. She looked over the readouts and examined Becky.

It should be any time now. These boys are anxious to get here. Shall I send Marc in?

Becky laughed breathlessly. If you must. Is he driving you crazy out there?

Not anymore. Wil got him calmed down. I was ready to drug him up and let him sleep it off, but I thought you might want him here.

Emily went out, allowing Marc and Wil to come in. They both tried to walk through the door at the same time, so Hammer widened the opening to accommodate them. Laughing at one another, they entered. Their big male bodies seemed to dominate the space, so Matilda encouraged Wil to go out and leave the expectant parents alone.

Less than two hours later, there was a flutter of activity in Becky's cubicle. Emily and her medical team put on their protective clothing and headed to the delivery room. Marc beckoned to Wil and Matilda. Reluctantly, Wil followed Matilda into the room.

One more big push, Emily said. Ready? Push! That's a girl!

Wil stood well away from the birthing chair. He'd seen babies born before and it terrified him. For a man who could walk through Armageddon without breaking a sweat, seeing a woman in labor filled him with dread. The smell of blood and perspiration was almost overwhelming, despite the well filtered air that Hammer provided.

Matilda stood by her friend, holding Becky's hand. Marc held the other. Between them, they coached and encouraged. With one last, huge push, Micky was born just as the clock chimed midnight. Moments later, Billy made his appearance.

The nurses wrapped the babies in warm blankets, placing them in their parents' arms. Each wore a little name tag on his wrist so they wouldn't be confused. Each baby had a thick shock of black hair.

Marc grinned happily. Look at Mickey, he looks just like me!

Wil leaned over, gazing speculatively at the wrinkled, mottled baby who howled loudly in his father's arms. Examining Marc, he frowned as he looked at the baby.

Yes, he does, God bless him. Looks just like you, poor kid. He turned, gazing at his namesake, cuddling in his mother's arms. Now this one, he looks just like his mama. He touched the soft, dark hair on the baby's head. He whispered a little prayer for his nephew. Lord, just don't let him turn out like me.

After a few minutes, Emily insisted upon taking the babies out to be cleaned and dressed. Her staff also did what they could to make Becky more comfortable. Soon, the babies were brought back in, lying in specially made baby beds, designed by the sentient ships. They were sound asleep, peaceful, with not a worry in the world.

Merry Christmas, Emily whispered as she left.

After a few more whispered good wishes, Wil and Matilda also left the happy family together. Neither of them said much as they took a tube back to their room. Matilda leaned against Wil, tears in her eyes.

Hey, what's wrong?

Burying her face in his shirt, she wept for several minutes, unable to speak. When her sobbing lessened, she tried to tell him. Hiccuping and gulping, the words came out somewhat garbled.

I wish it was us. I want to have your child and I can't!

Whoa, wait! What do you mean can't? You can have a baby anytime you want.

Matilda shook her head. You couldn't possibly understand! She turned from him, angry and hurt. Irrationally not wanting him to see, she hid behind her curtain of dark brown hair.

I want to understand. Tell me.

Matilda's shoulders shook, silent tears falling, but she wouldn't look at him. Wil tried turning her to him, but she fought him like a wild cat, refusing to look him in the eye. Annoyed, he held her still with one hand and moved himself around her. She tried averting her gaze, so he held her cheeks, gently, but firmly between his hands.

Matilda, we've always said, no secrets between us. Please talk to me. If it's important to you, it's important to me.

It surprised him when she blushed deeply, barely able to meet his gaze.

I've been trying to get pregnant, ever since Becky found out. I guess I was jealous that she was having a baby and I wasn't. I quit taking the hormone shots. I wanted to surprise you.

Nothing would make me happier than you and me having a baby, Matilda. How long were you on those shots? You know they have a residual effect that can go on for years. He snapped his lips shut, realizing he wasn't making her feel any better.

I know that right now wouldn't be a good time for us to have a baby. For all we know, I'd be in labor and you'd be embroiled in a battle with the Kahlea. The logical part of me knows that. The illogical part of me wants a baby! She pounded his chest with her fists, he didn't even flinch.

Matilda, look at me.

Blinking back more tears, she gazed into his eyes, so dark they were like twin tunnels into her soul.

It might never be a good time for a child. We could come under attack tomorrow, next week, or never. We can't live like that.

I know, Wil. I know that here. She pointed to her head, then rested a hand over her heart. But here, I'm scared. We killed the captive Kahlea, but it called to its brothers as it died. The echo of it haunts me.

Wil held her close, rocking and crooning. After a few minutes, he picked her up and carried her to their bed, setting her down gently.

Today, we take a day off from worrying, my love. It's Christmas and I want us to celebrate. Look, I got you something.

Like a little boy, he ran excitedly to his desk, taking a small package out of the drawer. It was wrapped in shiny, red paper, tied with a bow that was bigger than the box. Handing it to her, he shoved his hands in his pockets, looking down at the floor before peeping at her. Well, open it!

Fumbling slightly with the bow, she unwrapped the box slowly until he grabbed it from her, ripping the paper and handing it back. Grinning, she prolonged the agony for him, gradually raising the lid. Inside was a ring made of the Kindred metal. The silvery surface scintillated, swirling slowly. It was three narrow bands, inlaid with sparkling gems. In the center, there was a space left for her wedding ring to fit into. Taking it from the box, he slipped her wedding ring off her finger, slid it in place, putting the ring back on her hand. The new ring felt warm, gently caressing her.

It's beautiful! she whispered, gazing at it with tears in her eyes. Wiping her face, she handed him a narrow box, in blue paper tied with a silver ribbon.

Inside, he found a silver pocket humidor filled with his favorite cheroots, etched with intricate designs and inscribed with one word across the front, in a language he didn't recognize. Glancing up at her, he asked with his eyes, what the meaning was.

"It's Kindred for Father. I really had hoped— I wanted to tell you we were having a baby." Her lips trembled as fresh tears fell.

Matilda, it's just perfect.

You aren't a father yet, so it's silly and pointless.

Wil held her chin up, wiping more tears away. "But I am. Just because we don't have a child yet, doesn't make it any less true. One day, we will be celebrating just like Marc and Becky. Meanwhile, just kiss me and then we can thank one another properly for our gifts."

Christmas Eve—Mining Guild Headquarters—Aolani

Gazing at the clock on the wall of her lavish living room, Emmelia Spenser, Chairman of the Mining Guild, watched the hands creep toward midnight. Drinking a silent toast to absent friends, she tried not to cry.

Oh, Ben, she whispered to the air, Where are you tonight and what are you doing? Are you thinking of me as I think of you?

She rose, walking to the window of her penthouse apartment, high on top of the Mining Guild Tower. The tropical setting seemed incongruous to the occasion. Instead of snowy slopes, she gazed into the crystal clear ocean. Lost in its depths, she sighed.

Tonight she'd been obligated by her position, to host an expensive party for all the somebodies in the Mining Guild. Emmelia had been the perfect hostess, paying extravagant and insincere compliments to the hideous wife of the head of the Miner's Consortium. All the while harboring unkind thoughts that the woman looked more like a troll than a lady of wealth and substance.

All the board members were present, their trophy wives in tow. She couldn't keep track of them any more. They all looked alike: blonde from a bottle, boobs by design, pouty lips, long legs and tiny little brains. They dripped furs, jewels, gold, platinum and other choice tidbits given them by their filthy rich husbands. Usually, there was a new one every other year and they all had names like Buffy or Tippy or Missy.

Emmelia hadn't been alone at her party, of course. There were any number of eligible men willing to escort the most powerful woman in the Mining Guild to a posh soirée. The one tonight, Brett, had was smarter, handsomer, better put together than most—but he wasn't Ben. But few men could measure up to Benjamin Drexel, the former Marine Captain. He'd stolen her heart nearly four years ago when Wil sent him on assignment to protect her from Riley.

Brett had made the expected advances. Emmelia had repulsed them until she had too much champagne to drown her sorrows, then she gave in. He was several cuts above the average hanger-on, but he had to compete with a memory.

She had hoped that Ben would be back from his mission by now, or at the very least she would hear from him. But there were no messages and she was still alone.

Tomorrow, she whispered hopefully, I'll hear from Ben.

A final sip of champagne and she made her way to bed, where Brett slept, looking for all the world like a child. She wondered how old he really was, twenty-five, twenty-six? Did it matter? He kept the bed warm, didn't drool and didn't snore. Slipping quietly back into bed, she curled up next to him, facing the door, crying gently.

Brett must have sensed her presence, perhaps even heard her crying. He rolled over, putting his arm protectively around her, cuddling up behind her, breath warm on her neck. Tears fell anew, as she remembered how Ben did the same thing.

Tomorrow, she thought as she fell asleep, Tomorrow—

CHAPTER TWO

CHRISTMAS MORNING—BRIDGE of Anvil—Above Shakazhan

Did it occur to either of you that I might just have a solution to the communication problem?

Matilda had walked in on a brainstorming session between Ben and Wil. They looked blankly at her, then turned to each other, shaking their heads and shrugging. They appeared so alike, she had to giggle. They waited, arms crossed over their chests, leaning on Ben's desk.

Look, we know that this planet is riddled with the largest pockets of Trimagnite we've ever seen, right?

Right, but what— Wil started to protest.

Matilda's abrupt hand signal commanded him to be silent. Trimagnite ore holds boundless energy. It's been the source of the Kindred technology for as long as they can remember. The Kindred use the Trimagnite to help them communicate all over planet right? In fact, they can send messages back to their home planet by tapping into the power.

Ben and Wil waited impatiently for her to make a point.

Think about it, you two! She resisted the impulse to slam their heads together.

Shaking their heads, the men shrugged, picking up the thread of their latest, far fetched scheme. Ignoring Matilda completely, they continued to argue and discuss the problem.

Never mind then. Matilda strutted angrily from the room.

The door snicked shut behind her with a note of angry finality. Anvil expressed her annoyance with the men too. In fact, for the next five minutes or so, the sentient ship made their conference increasingly inconvenient by moving around items they were using to illustrate their current brainstorm. Failing to get their attention with that, she opened and shut the doors to the bridge and corridor, blinked the lights and increased the temperature of the room until they were both sweating.

Forget it, Wil said, slightly put out, since his laser pointer kept changing colors and floating out of his reach while he tried to show Ben something he considered important. I'm going to go have a shower.

Ben agreed and asked for a tube. One appeared across the room from them. When they walked to it, Anvil moved it to the other side. After playing hop scotch with her for a few minutes, they stopped.

It couldn't hurt to hear her out, Wil stated quietly.

No, maybe she has a good idea. I guess it's worth a shot, Ben conceded.

Can't be any worse than ours. Shrugging, Wil hit is comlink. Captain VanLipsig, report to the ready room please.

Anvil changed his voice so it sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks, who were still amazingly popular on Old Earth.

Ben tried next, his voice sounded like a woman's, high and lilting. Fuming, they struck out on foot, only to find themselves back at the ready room door. It opened with a sigh of contentment from Anvil. The room was cold and brightly lit. Matilda waited for them, seated in Ben's chair, feet up on his desk, a cup of steaming hot chocolate in her hand.

Gentlemen. Her crooked smile was one of self satisfaction. Prepared to give me your full attention?

They nodded, saying nothing, and glared petulantly, arms folded, waiting for her to speak.

Good! As I started to say, before you stopped listening to me. Matilda smiled and the temperature of the room returned to normal. The Trimagnite seems to intensify telepathic powers. Who needs conduits and circuitry when we have Kindred? Find some good Trimagnite, plug in and send a message back home. Instant communication, easy, no?

I'll be damned, Ben, I think she has an idea.

Of course I do. just because you think it's silly, doesn't make it less valid.

No, babe, it's anything but silly. It's brilliant! Running to her, Wil lifted her up from the desk, spinning her in a tight circle, kissing her soundly. Fantastic idea! We put it into motion as soon as we can. He set her down with a little thump.

Turning to Ben, he slapped him hard on the shoulder. Why didn't you think of that?

Ben chuckled, hitting him back. Because, as we've had pointed out to us more than once, you and I don't think with the right part of our anatomy.

After a short planning session, Wil left to talk to Felix and the Kindred. Ben took Matilda aside and had a private chat with her. He was so embarrassed, that he stuttered like a child over his request.

Please, Matilda, if there's any way, can we get a message to Emmelia? Not a long one, just Merry Christmas or, or something like that?

Matilda eyed him speculatively. How about, I love you?

He blushed, digging his toe into the carpet. Yeah, I like the sound of that better. He called for a tube and left without saying goodbye.

Somewhere on the Other Side of the Galaxy

Lordvik stretched his long legs in front of him, tipping back in his chair. Smoking a long cigar, he exhaled slowly, blowing smoke rings around the room. Tianna walked in, waving the smoke out of her way, complaining loudly about the smell, and opened a window. He reached out and playfully swatted her on the fanny.

Lordvik admired his wife as she bent over to secure the glass panel that swung into the room. Her long, black hair, barely frosted with gray, hung loose around her. Her sleek britches and top clung to her curvaceous form.

What's your objection? It's a manly smell.

So is passing wind, but I don't like breathing in that either.

Lordvik laughed when she smacked him on the head. He grabbed her hand, pulling her onto his lap. She protested in a loud whisper.

Stop that now! The children!

Are in bed, asleep. I checked them myself not five minutes ago. Lordvik sighed deeply, grinding out his cigar before dropping it in the ashtray.

What's wrong, Lordvik? I've never seen you so despondent. Tianna's worried frown creased her brow.

News of fighting, love. More people falling prey to the unseen menace. No one knows where it comes from, but it lays waste to one planet after another. Par Burton talked about little else today at the meeting. We may all be deployed sooner than we'd anticipated.

Her frown grew deeper as she listened. Lordvik, we can't go. The children!

Tianna, if we don't, it might not matter. If this menace is as powerful as they say—

Lordvik, we're too old to fight. Leave it to the young.

We're one of the most highly trained pairs around. Who else has fought as many battles and survived? None in this settlement. Certainly none any closer than Medberk and that's over a hundred clix from here. We will be needed, if not to fight, then to train the younger pairs.

Nodding sadly, she laid her head on his shoulder. I thought they had died out long ago, what happened?

I don't know, but I'd guess our ancestors drove them back only so far. They grew strong again and are once more on the move. The Timokuan have to contain them. No one else can. Par Burton says that the Parva has asked for all mated pairs to report to him in three days time at the Capitol.

Three days? And how long would we be gone?

I don't know. Maybe months.

No, I can't leave my children for months on end! Surely those with younger children are exempt! Her voice rose nearly to a shriek.

Hush, love. The Parva has assured us that those with children under the age of five cycles will have different duties, so they're not far from home. We will probably be training others, not fighting ourselves.

Lordvik, Acey and Jessia are just now coming of age, what of them? Will our son and his fiancée be sent to this fighting? They're still babes.

Acey is a man. He's nearly twenty cycles old. As for Jessia, she's a fine warrior already. They're among the strongest of the pairs we have. Yes, I think they'll likely see battle. You mustn't worry, but rely on them to know what they're doing and be strong enough to accomplish it.

That's fine for you to say, you're just his father! You didn't carry him inside you for nearly a full cycle! A mother feels things far differently from a father, Lordvik!

Ani, he spoke gently, his voice softening. Come to bed and we will lose ourselves in love for awhile.

That you can even consider making love right now, shows how callous your nature is! Here I am, despondent and you think of that now? She rose, shoving away from him, her body still powerful, even after nearly twenty cycles of motherhood.

That's enough! You're getting worked up over nothing. Would you rather our entire planet be consumed by the Kahlea?

Tianna gasped at his mention of the ancient evil. How can you say that name in our home? Her face went white, her lips a tight line of anger and fear.

Not naming it makes it no less a danger. To have the name of an evil, is to have power over it. Do you forget everything we were taught?

Lordvik reached out to her, taking her left hand in his, their ring fingers brushing past one another. A bright blue spark hopped between them, with a hint of ozone and was gone.

Sooner or later, all of us must fight. You and I have fought well, my love. But younger warriors will have to take our places eventually, just as we replaced those before us.

Tianna laid her head against his powerful chest, weeping softly. I know, but my oldest son could die.

If he dies, he does so with honor. How better for a man and his mate to die? He comes of age next moon, the binding ceremony will take place. Until that is completed, they'll remain with us. Perhaps by then, peace will have come to our galaxy again.

Folding her in a firm, but comfortable embrace, he led her to their room, locking the door softly behind them. Later, she cuddled up beside him, his body solid and warm against her own.

Mining Guild Headquarters—Aolani—Christmas Morning

Emmelia Spenser received a lovely surprise when she woke on Christmas morning. Brett fixed her breakfast and served it to her in bed. He was a kind, soft spoken considerate young man. He sat on the edge of the bed, as she sampled the meal he had made for her.

It's delicious. Thank you. I can't remember the last time a man made me breakfast.

His answering smile was tinged with sorrow.

Brett, is something wrong? You look so unhappy. Touching his hand, she looked into his dark brown eyes. With a pang, she thought again of Ben.

No, Emmelia, but I know you're lonely. Biting his lower lip, he seemed to make up his mind about something. You miss him a lot don't you?

Emme got very busy with buttering her toast. I don't know what you're talking about, Brett. Miss whom?

Don't be embarrassed, Emme. You talked in your sleep and you cried some too. This guy, Ben. He must be a hell of a man. You're hopelessly hooked, aren't you?

Yes, she admitted, shyly.

Setting the tray aside, she started to rise from the bed, but Brett held her hand, asking her to stay.

Would you like to spend the day with me? My friends and I are going skiing in the Lowdan Mountains today. Fresh powder fell during the night, it's perfect.

Emmelia stared at him, stunned. Why, thank you, Brett, but you don't have to include me. I'm fine, really.

Emme, you're not. You need a day to relax. When's the last time you just cut loose and did something silly—like going skiing with a group of guys on Christmas?

She thought a moment, I don't think I ever have, to be honest. When you grow up the only child of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the mighty Mining Guild, you have duty handed to you early. I was expected to take my father's place when he retired. But the bastard died young and I got all this. She gestured around her at the luxurious apartment.

You hate it, don't you.

Emmelia turned her face from him. He riveted her with a look, so much like Ben, she couldn't deny the question. Head up, shoulders back, she replied, I detest it.

Then come spend the day with us, we'll have fun. Some of the guys are bringing their girlfriends along. You can be my date.

Emmelia giggled, liking the idea despite herself. I look more like your mother, than your girlfriend, Brett.

He chuckled, taking her hand and kissing it. My friend Steve is seeing a woman who is sixty-three and you'd never know it. You don't look your age either, Emme. You look fantastic.

She hesitated, not sure how to answer.

Will you go? We'll hit the slopes, have lunch at the lodge, maybe spend the night up there. Come on, what do you say?

Emmelia wiped a tear away, smiling at this gentle, soft spoken, young man. I would love to. I've not been on skis probably since before you were born.

Throwing his head back, Brett laughed heartily. Then we'll teach you how to ski again! I hear it's like sex, you never forget how.

Laughing happily for the first time in ages, Emmelia agreed to go. I don't know what to pack!

Everything you need will be provided. Just get a shower and get dressed in something warm and comfortable. I'll call and let them know you're coming.

It won't be inconvenient?

No, Emme. My dad owns the place.

Patting her on the fanny, he went to the comlink, while she went to get ready.

As she bathed, she thought, Oh, Ben, he's not you, but is it all right if I fill the empty space with something? She knew in her heart that Ben wouldn't mind.

Christmas Night—On Anvil

In his room on Anvil, Ben Drexel was with another woman. Although he loved Emmelia, she was light years away on Aolani. When the needs of his body got too great, he gave in. Much as he hated to admit it, once in awhile, a man needed a woman.

This particular woman, Benni, was from the Hannibal crew. She was the redhead Ray fixed him up with awhile back. He'd made it plain from the beginning, there was someone in his life. He didn't tell Benni who and she didn't ask. They got together from time to time for some mutually satisfying sex.

Sitting on the side of the bed, watching her sleep, Ben thought of Emmelia. He marveled at the differences between the two women. Benni was hard bitten and rough around the edges. She'd been a Marine for twenty years and probably would be for life. Benni wasn't at all ladylike, though she was nowhere near as crass as a man. Emmelia was a lady above all and insisted on the full treatment.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ben headed toward the shower, then remembered he wasn't in his cabin. He wanted to dress and go, but he'd never done